[Sat Jul 14 20:06:10 GMT 2001]

You have rested for several hours now in the storeroom after confronting the giant. The sun has now set from the sky giving way to the mist that roams the forest at night. Isreal comments about shutting the outside door to Russeth while the others sleep.

[Isreal]: "well will I shut the door or not Russeth?"

Russeth nods at Isreal, peering outside at the night sky. "What did you say you saw up the stairs, Isreal?"

[Isreal]: "Just a door an a slit in the wall behind it I would be careful with the door no traps on it but maybe magic don’t know"

Russeth pushes himself up to his feet from the corner and walks over to the single door on the opposite wall, nodding as he passes by Isreal, "We will know soon enough. Will you test it?"

Jarl waves his hand "hail elf in the lighted tree! What be this place of yours?"

[Isreal]: "Haha I want to go up the dumb waiter an you want me to test the door" laughing

Russeth smiles, "You should get some rest with the others."

Russeth turns around and watches the man, "Hmmm. who goes there?"

Isreal walks up behind Russeth who’s there? Russeth?"

Jarl shrugs "me goes here... Jarl... who be in lighted tree house?"

Russeth reopens the door slightly, watching outside, "Some people are out there." opening the door momentarily he looks the dwarf over, "We are. Now what has brought you here? Dwarf?"

Elina tosses in her reverie as her companions greet the new comer.

Russeth looks over his shoulder at Isreal. "A dwarf." sighing for a moment, ". And a human."

Sedrick huffs and puffs, obviously out of breath, "We are hoping, huff, that you could help us out, puff"

Jarl points the human standing beside him "this one him. Name is Sedrick. I seems we got into a bind chasing some orcs"

Isreal pulls his dagger "don’t let him in Russeth he may work for who ever owns the tower"

Russeth doesn't answer Isreal's question, narrowing his eyes at the strangers outside, "What. How could we possibly help you?"

Sedrick looks to the grand tree" what a splendid home you have here"

Sedrick regaining some of his composure " well there are many strange things running about in these woods, and we were hoping that we could seek shelter"

Isreal yells back to the others " wake up there may be a problem."

[Jarl]: "umm. Ye can tell me how to get out of this place to start. Me needs to know of a hairy monster running in this forest too, he be taken all me friends at night" he looks into the tree

A small eruption can be heard coming from within the storeroom, as Hawk has befouled the air once more as he stirs in his sleep.

Sedrick raises a single brow and tries to peek past the people in the door.

Russeth nods, opening the door a small bit more. "Aye, so they say. Well Heh. This tower isn’t our possession. It has been somewhat abandoned for a few years. About that shelter I know what you mean, these wolves out there are as fast as lightning. Get in!" opening the double door completely to let the strangers pass once everyone is awake.

Elina rubs her gorgeous eyes in her wake. "What trouble Isreal?" Saying in her musical voice. As she approaches Russeth and carefully slips a hand into his arm.

[Isreal]: "Go back threw the woods would be your best bet for getting out of this place"

Jarl shakes his head and looks to Sedrick "maybe ye should be trying. Me most not be asking the right questions" he then scratches his beard

[Isreal]: "great Russeth you would open you doors to a vampire wouldn’t with any story her gave "

Sedrick enters through the way that has been opened, smiling pleasantly he observes the scene.

Zakren sits against the wall watching the door as he slowly gets up to get a better look at the strangers.

Russeth smiles at Elina, but brings his attention quickly back to the newcomers, "Shut it Isreal. You two." staring at the strangers, "We might have a little room in here. But you might not want to stay around here too long."

Elina gives Sedrick a curious look. "Hmm who might you two be fair strangers?" Saying as she hides behind Russeth.

Jarl looks to the door and slowly follows behind Sedrick "be ye careful. Never know what they have hiding in that tree"

Isreal moves out of the way getting a good look at the strangers hoping they don't want trouble

Russeth raises an eyebrow as he watches everyone suspicious, he seems confident for this one. "The name is Russeth. And you would be?"

Jarl looks to the members of the tree house "thanks. We didn't want to spend another night out lost in the wood, "

Sedrick says "We almost met the same fate as our other companions who fell in yonder wood, if it were not for the lights shining from this tree we would have surly wondered about until the hairy creatures caught us too"

Russeth nods at Jarl, looking him up and down. "My friends, do we need some more rest. Zakren?"

Jarl holds out his short arm "me be Jarl Ironstar, tempered of Moradin. Thanks for the aid"

[Sedrick]:"I am Sedrick Ravenweave, dabbler in the art arcane, and lover of life that sane"

[Elina]: "Maybe they might need some rest." looking at Russeth with her lovely eyes as she turns her attention back to Jarl. "A priest?" Curtsying at Jarl as she asks. "I am Elina."

Russeth reaches for his shoulder, still bandaged with now bloodstained cloth; he winces as he feels it. "Still hurts a bit."

Zakren turns and looks to the others "No I’m ready when you all are," As he turns towards the strangers. "Greetings I’m Curate Zakren of Eilistraee at your service. This own sleeping against the wall is Hawk and the elf over there against the shelves is Kirarae."

Jarl has a look of shock on his face as he points to the giant stone man "what ye got in ye mist. Giants?"

Isreal pulls ups along some wall and tries to get some sleep

Sedrick looks a bit disturbed at the slain giant that lay against the shelves

Russeth smiles at Jarl while nodding. "Let's say it didn't agree with us exploring this tower."

Elina raises an eyebrow at Sedrick. "Ah a fellow human who shares the same interest in the arcane world as I do." Smiling at Sedrick as she speaks.

Jarl nods in reply to Elina "when Moradin be willing, me be"

Sedrick is average in height and a little thin for his structure, but his face is graced with a strong jaw line, neatly trimmed goatee, high cheekbones, and gorgeous brown eyes heavily flecked with gold. His warm smile betrays his giving heart, despite his masculine features, which are sharp, and expressive. His clothing is of sturdy fabrics and earthy tones. Brown breeches secured with a broad black leather belt, from which hangs an assortment of items, and end in rich brown leather boots that ride halfway up his calf. Over a loose light green linen shirt is a black leather vest that is fastened with brass buckles. His cloak is a deep chestnut brown with black trim and interior. He carries an oak staff carved with runes and stained with wild berries.

Jarl stands about 4'-2" in height, and weighs about 150 to 160 pounds. His hair and long beard are black, with strands of braided silver; his eyes are of a silvery gray. Jarl is a dwarf of some sort, dressed in ring mail, a disk-like symbol, hammer over an anvil, covering the very center of the breast. A two-headed warhammer has been melted into both shoulders, in a standing position. The traditional two-horned helmet rests easily atop his head, worn brown leather boots snug on his feet. With a medium sized circular shield strapped to his left arm and a two-headed warhammer clutched firmly in the right hand, this dwarf looks as if he is ready to take some of this heavy armor off.

Russeth scratches his chin with the same smile. "Well my friends. We will be moving forward; you may get shelter here for the night if you wish. Me and my companions will be heading further inside the tree."

Sedrick bows to the fair Elina " The pleasure is entirely mine"

Jarl looks about "further into this tree. How big is she. And who's tree does it be?"

Russeth walks over to the other doorway; "Perhaps ye can cure once more, Zak?"

Sedrick points, a little disgruntled, at the giant" you are the slayer of such a fearsome being?"

Russeth looks over his shoulder, "A mage by the name of Tormaq."

Elina nods a smile at Jarl. "I have been thinking of joining a certain priesthood. Perhaps, you will love a student such as I?" Turning as she smiles at Sedrick's courteous.

Sedrick looks over the condition of the party to see how wounded they are

Zakren nods as he lets out a slight sighing sound. Before going into chanting over Russeth’s shoulder and waving his holy symbol back and fourth he sets his hands down upon the wound and sends a pale bluish glow into his body.

Russeth grins slightly, looking over his shoulder again. "Aye. We are the slayers of this giant. These giant. They are so." clenching his fists as he reaches the doorway.

Russeth nods thanks at Zakren, "Much better. Now we may move on, if everyone is ready?"

Jarl pulls on his beard a little "well miss, I be willing to help in any ways me can but Moradin be a god to the dwarves. But he is helpful to all those of good nature"

Sedrick says "perhaps if you would allow the time, we could compare our abilities and we could accompany you into the tree"

Zakren wakes up Kirarae and Hawk while preparing to move deeper into the tree.

