[Sat Apr 28 20:16:21 GMT+00:00 2001]

Making it up to the ledge you see it spans out some 65' feet long and in some areas it ranges from 5' feet to 20' feet wide out of the mountainside. At the far left of the ledge there is a tunnel running back into the darkness some 30' feet before cutting to the right with a gentle curve. You sit and wait for the others to get up as you decide upon entering the cave.

Russeth leans backwards against the rock above the ledge. "Do ye think we will find anything interesting here, within this cave?" He looks unsure about the idea yet he follows along. Russeth rubs his hands about the wall to try and find a good grip as he peers downward with a sigh.

Gremag kisses the ground "finally some good hard rock to plant your feet on"

Druid brushes of her clothing and she steadies herself. "Perhaps...one can only hope." She gives Russeth a sly grin.

Hawk " I'll need my lantern if we go in here " starts to get out his lantern and light it.

Gremag grins broadly. "Let’s go explore that cave, maybe it is a bandit lair."

Russeth shakes his head as he sees Gremag kissing the rock. "Dwarf, will ye take the lead if we go within?" He raises an eyebrow at the man knowing he is better as an ally this time, then not one.

Hawk " or it has other nasties living in here "

Gremag shrugs "why not" making his way down the ledge.

Russeth nods thankfully at the Dwarf. "Alright, I'll be just behind." He sighs as Gremag begins walking and quickly follows three or four feet behind.

Gremag strides down the ledge, knowing he can actually do something useful this time that will help the group

Hawk follows Russeth down the ledge.

Gremag as made his way into the cave to the turn some 30 feet away as he peers down the passage.

[Gremag]: "be sure to keep that light away" "the ledge turns a hard right up ahead and gently to the left later on".

Russeth glares behind at Hawk. "You may or may not follow directly behind me, it might help if me and the dwarf stay out in the darkness." He nods to Hawk as he vanishes into the cave with Gremag.

Gremag motions to Russeth, "which way do you think we should go?"

Druid remains outside of the cave to keep watch.

[Hawk]: " any one else need to be away from the light? "

[Isreal]: "watch out for traps "whispering.

Making your way onward into the curve of the cave you see it bends around to the right some 30' feet where it breaks off into two passages one taking a hard left as the main passage goes on another 30' more feet before cutting gently to the left. The passageways are covered from floor to ceiling with a bright green moss, in which many ants seem to inhabit as they crawl about in every direction.

Russeth peers above Gremags head down the passages wondering if anything is of note. "Where is the second passage?"

Gremag motions right ahead.

Russeth shrugs at Isreal. "Not a very common thing to look for in a cave, don't you think?"

[Gremag]: "I don’t like this, who knows what moss covers" picks up a rock and throws it into the cavern ahead.

[Isreal]: "yes but bandits trap up there hide outs".

Hawk " Bat Do Do! "

Russeth glares down at the moss and grimaces. "Either way we'll end up in that moss. I say we take the first passage." He points to the hard left.

The rock bounces off the passage floor tearing away a small bit of moss as it strikes.

Gremag picks up a large rock and throws it into the passage to the left.

Druid rushes in the cave at Hawk's screams.

Gremag chuckles.

[Druid]: "What happened?"

Hawk " Bat Do Do. "

The rock smacks off the far wall to the passageway on the left as it falls to the floor. Other then the slight echo it creates nothing happens.

Russeth watches Gremags actions and remains immobile, patiently waiting for his decision. "So?"

Druid sighs heavily.

Isreal looks at the walls and the floor for any signs of life.

Druid looks around the cave.

[Gremag]: "you take one, ill take the other. When you are done scouting it out, we will meet here" continues down the first one.

[Druid]: "Be careful, Dwarf".

[Isreal]: "I don’t think we should split up".

Gremag takes out his sword.

Russeth raises an eyebrow. "What is with you guys. You ALWAYS want to split up." He shakes his head sadly and looks back at Isreal. "Alright. You come with me, who else?"

Hawk " Wait a minute! Are you suggesting we split up? "

Gremag makes his way down the left passage out of your sight.

Russeth shrugs at Isreal. "No matter. Continue with the Dwarf, scream if something happens."

[Druid]: "If you give me a moment, I can join you."

[Isreal]: "I am with Russeth we are stronger in numbers than as singles".

[Druid]: "Or would you rather I wait outside?"

Isreal follows Russeth "I will not let you go alone".

Gremag walks back dejected "nothing on that passage".

Hawk " I'm going with Russeth. I don't like the idea of splitting up."

[Isreal]: "good thinking hawk".

Gremag motions to Russeth, "lead the way".

Russeth darts into the leftist passage alone, seemingly he does want to be lonely. As he leaves, he shakes his head. "Alright. Stay a few feet behind me. Though."

Gremag follows.

[Druid]: "Shall I wait outside?"

[Isreal]: "I don’t like this".

The rest of you make your way to the next passage as Gremag goes left.

Making your way down to the turn where you can see it runs some 30' feet before cutting back to the left again out of your sight. The passageway here seems wetter as you see signs of water running down the walls in little channels cut within the moss running to the floor filling up within the moss patches, a small puddle forms in the area spanning several feet in diameter. There are no sign of ants or any other insect in this area of the passageway.

Russeth shrugs as he thought Gremag was gone. He jumps over the small puddle and continues his way on; he walks slowly close to the walls afterwards.

