After a tremendous battle, the party tends to their wounds. Kinson, however, is still affected by the poison of the High Priest's dagger. Everybody is looking for a way to save him and proceed with

Chapter 34 - Healing, Questioning and Leaving.

KINSON
Kinson grinds his teeth together as Legildur performs his ministrations;
But he knows Legildur is doing what's best.
When Timor approaches and touches him he smiles at both of them, "Thank you my friends."
He sits still resting...

LEGILDUR
As Timor begins his incantations over Kinson, Legildur looks around.
"Voriax," he calls to his friend, "Check the packs in the corner for any potions or salves." he adds as he points to the northwest corner of the room where the eight packs lie.

DM
Pouring the potion down Kinson's throat heals all his wounds that can be seen. However, he continues too cough and his eyes roll into the back of his head. Wrent runs over to Kaddar and tries to still him as he squirms in pain on the floor.
Kinson attempts to take his armour off but is unable to by himself. His face is clearly a mosaic of pain and determination as he tries to concentrate on the straps of his armour. Legildur helps Kinson remove his armour he cuts a slash in the newly healed flesh hoping the blood will drain some of the poison away. But Legildur has seen this before and knows deep down the poison has gone to far for that to truly help.
Timor chants to Ellanna and touches both Kaddar and Kinson. Both seem to relax some but the poison continues to slowly go towards their vital organs.
Alof asks the lady to assist with searching the priest as he searches the high priest first. There are numerous strange items on these guys. The only liquid you find is each has a vial of pasty yellowish black stuff. The lady nods saying nothing and helps you search the priests for an antidote.
On the five priests the following is found:
5 vials of yellow/black paste
100 pp
a gold ring with a strange inscription in elvish that says "VASA"
5 daggers
1 ceremonial wavy dagger
1 shrunken head
a invitation to a Ball in Water Deep given by the lords there
1 finger in a glass jar.

SAGGAR
Moves quickly to Kaddar, bandaging him and if it would aide, casting a cure light wounds upon him:

DM
Some of Kaddar's Physical wounds heal but the poison still runs through his system.

MAXIMILLION
Max asks his friend.
"Do you know where they keep the antidote for the poison that they use in case some gets scratched."

DM
The guards shakes his head.
"No antidote that I know of. Our stuff is over there."
He points to the eight packs against the wall.

MAXIMILLION
Max asks him:
"Which pack belongs to the high priest?"

DM
The guard shakes his head.
"He did not carry one. "

MAXIMILLION
Max first grabs some paste and applies it on Kinson's wound. He will then grab the ring, put it on and say "VASA".

ALOF
When Max grabs the ring and paste I shout:
"No, Max don't! Our "friend" said it's not an antidote! That paste is most likely the poison!!!"
If he listens and stops Alof will quickly search the 8 packs, if not he dives attempting to tackle Max (or somehow get in between him and those hurt.

DM
You dive but are too late as Max dabs some on his hand.

MAXIMILLION
Max stops. "Oh my goodness."
He then checks the paste to see how it compares with the poison on the priest daggers.
"In my limited experience with poison, poison usually doesn't come in paste form, let me see if it looks the same as what is applied to the daggers."

DM
Grabbing the paste numbs Max's hand...(Make a save versus poison my friend.)

VORIAX
"Good lord Max!! That might be cursed or something equally as bad. Shouldn't you have waited to figure out what the word meant at least before you put it on?"
Voriax is racking his Los Vante to see if he knows the meaning of the word or not (Charles?).

LEGILDUR
Legildur watches Alof alert Max to the fact that the paste is probably the poison and would have therefore killed Kinson with its application. He is thankful that he is not required to intervene. He waits impatiently as Alof (and hopefully anyone else) begins searching the packs.
"Is anyone carrying any potions that they unsure of its contents?" asks Legildur, knowing that they have probably picked something up along the way that may help.

SAGGAR
Saggar moves to search the priests' robes for such an antidote

DM
Already been done.

VORIAX
Voriax will help look for an antidote of some kind. Wish I had picked up that herbalism skill!

DM
Where will Voriax look for one?

VORIAX
Good question. Someone already checked the bodies, right? Wasn't there a table in the room? I'll look for hidden compartments or things stuck under it. The schmuck must have had an antidote in case he accidentally stuck himself with the poison. I'll do a sweep of the whole room if the table doesn't reveal anything. I will also recheck the high priests body for any hidden folds (magical) or pockets someone else might have missed.

DM
Checking the table reveals nothing...The High Priest has nothing else on him. There are the eight packs in the corner...

SAGGAR
Saggar searches the altar while looking at the girl.
"I hope thee are well milady, that we arrived afore you were harmed?"

DM
Searching the Alter reveals nothing as Voriax just did the same thing.
The Lady nods but says nothing.

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks around from treating Kinson to see that no-one has searched the eight packs in the north-west corner.
"By the three moons!" he exclaims, "Does no one listen - someone search the packs. Alof (or whoever answers first), search that mess in the southeast corner. No telling what we might find there."

VORIAX
OOC:
Oops. I thought that someone had searched those and that's where that earlier list of treasure came from. Hehheh. Let me get right over there...
BIC:
Voriax, looking and feeling quite stupid, heads immediately over to the packs and begins going through them. Looking for any liquids or pastes.
As he is looking he says to Max:
"Max. That ring may be very dangerous. You might want to wait to experiment with it. It definitely has something to do with Fire and I don't think that will help our poisoned friends right now."

BILADOC
Still a little stunned with the effect of the poison in Kinson and Kaddar, I run to the packs and start searching them for any vials, herbs, whatever. As I do this I try to ask the prisoner in all the languages I know (zanta, kenil, losvanti, kazadun):
"Have you seen the priests using an antidote?"
After trying this, I'll ask the others:
"Does anyone know any other language she may understand? Damn it! Someone slap that !#$$%# girl awake! She must know something to help Kinson and Kaddar! Stop that #$$%"#$ nodding and $%&$#* help us!"
If I find nothing, or even if I do, I take one of the poisoned daggers and strike the colour sprayed guard with it:
"Ok, now find a way to fight that poison or die!"

DM
She shakes her head when you speak to her in Kenil but says nothing. You go to the packs and rifle through them. You find:
16 weeks of iron rations;
8 small vials of liquid that are not oil;
A Bullseye lantern with 6 flasks of oil;
50 feet of hemp rope;
2 bone scroll tubes;
2 tinder boxes;
1 flask of bright blue liquid;
4 pouches with 100gp, 4 with 50gp, and 1 with 100pp;
3 wedges of cheddar cheese;
1 bag of walnuts;
a bag full of green herbs of some sort...

VORIAX
Voriax, helping with the search, reveals the herbs to Timor.
"Does your god grant you any knowledge about plant life? I wish Ess were still alive. He would know what to do with it. I have no knowledge but I feel that this may be the cure. If not, we can try the vials."
Voriax sets the bullseye lantern to the side next to his beat up hooded lantern, hoping for a trade up, but he will wait until the fate of his friends are decided.

MAXIMILLION
"Does anybody here have knowledge of herbs. We could try either the vials of liquid or do something useful with the green herbs. If nothing else I could see if putting some herbs in the point of contact seem to help any."
Max who touched the poison, but still saved, should still feel some sort of effect from the poison. Therefore the first thing he will do is touch the herbs with the hand that touched the poison, to see if that makes the sting go away. If that doesn't do anything then he will pour a drop from one of the vials of the same spot and see if that helps.
Max looking towards Kinson and Kaddar.
"The answer is here, I just know it."

DM
The Herbs and Liquid from the vial seem to have no effect on your hand. though your hand does smell much better and the liquid is a lot like water..

LEGILDUR
Legildur keeps cradling Kinson's head while he watches Voriax search the packs. Once the haul is laid out he scans it quickly. Seeing Voriax take the herbs and vial he interrupts:
"The flask and scroll tubes look important to me Voriax. Timor, have a look at the scroll tubes. I think the eight vials are more likely to provide a cure though."
OOC:
What are the 8 vials? Were each of the 8 vials found separately in each pack? That would indicate a vial for each person. Likely to be either healing or cure poison.

DM
Yes, there was one per pack. Not oil but clear like water.

