[Sat Dec 22 20:17:57 GMT 2001]

Looking into the hole you see a ladder like stair way carved right out of the mountain stone leading down some seventeen feet or so before reaching the ground, and heading off down a passage into darkness. But you decide to sit back to rest and debate your options with what to do with the remains of Syrenia and to get some well-needed rest.

Borathor stands teary eyed over Syrenia. He gasps a moment and then looks over in anger at the rest of you. His expression then changes to that of his usual calm self and he replies I will take her to the nearest town and have a clergyman work on her. I know they can fix this." He then looks to you all once more with your newly acquired items and replies; "You all would have none of that and some no even your lives if she hadn't done what she did. I would hope that you would assist me in getting her help. This is what friends do. It will cost us alot, but I figure the tomes are worth a good bit and should cover alot." He looks at you all and waits your responses, while gathering all of her belongings and putting them into a sack.

[Balthazar]: "Of course, as I've already stated I'm willing to contribute as much as I can. I do have obligations to follow though."

Bilgrom glances back at Borathor after looking down the hole and pushes his cloak aside, "Of course we's be doin' all we can t' raise t' lady wizard. But do ye not want t' foul mage Fesspel t' be destroyed once and fer all, now?" He looks over at the others for support.

Tollong nods, "Well if you go and try to change this and use the tomes to do so, she is going to kick you all the way back to where you say Waterdeep. Spells and more spells is all her and Elina spoke of."

Borathor looks at Balthazar, "Obligations?"

[Balthazar]: "I know how much she meant to you... and after what she has done, she deserves all we can do."

Jarl scratches his beard as he thinks over Borathor's words..."She was a pain but she can be useful..."

Borathor looks at Tollong and smiles, "I know this, but we will sell what we have to when the time comes"

Balthazar looks at Borathor "I am under oath to give nine tenths of my earnings to a charitable cause every month"

Bilgrom nods to Borathor confidently as he looks over the tomes, "That is t' right thing t' do y'know. Sell t' tomes to an cleric, aye, and get t' lady back on her feet." He then glances back up at Balthazar, "This be an charitable cause, I tell ye!"

Balthazar shakes his head "This would count as a personal matter." I would require authorization from the order to do otherwise... "

Jarl grins at Bilgrom..."It's just too bad it won't cure her bad attitude..." He shakes his head as he looks at Syrenia's lying form..."How are we goin' to carry the lass?"

Tollong shakes his head; "Well either way we can always come back here later once we help or bury her."

Bilgrom shrugs as he sets his foot on the two tomes and listens on.

[Borathor]: "Ok, well those of you who wish to travel with me to town are welcome and I hope you all agree on this. We need one another if we are to ever get such fruits as we have seen today. I have seen treasures that pale this one many times over, but nothing can be acquired in this world of devious minds without team work and trust."

[Tollong]: "Borathor has a map we can mark this spot the best we can."

Bilgrom stares at Borathor, "But. But I", he pauses and looks down the ladder, "It's just, there. We’s have plenty o' time t' raise t' good lady!"

Jarl raises an eyebrow in Borathor's direction..."And do ye know where is the town?"

[Balthazar]: "I. don't know what to do... The lich... he may come back if we don't destroy his source of power... "

Borathor then puts the body neatly in a large sack and ties it to keep as much air out of it as possible. He then pulls out his map and starts to look over it, allowing anyone else interested to take a peek as well.

Bilgrom looks back at the others, and down into the hole again, "Bah. I's think we's should at least go down an' see what it is. Syrenia would be lovin' us if we's find more tomes like these before we raised her!"

Jarl looks down the hole and then nods Bilgrom's words..."He's right lad, we should at least clean the whole' place before leavin'..."

Borathor looks over to Bilgrom and smiles at him; "I will not argue this. I must do what I must, as I am sure you understand. I wish you luck" He puts the body over his shoulder after rolling up the map and heads back out of the cave. "Oh yeah, we will have to split the money I imagine."

Balthazar stands quietly, obviously not happy with either option.

Bilgrom glances up at Borathor and shrugs as he examines the surrounding of the hole in the ground.

[Borathor]: "We can always come back. This place is hard enough without carrying a body along. Besides she needs immediate attention. The last time I tried this the cleric told me the longer you wait the more it costs"

[Bilgrom]: "Of course we's be havin' t' split the money. But we's also got t' split the remainin' o' t' items, and gems. Y’know. If ye are going to Calaunt, drop me share to t' bartender on t' eastside, o' town. He be knowin' me and me family!"

Jarl 's eyes light up at the mention of more money and then turns to Bilgrom..."Maybe we should get the lass up and runnin' first...After all, it could be useful to know what the magic items can do..."

Balthazar looks at the others...

[Borathor]: "Ok, whatever is left after getting her back I am willing to give up. Jarl I need those tomes from you if, unless you are going with us

Bilgrom sighs as he sets his foot on the ladder, "Well ye's can be leavin', I'll be a-searchin' for a couple o' hours and catchin' up with ye, ye's heading southeast, I's know."

Jarl shrugs..."I'm goin' with the majority..."

Bilgrom chuckles as he begins his way down, slowly. "Ye's always goin' with t' majority."

[Borathor]: "Ok, well don't go to far without us Bilgrom. This place is unforgiving!" He then starts to walk out of the cave, hoping the rest will follow.

Tollong nods with Jarl. "We should be going we are ready know what lies out of the cave at night."

Jarl shakes his head and moves next to Borathor..."But until I hear otherwise, I'm with ye..."

Borathor smiles at Jarl as he walks his way out of the cave....

Balthazar throws up his hands "Well we may have to fight the lich again because of this delay, but fine... we can always come back."

Borathor looks to Balthazar, "What do you mean?"

Bilgrom overhears Balthazar's comment, "Of course, and this time, t' lady be not havin' her spell no longer'!"

[Balthazar]: "They say lich draw their power from a phylactery... or so I learned. If this object is not destroyed, the lich will never perish truly."

Jarl scratches his head..."Ye sure about that? Could be just another tavern tale..."

Borathor raises an eyebrow; satisfied in his mind the creature is destroyed. "I am not schooled in such atrocities."

