DM
The group leaves the library and heads towards the room where they fought the priests. Their footsteps echo as they travel down the stone corridors. Finally they go out the West door of the room where the Priests where killed. Barg seems happy to be with Max. Selander sticks close to Timor and Legildur when she can. Timor catches her admiring Legildur from a distance. She smiles at Timor pointing at her sword and then at Legildur.
Looking down the one hallway to the north. The first one you reach when going west. (Bypassing the hallway heading south) You head north. Alof and Biladoc move forward like small shadows in the darkness ahead. The Reach the intersection of the hallway heading East that goes back towards the priest room. From there they begin measuring the distance northwards. 180 feet and finally on the 180 to 190 a hallway branches off to the Right. (West) The hallway continues going North into the darkness. Looking West they see the hallway goes forty feet and a hallway goes off to the north (30-40 foot area has opening to the north) It goes twenty more feet West and goes out of sight.
At the intersection where Alof and Biladoc crouch looking west there is a partially decayed skull of what could have been a goblin of some sort. To the West where the hallway branches north they see two large orcs wearing chain armour and sporting kite shields. The orcs are talking to each other in hushed voices.

LEGILDUR
Legildur listens thoughtfully to Max's long explanation of Barg's forced loyalty and feels somewhat reassured by his words. He then turns his mind to Kinson's comments on the gargoyles and thinks to himself that they also served as guardians, but that the knight is astute in noting that they cannot possibly serve their water spout function in these depths.
The Band moves out in their now established marching order (now adjusted for the newcomers):

Alof       Biladoc

Legildur   Kinson
Voriax     Saggar
Timor      Max
Selander   Barg
Wrent      Kaddar

KINSON
Kinson stops moving and remains still, standing beside Legildur.

LEGILDUR
Assuming Alof and Biladoc return to the party without being noticed: The Band gets a mental picture of the situation from the accurate descriptions provided by the scouts. Legildur then addresses the Band in little more than a whisper.
"They seem to be sentries for a larger group. What's the best way to deal with them without alerting their main body, which is probably nearby? We could try getting them from behind by going north, but that has many risks attached to it and I would not recommend it. That seems to leave either spells or range weapons to catch them by surprise and using bows or daggers and axes is fraught with its own risks."

KINSON
Kinson shakes his head, indicating he doesn't like that idea either.

TIMOR
Timor, despite his standing towards the back of the group of people, can't help but notice the orcs are speaking in a hushed tone. Surely they are a bit more unruly by nature - hence, if they are speaking quietly... they must have a specific reason for doing so...
In a moment of realisation, Timor's brown eyes go wide - did *he* just have a thought like that? Surely he has been spending too much time around Legildur and the others if his mind is now filling with the understanding of instincts and survival actions...

LEGILDUR
"What spells do you have that can silently deal with them?" he quietly asks of the spellcasters (Voriax, Max, Kaddar, Timor and Saggar).

VORIAX
"Nothing quiet except for colour spray. I have a web that if I got lucky it might shut them up. Other than that, it's all loud and nasty for me."

KINSON
Kinson stands quietly waiting for the spellcasters to respond; he peers down the hall into the darkness watching for any movement that isn't a party member.
He takes his bow and gets ready to use it. Even though it's been only days since he last used it, it seems like an eternity.
OOC:
DM: Can the scouts tell what distance the two orcs are from the intersection? What range (S/M/L)?

DM
40 feet from the intersection.

TIMOR
Timor blinks as he stares at the back of Voriax's head (note Timor is standing behind Voriax in the travelling order, hence, he's look at the back of the mage's head ;) 'did he just say that?' the priest asks himself...'hopefully, he is just joking...'
"There is something..." begins Timor as a way of hopefully changing the topic from whatever Voriax had in mind.
"But I've never done it from this distance before and don't know how well it will work..."

MAXIMILLION
Max whispers, "Well I can provide three options.
1) Cast invisibility on Solomon and then he can fly past the guards to see what's behind them.
2) I cast invisibility on Biladoc and let him do the same and comeback to us or comeback and back stab one of the guards.
or 3) I can cast sleep. Of course if I were to use sleep I would rather take out the guards with missile weapons and sleep the reinforcements.

ALOF
As Max whispers "backstab" my eyes light up at the thought and the people in the front hear me mumble:
"Boy, it's been a while since I've got one of those in, *smiles* poor little troll."
I then whisper:
"Want me and Biladoc to try and creep closer and try and lure them from their post and you guys go in and through the door or vice versa?"
I stand waiting for a reply and for what actions I am needed.

LEGILDUR
Legildur attempts to scratch the back of his neck through the chain mail coif as he ponders the options (OOC: Wish Kaddar and Wrent were here so that we might broaden our options a little further) that he, Max and Alof have suggested.
"Luring them out MIGHT work," says Legildur in response to Alof's suggestion, "However, if they are disciplined, and by having set sentries I believe they are, then they would probably alert others before investigating."
"It might seem to be overkill, but if we can deal with them silently, we'll gain a large advantage in ambushing the main body. From what I have seen of the spellcasters in action so far, I believe that the orcs are out of range of your spells if you were to cast them from the intersection, am I correct?"
Assuming the response is affirmative, Legildur continues.
"What if Max, you were to cast invisibility on Voriax, who could then creep forward and 'colour spray', was that the spell you said?, the orcs. Then we could send Solomon in to find the main body and then, whammo, orc bits everywhere as we carve 'em up. That's where your 'sleep' spell would probably come in handy Max."
Legildur waits for a response to his plan.
"Or, we can simply step around the corner and hammer them with missile weapons and a magic missile and hope that we silence them before they make a noise." he says looking at Kinson's short bow and his own long bow, realising that they are out of range of the halflings' and dwarf's hand thrown weapons."
OOC:
Vote please :-) One option is spell intensive, one a bit riskier.

VORIAX
"I think that is a good plan. It would be very quiet. And my colour spray can certainly handle two measly orcs. Let's do it!"
Voriax appears excited to get a chance to cast another spell. He's a spell addict!

TIMOR
Timor listens to the ideas proposed by the elvish warrior. Perhaps the brown-eyed priest should just go ahead and try what he was thinking... It would be quick and painless, and would surely save the orcs from any excessive pain....Of course, it would require him to be able to see them, so if stepping out in front of them to invoke the powers of Elanna would give them time to react and possibly sound an alarm, totally negating his entire purpose of his thought up plan anyway...

LEGILDUR
Legildur looks around Voriax as Timor's quiet voice reaches him. Eyeing the priest with furrowed brow, he quietly asks.
"Well, what is it Timor? If you don't tell me I can't assess it."

TIMOR
Timor scratches his now oily hair - not bathing during all this underground work sure has caused Timor's hygiene to go down hill...
"Do you recall the battle where Drew and Kyrie disappeared. When we first entered that room, several of us, myself included, invoked a wide variety of mystical and outer-plane powers to help subdue the orcs. Well, I had called to Elanna to halt the orcs in their steps, to essentially cause the evil in their body to freeze them as they were. I know that such an invocation can be done from as far as an arrow flight away...possibly more...but as far as I know, it has always been done with a clear line of sight open to the target. If it works, it will keep the orcs from moving (hence, they can't make noise nor attack us)...for a little while anyway..."

KINSON
Kinson ponders for a moment.
"Hmmm. I've just had a thought. You've mentioned magic, and range weapons. What about a little good old fashion deception? We all have these pretty new coloured cloaks. We could put them on, pull the hoods over our heads, walk up to the orcs and simply attack. What do you think? Anyone want to be a pretend prisoner? That could add confusion to our advantage also." OOC:
Do the cloaks have hoods? If the cloaks don't have hoods then I vote for magic. Do any of the priests have a silence spell?

DM
Yes, they do.

TIMOR
But even before he continues any further with that thought, Timor turns his head and looks to the charmed warrior standing next to Selander.
"Barg, do you know any of the orc humanoids that are down here? Or did your old companions used to make acquaintances with anyone down here?"

DM
Barg shakes his head.
"I don't know them. And no we usually don't talk to them."

LEGILDUR
"Sorry Kinson, there goes your cloak plan. They'd attack us regardless." says Legildur

KINSON
Kinson nods his head in agreement.
"Probably..."

LEGILDUR
Legildur shares his friend's excitement and he absently handles the pommel of Vinguard in anticipation of the battle ahead.
"Right," he says in an eager whisper, "Here's the plan as I see it. Timor, you'll creep forward with Alof and Biladoc in support. Alof will check to see that the two orcs are still there."
He pauses to make sure that everyone understands before continuing, "If I remember correctly Timor, that spell of yours didn't activate until you were caught in that globe. That means it must take a little time to cast, but it did have a good range. So, once Alof gives you the okay, which he will indicate to Biladoc and he will tug your robe sleeve, you start your spell (quietly) while Alof maintains his watch. When you are about ready to cast, step around the corner and let 'em have it and then step back. They are approximately 40' from the intersection. Does not being able to see them affect you? If so, Alof can take a hooded lantern and open it just as you step around."
"While this is happening, Biladoc, you watch straight ahead up the corridor for any trouble. Once they are done, Alof and Biladoc, call us quietly forward and we'll retrieve them quickly and finish them."
"Now, contingencies in case something goes wrong:
Action on orcs not being there - let us know and we can send Solomon to have a look.
Action on the orcs hearing Timor during either the approach or his quiet spell casting - Alof and Biladoc attack them and make sure they don't warn the others - you boys are pretty handy with those daggers. Action on Timor's spell failing to freeze one or both of the orcs - once again, Alof and Biladoc deal with them quickly.
Action on more than 2 orcs (or others) being there - abort and return for a rethink."
"Are there any questions?" Legildur asks of the Band.
If not, "Good. Let's go," he says patting the halflings and priest on the back (not too hard for Timor).
OOC:
Minimises spell use and an unarmored Timor and two stealthy halflings should stand a fair chance for surprise - besides, they should be able to deal with 2 orcs if problems arise.

MAXIMILLION
Max smiles.
"I know how to get the guards to come down here, without alerting the others. There are two weaknesses of Orcs, They are stupid and greedy. I suggest that someone, I will volunteer since I am probably the least threatening, go around the corner, look at the orcs and then feint. Of course when the person feints, gold will spill all over the floor. The guards will see all that gold, that they will not want to share and an unconscious weakling. They will go for the money to have for themselves. The rest of you can then give them their just reward."
If Max's idea is shot down, he will then cast his invisibility on Timor.

BILADOC
I look at Legildur and Timor and Voriax and the others as they try to reach a decision. When the idea of making me and Alof invisible I smile in anticipation. I'd like to try that. I keep silent, though, since what I did to the other guard we captured was not much appreciated by the others. Finally, as Legildur decides on having Timor freezing the guards with Alof and me ready to any emergency, I take out two of the poisoned daggers and give one to Alof:
"Here, if we need to attack them, throw this one first. It should be easier to finish them after the poison takes effect."
Before we move on, I say to Alof:
"Listen for any sound before turning into the corridor."
I then proceed to my post, moving silently and merging with the shadows (this shouldn't be hard, no light around...).

TIMOR
Timor listens quietly to all that is said. He then hands the lantern to Barg so as to free up one hand. (Hopefully Barg won't have any problem holding it for a while; If he does, he'll ask Selander to hold the lantern instead - between the two of them, one of them is bound to agree)
He then slips his hand into his belt pouch and fishes around the few contents until he finds what he is looking for - a small straight sliver of metal. He sighs to himself as he realises his supply has almost been consumed by this single trip - but then again, it is a potent spell that absorbs and requires much energy.
With his piece of metal in one hand, and metallic staff in another. Timor boldly walks to the corner with his two escorts. He quickly gives each a nod as if silently stating that he is ready. When the other two do as well, the brown eyed priest quickly turns the corner and begins invoking the powers of Elanna.
"Oh great Elanna. I, your humble servant Timor, beseech your powers once again to call aid. Let the evil blood within these beings be there undoing; let their blood still itself and their minds grow weary - let the goodness of your divinity hold them in place."
(Dm: casting hold person on the two orcs)
Once the spell is cast, regardless of its effectiveness, the once straight piece of metal in his hand is now shrivelled and shrunken as if melted and drained of all physical potency.

MAXIMILLION
Max waiting to see what people thought of his idea.
"Timor, what are you doing?"
Soon as he figures it out, Max hits the two scouts on the back and whispers.
"Alof, Biladoc GO!"
Max follows behind them ready to cast sleep, should one of the guards alert others and they come charging forth.

ALOF
I gladly accept the poisoned dagger from Biladoc and carry it and one of my other daggers. I will then walk back to where I can see the orcs and try to fall into the shadows on the opposite side of Timor that Biladoc is on.

SAGGAR
Saggar readies his axe, throwing axe in right hand and battle ready in left.

DM
Biladoc and Alof merge with the shadows as they step around the corner. Both carry throwing daggers in their hands. Barg accepts the lantern from Timor and holds it up high. Timor turns the corner and begins chanting.
"Oh great Elanna. I, your humble servant Timor, beseech your powers once again to call aid. Let the evil blood within these beings be there undoing; let their blood still itself and their minds grow weary - let the goodness of your divinity hold them in place."
The orcs turn and look at each other at first then they look at Timor again.
Max waiting to see what people thought of his idea.
"Timor, what are you doing?"
Soon as he figures it out, max hits the two scouts on the back and whispers, But finds they have already disappeared around the corner. Max follows around the corner ready to assist.
Saggar readies his axes and prepares to go around the corner as well. Timor's spells go off as the orcs pull up light crossbows from behind their shields. They stop their starring off past Timor. They do not move. They almost seem frozen in time.

ALOF
When I see the orcs are frozen I whisper to Legildur.
"Kill one of them and tie up the other frozen one. Strip his armour first."
When Biladoc is ready I proceed towards the other sleeping orc and use the poisoned dagger he gave me to put the orc into an even deeper sleep. (Of course I am attempting to move silently towards the sleeping orc at this time)

BILADOC
I quickly signal the party that the way is clear and say to Legildur:
"Want to finish them off before going further? You and Kinson can do that while Alof and I move ahead."
I wait for is answer before joining Alof and continue scouting the hall past the two orcs.

DM
Biladoc moves up to the intersection where the orcs are standing. He looks north and sees that it goes ten feet and opens up into a room. He can see several piles of rags and furs on the ground and a couple of sleeping orcs can be seen from this vantage point.

BILADOC
I carefully turn back and whisper to Legildur:
"Two more, sleeping. And a room ahead. Shall I take care of them before trying to see what's in the room?"
If the answer is yes, I'll say to Alof:
"Take one of them. I'll signal you and we strike at the same time, before they wake up and make any noise."
I'll use the poisoned dagger on the orc.

LEGILDUR
Legildur sees the signal that indicates Timor's spell worked and he moves quietly forward to the first intersection, with the rest of the Band, behind Alof, Biladoc, Max and Saggar. After Biladoc and Alof appraise Legildur of the room and the sleeping orcs, he quickly nods to Alof's suggestion for knifing one of the orcs and capturing one, "But don't waste your poison dagger on him," he adds as a way of distracting the halfling from unnecessary use of the vile tool.
"Well done Timor," he whispers to the priest, "That has certainly made it easier."
"Max," whispers Legildur, "Can you send Solomon to scout the western corridor while we deal with the clean up? Get Barg to collect the second orc and bring him back here for us to bind." (If Barg won't collect him, then Legildur will go quietly forward and grab the lucky - so far - orc, carry him back and bind him quickly with Wrent's help so that he can't move or make a noise)
"Biladoc, guard the room while we fix these two," he asks of the halfling while he nods his head in the direction of the two held orcs, "Just in case they're stupid enough to wake up."
When Barg returns with the held orc, Legildur and Wrent quickly bind him (as described above) and leave him on the floor around the corner from the intersection.
Legildur then whispers a quick plan to the rest of the party.
"One person per sleeping orc, kill these evil creatures in their sleep where they lay on my command, then we'll question the captured orc before moving on. If someone is positioned over something that is human, then don't kill them, only knock them out or wake them with a knife at their throat. Remember, we don't know yet what else is nearby so be quiet."
Assuming no-one interrupts (either through abhorrence of the plan or having a better plan), the Band moves quietly into the room with Alof, Biladoc, Legildur, Kinson, Saggar, Barg and Wrent (at a minimum) to cover one orc each, and then, on signal from Legildur, kill them before they wake while the others stand guard outside. Then we search the room and await Solomon to return.

ALOF
When I hear the plan I place the poisoned dagger in one of my sheaths and take one of my daggers and put it into my backpack (I will wrap the dagger in the piece of red cloth I took from the kobold's lair). As soon as Legildur is ready to tie up one of the orcs I will begin moving silently towards one of the sleeping orcs and when everyone is ready put two shortswords (or only one if that's all that's needed) in it's back. (I love backstabing, I know I should slit it's throat but what the hell).
OOC:
I knew that cloth would come in handy for something.

KINSON
Silently Kinson follows the party. There is a small note of reluctance in his gait.

TIMOR
"Thank me not," begins the brown eyed priest to the elvish wielder of Vanguard, "'Twas Elanna's divinity that did the work."
Timor, still standing at the intersection, walks back to where Barg is waiting, and retrieves his lantern. The brown eyed priest then waits in that same spot while the others do whatever they were going to do. After all, Timor doesn't want to go and watch the killing.
When he thinks it's all over, or if he hears someone calling to him for help, then Timor will hurry over as fast as his now-worn-out sandals can take him.

LEGILDUR
Legildur notices the reluctance in Kinson and avoidance by Timor, sympathising with these two good men about the task to be done, not being enamoured with it himself, but necessity drives this action he thinks to himself - better that than they wake and possibly injure or kill one of his friends. He nods in acknowledgement of Alof's positioning over a nearby slumbering orc.

