GM: Last session, we ended with the party seamingly walking around in circles. However, they did notice that in the thick lair of dust were some different tracks... clawed tracks, that they had not seen perviously.
Taurus points out the obvious before he conciders, glancing to Vexin.
Taurus: Perhaps the Drak' have been here before us?
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, i don't have claws yet today...
Gilthanas (frowns): not likely... Only the elves know the way... unless they found a way in here
Taurus: Perhaps we should follow the tracks, to be sure of this.
Zhage: We should be careful though..
Vexin Sixtoes sniffs the air
Taurus: Indeed. If the dead have risen then who knows what manner of danger lurks behind the corner.
Taurus smiles at Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes stalks slowly down the corridor following the tracks stealthily
Zhage: Well.. we have a good scout..
Taurus: Indeed.
Vexin, in panther form, stalks forward, following the tracks on the ground
Taurus steps in behind Vexin, peering around the dark corridors as he does his best to keep the noise coming from his armor to a minimum.
Vexin Sixtoes stalks ahead of the party about 20'
Zhage carefully walks behind the armored knight, quietly laughing at the noise he is trying hard not to make.
Taurus: Keep alert *clankclank* we have the element *clankclank* of surprise in our *clankclankclank* favor.
Zhage starts to nod, barely holding in a laugh.
Vexin Sixtoes growls softly in warning, and resumes stalking forward slowly
Taurus looks up alert towards Vexin, fingers flexing around the pommel of his longsword. Nodding he silences and 'creeps' forward after his companion.
You slowly walk down the dark cavern tunnel, ever alert. As you come to a bend in the tunnel, Vexin sniffs the air and before he can snarl a warning, three grotesque figures fall from the ceiling, surrounding the panther. Their hideous faces scrunch up into a snarl as they attack
Taurus lets out a gasp seeing the figures drop down around Vexin.
The three creatures attack with their claws and teeth as well as lunging their long horns towards their prey
Two of the beasts lunge forward with their razor sharp teeth, one biting down hard on the leg of the panther. The other misses, while the third gorges the panther in the side with his long, jagged horns.
GM: roll init
Hawkeye
Hawkeye quickly draws his bow and shoots an arrow at one of the monsters
Taurus: Pull back Vexin!
The arrow blasts into the torso of the beast with a "shelck" sound
Gilthanas follow suit, drawing his bow and firing off an arrow at the same monster that Hawkeye attacked
The arrow clanks against the cavern wall as Gilthanas takes care not to hit the panther.
The gargoyles continue to assult the panther
The first Gargoyle Slashes his claws against the panther while Vexin manages to dodge the flurry of other attacks from the first beast
The second Gargoyle chomps down on the panthers neck for a moment before Vexin struggles free.
The final Gargoyle scrapes his claws across the panthers nose.
Taurus
Taurus lifts his shield high, bringing his longsword back ready as he charges forward across the short distance between himself and the gargoyle.
The long sword cuts into the gargoyle's shoulder
Taurus: Back! Foul beast!
The gargoyle hisses as a strange dark blood pours forth from the stoney looking shoulder
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes casts MAgic Fang on himself
Zhage
Zhage chants for a few seconds and three bolts of energy head to the gargoyle 1.
Three glowing darts soar through the air, lighting up the dank carvern tunnel. They burst into the gargoyle's chest
Maldavias
Maldavias Strides forward, prepared to face the enemy if they advance to his possition
Eben rushes to Taurus' side with his rapier. He thrusts the blade towards the gargoyle
The thin blade pierces the hissing gargoyle in the mouth before Eben pulls it back
Eben: Ah ha!
Taurus: Nice swing Eben!
Riverwind glides to the frontline with his longsword in hand
Jeren
Jern rushes forward to the battle with her new greatsword
The greatsword plunges into the stomache of the gargoyle.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye fires off another arrow
The arrow misses as it clanks to the ground
Gilthanas tries the same with his own bow and arrow
The arrow lands true, striking the beast square in the chest. The Gargoyle howls in pain as it crumbles to the ground
The first gargoyle directs it's attention towards Jeren
The armored paladin defends off the attacks except one set of claws cuts her across the cheek
The second gargoyle moves forward and attacks the knight
The knight's shield blocks the two claws as he side steps the sharp teeth. The gargoyle twists his head towards the side-stepping knight and gores him with his horns
Taurus
Taurus grunts at the force of the blows, ducking low behind his protective shield as claws and teeth scrape off its surface.
Taurus steps around the gargoyle in a single tactical move and hacks into its flank with a stroke of the longsword.
The long sword cuts along the forearm of the gargoyle as the knight manuvers to the side
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes leaps up the cavern wall (climb speed 20') and down behind Gargoyle #2, biting it's back from behind.
Vexin scurries across the jagged wall and attacks the gargoyle from behind, only to slip on some loose stones, throwing his attack off target
Zhage
Zhage pulls out his cross bow and fires at Garg 1.
The bolt goes too high and hits the wall behind the raging battle
Maldavias
Maldavias moves to the side, allowing for a more clear shot to the archers behind him
Eben thrusts with his Rapier once more.
The swordsman scores another hit, this time the blade sinks into the gargoyle's thigh
Riverwind steps forward and slashes with his longsword
The big man's blade cuts into the gargoyle's neck
Jeren
Jeren brings her great sword around and attacks the gargoyle that stands in front of her
The sword cuts across the gargoyles bicep
Hawkeye
Hawkeye Fires another arrow
The arrow fires over Taurus' head and lands in the gargoyle's right shoulder
The gargoyle falls to the ground from it's many wounds
Gilthanas moves forward and fires an arrow at the last gargoyle
The arrow flies into the darkness of the tunnel
The last gargoyle thrashes towards Jeren
The claws puncture her armor and fresh blood pours from her side
Taurus
Taurus steps once more around the Gargoyle, keeping to the creatures blind-spot before he drops. Whirling on the second without hesitation.
Zhage winces at Jeren getting hit again.
The blade cuts the gargoyle's ear off. The dark gooey liquid oozes out the side of it's head
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes viciously attacks the Gargoyle's back
The first claw strikes true.
As the claws slice into the gargoyle's back, the gargoyle spins and falls to the ground to see the leporard snarling at him
Vexin Sixtoes licks his many wounds
Taurus: Well done, friends.
Zhage reloads hos bow and puts it away. "Would that explain the odd footprints?
Eben (concerned): The kitty cat looks a little wose for wear.
Taurus glances around to ensure there are no further enemies as he cleans his longsword. Beconing Vexin over, he lowers to a crouch.
Vexin Sixtoes slinks over to Taurus, limping
Taurus smiles and gives Vexin a scratch behind the ear as he grasps his medallion. Eyes close and he says him a prayer.
Vexin Sixtoes licks Taurus' hand
The wounds on the panther begin to close shut. Some wounds partially close, but the big cat looks a lot better.
Taurus ruffles his fur once more before rising and sheathing his longsword.
Taurus: I hope that is it.
Hawkeye: Now to find a way out of this place...
Gilthanas nods
Zhage: Yes, lets get going.
Vexin Sixtoes sniffs the air hoping for a whiff of fresh ope air
Taurus: Agreed.