[Balthazar]: "Well I am, and I seem to recall something along those lines. If you're all willing to take the risk though, I'll gladly help you bring Syrenia to a temple."

Borathor nods to Balthazar as he begins to head out of the cave once again.

Balthazar sighs and simply follows Jarl and Borathor out...

[Bilgrom]: You hear the halfling muttering to himself and the sound of metal clinging against metal, he curses in common as he drops something.

Making your way back out through the ogre's den, and off into the snow once more. En-route to the nearest city in hopes of helping your friend.

Balthazar takes a place at point...

Jarl rests his warhammer on his shoulder as he follows the taller men across the mountains.

[Balthazar]: "It is good to be back outdoors, no?"

Jarl grunts and responds without looking to the Paladin..."I personally prefer to be within hard stone."

Overcast, appears to be day time through the thick clouds above, which sends a chill across the valley as the winds blow in from the north.

Borathor looks over at Balthazar and tries to smile even at the loss of his friend, but fails. He mummers out, "Yes it is.", and keeps walking with his head down, apparently thinking hard.

Balthazar pulls his overcoat around him, still not used to the cold.

Closing in on the next small hill to climb a shimmering image of an old man begins to appear before your eyes. Dressed in a long flowing robe of blue, which is off set by his silver hair and beard. As he now stands before you whole in his right hand is a wand of redden, wood capped with a golden eagle head, to his left is another elven male.

[Balthazar]: "I see your concern. Worry not, even if I have to give 9 tenths of my earnings, I'll simply have to earn 10 times more." Bows slightly to the arrivers...

Jarl cringes as he sees the mage but smiles at the other man..."Kirarae...how are ye and what are ye doin' with him?" He looks to the elf suspiciously.

[Kirarae]: "Its amazing the people ye met old friend"

Borathor watches the man carefully and listens to the two men talk.

Jarl urns around to view his group..."Aye...hmm...we've had some loses within our ranks." He looks down in to gather his thoughts..."I'm the only survivor of our old group."

Kirarae narrows his eyes "I've come to finish what I started.... All I can tell you all is that time is up"

[Tormaq]: "Enough with the small talk" shoving Kirarae forward to the rest of you, "Now where is my staff? This is what you wanted so badly", as he removes a pouch and unwraps a large fist sized amber gem.

Jarl turns to Borathor..."Take out the staves we found and hand them to me please."

[Kirarae]: "Blasted Mages"

Borathor looks at Jarl and hands him the staves.

Balthazar watches the mage warily as the transaction takes place...

Tormaq steps forward and looks, at the staves over as he feels along them muttering a few words in some odd tongue.

Jarl 's jaw tightens as the mage uses his magic.

Balthazar puts his hand on his sword hilt as casually as he can manage...

Borathor keeps a good eye on the man and then replies; "Do you have the power to raise the dead? I know some of you wizards can do it, but only the truly powerful."

[Tormaq]: "These are not what I looking for, where are you hiding it?" The man becomes a little un-settled, as he looks the rest of you over one at a time.

[Balthazar]: "We are did not expect to cross your path so soon, as we must reach a temple to help a fallen friend. There was more in the lair... we intended to return."

Borathor gets the staves back from the man and replies, "I am not sure what you want, but we have to get moving."

Jarl throws them back to Borathor..."That's all the staves we found..."

Tormaq stops in front of Balthazar as he looks upon the sword. "My I see that sir?"

Balthazar just nods at the batty old man and lends him the blade from the wall.

Jarl raises his eyebrow..."That is a sword mage..."

Kirarae chuckling to himself "He is a Mage Jarl, what would he know of fighting"

Tormaq turns and walks back and forth as he studies the sword as it turns from steal to wood. "I told you when I sent you here it may be hidden. Well enough said here." Tossing the amber gem into the snow as he makes his way to the top of the hill, he turns "Smells like you are burning your food, always best to leave one attending it."

Jarl picks up the gem and hands it to Borathor and then shrugs to Balthazar..."Sorry about that..."

Balthazar watches the mage go...

Borathor takes the gem and looks it over before putting it in the sack with the other items.

Balthazar shrugs to Jarl "It had nothing to do with you, don’t worry about it."

Jarl puts her stubby hands on his hips..."So...that's it mage?"

Borathor shakes his head and continues to make his way as far as he can before dark.

Balthazar goes to point once more... after having replaced his old blade at his belt.

Tormaq returns to the top the hill then stares down upon you, "Next time heed the home of one you wish to ramshackle, it might save you a great deal of trouble for I see a lot of many new faces here then the ones in my tower."

Jarl follows Borathor and thinks over the mage's words..."Fire...what fire?"

[Balthazar]: "Think, Jarl. It would be better not to press the matter."

Tollong looks to Borathor well how far is this place we are taking here to be revived

[Kirarae]: "What happened that the rest of our friends didn't make it Jarl?"

[Tollong]: "I would think they are dead my friend. Or they would be standing here an not us"

Tormaq waits for a comment but with nothing said as you move on the mage slowly shimmers into obscurity before vanishing al together.

[Kirarae]: "Ease your tongue lad."

Jarl scratches his beard..."Let's see...Zakren got his head bashed in by a hill giant, Ston became undead, Russeth and Malakai died fighting another group of giants. Isreal was buried under a rockslide and Elina was disintegrated." Shakes his head..."Russeth and Malakai we're killed by hill giants...aye...giants again."

Kirarae lowers his head "I wish I had been there to help"

Continuing onward through the snow covered valley you see the little halfling has still not followed you out or caught up.

Jarl shakes his head..."You would've died like the rest or run like a coward...either way, you we're better off."

[Tollong]: "where is the little one has anyone seen his"

Balthazar turns around and looks to the distance

Borathor looks at Tollong and replies, "No. He said he would catch up to us." He looks back hoping to see him and sighs at just the snow and trees he sees behind him.

Jarl turns to Kirarae as he walks..."How's the boat?"

[Tollong]: "catch up the little one could not catch up to us on horse back "

[Balthazar]: "Perhaps not, but if he has not caught up yet he's probably still in the cave..." Keeps walking.