Elina nods at Russeth. "I am ready beloved." Smiling at Jarl as she picks up her equipment’s. "Ah. I did not know there is a difference in race when it comes to devotion."

Sedrick says " you are surly more capable than I to have slain the large one, but I may be of some assistance"

Isreal tries but does not sleep very well think about the tower

[Jarl]: "why ye be going into the tree in the first place? The tree don't look evil or anything?"

Russeth pulls his cloak back behind his sword scabbards. "Alright. Isreal you take the lead in there." While smiling at Elina. "Well sir. Any help is welcome. Whatever size of help it is."

Sedrick "excuse me. Are you hearing me?"

Russeth smiles at Jarl, noticing he has no real reason to go in the tree. "I guess. I'm intrigued."

[Isreal]: "hay I was trying to get some rest like you said Russeth"

[Russeth]: "Well hmm. Now that everyone is awoke. Why not move on?"

Jarl nods "tis true I believe. Though Moradin be willing to here your prayers you kin as well as other would not much like the idea"

Isreal looks about the shelves once more looking foe something

Russeth walks over to each of the walls of the room while waiting for the others to be definitely ready. He inspects the walls thoroughly, one by one.

[Sedrick]: "with proper preparation we would stand a much better chance against any foes that may lurk within"

Elina giggles at Jarl's comment. "Others? I suppose you mean other elves. I haven't many elven friends, except for my beloved and the few other elves here." Winking at Russeth as she speaks.

Jarl looks to Sedrick "well what ye thinks? Wants to go with them or stay back here? Me thinks go with them for strength is in numbers." He looks to the others getting ready to leave

Russeth walks back over to the others and stops behind Elina, placing his hand on her shoulders and kisses her on the cheek. "So. Isreal done with you’re rummaging?

Sedrick stamps a foot " I have been expressing my opinion, have you all not heard me?"

Isreal takes one of olive oil bottles from the shelves an the looks at it an takes another an empties one out an starts washing it out in the well

Russeth was out inspecting the walls as he spoke and thought someone answered he coughs. "What preparation do you need?"

Elina blushes as Russeth's warm lips touch her cheek. "Well maybe our new mage friend here might need some time to get himself prepared. Perhaps we might share a spell or two?"

Jarl looks at Sedrick with smirk on his face "what? Ye say something there? Sedrick?"

Hawk snickers looking over the others. "Hmm, could always use another blade, but do we really need another mage? Then again maybe this one is more skilled." Looking to Sedrick, "Can you at least swim?"

Sedrick relaxes "finally, the voice of logic"

Elina frowns at Hawk's comment. "Hey are you implying that I am incompetent?"

Isreal looks at hawk giving him a rude gesture "up yours you stinking bastard"

Russeth sighs, "We've been in this room for a while, but if it's necessary."

Hawk laughs at their comments, "Remember that the next time either of you go swimming again."

Sedrick cuts an eye at hawk "I beg your pardon, it is not a world devoid of magic wielding foes you live in, but one where you should be thankful for the ones you know"

Jarl shrugs. "Me could use some rest but if we must then we must. Is ye on a deadline?"

[Hawk]: "Heh, tell that to whom ever lives upstairs the longer we stay here chit chatting the longer he has to prepare for our arrival."

[Russeth]: "Or maybe you two can rest. While we continue further. And you join us then."

Isreal finishes washing the oil from the bottle an walks over to the body on the dead Giant an fills the bottle with the blood an starts taking fingernails form the giant after the bottle is filled

Elina quickly forgets Hawk's insult as she cares little of such petty words. "Argh!" Screaming in dismay as she looks into her spellbook. "I hate the river and the moat! Now look at my spells! I lost about half of my life's work." Sobbing as she speaks.

Jarl shakes his head after Sedrick’s reply "mages. What we do without them." as the words fade off

Sedrick says, "perhaps if you could allow me to copy what you have left in your book, I would allow you to copy what I have"

Hawk shakes his head as he steps outside for some fresh air. "Call me when you’re ready."

Sedrick says, "as for swimming I tell you that I can swim quite well"

Isreal finishes his work an stands away from the giant an says, "When you guys want to go I am ready "

Elina nods at Sedrick as she continues to sob. "Here take it away from my sight for now. Return it to me when you have finished." Saying as she hands Sedrick her book, and runs to Russeth for comfort.

[Isreal]: "Swimming is not that big a deal when you feet are on the land Hawk"

Sedrick says, "why in the heavens were you swimming in the moat?"

Hawk peers back in the room, "Then maybe you need to learn land based walking. Haha" Is laughing at his words as he turns once more to look off in the night.

Russeth moves his left shoulder out of the way as Elina runs for him. "Hmm. you lost your spells. That’s very sad. Maybe Isreal still has some he can teach you?"

Jarl steps back to the wall "there be any food in this store room, me be needing some food at least" he looks around the room at the shelves on the walls

[Isreal]: "Not like we wanted to well let me take that back the ranger jumped in on his own"

Sedrick takes the book with a greedy glimmer in is eye

Russeth looks over at Sedrick; "A six-headed large creature lived there. And it evaded, once we thought we had killed it. And apparently there is treasure below. But that's another matter. Yeah and I saved you. Thief."

Elina shakes her head at Russeth as she continues to sob. "He does not have all of my work."

Sedrick says, "the creature lives the still?" he frowns at the prospect.

[Russeth]: "Or it fell in the moat. But that's not a concern right now. Enough with the chatter we must move on. Or rest briefly and move on!"

Isreal glares at Russeth with a sneer on his face

Kirarae, steps outside standing near to Hawk as they begin speak, with one another and pointing into the woods.

Jarl sits down beside the well and takes out a piece of dried meat as well as a waterskin "well me be right here till we leave" takes a bite from the dried meat

Russeth walks over to the other doorway and leans against the wall to the left of the door. "Whenever everyone is ready."

Sedrick looks into the book to see what can be salvaged

Elina signs at Russeth's impatience. "I would have thought you learn more about magic for the time we spend together dear. Sedrick will need more time to study." Saying in tears as she speaks, feeling hurt as well as unhappy over the lost of her spells and Russeth's insensitivity.

Isreal stands an says lets go I am ready Russeth we go it alone if we have to"

Russeth stares at Elina and sighs, "But. I know he has to prepare. But that doesn't mean we can't move on, on our own."

Sedrick sympathizes with the mage "perhaps if you had not been forced into a lack of caution you would still have your spells"

Russeth shakes his head. "I told them not to cross the bridge when I did. And no! They had to cross the bridge together and fall together. Oh. And then Isreal fell again, following me, after I said not to cross. There was caution."

Zakren laughs to his, words as he leans against the wall with his arms crossed staring off into the ale barrels.

Sedrick shakes his head "it is sad, perhaps a little more caution a little less bravado and you could benefit from your spell casting friends"

[Elina]: "Well can't we wait a little more?" Sobbing even more as she tries to control herself. Sobbing "Can’t *sob* help *sob* much till *sob* I stop crying."

[Isreal]: "well next time let me die under the water it would be easier to take than your whining"

[Russeth]: "Hey I'm not the one whining. You always try to put the blame on me you lowly thief."

Jarl takes another bite out of the dried meat then follows in with a long drink from the waterskin "hmm. I can stay back with the others and bring them to ye others if ye leave me some markings on the halls to follow"

Russeth shakes his head again furiously; "The guy wasn't even here and tells me we weren't cautious enough. Sheesh."

Sedrick says, " I am only judging by your insistence that you charge forward while the fair Elina here has been badly hampered"

Russeth shrugs, "Maybe it's true I am insistent. I think we've been here in this room for at least ten hours."

[Isreal]: "Watch out Russeth with words like those the new mage may steal you women" laughing

Elina tries to smile at Sedrick's kindness through her tears. "I believe you may have misjudge my love." Feeling more herself as she stops her sobbing.

Zakren sighs, "Geez haven't you seen a pretty woman before she failed to protect her book. Nothing more, if she is lucky between you and Isreal maybe she can replace it."

Jarl also laughs "them mages be known to have a silver tongue ye knows"

Sedrick blushes "that is not my intentions at all my um friend".

[Isreal]: "what did you lose Elina? I will try to help "

Russeth rolls his eyes at Isreal, "Sorry. I don't know what to do. Let’s just rest again. Oh well."

[Zakren]: "Tis pleasing to most my friend, but I must agree it time to move on study and make your trades later this day."