Hawk ' This is odd".

Moving up to the turn you see the passage runs straight for a bit out of your eyesight as you peer into the darkness. The walls here seem almost, man-made as they form to a square and maintain this for some distance, water trickles down from the passageway leaving a damp musty smell in the area. You continue up several hundred feet when the passage comes to a (T) section going to the left and to the right. The cave here seems much, dryer then the entrance was as most of the moisture is consumed by the dirt as you begin to notice spots in some areas with no moss upon them.

Hawk " Me thinks we've found the entrance to the bandit's hide out.

"

Isreal looks at the T looking for the little marks a man made wall would have. "Witch way Russeth".

Russeth shrugs at Hawk. "Alright Dwarf, I know thy kin and from what I have heard you can deal with stone pretty well, take the lead now, and prove yourself." He smiles intently and motions Gremag to take the lead.

Druid frowns as the group walks away, ignoring her questions. She paces for a few seconds, before pulling out her spellbook and walking towards the entrance to the cave.

Gremag tries to catch up with them.

Druid wrinkles her forehead in deep concentration and begins chanting. The image of a bell appears and disappears as she closes her spellbook, turns around, and runs after the group down the other passage.

Russeth walks up in front of the intersection at the wall opposite to the passage they came from, he seems to be looking for any unusual design in that wall.

Gremag runs up to the group breathless.

[Isreal]: "Russeth witch way the walls are man made maybe runes carved along time ago".

Hawk " Well Gremag? Did dwarves or others make the caves? "

Gremag studies the runes. "Uh?"

[Isreal]: "Gremag look at this is this the works of dwarfs or any other underground folk?"

Druid in a short time catches up panting.

[Isreal]: "look here there are chisel marks in the wall".

Moving up to the turn you see the passage runs straight on for a bit out of your eyesight. The walls here seem almost, man-made as they form to a square and maintain this for some distance, water trickles down from the passageway leaving a damp musty smell in the area. You continue up several hundred feet when the passage comes to a (T) section going to the left and to the right. The cave here seems much, dryer then the entrance was as most of the moisture is consumed by the dirt as you begin to notice spots in some areas with no moss upon them.

Russeth glares over at Isreal and Hawk surprisingly. "Well, unless we find any Dwarven inscriptions, we will never know. So Gremag, will you take the lead or shall I?" He shakes his head sadly as he looks over at Zakren and Hawk.

Gremag shrugs "sure, why not? Can’t hurt to try".

[Isreal]: "I will take the lead many traps abound here in places like this".

Russeth leans near the spots without moss, he counts them and sees if they each have the same form.

Gremag walks up to the T and looks both left and right.

Zakren looks back at Russeth from his inside the darkness of his hood but remains silent completely lost in this cave.

Gremag walks back. And relates what he saw to the rest of the party

[Isreal]: "well".

Hawk " Well? "

Russeth sighs as he rises back. "Alright Isreal, but let me have a look at these spots though, they could easily be a track."

Looking to the right you see the passage opens up to a small area some 25x30 feet or so before turning back to a passage on the far right corner of this area. The area is bare, other then the rock it is cut from with no debris or moss. There is an old burnt mark in the center of the room some several feet in diameter.

Moving down and then looking down the left some 40' feet the passage turns to the left. As you make your way there you can see it goes some 20' feet before opening to a small room or cave, as the passageway continues to go on in the far-left corner of the room.

Hawk " onward then? "

Russeth nods to Gremag thankfully and then darts within the right passage. "We will begin by this way."

[Isreal]: "I will take the lead if it were ok I don’t want to be crushed by anything you guy's trigger".

[Gremag]: "I think this was a village of some sort, but now it has been abandoned for some time".

Mordineon looks around. "What’s the hold up pick a direction."

Gremag motions to Isreal, "be my guest".

Hawk takes out his long sword in the event that we run into some one.

Russeth has already begun making his way into the Right passage.

Hawk follows Russeth.

Proceeding onward down the passage it runs another 50' feet before turning left sharply. The moss has begun to fade away in this area, as the surfaces have become dryer with no signs of water in this area giving life to the moss, then in the recent areas. Making your way up to the turn you see it goes some 40' feet then cuts hard left.

Isreal leads the way looking carefully for traps.

Gremag takes out his sword again.

Russeth did take a peek at the old burnt mark as he passed by. He moves aside to let room for Isreal to pass; he raises an eyebrow suspiciously at the man. "Alright, but do make it quick."

You proceed up to the turn and look down the passage that is now free of moss all together. You travel down this 30' foot passage. Before it comes to a turn going left. As you reach the end of the turn you can see 15' feet away the passage goes right into a small room of sorts. But the main passage continues past some 30' more feet before turning right.

Russeth follows Isreal some 15 feet behind, letting him room to do his job carefully.

Zakren looks at Russeth puzzled look and answers..."Probably a camp fire."

[Isreal]: "well small passage or main hall group?"

Hawk " aye "

Gremag looks around "be wary, this area is more well kept".

[Druid]: "How recent is that burnt mark anyway?"

Russeth grins at Zakren. "I would've guessed. Did I ask anything about it?" He motions Isreal to stay silent as he tries to slip down into the small passage to the left.

Zakren shrugs..."Fine..."

Russeth peers within the room as he reaches the side, he slides along the wall as he makes his way there.

Isreal waits there.