[Kirarae]: "Doing well now my friend. Since it’s only you and I there is quite a profit left"

Tollong pauses a moment and looks back then at the group "are you sure we should not go back an find him, Syrenia's body will keep in the weather with little rot to her"

Jarl grins as he sees mountains of gold coins in his mind..."Good..."

Balthazar doesn’t seem too concerned about the halfling yet. :"A ship?"

Borathor looks at Kirarae and grimaces while mumbling about Syrenia beneath his breath. He then blurts out to Tollong, "He made the choice and I made mine. He said he would catch up"

[Tollong]: "well we will give him a day then if he has not shone we should go back to find him what do you say Borathor? Now, now Borathor not need to get you feathers ruffled it was just a thought I don’t like any one behind"

Jarl nods to Balthazar..."Aye we have a ship but we lost the deed to the hill giants. We'll just have to get it back..."

Balthazar nods

[Borathor]: "I practically begged him not to go. I hope he returns, but I have to get off this mountain and get my life long friend some help before it cost us every last coin we have acquired"

[Balthazar]: "Interesting."

[Tollong]: "so we are heading back to the hill giants home?

Jarl scratches his beard..."I just hope the giants didn't use the deed as bum scraper..." He shakes his head to Tollong.

[Borathor]: "No, to the nearest city." he says to Tollong.

[Kirarae]: "What do you all plan to do with Syrenia's body?"

[Borathor]: "We are going to get her worked on by the clergyman."

[Tollong]: "very well Borathor we will take your friend to get help but help for the dead is few an far between where do we go to find suttee help?"

[Balthazar]: "We will see what we can do to bring her back."

[Kirarae]: "Then why don't you have her now"

Balthazar grimaces at the joke.

You march into the evening hours and debate on finding a location in which to camp for the evening as snow has begun to fall at a steady pace now for the past hour or so.

[Borathor]: "Well, for now we need to backtrack to the last town and we will have to try from there. It will take a few days just to get down the mountain"

[Tollong]: "you have my sword Borathor an my life if it will help "

[Kirarae]: "Now y’all be answering me. Why did ya not bring the lass with you?"

Jarl points to the bag Borathor is carrying..."The lass is in there..."

[Borathor]: "Kirarae who do you think you are. It has been a bad day and you may want to keep your tone a bit nicer"

[Tollong]: "I will be happy to get to town an once again get an mount all this walking is for the birds"

[Kirarae]: "Who I am is of little matter. I'd say the best place to go would be a larger city. One that would have a decent temple within it"

Borathor nods in agreement to Kirarae. He then looks around for a suitable place to camp.

[Balthazar]: "I would have to agree. '

[Borathor]: "We must go to a town if we can't find our horses and get more in order to get to a major city"

[Kirarae]: "That said, we should find a town nearby and acquire some horses or a wagon."

Jarl scratches his beard..."We could try the Dwarven camp...there could be a cleric able to raise the lass."

[Tollong]: "Well get a fire started an I will try to scare up some fresh bird meat"

[Borathor]: "Where is this Dwarven camp?"

Tollong looks back I can take us there. I heard of you while staying there before I think I can get use back

Jarl looks up to the elf..."Around 4 days the way we came...it's near the hill giant's lair actually."

Borathor looks down at Jarl and smiles, "Very well maybe they can help or at least re-supply us."

Balthazar nods to Tollong and looks around for possible firewood

Jarl nods to Borathor.

[Kirarae]: "Another question, is how do ye intend to fund the raising of the girl?"

Sometime later the snow grows heavier, sitting out in the open air is beginning to take its toll and you shake and shiver Valin Hopping as his feet are stinging in pain from being so cold.

[Borathor]: "We will fund it with the things we just acquired. Without her giving her life we would have none of it and some of us our lives even"

Kirarae looks to Jarl "If my friend has no qualms against it, I believe we could help a bit with that"

Balthazar comes back with an armload of wood; he then tries to kick the snow from a space on the ground...

Jarl raises his eyebrow..."We can?"

Borathor pitches a tent and wraps himself in a winter blanket.

Valin takes a moment to sit and rub his bootless foot and release warm breaths on it " Damn this snow..."

Jarl asks..."Is everyone in full health" as he looks to everyone in the group.

Kirarae whispers a few things to Jarl

Balthazar kneels over the cleared area, dropping some wood and using his tinderbox to try to start a fire...

Jarl blinks as Kirarae whispers and then whispers back to him.

[Tollong]: "no my friend Jarl I have been in pain for quite some time opening the wrap to reveal an gash from a orc's blade

Jarl laughs out loud and pats with force on Kirarae..."Well done!"

[Balthazar]: after a few minutes of effort, a fire starts to burn more and more... spitting plenty.

[Borathor]: "I could use some help Jarl. " He winces from a wound that is days old.

Valin looks over at the dwarf curiously, remaining quiet, just looking over with interest to see if he is able to hear what is being said.

Jarl nods to Borathor and makes his way to Borathor with a smile on his face..."Of course, of course."

Valin then is distracted by the fire, then scurries over to its side, drawing closer to warm the cold mass of flesh known as his foot.

Kirarae sits quietly near the fire while he tends to his bow

Jarl lowers his head and begins to chant to his strong Dwarven god Moradin, asking him to honor Borathor's fighting prowess by allowing his servant to heal him. As he finishes his chant, he lands glowing blue hands on Borathor.

Balthazar kneels by the fire and begins to murmur his usual recitations to himself... the overall ritual being a bit creepy.

Tollong re-wrap's his wounds and sits on his cloak in the snow an grunts with pain as he sits the wraps him self in 2 winter blanket

Jarl pats Borathor on the back..."There ye go lad." And makes his way back to Kirarae.

Borathor smiles at the Dwarf from under his blanket. He can feel the fire's warmth and sighs at the thought of the recent events.

As the sun settles the glow of its dying light cast be seen twinkling all throughout the snowflakes that make their way to the ground. With the wind still blowing in from the north mass drifts are being piled along the southern side of the valley as if trying to bury the mountains. There have been no signs of any mammals or monsters, or any sign of the halfling.