Sedrick says " I only wish to bring order to this chaos that we have obviously been destined to meet"

Isreal 'well I am going to climb the dumb waiter an see what’s up there"

[Elina]: "I have lost quite a few spells. But no matter replacing them can wait." Smiling at Isreal's kindness as she dries her tears with her sleeves. "I am ready now."

[Russeth]: "Can such a chaos defeat a six-headed huge hydra and a stone giant in no more than an hour? I say no. We are organized and prepared for most happenings. YOU are the only one that needs preparation."

Sedrick senses the shift toward advancing anyway "do not say that you were not warned, I will follow on the heel of your experience if you will allow"

[Isreal]: "yeah New Guys " moving to put his hand on Russeth shoulder

Jarl finishes of the chunk of meat and chases it with more water. After he stands up and fills his skin back up with water from the well "me be ready whenever"

Sedrick says " Sedrick humbles himself before obviously superior intellects"

Russeth nods, "Alrighty then we are moving. Later today, the mages can trade their lost spells." While pointing to the doorway he looks at Isreal.

[Elina]: "There now, lets not start a fight we are not looking for shall we? It’s just a misunderstanding." Shaking her head as her wisdom tells her this is not a good time to fight amongst each other.

[Isreal]: "well I am going to see what’s up there " Isreal moves for the dumb waiter

[Russeth]: "Whatever. Isreal if that dumb waiter comes down covered with blood I'll not be surprised."

Sedrick gives the damp book back to its owner but releases it somewhat reluctantly

Jarl picks up his shield and takes out his hammer, shifts his shoulder to realign his armor once more and waits for movement

Isreal slides the door back an climbs in on the rope but first tugs it a few times

Russeth shakes his head, "Whatever. Now what. We use the stairs and meet you up there?"

[Elina]: "Be careful Isreal." Saying as she receives her book from Sedrick, noticing his reluctance. "We will share our spells later." Smiling at Sedrick as she returns her book back into her pack. "I should get a waterproof sack the next time we are in town."

Sedrick takes up the scroll tube hanging on his belt with a thin chain and tucks it into his belt

Isreal soon makes his way out of sight as his dangling feet soon rise within the wall, the sounds of grunting can be heard as he pulls him self up.

Isreal whispers "Always my lady "

Russeth sighs deeply, "This ought to be bad. Now I can imagine just how many traps lie in our way. All right. Let’s get moving."

Sedrick nods his head apologetically and says " surely you understand that spells are hard to come by, I take nothing without your permission"

Russeth grabs his backpack besides the door and tosses it over his shoulders then darts through the single doorway and climbs up the stairs uneasy.

Sedrick says, "in what order shall we proceed?"

Elina nods at Russeth. "You have my permission of course Sedrick." Smiling as she turns her head at Sedrick and follows hastily behind Russeth. "If any misfortune befalls me, you may have my book too." Saying almost in a whisper as she hurries along.

Talking within the storeroom you hear banging and hear Isreal scream as he goes down past the opening of the dumb waiter.

Russeth narrows his eyes as he stares forward, climbing the stairs one by one, he turns his head slowly and peers down the stairs, "Told him."

Defeating the giant and searching the area before resting to ready yourselves, to be on your way while making small talk with your new, found comrades. Through the door at the far end of the storage room once more. The door is constructed of oak and has a small bronze handle, thanks in part to Hawk it is now removed from its hinges. Beyond it leading deeper into the strange tree house. You see before you a small landing leading to a flight of stairs spiraling upwards through the tree, flame less torches light the passage. Stepping in you see the stairwell also runs the same way spiraling downwards into the darkness.

Sedrick flashes a quick smile that fades as the realization of the fact they are walking into unknown realms

[Elina]: "Which way now dear?" Saying as she stares pass Russeth.

Making your way up the spiral staircase for nearly 40' feet or so you come to another landing some 10'x10' foot square to your left is a closed wooden door. To your right is a small slit in the wall.

Sedrick pauses to examine the flame less torches

The small torches are made of wood that gives off a heat less flame that lights the staircase by dancing upon the walls.

[Elina]: "Don't bother with the torch. I have already checked it." Smiling as she notices Sedrick's action. Cautiously, she sticks her staff into the slit and moves it up then down.

Russeth narrows his eyes, watching the slit along the wall. "I have a bad feeling. Hey hmm. Did anyone actually go see if Isreal is okay?"

Jarl waits patiently, positioned towards the back of this group, as Russ stands before the door

[Russeth]: "Elina. May I use your staff?"

[Elina]: "Hmm nothing in the slit. Here." Saying as she passes her staff to Russeth.

Sedrick takes a torch and runs his fingers through the flame, proving that it will not burn anything he caries it with him

Russeth draws the staff forward and places it upon the ground a few feet before in, he pushes upon the ground, waiting to see if anything is happening, he lifts it up in the air.

[Jarl]: "nope not me. What Isreal planned to do climbing that rope anyway?"

While Sedrick tests the torch Russeth pokes at the floor with no out of the ordinary effects other then the light tapping of the wood upon the floor.

[Elina]: "I am sure Isreal is all right. He did promise me he be careful." Smiling as she watches Russeth.

Sedrick makes sure that he is not standing between the door and the slit "I would watch your backs"

Russeth looks a bit confused as he hands Elina back her staff. He walks over to the wall opposite to the one with the slit, and lunges upon it with uneasy steps.

[Jarl]: "ye might wants to listen for any movement from the other side of that door?"

Sedrick trailing off lost to another thought "if I were you"

[Elina]: "Stand back." Saying as she places her self away from the slit and the door to the left and places her staff on the handle.

Jarl moves away from the slit and places his shield to the slit side just incase

Zakren looks up the steps. "So what’s the hold up look in the slit you bafoon its a murder hole for invaders. Are we going up or what?"

[Elina]: "Well are we ready?" Asking as she prepares to move the handle with her staff.

[Russeth]: "I thought we'd go through that door?" Looks the door over briefly; he tries to open it.

[Elina]: "No!" Saying as she pushes Russeth away from the door with her staff. "Stand back I say."

Russeth reaches for the knob and turns it as a clicking sound can be heard from within the lock.

Russeth shrugs as he has already begun the process. Moving away from the door to the wall on the left.

Jarl looks up to see what is going on "now what ye two doing? "

[Elina]: "Let me go first." Saying as she carefully twists the knob from the left of the door and opens it.

It seems Elina rushed to the top to stop Russeth from opening the door as she now blocks it from him. Before she opens the door.

Jarl shakes his head as he mutters "fighting over who opens the door"

Russeth shrugs, "All right dear." peering over her shoulders at the door and below.

[Zakren]: "Come on damn it my legs are getting tired standing on these steps!" Calling out to you from below.

Elina peers into the slit in the door, which she opens.

Sedrick stares blankly at his new toy, running his fingers through the faux flame "interesting"

[Russeth]: "Open that door, Elina... come on." he sighs deeply as he walks closer.

Jarl waves to Russ as he sees him look his way. He also motions for him to please hurry up

[Elina]: "Oh alright." Pushing the door open with all her might slamming the door in the process.

Russeth narrows his eyes at the dwarf; "I'm not the one out front."

Jarl flinches with the slamming of the door "wake the dead will ye"

Sedrick startles at the noise "alright then, lets go..."

Russeth places a hand on the door as he walks in; he scans the area quickly.

[Elina]: "Go head dear.' Saying as she moves aside and motion Russeth in.

Jarl slowly follows Russ or Elina into the next area. Scanning the area for anything out of the normal

Looking into the room you see the tree itself is hollow, before you being a round 20' foot deep pit. Directly across from you, you can see a curving passageway. A 5' foot wide bridge leads across the pit from the staircase to the passage. The smell of sulfur hangs in the room as it burns the inner sides of your nose.

Russeth puts a hand to his nose as you see him walking forward, the other hand lies upon his longsword hit, and he isn't looking down.

[Elina]: "Carry me across darling?" Asking as she holds out her hands at Russeth.

Sedrick looks to be sure the footing is sound

Russeth looks back at Elina. "Heh. Why not climb on my back though." he pulls her close and turns around.

[Jarl]: "hey. Got a rope? We tie it around the first person and stay back as Russ walks across this thing, if it be a trap we still got him with the rope"

Elina nods and climbs onto Russeth, holding on for dear life.

[Russeth]: "Yep I have a rope I intended to use it. Tossing it next to him.

