GM: Last time we left off, the party was on it's way to Sla-Moir, a secret way into the occupied fortress of Pax Tharkas. Along the way, the group came upon a open fireld where bodies of humans and hobgoblins lay scattered about. As the party investigated, a lone human, rose from the bodies, only to collapse to the ground just as a band of Draconians and ogres entered the clearing. The battle ended in victory for the companions.
Vexin Sixtoes puffs out his chest
Taurus pants lightly to recover his breath after the recent carnage. Making a quick assessment of his companion's injuries before pulling the shortpsear out of the Drak's lifeless stone form.
Taurus: Everyone alright?
Vexin Sixtoes: I just killed that Ogre with a single stone!
Hawkeye: I'm fine. What about the guy we saw?
Vexin Sixtoes dances around Taurus
Gilthanas slings bow over his shoulder and nods to Taurus
Hawkeye turns to look behind him at the mass of bodies
Taurus chuckles and nods to Vexin.
Taurus: Very well done, Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: I thought so
Taurus turns and approaches the injured human.
The man stirs and stands again
Vexin Sixtoes: We should be going, I can't wait to get to Sla-Mori! it sounds spooky!
Taurus: Are you alright friend?
Taurus offers the man a hand up.
Zhage reloads his bow and approaches the group.
man: Aye. I think so.
Jeren ignoring the merriment and congratulations of her companions, wheels Tahbor around, making straight for the injured man. The Paladin slides off her mount effortlessly as she approaches
Taurus: What is your name, praytel?
man shakes his head and rubs his bruised head
Jeren: What Happened here?
As the kender approaches, the man wheels backwards.
Hawkeye continues to look around the edges, waiting to see if more draks approach
man: I'm okay, little friend... really.
man Looks to Jeren and smiles wide
Jeren: You should allow us to look at your wounds...
Eben: My dear, my name is Eben. Eben Shatterstone! I am... was the leader of this resistance. We were scouting when our group was attacked.
Vexin Sixtoes: Now listen you, that's a big nasty lump on your head... I must have a look
Eben: please, do not worry... Most of this blood isn't even mine.
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Jeren glances around, her lips pursing, "Resistance? So you fight against the dragon armies then?"
Hawkeye: I don't mean to sound harash, but make it quick... We are runing low on time..
Vexin Sixtoes turns away, sulking and grumbling about the stupidity of some humans
Taurus looks to Hawkeye, nodding, his attention turns back to Eben.
Hawkeye keeps searching the edge of the clearing anxiously
Eben: most certainly, my dear! After what they did to my city of New Ports...
The ranger scans the edge of the woods. all is quiet... perhaps too quiet
Hawkeye: Can he walk?
Vexin Sixtoes: He SAYS he's fine...
Vexin Sixtoes: Til he faints... I'm not catching him
Eben: I most certainly can... Might I ask where it is you travel? I might be able to assist you, esspecially if your fight is against the Dragonarmies
Jeren runs a hand slowly through her brown tresses, her gaze shifts towards Taurus "Should I make a brief search for any other survivors... I know we are short on time but..."
Hawkeye: Taurus, I think it best if Eben find survivor's of his band and head back towards Qualinesti...
Taurus shakes his head slowly to Jeren, knowing none other had survived this. He looks Eben over briefly before looking to Hawkeye.
Taurus: We'll need all the help we can get.
Taurus: If you can travel Eben, move with us. Our fight is against the Draks.
Hawkeye frowns slightly looking at Taurus, not as trusting as he is
Gilthanas: I agree. If he is a swordsmen, then we certainly could use his skills.
Vexin Sixtoes yawns
Hawkeye (muttering to himself): Unless he works for them..
Taurus: Lets move out. As Hawkeye illustrated, time is of the essence.
Vexin Sixtoes: We'll see if he has skills...
Vexin Sixtoes: He's no Dragon or Ogreslayer like me!
Taurus looks to Gilthanas expectantly.
Eben: Wonderful! I am always looking to help such fine folks such as yourselves! And it is always a pleasue to be within the company of such a beautiful young woman
Taurus: Perhaps Vexin you might see to apprentice him in such arts.
Eben gaze lingers on Jeren
Vexin Sixtoes gives Eben a harshly appariaisng look.... quite comical coming from a Kender
Vexin Sixtoes: Maybe... if he's lucky
Jeren coughs slightly, an eyebrow quirking. "You are to kind sir..." she murmured, clearly embarassed by his words
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, what are you all waiting for? Sla Mori won't be around forever!
Taurus: Lets move out. Gilthanas, take point.
Gilthanas: Alright, lets move out. we must not waste anymore time
Zhage mutters under his breath...
Hawkeye nods, following closely as he keeps an eye on the very cheerful for having lost his entire regiment newcomer
Vexin Sixtoes mounts Skitters and rides next to Gilthanas in the front of the party
Jeren placed her hands atop her saddle and mounted Tahbor once more. Reigning in the large black steed to walk towards the rear of the party
Taurus: Tell me Eben, what of New Ports. What has befallen your home?
Zhage just walks away, plotting his next move..
Eben: Unfortunately, the fair city of New Ports befell the same fate as all the settlements in the Seeker Lands. I believe that it was esspecially important to the Dragonarmies, being the closest port to Qualinesti and Pax Tharkas...
Taurus: I see, that is unfortunate. Was any word sent to the neighbouring lands across the see? A call for help perhaps to Solamnia?
Vexin Sixtoes prattles on and on about the mating habits of various animals to Gilthanas as the party travels
Hawkeye: More importantly, how many people were under you when you led your ill-fated attack?
Eben: hmm... I have not heard any news from Solamnia. My family were wealthy traders. we had many dealings with Solamnia, but when the dragonarmies came...
Eben looks down as he trails off
Zhage starts talking to Jindrak, apprearently having a good conversation with the small lizard.
Eben: There were ten of us. Not a very large group, but we tried to assist in any way we could.
Taurus: Do not despair friend, perhaps not all is lost. Many prisoners have been taken to Pax Tharkas; mahaps your kin are amongst them.
Vexin Sixtoes (to Gilthanas): I talk to animals, but that one (nodding to Zhage) is just weird...
Zhage (to Vexin): Well, you can talk to animals, but can you have a good conversation that doesn't involve food or other items?
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft! See what I mean? Just weird...
Vexin Sixtoes grins
Zhage shrugs and goes back to his conversation with the lizard.
Vexin Sixtoes seeing Gilthanas' gross disinterest in the mating habits of various animals, rides forward to scout for dragons
Jeren glanced at Zhage, then at Vexin, then back towards Zhage who had begun conversing with his Lizard once more. Jeren's brow crinkled slightly as she struggled to understand their speech. After a moment, she realise the language was incomprehnsible to hern
Hawkeye falls back towards where Jeren is riding
Hawkeye (winking): You need to get yourself a Lance, m'lady.
Jeren (flustered): Ah yes... an excellent suggestion Hawkeye
Hawkeye (gesturing to the horse): Where exactly does that beast come from?
Gilthanas leads the party deeper into the woods. the sun peaks in the sky and eventually sinks into the west. The walk is long but uneventful. Gilthanas halts in his tracks
Jeren gave a slight nod of her head, "I'm sure Tahbor and I could have a lot of fun with a lance... Couldn't we boy..." The Paladin gave her horse's neck a pat before replying to Hawkeye, "Tahbor? His home is with Mishakal..."
Gilthanas: We should stop here for the night.
Taurus comes to a halt as Gilthanas does, adjusting the weight of his shield.
Hawkeye shakes his head slowly, realizing everything has somethign to do with Mishakal with this woman
Taurus: Cold camp?
Hawkeye: You and Taurus are one and the same, Jeren
Gilthanas: Trolls lurk in the pass further up ahead... It would be wise to do so.
Taurus nods.
Vexin Sixtoes: OOH! I wonder if there's another albino troll...
Taurus: Alright. We're breaking for camp.
Eben Pulls out his bedroll along with a big wool blanket
Taurus: Keep your blankets close, we'll have no fire tonight.
Jeren: Really? I take that as a compliment Hawkeye...
