After an uneventful night, the Silver Blade Band got up to a full day. Starting with a couple of sleeping orcs, they moved on to half a dozen of awake ones. Then a dozen more, lead by an Orc Shaman. Then another dozen, this time lead by an Ogre. Then the 3rd Orc Battalion came in, with a Troll as special guest monster.
At this point, the Band decided they had had enough exercise for a morning. Using the magic mirror, they leave the maze and their enemies behind... to land in the tower of the Red Mage, with new enemies! Once again they start fighting the four bugbears that were guarding the room. Then they fight the female drow with the four hellhounds that came to see what was all that noise. They even fought the jumping warriors and the living voulges.
Just about now, the Red Mage himself came up to greet the party (or was it to grit the party?). Anyhow, the Band remembered it was almost lunchtime and not wanting to impose themselves on the hospitality of the Red Mage, they just left, thanks to the wish ring Voriax was carrying. This is how they find themselves in

LEGILDUR
Legildur's armoured form spins quickly about looking for the now missing animated pole arm. It takes a moment for him to realise what has happened with the changing scene and where the Band now stands. Straightening from his fighting crouch, he slowly sheaths Vinguard and raises the Griffin Head, which forms the face mask of his helm's visor. Turning to eye his friend Voriax, Legildur can be seen to favour his right-hand-side slightly. With a slight nod of head conveying so much from such a simple manoeuvre, the elven warrior silently thanks the mage for the timely intervention.
Looking around to ensure that everyone is there, Legildur's attention is drawn to the Inn and the music coming from within. Removing the great helm from his head and tucking it under his shield arm, Legildur pushes the mail coif to the back of head to reveal his lank of blonde hair, which is now a little matted and greasy in its loosely bound pony-tail following the Band's days of adventure in the Maze, headless of the cold rain which now strikes down.
"Thank you Laskanthar," Legildur intones. "For allowing me to once again swallow the precious fresh air and feel the forces of nature upon my skin."
Cocking his head slightly to listen to the voice emanating from the Inn, Legildur walks slowly towards the entrance.
"Sleyvien?" he says quietly as opens the door and pauses slightly before entering the Welcome Wench. (of course, if it were a female voice then Legildur would suspect Ianthe had returned from the Wezan Isles rather than Sleyvien).
OOC:
ALL RIGHT DUDES!!!

DM
Excited, are we? :-)

SAGGAR
Saggar looks about, a broad smile crossing his face:
"Now I be liking ya surface dwellers far better, this is indeed the proper end to a good battle, though the battle be cut short of its glorious end, and a tall ale will heal most injuries."
Wrapping his wound as he steps into the tavern, his deep dwarven voice booming:
"A keg of ya finest dwarven ale and a side of roasted pork!"
Stopping to broaden his smile as his senses absorb the pleasing aroma of a taverns heavy laden air.

VORIAX
Voriax nods in return as he begins to check his items for everything to ensure it made the trip safely. He places the ring back in the bag that it came from. Taking several deep breaths to steady his quivering legs he states:
"Well. We all should thank what gods we believe in. I would not wish to try such a thing again anytime soon. Is everyone okay? If so, let us go inside and drink that ale, eh Saggar?"
Voriax heads in to the fireplace and voice to rest.

KINSON
Rain strikes Kinson's face, for an instance, thinking it some trick of man or magic he quickly brings his hand up to wipe his eyes clear. Looking toward the sky the drops continue to pelt his face.
"It is rain," he shouts!
"Real rain!"
Finally the sounds and smells of his new surroundings flood into his senses, and he realises where he is.
"All right! We are delivered," he shouts joyously! Moving toward Voriax, he realises his sword is still in his hand, and he quickly sheaths it. He grabs Voriax by the shoulders he says most solemnly. "Thank you good friend! We all owe you our lives."
Turning from Voriax, he once again feels the rain falling upon him. He holds out his hand letting the water fill the cup of his palm and overflow. He watches the small trickle of water falling to ground, as if following it, he drops to his knees then bends forward placing his hands in the mud. He scoops a handful of mud and cradles it in his hand; for a long time he just looks at the mud... Then he spreads his fingers and lets the rain wash it away. He straightens his back but remains on his knees in the middle of the street.
Making a fist with his right hand he draws it to his breast, over his heart, and once more looking toward the sky he whispers.
"Thank you..." Then he is silent, his face still raised, the rain pouring down on him.
After a time he rises and looks to Timor and says.
"No sunshine yet my good friend Timor, but there is hope for tomorrow!"
He smiles broadly.
"Come let us get in out of the rain, and finally rest."
OOC:
Charles, a question: Is Wrent's body here?

DM
No, it is not here.

BILADOC
When I find myself in front of the Inn, I take a moment to realise what happened to us. When I hear Kinson thanking Voriax, I almost have a fit:
"Thank you?! THANK YOU?! I could rip your head off, Voriax!! 'Get us out of here, get us out of here...' What's wrong with 'Let all our enemies inside this tower drop dead and let us became the masters of all their secrets and treasures.' or 'Let all the creatures attacking us became slaves to our will and obey every command from us'?!"
I pause to draw breath and notice all the party looking at me. I look down, adjust my backpack and say in a lower voice:
"Well, I guess you could have done worse... Let's get in out of the rain."
Once inside, after Saggar orders his meal, I say to the keeper:
"Bring me an ale too and the other side of my friends' pork."
After listening to Legildur talking to his friends and finding out three years have passed:
"Three years... Time flies when you're being chased by all kinds of weird creatures..."

