The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"

[Greyhawk]

The Guards on the Stairs

Feng smiles "This is gonna be brutal... I LOVE IT! Straight up the middle. May the best man win. And I will. FENG IS HERE! FENG KILLS! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"

An orc fires his longbow but Feng moves slightly and the arrow whizzes past wide but out of the darkbness a wolf runs out from the darkness of the ruins and straight toward Feng.

Limara peers over the boulder at the orc, she sees the silhouette of a bow being drawn... she casts a spell at him A weapon made of pure force springs into existence and attacks the orc, massively wounding it with one hit.

Elinor strains to see what is going on up ahead. She can hear strange shouting. She swings her sword and readies herself for battle.

Feng swings his great axe and fells the wolf. The battle is going well for the party but out of the shadows loom another tow orcs with a wolf companion. "BAD DOG!" he jokes.

"Great hit Feng. A wolf's head to add to your collection on trophies! calls Belatin to the huge barbarian calls Belatin. Then he drops the dagger to cast a Bless spell and moves forward to stand beside Rizzit his Longsword drawn.

Rizzit moves even further to the front of the party and casts a sleep spell at the group of enemies that have just appeared. One of the orcs and the wolf fall into a magic sleep…

"Good one Rizzit!" Belatin congratulates the sorcerer

Elinor swiftly moves up to where Rizzit stands at the entrance to the ruins

An orc targets the paladin but is aim is bad and the arrow continues into the darkness.

Up the stairwell rush another two orcs. Heading towards the paladin and sorcerer. One of them swings his axe at the diminutive sorcerer but Rizzit is able to dorge the blow with ease.

"Oh no – more orcs" Elinor complains but is rebutted by Feng "Why Oh, no? More to kill, or to use as slaves. Come on! FENG IS HERE! FIGHT FENG! There are never enough enemies! COME ON! FIGHT FENG!"

"Dont worry Elinor," Rizzit tells the towering paladin "Stick with me and I will look after you"

Limara moves forward, drawing her flame edged sword as she goes... her intended victim being the wolf felled by Feng, her sword bites deep into the dying form and sends to to its maker.

Feng moves to the orc fighting Elinor and Rizzit, his axe flashes and the orc, is dripping blood, heavily wounded.

"Nice going Feng - that'll give him a headache - but you can cure that by removing his head next round" laughs Beltain

"I shall use some magic missiles to remove the wounded ones" Rizzit tells the others.

"Good idea" agrees Feng "It takes no skill to cut down the walking wounded - leave the live ones to me!"

The orc in melee swings again this time at the paladin but misses.

Rizzit steps back then with a curse launches three missiles of magical energy at the closest two orcs felling them..

Beltain moves South to confront the orc archer hiding in the boulders.

Suddenly they hear the sound of a horse behind them... Coming toward them is a figure they recognise...The Wizard Nosnibor..

"MR NOSNIBOR" shouts Rizzit "its so good to see you again, come join the fun"

"I say chaps" replies the wizard "Have any of you seen my Pussy?" with a big grin.

The orc in front of Beltain draws his axes and strikes ineffectually at Beltain.

Limara's spiritual weapon renders the orc Beltain is fighting, unconscious..

Elinor injuries the final orc but it battles on. Feng joins the fray but his blow misses their last assailant.

"I'm sorry for my Tardiness chaps" continues The Wizard Nisnibor, ignoring the battle "But they needed to check my work permit, what with me being from another plane of existence. Cormyr is such a bureaucratic place. Apparently extra-planar adventurers have to have their forms signed in triplicate. "

The orc turns away from Elinor and takes a step toward Feng. "You are a traitor to your kind" he spits at Feng before attacking. This time the blow finds a hole in the barbarians defeneces although he is only lightly wounded. Limara turns to the orc and states in a commanding voice.." No! It you Orc, that is a traitor to your kind for being so weak and feeble.."

Beltain glances at the orc lying at his feet and kicks it contemptuously "Thanks, Princess" he calls to Limara and flashes her a brilliant smile.

Rizzit takes his crossbow and fires at the orc but misses.

Beltain moves forward and fells the last orc. He looks down the stairs into the deeper darkness and wonders what awaits them there.

 

[Greyhawk]

Down the staircase and into the ruins

"Yeah!" calls Beltain and punches the air as he fells the last orc, while Rizzit calls for someone with a dagger to finish off the two sleeping foes "Kill them quickly we need to get down those stairs before they organise, Bob can you stay here and look after the mounts?" he asks

The Orcs are searched and their items piled up by the horses and the unconscious orcs are killed..

Beltain gives Limara a big hug and then turns to the others "I think that we need to get downstairs as soon as we can, the other orcs will be down there and will be alerted when they realise that something has happened to their kin. Let's go, I say before the Bless spell wears off and before they have time to 'prepare' for us!"

"Ok, armoured muscle first, lets move" commands Rizzit

Rizzit peers down the steps leading into darkness and calls to his familiar "Wizzy have a quick look and see if anyone is waiting for us please", the animal scuttles down some steps until he can see what's below.

Belatin moves up to join Rizzit at the top of the stairs while the others stand around.

"Well done Beltain, good to see someone here has some balls" says the kobold and glances back at Feng loitering in the darkness

"We need to retain the element of surprise and get down these stairs soon..." advises Beltain.

Feng bustles to the head of the group and crouches at the head of the stairs "Everyone ready? Lets go!" and shakes "Nibbler" in anticipation

"Eliinor" calls Beltain softly "You coming to join us? If you are, try and get Nosnibor's attention, and tell him we are descending very soon"

The Wizard Nosnibor "I say Mister Bibabobalobalos. I was given a message from the Important Lordly fellow chappy. He asked me to tell you that there was a terrible raid upon the lovely and peaceful Dwarfish settlement of Glen. He told me you had relatives there. I'm not sure what he wanted you to do about it. I can only imagine his intention was to upset you. Oh I think it was Drow who did the raid. Or something. I'm sure it was all some terrible misunderstanding."

Bibabobalobalos looks shocked at Nosnibor's words. "I do indeed have family there. I must go them." He turns to the group "I bid you farewell for now my friends. I'm am off to see Lord Hawklin, to see what he has heard, then I will travel to Glen. Maybe our paths will cross again...Moradin willing". With that the dwarf mounts his fell pony and rides off, across the Stonelands.

"So. Have you chaps mercilessly slain all of the orcs then?" TWN continues to prattle on "Oh that's a nice tree." he concludes peering into the distance.

"If you guys don't move down those damn steps I am gonna have to go myself" says Rizzit impatient to get moving again.

Limara checks the two dead bodies by the foundations of the ruin. They are clearly dead. She examines them for any form of identification. She notices that each body has an interesting tattoo in black on the upper left arm. It depicts black flames with eyes peering out from them, raised over a claw like symbol. She is sure that she has seen it before and her beautiful brow furrows as she attempts to remember where she has seen it.

It suddenly comes to Limara, she had seen that symbol tattooed on the dead men's arms before, The Cult of the Dragon…

Feng look around and then stalks down the steps, axe ready "Hit 'em hard and don't give 'em time to organise. Even Orcs can co-operate when needful." Rizzit follows Feng down. Elinor takes her place in the party formation." I'm ready. Let's see what's down the stairs."

The Wizard Nosnibor watches the Dwarvern Scout walk off with a frown on his elven features "If I'd have know he was going to leave us I'd have told him after this mission. Fiddlesticks! I do hope his family are alright though. Do you think they will be Mister Pussy?" says the demented Wizard to his obviously disinterested cat.

"I hope you have some good spells revised this time Mr Nosnibor" Rizzit reminds the wizard. Elinor glances sideways at Nosnibor. He is an odd looking fellow- she tries not to stare. "I currently have a range of utility spells memorised" continues the wizard "I do not have lots of combative magic Mister Rizzit. That seems to be your forte. I will concentrate on utility magic and will use my trusty short bow in a pinch."

"Well lets hope these utility spells are of some use this time good friend" says the kobold sadly.

"Yes," says Beltain looking interestedly at Nosnibor "I now have some knowledge of arcane lore, what spells do you know Nosni? We may be able to trade information?"

"Dwarf gone?" Feng asks "Watch me while I wipe away my tears. At least we won't have to look where we put our feet. Hehe, yeah shortarse"

"That's a bit unkind Mister Feng" Nosnibor uprates him "Mister Bibabobalobalos was a lovely fellow. Simply smashing. "

"Looks like Elinor shelters behind the brave Rizzit. I expected no more." says Feng with a sideways glance at the paladin "Onward, my heroes."

"I think we could stick to the same formation as before" says Limara trying (hopefully) to instil some order into the group "Fighters front, healers behind them and casters protected at the back of the party... it would be better if we had darkvision at both end of the group too.. optimising our assets to their best advantage will maximise our chances of success. We don't need more causalities either.."

But the party proceed down the stairs with Rizzit still in the front rank with Feng.

As Rizzit and Feng get to the bottom of the stairs they see movement in the darkness. More orcs are approaching down the bolder strewn corridor.

"This looks like fun Feng" says Rizzit excitedly while Elinor comments "I have no range weapon, so I'll need to move forward and engage in melee"

"Don't worry Elinor" says Rizzit generously "You can move in front of me if you like, we should push forward as quick as we can and prevent them organising at the rear It's all quite likely there may be leaders further in possible with casters so we want to get at them as fast as possible"

"Why did you put yourself at the front Rizz..." she sighs. It is obvious that Limara was going to say more... but decides that the sigh was expressive enough.

Ahead in the darkness the kobold grins, "I cant see what's going on from the back with all you tall arses in the way"

"The view's pretty good from where I'm standing" Beltain, glancing a the ladies ranked in front of him, says with a laugh "No complaints from me..."

Feng bellows "THE RAGE! IT COMES! FENG KILLS THESE PUNY ORCS!" and talks forward waving his axe in low swinging movements.

Beltain casts a spell of protection on the paladin before she advances into battle.

and Rizzit casts a shield spell on himself before stepping forward to allow the others more space.

The Wizard Nosnibor calls out to the Orcs in Orcish from is safe position in the back row. "I say, do you chaps feel the inclination to parlay?" To the uninitiated it sounds like the Bobble hatted Buffoon is making Pig impressions.

Rizzit sighs "What will you cast Mr Nosnibor" he asks unimpressed by the wizards commend of the orcish language.

"Cast?" asks the wizard in surprise, "We're not even going to try and talk to them?"

"I thought you didn't have offensive magic?" continues Rizzit "I have simply cast some protection in case they in an unpleasant mood"

The orcs look in no mood to talk - "They do seem a little truculent." concedes Nosnibor "I hope they aren't angry with us for getting their carpet dirty with our muddy feet. I think I have a cantrip that will clean it. Do you think that would appease them?"

