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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ziona" data-source="post: 313709" data-attributes="member: 484">A Halfling’s PromiseAfter the heroes regained their composure, they moved along into the next room, where they found a pentagram inscribed on the floor.  A human skull rested in the center of the pentagram.  The rest of the room was barren.“Creepy,” said Doc.“Wow,” said Lox in wonderment. “A skull…”As the halfling approached the skull, it began hovering above the pentagram, it’s eye sockets aglow with red flames.In a hollow voice, the skull spoke.“I am the Oracle, possessor of all knowledge.  Ask me what you wish, and you shall hear the answer you seek…for a price.”Drexel rubbed his chin for a moment, then stepped forward.“What has happened to my friend Tansooth?” he asked.“The answer you seek will require five hundred gold pieces.”Drexel turned and looked at Lox.  The halfling stood there, looking somewhat bored, not realizing what it was Drexel wanted.“I’m sure you have that sort of gold stored in your Belt of Many Pockets, right Lox?”“Oh, more than that, Drex…wait a minute…no, I forgot…I spent it…on the short sword!  Oh, please don’t make me give up five hundred gold pieces…Dent! Doc! Somebody!”Lox cried out as Drexel approached him, but gave in when Dent explained to him that all the gold he held was not for him alone.“Fine…but you’re going to be awfully disappointed if that silly skull lies,” he said with a frown.  Then he began emptying his pockets, and before long, five hundred gold was placed within the pentagram.  The companions watched as the gold disappeared.“Your friend Tansooth, known as Spiderfang, has been captured and is currently being tortured in Zhentil Keep.  The man known as Spiderbane is merely a doppleganger.”“So, Spiderfang didn’t have a hand in Holden’s murder,” said Ziona with relief.“But Spiderfang may be murdered next…” said Drexel with sadness.“He must be rescued!” shouted Doc triumphantly.  “But first, I have a question of my own, you silly skull.  How can I possibly get back to Greyhawk?”A hush fell over the group when Doc asked.  They waited for the answer from the Oracle.“The answer you seek will require a donation of one thousand gold pieces.”“Oh, no,” said Lox. “Not this time! I won’t give the gold up this time! We can’t give a talking skull all that gold! What does it need it for?”“It needs it to answer my question,” said Doc.  “Let’s see what I have…”Doc pulled forth a few gems, and looked to Lox for the rest.  Again, the gold was placed within the pentagram, and again the gold disappeared.  The skull began a very detailed and technical explanation of how portals are used to find different planes of existence.  He rambled on about who to see, and where to find what information, and so on and so forth.  Doc listened very intently, not wanting to miss or forget any detail.Lox  was growing especially tired of the technical, boring jargon that the Oracle was spouting.  Dent was busy keeping his eyes on Lox to make sure he wasn’t getting himself (or the group) into trouble, and Rossal was carrying on a silent conversation with Ziona and Glindil.  Drexel and Venus listened somewhat to the Oracle’s explanation, but both had other thoughts on their mind.Drexel was thinking about Spiderfang, and was wondering how they could possibly free their friend.  Venus was thinking of his coffin and wondering if they had hidden it well enough.  His thoughts also ventured to the cart that was still hidden in the woods with Spleckle on guard.  The odd creature seemed in good spirits when they left him…“Excellent,” said Doc boisterously grabbing everyone’s attention.  “I have my answer.  Let’s start punishing villains!”“Oh, you finally got the answer to your impossible question?” asked Venus.“The answer to that question,” replied Doc, “is a punch in the nose!”The two companions had their chuckle, then agreed that it was time they moved along.  Lox was quite happy to leave the coin-hungry skull resting on it’s eerie pentagram.“Good riddance!” he spat.The door leading out of the room proved to be a bit of a challenge for the halfling.  After a few moments, though, he managed to take care of the lock.  As the party began walking down the long, narrow corridor, Dent took something out of his backpack and leaned down to Lox.“I’ve been contemplating this for a little while now,” he began.  “I think that Nuttin would have wanted you to have this.”Dent presented Lox with Nuttin’s Rod of Wonder.“Honest to goodness, Dent?”“Yes, Lox.  Honest to goodness.  But, you must be very careful with this, Lox,” warned Dent.  “It’s magic can be very powerful.  Don’t abuse it.”“I promise to use it well,” said Lox with a delightful squeal.“Are you two coming?” asked Venus with his usual impatience.“Be right there,” called Dent down the corridor.“Remember Lox, you must be careful and use it only when needed.”“Yup. Only when needed,” said the halfling with delight.  “I promise.”The Adventure Continues…</blockquote>

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