BILADOC
I take the herbs and the vial and quickly approach Timor:
"Do you think this might help?"
I point to the tied up warrior:
"We can test these in him before giving them to Kinson and Kaddar..."
I take a concerned look at the two wounded and try to smile:
"Hold on guys, we'll get you well soon."
I look back at Timor for any sign of recognising an antidote. I then turn to the girl again and ask in kenil, as I open the two tinder boxes:
"Where did they came from? Which corridor? Are we near an exit?"

DM
She points to the other doorway. She shrugs and puts her hands over her eyes... She glances around and takes a robe off a dead priest putting it on as best she can to cover her self up. She glances at the weapons the priests and warriors where carrying and finally decides against any of them.

LEGILDUR
"NO BILADOC!!" cries Legildur from his position with Kinson as he sees the hobbit's intent.
"That is wrong and we need him for information."

SAGGAR
Looking at the find, Saggar looks in the scroll tubes, perhaps there is a scroll that might aid them:

DM
One scroll tube holds 3 scroll of raise dead... The other 4 of Neutralise poison.

SAGGAR
Smiling he casts two of the neutralise poison spells from the scroll upon the two affected members of the band, carefully storing the scrolls and slinging the tubes when so finished.

DM
As Saggar casts the spells from the scrolls both Kinson and Kaddar are relieved the pain disappearing completely.

BILADOC
As Saggar casts the spells, I look in anticipation to Kinson and Kaddar, for any signs of improvement in their condition.
I look at Legildur and say, pointing at the other remaining warrior: "No problem, we still got our charmed friend. And one prisoner is enough. I'm not gonna worry about two enemies if I can only worry about one."
I retrieve my daggers and look for the poisoned daggers' sheaths, carefully guarding them.
I put away in my backpack the pouches I found, the rope, the cheese and the walnuts.
OOC:
Charles, the "4 with 50gp" pouches mean 200gp? :-) Or 50gp divided by 4 pouches? :-(... What's the 100g? Gems? 8-) What did I find in the tinder boxes?

DM
Yes it is 200 gp and in the tinder boxes are flint and steel for making fires.

LEGILDUR
Legildur watches the woman strip the robes from a dead priest. Only now noticing her form and beauty. Quickly though she is covered and he realises that she now searches for a weapon. With Saggar seeing to Kinson, Legildur grasps his pack and removes a green club tied to the side of his pack.
Standing up, he approaches the woman and offers her the handle to the club (previously carried by Ess) as he introduces himself.
"I am Legildur of Los Vain. We," gesturing to the rest of the party, "Are the 'Band of the Silver Blade'. You may use this club if you wish."
If she accepts the club, he steps away and allows her to gather her thoughts (unless she speaks to him). If she does not accept the club, then Legildur simply shrugs his shoulders before retying the club to the side of his pack.

DM
She takes the club and smiles... She points timidly at his sword and then points at herself. Pointing towards the sword again and then Legildur and then herself.

SAGGAR
"I think she wants the sword my friend. Do you speak our language?"

DM
She shakes her head no. And makes a chopping motion with her arm. She points to her throat and shakes her head again.

BILADOC
I look around the room and when my eyes come upon Solomon, still trapped, I say to Voriax, pointing to the charmed warrior:
"Why don't you ask your new friend if he knows how to free Solomon from that light?"

ALOF
As I see the poison is no longer a threat I go to pick up my daggers and go to assist Biladoc in finding those poisoned daggers that were dropped.
When I am finished collecting these I will go over to the girl and introduce myself.
" Hello, my name is Alof. I see you are pointing to Legildur's sword. Perhaps one of my shortswords would be suiting."
(I'm dying to get rid of one of them, Why'd I pick the third sword up???)
If she accepts I'll give her the one I just found in the upper dungeon.
Noticing that she made the chopping motion, I ask:
"Did these priests do something to make you mute, chopping off your tongue?"
After saying this I patiently await her response.

DM
She takes the short sword in her hand like it is a strange object.
She shakes her head when you ask about them chopping off her tongue.
She opens her mouth to show you she still has her tongue. She points to her throat.

BILADOC
When I see Kaddar and Kinson getting up, I smile and slap Saggar on the back:
"Well done! See guys, I told you you'd be fine! Just try to be more careful next time, ok? You won't have me around to save you everytime... It's like I always say: humans are too big, they make excellent targets..."
I move to the girl and smile to her, extending my hand to her:
"I'm sorry, I was a little nervous back there... I'm Biladoc. Do you have a name?..."
I smile mischievously at Timor:
"Maybe you can take care of her, *sweet Timor*, now that Mareena is gone... And she seems the perfect company for you. Between the two, you'll speak as much as any of us..."
I sit down and take a piece of cheese and some walnuts from my backpack:
"This sure as made me hungry. Does anyone want some?"
I start eating, still smiling and waiting for anyone to do or say something.
OOC:
Don't pay much attention to Biladoc, he's just letting out some steam... ;-)

DM
She nods when Biladoc asks if she has a name. She shakes the young hobbit's hand smiling. She looks over to Timor as Biladoc addresses the priest.

SAGGAR
Advance towards her and attempt to examine her throat.
"Let me see, is it recent?"

DM
She shakes her head but you can see there are no scars or wound evident on her throat.

SAGGAR
"I think she has been silenced. It should wear off in a bit"

KINSON
Kinson finally takes stock of his surroundings. He removes a small bundle wrapped in padding from his backpack, he unwraps what appears to be a small vial of clear liquid (holy water in fact). He approaches and stands before the altar in the room: then in a loud voice proclaims:
"Mighty Torm this altar has been warped and used for evil purposes, we ask your divine intervention in its destruction to it."
While splashing the holy water on the altar he shouts:
"May no evil be done here again -- be DESTROYED!"

DM
Smoke rises from the altar as pits marks appear in its wooden surface. It begins to warp.

VORIAX
Voriax, not used to seeing such a thing involving religion, says:
"Hmmm... Interesting."

SAGGAR
Looking at Solomon still entrapped in the sphere, Saggar says:
"I know of nothing that will release that, perhaps we could damage it with physical attack?"

TIMOR
*sigh*
The charmed man's responses to Max bring to mind so many questions for Timor... but since the priest is still very busy trying to communicate with the speechless lady, he in truth can't take part in this conversation.
OOC:
So never mind. I just had to share my frustration of not being able to do two things at once. :)
Of course - if Max thinks about it using his above average intelligence, he will know that it will probably be a good idea to ask Saggar and Timor what they know about "the lady" or "fountain of praying hands" since both of those things are apparently strong religious references of some kind or another.
Charles, when we entered this room, we had to run through a wall of smoke of some kind. Is that wall of smoke still in effect or has it dissipated? and if it is still in effect, if there also a wall of smoke on the other doorway, or just the doorway we entered from?

DM
There was and is a wall of smoke on both doorways.

SAGGAR
Walking over to where Solomon is, he touches the sphere with a staff.

DM
Sparks fly from outside the blue shell that holds Soloman as you touch it with your staff.

SAGGAR
"I think it will dissipate in time. We should rest and wait"

TIMOR
"My dear, it is apparent that you can not speak...so please shake or nod your head."
Timor takes a breath of pause to allow both her and himself to gather thoughts.
"First, do you understand what I'm saying?"

DM
She nods in the afirmative.

TIMOR
Timor's voice returns to a normal speaking tone. With a smile, Timor asks his first, more direct question.
"Were you brought here against your will?"
Timor anxiously awaits a nod yes or shake no to this one.
He will also carefully watch for any hesitation or sign that she may not be telling the truth in her non-verbal response. He wants to know if she really was a prisoner or one of those people who believes it is her honour to be a sacrifice to a greater power.

DM
She nods affirmative without hesitation.

TIMOR
Timor places his hand to his medallion as a way of bringing attention to it. If that medallion means anything to her, then she will know that she is safe with him. If she doesn't seem to recognise it or recognise its meaning, Timor speaks softly.
"This means that I serve Elanna, the power of healing and goodness...it means that I will try and help you. Do you understand?"
(either way, Timor will continue)
"My name is Timor..." Timor takes a moment or two to think. "Do you know how to write your name?"

DM
She does not seem to recognise the medallion but nods when you explain it to her. When you ask her if she can write her name she shakes her head no.

TIMOR
"So I gather you were blind folded when you came in?"

DM
She nods as she puts her hands over her eyes again.