"Hmm, could be worth a try if you think it may help" says the sorcerer with deep sarcasm "Do you think there will ever be a day when we enter a dungeon and are offered tea and biscuits. I really like biscuits" sighs the Kobold

"I don't think there are enough biscuits in the dungeon bashing game." agrees the wizard, his mind now firmly on edibles "I agree with you Rizzit, I like biscuits too. What is you favourite Biscuit? I'm rather partial to a Custard Cream my self."

"I like Ginger Snaps," says Rizzit after a moments thought "A good solid biscuit for dunking, do you dunk?"

"No shield of faith for you Feng" says Limara "Instead I give you the strength of a bull... you have five minutes to kill as many as you can, Starting now!!" she says with a laugh, "...and Rizzit.... are you mad?.... Jammy Dodgers are the way to go.."

"Thanks for the spell Beltain." says Elinor, entering into the spirit of the conversation "And I think I like those lemon puffs. Always seem a little stale."

Only Feng seems focused on the tak on hand "HA HA! Limara... THE SPELL! IT WORKS!" he shouts reveling in the newfound strength "Oh, and we dunked enemies back in the tribe - in the cess-pool - In three times and out twice. Much better'n biscuits."

"You had a cess pool?" says the kobold, not to be outdone "Posh bastards!"

"Now if you're talking dunking I don't think you can beat a nice old traditional rich tea, although I do not think you should underestimate the new boys on the block. Such as the Hobnob, or if you're feeling particularly opulent, the chocolate hobnob."

He loads his trusty short-bow and fires at the nearest orc, winging it "Wowser. That was a tricky shot." he exclaims "Especially catching his earlobe the way i did."

"Nice shot Mr Nosnibor" concedes Rizzit

Feng swings his double axe at the orc in front of him, killing it instantly (59 damage!) "RUN IN FEAR! FENG THE MIGHTY IS HERE! NONE CAN STAND BEFORE FENG AND LIVE!"

He shakes the gore from his eyes and beckons the next orc forward "WHAT YOU WAITIN' FOR? AN INVITE?"

"Wow" says Beltain "and looks at the barbarian axe man in awe"

Then around the corner several more orcs come into view, some fire their bows at the party, some engage the party in melee. They inflict no damage on Feng or Rizzit.

Elinor picks her way across the rubble as fast as she can trying to get into a position to weild her sword.

Beltain drops his shield, takes out his crossbow and fires at one of the orcs, then takes a step forward, the bolt goes wild and clangs against the helmet of the paladin making a silver furrow in the metal.

Rizzit moves his hands in an arcane gesture and casts magic missiles at an orc. "Take that you ugly bastard" says Rizzit with satisfaction as they strike hole.

x[Master] INIT: 14 GOING: Limara (affected by: Poison (-1 Dex), Bless Spell (ATM=1) for 01:48)

Limara also moves forward across the rubble to reinforce the frontline "That was a truly inspired strike Feng... what a mess !!" she says as she looks at the remains of the first orc.

"Elinor." she says looking at the paladin "Did you see that the dead bodies outside were member of the 'The Cult of the Dragon' who are a sworn enemy of the Triad? I wonder what business they had around here. Still whoever killed them saved us the bother" she states coldly..

"I wonder if they were trying to strike a deal with the orcs," ponders the paladin "Or if they came looking for some arcane treasure to steal?"

"Could well be either of them" the beautiful priestess agrees, "I bloody well hope its not because there is one of their dragonlichs is nearby... I cant run that fast !! " she giggles, slightly nervously.

"RUN? FENG IS HERE!" says the big barbarian "NONE CAN STAND BEFORE US! HA HA! NIBBLER FEASTS!"

Limara laughs at Feng's comment.." Feng. You're as keen as mustard, I give you that.. but not even the strength of a herd of Bulls would save you from a dracolich.."

Fengs snorts by way of reply.

Limara "… But I get the feeling you would love to die trying it anyway... Never let anyone call you a coward " she smiles

"Not twice, at least." Feng replies with a grin

The Wizard Nosnibor moves up behind Elinor and fires at an Orc but misses "Oh well. Better luck next time"

Feng swings to attack another orc but the damage is enough to down it. "Another hefty blow, Feng! The bards will long sing of your deeds." notes Beltain moving up slowly.

Yet another orc moves up to Feng and swings its axe. This time he wounds the barbarian and it smiles in pleasure. "Ooh. That must have hurt", mutters the Wizard Nosnibor with a wince. "Mister Feng will get more angry now. I do hope he doesn't swear."

The orc attacking Elinor is not so lucky and its blow misses the paladin.

Elinors blade snakes out and the attacking orc is skewered, wounding it badly. "See Feng- it's not all down to you. Good girls can kill too. All be it with a little less panache" she finishes with a girlish laugh.

There is another clang from the paladin's helmet as Beltain fires crossbow bolt, "Have I got a new centre parting, Beltain?" she asks still smiling.

Beltain mumbles something unintelligible embarrassed at his poor aim.

Rizzit snatches a wand from out of his backpack and shoots a missile at one of the ocs

The magic missile slams into the orc and it collapses dying.

"I say!" says the Wizard Nosnibor "We're a dreadfully efficient killing machine aren't we? I wonder if these so called 'Monster races' tell their kiddies stories about the adventurers under the bed, or the adventurers in the Wardrobe? What do you chaps think? Mister Feng sometimes reminds me of the Bogieman. In a nice way of course."

"Praps he's not as stupid as he looks" Feng says looking back at the wizard.

Then he calls to the kobold "Nice shootin' Rizzit! Shame I can't now teach him that cutting his betters is wrong, but I'm happy to give the lesson to some o' these other whoresons instead. Useless Bastards" Feng taunts the remaining orcs "You drop like ripe apples to blade of my axe! GRUUMSH WEEPS WITH SHAME - YOU CAN'T EVEN KILL THE WOMEN! HA! HA! FENG WILL WIPE OUT YOUR SHAME IN YER OWN BLOOD!"

"I gotta say, Feng under a kiddies bed would worry me..." Limara giggles and calls gypsy to her side, "C'mon Gypsy, come, come here!" she draws her sword and lunges at the orc in front of Elinor but misses "Dammit.. stay still and die will you .." and blows cigar smoke at the orc in disgust..

"I think the trouble is that they are trembling with fear, Princess" notes Beltain "Makes them very tricky to hit"

"We need to push forward," calls Rizzit "Anyone that drops an orc can move into its space". "That will be me, then." says Feng grinning "There's never a bard around when you want one. A good paean of praise to my war-skill would help the axe-strokes land easier."

The Wizard Nosnibor fires at one of the remaining orcs but misses "Sorry !" he calls loudly in Orcish

"Nos... ask them to stay still will you.." says Limara turning to the wizard bowman.

Beltain looks at the back of the elvish wizard in front of him and shakes his head "Obviously Nosni's brush with death has not changed his personality one jot" he remarks to himself a little sadly. "Why would my brush with death change my attitude Beltain." the Wizard inquires "I was a peace loving gentle soul before I died and since I was visiously slain my views on violence have only cemented. It should be avoided at all costs. I just feel that sometimes we seek it out more and avoid it. Orcs have mothers too you know."

"Well" says Beltain "I didn't expect it to change you totally but I was expecting the fact that the monsters killed you dead, might just have convinced you that all the worlds creatures are not nice, loveable toys for you to play with... Just a thought.... By the way, I do expect the orcs to have mothers and I predict that they will be as ugly, evil and nasty as their sons. I'm afraid that these orcs are poor excuses for their kind, as Feng says. And even their mothers could not be proud of them."

" Mmmm" responds TWN "However their mothers must have loved them, or had some orc like feeling akin to love. Though from the example of the Orc's I have known. " Glancing briefly at Feng and giving a fearful shudder. "It could be a feeling closer to indigestion. That aside most sentient species have a urge to protect and nurture their young and it would be my point that it is a common ground for us all to meet. A common negotiating ground rather than a battle ground as it were. And though I, like yourselves crave adventure, excitement and really wild things, I feel the blood on my hands most sorely. Surely this a an opportunity to learn more about orcs than their internal anatomy and the dissection of said structures?"

"Oh!!" Says the Wizard Nosnibor, suddenly distracted. "Did I mention Garibaldi's? I love those too."

"Feng looks like you have space there to push bravely forward and let the rest of us in, move up and strike the ones at the rear" calls Rizzit to the big barbarian, ignoring the banter from behind him.

Feng weilds his great axe and hacks down another orc, he takes a step forward and grins at his next opponent. But it is not intimidated and sinks its axe deep into the barbarian. But its move has brought within striking distance of the paladin, quickly she strikes and the orc falls to rise no more.

Rizzit runs forwards, limbos under the flailing orcs weapon to get behind it, gnashing his natural weapons at the Orc "Wizzy follow me up here please I have some scouting for you to do" as Rizzit runs past the last remaining orc, it lashes out at the kobold and the plucky kobold is hurt badly by the orcs great axe... He looks around, he is in a chamber... there are no other exits...save for a glowing portal!! "Pfttt, a flesh wound, is that all you got" the kobold says bravely "Save one of the orcs, we need to know what's on the other side of the portal"

Beltain looks over to Limara "Maybe your sword can save Rizzit's bacon, Princess. He seems to have overextended himself somewhat. But also gained useful information on what lies ahead..."

"I'm in no mood for prisoners, Rizz" the barbarian responds to his fellows request "These gallows-dodgers have raised their weapons against FENG! He is not inclined to mercy!"

Limara swings at the one remaining orc but misses, she tuts, "You might have a point there Rizz... it would be very advantageous to know where it leads.... plus we may want to relay the location to the purple knights before we go through. If we go through.."

"Your chance to save Rizzit now Nosni, as Limara's blow failed to connect. Feng is very strong, but I doubt even he can fell the orc with a single strike..." comments Beltain but is refuted by Rizzit "My bud Feng is about to split this big ugly brute in half so don't worry about it"

The wizard Nosnibor looks on as Feng towers over the last remaining orc... Will he show mercy he thinks?

Feng grins as he swings his axe down and the orc falls "Now lay down - BAASSTTARD!" The orc collapses in a pool of blood. "NOW THAT, LADIES, IS HOW YER BEAT YER FOES. TACTICS? WHO NEEDS 'EM?"

Elinor moves into the body of the room, slapping Feng and Limara on the back as she passes. "Well done, well done. Great fighting. Let's see if we can find any clues as to why there are so many orcs here, and why they had a couple of Dragon cultists on the compost heap outside." She passes the pile of orc bodies surrounding Feng- Looking for anything interesting in amongst the blood and guts.

"Nice one bro, can we tie one up and heal him, we really need to know where that portal goes before we jump in" says Rizzit with satisfaction "Can someone patch me up a little please?"