DM
The Inn Keeper Jas smiles and waves at the hobbit.
"The pork comes out next my friend. My wife is cooking as fast as she can my friend."
He places a flagon of ale on the table.
"Service will be better when my daughter returns from the tower."

VORIAX
Voriax, pausing, looks back and Kinson.
"Thank you Kinson. At least *someone* appreciates my desperation use of the wish. (sniff sniff) I only hope it all works out in the end. Everyone should eat then get some rest tonight. It's our first clean opportunity at rest in some time, and you never know what tomorrow might bring."

TIMOR
At first, Timor is disoriented - the sudden change of perspective and location catches him off guard. But when he finally does realise what has happened, he is in shock. If Timor had not experienced that himself he would not have believed it... for only the Gods could have embued such an item with such powerful magics...
Timor smiles back at the valiant Kinson - at least someone has verbalised what the brown eyed priest himself was thinking.
He clenches his grip on his various held supplies and thanks Elanna for the safety and health in which she has delivered them... most of them...
The only thought left unspoken was the lingering feeling of shock from all that has transpired...hopefully, it will wear away soon enough, unfortunately, he is unaware as to what new information he will learn from the people inside the Inn...

DM
Legildur mutters to himself as he enters with Voriax and Saggar. Saggar staggers in the door.
"A keg of ya finest dwarven ale and a side of roasted pork!"
Stopping to broaden his smile as his senses absorb the pleasing aroma of a taverns heavy laden air. Voriax enters and Heads for the Fireplace. As he enters he sees Legildur's eyes glued to the Stage. On the stage is a young looking, as always , Elf. He has just stopped singing.
Voriax and Legildur recognise Sleyvien...He seems the same as when they last saw him. His smile broadens at the sight of his old companions. At his side is a older lady...With an eye patch over an eye...She looks a lot like Ianthe but seems somehow older. Ianthe was but a young lass when she lead the Band of the Silver Blade... That seems so long ago but it was not that long ago.
Ianthe stops and stares as tears come to her good Right eye. She stands from where she was sitting. She opens her arms as if waiting to receive an embrace. From behind the bar an older man than you are use to shouts back at Saggar.
"It will be right up just hold on to your beard until then."
His eyes cross Voriax's and a look of recognition and wonderment crosses his face.

LEGILDUR
Legildur pause only momentarily as he spies both Sleyvien and Ianthe on the raised flooring that serves as a stage in the Welcome Wench. Casually, removing the ogre's purse that was jammed between his shield and shield arm and placing it in his belt pouch, the grimy elven warrior unties the kite shield and props it on the wall next to the door. He walks calmly towards the teary Ianthe, removing his plate mail gauntlets as he progresses through the tables until standing before the Bard.
"Ianthe," Legildur says. "You cannot know how pleasing it is to see you once again," he adds as he throws his armoured arms around her and squeezes her tightly (not too tight mind you). Releasing his grip slightly, Legildur holds Ianthe's gaze for a few seconds before turning to the other elf.
"Sleyvien, I thought you had had enough of the likes of us," he says before extending his right arm to shake with their old companion (the old Band's).
"Come, drinks for everyone Jas," Legildur says as he remembers the Keep's name and finally checks the contents of the pouch taken from the beheaded Ogre, ignoring for the moment the conversation about 3 years (what's 3 years to an elf?).

DM
Ianthe hugs Legildur with all her strength. Finally she lets go with tears streaming down her face.
"I had forgotten how much I have missed you and the Band of the Silver Blade. I returned here not knowing why I came here. I had written many letters hear only to find out the same thing each time. That the whole band had disappeared underground. That is the entire band except me and our good friend in the tower."
Sleyvien laughs.
"Oh, but I had. Your band is something best taken in small doses."
He grins from ear to ear. "Yes, I have written a song or two of your exploits those I saw with you and those told to me by your other companions."
Legildur glances inside the pouch and sees that there are 150 gold coins and a peace of old fur in the pouch.

SAGGAR
"I'll hold my beard... but if it ain't good I may not hold my axe keep"
Grins laughing as he moves to a table watching the others.

VORIAX
"Ianthe!! Sleyvien! Well met. How fare you both?"
Looking to the older man behind the bar, Voriax says.
"Excuse me sir, but where do I know you from? You have the look of recognition upon your face, and my memory isn't what it used to be. You are familiar though."
Voriax will move closer to the old man to get a better look at him.

DM
The Keep shouts back at Saggar.
"Then I have nothing to worry about."
Looking at Voriax.
"I was here tending the bar three years ago when you came through here for a few nights."

VORIAX
Voriax, now developing a sick pale colour to his face, says.
"That's quite a good memory you have, but are you sure you are correct. We came through here recently, but certainly not three years ago. Could you be confusing me with some other white haired young human?"
As he finishes speaking, he catches Legildur's eye and motions for him to come over for a "private" chat.
OOC:
Uh oh. I think we may have been a bit off with the wish use. Maybe the Red Mage died of natural causes while we were gone though. :-)

DM
The Keeper shakes his head.
"Know I have a good memory for faces. I don't recognise that dwarf. But I do recognise you and the elf warrior. He bought that suit of armour from the smith on the last day before you went into that tunnel behind the church.."

