LEGILDUR
Legildur pauses at the sound of the roar from the eastern hall. He looks briefly at Ayla, wondering if the source could be the wind dragon that she spoke of. Ayla gives no sign of this and Legildur simply keeps following the halfling scouts towards the party's destination.
Halting briefly at the last t-intersection, to allow the halflings a little more room to use their natural stealth, Legildur looks wistfully towards the many-columned hall, wondering privately if the gateway would ever allow them to return. Realising that this is as likely as Timor looking for a fight, the warrior focuses once again to the matters at hand.
Watching the scouts, Legildur sees them prop short of the chamber. Closing the distance between the party and the halted halflings, Legildur's sixth sense (combined with his experience of this place so far) warns him that this part of the maze is little different to the rest and is likely to provide trouble.
"I wonder what will occur this time." says Legildur quietly, more to himself than anyone in particular, as he shifts the weight of his pack slightly and tightens the straps to better secure it. Testing the weight of Vinguard unnecessarily, Legildur whispers quietly to the silver sword "Well Vinguard, may have more work to do before long.".
The elven warrior then asks the scouts quietly, "Would you like to investigate the chamber by yourselves, or do you want all of us in there?"
OOC:
Charles, can you give us a short description of what we can see of the chamber from our vantage point? (i.e. approx. size, shape, contents, lighting, construction.)
How far past the t-intersection is the chamber? (i.e. how long is the corridor.)

DM
It is a small chamber and quite dark. You hear dull mutterings from within the chamber. You can see some sort of sack laying against the wall near you.

MAXIMILLION
Maximillion looking to the South:
"Well let's go check out this room. Biladoc, would you like to proceed?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur signals silently to the two scouts for them to listen more closely to the sounds emanating from the small chamber in an attempt to identify it. He also points towards the sack in an inquisitive manner, indicating it seems that what the hell is that thing doing there?

BILADOC
Passing the door, I try to look into the room to the south from where we stand or understand what the noises are. I then take out my black dagger and approach the sack carefully, trying to open it with the tip of the dagger. Not cutting, just pulling it to the side and determine what's in it. It may very well be someone/something laying there, sleeping...
While I do this, I signal Alof to keep an eye on the room ahead and listen for anything coming our way.

DM
Alof's sword begins to glow as you look to the south. Biladoc strains his ears and hears talking though he can not make out the language nor the words. An owl flutters off of Max's shoulder and flies south into the chamber beyond.

BILADOC
As I see the sword beginning to glow, I raise my hand to stop the others from advancing. I look at Alof and move my mouth, without making any sound to ask him:
"Orcs?..."
I'll check the sack and then get a couple of daggers ready to throw.

DM
How do you check the Sack. It is against the all in the chamber up ahead. To actually check it you would have to walk into the room, etc, etc...

ALOF
When I hear Biladoc's question I just smile and nod. I then proceed towards the room with a pair of daggers (upon Leg's signal)

BILADOC
OOC:
Sorry, I understood the sack was in the hall *before* the entrance.
BIC:
I wait for Alof's answer and turn to Legildur, signalling I'm going to approach the entrance to the room. If he doesn't stop me, I'll approach silently, close to the walls, taking advantage of the shadows and try to look into the room. I'll have a couple of daggers ready to throw.
As I see Maximillion's owl fly into the room, I take the opportunity to look inside as he (hopefully) distracts whomever is inside.

DM
You see ten or so Orcs gathered around a body on the floor. They seem to be poking at it with there swords. The owl flies back past you and out of the room. They look around but never seem to have noticed the Owl.

MAXIMILLION
"Solomon reports a bunch of smelly people with weapons eating another dead smelly creature. I have a sleep spell ready, should I cast in the room then everyone charge?"

BILADOC
I quietly turn back and signal to the party, opening my left hand twice to let them know how many orcs are inside the room. When Maximillion suggests casting the spell, I nod and get close to the right wall, daggers ready and motion Alof to approach the left one. I then wait for Maximillion to sleep the orcs, ready to attack any that escapes the spell.

DM
How will Max approach the room to cast the spell. He has to throw sand on those he casts the spell on unless the spell has changed. :-) How will Biladoc and Alof approach?

LEGILDUR
"Orcs?" questions Legildur quietly as the party discusses the evidence.
"I have my doubts. Do orcs cannibalise? I think that your idea Max might be the best way. But everyone to charge? What about the spell followed by the two scouts investigating to see if it worked?" he adds looking around the party members.
"If they then run into trouble, the other warriors are not far behind to fix the problem."
Unless anyone strongly objects, Legildur will signal for Alof and Biladoc to wait outside the chamber and try and convey the fact that Max will cast some spell into the chamber, following which, the two of them should sneak in and investigate.
OOC:
Of course, if they are undead or more than 4HD? creatures, Alof and Biladoc will be awfully busy ;-)

SAGGAR
Preparing to follow the scouts, holy symbol and axe at the ready should it call for battle or turning of the walking dead, his eyes turning a steely grey in preparation for the battle ahead.

KADDAR
Kaddar watches the sword glowing an easily knows nothing nice will follow, he heard about Maximillion casting a spell, about the owl and about scouts sneaking inside the room.
Without making any noise, he slowly passes the staff from his right to his left hand and takes a dagger (not the ivory one, an average one) from his clothes with the right hand, he looks back to see if there is nothing strange on the back of the party he then looks forward again and awaits to see what happens to the scouts at the front.

MAXIMILLION
Maximillion in a soft voice.
"May I point out that if I do not put them all to sleep then those who stay awake will awake the sleeping ones. I say if I am to cast my spell, we should then send in the fighters. But if you are worried have Kinson check for evil in the room.