[Elinor] Elinor leans across and lays her hands gently on Rizzit's snout. "Here you go" partly curing the wounded kobold. Then she picks up a long bow and a quiver of 20 arrows "This might help next time I'm not at the front. P'raps I can help Beltain rearrange his coiffure" and Elinor looks at the portal with feng, his axe ready.

"Limara, Beltain. Heal me" he calls "I think there is still work for my axe to do - I'd hate to miss any of it."

"Rizzit - send that rat through the portal," calls Feng, pointing to Wizzy "It will save trying to unravel the words of any of these liars." then he shouts back over his shoulder "For shame, Beltain - how could you doubt my skill against these vermin? Rizzit seems to show the wisdom that has deserted you."

The party peer at the portal, willing it to reveal its secrets...

 

[tariff]

The portal at the Netherese Ruins..

 

[Feng the Mighty]

Orcs. Ya can't trust 'em.

 

[tariff]

Nexus

Feng and Elinor look closely at the portal. It emits a soft glow, but hard wall can be seen behind it. Strange writings cover the portal arch. "Many thanks for the heals Elinor" states Rizzit "you had such nice soft hands." The kobold looks at the portal "I dont like portals" he mutters. "Im going to go and try and get Beaker down here" he says before wandering off up the stairs. Beltain collects his shield, secures his crossbow to his backpack and loots the orc bodies, taking the remaining bows he carries them to the surface to put with the other orc loot found. He then hurries back downstairs to the others. He takes out a scroll and cures Feng of some of his wounds. Beltain then begins to staunch the wounds of one of the dying orcs, incase the party decide to question it. Limara also tends one of the other unconscious orcs. “We need information about that portal... I say offer it its live in exchange for information about the portal, then get it to test it... then let it go..." She looks at Feng "Feng...before you say anything ... think on this... the only way reputations get spread is if a survivor lives to tell the story . If we let him return to his clan, he will tell them of the slaughter... just before they execute him...also , what do people think ?.... do we return to report this portal before we go through or not.. what are your votes... my vote is to report after we have explored further."

The Wizard Nosnibor looks at the portal, and the strange writings adorned on it. "I say. Isn't that a mystical portal? You know i bet if i read these runes i can work out what it is. Mystical portals are something of a specialty of mine. I'm from another dimension so i've been through a few. Let me give it a perusal." He approaches the portal and gives it a once over. "What do you think Pussy?." The wizard Nosnibor seems to fall into deep conversation with his cat as the two seem to look over the runes on the Mystical Portal. He really is a bit of a fruit cake. He cannot deduce what the arcane symbols say, but, looking at the parchment given to the party by captain Dunman, he is sure the runes are Netherese in origin.

Beltain walks over next to Nosnibor and also studies the writings on the portal. After a while he thinks he can read the words... He believes it reads "Part the veil of the universe for me." “I think I know what it says” he says out loud.

Rizzit returns from upstairs....without Beaker..Seems the axebeak refused to descend the stairs.

"Let's see if Beltain can get anything out of the orc." Suggests Elinor as she peers once more at the portal.

"Oh no. Not more torturing?" sighs Nosnibor.

Rizzit looks at the wizard "Mr Nosnibor if you go through the portal and find out whats there for us we wont need to eat the Orc alive"

Feng shrugs and kicks the unconscious orc "Look, he expects it. He'll almost be disappointed if I don't twist his arms orf.

"We could try throwing one of the badly injured orcs through the portal" suggests Beltain "It might even marginally up their chance of survival, so it would appeal to friend Nosni too" he adds with a laugh

Feng nods "Great Idea! I was thinking along the same lines myself" The half orc moves over to one of the unconscious orcs, picks it up, and with all his barbarian might throws the unconscious creature toward the portal. The orc hits the wall in the center of the portal arch with a sickening thud. It crashes to the floor, now clearly dead.

The party stand stunned a moment. The wizard Nosnibor moves to the portal, steps over the dead orc and extends his hand to the portal. The wall behind the arch is indeed solid. “Id suggest its not yet open”

"Maybe its another of those timed portals, it wouldnt hurt to sling some caltrops in front of it whilst we decide what to do" suggests Rizzit.

Beltain speaks “The portal is not operation now and to make it function we may need an object or perhaps a pass-phrase such as the one inscribed on the portal surround. I suspect we are going to debate what to do but in the end we are going through aren't we? After all it bears on the quest from Lord Hawklin. - Let's try and get the damn thing open, maybe we will be able to see what is on the other side when it works? What do you think?" he looks at Limara and Nosnibor "You have experience of such arcane devices, what is your reading of the situation?"

The Wizard Nosnibor replies "As far as i can gather the portal should have some activation method such as a word or a symbol.. or even a special pair of socks. Try taking the orcs boots off. Are they wearing magical socks?"

Elinor shoots the Wizard Nosnibor a strange look and then speaks "3 options- we return to the Purple Dragon Knights and tell them of this portal, we say narrate the inscription and hope it opens the portal, or we wait here for the night in anticipation of some visitors. I think we should try and open it now. The longer we wait the greater chance for whoever's on the other side to organize an attack"

Elinor strides up to the portal and touches the arch. "Does anyone have an idea of Netherese pronunciation?.” She looks around “Maybe there's a secret panel or switch in this room". Elinor examines the wall near to the portal but finds nothing.

"Heal one of these orcs and lets ask him what they do to open it" says Rizzit.

Beltain touches the archway, his fingers tracing the arcane writings. He speaks the words "Part the veil of the universe for me" more in hope than expectation...

The archway seems to change color slightly as if the stone were a lighter shade of grey than before. The air around it has a peculiar odor, like that after a lightning bolt spell has been cast, the temperature feels like it has dropped a bit. The space within the archway becomes illuminated with a foggy light...

Feng nods at the cleric "Looks like Beltain is on form - 'praps it's gonna work now." The barbarian turns to the paladin “Elinor - there is nothing that would tempt me to call in the Purple-headers - we can manage anything here, or we should die tryin'. 'Sides, I'm not gonna split my reward with anyone."

"Well here we go then" says the Kobold as he steps through the portal, loaded crossbow at the ready

Feng sighs as he watches Rizzit step through the portal and disappear "Thank we don't have a plan"

Feng hefts his Greataxe in both hands and follows the Kobold through.

Holding her sword at the ready, Elinor steps through the portal .

"Typical" spits Limara.

Beltain turns to Limara "Bloody hell" he exclaims "Typical indeed, and the paladin seems infected by it too! I suppose we have to follow now" he shrugs. "Shall we go through together now, before they get into even more trouble?… By the way, should we drag an orc along, after all we were going to question them..." he adds rather lamely.

"Well chaps..through we go!" Exclaims The wizard Nosnibor. He picks up his cat, "More excitement pussy...how much can we have in one day!" The wizard pauses a moment "I think ill leave Robinson outside..my horses dont have the best of luck with magical vertices" with that The Wizard Nosnibor steps through the portal clutching his pussy.

Rizzit, Feng, Elinor and the wizard Nosnibor appear in a strange place…


THE NEXUS
This stone mortared room is approx 70 x 70 feet. It is surrounded by a stone wall whose top is crumbling with age. It is about 11-16 feet high. There is no ceiling and the evening sky can be seen overhead. A fair amount of debris litters the room, rocks, branches, dust. Several bones of differing types can also be seen scattered about. 16 portals line the walls. Some are glowing.

"This is so exciting" says the excitable Kobold hopping about happily

Beltain and Limara can hear Rizzit speaking from beyond the portal..

"Ahh...interesting" observes the Wizard Nosnibor. He sticks his head back through the portal. "Hey chaps" he says to Limara and Beltain who are still standing the otherside. "What you two scared of?...come through!. The portals seem to link in everyway...ofcourse, for how long..we dont know”

Beltain kisses Limara hard on the lips and then with a fluid movement sweeps her off her feet and carries her over the threshhold and through the portal. "Just getting a bit of practice for the Real Thing!" he tells her in a whisper. "Bloody hell" he exclaims in amazement as he appears in the Nexus room. Beltain continues to hold Limara in his arms, clearly enjoying the experience and reluctant to put her down. "We need to check the other portals to make sure nothing is about to come through" he tells the others, and blushes...

Elinor turns to the party and murmurs "Take care, if we can hear what's going on behind a live portal, so can anyone else...." She moves cautiously to examine one of the other portals, looking for more writing, and listening for any sign of incoming enemies. And Beltain, you might find it easier to defend yourself if you put Limara down"

"Yes, that's true" Beltain acknowledges the correctness of Elinor's statement but makes no effort to release Limara, then realizing his position returns Limara to her feet.

 

[Greyhawk]

The Nexus

The party look at their surroundings. Beltain checks some of the bones scattered here, he prizes a horn out of one of the skulls. The party look at the 16 portals. Some glow with a dim light, the same as the portal they arrived from. The party also notice numbers painted on the arches, a recent addition by the looks of it. The portal the party appeared through is labelled "1", the numbers ascend in a clockwise direction. Apart from the numbers there are no other markings on the portals. The portals all appear shut, save for the portal the party came through.

Feng Smears a bloody handprint over the portal from the stonelands "They all look alike to me, and I'd like the option of going back the way we came if needed." he snorts.

Limara finally manages to coax her dog Gypsy, through the portal from the Stonelands..

Beltain looks around "Does anyone have an idea how these gates close?" he asks "If it is on a timed basis, then we may only have a limited time before we need to head back. If it is using a pass-phrase, it would be very useful to know what it is so that we can close the other gates" he sweeps his hand round, indicating the other gates "If they lead to anywhere too dire..."

"Oooh. Isn't this exciting!" exclaims The Wizard Nosnibor, "All of this magic must be here for a great purpose. It's just so exhilarating. I think I might Pee my self. I suggest we be methodical about this and try the portals in order."

"I must agree," says Rizzit looking at the gates with curiosity "So what's the plan? Do we wait for one to open then go through it?"

Getting no response, Rizzit gets comfortable in a corner and meditates ready to rest for his spells "Ommm. Doesn't look like we can do much until a gate opens, unless someone has an idea on how to get one to open. I will meditate for my spells while you play with them, shout if you need me"

"I could touch the portal #2 surround and say the words, I said before" suggests Beltain "But are we ready for an encounter now, assuming it succeeds?"

While he waits for the others to think about his suggestion Belatin sits down to rest and regain spells, while waiting for a response from the others.

Elinor says "In the absence of any other inscriptions, then I think we should do as Beltain suggests- let's try the same phrase and see if it works. Actually, Feng can you give me a leg up? I'd like to have look what's outside these four walls." Looking at the stars, do they look like familiar constellations?

"Thats in' scary." exclaims Feng "I was thinkin' o' taking a look over the wall meself. I'll boost yer up so yas can take a look over, Elinor. Remember which ones were glowing when we came in. Praps they become unlocked in an order? Do we have a way of timekeeping? Praps some clerical chants to measure the time the glow will remain? Anyhow - I reckon we should do the following: Heal Feng. Then try a portal. I don't see the point in returning when there is so much to still explore."