Vexin Sixtoes breaks out soe Batwin crunchies and offers them to everyone
Hawkeye: I know you do. And I don't mean it as na insult.
Zhage: Sounds like a good plan..
Hawkeye: Just... very devouted individuals
Eben: Jeren, please, take this. it gets awefully cold out here at night.
Taurus: Three watchs. Jeren and Riverwind first watch. Myself and V--Hawkeye second, Vexin and Zhage last.
Jeren flashed one of her rare smiles as she dismounted once more "You're honest Hawkeye, I like that about you..." still smiling she turned towards the injured Eben, "No, not at all friend. You keep it for yourself, I will be quite alright..."
Hawkeye nods to Taurus
Taurus shakes his head to Vexin. "Thanks Vexin, but I don't like to eat too much before I sleep."
Zhage shakes his head once more and finds a tree to sleep under.
Hawkeye: Have a nice watch, Jeren
Eben Shrugs. "If you get cold, there is plenty of room for both of us." Winks to the paladin in a playful manner
Vexin Sixtoes (through a mouthful of Batwing Crunchie): MORE FOR ME!
Hawkeye moves over towards Vexin, holding out a hand
Taurus subtly chews on some dried meat before removing his armor and settling in for the night.
Vexin Sixtoes deposits a fried delicacy in Hawkeye's hand
Hawkeye takes a hesitant bite quickly, surprised that it doesn't taste quite so bad as he finishes it off
Jeren coughs again, her eyes narrowing, "I have already assured you I will be fine. I suggest you get your rest..." turning her back on Eben, Jeren begins to remove some things from Tahbor's saddle bags
Zhage just looks on at the attempts of injured man, not trusting him.
Vexin Sixtoes curls up to Skitters and goes to sleep quickly, wanting a good night's rest before 3rd watch.
Hawkeye: Batwing you say?
Hawkeye turns to look at Vexin, realizing he has already fallen asleep...
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes, Batwing! *grins*
Taurus neatly packs his armor on some canvas before sliding into his bedroll, tucked in neatly with his longsword at his side.
Vexin Sixtoes before going to sleep, tells Skitters "Warn!" should strangers approach
Hawkeye finishes off an apple, following up with a hefty swig of water before lying down, glad that he need not remove his armor to sleep.
Zhage talks to Jindrak one last time and the lizard darts off close to Jeren.
The group all settles in for the night. When the stars begin to twinkle overhead, and the group is fast asleep, Jeren and Riverwind sit in the still of the night.
GM: make a listen check, Jeren
Jeren sits with her back against a tree and Riverwind sits atop a large boulder. Suddenly, Riverwind's head snaps up and looks off into the trees. The shadows of the night forest is impenatrable, but Riverwind still stares on.
Riverwind creeps off the boulder
Riverwind pads over to Jeren, never taking his eyes off the spot in the forest.
Jeren after a few moments notices Riverwind's movement. She tenses, glancing towards him. Obviously the ranger had heard something
Jeren (whispered): What is it?
Riverwind (whisper)): A noise in the forest. Very faint russtling.
Jeren glances over towards the sleeping companions, "should we wake the others?"
Riverwind nods
Riverwind rouses Taurus gently.
Riverwind places a finger to his lips before the knight says anything
Jeren stands quietly and moves towards Hawkeye, tapping his shoulder softly to awaken him
Taurus blinks awake, fingers curling around the hilt of his longsword. He stares up at Riverwind for a second, nods, eyes scan the area before he begins to slowly rise.
Riverwind: m/ whisper
Hawkeye opens his eyes, looking to to see Jeren standing over him
Riverwind (whisper): over to the north of the camp. someone or something is there. I heard it. I don't think it has moved from there
Jeren (whisper): "Riverwind has heard something..."
Taurus nods.
Hawkeye nods, rising to a crouching position as he grabs his axe and blade, glancing over at Taurus and Riverwind
Taurus (Whisper): Riverwind circle from the east, Hawkeye from the west. Move quietly. Signal if you need us.
Riverwind (whisper): we need light. I can't see anything in the forest.
Hawkeye (whispering): Wake the others please while we scout...
Jeren moves on to rouse Zhage, softly shaking his shoulder in the same manner as Riverwinds
Zhage mutters something about blue flowers and Jeren and falls back to sleep.
Hawkeye moves over towards Riverwind and Taurus
Taurus (Whispered): I will raise a light when your out of sight.
Jeren blinks and shakes her head. Tapping Zhage a little harder on the shoulder
Zhage eye's open to see Jeren standing over him. A small smile hits his face and then disappears.
Riverwind taps Hawkeyes arm and begins to walk to the east
Hawkeye nods to Riverwind, as he moves in the opposite direction
Jeren (whispered): Riverwind has heard something
Taurus clamps a hand firmly over the Kender's mouth, gesturing for him to quiten.
Zhage nods and slowyl gets up.
Vexin Sixtoes says several very muffled sentences about the rudeness of waking someone while it's still dark
Taurus glances over to the shadowy figures of Hawkeye and Riverwnd before he stands tall, picking up his shortpsear and waving his hand over it. Murmering some quiet words before its head bursts into light, as bright as a torch.
Zhage (whispered): What do you need me to do?
Taurus: il luminous!
Jeren (whispered): He and Hawkeye have gone to scout... we must be on alert
Vexin Sixtoes nudges Skitters and peers into the forest
The camp glows in pale light, but it does blot out the shadows of the forest to a degree
GM (whisper): roll listen and spot
GM (whisper): yep
Vexin manages to see a shadowy figure for a fleeting moment dash from tree to tree. The figure seems to be repositioning itself to being closer to the camp. Hawkeye wheels back round to the north and spots the figure as well.
Taurus waves the shortspear about slowly to keep plenty of light in the camp's area, tightening his grip on his shield.
Vexin Sixtoes (whispered): THERE!
Jeren moves and wakes the rest of the camp. Indicating from them that they should be silent
Hawkeye tries to sneak up to the figure, handaxe at the ready
Vexin Sixtoes points where he saw the figure
Zhage turns to looks where the Kender is pointing.
Taurus waves the glowing spear in the direction of where Vexin points.
Hawkeye crouches and begins to stalk the figure, but almost as soon as you do, the figure straightens and looks right at you.
figure (whisper): Greetings stranger
Hawkeye: I'd say the same to you if you weren't sneaking around in the dark
Riverwind rounds a tree on the otherside of the figure and stands ready with his bow
figure: I could say the same to you
Zhage: To see Hawkeye's weapons.. [1d20+1 = 12]
Hawkeye: Except I'm sneaking around MY cmap, not someone else's
figure: How do you know this isn't my camp also?
Hawkeye: Why don't we find out, and enter the camp
Hawkeye gestures towards Taurus's light
Gilthanas: What is happening out there?
Zhage: I do not know... I can
Maldavias , an elf, around 5 feet tall, with narrow stong features and auburn long hair tied at the back, steps into the light of the campfire
Zhage: 't really make too much out..
Jeren: Good Question Gilthanas. Taurus... do you think we should go and check on them?
Maldavias: it is a pleasent night
Taurus: Not yet...
Gilthanas brow furrows as the elf steps into the light.
Taurus lowers the point of the glowing spear to point at the feet of the stranger as he steps out.
Vexin Sixtoes: I woke up for THIS?!?!
Gilthanas: Maldavias...
Taurus: You know this man?
Taurus glances to Gilthanas.
Jeren raises her eyebrows in surprise, both at the apperance of the stranger and at Vexin's remarks
Gilthanas: It's very bold of you to come back to Qualinesti...
Maldavias: why thank you, i feel meeting you has been just as worth while an experiance
Hawkeye walks into the camp, weapons still raised
Maldavias bows slightly
Vexin Sixtoes: I woke up for a puny elf...
Taurus eyes Maldavias before glancing to Hawkeye and Riverwind as they re-enter.
Gilthanas (to Taurus): He was exiled from Qualinesti...
Taurus: He's alone?
Jeren: Exiled?
Hawkeye nods slowly, not really sure
Taurus nods slowly to Gilthanas, "For what?"
Jeren: A criminal?!