Sedrick hands his rope up the line; the other end securely fastened to his pack

Jarl stays back and waits to see if they make it across the bridge before even thinking about stepping foot on it

Sedrick shrugs and recoils his back in place

Russeth lets Elina down, "It'll be safer if you cross on your own." he quickly ties one end of the rope around himself, handing the other end to the dwarf.

Sedrick checks the rope to see what materials it is made of, if it is knotted, scanning for weaknesses

Jarl looks down into the pit "well tie ye self to it and give us the other part of the rope to hold"

Zakren peers out the slit in the wall outside in the staircase. "Yup I can see the bridge down there and the trees." As he talks to him self-waiting for the others.

Elina nods and slowing step back into the room. "Be careful dear."

Russeth then proceeds onto the bridge, taking uneasy steps but not watching down, or behind. "I will."

Jarl takes the rope and passes it on back for the others to hold on to as well. He has a 3-foot give on the rope and will feed more of it as Russ walks

As Russeth makes it out half way upon the bridge it begins to shake and rumble as it starts to slide back into the wall. Keeping your balance your hit with turning back to the staircase, or jumping to the passage, before being sent to the floor below. Peering down one last time you see a mist or gas forming and swirling below blocking out the view of the floor.

Sedrick nose flair’s "sulfur, that is quite odd don’t you think?"

Elina holds on to the rope and tries dragging Russeth back with the aid of the others.

Russeth thinks quickly as he jumps forward, remembering that time he jumped 18', he hopes he will do it.

Jarl begins to pull also "old dwarf good for something after all. But this be a strange tree me tell ye"

Jumping into the passageway Russeth Slams into the air with a crunching thud as he falls into the mists below out of sight leaving only a swirling mass of mist where he went through. The passageway he jumped to seems to be blocked as he hits something that begins to shimmer, with ripples of refracting lights like water rippling on the surface of a pond from the splash of a rain drop. The ripples spread out ward and fade away revealing the form of a door before you. The door is constructed like the rest of solid oak woods. The rope pulls taught over the edge as Russeth has gone through the mists.

Sedrick braces for the weight of the falling Russeth

Jarl calls down to Russ "ye still with us lad?"

[Elina]: "Pull him up quick!" Saying through her teeth as she tries to pull Russeth up.

Jarl pulls on the rope "Grrr. Oomph that boy be needing a diet"

Sedrick pulls with all that he has which isn’t much

You pull and in no time at all Russeth, is pulled back up upon the ledge and appears to be fast asleep as he is snoring at the end of the rope. After doing so you hear the faint sounds of someone or thing yelling "Hay!"

Russeth crumbles to the floor, asleep, his mouth wide open.

Elina checks Russeth's pulse as she places her finger upon his neck. "Hmmm. Asleep."

Jarl helps to carefully bring Russ over and places him on the ground "lad be sleeping? At a time like this?"

Sedrick furrows his brow "asleep? How is that". He puts his nose to the air and tests it for a change in the odor

Zakren looks him over. "Check his head maybe he banged it lass."

Jarl looks to the direction of the voice "hey? Who be saying hey?"

Elina nods at Zakren as she slowly places her hand tenderly upon Russeth's head, feeling for bumps or cuts.

[Jarl]: "that thing he hit or the gases might have sent him to dream land. Me thinks"

Sedrick wrinkles his nose "could be alchemy"

[Elina]: "He looks alright. I will just put a bandage on just incase." Saying as she bandages Russeth's head carefully.

[Jarl]: "who said hey? " Continues to look for the voice

[Isreal]: "hay its me Isreal I am stuck in a mettle box an I can't get out who's up there"

Russeth stirs in his sleep, rolling over close to the edge.

Jarl smacks his head with his hand "with the luck of a troll in the elemental planes of fire, this group seems to have"

Zakren looks down in the hole. "How did you get stuck in a box Isreal you went up the wall?"

[Elina]: "Where are you Isreal? Still in the dumbwaiter?" Asking as she finishes Russeth's bandage and grabs hold of him in her arms to prevent him from turning over the ledge.

[Isreal]: "Anyone up there I could use a hand please"

Zakren looks back to the others, "any of you wish to join me? If he is below we should go down the steps."

Jarl begins to clap "How can we get to ye?"

[Isreal]: "I fell off the rope an into this box"

[Elina]: "You guys go ahead. I will stay here with Russeth." Saying as she sets her self down and places Russeth's head upon her lap.

Jarl nods to Zak ready to follow him back down

Sedrick readies himself "ill go with you"

Zakren nods and makes his way down the staircase.

[Jarl]: "Sedrick stay in the landing so that we can hear ye if ye yell or if we yell"

[Isreal]: "well I guess maybe there a way down here but if not you would have to come back threw the dumb waiter but use your own rope"

Making your way down into the dark stair well you come to the end some 60' feet or so down to a small landing before an iron rung door. To the right is a large chain locking the door into the frame.

Isreal yells out every so often to act as a beacon

Peering in through the rungs you see nothing but a few empty sets of shackles, and three large metal boxes some 8' foot high and wide. Isreal's cries seem to come from the direction of the metal boxes.

Jarl studies the chain to see what on it is holding the door in place and if it can be removed

The chain runs through the rungs on the door and into the metal frame about it. A large well-crafted padlock that binds both ends of the chain secures it.

Sedrick chuckles, "does anyone else find this just a little ironic?"

Jarl looks at the lock then to Zak "ye gots a key or anything?"

[Isreal]: "can you still here me are you near?"

Sedrick says, " I suppose no one has any skill with a lock."

Zakren peers at Jarl. "I'm afraid not sir we just got here ourselves and well the thief’s in there." Pointing to the metal box.

[Jarl]: "Ya, we be close me thinking"

[Sedrick]: "says aloud "we are with you, just having trouble getting to you"

[Isreal]: "what’s does in look like where are you?"

Sedrick says "heavy door, stout chain, and a big lock"

Jarl smiles and twists his hammer in his hand "me gots a key. Grab the chains on each side and pull it till it is tight and the lock is against a solid bar"

[Isreal]: "how big a lock? What does it look like?"

Zakren snickers. "That about sum's it up." Looking back up the stairs as Elina's song can be heard.

Sedrick describes the lock to the trapped thief

[Isreal]: "Try busting the lock you will have more of a chance with that see if you can find a big rock of something"

Jarl positions himself so that if the door falls his way he can step out of its way "come on hold that chain and me break it with me hammer"

Sedrick nods to the dwarf as he grabs the chain and placed the lock in the best position

Zakren looks in the room, "A rock where by the gods are we going to find a rock in the woods at night you fool. No ones going out there tonight, if anything you are safer then we are."

Sedrick says, "the dwarf has a hammer"

Jarl takes his shield off and sides, it off to the side away from the door and takes a two-handed grip on the hammer "ye ready?"

Zakren steps out of the way of the dwarf while he prepares to swing.

[Isreal]: "yeah, yeah, But you are not staring down the line of a life sentence are you?"

Sedrick winces and grits his teeth as he bring the hammer down

Jarl swings into the lock throwing his weight into the swing "auggh. Be the blasted thing"

[Isreal]: "WHAT, WHAT, what blasted thing? What happened tell me! Did it break? Please by the gods have it broken"

Jarl hits the door as he brushes off the lock making a loud clanking thud as the hammer makes contact, but the lock holds firm.

Sedrick snatches back his fingers and cuts a look to the dwarf " I need these hands"

Jarl arms quiver with the contact "damn strong lock. Read again" he draws back for a second swing

Sedrick says "hold on"

Jarl swings once more into the lock with his hammer "By Moradin's Hammer!"

Sedrick looks to the hinges to see what way they face

With Jarl’s second swing the padlock pops open as the hammer goes by. Leaving Sedrick’s hands intact.

[Isreal]: "What happened is it open someone tell me something"

Sedrick kisses each fingertip "whew, thank you Moradin, whoever you are"

[Jarl]: he smiles and looks at his hammer proudly "a fine hammer. It tis. And me crafted it with Father's good graces"

Sedrick hefts the chain and opens the door

You hear Elina scream from up above as you open the door by removing the chains.

[Isreal]: "what is it Elina? I can hear you"

Jarl looks up towards the screams "all hell, now what?"

Sedrick snatches his head toward the scream and drops the chain "what just happened?"

Zakren snickers, Russeth must be awake now Haha." Laughing as he hears her brief scream.

