The earth itself tears apart as one might rip the peel a vel fruit. Dust and dirt fly into the air, trees topple around the group. A gaping crevice roughly 300 feet long by 100 feet wide at about 30 feet down is seen only a few yards from where the heroes are. The gaping maw that is the earth lies open like a wound. Steams and ancient vapors rise from the hole and through the clouds the heroes can see their first glimpse at a strange structure. The buildings are odd, seemingly grown rather than constructed. How they were built is unknown for no modern Athasian technique can account for the strange shapes, odd curves and other strange organic shapes of the edifices. There are no sharp corners on these structures, no angles of any kind. Furthermore, every shape is a vibrant, impossible color.

The tremor has caused some damage to the exterior of these structures. A great tear exposes a dark interior of one building, while huge chunks of rock crush a portion of a small sphere. A single trunk-like tube extends from the building at about 15 feet from the floor of the ravine.

At the violent shaking of the ground, Aryus quickly grabs on to a tree next to him to maintain his balance, "Hurry hold on to something!" He yells to his companions who were obviously struggling. Whispering a prayer to the windlords, Aryus waits eagerly for the shock waves to subside. When they finally do, a large pit opens up in front of him revealing ruins of an ancient time.

Peering over the ledge of the pit carefully to the ruins below, Aryus inspects the strange structures. "Forgive me for my ignorance, but these look halfling. Tak, do you have any idea what these ruins are or from who they are from? I was not aware that halflings built great cities, except perhaps in a time that is not our own."

Tak’, in a state of awe at the power of Gaea, and the sight that the crevice offers. Stammering for words Tak’ speaks quietly in his own tongue - lost for words to describe what he sees and knows. "Life magic ... so long ago ..."

Gazing down Tak’ is struck with feelings of history and awe - lost amongst the memory of the halflings - passed down through the generations.

As the group discusses as to whether or not to explore the ruins, Aryus offers his input. "My curiosity has hunted me from the day I walked upon this Athas. I say we explore it. Although the servants of air despise the earth <I hope Ptellac and Tak do not get offended>, they smile upon those with an adventurous spirit. It seems that I've also been blessed by this." Aryus brings himself to a smile, a difficult task for him indeed with a past that is not nearly as bright.

Aryus grabs his spear tightly and secures the quiver of metal tipped arrows around his back. "I'm ready to go down. We do need better tactics. It is almost a given that we shall encounter creatures of the underground in there. Our battle tactics discussion might work well in an outside environment, but within an underground structure, everything is different. We must be most careful. I've lost a friend before to the evils of this world and I do not wish to see any of my companions fall today. You are my family and everything that I have."

The windmage looks to each of his companions and nods to them. He then walks over to the ledge again and peers down <perhaps a spell would get me down there, but what about the others? Rope?> "I have a spell that will help my slow descent, but I'm not sure if it will carry the rest of you. Perhaps we should use rope or psionics?"

Images...green replaced by dusty gray...red sun...people all around...a woman? Where'd she come from? A slave? Gaigin never remembered owning a female Mul...and Templars-in-Training were allowed no slaves in any case. Training? That was long ago...he had risen, High Templar, Feared and obeyed...the right hand of Kalak, the second most powerful man in all Tyr. Why then the flashes of memory...the slave pits of some distant City State, the flash of a wooden spear thrown by that Mul Champion....what was the name? The King dying...panic...revolution...was the Champion Female? Is she the one who carries me? Can't remember...remember the wastes, the travel, the axe, the spear. No, such were no Templar weapons...Templar?

Gaigin...High Templar? Yes, that was it! He had seen the Mul ready the throw...had saved the King just in time, and was raised High Templar...who then were these people all about him...slaves? Yes, definitely...only...Images...A campfire...an alleyway...A Gang attacking a defenseless mob of starving women and children...

...confusion...

Suddenly the ground shook and Gaigin was hurled back to reality by the force of a massive Earthquake. He struck the ground hard and rolled somewhat to the side, lying still, unmoving.

Rayne rushes over to Gaigin who regained consciousness from the fall. Seeing that look in his eyes she knew it was "High Templar Gaigin" who was with them now. "Master! you took a spill, here let me help ye." Winking at Elric Rayne can hardly stifle a laugh. She saunters up to the fallen Gaigin and with little effort hoist the weak ex-caravan guard to his feet.