The party circles around the bend in the tunnel and walks down the snaking cavern for about another 100 feet or more before the tunnel twists right
Taurus cleans some of the gargoyles blood from his armor/tabard as he walks.
Vexin Sixtoes stalks forward slowly, c;inging to the shadows
The tunnel moves on in the new direction for another 170 feet or so before it turns almost 160 degrees to the right. You notice that there are human tracks (and panther ones...) that you are following.
Taurus: I have a sneaking suspicion.. this place looks familair.
Taurus scratches his head.
Zhage (glacing at the prints): Looks lie we've been here..
Vexin Sixtoes searches for a way their party's tracks have not led
At the 160 degree junction, you see that your tracks carry on in that direction. You also see the clawed tracks of the gargoyles at this point too
Taurus: All these halls look the same...
Taurus: I suppose the dead don't need directions.
You move on for another 170 feet or so and the tunnel turns right
You travel for about 90 feet and the corridor turns right once more
Taurus: Are we going in circles?
Zhage: It seems like it..
Taurus: There are no exits though... the walls couldn't have moved? ... could they?
Zhage: Maybe..?
Maldavias : Perhaps we triggered a hidden door to close behind us at some point?
Taurus: Check the walls... we'll move slower to give you time.
Maldavias nods
You walk down the corridor, reaching the junction with the 160 degree turn
Zhage: I think I am starting to get dizzy..
Maldavias 's attention is drawn to the wall in the cornor
Maldavias : here...
Taurus approaches, peering past Maldavias.
Maldavias : this is where we came in to this circled area
Taurus: Is there some way to trigger a door or passage?
Maldavias shakes head after searching the wall.
Maldavias : no, it looks like just pure strength will be needed to slide it open again
Taurus: Alright.
Taurus approaches, bracing himself against the wall.
Taurus: Jeren, assist me.
Vexin Sixtoes ushes, and falls back on his haunches
Taurus: One.. two.. three... heeeaaaaveeee
The wall does not budge. Jeren looks sideways to Taurus
Taurus strains, steps back panting.
Vexin Sixtoes assists Taurus
Maldavias : The door is wide...
Maldavias traces where he thinks the door is
the space that Maldavias traces leaves room for up to 5 people to push
Taurus: We all need to assist.
Zhage walks towards Taurus quietly chanting placing a hand on his shoulder. Turning he chants again, this time putting a hand on Jeren's shoulder.
Taurus: Hawkeye, Riverwind, Eben.
Zhage then takes a spot on the wall to help.
Taurus: On three.
Riverwind steps forward with the other two
Taurus heaves, not having a good grip; boots slipping some.
Taurus: This thing is stuck tight... again!
Zhage (glancing towards the wall): Eben should prolly assist.
Taurus: You can do it Zhage, just.. concentrate.
Taurus offers words of encouragement.
Zhage shruggs and tries to help.
The wall strains and shudders as the door slides slowly with a rumble. It clicks into place, showing a clear passage before you.
Taurus clenches his teeth, making a silent prayer to the Gods as he heaves at the wall with his shoulder firmly braced. Hearing the final click he pants heavily, dusting off his hands.
Taurus: Good work friends.
Vexin Sixtoes purrs and stalks forward
Jeren wipes sweat from her brow
Zhage wipes a bead of sweat from his head. "Nice work."
Taurus gives Zhage a hearty pat on the back.
Taurus: Got some muscle under those robes of yours yet, Zhage.
Zhage shurggs.
You make your way back to the first intersesction within Sla-Mori. The only way you have not gone thus far is a passage to the north
Zhage: I guess..
Taurus: Alright Vexin, you've got point with Maldavius.
Taurus: Lead us true.
Taurus grins at Zhage before stepping in behind Vexin, shield at the ready.
Vexin Sixtoes stalks forward, careful to stick to the shadows and quietly scout 20' ahead of the party
The tunnel to the north twists for the next 25 feet or so before it opens up into a man made chamber. The hole in the wall where you stand has rubble fallen around it.
Taurus comes to a halt near the entrance, his voice low; "Check for traps."
Maldavias Maldavias looks about, studying the walls floor and ceiling. When he is done, he turns to Taurus and shakes his head
Vexin Sixtoes stalks along the left wall of the chamber, nudging Mal to the right
Taurus: Alright, lets head in.
The hall is 30 feet wide and goes on for about 20 feet before turning left.
Taurus steps over the rubble, careful to keep sure footing. He waves his shield about to cast light on the area.
The ancient hall is lined with many doors on either side. It streches on into darkness beyond
Zhage carefully steps into the room.
Gilthanas: This must be the crypts of Kith-Kanan's personal guard....
Taurus: ...it might be unwise to disturb them.
Taurus glances at the doors thoughtfully.
Riverwind nods with a dark look on his face.
Vexin Sixtoes continues to stalk forward along the left wall
Goldmoon: If the undead walk the caverns behind us, I think it would be wise to heed Taurus' words.
Taurus follows Vexin at a distance.
Taurus: Aye, we will let them rest undisturbed.
Goldmoon shudders at the thought of the spectre seen earlier
Zhage nods in agreeance.
You walk slowly down the wide hall. It seems to go straight into the darkness forever. After a long walk, the pale glow from Taurus' sword sheds light on a pair of double doors at the end of the hallway
Taurus peers up at the double doors as the light stretches across them. Glancing over his companions briefly in a survey of their condition before stepping up to the doors.
Taurus: Maldavius, Vexin, check these doors before we open them please.
Jeren has a few cuts across her face, and a bit of dried blood stains Eben's shirt, but the rest of the party look not too bad.
The two scan the double doors, looking for any signs of traps. They turn back to the party, satisfied that there is no danger.
Zhage glances towards Jeren's face, wishing he could place a hand on the cut and make it disappear.
Taurus steps back as the two search, stepping close to Jeren to exchange a few whispered words with her. Hand eventually touching her cheek to at least seal over several of the cuts. (3hps)
Vexin Sixtoes growls at the men, and nudges the doors open
Taurus: I'm afraid, friends, should we encounter more hostility I will be unable to seal shut further wounds.
Zhage smiles at Taurus giving him a small nod.
Taurus returns the nod of Zhage as he looks amongst his comrades.
Taurus: If we rest, we might lose precious time. If we dont, we might lose more.
The door swings open at the nudge of the panther. As the door opens, the sound of what seems to be large stone crashes from behind the many doors that line the walls. The sound resounds from behind all the doors, loud at the doors near by, and faintly at the ones from where you came
Gilthanas (in horror): The personal guard!
Taurus cringes and swings his eyes towards Vexin.
Taurus: Vexin....
Zhage jumps from the suprise..
Gilthanas: I counted 40 doors! Quick we must flee!
Taurus: Everyone. Behind Jeren and Myself.
Taurus frowns, backing towards the two large doors.
Taurus: Go. Run. I have the rear.
Vexin Sixtoes pounces through the doors and nudges them shut after the party gets through
Zhage cautiously exits through the door.
Riverwind helps the others through the door before placing a hand on Taurus' shoulder. As the big man does so, the doors swing open and numerous decaying bodies shamble out. Elves, humans and dwarves slowly stumble towards you
Riverwind: we are through safely, my friend. Lets follow...