Jarl heads into the room looking about the room as he enters

Sedrick dances on one foot face contorted in pain "ouch och. Ouch my toe"

[Isreal]: "what’s is going on I can’t see anything?"

The room is void of all furniture only housing the 8 sets of shackles and the three metal boxes. A thick layer of dust can be seen coating the floors, as you leave prints behind you.

[Jarl]: "keep talking." Jarl heads for the box that sounds like Isreal tap the top of ye trap with something hard"

Isreal yells out "in here I am over here what are you doing come get me out"

You make your way over to the boxes and it seems he is within the far-left container or cell.

Sedrick regains his composure and tries to ignore the throbbing toe "damn chain"

Zakren looks at Sedrick, "Hmm think we should lug that chain around with us just incase?"

Jarl looks over the left most box for traps or anything to that liking "can ye see any traps on ye side?"

[Isreal]: "I can’t see at all I wish I could"

Sedrick looks a little sarcastic "help yourself, ill kill myself with the blasted thing looks like a big metal box"

[Jarl]: "what is this thing. It is a box but with no way to open it? Come look at this will ya"

[Isreal]: "is there a door? Or is it just a solid box?"

Zakren nods and takes the chain placing it into his backpack. "It's a little heavy but I’ll carry it at least until we get out of here."

Sedrick looks the box over carefully "how did you get into this thing?"

[Jarl]: "solid no doors or handles or anything from this side anyway"

Searching over the box you see no doors or handles and locks of any kind upon its three sides with the back up against the wall of the dungeon.

[Isreal]: I fell into a trapped door at the bottom of the dumb waiter shaft"

Jarl looks at the walls "hmm. Me wanders if anything in the room can trigger the box in some way"

Sedrick tries to rock it gently to see if it is secured to the wall or free standing

The metal box does not move with Sedrick’s attempts, as it is too large and heavy to lift.

Jarl gets up and starts to examine the walls for levers or anything like that " I will search the walls keep looking and thinking"

Sedrick speaks loudly as to be heard from inside the box "is there metal on all sides of you?

Isreal walks tapping the walls feeling for metal

While you observe the box Elina and Russeth join you.

[Jarl]: "ask him if he thinks someone can get him out from that Waiter's shaft place"

Sedrick speaking loudly again "can you see any light through any cracks" he takes the torch in his left hand and holds it at different level to check the entire box.

[Elina]: "Maybe an hour or two. Lets head towards the dumbwaiter. I have an idea which might get Isreal out since he was last there." Saying as she waits for Russeth to feels himself.

[Isreal]: "It’s all metal but the trap door side where the dumb Waiter shaft was"

Zakren looks up at them and laughs. "See I told you," looking at Russeth now awake.

Elina frowns as she sees the group. "I saw some green ugly creature. I screamed and yet no one came?"

Jarl nods as he is still searching the walls

Sedrick looks a little concerned "where did it go?"

Russeth holds his head in one hand, feeling the walls as he walks.

Jarl looks to Elina "Russ isn't green?"

[Elina]: "It went down the stairs. If its not here, maybe there is a trapdoor or wall somewhere it ran to." Saying as she starts heading up the stairs, dragging Russeth with her back to the room with the dumb waiter.

Jarl takes hold of one of the shackles and pulls on it

[Isreal]: "how is the metal box sealed at the seams?"

[Jarl]: "try to just pull up on the box and see what happens"

[Isreal]: "there’s nothing to pull on that I have felt in here"

Sedrick follows Elina and Russeth "you screamed at the exact moment that I opened the door"

Russeth looks up at Elina surprised and shrugs, following her with whatever plan she might have.

Jarl then takes hold of both shackles and pulls on both of them to see if anything happens

Russeth looks at the walls as they climb the stairs, studying their traits, looking for a certain trap door.

Sedrick says "perhaps whatever it was knew that we had opened it, we should get to the thief quickly as it might get to him first"

[Russeth]: "No Elina. I have a much better idea. Just toss the rope down. No need for you to go in there. Plus it would be much safer to get him from below.

Sedrick calls to the dwarf "keep an eye open for trap doors"

[Jarl]: "aye"

[Russeth]: "And you will be too."

You hear Elina calling down from above the metal box to Isreal.

Isreal sits in the dark at the back wall he came in tapping it with his dagger hilt. "Yeah I am down here what are you going to do?"

Jarl walks over and taps the second box then tries to push down on it

Russeth as she lowers herself into the shaft towards Isreal.

Jarl makes his way to the second box and pushes on the side as you hear a gust of air as a, man sized door opens from its side.

[Jarl]: "well I’ll be a bearded orc!" Walks back to the other box, the one that Isreal is in and does the same thing "gets ready lad"

Isreal looks up at the sound of the gate being messed with "who’s there?"

Jarl repeats the process on Isreal's cell as the door open casting light within his darkened solitude. Upon the floor is a maggot-infested body of a human.

[Jarl]: "get ye butt out of there, don't know if it say open long"

Isreal gets up and runs out an throws up after being free of the smell of the rotten body

[Elina]: "Its me, Elina. Are you ok down below?" Saying as she hears Isreal.

[Isreal]: "yes I am free pull here up Russeth how did you open that door Jarl?"

[Jarl]: once Isreal is out of the box Jarl will release it "ye all right? Good to see ye in one piece"

[Elina]: "Ok Russ darling. Pull me up please." Shouting back up as she realizes Isreal is fine.

[Sedrick]: Turns back to the stairs as he hears someone throwing up and goes to investigate "who IS that?"

Jarl walks back to the second box and pushes it open "like this"

[Isreal]: "yeah I am ok Jarl thank you for setting me free I owe you a great debt"

Jarl takes the body out from the box inspecting it of anything of use

[Isreal]: "lets open them all there may be something of use in one of them on another body like that one " wiping his mouth

[Elina]: "Hmm Russ you there?" Shouting up as she waits for Russeth to pull her up.

[Isreal]: "I checked it nothing on him maybe there's others"

Sedrick checks to be sure that Elina has been lifted back to safety and then goes, back to join the others

Looking up the shaft from below you see Elina sitting hanging by a rope in the shaft.

Russeth holds his head with one hand as he had been covering his ears, he turns around, "Hmmm oh ya." he starts lifting Elina up.

Jarl will walk over to the last box and push in on it as well to open it. After searching the body from the second box

[Elina]: "What took you so long? I was getting worried." Saying as she climbs out of the dumbwaiter.

Opening the third cell you see nothing within it, other then a lighter coat of dust then in the main room.

Isreal gets up and helps Jarl search the boxes "you open them I will look threw them"

Russeth smiles, as Elina appears in the trapdoor again "That fall gave me a headache I couldn’t bear I'm sorry."

Zakren seeing everyone is ok begins to make his way back up to the storeroom. "I need a drink, and I know where to find it."

Sedrick sneers, "what kind of mad place is this" he taps his staff on the floor angrily "I don’t suppose any of you were invited?"

[Jarl]: "aye. And maybe we set some weights on them so that is we fall into them again we can get out"

Elina nods sympathetically at Russeth and helps him down the stairs towards the rest.

Russeth nods at Elina as he follows along, until they reach the room with the others. "Will you stay with us now Isreal or what?"

Jarl looks to Isreal "well we should be getting back to the others, there isn't anything of use here"

Zakren makes his way back into the storeroom where he begins dipping his goblet into the barrel of ale, filling it to over flowing and drinks.

Sedrick says "clouds of sulfur, green creatures and strange corpse filled death traps, a fine vacation spot this is"

[Isreal]: "I will stay with you I thought it would be a good idea maybe a surprise for what ever is up stairs". Makes his way back up the stairs to the main room "well I guess we head up the tower"

Jarl shrugs and head back up with Isreal

Sedrick breathes heavily as he climbs yet more stairs "perhaps a rest now?

Russeth regains his thoughts as he runs and hand over his wounded shoulder. "Alright. We will head up and forget about this other area. It was weird though, some invisible wall of sorts. And then that green creature Elina saw."

[Isreal]: "well Russeth what do we do now fearless leader? Head on or do we rest an set back out later?"

Zakren laughs "Yes why don't we rest again any one need a healing hand? Before I get to drunk" Raising a goblet of ale and drinking it.

[Isreal]: "nope I am ok all but the being sealed up with that maggot ridden body"

Russeth shrugs, "Go to rest. And no split up. Last time I say it."

Jarl smiles at Zakren "we think alike. We will get along very well me thinks. Me can heal as well if it be needed"

[Zakren]: "besides we have time I don't think the mage is here any more. He surely would have turned us into frogs by now."

