GM: Last we left off, the weary group of heroes had travelled to the fortress of Skullcap. It is believed that the key to finding the gates to the dwarven kingdom of Thorbardin lies somewhere within the blasted tomb of a fortress. The companions decend into the unknown, with time against them, for the Refugees of Pax Tharkas have sought shelter in a valley nearby while the dragonarmies pursue through the cold of winter.
GM: Upon entering the fortress, the heroes stumble across a dragon, seemingly frozen in time. The dragon is somehow set free and the heroes prepare to fell the beast, as all dragons that have ever been encountered have so far been evil creatures of death and destruction. However, this dragon, named Blaize is different. He seems to be good, and even though he has been frozen in time for who knows how long, he seems willing to assist the companions as best as he can.
GM: A twisted and shattered frame of a metal staircase curls down into darkness. Taurus, Zhage and Vexin reach the bottom first when they are attacked by relentless skeletal warriors. Hawkeye is midway through his climb to the bottom upon the twisted framework when a strange bug like creature pounces on him from above. He manages to send the creature do his death far below.
GM: Jeren, Eben and Gilthanas all make there way down the steel framework above Hawkeye, ever weary for other insect like creatures springing from the darkness...
Taurus tightens and relaxes his grip on the pommel of his sword, peering past the skeletal creatures to Vexin.
Taurus: Vexin! Regroup! Don't let yourself get surrounded.
Zhage
Zhage begins to chant and then points between the two skeletons.
The lightning crackles through the air and strikes the skeletons with a boom. The bones smoke but the skeletons seem to be unaffected by the powerful magic
Zhage (confused): What the...?
Taurus squints as the cavern lights up suddenly, turning his head away just slightly.
Taurus: Perhaps these undead are... resistant? to lightning?
Jeren glances down with a concerned look as bright light flashes and a crackling sound emenates from below.
Zhage: They must be. They didn't even seem to react to the bolt.
Taurus: Stick behind me Zhage, they hit hard.
one skeleton shambles towards Zhage with his battlaxe while another makes his way to Taurus. The third closes in on the wolfman-kender-druid
As Zhage rushes behind Taurus, the skeleton chasing him focuses on the knight
The great axe smashes into the knights shield, forcing him to take a step back. shavings of the shield fly through the air
The second skeleton's axe slams into the ground near Taurus' feet
Skeletal Warrior (hiss): The circlets... bring the circlets! Save us....
Vexin Sixtoes: Then stop attacking us! We can't get anything with you clawing at us boneheads!
The axe narrowly misses the wolf-kender.
Eben, far above the battle, climbs down toward the rope
Vexin Sixtoes: See? you try to kill me and you want favors? No wonder your brain dried up ges ago!
Gilthanas follows the warrior down the framework with elven swiftness and grace
Hawkeye
Hawkeye shimmys down the rope toward the battle
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes: Stop attacking us and we may find your precious circlets!
Zhage: Any clue on where they are?
Skeletal Warrior: Please, help usss...
Skeletal Warrior raises axe to attack
Vexin Sixtoes: Morons!
As Vexin heads towards the other two skeletons, the one near him attacks as he flees
The axe clanks loudly into the rocky floor
Vexin Sixtoes smashes the Skeleton's shoulder
Taurus
Taurus grunts, his metal shod foot sliding several inches back in the dirt as the axe slams his shield. Managing to hiss out between his teeth; "Focus on this one!" Before attacking Skele#2
The sword rattles against the skeleton's bones, knocking a rib loose
Jeren
Jeren attempts to find purchase as she descends.
Jeren makes her way down the rope after Hawkeye. She struggles with the climb but must have Mishakal's blessing
Zhage
Jeren grunts, her grip slipping an inch or two the rope involuntarily as she manages to maintain herself despite the tugging of her heavy armor.
Zhage chants one more time. As he finishes, four projectiles leave his hand, rwo heading for Skele 1 and Skele 2.
Zhage: Magic missle.
Zhage: Are your circlets in this room or somewhere else?
The missles slam into both of the skeletons. The first skeleton rocks as the glowing darts strike. The other skelton collapses into a pile of bones on the ground as the second missle hits
Vexin Sixtoes looks at Zhage oddly, that he would think they would be in this room...
Vexin Sixtoes: They would pick them up themselves?
Taurus: By Joliath! Nice shot Zhage!
Zhage (slightly angry): I was just trying to see if they were in here to elimate one room.
Vexin Sixtoes rolls his now-wolvish eyes
The two remaining skeletons attack, one against Taurus, the other against Vexin
Zhage moves back a few feet to give Taurus some room.
Taurus: Perhaps *grunt* we can discuss this *duck* when the threat is a little less.... *CLANK* immenant.
The heavy armor of the knight deflects the strong attack from the skeleton
Vexin Sixtoes: I can talk while I fight... but then again *I* am a Kender
Zhage: Where is the fun in that?