KINSON
Kinson says:
"Orcs are evil. I don't need mystical powers to know that."

LEGILDUR
"Anyone got an invisibility spell?"

MAXIMILLION
Max will signal Solomon to fly out and get in front of the entrance and cast his sleep spell and then get out of the way. He will stand as far back as the spell range will allow and still get the orcs. He will centre the spell where the corpse is, unless that would get Max in the spell as well, in which case he would target the back wall as the centre of the spell.

TIMOR
OOC:
Not Timor, BUT...
BIC:
Timor, who has been silently listening to the plan being devised, has a few thoughts to add...
"Wait Max.." says the priest as he walks over to the two lovely ladies Reena and Ayla.
"My dears, I can not do more than ask, but you have both shown great skill in your silent agile prowess; you two perhaps have the best chances of entering unnoticed. Would you be willing to enter now, staying as quiet and silent as possible - just for a chance to see what it is that we really have to face in the room beyond?"
If that idea is rejected, Timor will revert to his plan 2.
"Max, if the enchantments on the sword reveal what I believe then to be revealing then you maybe in a bit of trouble should you boldly enter the chamber and cast your spell of slumber. I can not allow you to put yourself in such grave danger - allow Elanna to help in this regard..."
The priest proceeds to pull a slim vial from his belt pouch. As the priest lowers his head, he unstops the vile and begins sprinkling some of the fluid contents onto the enchanter's head and clothing.
"By Elanna's blessing, I bid you the safety and protection of the goodness that stems from your heart and his shown to Elanna's protective grace."
The brown eyed priest looks up, his incantation complete.
"Elanna's protection shall allow you more safety than going in without it - may the goodness of her divinity protect you from whatever evil lurks within the chamber. - Go now..." he says in closing, pointing onward, knowing the protection won't last long - but will hopefully be adequate...

DM
Ayla looks at Max and shrugs her shoulders.
"Suits me."
Mareena shakes her head.
"Let me stay to the rear."

ALOF
When Max goes forward to cast his spell I'll stay to the opposite wall that Biladoc is on and advance with a pair of daggers in hand just in case we are seen before Max has time to unleash his spell. (Of course if we follow Timor's plan I'll join Ayla and Mareena in trying to sneak up on the orcs. Moving along the same wall in this case)

SAGGAR
"Let us attack then, cast the spell and let our steel drop those that remain"
Putting away the holy symbol and drawing a throwing axe in addition to his battle axe and standing ready.
Saggar shall follow the spellcaster, throwing his axe at the nearest orc that does not drop and defending the mage with his battle axe if need be

KINSON
Kinson looks at Saggar and nods his head in full agreement, but he says nothing. He will enter the room beside Legildur and attack any standing orcs.

KADDAR
Kaddar just awaits, he will just wait until all fighters in front of him enter the chamber and thinks for himself.
"If we keep waiting the Orcs will notice us and there will be no surprise".
As soon as fighters in front enter the room he will approach the entrance.

LEGILDUR
Alof and Biladoc stand ready at the entrance to the chamber, hidden in the shadows along the walls. Legildur catches Biladoc's signal of at least half a dozen orcs. He watches with interest as Timor blesses Maximillion prior to his mission. Standing alongside Kinson and Saggar, Legildur absently fingers the hilt of the drawn Vinguard and mentally prepares himself for the headlong rush that will doubt eventuate and whispers quietly, "The Band", while he watches Max sneak slowly to the chamber entrance in a bid to strike a decisive blow for the imminent melee.

DM
Max moves forward into the chamber. Solomon his owl takes to flight. Max is flanked by Alof and Ayla on one side and Biladoc and Mareena on the other. They move like shadows along the walls. Behind them comes Saggar, hand axe and battle axe in hand.
The group enters the dark room to see ten orcs gathered in a circle. They are in the centre of the room around a body on the floor. Max's owl, Solomon, soars over them and heads back towards Max. The Orc's are startled and draw their weapons. The burliest of the bunch draws a wicked looking serrated scimitar. Max throws a handful of sand into the pack of orcs as he chants the mystic language of magic. Seven of the ten orcs drop to the ground sound asleep. Two other orcs are hit by the Halflings shower of daggers. Each is struck twice and crumble to the ground. The third... who happens to be the largest, charges not realising that he is now alone. Saggar throws his hand axe towards the onrushing orc. The axe hits the orc soundly in the chest. Just as it does a dagger from Mareena soars through the air striking him in the left leg. Then out of the shadows comes Ayla. Her long sword comes swinging through the air like the blade of a guillotine. The Orc's head soars across the room, his body moving a few more steps before falling. Legildur and Kinson enter the room with Kaddar and Wrent following behind them. None of the group's opponents are left standing in the room.
The room is connected to the twenty foot wide hall (where the party just rushed in from) by a ten foot long ten foot wide hall going south. The Room itself is forty feet West East by thirty feet North South. The Hall enters on the far west side of the north wall of the room. On the South wall ten feet from the East side is another hallway leading off to the South. It can be seen going ten feet south and then turning into a West East T intersection.

SAGGAR
Saggar moves quickly, his axe flashing as it severs the heads of the orcs that lay asleep. His thoughts lost in his rage and hatred of this foul race that has sought so to destroy his people. The axe reaping its crimson path through the seven upon the floor, stopping only once all of them lie bathed in their own blood. Then he turns to look at the body they preyed upon.