Sedrick says " I would not be so sure, seems like he, or it, may be just toying with us"

[Russeth]: "Isreal. Before you go to rest check the next stairs up for traps already. It’ll be done."

Zakren sighs, "yeah maybe so but wishful thinking always helps." Giving a grim smile with the ending of his words.

[Isreal]: "I told you earlier today that up to the door is ok I did not open the door for fear of what lays on the other side"

Jarl takes an old cup from his pack cleans it with his sleeve after he dips it into the barrel of ale "this stuff any good?"

Sedrick says "someone appointed that giant as a guard of some sorts, and I am sure that the giant wouldn’t just hang around"

[Isreal]: "well if he is toying with us that will be his first an last mistake I have seen many a mouse get away from a cat when the cat tries to toy with him"

[Russeth]: "We know it's a guard Sedrick. It asked for a password."

[Zakren]: "Comes all the way from Luiren so must be good." Smiling as he takes another drink.

[Elina]: "Well any way across from below? Or are we resting?" Asking as she plans herself upon the floor and takes out her spellbook.

Isreal sits down Elina may I have your book I would like to try one of you spell as the bargain we made in town "

[Jarl]: "hmm." he brings the cup up to his nose *sniff* "smells okay " as he drinks from the cup

Sedrick nods "why did you come here anyway?"

Elina nods at Isreal. "Well maybe we can start replacing what I lost too." Smiling at Isreal as she hands him her book.

[Isreal]: "or my lady may I sit close an study with you so as I may see the book"

Zakren looks up to Sedrick then over to Russeth. "Well, I guess we should tell them."

[Elina]: "Hmm why not we just share the books and start learning?" Smiling as she sits besides Isreal.

Jarl finishes off the cup "augh. At least this mage knows what good ale is"

Russeth shrugs as he sits against the wall in a corner of the room behind the shelves, secluded from the party.

Sedrick shudders "I am thinking it will be safer among the hairy men of the forest"

Isreal looks up tell us what Zak?"

Russeth nods, "Aye. At least you know of the hairy men. We have no idea what lurks within this tree."

[Jarl]: "aye? What something to be saying?"

Zakren looks over at Isreal. "Why we are here you fool he just asked what we were doing."

[Isreal]: "well I did not know sorry jackass"

[Zakren]: "Jackass! He called me a jackass." Looking to the dwarf and refilling his goblet once more.

Jarl shakes his head and mutters crazy. Dipping his cup back into the barrel for a refill

You rest once more in the storeroom as several hours pass. The spell casters have finished with their works.

Elina copies the spells from Isreal's book intently as magic lost to her quickly returns to her memory.

Sedrick Pulls out his scroll tube and looks to Elina "perhaps we can trade off some spells now?"

[Jarl]: "well ye knows it seems he did bump his head on that wall pretty hard and all"

[Isreal]: the first burning hands

Russeth climbs to his feet and glares at each of them one by one. "Alright. Your studies are completed. Let’s get moving again."

Elina nods at Sedrick. "Sure. Once Isreal finishes with mine." Smiling at Sedrick as she continues with her work.

Jarl looks to Russ with a smile "where do you plan to take us this day? Not the same place as the last day I hope?"

Isreal sits and studies Elina’s book looking and flipping pages than look back at the same pages and looking at the next an so on

Russeth nods at Jarl, "Unless you are too scared? Nothing happened to you and you are already afraid of going back? Yes we are heading back inside the tree. And this time Isreal will have the brain to STAY with us!"

[Elina]: "Well lets do the trade then Sedrick?" Smiling as Isreal finishes with her book.

Isreal sits not paying attention to the outside world

Jarl lets out a huge belly laugh "no you clown. The same place you took as yesterday was right here the very place we left from."

Russeth sighs as he walks away from the party and into the stairs, "You said they were fine up to the top right Isreal?"

[Sedrick]: grins "excellent!"

Isreal is still in the book an does not say a word

Russeth begins climbing up the stairs, looking back in the room and shaking his head once more. He takes uneasy steps as he begins but gets more confident. Then goes out of sight.

[Sedrick]:"well ready when you are then"

Isreal stands up with his new spells an the spell known remembered for the day and says "Yes Russeth it is clear to the door I saw no more stairs up any further"

Elina nods as she passes Sedrick her spell book.

Sedrick tucks away his new found magic’s with a satisfied smile and bows to Elina "thank you my lady, I hope it was as bountiful for you"

Jarl collects his gear, hoping to himself that by the end of this day we will have seen more then a door and a box. "Ready to go when ye are"

Isreal takes off after Russeth hoping to help him

Making your way back up the stairs to the bridge room. With the bridge now inside the floor you are unable to make it over to the new found door with out going down through the gaseous mist below.

Isreal looks about the room for a switch to bring the bridge back out

The steps end at the landing to the bridge room; if it continues up it will be beyond the other door.

Jarl follows the other back up, in the same position as he was in before

Elina nods at Sedrick. "I might need to look at your book again in the near future. There was a spell I was unable to comprehend." Smiling as she returns her book into her pack.

Zakren watches Russeth on the landing debating the next move. "Did you hit bottom when you fell down there. Russeth?"

[Russeth]: "Yes I did hit the bottom Zakren."

[Isreal]: "he hit the top of the cell I was in" looks for a lever to bring the bridge back up.

Jarl watches the others "so we going up of trying that bridge again?"

Russeth scratches his head, "Even if we get to cross, there was a strange field in the air." in the mean time he draws his rope from his backpack and tosses it across the room at the other door, wondering if it will hit something in the air.

Sedrick agrees with Elina "let me know if you need any help with the interpretation"

Isreal looks around for some time an says stand back all an he pushes in a Plate on the wall

Elina nods at Sedrick. "Thanks for your offer. Smiling as she watches Isreal.

Jarl steps onto the landing finds a rock or something small like that and wings it across the open area towards the other side "heads-up"

Sedrick watches out a little startled that something was about to occur

Isreal pushes in a small stone at the base of the right wall as the bridge once again begins to span across the gas filled pit.

Russeth looks back at Isreal, "That's why you need to stay with us. Kind of surprised me at first, I gave you an opportunity to show your talents and you just threw yourself in that trapdoor." grinning slightly.

A few minutes later the rumbling of the stone ends as the bridge comes to a stop in front of the door.

Isreal says hold on I will try to get it to stay in place

[Elina]: "Well will someone help me across?" Asking as she sees the bridge rising up from bellow.

[Russeth]: "First we gotta make sure we can cross." he tosses the rope along the bridge again.

Elina nods at Russeth and waits for him to help her cross the bridge.

[Isreal]: "well I can't get it to stay we will have to run across one at a time would be the safest way I would think"

Russeth looks a bit worried, "But. It’s the field I'm worried about."

Sedrick looks at the thief like he has lost his mind "all at one time?"

Russeth shrugs, "I'll take a running jump, and worst case I'll come back."

[Elina]: "Well I suggest Isreal go first and unlock the door in case it’s locked." Smiling at Isreal as she speaks.

Sedrick says, "so we can all fall in?"

[Isreal]: "no one at a time you dunce"

Russeth takes a few steps back and runs for the bridge, jumping after the second step on it.

Sedrick cleans out his ear "sorry"

[Jarl]: "well lets if it works" begins to step onto the bridge

Russeth lands near the door as the bridge remains still.

Jarl decides to wait seeing Russeth take off

[Isreal]: "great I will go it cant be that hard I can make it across a bridge that’s not moss covered"

Russeth slams into the door as he lands near it with all his might.

[Isreal]: "ok I will go next " Isreal gets lined up to run across the bridge"

Sedrick looks around sheepishly and kicks at a stone "IM not a dunce just didn’t hear you is all mumble, mumble mumble' he mutters under his breath

Isreal steps up and tries to run across

Zakren laughs, "Heh don't worry you will get used to it around here."

Jarl looks to Elina "okay missy ye be next but I will follow close behind you just in case. Okay?"

Isreal runs across the bridge to Russeth as it still remains still.

Elina nods at Jarl and starts running across the bridge. "Heads up and wish me luck!"

[Isreal]: "great Russeth you help them cross " Isreal looks at the door for traps

Jarl follows closely behind Elina as she runs across the bridge

Sedrick runs across last looking a little uncomfortable

Russeth shrugs at Isreal, "They don't need my help do they?"