The nimble wolf-kender dodges the axe
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, sort of... I'm a bit Wolf right now
Eben and Gilthanas begin to decend the rope
Hawkeye
Taurus: I did notice you'd grown hair in... odd... places. I thought it was just natural for Kender.
Hawkeye makes his way to the bottom of the stairwell
Taurus cracks a very faint half smile behind his visor.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, My Uncle Trapspringer...
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes: BAD SKELETON! DON'T BE BAD!
The staff cracks against the skeleton's knee. His leg buckles for an instant but he manages to stay standing
The skelton between Taurus and Vexin crumbles as his bones smoke and smolder from the flames
Taurus
Vexin Sixtoes claps his now-paws, and bounces up and down
Taurus sidesteps in unison with Vexin, shield high and ready before making a quick deliberate thrust towards Skeleton3
The sword cuts a few finger bones from the skeleton
Jeren
Jeren struggles on the rope but cant make a sure grip
Zhage
Zhage just stands his ground and lets the three in front of him do their work.
Jeren grunts as she reaches for a lower handhold, her hands scrambling but unable to find a grip before quickly grabbing their old places to prevent a fall.
The final skeleton attacks the wolf-kender
The kender dodges the blow once more
Eben and Gilthanas hang from the rope above Jeren, waiting for the paladin to continue down to the battle
Eben: Are you alright, Jeren?
Eben: Take you time. We'd hate to see you fall...
Hawkeye
Hawkeye draws his axe and attacks the last skeleton
Zhage (Mumbling): Keeps him out of the battle that way..
Jeren: (furrowing her brow) Al... *grunt* ... most...
Hawkeye swings the axe back across the skeletons neck, felling the abomination.
Taurus lets out a long relieved sigh, relaxing his guard some as he peers around surveying the wounds of his companions.
Taurus: Is everyone alright?
Vexin Sixtoes mourfully watches his fire aura fade, and his form revert back to that of a normal Kender
Hawkeye: What happened down here?
Hawkeye surveys the carnage of the battle
Taurus peers at the deep wound on his shoulder, lowering his gaze as he mumbles a prayer; allowing Vexin to answer Hawkeye.
Vexin Sixtoes: these boneheads were trying to kill us while asking for our help!
Zhage: Nothing but a few skeletons.
Vexin Sixtoes: pfft! Brainless morons
Taurus continues in slient prayer as right before his eyes his wounds seal themselves shut; a warm glow appearing along their length revealing nothing but a light scar.
Vexin Sixtoes: I don't think we should help them since they tried to kill us...
Jeren notices the sounds of battle are silenced and takes her time slowly descending, reaching the bottom and surveying the scene.
Hawkeye looks at the skeletal remains
Vexin Sixtoes picks a skeleton finger out of a cut in his sholder
Hawkeye: help them? Help them with what? They are dead!
Zhage: They seemed to want some circlets..
Jeren And this time, for good...
Jeren: And this time, for good...
Taurus approaches Vexin, inspecting the damage of his shoulder.
Taurus: Stand still, Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: Moaning and carrying on about circlets
Vexin Sixtoes: Ow! hey!
Taurus: Stop wriggling!
Jeren (looking over the broken bones): Well, I'm glad you didn't have too much trouble felling these abominations.
Zhage walks towards one of the piles of bones and takes a look at the skeletons weapon.
Taurus takes the Kender's shoulder gently, sucking in a slow breath as he whispers a quiet prayer to the gods.
Vexin Sixtoes impatiently wiggles
Jeren stands, surveying the area and trying to get a better impression of her sorroundings.
Vexin Sixtoes: Of course not! you have a mighty Kender with you!
Taurus: Aye Jeren. However, their frail stature is certainly misleading.
Vexin Sixtoes: Thank you, Taurus. But can't you do that quicker?
as you look over the weapons of the skeletons, you see them move. Just slightly at first and you think it is a trick of the light in this dark cavern. but soon, you hear the scrap of the bones across the stone as they seem to rebuild themselves!
Here at the bottom of the shaft, the remnants of several collapsed floors have formed a mound of melted slag and rubble. Girders and chunks of rock jut from the mound like giant gnarled hands reaching upwards. At the center of the mound is a funnel-shaped hole.
Taurus: Patience, Vexin, is a virtue.
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh crap...
Zhage: Umm... perhaps we should leave... Quickly..
Vexin Sixtoes: The skeletons aren;t dead again
Taurus inspects his other wounds to determine how much more healing the Kender requires.
Vexin Sixtoes: Boneheads
Hawkeye looks on wide eyed
Taurus blinks, peering at the remains.
Jeren (stepping back quickly): Perhaps we should get them whatever those circlets...
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm leaving, those morons are annoying
Taurus: Aye, lets move out.
Taurus strides forward with the party, keeping his sword drawn and at the ready.
Zhage follows Taurus trying to get away from the rebuilding Skeletons.