Maldavias: exiled by fools!
Zhage (mutters): Another elf?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! An exile! Ok, the rude awakening is forgiven
Vexin Sixtoes: Why were you exiled?
Gilthanas: Perhaps you would know better than to try and court my sister!
Vexin Sixtoes: Can I call you Dark Elf?
Taurus brow raises.
Maldavias laughs
Hawkeye shakes his head sadly at the folly of man and elf courtships
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh, by the way, I am Vexin Sixtoes, Dragonslayer and Ogreslayer
Maldavias: dragon slayer and ogreslayer?
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh yes
Zhage: He is quite good at his work..
Vexin Sixtoes puffs out his chest
Hawkeye: The Dragon part came first
Taurus: Please, come closer. So we might continue this conversation in more reserved tones.
Jeren blinks a moment, the words of Gilthanas finally sinking in. "Exiled for courting your sister? That's preposterous. Love is not a crime!"
Vexin Sixtoes: Kender are reknowned for their battle prowess
Gilthanas (sternly): What are you doing here, Maldavias.
Hawkeye: Perhaps courting a royal is though..
Gilthanas (to Jeren): it is when he is courting royal blood...
Zhage (muttered to himself): I must remember those words..
Maldavias: looking for someone, whats it to you Gilthanas
Taurus jaw shifts some, keeping well clear of this discussion.
Vexin Sixtoes: Are you looking for the albino troll too?
Maldavias: and from what i hear i have found them
Gilthanas: Because you are in the lands that you were banished from...
Gilthanas: You were looking for us?
Vexin Sixtoes: I accidentally blew up the last albino troll... *sheds a tear*
Hawkeye moves around towards the opposite side of the camp, where Taurus and the others are
Jeren shakes her head in disbelief. "I hardly think courtship is a crime. Regardless of the status of individuals..."
Vexin Sixtoes: Of course he was looking for us, we're mighty dragonslayers!
Taurus nods to Hawkeye, whispering quietly; "He's alone?"
Hawkeye (whispered): Elven ways are not ur own, Jeren
Zhage (to Vexin): You should add troll slayer to your name as well Vexin.
Maldavias turns to speak to Taurus and Jeren
Vexin Sixtoes: OOH! I should!
Gilthanas: Perhaps not, Jeren, but if the Speaker of Sun says its so, then it is law.
Hawkeye (whispred to Taurus): Aye, I believe so
Maldavias: if i am not mistaken you are searching for Fewmaster Toede?
Zhage just smiles hearing Jeren's words.
Taurus nods slowly, meeting the gaze of Maldavias.
Taurus: Aye, we are.
Jeren: Yes stranger, that is exactly who we pursue
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh yes, the ugly one
Vexin Sixtoes: And smelly...
Gilthanas: You forget yourselves... We seek to free the refugees and my sister. If Toede happens to be there...
Taurus glances to Gilthanas.
Hawkeye: Toede will not give you Laurna easily. Where he is, she is
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, we can do more than one thing at once
Hawkeye: We'll save her, gilthanas. Don't worry
Taurus: Where we find Toede, we find his prisoner.
Gilthanas: Maldavias... I know your heart is in the right place and for this, you can accompany us... My sister is more important than any petty grievances we might share.
Hawkeye looks at Gilthanas, surprised
Vexin Sixtoes: Well then, it's all settled. I'm going back to sleep before 3rd watch!
Taurus: Good. Then before we converse further on the matter, we do as Vexin suggests.
Maldavias: on this Gilthanas, we agree
Zhage: I should do the same.
Vexin Sixtoes flops down and crls up with Skitters once more
Jeren nods at Gilthanas' words, "Mishakal smiles on you Gilthanas. You please the blue lady with those words"
Taurus up-ends the shortspear and stabs it into the ground, quenching the light. He then returns to his sleep.
Gilthanas glances one last time at the elf, Maldavias before returning to his bedroll
Hawkeye returns to his place, sitting down but not sleeping, leaving his weapons in the open
Zhage walks back towards the tree he was sleeping by and lays leans back against it once again.
Hawkeye: I think I'll stay awake a bit longer
Maldavias: i should introduce myself properly
Zhage: Let it wait until morning..
Maldavias: i am Maldavias Quill'Thane
Eben: Eben Shatterstone, at your service. Pleased to meet you.
Taurus: It is a pleasure, in such dark times, to make another friend Maldavias. I am Taurus Regulas, Knight of the Crown.
Maldavias bows his head slightly at taurus
Hawkeye simply shakes his head
Maldavias: a knight is always welcome in dark times
Taurus: Perhaps we shall have a better chance to aquaint ourselves with one another on the morn, but until then we should not lose this advantage for rest.
Taurus: That includes you, friend.
Taurus offers Maldavias a smile.
Taurus: My companaions shall watch over us this eve, you have sanctury of our camp.
Hawkeye (to himself): Sometimes I swear if a Dragon Highlord itself walked into camp, taurus would hepl him with open arms..
Goldmoon: I agree. You are welcome to stay with us. I am Goldmoon and this is Riverwind.
Jeren chuckles a little at Hawkeye's comment, "Well met Maldavius... don't mind Hawkeye, he was quite cold to me when we first met... I'm Jeren"
Zhage falls back to sleep.
Maldavias: well perhaps we should rest, i culd use some
Hawkeye: It's not my fault it takes awhile when strange people magically pop up for me to trust them in the midle of a war zone
Maldavias retrives a ration from his pack and begins to chew on some jerky as he sits down
Jeren: There is that honesty again Hawkeye...
Taurus comments half asleep; "You should be more trusting Hawkeye... have faithmmm..." Murmers as he falls asleep.
Hawkeye: My only "nightly" virtue
Hawkeye glances at Taurus, smiling
Jeren chuckles again and glances out toward the forest once more. Stifling a yawn
Hawkeye: Why don't you rest, Jeren? I can take my watch now
The night passes uneventfull. The sun peaks its way through the trees and the birds greet the morning with a pleasent song. Gilthanas' gear is packed and the elf leans against a rock deep in thought as the rest of you wake.
Zhage finishes reading his spellbook and glances at the elf. "You're awake early."
Taurus watched the Elf pack, noticing his anxiousness, as he had last watch. Already armored, fed and watered he also had his pack ready at his feet. Conversing with the elf to keep his mind off his sister, mostly queering him about this new arrival; Maldavias.
Hawkeye returns from looking around to see the others finally awake and packed
Gilthanas: We must be off. Sla-Mori is still a full day away.
Jeren stretches, glancing around and noticing that Tahbor had vanished in the night. The Paladin gives a sigh as she stands.
Maldavias: the tree of life
Taurus: We will travel faster if I am un-armored.
Maldavias: the tree of life
Maldavias: the tree of life
Maldavias: the tree of life
Maldavias: the tree of life
Maldavias: sorry
Hawkeye: I would prefer it if you weren't... naked so yo speak.. taurus...
Hawkeye: Perhaps you can share jeren's horse?
Hawkeye looks around, notcing the horse is gone again
Taurus brow rises.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ew naked human?
Taurus: I'll jog, to keep up.
Taurus: If need be.
Maldavias chuckles
Zhage places his spell book back in his pack and gets ready to go.
Jeren glances up from fastening her armor. "I don't think Tahbor could bear the weight of both of us effectivley..."
The day passes as you travel through the woods. The forest seems to be such a peaceful place that it is hard to imagine that an army is preparing to march upon it in the coming days.
Hawkeye: He seemed like a mighty horse to me, n'lady
The sun has almost disappeared in the west; the imposing fortress of Pax Tharkas is nearer still. The tops of its two mighty towers rival the mountain peaks for control of the sky. Between the towers, a massive wall closes off all passage through the mountain gap. A single gate, thirty feet tall and twenty feet wide, seems to be the only entrance.
Suddenly, the massive gate swings open. Even before it finishes moving, column after column of armed troops march out. Rising clouds of dust soon obscure their exact numbers, but surely several thousand pass from the fortress onto the Plains. The road they follow leads to Qualinesti.
Gilthanas (Grimly): The Dragon Highlords power. They march on Qualinost. We havent much time.