Zakren looks across the room, "Well Isreal can you open it or what?"

Isreal tries the door to see if it’s open

Elina stops behind Isreal as he tries to open the door.

Isreal opens the door unlocked "well that is nice"

Jarl pats Elina on the arm when they cross the bridge "Good going Lass, would follow you anything just let old Jarl know"

Isreal opens the door an walks inside looking around the door for what’s next

Elina smiles at Jarl. "Thanks but try to stay away from me around water. I am really bad in luck near water."

Making it beyond the pit the door opens onto a great hall, 35'feet long and 20'foot wide. The room contains various items of furniture, including tables along the wall to your right and left; a stack of papers lies on the right hand table. A large tapestry partially covers the wall at the left end of the room hanging between two mirrored-topped stands. In the wall to the right is an alcove in which a 12-inch figurine stands atop a 3'foot high pedestal between to lavish sitting chairs. In the wall directly across the room, you see three identical solid oak wood doors.

Isreal walks inside the door looking for the next thing to trap him

Jarl smiles "water. No problem me doesn't get anywhere close to water that is deeper them me is tale"

Elina giggles and nods in agreement with Jarl.

Isreal starts looking over the tables for what’s on them

Elina approaches the table and browse through the papers.

As you look about the room, a voice coming from the direction of the figurine says, "Greetings, guests! If you seek a way or inquire about your fate I may be of help."

[Isreal]: "How can you help? "Looking at the figure

Sedrick looks to the voice after join the others at the table

Jarl walks over to the figurine slowly looking over it as he walks

Elina smiles at the figure as she returns the papers back upon the desk.

[Jarl]: "I do. Tell me more "

[Isreal]: "what’s on the desk Elina? Anything good?"

Sedrick says, "whom placed you here?"

[Elina]: "It’s just a letter. The figurine looks peculiar though."

Jarl stands before this figurine "tell me of my fate. If ye will"

The figurine remains quiet to your questions.

[Isreal]: "what does the letter say my lady?"

Jarl inspects the figurine then the two chairs beside it, sitting in each chair lastly

Zakren watches the others then the doors. "So which way to we go?"

Jarl taps the figurine with his hand "hello? I want to know me fate?" tap. Tap "hello?"

Elina takes the letter and hands it to Isreal. "Here. Look for yourself." Smiling as she approaches the figurine.

Sedrick looks to the tapestry and the mirrors

The tapestry is in two sections with a beautiful weave possibly from the Far East. It does not appear to be attached to the wall but to a rod instead that lie atop to pegs in the wall. Peering behind it reveals nothing but the wood of the tree.

Jarl looks back at Elina as she approaches "the things not talking now. Must not like me or something"

[Elina]: "Let me try." Saying as she walks back to the door again.

[Isreal]: "I don’t like that invisible Army we had better be on the look out there may be invisible things around here" goes to each door an looks for traps

[Jarl]: "invisible army? What ye talking about Isreal?"

The small tables and mirrors are finely crafted of rose wood. But appear to be nothing out of the ordinary.

Elina walks back to the door then to the right table looking for a switch that may have triggered the figurine.

Isreal looks back from the door "the letter over there on the table says about an Army".

Jarl looks about the figurine for switches or levers that might be on it or hiding behind it

Isreal moves from the far-left door to the center door and starts looking it over

Sedrick looks behind the mirrors, and examines the rod that the tapestry hangs on

Jarl sets up beside the figurine and readies to lift it from its resting-place

Isreal looks at the door for a wile and then moves to the far right door an starts feeling around the door

Elina picks up the rest of the papers upon the desk and looks at them.

Jarl slowly tries to lift the figurine if he can he will place it on the ground beside the pedestal it sits on now

Jarl lifts the small figurine with no trouble and sets it upon the floor.

[Isreal]: "well all-3 doors are clean no traps anyone looked for doors that you can’t see? Don’t do things like that Jarl that could have blown the hole room up"

Sedrick says "nothing to speak of over here really, just a tapestry and some really nice mirrors, they are Very light"

Jarl carefully places in on the ground so that it will not fall or break then looks to the pedestal for what was under the figurine

Isreal starts running his hand along the walls looking as he walks around the room

Sedrick taps at the reflection in the mirror then smoothes his goatee and checks his teeth

Removing the figurine shows a normal solid pedal stool.

[Isreal]: "well there no other doors in the room "Isreal goes over to the Figure an looks at it

Jarl picks up the pedal stool and looks under that "did we cover everything?"

Sedrick does a walk around the room checking for anything we may have missed "well looks like we are left with a talking figure that seems to be a bit shy"

The figurine is a 12-inch jade statuette of an elderly man dressed in flowing robes. It does not appear to be attached to the pedestal but to be sitting atop it.

Jarl places the pedal stool back down and then places the figurine back on the pedal stool. To the best that he can leaving the figurine and the pedestal the way he originally found it

Elina places the letter into her pouch and search the walls.

Isreal points at the figure "is this worth a bunch Elina?"

Sedrick uses a mirror to look around the room, checking everything through the reflection

Jarl looks about the room. "Now what?"

Zakren sighs, "Hmm maybe try one of the three doors."

Elina tries searching the wall but finds nothing and approaches the figurine and tries to appraise it.

Jarl nods "if it is true Jade. Yes"

[Isreal]: "I was getting to that Zak I wanted to know if we should grab this up and we leave"

[Elina]: "The statue is worth about 200 gold pieces." Saying as she tries to speak to the statue in ancient.

[Jarl]: "I say leave it hear till we are ready to leave this place then take it then, that way not to damage it"

[Isreal]: "no leave it near a door so we can grab it if we have to make it out of here fast"

Sedrick speaks to the statue " I don’t suppose you could tell us what waits for us beyond these doors can you?"

Jarl nods in agreement "aye"

Isreal picks it up an goes an puts it on one of the tables

Russeth remains silent, looking about the room with interest at every detail. He runs his hand along the walls as he inspects them, feeling for cracks of sort.

The figurine does not speak or answer your questions.

Russeth turns around satisfied and walks over to Elina and the statue.

Isreal goes to the door with the figure before he puts it on the table an holds it in front of each door

Elina runs her hand upon the statue looking for a switch of sort.

Isreal goes and puts it on one of the tables "well witch door Russeth do you want to try?"

Jarl walks out into the hall and waits for the others "which way we wants to go now? Up to next level?"

Russeth rubs his chin as he walks over each door and ponders over them. "I have no idea really."

[Isreal]: "well there all clean of traps you pick one and I will open it"

Jarl kicks at the wall remembering there are doors in that room and returns "take the door by the chairs"

Isreal goes an sits in one of the chairs "sitting down can help you think" an sits in one of them

Jarl shrugs "getting no place it seems walks over to the door beside the chairs and tries to open it

Jarl opens the right door and looks inside.

[Isreal]: "anything in there Jarl?"

[Elina]: "Weird statue. First it speaks now it does not." Saying as she picks it up and holds it in her hand after she ties her staff securely behind her.

[Figurine]: "Amazing art" It replies the as Jarl opens the door and looks in.

[Jarl]: "ye gots three more doors and some pictures on the wall. Take a look" steps back from the room

Isreal walks up and looks into the room.

Sedrick examines the recess behind the statue really well

Elina looks down at the statue in her hand. "I think we should bring it along. We might need its advice." Saying as she approaches and stand in front of each door one at a time.

Russeth glares at the so-said pictures upon the walls, listening to Jarl's comment. "I will."

Jarl walks over and opens the second door to the room with the figurine in it

Opening this door you see before you a small room some 10' foot square. A door stands in the center of each wall. To the left and right of each door are identical picture frames that are all empty.

Isreal closes the door "lets try opening the next door then walks to the center door an opens it.

Elina nods and follows Isreal with the statue within her hand.

Figurine While opening the center door the man speaks of "Droll T'tan weep slith tragic measure"

Jarl looks back "a spell?"

Sedrick's ears perk up and he catches up with the others.

[Isreal]: "what did that thing just say?"

Elina shakes her head. "No. More like a warning."

[Isreal]: "what did it say Elina sense you can make it out?"

[Jarl]: "what kind of warning?"

[Isreal]: "SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Isreal says turning around troll asleep with magic treasure?

Jarl looks into the now open room

[Elina]: "Droll T'tan seems to be someone I believe. Tragic measure sounds pretty much like some action," Hushing up as Isreal warns them.