MAXIMILLION
Max takes rope and ties up the held prisoners.
"Well that was easy"
Max says in a soft voice.
"Check for other guards around here."
Max will then start sifting through the orcs possessions.

TIMOR
As the brown-eyed priest stands around the corner and waits, he takes a small corner of his tunic - spits lightly into it, then begins wiping down the sides of the lantern so as to improve its illumination and therefore provide increased visibility. Besides, creatures native to this murky environment are probably used to the darkness and will therefore most likely react adversely to a strong light source...

DM
Timor goes back and collects his Lantern from Barg. Barg moves forward and picks up one of the held orcs and carries him back to the intersection. Alof quickly kills the other orc before Kinson can arrive. Kinson's head drops and he looks away from what is going on. Legildur and Wrent quickly tie up the orc that Barg brings back. Biladoc hangs around the opening to the new chamber.
His ears pick up that there are more than two in there sleeping. Max jumps in and assists Legildur and Wrent as Voriax stands there looking around with a curious expression on his face. Timor begins wiping down his lantern as the other events take place in the hallway. Kinson walks up and nods to the priest as he joins him.

ALOF
Once the orc is tied up I whisper to Barg.
"Keep a dagger to his throat so he doesn't scream. "
When I say this I take the extra dagger I just put in my backpack and give it to him. When everyone ready I will move silently with Biladoc towards the chamber with two daggers drawn (one poison one not poisoned).

DM
Barg nods and puts the dagger to the bound orcs throat.

LEGILDUR
Legildur watches Alof complete his grim task as Barg carries the other 'held' orc towards himself and Wrent. As Alof finishes delivering his instructions to Barg, Legildur gestures for him to move closer.
"You and Biladoc may as well finish the other orcs silently," he whispers in the dark hallway, "We'll be ready in case something goes wrong."
As Alof re-arranges his weapons, Legildur puts a gloved hand on the halfling's shoulder before he can move off to join Biladoc.
"I don't think you'll be needing that for this job."
He says, pointing at the dagger with the ointment smeared blade, and gesturing slightly towards the uncomfortable looking Kinson standing behind with Timor.

ALOF
Before I approach the sleeping orcs, moving silently, I whisper to Legildur.
"I am only carrying it in case there's someone who ain't sleeping in there."
I then walk cautiously towards the chamber of sleeping orcs.

BILADOC
I return to the others and signal to them that there are more than two orcs in the chamber. When I look at the sadness in Kinson's face, I look at Alof and then at Legildur and put away my poisoned dagger. I take out my black dagger and a short sword and silently move into the chamber, proceeding with silently killing the sleeping orcs.

DM
Alof moves into the chamber and sees ten sleeping orcs. None are awake. It is a thirty by thirty square room. The north wall has an exit all the way east. And the south wall has the entrance from which you entered all the way west.
There are weapons and armour laying about that belong to the sleeping orcs. The smell of sweat and strong liquor is present in the room. The liquor has a distinct rooty smell to it.

TIMOR
Timor continues to wait at the intersection where he was before - idly cleaning his new lantern... waiting for some sign that the group is moving on or that they need him for something.

DM
Legildur seems to loose his patience and moves into the room with the sleeping orcs as quietly as he can. Seeing this Alof begins to dispatch the orcs quickly as Legildur does as well. One orc wakes and jumps to his feet but is cut down before he can reach his weapons. The room is quiet...No snoring fills the air. The coppery smell of blood now wafts through the air and down the hall.

BILADOC
I move closer to the north entrance of the room and signal the others to be silent. I then signal Alof to join me in listening for any sounds and if I don't hear nothing, I'll move into the hall after peeking in, dagger and short sword ready.

LEGILDUR
Legildur closes his eyes briefly after slaying the last of the drunken orcs. His green eyes reappear and, focussed once again to the task at hand, he scans the room for any further movement. Seeing nothing but dead orcs and bedding, Legildur begins to direct the party to protect them from any surprises.
"Wrent and Kaddar," calls Legildur quietly. "Move ten feet into that corridor and keep watch while we search here." pointing to the north-bound corridor.
"Max and Saggar, can you cover the west-bound corridor? And Biladoc and Kinson, can you move back to the T-intersection to the east and keep watch there."
Legildur then places his shield down and, taking a piece of the bedding, begins to carefully clean the clotting blood from the blade of Vinguard.
"Well Alof and Voriax?" asks Legildur. "What are you waiting for? Let us search this place and get out quickly."
The elven warrior then begins to search the dead orcs' bodies and possessions for any treasure, using the tip of his blade to moves things where possible.

KINSON
Kinson moves down the corridor to the indicated intersection, and begins his guard duty. Kinson looks off into the darkness.
"Your eyes are much keener than my own, let me know if you see something."

VORIAX
Voriax will follow Legildur's lead and poke ahead with his staff prior to touching anything. No rot grubs for me, thank you!!

DM
A total of 23 gold coins and 125 silver coins are found among the orcs items.

LEGILDUR
Collecting the coin, Legildur wonders to himself what the orcs were doing here: resting, guarding, lost?
With this dealt with, where to next? Legildur steps over to look north down the corridor exiting the 30'x30' room where Wrent and Kaddar stand on sentry.
"Max," calls Legildur softly. "Do you want to send Solomon down that corridor?" pointing with the tip of Vinguard down the northbound corridor.

DM
It goes ten feet and opens up into a smaller room. The room is littered with boxes, sacks, and barrels.

ALOF
After searching the orcs, I'll wipe of my daggers on their coats and head towards the sacks and boxes and I will begin to look through them.

DM
The room is twenty feet wide and thirty feet long. The entrance comes into the room at the South East corner with the wall extending to the west. Heading west in the Southwest corner is another hallway that goes ten feet and enters a much larger room. Alof sees a large orc looking right at him from that room and he can tell there are at least four more orcs within the room.

LEGILDUR
Legildur is still peering into the north room, from where he stands with Wrent and Kaddar in the 10' corridor leading to the supplies room, when Alof slips by him to examine the boxes, sacks, and barrels that he can see. He notices that the hobbit suddenly freezes as he looks towards the west. Assuming something is wrong to put a stop to the rogue's treasure hunt, Legildur calls "Trouble!" over his shoulder to the rest of the party and strides purposefully around the corner in case Alof needs assistance.
Seeing the large orc similarly frozen in inaction staring at Alof, Legildur strides quickly towards the evil creature, Vinguard in hand and held low, hoping to reach it before it can give early warning to any others in the room.

KINSON
Kinson hears Legildur's sharply issued warning and immediately draws his sword. He begins to quickly, but not running, rejoin the party. He moves toward Legildur, and upon seeing the orc (or by the time he gets there the battle between the orc and Legildur) he hastens to fight at his side.

SAGGAR
Saggar draws his axes and moves forward with the warriors, ready to enter combat and attack the orc(s)

ALOF
A bit startled after seeing the orc I 'll throw the pair of daggers when Legildur screams for the rest of the group. (I believe one of these was poisoned)

LEGILDUR
OOC:
Not bloody likely! "Legildur calls "Trouble!" over his shoulder to the rest of the party.."
He was reasonably subdued since a couple orcs are no real threat to Legildur and he didn't want to alert anyone else in the next room that the orc was about to die (at the hand of either Leg's sword or Alof's daggers).

DM
The Large orc yells in Orcish.
"Elves!"
He draws a huge Scimitar and moves forward to engage Legildur as other orcs begin drawing swords and preparing Crossbows .

KINSON
Kinson hears the orc's yell, he doesn't understand it, but knows it doesn't sound friendly. He quickens his pace even more, and enters the battle at Legildur's side.

DM
Legildur charges forward drawing Vinguard as Alof throws two daggers at the large orc. Kinson begins moving quickly from his post to join the battle as does Saggar. Max so far continues to guard the West Hallway. Biladoc remains at the T intersection to the East. Voriax and Timor are still in the 30 by 30 room. Barg And Selander are in the hallway just south of the 30 by 30 room attending to the captured orc guard. Wrent and Kaddar where Guarding the hall leading north into the room where Alof just went and was spied by an orc.
Kinson, Saggar and Legildur have all shouldered past them there. They draw their weapons and decided to follow behind them.
Legildur's Sword moves with Lightning Speed making many jabs and thrust but somehow the burly orc Manages to fend off all his attacks. However Both of Alof's Daggers strike him. One in the leg and one in the chest. Blood oozes from the wounds and the orc screams in rage. His arm must have gone numb however becomes he drops his scimitar as he attempts to cleave Legildur's head from his shoulders. A Crossbow Bolt flies past the orc and Legildur and hits a box near Alof. Two more Scimitar wielding orcs rush into the gap as three other prepare crossbows behind them. Kinson, and Saggar join the fray at this time. Half of the hallway is blocked by the battling Legildur and Orc.

VORIAX
Trusting Legildur and the others to take care of the so far few orcs, Voriax will move into the hallway with Barg and Selander to help watch the guard.
We didn't leave the two trustworthiest people with the tied up guard. :-)

ALOF
When I see the orc scream in pain, I assume that the poison is working. As I can hear the clattering of Kinson's armour I throw another pair of daggers at the closest orc, I will attempt to get off to the side as I do this so that Kinson and Saggar can easily get to the orcs. (They are just a bit more skilled in hand to hand combat)

SAGGAR
Saggar swings his axes at any orc that he reaches with a dwarven battle yell

DM
Voriax moves to where Barg And Selander are watching the tied up orc. Alof darts to the side out of Saggar's and Kinson's way as he throws two more daggers at an orc he can see with a readied crossbow. One of his daggers hits and the orc curses but continues aiming his crossbow at the halfling. The bolt flies true and strikes good Alof in the right shoulder (-4hp). Saggar manages to get in front of Kinson and fills the gap in the hallway. With a mighty dwarven war cry he swings his axes at the orc in front of him. The Approaching Urak-hai brings his scimitar up to parry but the axes cleave through the orc's cheap blade and cut him to ribbons. With a gurgle the orc falls and Saggar rips his axes free from the dead orcs body.
Legildur is fighting the wounded orc still. Vinguard gets by the Orcs defences and deep into his chest. The Orc slides to the floor. A flurry of three more crossbow bolts showers the dwarf and elf in the hallway from the crossbow armed orcs beyond. Legildur's luck holds and the bolts miss him. Saggar however is hit twice. One Hits the sturdy dwarf in the foot and joins his foot to the stone below it. (-6hp) and the other nick his left arm(-3). An Orc with a speak and another with a scimitar move towards the hallway to engage the dwarf and Elf team. Four orc crossbow men can be seen in the room beyond reloading their large crossbows.
Max hears noise coming from the west... Its sounds like many metal shod feet. In Orcish he hears, "Kill the elves!" "Guard the temple!" etc etc...

SAGGAR
Grabbing onto another orc that comes towards him, Saggar yells sinking his axe deep into the beast, holding him with left hand as a shield as he moves forward towards the crossbowmen:

LEGILDUR
Legildur renews his attack in frustration at failing to even wound the orc. Taking advantage of Alof's success, Legildur swings Vinguard in a lifting slash to come up underneath the orc's guard and into his ribs.
Seeing Kinson and Saggar join the fray brings a grim smile to the elven warrior's face knowing that the three orcs stand little chance against this assault.

MAXIMILLION
Max hears the foot steps coming from the west, realises the party is now being assaulted from two different directions, and yells, "more orcs coming from the west, if we don't move now, we're trapped.
OOC:
How smart is Max?, ignoring his spells, my first thought is pour lamp oil across the westward passage and light it, to slow them down.

KINSON
Hearing Max's yell of warning (rolled randomly, I gave him only a 20% chance of hearing with the battle happening so close), grunts to Legildur.
"Sounds like more coming from behind, and we're pretty spread out. Should we regroup?"
But he does not leave Legildur's and Saggar's side, if the space opens up for him to slide past Legildur and Saggar to engage one of the orcs beyond he will do so.

TIMOR
Timor, who has been idly wasting time in the previous area, figures it is time he caught up with the others. As he approaches the entrance way, he hears the sounds of battle and his heart begins to race - wondering how his companions are fairing and who - or what - they are fighting against...
Without too much more hesitation, he hurries inside with his walking staff and lantern firmly gripped in their respective hands. Upon taking his first step within the vicinity of the battle, he puts the lantern down so that he can hold the metallic staff with both hands - proper form for defending himself against anyone who comes to close, or for acting against anyone who shows too much of an upper hand against his allies.
He will wait in that area by his grounded lantern. If any hostile enemies approach, he will defend himself with his staff. If any of his allies seem to be over powered (without any help forthcoming from the others) Timor will boldly go forward and attempt to combat the overpowering foe.
Somewhere in his mind, upon hearing the orc's muttering of temple, Timor can't help but wonder if perhaps the orb of power is somewhere within this 'temple' ...

BILADOC
OOC:
Finally, the fight to end all fights!!! Let's finish these guys and we'll have the maze all to ourselves. I can see it now: guided tours, maps, little wood figures, T-leather armours, helmets... we're gonna be rich!!!
I've updated the map. Take a look and let me know if it's correct. I hate it when things start to move on in a friday night and I can only post on monday. I always miss the fun parts, like being the first to get hit... ;-)
I've been working on the chapters, soon there'll be more on the web page.
BIC:
I move closer to Alof and ask him as I throw a couple of daggers at the orcs with the cross bows:
"Are you alright? Blasted #$%"$&%$& pig-snouts! Saggar, need help?"
If Saggar says he does, I'll go and help him free his foot from the bolt, before resuming my dagger-throwing act. If any of the orcs come too near, I'll use my mace on him.

ALOF
As I see that the crossbows are becoming a pain, and realising how the other orcs arm went numb, I'll quickly do the following:
Fumbling through my belt I grab one of the two vials of poison I have.
(If the container's glass or another breakable material) With one hand I'll throw the vial towards the orcs (The four crossbows) and, with the other I'll throw a dagger at the vial. (In this I am attempting to splatter poison (and possibly bits of sharp glass)on the orcs (or if I miss just hope it splatters when it hits the ground), of course remembering what happened to Max (I think it was him) when he touched it).

LEGILDUR
Legildur sees the dwarf almost trip as his foot is pinned and realises that he needs protection. Knowing that Kinson is close behind, Legildur pushes forward to meet the approaching orcs and create room for Kinson to join the fray and create an opportunity for Saggar to free himself.
Kinson's words reach him at he same time as he brain finds time in the slight lull to decipher Max's earlier yell.
"Alof, send Voriax in here and get Wrent and Kaddar to support Max!" he calls to the halfling with urgency just before the two orcs occupy his time.

KINSON
Kinson steps into the space vacated by Legildur and advances on the nearest orc. Hopefully ending it's vial existence quickly and moving on to the next.

SAGGAR
"Pinned, take more than a fool orcs quarrel to pin me comrade"
ripping the boot free of the ground.

DM
Saggar just took 3 more hit points of damage from that... "Brave" move.

VORIAX
Voriax, hearing the yell for help hopefully, will leave the prisoner for now. He will move up to just behind Legildur and send a truly nasty flaming sphere past him to the orcs with the crossbows, hopefully getting their attention long enough for the fighters to close to melee with them. Notice, by the way, I said just behind Legildur. I will definitely be using him for cover!

MAXIMILLION
Max runs to the back of the party and sizes up the situation. He will move his charmed friend so that he is between him and new orcs. If there are more rushing from behind the fighters are currently fighting then he will cast "Sleep" on the newly arriving orcs when they are in range. Otherwise he will cast it on the orcs that are up front so the fighters can meet the new menace.

DM
You might want to do some more reading before you say that. You have company coming down your west hallway.

MAXIMILLION
When I mention the new orcs, I was referring to the ones coming down the west hallway, or are there 3 groups coming at us. By plan is to cast sleep on the largest group. I see where what I said can be confusing. Not that I think about it, I will definitely cast the spell at the newly arriving orcs, once they are in range. As soon as I've cast it I will tell my charmed friend to attack, whatever is still awake.

DM
Saggar moves forward swinging his axe trying to close the distance with the orcish bowmen. Max Yells.
"More orcs coming from the west, if we don't move now, we're trapped."
Timor moves into the north Room and sits his Lantern down on the floor. he raises his staff ready to parry any attack.
Alof digs in his pack and pulls a vial of poison from it. he tosses it forward. Hoping that it will bypass the melee and hit the crossbowmen beyond. he quickly throws a dagger after it, hoping that somehow he can shatter it with the dagger. Legildur prepares to defend the hallway as he barks orders.
Max begins to chant as shapes begin to take form before his eyes. A horde of armed orcs rushes towards him like a deadly wave of spikes and blades. Kinson moves forward trying to join the fray. Voriax chants the words of the spell that will bring flaming ruin to the orcs. Max yells for Barg to assist him.
Barg moves quickly to stand near the wizard as the orcs rush forward. Saggar's axe misses badly as the pain shoots up through his foot. Legildur pushes forward swinging at the spear carrying orc. His sword Cuts the orc down where it stands. Kinson moves into the gap and swings at the orc attacking Saggar but misses as well. Alof's vial soars over the heads of the warriors bouncing on the floor near the orc bowmen. However Alof's dagger misses it but nearly skewers one of the orcs. The scimitar Wielding Orc swings and hits Saggar (-2hp) Saggar brushes the blow aside, as if it where nothing. A crossbow bolt hits Alof (-2hp). Another bolt hits the Orc scimitar wielder in the back. Voriax finishes chanting and a sphere of living fire appears in the room with the orc bowmen. They scream as the large sphere burns the flesh from them and ignites the room in a blaze of fire. (The only orc left here is the wounded on in front of Saggar).
Meanwhile at the western Hall Max casts his spell of sleep and three orcs fall in the hall sound asleep. Barg steps forward to meet the other five onrushing orcs. Barg Charges swinging his sword cutting one of the orcs down as he himself is cut twice. The lady darts forward next to Max, She motions and pulls her sword out. She looks at it strangely as if wondering what to do with it and charges forward to assist Barg. Kaddar and Wrent leave the north room and move to assist Max.