TIMOR
"And you can not speak now. Is this because of something they (motioning to the fallen foes) did?"

DM
She shakes her head that it is not something that they did to her.

TIMOR
"Was it something from before? from childhood or a later accident?"

DM
She nods in the affirmative to this.

TIMOR
"Did it have something to do with the pirates of the Lunar Sea?" he takes a moment to read a piece of paper now in his belt pouch, "err... Moon Sea?"
If no, Timor just shakes his head, it was just a random thought; if yes, Timor shows interest, his eyebrow perks up, but he doesn't ask anymore about it right now.

DM
The Lady shakes her head no.

TIMOR
"Do you know of any way to remove the bird from the blue sphere?"
(pointing towards Soloman in his entrapment)

DM
She shakes her head no.

TIMOR
"From the surface, did you travel _far_ to get here?" (he is hoping to figure out the relative distance to an exit to this place - and yes, he IS assuming that she is from the surface)

DM
She shakes her head no and holds up two fingers and shrugs.

TIMOR
Timor speaks slowly now, pausing in-between each statement allowing her time to nod or shake in-between each.
"Is that two days?" (pause for a yes or no from her.)

DM
She shakes her head no.

TIMOR
"two hours?" (pause for yes or no)

DM
She nods her head yes.

TIMOR
"Are you hungry? Would you like some of the cheese or nuts?"

DM
She holds up the iron rations and water that she has already been given.

TIMOR
"We are looking for a way out of here. You are welcome to come with us. In fact, your company would honour us. Will you join us?"

DM
She nods yes and points to Legildur and the short sword she now carries.

TIMOR
"Okay, (looking to the weapon she now holds courtesy of Legildur) you won't need to use that, but it is just an added precaution. Have you ever used or needed one of those before?"

DM
She shakes her head no and then yes.

TIMOR
"Are you hurt in any way? Bruises or cuts that need tending?

DM
She shows you that her ankles and wrists are cut from her trying to break and force the chains off.

TIMOR
Do the cuts look very severe? Have they clotted or is she still bleeding? If she is still bleeding (since wrist wounds can become quite serious) Timor will wrap his hands around her wrists and begin a prayer to Elanna
"Elanna, please alleviate the pain of this woman who has been through too much to undergo any more suffering." (cure light wounds) if the wounds look stable, minor or healed, Timor won't cast the spell.

DM
She is still bleeding but they do not look serious. though they must have been painful when she made them. You bandage them up deciding that a healing spell is not in order.

TIMOR
"Well then, let us wait for the others to finish what they are doing and then we will be on our way."
He begins to sit down, but as an after though adds:
"But while we are waiting do you know of any information at all that could help us? Perhaps noises that you passed on your way here? Other people that you heard? Any mention of a wind beast or wind dragon... or an orb of some kind?"

DM
She nods and mimics a talking sound with her hands.

TIMOR
Just confirmation that he understands:
"You heard other people talking?" (wait a yes or no)

DM
She nods yes.

TIMOR
"Male?" (await nod or shake)

DM
She nods yes.

TIMOR
"Female?" (await nod or shake)

DM
She nods yes.

TIMOR
"A one or two?" (await a nod or shake)

DM
She nods her head no.

TIMOR
"Many people?" (await yes or not)

DM
She nods her head yes.

TIMOR
"Okay - sorry for all the questions," he says with a smile.
"We are just trying to figure out where some missing friends are and where certain things are."
Timor then proceeds to do the courtesy of explaining his side of the story to the woman.
"We came into this cave by accident. By we later found out that there maybe someone and something down here that we must find. We also found other people down here, but later they got lost and we are still trying to find them or make sure they got out safely."
Timor then calls Legildur over if he isn't doing anything extremely important and has a very small side conversation with him. After which, the brown-eyed priest returns to the young lady.
"Say, does the robe fit okay? (await yes or no)

DM
She nods her head no.

TIMOR
"Is there something else you need or are you fine for now? (await yes or no)

DM
She nods her head no.

TIMOR
"well... we are have to try and find a way to release the my friend's bird... and then we'll be on our way again. Rest now while you can. You've been through a lot."

LEGILDUR
Legildur sighs quietly to himself and leaves Timor and Kinson dealing with the mute and the others examining Soloman. Thinking that if you want a job done you must do it yourself, he collects his shield and walks over to the scrap lying in the south east corner of the room and begins to prod it gently with his sword, turning bits over and sifting generally to see what is there.

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks at Timor with a slightly pained expression on his face. Realising that the priest is easily distracted, his thoughts soften as he responds to Timor's ideas on the ring.
"We decided previously not to ask for a map or compass. Besides, its more fun working it out as we go."
Legildur then sits down and removes his breastplate to tend his wounds.
"Timor, could you assists me here please." The two wounds still ooze blood and have a strange tinge around the puckered edges. Cleansing the two wounds with the priest's help, and then stitching them closed, it can be seen that they won't heal properly for a long time. He watches in interest as Kinson approaches the evil altar and invokes his god's wrath. His eyes widen slightly as the altar begins to warp and melt.
OOC:
DM: IN the SouthEast corner are some cloths piled there and possibly some other gear.
This is the line from the original room description I was talking about. Can Legildur search it?
I'm leaving tomorrow for about a week or so. Charles, please play Legildur for me. He turns include (in this order) finishing searching the room, awaiting Soloman to be available, healing himself with any help available, preparing to exit through the west door.
Have a good x-mas everyone and a happy New Year. Another wonderful year with Artisc. Thank you everyone and particularly you Charles for the effort.

DM
Legildur searches the cloths in the corner. He discovers 9 travelling cloaks of different colours. Searching them reveals one to have a silver spoon in a pocket.

KINSON
Kinson is resting after his work at destroying the altar, when he notices Legildur in the corner and becomes interested in what he's doing. He walks to the corner himself and asks.
"Hmm. Looks like you've found some cloaks there, mind if I take a look at them?"
OOC:
DM: What colours are the cloaks?

DM
3 blue, 2 black, 3 brown and one a deep red. KADDAR After a few moments to put himself together again, Kaddar thanks Saggar and the rest of the party for saving him of a sure dead. Then he says:
"I think we have to rest for a while, I do not want to play as warrior again, this time I was lucky to survive, I need to study and I need to eat, you should ask the lady if he knows the way out, If she does, then we must do something with our friend (he points at the charmed guard)".
After that, he sits, puts his sack/backpack on the floor and takes some food out, then he will try to study some spells if possible.

TIMOR
Timor gives a moment or two of thought to the prospect of freeing Soloman from the blue energy sphere. He then takes into account several other things that have been found and/or tried.
(in particular, when Saggar tried to touch it with a weapon, an energy spark disrupted)
"What if we somehow got one of the cloaks to with stand the energy spark - perhaps an enchantment or blessing from Elanna (or from another deity worshipped by one of us) cast upon a cloak... then we drape the cloak on the blue sphere...and then, touch the blue sphere (through the cloak)with Saggar's same weapon. If it releases another spark at that time, maybe the cloak will now be able to reflect or supress the spark, and get the spark to act upon the blue sphere itself... and maybe, just maybe, get the sphere to discharge itself at that time...."
OOC:
Yes, I know, its a long shot, but its the only idea I can think of :) - and besides, Timor would HAVE to think of something that involved a blessing from Elanna wouldn't he? ;)

KINSON
Kinson touches the blue cloaks, testing the thickness of the fabric.
(DM: Do the cloaks seem of good quality?)
He focuses on one of them (roll randomly) and says:
"Mmm. Nice cloak. Legildur, these are your find but I've always wanted to own a nice cloak. What can I do to persuade you to let me have one?"

DM
They are very good quality cloaks.

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks a little askance at the paladin before replying,
"Smile real nice like and I'll let you have one."
He then shakes his head and adds in an exasperated tone.
"Of course you can have one! You surely don't need my permission." "This spoon seems an odd thing to carry in a cloak." he says to Kinson. "I guess it is fairly obvious who was wearing the red cloak. Considering the colours, I'd guess they indicated seniority or importance within whatever passes for their church."
He ponders it some more and continues:
"I doubt that really matters though."
"Voriax, think fast!" he calls as he flicks the silver spoon to the mage in an under-handed toss. "What do you make of it?"
OOC:
DM: which cloak was the spoon in?

DM
It was in one of the black cloaks.