Suddenly he felt something lift him up, holding him erect. That woman again? Who was she? Who cared, just some slave after all, what need had a High Templar for names.

"Where is the person responsible for my fall?! I'll have his head for this." Gaigin feebly pounds his fist into his hand and almost falls over again. Rayne leads him back to the litter and lays him down again. "He's been taken to the dungeon to be dealt with when ye are better Master. That was a nasty fall, now get some rest."

Gaigin nods, the woman was wise...he really must reward whichever of his underlings had given her to him. Rest...

Gaigin begins to nod off, casting only a brief, confused glance at the ruins ahead of him. Odd...

"Really must remember to have Chalek the Architect flayed, just look what he's done to the Templar's Quarter...horrible taste...just horrible." He leans against the strong arm and yawns loudly, dozing off back into the feverish dreaming. Awake and standing, but far, far away.

Chit-Zik moves to the edge of the crevice, and runs his claws along the open crack. His antenna twitch at the scent of the open earth before him. "Yes, I agree. We should go in." He stares deep into the pit with a look only Aryus can identify, obviously learning fast how thri-kreen express themselves.

"I'll go down with whoever goes first." Chit-Zik offers. "I can jump to safety if I need to. Besides, it has been a long time since I've been surrounded by the rock and stone..." The thri-kreen shakes and he makes a wheezing sound like a cough. "It may be drier down there, too."

Elric stands rock-still staring at the structure. Shaking his head slowly, returning from a daze "We must go in, this is a great opportunity." Heading to the ledge Elric stops and turns to Gaigin, with a deep bow "Sir we must go down into the crevice and enter the tower. We will insure you are not disturbed by the travel."

Looking to the ruins before her Rayne is taken aback. "I have never seen the likes in me life! What is it?"

Hearing Aryus speak of halflings Rayne looks to Tak. "I agree with the half-elf, we should see what's down there. But aye, we should think out our plans before we go anywhere. We do have some extra weight that needs some protecting. He may seem like an easy meal to something in there." After a brief pause the Mul stands erect and gives her warriors salute. "I will guard yer leader with me life as thanks fer all yer kindness, I think the rest of ye can handle whatever we encounter ... I will stay near the back to make sure no harm befalls our "High Templar"." She finishes with her infamous smirk.

"As fer reaching the bottom, I may be able to use some of me mental powers with that. I have a way of "levitating" in the air that may help with getting Gaigin down as well."

-------------

RAYNE, KORETH AND TAK ONLY

As the group begins to make preparations to go down to the strange ruins below, Rayne pulls aside Koreth and Tak. "Remember the caravan that the tarek described a few days back. That would be the group I was leaving when I met ye. I felt that ye ought to know as the leaders of our group, it is yer decision what to do with this infermation. Seeming hesitant the Mul continues. "I am open to most questions ye may have . . . but do not judge me. We have bled together and I still hope ye little halfling will take me as a pupil in learning the way, but I am not yet ready to share all of my past openly with people who I have known for such little time." With that the mul sets her jaw firmly and waits for their questions.

Tak’ inclines his head at the large mul, conscious of what she speaks is difficult for her. "I will be happy to teach you what I can of the Way Rayne," Tak’ takes on a small embarrassed grin, although I am but a
student and we will probably be able to learn just much from each other."

"As of this caravan," Tak’ continues, "I will leave it to your judgement what else you tell us of this caravan save this - would we be wise to avoid contact with it if we came across this caravan on our travels?"

"I will leave it at this: The leader of the caravan I would rather see dead than alive. There are two half giants, two traders - one trader may not be with the group anymore; he is the one I had the disagreement with. There is also a young slave girl, one who uses The Way and a mysterious, sadistic man who works with magic. If I run into them, I will fight them to the death. I am not . . . welcome amongst them. I do not see why they would have any harm intended to your pack however."

-------------------

The three companions join the rest and Rayne continues, "Koreth should follow last to take up the rear. Strap Gaigin to me and I will carry him down as I go behind Mendi, Elric come after to help me with the "High Templar" once we are through. That way there is a strong fighting group below in case trouble arises immediately." The Mul then prepares her equipment for the climb down with the extra weight.

Seeing his companions tie the rope to begin the descent, Aryus quickly stops them.