Taurus looks over his shoulder at Riverwind and nods. Eyes suddenly widening as the doors swing open, staring on at the decaying bodies in shock. Riverwinds words saving him from forgetting himself.
Taurus: Aye. Lets move.
Taurus turns and run through the doors *clankclankclankclank*
Taurus runs through the double doors after Riverwind as the two slam them shut behind them
Taurus looks for a way to bar the doors.
Jeren (shouts): Taurus!
Taurus: I'm here! Find an exit!
Taurus: Riverwind and I will hold the doors 'til you do!
Jeren draws her old greatsword and looks at fondly before sliding it across the floor to the knight.
Taurus stops the greatsword with his foot, then towards her with a concerned look. After a moment, he nods, slides the greatsword between the handles.
Taurus: That will hold them for a minute or two...
This large chamber echoes softly with the sounds of any passage, quiet though it may be. Puffs of dust rise with each footfall on the floorhere again is an area that seems not to have known the passage of a living soul in decades.
The passage gradually widens from the doors, but the true dimensions of the room are lost in darkness. A row of stately granite columns lines each wall about ten feet into the room. These are plain supports with no ornate carvings or unusual shapes, but they seem to have been constructed with great care. The fact that they have survived the Cataclysm intact indicates that their builders were accomplished engineers.
As the party looks at the large chamber, they hear the rattle of the sword as the doors strain to stay shut
Taurus: Maldavius check left, Vexin right.
Vexin Sixtoes bounds forward into the darkness
Taurus: Find us an out.
Zhage: We can't stay here..
Taurus braces the doors with his shoulder as the undead creatures pound on it from the other side. Peering off into the darkness of the hall as the others search for a different exit.
Vexin Sixtoes growls loudly enough for the party to hear
Vexin Sixtoes casts Light on a nearby pillar
Taurus: Go Riverwind, I'll be right behind you.
A pillar lights up, casting shadows all around. The party sees on the far wall a pair of seperat doors
Riverwind moves quickly towards Vexin, as does the others
Taurus gives the party a head start before he leaves the doors, running after them loudly. *clankclankclankclank*
Vexin Sixtoes searches the doors while the others catch up
Taurus (calls): Try the doors!
You search the door and are fairly certain that they are safe
The rest of the party rushes towards Vexin.
Behind this door, This long, dark corridor ends in a bronze door.
the hall is 10 feet wide and goes for 80 feet before ending at the bronze door
Vexin Sixtoes bounds over to the right door to nudge it open as the party reaches the left door
This hall looks the same as the other, but ends in wall
Vexin Sixtoes runs back over to the left door and leads the party through
From the darkness behind you, you hear the door barred with the sword shudder violently.
Taurus pants heavily as he -eventually- makes it across the room, clanking loudly the whole way.
Taurus: Go go go!
Vexin Sixtoes goes up to the bronze doors and searches them while the rest of the party catches up again
Vexin rushes forward, and 20 feet before the bronze door, the floor falls out from under his feet.
You leap forward just as the floor falls out from underneath you. You slam into the floor as your body hangs from the pit. You claw your way up to the floor, peering into the pit that looks like a heafy fall
Vexin Sixtoes growls banefully at the party he has been seperated from
Gilthanas: what now?
Goldmoon: how will we cross?
Zhage: Other door?
Goldmoon looks at Taurus
Taurus: Vexin, check the door to make sure its the right passageway.
Vexin Sixtoes nudges the door open
as you nudge the door, you realize that the door is only ornimental and does not move
Taurus: A trick door...
Taurus: Vexin, climb back across.
Taurus: Maldavius, check the other door and the corridor beyond for further traps.
Maldavias rusn to the other passage
A crash from the jammed door can be heard followed by the rattle of a sword clanging to the ground. Vexin leaps across the chasm with out difficulty.
Taurus head jerks up, looking through the darkness to the sound of the undead breaking into the chamber.
Taurus: They're coming...
Zhage: Let's go.
Gilthanas: Make haste!
Taurus strides over to the other door, peering inwards to see a dead end.
Taurus: Curses! We are trapped...
you see Maldavias at the far end examining the wall. Just as Taurus utters those words, the elf presses against the wall and it slides open
Taurus head tilts, suddenly grinning.
Taurus: Excellant!
Hawkeye: Lets move!
Zhage: Move Taurus
Taurus hurries for the end of the corridor though unable to feel just a litle bit paranoid about the floor falling in.
Taurus: We learnt a very important lesson just then!
Taurus says through panting.
Zhage: We can talk later.. just move
As the party floods through the door into the narrow hallway, you can hear the moans of many undead coming from the darkness.
Taurus: Sometimes what appears to be the easiest route of travel isn't always the -- irhgt.
Maldavias closes the secret door once the last party member passes through
Taurus goes through last, checking behind him as he does.
Taurus (Whispered): Perhaps they will be fooled by the other passageway.
Gilthanas (omniously): let's not wait to find out
Zhage: Agreeded
Taurus: Indeed. It would appear your kin are quite protective of their burial grounds.
the passage turns to the left and you follow it for 110 feet before it twists left again.
Gilthanas: indeed...
Taurus: Maldavius and Vexin take point again, I don't want to be surprised by any further traps.
Vexin Sixtoes stalks forward, wary of pitfalls
the passage moves on in this direction for less than a 100 feet before it turns right. The hallway expends to 20 feet at this point.
The 20 foot wide hall goes on for about 100 feet before it ends in a single door
Vexin Sixtoes assists MAldavias in checking the door
Taurus comes to a halt near the door, taking the oppertunity to wipe a thin line of sweat from his brow.
Maldavias : There are no traps as far as I can tell
Maldavias places hand on doorhandle and looks at Taurus
Taurus nods to Maldavias
Maldavias swings the door open
Taurus readies himself, tightening his grip on his sword and steps forward.
The long, dusty corridor finally passes through a bronze door into a large, circular room. Here, as in the corridors leading into the chamber, the dust on the floor is thick and unmarked. A curious feature of the room is the column in its center, which slants to the side but climbs far out of sight above.
A closer look makes it obvious that the column is actually a massive chain, supported by a huge iron bracket sunk into the center of the floor. Each link is as long as a man, and the iron bands forming the links are nearly a foot thick. The bracket in the floor is 15 ft. across and nearly 5 ft. thick.
Taurus relaxes some and steps into the room, peering up the length of the colum.
Taurus: ...
Vexin Sixtoes bounds forward and starts climbing up the chain, curious to see what's at the top
Taurus: I have never seen such a sight...
Gilthanas: We are close... This is the great chain room.
Taurus: What purpose is this chain, Gilthanas?
Vexin, in his panther form, cannot squeeze up the chain. Perhaps in a smaller form he could fit
Gilthanas: the chain is the last defense mechanism of Pax Tharkas. In the gate room of the fortress, hundreds of tonnes of rock can fall into the gate room, blocking passage through the pass.
Taurus looks thoughtful for a moment.
Gilthanas: the way to use it has long since been lost. If it even works anymore...
Taurus: So.. once we recover the prisoners... we can block the pass?
Taurus: Assuming it works.
Taurus: Climbing the chain is the only way out?
