GM: so last we left off, the party just decended a room of pure hell. They now occupy the stairwell and broke for camp.
Taurus leans against the wall, supporting his massive plated weight. Panting lightly he takes a swig of his waterskin and surveys his companions.
Taurus: I believe... a change in tactic... is in order...
Zhage nods in agreement.
Taurus: I have prayed to the gods and Kiri-Jolith shall provide us the cover of darkness so we need not yet face such a dangerous adversery.
Taurus: I only hope it shall be enough.
Taurus: Vexin, might you part with a single coin for a moment?
Vexin Sixtoes happily tosses Taurus a copper piece
Taurus catches it, inspects it and pockets it.
Jeren sighs, resting her head against her weapon with her eyes closed, her lips mouthing silent words.
Taurus: When you exit the door, keep your right hand on the wall... follow it to the door slowly. Ensure you do not fall.
Taurus surveys his companions wounds. (que)
The party does not look to be in too bad shape, with the exception of yourself
Taurus prays to the great Kiri-Jolith to remedy that.
Taurus heals a majority of his wounds after some prayer. However, still somewhat bloodstained from the previous encounters.
Hawkeye Awaits Anxiously in scilence as the group prepares for their venture
Taurus: Alright, everyone surround me near the door. Prepare to move.
Taurus pulls out the coin, holding it on his hand flat out. He begins to make some odd jestures, causing it to radiate darkness rather than light; as he has done in the past.
Vexin Sixtoes: Wait
Taurus 's coin emits a 20ft radius of supernatural darkness, just as he looks towards the voice of vexin.,
Hawkeye: shall we go then?
Hawkeye nudges the knight
Vexin Sixtoes shifts into Panther form
Taurus edges forward and along the wall.
Taurus: Ok, move out.
The party inches along the wall in the darkness, following Taurus' lead and the wall. The party advances another few feet when Taurus finds that the wall turns at a 90 degrees to the South
The wall feels the same as the other wall, but it certainly should not be turnung south at this point.
Taurus follows the wall carefully south.
The wall goes for a little ways forward and turns east again
Zhage: So do you know where we are in the room Taurus?
Taurus: This is very strange.. I do not remember the wall moving in such a way...
Taurus: Aye.
Taurus: Keep following.
Taurus continues along the wall east.
The wall almost imediately turns north once more. You hear the slight rumble from the iron dragon
Zhage: Uh oh..
Taurus invulntarily shudders.
Taurus searches for the door.
Taurus keeps his hand on the wall to the right, searching out the door as he edges along,.
Taurus doesn't cast Darkness, lets Vexin do his stuff.
Leopard (Vexin) roars and touches his paw to the solid wall behind them... creating a 16 cubic foot stone shield, with several crude handles, and curved to shield from the side and above
Taurus just.. eyes.. Vexin. Himself never would have come up with such an idea.
Taurus: Interesting idea Vexin.
Taurus: How will we operate the other door?
Zhage: I can open it.
Zhage: Assuming it is not locked..
Taurus: Alright. Everyone inside.
Zhage: But since these appear to be archways there isn't a need to open a door Taurus...
Taurus begins to heave the 'carboard' box and prepares to shuffle accross.
Leopard (Vexin) slinks alongside his companions on the far side of the shield, low to the ground
Jeren places her hands on the shield from underneath, ready to lift when the need arises.
The strongest of the group all hoist the strange stone structure that has been created and begin to shuffle along throught the chamber with the
iron dragon
Taurus: This... *heaves* will certainly go in my journal as a unique experience.
Jeren: Good thinking.. *grunt* .. Vexin
Leopard (Vexin) purrs contentedly
Taurus heads north then west, guiding the group with simple commands.
as you enter, you hear the strange metal of the rearing necks from the strange mechanical beast and a low rumbel. Soon, the stone box-shield is engulfed in flames. It gets very warm but seems to deflect the flames quite well
Leopard (Vexin) roars in what... seems like... laughter?
Taurus blinks a few times as area lights up from the flames, but this time not suffering the consequences.
Zhage: This.. actually appears to be working..
Jeren (grunting with strain): Hurry.. we can't last like this forever!
Hawkeye sweats as he struggles to carry his portion of the shield
The dragon does not seem to attack with it's vicious jaws and no more flames seem to come... yet
Taurus shuffleshuffles.
As you shuffle along towards the next arch, you all bump with a loud thud into a wall.
Taurus: A wall?
Taurus: Alright. Adjust heading. South.
Hawkeye: This is stupid! We can't see where we are going!
Taurus: Its that or bathed in flames Hawkeye!
Taurus: Keep the right side of the dome against the wall so we know if it turns again. Keep following it, we'll hit the arch soon!
You shuffle along, struggling to lean against the "wall" As you pass, those in the back see nothing there to the right of the stone slab.
You spin around the invisible barrier and enter the arch way which appears to be a dead end
Taurus sets the shield down in the doorway, stretching out his fingers as he pants. Peering around the dead end.
Taurus: Vexin, Zhage, give the area a search; there might be something that isn't imediately evident here.
Leopard (Vexin) takes advantage of the pause to cast Lesser Vigor on himself
Zhage nods and give the area a quick search,
Leopard (Vexin) sits on his haunches for 15 rounds
You examin the area and believe that there is nothing here
Zhage: Doesn't seem like there is anything here Taurus..
Taurus: Alright... then we'll move on.
Taurus takes his place at the shield once more, waiting for the others to do so before heaving and continueing.
Taurus: Continue alone the wall, any more barriers we'll traverse as the first.
Leopard (Vexin) again slinks to the side of the group, sticking close and low to the ground behind the shield and his companions
Gilthanas gives a heavy sigh and hoists his part of the shield
Eben (grunting): now... which... way
Jeren grunts, lifting with all her effort.
Eben wipes sweat from his neck with his shoulder
Taurus: Another dead end...
Eben puts the shield down with a thud and stretches his fingers as he winces in pain
Eben: this is hard work, hey chaps?
Taurus does as Eben, looking him over for wounds.
Taurus: Indeed. I know how a pack mule feels.
Eben: You see no visible wounds on the warrior
You see no visible wounds on the warrior
Leopard (Vexin) purrs and licks his paws, content that his plan worked perfectly. of course it did... after all... he IS a Kender.... most of the time.
Taurus: Take a breather, search the room and take some water. We'll do the last leg after a minutes rest.
Gilthanas: lets hope there are no more invisible walls from here to the other arch...
Zhage takes the time to do a search with Vexin
Taurus: Indeed, they are quite difficult to traverse.
Hawkeye: okay. is everyone ready?
Taurus: Aye. Lets go again. Continue south, then east.
Zhage takes a moment and casts a spell upon himself.
Taurus: Ok! set it down!
Taurus sets his side down, panting heavily as he rubs his fingers.
Jeren collapses to a knee, taking a moment to catch her breath.
Hawkeye sets the shield down with a grunt
Eben: I hope there is an easier way out of here so we don't have to come back this way again...
Taurus: If there is a similiar room down these stairs I shall feel the urge to groan in frustration...
Taurus: Agreed.
Taurus: Or perhaps a way to disable the sentry.
Gilthanas Takes a swig from his waterskin before offering some to Jeren
Taurus peers down the stairs as he wipes some sweat from his brow, stepping over to Hawkeye he places his hand on his companions shoulder. Whispering a quiet prayer he embues Hawkeye's armor with magic vestment. (+1ac)
Jeren: I groaned in frustration a long time ago, Taurus. But we shal see this to the end.
Taurus: Aye. No time like the present.
Taurus approaches the stairs, waving his hand over his shield as it bursts into light. He begins to decend.
You peer down the stairs and see darkness. The stairs are littered with rubble and dust.
Leopard (Vexin) leads the party down the stairs he traversed the night before
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.
Taurus casts light across the statue, peering up at the one eyed man.
As you approach to look over the one eyed statue, you see that the eye seems to follow you
Zhage: Why are there always big statues of people in places like this..
Taurus: These doors appear to be for a creature much larger than ourselves. Perhaps what lays behind them are similiar to whom this statue portrays.
Taurus eyes the statue supiciously for a moment but says nothing, assuming its merely exhaustion. He approaches the right door and searches for a way to open it.
Leopard (Vexin) casts Detect Magic and inspecte the statue
Zhage: I do have to say it is well sculpted.. It appears to be looking at you where ever you go.
Leopard (Vexin) casts Detect Magic and inspecte the statue
Leopard (Vexin) shits quickly back into Kender form
you cast the spell and the statue lights up with the pale glow of magic
Leopard (Vexin): Stop!
Taurus freezes, hand hovering above the door ready to open.
Taurus: Vexin?