VORIAX
OOC:
Wow! I hadn't thought it would work that well. Guess I can pat myself on the back now. :-) Oh, sorry. I was talking out loud. I'll have to memorise another one or two of those in the future. Voriax, who awaits to see what happens to the remaining five orcs from the other side.

KINSON
A look of astonishment crosses Kinson's face when Voriax's magical fire literally crisps their enemies where they stand.
"Astounding!"
But he quickly realises that the fight is not yet won as the sounds of battle elsewhere reach his ear. Realising the ratio of allies to foe in this room is a bit unnecessary, and also knowing the dislike both Legildur and Saggar carry in their blood for orcs, he leaves this single orc to their blades and hastens towards the battle in the main hallway.
"I go to help the others." he announces as he exits the chamber.

SAGGAR
Saggar swings his axe again, pain and anger locking his focus on the remaining orc before him

LEGILDUR
Legildur hears the screams from the direction of the orc archers as he feels the heat from Voriax's spell waft over him and through his visor slits as the spear wielding orc slides off the blade of Vinguard to the ground - dead. Thanking his lucky moons that such magic exists and seeing the knight leave the scene to assist Max and the others, Legildur pivots, swinging Vinguard in a flat arc towards the midriff of the last scimitar wielding orc fighting Saggar.
Knowing that Kinson, Max, Wrent and Kaddar should be able to deal with most threats for a short period at the least, Legildur, once the orc unluckily caught between himself and Saggar is slain, moves further forward into the large chamber and sticks his armoured head only (no point getting it shot off or fried:-) around the corner to see if any other threats remain to the party - in particular, any orcish Shaman that may exist in this "Temple".

ALOF
When I see my plan fail :( I frown a little, but then smile :) as I see the orcs burn. Realising that if there's anything more powerful than an orc where Leg is going then I could be in trouble. I'll take a quick look towards the battle scene with the newly arrived orcs and if it looks like I can get in a backstab in (I doubt it) I will try with my shortsword. If I can't get to the orcs (or simply can't see them because of the crowd) I will join Legildur in exploring. If I do this on my way by I will wipe two of my three remaining daggers in the poison on the ground.

BILADOC
Seeing the orc bar-b-q, courtesy Voriax Inc., I quickly retrace my steps and move to help Maximillion and the others with him. When I see the uneasiness of Selander with the sword I shout:
"Slender, fall back! We take care of them! Timor, Saggar's been hit. See if he needs help."
I run faster and as soon as I see an enemy I'll throw my daggers. As I do this I go on in a softer voice:
"Blasted #$%"#$ girls! Always getting in the way, always getting in #$%#$ trouble! And this #$%"#$% pig snouts grow like #$%$# mushrooms..."
If the orcs get too close, I'll use my mace instead of the daggers.

TIMOR
Hearing all that has been going on, Timor moves to Saggar's side and gives the brave soul a look over.
"Are you alright?" asks the brown-eyed priest as he assesses the fresh wounds on the companion's body.
(how bad does it look? and how bad does Saggar say it is? - if either of those answers is "it's bad" then Timor will cast a cure light wounds.
"Oh great Elanna. I, your humble servant Timor, ask to be a vessel of your power once again to impart a speedy recovery for this brave man whose courage and valour have helped myself and the cause of Elanna in his own small way..."

DM
Saggar wounds look pretty nasty. I assume this was a cure light wounds. (Heal 5hp off of Saggar.)

MAXIMILLION
Max not realising that help is on the way, will cast colour spray at the orcs fighting on Barg.

DM
Voriax cranes his ear but is unable to see the other battle raging somewhere behind him in the darkened halls. Kinson leaves the fiery battle and charges down the hall and reaches the battle that Barg and Max are in. At the same time Saggar's axe comes down on the remaining orc nearly splitting the orc in half. The orc crumbles to the ground as waves of heat still wash through the passages.
Legildur swings Vinguard around in an arc and catches the already dead orc that Saggar has dispatched. The elf sends the orc's head flying through the air over Saggar who looks up reflexively as it arcs over his head to bounce with a thud near Timor's feet. Alof not being able to see the new battle charges down the hall with Kinson to join the battle. He gets to the area of the battle just in time to see the five standing orcs cut down Barg and attack Selander as she tries to parry (With what seems no skill) with her short sword.
Max Chants and a stream of coloured lights spring from his hands. It catches two of the orcs and Selander who looks right into it. The three of them drop to the ground. The three remaining Orcs charge Max with blood curling yells. More metal shod boots can be heard coming from the west hallways as well as yells of pain and agony and the crackling of flames.

LEGILDUR
Legildur, seeing no further opposition immediately in front of him but hearing the signs of further approaching orcs, says to his comrades:
"Come on Voriax and Saggar, they will need our help - Alof and Timor, watch our backs!" as he sprints the short distance back to the rest of the embattled party.

VORIAX
Voriax will continue to concentrate on the sphere, ready to resend it at the newcomers in the hall.
OOC:
Nice shot Max!!!! :-) Like Selander wasn't having a hard enough time as it was. Hehheheh.

SAGGAR
Saggar casts cure light upon himself to heal the injury.
"I am well priest of Elanna" grins as he heals himself.
Upon casting heal, Saggar moves quickly to the sound of battle.

MAXIMILLION
Max sees the three remaining orcs most bravely retreats down the hall. Seeing Kinson he yells.
"Hold them off I will set up a trap and a way for us to retreat if needed."
Max will then, if he can separate from the orcs, take his 3 oils and spread them from one side of the hallway to the other and get ready to light it.

                               |    |
                   X           |    |
                 |    |        |    |
_________________|    |________|    |
          orcs  Kinson        O     |
          orcs                I     |
______________________________L     |
                               |Oil2|
                               |    |

                              Retreat

BILADOC
OOC:
Great, not one single mention to Biladoc... I know I'm small, but this is ridiculous...
BIC:
I keep going for the orcs, throwing daggers as soon as I see any of them. I see Selander fall and think:
"Well, that's one way of getting out of the way..."
I say to the others:
"Watch out for the girl, don't let them attack her. Maximillion, can you drop some more of those guys? I see only three but sounds like more coming this way..."
When I run out of daggers or the orcs get too close, I'll use my mace and a poisoned dagger to fight them.

ALOF
Realising that I need healing before I go into the mix. As I grasp the two daggers in my hands I say to Timor " Got another healing spell available?" If the answer is *yes* I'll throw a pair of daggers (If I have time) if no I'll try and pull that vial of clear liquid from my bag which was found on the priests, (I think) drink it and hope it has healing properties.
*yes* if I do this action I will shout out as I do it.
"Use that purple ball thing we got earlier on the next group!"
(Hopefully you guys can figure out what I am talking about.) I would give more details but you can only say so much in a round.

DM
Being in the room with Timor and Voriax you are in the north chamber and can not see the current orcs.

KINSON
Kinson rounds the corner just as Selander and a couple of orcs crumple to the ground - joining several other orcs that that were already there. A look of concern flickers across his face, but seeing the three remaining orcs quickly re-focuses his thoughts. He meets their charge against Max with one of his own, his long sword gleaming as it catches the flickering torch light.
"To Battle! Die foul denizens of evil!"

DM
Voriax concentrate on the sphere but nothing more comes his way that he can see. Saggar chants and casts a spell upon himself(healed for 7 points).
Legildur runs and reaches the battle sight around Max after a few quick seconds. Max moves down the hallway to the East and finds himself at the T intersection that goes North and South. He decides this is a good stop and starts spreading the flasks of oil here at this point he hears metal shod boots from the north. Max charges the three orcs as Alof backs up to the north to get healing from Timor.
Wrent comes around the corner with his long sword and joins the battle with Kinson. Kaddar is holding back and moves into the room with Voriax.. Biladoc looks like he is in shock and is just standing there. Kinson Charges into the fray and hacks one Orc twice and he finally falls. Wrent dances it would seem waving his sword around as he engages the orcs. He cuts one of the orcs but he still stands. Wrent is cut badly by a scimitar but shrugs it off. Kinson is hit by the other orc(-2) but it is nothing but a nick.
From the darkened hallway to the west six more orcs come charging into view. Five of these six are large brutes wearing chain mail and waving wicked looking jagged scimitars around. The sixth is wearing robes and some sort of armour underneath. He has feathers sewn all over his cloths and a bone sticking through his nose and two more through his ears. The five large orcs charge as they see Wrent in the hallway next to Kinson and the weird looking orc begins to chant and swing a mummified rat carcass around.

SAGGAR
Saggar joins in his battle cry swinging his heavy battle-axe at the nearest beast.

KINSON
As the dead orc slides from Kinson's sword, he hears shouts from behind, glancing quickly in that direction he sees the orc re-enforcement's arrive. He makes quick eye contact with Legildur who is also scanning the field of battle, and nods his head towards the newcomers, while mouthing the words "covered here." He then moves to the next of the two remaining orcs, calmly positions himself, and attacks without warning.

LEGILDUR
Legildur arrives to see Kinson and Wrent occupying the westernmost orcs and the collapsed bodies of Selander and Barg. He fails to see the Shaman due to the mass of bodies between him and orcish priest. Acknowledging Kinson's short message, Legildur turns to the tasks at hand.
"Timor, you are needed here!" he yells above then battle noise to attract the priest's attention to their fallen comrades.
Watching Max prepare the withdrawal route, he sees his head swing up to look at something approaching from the north. Realising that it is probably more orcs, he calls for his friend to join him.
"Voriax, to me!"
as he rushes to the T-intersection to head off the new threat and grabbing the inactive Biladoc by the shoulder along the way in an attempt to startle him into action.
Stepping around the T-intersection into the northbound corridor, Legildur too hears the pounding armoured feet of the approaching orcs. Positioning himself about 10 feet north of the intersection (to enable room for the Band to escape if necessary), Legildur plants the base of his kite shield on the ground and lets the point of Vinguard rest similarly on the cold stone floor. Quickly, he double checks the potion of extra healing in his belt pouch, reassured by its presence.
As he sees the orcs approach he whispers to Vinguard.
"Here they come. Ready to taste some more orcish blood my friend? Protect me here - I suspect an orcish Shaman will be near."
With that, he then drags the point of the sword across the stone floor, drawing sparks in the dim light from the hardened steel blade and simultaneously willing Vinguard to shed as much light as it can,
"BEHOLD YOUR DOOM. FEAR MY MIGHTY BLADE THOSE BEGOT OF EVIL."
he booms down the corridor through his full helm as he lifts the sword high above him before slamming it into the front rank of the orcs to prevent them splitting the Band.

BILADOC
OOC:
I sent a message last friday, Charles. Didn't you get it?! Adrian's address keeps returning my messages, but I thought everyone else got them...
Ok, lets try this round...
BIC:
Moving close to Kinson, I'll try to pull Selander to the first room, near Alof, to get her out of the way and in safety. When I see the orcs approaching, I let go of Selander and throw a couple of daggers at the rat swinging mage, hoping to stop him from doing whatever he's doing...

DM
I got this one but not the last message. Sorry. :-(

VORIAX
Voriax, hearing the loud Legildur, will dissipate his concentration on the flaming sphere and rush around the corner to the sound of his voice. Once seeing the situation, Voriax will wait until the reinforcement orcs begin to come down the hall, then cast a web spell *PAST* the party members, but on the orcs. I'll make it the full width and height of the hall, and as deep as it will go. It has 8 10x10x10 feet cubes to fill. Prior to casting it, I will warn the party members. Here's the warning. : -)
"Legildur. I intend to web the hall just past you once there are enough orcs to trap. Don't range to far."

MAXIMILLION
Max yelling.
"More orcs coming from the north. Everybody retreat to me. Hurry before you get cut off!"
Max gets ready to light the oil that he poured on the ground last turn. waiting until everybody that he knows of is past the oil area.

SAGGAR
Follows the orders and unites with the rest.

DM
Saggar runs through the rooms after being Healed by Timor and himself. He arrives in the East west Hallway just in time to see the full clash of 7 orc warriors and 1 orc shaman. He hears noises from the East as well where Max stands in the intersection yelling to the north at Legildur.
Kinson is calm in the midst of the Orcs as he hacks and parries their swords and blows. His sword chops the arm off one of the two lesser orcs left here. The Orc screams spurting blood from his stump as he falls to the ground. Wrent attacks another orc in the pile but misses as the orc parries his blows with some skill.
Legildur moves East and then ten feet North. He drags Biladoc with him the whole way as he shouts commands. Vinguard hums and begins to glow in his hands. It glows blue then red alternating the hue.
Legildur, Biladoc, and Max all see enemies coming from the north now. There are at least ten orcs carrying Javelins being led by a huge ogre swinging a giant club in one hand and a decayed human head in the other that seems to be smoking. Biladoc throws two daggers into the first orc he sees. Both daggers hit and the first orc drops to the ground.
Voriax runs south through the room ending up in the West-East hallway next to Saggar who just arrived as well. Max is yelling as he lights a torch. He does not light the oil however. Timor still remains in the North chamber and Alof is there with him asking for healing. Timor casts yet another healing Spell on Alof (+7hp).
Kaddar who is in the hallway casts a Magic Missile spell towards the onrushing orcs in the West hallway. AS his two missiles strike true the last of the lesser orcs drops. That leaves the five chain mail wearing orc brutes and the shaman in the west hallway. Two of these orcs charge Wrent ramming him with their shoulders. The brute force of their attacks sends Wrent sprawling across the floor stopping near Kaddar's feet(-6hp). Two others attack Kinson with their large serrated scimitars.
These orc's skill is evident as both blades sink into exposed areas of Kinson's armour(-19hp) As the blades cut into Kinson he feels his left arm go limp and numb. Blood oozes down Kinson's armour. The fifth and last orc warrior in the west hall throws a hand axe sailing through the air towards Kaddar. The axe however catches another orc in the back of the head and drops him like a rock, leaving four orc warriors in the hallway. The Orc Shaman chants and waves his paws. A strange glow surrounds Kinson, Wrent, Kaddar, Saggar, and Voriax's bodies.
Meanwhile in the North South hallway. Two orcs throw Javelins at Legildur. Both of the weapons bounce off Legildur's large Kite Shield protecting himself and Biladoc. The Ogre should reach Legildur this round if he runs full speed along with the orcs. But they seem to be pacing themselves as the two orcs that through the javelins drop back and others still armed with them move forward.

SAGGAR
Saggar charges in, swinging his axe as he enters the melee yelling
"AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRr!!!"

BILADOC
OOC:
Sorry about the e-mail address confusion.
Adrian, I got the room description, I'll update the web page soon. Saggar, nice battle cry... especially the last "r" after 42 As, 35 Gs, 29 Hs and 18 Rs... ;-)
BIC:
I yell to the others, hoping they can hear me, as I throw a couple of poisoned daggers at the ogre:
"Hey, we could use some help here! Saggar, bring that magic bubble over here!"
If there are to many orcs in front of the ogre for me to hit him, I'll throw the poisoned daggers at two different orcs, trying to reduce their number. If I get a clear shot at the ogre, I'll go for him. If the orcs are too close, I'll fight them with my mace and one poisoned dagger (instead of throwing it).
I'll say to Legildur:
"Thanks! When you're not throwing me down bottomless pits, you're pulling me in front of the 3rd Pig Snout Infantry Battalion! Why don't you just say you don't like me?!"

DM
OOC:
Wow, you guys have downed 30 orcs or so from this group or should I say Battalion of Orcs.

SAGGAR
OOC:
Battalion :gulp: mayhaps a retreat is in order...

ALOF
OOC:
I do realise that it may take me a round to get into this, but just in case....
BIC:
After receiving the healing from Timor, I quickly thank him and then begin to hurry to the closest melee, daggers drawn. If I see that I can get a chance for a backstab I will slow my pace (just enough so my footsteps can't be heard from the battle) and attack the closest foe with my shortsword (It detects orcs, let's see if it hurts em). If They can see me I'll just throw a pair of daggers at the closest orc.

MAXIMILLION
Max at the T sees two invading groups. He looks to see which way Voriax is facing and then casts a web spell. If Voriax is facing west then Max will cast a web spell north, making sure that he can get the most orcs as possible and definitely getting the ogre, He will wait until the last orc is in spell range if he can get the whole group with the spell. If Voriax is facing west then Max will cast the web spell just past Kinson making sure he can get the priest and as many of the orcs as possible.

KINSON
The orc attack strikes true causing Kinson to grunt loudly as he feels his left arm quickly go numb. He raises his sword (which luckily is in his right hand) in defence. Realising he has made a tactical mistake he casts a quick glance around, then yells out:
"Retreat! Timor and Alof, grab Selander and take her down the hallway back the way we came! Wrent and Kaddar parrying retreat to the rest of the party! GET READY WITH THE FIRE MAX!! Let's Go!"
He retreats slowly until the rest of the party members are clear of the area Max splattered with oil, making sure he's the last one exiting the western hallway, then he says to Max.
"Light it!"
OOC:
I think Max laid two strips of oil? We'll light the western one first.