KINSON
Kinson watches Saggar begin slaughtering the sleeping orcs, then averts his eyes.
"I know of the hatred both elves and dwarves have for these hellspawn, and I see it now firsthand."
Kinson moves to inspect what it was the orcs were eating, then he moves off to survey the room a bit more. He is in battle mode and moves warily, finally he assumes a guard position where he can see all the exits/entrances to the chamber.

DM
The body upon the floor besides the slaughtered bodies of the orcs is that of a young elf. The body seems freshly killed and is dressed in leather armour. He wears the emblem of Los Vain upon on armour. Apparently a member of the military of Los Vain. A leather Pouch lays at his side and his long sword lays on the floor next to him. He has been killed by many sword wounds.

SAGGAR
"Could we be near Los Vain? This would deem it so, mayhaps we might aide their battle as our notice is that the foe has assembled a great host to destroy those elven woods. Though not beloved by my folk, they are not despised as are these foul creatures."

LEGILDUR
OOC:
Looks like there were two one-sided battles here. Hope he wasn't a PC, Charles.
BIC:
Legildur enters the room warily and observes the carnage wrought by the party. While Saggar dispatches the slumbering orcs, he looks around the room, noticing the one other obvious exit and says to Kinson and Silvan "Can you watch that exit?" pointing to the southern exit from the room. "Mareena. Can you watch behind?" he adds pointing to the way the party entered.
"Wrent. Why don't you take the long sword lying there. This poor soul needs it no longer." gesturing to the dead elf on the floor.
"Voriax. Can you help me examine this body to determine why he was here by himself? We'll also strip him of any identification and belongings so that we may return them to his family."
"Biladoc and Saggar. See what items of interest and other treasures these orcs were carrying."
"Mareena, Alof and Wrent. See if any other exits or hidden caches exist in this room while we search the dead."
With the post-battle organisational side of things under way, Legildur sheaths Vinguard and lays his shield down next to the elven corpse. "Now, compatriot. What secrets did you take with you?" he says more to himself than the dead elf as he begins, with Voriax, the gruesome task of searching the slain soldier, starting with the pouch (is the long sword that Wrent will hopefully take of any note?).
"Silvan. I know you to be a holy warrior and a prince of the people of our friend here. I feel that if anyone should, perhaps you would care to say a few words over him? No offence Timor. Maybe we should place his body in that small area up the rungs to prevent his desecration?"

KINSON
"Will do."
Kinson walks to the southern exit and stands guard.

TIMOR
Timor nods.
"No offence taken"
Timor smiles, for he was about to suggest that very same idea - perhaps Legildur is rubbing off on him... or maybe it's the other way around? ;) Since Timor can't stay away too far from the others (without their light sources, he can't see worth crap... I knew I should have changed my spell selection to include at least one more 'holy light of Elanna' (i.e. light spell)... oh well, maybe next time ;) - so, he instead hangs out near the middle of the room... waiting, wondering, silently observing...
For some reason he has an odd curiosity and looks up - just to check to see if he sees anything...
(anything up there? - Timor has a habit of finding things 'up' - a trap door above a mirror at the red mage's tower, Reena in cob webs, a trap door atop a series of metallic rungs. etc.etc.)

DM
Silvan steps forward and nods.
"After everything is secure I will give this warrior and appropriate burial."
Silvan moves to watch the exit as does Mareena. Then When Legildur gives her conflicting commands she shrugs and begins searching the walls. Ayla steps forward as Legildur begins searching the dead Warriors pouch.
Legildur finds a sealed letter with the royal seal of Los Vain on it. There is also two small loaves of elven bread within the pouch.

VORIAX
Voriax will wander over to help examine the body.
OOC:
Since when did he become a pathologist? :-)

DM
How exactly are you going to do that?

LEGILDUR
OOC:
Yeah, okay! I get the picture. Not my fault that Voriax didn't take pathology as a non-weapon proficiency ;-)
I actually wanted his expertise in being able to read and write!!
Something Legildur currently lacks but is determined to rectify in the future. (How the rules allow a 112 year old elf to not learn to read and write is beyond me).

KINSON
OOC:
Does the dead warrior have any rank insignia about his uniform?
BIC:
Just before assuming his guard duty Kinson notes:
"Silvan and Ayla, you may want to take a look at this person, he appears to have been a member of the Los Vain military. I am not familiar with the rank insignia of Los Vain, perhaps you are, or maybe, if he was a high ranking officer, you might even recognise him?"

DM
You see no Rank insignia. Silvan nods and steps forward to look at the person in question.
"A scout, it would seem." He glances at the pouch, "Or a messenger."

BILADOC
I smile at Legildur's request to search the orcs:
"Finally, an order that makes sense..."
I quickly retrieve my daggers and start searching the orcs for anything of value, weapons, papers, etc.
When I finish I'll take a look at the walls, floor and look at the ceiling for anything unusual.
I'll approach Kinson at the south exit and listen to the hall ahead, trying to determine if there's more orcs in that direction or any other noise that might indicate an enemy.

LEGILDUR
Legildur grasps the letter gently and, immediately recognising the royal seal, hands it to Ayla.
"I think it would be best for you to read this, princess."
Taking one of the loaves from the pouch, Legildur holds it up to his face, closes his eyes, and inhales the heady aroma of the waybread. He seems lost in the moment as he reminisces about his homeland and times past. With some reluctance he places the loaf back into the pouch.
"Timor." calls Legildur softly. "Can you please avail us (Leg and Voriax) of your knowledge of anatomy in examining this soldier?"
He then proceeds to thoroughly search the body by first removing the damaged armour.
OOC:
Have Biladoc and Saggar finished searching the orcs? If so, what did they find?

MAXIMILLION
"Well that worked well didn't it. No one our side was hurt."
Max then concentrates.