Leopard (Vexin): Ugly guy smiles when you go to that door
Vexin Sixtoes walks towards the other door
Taurus: Ok....?
Taurus backs to the group.
Taurus: Perhaps that means it is the correct path?
As you approach the other doors, you see the statue frowns ever so slightly
Vexin Sixtoes: unless the statue is evil...
Taurus glances to Jeren, brow raised.
Jeren: Well, can we trust the statue or not?
Taurus: What do you think Jeren?
Vexin Sixtoes: you tell us, O mighty paladin
Vexin Sixtoes: O detecter of evil
Vexin Sixtoes: O smiter of uglies
Zhage laughs quietly.
Vexin Sixtoes: O...
Jeren smiles at Vexin's jest.
Vexin Sixtoes rattles on
Jeren: Well, let's see.
Jeren moves to infront of the statue, looking at it directly.
Jeren (to the statue): Smile if you can hear me.
Zhage looks at Jeren confused.
The statue does not react to the paladin's commands
Jeren squints her eyes at the statue.
Zhage (whispered to Taurus): Is she feeling ok? He seems to be hitting on a statue..
Taurus frowns at Zhage.
Vexin Sixtoes: Once you go Big Ugly Statue... you never go back?
Vexin Sixtoes: Not my type... but...
Vexin Sixtoes: That must hurt
Taurus (to Zhage): Jeren has always had an uncanny perception of a creatures motives.
Vexin Sixtoes: You think Taurus? think it would hurt?
Jeren takes a few steps back from the statue, frowning.
Hawkeye shush's the kender as the paladin concentrates
Jeren: It has the taint of evil upon it, we should do the opposite of what it desires.
Zhage nods.
Vexin Sixtoes: ooooooh
Vexin Sixtoes: how exciting!
Taurus: The left door it is then, well done Jeren.
Jeren nods.
Taurus: It might be wise to keep your good eye on the statue still Vexin, just incase it has similiar abilities to previously encountered sentries.
Taurus: No traps?
Taurus asks Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes stands at mock attention, peering at the statue intently
Vexin Sixtoes: None
Taurus: Good.
Taurus attempts to open the doors.
The doors swing open with ease
This room is lit by dim red globes on the ceiling. A large stone statue of a dwarf stands in the center of the room. Its legs are planted on the floor, its hands pressed against the ceiling. Another set of golden doors is behind the statue.
Zhage: Uh... I don't like the looks of this.
Taurus: Neither do I.
Jeren concentrates on the statue for a few moments.
Taurus: Why do I get the impression that should we try to cross we will be locked in and the roof will collapse on us?
Zhage: You got that too?
Taurus nods.
Taurus: Not simply good looks and charm, Zhage.
Taurus offers a faint half smile.
Zhage: Hey Vexin.. Wanna go check that golden door?
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Jeren: The statue is not tainted like the other.
Jeren: This is good news.
Vexin Sixtoes: Sure...send the Kender into the lion's den
Taurus: We'll move together.
Taurus: Everyone in.
Vexin Sixtoes leaps ahead of Taurus
Vexin Sixtoes tumbles across the floor to the doors
Taurus steps in as the others do, whilst his concerns somewhat dissapated at Jeren's observation he cannot help but be cautious.
Taurus: Be careful, the floor looks unsteady.
Taurus gestures to the Kender.
As Vexin leaps in front of Taurus and through the doors, he flips upside down and "falls" into the ceiling, landing on his shoulder. As he slams into the ceiling, the large stone dwarf in the center shifts to life and stalks toward the kender trapped on the ceiling
Taurus eyes widen.
Vexin Sixtoes: Wee!
Jeren (shouting to the statue): Stop! We mean no harm!
Vexin Sixtoes: Oops...
Jeren tightens the grip on her weapon.
Vexin Sixtoes: I wonder if Stone shape works on this guy
THe statue seems intent on the kender
Taurus: Vexin! fall back!
Zhage
Zhage (In Dwarven to the statue): Stop what you are doing!
Hawkeye
Hawkeye (Looks at Taurus): do we attack!?
Taurus: Not yet. Stay behind me... if it attacks, we do.
Jeren
Jeren steels herself, ready.
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus
Taurus readies his shield, full defensive.
Taurus: We mean you no harm! Do not attack!
The huge statue, which walks on the floor, lumbers over toward the kender and when he is within range, he swings his massive fist in a wide arch
The massive fist slams into the kender knocking him up against the wall.
Taurus: Noo!
Zhage
Taurus: Attack!
Vexin Sixtoes screams intensely in pain
Zhage chants and lets 4 missles of evergy loose.
The glowing darts of the magic missle sail through the air and as they strike the statue, they seem to fade out into a fizzle.
Zhage: That doesn't bode well..
Eben (nervously): I think we are in BIG trouble...
Taurus: Aye...
Jeren
Jeren reaches into her pack, digging in it and pulling out a rope.
Jeren tosses the rope into the room, aiming up for the kender.
Jeren holds onto her end.
Jeren attempts to grab the kender and pull him out of the room, reaching in with just her arms
Taurus: Once Vexin is through, shut the doors!
Jeren reaches in and standing on her tip toes, she graps the kender by the head and heaves him back out the door.
As your pulled into the room, you fall back down to the floor and land in a crouch
Vexin Sixtoes
Taurus: I can see why so many people wanted to destroy this place!
Vexin Sixtoes casts Stone Shape, leaning forward to touoch the floor of the next room... commanding the stone to shape the statue into an immobilized chunk, or if it cannot obey that, then to envelop the statue completely immobilizing it that way.
Jeren: a
The stone encases the statue into a large chunk.
Taurus blinks a few times, eyes the statue, then Vexin.
Taurus: Once again Vexin, you surprise me.
Taurus
Vexin Sixtoes grins, and collapses in pain
Taurus reaches down to Vexin, touching his shoulder.
Vexin Sixtoes: That wasn't as fun as I thought it would be...
Vexin Sixtoes: Thank you Taurus
Hawkeye
Taurus: Perhaps for here in we might air on the side of caution.
Hawkeye nods
Vexin Sixtoes: So let's try this again
Jeren (smiling): Well done.
Vexin Sixtoes bows
Vexin Sixtoes: Of course it's ell done, I'm a Kender!
Taurus: You may add stone giant slayer to your title.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well I don't think it's dead...
As you contemplate on what to do, you see the stone slab that is encasing the statue begin to crack, and small chunks begin to fall to the floor
Vexin Sixtoes: But it shouldn't move anymore
Vexin Sixtoes: We should hurry
Zhage: Care to guess again..
Zhage
Taurus: We could try the other passage, or move quickly through this.
Zhage: Which way?
Taurus: Forward, make haste!
Jeren: Let's go!
Zhage casts a spell upon himself and moves forward.
Jeren
Zhage flies through the door and past the cracking stone slab
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin enters the room and immediately launches toward the ceiling. Prepared this time, he manages to spin around and land on his feet
Taurus
Taurus tries to enter the room as carefully as he can, knowing that he'll fall to the roof with a crash; hoping to minimise any damage that may ensue.
Despite the knight's best efforts, he spins upward toward the ceiling and crashes into it with a loud clank
Taurus groans, pulling himself to his feet. (thassit)
Eben tries to get to the ceiling without injury
Taurus: Swamps, bridges, cliffs, fire breathing metal beasts and now reverse rooms...
Eben manages to land without harm and rushes forward across the ceiling
Zhage: You forgot dragons and burning buildings.
Taurus: I should have been an athlete, not a Knight.
Taurus: Oh, yes, thank you for the correction Zhage.
Jeren
Zhage: No problem
Jeren makes every effort to get "up" safley as possible but the mind boggling effects send her sailing to the ceiling with a crash
Hawkeye
Hawkeye tries his luck at crossing the room
The ranger, much like the two heavily armored knight and paladin, smashes into the ceiling
The nimble elf, Gilthanas, tries to cross
Gilthanas hops up to the ceiling and continues toward the doors
Big chuncks of rock begin to smash into the floor and the statue's head twists free as well as one leg. It surveys the room and continues to struggle to free itself
Zhage
Taurus: Go go go! Its breaking free!
Zhage flies to the doors and flings them open
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes laughs merrily as he pushes the doors open and dives down hoping that the next room is normal
THe kender tries to jump through the door but can't manage to get himself all the way through. He awekwardley hands through the doors, his upper body dangling toward the floor in the hall while his lower body dangles toward the ceiling inside the room
Taurus
Taurus double times it through the room past the giant, eyeing the huge creature warily as he passes but trying to focus on the door ahead of him.
Vexin Sixtoes: Push me through!
