Fear

Talanos nods. He seems to be much happier now that he is back in natural
surroundings. Though the elf-ranger says little, he seems to be almost
excited.

Siobhan adds her consent to Oeric’s election as speaker for the party but
maintains a wary stance, her hands rarely straying far from her swords.

The old man looks down on Oeric, "Very well then, follow this road and you will find him eventually." Waving to the other riders they take off down the road the beat of hooves fading away.

A cold wind spurs dark clouds the next morning and the Great Tree is hidden amongst them. The road becomes more congested by the end of the day, mostly single travelers heading towards the Great Tree. That evening you camp within the confines of a small tent city that sits outside the walls that guard the Great Tree. Many fires burn brightly as everyone is thankful for their heat. During the night Yahn is approached by a young woman offering her wares. The next morning he is no where to be found.

Talanos frowns, "Our friend Yahn has vanished. I spoke with the guards at the gate earlier and no one has seen him. Continue on to the Tree without me. I’m going to retrace our steps for a few days and see if he has come to harm. If I can’t find him I will return to the Temple." The small party now consisting of Siobhan, Glant, Cronar and Oeric make passage through the wall. Oeric’s druidic credentials allow you easy access. By mid day you finally reach the actual tree. A shivering guard asks you your business. (No structures or any evidence exists of human habitation. The Great Tree towers over you and the experience is awe inspiring.) When you ask for Jourgen the Druid the guard shows you a hidden passage that leads under ground. Passing several layers of security you are finally deposited in simple quarters and asked to dine later in the day and that Jourgen will meet you there. Entering the compound has done wonders as the warm dry air makes you all very comfortable and possibly drowsy. Finally an escort arrives and leads you to the dining hall where perhaps three score sit at tables scattered about pel mel in a large irregularly shaped room. On the far wall instead of rock or dirt walls is a section of root that tangles along that side of the room. Jourgen stands as you approach dismissing your guide, "Welcome friends," he says sincerely, "please make yourselves at home. How was your mission, a success I presume?" (The table is laid with simple fruits and a large bowl of beef stew. Several small bowls are passed around and you all get plenty to fill your weary stomachs.)

Glant "so, you are this druid they have been talking about, it is a
pleasure to finally meet you druid." Glant, feeling much better, now
that he is out of the cold, proceeds to attack the bowls of food with
relish.

[Enter Calyndir (Half-elf )playing the Mandolin]

[Enter Starr Tofu Dragonsnak Mortis Riga Human Female Cavalier]

[Enter Drake Shadow Strider (Half-elf) Cleric/MU]

OOC: The new characters are all part of some emissary group(s) that are here at the Great Tree for some Political Conference. Feel free to elaborate as you wish.

Sitting at the table are Siobhan(f), Glant, Cronar and Oeric.

Cronar asks Oeric "Do you know of the power of the Great Tree or of its
caretakers> Could they perhaps restore what was taken from me by the lich?
If they can what would they ask of me in return?"

Oeric responds after a moment of deep thought, "Jourgen or the High
Druid may have the power to restore you your strength. I will ask them
for you when they return."

Oeric feels more relaxed now that he has spoken with Jourgen, and
decides to accept his offer of food. He chooses some fresh fruit from
the platters and pours himself a goblet of warm honey mead. He slowly
chews the fruit, relishing each bite, and listens to the lovely music
played by the bard. His eyes wander the beautiful scenery, and settles
his sights on the people scattered around the area.

[Bumped into by Jourgen on the way out] Starr :

The lady recovers, throwing a glance after the druid.

The young woman wears a low cut blue dress of obviously good quality. She
is beautiful in a cool way, with blue eyes and long brown hair, tied back
with a simple silver hair clip. That is her only adornment. She is of
slightly above average height, but very slender.

She regards the four of you, her eyes lingering on each for a moment.

"Well," she says, "What have we here? You seem to have gotten our hosts
feathers a little ruffled."

[And a new face]
Traveling all this distance for the conference and for the chance to see the
eyes of odin which was, according to some circles, in the process of being
recovered . .
from the looks of things if it was being brought in it was the group at the
table visited by the druid that would be its current holders . . besides
which talking to a conglomeration of so many half elfs would be refreshing .
.
" . . they certainly seem to have, . . i notice that you show signs of
fighting undead and taking a beating being a cleric i have some pull with
some of the temples who look favorably on those battling such vile forces .
. they may be able to aid you recover your lost strength . .

. . let me introduce my self i'm Drake Shadow Strider . . "

Starr: "And what news was that?" she inquires. "Did I hear someone mention a lich?"

Glant "we came across an evil temple with a lich priest in it, which we
were not strong enough yet to deal with. I must admit i was not capable
of being in the same presence as the lich, so one of the others would
have to give you more details, for i was not there."

"A lich..." she says thoughtfully. "I have encountered one before. It was
creating undead to send against an evil emperor. For that reason alone did
we not destroy it, though it grieved me to spare it."

She says this with an air of calm assurance.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Starr. I serve Odin to the
best of my limited abilities."

"Forgiven" say Siobhan moving over to the newcomers..."Perhaps a few
introductions might be appropriate while we await Jourgens return ?!
I am Siobhan....."

Siobhan is a shapely maiden. Between her height and extreme beauty, she
projects a commanding presence from the moment she sets foot in a room.
Siobhan has very fair skin, and blonde hair that stretches down to three
inches above her waist. She has a strong voice that projects both
feminine charm and an air of command. Siobhan is dressed in a suit of
chain mail to her upper body, a cloak, and also a studded-leather
trousers with boots. She carries a long sword, a short sword and a
longbow.