TIMOR
Timor smiles as he enters as sees the two bards - he remembers both only if he did know them briefly (Ianthe was just leaving by boat when he joined the band, Sleyvien had joined them on their first trip down the tunnel behind the temple)
He doesn't engage them in conversation as he knows Legildur and the others will have much more to say...besides, the priest's feet are swelling, his arms and legs have minor scrapes, and his stomach is grumbling... He moves to the nearest bench and seats himself by the table. Dropping his pack, staff and lantern to the ground besides him, he begins to stretch as though in a late-night yawn. He looks around through his weary eyes and begins to think - something looks different here, but it is probably just his imagination. He puts those thoughts aside and waits for Jas or a serving hand to come around. Obviously, Saggar Alof Biladoc and the others have taken the monopoly so service has yet to come to Timor. He continues to smile at the thought of the impending rest, and the delicious food Jas' wife had served up last time...but by contrast, his jaw drops wide open at the mention of three years. He stands hurriedly, causing the bench he sat on to fall backward.
"Three years?!"

VORIAX
Walking over to Ianthe.
"Ianthe, how long have you and Sley been here at the inn? Certainly not three years. We've only been underground for less than a week it seems. We have had experience with powerful magic that may have caused some problems."
Voriax will sit down and order an ale and dinner while he tries to figure this out.

DM
Ianthe glances at Voriax with tears still in her eyes. She rushes the mage and gives him a hug that almost snaps his back. He had forgotten how strong the little bard actually was.
"So, you did not spend three years away?"

VORIAX
Voriax, surprised and in mild pain from being down over half his hit points, grunts a bit but returns the hug. Never turn down a hug from a good looking woman, that's his motto.
As he walks upstairs with Ianthe and Legildur.
"It certainly didn't feel like three years. But Jas says it has been, and no offence, but you do look older or more experienced, shall I say. My hair may be white, but I have not caught up to it yet in age."

DM
Laughter bubbles out from her throat like a joyous song.
"Yes, I am a little older and wiser. "

ALOF
As I follow Legildur, Saggar and Voriax into the tavern, I listen to the conversation between the party and the barkeep as I order some dinner and some ale. Upon hearing the statement of "Three Years" I nearly spit out my ale. I say to Voriax (so only the party can hear).
"If it's been three years then what has happened to Ayla, what has happened to Los Vain? Are we too late to help? Also, where are we?"

TIMOR
Timor walks over (not even giving his stuff a second thought) to get a better listen as the story about to be told.

DM
Ianthe points to Sley.
"He has been here just a day or two. I have been here a week. I came here trying to find out what is going on with the undead in the woods. Sley came from Los Vain with some bad news. Seems that Princess Ayla is acting very strange... Her mother is quite ill and Sley thinks it is her doing."

TIMOR
Timor's eyes narrow - though he has yet to understand how so much time has passed, he still doesn't like what is unfolding.
"What of Sylvan and Reena, the two who would have returned with Ayla...And Ayla's mother - Queen of Los Vain - you mean she is back in Los Vain after her disappearance? Last I heard, she herself had disappeared in search for the Orb of Power when her children did not return"
(Timor obviously fails to recognise Ayla, Sylvan and their mother as queen, princess, prince - not out of disrespect, but it just doesn't occur to him as he wasn't brought up referring to them as royalty like the elves amongst them were.)
In afterthought, he looks around at the general well being of those in sight.
"As for these undead you speak of - their number in the Red Baronies has grown? The warrior lord Doth and his archmage Nebius have been able to keep this town safe though - right?"
Timor overhears Voriax's lament over various possibilities about the time variable, but somehow, the brown eyed priest doesn't think the mage's theory on being geographically centred is accurate. After all, Ianthe looks older and see was all the way on the Isles of Wezan (with the Bardic Council) if he remembers correctly...
Suddenly, the priest has lost his appetite again. He decides Legildur, Voriax the bards (and whomever else goes upstairs) can discuss those matters for now. With a swivel of his foot, Timor goes back to the spot where he dropped his belongings, slings them over his shoulder and heads out into the rain once again.
His journey is not a long one, but rather, he goes across the way to the Temple of Elanna - wanting to see how it has faired...

SAGGAR
Saggar looks at the nearest wench with a wild look in the solemn eyes upon the shaggy face.
"Lots'a ale lass, I have a desert to quench"

DM
As Alof speaks the Keeper bring Saggar his dwarven ale.
"There you go good dwarf. Enjoy."
He turns to go and speaks as he does.
"Your roast will be ready in a bit."
Sleyvien speaks.
"There is much we must speak about.."
He glances around at the towns people and travellers in the place.
"But perhaps this is not the place Ianthe."

SAGGAR
Looks at the keeper.
"Ya gonna talk us asleep or feed us afore I start eating that wench there?"

DM
He smiles at the dwarf.
"If you be speaken of my daughter there. I will feed ya soon enough. And if you too hungry and make a run for her.. I will be serving your head for desert."
He chuckles as he goes back behind the bar.

VORIAX
"Interesting. So the bartender recognised you from the "three years" ago we came through here? So the time conflict may not have been from the use of our "spell" we used. Maybe it's something more geographical in nature. What say you Legildur?"

DM
Jas brings trays of food to the waiting members of the Band of the Silver Blade. He has trays of roast mutton in some sort of tangy sauce, potatoes, cooked carrots and pickled beets, along with large loafs of dark wheat bread and cheese. Selander almost passes out as she sees the food. She sits next to the dwarf and the halflings. She smiles at them and points to the hungry dwarf's purse.