KINSON
Kinson smiles.
"Yes it did Max, thank you very much."

ALOF
Upon making my way to searching the walls (the opposite side of the room that Mareena is working on) I'll say:
"Is there any chance this poor elf could have been sent out in search of the orb? Is it possible that we are actually close? Why not search his body and look for any pockets on him, he might have a map out of here. He might have come in the other way."

LEGILDUR
"I think the letter will answer some of your questions." says Legildur as he continues to remove the leather armour from the dead soldier.
"My guess is that he was sent to find Ayla and Silvan and that the letter is intended for them." he adds as he looks to Ayla for confirmation.

TIMOR
Timor walks from the centre of the room, PAST Legildur and the body, to Ayla's side. As he walks, he rubs his eyes and brushes his fingers through his lush hair. As if answering Legildur and Alof's question, but addressing no one in particular, Timor begins to speak (all the while peering over Ayla's shoulder waiting for her to open the letter and read it).
"He is an official messenger of the court of Los Vain - for the society is in peril, they have neither heir to the throne (looking to Silvan and Ayla), no king...(and with a sombre tone he adds)...and no queen either."
He says no more about this, (and he continues to ignore Legildur's request for help in examining the body) until after Ayla has had a chance to read the note; he fears the message will confirm all that he has said - and if all this is true, an even bigger task will soon be before him - a task that he is not looking forward to at all....

KADDAR
Kaddar has bee waiting just near the entrance, watching. He is quite amazed by the effectiveness of the attack over the Orcs. He then keeps his dagger again on his belt and passes the staff to his right hand.
He approaches the corpses laying on the floor just after they have been turned into pieces and watches them closely, then he moves a little forward to the south entrance and without exiting the chamber he looks at what looked like a sack, is it inside the room, is it outside? Can I approach it? Could it be the corpse of the eaten elf?
The he stands near Kinson or Saggar, whoever is guarding the entrance and he will his eyes wide open while the party decides his next move.

KINSON
When Kinson realises that Biladoc is listening for noise down the hall Kinson stands as still as possible for a 6'4" human in plate mail armour.
:-)

DM
Ayla takes the letter from Legildur and breaks the seal. Silvan moves close to her and reads at the same time. As Timor speaks to Ayla you see distress on Silvan's face. A strange thoughtful look comes over Ayla as she listens to Timor and reads the letter.
Legildur removes the rest of the armour off the dead elf to reveal large wounds that Voriax is easily able to identify as sword wounds. There is a silver chain with a swan ornament around the dead elves neck. Alof and Biladoc search the orcs finding 34 gold coins, a tender box, 3 daggers, 10 scimitars, and one spear. Kaddar in the meantime approaches the sack against the wall and cuts it open to reveal grain within. It looks unspoiled and quite fresh actually. Wrent seems anxious to move on as the letter is read.
Finally Ayla looks to Silvan.
"Well brother... What do we do. It seems the word that Timor speaks are true."
Silvan stares at his sister a distant look in his eyes. A look that turns hard and full of determination.
"We have been gone far to long. Our people need us now more than ever." He looks towards Legildur.
"It would seem that Ayla and I need to take our leave of you." He glances towards Voriax.
"The Mirror you have Voriax... Can it return us to the mages Tower Near Hasbis?"

VORIAX
"As far as I can tell it can Silvan. It has worked twice in the past and I see no reason why it wouldn't do so again. As much as we would hate to lose you two, it seems your duty is divided. If you decide to go I will activate the mirror for you to the mad mages tower. Watch out for the large dogs though."

KADDAR
After I discovered the content of the sack I take some 5 handfuls and wrap them on a piece of fabric I cut from the sack, tie it like a small bag and place it on my improvised backpack, then I say:
"Somebody cares for a handful of grain, it looks quite fresh".
Then I turn to Legildur:
"There most be an exit right to the surface somewhere in this maze, I think the Orcs captured the Elf outside the maze along with this grain, not so far away as both the grain and the elf are unspoiled yet, next time it could be wise to leave one orc alive and see if we can question him about an exit, they must know the way out..."
Then I question:
"May I have the daggers, so I can return the ones that I have to Biladoc?"

ALOF
When the letter has been read and comments have been made I say to everyone:
"I do believe that there is definitely some dilemma here because even if either one of Ayla and/or Silvan decides to go back, there is no guarantee that we have the power to send them back. Even if this mirror will work, is there still a guarantee that they will be able to arrive safely in Los Vain.
This messenger obviously came down here but from which way we cannot be sure. I am just now recalling how when I first entered this maze with two warriors I met in Water Deep how I heard it called the maze of the mad mage (I could be remembering wrong). If he has come from Los Vain and You (group) have come from Pensula (I think that's where Biladoc and Kinson came from) and myself who came in from a place I had never heard of (Waterdeep) this could mean we are in the crossroads or so to speak of a giant portal."
After saying all this I take a breath and then say:
"Of course, I am not the most wise of halflings but I do have idea's and for one who does not have much knowledge of magic it is a wild guess, but, hey, it's possible"

LEGILDUR
Legildur silently watches Ayla and Silvan as they try to deal with the news brought here by the elven scout, thankful that he does not carry the responsibility of a race of people on his shoulders.
"Of course." says Legildur to Kaddar's request for the weapons.
"As to the exit." he shrugs his shoulders, "Maybe, maybe not. We have only been here two days and would appear 'fresh' to anyone able to slay us. Yet we are unable to exit by the way we came. Perhaps the orcs followed the scout here in order to kill him to prevent him from reaching Ayla and Silvan?"