Jeren tightens her grip on her sword, peering into the darkness wearily.
You stand on a balcony overlooking a dark open chamber spanning seventy feet from wall to wall and descending forty feet to the floor below. There are three other balconies level with you across the gap and four more balconies on the next level down in similar positions. Openings lead off into darkness beyond each balcony. The bottom level has a great arch on each wall underneath the balconies.
On the floor of the chamber something large and metallic moves in the darkness. Without warning, a stream of fire erupts from it towards you, briefly bathing the chamber in reddish-orange light and revealing it as a bizarre iron creature with a dozen snake-like heads.
Taurus: ...
Taurus blinks, backing up suddenly.
Vexin Sixtoes: Oops...
Zhage: Great... never a good sign..
Jeren leans back as the fire spews forth, shielding her face with her hands as the roaring fire reflects in the shiny metallic sheen of her armor.
Vexin Sixtoes: That thing is amazing!
Eben: We may have been better off with the skeletons...
Jeren (gasping for breath): Gah!
Taurus: There does not appear to be a way down this way, we should try the other hallway.
Taurus nods absently at Eben's comment.
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft! no sense of adventure...
Jeren: Surely there are other paths we can exauhst!
Vexin Sixtoes: How does one exhaust a path I wonder?
Vexin Sixtoes: Taurus, how do you exhaust a non-living thing?
Jeren furrows her brow at Vexin.
Taurus: Vexin, you study nature... what manner of beast is that? Another form of dragon?
Vexin Sixtoes: It's metal...
Taurus: That much I gathered.
Vexin Sixtoes: Metal equals not beast
Vexin Sixtoes: Don't humans know anything?
Taurus: I see...
Jeren (glaring at Vexin): Taurus, how can a non-number equal something?
Taurus looks to Jeren quizically.
Vexin Sixtoes opens the 1st door
Vexin Sixtoes: What' in here?
Taurus: Whatever do you mean Jeren?
Jeren (rolling her eyes): Forget it.
The room is empty. It has rubble like the ceiling has collapsed
Vexin Sixtoes: Nothing here...
Taurus nods some, the reference completely going over his head. Peering through the door as the Kender opens it, nodding at Vexin's asessment before continueing down the hall.
Vexin Sixtoes peers down into the darkness
Vexin Sixtoes: Hullo?
Jeren squints her eyes as she peers forward.
Taurus seems much more cautious this time, concerned that there may be another large beast lurking ready to breath fire at them.
This room looks exactly the same as the other one and when you step onto the balcony, another steel serpant like creature shoots flames up towards you
Taurus: Woaah!
Taurus backs up, shacking his head.
Zhage: Where to now?
Vexin Sixtoes: I want a pet like that!
Jeren takes a few steps back, out of the chamber.
Taurus: I can see now why this place is so dangerous.
Vexin Sixtoes pushes the door open
Taurus backs into the corridor once more, approaching the next door.
This room's ceiling has also collapsed.
Vexin Sixtoes: Someone didn't take good care of this place...
Vexin Sixtoes checks the door for traps
Doing a quick search, you find no traps
Vexin Sixtoes is caught attempting to look like he's disarming a trap... that isnt there...
Taurus tilts his head.
Taurus: Is it disarmed?
Vexin Sixtoes: uh, this door's ok now...
Vexin Sixtoes swings the door open
A skeleton in once-fine robes slumps over a stone table in the center of the room. A set of rusted keys on a ring hang at its side.
Jeren furrows her brow at Vexin once more.
Taurus hides a smile before peering inwards, stepping through the door to the slumped skeleton carefully.
Taurus: Be careful... it might be animate.
Jeren raises her sword to the ready, eyeing the skeleton.
Taurus uses the tip of his longsword to relieve the body of the keys.
Vexin Sixtoes: ooh! this guy died here
Vexin Sixtoes pokes the skeleton
Taurus lifts the keys from the skeleton as the kender starts to poke it. It does not move.
Zhage takes a look at the table to see if anything is on it.
Taurus stiffens, frownign some as Vexin is far from careful. Relaxing as he sees it does nothing, he tosses the keys to Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! Keys!
The only thing upon the table, other than the skeleton, is a think layer of dust
Vexin Sixtoes: Wait... picking locks is more fun...
Taurus: See if you need them for that door.
Taurus points.
Jeren gives the room a once-over, looking for anything of interest.
Vexin Sixtoes puts his finger in the skeleton's eye socket
Vexin Sixtoes: ooooh spooky
Taurus: Vexin!
Vexin Sixtoes: Oops!
Vexin Sixtoes: It slipped
Jeren (in an angry whisper): Control you self, child!
Taurus: Don't defile the dead in such a manner!
Zhage (quietly): I'm suprised he doesn't wear the skull as a hat..
Vexin Sixtoes: I am not a child!