"C'mon Beltain. Say the right words. If only knees opened as easily as these magic doors, eh?"

"Well I agree with Beltain too." the Wizard Nosnibor pipes up "It is my considered opinion that we should go through as many of these portals as we can. Think of the learning, and the expanding of our knowledge."

Limara points at the unconscious orc ... "This thing may have an answer or two, if we can persuade him to co-operate.... he may well know what's behind at least one of these doors. Remember people... its getting late... it might be wiser to heal everybody up and recharge spells before we go portal hopping... "

Feng moves to one of the walls and bends slightly, his hands linked. Elinor places a boot in the half orc's large hands and hauls herself up the wall, the barbarian lifting her higher until Elinor grasps the top of the wall and hauls herself up. From her vantage point she gazes out... The Nexus is on a flat valley of stone, huge boulders scatter the landscape. Seemingly impassable mountains surround the entire valley. Up above, dark storm clouds gather, a little way to the north. Lightning lights the sky.

The Wizard Nosnibor concentrates and casts an incantation. It looks a bit like a stickman having a seizure, but it seems to do the trick and he detects magic in the area. The wizard Nosnibor concentrates on is detect magic spell. Firstly he ascertains there is indeed magic here!!. T hen he realises that Beltain and Limara are within his spell effect, but yes, the portals also detect as magical! Secondly, The wizard Nosnibor determines that one of the types of magic resident on the portals is of the conjuration type, the other is to powerful to decipher. He tells the others "Well that is interesting. These portals have been created with the use of two magics, a lesser conjuration magic which probably deals with the portal/teleportation element itself and another more powerful magic, which although I cannot detect would probably be Abjuration or some such. The power of the spells used to create these portals was very great indeed, though that is to be expected as the are fairly obviously powerful magical artefacts. However this does rule out them being created by orcs or their immediate allies, I feel that this room and the portals have been here for some time"

Beltain looks at the others, "Before I attempt to activate gate#2" he says, "I think that we should be up to strength on hit points and magic. The arcane forces used to create this place are great and the foes that await us may also be powerful. We have travelled far and battled along the way before getting to this point. Certain of our number still carry the venom of the scorpions in their veins. Let us rest until the stars are higher in the sky and then press onwards?"

"Ommm" comes from the corner as Rizzit attempt to meditate.

"If we are selecting and learning spells" says Beltain hesitantly "Perhaps, Rizzit, you might give Nosnibor some pointers, not that he needs it of course being an experienced wizard, to make his choice more, errr, practical"

"Mr Nosnibor unfortunately seems to lack the raw destructive spells I favour but hopefully he will have some good spells to aid others" replies the kobold.

Belatin sits down with his back to the wall to rest, and to relearn spells in preparation for the fighting he is sure will follow the opening of the other portals...

"I will be wanting to pray for my spells at 9.00pm," says Limara "Which takes about an hour. So we can leave anytime after that, but we will need to sleep soon so I suggest rest for 8 hours then set off in the early hours of the morning."

She then rises and casts curing spells on Rizzit and Feng who are still injured.

Limara fusses her dog and gives it a big hug..."Who's a good girl then...you are.... yes you are"

Then she addresses the other party members "If we are to rest then back there," she points to the portal they just used "The room through portal has only two points to defend. In here we have sixteen to consider" and she continues looking up at the sky and the increasing rain "And we're getting wet here too... we need cover. This weather is going to get worse... Trust me, we need to shelter through the portal if we are going to get any sleep. We are very exposed out here".. she looks thoughtful

"That seems reasonable" says Beltain "Maybe we can find a way of closing the portal too... Perhaps a variation on the words used to open it?" he looks quizzically at Nosnibor "What do you think?"

Limara sits down on her haunches and looks deep in thought, she leans against her dog and looks slightly concerned. "Guys... I've been wracking my brains ... and I think I know where we are..." she stands up "I think we are in Thunder Peaks... It would explain things if we are... It's got to be Thunder Peaks, Cormyr hating orcs live here, that would explain the sub species of orc we just killed. They must be numbering the portals and going though to raid and steal... Lord Hawklin must know of this fast" Limara stops briefly..

Belatin nods his head listening to Limara's proposition "Did the Nether race have strongholds there he asks, as this structure cannot be of orcish origin? And perhaps the cultists are from one of the other gates...?"

"Good point Bel, The Cult of the Dragon… It would also explain how the the dragon cult members got there as well... There is a Dracolich in Thunder Peaks, if I remember correctly its lair is in some old abandoned dwarven city... the cultists must be using the gates too... bugger. OK, I also think I know why we were offered such a generous wage for this job... "

"Fine, Fine. Orcs...Raiders...powerful magics. Blah Blah Blah. None are a match for my axe backed up by the healing and magic of my companions. I ask only two things - where are they, and where is the treasure? If Limara thinks it good to rest out of the rain in the stonelands, I will stand guard against intruders if we retreat through the portal until we are rested. Remember..It is FENG! you travel with. we will prevail!"

"Feng Feng- catch me!" Elinor slides down the wall and drops to the ground. "I agree. If the party needs to rest then we should go back thru the portal, and trust that the magic phrase will work again when we need it. Let's try and remove any signs of our presence before we go back". She moves around trying to scuff out any marks on the ground left by Gypsy's paws or Limara's haunches.

A screech is heard, up above the party see a strange creature flying down at them. This beast's body resembles that of a muscular lion. Its two heads and front legs are those of a great eagle, and it has a pair of large, golden wings.

Elinor calls out to the party "Try and get back through the portal- Feng and I will defend you. And watch out for Wizzy and Gypsy- they're easy pickings"

Beltain reacts first and rising he casts a spell at the Griffin then takes a 5' step next to Limara.

A Spiritual Weapon springs into existence and strikes the attacking foe but does little damage. "Blast, first blood, but negligible damage" grumbles Beltain

"Mmmm." mumbles the Wizard oblivious of the fast approaching griffon "So what you're saying is that the Orcs are from around here and they have found the portal nexus, which is ancient and built by some long forgotten civilisation. And they are using it for their own nefarious purposes. Indeed that is something that should be reported to Lord Hawklin. Has the wind picked up or is it getting chilly?"

"Whats the plan Feng?" calls Rizzit "Run away through the portal or charge the... whatever it is"

Beltain calls to Rizzit "Only spells and missiles can touch it at the moment, it's just too high for hand-held weapons at the moment. The question is whether we should fire missiles at it now or wait, readied to hit at it with melee weapons when it lands. I don't think that running away is an option that we should consider this early…"

Feng readies a huge swing with his great-axe on his face there is a grim smile! "At last! Another Beast worthy of my skill! Limara - Bull's strength, Quickly!" and he grins in anticipation. "The rage! It comes! GNNAAGGGHH! FENG KILLS!"

"Look out Nosni" calls Beltain "There is a bloody great winged monster bearing down on you! Get behind one of the fighters AND QUICKLY" he shouts his voice tinged with desperation and seeing no reaction from the elf "NOSNI TAKE COVER!!!"

"Zap it, Rizz!" laughs Feng

"Everybody back through the portal!" Elinor runs to stand in front of Nos, ready to engage with the incoming griffon.

"Run away from it? Elinor that is not our way" says Rizzit eager for battle. "I doubt Feng will flee and I would never leave him"

"Proof, if it were needed, that a sword does not make a fighter." quips Feng "What you need is a HUGE weapon and a bit o' backbone. Still, she's just a lass, so you should cut her some slack, Rizz. That way I won't have to. Rally on me! We can take it!"

"Never fear Feng," says Rizzit "The two of us could deal with this wee beastie if the others need safety"

" Nos... please take the animals back through the portal to safety then return if you can help.... Rizz get near the portal before you cast, it could easily carry you off... Bel honey, can you watch Elinor's back.. I'll watch Feng's back whilst the fighters do there stuff... OK lets get this right or we could loose someone". and moves up behind Feng in readiness, then casts a spell a Spiritual Weapon, similar to Beltain appears and attacks the Griffon, but this time the hit does serious damage.

"Great hit, Princess!" yells Beltain But the griffon still dives to attack Elinor and although her armour deflects most of the attack, still the griffon still hurt her quite badly.

Belatin quickly moves up to Elinor and cures a goodly portion of the damage but his Spiritual Weapon misses the beast this time.

Elinor mutters "Yes, yes Feng. You and Rizzit keep talking the , I'll keep talking the hits... Still, I'm just a lass, so cut me some slack.....". She turns and winks at Feng

"Feng's veins begin to pulse and his muscles bulge, as the Barbarian goes into a RAGE!" and his axe slams into the monster dealing major damage. "Elinor, just hit it, 'k? It will do more fer yer self esteem than the group hug yer seem to be wantin' to start up !" and then to the kobold "What do yer reckon, Rizz - painters in?"

Elinor swings her longsword, which connects with great force, massively wounding the beast "Oops, seem to have clipped it's wings with my nail file" she jokes.

"Wow! An impressive hit, Elinor" says Beltain in admiration "I think you will have to be more complementary about 'girls' fighting skills now Feng!"

"A wonderful show of fighting prowess Elinor," admits Rizzit "As for talking , I think that was Feng I have never doubted your ability with the sword surpasses even you magnificent beauty" says the Kobold walking towards the griffon

He mutters an incantation "What a pile of crap" moans Rizzit as his ray shoots over the Griffons heads

Belatin looks expectantly at The Wizard Nosnibor standing at his side, his expression is hopeful but tense. "If you are going to do anything too spectacular or showy, wizard, please give us warning so that we can get out of the way..."

"Look, I admit it, the lass is lucky with a sword" the big barbarian agrees surprised at the power behind Elinor's blow "Or is it just channelled rage that she did'nt have time to fix her hair before the thing dove down onto her? Whatever works say I - I just don't expect it to happen again. And Rizz? I think trippin' over yer tongue spoiled yer aim."

"Like some others things I got a long tongue" says Rizzit with a lear.

"Well it's certainly busy enough - hinged in the middle, I'll bet?" laughs Feng "Anyhow, I thought the part of calf-eyed panting fool was already taken?"

"Nice hit Elinor" calls Limara "You nearly killed it in one blow.." She puts her hand on her sword hilt and prepares to dash into the fray

"Oh my sweet giddy Aunt!" Says The Wizard Nosnibor in a state of awe and not a little incredulity. "It's a griffon! It's so pretty. Don't kill it. It's lovely. Can we attack it with subdual attacks and make it our friend? Please don't kill such a lovely creature." The Wizard Nosnibor waves his arms bombastically and shouts "SHOO!" loudly to try and scare off the griffon.

"It is an abomination Nosni," Beltain tells the wizard "A combination of the parts of normal animals joined together by some mad wizard. Can't you feel its pain and anger? No noble creature should be subject to such indignity" he pauses and then continues almost shouting "And you can call a creature two heads pretty? It is the final blasphemy against nature!"