LEGILDUR
Feeling the magic of Vinguard wash over him, Legildur calmly fends off the two javelins launched by the advancing orcs with his large shield, thankful for its size for a change and no longer begrudging the weight. He feels something bump his armoured leg. Quickly glancing down he sees the top of Biladoc's head as he crouches behind the set shield after dropping the first orc with his accurate throws. The shifting red and blue hues of Vinguard cast an eerie light on the advancing humanoids and the plate mail armoured elf about to enter melee.
Seeing the approaching Ogre, Legildur shifts his weight forward as he begins to move to meet the obvious leader, face set grimly behind the mask of the helm.
"For Laskanthar!"
he yells his battle cry at the approaching humanoids.
Kinson's distant (to Legildur's helmed hearing) cry of retreat causes him to pause in his advance, frustration tugs at him at having to wait for the Ogre to engage, knowing that the knight would never issue the command unless absolutely necessary. Anticipating the coming actions of the Band, he once again sets his shield to receive the onslaught, and to give the party time to withdraw past Max's oil fire traps.
The elven warrior is momentarily distracted as a streak of what looks like white string passes over his left shoulder and shield from behind him. He watches in amazement as the white string quickly thickens and fills the corridor immediately before him for some distance with a thick mass of sticky web, trapping the Ogre and orcs. Glancing around to look at Max, Legildur nods his head quickly in thanks. Looking back to the Ogre, the elf sees the strong humanoid begin to struggle to tear itself partially free from the sticky webs. Realising these opportunities are few a far between, Legildur quickly closes the distance to the large humanoid to see if he can slay the creature before it breaks free and without trapping himself in the mess filling the corridor.
If this is not possible, then he will hold the t-intersection until the party has withdrawn past the oil fire traps before getting Max to light them and toss the torch into the webs. Legildur when then cross the southern fire trap quickly, confident that Vinguard's powers will protect him.

SAGGAR
Saggar swings his axe as he withdrawals covering the rear of the party.

DM
with a Mighty Yell Saggar charges the orcs. Saggar swings his axe twice. the First swing is parried by an orc that just grins at him. Then Saggar pushes him back and swings again cutting his head from his shoulders.
Alof charges south and skitters to see the battle that Saggar has just joined and that Kinson is pulling out of. Kinson Pulls back parrying a blow with his sword as best he can. Wrent Stabs one of the large orcs twice in the chest dropping him like a rock. The elf moves with lightning speed.
Voriax yells out a warning as a swirl of colour leaves his fingertips. Two of the remaining warrior orcs get blasted by it and drop to the ground unconscious. Kaddar smiles and chants. two more darts of energy escape his fingertips. This time they burn into the orc shaman who screams in rage. Seeing all his warriors down the Orc Shaman waves and magical darkness fills the hallway.
Meanwhile in the North-South Hallway, Biladoc throws daggers at the large ogre. They both hit and stick in the large beast. He seems angrier as he realises that they where poisoned but he just picks up the pace of his charge.
Max chants and a large glob of webs covers the hallways ahead. The orcs and the ogre curse. The ogre starts to rip free of the webs as Legildur closes on him quickly swinging Vinguard once. But somehow he misses probably due to the length of the lunge he made.
OOC:
This leaves the west hallway with only the orc shaman standing and covered in darkness. The North Hallway is filled with webs and the Ogre is getting ready to break loose. Legildur has closed with him in the hallway. You hear distant drums from somewhere that echo down the passages but hear no other charging feet at this point.

VORIAX
OOC:
Hey, I got my fifty-percent I wanted!!! I figured to take 2 of them at least. Hehhehe.
BIC:
"Can anyone see past this darkness? I certainly can't. I'm going to go to the other hall and see how the others are faring. Can you guys (Kaddar, Saggar, and Kinson) kill the unconscious orcs and deal with the shaman?"
Voriax, starts moving to the other hall until he can see what is going on, then he'll stop to evaluate.

BILADOC
When Maximillion's spell is cast and the orcs and ogre are trapped in the sticky web, I smile and say to Legildur:
"Great trick, huh? Lets finish this..."
I throw a couple more daggers at the ogre, moving closer to the wall, careful not to hit Legildur as he moves forward to attack the ogre. If he kills him first, I'll throw the daggers at the orcs. If the ogre breaks free, I still throw the daggers at him and then try to backstab him next round with a short sword while Legildur faces him. While I do this I shout at the others:
"Kinson, are you ok? We'll be right there, hang on!"

MAXIMILLION
Max yells as he moves towards the Web.
"I am lighting the web."
He then lights the web with his torch and then moves back behind the oil slick.
OOC:
Well, we wanted action and we got it.

DM
OOC:
Oh, its not over yet pals. :-)

VORIAX
OOC:
Doh!!! Guess I'll save that fine Cuban cigar and bottle of wine for later then. And I was *so* looking forward to the cigar at least.
:-)

LEGILDUR
"No Max!" yells Legildur in return through his helm when he hears the mage's call, too busy to explain why for the moment.
He then swings Vinguard twice with all his strength at the ogre leader attempting to break free of the webs, taking advantage of the ogre's restricted mobility and trying to finish him quickly before the withdrawal.

KINSON
"It's amazing how magic can change the field of battle so quickly. But we have made our follies for this day and should continue the retreat. We'll be back, and better prepared."
Kinson waits for a few seconds to take sure the orc shaman doesn't come through the darkness after them, then he asks Timor to help him carry Selander back to the rest of the party.
In the distance he hears the drums.
"Come now, let us make haste before we are overrun."
OOC:
Charles: Can we tell from what direction the drumming is emanating? Are the living orcs that went unconscious from the colour spray inside the darkness?

DM
Some of the living orcs are in the darkness. the drumming seems to bounce around in these halls making it very hard to tell where it is coming from.

TIMOR
Timor, who has been caught up and confused in the chaotic battle surrounding him, quickly comes to realise that he is not helping matters any by just standing there - after all, there are certain people who require assistance in leaving...and leaving quickly at that!
He looks to his hands, and sees on occupied by the lantern, the other occupied by the metallic staff he 'borrowed' from the red mage near Hasbis several weeks ago...
He drops the lantern to the ground - it will do him no good now, besides, the light source will only give away his location to enemies who might be pursuing him... a disadvantage that far outweighs the advantage of light for himself.
If Selander is conscious/able to move but weakly on her own, Timor will hand her the metallic walking staff so that she may use that to aid her.
Timor will then begin searching for certain items in his belt pouch. If Selander is not able to move at all on her own, then Timor will silently curse the vile creatures that did this to her and then he will toss his staff to the side - he needs his hands free, and that will just be too cumbersome right now. Besides, it's supposed to be a walking staff, and right now it looks like he'll be doing more running... ;)
If this is the case, then Timor will now be able to help Selander move using one hand, while his other hand can go fishing in his belt pouch.
Either way, he will travel in the direction that Kinson suggests... after all, Timor has always been terrible with directions, so he is more likely to trust Kinson's thoughts in that matter.

VORIAX
"Timor! Tie the lantern to your belt. That's my old lucky lantern you are about to discard!"
If he does toss the staff, Voriax will pick it up and carry it. Scavenger's law, don't you know.

ALOF
Seeing that Kinson and Timor are picking up Selander, I will keep an eye out for any orcs coming out of the darkness and will throw a pair of daggers at them if any come. I will do this (staying with them) until we reach the rest of the party.

DM
Voriax moves to the T intersection next to Max and looks at the webbed mess to the north. Max moves forward quickly with his torch in hand. He lights the web, which springs into flames. There is a great cry of pain and agony from the orcs and Ogre as the hall is lit by flaming webs. The smell of burnt flesh in the hall is most strong and almost overpowering as the black smoke fills the hallway.
Biladoc throws two more daggers at the Ogre. However, the smoke must be affecting his aim as both of them miss the large beast.
Legildur yells as he swings at the Ogre. the ogre bursts into flames as Vinguard hits twice. The second blow cutting the Ogre's head from its shoulders.
Kinson runs forward and grabs one of Selander's arms. Wrent grabs the other as they drag her back. Kaddar moves slowly backwards scanning the hallway. Saggar just stands there with his axe in hand. He scans the hallway, his eyes seeing only red from his bloodlust.
Timor puts his lantern down and goes to aid Selander when he sees Wrent assist Kinson. Not wanting to leave his nice lantern behind and checking Selander's pulse... She seems to be resting well, He picks his lantern back up and bloods the western hall with its beam of light. The light stops at the wall of darkness.. Its magical blackness seeming to swirl before the groups eyes. Alof is watchful with two daggers drawn. He moves East to the T intersection and awaits the others.

SAGGAR
Saggar spreads his arms and yells, charging down the hall, intent on wrapping his arms around the shaman and dropping him to the stone floor.

TIMOR
Seeing that Wrent is assisting in transporting Selander and his own assistance no longer becomes necessary, Timor is now able to continue carrying both his walking staff and lantern.
He made his way down to the intersection, but awaits the others. After all, he is terrible with directions and would not want to maek himself lost of lead the others 'in the wrong direction' - besides, with that horrid area of magical blackness, Timor feels a bit uneasy...
At the same time, he can't help but wonder... that is one place we haven't explored isn't it...? Ah well, now is not the time to explore, now is the time to survive the attack that we are in the midst of.... He begins looking (while staying in that one spot) for a room or doorway, or some place where the group will be able to reconvene and gather their wits and senses. Worse case scenario, Timor hopes to at least be able to find some alcove or something where there is only one entrance, that way, the group could at least make a stand and the enemies could only come from one direction and no one would be surrounded....

MAXIMILLION
Max smiling.
"Well that worked well. Sorry I couldn't wait, but it looked as if that Ogre was going to break free and I wanted him to take all the damage he could.
Let's grab what treasure we can that there were carrying and go to our hiding place. I am just about out of spells and I fear more are coming. I'll stay over there being my oil slick and if more orcs show themselves, then we can retreat behind a burning wall. Good job all!"

VORIAX
Voriax will move away from the area of magical darkness. He will move towards the main group, ready to follow them whichever direction they choose to flee.
OOC:
We are fleeing, right guys? I think there are going to be a whole lot more orcs where those came from. If they have a shaman and war drums, there might be *several* battalions coming for us.

BILADOC
I look at Maximillion, shaking my head:
"Yeah, that worked real well! I had four daggers in those guys, probably they're unusable now. Same goes to any scrolls or pouches they may be carrying."
I stop and think for a moment and say to him in a lower voice.
"Nice work with that web trick. We just had to pick them like ripe bananas."
Hearing Saggar's yell I sigh and say to Legildur:
"Great! The dwarf's done it again... Do you want to go after him to help or to bring him back? I'll take a quick look at the roasted pig snouts, maybe I can salvage something..."
If the fire's out, I'll quickly search the dead orcs and ogre, trying to recover any daggers, money, jewels...
If more orcs come running (or even walking) from the north, I'll retreat past the corner into the west corridor, joining the others.

ALOF
Same action as last round for me, basically waiting for Kinson to bring Selander. Will throw daggers at any onrushing orcs.

LEGILDUR
Ignoring the heat from the burning webs, Legildur's elven battle cry reverberates off the hard stone walls of the corridor as he strikes the ogre's head from its shoulders. The sickening smell of charred flesh strong in his nostrils, he quickly scans through his helm the mass of burnt bodies that lies before him and Biladoc, searching for survivors of Max's efforts. Seeing none (?), Legildur turns his attention to the charred and decapitated remains of the ogre, seeing if it carried any obvious treasure he can quickly loot before withdrawing.
"Well done Vinguard," he whispers to the sword in thanks for striking true. Distracted by Saggar's own battle cry, Legildur grabs any pouch that the ogre may have been carrying and tears it away from the carcass before withdrawing back to the T-intersection whilst stuffing the pouch between his shield and forearm for temporary safe keeping. Legildur sees the rest of the party moving back to the T-intersection and just catches a glimpse of Saggar's back before he disappears into wall of magical darkness.
"Someone create light in there!"
Legildur demands of any of the spellcasters as he points with Vinguard at the wall of darkness.
"The rest of you get behind Max's oil traps." he adds as he holds the intersection.
He then notices Kinson's limp and bleeding left arm and suddenly understands the warrior's call to retreat if one such as he was gravely wounded in the exchange.

MAXIMILLION
"Someone go and see if our retreat path is safe! I suggest that if we are retreating that we go around and the square that our secret room is in a couple of times before entering."
The last is said so that only the party will hear what he is saying.

KINSON
Arriving at the intersection, Kinson pauses, looking over the other party members (Charles how injured does Wrent look?). He makes eye contact with Legildur, and motions him over.
"Friend hold her for a moment," he says while gently leaning Selander toward the elven warrior.
Kinson steps to the side and faces away from the party, lowering his head in obvious shame. It becomes apparent that he is praying and chanting but he speaks low so no one can hear his words, but himself. He pulls his holy symbol out from under his armour, he cradles his left arm with his right, allowing the symbol to touch his injured arm (He is laying hands on himself. Charles, does Torm grant his request?).
No matter the outcome, Kinson returns to Legildur and once again takes charge of Selander.
"Lead on good friend. We should leave and heal."

DM
Saggar charges into the darkness with a yell. his arms spread wide. Timor moves down to the T intersection and gets behind Max. Meanwhile Wrent moves back to the barrier of Oil. He waves his swords around like a deadly dancer.
She moans as she thumps against the elven warriors hard body. Kaddar moves back as well.
Max smiling.
"Well that worked well. Sorry I couldn't wait, but it looked as if that Ogre was going to break free and I wanted him to take all the damage he could.
Let's grab what treasure we can that there were carrying and go to our hiding place. I am just about out of spells and I fear more are coming. I'll stay over there being my oil slick and if more orcs show themselves, then we can retreat behind a burning wall. Good job all!"
Voriax moves to the T intersection as well. Alof moves back with Daggers in hand. he notes he is running a little short on them. (you used 4 or was it 6 already?)
Legildur removes a small sack off the burning Ogre. the licking flames do not seem to bother the elven warrior as his sword continues to glow red now.
Legildur sees the rest of the party moving back to the T-intersection and just catches a glimpse of Saggar's back before he disappears into wall of magical darkness.
"Someone create light in there!" Legildur demands of any of the spellcasters as he points with Vinguard at the wall of darkness.
"The rest of you get behind Max's oil traps." he adds as he holds the intersection.
Max, "Someone go and see if our retreat path is safe! I suggest that if we are retreating that we go around and the square that our secret room is in a couple of times before entering." The last is said so that only the party will hear what he is saying.
Kinson steps to the side and faces away from the party, lowering his head in obvious shame. It becomes apparent that he is praying and chanting but he speaks low so no one can hear his words, but himself. He pulls his holy symbol out from under his armour, he cradles his left arm with his right, allowing the symbol to touch his injured arm His wounds heal right before your eyes.
Kinson returns to Legildur and once again takes charge of Selander.
"Lead on good friend. We should leave and heal."
Biladoc also moves to the T Intersection and waits.

VORIAX
Voriax notes the glow with passing interest as he moves behind the oil traps, very near Legildur and his strange glow.
"I cannot create magical light. Mayhaps a priest could?"

LEGILDUR
Legildur stands in the intersection with the rest of the party (except Saggar). His sword glowing red in the dull light and the sound of drums echoing down the corridors. He notes Kinson's self healing.
"Hand Selander off to one of the others, we'll need your sword arm," he says to the knight as he passes the unconscious maiden back to Kinson.
"If we don't leave now we won't make it of here alive, but I won't leave Saggar," says Legildur to the party. "Be prepared to leave now!".
"Vinguard, give me more light," says Legildur as he strides back towards the curtain of darkness that the dwarf charged through to see if he can drag the impulsive priest back.
"SAGGAR!! WE LEAVE NOW!" yells Legildur through his helm loud enough to reverberate off the stone walls as he approaches the curtain.

KINSON
Kinson nods his head knowingly at the elven warrior. Then he looks directly at Max.
"Max, How long will Selander be unconscious? I'm not blaming you, but since she's like this because of you, please take charge of her, get someone's assistance if necessary. I will have to be ready to fight quickly and I can't do that while carrying her."
He takes a couple of steps towards Max, and leans Selander his way. "Get your gear ready, and prepare for a quick march in the order Legildur determined earlier."
Kinson looks down the hall after Legildur searching for Saggar, the concern on his face quite evident.

MAXIMILLION
"Alright, I'll help move her. I could use some help"
He says the last looking at those not doing anything.

DM
Max takes Selander but almost stumbles under her weight. Timor goes to assist Max with Selander. Suddenly there is a bright flash from the end of the hallway and the darkness is gone. The sight before you I kinda comical as you see Saggar pumping his short legs as fast as possible running towards you. Behind him is a horde of Orcs and a large green warty humanoid with sharp claws....
Biladoc and Alof gulp at the same time:
"A TROLL!"

VORIAX
"I've got one web spell left, and I guess this is a good time for it. Everyone move back from the hallway!"
Voriax will time the web spell so Saggar and Legildur clear the hallway, then fill the whole length of the hall as far back as he can go (starting at the very front) with the web. Let's hope this works!

LEGILDUR
Legildur is standing before the wall darkness, brandishing Vinguard and yelling for Saggar, when the darkness suddenly disappears before him and he sees the dwarf doing his best to sprint towards him, new 'friends' in tow.
"Whoops!" the elven warrior mutters to himself under his helm as he spies the mythical (to him) troll and the hoard. "GO! GO! GO!" Legildur yells to the rest of the Band, hoping they act on the urgency in his voice, as he turns and begins to sprint towards the intersection.
Seeing Voriax standing firm at the intersection and waving his arms insensibly and muttering incoherently, Legildur deduces that his friend intends to cast a spell at the pursuing hoard. He halts beside the mage and turns back to face the hoard to protect Voriax in case the spell should fail.
"Keep going Saggar! But keep that marble handy," he calls to the rushing dwarf.

KINSON
Kinson moves silently to the intersection positioning himself at Voriax's side, opposite from Legildur. He draws his long sword and waits patiently for the spell to go off. He will attack any creature that escapes the web.

DM
The Orc Horde led by the troll draws nearer and Saggar, Kinson, and Legildur get out of the way of Voriax's spell. Voriax is chanting as they pass him. He stretches his hands out to cast the sticking web that will pin their enemies.
Max hands the torch he is carrying to Biladoc. He then proceeds south with Solomon leading the way. From somewhere in the horde of orcs the shaman is quicker on the draw than Voriax. Two magic bolts fly through the air striking Voriax and breaking his concentration on his spell. Smoke rises from Voriax chest. He grips his chest in pain. (-7hp.)
the Orc Horde is almost upon the T intersection and the group... with the exception of Max who just went south.