"Wait. I'll cast a spell first to float down and scout the area. When it is clear, I'll have you climb down. We should have one person provide cover with a bow <perhaps Elric or Mendi> above and I'll provide cover below. If all of us go on one rope, we are putting ourselves into a very vulnerable position. Besides, can't be too careful in this forest."

Tak’ holds his hand out, "Wait. Why risk flesh and bone to find out information when it is right among us?" While the rest of the companions look quizzically at the slight halfling, Tak’ closes his eyes and reaches into the Mindscape - feeling his Will come to his bidding in a tide of life-affirming energy.

MINDSCAPE:
Tak’, his image a glowing silhouette in the Mindscape sits cross-legged. He points downwards into the crevice and a small bird comes into being - fluttering down to where the halfling has pointed. As the bird lands Tak’ breathes deeply and concentrates - building a bridge with himself and the bird - in a sense becoming the bird - feeling what it feel - and seeing what is sees.

Glancing round the ruins Tak’ observes all - taking note of the spectacular architecture which brings such an unknown sense of familiarity to him. Seeing the buildings from the other side, the view is not much different. The building all seem connected to each other and there are no visible entrances on this side. (DM note: I think you may have confused the power with sight link?).

When his companions nod in general agreement and decide who's to remain to provide cover from above. Aryus straps on his spear and takes out his bow. Notching a metal tipped arrow on the great bow, Aryus mutters to the windlords and casts his spell (feather fall). Then with a casual stride, the windmage jumps down into the ruins below.

Mendi quickly follows down the rope and the two find themselves at the bottom and both go on exploring the surroundings before the rest of the group comes down.

At the bottom of the pit is kind of quiet but the regular jungle noises that the group have become accustomed to surrounds them.

Mendi advanced cautiously toward the tear in the side of one of the buildings. There again he listened cautiously, but did not hear any noise inside. He gathered his will, and concentrated on the presence of living beings, his mind sending tendril like probes in the buildings. The elf decides to try and scan the building where the rip is seen. There is a distinct feeling of life as soon as the power is in effect. The elf is overwhelmed with the feeling he perceives, it seems that the whole structure is alive…

After Aryus and Mendi inspect the area making sure that it is clear and are satisfied, both motion to his companions above while keeping close watch.

Rayne makes her way carefully down the rope, easily supporting Gaigin along the way. Once at the bottom, she awaits Elric and the litter. Once Gaigin is comfortably in the litter, Rayne turns her attention to her surroundings. "Aye, I've never seen the like!" she whispers in awe. Making sure her weapons are within easy reach, the mul awaits the rest of her companions to arrive on the cavern floor and then prepares to carry the "High Templar".

Gaigin suddenly wakes and struggles to get off the litter. "I can…walk slowly…but I need someone to lean upon and cannot move very fast." (DM note: Gaigin can walk slowly but not make any sudden moves, run, fight etc. He may slip into his delirious state…)

Chit jumps down and lands without much of a problem and soon everyone is at the bottom of the crevice and ready to enter the strange structure.

Tak’, impatient to get down can only wait while those ahead of him descend the rope to the crevice below. Sliding down the rope with nimble ease Tak’ lands softly. Reaching into the Mindscape, Tak’ lets his Will flow outwards, feelers in all direction, seeking threats to himself and his companions.

After the halfling senses nothing unusual in the time he uses his power, Tak’ walks silently and swiftly around the area outside of the torn building, conducting a brief search amongst the strange, lifelike structures.

INSIDE THE ORGANIC STRUCTURE

Mendi enters the part of building that sports the crack, takes a quick look around and then calls everyone over. The companions get into the odd building.

The tear in the outer wall leads to a large chamber with walls that sweep and curve into the floor and ceiling without any obvious separation. The room is roughly 50 feet by 15 feet and there is a door-like opening five feet wide that is currently closed. The room is for a halfling's height and the ceiling is only 6 feet above the ground. The group realizes that they will have to fight in confined spaces and large weapons will be very unwieldy in this place. (DM note: Anything larger than a short sword that is not used as a piercing weapons suffers a -3 penalty on to hit rolls.)

This chamber is filled with a child's toy of some sort. A miniature city stretches from one end of the chamber to the other, raised upon a platform of stone that seems to grow from the floor itself. Part of the model, near where the tear leads to the outside, has been damaged, but otherwise it appears complete. The structures are all tiny scale representation of buildings much like this one, made of colored stone shaped into sweeping curves. A solid blue substance that looks like water covers the entire model, and some of the organic buildings rise above the substance. Tiny boats ride atop the substance, and a sapphire sun floats suspended above the city.