Eben tries to push the kender through before going through himself
Vexin does a handspring off the floor and lands on his feet after Eben pushes him through
Eben clumsily falls through and lands on his chin
Jeren
Jeren stands to her feet, moving as quickly as she can.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye jumps up to his feet and hussles toward the door
Gilthanas attempts to get through the door
More chuncks of stone crash to the floor. At this rate, the statue will be free any second now
Zhage
Zhage: If everyone through?
Gilthanas: not yet.. Tau, Jeren and Hawkeye
Zhage looks back towards the room. He chants and then points at Hawkeye, Jeren and Taurus.
Zhage: Hurry Up!
Zhage: 8 rounds.
Vexin Sixtoes
An obsidian statue, a robed figure whose face, though hidden, seems to project malevolence, stands in the shadows of an alcove where the two corridors meet. You also see a strange figure infront of the statue who does not appear to be moving
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh.... I think we found Fisty... or a statue of himself
Taurus
Taurus attempts to leap through the door and hopefully adjust his balance before he penquin dives face first into the rock floor.
The knight launches himself through the door and with uncharacteristly good mobility, he manages to land on his feet
Vexin Sixtoes begins to lecture the statue on blowing up entire mountain fortresses
Taurus grunts, pulling himself up he extends his arms towards Jeren and Hawkeye to assist them through.
Zhage claps at Taurus good performance.
Taurus nods to Zhage, sweat dripping from his face.
Zhage: Should have made you move fast before we crossed the room.
Vexin Sixtoes waggles his finger at the statue
Taurus: We still might need it yet.
Taurus: Keep an eye on Vexin please Zhage, I dont want him to bring anymore trouble down on us at the moment.
Eben waits to assist Taurus in helping the others up. He hessitates at first before extending his hand to Hawkeye
Vexin Sixtoes: I HEARD THAT!
Zhage (nodding): Will do
Vexin Sixtoes: I'm being good, so good I'm lecturing the evil statue!
Jeren
Taurus: ...evillstatue...?
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes, right here. Even I can feel the malevolence
Taurus nods his appreciation to Eben.
Vexin Sixtoes: But then again, I'm a Kender. maybe you can't feel it
Jeren scrambles to the door, peering over her shoulder at the giant statue, before trying to scramble upwards.
jeren stumbles as he falls back into the hall.
Vexin Sixtoes (looks back): Shoulda done a handspring like me...
Taurus: Hawkeye next!
Hawkeye
Hawkeye rushes forward and takes Taurus' hand, ignoring Eben's offer for help
He manages to stumble into Jeren as he enters the hall
Taurus: Lets get these doors closed! With luck this sentry is restricted just as the dragon!
Eben slams the doors closed as the stone statue breaks completely free
Taurus backs from the doors panting lightly, watching in anticipation before relaxing some as it becomes evident they are safe; for now.
Vexin Sixtoes: come look at the statue!
Vexin Sixtoes: Oooooo spooky
Taurus: ... another statue
Vexin Sixtoes inspects the figure in front of the statue
Taurus says with a sense of... frustration. Turning, he approaches and looks to the statue and the figure infront.
Vexin Sixtoes: Hullooooo!
Jeren squints at the statue.
you also see, standing in front of the statue, a man who does not seem to be moving.
Jeren: It does not seem to be evil.
Taurus: This man, perhaps he is frozen like the dragon?
Vexin Sixtoes casts Detect Magic
Taurus picks up a stone, handing it to Vexin.
Taurus: Would you like to do the honors?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooooh
the lone figure has a magical bubble around it that glows when the spell is cast
Vexin Sixtoes tosses the stone as hard as he can at the figure's rear end
The stone clunks off the figure and nothing happens, other than the stone falling to the floor
Taurus: Thats... odd.
Taurus: It worked for the Dragon.
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft! some mage you are, Taurus
Taurus approaches the figure, circling him, eyeing him.
Vexin Sixtoes pokes the figure
Taurus: True, the arcane arts is far from my specialty.
Gilthanas: You through a steel coin at the dragon. and it also had a light spell on it...
Taurus: Jeren, does he have an malicous arua about him?
Taurus looks to gilthanas and nods.
Taurus: Vexin, do you have a steel?
Vexin Sixtoes hands Taurus one of his own steel
Jeren: No, he does not.
Taurus bounces the steel off the man, jumps back in anxiousness.
the coin hits the man and a stasis pops like a soap bubble
Taurus: Perhaps all it took was something from this time.
Taurus picks up the coin, hands it back to Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh no, that's not mine. You must have misplaced it
Taurus looks confused, shrugs, pockets the coin.
Hawkeye draws weapon and holds it loosely. not aggressively, but ready
Tierwester springs to life, his arm gaining unseen momentum as it continues a previous arc and fires a blast of blue fire encircled in black smoke off into the distance.
Taurus eyes fly wide, lifting his shield and drawing his sword!
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! Pretty!
Taurus: Halt!
Tierwester stops for a moment, his jaw dropped, and staggers back a few steps as he blinks.
Tierwester: Wha.. who.. where am I?
Taurus comments out of the corner of his mouth to Zhage;
Taurus (Whispered): This couldn't be Fistanwhatshisname could it?
Tierwester looks about him with an angry expression on his face.
Zhage (whispered): I don't believe so.
Taurus nods, looking back to Tierwester.
Tierwester turns to the party, furrowing his brow.
Taurus: Greetings. I am Taurus Regulus, Knight of Solamnia. These are my companions.
Taurus: We are in Skullcap.
Taurus: And you, as it appears, have been frozen in time since the great battle that took place here.
Taurus: Just as the dragon Blaize.
Taurus looks to the others, brow raised, as if to ask; 'does that cover it??'
Tierwester (angry): No, you are in Zhaman Keep. Who are you, and where are Fistandantilus' men?
Hawkeye: He's as confused as the dragon was
Taurus: Aye... its understable, I suppose.
Tierwester continues looking about, his breathing is heavy and his face is covered in sweat.
Taurus: Stand down stranger, and we might parlay more peacably.
Jeren: Are you the enemy of Fistandantilus?
Taurus lowers his sword as a sign of good faith.
Vexin Sixtoes: Hullo! I'm Vexin Sixtoes, Dragonslayer extraordinaire, Troll-killer, and disabler of ugly living statues!
Tierwester (anger giving way to confusion): Yes... who.. who are you? This place is the same, but looks... different..
Tierwester: What are you doing here?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ya... it went boom
Zhage: Just out of curiousty, what year is it.
Tierwester: 32 AC... wh.. what year *IS* it?
Taurus thinking Zhage was asking him, replies; "348AC... you should know that Zhage."
Tierwester falls to his knees upon hearing Taurus.
Tierwester (shouting): No! What of the battle?!
Zhage nods to Taurus. "I do know that."
Taurus frowns.
Taurus: Oh.
Vexin Sixtoes: It went boom, I said that
Zhage: He doesn't.
Vexin Sixtoes: big boom
Tierwester: Boom?! What do you mean "boom"?
Taurus: Zhage might be a little more helpful in the history department.
Vexin Sixtoes: you know... BOOM! big explosion
Vexin Sixtoes: Quite exciting, wish I'd been there to see it
Taurus: If you do not mind the intrusion, who might you be?
Taurus: If not an ally of Fistandandilous
Zhage: Wll... I can fill you in if you want.
Tierwester takes a moment in silence, closing his eyes, before swallowing visibly and opening them.
Taurus pauses a moment then sheaths his sword, offering the man his waterskin.
Tierwester: I am Tierwester. (turning to Zhage) Yes, please do that.
Tierwester wipes some sweat from his brow, relaxing visibly, and taking a large sip from the waterskin.
Zhage: During the great battle betweem Fistandantilus' army and Thorbardin the Keep was destroyed and everyone that was is it as well.
Vexin Sixtoes: Like I said... big boom
Tierwester: I see. What caused the explosion?
Taurus: Evil magics, no doubt.
Taurus nods firmly.
Zhage: Strange thing is, it is rumored that Fist was the one that cast the last spell.
Tierwester frowns as Taurus mentions "evil magics"
Vexin Sixtoes: He must have liked being exploded
Taurus: Perhaps it was merely a ruse to hide his retreat.
Tierwester: If he cast the spell, he surely did not perish.
Zhage: Something went wrong during the casting of the spell, and a torrent of arcane energy was released.
Vexin Sixtoes: I doubt anything would have survived this. you should see upstairs
Tierwester: His spell failed?
Tierwester: How do you know?
Vexin Sixtoes: oooooo ya
Vexin Sixtoes: so much for a big powerful wizard
Jeren: it is hard to believe that anything survived... yet it was hard to believe that dragons exsisted until just recently
Zhage: The spell failed, was interupted, or something else could have happened.