Starr smiles and nods to her.

Glant smacks himself "sorry, I too forgot to introduce myself, the name
is Glant."

Cronar is a giant of a man, well (Height: 6'6" Weight: 240) with
raven-black hair and eyes the color of the sky. His handsome features are
marred by a fierce brooding expression, and his fair skin reddens as the
discussion of the lich continues, but he can't bring himself to comment, as
the memories still rip at his innards. His features soften for a moment as
he acknowledges the newcomers, and his face suddenly seems both benevolent
and as classically handsome as a statue, their is an almost cherubic quality
to his smile, then a shadow falls over his face as inner-demons seem to
once again to torture him.

Starr regards him. "Did you lose anyone?"

Oeric is a tall, thin man with shaggy, shoulder-length black hair and a
full beard (going prematurely grey at the temples and under his lower
lip).His eyes are an intense, icy blue and sit beneath a pair of heavy
black eyebrows. He obviously favors his Human blood, but his Elven
heritage is evident in as light point to his ears and well as his thin,
fine form and features. He wears a hooded robe of white wool secured
about the waist with a belt of gold plates and a scimitar hangs at his
side.

"It is a serious matter, milady." Oeric says grimly.

Oeric bows his head at Starr, "Milady, I am Oeric, druid of Her Goddess
of Fire, Freya. It seems the Gods have seen our plight and brought you
to us to share your knowledge of the lich. Only Cronar, Gillian, a
friend that remained at the temple, and I were able to resist the lich's
aura of fear. Cronar tried to attack it physically, but it seemed the
lich could not be felled by his blade. We then figured that since it
was a creature of the nether realms, spells of light and healing,
particularly those that draw postive energies, should affect it. Our
assumption was correct. I tried _healing_ the lich and it responded
with pain. But, I did not have stronger magicks that would have been
needed to completely destroy the lich. We fled. It was our only option
at the time. Yet it pains me dearly that we could not at least disrupt
the lich's infernal rites. As we left, I saw a demon come through the
rifts conjured by the lich. Now the lich may have an army of fiends at
its beckon. That is why we have come here, to seek advice from the High
Druid. You said you have encountered a lich. What can you tell us from
your experience that will allow us to defeat the lich of Nergal."

Drake Shadow Strider

" . . I could help with positive plane projection and negative plane
protection, but if the rest of you are as relatively inexperienced in
comparison to lich’s you may need the help of a artifact to aid you,
especially with demons running about . . "

Calyndir stops strumming and pulls out a pipe and tobacco. He appears to be
a young adult, half-elf. He wears studded leather and leather jerkins. He
pauses to look at the group, "Pleased to meet you all. All this talk of
evil ones and an evil lich tells me that you must be used to high risk and
that usually means high rewards. I'm intrigued - if you have room for
another sword perhaps we can join forces."

Glant looks at the others in the group, and then looks at the young
half-elf "I cannot speak for the others, but i imagine they would
respond as I do, that everyone person who is against evil is more than
welcome to join our group. May the forces of evil beware."

"Very little," Starr admits. "We never battled the thing. We entered its
labyrinth in order to try to free an elf-lord whom the lich was going to
transform into one of its undead minions. Too late, we realised that the
portal we used for entry was one-way, and the only exit from the place
could be opened by the will of the lich alone. Fortunately, we befriended a
servant of the lich, a shade, and he led us to a chamber in the dungeon
which contained relicts of the lich's long-dead mother, protected by
powerful magics of a Good nature so that the lich could not retreive them.
We took these, and used them as negotiating tools, and were able to win
freedom both for ourselves and for the elf-lord.

"I know not what magical spells would hurt a lich. I am a warrior maiden,
and do not concern myself with such things. I do know that one needs a
magical blade to injure such a creature. I have such a blade, but its power
seems to have weakened since I arrived here."

She pauses, her eyes brightening.

"If you are planning to return to this place where the lich and the demons
reside, then I would like to accompany you. Such creatures would be worthy
foes."

As introductions are made and food is heartily consumed several other conversations are over heard from nearby tables:

"The council in Caruth is meeting in response to the attacks upon it’s borders from the invading Nomad Barbarians in the desert. The council consists of all the major Baronies owned by the Barons of Corinthia. A legion of knights are gathering in response to the invaders."

King Duyaz of Zingara sends his condolences but his realm sees no immediate threat and refuses to send aid.

Tenbu, Overlord of Koth has his hands full with Dwarven infringements on their northern boarders. However, He has sent an emissary to accompany the legion of Corinthia. A man by the name of Pulsa said to be a great sage and teacher.

The Druids care little for any of these events unless the Tree is threatened.

Time passes and after a long wait Jourgen returns. "I am named Jourgen of the Silver wood, protector and admonisher. I come to you with a message from the Great Druid. Jourgen is wearing a simple brown cloak over tunic and pants. Black hair and a finely trimmed beard frame fierce piercing blue eyes that shine with understanding and intelligence. Tearing your eyes away from those eyes you see he holds a rather remarkable looking staff made of a light colored redwood, at the extended tip rests a barrel looking cap of a dark red metal with inscriptions and runes etched into it’s surface. "Concerning the Temple he has fear that the evil now released could eventually cause problems here and has commanded me to accompany you back and deal with this incursion. I see you have some company," Looking over the new folk he asks, "Are you planning on joining us?"

Glant "they have asked to join, and I said I would welcome them, but as
of yet the others have not expressed their opinions." after a brief
moment "Pardon me for asking Jourgen, but I could not help but to
overhear some conversations about some invading barbarians, is this
something that your presence should not be taken away from? or are they
not a real threat? or just not an immediate threat? if perhaps they are
a threat to your presence then perhaps my friends and I could help with
this dilemma after dealing with this mess with the temple. In which case
I suggest we leave to attempt purging this temple once again at the
first opportunity."