Hawkeye: Maybe the fortress is lightly guarded now...
The elven warrior points to a narrow vale leading into the mountains just east of Pax Tharkas.
Gilthanas: Here lies the approach of the Sla-Mori. We must move carefully; this valley is sometimes not a safe place.
Zhage: What's our plan? I don't think rushing the gate will work well..
Hawkeye: More importantly, how does Tau-, Vexin slay the dragon without a staff this time?
Hawkeye: We need a plan against this Verminaard character
Gilthanas: Remember... We are not here to slay a dragon. We are here on a rescue mission.
Taurus eyes the fortress, never having seen such a powerfully standing structure; even in Solamnia. Removing any despair that might threaten to betray his thoughts he nodded, steeling himself.
Taurus: Gilthanas is correct.
Vexin Sixtoes: Burn and claw the dragon to death... pfft!
Jeren lays a hand on the hilt of her sword and nods to Gilthanas. "Let us move into Sla-Mori"
Maldavias (whispers): i may have ot keep my face hidden friends
Hawkeye looks at the newcomer curiously
Taurus looks at Maldavias oddly.
Maldavias: i am exiled after all
Zhage (with a eyebrow raise): Come again?
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, it's no kender face, but it's not THAT bad
Maldavias: oh for a kender face eh?
Taurus: I don't think the hostile forces will be concerned with that fact, my friend. They'll likely attack on sight regardless.
Hawkeye: Either way, let's get moving. The quicker we do this, the less likely the dragons find us
Taurus: Agreed.
Hawkeye: And if they do, vexin, I hope you have more than fire to use against them...
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, everyone knows KEnder are the most handsome race
Jeren laughed at Vexin's words but soon the mirth was wiped from her face as she readied herself for the road ahead.
Hawkeye: Taurus, I assuem you're leading with Jeren?
Taurus: Jeren will bring up the rear, she is far more mobile than I.
Jeren: As you see fit Taurus
Hawkeye: I was plannign on taking the rear with riverwind... So, where do you want us?
Hawkeye defers to Taurus Knightly tactics
Taurus: Split between you to keep an eye out for ambush, this will leave Gilthanas to focus on guiding us.
Vexin Sixtoes rides point, scouting from Skitters' back
Hawkeye nods quickly, drawing both weapons as he prepares for Gilthanas to take off
Zhage: I'll hid, er, stay near the middle..
Taurus: Wise choice Zhage, you can help protect Goldmoon.
Maldavias: i can scout a little ahead of the group if you want
Taurus: Shadow us from the forest Maldavias, if you can do so stealthily. Keep even with Gilthanas but several feet to the side.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well I doubt you scout as well as a Kender, but you're welcome to join me
Jeren gives a slight smirk at Taurus' statement, "I'm sure that was Zhage's intention..."
Taurus offers Jeren a smile.
Gilthanas directs the two in the lead down through a narrow pass. The cliff walls strech up 60 or 70 feet. The pass is choked with dried leaves as the bare trees stand at attention.
Taurus keeps alert, though it would make little difference, keeping a brisk pace to make up for his heavy armor.
Zhage carefully follows the group down the pass.
Taurus: Gilthanas, where in the pass will we come out?
Maldavias keeps an eye ont he tops of the cliffs for an ambush
GM: Jeren, make a spot check
Vexin Sixtoes scouts ahead the narrow pass, looking for dragons
Gilthanas: The pass will lead us to a wider valley. In the valley is the secret enterance to Sla-Mori
Taurus: Will we have much cover from above in this valley?
Gilthanas: We wil...
Taurus: Good.
Jeren brings up the rear, her eyes glancing around from brightly coloured pile of autumn leaves, to odd shaped branch. But not really paying attention to anything of worth
Just as Gilthanas begins to speak, Jeren, on rear guard, spots three troll from behind attempting to ambush the party.
Jeren (surprised): Trolls!
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! Any albino?
GM: init
Jeren was taken aback, clearly she hadn't expected to see any Trolls
Eben turns and draws his sword. Seeing the trolls, he advances
As he charges in, the troll takes a swing with his claws
The trolls massive claws slash into the warrior chest.
Eben, injured badly, still attacks
Maldavias: a/em activates his 'cheatah cloak' and runs forward ot the aid of Eben
Eben's small Rapier scores a critical hit but it does not do much in way of the troll's powerfull attack
Maldavias
Maldavias activates his cheatah claok and runs to the aid of Eben
Maldavias on the way draws his tree of life dagger
Maldavias and stabs the troll
As the Elf runs forward, the other troll slashes his massive claws at him
The nimble elf dodges the trolls clumsy attack
The elf returnes with a stab with his dagger
Maldavias: 19
Zhage
Vexin Sixtoes: Draw them close together!
Zhage chants and then points to the the trolls.
Taurus eyes widen as the flames of the fireball reflect them, feeling the heat wash his face even from this distance.
Hawkeye looks on in aw as he sees the might of Zhage reveal itself once more
The trolls burst into flames, neither one avoiding the inferno
Jeren raises a hand to sheild her eyes in an attempt to survey the damage
Vexin Sixtoes
Zhage smiles at the carnage that was a fireball..
Vexin Sixtoes changes shape into a vicious black panther, and bursts into blames
Vexin Sixtoes tells Skitters before he changes, "GUARD ME!"
Taurus
Taurus strides forward, gripping his meddallion. Focusing, his hand bursts into light. Stepping up behind Eben he places his hand on his shoulder. "Be strong against overwhelming odds."
The wounds on the swordsman begin to seal up and Eben looks recharged
Hawkeye
Hawkeye Hawkeye rushes towards the unengaged troll, trying to duck under it's arms as he gets in close
The troll takes a wild swing as the ranger approaches
The claws dig deep into Hawkeye's shoulder.
Jeren: Smite
Hawkeye cries out in pain as he swings his axe at the trolls belly, desperately trying to score a hard hit in retalitation.
The axe bites into the knee of the troll as blood splatters. The troll shouts in pain
The trolls all begin a flurry of attacks on Maldavias, Eben, and Hawkeye
The troll that attacks Maldavias pummels the elf with his claws and bites a big chunck of flesh from the elf's neck
Zhage: well what kind of "sauce" is it?
Eben dodges from side to side, avoiding the bite and one claw, but the troll manages to slash his claws into the swordsman again
Maldavias: owwwwwwwwww
Taurus eyes narrow on the vicious trolls as blood spras across the ground from Maldavias and then Eben. Looking then across towards Hawkeye, torn between indecision.
Two claws tear up Hawkeye's sides
Jeren
Jeren Jeren lets out a roar, charging towards the ogre and calling out a prayer to Mishakal. Her weapon glows blue as she strikes
Hawkeye screms out in pain as blood sprays from his newfound wounds across the ground
Hawkeye: I'm glad Mishakal is on your side today, M'lady!
The greatsword plunges deep into the trolls arm, cutting it off at the shoulder. The troll howls in pain as it cletches it's jaw
Jeren smirks a little, "That is why we tell you to have Faith Sir Hawkeye..."
Hawkeye: I don't think calliing her name will aid me any
Riverwind draws his longsword and rushes into the battle, hoping to finish off the one armed troll
The big man slashes his sword across the trolls belly. The troll hisses at the plainsman but still does not fall
Gilthanas begins to chant words of magic as he lowers his hand towards the troll attacking Maldavias. Glowing missles soar towards the troll and slam into the chest of the troll with a sizzle
Zhage eye's the missles, knowing what they are.
Eben thrusts his sword at the troll once more
The rapier barely breaks the tough skin of the troll, as blood spurts out the new puntured hole
Maldavias
Maldavias attacks the troll twice, invoking the special power if his 'sting' and 'tree of life'
Both hit their mark. (no crit on sting)
The elf fights back with his own flurry as the daggers rip the troll to threads.
Zhage
Zhage seeing the vicious attack by Jeren, Zhage chants once more.