Walls, floor, and ceiling curve into one another without the benefit of visible distinctions like corners and right angles. The inner surfaces are smooth and warm to the touch and beneath your feet you can feel a steady hum.

Ptellac in awe at the strange structure leans against one of the "organic" walls and soon withdraws his hand. "I swear for Mother Earth that IT touched me. The wall felt my hand just as I did." Everyone's surprise is soon replaced by another event as the chamber itself begins to glow.

The walls, ceiling, and floor glow with an incandescent that provides illumination without being harsh. You also notice that it's cool in these ruins. It seems that something is keeping the blistering heat of the day outside, though perhaps that's because the ancient structure is only newly privy to the scorching rays of the sun. The design inside the edifice is as organic as its exterior, and it feels uncomfortably like being inside a living creature. The low thumping echoing from the walls does nothing to diminish the sensation. If anything, it enhances it.

A small figure steps out of the shadows. He has the build and general appearance of a halfling, but he seems to have as much in common with the feral creatures as an aaracokra has with a vulture. He has short hair; and a strange patch of skin growth that covers his right arm from wrist to elbow. He considers the party for a moment with a large, innocent-looking eyes. Then he bows his head and speaks words that have no meaning to anyone. "ULAKA TEERIM," the odd halfling says, sweeping his arm around him.

After repeating the same words for three times, the strange halfling notices Tak's strange dagger. The halfling smiles as if relieved and repeats his message only for the hunter's benefit, "ULAKA TEERIM…" (DM note: Tak, recognizes the words as the ancient tongue but has no idea what they mean.) The image of the halfling vanishes as soon as Tak approaches it…

Your actions…

OUT OF CHARACTER

HEALTH STATUS

Remember the scale:

Healthy (H) 100% hitpoints remaining

Slightly Wounded (SiW) 75% to 100% hitpoints remaining

Wounded (W) 50% to 75% hitpoints remaining

Seriously Wounded (SeW) 25% to 50% hitpoints remaining

Mortally Wounded (MW) 0% to 25% hitpoints remaining

Ptellac (SiW)

Koreth (SiW)

Rayne (W)

Elric (SiW)

Chit (SiW)

Ayrus (H)

Mendi (H), (SiW) PSP

Tak (H), (SiW) PSP

Gaigin (MW)

Gaigin will recover full hitpoints gradually in 5 days time notwithstanding any magical healing

ON GAME

I am at fault and have probably confused everyone as well. The ground opened up and a large crevice appeared. In the crevice there is a large building or structure. This large building is comprised of many building but they are all connected to each other. Once you are in the building (which you are), you get to everywhere from the inside. Let me know if you need further explanation.

ON "DUNGEON" EXPLORATION

This as close to dungeon exploration as we have come to. In this type of game, I cannot stop every time and ask you which door you want to take. Like the wilderness part, I will make choices whenever you have a choice to make. I will roll dice for it unless you specify something different. I also need to know a "regular" action around here. Things like: listening to doors, searching rooms, posting guards, marching orders, etc. I need to know IF you will do such things, WHO and HOW you will do them. I prefer you have this discussion in character and before you do any more exploring but it is up to you.

ON WHO SPEAKS FIRST (MENDI'S NOTE TO AYRUS)

There was a comment that Vincent told Rive when Ayrus wanted to do something and Vincent thought that Mendi was already doing something else. Boy, this is confusing but bare with me here. NO actions have happened unless they come out in the turn recap. The order of actions is NOT determined by who speaks first. For example, Vincent cannot respond on weekends but this does not mean that if all the other players decide to leave the room and Vincent sends an email on Monday saying that Mendi wants to smash the miniature city before they leave that he cannot do that because have already left the room. That action will happen even though Vincent sent the email late. Is that clear?

When conflicting actions in time or space are "intended" by the players, I will do my best to determine what actually happens. Things may not always take place like you send the emails or you intend them. In most cases, I will not change anything but there will be times when slight changes have to be made; please read the turn recaps since they are for your benefit (I have no lurkers that I know of, sniff, sniff).

Questions, comments, and suggestions please.

L8r,

Fabian