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm 69 years old
Vexin Sixtoes checks the door
Taurus shakes his head some, relaxing. Moving to the door he stands behind Vexin, giving the corpse an apologetic look.
Jeren: Well you act as if you plopped from your mother's womb a fortnight ago!
You believe that there is no traps on this door
Vexin Sixtoes: I do not!
Vexin Sixtoes opens the door
Jeren lets out an exasperated breath as she brushes some hair from her face.
The room here is empty except some scraps of wood that once was shelving
Taurus: Another dead end...
Vexin Sixtoes: looks like we get to play with metal dragons!
Zhage: I guess this is a good time for you to test out your ring Vex
Vexin Sixtoes: ooooh
Taurus: Ring?
Vexin Sixtoes displays his ring of twisting leaves
Vexin Sixtoes: a memento from the druids
Vexin Sixtoes: one of them misplaced it
Taurus: I see...
Taurus moves through the hall back towards the balcony.
Taurus: Perhaps we can move to another balcony without encountering the beast...
Taurus: Any ideas on how to traverse the distance?
Taurus he stuck a wand in his...-?
Vexin Sixtoes: Why would someone build a bunch of balconies with no way to get to the other hallways?
Taurus: Perhaps the original owner could fly?
Jeren Well, it doesn't seem as if there is anywhere else to go but those balconies, does it? Perhaps there is some form of hidden door we are missing.
Jeren: Jeren Well, it doesn't seem as if there is anywhere else to go but those balconies, does it? Perhaps there is some form of hidden door we are missing.
Vexin Sixtoes: So can I! but not often or for long...
Taurus nods slowly at Jeren's suggestion.
Zhage: Should we test to see what happens when someone stands on a balcony a little too long?
Taurus eyes Zhage.
Vexin Sixtoes picks up some pebbles to toss out towards the metal monstrosity
Taurus: Are you volunteering?
Taurus reaches out to stop Vexin, too late.
Taurus: N--
Jeren (frustrated): Unless you want to try it, Zhage, I suggest we try other options.
Gilthanas: Fistandantalus probably could fly whenever he wanted. Or perhaps teleport even. either way, only he could think of such a thing. (Looks to the balcony
Vexin Sixtoes toses handfuls of pebbles and debris into the darkness below
Taurus: If we could attach some rope to the other balcony we might be able to climb across? Like the rope bridges?
The pebbles clang against the metal contraption and hit the floor around it
Zhage: Kick some debris over the side of the balcony Vex. See if there is an invisable pathway or something.
Taurus: Zhage, can you cast a spell to make me fly?
Jeren (nodding): That might work, but I would fear the rope and its climber becoming fried.
Taurus: I might be able to ferry people across?
Hawkeye: And all our rope is hanging from the twisted stairs by the skeletons...
Taurus: Oh...
Vexin Sixtoes tosses dust out into the air as Zhage suggested
Vexin Sixtoes: I can fly... for a very short time. But I can't carry any of you
Vexin Sixtoes: And I was saving that for getting out...
Jeren sighs
Vexin sprinkles dust out over the balcony on all sides. The dust floats down into the darkness except for on either side of this balcony, where it floats in the air at foot level
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh1 Zhage!
Vexin Sixtoes: I was right!
Taurus smiles.
Zhage laughs a little. "That you were."
Taurus: Well done.
Vexin Sixtoes tests his foot on where the dirt floats
Jeren raises her eyebrows and puckers her lips out, nodding.

Zhage
When Vexin starts to climb over the balcony, the metal hydra type creature sparks to life
Zhage moves to the opening and backs as far agaist the rubble as he can and waits for a clear shot.
Jeren
Taurus: I thought metalic dragons were meant to be good?
Vexin Sixtoes: Metall-IC... not metal
Vexin Sixtoes: metal is... metal
As the kender begins to step over the balcony, three of the heads rear up and spout flames towards the kender
Taurus: Perhaps it is merely a sentry and wont move?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! hullo!
Vexin Sixtoes 's ring glows on his finger, some of the fire diverting and flowing into the ring
Taurus eyes widen as the bouts of flame wash over Vexin. Cringing, and prayering, that the poor Kender comes through it alright.
The flames lick around the floor and some of the flames strike the kender, but he seems less singed than he probably should have been
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh... haven't seen my ring do THAT in a while!
As the flames curl around the invisible floor, you notice that the flames do not penetrate the invisible barrier. You also notice from this, the floor continues on to the south at least for another 15 feet from where you stand. the invisible floor is about 8 feet wide
Hawkeye
Hawkeye (looking to Taurus): What is the plan! Do we follow?
Taurus: Aye, double time it across the invisible path to the southern balcony.
Taurus: If we're right, the path will arch turn to the balcony.
Hawkeye bolts out onto the invisible floor, hugging the wall as he does so.
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes follows Hawkeye's example, acting as if it were his own
Vexin Sixtoes hugs the wall
Vexin Sixtoes: Do like me guys!