TIMOR
Realising that Max's words are sound in logic, Timor tightens his grip on his own belongings as well as his grip on the prone form of Selander. With Max's help, Timor moves as quickly as he can to get the three of them (Max, Selander, and Timor) on their way as quickly as possible.

SAGGAR
Saggar draws forth two flasks of oil as he runs and looks to the torch holder.
"Whenever you wish."

LEGILDUR
"Maels!" exclaims Legildur as he involuntarily ducks the bolts of energy that streak towards the trio (not being used to being on the receiving end of magical attacks) and unerringly strike Voriax.
Quickly glancing around to his struck friend, Legildur sees that the mage is not only injured, but potentially more importantly, has failed to complete his spell.
Seeing Voriax stunned temporarily in pain, Legildur shoves his friend none too gently back towards the rest of the party with his shield in an effort to get him out of harms way before the horde arrives.
"Pull back Kinson,"
he calls to his comrade as he turns to face the troll, shaman and orcs rushing towards them as he himself steps back through the last oil trap.
"Some one light the oil!" he calls over his shoulder.
"By Laskanthar Vinguard, help me now to spill their evil blood," says Legildur, firming his grip on his sword, as he positions himself to receive the onslaught from the strange green humanoid and associates.
OOC:
Could be a good name for a law firm: Strange, Green, Humanoid & Associates
:-)

VORIAX
Voriax moves away with the help of Legildur's hearty shove. He steps back and around the corner yelling for Max as he does.
"Max! Come back. We may have to use the mirror and you are too far away!"

BILADOC
I say to Saggar:
"Throw the flask now! Legildur, Kinson, run!"
I'll throw the torch at the poodle of oil Maximillion made earlier as soon as they pass it (we didn't light that, just the web, right?) and quickly pull out a couple of daggers to throw at any foe escaping the fire. If I see them all in flames, I'll run to join Maximillion and Timor, looking back, over my shoulder from time to time, making sure we're not followed.

ALOF
After being a little startled by the troll (sorry about the lack of a response) I'll quickly head back towards the party with daggers in hand awaiting their actions.

KINSON
Time seems to speed up as all the information floods into Kinson's brain, but Legildur's sharp words snap him back into action. Kinson will retreat with Legildur around the corner past the oil trap set by Max.

DM
Timor heads South with Max and Selander in tow. Saggar draws two flasks of oil and waits. Legildur holds his ground as he shoves Voriax. Voriax stumbles back yelling for Max not to go to far. Alof steps behind Legildur with daggers drawn. Biladoc seems stunned and just stands there holding the torch.
Kinson moves next to Legildur... He waits with Sword drawn as the Troll and friends beat down on the Warriors. The troll reaches the two warriors tearing into them with Abandon as both of them swing at its warty hide. A Talon and claw both strike Kinson (-8hp) One claw rips a gash in Legildur armour drawing blood from his shoulder (-5hp) Legildur's and Kinson's swords sink deep causing the troll to real back away from the warriors as the orcs pour around him to engage the two warriors.
Two daggers fly from Alof's Hands dropping one orc as he runs down the hallway. Wrent stands behind the two warriors ready to back them up should they not be able to continue the fight. Kaddar is chanting and a glow covers his hands. He touches Wrent. Wrent muscles already big seem to bulge to unelf like proportions.
A glob of green liquid comes from the Shaman behind the horde of orcs and strikes Saggar back at the intersection. It burns and begins eating through his armour. (Saggar has not taken and damage yet)

SAGGAR
Saggar tosses the flasks on the troll as he leans back to use the forces of nature to keep the green material from him.

LEGILDUR
Legildur, silently ignoring the pain in his right shoulder caused by the troll's savage attack, resists the temptation to follow up his success on the motley coloured humanoid. Rather, electing to hold the line of defence with Kinson and destroy the orcs immediately to their front while the party prepares their (hopeful) hasty departure.
"Voriax, get everyone together!" he yells over the din of the battle as he strikes at the nearest orc.
"Biladoc!" yells Legildur in an attempt to startle the stunned halfling.
"Quick! Light the oil and then throw the torch at that troll!" he commands of the scout.
"By Moran, Kalil and Jaspen! Let's see what colours your entrails be!" yells Legildur as systematically slaughters the orcs pressing the attack.

VORIAX
Voriax starts to back away from Legildur and the oil trap.
"Max! We need you over here! Everyone else, move around me in case we have to leave magically."

TIMOR
Timor, busy helping Max move Selander, only hears the fighting going on behind him as he moves away...
Suddenly, Voriax calls for Max, and Timor's load seems to greaten... he can't very well move Selander on his own. His frustration only heightens when he hears Legildur call for everyone to gather closer together...
"Elanna only knows what that warrior elf is thinking this time..." but still, Legildur's plans have usually been sound.
"Enough is enough," decides the brown-eyed priest. Grinding his teeth, Timor braces Selander under his arm and tries to get her back with he others. Once there he will prop the prone feminine form against the nearest wall, then take a moment to see where he can be of the most help.
(Of course, just trying to get Selander back with the others by himself will take quite sometime, so that is all Timor can do for now...)

VORIAX
"Max, help Timor bring Selander over here!"
Voriax pulls a small highly polished mirror from within the bag on his belt. He begins to stare at the symbols along the outer frame of the mirror as if choosing one of them.
"Ready when you are Legildur!"

LEGILDUR
"Make sure everyone is within range!"
replies Legildur quickly as he ducks a swinging slash from an orc.

KINSON
The pain of Kinson's wounds cause him to reel for a moment when the troll attacks make their mark, but he is buoyed when the troll retreats.
He hears Legildur, by his side, bark orders to the others of their impending departure, but his concentration is on the orcs in front of him, he attacks the closest of the vile creatures. He mentally prepares himself for flight, thinking he'll have to wait until the oil fire flares then break attack and rush through the fire. He is ready.

TIMOR
Timor, who has been so busy bringing Selander over he hasn't had any time to see anything else that is going on, looks up quizzically.
"In range for what?"
(of course, no one needs to answer him, he'll figure it soon enough ;)

BILADOC
OOC:
Stunned?! What do you mean?! I'm never stunned! I'm occasionally stoned, but that's different... Seriously, I think not only Adrian but also Charles are not receiving my messages (or receiving them very late). I hope this stops soon, I'm gonna ask my mail manager to check the server and see if there's anything wrong (apart from him...).
BIC:
I'll do as Legildur asks and light the oil, throwing the torch at the troll. If I can hit the troll with a couple of daggers, I'll do so.
If not, I'll drop one of the orcs, preferably the shaman.
I look at Voriax and the mirror:
"Are we running from these $%"#$% pig snouts? We can take them! I don't like what I heard about that mirror..."
If any orc gets pass the knights, I'll mace him.

ALOF
Putting my hand on my last and final dagger (darn) I'll hold on to it and if anything comes rushing at the group I'll let it fly. Other than this I'll just stand close to Voriax.

DM
Saggar lops a flask of oil into the crowd after the troll. He goes sailing into he group of orcs somewhere near the troll. Legildur swings Vinguard and cuts down one orc wounding a large second one.
Voriax shouts commands as he waits for Max to return up the hallway. Timor slowly drags Selander towards the main group of the Silver Blade. He thinks to himself that this girl has too much muscle... But he also notes to his embarrassment as his hand slips trying to get a good hold, that she has soft parts as well.
Voriax pulls a strange mirror from his back. He stares at the runes that cover the face of the multi windowed silver mirror. Max returns to Voriax's Location.
Biladoc breaks his stare and throws the torch down t Light Max's line of oil. The Oil licks upward cutting off one hallway..(I think... correct me one way or the other... That Legildur and Kinson are on the wrong side of the oil? Or was your position just on the right side of the oil?.
Kinson's Large sword almost cleaves an orc in half. The Orc just stands there for a split second before collapsing like a sack of flour. Alof moves in close to Voriax , his small hands grip is his last dagger tightly. The orcs push their attack but they are unable to make any progress against Kinson and Legildur. the green goo Saggar burns through his armour. He tries to use gravity to sway its effects but it still burns a hole n his armour and his skin(-3hp) It continues to burn.
The Orc shaman in the background is chanting but stops as the oil flames lick towards the ceiling. The troll stays out of the way. You can see his serious wounds healing at an incredible rate.

VORIAX
Voriax will await the word from Legildur to activate the mirror.

BILADOC
If I can hit the orc shaman with a couple of daggers, I'll do so. If not, I'll drop one of the other orcs, unless the troll is close enough to be hit.
As I do this, I say:
"Timor, Alof, help Saggar."
If any orc gets pass the knights, I'll mace him.

SAGGAR
Saggar moves back, quickly dropping his armour and ripping off his shirt.

TIMOR
"Biladoc!" yells the brown eyed priest, "Now is not the time for this, we are finally going to leave here, and that means you as well. If you do not join us, with Elanna as my witness I will come over there and make you join us."
A cold silent stare in the direction of the brave Biladoc follow - another shall not be left behind...

KINSON
OOC:
Sacrifices must be made to save the whole. Kinson and Legildur were on the "wrong" side of the oil. Ok for Legildur since his sword seems to protect him, not good for Kinson. As I said in my last post, as soon as he sees the flames flare Kinson will break and run through them - from Charles post I would say they are now visible.
BIC:
The bright light behind Kinson makes him realise he has misjudged the rapidity with which the flames would flare up. Kinson grasps his sword tightly with both hands bringing it close to his face.
"Mightily Torm, I serve you! I ask for your favour and above all your judgement!"
Then swiftly he turns and with a powerful battle cry launches himself, running, through the flames. All thoughts leave him, until one powerful, overwhelming, thought smashes into him... PAIN!

MAXIMILLION
Max seeing the brave knight leap through the flames gets a bottle out.
"Here you will need this! What are we waiting for let's get out of here!"
Before he forgets:
"Come Solomon."

DM
Legildur leaps through the wall of flames to join the rest of the party. Kinson screams as he leaps through the flames as well. He emerges on the other side with small flames still burning (-5hp). Saggar rips his armour from his body as the persistent green goo burns him (-3hp) he manages to remove almost all the goo but not all with the removal of his armour Voriax stands still with his mirror ready Timor limps down the hallway dragging Selander.
Suddenly Selander moans and shakes her head. Wrent stays back with swords drawn. You hear the orcs yelling as one orcish voice chimes above the others.
"Missile weapons! Kill them. The temple of Grumsh must not be violated"

TIMOR
As Timor watches the heroic scene - knights leaping through flames in a last ditch valiant effort to sanctify the safety of the others - he can't help but think that if he were better prepared, he could have called to Elanna to protect the knights from the flame's burning tongues...
Too much is going on right now for Timor to do anything directly to help Saggar, so for now he only calls out across the commotion.
"Saggar, if you have some water, try washing it to dilute and possibly remove that stuff"
Timor, based on comments made by Legildur and Voriax, now has a better understand of what is about to happen.
Timor pauses for a moment.
"Selander?" he calls down to her, "wake up please....we could really use your assistance."
Timor thinks for a moment that even if Selander were conscious and awake, she still wouldn't be able to make more sound than the moan she just emitted...but at least he wouldn't have to carry/drag her ;) 'Grumsh?' ... is all Timor begins to think about and ponder as this entire scene is about to be exited (hopefully :)
...if all goes well, they will be leaving this maze behind, but with it, the Orb, Drew, Kyrie, and possibly one other person whose name Timor doesn't even want to think about...

VORIAX
Voriax begins to read the runes on the side of the mirror, chanting in an unknown tongue. Hopefully the mirror begins to shimmer and (blue smoke?) begins to gather around him.
"Everyone gather in, it's time to go!"
OOC:
Boy, hope Voriax isn't the only one to leave!

DM
OOC:
Which runes are you chanting?

SAGGAR
Saggar uses the flat blade of his throwing axe to scrape off the remaining goo and throws it at the most visible orc

DM
Saggar scrapes the remaining goo off of his chest. (-3hp)

VORIAX
OOC:
Hey Now!! No one said I had to be specific. The ones to the mages red tower? Legildur would know. I'll ask him. I'll chant the ones he says to chant. :-)

DM
Voriax Chants and a glowing oval appears just above the floor in front of the mirror. Nothing can be seen through the blue light of the oval. A whistle of missile weapons can be heard from the direction of the Orcs as Selander stands on her won two feet and looks around confused.

BILADOC
I look at the oval, look at the others, jump forward and grab Selander, pushing her with me through the magic gate as I yell to the others:
"Voriax, you better be right about this #$%%$#%&# mirr..."

VORIAX
Voriax crouches to make himself a smaller target.
"Everyone through! Legildur and I will follow through last so it doesn't close."
OOC:
Voriax, getting ready for dodge ball! :-)

KINSON
Kinson runs out of the fire and begins stamping out all the flames on his body.
"Hell on Earth!"
Finally he stands up straight and forcefully removes the look of pain on his face.
He sees Max offering him a vile of liquid, and reaches out and takes it in his hand.
"What is it Max?"
Then the bright blue light of the active mirror fills his eyes, and he hears Voriax's instructions to enter quickly.
"You heard him, let's go..."
Kinson moves forward and enters the mirror.

SAGGAR
Saggar casts a cure light on himself.

MAXIMILLION
Max gives a potion if healing to the Sir Kinson.
"It's a healing potion"
He then calls Solomon and follows Sir Kinson through the portal.

TIMOR
Timor apparently doesn't have to worry about carrying/supporting Selander anymore, so he will, using his hands to grope around, double check his belongings (make sure nothing is about to drop or whatever) (Voriax's old hooded lantern, pack, pouches, the metallic walking staff that once belonged to the red mage - damn, I was assuming we would never be back, umm, I hope he doesn't recognise it, better yet, I hope we don't run into him or his dogs :)
with that done, Timor tries to find his way through the blue smoke to the mirror (following Voriax's voice since Timor knows Voriax is holding the darned thing).. (all this is assuming the blue smoke makes it difficult to see).
As he steps through the magical portal, those nearest him can hear him say:
"Elanna protect us...."

ALOF
After, seeing the flaming spectacle (not sure if I am referring to the oil or Biladoc's mouth though, both perhaps ???) and the brave warrior's actions, I just kinda look on in amazement and. Then realising that Voriax wants us to go into the light, I'll walk into it. As I am walking the party can hear me mumble.
"Why is it I'm always running from Trolls, One day!"

KADDAR
Kaddar just follows Alof, just as if he is just getting out of a long sleep.

DM
Voriax crouches to make himself a smaller target.
"Everyone through! Legildur and I will follow through last so it doesn't close."
Selander shakes her head again and dives through the blue curtain of magical energy. She disappears in a wink as Biladoc dives in behind her, mumbling something to himself.
Kinson runs out of the fire and begins stamping out all the flames on his body.
"Hell on Earth!" Finally he stands up straight and forcefully removes the look of pain on his face. He sees Max offering him a vile of liquid, and reaches out and takes it in his hand.
"What is it Max?"
Then the bright blue light of the active mirror fills his eyes, and he hears Voriax's instructions to enter quickly.
"You heard him, let's go..."
Kinson moves forward Towards the mirror as the bolts and spears begin striking the party.
Saggar casts a cure light on himself: (And Heals himself for 7 hp) Timor apparently doesn't have to worry about carrying/supporting Selander anymore, so he will, using his hands to grope around, ( Selander might not like that. :-)) double check his belongings (make sure nothing is about to drop or whatever) (Voriax's old hooded lantern, pack, pouches, the metallic walking staff that once belonged to the red mage - damn, I was assuming we would never be back, umm, I hope he doesn't recognise it, better yet, I hope we don't run into him or his dogs :)
with that done, Timor heads for the bright blue light with the blue smoke around it. The Priest of Ellanna has no problem diving through on Biladoc's heels.
As he steps through the magical portal, those nearest him can hear him say.
"Elanna protect us...."
Alof , seeing the flaming spectacle (not sure if I am referring to the oil or Biladoc's mouth though, both perhaps ???) and the brave warrior's actions, I just kinda look on in amazement and. Then realising that Voriax wants us to go into the light, I'll walk into it. As I am walking the party can hear me mumble.
"Why is it I'm always running from Trolls, One day!"
He disappears from sight.
Kaddar stumbles behind Alof through the blue portal. Wrent and Max hold their position in the hallway as the damage is done. Legildur moves for the mirror but seems to be waiting for the rest of the group to go through. A bolt strikes Voriax (-3hp) in the left shoulder. Saggar is hit by a Spear in the right leg (-5hp). Everyone hears the dwarf mumble something in dwarfish that has to be a curse. Wrent is hit by magic missiles and three bolts. The Elven warrior Stumbles but does not fall Kinson is lucky as his armour deflects several spears and bolts. Legildur is hit by a single bolt that grazes his left cheek (-1hp).
Legildur grabs Max and shoves him through the magical portal. Kinson leaps through behind him knocking Legildur through the portal as well. Wrent, Voriax, and Saggar are the only ones remaining on the orc side of the mirror.
MEANWHILE one the other side of the portal. Selander, Biladoc, Timor, Alof and Kaddar appear in a flash of light. You are in a large round stone chamber with Six mirrors on the walls . The mirrors are huge and have inscriptions in a strange language underneath them. There is a trap door in the centre of the room, that leads downwards to the rest of the tower.
Standing next to the trap door are four statues of large furry goblinoid creatures. They wear shields for breastplates and have large wicked looking glaives in their hands. They suddenly turn from stone to flesh as the group lands on the floor. The Large creatures yell a warriors challenge as they charge the group.