Jarl whispers once more to Kirarae..."We can help pay for the raising of the lass and ask them in return to help us get back the deed from the giant."

Tollong takes some rations out an munches on them "anyone have any spare cloth so I can change this wrap?"

[Kirarae]: "What deed?"

Borathor rolls over and looks to Jarl, "What deed?"

Jarl looks at Kirarae..."To the boat...it was lost with Russeth..."

Valin continues in his efforts to keep his bootless foot warm, keeping it near the fire without actually burning it.

Borathor smirks, "Oh, yeah the boat."

[Kirarae]: "No worries, its been taken care of"

Jarl looks at the ranger with surprise..."It has?"

Kirarae chuckles, "Calm down old friend. I've had much time to work things"

Valin remembers Syrenia's boots, and quickly checks their condition.

Balthazar smiles and quickly jumps to his feet

[Balthazar]: "I will stand guard tonight."

Borathor gets out from under his blanket and digs a large area of snow out. He takes the excess snow and builds a four-foot high ice wall around the cleared area. It takes him an hour, but the area is big enough for everyone with the fire still near.

Balthazar draws his overcoat around him once more and starts to patrol, to keep warm.

[Borathor]: "That wall will keep the wind from freezing us tonight."

[Kirarae]: "Sleep my friends. I will stand the watch"

Valin shakes his head as he finishes, then goes back to warming his foot by the fire.

Jarl gets in the small hole and sleeps for the night.

[Valin]: " Do any of you have any idea where Bilgrom is? He's gone off on his own before, but, I'm a little worried..."

[Balthazar]: "Yes perhaps something has happened."

[Tollong]: 'as was I Valin But Borathor did not want to go back and look so we stay on track to a city"

Valin nods " That's understandable, I don't think Borathor likes Bilgrom that much...."

Tollong again asks if any one has any cloth so he may change his dressing for his wound

Valin rips a piece off of his cloak and hands it to Tollong

[Borathor]: "That isn't true Valin. I asked him to come with us and he made a choice to go deeper with little thought for his own safety. I hope he is alright, but from what I have seen I doubt he is still alive"

Valin uses a dagger if necessary

Jarl sits up to yell..."Some of us have to sleep!" He drops back on his back and tries to sleep again.

Valin lowers his voice " Sorry Jarl" he says as he to tries to get some sleep.

Tollong takes the cloth "thanks " and starts redressing his wound throwing the bloody rag into the fire

Balthazar changes place... working his toes frantically to keep them warm.

Borathor sits back, and tries to rest as best he can. Considering the day he has had so far.

Valin nods to Tollong as he curls up close to the fire's warmth

Kirarae continues taking care of his bow while he keeps a watchful eye over the surrounding area

Tollong lays back in pain an tries to get some rest hoping the wound dose not become infected

Balthazar frowns at Tollong "It seems that wound is eternal. I will try to heal it come morning."

Some sit up through the night talking as other rest, when you notice the morning light peaking over the mountains to the east. The snow has slowed down but continues to fall, but the bone chilling winds of the north have died off.

Balthazar starts his morning exercises not doing quite as many considering he was up all night.

Borathor gets up and prepares for the day ahead. He eats some rations then after a while gathers up his things and starts eagerly down the side of the mountain. Syrenia is over his right shoulder in the sack, still tightly tied.

Jarl yawns and stretches as he gets up. He peeks outside the hole before climbing out.

Tollong wakes and backs in the morning light an stretches trying to relieve the stiffness from the cold an grunts in pain grabbing his side an standing shaking off the pain trying to look tuff but not doing well.

Kirarae yawns and rubs his eyes "Ready to continue on?"

Balthazar walks over to Tollong and lays his hands on his head. "There. It should help."

Borathor waves to Kirarae as he begins walking.

Balthazar returns to clean up the remains of his meal...

Jarl yawns some more as he follows Borathor.

Traveling on into the valley across the white snow covered dips and slopes you see off in the horizon a long black line shimmering in the glare of the snow.

[Kirarae]: "I hope that isn't an army"

[Tollong]: "thank you that helps alot " as he walks with the group

Valin continues forward, eventually wrapping his foot in his hooded cloak, helping a bit with his foot being cold issue.

Jarl sighs..."The lass would be useful to scout it out..."

Tollong says I will try to look ahead I have some knack to this outdoors stuff

[Borathor]: "I hope they are friendly. I think we should avoid them to be safe. Or at least try and get a look at them from a distance"

Balthazar nods

Jarl nods to the fighter..."We will follow..."

Borathor continues moving along now with an alert look upon his mournful struck face.

Valin being the ranger, would lead but with his current foot problem, he figures he wouldn't be much good sneaking up and inspecting someone.

Tollong says I will show you how to do this

Kirarae begin jogging forward "By all means, allow me"

Tollong starts covering his blankets in snow

Sometime later Tollong returns cresting over a hill as you make your way down small slope.

Balthazar waits to hear the news.

[Kirarae]: "So what’s the word"

Valin listens carefully as Tollong returns

Tollong runs up slightly out of breath "seams a army of dwarfs is heading somewhere 100's of them the are traveling easier they seam to have some sort of snow plow"

Jarl folds his arms across his chest and smiles..."Great..."

[Balthazar]: "I didn't expect this..."

[Borathor]: "That sounds good to me. Let’s go and talk to them"

[Tollong]: "if we hurry we could catch up with them but we must fly"

Balthazar nods and leads the way at a brisk pace...

Valin looks over at Jarl " Are there any hostile Dwarven groups in this area?"

Tollong wraps up his blanket after shaking the snow off it and heads the group in a trot toward the dwarf's

Jarl shakes his head..."They must be from the camp they have in these mountains."

[Valin]: "That's good, right? They aren't going to get upset and say, kill us or anything?"

Following Tollong you make your way over several hills for sometime before coming almost head on with a moving snow mound. Behind it the whines of mules can be heard and sounds of metal and chatter.

[Tollong]: "HO THERE DWARFS A TRAVLING PARTY MAKEING THERE WAY FROM THE WIZARDS HOME WE ARE NOT A THRET"

Jarl belts out..."Hello kin!"