Taurus scans the walls.
Vexin Sixtoes climbs back down the chain and growls irratably
Gilthanas shrugs
Gilthanas: there might be a door on the other side of the room
Gilthanas looks into the darkness
Taurus shines the light of his shield in that direct and strides fowards to search for another exit.
The massive chamber is 120 across. Directly on the opposite side of the door you entered is another bronze door
Taurus: There is another door!
Taurus calls out to the others, approaching it. Reaching out to open it, he hesitates, steps back and waits.
Maldavias approaches to examine the door for traps
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal
Taurus watches on as they look the entrance over.
Maldavias ,after a moment, signals that is alright to open
Taurus opens the door peering inside.
This is another long, dusty corridor that leads to a dead end.
Taurus: Could you check ahead for nasty falls and secret doors?
Maldavias nods
Zhage (muttering): Another door...
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal
Taurus throws Zhage a smile.
Taurus: I thought this place would be right up your alley, friend.
Maldavias Walks the corridor slowly until he reaches the far end, where upon he finds another secret door that he slides open
Taurus: A dusty crypt full of knowledge and history?
Zhage: I've see he dust and the history.. where's the knowledge come into play?
Taurus catches up to Maldavias as he slides the door open, glancing over his shoulder at Zhage.
Taurus: Well... mayhaps its yet to come?
Zhage: Perhaps..
Taurus (quietly): And it is... oddly.. quiet with Vexin as a feline.
Vexin Sixtoes growls
Zhage: Take the silence when it comes..
Taurus blinks surprised.
Behind the secret door the corridor branches off into three passages, all leading in the same general direction
Taurus: I mean err... its just strange Vexin, I've grown quite accustomed to your tales.
Taurus peers at the three corridors.
Taurus: I bet this is some sort of trap or test.
Taurus: Which would you suggest, Vexin?
Taurus smiles
Vexin Sixtoes stalks down the right hallway
Taurus follows behind the Panther.
Zhage: Don't follow too close Taurus.
You make your way down the corridor and it opens into a large room
The cellar is drier than the musty and dank corridors of Sla-Mori. The cellar contains hundreds of pounds of supplies stolen from Solace, Gateway, New Ports, and Haven. There is also a well where fresh water is available.
Zhage: Storehouse?
Taurus peers around the cellar, keeping his voice low.
Taurus (Whispered): For the Drak armies?
Gilthanas (whisper): this must be Pak Tharkas. We made it.
Taurus (Whispered): Maldavias, Vexin, have a quick search for anything that might be of use.
Taurus approaches the well of water, finishing his waterskin before refilling it.
Maldavias begins to go through the supplies
Maldavias turns around to face the group after several minutes
Maldavias : there is just your standard gear here. If you need anything, now is a good time to stock up
Taurus: Now might be the time to rest.
Taurus: Further back in the caves.
Gilthanas nods
Vexin Sixtoes purrs and lies upon a cache of blankets
Taurus: Bring them with you Vexin, I don't want to be discovered if they come for supplies.
Taurus: Standard watch. Vexin and Hawkeye first, Jeren and Gilthanas second, Riverwind and myself third.
Taurus: Cold camp, keep things quiet. We're in enemy territory.
Taurus uses up the last 1hp healing on himself before he sleeps.
Taurus settles in with his back to the cave after removing his armor, gnaws on a ration or two before sliding into his bedroll and attempting to sleep before a silent prayer.
Vexin Sixtoes regales the party with enough stories for an entire day, in the morning
the night passes as the party rests up in the cellar. The night goes by uneventfull and the sleep and rest is very peacefull.
Taurus spends some time of his watch updating his journal, cleaning his arms and also his armor.
Zhage reads his spell books and prepares for the next day, while taking the occasional glance towards Jeren..
After a nights rest, the party awakens. It should be morning but no one can tell for sure, for not being outside for some time now
Taurus takes some quiet time by himself to pray to the gods, lighting several inscence in the process.
Zhage: Are we ready for this..
Taurus: By the gods will.
Hawkeye: it's now or never
Taurus: Before we continue, please, anyone who needs healing now is the time.
Taurus surveys his companions.
Goldmoon looks nervous, despite her best efforts
Eben is unussually quiet
Zhage walks towards Jeren appearing to want to say something, but stops short, shaking his head..
Gilthanas looks determined
Jeren: what is it Zhage?
Taurus: Alright. We need to move fast, stay focused and get this done.
Zhage: It's nothing.
Taurus secures his shield and makes for the door.
Taurus gives Eben a pat on the shoulder, commenting to him quietly.
Vexin Sixtoes: So do you think we'll find a dragon? I want to kill another dragon, Dragons are SO amazing! don't you think so? I do.
Taurus (Whisper): Worry not friend, we shall be successful.
Taurus glances across towards Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: I wonder if dragons come in Pink?
Vexin Sixtoes: Purple?
Vexin Sixtoes: Orange
Eben looks to the knight and purses his lips with a firm nod
Taurus: How often can you change into an animal each day? Vexin?
Riverwind shushes the kender
Vexin Sixtoes: Once...
Taurus: Oh.
Vexin Sixtoes sighs
Taurus: It is a very impressive ability, it shall surely add to your dragon slaying capabilities.
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal
Taurus offers the kender a grin before he quietly opens the door once given the nod from Mal and Vexin.
The elf looks over the door before it opens.
This is a sparsely furnished room; there are a handful of benches and tables, as well as a wall-mounted rack of spears on the south wall.
Taurus: We can't allow any Drak's to escape alive to warn their fellow kin; I'm relying on your ranged skills.
Zhage (muttering): Let's get this overwith..
Taurus glances to Gilthanias and Hawkeye.
Hawkeye: We will do our best, friend
Taurus moves through the room to the right door, nods to it for Mal and Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes searches for interesting things
Taurus peers out of the door down the corridor, then nods across to the other door.
The room has a few weapons, but nothing more. It looks like it may quater guards at some time.
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal
Taurus moves out into the corridor, peering left he begins to walk down the narrower direction.
the two doors open into halls. The halls look plain and barren.
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal with the door
Taurus steps infront of the door, halting, he nods to it as he readies his sword. The group seeming to work together without the need for words at this time.
As you approach this door, you hear a strange series of noises coming from the room: First a loud crash, followed several seconds later by a dull "thud", finally followed by raucous laughter
Taurus sheaths his longsword, readies his shortspear. Preparing an action to hurl it at any drak's should he see some. Nodding to Vexin to open the door for him.
The laughter is not Drak. It could be human...
Vexin Sixtoes nods to the party and opens the door, hoopak loaded and ready
A long timber is balanced on a boulder in the center of the room. At each end of the timber is a wide, dish-shaped container. Set on the ground by these containers is a pile of large stones and a tall wooden box. Huge mattresses of straw have been spread on the floor beyond either end of the timber. A dozen short, stocky creatures scurry frantically around the timber, shouting and cursing each other. They wear oversized tin helmets, and several wear swords in their belts. Because these swords are several inches longer than their legs, those creatures who wear them often get them tangled between their feet, sprawling headlong onto the floor.