LEGILDUR
Legildur finishes his greetings with Ianthe and Sleyvien. Looking to Voriax askance he answers the mage.
"How would I know? I just swing the sword. You're the Wizard. All I care is that that Mage didn't get the chance to fry our collective goose.
Come Sleyvien and Ianthe let us retire upstairs to your rooms. You obviously have something important to impart to us," he says with a sigh.
"Given our recent history, whatever the problem is it probably won't leave us anytime to rest either." Signalling to Voriax and Kinson to join him, Legildur picks up his shield (and ale) and follows the entertainers up the stairs, leaving the rest of the Band to enjoy their drinks and lament the loss of Wrent.
If anyone else seeks to follow, Legildur mouths 'later' to them since there is not sufficient space in Jas' rooms to hold more people in conference.

DM
Ianthe, Sleyvien, Voriax, and Legildur head up stairs to a room...
Does anyone else follow or do you stay downstairs to eat and drink?

LEGILDUR
As he grasps his shield and hoists it ready to move upstairs, Legildur puts his right hand on Alof's shoulder (or Biladoc's - depending who is closer at the time) and says quietly.
"Keep an eye on Selander. Just in case, you know ...."
He leaves the remainder unsaid as he moves towards the staircase.

DM
Timor's barrage of questions land on Sleyvien and Ianthe's ears. Sleyvien smiles at Timor.
"If you step upstairs with us I would be glad to answer all your questions good priest."
Timor seems nervous and speaks.
"I will join you later."
He steps back outside into the rain as he hears Jas yelling at the halflings and the dwarf.
"Here is your food greedy ones."
Timor hurries towards the Temple of Ellanna and sees that it is standing and generally in good repair... except for a scorch mark on the side of the structure. He makes his way to the door...

VORIAX
Voriax looks jealous that he's not the only one getting big hugs (sorry for the Teletubbies reference :-)
"So you have been out of the tunnels for three years, and just recently came back here? Maybe it is a local effect, something to do with the tunnels or the tower that we came through. Jas, did you say your daughter is in a tower? Not the Red Wizard's tower, correct? That is where we just came from."

DM
Jas looks confused.
"No she has been training in the Lord's tower. Nothing I can do to stop her, you know. Tried to talk her into staying home nice and safe. But no, she has to go over there and try to learn all that stuff."
Sleyvien shrugs.
"I did not experience that effect on time as you have."

SAGGAR
Looks at Legildur and Voriax to see what indications they give as to the rest of the band. He then looks at the one sitting next to them:
"Is there interest I n my purse that would be worth losing ya hand or life?"

BILADOC
I smile at Saggar and poke him in the ribs:
"Relax, she's just asking for you to buy her diner. Don't worry Slender, this one's on me. Master Jas, keep our plates and mugs filled. Could you also arrange for a hot bath and a clean bed afterwards?"
I take some 20gp from my belt pouch and hand them to Jas. I look at the others and at my rags and laugh:
"Looks like we've got three years of dirt to get rid off!"
Despite the joking and laughing, I keep an eye on Selander as Legildur told me.

KINSON
Kinson, who has been listening to the conversation so far, see Legildur's signal and follows along.

ALOF
As I munch on the food, I'll say to Biladoc.
"If we are to talk about dirt we should examine your mouth, my friend, but that would take too long to discuss. If we have been gone for three years then certainly there must have been substantial changes to the kingdoms. (pauses)
I still am curious to know where exactly we were in that maze and where the person I started out in the maze with is now. I would also still like to know exactly why this orb is of so much value to them? I guess only. Time will tell."
Upon finishing I take a sip of ale and then begin munching away again.

DM
Selander is taken aback by Saggar's comments and nods to Biladoc. Jas walks over taking the gold.
"I shall arrange for some new cloths for you then and I will get baths and room ready for you."
At this point a attractive lady walks in the front door of the in. Her hair seems a little messed but as she brushes it with her hand. Jas looks up.
"Ah, girl, just in time. See to it these lads have clean room with hot baths ready."
She smiles and nods.
"Yes father."

KADDAR
Kaddar suddenly finds himself out in the rain, he falls on his knees, he is so tired an yet he is happy because he never expected to be out of the dark dungeons once he was captured by drows, he made it finally, he escaped but Wrent was not so lucky.
He experience a combination of happiness, anger and sadness, he is tired, he just sits on the bare ground and stays under the rain for a while, he watches the party as they go inside the Welcome Wench, he stays then alone for a while just feeling the rain falling over him. He stays there for a while, alone under the rain, his mind just empty. Then he recalls the image of the Red Mage and after that he recalls the evil drows that keep him captive for so long and he promises to himself that someday he will go after them all and he will make them regret the day they raise their hands against Kaddar, someday he will be ready...
Finally he stands and goes inside the Welcome Wench to join the group, as he enters he notices Legildur and others going upstairs and Biladoc, Alof and Saggar drinking and eating he moves next to Alof and the others and he says.
"Hate to say this fellows but I have no money and I am starving, I have not had a decent meal in ages...".

DM
Voriax comes down from upstairs and talks to Jas about a room. Jas smiles.
"Very well sir."
He hands him a key.
"Third room down the hall. If you need anything let me know."
Meanwhile everyone else is eating well downstairs.
Except for Kinson and Legildur who are still upstairs and Timor who has left the building some time ago. Selander is eating and smiling. Saggar gets the impression that he is having a drinking contest with her. Everytime he drinks a mug she chugs another and slams it down smiling at him. Max sits back and nibbles at his food as he pulls out a large well worn book and reads through it..