Taurus: Woah not so fast Vexin! You'll make Hawkeye lose his balance.
Jeren
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft! I can slip by easy! I'm not overly big like you guys
Jeren jumps over the railing and presses onward.
Taurus
Taurus clambers over the balcony and moves carefully along the railing.
As Taurus lunges for the balcony, a powerful blast of wind comes from behind, almost as if an attack
Taurus grunts, leaning into the wind as it assaults him. Thankful now for his heavy armor to weigh him down!
Gilthanas Springs forth, following the others. He looks curiously at Taurus as he grunts
Eben follows the others, glancing once to the mage and waving him along behind him
Zhage
Zhage not wanting to appear on the ledge chants a spell and disappears from view. He then moves out behind the others.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye slides past Vexin and begins to climb over the balcony.
As he climbs over, his long hair blows wildly over his shoulders and he stumbles over. He grunts in pain and gives a glare over his shoulder to the kender before going into the archway
Vexin Sixtoes: what???
Taurus frowns.
Taurus: There appears to be some unseen force in play here -- aside from the invisible bridge.
As the kender says what to the accusing glance, a great force of wind pushes him against the wall with immense force.
Vexin Sixtoes
Zhage: What the?
Vexin Sixtoes: so given that is has strangely not moved yet, is a "disbelieve the illusion" check in order? lol
Zhage: Something just bumped into me
Taurus: We need to get out of this room fast!
Vexin Sixtoes casts Detect Magic, and peers around before hopping over the balcony rail
As the spell is cast, the whole chamber lights aglow with magic
Jeren
Jeren continues her charge across the invisible ramp, jumping over the balcony and running through the door.
Taurus
Taurus follows closely behind Jeren, keeping his eyes peeled for further interlopers.
Gilthanas and Eben charge across to the archway
Zhage
Zhage Follows closely behind Eben and gets out of the chamber.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye: Down the stairs then?
Taurus: Aye.
Vexin Sixtoes
Jeren (pointing ahead, running as metal clanks loudly down the hallway): Quick! Down the stairs!
Jeren
Jeren jogs downwards into the depths of what lies beyond.
Taurus
Taurus keeps on Jeren's heels though watching to make sure his companions are following close behind also.
Gilthanas and Eben both hurry after the others
Zhage Does the same.
Zhage
Hawkeye
Taurus: Hawkeye, scout ahead.
Taurus: We're right behind you.
Hawkeye: There is another balcony... and we're closer to the dragon... thing... whatever
Hawkeye nods
Taurus: Vexin, check for more invsible paths along the walls. Try north.
Vexin Sixtoes spreads more dust out into the air around the balcony
Hawkeye (Shouts as he passes the archway): We're level with the dragon's heads now!
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes spreads more dust out into the air around the balcony
Taurus: Be careful Vexin! the creature will be more dangerous at this level!
Jeren (her sword at the ready): The invisible path must spiral downwards between the balconies?
Jeren
Gilthanas (to Jeren): Lets hope so
Jeren moves down the hallway, peeking around the corner.
You see an iron dragon with twelve snaking heads. All but 3 appear to be "functional" while the rest are in various states of disrepair
Taurus
Taurus steps up beside Jeren, peering out at the creature to size it up.
Taurus: If we can destroy the two functional heads, we'll be able to traverse this room unharassed!
Taurus: Gilthanas, Hawkeye, I want you to go back up the stairs and use the cover of the balcony above to offer artillery support.
Eben: Easier said than done... especially on invisible bridges.
Taurus: We'll keep it distracted down on this level, focus on one head at a time.
Gilthanas pulls his bow and nods to Taurus
Taurus: Eben. If you have a ranged weapon, join Hawkeye and Gilthanas.
Vexin Sixtoes: Then how do THEY cross?
Eben: I haven't. But I can use one if anyone has a spare.
Taurus: Once the sentry is disabled they can rejoin us down here.
Taurus: ... and Zhage, you assist down here. Z--
Taurus peers around.
Taurus: Where is Zhage?
Zhage: I'm here/
Taurus: Zhage?
Gilthanas moves off back up the stairs.
Zhage: Yes
Zhage
Zhage moves up next to Taurus. "So Where do you want me?
Taurus: Zhage, help assault the heads from down here with your magics.
Zhage: Ok.
Taurus: Eben, I have several javelins you can use.
Eben Nods and stretches his arms our for the javelins
Hawkeye
Taurus hands him x3 shortspears when its his turn ;)
A strong blast of wind seems to blow around Jeren, russting her clothes and blowing her hair.
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus: Jeren, if you use my longspear you should be able to reach the creature.
Vexin Sixtoes dashes onto the balcouny, flinging dust from his hands in a semicircle as he dashes back out
As Vexin goes to the balcony, a bust of air rushes up from behind
The kender stumbles into the balcony edge as the wind slams into him
Taurus: Where is that wind originating from!?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ow! stop it wind!