The acid arrow splashes against the canyon wall, the stone sizzles and errodes
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes charges and pounces on the souothern-most troll
As the panther charges into the fray, the troll slashes with his claws
The troll clubs the panther, just barely hitting the agile creature
The panther pounces on the troll and carries out a flurry of attacks on the troll. When it's all said and done, the troll still stays on his feet
Vexin Sixtoes clings to the smouldering troll
Taurus
Skitters lunges at the troll but misses
Taurus hefts his shield high and trudges up the back line, placing his hand on Hawkeye's back.
Taurus heals Maldavias instead ;)
Maldavias stands triumphantly /oo wo hoo!
The elf's wounds seal shut completely.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye grits his teeth in pain, stealing the courage for another last ditch attack against the beast before him, hoping to fell it quickly before it strikes him down.
The two weapons cut into the trolls chest. Skin, bone and muscle is cut through as the troll shouts in pain. The troll miraculously still stands
The three trolls continue their assault. The first one attacks Eben
The two claws plow into Eben's arms. He nearly drops his sword from the blows
The second troll changes his focus onto the panther.
Hawkeye: cv v v bgggggfffff
The panther's attack has disorientated the troll as all three attacks miss
The final troll looks at the Paladin and decides to attack her
The powerful claws tear into the paladin as large chunks of flesh are ripped out
Jeren
Zhage winces at the sight of Jeren being mauled
Hawkeye: Jeren!
Jeren cries out in pain, she narrows her eyes at the creature infront of her and calls out to her Goddess once more
Maldavias: brb bucket/ooc lol she needs a 2 to hit, and isn't using her power attack
The great sword lops slashes into the gut of the troll. He collapses to the ground, and even still, you see his wounds begin to seal
Jeren (shrill): Cursed Fiend! Stay down!
Riverwind backsup and draws his bow
Gilthanas lets loose an arrow
The arrow soars straight into the trolls eye. The troll still stands as he clutches the arrow sticking out of his eye socket
Eben takes a five foot step back hoping to let the knight advance into his position on the line
Maldavias
Maldavias again take two swings at the troll, both invoking the spcial powers of his daggers
The dagger slices off a finger of the troll. The troll begins to rock on his heels, soon to collapse
Zhage
Maldavias then steps swiftly to the side
Zhage sees the collapsed Troll and starts to chant hoping to end it's existance.
The acid splashes... right past the troll. ;)
Zhage curses and takes out a vial of Alchemist Fire from his pack.
Vexin Sixtoes
The panther takes a flurry of swings, all of them hitting nothing but air
The troll collapses from the flames and skitter latches on for good measure
Taurus
Taurus takes the opening made by Eben and lurches forward, thrusting his longsword up at him sharply. "Down beast!"
The sword slices into the shin of the troll. The blade goes halfway in before the troll falls to the ground
Hawkeye
Taurus steps back regaining balance, blood coating his longsword. Quickly shifting his gaze around to survey the battlefield.
Hawkeye reaches into his pouch to pull out a vial of oil, gingerly pouring it over the troll in front of him
Hawkeye then bends down, pulling out his flint and steel to spark the oil alight.
Hawkeye: Say goodbye...
Taurus: Is everyone alright?
The party takes the extra percautions and sets the three trolls ablaze, ensuring their deaths.
Hawkeye: I'm fine, Taurus. What about you, Jeren?
Vexin Sixtoes licks a minor wound
Jeren: Oh nothing a few bandages can't take care of...
Hawkeye moves over towards the boulder spliting the path, leaning agaisnt it as blood coats the rock
Taurus wipes a bead of sweat from his brow, catching his breath quickly as he wipes his blade off with a rag.
Eben: I'm a little worse for ware...
Maldavias takes care to clean his daggers properly on a cloth before returning them to his belt
Jeren smiles broadly as she wipes the blood and gore off of her sword before resheathing it
Jeren: What about everyone else? Hawkeye you took quite a battering
Taurus nods to Eben, approaching Hawkeye. Lifting his hand, he looks to his plainsman friend with a pause for permission.
Zhage shakes his head. "Can't believe I missed with those spells," he says muttering.
Maldavias: you look like you enjoyed that Jeren
Eben: remind me next time not to fight a troll with a rapier.
Eben musters a weak smile
Hawkeye shakes his head negatively.
Taurus: They were fiersome beasts, you all did very well.
Hawkeye: Just a few bandages, save the spells for later...
Taurus: Every time Hawkeye.
Maldavias: why thank you Taurus
Taurus: I will have Jeren hold you down, if you persist.
Vexin Sixtoes and Skitters each flank Hawkeye for the next part of the journey
Jeren: They were evil doers. They deserved to feel the fury and wrath of the blue lady... so yes... I suppose you could say I enjoyed it Maldavius...
Hawkeye sighs
Hawkeye: Fine, Taurus..
Vexin Sixtoes remains in Panther form for the next 5 hours
Hawkeye: Jeren held herself well in combat, as usual
Taurus places his hand on the side of Hawkeye, lowering his eyes as he whispers in near silent prayer.
Jeren winks at Taurus before glancing toward Eben. "Did you say you needed healing friend?"
The claw marks left on Hawkeye are partially healed by the knight
Eben: Why yes I did, my lady...
Maldavias regards Tausus and says "so what faith to you adhear friehd'?
Taurus: The Son of the Blue Lady.
Maldavias: ah
Vexin Sixtoes writes with a sharp claw in the dirt "Vexin Sixtoes, igniter of trolls, was here"
Taurus: You are familiar with him?
Hawkeye: That's enough, Taurus. Thank you. I'm starting to feel a bit under armed and armored for this...
Taurus looks up.
Maldavias: this blue lady is a popular woman
Zhage looks at Vexins claw marks and laughs.
Jeren gives a short nod, "please allow me to look at the wounds..." she says gently, placing her hands over his wounds she murmurs a prayer and the wounds are bathed in soft blue light
Zhage: Looks like you can be call Vexin troll slayer.
Maldavias: so how do you perform you healing? i've never seen magic like that before
Taurus approaches Eben, seeing Jeren at his side he pauses and looks towards Maldavias. Smiling.
Vexin Sixtoes licks Zhage's hand
Eben: My or my, you have the touch of an angel, sweet Jeren.
Eben smiles
Zhage pets Vexin.
Taurus: Through Faith. I beseach my patron to end the injury of my companions and he makes it so.
Hawkeye looks at Eben, glaring slightly
Jeren blushes furiously and stands. "Not at all. It is Mishakal's touch you feel, not mine."
Zhage cringes at Eben's words. "Should have fireballed him," he mutters.
Hawkeye nods to Zhage, barely catching his words
Eben: Tis whats right that a goddess grant her touch through a woman such as you
Taurus kneels down near Vexin when the fire goes out, inspecting his wounds closely.
Hawkeye: I think we'd best move quickly.. don't you agree Taurus? Jeren?
Maldavias (mutters): now you're embarassing ALL of us
Taurus: I concurr Hawkeye.
Hawkeye: The fire will be noticed...
Zhage just frowns and continues to pet Vexin.
Gilthanas: Yes, Hawkeye is right. Let us make haste
Jeren clears her throat, "Agreed, we should continue moving..."
Eben: I hate to be a bother, Taurus. That troll really did a number on old eben.
Vexin Sixtoes tugs Zhage forward by the hand, trying to get the party moving
Eben gives a slight chuckel
Taurus ruffles Vexin's hair and approaches Jeren, smiling to her he places his hand to her side where the blood taints her tabard; being as inobtrusive as possible.
Zhage: Alright Vexin, I'll go with oyu.
Jeren (whispered): Thank you Taurus.
Maldavias: next time Eben perhaps you could be alittle less, um, uh enthusiastic about charging into bloodthirsty monsters?
Hawkeye moves forward to join Zhage and Vexin
Hawkeye: What do you make of Eban, Zhage?
Taurus inclines his head, not saying a further word.
Zhage (whispered): I don't like him. He seems.. too friendly..
Eben: Quite right, my good man! I was only eager to prove my worth and it appears I've olny been a set back
Hawkeye nods
Jeren glances towards Maldavius. The Paladin can't help but smile a little at his obvious sarcasm
Hawkeye (whispers): My thoughts exactly. Epsecially for a man who just went through what he claims he did..