VORIAX
Voriax, smelling the food suddenly remembers that he hasn't eaten anything yet.
"Jas, maybe a small plate of meat and cheese before I turn in. Everyone, there are a great deal of undead creatures wandering around this area, so we may want to be careful with the mead (looking at Saggar and Selander) and get a solid night's rest. Does anyone have any healing spells left at all? I am now realising just how much pain I am in. I could use a heal light at the least."
Voriax sits down to shovel in a plate of food before turning into bed to memorise new spells.

DM
Jas soon brings out a pork leg and a rack of ribs. he puts it on the table.
"Yes good Voriax get yourself a plate and help yourself."
Jas leaves and his very attractive daughter, now probably 19, comes out with a wheel of cheese and a flagon of mead. She places the mead down in front of Voriax and sits down next to him.
"Good Voriax... What can you tell me of the other planes of existence?"

VORIAX
Well, since shovelling food is now out of the question, Voriax neatly cuts some meat from the pork leg.
"Interesting question indeed. What prompts it, if I may ask? I believe Jas said you were studying at the tower? Certainly Nebius would have more complete answers than I. The only planes I have actually been on have been short trips. More of the kind where we phase through them to be magically transported back to this plane. With all of the mist, we really didn't get much chance to see anything. Someday maybe I can drag Legildur to another plane of existence. But there is so much to see and do first on this plane. How goes your studies?"

DM
She smiles.
"My studies go fine. I am just curious. Figured since you been wandering around and learning that you may have known more than my good teacher Nebius or Doth."

VORIAX
"I'm sure Nebius has travelled and seen far more than I. Both of them have had much more time to see things than any in our group. Nebius would have much to teach. I am envious that you are studying with them. I only wish (not using the other one!!) that I had time to learn from them as well."

SAGGAR
Saggar finishes eating and looks at the keep.
"I could use a room and a keg'o ale for this eve, keeper"
Looks at Voriax and laughs.
"Undead, how so my friend? And you know we dwarves fight better with a belly full of ale"

DM
She smiles.
"Different people see different things."
She looks over at Saggar.
"Yes there are undead and other horrors out there. Doth and Nebius are pushed to keep these things at bay."

SAGGAR
Grinning:
"Then perhaps we will get a chance to aid in that quest"

LEGILDUR
Legildur comes down the stairs with Voriax and he quickly scoffs a meal of pork laid on the table by Jas' attractive daughter. Washing the meal down with a pint of mead, Legildur waits until Timor returns before he gains the attention of the party (including Selander) and signals/suggests that they retire early.
Moving upstairs to their rooms allocated by Jas, Legildur brings them into one room and gives a quick outline of the news given the trio (Legildur, Voriax and Kinson).
"In the 3 years we have been gone. The war in Los Vain has been won by the Elves," Legildur begins.
"This would appear to make the search for the Orb redundant.
However, other parties still seek it - and not for good reasons. The Drow (defeated by Los Vain) and a cult of black Druids (The Druids of the Father) search as we speak now. More than likely, the evil priests we slew in the Maze were these black Druids."
(Legildur watches carefully for Selander's reaction to naming the Druids)
"There are also problems with Ayla and Sylvan back in my homeland, however there is nought we can do from here. I will say that Sylvan has disappeared, the Queen is gravely ill, and Ayla rules in her stead. Unfortunately, she appears to be suffering some illness that clouds her judgement."
He pauses before continuing.
"So, we must continue to search for the Orb when we are stronger. As you all saw, we need to gain in ability before we should tackle the Maze again. In the meantime, the lands around here are under threat from a horde of undead spilling from the Swamp of Ill Dreams that lies to the south of here - Voriax and I both know that a Lich of great power, Quandor, resides there and controls many undead.
Similarly, the Red Mage is likely in league with him as the Red Tower is one of 5 destinations available on our mirror of teleportation that Voriax carries. One of the other destinations leads to the Lich's lair (Fennis Morte). The other 3 are unknown."
Nodding to the bards he says:
"Sleyvien and Ianthe have offered to assists us in whatever we do."
Turning to Timor.
"What can you tell us Timor?" Legildur asks of the servant of Ellana.

TIMOR
OOC:
Timor is busy ...umm... doing something :) he was about to make a very important/crucial decision but decided to put it off until after he's had a chance to speak with the rest of you again.
Though I would like to reminder Legildur that last time you folks were in Hasbis, Timor insisted on staying at the temple for the night since it is so rare during his travels to actually stay at a Temple to Elanna. I only wanted to remind you of this point because I saw in some other e-mails you were making plans dependant upon Timor's presence; not saying he won't be there, but I can't quite say he will be there either. Unless you can make a good argument to do otherwise, Timor will more than likely be inclined to stay at the Temple for the night as per the same reasons he stayed there last time you spent the night in Hasbis.

DM
Selander listens intently but does not seem to acknowledge any knowledge of the black druids.

VORIAX
"I concur. And I also am not sure I wish to find out the other three destinations until a later date. Although, it would be helpful to know if they are other adversaries we might eventually have to worry about. For now though, let's get a good night's rest. It sounds like we won't have the chance to slow down and recuperate or identify magical items just yet. I'd stay combat oriented, for us mages and priests. Which reminds me, does anyone have any healing spells left? If not I may have to head over to the temple and pay for healing. I don't think I should stay this wounded."

LEGILDUR
"Yes!" Legildur says in exclamation.
"That should be sorted as soon as possible. No point being caught flat-footed," he adds.