VORIAX
"That's enough time here. Follow me, or stay trapped here!"
Voriax pauses for 1 second to see if the other two move, and if they don't, he leaps through regardless. If they begin to move, he will wait for them to finish, then go through. Either way, I'm out of here!

SAGGAR
Step through the portal.

KINSON
OOC:
A question: Is Kinson here? What about Legildur? Or are you stating that he will not be able to act in this round?
If he was just misplaced but in fact is present and can act this round, then the following applies:
BIC:
Kinson, drawing his sword, answers their challenge with one of his own. He feels the weight of his sword and knows it to be his own exhaustion, but he erases the thought from his mind before it can reach his face and betray him. He raises his sword and waits silently, watching for the opening he knows will come, then his sword will speak for him...

DM
OOC:
There is a one round delay going through the portal.

ALOF
Seeing, the things come to life, I'll wait for one of them to come at me and then swing both shortswords at them if they do.

DM
Saggar, Voriax and Wrent Leap into the portal. The blue glow closes behind them as the mirror enters. Kinston is healed from the potion given to him by Max (8hp) Alof attacks one of the bug Bears with two short swords. One of the swords strikes true injuring the large creature as it's glaive comes slicing towards Alof. Alof is unable t dodge and receives a nasty cut (-4hp).
Kaddar does not have time to cast a spell so he attacks the Bugbear fighting Alof with a Dagger. He misses the bugbear however. Timor brings up his staff defensively and manages to keep on eof the bug bears at bay.
Biladoc attacks the third bugbear and manages to smash its toes. It roars in pain as Selander moves forward and smashes her forearm into its nose. It stumbles backwards almost falling. The Forth Bugbear moves forward and slashes Kaddar's back. (-6hp).
Now Legildur, Kinson and Max appear in the room with Biladoc and the others. The Bugbears start to look a little concerned now.

TIMOR
Timor will continue to use the metallic staff to swat at the bug bears if any come near him.
If he can manage to do so, Timor will try and circle around and make his way to the trap door in the centre of the room.
If he can't do that, he will continue using his staff to defend himself (and proactively attack against anyone who comes too close).
If Timor _can_ make it to the trap door:
Timor first looks to see if it is open, if so, he looks down and makes sure no one else is coming.
If it is closed Timor will see if there is a lock mechanism on it that he can clasp shut.
After this (even if there is some fighting going on), Timor will start to look to his companions to see who looks badly injured (after all, they have just been through two battles, some fire, some acid, and some other nasty things)

DM
The trap door is closed but not locked.

VORIAX
Voriax will move towards the trap door with Timor and begin to try and open it up. He'll save his last few precious spells for a bit to see if the fighters can handle the bugbears.
"Legildur, make quick work of those beasts so we can leave."

SAGGAR
With a war cry, Saggar charges the nearest Bugbear with his axe swinging a wide arc at its throat.

MAXIMILLION
Max comes into the room and sees the fighting and knowing he is out of offensive spells studies the room. Trap door in the centre of room which is where the fight is, want be able to open that. Sees the mirrors with the writing and then sees others looking at a trap door.
"Is this the place that you been to before? If so it seems that someone has placed a welcoming for us. I bet that trap door is trapped too. Let's take care of the welcoming committee first."
Max will then get down on his hands and knees if he sees an opportunity to roll against the legs of one of the bugbears from behind then he will do so that the bugbear will fall down backwards.

KINSON
Kinson draws his sword and attacks.

ALOF
Alof keeps on hacking away... Let's see em fall!!!!!

KADDAR
I guess Kaddar will keep on attacking the same bugbear as Alof until we beat him, then (If I survive long enough) I will try to get a little back so I can use spells instead of Daggers.

DM
Timor parries with his staff as he makes is way to the centre of the round room. He just manages to get to the trap door. At this point Voriax, Saggar and Wrent come through the portal The last of the group has arrived.
The bugbears seem ready to run but stay and fight instead. It would seem there is something they fear more than death itself. Max drops to al fours and bumps into one of the furry giants. The Bugbear does not seem concerned with Max's move.
Kinson draws his blade and attacks slashing a huge gash in one of the bugbears. The Bugbear stumbles but somehow keeps his footing.
Alof stabs one of his swords deep into the Bugbear that Kinson just slashed. The Bugbear looks shocked as he looks down at the little assailant. Alof finishing off the bugbear give Kaddar a chance to fall back . He does so and gets enough distance to cast spells.
Legildur charges and lops the head off one of the bugbears. Selander is holding her own but is unable to strike a blow. Biladoc wounds a bugbear but it just seems to enrage the one eyed giant. One Bug Bear swings his glaive mightily at Timor who somehow parries sending showers of sparks with each contact. The Other bugbear Slashes at Kinson but misses the well-armoured knight.

VORIAX
OOC:
Go Timor!!! Just don't get hacked up too bad. We'll need some healing later on!!
BIC:
Seeing that the party has the bugbears well in hand, Voriax will still work on opening the trap door to see what is below this time.

MAXIMILLION
Max seeing that he will be unable to trip a bugbear, gets out of the way of fighters. He then gets a mirror out and looks at the writing in one of the mirrors.

ALOF
Seeing the bugbear fall to the ground I try and sneak up on either of the two that aren't looking at me at stick a nice magic shortsword in their back.

TIMOR
Timor, seeing how well his parrying skills are showing themselves, is convinced that Elanna has somehow granted protection despite the fact that he never specifically petitioned for it. That being the case, Timor continues doing what he is doing (Parrying attacks). If there is a particularly opportune moment, Timor will attack the bugbear (aiming for the legs' knees) with his staff.
OOC:
*I* personally believe that Timor is doing this on his own, but you know how Timor gets sometimes... divine this, holy inspiration that... yada yada yada... ;)

BILADOC
Seeing Alof getting ready for a backstab, I'll distract the bugbear attacking Selander, shouting as I mace his toes, making him turn his back on Alof:
"Come on you %&$*#зг# foul-smelling-one-eyed-roach-eating-stump! Leave the girl and fight someone your size!"
If I get a chance, I'll go for his jaw rather then his toes. Or both, seeing how fast and dexter I am... ;-)

KINSON
With a shout of approval Kinson watches the bugbear drop to the ground after his and Alof's attacks. He adjusts his stance, turning to the nearest of the remaining standing creatures, and strikes with his sword.

DM
Max examines the mirrors as the battle goes on. Each large mirrors inset into the wall of this round room. Underneath each mirror is an inscription in a strange language. Voriax tugs on the trap door and it comes open to reveal the ladder leading into a smaller room below. Alof backstabs one of the two remaining bugbears that growls in pain as he drops to his knees. Just in time for Kinson to shove his sword deep in its chest. Timor swings his metal staff and misses the last bugbear. Biladoc yells:
"Come on you %&$*#зг# foul-smelling-one-eyed-roach-eating-stump! Leave the girl and fight someone your size!" as he slams his mace into the toes of the remaining bugbear. It roars as Selander and Legildur both shove their swords deep into its chest. It gurgles for a few seconds and then falls to the ground.
All the creatures are now dead.

VORIAX
Voriax looks up from his trap door.
"Do we have a brave thief who wants to poke his head down and see what's here? I think I will pass so my head stays on my shoulders."

ALOF
When Voriax says this I turn, smiling, to Biladoc and say:
"Hmm, feel like being lowered down by rope into that room... Considering your such an expert and have so much experience at it."
(Note: I didn't say if that was a good thing) I begin to search the bugbears for anything of interest while waiting for his response.

SAGGAR
Saggar casts a cure light wounds upon himself, still injured from the battle before crossing the mirror, after first bandaging his wounds and then proceeds to bandage the others wounds.

MAXIMILLION
Max catching his breath.
"Hold on a second, we have been fighting on and off for quite a while now. Good job everyone. All of us are still alive which is surprising given what we have gone through. I think we need catch our breath and talk this out a bit.
1) Voriax and Legildur: is this a place you have been before or is this place new?
2) If you have been here before do you have any maps or can tell us what you remember?
3) If this is some place new, did you try to take us to some place you have been before?
4) Something made those bugbears less scared of us then running away down the trap door. Let's be cautious. Keep an eye down below, but keep it partially closed. Thank goodness there was no trap on the door."
Max then closes his mouth so he can hear what others have to say.

VORIAX
Voriax waits until the questions stop coming.
"We have been here before and we probably don't have much time to waste before the Red Wizard comes to find us. We came through here once before and killed some of his pet dogs (vicious attack creatures) on our way out. I had a feeling he would have something laying in wait for us, and he did. My bet is he also had this room alarmed and he is either on his way himself, or sending more creatures to soften us up. We need to move quickly before he pins us down. Oh, this is a tower, and we need to go down."
Voriax thinks for a minute, then looks for a window. (I don't remember if there is one here or not) *If* there is a window, Voriax says:
"Actually, we may not be in as much trouble as we could be. Last time we had to go through the tower. This time, I have a levitate spell memorised. Let's gather everyone and prepare to go out through the window. I can take at least two people per trip, or maybe more if we want to suffer some damage from impact."
:-)

KINSON
Kinson sighs greatly. He seems a little shaky for a moment before catching his breath, he stands slightly hunched and concentrates on relaxing his muscles. There are numerous scrapes, cuts, several wounds, and scorch marks all over his body. He finally regains his composure, cleans, and resheaths his sword.
"I think we should move quickly and find a place to rest."

TIMOR
Timor looks around to make a quick assessment of everyone's wounds (who looks injured, and how badly does each person look injured in comparison to how each person normally looks) ??
As Timor does this, he quickly tries to respond to Max's comment.
"Resting for a breathe of fresh air (as opposed to the stale air from below) would be ideal - but I think if we don't get moving, we won't be alive long enough to enjoy the air we are taking the time to breathe... We have been here before, in fact, this is the very tower where Silvan, Arken and myself met the Band of the Silver Blade...It is owned by Zandor, the red mage...his wrath is to be avoided... and so are his... pets..."
By now hopefully, Timor would have been able to see who amongst them is most injured... (insert two cure light wound spells here on the two most deserving individuals... I don't know who that would be, so when I do figure out who looks hurt the worst, those are the two people they will be cast on)
"We are at the top of the tower and need to move down and out...I don't think Zandor had these bugbears to watch for us specifically (he would have known if we killed two of his fire breathing dogs that we could kill these folks) - they were probably just here for general guard duty... But no doubt Zandor's magics have some how made him aware that there are intruders here... I see no bodies of elvish royalty laying around, so Silvan, Ayla and Reena must have at least gotten out of this room safely when we sent them out of the tunnels. I can only pray that they made it out of the tower entirely, I would hate to think Silvan was held here prisoner for a second time in his long life..."
"Options? Whatever we choose, I suggest it involves getting out of here quickly - we need to make it as far as Hasbis before we can properly rest."

LEGILDUR
"Remember last time," says Legildur, still panting slightly from the recent exertion on the orcs/ogre/troll/bugbears, "That we went through the trapdoor directly above us and used a rope to climb down the outside of the tower. That's when we found Timor, Silvan and Arken (Laskanthar rest his soul)."
"Let's move quickly now. Voriax is right, more trouble can be expected shortly." adds Legildur.
"Voriax, can you levitate to open the trapdoor and tie off and lower a rope?" asks the elven warrior as he quickly removes 50' of coiled hemp rope from around his backpack and passes it to the silver-haired human.

DM
Actually you went down one leeland searched that level where you found the other three From their you used the window to escape. There is no window in this room.

SAGGAR
Saggar looks at the others
"I have 100 ft of rope, how tall is this tower?"

VORIAX
OOC:
Well then, there goes that plan. On to the next!
BIC:
Voriax will cast his levitate spell, float up to the trapdoor in the ceiling and see if it's still locked. If it's not, I'll open it and look for something to tie the rope onto. If there's nothing, I'll tie it to myself and levitate over the door. I can still hold 400 lbs., so that should be enough to get people up one at a time.

MAXIMILLION
"Unfortunately Mages prefer privacy over a nice view. Since time is of the essence I say we move on as quick as we can."

KADDAR
"Sounds like a good idea, if you notice, those bugbears where really afraid of something and I do not want to run into that something, so we better watch out very carefully."
I just keep alert and watching all the room.

LEGILDUR
"Here, use this instead,"
Says Legildur as he quickly removes and unfolds a small grappling hook with 50 feet of rope attached before passing it to Voriax. "Just like we did last time we were here."
"Let's move quickly now. Everyone up as soon as possible," he adds in response to Kinson's words as he resumes watch over the trapdoor leading down to the room below.

DM
The trap door in the ceiling is in fact still locked. Voriax happens to notice some fresh runes inscribed on it.

SAGGAR
Saggar looks around the tower for any windows upon this floor, noting the trap door and that it would be no challenge for the little ones to unlock, though the runes might pose a problem.

ALOF
OOC:
You really don't realise how small you are when you are referred to as "little" by a dwarf!

DM
There are no windows on this level. Just six large mirrors and a trap door in the floor and the ceiling.

MAXIMILLION
"Oh there's trap door on the ceiling as well as the roof."
Max looks at the runes on the ceiling trap door and uses his magic skill to see what he might know about the runes.

LEGILDUR
Legildur notices Voriax pausing to look closer at the trapdoor overhead and not moving to open it. He sees some scratchings marked on the wood surface but can't decipher them himself (wouldn't have mattered what language they were written in though).
Looking around, he sees Saggar scanning the walls.
"There is a barred window downstairs Saggar if you are looking for another way out," says Legildur in answer to the dwarf's unasked question.
Legildur looks across and the recently bulked up elf.
"Wrent. Come with me,"
says Legildur as he quickly moves down the trapdoor into the small round room below. Looking closely at the door leading out (is it closed?) Legildur searches for any tell-tale runes that may have been inscribed on this exit as well before moving into the armoury.
Approaching the barred window, Legildur indicates that Wrent should grasp one side of the bars that enclose the window, and Legildur the other, and attempt to bend them, if necessary, using one of the weapons in the room as a lever.

VORIAX
Voriax will float back down.
"Would someone like to throw something at the door to set off whatever magical trap is on it? I see the runes, and I'm reasonably sure that something bad will happen if we open the door directly. Any ideas?"
OOC:
Charles, would casting a read magic tell me exactly what kind of runes they were? If I think so, I will cast the read magic rather than float back down.

LEGILDUR
OOC:
What a battle that was!
Overall duration - 17 rounds (probably the longest I have ever been involved with)
Enemy:
orcs killed in open battle - 18
orcs slain while asleep - 11
orcs slept in open battle - 7
orcs captured - 1 (left alive - 1 lucky orc)
ogres killed - 1
orcs killed by friendly fire - 1
bugbears killed - 4
total casualties - 43 (35 dead)
Friendly:
total hit points damage taken - 90+ (plus 6 other melee/missile hits and magic missiles on Barg/Wrent)
total spells cast - 11
total hit points cured - 42
potions consumed - 1
characters killed - 1 (Barg)
Summary:
So, we used 11 spells, lost one friendly and we have a net deficit of 47+ hit points for 43 casualties (35 dead)
Good effort everyone!! But we still have work in front of us to get back to Hasbis safely.

SAGGAR
Saggar nods.
"I see, then we have the choice of a runed door or whatever lies below....How exactly did we get to this place?"

KINSON
Kinson looks quizzically at Max.
"Isn't the ceiling just the underside of the roof? Thus it stands to reason that if a trapdoor is in the ceiling, then the same trapdoor would also be in the roof?"
Then he breaks out laughing!
OOC:
Sorry I couldn't resist. I know you meant to say ceiling and floor.

DM
Alof searches the four bugbears. Timor casts a sell on Kinson(+7hp) and another on Voriax (+5hp).

KINSON
Kinson feels the healing magic course from Timor's hands into his body and instantly feels better.
"Thank you my good Timor, truly you are a kind hearted person."

DM
Wrent and Legildur go down the trap door to the floor below. They glance at the door and note that it is closed. He can see no strange runes upon it. Wrent nods to Legildur. The muscular elf grabs one side of the barred window. Legildur reaches for it as well. before he can touch it sparks fly from Wrent's hands as lightning courses through his body. Wrent lets go as he drops to the floor. Smoke rolls out of his mouth, ears, and eye sockets.
The door flies open at this point and a black clad, dark skinned, elven female stands in the doorway. Behind her are four large ferral dogs with spiked collars.
"Look we have new friends."
She points at Legildur.
"Kill him!"
The dogs dart past her to attack the Elven warrior.

SAGGAR
Saggar swings down through the door, launching himself into the female and grappling with her, locking his thick arms around her neck.

DM
That would be a heck of a move. Since she is over ten feet from the trap door and you don't have acrobatics, and you are wearing heavy armour. You still want to do that?

SAGGAR
Waking from his dream of grandeur, he drops down, throwing his hand axe as he charges her, yelling madly a loud dwarven battle cry.

TIMOR
Timor backs away to the wall as he watches the scene unfold. He begins a small prayer to Elanna.
"Oh great Elanna, I call upon your holy light to fill the eyes of the evil one..." (Timor is attempting to cast a "light" spell directed at the elvish woman's eyes.)
If all goes according to plan, the elf should be blinded - at which point Timor yells out.
"Call of your dogs and your sight shall be restored"
(Hopefully she won't call his bluff... and hopefully with Saggar phsycially ontop of her she won't be able to do any dispelling of Timor's divine magic)
If that plan is out, that leaves only a few options:
1)we fight them (something I don't see working to well at the moment)
2)We flee downward and out a window like before (something that is going to be near impossible with Wrent unconscious like he is)
3)we lure them (the dogs) through one of the mirrors
4)we run through another mirror to escape here (although, we don't know if where land will be safer or not)...
...but hopefully, trying to blind the elf lady who seems to have control of the dogs will work. The dogs listen to her, so we need her able to call them off, but at the same time, we need to incapacitate her so that she doesn't cause us any harm...