Starr nods. "I have so offered," she replies.
"I will accompany you," says the knight errant.

" . . of course if there is evil to fight I have little choice but to help you in your cause . . " a grave look fall upon Drakes face, " . . where evil goes I must follow . ."

Cronar lifts himself from his melancholy. "I will go on the mission to
battle the evil of this temple. I will be of no help in defeating the
lich, as our previous experience indicates, and I am less powerful than I
was then, but perhaps I can be of some small service against his minions."

Jourgen fixes Cronar with eyes lit like burning coals, "My friend here has more power than even he realizes. Someday it will fall on you to take up Tyr’s sword for truth and justice." Raising a cup to his lips the Druid calls out a toast, "In the name of justice and what is right shall we disrupt this Temple of Nergal and thwart thine’s evil.

Oeric welcomes each new member in turn with a nod and smile. Upon
Jourgen's pronouncement that he will return to the temple with them,
Oeric replies, "Brother Jourgen, I am pleased that you will assist us in
this matter. But first, my friend, Cronar, in our encounter with the
lich, was drained of his energy. Could you or the High Druid restore to
him the part of him that he lost?"

Glant, upon realizing that Jourgen appears to have no intention of
answering his question, shrugs it off and raises his glass for the toast
"yes, let us reduce this evil to nothing!" Glant then finishes his glass
and stand ready to depart, despite the fact that they have rested little
since there journey here.

Starr raises her glass of wine to her lips. "Indeed, it is as good as defeated already," she says with a confident smile.

Cronar looks at Jourgen and matches his stare with an unflinching one of his
own-with icy blue eyes. "Take up Tyr's sword?- I AM Tyr's sword-or one of
them. And to fight for Truth and Justice is already my mission."

Calyndir will simply return to his pipe and his mandolin. Nodding his head
in agreement when appropriate, being a newcomer it is better to find out
which way the wind blows.

The group finishes what meals were still before them while Jourgen relates some local news after which he stands, "Good fellows, if you would like I can offer a hot bath and clean bed before we embark on this mission." He waits to get everyone’s approval on this idea then continues, "Good, let me show you the way." Wandering through the room he shows you down a hallway into another large room that contains a small lake with a fresh stream of water coursing from out of the ground on one end and out through a hole in a grating on the other. "This is our bath house. Towels and soap are stored here." Leaving that room he leads you on down the hall and into a smaller bunk room. At least ten unoccupied beds lay scattered about and three attendants stand by tending the fire and awaiting any commands. After introducing the attendants Jourgen wishes you all a good nights rest. As he prepares to leave he turns to Cronar, "When you are done cleaning up have one of the attendants lead you to my chambers and we’ll see about restoring your health."

Siobhan quickly deposits he equipment near one of the beds and with a
cheery.."I think I could do with a bathe..." heads off back to the bath
house to get cleaned up, humming as she goes.....

As Siobhan goes to the bathing area, Glant settles down on one of the
beds for a few minutes, and has almost fallen asleep when Siobhan
returns. He deposits most of his things by the bed, and heads for
the bath house himself.

Cronar gives a respectful bow as he leaves and then goes for his bath and
following his bath spends a few minutes in prayer before summoning an
attendant.

Oeric nods his approval at the offer of a bath and warm bed. He follows
the Druid to the bunk room where he chooses a bed, dropping his pack by
its side, removes a clean robe and heads towards the bath house. Once
there, he asks Siobhan if she would mind if he joined her. If she does
mind, he will return to the other room and wait til she finishes. If
she consents, he disrobes and takes a relaxing dip in the warm water.
In any event, Oeric remains in the warm til his skin wrinkles before he
towels dry and return to the bunk room. Before he hits the sack, he
gives his soiled robe to one of the attendants and ask him to clean it.
He will then sleep and wake at dawn to search out the other druids to
participate in a collective communion, if possible.

The attendant Jourgen referred to wore only a tattered robe but showed every courtesy towards Cronar. Leading the Paladin to an ancient oaken door he knocked once then opened the door and beckoned for Cronar to enter. The room was of simple furnishings a bed and desk all which it contained. Behind the desk sat Jourgen who waved for Cronar to come near, "What you ask carries a price. We have to invoke the ancient power from within nature and it has lain dormant for as long as I can remember. I warn you that it is not foolproof and a quirk of fate might cause more harm than good. What say you Cronar?"

Early the next morning a cloaked figure approaches Oeric’s bed. Nudging him gently, "Do you wish to conjure with us?" Oeric spends the next two hours with forty other druids saying prays and divining with the One Tree. When Oeric returns Jourgen joins the party for breakfast and comments on the weather, "It’s putrid, but we’ll suffice."

Glant comments as he finishes stuffing himself with this fine meal "well
the sooner we depart, the sooner we can rid the world of one more evil."

"Couldn't agree with you more..." say Siobhan eating her food slightly
more delicately than Glant, and looking around the group to see how keen
the others are to get on their way....

Refreshed by the morning's communion, Oeric appears high-spirited as he
dives into breakfast, relishing each bite and taking in the
conversation. He smiles brightly when Jourgen joins them, "Its all part
of the cycle, Brother." It is obvious that he is referring to the
weather... "Now, when shall we leave?"

. . looking contemplative and thoughtfully quietly, drake nodes giving his
acknowledgment of the others words . .