Hawk follows along as quietly as he can.

Isreal tries to stop hawk.

Gremag takes out his sword eyes alight.

Hawk stops with the others to see what’s ahead.

[Isreal]: whispering" he motioned for us to stay here".

Russeth peers into the room, as large burly man steps, into the passage wielding a long sword and shield in hand.

Druid whispers a small prayer for Russeth.

Russeth quickly draws his morning star as the man approaches him. He softly tucks his sword against the wall, you would think he is trying to get your attention as he slips within the room.

Zakren leans against the wall as he waits for the Ranger's return.

The man pushes back into the passage limiting your attacks upon him. It seems only two of you can fight him at once.

Gremag jumps up beside Russeth "finally some more action".

Russeth places his morning star in a defensive position as he twirls his sword. "Alright Dwarf, I count on you." He then assaults the charging man.

Hawk " Ah! Big and burly the fates have smiled upon thee this day. For you are about to receive the gift."

The passage is some 7 to 8 feet high and appears to keep this clearance as you continue to move on.

Zakren slowly walks behind the fighters and begins to chant a spell.

Russeth would shake his head but he is too busy dealing with the man.

Gremag charges with Russeth sword at ready.

Hawk waits for his turn at big burly and nasty.

Isreal casts a spell and begins to ascend to the roof trying to get behind the guy.

Gremag slashes twice at the burly man

Druid pulls out her Holy Symbol and a small vial.

Gremag charges slashing at the arm, nicking the first time but missing the second time when he jerks it back in surprise.

The man jumps to the left upon Gremags strike and continues to fight on.

Druid chants an odd phrase over and over, while sprinkling the water from the vial over everyone around her.

Feragan stands in the back of the passage trying to see forward.

Hawk Take a mighty swing at him if there is no one in the way.

Russeth and Gremag block any attacks thought by hawk.

Mordineon stands ready to aid the fallen.

Russeth fences forward with the longsword, his concentration all on the man he sees and hears nothing else than the man's movement and breath. He swings the morning star horizontally at the man, avoiding Gremag at all cost.

Russeth misses both his blows, as he becomes a little more furious.

Zakren chants while holding his hands to the ceiling. At the end of the chant, Gremag and Russeth's bodies glow yellow for a brief moment as Eilitraee's blessing takes effect on them.

The man swings furiously towards Russeth and Gremag missing twice as his blade scraps the walls of the passage.

Isreal tries to ascend over a behind the fighter.

Gremag turns around slashing twice.

Russeth resumes his attacks on the man, feeling stronger in both his arms. He swings both his weapons at the same time, raising them close to the ceiling he lowers them savagely towards the man.

Zakren chants another prayer.

The man comes in upon Russeth missing him cleanly as his blade slips over Gremags head by inches.

Hawk tries to tackle the man and push him into the room behind him.

Hawk storms forward in attempts to over power the man as Gremag steps in his way. Hawk tackles Gremag sending both of them to the floor of the passage.

[Gremag]: "GET OFF ME YOU FOOL!"

Hawk rolls off of Gremag.

Gremag gets up and charges the fighter again.

Russeth lounges forward as Hawk and Gremag go down striking deadly blows upon the man as he staggers back several feet yelling in pain as blood can be seen now coming down his breastplate.

Zakren 's hands glow blue before he touches the laying dwarf's' leg to deliver to him Eilitraee’s healing.

[Russeth]: Both his weapons are perfectly lowered onto the man's chest, provoking a large splash of blood on the floor and his weapons.

Druid provides eager cheering for Russeth and Gremag, while waiting to cast healing spells.

Isreal is climbing over the man.

Hawk gets up " Damn! That didn't work. "

Gremag slashes twice at the man's legs.

Gremags attacks fail as Hawk is still getting off him as the man staggers forward in a last chance effort to fight you back.

Russeth twirls his weapons as he charges the short distance between both him and the man, he remains silent as he tries and lodges his morning star into the man's head. His sword, however, is sent down below the waist, at the man's legs.

Gremag grumbles.

Zakren leans back against the wall, a waiting for one of his allies to fall or the man.

Isreal starts his descent down the wall.

[Gremag]: "don’t kill him, we might get something useful out of him".

Russeth misses badly his two blows, almost falling over the man his blade hits against the breastplate and falls to the ground.

The man pushes Russeth back as he brings his blade in twice striking Russeth once across the shoulder.

Zakren looks on....

Gremag tries to smack the man with the butt of his sword.

Gremags turns his weapon about and strikes at the man with the pommel of his blade, striking the man across the right forehead sending him into the wall as he bounces off and hits the floor out cold.

Russeth quickly picks up his sword; he uses both his weapons defensively as he moves back and nears with Druid.

Isreal comes off the wall and looks into the room.

Gremag grunts and wipes the blood off his sword on the fighter's shirt and sheaths his sword.

The passageway has grown quiet other then the beating of your chests and panting for your breath.

[Russeth]: "Reinforcements will come, we mustn't stay here." He looks eager to leave the place, as he limbs next to Druid and Zakren.

Gremag kicks the unconscious man "what do we do with him?"

Hawk boots ugly in the head for good measure " See! I told you so! "

Zakren shakes his head to Russeth..."IM out of heals."

Druid takes some bandages out of her pack and begins healing Russeth.

Mordineon steps forward "I have some cures if you need them now?"