MAXIMILLION
Max looking embarrassed smiles back at Kinson.
"I did say roof and ceiling didn't I? My guess is those runes mean firetrap. What's that commotion below?"

LEGILDUR
Standing somewhat shocked at Wrent's sudden demise, Legildur snaps back to his current predicament as he hears the voice of the elven female and turns in time to see the dogs rush past her. Anger coursing though his veins at the loss of another companion, Legildur controls his fury and backs himself into the corner of the armoury. Lifting his kite shield into the ready position, he draws Vinguard and carries its momentum through into his first attack on the leading dog.

MAXIMILLION
Max in a panic grabs the trap door in the floor and gets ready to shut it.
"Everyone who is going down try jumping on one of the dogs fast." If Max sees the dark elf casting a spell in his direction he will quickly close the trap door and then move against the wall.

BILADOC
After the last bugbear falls, I look at Selander and smile:
"Well, not bad for someone who didn't knew how to hold a sword just a few hours ago!"
I look around the room while the others study the trapdoors and mirrors.
When Legildur and Wrent move down, I approach the opening and look at the room beneath. When the dark elf appears and I see the dogs, I take out a couple of daggers and throw them at one of the dogs, the second closest to Legildur. He can take care of the first one and it'll give him time to prepare for the third one.
OOC:
That dark elf, is she the one I fought before, the one who killed Shadow?...

KADDAR
I suppose we all could see or at least hear what's going on the floor below, so as everybody rushes down to help Legildur, Kaddar approaches the trap door, with the staff on hand, Kaddar tries to remember if I has any spells left on his mind and watching, if he can the move of the evil elven female (maybe she turns out to be familiar to Kaddar).

DM
Her complexion and looks are familiar but she is not the same female.

ALOF
When I see that Legildur is in trouble, I'll jump down towards where the dogs are (If it's not to far a drop) and throw a dagger at the closest one as I do this). As I fall through the air I'll yell.
"Saggar, that orc ball we have, use it!"
(I am referring to the thing we found under the wastebasket)

KINSON
Kinson, alerted by the clamorous activity from below, rushes to the trapdoor, looking down he sees the dark elf and dogs attacking Legildur.
With a battle yell, Kinson descends the ladder as quickly as he can (grabbing the sides and sliding is the general idea). If opportunity knocks on the way down the ladder, Kinson will jump on or kick anything running by the ladder (the woman, the dogs... Not Legildur). Once at the bottom he will draw his sword and enter melee.

SAGGAR
Saggar grins nodding, drawing the small orb and tossing it at the dark woman's feet.

DM
OOC:
You will have to do that next round. if you want that is.
BIC:
Saggar swings down as he throws his hand axe at the drow female. His hand axe grazes her head leaving a small red mark where her left ear use to be Saggar's landing however is not graceful as his feet give out from under him and he stumbles sprawling onto the floor. The drow female curses Saggar in some strange language as she pulls a whip from her robes. The ends of the whip are snakeheads that hiss and snap. Saggar's eyes get a little bigger seeing this...You are not sure if its fear or if he likes to eat snake. Max grabs the trap door and is ready to close it if there is need.
Standing somewhat shocked at Wrent's sudden demise, Legildur snaps back to his current predicament as he hears the voice of the elven female and turns in time to see the dogs rush past her. Anger coursing though his veins at the loss of another companion, Legildur controls his fury and backs himself into the corner of the armoury. Lifting his kite shield into the ready position, he draws Vinguard and carries its momentum through into his first attack on the leading dog. Legildur swings his sword cutting one of the dogs in half as the other three tear at him. One bites him on the left ankle(-4hp) its jaws clamping down on it. The tough animal does not seem to want to let go. The other two dogs are unable to get past Legildur's shield. Timor backs away to the wall as h watches the scene unfold. He begins a small prayer to Elanna.
"Oh great Elanna, I call upon your holy light to fill the eyes of the evil one..." (Timor is attempting to cast a "light" spell directed at the elvish woman's eyes.) However, the drow female shakes off the effects of the spell. Kaddar moves forward and peers down the trap door looking at the drow female.
Alof seeing that Legildur is in trouble, jumps down towards where the dogs are (If it's not to far a drop) and throws a dagger at the closest one as I do this). As He falls through the air he yells.
"Saggar, that orc ball we have, use it!"
The dagger finds its mark sinking in to one of the dogs. Kinson moves to the ladder and slides down to join the battle. As he reaches the bottom he draws his sword but is unable to reach any opponent at the moment.
As the female drow moves forward a strange glow surrounds Saggar, Kinson, and Alof. From behind the Drow female can be seen two men charging forward wearing chainmail armour and wicked two handed axes.

BILADOC
I'll throw a couple of daggers at the female drow, still standing on the top floor. I'll remain here, throwing daggers at the foes beneath. No sense getting close to them and increase the confusion down there. If the drow is imprisoned by the magic sphere or killed by anyone, I'll go for the dogs instead. If they too are down, I'll go for the fighters.

VORIAX
Deciding that the top trap door is not a good bet, Voriax moves next to Max at the edge of the trap door and levitates down into the room, *not* touching the ground. He will then pause there to cast his last colour spray at the charging men, and hopefully the elven female.
"Look out Legildur!"

SAGGAR
Quickly recovering, Saggar tosses the orb at the feet of the female, hoping to entrap her in its power, then he secures a ready position for what is to come.

MAXIMILLION
Max drops the door so that the trap door is still open and throws darts at the dark elf if she starts to cast spells. If she is in melee with the whip, then Max will hold off as to not hit whoever she is in melee with.

KADDAR
OOC:
I think we just found that "something" the Bugbears fear off.
BIC:
Kaddar concentrates as hard as he cans to see if can remember any spell, previously memorised. Meanwhile, he will take his backpack (if any) and empty all its contents into the floor of the room (not the trap), to see if he can find something useful.

KINSON
Kinson hears Voriax's warning yell and glances toward Legildur to make sure he is holding his own, then he sees Voriax facing him directly making hand motions and noises that can mean only one thing, magic cometh this way. Remembering what happened to Selander, Kinson immediately turns back toward the dark elf woman, while drawing his sword. Then he sees Saggar ready to throw the coloured pebble he found earlier in the orc room.
"Damn! Caught between the cliff and the ensuing horde..."
Kinson will delay his action until after the magic's have gone off, he will however, attack anything that comes within range during his delay. His primary target is the dark elf woman, if she is unavailable, then the next nearest will do.

LEGILDUR
Legildur grunts slightly as the puppy latches onto his ankle. Silently thanking Laskanthar for the armour protecting him from any serious damage from the bite, the elven warrior goes about his community minded business - destruction of stray dogs!
Hearing his friend's warning, Legildur thinks to himself 'not again?' as he positions the large shield to protect him from Voriax's magic, though realising that this manoeuvre leaves him a little vulnerable - better that than taking a quick nap!
Concentrating first on the dog latched to his left ankle so as to secure his balance, Legildur thrusts Vinguard through the ribs of the offending beast.
Then using the momentum of withdrawing the blade from the carcass, he makes a backhanded slash into another of the canines daring the blade of kings.

ALOF
Realising I am now wrapped in some strange glow, and realising I am out of daggers. I try and go towards the dogs (and away from the drow) as quickly as possible so that I can get an attack (2 shortswords as usual) in on the dog my dagger hit.
OOC:
Now that I think about it... Trying a NEW rune on the mirror might not have been such a bad idea! Could it really have been worse than this???

TIMOR
OOC:
I have a feeling that none of the mirror exits will prove safe. We can tell by the runes that there are 6 possible exits. Of the six, we know 2 of the destinations:
1)Zandor's tower (where we are now)
2)Quandor's hideout (big nasty *thing* that I won't even talk about lest I ruin the surprise for those who don't know)
Considering that these two above mentioned people have the same access to the 6 mirror exits that we do, they would have taken over any places that were 'unclaimed' or 'safe havens'.. no, my guess is that the other four exits are either super-powers to be reckoned with (such as the two aforementioned), or they are people who have deals/arrangements made with one of the super-powers, otherwise the superpowers would have wiped them out and corrupted the area by now.

KINSON
OOC:
Isn't hindsight wonderful!

TIMOR
As the fighting goes on, Timor begins to think of ways he can help...He feels almost helpless since the main pathway out is currently blocked...for a moment he begins to wonder if Silvan, Ayla and Reena were able to make it out...hopefully so.
Timor then walks over to the trap door that leads down, and tosses his pack to the ground so as to rummage through it. He looks and looks until he finds his package of rations. They aren't the tastiest of things, but it may just do the trick. With a giant heave, Timor tosses the rations at one of the dogs below...hopefully, the food will distract it, giving it something to chew on rather than having it chew on his friends... ;)
The brown eyed priest watches to see how his tactic unfolds, but regardless of its outcome, he looks back up to the room that he is in.
"Perhaps our exit isn't blocked after all..."
He says in a low voice to anyone who may be in listening range. He rushes over to the mirrors around the walls and tries to see if he himself can read any of the runes/writings...
(I am assuming he won't be able to)
At which point he calls over Voriax or Max (whichever of the two is closest and seems least involved with the fighting) and asks one of them to read the runes.
"Can you decipher what it says? Perhaps one will be a safer destination..."
The young priest is well aware of the fact that even if they do safely dispatch the feral beasts and warriors below, they still have an entire series of levels to make it past before reaching the outside.

DM
Voriax levitates down to the combat below. he chants as he does and a spray of colour blasts from his hands towards the female drow and the two charging warriors. The two warriors go down but the female drow seems to ignore the effects of the spell, with the exception of her distaste for the brightness.
Saggar pulls the small marble out of his pocket and throws it at the female drow and two warriors as it hits it explodes and the two warriors rip apart into small chunks. Blood splatters everywhere. Meanwhile somehow the female drow seems battered and is encapsulated in a globe of some sort of mystic energy...She seems a little stunned from the whole effect.
Max lets go of the trap door. He throws a couple of darts at the female drow but now that she is trapped in the globe they just bounce off. Kinson seeing that the female and two warriors are "handled" he turns and swings killing one of the remaining war dogs instantly. Legildur stabs his sword into the rib cage of the beast attached to his ankle. It whimpers as it lets go the last remaining war dog snaps at him but is unable to get past Legildur's well placed shield. Alof turns and attacks the remaining war dog. He nicks it twice with his short swords.
Suddenly with a yell Biladoc sails through the air(from the trap door above) and lands on the remaining ward dog. He carries the beast to the ground as Legildur frees his sword from the dead dog and stabs the beast in the neck. the dog attempts to struggle against its wounds and the mighty halfling but collapses.
Meanwhile Timor digs through his pack and incredible abandon. Finally he withdraws the package he is looking for. He removes the rations and tosses them down. They bounce off Biladoc's head...

VORIAX
OOC:
Hahahhahahhahahaha!!!!! That was too funny. Nice job Timor!! :-)

KADDAR
Kaddar quickly gathers all his stuff in to the backpack again and goes down the ladder, approaches Wrent's body just to confirm his fear, Wrent is dead... Over the laying body he swears revenge and then he takes a good look to the room.

MAXIMILLION
Max looking at the Drow in the Bubble.
"Anyone remember how long the bubble lasted last time. I wonder what would happen if we picked up the bubble and threw it up in the air a couple of times. She should become unconscious and then we can tie her up once the bubble pops."

LEGILDUR
"Another time perhaps." growls Legildur in response to Max whilst staring with deadly intent at the drow.
"Too bad about your pets - you were lucky!" he adds with a sneer as he steps over to Kaddar and quickly removes the swords and scabbards Wrent was carrying (in particular the broadsword with Fae no Mor runes sketched along its length) and the potion of sustenance. "Kinson, can you grab his mail suit?
Alof, check the door is clear and tell what is in the next room - particularly exits,"
says Legildur as he feels in his belt pouch for a protected vial of liquid before placing Wrent's vial in the pouch separately.
"Biladoc, is that window clear now the trap has gone off?"
He asks of the dive-bombing halfling.
"Kaddar, why don't you help him as it was magical."
"Wait a moment." adds Legildur as he manoeuvres the trapped drow until the ball bounces off the barred window.

DM
Outside the doorway is a door to the left and to the right is a stairwell that goes downwards The window is barred with heavy iron bars..

BILADOC
I look at the dog squished under me and smile at the others:
"Did you see that? No hands!"
When Timor's rations hit me I turn, dagger ready to throw.
"Ouch! Whatta #$"%#... Oh... food. Thanks Timor, I could use a snack..."
I take the rations and start chewing on them as I stand up and move to the window to examine it.
After I check the window for traps, I'll search the dead warriors (all the chunks, not just the bigger ones).
((the crowd lets out a muffled awe struck cry, some ladies faint, children start to cry, dogs howl.... those not squished by mighty halflings, that is.))
I take out a couple of daggers and say to the others:
"Lets make a circle around this lady. If she tries to escape, we can turn her into a pin cushion."

LEGILDUR
When Wrent got the shock of his life, could Legildur see what was outside the window? ie. night or day, weather, how far down to the ground it was, was anyone outside etc.

DM
It was night and about 100 feet down.

SAGGAR
Saggar searches the two warriors and looks beyond the doorway to see what is beyond:
"The bubble lasted quite some time, let us secure an exit while it lasts"

KADDAR
Kaddar moves close to the bubbled elf and says:
"Any one knows how long this will last, this lady may be quite dangerous and we need to rest, at least I need to".
The he finally recalls which was his last memorised spell (Sleep).

TIMOR
Timor smiles at Biladoc's comment - the priest had intended to use the rations to distract one of the dogs, but feeding Biladoc's demanding stomach is an equally productive use...
"Friends," begins the brown eyed priest, "Though the lady may be temporarily incarcerated, we should not forget this tower is filled with encounters more dangerous than she. I would like to remind you that we still can not rest, but rather, we need to keep our guard for just a little longer until we can secure our exit and make it back to the path to Hasbis... I am sure Jas and his wife at the Welcome Wench will have their usual assortment of meal and ale available to us should we stop by."
Timor begins picking his stuff back up (as he had put it down earlier to search for the rations). If it is obvious their exit will not be from the mirror room, Timor will help himself down the trap door so as to be on level with the others. He then walks over to check on Wrent.
If the priest is 200% positive that the warrior is passed on, Timor will begin a quick prayer (quick not out of disrespect, but quick because time is not an expendable resource right now) "Oh great Elanna... another valiant one has fallen at the hands of evil's pawns. Please guide him safely to his beyond, where the healing light of Elanna can shine on him always..."
Followed by a moment of silence.
"My friends, we no not what awaits us enroute to our exit, but know yea this, Zandor, the red mage who occupies this tower, is a powerful man with powerful guards. Wrent would be the second man I have seen killed in this tower, I hope he will also be the last - we must go for now, and if we can, we take him with us for burial."
(also, does anyone look badly hurt after the battle?)
Timor notices that Alof is already busy checking out the deceased guards for useful items, he also looks down the corridor.
"Someone keep watch and make sure reinforcements aren't coming."
Timor, with an uncharacteristically cold stare in his soft brown eyes, makes his way to the prisoner. He scoots the remains of the dead guards away from the path with his feet.
"You there," he says speaking to the witch, "tell us how to get past the trap on the window lest we make this sphere close in on you..."
While Timor makes the hollow threat, he can't help but hope that the woman won't see through his rouse, that she won't call his bluff, that she didn't hear him speak of Elanna or know that Elanna is a merciful deity... he also hopes that her witchery won't dispel the magical globe that holds her...
(other than the magically trapped window, and the magic mirrors up above and the rune-written trap door leading to the roof, anyone know of any other exits? (other than going down another level of the tower I mean))

LEGILDUR
Legildur whips around aghast at Timor's words.
"I want her dead too, but not that way! You can't do that to another human being!" he implores, adding a wink in Timor's direction so that the drow cannot see it.
The elven warrior lowers his eyes and visibly shudders.
"I can still picture those poor orcs and hear their screams even now. The way that everything just seemed to ......"
He cuts short seeming unable to find words to express what he supposedly sees in his minds eye.
"I say we let her live. Unless of course someone else comes up the stairs. Then do what you must do..."
Legildur then pushes the globe towards the trapped window.

DM
The room below is quite small. It has a barred window to the right. On one wall is a locked door and then a doorway that leads to stairs that spiral downwards. That is where the witch is trapped in the globe. You can hear screaming below and running.
Legildur issues orders as he rolls he globe with the drow in it , into the window. Sparks fly across the orb but it does not hurt the drow inside.
Biladoc eats some food then checks the window. He sees the sparks fly as the bubble hits it... He turns towards Legildur.
"In my expert opinion the window is still trapped."
He then turns and searches what is left of the warriors. He is rewarded by finding 3 gold coins and a strange iron key.
Saggar searches the chunks and finds 6 gold coins and a peace of white fur. Saggar looks down the stairwell. The gruff dwarf speaks.
"I think we will soon have more company."
Timor talks to the witch.. She smirks weakly.
"By Lolth I will tell you nothing. As soon as I am free I shall kill you." She points at Legildur. As Legildur speaks she looks a little more concerned.
"Only the master knows the words to get by that window...Since those other elves pried it open."

VORIAX
"Since we are low on time, and can't go through the window or the trapdoor in the ceiling, I vote we roll this drow wench down the stairs to clear our path. Legildur, roll her over to the stair edge and see if she's wide enough. Then we can follow behind her."

ALOF
As the party decides what to do I quickly grab my only remaining dagger from the dog and wait for what the group decides to do.

DM
Alof grabs his dagger as Voriax talks. Saggar speaks from the doorway.
"They grow closer...must be at least six bodies...