Balthazar backtracks to avoid being squashed...

The mound continues directly towards your location and appears to be 100' wide and about 5 or so feet high.

Borathor gets out of the way making sure not to get killed.

Jarl shrugs and follows Borathor..."Let’s get to the side."

Tollong steps aside

Borathor waits for the plow to pass and then looks for any dwarves to speak with.

Kirarae moves out of the way quickly "That’s some trick"

Moving off round the side you see teams of mules being lead by dwarves with some sort of plow like objects tied to them moving the snow aside or at least lowering it for the hundreds of little folk coming up from behind. Most look in your direction but pay you little mind.

[Borathor]: "Ok Jarl here is your chance to talk to them."

[Tollong]: "ho there dwarfs off to battle are you?"

Valin moves to take a position in the dwarves, figuring it will make for easier travelling.

Jarl scratches his beard..."Do we really have to?"

Balthazar watches them walk by, nodding to any who look him in the eye...

Jarl shrugs..."Might as well..." As he follows the mound and tries to intercept one of the dwarves.

Kirarae waits to see if Jarl manages it

A drunken lot of loud mouth dwarves makes their way by as one points out at Jarl, and yells "Hey look its the panzy dwarf who plays with elves and gets lost in the mountains!" As the other dwarfs of his clan, turn to laugh at his comments about Jarl. 'So there did our map help you find what you were looking for or did you get lost again?"

[Kirarae]: "Hey they know him..."

Jarl shakes his head..."I'm not lost, I'm just wondering what you are all doing!"

[Tollong]: Well the elves are better groomed better then a stinking dwarf that toile under the ground hiding from the light"

Valin doesn't smile, not finding the comment about elves being that funny, himself being a half elf.

[Dwarf]: "We are heading north to the southern Moonseas good time for trade when the folks be buried in the snow."

Valin mumbles something about the exploitation of another's needs.

Jarl chuckles at their answer..."Are any high ranking priests travelling with you!"

[Dwarf]: "Stopped by that giant lair you told us about, not a bad little fight but they were no match for us, after cutting them down to our size."

[Tollong]: "did you happen on our friends?"

[Dwarf]: "Hmm we didn't see no friends in there human just giants, and not a bad cache of gold either."

Jarl yells..."How about priests...any of them with you?"

[Tollong]: "well Jarl what was that about a dead to a ship? Laughing

Jarl shrugs..."Seems we don't need it anyway..."

Valin adds onto Jarl's sentence " Or any magic users that could identify some of our magical items?"

[Dwarf]: "Don't get your axe in a crack of course we have men of the cloth with us. Geez you'd think you had a soft spot for them their giants."

Balthazar smiles, glad to hear they may be able to get this over with there and now.

Jarl scorns at Valin..."Dwarves don't use magic." He turns back to the dwarves..."Where are the priests?"

Valin shrugs " How should I know? I've not met many dwarves...."

[Dwarf]: "Aye come with me I’ll show you where they be." Turning and heading back through the line of dwarves.

Jarl motions for the others to follow him as he pursues the dwarf.

Balthazar walks up to a dwarf and asks, "You don’t happen to have weapons for sale do you? Perhaps blessed or of good quality?"

Tollong follows the dwarfs

[Dwarf]: "nay we sell mostly in minerals and mining tools, textiles, and farming tools." Only blades are folks personal weapons."

Valin follows the dwarves along as well, hoping they will be able to resurrect the fallen party members.

[Balthazar]: "I see. My friend here does need boots though. Perhaps you have of those."

[Dwarf]: "Hmm maybe there are a few humans who might have some to barter. Aye there they are that lot there with the white cloaks on, they be the priests." Taking another drink from his wineskin, "Well I be about empty so I have to be getting back."

Jarl nods to the dwarf. "Thanks and good trading'."

Valin nods and looks down at his foot, removing his cloak before whipping the snow out of it.

The dwarf is soon lost in the crowd as you make your way to the cloaked ones.

Valin begins looking about for any signs of humans in the crowd, very interested in buying a pair of boots.

Jarl bows to the priests..."We are looking for someone to resurrect a fallen friend."

Tollong looks around the dwarfs "anyone have any wood an catgut for bow making"

One of the priests stops and looks your way, "And where be this fallen comrade?"

Jarl motions to Borathor.

Borathor makes his way near, "yeah what is it Jarl?"

Jarl turns to Borathor..."They wish to know where is our fallen comrade."

Borathor sits down the sack and opens it up.

Tollong hears this and comes closer to watch what is going on

Valin frowns at his difficulty in spotting humans in a group of dwarves, if there are any here.

[Dwarven Priest]: Then leans forward to take a peek into the sack, "Hmm that’s no comrade that’s an elf there lad." Looking back to Jarl.

Balthazar frowns, "It is as I had feared then..."

Jarl turns back to the priest..."She has given her life to save a dwarf and many of her friends...I believe she is worthy of Moradin's gift."

[Dwarven Priest]: "Hmm yes gift a costly gift as well. How do I know you can afford such a gift?"

Balthazar looks up quickly, obviously glad that what he had feared is not the case after all.

Jarl nods to the sack..."By giving her life she also gave us possession of great wealth."

Tollong turns in disgust mumbling under his breath "dwarfs an there ingrates " walking away

[Dwarven Priest]: "You will have to travel east with us until we camp for the night."

Jarl nods to the priest..."Do you have anyone who could appraise some gems?"

[Dwarven Priest]: Bursting out laughing, "You are asking dwarves if any one can appraise a gem ha you must have been away to long trying to save elves my lad."

Jarl grins..."Aye...it has been too long..."

Balthazar simply watches everything... glad to be in a military environment

Jarl looks around to see if everyone is close by."

[Tollong]: "bah this talk of elves these stout ones would not even look upon the beauty of elves but look into the silver morons that show there horrid faces " away from the group

Traveling back towards the mage lair for the rest of the day the troop breaks for camp as they scatter about trampling out areas in the snow to make room for tents and other comforts of camp.