Taurus nods slowly at Jeren's words.
Vexin Sixtoes: Fistan-dont-cast-this
Taurus: Aye. Our very reason for being here is to seek refuge for hundreds of people misplaced of their homes. The dwarves of Thorbadin are our only chance.
Zhage: Both armies were destroyed and this keep was blasted and shattered. And the leftovers were glazed over and dubed Skullcap.
Zhage settles back against the wall and becomes oddly quiet.
Taurus: Aye. Our very reason for being here is to seek refuge for hundreds of people misplaced of their homes. The dwarves of Thorbadin are our only chance. (repost)
Vexin Sixtoes: oooooo ya
Vexin Sixtoes: Fistan-dont-cast-this
Vexin Sixtoes: so much for a big powerful wizard
Taurus: Perhaps you can assist us Tierwester? It would be wise for us to all work together in such hostile environs.
Tierwester (glaring at Vexin): This is a grave matter, halfling.
Taurus cringes.
Gilthanas (To Tierwester): There gates closed to the rest of the world shortly after the war now called the Dwarf Gate Wars
Vexin Sixtoes: What's a halfling?
Tierwester holds his hand waist high.
Vexin Sixtoes: I don't like this guy Taurus
Taurus places his hand on Vexin's shoulder.
Zhage glances towards the statue, then looks away.
Vexin Sixtoes: I think i'll turn him into a fog later on
Taurus: Tierwester, you may do well to not misjudge Vexin. With his own hands he has slain great dragons, trolls and stone giants.
Taurus: What he lacks in height he makes up for in exuberance.
Vexin Sixtoes places his hands on his hips and puffs out his chest
Hawkeye (grins): And chatter...
Tierwester: Yes... exuberance.. well, if it really has been such a long time, I'm sure my quest is meaningless at this moment. At least, until I can learn more.
Vexin Sixtoes: Hey!
Taurus hides a smile at Hawkeye's comment.
Taurus: Perhaps we may aid you in your quest, when ours is complete?
Tierwester: How did you free me?
Eben: The power of money...
Vexin Sixtoes: So is that Fistan-dont-cast-this? *points at the statue*
Taurus: It was infact Vexin's idea.
Taurus smiles at Eben.
Tierwester: No, the statue is not him.
Taurus moves up to survey the double doors.
Zhage (quietly): The statue is of Nuitari
Taurus: Either way, it might be wise to keep near us. The way we came in is still marked heavily with danger. I doubt even one of your obvious abilities could not leave alone.
The double doors are made of iron
Taurus: Nuitari? who?
Taurus checks for locks/handles.
Tierwester: Alright. Thank you for your help, I suppose I would still be trapped if you had not come.
Zhage: Nuitari is a god of magic.
Taurus: Oh.
Taurus seems somehwat... dissapointed?
the door has handles but no locks
Vexin Sixtoes: Is he evil?
Taurus: Vexin, will you check this door for traps?
Zhage: He is warshipped by the black robes
Vexin Sixtoes: Ew.
Vexin Sixtoes checks for traps
Vexin Sixtoes: Nope, no traps
Taurus: Excellant!
Taurus opens the doors.
You try the door but they do not budge
Taurus: Its.. stuck..
Taurus grunts.
Taurus: Perhaps there is some mechanism in the statue, to open them?
Taurus: See if there are any movable parts or levers?
Tierwester closes his eyes for a moment, opening them again as they glow with a faint blue aura.
Taurus: Zhage? Vexin?
The doors glow in magic
Taurus searches himself, for the hell of it ;)
Zhage stays where he is, still deep in thought.
Vexin scans the statue but does not find any moving parts. Taurus looks as well and confirms Vexin's find
Tierwester stares at the door for a good half-minute.
Taurus: Hm... no catch or lever...
Taurus: Whoever built this place was paranoid of theives.
Tierwester: Can any of you dispel magic?
Vexin Sixtoes: I like magic, why would I want to shoo it away?
Taurus: Aye, the gods grant me the ability to unravel the effects of some spells.
Tierwester (furrowing his brow): Because it is keeping you from going through these doors.
Gilthanas scans the statue while the others discuss matters. He taps Taurus on the shoulder and then, with his finger, pushes a small coin sized cover near the base of the statue to the side, revealing a key hole
Taurus looks to Gilthanas, then to the key hole.
Taurus kneels down, blowing some dust away from the hole. Fishing around in his pouch he retrieves a ring of keys.
Taurus: Lets see... mmm...
Taurus begins trying the keys randomly.
Tierwester steps back from the door.
Taurus: I wonder if each of these keys is to disable each of the statues?
Eventually, after three tries, the key turns and a loud resounding click can be heard from the doors across from the statue
Taurus slides the key out and puts the ring back in his belt.
Taurus: That should do it!
Taurus attempts to swing open the doors!
Tierwester steps back up, eyeing the doorway.
The iron doors open to reveal a short corridor 20 feet wide which leads to a second set of iron double doors. On both sides, alcoves contain statues draped in heavy shadow. Signs of the final massive blast of magic streak the walls here.
Taurus peers between the statues, warily.
Taurus: Check for more key holes.
Taurus: I'll take the one on the right.
Tierwester 's eyes light up once again with blue magic as he scans the statues.
the statues and doors all glow with the sign of magic
Vexin Sixtoes: No keyholes here
as Taurus and Vexin steps up between the two statues, all of their metal items transform into wood!
Zhage coming back from his thoughts walks into the room and looks at both statues.
Knowing where to find the key holes, you find one on each easily
Taurus stiffens, now wearing wood full plate.
Taurus: By the gods!!
Taurus: I desperately hope the key will turn off the wood effect...
Tierwester: What foul magic is this?
Taurus tries the keys on the first statue, then the next.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ack! somebody do something! My ring!
one of the keys work in both statues. A loud click comes fro mthe doors ahead
Hawkeye Looks to his metal items
Taurus steps back out, frowning.
Hawkeye: I'm not going in there!
as Taurus steps back out, his wooden items turn back to metal
Vexin Sixtoes quickly steps back out
Taurus breaths a -DEEP- sigh of relief.
the same occurs to Vexin, his wood items revert back to metal
Taurus: I believe the effect is only when between the two statues. I would hope once we pass through, everything reverts back to metal.
Tierwester: OK. Open the doors.
Vexin Sixtoes collapses against the wall and dumps out all his extensive array of pouches, making sure every item is safe
Tierwester holds his hand poised in the air.
Taurus eyes Vexin then moves to the door, looking back to make sure all are ready before opening the door.
every item is safe, and even a few new ones that you didn't know you had are there
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! look at this! I didn't even know I had this! Or that! ww!
Vexin Sixtoes: wow!
Taurus: ...isnt that my belt knife?
Vexin Sixtoes: Oh, is it? you should really stop putting that in my pouches
Taurus: ...yeah
Vexin Sixtoes packs away his pouches again, and studies Taurus as he moves back through
Anyone who passes through the statues has their metal items turn to wood
Zhage walks past and follows Taurus
Taurus: This place would make an excellant stronghold.
Taurus muses.
Eben: Except that first step. it's a doozy
Taurus: Aye.
Taurus: Who would like to test the effect of these statues?
Taurus offers the keys.
Vexin Sixtoes: You.
Vexin Sixtoes grins
Taurus: Hmm.
Tierwester stands at the threshold between the statues, poofing out of existence and reappearing between the two rooms.
Taurus steps into the room.
Taurus blinks, looking to his side at Tierwester.
Tierwester returns Taurus' gaze.
Tierwester's items do not appear to be affected by the magical effects
Taurus looks away without a word and tries the keys on the next statues.
Tierwester crosses his arms where he stands, watching Taurus.
Taurus finds the right key for these next two statues and a click to the doors ahead can be heard
Vexin Sixtoes: Yep, I still don't like him Taurus
Tierwester ignores Vexin.
Jeren (grins to Vexin): jealous?
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Taurus opens the next set of doors.
Vexin Sixtoes: Of course not... he's not a Kender
Vexin Sixtoes: Taurus, is your armor still wood?
Zhage keeps following Taurus.
Taurus: Tell me, Tierwester. Of what robes do you follow?
Taurus asks offhandedly back to the man as he opens the doors.
Tierwester raps his fist against the breastplate he wears loudly.
Tierwester: These.
Taurus peers left and right before entering the next room, expecting Tierwester to be a red robed wizard just as Zhage. Glancing back at him briefly before trying the keys once more.
Taurus: I don't understand...
Taurus: What test did you take? At the tower of high sorcery?
Taurus: Your powers no doubt excede that of a novice.