KINSON
Kinson rises from his meal and follows upstairs. He listens to Legildur's description, nodding his head from time to time to emphasise a point, but does not interrupt.
He will wait for Timor to tell what information he knows, and then add the following.
"Hmm, black druids... As you know Saggar, Alof, Biladoc and myself entered the maze we only so recently escaped a different way than everyone else. We entered via the sewers of a city named Pensula, which is in the Kingdom of Asga. But before we found our way to the maze we were exploring an underground lair beneath the city that seemed to be a giant temple complex inhabited by evil clerics. We lost many valiant friends in the fiendish place and it nearly took all of our lives. I wonder if the place is associated with these black druids. In fact I still have the papers we took from the place."
He pulls out the papers he and Humphrey found and the written translation and reads aloud to the group:

"Hmmm. Obviously these are quite dated now as it talks of the assault of Los Vain. But perhaps it is a small piece of the puzzle, and something to ponder in the future."
Then he stands and addresses Legildur.
"What shall be the watch schedule?"

DM
Sleyvien's jaw drops.
"Eridani is one of the sons of the Queen and brother to Sylvan."

KINSON
Kinson nods his head.
"I read this very same note to Sylvan while we adventured together. He was quite angered by it, but also refused to speak about it."

DM
Ianthe nods.
"I can see why. Do you all think that evil Quandor is behind the undead? The though did come to me from time to time."

LEGILDUR
"Yes," Legildur says in agreement.
"I remember that occasion well. I was surprised by Sylvain's behaviour at the time, but now it makes sense. No wonder he and Ayla were keen to return home.
The betrayal of one's homeland is unforgivable," he adds with a slightly distant look in his eyes for a few seconds before returning to the here and now.
The elven warrior sighs openly.
"Maybe Sylvain's disappearance had nothing to do with Ayla after all," Legildur wonders aloud.
"Perhaps though she is in league with Eridani - if this is so, then it bodes ill for the Kingdom," he continues.
"As interesting and important as this is, we will have to turn our attention to this later. We have our own set of problems nearby."
Legildur says.
He drinks once again from his mug before continuing.
"If undead occupy the forest nearby, that can only mean one thing - they intend to attack Hasbis. And soon."
The elven warrior pauses to let the import of what he has just said sink in before continuing.
"There are no other nearby centres of population and no Necromancer would mass his 'troops' like that and draw attention to himself unless he was prepared to attack in the near future. And as Jas' daughter has said already 'Lords Doth and Nebius are hard pushed to keep the undead at bay.
We now must be prepared for anything. I myself would like nothing else but to spend the night lamenting Wrent's death with many mugs of mead and a hot bath.
However, I fear we won't have the time for that luxury. Any attack could come as early as tonight - but no later than a week away.
As for timing, I know that as part of the Los Vain forces and the White Falcons that we regularly rehearsed and executed dawn attacks. Typically this was the time when the enemy was least prepared and still sleep-drowsed. The element of surprise was much easier to gain at this time and the small amount of light enabled fighting - much better than fighting in darkness, I can assure you.
Although the undead probably don't require light, their master would prefer it to be able to assess his minions' progress and direct them accordingly during the battle. I would bet that a dawn attack is more likely than a night attack and that it will occur sooner rather than later. Knowing our luck, it will be the morning - before we are ready."
OOC:
What time is it Charles? Has the messenger Legildur hired been sent to Lords Doth and Nebius yet?

DM
The Messenger has left and it is around midnight.

LEGILDUR
"My guess is that the Red Mage is acting as an agent for Quandor. The Lich is probably supplying undead for the mage to control and so extend his influence - probably seeking a way to escape Fennis Morte, if I remember my history aright,"
Legildur offers for the discussion.
"Either way, we need destroy the Mage and his minions. What happens after that is anyone's guess."

KINSON
Kinson looks to Voriax.
"I will be able to heal again tomorrow."
Then he scratches his beard.
"But not nearly enough... Most of us are wounded more than a single night's rest will heal. I wonder, could the clerics concentrate on healing spells for tomorrow, then move back to battle oriented spells the following day? It would depend on what our travel schedule for the morrow is."
He glances at Legildur.

LEGILDUR
"I suspect that we won't have the luxury of waiting another day. It seems the healing is more important, and will remain so for the near future." the Elven warrior says.

KADDAR
Kaddar stops looking at the book, he just drawn from the back pack... I may not agree with you Sir Legildur on this, with all due respect, of course, as I have no experience over war affairs myself, but as many undead are affected by sun light and weakened by it, if I were the "enemy" I would rather attack a little after midnight, to have plenty of time before my undead "soldiers" are weakened by sun light.
But fist we must know what kind of undeads are there, so we might find our enemy weakness and use it in our favour.
Anyway we can not rush into battle like this as we are must likely to be defeated as we are now, If they attack just this moment I would suggest we escape, regroup and then counter-attack, we need to heal, we need to rest, we need to study. And the worst thing is that we know very little about the "enemy" but a few rumours.
Just as a suggestion, we can look for a place to establish a watching post over the area, maybe on the roof, maybe over the windows and we can make rounds just to keep watching for unusual happenings while others rest during the night then as the sun rises we may finish healing ourselves and with mages and priest having their spells learned we can search over the nearby forest to see what we can learn about this undead army.
If there is an "enemy" and there is an army of restless souls out there it must have a leader and above all this leader whether a Lich, whether a Necromancer must have some particular interest in attacking this village.
Finally if there is a large number of them it would be much better for us to start attacking them in small groups out there in the Forest than awaiting them to attack on the village as they will attack together and in great number if your fears are correct.