[Gremag]: "first lets get this guy good and tied up".

Hawk " Just my pride. "

Russeth shakes his head at Zakren. "That wouldn't happen if you wouldn't heal an uninjured dwarf. Noticed the little trick." He smiles at Mordineon as he had almost completely forgot him.

Russeth shrugs at Gremag. "We're not spending time here I said. The other watcher ran into the other passage and went to get help!"

Zakren shrugs..."Well good for you..."

Isreal keeps watch for other men in the room.

Gremag grabs the guy by the shirt and starts dragging him the way we came.

Russeth nods towards Mordineon. "I indeed need a bit of cure."

Mordineon nods to Russeth has he moves up stepping aside so Gremag can drag the man back the way you came.

Druid hits Russeth lightly. "Keep still".

Hawk " We should do old ugly in, so he doesn't wake up and attack us again. "

Isreal walks into the room looking around for anything of interest.

Mordineon chants in an unknown tongue, as a light blue shimmering light leaves his hands into Russeth’s body.

[Gremag]: "maybe we can ask him about this area"

He repeats this process several times before the wound is good and healed.

[Gremag]: "does anyone still have that rope back from the decoy?"

Hawk " we don't have time for that, and like he would tell us anything."

Gremag has left the area going back the way you came dragging the man.

Gremag stops and drops the man again.

Druid looks over Russeth, and, satisfied that he is well, runs off after Gremag.

Russeth pats Mordineon in a grateful way. "Thank you Mordineon. I am right on track now." He runs after Gremag and disarms the man before they continue.

Zakren looks down at the man and then to Gremag..."I asked if anyone needed rope...no one answered." He cuts off 3 feet of rope and hands it to Gremag.

You make your way back several passageways when the man begins to come to again. As you hear his moaning.

Gremag ties the man up and gags him with some of his own shirt.

[Zakren]: "...at the trap...I thought everyone had rope."

Russeth sheathes his sword and brandishes the fighter's. He tests it a bit; perhaps it has been perfected. His eyes stare at the man moaning.

Isreal walks out of the room the man came from and looks at everyone

Hawk " I do on my ass "

You sit back in the passage subduing the man looking off for others to follow as three bolts fly past your heads sticking into the passageway around you. They are coming from the direction in which you entered the cave.

Russeth glares around at the others. "If we let this man live, he will call for. No!"

Hawk " Damn we're surrounded! "

Isreal slides against the wall trying to avoid the bolts.

Turning to see what is going on you three little creatures attacking you. They appear to be the ones from the forest.

[Isreal]: "yeah what else is new".

Russeth hangs his morningstar and draws the second sword. "Keep the man tied!" He then proceeds to charge in the direction the bolt came from.

Zakren gets his short bow from his shoulder and looks down the hall for a target.

Hawk looks for the owners of the bolts, so he might give them ... THE GIFT

Gremag attacks the little beasts missing them as they go by.

[Hawk]: swing at them with the long sword.

Zakren lowers his short bow as he sees them charging into the darkness; he then draws his sword and goes after them.

Hawk " THE GIFT! "

Hawk strikes one of the little beasts sending it to the stone floor of the cave as blood runs out across the rock from the creature’s chest.

Russeth twirls both of his blades as he falls in besides Hawk. "Stop that gift thing... you're warning every one in the whole damn cavern system. Beware wizards, we will probably be attacked from the back as well, use the man as a shield!"

Isreal looks at the group then at druid "why did we come with them again?"

Druid shakes her head at Isreal. "We always were foolish, weren't we?" She grins at Isreal.

Druid rushes up next to the fighters to engage in some melee.

Russeth misses both his attempts badly, dropping once again his blade he seems to have problems with the longsword recently. He reaches at his waist for the morningstar, attempting to dodge forthcoming blows.

Zakren charges one of the creatures but stops short before it and makes, a precise attack to its stomach but sadly it misses miserably.

[Zakren]: ...but at the last moment, it scratches its arm.

Zakren so shocked by his strike killing the little beast he didn't even notice the hit. Another creature rushes in and spears Zakren in the upper left chest as his buddies drop all about him.

Zakren winces at the strike and drops to the floor.

Isreal runs to attacks one of the little things with his dagger.

Isreal swings and misses the Kobold.

Russeth swings twice with fury at the little kobold. "How dare you even touch my friend." Seeing no specific locations to hit he aims wide.

Russeth strike sends the little monster to the ground motionless.

[Isreal]: "we had better be getting out of here.

[Russeth]: His first strike sends the creature flying backwards yet he feels a urge to strike him again with his morning star, squishing its little body against the cavern wall.

Hawk " Aye! We have given THE GIFT quiet well today".

You finish your battle with the beasts while you begin to patch yourself up and feel the pain of your wounds. Zakren lay motionless upon the floor as you notice the tied fighter has run off during the battle.

[Isreal]: "well Russeth lead the way back out of the place before we be wearing or hats on our necks".

Hawk " I knew we should have killed him."

Mordineon moves up to bind Zakren wounds. "Geez we should of just left and rested in the woods." I have no cures to give him."

Druid hurries over to Zakren, holding her hands over him.

Druid joins Mordineon in binding his wounds.

Mordineon steps back out of Druids way so she can work.

Isreal starts for the way out "you guys coming we should come back when we have gotten better prepared".