TIMOR
Do the orcs look (i.e., dressed armoured, and armed) the same as the other orcs we encountered earlier? If they are the same, then Legildur's theory maybe incorrect; if they are different, Legildur's theory may have hit something on the nose.

MAXIMILLION
With a concerned voice:
"Yes one of you needs to go back, the question is do both of you. From what I understand the orb is also very important. I would suggest that one of you remain with us to recover the orb, while the other takes the letter from Kinson, might come helpful in diplomacy and go back to Los Vain to carry the weight of responsibilities that your mother bore. I am sorry that I never met her. I would have liked to.
There is also the question of what the rest of us should do. I suggest that most keep up with the mission of finding the orb. Whoever returns take who you need to get to Los Vain. If we all are needed then we will do so and we know how to get back to here. Although I would like to know for sure where here is.
Ayla, think carefully, for this will be the first of many heavy decisions to come. May you some day know joy and peace."
The last Max says with a genuine smile on his face.

DM
Silvan shakes his head.
"I must return." Ayla nods.
"And I..." Silvan looks towards Legildur.
"Ever since I have met you and Timor you have proved to be steadfast and honourable companions... I entrust you with the recovery of the Orb. For now my sister and I must find a way to return to Los Vain."
At this point Mareena steps forward.
"And I will go with them... I never liked dungeons or mazes... Perhaps my skills will be of use in Los Vain. "
Silvan nods.
"Unless there is something else to discuss we shall depart right away? "

BILADOC
I take 17g.p., giving Alof the other 17. I'll keep the box, unless he wants to. I give Kaddar the daggers and say to him:
"Better keep mine too... just in case."
I then wait for Legildur and the others to decide upon what we should do next.
OOC:
Did I heard anything down the hall, Charles?...

KADDAR
"Thanks Biladoc, I will keep your daggers then. So, where are we going now? What is this precious orb we shall find ?"

DM
Silvan steps forward.
"It is called the Orb of Power. An ancient item created by the great dragons many many years ago when the world was still considered young. I was used to augment there power in an attempt to defeat the elves at that time... Voriax can you elaborate more?"

KINSON
Kinson takes out the papers he was been carrying and offers them to Ayla.
"Here are the papers that speak of the dark forces alliance. Unless you wish me to keep them, since you already know of their content."

DM
Ayla nods.
"You keep them good Kinson. They may be of use to you. I know what they say and will act accordingly."

KINSON
Kinson puts the papers away. He bows formally to Ayla and Silvan. "I wish more kingdoms had rulers such as yourselves. If it were so, I believe the world would be rid of evil much more quickly."
For a brief moment you see a questioning look upon Kinson's face, as if he is struggling at making a decision, but it vanishes quickly. Kinson takes a small step nearer to both Ayla and Silvan, he drops to one knee and says:
"I am sworn by oath to the Church of Torm and my duties to Torm always come first, but I pledge fealty to both of you and the Kingdom of Los Vain, I take your struggles as my own, I swear to render aid to you and your people whenever necessary, and should you ever require my personal attention please do not hesitate to summon me."
He pauses, giving them a chance to respond, then he rises and addresses Mareena.
"Take care of yourself and these good people. I am sorry we never had the chance to get to know each other better, it is my hope that our paths cross again under more pleasant circumstances."
As the three prepare to depart via the magical mirror, Kinson moves out of the way, and resumes his guard duty.

DM
Silvan motions for Kinson to rise.
"You are a valiant and noble warrior. Let it be known that the Elven Kingdom of Los Vain has always fought evil where it has found it... And WE plan to do no different. Recover the orb so that it will not be used against my people again."

MAXIMILLION
Max smiles:
"I too promise I will try to find the orb and once found will do all I can to get it to Los Vain and to fight this darkness of evil that has trying to swallow this world. Until we meet again."
Max then sends his owl once more to scout out the next room.

DM
Solomon flies south to search the next room.

LEGILDUR
Legildur stands stunned at witnessing such an event. Only rarely do other races pledge fealty to those not of their own. While Kinson has proved to be a stalwart ally, in the last day or so they have been adventuring together in this maze, and Legildur has grown to like the knight's happy personality, in light of his words the elven warrior is forced to reconsider his initially shallow, but favourable, assessment of this Knight of Torm.

MAXIMILLION
"We will miss you Ayla, Silvan and Mareena. Ayla, is there anything that you can tell us that will help us find the Orb. Also any magic you can leave with the party for the same reason. We will be loosing your senses as to where the orb might be and will be lost without them."

DM
Ayla shakes her head.
"Not really. I sense that it is somewhere in this maze... But as to where I can not tell you."

MAXIMILLION
"Just knowing that they are probably in this maze is help enough. Good Luck Ayla, I shall miss you."

DM
Ayla gives Max a large bear hug.
"And I you dearest Max."
Separating she looks into his eyes.
"If you are ever in Los Vain come by and visit won't you?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur sighs.
"Surely it would be easier to find and recover the Orb with the three of year still with us, but I understand your responsibilities. Farewell Princess." he says while bowing to Ayla.
"We will secure the Orb and return it to Los Vain. And to you my Prince," says the elven warrior as he turns to Silvan and extends his right arm in a farewell shake.
"It has been an honour to swing a sword by your side during our short time together."
Legildur looks around to see Mareena once more is out of the limelight and moves towards her.
"Thank you for your assistance since we found you in the webs. I'll be sorry to see you leave."
Legildur turns so that he can address the three departing members together. "Yes, Alof has a point. If there is any equipment or magic you feel would be useful to us in recovering the Orb and returning it to Los Vain then I am sure that we would be pleased to receive it."
Once this is taken care of, Legildur stands back outside the 10' radius (he remembers the blue mist covered when the mirror was last activated) as Voriax retrieves the magic mirror from his pack and prepares to open the portal to the Red Mages tower with the two words 'Dol Feltar'.
"Make sure we keep the mirror Voriax." he reminds the mage, "We may need it later ourselves".