Zhage quietly follows listening to the conversation.,
Tierwester: I am not a Wizard. I do not wield the arcane in a manner relevant to the Tower.
Taurus: Oh?
Taurus smiles, looking to him surprised.
Taurus: So you follow the gods?
Tierwester: Your knowledge of my powers is not requisite of our progress. Let us press onward.
Taurus: You are correct, we should discuss it at a later time.
Taurus: *jingle-jingle*
The final two keys match these two statues and the doors click
Tierwester teleports again through the statues.
Taurus procedes to open the doors before his icon dissapears.
Vexin Sixtoes (shouts): what's ver there, Woody?
Taurus: More doors and statues so far!
As each of you pass through the next set of statues, you hear a voice in your head saying "do not harm Fistandantilus"
Tierwester grins malevolently.
Vexin Sixtoes: I should have brought a suit of small full plate to make into wood....
Taurus shudders.
The ceiling, once a dome of marble, is now shattered. Huge stone blocks litter the floor and block the opening above. In the center of the room, three metallic objects shine brightly; they rest next to a human skull lying on the floor.
Taurus: Come through!
Taurus calls back.
Taurus: There is a large room, metal and a skull!
Vexin Sixtoes (sighs): Taurus is gonna get into trouble without me...
Taurus: We should tread carefull Tier.
Vexin Sixtoes runs forward to stand next to taurus
Taurus nods to Tierwester and slowly begins to move into the room towards the metal objects.
Vexin Sixtoes (looking up at Taurus): Someone has to keep you alive...
Taurus smiles at Vexin.
Taurus: Absolutely.
Taurus: After all, who would slay the dragons?
Tierwester stands in black leggings and a tight fitting black shirt, with a shining metal breastplate and a small shimmering metal buckler.
Tierwester has short black hair with a black, well-tended beard running an inch wide from the bottom center of his lower lip down his chin.
Tierwester: 25+6+(3x7)=
Tierwester: 51
Tierwester: err
Tierwester: 52
Tierwester (pointing ahead): They seem to be circlets ahead.
Taurus makes his way into the room.
Taurus: There were creatures... calling for circlets, earlier. That attacked us.
Vexin Sixtoes: I think I'm rubbing off on you Taurus
Taurus: Undead. They were powerful.
Tierwester: I see.
Taurus shoots a look at Vexin.
Taurus: Vexin, collect up the circlets.
Taurus makes for the skull, to pick it up and inspect it.
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes massa
Vexin Sixtoes moves to gather the circlets
Taurus figures that the circlets would likely end up in Vexin's possession anyway.
Taurus: ...And don't try them on.
Vexin Sixtoes: Awww....
Vexin Sixtoes stops, just as the circlet was sliding over his hand
As you come within 20 feet of the circlets and skull, the skull rises into the air, the dust from the rubble swirling up in a howling wind and forming about it in the rough shape of a man
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooooh...
Taurus: Ooops?
Tierwester: Do I recognize the shape at all?
Vexin Sixtoes: Yep... I'm rubbing off
Vexin Sixtoes: Maybe you were a Kender, reincarnated as a human
Taurus: I hope not.
Taurus: Suggestions?
Taurus: We can't give this one circlets, he obviously has them already.
Tierwester (shouting): Fistandantilus!
Taurus: ok...
Vexin Sixtoes (shouts): Fistan-dont-cast-this!
The skull floats there in the midst of the howling wind and stares at you
Jeren
Jeren Grips her sword and looks out the corner of her eye to the rest.
Jeren: what are we doing?!
Vexin Sixtoes: Freeing a Lich apparently
Tierwester (shouting): It must be slain!
Vexin Sixtoes: Exciting isn't it?
Taurus nods.
Taurus: Attack.
Vexin Sixtoes: Weren't we told not to harm him?
Jeren stides forth but she just stands there
Tierwester: By whom?
Vexin Sixtoes: Fistan-dont-cast-this
Taurus (to Zhage): Any suggestion?
Jeren: I... I cannot raise my weapon.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, his statues
Jeren looks back at the party with a helpless look on her face
Zhage: Nothing is coming to mind.
Tierwester: furrows his brow, holding his hand up as it is wreathed in black smoke and blue baelfire.
Tierwester furrows his brow, holding his hand up as it is wreathed in black smoke and blue baelfire.
Tierwester: I have an idea....
Taurus: I have a sneaking suspicion... we took a wrong turn on our way to Thorbadin.
Gilthanas moves into the room. He tries to raise his bow to attack but he cannot
Tierwester
Tierwester pauses for a moment, waiting to see if the group has anything to say.
Tierwester if not, he attacks.
Taurus: What is your idea?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh, blue fire
Vexin Sixtoes: I can do that
Vexin Sixtoes: but more fire
As you go to attack, you cannot come to raise your arms against this creature
Tierwester grunts with anger, straining against himself.
Taurus observes his companions inability to act against the creature.
Tierwester (pointing to the circlets): Grab the circlets!
Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin Sixtoes: If you don't mind, Mr. Skull, I'm just going to snag these circlets and leave
the skull hovers there, looking at the kender with it's hollow eyes
Vexin Sixtoes waves at the skull as he snatches up the circlet
Vexin Sixtoes skips back to the door
Vexin Sixtoes: Well, that was easy
Hawkeye
Hawkeye Licks his lips, watching intently for what is to happen, if anything
Zhage
Zhage: So what is our plan?
Taurus: Get the circlets.
Vexin Sixtoes: Leave?
Vexin Sixtoes: I have them
Taurus: All?
Gilthanas: We need to find a key or map or something to help us find Thorbardin...
Vexin Sixtoes: Yes
Taurus: Perhaps the creature is trapped, lets move past to the other doors.
Zhage moves past the skull to the otherside of the room
Zhage I should be able to get to the door this round but the map os preventing it.
Eben rushes in, keeping a worried eye on the skull
Taurus
Taurus keeps an eye on the skull as he moves for the door.
After about 20 seconds, of the skull hovering there watching you, it sett;es bacl ontp the dist and rubble
Taurus breaths a sigh of relief.
Taurus: He must be trapped...
Taurus: Vexin, the door for traps.
Vexin Sixtoes: No traps!
Taurus: Good work!
Taurus opens the doors.
Taurus enters, peering left and right
twenty-foot-high archways open in both the western and easter sides of this hall leading into brilliantly lit treasure rooms
Taurus: Wow...
Taurus: I now see the reason for all this security.
Eben: We did it! We're RICH!
Zhage walks into the eastern treasure room and looks around.
Tierwester (moving to Taurus' side): What security? This must be some trick...
Vexin Sixtoes: Oooh.... shiny
Tierwester 's eyes glow blue as he suspiciously surveys what lies before him.
Vexin Sixtoes casts Detect Magic and eruses the treasures
The entire room lights up as magical
Tierwester (rubbing his index finger under his lip): Hmm...
Tierwester: Well, I'm almost certain we won't be walking out with any of this, and the entire room is laden with Conjuration magics, but go ahead.
Tierwester motions for Vexin to press onward into the treasure room.
Taurus: We did not come here to find wealth, we came here to find a way into Thorbadin for the refugees.
As Vexin steps through the arch into the west treasure room, he finds himself on the other side of the treasure room
Taurus: Be careful Vexin.
Vexin Sixtoes: WEE!
Taurus blinks.
Rows of cages contain the skeletal remains of those once trapped here.
Vexin Sixtoes inspects all the remains
Taurus: Vexin! can you come back across?
Taurus calls across the huge space.
Vexin Sixtoes: I see dead people!
The remains are shackled and have clearly been dead for a very long time
Taurus (Quietly): Thats never a good sign...
the shackles are unbreakable
Vexin Sixtoes: Nothing interesting
Tierwester: So?
Taurus: Obviously these 'treasure rooms' are lures of some description in an attempt to draw peoples attention away from what they seek.
Vexin Sixtoes tries to go back across
Tierwester (motioning Vexin eastwards): Try the other one.
As you pass through the arch, you appear back in the chamber you were before.
Taurus: I am glad it was a two way passage.
Taurus checks the doors north.
Vexin Sixtoes walks to the other side
Vexin Sixtoes: Maybe this treasure will be real...
Tierwester chuckles.
As you step through the arch, you appear across the room in a very simialr cell like structure as on the otherside
Vexin Sixtoes: Damn...
Taurus: Tierwester, perhaps your magics might be more effective. It might simply be the arch that transpots Vexin.
Tierwester (shaking his head): No, the entire room is laden with the magic, not the arches.
Vexin Sixtoes inspects all the cells
The room through the double doors is empty. Three alcoves are set into each wall
Vexin finds nothing of interest except for a gold tooth on one of the skulls
Taurus walks into the room inspecting the northernmost alcove.