Hawk " Wait for Russeth. "

Russeth looks back at the disappeared man and shakes his head. "I thought someone had to make sure he stayed there? Anyway we mustn't stay near here any longer."

[Mordineon]: "Well we must be quick I’m sure that guy is going back for help or at least to heal him self before coming back."

Druid finishes binding Zakren's wounds. She then pulls out her holy symbol, closes her eyes and prays quietly. She places a hand on Zakren's chest and a blue glow flows from her arm to her hand and throughout Zakren's body.

Hawk " We leave then? "

Isreal heads for the cave.

Hawk " Russeth? "

You make your way back out to the ledge looking out upon the forest.

Russeth looks back into the cave as they come near the ledge. "Perhaps we should head the left passage at the T intersection, they will think we have left, we wouldn't be stupid enough to stay inside!"

Isreal says hurry down guys I will drop the rope and climb down.

Letting your eyes focus you see it is night as the forest is dark and full of shadows as the sounds of the nighttime critters can be heard all about you.

Hawk " Or they will search until they find us "

[Druid]: "So, in other words, we are going to be stupid and stay inside?"

Russeth shrugs at Isreal. "We stay inside!' Darts within the cave's mouth, he doesn't look back whether or not the others follow.

Hawk follows Russeth.

[Isreal]: "ok well if you get me killed I will come back an haunt you or talk to you for the rest of your afterlife pane either way".

Russeth makes his way back into the passageway to the left as Zakren gets to his feet with Druids help as he makes his way out.

Isreal heads back with the others.

Moving up to the first passage way it turns in some 10' feet before going back the direction in which you just came. You proceed some 40 to 50'feet back when you come to a dead end. Remnants of something living here are quite apparent from the debris, of clothing and a small fire pit made upon the center of the floor. Lucky or not what ever it is isn't home. The moss grows here covering the area like the passage way except around the fire pit and within the pit it's self. Gremag has already searched the area when you first entered.

Russeth glares at Druid and Zakren. "Sorry I didn't notice you weren't with us. Alright guys we are heading to the double intersection, we will stay inside." He continues his way.

Isreal follows.

Gremag looks around.

Druid gently lowers Zakren to the ground, and runs after Russeth, grabbing and holding him hard.

Russeth raises an eyebrow as Druid pulls him hard. "What do you want?"

[Druid]: "We are staying with Zakren and the others until we are ready to continue. Understood?"

Looking to the right down some 40’ feet the passage turns to the left. As you make your way there you can see it goes some 20’ feet before opening to a small room or cave, as the passageway continues to go on in the far-left corner of the room.

[Gremag]: "well, now what are we going to do?"

Zakren weakly wipes away blood from his month..."Thanks Druid."

[Russeth]: "Aye, but we have to be safe if we want Zakren to be ready to continue. And climbing into the darkness outside is no good idea."

[Isreal]: "well what o fearless leader " whispering and looking at Russeth.

Mordineon stands in the passage with Russeth and the others.

Russeth heads into the right passage even if he thought he already headed this way. He looks a bit confused as he runs into the different passages.

Making your way down the passage as it wines some 30’ feet or so to the left and to the right as the passage twists and turns below the stones of the forest you spot a room.

[Gremag]: "anyone have any idea where we are?"

Hawk " not a clue "

[Isreal]: "yeah in a death trap" whispering

Russeth continues down the passage carelessly, brandishing both his weapons at his side as he walks.

Mordineon looks about the walls. "Maybe next time we should mark them with little arrows."

You proceed up to the turn and look down the passage that is now free of the men who attacked you before, as you look about for a place to rest. Finding it not suitable you return back to the other way beyond the burn mark.

Moving up to this small room it is a mere 10x20m and lying upon the floor are the remains of several dead persons being eaten by some small furry creatures. They appear to be some sort of rodent breed but quite large to the normal standard. There are six remains scattered about the area as the rodents pick them clean the dried flesh and muscles of the long dead persons.

Hawk " Ooh boy, here we go "

[Isreal]: "well guys this is better then where we where" rolling his eyes.

Zakren glances at the bodies and shakes his head..."What kind of man was that?"

Hawk " A dead one "

The rodents pay you no mind as they scurry over the remains.

Russeth looks for any other exits to the area, paying less attention to the rodents after they haven't reacted.

Isreal tries to shoo them off and look the bodies over.

[Zakren]: "No. The man we fought...he wasn’t in here..."

The passage continues onward on the other side of the bodies leading off into the dark.

Russeth moves silently across the wave of rodents, trying not to get their attention either. He is ready for anything though and has his weapons raised above their heads.

Hawk " Russeth, are we going to walk all night, or are we going to rest some? "

Isreal follows Russeth.

Russeth shrugs as he remains silent, very pissed at the fact Hawk is almost yelling near the rats.

Continuing onward around the next bend you see another split in the passage one going to the left a lot smaller then the main one only some 4' foot wide at best. While the main passage runs off down the right side.

Russeth continues into the main passage. "As soon as we find a potential resting room. We will rest. For now we have had warriors, kobolds and rodents. Just be patient!"

Isreal follows Russeth "what about that guy with the long sword?"

Continuing on in the main passage you make your way some 20' feet or so before the passage opens to a larger area. You hear sounds coming from this area ahead of you.

Russeth brings his sword wielding hand to his sword sheath. "He ain't got no longsword anymore."