After breakfast you saddle up and head back towards Briss. The bad weather makes you wonder why. Jourgen travels in a peculiar fashion while you move along the wooded trail. Instead of riding a horse like the majority he simply seems to vanish near a tree then show up ahead of the group after a short interval. He nods or comments on the trail but allows you all to pass his position then once again vanishes from view.

As you camp for a cold lunch the snow comes down in huge flakes turning the forest into a white wonderland. As winter nears an end some of you are grateful for the warmer air melting the snow as it sits heavily on the limbs.

As if the summer rays have a thawing effect on the statuesque warrior, the
rest of the party begins to notice a change in the demeanor of Cronar
during the ride back. He has become less taciturn and chats with the group
on the ride to Briss, even smiling at some of Glant's wisecracks on the
road.

Glant "I will be glad when this snow is finally gone completely am
ready for some warmer weather. Has anybody got any particular strategies
for fighting this lich, or we just going to charge in and do what we
can?"

Cronar shakes his mane vigorously-"We will not be rash this time, the
consequences of failure are too high.

Oeric nods, "I fear this is our last chance and we must not fail."

Drake hands glant 2 of each type of healing potion [4 in all] and a sweet
water flask in addition to what is his share or need from the group stuff ,"
take these on loan for I may truly be busy in my other priestly duties."

Glant "thank you, i will try to use them wisely."

Oeric: "For this we appreciate any help you can give us. I have seen one of
the demons and another was described to me. The one I saw stood a few
feet taller than I, and shaped like a frog. The other appeared
dog-headed with multiple arms. Do you have any knowledge on these
demons? Weaknesses? Or even strengths we should be aware of?"

. . both acid and holy water harm them and many are even more susceptible
to the latter then normal; poisons can effect the infernal and I hold some
sleeping drought with me, some demons need iron or magic weapons to harm
them . .

Cronar nods his head. " Holy water, iron or enchanted weapons...yes...This
much
of demon lore we all know, but it is good that you remind us that it may be
upmost in our thoughts..."

Drake continues:
"....of positively charged clerical spells and arcane effects that can
protect and aid use I have a few: within the space of a few yards there can arise
protection from evil, summoned, conjured creatures which can not approach
the area; protection from many magic effects can also like wise be done; 2
positive spells of protection can be cast, each protecting a given person
but ones if they are firm in their will if not it injures them more . . ; an
elemental of earth, wind, fire, or water of some strength can be called to
aid us but 3 times for some duration during which I can not help you in
other ways; if all else fails an invisible wall can be called up to protect
us be we escaping or not; there are 8 beads of force given to me by the
brothers that will explode within a few yards {10 feet } and may trap those
cot within in an invisible cage for a short period of time . .

I can grant those that would fight demons a large flask of such a sleep
drought but only 1 for all at this time . . ; from the brothers a gift holy
water that was saved from day to day can be offered this group [ooc, saved
holy water from the flask]; and for the really needy a gift of 1 or so of the
beads may be offered at my discretion, but use the stuff that is granted to
you very sparingly for that which is wasted in the heat of battle can not
save your life later on . . "

Drake hands them the saved flasks of holy water, a large flask of sleeping
potion, and if any in the group has a need or could use them well then he'll
hand out up to 3 or 4 beads of force to those people . .


" . . remember that are fight last far past this battle and so must these
and your own resources reach far so think before using what is offered and
found along the way . . "

" . . for battle stategy, when it comes to the stronger opponents I suggest
all of us teaming on one being at a time before moving on . . the quicker we
bring down each the less it can attack us . . if we divide our forces then
even the weak ones may strike us down in tern . . "

Starr, now resplendent in her field plate, a great helmet resting over her
head, sits easily on her charger, apparently listening but saying little.
She wears a finely tooled leather belt, and sheathed on her horse are a
longsword and a two-handed sword, as well as a lance and a shield. A cloak
is pulled up tightly over her neck and shoulders.

Cronar suggests that the fighters work as defense, protecting our
spellcasters from whatever minions the Lich and other possible temple lords
can muster while they use their spell capabilities to attack those
creatures such as the Lich that the warriors are unable to strike.
"Healing magic is known to be harmful to the lich, so we shall concentrate
on that when we meet the creature, we shall be mindful of Drakes lore
regarding the demon(s) that the Lich has summoned, and we should also be
mindful of his suggestions to concentrate on the more formidable opponents
in a general melee. We should remain together and not split off while in
the Temple so that we can support one another at all times, and recover our
wounded should we be forced to retreat. If some are forced back because
of ensorcillment, those that resist should consider withdrawal rather than
fighting without sufficient recourses. We have no idea of what foes remain
inside the temple and withdrawal might be an option on our second
reconnaissance. To live to fight another day is honorable, as long as we
withdraw based on sound military principles. I have learned well the
lessons of my earlier hubris, and now I fight to vanquish evil not to
pamper my own vanity. "

"Indeed," says Starr, "I have learned the same lesson, myself."

Oeric turns to Jourgen, "Brother, what knowledge have you about lich’s
and priests of Nergal? As Cronar said, the lich is vulnerable to
healing magic, but do you have stronger magicks that will fell the
abomination?"

Calyndir draws his blankets closer about during the meal. "All this talk of
spells, iron and enchanted weapons have me concerned. I have a blade here
but it is not forged of pure iron. But I can inspire others to fight with more vigor by repeating the poetic ballads I have learned, will that help?"

Drake: " . . that would help as demons and pure songs have strange effects and
lich’s hate it . . it might attack you first . . your a trained fighter and
that would help . . ask the high druid to bless your weapons or something so
they may damage to creatures we seek to fight . . "

Jourgen speaks:
I have studied the old texts concerning Nergal since we last met. His philosophy is quite simple, distroy and conquer. His followers are transmuted into monsters. Ugly, deformed and vile they follow his will, as they have none of their own. We are not sure what plane of existence he claims, as his own but my guess would be the nine hells.