Beltain feels his anger subside, shrugs his shoulders and looks over to where his fellow cleric is standing 'Can she fell it before it wounds anyone else in the party' he wonders

"Well I think it looks lovely" says Nosnibor, not at all abached "You think it was made through Wizardry? I wonder how."

"Nosnibor, it has attacked the party and as such is an enemy." Limara tells him "Why do you persist in defending our enemies? Do you not want to help defend your friends ? " she sighs

She moves forward attacking it with both her sword and spiritual weapon but both attacks fail. "I'll tell you what Nos... You stop it attacking us and get it to back away and we will stop attacking it... After all, that thing started it not us. But if it doesn't leave sharpish then someone here will finish it. Anyway, maybe you can look at the bits and work out how it was made " she suggests

The badly wounded creature attacks Limara, wounding her slightly, then attempts to fly away. Elinor, Feng, and Limara strike as it flies off..

Both Feng and Elinor almost fumble their weapons at the speed with which the griffon flees upwards, Limara swipes at thin air. The griffon flys up 80ft.

Belatins spiritual weapon also misses and he grabs his crossbow & loads it but cannot bring it to bear quickly enough to fire - yet...

Feng glares at Nosni, "I'm wound up to hit sommat - don't make yerself a target, yer prat!"

Beltain chuckles "Looks as if the griffon's off to find easier prey! Mind you" he turns to the sorcerer and wizard "I could say 'There goes your next level' unless you can react very fast and of course it would have made a very nice two-headed trophy for the wall off Feng's home". He nudges the paladin in front of him "Perhaps you may be able to bring it down with the bow you recently acquired from the orcs outside?"

Elinor drops her sword and shield on the floor, draws her bow, knocks an arrow and fires up towards the griffon, but she too misses. "Damn- bet it dives on us now"

Belatin rounds on Nosnibor, perhaps angered but the party's dismal attempts to hit the departing monster "Nosni, there are creatures trying to kill us and each member of the party must play his or her part in defending the others from danger. We do this is by fighting back until the attacker dies or is driven off. Some of these assailants are evil and mean us harm, others just follow their natural instincts and want us for food, but from each we must protect ourselves or die."

"You must accept that all these creatures mean us harm and that you must play your party in the preservation of our companion's lives." he continues his diatribe "In this we expect you to select spells that either kill or disable our enemies or perhaps protect your fellows from harm. There is a saying from an ancient tongue 'Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.', 'if you want peace, prepare for war', bear this in mind when you prepare yourself for tomorrows endeavours. I understand that you want to feel that all is fine and cheerful with the world, but although there is much that is beautiful and good there is also that which is evil. I think that, for some reason of your own, you seek to deny this, although in your heart of hearts you know it to be true. Who knows some dark trauma from your past may persuade you to warp your thoughts in far too positive a way, while all the time your heart says that bad is being done?"

Rizzit mutters some arcane words "Take that" says Rizzit launching magic missiles at the flying griffon, will they be enough to kill it before it attacks again, he wonders.

The missiles impact on the flying griffon... but still it lives. "If you have a magic missile – use it now, Mr Nosnibor" Rizzit tells his fellow mage.

"Beltain," says The Wizard Nosnibor "I think your belief that there is some hidden trauma in my past that has piled such misery upon my life that it rules my behaviour unto this day and makes me look at the good in everything is an erroneous argument. To my knowledge deep childhood trauma and violence only breeds erratic and anitsocial behaviour in the child, not a rosy outlook. Which is something I try hard to maintain. My outlook is based on cognition and an unconditional positive regard to the universe and all of it's beauty."

"However I do take on board your argument about defending my companions and comrades from a threat. I hold you all in very high regard and would give my own life to save any of yours. Thus this creature, as beautiful as it is, must die. Sadly."

So saying he mutters some arcane words and two boring old Magic missiles with absolutely no distinguishing features what so ever fly from the Wizard Nosnibors hands. He wishes they were more interesting. Perhaps a bit more pink and fluffy. Perhaps a little bouncy. Maybe even with some sort of head circling tweeting bird effect. But alas not. Just normal boring magic missiles, causing the griffon to plummet to the ground "That should do it." he concludes.

"Well done Mr Nosnibor," says Rizzit with satisfaction "Your first kill I believe. It's traditional to paint you with the beasts blood and eat its heart I believe"

The Wizard cringes at the thought of such a thing and a strangled "Ewwwww." escapes his lips and he looks slightly sickened.

Elinor picks up her sword and shield, and pats Nosnibor on the shoulder. "Look at this way. It was probably in a lot of pain from its injuries. You did it a favour. And saved our lives as well"

Sniffing into his hanky The Wizard Nosnibor perks up a little "Thank you Lady Elinor. Your works are a comfort to me."

"My good works? Water works?" asks Elinor puzzled

"Opps. This violence has muddled my speech. I meant you 'Words', your WORDS are a comfort to me." explains The Wizard.

"Right everybody," continues Elinor in a business like fashion "Shall we get out of this rain and go back through the portal for the evening?"

"Rizzit speaks truely." Feng tells Nosnibor earnestly "Eating the beast's hear may confer some of it's bravery onto you, mage. Often the blood of the beast makes you more attractive to any receptive females -however in that I think you will be disappointed. Not that I'd eat an animal's heart which was practically slain by a woman. I'm sure it would lose whatever value the heart would otherwise impart."

Beltain, slaps Rizzit and Nosni on their backs, "Well done, well done" he chortles "That is another monster that will not take human life again. Now shall we get out of the rain and rest to regain spells through the portal in the peace of the Orc Room?"

Feng shoulders his axe "Lets move back outa the rain. Not that a little rain bothers the mighty FENG! I think we're actually getting better at this. No one died. Heh?" and he steps back through the portal..

Rizzit follows Feng back through the portal with wizzy and gets comfortable amongst the rocks to sleep feeling his powers may have increased when he wakes

Limara turns and addresses Nosnibor, "Thank you Nos... your action is appreciated. I admire your positive regard towards life, but am glad you value our lives so highly." she smiles "OK, I'm getting out of this rain... " she goes over to fuss her dog and praise it for behaving well, then she and Gypsy go back through the portal "Let's have supper and rest, I need to pray soon... just before I pray I will use my remaining spells to cure Elinor and myself"

"I'm sorry Nosni," explains Beltain eager not to insult the Wizard who cast the decisive Magic Missile "I didn't mean to offend in suggesting that your attitude to life was based on childhood experiences but you shouldn't rule it out. My Uncle Fred always said that the child maketh the man and that strange behaviour in adults could be traced to incidents in their youth. He would have said that your, pardon my saying, overly positive view of the world was either a reaction to a traumatic incident or an abnormal reaction to a normal incident, if I remember it correctly. Mind you he couldn't talk, always insisted that we put an extra 'u' in the middle of his name, daft bugger. His wife, on the other hand used to say that all creatures had precognition and that abnormal behaviour was a reaction to a traumatic incident that was yet to happen. Still they got on well together, surprising really as she was a lot older than him and the spitting image of his mother."

"Will you shut up and let me sleep," calls Rizzit "I can still here your bollocks from this side of the portal. Oh and someone take a load of feathers for and maybe the heads from the griffon…"

The party head back through the portal to rest in the dry. Outside the rain batters the nexus. Battered and almost out of spells the party relax in the orc cave and get ready for further exploration…

 

[Greyhawk]

Trouble Outside

The party head back through the portal to rest in the dry. Outside the rain batters the nexus.

"Do we want to question the unconscious orc?" asks Beltain

"I am against any acts of threatening or violence against prisoners." says The Wizard Nosnibor sternly "If we treat him fairly and ask questions in a manner which does not place him under duress I will agree to it. However I understand that my wishes in this matter will probably not be agreed with and the group will go their own way in this. However I feel it is right that I should express my opinion in this."

Beltain looks uncomfortable and replies "I appreciate your feeling Nosni, but what do we do? We cannot let him go, even if he does tell us something useful. We just couldn't take a chance on him rushing off and betraying us to his buddies." Beltain pauses and thinks, "Perhaps if he would serve Feng as a valet/batman or weapon-carrier we could both keep an eye on him and he would be useful. But I'm not so tender-hearted as to give him a share of party treasure!" he adds with a grin.

"Feng will offer a good quick and clean death" says the barbarian "And allow the orc to join father Gruumsh with all his arms if he answers us fully. If not, his passing will be hard and long." He pauses "And when I say arms, I mean the ones attached to his shoulders. Anyone feeling queasy should move outa earshot 'cos orcs arn't known for their penetrating intellects."

Beltain glances at Nosni, watching to see his reaction to Feng's speech, before returning to his prayers and spell learning...

Feng moves over to the unconscious orc, and searches and disarms him. "Beltain" he says "I'd never accept as a servant someone who was so easy to beat. To serve FENG! It is the true badge of a bad-arse, and a prize not easily won. If anyone is feeling sorry for ugly, laying on the floor here" says Feng with slight emphasis "Just remember what these crazy bastards to captured women and children. Now, what do you all want to ask him? I have only one question, and it can wait 'til last."

Limara joins the conversation replying first to The Wizard "You have every right to express your opinion Nos, but these are Cormyr and Daleland hating orcs who give no mercy to there enemy, they deserve justice." she turns now directing her remarks to both Nosnibor and Feng "But we need information from him like which portals does he use, how does he trigger them and which one would he like to return through... not that he will be... and if he doesn't use the other portals , where is his base in thunder peaks then. Also, what is his leader's name, who are their allies... what was his mission near Tilverton,.... if we get this information then I would be willing to offer him either a chance to escape or a duel to the death against Feng.". She looks around at the rest of the party "Feng... do you think a chance to escape or a duel against you an offer this orc might consider?" she asks.

"Sit, Gypsy!" snaps Elinor as Limara's dog starts sniffing at her and Limara comes over and calms her dog down, then uses a spell to cure Elinor's wounds.

"Thanks Limara." smiles Elinor "I feel much better. Hope you stop feeling sick soon."

"Thank you" sighs Limara "I hope so too... "

"My view" continues Elinor "Is that we cannot let the orc escape. Feng? Do you think we'll get any sort of credible information out of him?"

Limara gives a bleak smile "I did say chance of escape... I'm sure he wouldn't get far... "

"I too want to know where the orc's are coming from" muses Elinor "Why they are here, and any info he can give us about the portals. But I don't think I'd trust a thing that he says...."

"Fair point," agrees Limara "But we should take the opportunity to ask, we may strike lucky..."

"I will ask him your questions" says Feng with uncharacteristic gravity "and then I will ask him mine. If the party wish to give him a sporting option, he can duel me to the death, but frankly the effect will be the same. He cannot stand against the mighty FENG! and live. Heal him, then and lets us see what we can find out from this son of liars and scum-suckers."