DM
Ayla hugs the noble Legildur.
"You are a worthy companion fit to stand by my side any time."
She smiles and then kisses him on the cheek. Silvan stares at her in amazement as he clasps Legildur's arm. He just shrugs his shoulders.
"Until we meet again Legildur."
Mareena just smiles and lowers her head blushing.
"Thanks again for the rescue, by the way."

SAGGAR
"IF they are to use this mirror to get them to such chamber in a wizards tower, we should at least accompany them there to insure nothing ill befalls them in said tower and bid them farewell there"
Saggar speaks as he looks about at the parting of ways and his mind wanders back to comrades already lost in this foul maze

VORIAX
"That may not be such a good idea. If there are charges to the mirror, we may not want to burn two of them just to get back here. And we wouldn't come right back to this spot we are now anyway. We would most likely come back to the portal entrance quite a ways back. If the Orb is our first priority, we should move on to finding it. I'm sure Ayla would agree that the mission is more urgent.
As to the Orb itself, I remember reading that the Orb was created and used by the dragons to defeat the elves. However, the Orb was lost in a great battle at the now swamp of Fenis Morte. I'm not exactly sure yet how the elves plan to use a dragon orb created to defeat them, but I will figure it out sooner or later."

SILVAN
Silvan nods.
"Agreed, we can handle the mage and his dogs. WE have grown a little since the last time we tangled with him."

LEGILDUR
"Besides." says Legildur with a contemptuous grin on his face, "We turned two of those dogs into spell components!"
"Come. Let's not delay their departure any longer. Voriax, if you would do the honours?" says Legildur as he stands back a safe distance from the three elves about to depart.
"See you in Los Vain." he adds with a wave as Voriax activates the mirror.

DM
Silvan and Ayla nods as Mareena stands behind them quietly.
"In Los Vain we shall meet again."

LEGILDUR
"Wait!" cries Legildur suddenly as they prepare to leave. "Where in Los Vain precisely shall you be? Give us a reference point."

DM
Silvan looks amused.
"Probably in Cloudburst the capital city."

TIMOR
Timor is in shock, he had thought convincing Silvan and Ayla to leave would be much more difficult - the lengths Ayla went through to hunt the Orb... and now she gives up her quest so easily... either she trusts the rest of the Band of the Silver Blade a great deal more than she admits or she realises the greater need for her return to Los Vain (after all, if she and Silvan don't return leadership to the community, there won't be a community to save with the Orb!) - or maybe it's a little of both...
Timor smirks at the idea that the princess actually does trust them - something she would never admit to, but perhaps is closer to fact than fiction.
He is still pensive as his mind is burdened with thoughts and questions... but he doesn't want to say anything that will detract Silvan and Ayla from returning - for if the elves of royal blood could read human thoughts, they would surely know what Timor was thinking - and thus, they would surely want to stay and find the Orb...
He does however wish to bid farewell to Reena - the lovely elfin maiden who is as defenceless as an Atlan Spider... deadly and self-reliant despite all outward appearances. With silent steps and a hushed words, Timor merely approaches the treasure seeker and kisses her hand.
"Adieu lovely one - I did after all promise you would leave here safely did I not? :)
May your travels keep you above ground where the sun can shine upon you and reveal your true beauty."

DM
Mareena blushes at Timor's kiss. She begins to turn and stops as if frozen. Suddenly she turns and embraces Timor almost crushing the priest. She kisses him deeply and then lets go.
"I could not forgive myself if I did not do that before leaving. Until next time sweet Timor."
She stands next to Ayla and Silvan as Voriax speaks the words. The magic portal opens...
The three elves step into the portal sternly and it closes behind them. The band is now three members less.

TIMOR
Timor takes large steps backward against the wall, not wanting to be sucked in (despite his constant comments of wanting to leave, he knows now he needs to stay or at least that now is not the time for him to go.) "Say hello to Sylvan(sp? - that bard we were travelling with for a short period of time - he said he was going to Los Vain didn't he?)..and may Elanna be as much a part of your lives as Lakansthar(sp? - that elvish deity that Silvan worships and makes comments about).
The priest's brown eyes widen with excitement, apprehension, and awe as the mirror's magic is invoked and the threesome vanish.
As Voriax finishes using the mirror and puts it away, Timor approaches him (he does speak loud enough for others to give their input into the matter).
"A thought for you to ponder Voriax, There is a maze referred to as "The maze of the mad mage"; and the Orb of power is said to be in said maze. Ayla is sure that the orb is in this maze, meaning that this maze must be the same maze, the maze of the mad mage?"
The priest awaits an affirmative nod.
"We entered this maze through an underground passage in Hasbis."
Again, awaits an affirmative nod.
"There is a mage, the red mage, not far from Hasbis, could it be that the red mage and the mad mage are one in the same? Again, this may not mean anything, just a thought to consider. - for it looks as though things are loosely starting to fit together."
After leaving Voriax with that thought, Timor brings his attention to something Kaddar mentioned - the sack of grain.
"A good find Kaddar...and your conclusions maybe accurate. Let us search the ground carefully -for if there is even the smallest hole in the sack (through the wear and tear of whatever battles it has seen) then there maybe a trail of grain leading back to whatever direction it came from. - of course, whatever direction this man came from is not going to be the same direction as to where the Orb is. What we need is knowledge of the legends surrounding the orb (damn, where's a bard when you need one)... a legend or story may give us a hint as to how to find it, or what to do with it once we find it... nothing in any of those books we saw in the library? perhaps that library should get a thorough search by all of us sometime again?"