Shortly a pattern emerges. One of these creatures (who by now are recognizable as gully dwarves) climbs into the dish at one end of the timber, dropping that end to the ground like a large see-saw. Three other Aghar climb onto the wooden box at the other end of the timber, where their comrades have already raised three of the large stones. The Aghar on the boxes drop the stones together into the dish below them, dropping that end to the ground and catapulting the dwarf at the other end through the air, over the heads of the three on the box, and into the mattress of straw.
After each of these stunts, all the gully dwarves laugh uproariously, and then run around crazily for a while until the process is ready to start again.
Taurus: ....oh no
Zhage (quietly): Not more dwarves..
Hawkeye slowly closes the door
Taurus nods to Hawkeye.
Vexin Sixtoes groans
Vexin Sixtoes: Aghar...
Vexin Sixtoes: again...
Taurus: Lets move on...
Riverwind: They are... everywhere
Taurus shakes his head some, a kind man but even he has his limits.
Taurus secures his spear and draws his longsword once more.
Taurus peers up at the stairs, stepping across to the door first.
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal with the door
Taurus (Whispered): It concerns me that this army, as powerful as it is, hires those creatures.
At the top of the stairs, you see that the walls of whatever room is there is much more decorative than the ones here on the lower floor.
Vexin Sixtoes: I doubt they're hired...
This room is filled with barrels of lamp oil, crates of nails, boxes of salt, several thousand board feet of lumber, and a box of carpentry tools.
Taurus peers inside before he begins to ascend the stairs.
Gilthanas: Wait, Taurus...
Zhage: Anyone got a flame?
Taurus pauses, looking back at the others.
Zhage pulling out a tinderwig, "Oh wait.."
Taurus (Whispered): The prisoners are likely on this level Zhage, it might not do well to smoke them out...
Gilthanas: Should we not search the other rooms down here? what if there are your people from Solace and Gateway and the other towns down here? this does look like the dungeon level, no?
Zhage nods and puts the tinderwig away.
Gilthanas: yes... you are right.
Taurus: Aye, I'm just checking the room above the stairs.
Gilthanas nods
Vexin Sixtoes: No, you noisy cow, let someone stealthy check
Vexin Sixtoes creeps up the stairs on his belly
Taurus: A wise choice.
This hallway is furnished with great care, creating an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. A plush purple carpet blankets the floor, and many tapestries of rich red and golden colors decorate the walls. Each of the several doors is made of dark-grained vallenwood and has golden rivets, hinges, and latches.
Upon closer examination, however, the luxury begins to wear thin. Great, dark stains blot the carpet in many places, and a wide muddy trail mars the center of the floor. Some of the tapestries, depicting pastoral woodland scenes, have been defaced: charcoal has been used to add a beard and mustache to an elven princess, and long slashes ruin a scene of elves and dwarves in council.
Taurus keeps at the base of the stairs as Vexin scouts ahead, peering up quietly in concern for his friend - however partient enough to wait for him to return.
Vexin Sixtoes , seeing nobody upstairs, descends and reports to Taurus in disappointment
Taurus: Alright, lets continue with the lower levels.
Taurus moves through the halls and stops at another door.
Taurus (whispered): If the prisoners are on this level it might be easier to escort them back through the caves and fase the zombies than the Draks.
Goldmoon nods
Maldavias opens the door
Taurus peers inwards.
This rooml holds 34 women from Solace, Gateway, and Haven. Rude straw mats line the walls, and several low chairs are scattered about. No other furniture or other accommodations are present.
Taurus gasps seeing the prisoners, stepping into the room making a gesture for them to be quiet.
When you open the door, the women all look towards you. At first they look worried but then realize that you are not draconians
and older woman makes her way through the crowd to stand in front of you
Maritta: who are you?
Taurus: Ladies, have no fear, we are here to rescue you.
Taurus: I am Taurus Regulas, Knight of the Crown, M'Lady.
Taurus bows.
the ladies smile as the mummurs roll across the crowd
Vexin Sixtoes: I am Vexin Sixtoes, Dragonslayer Extraordinaire!
Maritta: how did you get here? Is this it? only 10 of you? against an army?
Zhage (muttering): There he goes again.
Taurus: We arrived through a secret passage, a tomb. We can escort you safely out.
Maritta looks doubtfully towards the kender
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft! I didn't see YOU slaying the dragon Zhage!
Maritta shakes her head.
Taurus looks to Vexin and Zhage.
Maritta: we will not leave without our husbands and children
Taurus: We -all- slayed the Dragon.
Taurus nods to Maritta.
Taurus: We will rescue them also.
Zhage (whispering to Vexin): I was talking about Taurus and the ladies..
Taurus: Even the... Aghar..
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, they assisted in my slaying the dragon
Taurus: Where are the men and children being kept?
Taurus: On this level? or above?
Maritta: The men are in the mine. The children are on the main level
Taurus: Alright.
Taurus: M'Lady, might I know your name?
Maritta: Maritta
Taurus: I have an important task for you Maritta.
Maritta: There are other women down here too
Maritta: in other rooms...
Taurus: There are some stores down the corridor, some oil, wood. I need you to organise several of the stronger women to start stacking them in the store room cavern.
Taurus: We will send the men and children down this way to you, but we might be in a hurry.
Taurus: As well as other women.
Gilthanas: Taurus, I don't mean to inturrupt, but if the men are in the mine, we might have to face the entire army staitioned here to get them back into the fortress...
Taurus glances towards Gilthanas.
Taurus: Is there another way out the mine?
Gilthanas: it might be easier to take everyone through the mountain pass south. This will also allow my father and kin to escape by distracting the army.
Maritta: There is a pass near the mines that lead into the Tharkadan mountains...
Taurus: How will we get the women then, to the mines and out to the pass?
Taurus: They cannot traverse the passage within the caves alone, not with the unliving there.
Gilthanas: here... this is the surrounding lands.
Gilthanas draws in the dirt floor
Taurus peers down.
If we go north, we will only be taking the prisoners back into the dragon army that marches on to Qualinesti... I suggest we take the pass near the mines into the south lands.
Gilthanas: If we go north, we will only be taking the prisoners back into the dragon army that marches on to Qualinesti... I suggest we take the pass near the mines into the south lands.
Taurus: It will be difficult traveling with a hundred score civilians and protect them from harm.
Gilthanas: But a better chance than taking them back to the army that is set to destroy my lands...
Taurus: Aye.
Taurus: Perhaps we should clear a path first.
Taurus: I assume your sister is being kept in the higher levels, it wouldn't do to take the civilians up there.
Gilthanas: If you want to head back north with them, then we can, Taurus... I just don't see our chances of survival being very high.
Taurus: No. We head south. But we clear the Draks that are south first, and recover Laurana, then come back here to rush the women through.
Gilthanas: No. We should find Laurana first. And devise a plan to save the children as well as the men. it will be hard to orchestrate everyone so we should plan ahead
Maritta: You might be able to get us all out of here with little fight...
Taurus: Alright.
Taurus: We will split into two groups, a small rear guard to escort the prisoners. And a front assault group to clear the path.
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm in front!
Taurus: Keep only a distance of say 50 to 100ft between us. Enough so there is no collateral damage.
Vexin Sixtoes: Dragonslayer to th front!
Taurus: Aye Vexin.