Vexin still manages to sprinkle the dust around revealing that there is an invisible walkway to the north
Jeren
Jeren (shouting, ducking down and pressing forward as if leaning against a great wind blowing against her): Come on!
Taurus: Take my longspear Jeren and destroy the heads!
Taurus calls out over the wind.
Jeren stops mid-step, turning to Taurus and extending her arm to receive the spear.
Jeren receives the spear from Taurus, stepping up and sheathing her sword.
Taurus dishes out the x3 Shortspears (Javelins teehee) to Eben and then the longspear to Jeren. Speaking quickly; "Keep to the balcony to ensure it can support your new weight." (turn over)
Taurus
Jeren: im a fatty too
Gilthanas creeps onto the balcony above and fires an arrow at the iron dragon
The arrow zings off the head of the dragon, not even leaving a scratch
Vexin Sixtoes: Why are we fighting it? It can't move!
Eben gathers up the three javilins and makes his way back up the stairs
Vexin Sixtoes: Just dash past!
Taurus: Because it will slowly widdle away at us each time we need to move to a new balcony.
Zhage
Vexin Sixtoes: We don't even nkow if we can hurt it
Taurus: Have faith, Vexin!
Zhage moves past Taurus to the opening of the ledge and looks to see the heads of the hydra.
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft! I have faith that it's not natural... and we know nothing about it
Zhage reappears while he chants and then points emiting a bead from his finger.
Fireball engulfs the construction and it's heads
When the smoke fades, the iron hydra does not look any more worse the wear
Zhage: DAMN!
Taurus blinks.
Taurus: It.. barely had any effect...
Zhage: I don't think it had any..
Jeren grits her teeth and furrows her eyebrows, tightening her grip on the spear.
Vexin Sixtoes (sing-songs): Told you so...
Hawkeye
Hawkeye joins Gilthanas on the upper balcony and throws his axe
The axe clanks against the iron side and returns, nothing seems to mark the strange device
Vexin Sixtoes: Anyone else have any bright ideas? or should be dash across now?
Zhage: Run fast?
As Zhage reappears from casting his spell, a gust of wind of incredible force blows over him and batters his body.
Wind from north of the balcony blasts into Jeren's side, causing her exposed skin to turn rawand red
Zhage: Oww
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, I'm dashing across after I distract it... follow me if you think you're as smart as a Kender!
Jeren (crying out in pain): Gah! Go, run across!
Vexin Sixtoes spontaneously summons a Fiendish Hawk to distract the creature
Vexin Sixtoes with the crackling of bones, changes shape into a Leopard
Jeren
Jeren stabs viciously at the heads, roaring in anger as tiny dropulets of blood begin forming where her skin is raw.
The spear glances off the side of the head of the dragon. It scratches the irn plates slightly but not much
Jeren (looking back at the rest of the group): We aren't hurting this. Let's get out of here!
Taurus
Jeren turns northward, her heavy metal armor clanking.
Gilthanas packs up his bow and rushes off down the stairs, following Jeren's lead
Gilthanas: Were going to keep going, Eben
Eben follows Gilthanas
Zhage
Zhage makes a mad dash to the next opening.
One head attacks the hawk, another attacks Jeren, while the third attacks Eben
The second head snakes over to the running Jeren, it's maw open wide. It snaps shut around her shoulder
The final dragon head snaps it's jaws down onto Eben's arm, nearly mangeling it in the process
Taurus double moves across the bridge as far as he can.
the dragon head devours the bird as it bursts into feathers from the attack
Leopard (Vexin) drips a small amount of blood under his furry belly
Jeren cries out in pain, blood squirting from her wound in her sholder.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye packs up his things and heads for the stairs as well
Wind slams into Gilthanas as he walks down the stairs, making him stumble over the last couple of steps
Wind kicks up around Eben but it does not seem to be very strong
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus: What manner of beast is this! It seems impervius to our attacks!
Jeren
Taurus
Taurus places his gauntletted hand on Jeren's shoulder, whispering a sharp blessing to her as a holy light enshrouds his fingers and her wounds.
Jeren sighs in satisfaction as her wounds begin sealing up.
Jeren
Gilthanas rushes off towards the other's
Eben scurries across the invisible catwalk, nursing his mangled arm
Zhage
Zhage rushes into the hallway with the others and then moves around the corner
One head swings over to attack Gilthanas while the other two attack the knight
One head tears into Taurus' arm while the other own snatches at the air. The other head snaps at Gilthanas and takes a big chunk out of his side. The elf falls to the ground, floating in the air on the invisible platform
Hawkeye
Taurus grits his teeth as armored plates buckle under the metal maws of the creatures heads. Struggling to keep his shield arm high he peers down at Gilthanas on the ground.
Hawkeye rushes over the Balcony and rounds the edge to find Gilthanas and Taurus.
Taurus: Keep moving Hawkeye! I got this.