Your travel continues after lunch the horses trudging through knee deep snow. The trees stand near and in some place stretch out over the path and the warm snow drops cold water upon your heads.

Your early morning hours are spent in a dark wet landscape visibility less than five feet. The snow has fallen steadily and now the wind has picked up bringing a sudden deep chill to your bones. The snow begins to pile in drifts and after several hours of little progress you call a halt to travel and make camp leery of what nature has in store.

The storm blows itself out during the night and you awaken to blue skies the air warming quickly.

More blue skies warm the earth and the snow melts quickly creating difficult travel across many small streams. Early that evening a small falcon joins the party around the warm fire. It perches nearby in the branches of a tree intent upon your conversations.

(What are standard weapons made of?) Generally they are made from low grade iron ore. Only the finest weapons are produced using better grades of ore and silver.

Glant notices the bird landing in the branches, from where he is sitting
around the fire, but does not think to much of it. "i am anxious to try
this lich again, perhaps this time i will be able to control my fear,
and not abandon the rest of you, as i did before," as he is talking and
notices the bird is still there, and that also he acts as though it is
listening to them, Glant comments "it seems we might be being observed
by someone or something, " indicating the bird on the limb.

. . Drake grimaces, " . . the "frog" sounds like a hezou and the "dog" a
glabrezu demon . . aside from the common weaknesses of demons the hezou are
of low intelligence but very much like human flesh and the glabrezu are of
average intelligence and like many demons are able to assume other forms so
watch yourselves . . most demons cause fear and can move things with their
minds . . " Drake suggests, " . . fire is the natural enemy for most of the undead, you
could try to use that . . "

Siobhan glances across at Drake...."As long as we can maintain our
courage in the face of such evil then we will come through
victorious.....still the combination of a little fire and holy water may
well help out...."

Oeric :
"My friend, the fear you experienced was unnatural, so do not be so
harsh on yourself, as you have show bravery countless times. Now that
Glant has mentioned it, I must warn you newcomers that the lich can
create an aura of fear that will drive you away unless you are strong in
your faith, just plain stubborn or very lucky."

Oeric eyes each in turn, and at Glant's comment on the bird, he looks up
at the falcon. "Brother Jourgen, did the High Druid say that he will be
monitoring our efforts? I am only asking 'cause falcons are not usually
employed as spies by those with darkness in their hearts.
This one seems very interested in our discussion."

Calyndir becomes very excited at the chance to contribute something to the
party, "I can cast speak to animals, I even have it memorized. Would you
like me to attempt talking to the falcon? I've never done this before."

"You had better give it a try.... should it be a spy from a less
friendly source I'd like to know about it so that the threat can be
neutralized....." says Siobhan moving her bow to a more comfortable and
accessible position and keeping a wary eye on the bird....

Calyndir casts the magic then soon hears the message from the Falcon, "Hunting is good. Food plentiful. Your kind that ride the four-legged beast have great need for food." The Falcon bobs its head at the half-elf.

Drake whispers to the others . . " . . one of the druids should cast detect
evil or know alignment on it there is a chance that it could be a demon
polymorphed into an avian . . " he examines the bird at a distance with spell
craft and his knowledge of demons . .

Oeric watches intently as Calyndir casts his spell, grinning at the
screeches from both bird and man. "What is it saying?" Oeric asks when
the falcon stops its screeching. An amused look appears on the druid's
face when Cal translates the message, and he adds, "Ask him how it
know's we are in need for food. Also ask him if it has seen other
two-legs around this area."

Calyndir asks these two questions.

Siobhan
After hearing Calyndir repeat the falcons response to his questions she
visibly relaxes and patiently awaits the response to the next two
questions.

The Falcon cocks it’s head to the side and chirps, "All are hungry, no? Some walk the flat ground by the Sun but none here, not now."

Glant "perhaps you might ask it, where we may obtain food?"

Starr shrugs, takes out a brush, and does her hair.

Drake shifts positions readying himself just in case . . "Ask it about the danger in the area."

As his companions debate on the questions to ask the Falcon, Oeric
interrupts with : "The avian appears mundane, and only curious to the
passing of _two-legged_, he calls us. There is no point to continue
directing questions at it, since its main focus is only food, and though
I do crave some warm meat at this moment, we must hasten our pace, as we
cannot afford to waste more time. I fear for Yahn, Gillian and Marta
who are guarding the temple."

Oeric retrieves his satchel, slinging it across his shoulder, and turns
to Jourgen, "Brother, are you able to continue?"

Calyndir, delighted at being of help to this party, turns and asks the
question. He also adds to the falcon that Calyndir would be very pleased if
the falcon would care to tag along for a while and Calyndir will be more
than happy to share some meat if the falcon can find some. (If the falcon
declines then Calyndir thanks the falcon for being such a great help and
hopes that he finds many great air drafts to coast on, or some such
compliment.)

The Falcon acknowledges Calyndir by flying to a shoulder briefly then flying off.

Cronar nods in agreement: "We have tarried long enough, let us press on!"

Oeric appears awed by the Druid's magical prowess, as he stares at the
tree for a few moments before recovering, muttering, "I wonder where he
went..." Glancing at his companions, in turn, he adds, "I suggest we
leave now."

Glant shrugs "might as well."

Another day of pleasant weather eliminates what snow remained and you make good time. The Falcon returns conversing with Jourgen briefly then occupies itself with Calyndir riding upon his shoulder.