Maritta: if you need to speak with the men, every night, we are aloud to send 12 women to the mines to feed them We wear heavy shawls to protect us from the autumn chill and the guards pay little attention to us.
Taurus conciders this.
Maritta: The fortress is mostly empty as yesterday most of the army left. I suppose to march on Qualinesti, as you say. (looks to Gilthanas)
Taurus: So we go up level to find Laurana and the children.
Maritta: One other thing should be mentioned...
Taurus: Then come down here to take the women and children to the mi-- what?
Maritta: A dragon guards the children... but not to worry, because the poor thing won't be much of a problem to deal with as long as the childrend don't scream out in pain or fear.
Taurus: A.. dragon?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh!
Maritta nods
Vexin Sixtoes: A dragon!
Taurus: How big is this dragon?
Vexin Sixtoes: Really big I hope!
Maritta: it is quite large. It is a red dragon. but she is old beyond belief. She is nearly blind and believes that the children are her own.
Taurus: Alright. While we are taking care of the children and Laurana, you can have the 12 weapon warn the men we are coming. Perhaps they can start a bit of trouble to distract the guards so we can approach unharassed with the element of surprise.
Goldmoon (hopeful): I see that there are none of my people here? are they in one of the other rooms down here?
Vexin Sixtoes: How do we get past the Dragon though?
Maritta (to Goldmoon): The tribeswomen are not here with us. I believe they are being held in a room in the other tower. But they are easy to get to from the courtyard
Taurus nods slowly as he takes this in.
Maritta (to Vexin): the dragon is ussually asleep. If you move quietly, you probably won't even wake her.
Vexin Sixtoes: That mens you don't go near the dragon metalboy (looking at Taurus)
Zhage: With our luck, the dragon will be awake and alert..
Taurus nods to Vexin.
Maritta: One other thing. We have an injured man here with us. We will need someone to help him along when the escape begins.
Taurus: Then we will distract it for long enough that the children might escape.
Taurus: Injured man? where?
Maritta: normally the draconians would have just let him die, but he is an important man from Haven so they let us care for him.
Maritta: over here.
Taurus approaches, taking in the women who are cramped into this space.
Maritta: leads Taurus to the injured man, who turns out to be Elistan from the slave caravan
leads Taurus to the injured man, who turns out to be Elistan from the slave caravan
Maritta: he fell in the mine...
Taurus: Elistan...
Taurus lowers down to a crouch, inspecting his wounds closely.
Elistan is unconcious and near deat by the looks of things
Taurus: What was his possition in Haven?
Maritta: He was the High Seeker.
Taurus: I see...
Taurus glances over his shoulder at his comrades, then stands, turning back to Maritta.
Taurus: Take care of him, we will return.
Taurus: I give you my word, you shall see tomorrow from without these walls.
Zhage: Will he last until tomorrow Taurus?
Taurus: Its doubtful.
Taurus removes his gauntlet, crouching at the mans side and placing his gloved hand on his chest.
Taurus: But this will help.
Taurus bows his head, whispering a quiet prayer.
Taurus (Whispered): May the Gods forgive his faithlessness.
The magic surges into the dying man. Elistan's eyes flutter open and sees Taurus standing over him.
Elistan: Y-you... you saved me?
Taurus: Rest, friend. Your wounds are still grievous, but you will live.
Elistan nods weakly
Taurus: No. It is the gods that see you breath still, thank them in your prayers.
Taurus: The true gods.
Elistan: this is twice now that I have seen you use such divine healing... the first time you saved the blacksmith from Solace from death... or rather... the true gods as you say?
Taurus: Aye. The True Gods of Light act through my hand.
Taurus: I am Kiri-Joliths blade, Mishakals mercy and
Taurus: Paladines wisdom.
Elistan listens intently to Taurus, even through the obvious pain he is in
Taurus: We can speak more of the true gods when we are safe, but for now friend I leave you with the car of Maritta who has tended your wounds thus far.
Taurus smiles and rises, stepping back and looks to his companions.
Maldavias : Let us go and find Laurana
Taurus nods.
Gilthanas looks at Maldavias for a momment.
Zhage: And the rest of the people.
Gilthanas: yes, lets go.
Taurus: Aye, we'll scout the rest of this lower level first then had up.
Vexin Sixtoes bounces out the door
Taurus: We will return Maritta, you have my word.
Taurus exits the room after Vexin, moving down the corridor t to the next door.
This chamber is the prsion for more of the mothers from the Northlands. Sixty women between the ages of 18 and 50 are here, in much the same condition as the women next door
Gilthanas: Laurana? Is Laurana in here...
Taurus takes a minute to explain to the women that they are here to rescue them and will return later for the final retreat but for now they must sit tight; any questions should go to Maritta in the adjacent room.
Gilthanas: the women murrmur and shake their heads as the elven prince looks through the women
the women murrmur and shake their heads as the elven prince looks through the women
The women respond favourably towards the group and listen to the plan
Taurus then checks the final door of the corridor.
Taurus: Vexin, I have another very important task for you later.
This room holds 45 young women between 12 and 30 who have not married or borne children. As the other two rooms, the conditions are squalid and dirty.
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm in front!Ok...
Taurus: Aye, in front.
Taurus once again explains the situation to the women.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ok...
These women listen to the plan and also seem receptive
Taurus: When we make the escape I want to take the Agher with us, they may be foolish but they don't deserve to be slaves. I will need you to help... lead... them.
Taurus finally finishes up the explination before moving to ascend the stairs, sword at the ready.
Vexin Sixtoes: Uh ok I guess... filthy Aghar...
Taurus checks down the hall, leaning against the wall to partially obscure himself.
Taurus: Be careful how you judge them Vexin.
Taurus: One day you might owe your life to one.
Taurus goes to the double doors, nods to them for Mal and Vex to check.
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal
Maldavias looks over the doors and nods that they are okay to enter
Taurus pushes the doors open and peers inside.
The large, open room has no furniture. Scattered about are small bits of wood and rags carved or sewn into dolls, wagons, balls, and other toys. A tall arch on the east wall leads into darkness. Next to the arch is a normal wooden door. A pair of huge doors in the southwest corner apparently leads outside, since four windows in that same wall admit some cool fresh air.
Taurus (whispered): Vexin and Maldavias... check ahead, I suspect the children and dragon might be near
Vexin Sixtoes sneaks forward with Mal
Maldavias looks down the arched tunnel. It is completely dark.
Maldavias : I can't see down this way. There is no light at all.
Taurus casts Light on a ball, tosses it over to Maldavias.
Maldavias ventures cautiously down the tunnel.
Maldavias begins to head back towards the party.
Taurus looks at Maldavias expectantly
Vexin and Maldavias return shortly.
Maldavias : there is the dragon... in the next room over. it sleeps even as we speak
Taurus (Whispers): And the children?
Maldavias : no sign of them. But there was another door leading to another room. But we must pass the dragon to get to it
Vexin Sixtoes: I can sneak in and pretend to be a child if necessary. I look like a human child almost
Taurus: Aye, Vexin.
Eben: That is quite a brilliant idea, Vexin
Taurus: But.. be very careful.
Vexin Sixtoes: Do we have anything that could help me?