Hawkeye: We'll carry him together.
Taurus nods.
Wind gusts kick up around Taurus but they don't manage to harm the heavily armored knight
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus flexes.
Taurus: ...chilly
Leopard (Vexin) leaps over to Gilthanas, bites down on his armor, and yanks him bakc out through the hallway
Vexin, in leopard form, drags the unconcious elf to safety
Taurus
Taurus trudges on, making sure Hawk is right behind him.
Jeren
Jeren (rushing out to the balcony, holding the spear out defensively and moving evasively): Hawk!
Eben rushes toward Zhage and down the hall
Zhage: \]
Zhage
Zhage moves on after Eben making sure he doesn't kill himself.
Zhage Yeah.. I missed an oppertunity to fireball his ass and I didn't take it...
Two heads of the iron hydra swing towards Hawkeye while the third swoops in on Jeren
Hawkeye is nearly torn in half as he strides towards Jeren and the balcony. He collapses in a bloody mess
The third head slams into Jeren but she manages to fend off the onslaught
Hawkeye
Hawkeye bleeds
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus: Jeren! You stabalize Hawkeye, I'll take care of Gilthanas!
Leopard (Vexin) growls out a Lesser Vigor spell as he bites down on Hawkeye's armor and drags him back out the hallway to safety
Taurus
Leopard (Vexin) growls loudly at Jeren as he drops Hawkeye
Taurus kneels down beside Gilthanas and invokes some sexual healing.
Taurus (Prayer): There shall be no rest on the battlefield for this warrior.
Gilthanas's eyes flutter open and he "rises" to the healing measures taken by the knight
Jeren
Jeren: raises her hand to the air while invoking the name of Mishakal, a white light forms in her hand.
Jeren raises her hand to the air while invoking the name of Mishakal, a white light forms in her hand.
Hawkeye groans slightly but seems to be very groggy. He seems reluctant to move or maybe to soar to do so
Gilthanas: Wh- What happened? Where are we?
Taurus: You took a nasty bite...
Gilthanas rises to his feet and shakes his head clear
Gilthanas leans against the wall as he stumbles down the hall a bit before looking back to the others
Taurus: We'll get to safety and I'll tend to more of your wounds.
Leopard (Vexin) growls...
Taurus ruffles Vexin's fur.
Taurus (Whisper): Good work friend.
Eben (to Zhage): should we keep going on or wait, Zhage?
Zhage: Let's go a little further then wait.
Eben nods and walks down the hall
Zhage
Zhage walks a little ways then pauses for a second then continues.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye Sits up and rests his back to the wall. He looks to those around him with a blood hazed vision
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus
Taurus offers Hawkeye his waterskin before slipping his arm around the plainsman's waist. Half carrying half supporting his friend he guides him down the hall further away from the danger of the metalic creature.
Jeren
Gilthanas stumbles after the others
Eben rounds the cornor
Zhage
Zhage follows Eben
Hawkeye
Hawkeye walks with Taurus, allowing his friend to help him along
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus
Taurus continues down the corridor with Hawkeye.
Taurus comes to a halt with the rest, frowning.
Taurus: Its like we're going in circles!
Leopard (Vexin) growls sarcastically
Taurus: Lets take a few minutes to recover...
Taurus looks over his companions to determine who is the most wounded.
Eben is wounded pretty bad as is Hawkeye. Vexin is also badly wounded
Taurus goes around to each of his companions in turn.
Taurus touches Eben first.
Taurus then touches Hawkeye.
Taurus heals Vexin next.
Taurus uses his last healing on Hawkeye.
Taurus heals himself 4hps. lol
Hawkeye: Well, we still look a little in rough shape but shall we continue?
Taurus tends quietly to his wounds, making sure they're in better condition although looking somewhat worse for wear.
Leopard (Vexin) quickly peers into the next room
Taurus: Vexin shoudl scout ahead for us, so we don't end up at a dead end.
Taurus: He's the fastest. We need a change of tactic.
Taurus: You alright with that Vexin?
Leopard (Vexin) licks Taurus' hand
Taurus nods
Taurus: Be careful Vexin, any trouble, hightail it back.
Eben: Hopefully there is an invisible bridge to that other balcony we have yet gone to...
Eben gathers up some dust
Eben: I'll go find the bridge for you, Vexin
Leopard (Vexin) cocks his head, and dashes out on the balcony, kicking up dusts to the east as he scrambles back into the hallway
Taurus leans against the wall and takes a slug from his waterskin, panting heavily.
Eben watches the leopard in surprise and lets the dust drop to the ground. He brushes it from his cloak and pants
The dust reveals that an invisible bridge heads off to the east along the wall
Vexin Sixtoes
Jeren: BRB
Leopard (Vexin) sees the monstrosity, and backs up, just peering around the corner
This is the ground floor of the balcony room. The giant iron dragon sits in the middle
Eben: Alright, Who's first?