Jourgen then reports to the group, "It appears all is well at the Temple. We should press on."

That afternoon you run across a couple wild boar and for diner you feast.

Next day finds you continued good weather. Great for traveling. By evening you know you will reach Briss by the marrow.

Briss and her citizens have returned to normal. Horst gruffly salutes your return while Gillian excepts with dry humor, "As day turns to night thou art a poor sight! HA!"

Oeric laughs heartily at the little one's wry humor, pats him on the
shoulder, then grasps Horst's arm firmly, acknowledging him with a smile
and nod. Giving Marta a wink, Oeric then stands before them, and
explains the absence of Yahn and Talanos and briefly introduces the new
additions to the party. After they greet one another, Oeric coughs,
then says, "Now Marta, have you discovered anything new about Gillian's
dagger?" Addressing the three members that remained in Briss, he asks,
"Has anything strange happened after we left? Did the lich or one of
its demons attempt to escape from the temple? And, when did these
villagers return? Did you ask why they left and where did they go?"

Glant simply waits as his friend takes control of the situation.

"She knows it’s mine," smiles Gillian. Perhaps I should fill you in. After you left the Demon thing went away. At least the next day it was gone. Nothing else happened. I placed a small trap on the door but it hasn’t gone off. The towns people have returned but stay far from the Temple. It has been unusually quiet. I’ve had a weird feeling someone was here looking over my shoulder but never saw anything. Hey, did you bring us some good ale or mead, something. This homebrew is getting tiresome." He mocks a funny face after mimicking taking a drink.

Glant "sorry Gillian, I guess your just going to have to get used to the
homebrew. any ideas on where the demon guarding the door might have gone
to? and I wonder why it would leave, if it was supposedly guarding the
door, unless there is no reason to guard it anymore, or something else is
guarding it inside."

Oeric listens attentively to Gillian's answers, then when the leprechaun
concludes, the druid speaks, "Little one, may I see your dagger? I
would like to show our friend, Brother Jourgen, the inscription on the
blade. He may understand the message the cryptic runes implies."

If Gillian complies, Oeric smiles at the leprechaun, takes the dagger,
and passes it to Jourgen. "Brother, Gillian found this dagger in the
inner chamber of the temple where the undead Priest was preparing his
unholy rites."

As Jourgen examines the dagger, Oeric looks at the other party members,
giving each a steady glance. "The lich and its demons are formidable
opponents, and we must act in unison and cooperate to the best of our
abilities, or else we will fail once again. The lich is immune to our
mundane weapons, and as Drake suggested, only holy water , magic and
enchanted weapons will penetrate the dark magicks that keep it alive. I
suggest that we prepare battle plans. Those with enchanted weaponry
should keep the lich and its demons at bay while the spellcasters blast
them with their spells at a safe distance. Any without the use of
spells or magical weapons should obtain bottles of holy water, and
perhaps aid those in the forefront. Spellcasters should choose their
spells wisely, particularly those that affect the undead and planar
creatures and that can detect the invisible."

Oeric pauses to take a deep breath. "We should take a day to prepare
ourselves..."

Calyndir will attempt to buy three holy potions and an iron-bladed dagger.
He will memorize the spell entangle.

Cronar shakes his head: "I don't think we can afford to wait another day,
the other side may only gain in strength."

Glant "that is true, but if we rush in again without being fully
prepared, it would gain us nothing."

Gillian looks a bit guilty, "Perhaps someone else should use it." He hands it over to Marta.

Marta bows her head to Gillian, many thanks friend. I am indebted to
you for this great gift. There will come a time where I will return
this great gesture. As to the battle I as ready but agree that we
should probably wait a day to prepare.

Cronar : We may prepare, and gather supplies, but we don't need to take all
day to do it, Briss is not that large and we have no time to lose."

You gather together and plan your second assault upon the Temple. Many of you remember the stark fear than impelled you to run away the last time and you boost your morale with speeches of confidence and victory. The Cleric of Forseti says a prayer blessing you on this fateful mission. Gillian moves to the door and disables his trap. Motioning the all clear the Leprechaun moves towards the rear of the party with Horst.

Starr stands in the forefront, though she glances about for someone else to
give the word to open the door.

Marta thinks it is wise her to be placed near to the back so she can
cast spells from afar and get close as need be.

Calyndir moves to the second half of the file, but not last.

Glant musters his resolve, that he not flee in fear this time, and moves
to the middle of the group hand on his sword hilt, ready to enter.

"Stand true," says Starr calmly. "Do not be defeated by the enemy within."
She draws her sword and lowers her face plate.

Siobhan moves to one side of the group, her weapons at the ready and
looking less than convinced of the wisdom of this after her last
experience here.... "If anyone has a weapon they can lend me better that
my simple swords .... now would be a good time to tell me..."
With that she returns her attention to the door....

Starr draws her longsword and attacks the devil.

Marta moves to the left side and lets loose with a volley of magic
missiles at the creature, taking note what kind of effect they have on
it.

Glant remains standing where he is, and begins reciting a chant very
quietly.
ooc:Glant is beginning to cast a flaming sphere spell, to come up behind
the creature.

. . Drake will stand behind the group out of combat and hand vials of holy
water to who ever needs them . . " . . hit the eyes and blind it . . "

Oeric stares intently at the boy as he alters into the hideous fiend.
Bolstered by his faith, Oeric resists the fear growing within, and
remains determined to banish this evil. In a voice strengthened by his
resolve, Oeric commands, "Pawn of Evil, I beseech thee to remove thy
ghastly presence and return to thy fiendish home. Begone, creature of
darkness. By the Light of Freya, I command thee, BEGONE!" Oeric waves
his holy symbol at the creature.