DM
You look in vain and find no trail of grain.

LEGILDUR
"Laskanthar's speed to you." says Legildur quietly to the departing elves as the gate begins to close.
Turning to Max he asks:
"What has Solomon found?"
Once Max gives him an answer, Legildur addresses the remaining Band members.
"From here it seems we are responsible to recover the orb. Any direction seems as good as any other. We may as well head south from here.
With Ayla, Silvan and Mareena gone, we need to change the marching order slightly. I propose that Alof and Biladoc continue scouting. They are doing a good job. Next will be Kinson and I, followed by Saggar and Voriax. Behind them should be Max and Timor. And finally, Kaddar and Wrent should guard the rear."
Alof Biladoc

Legildur Kinson
Voriax Saggar
Timor Max
Wrent Kaddar

If everyone agrees to this and Solomon reveals nothing in particular, then the Band will exit the chamber (after 'burying' the dead elf in the chambers up the rungs) through the south corridor and then turn west.

MAXIMILLION
Max looking very concerned.
"Solomon is not responding. Now that the others are gone can we get moving to the next room?"

KINSON
Kinson falls into line beside Legildur and moves forward.
OOC:
Charles, If Kinson saw which way the owl went he will point it out to the scouts as they pass him.

LEGILDUR
OOC:
I was afraid of this. Then again, maybe he found a meal.
BIC:
Legildur clicks his tongue twice to get everyone's attention.
Signalling with a short nod of his head, he indicates for the scouts to move out in the direction Solomon took. Looking around one last time to ensure that everyone is ready, Legildur moves off some distance behind the halflings and joins Kinson at the south door where the knight steps in beside him.
OOC:
Which way did Solomon go: west or east? Kinson would have seen. Anyway, which ever way the owl went is where the Band will follow. The spacing ensures that not all our eggs are in one basket and also allows the halflings to scout quietly (like with the orcs).

DM
He went south and then east.

MAXIMILLION
Max almost screams.
"Solomon is either dead or has gone through a portal. Hurry!"

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks around following Max's outburst and sees the pain and anguish on the mage's face. Due to the circumstances, Legildur decides not to admonish Max for the breach of their security and his face shows open pity for the young man's plight.
Speaking softly Legildur responds to Max's demand to hurry.
"Whatever may be Max, this place is dangerous enough without rushing headlong through unknown ways. I doubt there is a portal out as they all seem to lead in to this maze." he says matter of factly before continuing, "If Solomon is dead, there is little to be done for him now."
Before turning back to the task at hand Legildur adds:
"Remember, our mission now is to recover the Orb, not risk ourselves overly for a situation we cannot change."

BILADOC
I'll take my position in the lead and proceed with caution, examining floor and walls as I move, careful not to trigger any more of those Falling Stones... I'll take out a couple of daggers and follow the direction Solomon took.

DM
The group slowly goes south and then goes east. East it goes ten feet and turns south. You can hear chanting from up ahead. It is quite faint but still can be heard.

BILADOC
I signal the others to be silent and make no noise and slowly and silently approach the room where the sound comes from, carefully looking inside, ready to throw my daggers at any sign of danger.

LEGILDUR
Legildur stops at Biladoc's signal to halt. Turning around to the others he passes the signal on silently. Cupping his hand to his ear, Legildur tells the others to listen to the faint chanting. While they are stopped, he keeps careful watch on Max to ensure that he doesn't do anything rash that would jeopardise the Band.
Once Biladoc moves, Legildur quietly moves his way back to the centre of the party and calls the three mages to him for conference. Whispering quietly he says:
"Think of which spells you can use here that are non-lethal in area of affect. Remember you two," he says pointing to Voriax and Kaddar, "that Solomon is probably in there somewhere."
With that warning out of the way, Legildur quietly resumes his position beside Kinson near the front of the party while they await Biladoc's return. Thinking further, he signals to Alof to keep an eye on Biladoc, but from a safe distance.

ALOF
I nod at Legildur's request and grab a pair of daggers and take Biladoc's current position IF he decides to turn the corner.

SAGGAR
Listening in, Saggar whispers:
"A silence spell would neutralise their mages and clerics, whoever it is chanting"

LEGILDUR
"My apologies! A good point I hadn't considered" whispers Legildur in return as Saggar joins in, realising belatedly that the priests of the party were likely to have something to add.
"Do you or Timor have such a spell?" he asks as he waves Timor to join them.

TIMOR
Realising Max is (understandably) upset, Timor walks a little closer to the mage, hoping that the spirit of Elanna can somehow comfort him by proximity. While they wait near the corner for the scouts to report, the brown eyed priest places a single sweaty palmed hand on Max's shoulder, trying to comfort and calm him while they wait...
All the while, he listens to the chanting to see if he can recognise it as the chanting of any particular clergy or organisation that he knows of...and even if not - if it sounds like a religious chant of some kind.
OOC:
Does the chanting sound like a chant for any religious organisation that Timor knows of - even if not, does it sound like something that _could_ be a religious chant?

VORIAX
"If the connection is lost with Solomon, that is not a good sign. Very little will do that to a familiar if I am not mistaken. But it so happens that I have a good large area non-lethal spell ready for you. Just make sure everyone else stays out of the area of the web spell. Let me know when you are ready for me to cast it Legildur. You have my sympathies Max. I hope I am wrong and Solomon is fine."