DM
Sleyvien nods.
"I agree with Kaddar. WE should take the battle to him. But on the subject of Eridani... I find this whole thing hard to believe as he is a good man. He was a woodsman of some skill...and I find it hard to believe him to be evil."

ALOF
After listening for a couple of minutes I begin to voice my opinion on the topic at hand:
"If I may I would suggest we stay and rest for at least a day. I am only at 50% right now and I would like some time to rest, especially if we are going to have to fight undead! As for what we do I really don't care as long as I'm healthy. Of course if there's treasure involved I am not going to hesitate. I know that you may be eager to go and stop these creatures now, Legildur, but what is the use if none of us are at full strength, also why not stay here where we are on somewhat familiar ground as opposed to going to territory we know little about. I am in need of daggers and health and perhaps I might buy myself a hand crossbow to try it out, I've heard they're great...(pauses).. Oh, Biladoc perhaps in the morning you could show me how you do that tumbling skill of yours, I could really use another form of defence."

LEGILDUR
"It's not Sir Legildur. Just Legildur. I live by my arm - not my name," the elven warrior says as he corrects Kaddar's etiquette.
"But I think you have raised some good points as I am mostly ignorant of undead. Give me humanoid patrols and the like to deal with and there is no problem. But, as has proven many times so far, while I may be the leader of this party, I cannot perform this task without each of you and your individual expertise, and more importantly, your teamwork.
Any Necromancer or Lich would wish to attack this village for two reasons - because they can, and for additional raw material to expand their forces. The watch is a good idea and you may well be right about the night attack - I hope not though.
As for escaping and regrouping - that is not an option!" says Legildur emphatically.
"We cannot walk away from Hasbis and its people and leave them vulnerable to undead hordes. Whilst we need to rest, we will have to make do with what time Laskanthar grants us. Like I said, who knows when the attack will occur - could be tonight, or next week," he says with a shrug of the shoulders.
"Attacking them in small groups would be desirable indeed," muses Legildur.
"However, us searching for them would leave the town more vulnerable. We need to see off the first attack and then seek out and destroy the remainder.
As for needed supplies, maybe Dirk's store or the Blacksmith's is still open. There is no armoury here that I am aware. But Lord Doth may be able to assist if we speak to him in time."

SAGGAR
Looks at them.
"Perhaps best to find a secure room with only a door and take turns sleeping and guarding so that our position is most defensible. I have two cure lights left for those that need them, as well as bandaging wounds."

LEGILDUR
"I was thinking that perhaps one non-human person outside - with infravision - guarding the Inn entrance and another guarding the rooms would serve well. The person outside could give some warning to any approaching threat to Hasbis and the person upstairs can ensure the sleepers' safety and relay quickly any news from the person outside.
I can see others need healing more than I."
Legildur says in response to Saggar's general offer of healing. This is obviously an outright lie given the way Legildur favours his left side, but there is naught Timor, Saggar or Kinson are able to do for him - and he knows this.
"But I would accept a sleeping draught or your medical ministrations for this minor sword cut which is mostly healed," Legildur asks the dwarf obliquely.
"My suggestion for watches is (u=upstairs, d=downstairs):

That way we maintain a mix of spell casters, combat capable individuals, and infravision on all watches.
May I also suggest, Kinson, that you sleep the final watch in your armour in case something happens. While this may not be comfortable, or desirable in the long-term, it would take too long to dress you. Besides, you can get your beauty sleep during the day if you need it," Legildur says with a smile.
"If something does happen before your watch,"
Legildur continues addressing Kinson.
"Max, you will have to help him suit-up to cut down the time. Similarly for you Saggar, have Kaddar assist you if the warning is sounded. Any battle we have with the undead is likely to be protracted and time spent early on preparing correctly would be a good investment."
(And Voriax and Timor know this to be the case following their initial foray with Legildur into the caverns beneath Hasbis where Legildur took naught but the clothes he slept in, his shield and sword, due to the urgency of the matter.)
"Does anyone disagree or have any suggestions?" Legildur asks of the group.

KINSON
"A good watch schedule, I shall take the third watch with Alof and Max. And I shall rest during 4th watch in my armour," says Kinson.
"I wonder if we should check on Timor? He's been gone a while. Also, the temple might have a supply of Holy Water available, Saggar might remember, we used Holy water to destroy several evil spirits shortly after we entered the maze. It literally saved our lives. I carry a small bottle that I like to keep filled with Holy Water, and I would like to ask the priests if they will allow me to replenish it."

SAGGAR
"The dead give off no heat my friend"

LEGILDUR
"A point in case."
Legildur says, referring to the expertise and ideas of other party members, as he sighs slightly at Saggar's useful observation.
"But they may obscure an object with a different level of heat and therefore betray their presence in the darkness. Even so, the structure of the watches pits the stronger characters outside. Maybe we should use a strong light source outside instead of relying on infravision?" Legildur suggests.

SAGGAR
Smiles:
"I propose we of the clergy cover each watch as the holy silver of Krom can turn any undead spirit that seeks to trouble us."

LEGILDUR
"Except there aren't enough of you to cover all watches - unless sliced thinly of course."
Legildur says with a wink.

VORIAX
Voriax moves over to Saggar.
"One of your healing spells will probably get me through the night Saggar. I would be indebted to you for awhile. I am quite sore."