Zakren silently gets his bow from his shoulder and nocks an arrow to it.

Isreal says, "let me creep up an see what’s ahead".

Russeth raises his closed fist for everyone to see as he hears the sounds. He peers within very silently, wondering where it is coming from.

Hawk Prepares to give the GIFT.

Mordineon whispers up to the front. 'We should go the other way if we are trying to hide don't you think?"

Russeth nods at Mordineon as he motions everyone to back up near the small passage yet he whispers, "But the passage is so small we might be ambushed, or these damn traps."

Isreal follows Russeth.

Russeth glares over at Isreal as they back up in the hall. "You will take the lead there."

You make your way back to the left side smaller passage. Making your way in some 30' feet then right again only to turn back left where it straightens out for about 20' coming to an end. After close observation of this area you see it hasn't been use much for there is a light coating of dust and dirt across the floor.

Isreal whispering "great" an moves up to the lead this be a good place no one can attack us from the rear".

Russeth moves up ahead beside Isreal as he glares at the three walls of the dead end. He carefully runs his hands around the man-made walls.

Hawk whispering " Hi Ho, Hi ho, it's off to kick some ass we go "

Druid looks carefully around the room.

Zakren helps Russeth by searching the wall to the left.

Isreal looks for scuffs in the floor by moving the dust.

Russeth lets room for Zakren as he is done; he rubs his chin and looks down at the unused ground. "I hate so many dead ends. What’s the matter with them? Zakren, check all the walls, I'll feel better."

[Druid]: "I did already...nothing odd".

Zakren nods and goes over to the wall ahead of him and the one to his right.

Druid looks to Russeth. "Now, let's rest."

Mordineon looks about the area. "Well it doesn't appear to be used so much so keep it down and maybe we can rest here." Whispering to the others.

Isreal lays down and stays quite.

Hawk " Yes, let's rest here. "

Russeth nods at Druid, and then contemplates the area around, wondering if it is large enough to hold them all while they rest. He then nods again at Mordineon and pats him on the shoulder. "Everyone listen to Mordineon's comments they are wise." He laughs lowly and sits against the right wall, both blades on his knees.

Mordineon kneels down and quietly begins to chant and pray to himself.

[Russeth]: "I will stay awake for now."

Zakren shakes his head..."Nothing...but Mordineon is right...we have to rest for our healing spells."

Zakren sits down and begins to pray silently to himself.

Russeth places himself in front of everyone, considering the front is the opposite of the dead end.

Hawk rests with both hands on his sword and turns his lantern down to a dull light.

Isreal sleeps hoping no one in the group snores.

Druid sighs quietly, and seats herself against a wall. She pulls out her spellbook, and begins her memorization.

Russeth stands on watch while half rest and the spell casters study and pray for their abilities. Nothing can be heard coming from the main hall, as all has been very quiet in the area. Almost to quiet for comfort as you get some well-needed rest.

Russeth momentarily looks at the spell casters with a smile, but then resumes his carefully watch at the hallway.

What seems to take forever finally come to and end as several hours pass allowing the spell casters to finish their works.

Druid, after a time, puts her spellbook away, and begins her prayers to Mystra.

Mordineon gets up and looks around whispering. "Does any one need healing if not I’m going to get a little sleep?"

Russeth glares at the spell casters who now have all finished and smiles. "Should we get moving now, or will everyone require more sleep?"

Hawk " more sleep "

Isreal wakes up after a few hours and reads his spell book trying to grasp that magical knowledge.

Druid stops her prayer short, and glares at Russeth.

Mordineon sighs. 'You should rest to Russeth you can't go on forever who knows what we will run in to."

Russeth shakes his head in Mordineon's direction as he sits against the wall. "I need to get some sleep now that we think of it."

[Druid]: "Are you in some sort of rush?"

[Isreal]: "rest Russeth I will keep watch" standing in front of Russeth keeping watch.

Russeth turns his head to face Druid. "Apart from the fact we are in the secret lair of some dangerous organization and we've heard noises not far ahead, I'm not in any rush of getting out of there, no."

Several more hours pass as everyone has gotten a little rest to try and prepare for what’s ahead of you.

Russeth nods at Isreal as he tries vainly to make himself comfortable. He finally finds a good position and goes into trance.

Zakren gets up and gets his bow.

Druid stares at Russeth for a long while before finally deciding to rest herself.

Isreal tries to wake Russeth softly

Hawk "zzz"... "

Isreal whispering "we should get moving"

Russeth stretches as he awakes to Isreal's word. He nods and stands up, "I am as ready as ever. We have to find out what secret holds this place, we will keep this location as a potential 'camping' room." He watches the close by walls and waits for everyone to be ready as he packs up and keeps both the longswords in his hands.

Mordineon wakes up and gathers him self up to get moving on.

Isreal whispering "anyone got any paper an ink?"

Hawk wakes up scratches himself and gets ready to move on.

Zakren nods to Russeth to tell him he's ready.

[Druid]: "Aye, my friend."

[Isreal]: "I will map out what we have done so we don’t double back"

Druid rubs her eyes for a moment, before fishing out some paper and ink from her backpack. "Enjoy."

Isreal quickly draws up a ruff map

Russeth dives, his hands in his belt pouch, taking out a small ration of dried food for him self. He eats it rapidly and rubs his hand of the small leftovers. He then grabs his waterskin and pours down some of its content. "Alrighty then." He then proceeds back towards the main hallway.