Hawkeye (whispers): Perhaps you should keep an eye on him...
Taurus washes his hands, takes a slug from his skin, begins to trudge on.
Taurus: Lets move out.
Zhage (whispered): Yes.. I will keep my eye on him..
Hawkeye: Oh, and you did great today, Zhage
Zhage (whispered): And I'll have Jindrak do the same.
Hawkeye: It always amazes me what you can do with a few simple words
Zhage: Thanks.. I wish I could have done better
Taurus: Hawkeye, come up here a moment?
Hawkeye: Aye. I wish the same of myself..
Jeren nods, taking a drink from her own waterskin and signalling to the others to over take her
Hawkeye turns, walking back over towards Taurus
Jeren: I'll bring up the rear again
Taurus adjusts Hawkeye's armor, "Doesn't seem to be sitting right..." Muttering a small prayer, "... blahblahblahblah". Casts Magic Vestment.
Hawkeye: Thank you, Taurus
Taurus: My pleasure.
The party makes there way out of the canyon and into a shallow bowl of a valley. Gilthanas leads the party to the far end of the valley. The sun sinks lower until it finally becomes night.
Taurus shields his face from the light, lowering his voice some. "The cover of darkness may aid us in our quest..." Mostly to himself than any real comment.
Zhage mutters and touches the end of his staff causing it to illuminate.
Hawkeye: So, what should we expect in Sla-Mori, Gilthanas?
You stop in front of a sheer granite cliff which appears to have no doorways or openings.
Taurus looks to Gilthanas.
Gilthanas (Looking over the cliff): I don't know...
Taurus: I'm.. hoping.. we don't have to scale this.
Zhage (looking worried): This could get interesting.
Gilthanas: I have never been inside...
Gilthanas: no elf has for hundreds of years.
Hawkeye looks around
Hawkeye: Where is it?
Jeren purses her lips, glancing between her companions to gauge their reactions
opens a pouch and pulls out a small gem. Gilthanas begins to chant softly as the gem begins to glow. A stone door that blends perfectly in with the cliff shakes open with a grinding noise.
Gilthanas opens a pouch and pulls out a small gem. Gilthanas begins to chant softly as the gem begins to glow. A stone door that blends perfectly in with the cliff shakes open with a grinding noise.
Vexin Sixtoes purrs
Hawkeye looks at the cliff, his eyes widening.
Hawkeye: Impressive...
Gilthanas (quietly): sla-Mori...
Taurus takes a hesitant step back, peers around.
Taurus: Vexin... check for any traps or such.
Taurus: ...be careful.
Vexin Sixtoes slinks into the passageway
Zhage (looking impressed): Very impressive...
Maldavias: perhaps i should check it out, make sure its not trapped?
Hawkeye sheaths his scimitar and pulls his dagger out of his boot, hoping Zhage's words prove true.
Taurus: You have experience in such things, Maldavias?
Taurus: If so, please assist Vexin.
Maldavias: yes, i am
You enter this winding corridor that is filled with humid, musty airit seems as though the passage has been rarely used, if at all, for many years.
Jeren gives a gasp as the door manifests its self suddenly. The Paladin waits patiently as Vexin and Maldavias inspect the hidden passage way
Taurus makes a mental note of this before entering.
You search the passage and find nothing unussual
Vexin Sixtoes scratches the word "safe" into the dirt before Taurus
Taurus: If possible, seal it behind us Gilthanas; we don't want any hostiles coming up our rear.
Taurus nods to Vexin before heading inside.
Gilthanas nods
Gilthanas: I will do so once we are all inside
Hawkeye: So, our light sources are Taurus and Zhage?
Zhage: Hold my staff Hawkeye.
Hawkeye reaches out, taking Zhage's staff very carefully
Zhage dig through his pack and retieve a golden rod.
Zhage: Ahh, this will help.
Taurus traces a symbol over his shield, it begins to glow softly.
Zhage hits the rod against the floor and it begins to glow
Jeren: You're always so prepared Zhage...
Zhage: Thank you Jeren..
Zhage (to Hawkeye): You can have this and I'll take my staff back.
Hawkeye hands Zhage his staff back, taking the strangely glowing rod.
Hawkeye: Thank you. I'll haver to give it to someone neaer em to wield both my weapons, but it will help a lot
Zhage: Think of it as a torch, just no flame.
Hawkeye hands the strangely glowing rod to Goldmoon, so she can help kepe the middle well lit
Hawkeye (to Zhage): Keep near me, friend
Taurus sways his shield slowly side to side, the whole face lighting up the corridor before them.
The passage gentley curves to the south west. The walls are roughly cut into the rock, not smooth like most things that elven hands have made. The passage leads on for about 100 feet.
Zhage nods and holds his staff to help illuminate behind him.
Here the corridor forks to the left and the right. It also carries on straight.
Hawkeye keeps a careful eye out, watching the rocky walls pass by in the flitting light
Jeren: Gilthanas, do you know which way to proceed?
Gilthanas: I do not. No one has been here is hundreds of years, and unfortunately there are no maps that I know of.
Taurus looks between the two possible forks, saying with confidence "Left."
Vexin Sixtoes scouts forward
Zhage: Right.
Maldavias (mutters): some guide you are then
Taurus: Right?
Hawkeye: Right. Left
Taurus looks at Zhage confused.
Jeren: No Left, right?
Vexin Sixtoes scouts forward
Zhage: I was agreeing with you?
Jeren looks between them, also confused
Taurus: Oh.
Taurus: Right. Left it is.
Maldavias: so we're going left, right?
Taurus: Correct.
Hawkeye: Right.
Jeren: Right
Zhage: So Right then?
Vexin Sixtoes scouts stright forward, leaving the party to their debate
Jeren goes to turn to the right and then catches herself and faces left
Jeren: Left
Taurus: Aye.
Vexin Sixtoes sniffs the air in the straight passage
Hawkeye: I wish there was something I could track in here to find our way...
The passage way twists and turns. The walls still remain rough and jagged. It streaches on for another 200 feet when up ahead, you see that the passage way your in apparently breaks through a wall and into a large chamber
Vexin Sixtoes returns to the group and tugs on Taurus' hand
Taurus looks down at Vexin curiously.
Vexin Sixtoes backs towards the straight passage
Taurus: What is it Vexin?
Vexin Sixtoes claws an arrow into the dust
Taurus: You want an arrow?
Taurus: I don't have any Vexin...
Hawkeye: I think he wants you to go that way Taurus
Taurus: Hawkeye might.
Vexin Sixtoes growls and turns back down the straight corridor
Taurus: Oh...
Taurus: Right.
Hawkeye: Have Faith.. in vexin...
Taurus nods and begins to head the way Vexin leads.
Taurus: I always have faith in my companions abilities.
Zhage (whispered to Hawkeye): You feeling ok?
Hawkeye: I just wanted to try saying that once...
Vexin Sixtoes gets in their way and halts them before they plunge into the large room
Hawkeye (winking): I don't think it suits me.
Taurus almost trips over Vexin but comes to a halt, frowning.
Taurus: You want us to wait here?
Vexin Sixtoes tugs Maldavias forwads
Hawkeye: Can anyone speak with animals?
Vexin Sixtoes nudges Maldavias forward, and scouts the room
Maldavias sneaks into the room
You walk through the end of the passage. Carved blocks of masonery are crumbled on the floor where they fell. They once covered this hole in the wall.
The gigantic hall has fallen into decay, the echoing space eerily still. Many tall columns rise to a lofty ceiling; others have fallen over and litter the center of the room like the felled vallenwood trees in Solace.
A huge granite throne sits against the left wall, flanked by two large statues. The stone guardians are warriors three times the height of a man, each armed with a giant granite broadsword.
Dwarfed by these images, the decayed remains of a humanoid sit atop the throne. Gaunt, empty sockets and bared teeth stare from an ancient skull. A worn, once-regal cloak covers his body; a sheathed sword lies across his lap.
The wall opposite the tunnel entrance has collapsed, apparently triggering the fall of several of the columns. The huge pile of rubble provides shelter for dozens of rats and mice. From behind the rubble comes a chittering and scratching sound. The double doors on the western wall are closed. They are engraved with a drawing of Pax Tharkas.