TIMOR
Timor notices Legildur waving him forward. The priest move away from Max's side, hoping he will be okay, and slowly moves forward as quietly as he can.
"What?" he whispers since he missed the question in the midst of his own thoughts. After Legildur repeats, Timor shakes his head.
"Elanna's might is not one to silence a man - for it is not words that harm or do evil, it is the men behind the words," whispers the priest.
He takes a moment to strain and listen carefully to the words of the chanters.
"I do not recognise the melody as a mantra spoken by any order I am familiar with...so it may be something like a simple group chant."
Timor runs his free hand through his hair once or twice while his other hand continues its firm grip on his metallic walking staff. As the cold of the metal begins to penetrate his finger tips, he begins to think of the perils that were faced in the red mage's tower... and the plight that may currently have befallen the prince, princess, and Reena....

SAGGAR
"I regret milord that I do not, but I have axes at the ready to silence any the web spell might miss "
He smiles at the thought of the battle to come.

DM
Biladoc sneaks and peaks around the corner.
You see the hallway goes some twenty feet where it ends in a hazy curtain of smoke. The strange thing is the smoke does not spread into the hallway it just hangs in front of what can only be the entrance into a larger chamber.

BILADOC
I go back to Legildur and tell him in a low voice:
"There's an entrance to a room up ahead, but there's a kind of smoke curtain in front of it. Do you want me to try and pass it? Or do you want to try the other hallway? It may lead to the same room, judging from all we've seen in this maze..."
If Legildur wants to go through the smoke I'll approach it close to the wall and try to listen to anything inside the room, trying to determine how many people are in it.
I ask Maximillion:
"Do you sense the presence of Solomon anywhere?"

SAGGAR
Saggar moves into position and prepares to advance, bloody axes at the ready, bloodlust sneer upon his dwarven face. He raises an eyebrow.
"We now fear smoke and leave our comrades friend? Shall we also run from the shadows?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur scratches his head with a gauntleted hand in frustration.
"I guess," he says quietly, "that the smoke screen is some sought of magical barrier (which Solomon has passed though and that is why Max cannot sense him). Given the nature of this place, it could also be a trap akin to that black pit in the middle of the corridor we found a couple of days ago. I am sorry Max," adds Legildur as he turns to the young mage "but I believe we had best go around to find another way for the moment. This way seems too risky - for now."
With that, Legildur gestures for Biladoc and Alof to commence scouting back the other way.

BILADOC
After Legildur chooses to go down the other hall, I quickly move to the front of the party and start going west, taking the same precautions as before not to trigger any more traps.
I say to Saggar as I pass him:
"It's not a question of being afraid of smoke. It's the fact that that smoke is not natural and there's no reason to risk or necks just for bravery. If there's a safer way into that room, I say we should take it."

ALOF
"Biladoc and Legildur both make good points, I don't want to wait here long enough to find out what is in or behind that smoke. Also, as stated earlier there is no point in risking our necks out for something we know nothing about."
When I say this I'll join Biladoc in scouting ahead.

DM
West it goes fifty feet where it ends in a T intersection going North and South.

TIMOR
Timor who has been relatively silent during this discussion begins to boldly move forward. As he walks past Legildur, the priest merely mumbles:
"Let me try something...."
Timor will walk up closer to where Biladoc saw the "wall of smoke" and then begin a quiet prayer to Elanna. After a few hand gestures and ritual chants, Timor shakes his head in failure. Slowly, he returns back to the others. This time while passing Legildur, he only says:
"I have seen some of my brothers dispel that which is conjured by magic with a few well placed words. I fear my training and understanding of the prayer is incomplete...my thought will not work."
(Timor's idea won't work, we can do whatever - _I_ knew it wouldn't work, of course, _he_ didn't :)
OOC:
Does it sound as if the source of the chanting is coming from the other side of the smoke wall? or from some other chamber?}

DM
It is louder quite possibly from the other side of the smoke wall.

KINSON
With a blank expression on his face, Kinson walks beside Legildur following the scouts. He says nothing.

LEGILDUR
Legildur fixes a calm gaze on the dwarf as Alof and Biladoc say their piece and move west down the corridor. Whispering quietly to Saggar he says:
"Fear has nothing to do with it. If there is no better way then through the smoke we shall go. Until then, we will search for the best option. Remember, this isn't some simple dungeon crawl - we seek the Orb."
Once the scouts have a reasonable lead, Legildur will commence to follow them up alongside Kinson.

MAXIMILLION
OOC:
Sorry guys I failed my wisdom check.
BIC:
Max looking very distraught.
"These people have knowledge of the dungeon, we need to capture some alive.!"
With that Max hurries forward into the smoky room.

KADDAR
If Maximillion goes into the smoke, I will have no other option but to follow him, he must not go alone in there. So I grab the staff with both hands and I go after him, into the mist... I try to move slowly and be ready for what might be behind or inside the smoke.

SAGGAR
Raising his axes he steps forward following the other two into the charge of the room and its inhabitants

KINSON
Kinson sees Max heading toward the smoke and yells:
"Max, think about it, Birds fear smoke; to a bird smoke means fire, why would he fly through it?"
Then he whispers to himself, "unless the smoke wasn't there when he flew by..."
Kinson starts to follow Max and the others.

DM
Max leads the charge into the smoke followed by Saggar, Kinson and Kaddar. The four of them charge through the wall of smoke.

----------------
Looks like the charge of the Light Brigade. Who would have thought Maximillion would be so impulsive? Lets just hope he hasn't find a way to reduce our numbers even more...