KINSON
An obvious look of embarrassment crosses Kinson's face for a moment, but he regains composure quickly. He takes one of the blue cloaks, before walking over to the pentagram.

VORIAX
Voriax will attempt to snap awake and catch the spoon. (while giving Legildur a dirty look :-)
OOC:
Anything magical looking about it? Any inscriptions on it?
BIC:
If not, I'll toss it back to Leggy and say.
"Got me. Looks like a utensil I saw once that you eat your food with. Try it sometime. It's cleaner than your fingers."
Voriax chuckles to himself...

DM
It has a letter P engraved on it. The spoon seems well crafted and you note even though it seems quite old it is not very worn.

LEGILDUR
Legildur deftly catches the return toss with barely a distraction from the distribution task. He then turns to his friend and tilts his head quizzically at the mage's problem is in using fingers to eat food, he then realises that the mage is having a gentle poke at the warrior and grins widely in reply.
"But Voriax, fingers are much faster! And I know where they have been!" as he pockets the silver spoon.

TIMOR
"Actually," begins Timor, "as I have never read of, or encountered members of this church faction before, such information IS quite useful - besides useful general knowledge, it also provides us with information that can help us should we run into these men's friends at a later day and time."

DM
As everyone watches the blue energy finally fades and blinks out of sight releasing a very distressed Soloman. Soloman flaps around the room squaking as best an owl can. Finally he comes to rest on Max's shoulder and stops. He shivers and just sits there tucking his face into the thick feathers on this neck.

TIMOR
Timor looks on with awe and relief as the azure sphere dissipates. And seeing Soloman alive and fly back to Max made all concerns Timor had about the creature cease.
Timor can now turn his attention to leaving this room that is now littered with the stench of death and carcasses.
"Folks, we have people to find, things to acquire, and places to go - I suggest we make haste and be on our way." Regarding that, Timor has a slight bone to pick with Legildur over a comment he made before...but it isn't something he wants to bring up, not now anyway, perhaps later...later when they finally leave this hole in the ground.
"And bring one of those cloaks for the young lady here - she will undoubtedly need the extra cover as these borrowed robes are of ill fit."

LEGILDUR
Legildur bring the lady one of the blue cloaks, which she uses to cover herself up.

TIMOR
Timor stands, wipes the dirt off his clothing (from sitting down on the ground all the time) and then helps the ill-dressed mute woman stand.
"Are you ready to go?" (Timor knows not to expect a verbal yes or no - he just watches for subtle or overt non-verbal responses such as hesitation, or firm nods or head shakes)

DM
She stands and nods pulling the cloak closer around her shoulders.

LEGILDUR
OOC:
I have put together a short history of this room say that we can make sure we covered everything before moving on. Charles, I counted up a total of 1600gp in coins, is this correct? Or are we double counting the 100pp?
What race is the mute female?
Main things of interest are the ring, money, 8 vials, 1 flask, invitation to ball in Waterdeep, ceremonial dagger (destroy this?), scrolls, silver spoon?
If I have it right then Legildur has 25hp left (of which 12 were life drained by the ceremonial dagger)
On the five priests the following is found:
5 vials of yellow/black paste (poison?)
100 pp
1 gold ring with a strange inscription in elvish that says "VASA"
5 daggers
1 ceremonial wavy dagger
1 shrunken head
1 invitation to a Ball in Water Deep given by the lords there
1 finger in a glass jar
16 weeks of iron rations
8 small vials of liquid that are not oil
A Bullseye lantern with 6 flasks of oil
50 feet of hemp rope
2 bone scroll tubes
2 tinder boxes
1 flask of bright blue liquid
4 pouches with 100g, 4 with 50gp, and 1 with 100 pp
3 wedges of cheddar cheese, 1 bag of walnuts, a bag full of green herbs of some sort...
One scroll tube holds 3 scrolls of 'raise dead'. The other 4 of 'Neutralise poison'. (two of which used on Kaddar and Kinson)
Legildur searches the cloths in the corner. He discovers 9 travelling cloaks (They are very good quality cloaks) of different colours (3 blue, 2 black, 3 brown and one a deep red). Searching them reveals one to have a silver spoon in a pocket.

DM
She is human , white , with white hair, yet seems young and quite tall.

KINSON
Kinson grabs his gear and makes sure everything is secure. He walks over to the pentagram on the floor and looks at it. If it's made with sand or drawn on the floor he'll rub it out with his foot, making sure no trace remains. He approaches one of the dead and cleans his sword and armour with their clothing. Finally he joins the group and indicates he's ready to move out.

DM
The pentagram is drawn with some sort of sparkling powder.

VORIAX
"Kinson, it should be safe to wipe out. I imagine the magical properties have expended themselves. You may not want to use your foot though just in case. Try one of those fancy cloaks."

TIMOR
Timor watches Kinson as he begins to move towards the centre of the room. Suddenly, it all looks _too_ familiar - the pentagram, the sparkling powder, the blue light that was once there...
"Elanna's hand have mercy! Kinson! - stay away from the pentagram!!!!"
Timor can only hope he called out in time...
(Timor will say the following IF
1)he was able to stop Kinson in time - or
2)he wasn't able to stop Kinson in time, but nothing happened when Kinson went near it)
"The powder pentagram - it is just like the pentagram that brought us (referring to Legildur, Voriax, Max, Silvan, Ayla, Reena, and himself) here... in an azure blue light very similar to the one Soloman was trapped in. This pentagram could also have some sort of teleporting enchantment on it. - And if that is the case, perhaps the priests were in the process of trying to teleport Soloman somewhere else as an offering to someone at its destination....But you shouldn't go near it until we are sure it won't have the same effect that the other pentagram had - at least not without warning anyway." Timor then picks up a stone from the ground and tosses it into the pentagram just to test it and see if it is safe or if it will make the stone disappear...
If the stone disappears, then his suspicions were correct and it isn't safe to enter the pentagram without preparation.
If the stone doesn't disappear, then most likely, Timor's suspicions were wrong, and it is most likely safe to move about the pentagram however one sees fit.

KINSON
Using the blue cloak he took, he folds it several times then swings it back and forth sweeping away the powdery pentagram. Afterward he shakes the cloak vigorously making sure no powder remains stuck to it.

DM
Nothing happens at this point. but then again Kinson just wiped the pentagram out with his cloak.

KINSON
As Kinson is swinging his cloak from side to side wiping away the pentagram, he hears Timor's yell, and then watches him throw a rock into the pentagram. Nothing happens. Kinson shrugs, and then resumes his job of clearing the design on the floor.
Afterward, he makes eye contact with Timor and winks at him.
"Thanks."

DM
The Pentagram is gone at this point. No ill effect befalls Kinson.

LEGILDUR
Legildur sees the dissatisfaction in Timor's eyes as he moves about the room. Legildur decides to give him the opportunity now if he wishes to say something and calls him over.
"Timor, can you assist me?"
If the priest comes over, Legildur continues "I am somewhat injured and could use some assistance from Elanna to recover before we move on. Will you?" he asks as he awaits the healing and for Timor to vent his frustration.

KINSON
Kinson waits for Timor to respond, if he doesn't Kinson will approach Legildur and offer to heal his wounds (lay hands).

TIMOR
Timor nods in the elvish warrior's direction, picks up Voriax's discarded lantern, and heads over to Legildur's side.
Timor squats before Legildur and places the lantern slowly on the ground so as not to knock it over. The priest grabs Legildur's arms and other wounded areas and brings them closer to the light so that he can inspect them properly. As he inspects each wound, Timor begins:
"Doesn't look too bad..." The priest is silent for a few more moments in deep concentration over the severity of the wounds.
"You know," he says to finally break the silence. "What we were talking about earlier - I am quite perturbed that you think wandering around in this abysmal cavern is 'fun' (Timor says that last word with seething fury). We have people dying, people missing, and the safety of Los Vain and its citizens in danger... and here I offer some possibilities as how to expedite our process and you dismiss the thoughts since you are having too much 'fun' down here."
Timor presses on some of the wounds rather sharply - in part to stop bleeding, but it could also be said that he was relieving some of his annoyances and tensions - Finally, Timor presses his hands firmly atop Legildur's shoulders and begins a prayer to Elanna. The priest's hands begin to almost glow with a mystical aura and Legildur can feel his wounds closing up. The elf can't help but notice Timor's healing just now was not the normal one which he usually uses, but something _slightly_ different.
Timor finally stands and picks up the lantern. As he begins to walk back to Selander's side of the cavern, Timor merely glances back and adds:
"As a warrior I do not question your ability, but as a man of compassion, I fear you are gravely misguided..."