SAGGAR
Mends Voriax's wounds (healing skill) and then casts a cure light wounds upon him.
"Milord... a strong light source would only betray our position and attract those we wish to remain unseen by."
After a pause he continues.
"Perhaps the temple would be the best place for us to stay as it is sacred ground and may actually deter such creatures""

DM
Healing 7 points total.

KADDAR
Kaddar hears all opinions, then he says to Legildur.
"Any way you say Sir Legildur, I mean Legildur, I will await for my turn on the watch and hope those restless souls are not planning an attack tonight, I would also offer my self to go outside as soon as sunrises and try to found out something out there on the woods, If I go alone I can surely use some of my abilities and attempt to pass unnoticed, I promise I will be extremely careful, If trouble arise I will flee back here as my intention is to investigate as much as I can so we can decide a course of action."
Then he says:
"Shall we stay all in here or shall we use several rooms?"
He will act as instructed (stay or go into another room and there he will study).
Finally Kaddar takes a puts his black book back into the sack, extracts a raggedy heavily used book, more like a bunch of papers gathered (his spellbook) and starts to read in silence.

LEGILDUR
"From what little I know about undead, they can sense the living. So I am not sure if the light source will compromise us." Legildur says in response to Saggar's earlier concerns.
"As for staying in the Temple, I think that is a sound idea, assuming there is sufficient room for the entire village to seek sanctuary there," the elf says in support of the dwarf's suggestion.
Thinking aloud, Legildur continues.
"Undead aren't likely to loot an empty village and if I was their commander, I wouldn't be mixing undead and humanoid troops - who would be more likely to ransack abandoned homes and businesses.
Perhaps though we are being a little paranoid about an attack. It is just that I cannot see any other purpose for many undead to be nearby.
Really, we need to speak to Lords Doth and Nebius about the threat so as to be able to formulate a plan. Hopefully that messenger, and Timor, will return soon," he adds.

KINSON
"It seems everything depends on the information we don't have. If there are living enemies -- as well as undead -- then the light source will give them the advantage if they have missile weapons. But they would have to be some pretty hard driven troops to engage in a night attack anyway..."
Kinson shakes his head hard.
"No I think you are right, we are being paranoid! Which in some cases can save your life, but we really need to hear from the local Lords before we jump off the cliff. They may have forces in place already to protect Hasbis, and perhaps we would only be needed for a special mission.
I think we should stick to the guard plan stated by Legildur, check to make sure Timor is ok, wait for the messenger to return, and get some rest tonight."

LEGILDUR
Spying the inn keeper, Legildur approaches him.
"Jas, may we speak with your daughter upstairs for a short time? I realise you are busy and need her hands, but she may have some information for us - and things are afoot," he says straight-faced. If Jas agrees, Legildur pats him on the shoulder and says.
"Thank you, my good man."
Turning to find the inn keeper's daughter, Legildur approaches her and introduces himself.
"I am Legildur, of the Band of the Silver Blade," Legildur says with little etiquette in evidence.
"I understand that you are currently training with Lords Doth and Nebius," he adds as a lead in.
"Can you spare a few minutes to speak with us upstairs about goings on?"
If she agrees, Legildur leads her to the Band.
"This is Jas' daughter,"
Legildur pauses in his introduction as he realises he doesn't even know her name before recovering quickly and continuing.
"What can you tell us about the undead in the forest nearby and the Lords' actions to counter it?" he asks.
As she answers, Legildur begins to finally strip his equipment - removing weapons, backpack, and eventually the plate mail from his body, taking particular care when removing the breastplate and mail shirt. The simple shirt under the armour is stained red at two points from unhealed wounds - the same ones he had been favouring during the latter part of the adventure. The beginnings of a tattoo can be seen on his left forearm.

DM
She nods.
"Lord Doth and Nebius and protected the village. More than that I do not know. They have built a wall around the village and there are guard patrols. They do not have the strength to launch an offensive and defend the town."
As Legildur removes his armour she stares at him.
"Why, those wounds look nasty. Has no one tended to them?"

LEGILDUR
"The defences sound quite adequate until we can take the offensive in a day or so," Legildur thinks aloud.
"The wounds? Aye, they have been tended - but with no success. They were caused by an evil priest's ceremonial knife and seemingly cannot be healed. I have kept the accursed weapon in the hope that the Church of Ellana may heal the wounds by studying the knife."

DM
Timor appears through the door of the welcome wench with Lord Doth in tow. Lord Doth is decked in brilliant chainmail and a Dragon faced Great Helm. He enters removing his helm as he smiles at those he knows.
"Good eve my friends and travellers."
He wrist his right arm on the hilt of a gem encrusted Long sword and his left on the hilt of a Broad sword that looks well worn and wrapped with silver wire.
Jas jumps up and rushes towards him.
"My lord can I get you anything."
Doth smiles and nods as he tosses Jas several gold coins.
"A strong mead would be good while I sit and talk to my friends."
Doth sits down as Jas runs off to get some mead.
"So I have heard a little of your tale from good Timor here."
He pauses waiting for some response.
Ianthe rubs her patched I as she seems to stare off with her good eye.
"Quandor..." she mumbles under her breath.

----------------
The powerful figure of Lord Doth paralyses everybody for a brief moment. Even the writer of these chronicles holds his breath and only the sound of an ink drop falling in the parchment in front of him shakes him from his reverie.
Mumbling a curse, he attempts to clean it. After a moment of frustrated attempts he sighs, shrugs and uses the blot as a mark for the end of another chapter. Putting this one aside, he reaches for another parchment to start a new chapter...