Vexin Sixtoes: Hey look Taurus! a gold tooth!
Taurus: Thats great Vexin! Come in here, there might be more.
Vexin Sixtoes looks around
As you step into the alcove you appear suddenly inside one of the treasure rooms
A globe of brilliant white light illuminates the room. Piled about the floor is glittering treasure. Prominent among the treasure is a dwarven map case.
Vexin Sixtoes: Uh... Taurus? where you go?
Taurus glances around, casually calls out.
Taurus: Vexin!
Taurus: I found smore more gold teeth.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh!
Taurus approaches the map case, picks it up and inspects it.
Vexin Sixtoes goes to where he last saw Taurus
Tierwester folds his arms, watching Taurus and Vexin.
Inside, you find a map showing a rout from Skullcap to the gates of Thorbardin
Taurus (muttered): I hope this is what I think it is...
Zhage walks into the aclove opposite where Vexin is.
Taurus beams, secures the map and walks back towards his companions in the central section.
Vexin enters the alcove, peering around for Taurus brfore he appears in the treasure room
Tierwester: What of the treasure?
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh!
Taurus: I assume the west alcove takes you to the western treasure room, the east to the east, and the north... who knows.
Zhage appears in the west treasure room
Vexin Sixtoes peers around the treasure ruoom, his Detect MAgic spell still active
Taurus: But I suggest we leave the north until we are complete here.
Zhage looks around the room for papers or other important looking treasure
Taurus: We have neither the capacity or the time to take all the treasure with us.
Vexin Sixtoes: Well... I'm sure it could be done...
A dome of brilliant white light illiminates the room. Poled about the floor is the treasure of the evil archmage fistandantilus. A shining dwarven helm adorned with large gems is prominent in the pile
Taurus: However, I don't see why we shouldnt take what we need and can carry.
Vexin Sixtoes peers around the treasure ruoom, his Detect MAgic spell still active
Tierwester still looks onward, waiting for someone to pick up the treasure.
Vexin, inside the room, you see that a scimitar glows with magic
Vexin Sixtoes: Ooh! Lookie here!
Vexin Sixtoes snags the Scimitar and follows Zhage
Taurus: This place has laid silent for near 400 years; it shall remain the same for another decade. We can come back when we have the time.
Zhage grabs the helm and some of coins.
Vexin Sixtoes: Zhage! look what I found!
Vexin Sixtoes: gold is nearly worthless I think... but I found a nifty Scimitar
Vexin Sixtoes: Hey! That helm is magic!
Vexin Sixtoes: Someone ome get this magic full plate! I can't carry it
Taurus: Jeren, you'll have to take the plate. I'm already quite heavily ladden.
Vexin Sixtoes: magic magic magic.... wee!
in both treasure rooms there are a number of gems and pieces of jewlery
Tierwester: OK, I've seen enough.
Zhage: Taurus, I have a helm that you may like..
Jeren nods and goes to the treasure room to retrieve the plate
Vexin Sixtoes , only interested in magic, ignores the mundane treasures
Zhage looks about and grabs some of the pieces of jewelry.
Taurus: Will you take it for me Zhage?
Tierwester: moves about the treasure rooms, collecting the gems, jewelry, and then gold if theres nothing else.
Tierwester moves about the treasure rooms, collecting the gems, jewelry, and then gold if theres nothing else.
Vexin Sixtoes: Zhage, can you tell me about this Scimitar?
Zhage: It's a scimitar.
Vexin Sixtoes: Pfft!
Vexin Sixtoes: The magic parts, silly!
Okay, in the west treasure room, there are 21 various gems, 7 pieces of jewelry, the helm and the dwarven plate. There are thousands of coins
Zhage: Next time we are able to rest, I will let you know Vexin.
Taurus: Alright. Listen up. We have 10 minutes to grab whatever you can, we'll split it up later. Then we move on. We have hungry, cold and scared people counting on us.
Vexin Sixtoes: Ok
Taurus: Agreed?
Zhage: Agreed.
In the east treasure room, there is the map, 18 gems, 9 pieces of jewelry, the scimitar and 1000's of coins
Taurus looks to Tier and Vexin.
Tierwester: so we fill our combined weight capacity with the most valuable -> least valuable treasure?
Taurus: Zhage, do you have the ability to cast fly on myself?
Taurus: If so I can ferry people back.
Zhage: It is possible, but I do not have another spell prepared.
Tierwester: gold is 1lb/100 coins or what?
Taurus: Then we may need to leave excess at the bottom and collect it another time.
Taurus manages to -barely- slide his pack on.
Tierwester: grunts with effort, hoisting packs laden with coins up as some spill out onthe ground next to him.
Tierwester grunts with effort, hoisting packs laden with coins up as some spill out onthe ground next to him.
Zhage grunts under the weight of the coins and stuff.
Taurus: There... has to be... an easier way... to transport... wealth.
Taurus stumbles to the front alcove.
Eben: American Express, my friend. American express. Don't leave home without.
Taurus: Vexin... try the north alcove, see where it takes you.
Vexin Sixtoes: WEE! I get to be 1st!
Taurus: You've earnt it.
As the kender steps into the alcove, he disappears and there is no sign of him anywhere within the chambers
Taurus steps in after Vexin.
Tierwester gulps, realizing what he is about to do.
Zhage follows Taurus.
Tierwester steps into the alcove.
Taurus fikkiws suit along with everyone else and you all find yourself within a square room with a door across from you
Taurus: Well, we're not at the bottom of a lake. Its a step in the right direction.
Taurus moves to the door and attempts to open it.
Vexin Sixtoes: no traps!
Taurus: Good work!
Vexin Sixtoes: lol
Taurus: Always one step ahead Vexin.
Taurus: If we toss the skeletons the circlets they'll hopefully not attack.
You open the door and see anoth chamber with a partically collapsed roof.
Tierwester inspects the circlets closely as his eyes glow blue.
Zhage: Wow..
Zhage: Looks like we did a small circle..
the circlets glow with magic
Tierwester: OK, well let's go.
Taurus strides through the door and to the next, moving down the corridor as he quickly realises where we is.
Taurus: Zhage, Tier, do you possess any magics to help us climb or fly out?
Vexin Sixtoes: Bye stupid dragon!
Taurus: I'm not sure we can risk another night spent here.
Tierwester: Wait, dragon?
Tierwester: What dragon are you talking about?
Vexin Sixtoes: That metal thing with the teeth and flames
Vexin Sixtoes points over the balcony
Tierwester looks over the balcony.
Zhage: I have something that will help me climb out, but nothing to help the rest of you.
Vexin Sixtoes: I can fly
Taurus: Be careful.. it breaths fire...
Tierwester: Unfortunately I have the same response as Zhange.
Vexin Sixtoes: but can ony cast on me
Taurus: If you cast it on me Zhage, I can ferry you all out.
Zhage: Perhaps Blaize would be kind enough to give us a ride?
Vexin Sixtoes: Blaize can't fit
Tierwester: Blaize? Where is Blaize?
Vexin Sixtoes: up
Taurus: I can cast a spell which will double my size, it shouldn't be difficult.
Zhage: It's not a fly spell.. It only allows a person to climb like a spider.
Taurus nods slowly.
Taurus: And it only works on you?
Vexin Sixtoes: My fly spell is personal... orry
Tierwester: Up? You mean, outside?
Zhage: It can work on yourself.
Vexin Sixtoes: up, i mean... up
Vexin Sixtoes: stair thing
Vexin Sixtoes: very dangerous
Tierwester: I need to see Blaize.
Vexin Sixtoes: So do I, he has my pet
Tierwester (nodding): Which way is onwards?
Vexin Sixtoes: well, he's guarding it
Vexin Sixtoes holds the circlets aloft
Zhage: How are you planning on getting us out Taurus?
AS you round the cornor, you see the three skeleton warriors looming in the shadows. They stand there in scilence
Taurus: If you cast this climb spider on me, I will ask the gods to grant me girth. I will be able to carry double what I can now. I can climb to the top, deposit the treasure, climb back down and take two of you up each time.
Zhage: Sounds like a plan.
Vexin Sixtoes waves the circlets over his head
Vexin Sixtoes: Hullloooooo
Taurus steps next to Vexin.
Taurus: Be careful friend...
AS Vexin enters, the three skeletons move forward.
Vexin Sixtoes toses all 3 circlets close enough for each to reach out and catch them
Tierwester: Give them the circlets. It will release them from their eternal torture.
The skeletons halt a moment and then approach the cirlets. They then take one each and place it on their heads. As soon as this happens, the skeletons collaps in a pile of bones and dust
Taurus nods slowly, making a quiet prayer.