LEGILDUR
Legildur grasps the remaining cloaks (blue gone to Girl and Kinson already) and begins tossing them to the taller members of the party (i.e. those who they will fit) who have not as yet collected one. Red to Timor, brown to himself and Max, blue to Voriax, black to Kaddar and Wrent.
He then rats all the rations and fresh food from the remaining packs and distributes it around the party (apart from the two newcomers who just collected entire packs) (one week iron rations each except for Legildur and Kinson (two weeks) to carry the extra weight).
Similarly, Legildur then distributes the collection of coins throughout the party (once again excluding the two newcomers) (160gp each in the form of 20pp and 60gp).
Max already has the ring inscribed with "VASA".
Legildur hands the five vials of poison ointment to Alof and Biladoc.
"No sense in leaving this stuff here for someone else. Besides, it may come handy."
He then passes the invitation to the ball to Voriax.
"When is the ball Voriax and who is the invitation for?"
Legildur can think of no reason to take the shrunken head and the finger in the glass jar, but he places them carefully in his backpack regardless, thinking they could be of some value to some misguided mage or treasure collector.
"Here Kaddar," calls Legildur to the mage, "Hold into this until we can work out what it is." he adds as he passes the flask of bright blue liquid to the elf.
The remaining seven vials (one used by Max in the treatment of the poison) of clear liquid (sweet water?) may as well remain with the packs they were found with.
Legildur looks intently at the ceremonial dagger used to good effect against him. Talking quietly to himself he says:
"I'll not be leaving you to fall into the wrong hands." as secures the dagger and scabbard on his belt.
Legildur says to Saggar
"Would it be best for the scrolls to be split between you and Timor." hoping that the dwarf will pass across one of the neutralise poison and raise dead scrolls to the other priest so as to make them more accessible in an emergency.

KINSON
"Thank you," says Kinson, taking the rations first then the coins, "most fair of you."
He notices Legildur passing the poison to Alof and Biladoc.
"Having been on the receiving end of that stuff, I wouldn't even inflict my worst enemy with it, a swift death from the sword would be much preferable. I pray it is never used again."

MAXIMILLION
Max settles down the owl on his shoulder.
"There Soloman. Well I have exhausted my spells and I'd bet that we have used our share of healing spells too. I suggest that we go back to our private room and heal. My new friend here should be able to help me for some time, as his recalling of the way he got here is not too well known. Still if we take him with us, he might be able to remember items here and there. At least then we would know one out of here and where it goes and that we can come back. How is everyone on supplies?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur points to the other smoking doorway in the west wall.
"Alof and Biladoc might you two take a quick peek and see what lies on the other side of that?"
He turns towards Saggar.
"Are we ready to travel?" he glances at the rest of the company of the Silver Blade to make sure everyone is ready to move out.

TIMOR
Timor finished fastening the newly acquired red cloak across his shoulders and collarbone - it will no doubt help protect him from the cold drafts and airy chill that permeate this area. True, it was formerly worn by a men of questionable morals... but the cloak is just an item and not evil itself (hopefully not anyway ;)
Just as he finishes with the last clasp and hook, Voriax hands the invitation to Timor. Timor looks with a bit of puzzlement as he thought he put it in his belt pouch earlier...ah well, he probably just dropped it. Timor unrolls the item and reads it aloud to all those who are interested.
"Ahem - " begins the brown eyed priest as he clears his throat. "The Lords of Water Deep invite the bearer of this invitation to the grand ball in one weeks time to celebrate the recent victory over the Pirates of the Moon Sea."
Timor gives a quick glance to everyone (including Selander and the guards and the others of the Silver Blade) to see if the names and places of reference hold any meaning to them.
With that said, Timor rerolls the invitation and places it in his belt pouch once again - hopefully this time it won't fall out ;) He also double checks his other pouch where he just pout the money - 20pp and 60gp (that's the correct amount of his share right? or was that total that was divide amongst everyone? - err, its supposed to be whatever number of coins was actually divided up to Timor)
The brown eyed priest can't help but think that he made out like a bandit (no offence Biladoc ;)...during the past five minutes he has acquired a cloak, some coins, an invitation to a ball in a far away land, 1 weeks iron rations, and Voriax's old lantern. (If no one else took the small sack of green herbs from the dead priests, Timor has taken that as well - someone let me know)
OOC:
Timor doesn't want the scrolls or the vials that were picked off the dead priests since taking them would imply that he planed on using them and given the fact that such things are most likely actually enchanted by the evil priest's evil deity, Timor wants no part of them....of course, in some emergency situation, Timor might actually end up using one, but still, Timor won't carry one as it would imply his acceptance of it.

LEGILDUR
Legildur sucks sharply in as Timor pushes on the wounds and grins at him while thinking the young priest has a lot to learn about humour and its place in dealing with stress.
"Nay Timor," says Legildur, "I do not dismiss your suggestions out of hand. Simply that I feel we have other options available - some of which we had already discussed. Besides, using magic is no guarantee of success."
After either Timor or Kinson 'heal' Legildur he begins to focus a little better to the task at hand. He asks the guard that Max has charmed
"Barg. Which cloak and pack are yours?". If he indicates which are his, Legildur tosses these to him for him to carry. He then grabs another pack and tosses it to the girl.
"Best we know your name before we leave here. Can you write it down? Do you wish to wear some chain mail from the guards?" he asks the girl.
Legildur notes that Voriax has exchanged his hooded lantern for the bullseye lantern and that Timor has sensibly collected the discarded lantern.
Then he watches the other party members as they secure their treasure and as Alof sticks his head through the mist wall to the west.

DM
Barg nods and points to one of the packs and a brown cloak.
"Those be mine"
The girl shakes her head and looks kinda sad.
She looks at the chain mail and shrugs and then nods yes. She attempts to put it on over the robe she already has but is having problems with the buckles on the mail.

BILADOC
I stop eating, take the rations and the vials and put them away. I almost choke as Legildur mentions dividing the money:
"What?! After all the trouble I had finding it and putting it away in my backpack and counting it and all?! I'm doing you all a favour, carrying it so you can have more space for the vials and food and stuff and now you want me to take it out again and divide it and..." If Legildur frowns really hard at me (which he probably would) I'll divide the gp, still complaining and mumbling. ;-)
When he mentions me and Alof going through the smoke screen, I scream, waving my arms around:
"Oh yeah, sure! I'm not good enough to hold on to the &$%&& money but when it comes to risking my !"#$"#!$ neck and go in into a blasted #$%$#& room through a %$%#$$% smoke barrier, sure, lets send Biladoc first! Elves and humans, all the #$%"& same!"
I move into the next room, daggers ready, mumbling softly...
OOC:
Hey, got to keep in character, right?... ;-)

KINSON
Kinson will move with Alof to the second smoky doorway.
"Might I suggest poking your head through before actually stepping through the smoke. A little bit of wisdom I learned along the way."

LEGILDUR
Legildur sucks sharply in as Timor pushes on the wounds and grins at him while thinking the young priest has a lot to learn about humour and its place in dealing with stress.
"Nay Timor," says Legildur, "I do not dismiss your suggestions out of hand. Simply that I feel we have other options available - some of which we had already discussed. Besides, using magic is no guarantee of success."

ALOF
I turn to the charmed warrior and ask one final question (unless it's been asked) " Do you have anyone waiting for you in this maze in the way from which you came? "
If the answer is no then I proceed to check where Legildur asked me to. (Daggers in hand as always)

DM
He shakes his head slowly, "No, no one waiting in the maze. "
Glancing through the smoke you see a hallway going west ten feet and then it splits South and West. The next ten-foot section (20-30 from the archway you are in) A hallway branches off to the north. Then it goes twenty feet where another hallway branches to the north. And finally the next ten feet (the 50-60 from the archway) the hall ends in a thick wooden door. The door has a Statue to the left and right of some sort of Gargoyle.... Them seem recessed into the wall as if they where carved from the very stone of the wall.