Cronar aims his crossbow and fires at the snake.

Siobhan holds her ground this time and waits to see what reaction the
various attacks produce before launching into the attack.....

The multi-armed beast laughs as your first round of attacks all meet a
resistance that defies your weapons. They bounce off it's hide as if
made of stone. "Ye shall pay dearly for this insolence," it bays hoarsely.

Marta mumbles a curse at the creature and starts to cast flaming sphere
at the creature.

Cronar cries out: "Sometimes immunities to weapons can be worn down by
repeated attacks" He fires again at the creature.

Starr rushes forward and attacks the monster with her longsword.
"Odin be with me!"

Despite Cronar’s reassurance Siobhan decides that with spells flying
around her best position is to be out of the way, but ready to attack
once it is comparatively safe to do so....
...... readying her bow she lets fly with a succession of arrows....

Horst stutters away in the back droning on and on. The group seems to feel better about things. Gillian tosses a few darts at the beasty watching in abject horror as they bounced off and onto the ground. With so many bodies about he decides to hold his throw.

Meanwhile the muti-armed monster with alligator head decides to hammer on Starr who is the only one in melee. Swinging, slashing, biting and spitting the thing drives Starr backwards(20pt) Meanwhile Starr does so damage of her own. Arrows and crossbow bolts rip past Starr and impact upon the horror. A large ball of fire rolls towards the creature from two directions. Blood begins to fly as the beast let’s out a blood curdling scream.

Oeric takes a step backwards, glancing behind quickly before he does so
to avoid colliding with a friend, to withdraw from the suddenly inflamed
fiend. The druid waits a moment, sending his concern gaze around the
hall to seek out injured companions. Seeing Star bleeding profusely, he
heads towards her and applies bandaging before casting a healing spell
on her.

Starr calmly presses the attack, her blade flashing and bloody.
"You have only begun to scream, abomination," she says.

Glant remains where he is, eyes focused in concentration as he continues
to roll the ball of flame on the foul creature, until it screams no
more.

The beast, riddled with arrows, darts and crossbow bolts retreats from the fire into the inner sanctum. As Starr follows she notices the bright star-circle symbol upon the floor and a misty shape appearing from within the circle. Beyond the mist a cloaked figure is chanting endlessly.

As soon as Cronar sees the cloaked figure, he cries out. "If this is this
figure in the circle is our Lich, our weapons will not harm him...try a
range weapon to test this-to use a melee weapon is self-destructive." He
looks for alternative targets, and he continues his crossbow attacks
against the beast ignoring for now the misty figure..

Marta seeing this new figure is in the process of casting a spell tries
to direct her flaming sphere at the cloaked figure.

Starr continues to attack the demon.
"Someone throw something at him!" she yells, referring to the chanting
figure. "Spoil whatever he's up to!"

Glant, seeing that Starr has already been treated for her wounds, and
that he can save the potions he had been given for later, sends his
sphere towards the cloaked figure, hoping to disrupt the chanting before
his spell expires. If his spell expires before it reaches the creature,
he will move a little closer and begin chanting the words to another
spell(burning hands), trying to hit the cloaked figure, but will use it
on the demon if it is in the way and still alive.

Siobhan launches a couple of arrows at the cloaked figure as the beast
retreats....looking around she call out "Can you see anything heavy,
like a bench perhaps, that we can run into the lich to disturb its
casting without actually entering the symbol on the floor?????"

Horst rushes towards the cloaked figure murmuring phrases of a priestly nature. Gillian approaches the summoning circle drawing the dagger, "This is bad business," he grumbles. Meanwhile the multi-armed beasty garners some courage and rejoins the battle with Starr despite it’s porcupine like exterior. After a couple of exchanges it collapses in a pile of goo.(Starr take 22pts damage) Another ball of fire starts spinning towards the cloaked figure and Horst makes a wide berth.

Seeing that things are not going as well as he hoped, Oeric foregoes any
offensive action, and instead, glances about for Jourgen, and approaches
the elder druid.

After overcoming his total surprise at this situation, Calyndir hears Starrs
words. He reaches in his pouch for his bullets and sling, fumbling he drops
one but gets the next in the sling and begins to wind up and release the
object at the lich type looking creature in the pentagram.

As Glant is still concentrating on his spells, he sees the demon
crumble, while dealing some blows to Starr. Glant will continue with his
spells, but upon their expiration will take one of the healing flasks
and hand it to Starr, provided no one else has come to her aid already.

Starr cries out with pleasure, her face flushed with battle-lust. Barely
hesitating, she rushes the chanting figure, trying to avoid entering the
summoning circle if she can.

As the beast is goo, Cronar shoots his crossbows at the misty figure if he
can do so without risking hitting his companions. If he cannot shoot at
the figure without high risk, he scans the chamber for other enemies ready
to provide covering fire.

Oeric had intended to confer with the Druid, Jourgen, but having seeing
the urgency of preventing the Lich from completing its demonic rituals,
he approaches the lich, cautiously stepping over the symbols drawn on
the floor, and casts a healing spell on the undead Priest.
"Goddess, guide my hand and deliver your touch unto this creature of
darkness."

Projectiles and fire make no impression upon the cloaked figure chanting at the glowing mist but Horst and Oeric cast their clerical magicks and it clutches at it’s own bowels as if in great pain. Jourgen seeing this result adds his own powerful spell and the figure vanishes in a puff of black smoke. The shape coalescing within the circle cries out, "Harah bannf uion tog feh," then fades away leaving you alone within the silent temple.

Starr pauses, gasping. She smiles.
"Truly a worthy foe. I have learned much," she says, and looks about.