Twisting and winding back out into the main passage you make your way to the room with the noise you last heard.

Isreal looks hungrily on thinking why did I leave Harrowdale in such a hurry

Hawk follows Russeth to the main hallway

Russeth peers inside, making as little noise as the breeze.

Isreal follows behind

Druid follows Isreal

Russeth rises his hand again in a closed fist as the others move ahead.

Russeth stands before you peering into the room making hand signs towards you as you move up to him.

Hawk stops at Russeth’s command.

Zakren whispers..."What the hell does that mean?"

Isreal keeps his eyes pealed.

Russeth doesn't move his feet but hides into the passage. He silently reaches for his bow and arrow, turning his head towards you.

Zakren shrugs and leans back against the wall...

Russeth whispers to the others as they enclose with him. "Prepare ranged attacks. There are more little creatures and a few humans in there."

Zakren whispers back..."Humans first?"

[Isreal]: "well I would but I will have to get in close" whispering.

Mordineon steps aside so the others can prepare for their attacks.

Moving up in the main passage you make your way some 20’ feet before the passage opens up to a 20x20 area with a passage way running off the right wall as you enter and the main passage continues straight through near the far right corner. But that is of little concern for there are four men dressed in greenish, and tan clothing with mud or paint covering their human faces, next to them are three Kobolds. Standing by a pile of trash and cloth to your left. They appear to be wielding short swords and spears as the stand ready behind over turned tables and benches.

Hawk " I too must be close, but I can charge " whispering.

Russeth shrugs as he jumps to the other side of the hallway getting an aim at the kobolds, he releases two consecutive arrows at two different of them. "No, the kobolds."

Zakren quickly moves to his side and fires two arrows at different kobolds.

Russeth jumps over to fire into the room at the others as spears come flying into the passage. Zakren fires twice striking upon the beast as two-drop and the humans close for attack with swords.

Hawk charges in at the kobolds swinging his long sword " THE GIFT! "

Isreal comes into the room trying to look for a good time to attack

Russeth’s arrows drop the 3rd little creature as you face hand to hand now. The men rush up slashing at Russeth with their short blades, as one cut’s him across the left side.

Gremag rushes in attacking upon the humans striking the man across his right thigh as blood trickles down his leg and he limps and yells in pain.

Russeth drops his bow and reaches for the two swords, glaring at Hawk as he passes by, he stares in the man's eyes as he swings both his blades at him, in an intimidating manner. "Do not let anyone flee!"

Russeth swings landing his left blow from his blade across, the right shoulder of the man, dropping him to the floor as blood rushes from his neck.

Russeth sinks the new longsword into the man's flesh, showing no facial expression as the man falls to the floor.

Zakren quickly hangs his bow on his shoulder and draws his sword in time to make an attack on an incoming kobold.

Zakren 's sword pierces and slashes a human's stomach as all the kobolds have fallen.

The man yelps in pain but fights on as Zakren steps away for another try. Another man swings hard upon Gremag missing him clean as the little dwarf ducks under his swing.

One human charges in upon Russeth tripping over some trash in the middle of his swing sending his blade flying into the air and him to the floor. The remaining human swings across at Zakren missing him, as he ducks away, as he regroups to attack again.

Hawk swings a mighty blow at any villain near him and misses horribly.

Isreal tries to strike one of the humans near the group. Plunging his dagger into the chest of the man.

The man staggers back as Isreal plunges his dagger into him, yet the man doesn't fall.

Russeth releases his sword from the fallen mans shoulder, he looses no time and charges for the remaining opponents. "Spare no one!" He adds to the latter comment as he lunges, his left arm at the fighters who just fell while he aims the right longsword for the man's right side.

Isreal makes sure no one is trying to get away.

Three humans stand ready fighting off your attacks upon their home.

Russeth successfully strikes once at the man as he trips and falls, yet not hard enough to be done with him, he produces a little sparkle with the second blade as it strikes the ground.

Russeth strikes upon the one man who hasn't been wounded yet in the battle sending him squeezing his arm as he fights on. The man returns the favor upon Russeth striking him back as he goes.

Gremag swings with all his little might but is unable to connect upon the humans.

Russeth staggers a bit, blood coming out of his nose, he constantly sniffs afterwards.

Hawk again tries to kill any vile creature near him " THE GIFT! " and misses horrendously.

The man rushes in swinging hard upon Zakren connecting to his left shoulder as blood flows down his arm and chest.

Zakren grunts in pain but manages to keep standing, weakly.

The final man comes, him upon the lass striking her across the stomach.

Druid staggers back from the blow, clutching her stomach in pain.

Isreal tries to move behind the fighters and backstab one of them.

Russeth furiously strikes back against the man; he sends both his weapons brutally towards the man's neck grumbling some intelligible dialect of his own.

Zakren begins to chant a prayer as he looks at Russeth's wounds.

Isreal is covering Druid who looks hurt.

[Russeth]: The first longsword once again hits the target true, this time it does hit the neck heavily, provoking the death of another of these strange man.

Russeth attacks furiously upon the man sending him to the ground as blood flows out quickly across the floor. One of the others swings high upon Hawk missing him.

Hawk tries still to strike any vile creature with a mighty blow " By Odins mighty one eye! " but misses again " By God this sword is cursed "

Druid clutches her holy symbol tightly, whispering words of healing.

