The Key to Victory

[ghostcat]

Having failed to find any magic in the lake, Trinham sits down against a tree and watches the prisoners. Although he does consider teasing them, he finally decides against it. He wouldn't like it if the boot was on the other foot. So he just sits quietly watching them.

As he does so, he starts to think about how he managed to cast a fire burst and tries to determine what he needs to do so it does not totally deplete his energy.

 

[Dragonwriter]

Jareth glares at Aver. "The hell you will. You stay up here with everyone else, guard the prisoners and examine the items we got off Desnor and Haden. There's no way I'm letting you come in the water with me and put my life on the line for your damnable greed."

Jareth walks into the pond, bracing himself for a cold shock before he dunks himself and dives under completely. Once under the surface, the calming influence of the water takes hold. He had always enjoyed swimming when he was younger. Something about the freedom of it, no one expecting or insisting you do something different... He shakes his head and clears away the nostalgia. Now was not the time to get distracted. He begins swimming around and down, looking for a box or a crown or anything seemingly out of place.

[sblock=OOC]
I'm assuming this is Calm Water and I'm not threatened by anything at the moment. Take 10 on the Swim checks (total 16) and keep swimming around until I find something.
[/sblock]

 

[jackslate45]

"Trinham! Cedric! Can you help us determine which of these items to keep? You guys know more about magic than I do." Ernestine shouts to the others. She turns to Aver and says "What else did you find in your searching Aver? I know you wanted to search the campsite before the fighting started, so I assume that you now have done so."

 

[HolyMan]

Everyone watches Jareth as he swims about the calm waters of the underground lake. When he dives down almost everyone instinctively holds their breath until he resurfaces.

[sblock=Jareth] The water is a little murky and roots from the trees are exposed on the north side of the lake. It is hard to see the bottom which is almost 50 feet from the surface. (Will assume you use your dancing lights ability to advance this)

Once there is some light in the water Jareth notices a large hole at the base of the plateau. He moves to get a good look and it appears that there is an air pocket, so quickly he swims up to it. When his head breaks the surface he gulps in the stale air of the odd area (which would be right under the plateau of the chamber).

Then he gasps as his lights exit the water to have their light glint of piles of gold coins and gems. Large chest spill open their contents of coins and other various items.

Jareth has found the lost treasure hoard of Vester![/sblock]

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

Mal had been watching the water, along with the two thugs. He smiles, knowing that they were at least truthful so far. His comment about the black dragon was a test, and they passed. The green dragon, Vester, would have no hold on them now. He wonders what to do with them, as he instinctively turns to the water, noting that the bubbles had ceased.

"I don't see any more bubbles.... something is not right."

He moves over to the water, his healing aura still on, as he hopes that should Jareth had found trouble, this little bit of healing might keep him alive long enough to escape. He wades into the shallow end of the water, looking for signs of Jareth.

 

[Dragonwriter]

[sblock=HM]
OOC: I figured I would need to use Dancing Lights. Forgot to mention it. Thanks for just moving it along.

Murky was no issue for Jareth as long as he could still call up the lights. Intrinsic magic had its advantages. He does take a little advantage of his effectively free time in the water, letting his cares wash away for a minute. He really had forgotten how much he enjoyed swimming and how strong a swimmer he was.

The stale air rankles his nose a bit as he brings the lights above the surface. And he can't help but gasp at the sight of the treasure. He starts to swim towards it to climb out, then pauses. We've already been tricked more than once by these foes. A little paranoia couldn't go amiss. I'll just have to keep a rein on Aver, the greedy fool. But before turning to swim out, Jareth does take a moment to detect magic and try to identify any auras he sees. Spellcraft +16
[/sblock]

 

[ghostcat]

Trinham is deep in thought and barely hears Em when she suggests checking the gear. However, the sight of Jareth walking into the water quickly brings him back.

Realising that the prisoners might try to escape while the others are preoccupied. He similes sweetly at them before positioning himself so that they are between him and the water. This means he can keep an eye on them and Jareth.

 

[HolyMan]

Not only do the bubbles stop coming to the surface of the lake but the dancing lights Jareth was using to see have disappeared.

"Ok that's to long. I'll go see what's up." Aver says dropping to the ground and grabbing a boot.

"Ugh!" he pulls at the boot. "What the--?" He says reaching for the other. Pulling hard it too does not move.

"Oh no!" he cries out. "I think they're cursed!"

Quickly he pulls a rod he was hiding up his sleeve and throws it to the ground a few feet away from him.

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[sblock=Jareth]
There is little in the way of items about. The only two Jareth sees are a small delicate crown of gold and silver resting on a pedestal and a sword lying atop a pile of coins in it's scarab.

Oddly both look to be of fine elven make and both are magical.[/sblock]

 

[Dragonwriter]

[sblock=HM]
The young man smiles as he sees what they've been searching for, even as he is greatly relieved the cave isn't covered in illusions. The relief isn't enough for him to relax totally, though... These enemies were clever. Rather than simply stepping out of the water and grabbing the items, it would be best to have them checked. He sighs, considering whether he should blindfold Aver or just put a leash around the fool's neck...

He takes a breath of the stale air and dives back down, angling out of the little cave and back up to the surface of the actual pond.
[/sblock]

 

[jackslate45]

"Tell me Aver, did you think to check before putting them? If I recall, you just kind of slipped them on right?" Ern sighs a little bit before continuing. "Let us determine them for next time shall we?"

Ernestine continues to collect the items, but is careful to actually touch them with her hands. She rips off some clothing off of Haden's corpse, and grabs any item looking significant before stretching and yawning widely. However, she could not help glancing at the lake as well, with Jareth's disappearance nearing a long time now.