Cronar takes stock of all obvious exits to the room as well as searching
for less than obvious ones.

Marta rushes forward to help apply first aid to the wounded. Did anyone
see any other foul creatures?

Glant "I am glad that is over, i would hate to have seen what that
priest was trying to summon." addressing know one in particular "do you
suppose we have seen the last of the evil in this temple?" Glant then
turns to Starr "are you alright? if not then i have a potion which will
help in your healing." If Starr wishes it, Glant will provide Starr with
one of the potions, if not he will hold on to them for now.

"Such a potion would be appreciated, Glant," says Starr. "Especially if we
end up meeting more creatures in this defiled temple."

Taking one of the potions, that was given to him earlier, Glant slowly
hands it to Starr, to help in her recovery. Starr drinks the potion.

Gillian jumps up and down, "That was easy! See, just like that…and he was gone."

Horst mutters, "Something that image said sits uneasy on my mind." Jourgen chuckles, "We can reduce this evil place to cinders now."

As you search about the room you uncover no evidence that it had been touched in generations. A door is found near the back but is locked or jammed shut.

Cronar says: "Let us inspect this door for magical and mechanical
traps, failing to find these I will volunteer to take the risk of
breaking down the door."

"Stand aside, my friends. I will attempt to discern this door for
traps." Oeric begins to chant, praying to his Goddess for a Find Traps
spell, and then observes the door and its general area for any traps.

Glant simply stands back and waits, right hand on his sword, as the
others check into the door.

Calyndir offers, "If someone will detect magic auras on the door then
perhaps I can force the door open." You notice he is digging out a small
roll of picks and tools out of his belt pouch.

Glant will move forward "it you guys wish I can cast the spell?"
if no one objects, Glant will begin casting detect magic on the door.

Drake the half-elven cleric chimes in, " . . all those souls who need
healing gather arround and i'll do what i can . . "
He'll heal anyone to the best of his ability who asks or who visibley needs
it . .

Starr walks over if she still needs healing.

The door radiates no magic. Gillian attempts to discover a lock without
success, "It's not locked," he says with an overexagerated shrug. As
Cronar(please tell me I'm wrong here) edges the door open you find a room
littered with boxes filled with candles. [With proper lighting of course]
You also discover a heavy box with several chisels and mallets. In one dark
corner you find a glowing magical book hidden under a light canvas ansel and
assorted paints. An unfinished canvas sits sideways.

Marta suggests that she will cast detect magic on the entire room before
anyone touches anything........there might be some unexpected surprises
here and you know how much I hates surprises...giving the party a wink.

Drake intones, " the book may be evil and cursed but if I scan it to find
out its one less healing spell I can cast this day . . "

Starr enters, searches, and regards the strange items, but does not touch them.
"They do not interest me," she says, looking about.

Glant stops what he is doing, and listens to the others speak, huh?, and
shrugs, not really understanding everything that was said, but waiting
for them to check the stuff for magic and traps, first.

Cronar merely looks around looking for tell tale signs (disturbances in
dust, etc.) that invisible enemies might be present.

While Drake attends to Starr, Marta detects for magic in the room. She finds that indeed the book and canvas appear magical. The room is quite dusty and seems untouched for quite some time. Nothing else of value is found. Gillian hops around behind the larger folk, "What did you fine?" Jourgen glances away at the mention of the book and leaves the room, "Shall we dismantle this summoning circle," he says voice fading as he gets farther away. Horst sniffs at the dusty air, "Smells like death."

Jourgen oversees the distruction of the pentagram while the party searches the rest of the Temple. Nothing else of interest can be found. As you file out of the building and close the doors behind you Jourgen taps his staff and thick vines spring from out of the ground and begin to climb all over the Temple encapsulating it. Afterwards the Druid thanks you for your help. "The forest here is safe once again. Please feel free to look me up next time your in the neighborhood." As he wanders off to the west you look around at each other. Horst comments dryly, "Briss today, gone tomorrow. Shall we continue on to Caruth?"

Starr nods.

Glant "might as well, though I have failed to see how the key we used,
led to power beyond our dreams, unless we have missed something, or the
key also works somewhere else."

Oeric accompanies Jourgen as he destroys the pentagram, committing to
memory the proper procedures for future purposes. ~Perhaps such
knowledge would be useful in the far future.~
"My friends, I don't think our journey ends here, or even in Caruth.
This encounter with the Priest of Nergal may only be the first of
many evils we need to vanquish before the secrets of this key will be
revealed. Besides, the Lichpriest is still roaming this world... we
must find it and destroy it."

Cronar nods in agreement, "You speak sagaciously my friend, and I cannot
fault your reasoning, even though I would prefer it not to be so."

Siobhan
"Indeed you are right and we should set out for Caruth and the world
beyond as soon as everyone is ready to do so. The Iron Key is likely
to provide us with many an adventure before we find its correct use,
but a little library research in Caruth may take us some way
there....."

Oeric nods slightly, frowning, "My friends, though I see the
reasoning behind our journey to Caruth, I cannot aid in the
research. Nor will I enter the city. I am at peace with the forest,
and the bustling, crowded city will only give me discomfort. Merely
thinking about it makes me nauseous."

Marta
I do not think this is the last we have seen of this. Me thinks that
this is just the beginning.

Cronar
"No time like the present! Let us seek out Caruth and its libraries"
rumbles Cronar.

The party departed Briss the following morning enjoying a warm spring day. Horst understood Oeric’s dislike of the city but tried to persuade the Druid, "Caruth is the oldest known city in existence. Perhaps the knowledge we seek to overcome evil can be found within it’s stone façade."