Tollong takes a place on a high spot looking out for any signs of trouble and squats thinking of the forest in his childhood. Then follows the group

Valin comes back to the rest of the group as camp begins to be set up, walking normally again as he is wearing a pair of tied hard boots.

Jarl searches the crowd for the white cloaks..."Let's all go together and join up with the priests." He spots them and heads towards them.

Dwarven Priest once the camp is set up, a dwarf approaches the group and asks, "Ok who has the body and what do you plan to use to pay for the deed?

Jarl looks back to the group..."Probably money and gems, what exactly is the amount?"

Borathor comes forth and follows the man to the tent with the sack of gems and the body of Syrenia.

Tollong stays outside hating the dwarf's comments about elves

[Borathor]: A short time later he leaves the tent and comes back over to the rest of you. 'They took the two largest gems the one from the evil mage and the one from the one outside the amber one.

Jarl nods to the priest.

Borathor looks around at the others; "Well he said we should know by morning so best to get some sleep."

Jarl nods to the Ranger and finds a good space to sleep.

Tollong takes place by a fire and gets some rest

Valin curls up with his blanket near a fire and tries to get some rest.

You rest through the night in peace of the surrounding dwarves as morning comes. Waking to the new day some time later you see Syrenia come from within the tent and make her way towards you.

Balthazar raises an eyebrow as he sees her approach

Syrenia stretches and yawns..."I'm so refreshed..." She begins to shiver..."It's so cold."

Valin stands and smiles broadly, quickly reaching into his pack and removing a pair of tied hard boots.

[Tollong]: 'well it is true there is magic stronger that I thought'

Valin sighs " Good to see you up and about again..." he says as he offers her the fresh pair of boots.

Tollong stands an asks quickly "what was it like in the other world?"

Balthazar stands...

Syrenia runs her hand through her hand..."Well...hmm...I want to thank you all." She smiles to Tollong, a perfect place but I couldn't let this place behind." She looks directly at Borathor and smiles.

Borathor nods, "I told you before it’s not that easy to get away."

Syrenia grins to him but loses her smile as she notices someone missing..."What happened to Bilgrom?"

Valin frowns " We were separated...." he lowers his head a bit.

[Tollong]: "he has been left behind he did not want to come with use"

Syrenia sighs in relief..."He's still alive at least."

Borathor looks off into the valley, "I guess the little guy either didn’t make it in the snow or he is still going deeper looking for that ever growing pile of treasure."

Balthazar walks up to Syrenia and places a hand on her shoulder

Syrenia grins but gets sober at the thought of piles of treasure..."How did you pay for this?"

[Balthazar]: "We all owe you a life, as far as I'm concerned. I will make sure to repay it."

Syrenia smiles at Balthazar..."I can't believe I actually did that...that's what you people usually do." Looks around..."There's a lot of dwarves here...where are we?"

Tollong looks to here an bows "yes we do an I thank you, "in a Dwarven camp an they have made some lured remarks about elves"

Syrenia shrugs but smiles at Tollong..."But they did bring me back to this plane..."

[Tollong]: "yes an for that I am thankful but still I would feel better in the wood then in the rocky waste"

Valin nods to Tollong " As would I...."

Syrenia smiles..."We will eventually get out of this place...The mage is dead, we can head back I suppose..."

Borathor looks around "well I had the gems appraised while we were here, so I guess it's time we go look for the little one before it gets dark."

Valin looks over at Balthazar then back at Jarl " Do you think they would allow us to ask for another resurrection?"

[Balthazar]: "Probably, if we can pay."

[Valin]: " How much is it?"

Borathor looks at Valin, "Another for what, or do you mean on a scroll?"

[Tollong]: "I would heat to see the price "

Valin looks over at Balthazar " Didn't Balthazar collect Elina's ashes?"

Borathor begins making his way off towards the mages lair once more to find the little one.

Tollong says "Finely an takes up after Borathor

Balthazar follows...

Valin follows Borathor " He's my best friend, I want to help find the little guy and pull him off of that pile of riches he is looking for, he may listen to me....'

In no time at all your hot on the trail to the mages home as it is just over a hill or two.

Borathor looks around to the others, "he couldn't have gotten far with those little legs of his."

[Balthazar]: "Let us hope all is well."

Valin nods " Probably wouldn't have bothered, without me to carry him and all " he chuckles softly.

[Bremp]: A stocky dwarf, wearing loose clothes as he has just awoken, walks over to your side and notices Jarl, "Hey, wait here ya! I hear you be adventurers headed for more adventure, is that right?" His hair is shuffled, but he has a well-tended beard, red hair falling down on his chest and ending up in four golden loops onto which they are tied.

Making your way back through the ogre’s den you make your way into the inner sanctum once more where the hole in the floor is once again at foot.

[Tollong]: 'your right but he would have not been able to track us with that heavy snow"

Syrenia glances behind at the newly arrived dwarf.

Valin looks down the ladder then after a few moments, calls down into it " Hello! Bilgrom!"

Borathor climbs down the ladder to the lower level.

Tollong follows right behind him

Balthazar also goes down

Making your way down into the passage you see it runs only ten feet or so to a large wooden door bound with iron bars across the top center and bottom, which support the large hinges in the frame. To the right side at waist high is an iron rung handle, there appears to be no locking mechanism upon the door. The door is partially ajar from the remains of some small creature almost burnt into the stone floor.

Valin follows after a few moments taking the time to light a torch.

[Tollong]: 'is that the small one?"

Syrenia blinks at the charred corpse and she’s winces..."Is that what I looked like?"

Bremp is trailing behind him a large sack in which he has packed his goods rapidly, "Aye. They say you travel the realms. I saw you dealing with me superiors yesterday. And guessed you may be needin' the help of another' priest. I am Bremp of the Clawbuster clan, Priest of Moradin, and wish to join ye!" He grabs a warhammer and hits his chest with it, leaning forward as he gasps for air, "Gah. Forgot I was nay wearing me armor!"

Borathor looks closer at the remains, "yeah pretty much just bigger." Poking at it with the tip of his sword.

Bremp looks down at the burnt being into the hole "Be that a burned kobold?"

Valin crouches down next to the small burnt form " Bi... Bilgrom?" he says, looking quite distraught.