Beltain uses some minor spells to revive the fallen orc. Its eyes flicker open. It looks around at the party, then at its slaughtered kin...The foul creature spits and snarls.

Feng grins slightly as he approaches the orc, dagger in hand.

Limara settles down to rest beside Beltain, at 9pm she will pray, get her spells, then sleep a while. "Feng" she says in a disarming manner, "...I was aware how sporting his chance would be against you.... that's why I have settled down to rest" she grins. "Your challenge is to see how much you can make him talk... I can't see you breaking into a sweat duelling him. Well Uber-Barb' here is gonna going to do first watch, yes?" she points at Feng.... "I will also be awake until 10pm...Rizz is sparko, is there anyone on guard for the second shift? ... Elinor?" Limara: gets a cigar out: lights it with a tindertwig and .... after a moment .... blows a big fat smoke ring Limara then gets out a wineskin from her backpack. Pours out a beaker for herself and Beltain... " cheers my sweet" she says with a smile. "Anyone who wants some wine, help yourself!" she offers the wineskin to her comrades.

Beltain raises a sleepy eye, "Thanks, Princess" he says accepting the wine, "And now some rest, I think we will have a busy day tomorrow"

"Two of us have gained new insight in their vocation, we have beaten a two-headed griffon and slain mortal enemies of our employer. Not to mention the discovery of a portal to Thunder peaks and fifteen other portals... cheers" says the beautiful cleric.

"I'll take second watch" Elinor moves over to one corner, and starts to take her platemail off. "Wake me up when you need me."

The orc looks at Feng "You will get nothing out of me. I would rather die than talk"

"Well, Brother" grins Feng "It is almost time for you to take the dark road, and become my servant in Gruumsh's camp. Who said you had a choice - you can either talk and die easily, or try to keep as silent as your tormented passing will allow. How do you return home? Which magic door allows this? What is your leader's name, the allies he has, and his purpose in this area. Come, do not be shy. FENG demands a quick answer, before he asks his own question." Feng sits on the orc's chest and tries his favourite trick of pricking an eyeball with a dagger to get it's attention.

He continues "Well I've asked what the others wanted to know. Feng's question is: How ya gonna report to Father Gruumsh's army knowing you've been castrated by a mongrel half human while belonging to a band that was routed by a couple o' girls, a kobold and a tosser" he adds overcome by his own eloquence and unconcerned at diplomacy. "I just wish this dagger was sharper" the big barbarian ponders "'cos the target is so small."

The Wizard Nosnibor briefly watches the Half-Orc begin his torturing and then stands up and moves out of sight. A look of disgust and fear on his face.

Beltain sighs and tries to concentrate on regaining spells again, pity the orcs are so stupid, he thinks, that one could have survived if it had realised the error of its ways, still, it had chosen death and you had to respect its wishes. "You should get some rest, Princess" he tells the lovely cleric at his side "Tomorrow will be a very busy day and we will need all our strength to prevail"

The orc is not intimidated by Feng..it seems the creature is resigned to its fate. The orc screams in pain as Feng prods it in the eye with a dagger...in falls to its knees in pain, and then once again falls unconscious...bleeding..

"I'll stand watch," Feng tells the others after he has killed the uncommunicative orc "Until the ladies are rested. Then I want my head down."

The party set guards and then settle down to rest. When the party awake both Rizzit and Limara finally feel better, the poison gone from their bloodstreams...

"A peaceful night, once Feng had finished with the orc" remarks Elinor, stretching.

"True, noble Elinor" Beltain agrees "Feng did not talk with the orc for long and the end was mercifully swift. ... not at all like Feng to be merciful ..."

"Couldn't be arsed." agrees Feng "Milksop wouldn'ta lasted much longer in any case. At least my fame will be growing among the legions of Gruumsh. I hope he will favour one who tries so greatly to grow his armies in the netherworld.."

He pauses brows clenched as he concentrates "I just wish FENG! could see his path more clearly. Sometimes I doubt that I do the right thing - but apart from the shining blade, what else pints the way?" and he sinks back into a sullen reverie.

"Feng. Forgive me if I speak out of place. But perhaps your doubt at your actions and your lack of fulfilment from your violent exertions if because such simple and gratuitous things have no meaning outside of a context of goodness? Perhaps to kill for just the cause of the joy of killing is what saps your ability to feel joy in your actions? Perhaps you doubt that you do the right thing because you are NOT doing the right thing? Couldn't there be another way? No one doubts the need to fight evil. But wasn't a famous man who said 'Be careful when you fight monsters lest you become a monster yourself' and ' beware if you look at an Ibis, for the Ibis will look into you'. I'm sure someone said something like that. Anyway. Perhaps that is why you feel emptiness. Forgive me so saying. And ... Er... Please don't eat me for it."

"What a load of crap Nosni." interrupts Beltain "We are fighting for a good cause, the fair Limara and Elinor have assured us that the task ahead, set by Lord Hawklin, puts us firmly on the side of right! In addition we can look to the spoils of war for reward plus the expectation of a bounty from a grateful Lord Hawklin. This will make us yet more powerful and more able to help a just cause. By killing such riff-raf as these orcs, we are due the thanks of peaceful people, less families will have to follow the funeral bier which has wrenched loved ones from its midst, wives will not become grieving widows, innocent children will not become orphans and cats will still find a saucer of milk left out for them at night," Beltain pauses briefly for breath "No, I think that Feng's emptiness comes from a lack of worthy opponents rather than an emptiness from senseless killing. The Nexus we have found is an opportunity for good or ill and I feel that this new day will bring challenges aplenty. I hope that we will see your new acid missile demonstrated to good result and that the stock of wickedness in the world will be diminished"

"Never all that hot air," compains Rizzit, awake again "Look at my scales where I have started shedding again, they are almost like plates of metal now, so shiny. I am ready for action, lets go play with the portals" and so saying he gets up and moves out from the orc cave to make sure Beaker has food and water then makes another attempt to bring him down.

However he still has no luck in moving the axebeak into the caverns "Beaker you are one stubborn mount" he says stroking the birds head "Back soon I hope"

Beltain helps Limara to her feet then turns to the others. "We've had a rest and we all now should be fit for the trails ahead. Let's get on with the job Lord Hawklin asked us to do!"

"I'm going to check on Rizzit- I'm a bit worried that Beaker might try to eat his new shiny scales" says Elinor, following the kobold. Elinor quickly reappears- she talks quietly but urgently "We have company. There are 3 ogres and a Zhentarim man over by the horses. Come on"

"Zhents! Bastards! HA HA!" says Feng with the tone of a child hoping for christmas... Any Mages up there, Rizz?" he adds wistfully.

Beltain hurries to where Elinor is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. "Let's get up and at them - Should we let Rizzit take point and fry them before they are aware that they are in trouble?"

"C'mon Belt" laughs Feng "If we don't hurry, the li'l bastard 'l keep e'm all to hisself." and catches up Nibbler "Well, little friend. Time to feast on something better than orc!"

"Beltain old friend, I find your sudden and insulting reaction to my queries a little discomforting, perhaps you yourself are becoming to used to the slaughter. Perhaps you are 'Normalising' yourself to it. However you did miss my point. It is not the killing of evil creature that I find most abhorrent. It is the needless torture of evil creatures. I find that this very act brings us all inextricably towards a chasm of evil ourselves. I feel that this is the 'Monster' that we risk becoming. Or the 'Ibis' that will look into us. " he pauses "And Ibis scare me. It's their hooked beak."

"..Nos, I fight wars and skirmishes like these so people with peaceful thoughts such as yourself can live to air them... if there was balance and order ruled by law then there wouldn't be wars, but, we have guests.."

The Zhentarim human looks over the horses and the pile of loot. Interesting he thinks. He slowly scans the area. A old ruin is nearby, only its foundations remain, scattered around it are several orc bodies.. He points that way and looks back to his 3 ogre companions. He speaks in a whisper "Redface, Deadbiter, Three eyes, Be alert." "Yes lord Gargdol" comes the reply from the three hulking brutes. They are at least 9ft tall and all three are covered in dark warty bumps. Lord Gargdol turns his attention back to the horses. Fine specimens he thinks to himself, all except one, which is average at best. "I can't use you" he mutters as he brings his axe down upon the horse. The man pulls his axe out of the dead horse's corpse "The rest we take". Just then Three Eyes grunts, Lord Gargdol turns around. Coming up a set of steps in the ruins he spies a kobold, then, just behind him a human female. Lord Gargdol's eyes narrow. The ogre Redface grins...

x[Master] ~Message follows Rizzit.

The human Zhentarim moves behind the cover of a large boulder. The ogre Reface grins "Gonna crush thin skins" the ogre roars..

"Look at that big ugly brute" says Rizzit to Elinor "No match for my new shiny scales, something that ugly and stupid does not deserve to live" he says loud enough for the Ogre to hear

Beltain stands in the front of the party calmly awaiting the onrushing orges hoping to be joined by some others before the orges reach him.

"Beltain" calls Feng "Nosnibor is an arse. A rare flower that needs a pampering window-sill on which to thrive. He is fortunate that, unlike ourselves, he has not had to fight his way thru a mass of weeds and , so his illusions remain intact. He would not survive my tribe. Sometimes, even tho' they be stupid, I think the orcs have some valid points to commend their life-view."

"Feng... how quickly you forget, it was Nos who shot down the Griffon whilst we couldn't hit it... he has a good heart, even if he has seemingly led a sheltered life, he means well...."

"I agree, Princess" nods Beltain "And I'm sure that he will wish to chastise the killers of his innocent mount Robinson that now lies dead to the north, cruelly cut down"

Beltain looks over his shoulder waiting for Nosni to appear to exact revenge for his horse's slaughter, 'I wonder if he has had so many horses called Robinson die on him that he is no longer concerned' he wonders

"I need to move forward to get this first Ogre in range of my spell," says Rizzit "It would be most appreciated if one of your tough people to get in front of me until I get some protection spells up"

"Begger me, now there's a surprise! Beltain agrees with Limara." lears Feng "The fount of all wisdom is above the hem of her skirts! You can both argue as much as yas likes, but you won't change my mind."

Rizzit look across to Elinor "Seems to be plenty of hot air coming up from the stairs but little backup"

The wizard Nosnibor emerges from underground but stands in shocked silence at seeing the corpse of his horse Robinson..

Rizzit takes a step forward, two rays of fire shooting out of his fingers to strike the Ogre ahead of him "Pftttt" he says and waggles his hands, fingers in his ears and tongue sticking out "Not smiling now are you"

"Very nice! Very nice indeed, Rizzit" chuckles Beltain

The ogre is burnt badly by Rizzits fiery rays..
Deadbiter advances toward the party and Elinor and Feng move to meet the ogres.