Vexin Sixtoes returns to fetch Taurus and the rest of the party
Hawkeye looks at the decayed remains with a modicum of respect and revulsion
Vexin Sixtoes sits licking his paws in front of the throne after returning with the party
Hawkeye: What is this place, Gilthanas?
Taurus steps inwards and peers around, slowly he begins to approach the throan. He bows his head in respect before inspecting it for symbols, or the corpse for a signet ring.
Gilthanas looks around the room in awe
Jeren glances about the walls, her eyes falling upon the skeleton atop the throne. The Paladin rests one hand atop the hilt of her sword, her expression wary
Hawkeye: Do you sesne someting, jeren?
Gilthanas: it is the tomb of Kith Kanan
Hawkeye: Kith who?
Gilthanas: He is our ancestor who brought the Qualinesti elves far from where our Silvanesti cousins live.
Hawkeye: The founder of the Qualinesti?
Gilthanas nods as he looks around the huge chamber
Hawkeye: That must have been thousands of years ago...
Jeren shakes her head, "I'm just uneasy in here..." she replies to Hawkeye's question
Vexin Sixtoes gets up and stalks the perimeter of the room while the party ogles the corpse on the throne
Gilthanas: Yes... It was. As you can see, no one has set foot in here for a very long time
Hawkeye: We should leave him to his rest...
Taurus takes up the sheathed sword, draws it, looks it over. Curiousity getting the better of him.
Hawkeye goes over to inspect the doors
Hawkeye: Taurus!
Hawkeye: What are you doing?
Taurus: These relics should be returned to their people, not fall into the hands of the Draks.
Jeren raises her eyebrows at Taurus' brash actions
Zhage: Um.. I don't think you should be doing that...
The longsword is of elven design, with elegant elven script etched into the blade. The crosspiece of the blade bears the distinctive likeness of an eagles beak.
Hawkeye: You can't rob the tomb of their fallen king, no matter the cause...
Taurus: It is a beatiful piece, I can't help but admire elven craftsmanship.
Eben: It would do the world better in the hands of Taurus... or anyone living.
Eben shrugs
Hawkeye: Please, taurus, put it back with him
Taurus pushes the sword back into the sheath, then looks towards Gilthanas.
Taurus: It belongs to your people, and as your noble right it is your decision.
The elven prince seems to not even have noticed as he is admiring the crumbling architecture
Jeren: Gilthanas, he will return it to the Speaker of the Sun, they may wish to have a connection to their ancestor throughout their journey
Gilthanas Looks to Taurus..
Hawkeye: Would they not have buried it with him for a reason?
Taurus offers him the sheathed weapon.
Taurus: We have already violated this sacred place Hawkeye. And when we release the prisoners they will know how we got there and shall plunder this tomb.
Gilthanas: I do not need such a weapon. It is far to bulky for the likes of me.
Hawkeye: I just don't like the idea of tomb robbing...
Jeren: His tomb may soon be defiled by those filthy draks, would you not want this part of your heritage returned to your people?
Taurus: We are not robbing Hawkeye, we are curators of these rich cultural heirlooms.
Gilthanas regaurds Jeren with curiousity
Hawkeye: Fancy words taurus...
Maldavias: come on, we wouldn't want the sword to fall into the wrong hands would we?
Taurus: Maldavias, Vexin, see what else you can find; I'll have none of these relics fall into the hands of the Drak.
Gilthanas: you are correct, Jeren. But I fear what a relic would do to our people. They already fight over trivial things...
Hawkeye: Like wooing someone of royal blood?
Hawkeye: I'm sorry.. that was out of line..
Jeren quirked an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. Hawkeye was even more forthright than her
Gilthanas: Take the sword if you wish. I don't think that my father or brother will be returning to these lands any time soon.
Jeren: What would you have us do Gilthanas
Taurus inclines his head.
Taurus: I will be its protector until I can deliver it into the hands of its rightful owner.
Vexin Sixtoes inspects the hole in the wall
Maldavias: its true, the elvs have fled, i think when they abandonned this place, they abanndoned everything they left here
The chamber is empty of all other treasures. The only other way out of this chamber is through the double doors on the far side.
Vexin Sixtoes inspects the double doors
Maldavias: i think that as an elf, who plans to stay here and defend our home, i think i should look after it
Maldavias: until we find its rightful owner of course
Hawkeye: .o I believe longsword is right...
Jeren: Perhaps Maldavius has a point, as an elf it is his heritage...
Hawkeye: Can you use a sword, Maldavius?
Taurus: I am sure your lord will then bestow it upon you Maldavius, but until that point I shall remain its curator.
Maldavias: i can use a sword
Zhage: Perhaps we should get moving?
Taurus: Perhaps you can wield it Jeren, until such time we can return it to its rightful owner?
Taurus: It is rather heavy, and I am well laden as it is.
Hawkeye continues to inspect the closed doors
Vexin Sixtoes tugs Maldadias over to the doors
Hawkeye searches halfheartedly though, intrigued in the ownership of the sword
The doors are made of a heave oak. Carved and painted on it's surface is the likeness of Pax Tharkas
Taurus offers the sheathed greatsword to Jeren.
Hawkeye: Aye, I think Jeren would guard it well, if anyone were to take it from here
Jeren: It is up to Maldavius...
Hawkeye: She's a bit holier than you, Taurus...
Maldavias: i think Jeren should use it
Taurus raises a brow at Hawkeye.
Vexin Sixtoes tugs Maldavias over to the doors
Maldavias: until we find its proper owner
Hawkeye looking at the corpse on the thonre everytime they mention proper owner
Jeren chuckles at Hawkeye, "You say the strangest things Plainsman... Alright, if Maldavius agrees then I will weild it."
Hawkeye (winking): I'm just saying.. even she was surprised by your looting, Taurus.
Jeren: Gilthanas, what did you say this Man's name was?
Taurus eyes Jeren curiously for a moment, shakes his head dimissing his thoughts. He then turns to Hawkeye, frowning.
Jeren gestures towards the throne
Gilthanas: Kith Kanan...
Hawkeye: I jest Taurus! No one is more holy than you.. She may tie with you though
Vexin Sixtoes tugs Maldavias over to the doors and bites his hand, but not hard enough to draw blood
Maldavias pats vex
Taurus: I am no brigand or defiler Hawkeye, I fully intent to deliver this to the Lord of the Elves - regardless of what you believe. Then it is he who shall decide what to do; whether return it or place it elsewhere.
Jeren: Very well, then I will weild the sword of Kith Kanan in defence of the country he created, and in his honor
Maldavias (whispers): lets go
Vexin Sixtoes growls at the door
Hawkeye: I don't question your motives taurus
Hawkeye: It was a shock is all
You look over the massive doors and are certain that there are no traps
Hawkeye: I'd have expected Vexin to lift the sword more than you
Taurus: Then I apologise for my outburst, merely walking in these halls is not something I am comfortable with.
Vexin Sixtoes growls at Hawkeye and pushes through the doors
Hawkeye: I know the feeling, old friend...
Taurus bows his head once more to the corpse atop the throne, almost as though bidding his dismissal, before walking over to join those at the door.
Jeren also takes a moment to sheathe the sword of Kith Kanan upon her person, tying her own out of the way behind her pack
The door swings open and you see a long straight corridor leading into darkness. Both Vexin and Maldavias see creeping from the shadows, an enormous slug like creature.
Eben runs to the side, hoping to stay clear until an opening appears
Taurus
Taurus peers at the creature, grasping the medallion around his neck. "Strength of the Bison!" And his full plate seems to almost strane as he puts on some bulk. (Bull Strength)
Taurus then approaches the creature.
The knight rushes forward and the slug rears it's 'neck' up and lunges it forward. The bite misses as the knight runs past
Gilthanas retreats to the rubble and fires off an arrow
The arrow hits the slug, but hits at an odd angle. It bounces off its slick skin
Riverwind fires off a pair of arrows
Both arrows stick into the flesh of the slug. They look like little toothpicks sticking from the monsterous body
Maldavias
Maldavias activates his cheatah cloak and runs forward
Maldavias and attacks with his dagger
The dagger slashes into the soft body of the slug. A strange gooey "blood" seeps out
Hawkeye
Hawkeye rushes up next to Taurus, bringing his axe down hard upon the slug's ooze covered hide, holding his new dagger at the ready.