Taurus: Give Vexin a little more time..
Leopard (Vexin) returns, and tugs on Taurus' armor.
Taurus: Alright. We all go at once, that'll reduce the chance of getting hurt. I'll take the lead with Jeren.
Hawkeye: Zhage, you follow straight behind me after Taurus and Jeren. The three heads will probably attack the first three people
Taurus: Alright. On three...
Gilthanas: One, Two, three!
Taurus takes in a deep breath, readies his shield. "One... two... three.." Then rushes out.
Jeren tightens the grip on her spear, steeling her gaze.
Hawkeye, Gilthanas, and Eben rush out to the other balcony
The three heads wheel around, one goes after Taurus, one after Jeren and the last goes for Hawkeye
The first head's iron teeth crush into Taurus as he runs past, blood spurts throught the many puctures in the armor
The second head chomps down on Jeren, much in a similar fashion as the first head on the knight
Taurus cries out in pain as he staggers, almost falling but managing to steady himself. Continueing forward with one, two, three bloodied steps.
Jeren (crying out): Taurus!
Jeren (twisting with the fierce bite): Gnnaah!
The last head snaps shut, barely missing Hawkeye's head as the ranger ducks at the last second
Taurus stumbles bloodily into the hall, panting heavily.
Taurus: I can't take another one *cough* of those bites...
The party, battered and bloodied, make it to the safety of the stairs alive
Hawkeye: Are we free of this place, Vexin?
Leopard (Vexin) buries his face with his paws, and motions to the next room
Taurus steadies himself, takes a breath, continues down the stairs and around the coridor to be faced with the metal dragon once more.
Taurus (Whispered): We can't keep doing this...
Gilthanas Approaches the next entrance on the floor below.
Gilthanas (releases a sigh): Do we even know where to go from here?
Leopard (Vexin) growls
Taurus: We need to withdraw to the stairs and rest...
Taurus: I know a spell that can create supernatural darkness. Perhaps under its cover we can traverse the floor unharassed...
Jeren (shrugging): You would know the arts of darkness better than I, I suppose.
Leopard (Vexin) with a growl, casts Bite of the Werewolf on himself, and his form shifts into what appears to be an abomination of wolf and Leopard...
Eben: so do we try the spell you know?
Leopard (Vexin) nudges Taurus into the wall and holds him there, then seconds later, dashes through the next room
Taurus eyes Jeren for a moment at her comment.
Taurus nods slightly.
Taurus: I can try it, but... I must spend some time in prayer, after we rest.
Jeren breathes heavily as blood drips down her shining armor.
Taurus blinks as Vexin leaps into the room.
Taurus: Vexin!
Jeren: Is there perhaps some magic that may aid my wounds yet unspent?
Taurus: Unfortunately no, unless you have the blessings of Mishakal in reserve...
The panther bolts across while the three heads rear up and move in to strike
Jeren: clutches her hand as a shining white ball grows within it. She then opens her hand, spreading the magic over the bloody holes in her armor as a look of satisfaction crosses her face.
Jeren clutches her hand as a shining white ball grows within it. She then opens her hand, spreading the magic over the bloody holes in her armor as a look of satisfaction crosses her face.
The one head bites down into the panthers flesh as he runs across
Taurus winces.
Leopard (Vexin) cautiously explores the next hallway
Taurus: Damnit Vexin... how is he going to get back?
A grotesque statue of a man with a single huge eye stares at the staircase. Two sets of golden double doors stand on either side of the statue.
the bite of the dragon hurts no less than before.
Jeren: yeah well it was nice knowing you, you heroic midget childlike leapord bastard
Leopard (Vexin) returns, and his boones crack and reshape, as you notice his wounds mend slightly and he plops to the ground next to Taurus
Taurus: Vexin.
Taurus eyes him, hiding his relief.
Vexin Sixtoes: Stupid machine
Taurus: That was very reckless, you could have got yourself killed.
Vexin Sixtoes: it can reach anywhere in that stupid room
Vexin Sixtoes: pfft! I'm not stupid
Jeren coughs.
Vexin Sixtoes: Someone had to find out if it could reach
Taurus: Alright. We fall back and make camp. At least we know it cant get to us, and... we're fairly safe in here.
Taurus: Concidering the sentry will attack anything attempting to reach us.
Vexin Sixtoes: We need movement speed and somethign like invisibility
Jeren (nodding): Yes, I agree that continuing in this state would be unwise.
Vexin Sixtoes: spells, that is
Eben: What about those... wind things? They were attacking in the halls too
Vexin Sixtoes: This whole place is magic
Vexin Sixtoes shrugs
Taurus nods slowly.
Vexin Sixtoes: Wind hasn't ttacked us down here yet
Taurus: We'll simply have to be on our guard.
you look towards the metal beast and discover that it is not of evil alignment
Jeren peeks around the corner at the beast for a few moments, before turning away and saying nothing.