Taurus: She's half blind...
Eben: Maybe take some of the toys with you. And leave your hoop-thing with us...
Vexin Sixtoes: Okie
Taurus: Shouldn't take much.
Taurus: Aye.
Vexin Sixtoes hands his hoopak reverently to Taurus
Taurus takes it carefully.
Vexin Sixtoes grabs a few toys and sneaks off towards the suspected children's room
Taurus eyes it for a moment before transfering it to his shield arm.
Vexin creeps into the room, stealing a glance at the slumbering dragon. As you get to the half way point across the room, the dragon's eye slowly opens. One eye is milky and yellow, while the other seems to be not as bad. She cranes her neck and looks in your direction
Flamestrike: Who's there?
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes mother, just bringing more toys for the other children
Vexin Sixtoes beams a smile at Flamestrike
Flamestrike crooks her neck when Vexin speaks
Vexin Sixtoes holds up the toys, partly in front of his face
Flamestrike blinks sleepily and lowers her head back to the floor.
Flamestrike: that's nice...
Vexin Sixtoes: Sleep well Mother!
Flamestrike: behave yourself, child.
Vexin Sixtoes makes his way too the other door and casually opens it, holding a finger to his lips for the children
This room has been outfitted to be a large nursery. Filled with cots, blankets, straw mattresses, toys of all kinds, several wash basins, large stacks of clean rags, and a washbasin containing a few not-so-clean rags, its well supplied for caring for a large number of children.
Inside are crammed full with children ranging from 3 years to 11. They all look at you with an edge of fear in their faces
Vexin Sixtoes: Hullo! I'm Vexin Sixtoes, Dragonslayer Extraordinaire! Here to save you!
child: You look like a little boy! How did you get out of the room? You shouldn't leave to play your games.
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm a Kender!
child: A what?
Vexin Sixtoes: I came from outside, to help youescape
child: oh...
child: what about our parents?
Vexin Sixtoes: Like a small elf, but much smarter and not uppity
Vexin Sixtoes: We have found your mothers already, My friends and I
child: Are we going now?
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes, come with me, but be as quiet as you can
The children stand and grab their meager belongings. Older children help the younger ones and soon they all are waiting to be led by the kender
Vexin Sixtoes (whispers): Onward!
Vexin Sixtoes very quietly leads the children out of the room
child: You lead the chidren throught the chamber of the dragon. Most have gotten through but with only 25 children left, a confused six year old boy calls out.
You lead the chidren throught the chamber of the dragon. Most have gotten through but with only 25 children left, a confused six year old boy calls out.
child: goodbye auntie dragon!
Flamestrike: goodbye little one.
Flamestrike raises her head suddenly
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes, goodbye while we go wash up!
Flamestrike: Maritta? Where are you taking the children? Maritta?
Vexin Sixtoes: We'll be back soon, the pretty women say!
Maldavias: hey hey hey
Vexin Sixtoes: Maritta's already preparing the washing room
Vexin Sixtoes: Back soon mother!
Flamestrike (angry): where is Maritta?
Vexin Sixtoes: Preparing the bath for us, mother, we'll be back soon I promise all clean!
Vexin Sixtoes: !
Flamestrike: It is that time already? Little one, send Maritta in here. I wish to speak to her. Have a good bath.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ok, I'll tell her to come
Flamestrike rests her head back down
Taurus ushers the children quietly through and down the stairs.
Vexin Sixtoes: Come children, let's stop disturbing her sleep
You lead the children through the room and down to the women, who are overjoyed to be reunited with their children.
Taurus pats Vexin's shoulder.
Taurus: Great work Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: Vexin Sixtoes, Children smuggler!
Vexin Sixtoes: Hmm, not the same ring to it
Taurus: Aye, a worthy title.
Vexin Sixtoes: Thanks!
Jeren: I think savior of children has a better ring Vexin
Taurus: Children's Hero?
Vexin Sixtoes hugs Taurus' leg and walks away twirling a dagger
Taurus -quietly- shuts the doors.
Taurus: Lets continue searching...
Taurus moves to the next double doors, gesturing with a nod to Maldavias and Vexin to check it for traps.
Vexin Sixtoes: Vexin Sixtoes, Slayer of Dragons, Savior of children...
Maldavias: i shall search the area
Jeren: and bane of Trolls to Vexin
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh yes Bane of Trolls too
You search the doors but do not find any traps.
Taurus pushes the doors open.
This room is a gigantic corridor that runs the length of the Tharkadan Wall. Massive winches can be seen on both the north and south side of the corridor. Apparently these winches will open the two mighty gates that loom on the north and south walls. The northern gate is open just a crack; the southern gate is closed. A pair of double doors sit closed on the far end of the corridor. Near the double doors on the east and west, rope hangs through a small hole cut out of the ceiling
Taurus: This place is huge...
Taurus peers around.
Jeren: Indeed it is, I did not imagine it to be so vast...
Taurus: This must lead across to the other tower with the plainsmen.
Gilthanas: This is the gate... the chain mechanism is what keeps this gate free from being blocked.
Taurus: I see...
Taurus: Perhaps we could disable it so the army cant get back through easily?
Vexin Sixtoes tugs on Taurus' shirt... "hey I think you dropped this... " and hands Taurus back a very familiar-looking dagger
Maldavias: perhaps i can see what i can do to disable thsi mechanism
Taurus blinks and takes the dagger, inspecting it to see a little 'TR' engraved on the hilt. He smiles to Vexin.
Taurus: Thank you Vexin, I can't believe I dropped it...
Zhage: Again...
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes, you should really take better care of your things!
Taurus: Aye, thats twice...
Zhage: You should put that thing on a string Taurus
Taurus: Perhaps there is something wrong with the sheath.
Taurus secures the blade carefully.
Maldavias examines the winches
Gilthanas (To Maldavias): We will have to find the chain room. I'm sure it lies above this point.
Vexin Sixtoes shrugs and moves to assist Mal
Taurus: Lets move to the other tower then ascend.
Vexin Sixtoes inspects the rope hanging fromt he ceiling
the winches are used to open the giant gates on either side. Both are closed shut right now
Taurus brings to stride across the expanse.
Vexin Sixtoes: What's this rope do?
Vexin Sixtoes begins to tug on the rope to see what happens
Taurus: Vexin! Wait!
Taurus: It might be some form of alarm.
Jeren: Oh dear, Vexin, perhaps we shouldn't tug on the rope just yet...
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh?
Vexin Sixtoes: Hmm... ok
Vexin Sixtoes: But I get to pull it when we do...
Maldavias: what harm can come from tugging on a rope?
Jeren: Of course!
Taurus: I promise.
Jeren glances at Maldavias, eyes slightly narrowed, "Is it not better to be safe than sorry. I thought Elves were patient..."
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal in checking the door
The walls of this hallway are dirty and bare, and the floor is covered with mud. Several broken chairs and a small table, with only two of its four legs intact, are the only furniture. There is pair of double doors in the north wall and a single iron door in the west wall. They are all closed. The double doors look as if someone has hacked at them with a blade of some kind.
Taurus moves through the corridor to the double doors, nodding to them as he stands at the ready.