Balthazar steps up... quite disappointed

Syrenia leans back against the wall and repeatedly shakes her head.

[Tollong]: "well he has fallen he should not have left the group"

[Balthazar]: "Still. "

Close observations reveal small human hands with a ring on each finger, along the sides lay a dagger and a short sword, under the charred remains appears to be a semi burnt up backpack.

Balthazar looks at Bremp 'Not a kobold... one of our companions. Why do you wish to join us?"

Tollong takes the rings

Syrenia picks up her dagger and sheaths it.

Borathor shakes his head. 'He couldn't just come with the rest of us, you know how many folks I have seen killed over greed and the hunger for power. And for what, what good is any of it if you’re dead?"

Valin tries to gently lift the small corpse; just managing to keep his emotions in check, some of it shows though " Is it too late for those Dwarven priests? Maybe if we can hurry we can.... You never know!"

Bremp shrugs as he quickly dons his helmet, along with some steel bracers, "Well, there be an lack of priest in your party it appears, for you asked my superiors for help. Soon I shall be able to channel power as great as them!"

Moving the body away allows; the door to once again swing shut.

Balthazar nods to the dwarf, saying "I do not oppose It." before turning around and seemingly wiping his face

Valin has tears forming in his eyes " Come on, we can't just assume he won't be able to be resurrected... He isn't too far-gone... Look!" he raises the body slightly " Come on lets go!"

Tollong holds the rings in his hands are the rings magic?"

Syrenia nods to Tollong.

Valin begins moving towards the ladder.

Borathor shakes his head, "You know that’s why he is dead."

Tollong asks what kind of magic?"

Bremp glances at the others looting the body, "Well. I am not sure how long my superiors will have stayed camped, but they know I have left to follow you, I have nay promised to be back."

Syrenia scratches her chin..."One grants protection and the other I don't know...never seen it before."

Bremp hauls his backpack on his shoulder with the remainder of his equipment.

Tollong Valin "he is to far lost"

Valin begins climbing up the ladder, placing Bilgrom's body as he starts.

Balthazar turns around once more... "We need to continue on... Otherwise we'll never leave.'

Tollong looks to the group an asks may I keep these I will ask for nothing out of the other stash other than the shield?"

Valin ignores Tollong, bent on getting his friend resurrected.

Syrenia shrugs to Tollong..."We'll see who needs them the most I suppose..."

Tollong dawns, the ring of protection I will hold this for not an give the other to the group is it agreed

Borathor looks to Tollong "They go into the sack until we know what they are then we will choose who gets what."

Syrenia glances at the door, wondering what happened. Before picking up the short sword left behind, and hands it to Borathor.

Valin makes best possible speed towards the Dwarven camp, interested in getting his little halfling friend resurrected.

Borathor sacks all the items of value to be split at a later time when the mage has a chance to go over them.

Balthazar looks at Borathor and Syrenia "Shall we continue?"

Borathor looks at the door, "There is a lot of soot and scorch marks round here."

[Tollong]: "Fire traps?"

Syrenia glances at the door..."Trap probably..."

Bremp remains above as he dons his armor a little slower now, and tightens his bracers; he takes out a warhammer and medium-sized shield.

Borathor shakes his head, "Hmm soot burnt halfling in doorway, I wonder what ever gave you that idea?" Laughing as he backs away, "I'm not opening it".

Syrenia approaches the door and looks behind..."Better stand back..."

Tollong gets way back following Borathor.

Borathor climbs back up to the safety of the sanctum.

Syrenia carefully and without touching the door, she looks over it very carefully.

Balthazar gets as far from the door as possible, staying in the room though.

Syrenia shakes her head.

[Balthazar]: "What is it?""

Syrenia yells out..."hey Jarl...can you detect magic on the door?" She then turns to Balthazar..."I found nothing."

Bremp looks down into the hole at Syrenia, "Were nay she the one that ye raised overnight? Already back into the action. She be tough, for an elf."

[Balthazar]: "Ah"

Jarl pokes his head down in the hole, 'I sure can if ye need me too."

Syrenia nods..."I'd like you too...there has to be something wrong with that door..."

[Tollong]: "would the trap reset?"

Jarl makes his way down the ladder and up to the door, where he stands before it not touching its surface as he begins to chant clearly at the door. Soon stops chanting as he looks around the area, 'Hmm I don't detect anything around or on the door, if it was its gone now."

Syrenia shrugs..."Alright...everyone out..."

Balthazar shrugs and goes up the ladder...

Syrenia turns to Jarl..."You too..."

Bremp looks up at Borathor, "Are ye not the tough one opening the doors fer 'em?" He glances at his weaponry, "Ye look like such."

Jarl follows up behind Balthazar.

[Balthazar]: 'what are you going to do Syrenia?"

Borathor looks at the stranger, "I do when all else fails but why get yourself blown up, I have seen three in two days go up in flames"

Syrenia approaches the door...

[Tollong]: "As have I" yelling back down

Bremp stretches his arms and legs as he looks up, "Ah. There be magic at work in an' around here I see. Well then I understand your backing out."

Syrenia quickly opens the door and a split second after, hugs the wall.

[Tollong]: "IS IT SAFE?"

The door swings open as Syrenia takes cover but nothing happens.

Syrenia peeks inside...

Balthazar goes down the ladder again...

Bremp looks down into the hole, as if expecting something to come up, but he really doesn't know much of what's going on in this place.

Balthazar goes to near the opened door...

Syrenia yells..."It seems fine..."

Tollong hurries down the ladder

Balthazar goes through the door, and looks beyond

Surviving the blast door the second time and getting past it you see it opens to a passage that leads down some forty feet to another door of the make. The passage is now lit by small glowing lights of stone placed and staggered every twenty feet or so down the passage at about eight feet from the floor.

Syrenia carefully inspects the frame of the door and the floor right behind it.

Bremp climbs down to take a look at the passage, then looks back at Jarl, "Hey! Stone passages. This be our domain!"

Syrenia crosses the door and makes his way towards the other door, stopping every 10 to inspect the floor. Stops before the door and looks over it carefully.