Isreal whispering "there is someone in there asleep be quiet an I will sneak up an kill it"

[Jarl]: "troll die by Jarl's hammer"

With Jarl’s words the beast in the bed jumps up and into the center of his room.

[Isreal]: "GREAT, GREAT, GREAT DAMN DWARFS I HAD THE BLASTED THING BUT NO "

Jarl quickly closes the door

[Elina]: "Quickly to the center of the hall! We will have more space there." Saying as she retreats towards the center.

You shut the door and make your way back into the room, as the beast does not pursue.

[Jarl]: "hehe. Sleep well my magic guardian"

Russeth glares inside at Isreal, "You intend to kill a troll with your dagger, Isreal?" watching the scene his arms crossed over his chest.

[Elina]: "I should take a little time to study. A spell I have might prove useful now." Saying as she takes out her spell book and starts memorizing.

Isreal says yes if I have to"

[Jarl]: "well Isreal you could try and open the door again and see if it is asleep again

[Isreal]: "it will not be I know it "

Russeth nods at Isreal, "We might have a little more hope if we jumped it together. And then dropped it in the acid pit behind the door." pointing the way they came from.

Russeth scratches his head "Oh ya. It’s not acid. It’s sulfur."

[Jarl]: "ye could still drop it in that pit. Thing can't do anything to us if it is down in the pit now can he"

Zakren looks around. "Well do we fight it or check the other door?"

[Isreal]: "check the other door first I hope nothing is in there and I don’t like the art room"

Russeth rubs his hands together with a smile "Check the other door, then fight most likely."

Jarl walks down to the last door opens it and looks inside

[Isreal]: "yeah that what’s going to happen watch new guys I have ESP" laughing and walking to the door and peeks in beside Jarl

Figurine making your way to the far door the small figurine speaks up once more. "Widden Hay to Rormaq's toom"

[Jarl]: "hmm. That be something now we be looking into later"

Sedrick says "Hidden way to Tormaq's room"

[Jarl]: "I think it said tome?" looks inside

[Isreal]: "don’t go in there yet anyone

Russeth nods at Sedrick. "This is the right one. However the other rooms are also interesting."

[Jarl]: "Isreal. This room might hold traps?"

Zakren takes a look into the room that Jarl and Isreal stand before.

[Isreal]: "there is a gem on the table I think the one we cam for I hope it id the one we came for"

[Jarl]: "why ye come for a gem? What the gem be?"

Russeth walks over behind Isreal and looks over his shoulder, "In this room you mean?"

Sedrick says, "who is Tormaq?"

This room is a large well-furnished parlor. Looking from your left to right you see a large book case containing many standard nonmagic works, a couch and table a few feet in front of it, a wall cabinet farther down upon the left wall. Upon the back wall to the left is a small wine cabinet with tapestry hanging along side it in the center. To the right of the tapestry is a small table and large gem lying atop it with a small rug underneath it. Along the right wall is another couch arrangement and tapestry. In the center of the room upon the floor is a large rug some 10'x40' foot depicting signs of astrology and the arts.

Isreal starts taking off his pack I will need to be really light for this job an takes out his spell book an hands it to Elina "if anything happens my lady" starts in looking around an at the floor.

Russeth grins at Jarl, "Well it is the Amber Gem, the mage Tormaq was to use this gem in a war between two mages. We found after hunting bandit’s information on this tower. Which is what led us to this place. And that is why we know of the gem."

[Jarl]: "what does the gem do?"

Sedrick eyes widen "yeah. What does it do?"

Isreal starts moving closer to the gem and gets to the carpet before the gem an looks at it closely

Sedrick says, "too easy, no way I would just lay something out like that if it were mine"

Russeth shrugs as he strolls inside with Isreal. "I have absolutely no idea. We are here to find out. It would most wise to detect magic. Items in this room before we leave." smiling as he examines the numerous beauties of the room. His attention lies mostly on the rug and tapestries.

[Isreal]: "stay back Russeth you may set something off"

Sedrick says "it will take some time but I could memorize it, may have time to study a few things, a few things in the rooms I mean"

Russeth glares at Isreal, having only stepped a feet inside the room and watching the tapestry. "Very hard for me to set something off if you haven't."

Isreal steps to the gem and looks over where it sits and checks where the gem lays with the grace of a dancer

Isreal approaches the gem and is flipped into the air has, he hits the floor flat on his back.

Sedrick says, "hate to say I told you so"

[Isreal]: "what was that did you guys see it"

Russeth lifts the tapestry on the right at the entrance of the room and looks behind it, "Those tapestries might hide nice secrets.

Sedrick looks around to see what he can do to help, "what did it feel like?"

Jarl looks to Isreal "what did you do now? Quit playing around and find those traps" walking into the room as well heading for the cabinet

Sedrick watches carefully what happens to them

[Isreal]: "that’s what I was doing and now I lay here" Isreal tries to get up and grunts in slight pain

[Jarl]: "so you’re looking for traps on the ceiling, I get it, good thinking"

[Isreal]: "Yeah, yeah smart dwarfs I've never heard of one my friend you wit cuts like a spoon"

Russeth raises his head as he looks over at the gem, "Try pulling on the rug and moving the gem out of whatever stopped you."

Jarl will search the cabinet once he gets to it "I will remember that the next time you stuck in a box"

Sedrick looks around to see why everyone else is so quiet

Russeth watches Jarl and shrugs, "And they gave us a speech about caution..." grins.

Inside the cabinet hangs several fine robes the inside of the cabinet is lined in black velvet; there is nothing else within it.

Isreal looks back at the gem an says, "I need a little help that hurt quite a bit " an walks for Zak. "Zak could you heal me please?"

[Jarl]: "rats. Sedrick need a new robe or three?"

Russeth takes a small walk to the bookshelves, examining the books within, searching for irregularities into the books, perhaps a trigger.

Sedrick says "what happened to you in there?"

Zakren nods as he begins to chant over Isreal trying to heal the knot on his head.

[Russeth]: "Oh. God everyone get out of the room! Invisible warriors!"

[Jarl]: "me be thinking this room has a secret passage in it from what the statue said"

Russeth steps backwards, jumping out of the room as he remembers the words from the statue.

Jarl leaves the room post haste

Sedrick grabs a couple of the robes and follow everyone else

Isreal says, "thanks needed that " then look at Russeth leaving the room "no way there in there"

[Russeth]: "If you say so. Continue your research I will watch you."

You make your way back into the main hall as Zakren and Isreal are still in the parlor.

[Isreal]: "well maybe Zak we should go to" starts heading for the door.

Russeth stands in the doorway and draws his swords, scanning the area slowly. "Nah. Wait. Still we must try."

Zakren shrugs and looks about the room as he joins the others in the main hall. "What about the gem?"

[Russeth]: "Maybe swing when you get close?"

[Zakren]: "Sedrick gets a new wardrobe I want the gem." Looking about as if he is serious.

Russeth raises the swords before him and steps in behind Zakren, "Wouldn't surprise me."

[Isreal]: "we will get the gem it will just take a little time. Well anyone got any flower or powered? I have an idea".

Russeth sighs as he steps besides Isreal showing suspicion "What help you want?"

Jarl looks into the room "just try and bat the gem this way with a staff or something"

Russeth walks a few feet away from the gem and slashes in front of himself with his longsword.

[Isreal]: "well is anyone going to say whether or not they have any?"

[Jarl]: "I had some powder but me used it all on me feet. Sorry"

Sedrick shakes his head "non her.

Zakren shrugs. "Not like I carry flour about all the time Isreal, what did you expect a sack full?"

Sedrick grasps his talisman in his hand "nope none here at all"

[Isreal]: "anyone have anything that will stain something?

Zakren looks at Elina. "What about you lass you like gathering things?"

Elina continues in her studies without hearing.

Sedrick says "hold on, try this"

[Zakren]: "Blah damn lass and her book."

Sedrick takes out a piece of chalk and crushes it under foot "think that will work?"

[Isreal]: "I don’t want to do this but it looks like I have to". Walks in and pulls out his bottle of Giants blood and says to Russeth "Step out of the room please that will work great". Taking the crushed chalk and walks in the room walking up to the gem an blows the chalk power out toward the gem

The chalk blows into the air and settles down upon the gem, table, and rug beneath it.

[Isreal]:"step out of the room for a min please" telling Russeth. Before spinning around in a circle and lets the blood come out of the bottle letting it spray on everything.

Russeth nods at Isreal and does so.