Taurus: Ashes to ashes.. dust.. to dust.
Zhage glances about to see if their weapons stayed behind.
Vexin Sixtoes: Heart of envy and eyes of lust...
Vexin Sixtoes: What? I saw it in a poem book
All their weapons and armor remain
Zhage: Taurus.. Can you use any of those weapons?
Taurus: Aye, but my current is superior to mundane items.
Zhage: Ok.
Taurus takes the circlets however, stuffing them back in the pack.
Taurus: Alright. I'll go up first, take this treasure up then return for the rest of you.
Tierwester places his hands on the wall, and slowly begins scaling the wall, climbing with the ease of a spider.
Taurus cracks his knuckles, looking alllllllll the way up.
Vexin Sixtoes casts Master Air, and sprouts magnificent trnslucent wings, and soars ahead of Tierwester, rejoining Skitters above
Zhage: Ok. You will have about an hour to get everyone up.
Taurus: It should be enough.
Zhage: You will also need to keep your hands empty.
Taurus takes off his gauntlets and sets them on the ground.
Taurus: Ok. I'm ready.
Zhage begins to chant and then touches Taurus' shoulder.
Taurus places his hands on the walls, grins at the sensation. Begins to scale upwards at a good steady pace.
Tierwester and Taurus climb up the nearly 300 foot deep shaft. When you reach the top, you do not see anyone around at first. Then to the east, you see a slumped body of a brass dragon, cuts and gashes cover his body. Many piles of dust and weapons and armor lay scattered around and you see Skitters hanging from a stone carcase of a draconian. He struggles to free himself when finally it turns to dust and he falls to the ground.
Taurus frowns seeing this sight.
Taurus: You two, secure the area!
Tierwester (shouting in anger): Blaize!
Taurus and Vexin both hear the sounds of loud talking coming from the east
Taurus moves towards the east quickly, towards the dragon.
Zhage: I wonder what is taking him so long
Vexin Sixtoes flies at top speed to the East, landing in front of Blaize as his wings dissipate and he calls for Skitters
Taurus dumps his pack down and checks the dragins for signs of life,if finding some, he'll quickly place his hands against the creatures scales to heal him of his wounds.
Vexin Sixtoes casts Lesser Vigor on Blaize (15 hp over 15 rounds)
Tierwester Tierwester also looses his packs of treasure, moving to investigate with the others.
As you approach Blaize, you do not see any signs of life. At that moment, coming out from the cavern to the east you see two draconians running at top speed with hand fulls of gold. They ignore the many pieces that fall from their grasp and jingle on the floor. Following them you see a gout of flame that engulfs the to draconians. They don't even have time to scream.
Taurus: Draks...
Taurus (Whispered): Fall back into the south east room quietly, I'll bring the others up. Don't alert the Draks to your presence.
Raspy Voice (from the cavern): You fools think you can take treasure from me?!? This will go to Verminaard and win my graces back into the Dragon army.
nervous voice: y--yes s-sir!
Taurus (Whispered): Go!!
Taurus moves south to the double doors, opening them and puting his pack inside.
Tierwester picks up the treasure he dropped so as to not alert the enemies to his presence, hustling to the southeast.
Zhage waits, wondering what is going on.
Taurus then moves to the lip of the cavern and quickly decends the interior wall.
You arrive back down in less than 2 minutes
Taurus speaks quickly in hushed tones.
Taurus: One of the red dragons is up top, from the pass. They don't know we're here yet, we got to be quick to escape. Let him deal with the traps down here.
Taurus places a hand over his chest and casts bullstrength and enlarge person.
Zhage: Ok... Let's get out of here then.
Taurus: Climb on, get a good grip.
Zhage: Remember to grab the rope.
Taurus: We might not have time. It'll be best to leave it.
Zhage grabs a hold on Taurus' back and hangs on for dear life
Zhage: If the drac see it, they may know someone was here.
Taurus: Your right.
Tierwester readies a scroll of Resist Energy to be cast right before going into combat.
Jeren: What is happening, Taurus?
Taurus grits his teeth and begins to climb, whispering; "When we pass the rope, untie it for me; I dont have free hands." And decends with his companions all clinging to his Large form.
Taurus: I suspect one of the dragons from the pass is here.
Taurus: They've entered through the east, we'll sneak out through the west.
Zhage grabs the hook as Taurus passes.
Taurus: With luck it'll take him a few hours before he figures out we've been here.
After several minutes, Taurus crests the edge of the stairwell, sweating profusely.
Taurus lets people get off before dismissing the enlarge person. Moving to the eastern doors he peeks through. "Lets go!" Grabs his pack.
Jeren (choaked): By Mishakal's Grace, Blaize!
Taurus: There was nothing we could do...
Taurus frowns.
Vexin Sixtoes: He will be ok in a minute or so... well... conscious anyways
Vexin Sixtoes stands guard concealed by the large form...
Taurus eyes widen and he smiles, moving over towards Blaize.
Jeren: He's alive? We can't leave him, Taurus!
Taurus: Vexin, help everyone get out on the west.
Taurus: Jeren, I'll help him. Get moving.
Taurus places both hands on Blaize, eyes narrowing as he tries to concentrate through his exhaustion.
Jeren: I'll cover you
Vexin Sixtoes: If there is a bad dragon, shouldn't we kill it?
Taurus: We've more important responcibilities Vexin.
Zhage: Not as encombered as we are Vexin
Taurus (Whispered): By the powers of Kiri-Jolith shrug off your wounds and rise with majesty.
A few of Blaize's wounds heal shut and he begins to stir.
Taurus continues to heal the great Dragon.
Tierwester rushes to Blaise's side.
Tierwester (in a raised whisper): Blaize! It's me!
Blaize: uh... wha--
Taurus (Blaize..): quiet.. come with us, to escape.
Blaize open's his one eye slightly and sees Tierwester.
Blaize: Red.. Dragon
Taurus looks between Tier and Blaize somewhat confused, then nods.
Tierwester (whisper): A full red dragon?
Blaize nods weakly
Taurus (Whispered): Aye... we are no match for him, not now. We must flee. There are many lives at stake. We've found the entrance to Thorbadin, we shall seek refuge.
Blaize: small, but still powerful
Blaize eye's widen suddenly
Vexin Sixtoes: Small??? We can take it!
Blaize: he knows!
Tierwester: Knows what?
Blaize struggles to get to his feet
Blaize: the red. he talked about a group of escaped slaves. He knows where they are. He said he will give someone named Verminaard the treasure and the slaves to get back into his good graces.
Taurus hisses under his breath, "No!"
Vexin Sixtoes: I must slay the dragon then! You all can help me!
Jeren grips her sword and purses her lips with determination
Taurus brows furrow.
Taurus: If we are to face him, we cannot do so in the air. We need to draw him in.
Tierwester spits.
Taurus looks thoughtful.
Taurus: Blaize... can you take a rider?
Tierwester: With Blaize's help, we should be able to defeat him.
Jeren (nods): I think so...
Blaize (nods): I think so...
Vexin Sixtoes: We have the advantage! the Red is cornered!
Taurus: If he takes to the air Blaize, will you allow me to fight atop your back?
Tierwester (cracking his neck): Then let's do this.
Blaize: I suppose we can try. I'm not in much state to fight right now.
Taurus: The gods will take care of that.
Taurus: Here is the plan. Jeren will lead the charge, Zhage you need to take care of any mass units before she gets there. Artillery focus on the Red. Blaize and I will surge from above to pin him.
Taurus: Eben and Hawkeye your priority is to take strays that threaten our artillery, then approach on the Red.
Zhage nods in agreement...
Hawkeye looks to Eben with a disgruntled look
Vexin Sixtoes casts Lesser Vigor on Blaize once more
Taurus makes little marks in the ground with a stick, all military like.
Zhage: Hold on..
Taurus: Leave the treasure here, we won't need it for what lies ahead.
Taurus: Gilthanas... take these.
Taurus hands Gilthanas the two un-identified javelins.
Gilthanas examines the javilins and soflty chants words of magic
Gilthanas: These both are Shocking Javelins.
Taurus: I see, it might be better if I keep them. Your bow will be more effective against the dragon.
Gilthanas nods
Jeren (looks over the group): are we ready?
Taurus nods slowly, moves to Blaize asking permission to mount him.
Taurus: It would be a great honor for you to bear me in battle, Blaize.
Blaize: saddle up, and hang on if I need to take flight.
Taurus slips atop the dragon, adjusting some as its quite different to riding a horse. Careful, he secures his shield on one arm and then draws his longsword.
Zhage looks himself over and states that he is ready.
Taurus lofts his longsword high, it bursts into light as he calls out "acitas!". Giving everyone +2 to all saves.