BILADOC
I turn back to the others and say:
"Why don't we rest for a while? I don't like those statues... they look like they're waiting for someone to pass them to jump... And we just had a hard fight. I'm for resting and recover whichever spells you mages and priests use before moving on."
I nod towards the girl we found:
"And she could use some rest too, I bet."
I then wait for the others to speak, keeping a suspicious eye on the statues and trying to listen for any noise coming from the halls...

MAXIMILLION
"Well are we going to continue or are we going to rest up. All I can do until tomorrow is throw darts. How are the rest of the spell casters doing spell wise."

LEGILDUR
When the mute girl shakes her head in response to Legildur's question about her writing down her name, he thinks for a moment.
"Well that won't do. We could try to guess your name, but I fear that would take a godly amount of time and be very frustrating." he says as he assists her with the buckles for the armour.
"Unless of course you are good at charades? Another option is that we name you rather than just call you girl. What do you think of Selander Yas Quasa or Selander for short?"

DM
She seems impressed with the name and nods hurriedly.

LEGILDUR
Legildur watches Barg collect his brown cloak and pack, privately wondering how long Max's charm will hold and expecting that the charm will break at the most inopportune time (for the party).
Legildur is distracted from his thoughts about Barg as Biladoc continues his grumbling about the money.
"Sure Biladoc," says Legildur as he fixes the hobbit with a stare that indicates little discussion about the matter will be tolerated "You can hold all the money. I was just concerned that carrying another 80 pounds of weight would slow you down and make you more vulnerable. By spreading it around you stand a better chance." he adds with only a slight tinge of sarcasm but with somewhat of a smile on his features at the hobbit's suggestion. The smile reaches his eyes as he pictures a struggling hobbit thrown overboard by rough seas refusing to part with his treasure even though he can't swim with it.
First Max and then Biladoc both suggest resting from the last two encounters. Looking around the party Legildur sees that, apart from himself, Max, Saggar, Wrent and Kaddar have all sustained injuries and he knows that the mages have used some of their spells.
"I agree Biladoc. Pushing ahead now might be riskier than need be. Let's exit this room by the west and take one of the northbound corridors until we reach the library again. I think the first corridor will lead back to the north doorway to this room."
Legildur then walks over to Kinson and speaks quietly to him.
"Can you tell if these guards are evil or merely in the employ of evil. If the latter, we may be able to convince them to work with us?"

KINSON
She's not the only one impressed with the name. Kinson raises an eyebrow in surprise at such a complex name given on the spur of the moment.
"Selander..." he says slowly. "I rather like it, kind of rolls off the tongue -- does the name have a meaning?"

VORIAX
"Combat wise I have a magic missile and a web left. I have a couple of other spells that may come in useful again but not necessarily so. Of course, at my level of proficiency I'm only good for a few attack spells."
Voriax shrugs his shoulders.

KINSON
Kinson seems surprised by such words.
"Good Voriax, you speak of your abilities in an offhand manner, but you alone are probably more powerful than an entire town of common folk! Your magics may seem trivial to you, but be assured that your powers are quite impressive."

VORIAX
"Why thank you Kinson. I'm just looking forward to the day when I can cast some more powerful spells. There are a few that I am really waiting for"
Voriax gets an interesting gleam in his eyes.

KINSON
Kinson sniffs the air, then smiles.
"Do I smell smoke?" He begins to laugh slapping Voriax on the back.

BILADOC
I listen to Legildur's remark about excess weight and start taking out the money and giving everyone a share. I keep mumbling in a low voice:
"I have all the work and they get all the profit... Nice, real nice..."
I look at the girl and then say to the others:
"Maybe Slender should be in the middle of the party. If any trouble arises, she won't be in our way."
I smile at her:
"No offence, we just fight better if we don't have to worry about you getting hit..."
After that, I pick up my stuff and start going to the first north bound hall, watching the floor and walls as I proceed.

DM
She nods in agreement with your comments.

LEGILDUR
"Roughly translated from Lasvanti it means 'lucky one (saved) from the grave'," says Legildur while looking at Selander, "But yes, it does roll of the tongue nicely."
"I'm glad you like it," he says to Selander, "Maybe one day you will be able to tell us your real name."
Legildur smiles more to himself than anyone else as Biladoc distributes the treasure amongst the party.
"That's a good suggestion for Selander," he says to the grumbling halfling, "I was thinking along similar lines. What about you and Alof as the scouts, followed by myself and Kinson, then Voriax and Saggar, Max and Timor, Selander and Barg, Wrent and Kaddar?"
(marching order below)
Assuming everyone agrees to the positions the party exits through the western doorway, paying particular attention to what is down the southern corridor. Legildur also indicates with his hands that the scouts should move down to the intersection of the second of the northern corridors just to see what is there (leaving the statues alone for the moment).
OOC:
A couple of things are yet to be resolved:
1) Kinson's detect evil of the guards (assuming Selander is not evil)
2) Whether it is Timor or Kinson who heals Legildur (awaiting Kermie's response)
3) Whether or not Charles allows Kinson to prevent Biladoc slaying the trussed guard (Charles seemed to think that the guard still existed but I seem to recall that Paulo did say something about killing him - I'll check my archives)
Marching Order:
Alof______Biladoc

Legildur___Kinson
Voriax_____Saggar
Timor_______Max
Selander___Barg
Kaddar_____Wrent

BILADOC
OOC:
I killed that guard when Kinson was still unconscious due to the poison. The action I took had two motives:
1 - If the guard did knew any way to fight the poison, it would be the fastest way to get him to tell us what it was;
2 - If he didn't knew any antidote, it was one less thing to worry about and we still had the other guard to interrogate.
Hey, I was just being pragmatic about this (not to mention keeping in character... I'm not exactly Lawful/Good, you know?...).

KINSON
OOC:
Don't let Kinson find out, he thinks everyone is lawful good. :-)
This could provide some very interesting interactions in the future. ;-)
Let's have fun!

ALOF
I will walk back into the room and take whatever I was offered. What I take (or received from distributions) I will put into my backpack.

LEGILDUR
Legildur follows Biladoc and Alof as they exit the room and begin to scout ahead.
OOC:
I indicated that the scouts should look down the other corridors just so we had a bit more info before retiring to the library).

KINSON
As Legildur approaches the second smoky doorway, Kinson is standing near.
"Stop for a moment good friend and let me attend to thy wounds."
Assuming Legildur pauses for a few moments... Kinson draws out his holy symbol hanging on a leather cord around his neck. He closes his eyes briefly in concentration saying:
"Holy Torm please grant me your healing powers for this good companion..."
The gauntleted fist image on his holy symbol glows white for a moment and then Kinson places his hands on Legildur's shoulders. Legildur feels his wounds closing and some of his strength return.
OOC:
You are healed for 10HP.
BIC:
"I'm not sure, but the enchantment on the guard might affect my ability to detect evil intent within him. I think we will have to wait until he is no longer bemagiced to find his true intentions. Let's take a quick look at the hall way shall we?" And he walks through the smoke at Legildur's side.

DM
Out the west door you go looking first south. You see the hall goes seventy feet south where it turns to the east. Going a little further you look north. It goes forty feet north. A hallway goes off to the east on the 30-40 foot section. The hall continues north 20 more feet and goes on into darkness.
Do you want to move to the next hall to the north? You are getting closer to that east door and the gargoyle statues.

MAXIMILLION
"Well let's head on back to our secret room and camp. I have a lot of memorising to do."

LEGILDUR
Legildur halts at Kinson's request.
"Thank you Kinson for your help." says Legildur as some of his wounds are healed by the Paladin's ministrations.
Stretching tenderly he nods in satisfaction at the new-found freedom of movement. "Much better."
Exiting the room, Legildur looks south and north. Just as the scouts are heading for the north corridor near the gargoyles Max reminds Legildur of their next requirement. Sighing gently to himself in agreement, Legildur quietly calls the scouts back to take the first northbound corridor for the party to return to the library.

DM
Heading north down the first north bound hallway you find yourself at the intersection. (And yes they do connect.:-)) The hallway to the north goes sixty more feet from here out of sight.

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks around to ensure that everyone has followed and then signals for the scouts to return to the library.

SAGGAR
"So are we to find a route to exit these caverns?"

LEGILDUR
"A route out is easy enough," says Legildur, "We could simply use the same method used to send Ayla, Silvan and Mareena on their way."
"But," he adds, "We also must find the orb and our missing friends, otherwise we achieve little."