Bremp rubs his hand along the stone walls, and hits it with his knuckles every now and then, making sure there are no hidden passages.

Tollong follows behind watching their backs

Reaching the next door and taking considerable precautions you find there is no lock nor does it appear to have any magical means placed upon it, whether it be no one should of made it this far to need any or it has faded in time.

Balthazar goes down the hall.

Bremp backs away from the door, "Another blasted wizards door. Gah."

Syrenia stands aside for Borathor..."No trap and no lock..."

[Tollong]: "I will open it stepping forward, stand back an grabs the handle.

Balthazar gets out of the way...

Bremp moves to the other end of the passage.

Tollong lets the group, get out of the way and opens the door when the other is clear

Syrenia hugs the wall.

Passing beyond the door you see before you a large ten feet wide stone staircase leading down twenty feet into a large 80'x70' room stocked with kegs and barrels around the room. The room is also lit every twenty feet by the same glowing stones giving light to the room. To your left every ten feet are barrels along the wall. To your right are three rows of kegs laid upon their side's stretch every twenty feet or so with a ten foot passage running down each row to the far right wall. With a path of ten feet or so between each line of kegs formed in a row. Behind the center row of kegs at the far right wall is a set of double doors blocked by kegs laid out in front of it. There appear to be no markings or handles upon the doors, or at least from where you currently stand.

Balthazar goes to inspect one of the kegs... no touching it

Tollong moves and starts moving the barrels from in front of the door.

Bremp stays in the back.

[Balthazar]: "An odd place for these..."

[Tollong]: "Syrenia come look at this door"

The kegs appear to be a stock by of old wines and ales; some are marked vinegar as well.

Tollong starts looking around the room's wall for secret passages

Balthazar goes up to the blocked door...

Syrenia draws a dagger and knocks on every barrel with the hilt of her dagger, trying to figure out if any are hollow.

[Balthazar]: "They cant be rolled away?' he says as he tries to roll the blocking barrels

Bremp jumps up and down; "Can I keep some o' that ale. By Moradin, there is enough ale here fer all me clan fer a century! Gah." He begins drinking some of it directly from the keg, presumably for a taste, and wipes his mouth clean afterwards.

The kegs sound full from the tapping of the dagger done by Syrenia.

[Tollong]: "Dwarf's an they’re drinking we don’t need you drunk if we have to fight

Bremp shrugs at Tollong, "Wha’. Drunk? I be merely tasting' some fine brew. It be takin' half a barrel, no a full barrel, to get me drunk." He grabs his hammer and joins them by the door, forgetting about the ale for now.

[Balthazar]: "I'll try to ram the door... It has worked before."

Bremp moves away from it, and near another keg of ale, he rests his head against it.

Syrenia glances at Balthazar..."Don't you want me to check for traps first?"

Balthazar looks at Syrenia "I suppose that would be best." shrugs and gives her room

Syrenia moves over to the door and begins to looks over its surface for any signs of traps.

Taking the time to move the large kegs of ale and wine aside to get to the doors you see two massive solid wooden doors before you with no handles or locks upon them.

Syrenia checks the door over and seems to have little trouble checking it out once the kegs have been moved away.

Syrenia shakes her head..."I didn't find anything...Go ahead."

Bremp stares at the door, "It seems like an pair o' wood planks to me."

Balthazar nods and gives himself some space, before running into the doors side first

Syrenia moves aside to let the paladin bash his head in.

Balthazar smashes into the doors, opening the two doors you see before you another massive stone staircase some twenty foot wide and twenty feet long going down into a passageway some forty feet long that ends in two more massive doors. The same glowing stone in the wall lights the passage up to the doors.

Balthazar rubs his side...

Bremp moves over to the side of the door as it is safe again and narrows his eyes at the stone staircase.

Syrenia grins and enters the door.

Balthazar follows behind the rogue... letting her check for traps as usual...

Tollong walks in "any father an we will be in the under dark"

Syrenia slowly descends to the other door, looking for traps every 5 steps.

[Balthazar]: "Yes, it is quite a dungeon... the deepest I've seen."

Bremp walks in with the others, glancing at the sides and the stairs for unusual stonework.

Making your way up to the door you see once more that they also have no handles or locks set upon them.

Tollong looks in the room searching the walls for any sighs of secret passages

Balthazar walks along slowly... his armor making a muffled clanking sound.

Syrenia looks over the door for traps.

[Balthazar]: "Looks like I'll have bruises on my left as well..."

Syrenia shrugs and stands back again.

Balthazar quickly rams into this door as well...

Getting the doors open you see the passage runs down some 70' feet to a dead end but turns to the left at 60' feet and out of your sight.

Bremp holds his head for a moment and then looks back up, looking a bit worried, he moves his head from one side to the other, and his beard swings accordingly. He grumbles something and shrugs.

[Balthazar]: 'our resolve is being tested, it seems..."

Tollong follows behind Syrenia now drawing his sword

Balthazar lets Syrenia lead once more...

Syrenia begins her slow advance, checking every 10 feet for a trap.

Bremp does likewise, but stays along the sides of the wall to the passage.

Tollong checks the wall for passages

Syrenia checks the far wall for secret passages. Looking down the passage at 60' feet. Stands at the far end waiting for everyone at the 60' feet passage.

Balthazar walks to the passage and waits

Making your way up to the turn you see the passage runs some 40' feet to another set of large double doors of polished wood. Making your way to the doors you see these two have handles of gold or brass, with a large plate just below centered with a keyhole. Before the doors covering the floor from wall to wall and 20' feet back from the doors is a large pentagram drawn in red upon the floor. In a semi circle around the pentagram are 9 knights in black full armor holding battle-axes across their hips with both hands, as if pondering the markings upon the floor. They do not move or even look up towards you as you round the corner. The knights are almost identical except for one who wears a crimson colored cloak that drapes over his armor.

Bremp watches the others then slowly sneaks his way back to the end of the line as they stare at the nights. Before slipping off and fleeing out of the lair never to be seen again as he makes his little feet run as fast as possible in hopes of catching up with the main Dwarven body moving through the Earthspur’s.