 

[Greyhawk]

The Zhentarim Lord

The ogres call to each other "Hah! Your face is Red now!" laughs Deadbiter, while Redface responds with "Shut up an Bash em", which passes for a whitty response.

Feng dances in a barbaric display, swinging his Greataxe in an extravagant challenge

"Ooh" exclaims Deadbiter "A half orc. They normally take more bashing than puny humans"

Feng is angry at this dismissal of his prowess "FIGHT FENG! MIGHTY FENG KILLS! MORE ZHENTS HAVE FALLEN TO FENG'S AXE THAN GRAINS OF SAND IN THE HOWLING WASTES!"

Redface shrugs "Get to it. I want that little runt of a kobold"

"I'LL TAKE YER BOTH WITHOUT LETTIN' GO OF ME !" snarls Feng and spits a green lunger at the nearest Ogre.

Elinor moves smoothly up the stairs and across the floor of the ruins. She hefts her sword and readies for battle. "Let's see what Ugly Mugley has to offer" she mutters. Her eyes flick across to where Legend stands, then back to the ogres that are lumbering towards the party.

"OK Bel, you team with Feng as you are nearest" calls Limara, organising the party in response to the ogre threat "Elinor, I'll keep you standing.. You chop 'em down to size" she moves into place " ...they were gonna steal our horses.. Justice is in order ... And we are just The Order to do it.."

"They killed my Horsie." comes a wail from The Wizard.

"Condolences Nos, it really isn't fair..." Limara responds without too much sympathy in her voice.

The ogre Three eyes moves forward grinning - He intends to wallop the shouting half orc. The zhentarim Lord advances toward he party too, he carries a wicked looking axe...

Beltain sheathes his sword and casts a spiritual weapon spell, then takes a step back towards Feng and Rizzit, the blade of force misses the Zhenterim…

"How many of these stupid Zhents do I need to kill before they leave us alone" moans Rizzit. "It looks as if they have sent one of their Zhentish Lords to do what the minions failed to achieve," replies Beltain "As he leads the ogres maybe he will be more of a challenge for you?"

The injured Ogre Redface moves to attack Feng, he swings his massive club but the blow does not connect.

"Mr Nosnibor" says Rizzit in a genteel tone, "I am going to deal with these three on the right, can you get the one to the left please?"

Feng taunts the Injured Ogre "That the best ya can do? Blind as well a stoopid, yes? I'll take the two to my front. It should not take too long. I AM FENG!"

"I say." interject Nosnibor "I do apologise chaps, I did not mean to become so wrathful. I am so ashamed of myself. Now" he says turning to Three Eyes "I used to be a werewolf but he's alright NOWooooooooH!", his best joke, accompanied by some arcane gestures. The ogre pauses and thinks for a long moment and then collapses in helpless laughter.

Rizzit plans a more direct assault and launches a fireball at two of the ogres and the Zhenterim Lord.

Rizzits Fireball explodes - The ogre Redface is burnt to a crisp.. Three Eyes and the Zhentarim human are also burnt, but they do not die.

Deadbiter moves forward and attacks Elinor but misses the paladin.

"Sweet balls of fire!" exclaims Beltain, face reddened by the blast of heat "An impressive spell Master Sorcerer"

"Now that's what I call a spell, ahh my first ever fireball" sighs the Kobold happily

"Marvellous, Rizzit" agrees Feng "Now lets see what steel may do!" hitting the burnt ogre with a massive blow "Lay down, Ugly!" he screams "That should make him take me a bit more seriously." he tells his companions.

"Good solid hit there bud," says the kobold "When will the Zhents send a challenge to face us, this is like swatting bugs"

Beltain nods "A mighty blow indeed, I think that the ogre may not survive such massive damage"

And the ogre topples over, Feng's mighty strike has rendered the Ogre unconscious.

Feng grins at the human fighter over the bodies of his prone henchmen "Come to FENG! Zhents thought to take Feng prisoner in the past, now you will pay for your stupidity. FENG KILLS!"

"I say" pipes up Nosnibor "That fellow is a Lord, and he's using those poor ogres as his witless Henchmen. Perhaps he is in a position to give valuable information to our employer, should we capture him alive?"

Feng snorts "A self-styled lord, no doubt. There is no nobility in the zhentarim. A few know how to die well, however. Perhaps he will be one of those."

"Nos..." agrees Limara, her hair shining in the early morning sunlight "That's a good idea... If we took him alive he may give us information... or we might get a bonus for him if we drop him off with the purple knights."

Elinor continues to concentrate on the ogre in front of her, she moves forward ducking under a badly timed blow and swings her sword and is rewarded by a solid hit. "Ole" she cries with a grin.

Beltain looks across to Elinor and smiles "A nice hit M'lady" he notes "So far these brutes have not been able to land a single blow!"

"What a fantastic hit Elinor," Rizzit waxes lyrical "Much more elegant than Feng's axe strike. And a masterful dodge under the brutes hammer. I do hope they brought some reinforcements, six again four such weak opponents seems hardly fair" he yells out to taunt the enemy some more. Someone stupid enough to call themselves Lord is bound to have some money or magic items on them, aim for the neck Feng we don't want to break anything valuable"

Beltain fixes Lord Gargdol with steely stare "Come Zhent and meet your fate, your hours are numbered, perhaps if you throw yourself on our mercy you may survive to pine away long years in jail. But know this your days of evil doing are at an end and the axe of the Mighty Feng, and maybe my sword too, will soon taste your blood!"

"P'raps Elinor will take on the Zhent herself?" muses Feng "I'd hate to offend anyone's eyes with a lack of finesse. a brick, what do yas expect from a greataxe? Wafer thin slices? Everyone's a feckin' critic. Someone draw me a beer and hand me a snack while we wait for Miss Elegant to finish off the ogre, then she can get busy with big-bad over yonder." Feng appears even more surley than usual

"Take a break Belt," he continues "I don't think you'll measure up to Rizzit's standard of swordplay either - let the lass kill the lord. If she can?"

Pleased with the reaction, Rizzit chuckles.

Beltain laughs too, "Oh well Feng, I think its down to you to finish the Zhent and then, perhaps rescue the girl, or we could make it a race to see who finished off their foe first?"

"Come on Limara" calls Elinor seemingly amused "Looks like we're being challenged to demonstrate some girl-on-ogre action. Then we can watch the lads deal with that small man over there...."

"I don't think we should do the question of the Lord" The Wizard Nosnibor says thoughtfully "I think we should hand him over to our employers. Our question/answer quotient is sadly low. I believe we have about 3 real time deaths per useful answer at our last count. So we are statistically unlikely to get any useful information ourselves. However, if we hand him to our employer they may have more tried and tested, not to mention civilised, methods of interrogation. Perhaps ones that don't involve gouging?" The Wizard shivers melodramatically "It's not even a word I like to say. 'GOUGING'. It's horrible. Pustule - I don't like that word either." muses The Wizard Nosnibor rather inanely.

"What about "Prick"?" suggests Feng in a mutter.

"Next time let me question them I have more skill than the rest of you in this area" says Rizzit with an evil smile.

Limara mutters a spell and moves forward poking the ogre on the arm. At her touch a chilling pain shoots into her victim... "Death by ladies... will your god ever let you into your heaven fat one?" and giggles. "I think that the giggling has just got to piss off the ogre even more..." she says to the others as an aside.

Deadbiter staggers and is close to death.

"Looks like the girls are turning Deadbiter into a Dead Biter by easy stages, friend Nosni" says Neltain to the elf, "Seems like your joke has started a trend"

The zhentarim human advances on Feng, clearly angered by the treatment of his cohorts. He swings his battleaxe at the barbarian and the blade bites into Feng's flesh wounding him. At the same time an electric charge pulses into Feng's body.

"Nice one Feng," says Rizzit unconcerned "No point fighting battles if you can't pick up some scars"

Belatin's spiritual weapon hits the Zhent and he moves rapidly to flank the enemy leader. He swings his sword at the Lord but the blow misses.

"Hum," says Beltain to Feng "I think this Zhent Lord has brought you a new Shocking Axe as a present! What a nice man"

"Well I think you managed to tickle him there Beltain" says Rizzit with a sly smile and then turns to the elf, "Mr Nosnibor can you hurt the Lord? I can easily finish the Ogre and do some more damage to the Lord too"

"Hey Nosni" calls Beltain "This here Lord is the one who split poor Robinson's head in two. Have you any words or deeds for him?"

"Well as loath as I am to initiate a painful and damaging assault upon a chap of obviously noble bearing," starts the Wizard Nosnibor "I do question his choice of employees and thus his good intentions. Upon this occasion Learned Rizzit I will cast a spell of an evocational college. Even as I cast this ball of flame upon him I forgive his violent ways. He is to be pitied." and so saying a ball of flame springs from the wizards fingers and bounces over to the Zhenterim Lord and follows him around.

"He sure is to be pitied" agrees Beltain grinning "Where he's going the sun don't shine and he'll be stoking the furnaces of hell for all eternity. Boy do I hate Zhent raiders"

"So we'll not be taking him prisoner then?" asks Nosnibor disappointedly.

"If we do" says Beltain considering "I think that it will only postpone the inevitable conclusion. In this I'll go with the party decision, as long as the bastard gets what's due to him - um - justice"

"I doubt" says Nosnibor sadly "That Cormyr has particularly forgiving laws regarding the raising of Ogre armies and the following of the Zhentish cult. In time I am almost certain that he would face a death penalty if we were to hand him over to the authorities. But as he is obviously in a position of authority he may be able to hand over information that could save the lives of innocents. "

"A shocking axe? How novel! I don't think I've used a weapon that small in anger since I was seven winters old. A small axe - party trick combo seems too frivolous for a real warrior." he winks at Lord Gargdol, "That stung a bit - lets see if you can take a bit of Feng's reply." Feng raises his voice a little "I apologise in advance if the strength of Feng's arm deprives you of a prisoner. Sometimes, I love my work! And a greataxe is not a breadknife. FENG KILLS!"

The Wizard Nosnibor shrugs "It was just a suggestion Mister Feng. Please don't get upset about it. I didn't mean that you couldn't kill him if you wanted to" says the Wizard Nosnibor hastily before adding. "Don't eat me."

Rizzit moves forward and unleashes three magical missiles which arc forward and converge on the Zhent Lord.

Beltain smiles and givs the 'thumbs up' to Rizzit as three magic missiles thump heavily into the Zhent lord for the maximum damage , but although the missiles impact upon their enemy, they seem to do no damage however.

"Mmm" observes Elinor as the missiles steak past "Now my hair do is parted three ways. I'm getting a little weary of party members sending pointy things whizzing past my ears. I might just wear a hat all the time". In the fight with the Zhenterim, Beltain hears Elinor's remark and blushes as he remembers his terrible aim in the previous battle.