SAGGAR
"Thee does assume the orb is here, and our comrades could have already left his place."

LEGILDUR
"Assumptions they are Saggar," responds Legildur with a shrug.
"But we have had some good clues that this is the maze of the orb." he adds, unwilling to share more information in front of our new visitors than is absolutely necessary.
"I truly hope that our friends have already left this mad house and are busy quaffing mead by the pint while waiting for us," says Legildur wistfully as he watches the scouts move up the north corridor.
"But I fear they face similar challenges as do we, but without the numbers or resources to survive. This place seems only to have a way in and no way out." he adds with a shake of his head.
"I will not give up on finding our friends," says Legildur with some venom,
"But if we recover the orb then we have little choice but to leave almost immediately. We can then return for our friends later. In the meantime I intend for us to survive, keep searching and have some fun." (the last said for Timor's benefit.)
"If anyone disagrees, we can speak further on it in the library," says Legildur in an genuine offer of discussion.
"I know what I shall be doing. But right now, Max is correct, we need to replenish ourselves while we can."
He finishes, turning to follow the two halflings as they lead the way back to the library.

SAGGAR
Saggar shakes his head: "We know not even where we are, and if the orb is here we could always return by way that we entered. If not, we waste our time within these halls."

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks quizzically at the dwarf.
"Return by the way we entered?" says Legildur with a look of curiosity and confusion on his face.
"What do you mean? Ours was a one-way journey as best we could tell but for the magic we brought with us. Was your experience different?"

SAGGAR
"We stepped through a gate, that brought us magically here"

LEGILDUR
"Aye," says Legildur knowingly, "So did we. But we could find no way to activate it from this side."

MAXIMILLION
Max speaks up:
"Well actually we know of at least one way to get out of the caves and get back in and with Barg's help, there may be a 2nd way. Did anyone find a map on any of the priests by the way?
I believe that there are four plans that we can choose from.
1) We can leave the same way the princess did. We might have to fight our way but we could then get back to the portal and back to here and get restocked in the meantime.
2) Yesterday morning, I detected that the magic wall is a portal and see where that goes. If all else fails and we need to get back we can choose option 1.
3) We can find the exit that the priests and Barg were going to use. It can't be too far or the priests would have to have a map and as we are looking for it Barg can tell us if he remembers anything that we lead us to the point where the ported into this area. If we are going to do this option, we need to do it first, since I am sure that Barg would like to go home as soon as possible.
4) We continue to explore this area, this is like the 3rd option except we open all doors and going in a wider search instead of a line.
I for one can now cast magic spells of the 2nd order, but have none of those spells, therefore I would like a chance to obtain some, plus I am curious about where that one gate leads to, therefore I am interested in option 2, but I would also be easily persuaded to do option 3. Option 1 can be done at any time we need to and option 4 can wait."

LEGILDUR
"No map that I saw." says Legildur. "Having already spoken to Barg, he doesn't seem to know how to get out of here either. As for using the magic wall you found, I fail to see how that will benefit us? We'd simply go somewhere else that we don't know anything about."
"No," says Legildur with a slight shake of his head, "Our next step is to rest. Then we continue searching for the orb. Like I said before to Saggar, we can leave this place anytime we want, but I am confidant that the orb is nearby and that we shall find it. That was your option four I think even though you made no mention of the orb? I feel we have little choice."

DM
The group moves back down the halls quickly heading towards the secret library. You reach the library with no problem and enter. A strange cloud still floats in the air above. you remember the warning about making noise in this place as you enter. Everyone settles down and takes turns watching the secret door. Voriax can be seen glancing through books from time to time as is Max. No one speaks as the group rests. 10 Hours later the group is all rested and the mages have studied their spell books. priests have silently prayed to their respective gods. Selander wakes last in a cold sweat. Glancing around she quickly gathers her sword and cloak. She appears ready to move and offers with an outstretched hand to take Alof's backup.

SAGGAR
Saggar finishes his prayers and prepares to move out.
"How long do we search here before we seek to exit? How much food have you brought?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur sits down with a sigh.
"Timor, Saggar. Can the two of you take care their injuries?" says Legildur while waving his hand in the direction of Max, Wrent and Kaddar.
Inspecting Vinguard, Legildur runs a gentle hand down the length of the weapon before taking a whetstone and gently honing the edges to ensure it is 100 per cent. After a few minutes of this, he seems satisfied that the sword is restored to its peek condition and lightly oils the blade with a small cloth.
"You have done some good work today Vinguard," he says softly to the sword before sliding it home in the scabbard.
Next, removing his plate mail, Legildur grimaces as he pulls it over his injured ribs, inspecting it for any damage sustained during the last melee and repairs any that he can. He then turns his attention to the kite shield and lightly polishes and oils it before leaning it up against the wall.
Legildur's boots and gloves then receive attention and finally his clothes, before preparing a meal from his rations which he eats quietly (unless someone wants a discussion), watching the other party members.
OOC:
Obviously we don't need to worry about watches as the night 'passed' without incident.
BIC:
Laying out his bedroll, Legildur lies down and thinks about the day's actions and what could have been done to improve the outcomes. He is still thinking about melee tactics, spelunking and lost friends when he drifts easily off to sleep.

VORIAX
To Max:
"I have some few spells of the "second order" as you call them. They are not much but you are welcome to study them for now. Have I seen what spells you have in your book? (I think I have)"
Second level spells: Wizard Lock, Web, Flaming Sphere, Knock, Levitate, Protection from Timor (I mean, Cantrips). Study what you want.

DM
If you have the ink or someone has the ink you need you may spend the extra time and get that done.

SAGGAR
Saggar will look to those mentioned to see how wounded they are, tending to the wounds and casting cure light wounds upon their wounds(3 spells available)

LEGILDUR
Legildur is fishing around in his pack when he exclaims, "Ahhhh. I had forgotten about this," he says as he withdraws a pouch from his backpack.
He quickly counts the gold coins into ten piles and passes a pile to each of Alof, Biladoc, Kinson, Voriax, Saggar, Max, Timor, Wrent and Kaddar.
"I recovered this from the trapper, along with some gems which, unfortunately, can't be divided easily." (35gp to each character) Legildur is finishing securing the last of the straps on his elaborate plate mail suit when Saggar asks his valid question. He picks up the griffin faced helm and pauses in thought.
"Perhaps we need to discuss this further," he nods in acknowledgement of the dwarf's question. "For me, I seek while I still can. My people need the orb to survive the onslaught from Asga. I seek it for my people or to at least deny it to Los Vain's enemies," says Legildur, "To me, that means while it is likely I will survive (since I can't recover it dead) and while supplies last. I carried in around 11 days of dry rations. Along the way we have found numerous supplies of cheese, dried fruit, herbs and the 16 weeks of iron rations that the priests held. With this, I currently could survive for three weeks, and I know most of you carry at least a week's worth of food, if not more."
"I intend to search every nook and cranny of this place until we locate the orb. If that means leaving at some stage to resupply and rest, then so be it, but I shan't leave until it is absolutely necessary," says Legildur.
"Besides, every encounter down here seems to reduce the stock of evil in the world - a worthy way to spend one's time". Placing the helm on his head and lifting the faceplate he then asks of the party:
"Are you all with me?"

VORIAX
OOC:
What are you trying to kill me??? I can't carry all this gold! Oh, except for my magical bag. Never mind. :-)
BIC:
"I of course, am with you Legildur. We have had some great times since we met and I am in no hurry to part ways. I have nothing better to do with my time than help the elves. I am curious about the orb anyway. Anything made by dragons should be interesting."

TIMOR
Although slightly hesitant due to the same thoughts that filled his slumber, Timor realises that the morale can not be betrayed by his own resistance until he has made a firm decision as to what he wants to do.
"Yes. I am still with the Band of the Silver Blade - Los Vain needs our help, and surely the hand of Elanna has been one of the main reasons this group has been able to survive as long as it has."
Timor looks at the pile of gold pieces on the ground before him. He begins collecting them into his right hand while counting them off with his left. As he puts the thirty-fifth piece into his palm, he can't help but think of all the good this money could do at the temple.
He begins to put it away, but his thoughts remind him that right now there is someone more in need of charity than his temple - after all, he has many other gold coins that have been collected that can be donated... but right here, right now, there is someone who is perhaps without anything at all.
The brown eyed priest removes one of his belt pouches and fills it with the 35 gold coins just given to him by the elvish warrior Legildur.
"Selander," he calls out from across the room, "here is a small token from the healing hands of Elanna - not only do we do what we can to mend your body and mind, but we do what we can to help mend your life."
With that said, the priest hands Selander the belt pouch with the 35gp in hopes that she will take the money and (when she gets out of here) use that money to help rebuild her life - to purchase clothes and misc. to replace whatever she may have lost while being brought down here for the evil priest's fell purposes.