TIMOR
'Other elves?' Timor thinks to himself, 'could she be talking about Silvan, Ayla and Reena? Could she be talking about the entire band of the Silver Blade during our escape from here last time? or could she be talking about someone else?' He so desperately wants to ask and know for it would soothe all fears and worries he had for the royal elfin siblings and their companion - but at the same time he doesn't want to say too much as to reveal information that she doesn't need to know... By Elanna's hand, he already feels bad for having mentions Hasbis in front of her - Time only knows what the witch will do with that information.
With such thoughts roaming through his mind, the brown-eyed priest looks around. Seeing how the group's members lack the ability to disarm the trap on the window, nor can we tell what exactly the runes on the ceiling trap door do... we are left with the option of trying the mirrors or facing what lay on the levels below en route to an exit from the tower.
"We should go down the steps to the next lower level. If we can find an untrapped window as an exit, then we take that. If we can't, I say we come back up here and try another mirror portal."
He doesn't want to admit in front of the witch that in his honest opinion, he doesn't believe that the group can handle another onslaught of the same magnitude the group faced the last time they were here.
OOC:
Charles: Does the metallic staff that Timor carries (which was once owned by the owner of this tower) have any special markings on it, or is it just a plain and simple looking staff ? just wondering how recognisable it might be (i.e. have his name or a symbol etched on it), or if it looks plain (i.e. - straightforward metal rod).

DM
It is a plain normal looking metal staff.

KINSON
Kinson takes up a guard position near the doorway to the room.

LEGILDUR
"You only wish you could kill me," Legildur retorts to the trapped drow.
"If you are lucky I may yet give you the chance to die by my sword," he adds before stepping away from her to examine the stairway down and the noise below.
"Does that key fit the locked door Biladoc?" Legildur asks of the halfling when he sees him find the key.
As he listens to the movement below, Legildur calmly removes a small cloth package from his belt pouch and carefully unwraps a vial. Swigging around two thirds of the liquid, he restoppers the vial and rewraps it in the cloth before placing it back in his belt pouch. (2/3 of potion of extra healing).
"Yes Voriax. That will do nicely." Legildur says in response to the mage's suggestion to roll the drow down the stairs.
"Well friends, are we ready to leave?" asks the elven warrior as he manoeuvres the globe to a position just above the stairs, hopefully able to roll it on top of some climbing foe.

SAGGAR
"Roll it into the window again and let us see if the trap is still there."

DM
Biladoc shakes his head as he tries the key on the locked door.
"Nope, this key fits a larger lock somewhere."
As Legildur Moves the Orb and drow to the stairs he sees four warriors in chainmail leap up the steps... Quite literally taking ten steps at a time as they jump like predatory locusts after prey. They have crossbows in their hands and they release a flurry of bolts. One of the bolts strikes Saggar. (-4hp).

SAGGAR
Yelling in response as he turns, Saggar throws his hand axe at the nearest, moving to attack with his battle-axe... a dwarven yell roaring from his throat.

BILADOC
I grin at the female drow and point at Timor:
"Your master? The might mage my friend here took care off? The former owner of that staff he's carrying?..."
When I hear the approach of the fighters, I throw a couple of daggers at the closest one not being attacked by anyone (I think Saggar can take care of his opponent).
OOC:
Does any of you guys have the Hardware proficiency? You could use it to Set Jumpers Off and save us some trouble...
;-)

KINSON
For an instance Kinson ponders the morality of pushing a victim down the stairs, even an obviously evil one... But Saggar's cry of warning makes the decision for him, he adds his back to Legildur's and helps push the bubble down the stairs upon the advancing enemy.
As he releases the bubble he draws his sword and waits at the top of the stairs for the enemy to come.
:-|

KADDAR
As soon as Kaddar notices the incoming flurry of bolts he moves himself to a safe position and then he concentrates, takes something out of his backpack and attempts to speak the words of magic.

DM
Saggar throws a hand axe as he yells and draws his battle-axe. The Hand axe sails downwards as it spins. It hit solidly in one of the men's shoulders. His armour protects him somewhat. But the wound still looks nasty.
Biladoc throws two daggers and one finds its mark wounding one of the men in the left leg He grunts as he pauses just for a second. He draws the dagger out of his leg and tosses it to the side. Legildur and Kinson shove the bubble with the drow in it down the stairs it tumbles down the stairwell bouncing off the walls. You can see the female drow being slung back and forth across the bubble. The bubble takes three out f the four hopping men with it down the stairwell.
The last one yells in defiance as he draws his long sword. Kaddar just then finishes speaking the spidery words of a spell and the guardsmen falls and tumbles down the steps.
Actions folks... No enemies in sight but there is a great commotion below.

SAGGAR
Saggar stands at the top of the stairs, axe at the ready, awaiting the first to come up the stairs, then with a thought, pours a flask of oil on the stairs below.

VORIAX
Voriax will float over the stairwell right at the top of the ceiling. Then he will push himself along heading slowly down the stairwell. Maybe they won't see him if he's way up high.
:-)

LEGILDUR
Legildur notes with some satisfaction the carnage caused by the rolling sphere as it bounds its way down the staircase, knocking warriors down and severely buffeting the Drow.
"That Witch will be feeling a bit worse for wear after that!" he adds with a grin.
"Perhaps we'd best find another way out," Legildur muses as he watches Saggar coat the stairs in oil while he hears the commotion builds below.
Favouring his wounded side (where the evil Priest's knife bit deep) the elven warrior says to the rest of the party.
"Stand back." as he walks over to the door that Alof just tried to unlock with the strange iron key. Positioning himself with shield and sword in hand he launches a full-blooded kick into the door in an attempt to crash it open.
If that fails, then Legildur will return to guarding the stairway with Kinson and Saggar and ask either Alof or Biladoc to pick the lock and open the door.
OOC:
Kaddar should have saved that spell - I thought we'd discussed in the maze about minimising spell use. Four warriors with crossbows would normally be a 'soft' target for the likes of Legildur, Kinson and Saggar (particularly with assistance from Alof and Biladoc) unless they held some surprise.

DM
Saggar pours the oil onto the steps as Legildur kicks the other door. His mighty kick sends the door flying open. It reveals many open weapon racks. There are three polearms sitting by themselves in one of the weapon racks. On the far side of this strange curved room there is yet another door.

SAGGAR
Saggar prepares to ignite the oil, grasping a torch from the wall.

VORIAX
Voriax moves away from the stairs and back over to the new door Legildur kicked in.
"Saggar! Don't light that oil! You will trap all of us in a burning tower with no means of escape. Just leave the oil on the stairs. That will slow down whoever is going to come up."
Voriax moves as far away from the potential burning death trap as he can, staying close to his bodyshield, Legildur.

KINSON
Kinson remains at the top of the stairs guarding against approach from that direction. He shouts:
"Legildur, anything in that weapons room that could be used as a balista to open the tower window?"

LEGILDUR
"Ballista? No."
Legildur thinks to himself, but it does give him an idea. Quickly moving to the weapons rack holding the three polearms (what type/length are they Charles?) and sheathing Vinguard, Legildur grabs the three of them and moves as quickly as he can back to the 'arrival room'.
"Guard the stairs!" he says on the way past the rest of the party.
Once back in the main tower room, Legildur quickly positions himself to be as far away from the ceiling trapdoor as possible and yet still able to carry out his plan - if the polearms are less than ten feet in length then he will launch them as a missile (hence grabbing all three in case he misses) at the trapdoor in an attempt to both open it and detonate whatever trap the Red Mage has set.
If, however, the polearms are long enough he will use one of them to push the trapdoor open from as far away as physically possible.

DM
They are large vulges.

SAGGAR
"The tower is stone, I doubt it will burn... least I have seen not stone burn as of yet"

KINSON
Kinson sees Saggar pour the oil and grab one of the torches.
"Good idea my friend!
Then he watches Legildur grab the vulges and knows immediately what the valiant warrior is going to attempt.
"Saggar, Legildur is preparing for our escape, the fire can be our rear guard, but we'll need it to last as long as possible, so don't light it until we see the enemy, perhaps you can even teach a couple of them a good lesson!
We're going to need the ropes ready as soon as we are outside, I suggest those not actively guarding the stairs begin to make them ready. Be prepared to move up through the trap doors as quickly as possible."
Kinson pulls his rope from his backpack and tosses it to Max.
"Here Max, see that this is utilised."

SAGGAR
Nods to Kinston as he stands, torch in left hand , axe in right... ready for what might come up the stairs.
"Yes milord"

BILADOC
I'll go check the outer door in the armoury. Looking for traps first and then see if the iron key fits the lock. If not, I'll try to pick the lock open, after listening for any sound from beyond the door.
OOC:
Are there any other weapons in the room besides the 3 pole arms? If I find any daggers, I'll take them and share them with Alof and anyone else who wants them. I'll also look for anything else around the room.

MAXIMILLION
Max keeps a hold of the rope.
"While you were taking care of the dogs, I was studding this trap, I believe it is some type of firetrap."
That being said, Max get in the area where the dead dogs are and then moves to the side of the wall away from the opening, waiting for the door on top to be opened.

KADDAR
Kaddar who has been quietly watching the party running from one place to another, looks now carefully at Legildur as he tries to use the polearms he goes to Legildur and helps him as he said.
"I do not know what you have in mind, but we could tie the polearms together, and use them to bend the bars on the window using the polearms as a lever, maybe we can even break the window if we can find a point of support for the lever, if we tie them together the polearms will help us to bend the bars ".

TIMOR
Timor seems at a bit of a loss as to what to do until he sees Legildur emerge from the armoury carrying the polearms. His first reaction is one of shock.
"By the hand of Elanna, what exactly does this man have in mind?" is the priest's first thought.
But a few eye-blinks later, the plan and purpose becomes a _little_ more clear. He moves to the base of the ladder and assists the elven warrior climb the ladder to the room above by passing up the polearms, praying silently to Elanna that their leader can find a way out for the Band.

DM
Kinson remains at the top of the stairs looking down them for signs of the enemy. He can hear much commotion at the bottom of the stairs.
Saggar gets ready to ignite the oil he just poured on the steps. As people argue with him about it Legildur goes into the other room to get the three polearms. Saggar thinks that the stone is reinforced with large wooden timbers. Of course if this was a proper dwarven tower it would be made of huge chunks of solid stone.
Legildur reaches to grab the three weapons as they come to life and twist in ways that wood and metal should not. One of them stabs him in the left calf. (-3hp) He can feel the weapon start to suck the very blood out of his leg. The other two attempt to stab at him but they bounce off his armour.

VORIAX
Voriax, who was keeping close to Legildur, will now step back and watch the melee.
"Watch you Legildur!! They don't want to be grabbed."
OOC:
Voriax, who isn't wasting a spell on a stick. :)

DM
There are no other weapons in the rooms beside the three polearms. And you are just entering the room when they attack Legildur.

SAGGAR
Saggar awaits the expected surge of the enemy force up the stairs, as he hears the sound of battle in the armoury.
"Support them, I will hold the stairs"

KINSON
Kinson nods and moves towards Legildur as he exits the armoury.

LEGILDUR
"By the three moons!" exclaims Legildur as he leaps back through the armoury door in surprise at the attacks.
"Close the door!" he calls to Alof, hoping that the halfling can at least trap the remaining two animated weapons not impaled in him (with Alof on the correct side of course).
"Help me Kinson!"
The elven warrior calls as he grasps the vulge and attempts to pull the writhing polearm free from his leg.
If, between the two warriors, they manage to remove the voulge, Legildur will, with Kinson's assistance, pin the weapon and get Saggar to smash it with his axe (near the head of the weapon if possible so as to leave at least a staff).

TIMOR
Timor, always the slightly paranoid, decides to quickly count heads to make sure everyone is present and accounted for (i.e. altogether and not left out somewhere)

DM
Counting Timor sees that everyone is in the general area.

KADDAR
Kaddar who was moving to help Legildur rushes to close the door before the cursed weapons get out of it and making sure no one else is left inside the room.

KINSON
Kinson quickly sheaths his sword and helps grasp and remove the weapon attached to Legildur's leg.
"Saggar, be ready to destroy this foul thing!"

DM
Legildur exits the armoury with one vulge while Kaddar slams the door closed behind him. Saggar watches the steps for any attackers. Kinson and Legildur wrestle with he polearm it comes free of Legildur's leg. It however writhes around and slides out of Kinson and Legildur's hands and is jumping around the small landing.
Meanwhile Saggar looks down the stair well and sees two black skinned ...dogs... They have bony faces with large canines way to big for their mouths. Their eyes glow a bright red as they growl up at Saggar. Next coming into view are two warriors in platemail. They have a axe in one hand and a long sword in the other. They two look identical.
Behind them steps a middle age man with a goatee. He wears long flowing red robes that are trimmed in gold. His face and hand are painted with strange red symbols...

VORIAX
"Any chance of a parlay?" asks Voriax still floating around.
"We are merely attempting to travel back to town and had no real choice as to where we came through on our escape route. We apologise for trespassing on your domain."

KADDAR
As Kaddar watches the scene, he looks at the Red Mage and when Voriax finishes he adds:
"Hail Sir Mage, my name is Kaddar, and as you see a bunch of inexperienced adventurers like us, could not mean any harm at all to a powerful magician as you seem to me, please stop the fight, after all, you can use your magic to slain us later if you wish, but at least let us speak our reasons of being here before you decide to kill us, maybe we can even repay any damage we have caused inhere, all we want is to get out".
Kaddar raises then his both hands very slowly to show he is unarmed and awaits just for a second to see the mage reaction.

ALOF
Alof is waiting dagger in hand and will throw the dagger if they seem hostile and then wait for Saggar to light the oil.

KINSON
Kinson returns to his place beside Saggar, hand on his sword hilt, but does not yet draw his sword. He waits for a response to the inquiries from Voriax and Kaddar.

DM
The mage simply points and with one words streaks of light fly from his hands towards Saggar.
Five bolts of light burn into Saggar at the top of the steps(-14hp). Saggar groans as the magic energy burns into him.
The two dog things begin leaping up the stairs as the Mage says:
"That is your answer!"

KINSON
If Saggar is still standing:
"Light the fire, Saggar!"
If Saggar is not still standing: Kinson kicks the torch onto the oil on the stairs, then draws his sword and attacks "anything" that comes through the fire.

LEGILDUR
Legildur only hears the commotion and the exchange of words as he continues to battle the dodging voulge. Trusting Kinson and Saggar to hold the stairs, Legildur swings desperately at the polearm, attempting to destroy it before focussing on the trouble coming from below.
OOC:
Should we be playing the Death March tune about now?

SAGGAR
"I think things are getting far more complex here, my friends!"
Tosses the torch, igniting the oil as Saggar prepares to use the axe upon the hounds:
"I need aid now!"

VORIAX
Voriax steps to the middle of the party, still staying somewhat close to Legildur. He calmly fishes inside a bag and comes out with a ring now on one finger. He makes no dramatic gestures, but says:
"I wish that all members of the Band of the Silver Blade with all of their equipment, within this tower were now outside the front entrance to the Welcome Wench Inn at the crossroads in Hasbis."
OOC:
Now let's hope this works!! That lightning bolt or fireball is bound to be coming next!!
p.s.: Charles, I'm mailing my ten dollar donation (as will everyone else I'm sure) to "Charles' Be Kind to Wishing" Foundation (check in your name). Be kind!!!
:-)

KADDAR
Kaddar, who is now next to Voriax just watches the scene and with extreme care takes out a bunch of grain from his improvised back pack while he awaits for any result, he will try to cover Voriax from any attack while he is using the ring.
If nothing happens with the ring, and now that he has no spells left, Wrent is dead and others are seriously wounded he will throw a bunch of grain to the red mage face to blind him just for an moment as he charges the mage with his staff.
If the ring fails, Kaddar will try to engage the mage to prevent him of using his magic and this is the main intention of his charge, he wants to gain a little time for the others to help him, so if he sees the opportunity to tackle the Mage, embrace him or alike thus preventing the mage to perform the somatic components for his spells Kaddar will do so.

DM
Legildur fights with the polearm and smashes it against the wall. It shakes its speary head and comes at him again. Saggar lights the oil and prepares his axe and Kinson gets his sword ready.
The two dog like creatures howl a little as the leap through the flames but keep coming. The two armoured warriors begin to step forward and pause. They look at the mage for a second and charge into the flames.
Meanwhile Voriax chants as he places the magical ring upon his finger. As he finishes speaking his wish everything fades.
The entire group finds themselves in front of the welcome wench at the crossroads in Hasbis. It is dark and in the distance can be heard thunder. A cold rain pours from the black clouds above... Music can be heard within the welcome wench as well as a familiar voice singing and elven tune of woe..
Lights pours from the large barred windows of the tavern onto the cobblestone square where the group is gathered.

----------------
(Meanwhile in Los Vain)
The night is lit by the burning of the large Oak trees. Captain Savrek watches the trees burn where moments ago elven arrow fire poured from. He glances around at his dead men the bat wing symbol on their tabards trampled and bloodied. A sergeant moves up to him.
"Sir, the commander wants us to push forward."
Savrek nods.
"Yes, we need to I see that." Then almost to himself, "These elves fight like demons and have magic to spare. If those Regular from Asga would pull their own weight we would not be having this many losses." He moves towards one of the dead.
"Get our dead out of here sergeant. We need to bury them as soon as possible. " He pauses for a few seconds.
"Bury any elves you find as well."
(...)
Meanwhile in the swamps to the South an evil force begins hatching new plans. Quandor's undead warriors grow in number. His plan will soon spring forth when he brings the lizardman tribes of the Swamp under his control.
(...)
On the outskirts of Hasbis: A lone figure with grey haired dressed in sailors clothing kneels at an old alter. It is a crude alter made of stone. Atop this alter has been placed the human remains of several bodies. A dark cloaked figure appears at the back of the chamber. The kneeling form speaks.
"Go now Alexis and see what they are doing. I must know what they are doing. I am thankful for their assistance. But, I must not let that cloud my duties. The Elven girl I must have. Her Aura was just divine."
(...)