The man runs and dives, grasping for his sword that he dropped the round before as he gets back to his feet.

Isreal attacks the one that hit druid.

Isreal stabs with his dagger but stumbles a bit and misses.

Gremag steps up once again swinging with all his might as his sword goes flying across the room through the air missing Hawk as it goes by.

[Zakren]: As Zakren chants, his hands begin to glow in a bluish light, when he finishes to pray to his Goddess, he moves over to the Ranger and touches him. The healing light leaves the cleric's hand and covers Russeth's body.

Mordineon moves to the rear of the group as you hear him yelling in the back.

Russeth quickly jumps in front of Zakren, hoping to protect him from any fatal blow; he launches his swords against his opponent with a smile, as he feels refilled with energy. He manages to shout out. "Oh dear god, I hope no one's coming from behind!"

Within a few minutes of the battle you can hear the coming of others from the passage behind you, more then likely checking out the noise that you have created.

Zakren begins to chant again.

[Isreal]: "yeah an you wanted to come back in here Russeth".

Hawk slips out of battle and goes to see what is going on with Mordineon.

[Russeth]: "We would've come back anyway after we rested." He continues battling with the warrior.

Isreal tries his best to take the blows that are aimed at druid.

The fighter comes in hard upon Druid striking her again.

Russeth misses both his blows, feeling this was the worst time to fail ever, he puts himself between the warrior and Zakren in vain.

Feragan helps Mordineon fend off the rear as you all do battle in the room.

The little beast attacks at Mordineon missing him.

Mordineon returns with a crushing blow from his mace upon the creature’s head sending it to the ground.

Gremag rushes to pick up his blade to rejoin the battle.

Another strikes hitting Mordineon in the leg. Meanwhile the fighter rushes in upon Zakren missing him as he swings too high.

Druid attacks the man missing him clean as she tries to recover from her wound.

The little creature rushes in missing Hawk as he joins the fight with Mordineon and Feragan. Another also tries to hit upon hawk and also misses him.

Isreal tries to hit the man that attacked druid.

Isreal attacks finally sends the man to the floor motionless as only one human remains in the room.

Isreal plunges his dagger deep into the man twisting the dagger slightly.

Zakren chants in an angrier tone this time, he is full of hate as he glances at the remaining human. As he finishes to chant, a red glow surrounds the human for a moment, receiving the Dark lady's curse.

Russeth resumes his strikes on the bastard warrior, as he feels weaker from the blows. He does peer over his shoulder wondering what is going on behind, seeing nothing in the frenzy of melee. "Gremag, go help Mordineon and Hawk!"

Isreal tries to keep the fight away from druid.

Zakren engages the human. Moving to the fighter's side and comes in with a jab to his side. Surprising his opponent s and scores a hit.

Russeth was about to say everyone should go help behind as he sees Zakren striking the fighter and smiles.

Zakren deals the final blow to the human as he falls to the floor. Now only the others in the back are still about.

Gremag rushes to the back to help the others.

Zakren runs to the back of the group to help.

Hawk starts killing these ugly little bastards!"

Making your way back to the rear of the passage you can see Feragan, Mordineon, and hawk fending off 4 kobolds.

Hawk misses again " Damn this sword "

Feragan stands tall as he points his right hand and chanting sends a beam of white light into the chest of the little beast sending it to the floor.

[Isreal]: "what is with all the bandits at once?'

The creature attacks upon Mordineon missing him. Another tries to strike Hawk but misses him as well.

Druid smiles warmly at the kobolds, waving an intricate pattern in front of his eyes.

Druid cast a spell, as two of the creatures seem to stop fighting. As the other does not but seeing his buddies act strangely he flees out back down the passage away from you.

Mordineon runs a few feet after the other one swinging but misses as the little beast gets away from him.

Russeth strikes at the two not moving killing one but missing the other.

[Russeth]: He sinks his left blade into the stopped kobold's arm and missing the other one wide.

Isreal stabs at one of the beasts.

Zakren goes to help the others in the back.

You now have before you one held or non-fighting kobold, as the other has run off avoiding your attacks as it fled the area.

Druid walks up to the kobold and kneels down close to it.

Russeth chases the running kobold behind Mordineon. He brandishes his swords wildly.

Hawk " Anybody speak Kobold? "

[Druid]: "Lead us to your superiors."

[Isreal]: "yeah I do I walk around town speaking Kobold all the time".

Druid grins at Isreal.

Isreal smiles.

Hawk " then speak to him smart ass."

Russeth returns within the passage, "Do I take it we will require more rest again, folks?"

[Isreal]: "yeah we do".

Hawk smiles at Isreal.

The little creature looks up and in a garbled common attempt "You killed them all I just want to leave take all you want just don't kill me." The little beast surprises you with his speech but not uncommon when they work closely with humans and or others.

Russeth glares behind at the kobold as he rummages through the warriors' pockets.

Isreal says, "take all of what?" Looking to the little beast.

Hawk " You speak common do you. How many partners do you have? "

[Kobold]: 'I have none they are all dead now."

Zakren glances at the kobold..."Who is your leader?"

Hawk " Me thinks you are a liar! How many more are there in these caverns? "

Kobold points to one of the human’s back in the other room as Zakren words flow across the room.

Zakren goes over to the one he pointed too...

Zakren yells back..."Ask him where the loot is."