Vexin Sixtoes assists Mal in checking the door
The doors are unlocked and have no traps
Taurus opens the doors and peers inwards.
Jeren stands on her tiptoes to peek over Taurus shoulder and through the door
This room is dimly lit by a number of flickering fireplaces, and the air is yellow with smoke. Many long tables and benches sit in the shadows, and the stench of foul food and stale beer fills the air.
Sitting at the tables are a number of draconians and hobgoblins. They are eatinfg their meal and have not noticed you
Taurus (Whispered): This looks to be the guards post.
Vexin Sixtoes casts Magic Stone before anyone takes notice
Jeren (whispered): Should we dispatch of them?
Taurus lcamps a hand over Vexins mouth.
Taurus (Whispers): Archers, ready your shots for any that try to raise an alarm.
Taurus lets go of Vexin's mouth slowly, gives him a smile before he 'sneaks' inside.
Taurus: *clankclankclankclank*
Maldavias groans quietly
Vexin Sixtoes lets a stone fy as soon as Tarus gets in the door
Maldavias follows taurus
Jeren follows behind Taurus, wincing slightly as she steps. Banded mail's not exactly designed for stealth...
Zhage attempts to follow Jeren, almost triping over her.
Maldavias glances back at the stomping stampede behind him and sighs...
Jeren glances at Zhage eyebrows quirked, "Are you drunk?"
Zhage: No.. I tripped on that piece of wood..
Taurus gets about 20 feet into the room before the loud clanking of his armor alerts the entire room to his presence. The group of Hobgoblins and Draconians all stop eating at once and stare at the peculiar kngiht trying to sneak into the room before the grab their wapons
Taurus looks at all the expectant faces of the Hobs and Draks, nodding slowly to them all he says in a nice loud and authoritive voice.
Vexin Sixtoes fires a stone at Draconian 1 as soon as Taurus is noticed
Taurus: By order of the Lords of the Qualinost I hereby offer you your terms of surrender:
Jeren draws her sword and brandishes it infront of her
Taurus: 1. Cease all hostile actions in the region
Taurus: 2. Return all prisoners and resources of war.
Taurus: 3. Return to whence you came.
Vexin Sixtoes , as soon as he lets his stone fly, says "Oops"
Taurus: If you meet these terms, your lives will not be forfiet.
As Taurus speaks the terms of the surrender, a stone soars through the air towards a draconian, resounded by a big "OOPS"
Taurus cringes.
Jeren glances at Vexin and tries not to laugh. So much for terms of surrender...
Maldavias seeing the stone fly out, hurls two daggers at the closest dragon, and the says oops... oops...
Maldavias
Maldavias moves through the door and throws a dagger at the hobgoblin on his left
The dagger lodges itself into the hobgoblins belly.
Jeren
Maldavias curses Taurus and his speaches about surrender terms
Taurus
Jeren Jeren moves forward towards Hobgoblin 4
the greatsword cleaves through the hobgoblin, sending him to the floor in a pool of blood
Taurus lurches forward as Jeren covers the left flank, he takes the right. Keeping his shield high with a quick thrust of his longsword for the hobgoblin(1)
The sword cleanly slices off the hobgoblins head from his shoulders. The knees buckle and the body falls to the ground, blood splirtting everywhere
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes fires another stone at the same Draconian
The stone is rung off the drac's skull for a second time
Eben strides into the room, Rapier at the ready
Riverwind fires an arrow at a draconian at the back tabel
A second arrow follows suit
Both lodge into the neck of the drac.
Gilthanas fires at the same drac as Riverwind
The arrows pepper the drac, but he still stands
Hawkeye
Hawkeye tries to finish the drac off with his own arrow
The arrow lands in the draconian as he turns to stone
Maldavias
Zhage
Zhage points towards the group of dracs in back as he finishes chanting.
Taurus almost staggers back as his face is awash with heat from the edge of the fireball some 20ft away; still awed at the destructive powers of the arcane
The fire errupts, engulfing all the draconians before they can react
The draconians move in to attack the knight, despite being severely burnt
2 dracs attack the knight
The two dracs miss as does the hobgoblin, although he comes close.
Taurus holds his groun against the onslaught of attacks, listening to the scrape and grind of claw against steel; his shield protecting him.
Three hobgoblins attack Jeren
Jeren grits her teeth as the hobgoblins lash out at her
Two hobgoblins miss but the third scores a solid blow. He looks very pleased with himself, bragging to his friends
Maldavias
Maldavias: /em activates his tigre cloak, and charges the draconian
The dagger plunges into the gullet of the drac with amazing speed
The dagger comes out almost as quick as it entered, leaving the drac in it's death throes of a stone statue
Jeren
Jeren swings her sword at the unlucky hobgoblin who managed to land a blow on her
The hobgoblin crumples at the attack, falling to the floor lifelessly
The second hobgoblin crumples as well as the palidin fells two hobgoblins in one swing
Taurus
Taurus keeps a solid footing with his shield high, leaning back on his right foot he twists at the last moment to slice his longsword rib-height at the Drak(7).
Zhage smiles at the wrath of Jeren.
The sword comes close to taking the lizard man's head off, but luckily, the drac raises his own blade just in time to defend the attack
Taurus: I see *grunt* your a little more *duck* skilled than your hobgoblin friends.
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes fires another stone at a Draconian
The stone hits the drac in the groin and he falls to the ground, smashing his face into the floor. He slowly turns to stone in his death
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh, Statue of a Draconian grasping his no-longer-man-hood...
Vexin Sixtoes: I think I'll call it art
Eben leaps forward, thrusting his rapiar at the hobgoblin
Zhage cringes as he see the Drac dies..
Taurus glances over his shoulder seeing Eben has his back, nodding to the man in appreciation.
The rapier pierces the hobgoblins neck and he falls to the ground
Riverwind shoots an arrow at a drac near Taurus
The arrow hits the dragonman in the forehead just as he was raising his sword to attack the knight
Taurus: Nice shot!
Riverwind quickly switches targets and fires another
The drac falls to the ground in mid stride as the arrow hits him in the chest
Gilthanas shoots at the drac sneaking along the wall
The arrow whistles by and lodges it's self into the wall
Hawkeye
Hawkeye fires at the drac attacking Taurus
x3
The arrow bursts right through the draconians neck and sails on into the wall. The dragonman falls as he turns to stone
Taurus lowers his guard, looking over towards the 'artillery' group.
Taurus: Excellant work!
Zhage
Zhage Moves into the room and pulls out his bow, keeping an eye on Eben and the drac
The last drac moves up to attack Jeren
The sword is swiftly parried by the paladin
The hobgoblin attempts the same
The hobgoblin misses as well
Maldavias
Jeren chuckles at the weak attacks from her would be assailants
Maldavias attacks the hobgoblin in front of him twice, after stepping around to flank with Jeren
Maldavias: oops, my second damage is wrong, too much sneak
the two daggers plunge into either side of the hobgoblin as his guts spill out from the deadly attack
Jeren
Jeren flashes Maldavias a grin as she swings her greatsword downwards attemtping to dispatch the Draconian as easily
The sword slices into the dragonman's belly. As the monster turns to stone, the sword slips out with ease, surprisingly
Taurus: Nice work, everyone inside quickly, close the door.