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks at the dwarf, thinking it unusual for the priest to be laughing since he can't recall another time where he has.
"So Saggar, will you lend your axe in support of Los Vain? It would be greatly welcomed," he asks.
Before the dwarf responds, Voriax's support is forthcoming and Legildur nods in his direction in acknowledgement.

SAGGAR
"I lend my axe against all that seek to proffer darkness upon the lands, our enemies are the same my friend. To hell with their kin"

LEGILDUR
"Aye friend. To hell with them all!" says Legildur in agreement, "And I'll be glad to help them get there."
OOC:
I think we are waiting on the mages to sort their spells out for the day, then we are ready to move. Everyone (bar) me should be at full hit points and I assume that all the healing was done before resting so that everyone is charged up for the day ahead?

VORIAX
"Well Max. Do you have the ink to copy the spells? If so, feel free. I have some ink but I am trying to ration it since I don't know when I'll be able to pick up another bottle. If there is a spell you particularly want though I'll be happy to copy it for you."

MAXIMILLION
"Thanks Voriax, I take a crack at learning those spells."
(Spells not learned: Flaming Sphere, Wizard Lock)

DM
Now you can memorise one or if you have the ink copy one into your spell book.

MAXIMILLION
Max has the ink and copies over the spells.

DM
Make sure to subtract your ink good Max.

KINSON
Uncharacteristically for Kinson, he spends only a minimal amount of time tending to his weapons, armour, and equipment. He does only what is necessary for their function, but does no polishing, or fine tuning. It's been a long day and his mood seems melancholy.
When Legildur and Saggar broach the subject of leaving or staying, and for how long he says:
"I now have over three weeks of food." Then looking at Legildur he says simply:
"I am with you."
Needing no healing, except for his spirit, which was badly bruised today -- a brush with death has that tendency. He finds a corner and performs his daily prayers, then lies down for a fitful night of sleep. The trace amounts of poison in his system cause violent and fearful dreams. He awakes feeling only slightly better than before his rest.

TIMOR
Timor unfastens his newly acquired red cloak, ruffles it out and lays it on the ground as a make shift bed for himself. With his pack and staff lying on the ground some five feet away from him, he drifts off into slumber. His sleep is not peaceful though, he tosses and turns...turns and tosses - for his own mind feels conflicted ever since his minor disagreement with Legildur. The young (and naive) priest still questions the elvish warriors morals... and as if adding salt to an open wound, his thoughts about Legildur lead him to wonder about a certain few of the others... some of them have acted questionably... and surely, if it weren't for the good acts Timor has witnessed at the hands of the band of the Silverblade, the brown eyed priest would perhaps by now have found another sort to travel with and with whom to spread the name and power of Elanna....
For this shall definetly be a thought that weighs heavily on the young priest's mind for some time....

VORIAX
"Max, I just found another spellbook that I had acquired and forgotten about. It's been with me for a little while now. There are a few other second order spells if you were interested. It has Melf's Acid Arrow (which I can't use. You can tear the page out. :-), Knock, and Invisibility. There are also a few first order spells (Cantrip, Grease, Light, and Feather Fall) if you needed any of those."

LEGILDUR
Picking up his backpack, and testing the weight of it, Legildur comments generally:
"We may have to return to the surface soon regardless in order to lighten our load. I am carrying considerable treasure here. While I'd not be overly fussed about leaving the coinage behind (although the party do seem some pangs of doubt in his statement), we are carrying much magic of which we have little knowledge that could aid us in our endeavours. Voriax, Timor, Max and I know someone nearby who can assist in this matter if we return."

VORIAX
"I was considering that with a few spellcasters and so many fighters that it may be possible and prudent to attempt to conserve some spells. The only thing we stopped for this time was to replenish spells for the most part. If the fighters can do the most work, with one wizard chipping in per combat if possible, that would allow us to stretch out a lot more time between rests. What do you think, mages and priests?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks up from his not so tasty breakfast as the silver-haired mage starts to speak. Listening to Voriax, he thinks the mage makes sense to a degree but doesn't comment since he has limited knowledge of magic use and its limitations. Any improvement in the use of limited firepower is, however, a good thing in his mind - especially when he has seen both impressive successes and failures from spells cast thus far.
Speaking of which (successes that is - but potential failures as well):
Legildur turns to Max to see him carefully scribing something in a book. He thinks to himself that perhaps he ought to learn to read and write someday, but this random thought quickly leaves him. Waiting until the Mage has finished his task and taken a drink of water, Legildur says to him
"No offence meant Max, but I have doubts about your friend,"
indicating Barg, who is continuing with his own morning routine.
"What events are likely to undo your hold on him? I only ask so as to know what plans to put in place should something happen at an inconvenient time."

MAXIMILLION
Max looks up from his concentration.
"Barg and I will be chums for awhile. When one is made to be friendly like Barg has, then the amount of time that he would stay friendly is based on how intelligence, note this is different from being knowledgeable. This was one of the reasons I asked what all he recalled of his journey here. He seems to be of average intelligence, which should make him friendly for a month. I plan to only have him here for a week to give a safe cushion in case he is smarter than I think. Although if we can safely get rid of him before then, then I will do so. I do mean safe for him. I am responsible for him. He will either die defending us or we will send him away, to do some task for us.

VORIAX
Voriax muses to himself.
"Hmmm. Die defending us. That sounds safe enough I guess. For a charmed person with no choice. Oh well."
He shrugs and continues packing his belongings.

TIMOR
The sound of others preparing to leave wakes the sleepy Timor. His sleep was not as restful as he had hoped, and the fact that the morning sun is not here to greet him upon waking only adds to his lethargy.
With a few splashes of water from his water skin, a few bites to eat, and his morning prayers to Elanna said and done, Timor is now ready to move onward.
With his pack and cloak over his shoulders, his metallic walking staff in one hand and lantern in another...and the resolve of accomplishment to lead him, the brown eyed Timor heads out the door with the others ready (hopefully) to face the challenges that lay ahead.

VORIAX
Voriax packs away his books and candle quite carefully and gathers his belongings to leave.
"Where were we going Legildur? I'm not sure I like the looks of those gargoyles myself. I have no problem with that direction, but gargoyles are normally symbolic of all sorts of trouble, aren't they?"

LEGILDUR
"Aye, that they are," says Legildur to his friend, "But based on what Kinson told me about his, Biladoc's (or Alof's?) and Saggar's adventures with the spectre and around that area, I would think they probably bode ill for us. I have no doubt that we will need to pass them eventually, but I'd prefer later rather than sooner. There are many other areas within this madman's maze that are less intimidating and may yet yield clues as to the whereabouts of the orb."
"As to where next," he continues, "I think the easternmost of the two n/s corridors that we left last night would be a good start. It is close, and based on Biladoc's map, I'd say it doesn't lead too far. Speaking of which, Biladoc and Alof, can we update everyone's map to reflect our new finds? Can we quickly create some new maps for Selander and Barg? Just in case anyone is separated from the party. Also, in case anyone should become separated from the party, try and make your way back to the library and we will come back for you. If however you are lost, then likely we won't find you."

KINSON
Kinson laughs!
"Voriax my friend, in my line of work, I've been in a lot of churches, and nearly everyone of them has a gargoyle or two hanging about them -- they are rain spouts! I never met one that was symbolic of trouble, unless it were to fall on y..."
Then in mid sentence he realises what he's said, and stops, a serious look coming over his face.
"...although I don't suppose they get much rain down here..."

----------------
Lets have a brief moment to ponder Kinson's words before moving on. Everyone is prepared to move out and face whatever is waiting in the dark corridors of this strange maze. Follow the party onto the next chapter and unfold the mysteries of the Maze... if you dare!


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