You march towards the cavern to the east with grim determination, thankful that a waterfall conceals your approach
The sound of rushing water fills this large cavern. A waterfall pours into a large pool covering the cavern floor. In the middle, surrounded by water, is a small island on which are piled gems and weapons.
Tierwester: hold up i read resist energy (fire)
Tierwester unfurls a scroll, chanting arcanely as a red glow infuses itself into him.
Vexin Sixtoes transforms into a black Leopard, and casts MAster air, and he and Skitters both sprout magnificent wings of mist
Zhage
Zhage: Got a nice fireball coming..
The fireball whistles through the air and explodes in the center of the room. The three dragonmen seem to not be able to react in time and two are incinerated while the third is badly wounded
Tierwester
Zhage: Scratch two..
Taurus: Excellant work Zhage! CHARGE!
Tierwester steps up, hand held high as balefire crackles in the air.
Tierwester cracks his hand like a whip, sending a stream of balefire lightning towards the draconian.
Tierwester: E.B. (E. Spear)
Tierwester: TOUCH [1d20+8 = 27]
The blue energy crackles around the bozak draconian. He soon begins to shake violently and he explodes into a bloody mess
Tierwester (muttering): Impotent fools...
Taurus eyes widen.
Taurus: ...
Zhage: Where is the dragon?
Eben takes up position to the right and looks around for the dragon
Jeren
Jeren Moves forward to the left and does the same, her sword held out
Vexin Sixtoes
Leopard (Vexin) flies forward with Skitters, looking up
Jeren: the water is deep near the waterfall. careful. it is shallow near the edges...
Taurus: Aye, thank you Jeren.
You fly into the chamber and above the cavern entrance, where the waterfall is coming from, a ledge is there, and atop it is a large red dragon (small by red standards). He sees you and snarls.
Leopard (Vexin) roars as loud as his lungs will allow, looking directly at the dragon, and continues his flight up
Hawkeye
moves to stand next to Jeren
Taurus
Taurus leans down to speak to Blaize, keeping his voice low and even so the Brass can understand him clearly. "Fly out to the opposite side of the cavern, wheel, position to charge the Red. I will watch you back friend."
Taurus sheaths his longsword and hurls a javelin as he flys undernearth.
The Javelin sizzles past and clanks against the stone wall behind the dragon
Gilthanas moves up to the waters edge, waiting to shoot the dragon with his bow
Zhage
Zhage moves out behind the waterfall and waits to take a spel shot at the dragon.
Tierwester
Tierwester looks up at the ledge above with steely determination before disappearing upwards.
Tierwester 40' dimension door to spider climb holding onto the wall to the side of the ledge opening, peeking around the corner at the dragon
Tierwester pops up just under the ledge, crawling hand over hand to just below the corner of the ledge opening.
Jeren
Jeren moves out towards the island, meaning to take cover among the treasure
Vexin Sixtoes
Leopard (Vexin) growls, and motions, sending Skitters diving down on the Dragon.
Skitter soars down toward the dragon and glances off dragon
Hawkeye
Leopard (Vexin) dives down towards the dragon, growling out a spell and touching the stone, commanding it to wrap itself in coils around the Red Dragon (16 cu ft)
The stone wraps itself around the dragons feet but much of the beast is still free.
Hawkete runs out to the island waiting to get an attack with his throwing axe
THe axe soars through the air and it cuts into the dragons wing
Taurus
Taurus spurs Blaize on, "Now charge, friend!" Bringing his longsword back in anticipation, subconciousl using his knees to guide Blaize to bring him down on the ledge just above Zhage.
Blaize attacks the red with his bite attack
Blaize snaps down of the red's neck, his dagger like teeth drawing blood as the red roars in pain
Gilthanas rushes across and fires his bow
Taurus eyes light up seeing Blaize bite down on the creature, an odd glimmer in them; easily mistaken for bloodlust. Infact awed by the powerful beast beneath him as it brings righteous justice down upon its foes. Truly a creature of Kiri-Jolith!
The arrow soars past the battle.
Red Dragon: fools! Verminaard will be most pleased when he hears that I destroyed you!
the red bites at Blaize
Leopard (Vexin) growls out something like laughter
Blaize struggles to get loose as the red bites down on his front leg. The dragon falters in the air as he struggles in the battle
Taurus hangs on tight, not accustom to riding such a creature. His grip slips many times during the struggle, but he manages to stay on barely
Zhage
Taurus: Fear not great Blaize! The gods ride with us!
Zhage begins to chant once more and points towards the red.
The lightning streaks through the chamber, the thunder bounces across the walls, and the burning smell of reptile fills the room
Tierwester
Tierwester peeks up over the ledge, loosing a stream of balefire at the dragon.
The balefire nails the dragon square in the chest
Tierwester ducks his head back down underneath the edge.
Eben begins to try and climb the wall
He slowly climbs up the wall, making sure his footing is right
Jeren
Jeren rushes to the island, not sure what to do with the dragon beyond her reach
Vexin Sixtoes
Skitter bites down but his teeth can't penetrate the thick hide
Hawkeye
Hawkeye throws his hand axe once more
The axe buries it's self in the dragon's eye... not killing it, but hurting it badly
Taurus
Taurus holds tight to Blaize as he nearly slips from the creatures great back. Spreading his fingers, glowing a bright gold he slaps it down on the creatures neck. Calling out for the blessings of Kiri-Jolith. Then, in almost the same action he makes a swing.
Taurus: Stay strong Blaize, the battle has not yet reached its head!
Blaize attacks with his claws and bite against the red
The barrage of attacks all hit the red. The red bleeds profusely but still fighrs on
Taurus grins wide, almost salivating.
Gilthanas fires an arrow at the red
The arrow misses
The red goes to bite Blaize while his left wing and tail attacks batter and bash the leapord and weasel
The bite cuts deep into the brass dragon again
Taurus seems to be getting better at this as he manages to hang on more easily this time
Taurus: Ahar!
The tail slaps down towards Skitters.
THe tail hits the dire weasel in across his body
The large wing batters towards the leopard but he manages to avoid the strike
Zhage
Zhage chants for a second time and finishes pointing at the dragon.
The lightning strikes the dragon, but the dragon manages to duck out of the way of some of the bolt
Tierwester
Tierwester peeks his head over the ledge, loosing another blast.
The spear misses and crackles against the wall
Eben continue to climb the wall
Jeren
Vexin Sixtoes
The bite sinks down into the dragons flank
As Skitters bites down into the dragon, the red dragon roars in pain. He rears his neck up and thrashes before collapsing into a bloody heap
Taurus: Blaize, finish it.
Zhage: Wow.. [1d10 = 4]
Blaize pounces on the dragon and attacks the jugular, finishing the dragon off for good
Leopard (Vexin) rapidly shifts back into Kender form, excitedly beginning to cut and skin the red dragon with special tools.
Taurus watches on unable to truly mask the smile that stretches across his face. Truly good has triumphed over evil today, the blood that turns the waterful red evidence of such.
Taurus: Excellant work, all of you.
Vexin Sixtoes: Sorry Blaize, please know I would never do this to a good dragon
Blaize looks on and gives a shrug.
Zhage sits down on the island and puts a hand to his head, with a somehwat pained look on his face.
Taurus dismounts Blaize, bowing his head in deep respect to the dragon.
Taurus: It was indeed an honor to fight at your head, Blaize.
Vexin Sixtoes , happily cuts the hide from the red dragon's corpse, splattering blood all over the cavern walls... which Skitters happily licks clean
Tierwester blink upwards to the corpse of the dragon.
Blaize: It is I who is honored, sir knight.
Vexin Sixtoes also cuts off the horns and claws to adorn his hopes for dragon armor
Taurus bows once more before sets his hand on the dragons shoulder.
Taurus: Kiri-Jolith bless this victory.
Taurus then goes over to Skitters, ruffles the dire weasels fur.
Eben: Eben pulss himself up from his climb, out of breath, he puts his hands on his knees.
Eben pulss himself up from his climb, out of breath, he puts his hands on his knees.
Eben: you have got to be kidding me?
Taurus turns, looks towards Eben as he just now joins them.
Vexin Sixtoes cuts the hide into manageable strips when finished, and washes them in the water below, packing them away carefully to be tanned later into workeable dragonhide material.
Eben looks back at the climb he just did
Taurus: You just missed it, Eben. Twas a glorious battle.
Taurus cleans blood from his sword and tunic in some of the fresher water, looking over the lip towards Tierwester. Giving the man a respectful nod.
Taurus: Whatever robes you wear Mage, you are a worthy adversary and a valued allie. I am glad to have seen your talents at their height.