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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ziona" data-source="post: 309747" data-attributes="member: 484">SquabblingThe heroes moved steadily into the next room after Dent, (who was still fuming about the goblins).  It seemed to be a common room for the evil creatures, where they could rest and get healed by the now deceased cleric.  Lox, Rossal, and Glindil searched about the room, but found nothing of value or interest.  Drexel and Venus spoke in hushed tones while Ziona tried talking to Dent to calm him down.  Standing alone with his hands crossed over his chest, Doc stood sulking since he believed he had been the butt of a cruel joke.“Wasn’t very nice of them to trick me into thinking Roundy was dead,” he thought miserably.  “That silly goblin had it coming, anyhow.”Meanwhile, Ziona took her time explaining to Dent about Doc’s reactions to certain situations.“He didn’t mean any harm, Dent,” she said softly.  “I don’t think he always understands how to handle a situation when a creature is helpless.”“It was an evil creature, Ziona,” protested Dent evenly.“Evil or not, he saw it as a helpless creature, I think.  I can’t explain it, really, but it seems he’s easily upset by violence against those who are helpless.  Please try to understand, Dent.  I don’t think he fully understood it himself.”“Oh, so that would explain why he thinks we played a joke on him?” asked Dent.  Ziona sighed.  “I told you, I can’t really explain it. He’s an odd fellow, but he only meant to do a good deed, or uphold justice, as he might put it.  Please put this behind you so we can carry on without any problems.  The dungeon poses enough threat to us united. If we are squabbling amongst ourselves, it will be our doom.”“As long as he stays out of my way for awhile, things will be fine,” said Dent gruffly.  It was obvious to Ziona that she would get nothing more from the ranger.  She nodded and slowly walked back towards the rest of the group.“Are we ready to proceed?” asked Drexel.“I believe so,” said Ziona halfheartedly.“All set to move along, Doc?”“I suppose so,” said Doc sullenly.  Dent rolled his eyes and made for the door leading to the next room, but before he could reach for the knob, the door burst open and orcs started piling through!One of the orcs shouted harshly in garbled common, “Take their eyes in the name of Gruumsh!”Always quick to action, Venus drew his magical scimitar and shouted, “You WILL fear the Soldier of Lathander!”The rest of the heroes followed suit and began attacking as well.  Lox tumbled by Ziona and Drexel and began attacking proudly with his new short sword, while Doc slashed stealthily at an angry orc.Dent withdrew a few steps and began firing his bow at his hated enemies, scoring one explosive blow after another.  Not far from him, Drexel had cast Magic Missile at the lumbering half-orc that entered the room growling.“I’ll have your eyes!” he roared.Having felled the orcs surrounding him, Venus ran in to attack the half-orc.  As he did, he noticed the beast was missing one eye.  Realizing it was probably some way of honoring the orc’s evil god, Venus continued his assault, and cleaved into the overgrown beast.  Although the monster was aggressive with it’s attack, it still fell to the might of the Soldier of The Morning Lord.Meanwhile, Doc assisted Lox in attacking an orc that looked as though he was about to bite the halfling’s head off!“Roundy, you must be more careful,” chided Doc protectively.“Ah, Doc, you worry too much.  I have my new short sword at my side, so I can’t be defea….whoa!”Before Lox could finish his sentence, another orc was upon him.  The smelly creature was relentless in it’s attacks, and managed to hit the halfling twice before Doc could even react.Ziona, seeing that Lox was injured, grasped her holy symbol and began chanting softly.  As she did, a soft glow began emanating from her.  Then, as if it were a tidal wave, the glow became brilliant and poured over each of her companions.  Instantly their wounds vanished, and they felt renewed.Of course, the Healing Circle was a wonderful blessing from Eilistraee for each of the heroes, except for one.  As the beautiful white glow bathed Venus, he found himself aching.  He was relieved when the wave had vanished, taking it’s fiery heat and pain with it.Dent was taking great satisfaction in destroying the evil creatures that haunted his dreams. Before it was all done, he had taken three of their lives.Meanwhile, Ziona used her bastard sword to slice into the orc’s hide that was continuing to pound on Lox, despite the efforts of Drexel and Doc.  Finally, a blade to the stomach slowed the evil creature, but only halted it long enough for it to fall to it’s knees.  As the enraged orc reached out to swat Ziona, Rossal pierced through it’s flesh and sent it slumbering onto the floor.“Oh, am I glad to see you,” began Lox.  “I could use some healing Miss Ziona.”“You could use a good talking to as well, Lox,” said Ziona sternly.  Lox looked at his cleric friend with his mouth hanging open.“But, I was only trying to get the gross orcs,” pouted Lox.  “I coulda handled them with my short sword.”“Ah, we all know you meant well, old pal,” said Doc warmly, “but I don’t think that sword is as powerful as you might think it is.”“Don’t be silly,” said Lox.  “I paid a hefty price for this magical sword.”Drexel began reciting the spicy magical words that the group had heard him recite many times before.  After taking a deep breath, the wizard focused on the halfling’s sword.  In a moment, he shook his head and smirked.“I hope it wasn’t too much gold, Lox,” he said.  “What do you mean?  The sword IS magical, right Drexel?”“It’s enchanted yes,” said the tiefling, “but probably not as enchanted as you'd like it to be for the price. It gives off a faint glow, but nothing more.”“Are you saying that nice merchant in the alley way duped me?” asked Lox in shock.  “How could he? That’s awful!  I’m going to demand that he give me my gold back!”“Perhaps you will be more careful next time you meet a ‘merchant’ in an alley way,” said Venus with a chuckle.“Me?  No way,” said Lox angrily, “it’s that darn merchant who’s going to have to be careful! No one dupes Lox Lumley!”Ziona and Drexel stifled their laughter as Dent covered his mouth with his hand and pretended to cough.“There, there, Roundy,” said Doc.  “It’s still a magical blade…kinda like the one Drexel made for Venus.”“Yeah…” said Lox thoughtfully.  “I’ll have to name it…I’ll call it Merchant Bane!”At the halfling’s outburst, the companions could not hold back.  Laughter filled the room and tears of hysteria rolled down their cheeks.  It seemed the in-party squabbling had come to an end.The Adventure Continues…</blockquote>

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