Hawkeye: It's been awhile since we fought actually side by side, Taurus.
Taurus: Indeed! It appears you havn't lost your edge, either.
Taurus grins, popping his visor down.
The hand axe cuts into the side of the monster.
Vexin Sixtoes
Hawkeye flashes Taurus a quick grin
Hawkeye: Wait a few seconds, friend
Vexin Sixtoes casts Wreath of Flames on himself, and sprints around the creature
Zhage
Zhage chants and lets loose three missles of energy.
The three missles soar through the air and slam into the slug. The slug lets out a strange bellow
Hawkeye whistle sin appreciation of the bolts that fly into the slug, knowing where they must have originated from
The slug begins to move it's massive body toward at a remarkable speed. The massive body crushes Tuaras and Hawkeye as it passes over them. the slug then makes a move towards Jeren, trampleing her in the process
Vexin Sixtoes: +2 flanking as it begins to move [1d20+7 = 22]
Taurus staggers back as the creature slams through him, taking the oppertunity to lash out at it with his sword
Hawkeye slams against the nearby wall as the slug pushes past him, lashing out and scoringly a hit as it covers Taurus with ooze
Taurus: ....it slimed me.
The slug is hacked and slashed as it moves forward. Gooey liquid splatters all over but the slug still seems to be moving fine.
Jeren
Hawkeye (spitting slime out): I see that...
Jeren a little shaken after being tampled and slimed on, steps forward to confront the creature, swinging the elvan great sword high over her head
The great sword flashes in the glowing light as it whips down across the slugs body. The sword slices through the flesh like it were butter. Everyone hears the clank of the weapon as it hits the stone floor. The slugs head slams down to the ground, narrowliy missing Zhage
Zhage blinks once again at the wrath of Jeren, glad she is on his side.
Jeren glances at the elvan sword. "It seems Kith Kanan weilded a mighty blade..."
Zhage then backs away from the slug remains.
Hawkeye sighs, slightly disappointed in the lack of his invovement, but still amazed at Jeren's combat ability
Taurus eyes Jeren, then the sword.
Taurus: ....nice work.
Hawkeye: M'lady, are you sure you're a follower of Mishakal, and not some War goddess?
Zhage: Nicely done Jeren. Very nice...
Hawkeye: I swear you're almost the epitamy of one at this rate...
Jeren: Not at all, Mishakal teaches to be swift when dealing with those that would raise their weapons against you... she may be the Goddess of healing, but that does not mean she can not put up a fight Hawkeye...
Taurus: Lets not idle, I'm sure there are more to slay.
Hawkeye: Point well taking
Hawkeye looks at the dead slug
Jeren bowed her head, "It was not as if I slayed it with my bare hands either. It was the work of the team that brought it down so quickly..."
Hawkeye: As you say, m'lady
The corridor goes off for about 180 feet before ending in a collapsed wall and ceiling
Hawkeye flicks some slug slime off his axe
Like the others, the air in this room is musty and stale. There is a great deal of debris scattered about. The floor is wet and slippery in places.
Taurus peers around as he adjusts his shield on his arm.
You search the debrie but come up with nothing
Taurus: Dead end?
Maldavias: bi bi
Taurus drops a heal on himself and Hawkeye whilst they have time. (In that order)
Taurus uses a cmw instead of a clw (cuz i didnt realise i had no clw left lol)
Vexin Sixtoes sniffs the room, then nudges Taurus and heads back to the intersection
Taurus follows Vexin, waving his shield around still. This time heading straight ;)
Hawkeye falls in place behind Zhage's light
Vexin Sixtoes scouts what would have been straight at the intersection
The corridor leads on for about 50 feet before it branches out once more; left, right, and straight again
Vexin Sixtoes sniffs each corridor (scent)
Taurus: Left.
Taurus turns Left.
You smell the corridors. each one smells musty. You see that rodent tracks are in the dust. None go to the left.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts to the left
You turn down the left corridor
It goes on for about 90 feet before turning right. The walls here are all jagged like the passages from the other tunnels
Taurus keeps his hand on the pommel of his longsword, eyes scanning the shadows as the light from his shield peels them back.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts forward and peers around the corner unobtrusively
This branch of the tunnel ends in a small cavern. Theres no evidence to indicate that any living creature has passed this way in a very long time; still, you feel an unnatural chill in this room.
Vexin Sixtoes raises his hackles at the unnatural cold
Hawkeye looks around the caverns, gesturing for Zhage to hold his light up higher
Taurus shivers, peering around the cavern.
Taurus: Check it out, quickly. Then we'll move on.
Zhage holds light higher
Vexin Sixtoes recedes into the shadows, looking for the source of the unnatural chill
As you enter the small cavern, you see at the far end, a ghostly apprition appear. It's arms are outstreached as it speeds towards you.
Maldavias steps back
Hawkeye: Not again....
Hawkeye readies his axe to throw
Jeren shivers a little and glances towards Taurus. "I smell death..."
Taurus nods slowly to Jeren. "The Gods will protect us."
Maldavias: i hope so
Hawkeye: Their gods are strong, Maldavias...
Maldavias mutters to himslef ' of that i am not so sure'
Jeren: Have Faith Maldavias... and you will be rewarded
Maldavias
Hawkeye: Though I do wish they'd stop saying have faith all the time...
Maldavias falls back to behind the god fearing folk
Taurus
Taurus steps forward boldly, grasping the medallion around his neck and bellowing out at the ghost like creature. "Back restless one! Back to the gods!"
The Ghost Shrieks as the holy symbol is brought forward. It quickly turns around and retreats to the back of the cavern.
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus smiles, relieved.
Taurus: See? Faith will protect us if nothing else will.
Zhage
Zhage Moves to the back.
Eben looks to the others to see what the plan of action is.
Jeren
Hawkeye: .o I don't see that in the incor rules
Jeren grits her teeth and follows Vexin's charge, the Paladin goes in swinging, attempting to drive the creature away with her sword
The great sworrd hacks at the ghost like creature. The blade of the sword turns cold as it passes into the ghost
The Ghostly figure moves into the wall, disappearing from sight in an effort to escape
Hawkeye
Jeren: That's right, back abomination!
Hawkeye rushes towards the spectre, anxious to join the combat as soon as he can, realizing the ghost has slipped away.
Taurus: Give the place a search, we'll move on.
Taurus: If it comes back it will flee again.
The cavern is completely empty.
Vexin Sixtoes stalks back to the intersection
You make your way back to the 2nd intersection.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts what would have been straight
Taurus follows Vexin back, peering around on guard for the ghost to come back. Following Vexin the straight path.
The cavern widens here to 20 feet across. It streaches into darkness.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts further, keeping to the edges
Taurus follows Vexin cautiously, though making quite a deal of noise despite his best efforts. *clank clank clank*
You keep moving along the passage. It goes for about 130 feet before turning to the right.
Vexin Sixtoes peers right
The passage goes in this direction for another 70 feet before turning right again.
Vexin Sixtoes scouts forward and peers right again
Hawkeye: I hope it turns left soon, or we're going in circles...
The passage twists and turns a couple more times during a 170 foot walk when it makes a sharp turn to the right again
Vexin Sixtoes scouts forward and peers right again
The passage goes on for about 180 feet before it turns right... again
Vexin Sixtoes scouts forward and peers right again
Jeren: It feels like we're walking in circles...
Taurus: Perhaps we're ascending...
Hawkeye: Aye, but we'd have crossed our own path by now if we were...
Jeren nodded and then shrugged, "Well whatever the reason, this corridor is oppressive...it's making me dizzy"
Hawkeye: I can't tell Taurus, but take a look at this...
Hawkeye gestures to the floor, where there seems to be a few markings in the fust. Something that looks again to tracks..
Taurus: What kind of tracks are they? Hawkeye? Riverwind?