Limara smiles and addresses the ogre facing her "You don't look well Mr. Deadbiter... Would you like to sit down?" she asks the ogre in mock concern, "Is justice starting to weigh heavy on your shoulders, or the fact that human girlies are better than you that makes you look so sick.. Bet you wish you hadn't killed the horsie now.." she adds, glancing back at Nos to see how he is holding up.

"Try not to get that flaming sphere to close to Feng," Rizzit tells Nosnibor "I think I already topped up his tan"

The Zhentarim's reflexas are not quick enough to avoid The Wizard Nosnibor's flaming sphere he suffers some buring.

Feng swings his massive axe but misses the Zhent while Elinor's swing at Deadbiter also fails to connect and in moving forward she exposes herself to an attack by the last ogre. Its blow finds its mark and she is badly wounded.

"Damn. How can I miss something that big?" she exclaims, ignoring the pain.

Limara draws her sword and steps forward to attack the retarded creature and hits it with one massive blow. She turns to the Zhenterim "You're all alone now Zhent... surrender or face the wrath of The Order of the Initiative." she calls and watches the ogre topples to the ground in front of her.

Lord Gargdol steps back from Feng, spins round and launches an attack on Beltain...

Beltain is badly wounded by the axe-stroke and the electrical damage and he reluctantly withdraws for the fight with the Zhent Lord but his spiritual weapon sill strikes out, but misses…

The Wizard Nosnibor concentrates and the Burning sphere follows Lord Gargdol burning him some more, but the Zhent dodges it easily. "I says. I think he's fire proof" says the Wizard sadly.

"Face Feng, ya mincing pimp!" yells Feng

Rizzit again conjuers two rays fiery rays which shoot toward the zhent - the zhent dodges the first, but the second hits him..

Feng swings but misses again and spits in embarrassment. "Dances well, don't he?" he quips.

Elinorto misses the Lord "How evasive can one small man be?" she asks..

"Depends on the amount of trouble he thinks he's in" replies Feng with a laugh.

"This guy seems difficult for you all to hit" agrees Rizzit with a complacent smile.

"Surrender Lord Gargdol. You will be treated fairly" shouts The Wizard Nosnibor "I think."

"Up to you to save our bacon Princess" says Beltain with a grim smile to Limara "Doesn't seem that the barbarian or the Paladin have lady luck on their side today, at least as far as the Zhenterim is concerned... But be careful, this foe does a mean amount of damage" he winces.

Limara now casts the Doom spell and Lord Gargdol is filled with a feeling of horrible dread "...Your doom awaits you.." she shouts at the Zhentarim warrior

Lord Gargdol steps back out of the flames of the burning sphere. He swings his axe with as much strength as he can muster at Elinor twice but misses with each stroke.

Beltain drops his longsword and takes a step to the side drawing his sling. He takes careful aim and releases the bullet, it misses as does his Spiritual hammer "Bugger" he mutters almost inaudibly as both attacks fail and the Spiritual Weapon winks out of existence.

"What exactly is it you do Beltain?" asks Rizzit innocently

The Wizard Nosnibor continues to concentrate and the flaming sphere continues to follow Lord Gargdol and he follows up with an Acid Arrow. Both the arrow and the ball of flame hit and further damage the Zhenterim Lord bringing him close to death. "Nice shooting Nosni" Beltain says appreciatively

"Leave him, Rizz" orders Feng "I got a potion o' healing here for the brave axeman"

Rizzit hurls a globule of acid at their foe but it misses its mark. "Never mind, don't be too downhearted" Beltain tells Rizzit, still smarting from the 'What do you do' remark, "It's easy to miss him, he must have a good armour class"

Rizzit looks puzzled "What's an armour class?" he asks innocently.

Beltain smiles at the kobold "An amour class? Why it is an abbreviation for an 'Armour of Class' or classy armour, which looks beautiful and protects people too. You have very shiny scales which are classy, in their own way, while us humans rely on metallic protection."

"Well I must have a most impressive armour class then" he says puffing out his chest

Feng suprises the party by reaching behind him and offers a small bottle to Lord Gargdol with this left hand "Feng salutes the brave warrior - take some healing, then we can continue"

Beltain's face clouds with puzzlement and then clears "Isn't Feng a sly one" he says in a low tone, so that only Nosnibor can hear him, "If the Zhent Lord wants to take the potion bottle, he'll have to either drop his axe or his shield. Feng is trying to trick him as he is proving very hard to hit at the moment"

"You talk to much" hisses the Zhent through his teeth, he is clearly in pain from his burns. He does not take the vial held out to him by Feng..

"Perhaps it is the TRUE Feng shining through? " says The Wizard Nosnibor hopefully "An honourable and noble deed should be praised and welcomed. Especially if it comes from a less likely source. Indeed the more I think upon his act it makes my heart swell. Surely Feng is turning over a new leaf? Surely this shows the true goodness in his heart?"

"I can't work out if he is turning soft or adopting the tricky ways of the rogue" says Beltain with a shrug of his shoulders "In either event this is a very different Feng from the fighting barbarian that we know"

Elinor takes another swing at the Zhentarim but her blow goes wild "Good grief, Feng. What are you playing at?"

"Feng owes no explaination to anyone" responds Feng, who is none-the-less embarrassed by the zhent Lord's casual dismissal of his offer of healing "Feng does what Feng does. I AM FENG!"

"And I am confused!" adds Elinor with a smile.

"Time for serious smiting" says Feng changing the subject "This twat has offended Feng!"

"Don't hide from your goodness Mister Feng. Embrace it" says the Wizard Nosnibor before hastily adding, "Please don't eat me."

Limara picks up her sword and moves round behind the zhent in a flanking manoeuvre, carefully avoiding getting too close as she passes.

"No, no!", Beltain whispers urgently to Nosnibor, "Don't you remember what I said? I told you that it's a trick to get the zhent to drop either the axe or the shield. Feng is a follower of Gruumsh and, from what I've heard, Gruumsh would not smile on traits such as nobility or chivalry in his followers. If you want to find such virtues you have to look no further than the part for followers of the Red Knight have them in abundance!"

Lord Gargdol yet again moves out of the flames of Nosnibor's flaming sphere, he swings round and attacks Limara, who has closed in to flank him. He hits her hard, the battleaxe adding shock damage to the beautiful cleric's wound.

Incensed by the brutal attack on Limara, Beltain rushes forward to engage the zhent. Drawing his longsword he strikes out and strikes the smirking Zhentarim. Finally, the Zhentarim Lord falls, cut down by an enraged Beltain...

"Are you all right, Princess?" Beltain calls out anxiously, then adds to the others "I think the credit for winning this battle should go to the magic-wielders, Rizzit and Nosnibor did stirring work, in this fight against the forces of darkness" says Beltain (rather carried away with his own eloquence).

"Quick. Limara Stabilise him before he dies" The Wizard asks the cleric of the Red Knight "We still have time to bring him back to Lord Thingy-mah-jib and his Purple Knights."

"Good idea" agrees" Beltain and before Limara can intervene he attempts to stabalise the Zhent

Beltain removes the zhent's axe and shield and starts to search the body "Anyone got a detect magic?" he asks, "We should check the zhent and the ogres and we need to search them for valuables too" he adds.

"Shall we bind him & gag him?" asks Elinor "Then I can bring him back to consciousness, ready to take back to the Purple Knights" and she goes to search the bodies of the two nearby ogres

Limara blows Beltain a kiss, "Thanks my sweet, yes I'm fine... just a flesh wound" she takes a pair of manacles from her backpack and binds the zhent's hands behind his back. "Well done all... I think we all worked well together there... teamwork no less..." she adds pleased that the party are working together. She sheathes her longsword and calls for her dog, "Gypsy.. here girl, come here"

Beltain blushes with pleasure at Limara's response, and his prompt attention ensures the unconscious Zhentarim does not bleed to death. Elinor searches the three ogres corpses whilst Lord gargollso stripped of his possetions. Limara manacles him and the party check out the loot they have obtained..

The make a pile of the items gathered Lord Gargdol: Banded Mail, Wooden Shield, Battle axe, Longbow, Arrows x46. Ring, Goggles, Brooch, Three Eyes the ogre: Greatclub; Redface the Ogre Greatclub, Bottle Deadbiter the Ogre: Greatclub, Horn

Rizzit gets all the treasure together and casts detect magic, concentrating long enough to get all the info he can. "Good fight everyone, nice to see we stayed together for once" he says innocently to the others. He will then double check the bodies in case the party missed anything.

Not wanting to attract unwanted attention to the area from scavengers and such, Beltain starts to haul the bodies or orcs, ogres and humans to a convenient spot and starts construct a rough cairn, covering them with rocks.

"So what's it to be?" asks Beltain, "Should we investigate further now or later, or is our priority to get Lord Gorgdol back to the Purple Knights who may be able to extract information that will save lives, if acted upon immediately...?" he pauses "We are fairly badly mauled in that fight and curing up will take close to all the healing that we have, I think"

"Look here," complains Rizzit "I have slept and slept and bloody slept, I am not going to try and get back to sleep just because we spent a minute in a fight, you are a cleric, heal or wounds and we can get on with the mission we were sent here to carry out, we are not being paid to sleep"

"I am willing to proceed," agrees Feng "I am only lightly wounded." and muses aloud "The Zhent was cleverer than I thought - It would have been funny to see him chug a vial of acid and then spit out his tongue." and returns the acid flask to his potion belt. "Good hit, Beltain" he tells Beltain "We must make sure Limara is wounded in every fight - we'll make a bare-sark of you yet." and grins widely.

Beltain frowns at first then sees the joke and grins back at Feng. He then turns back to his work and continues moving bodies to where they will be out of the way of scavengers...

Rizzit detects faint magic on the objects obtained. From the corpse of Lord Gargdol, everything detects as magical except his bow. From the Ogres, Three Eyes Club, plus the Horn and Bottle detect as magical. Rizzit determines all the items are of Transmutation type magic. The Axe and shield appear to have two auras.

"How are we going to divide this?" insists Rizzit "I would like to wear the brooch until we split it all up if that's ok?"

"The party method is to agree who has what, but I don't have any objection" says Beltain wearily "I assume you believe that its a 'Brooch of Shielding' as he managed to avoid your magic missiles?" he adds, remembering what he learnt on the Create Wondrous Items course.

"I am not claiming it, we should use this stuff even if we don't split it yet" clarifies the kobold.

"Well, seeing as there is nothing else in the pile I want use" says Limara "I wouldnt mind carrying it either. I'll roll dice with you for it Rizz... any one else want to wear it? If so get out your dice and roll it "

As he works Beltain remarks to Feng "A good trick you planned for that Zhent, pity he didn't fall for it. Still I'm sure Gruumsh would be proud of your devious thinking!"

"Devious thinking? It would have been what he deserved If he had been so stupid as to trust an enemy. I praise his axe-skill, but still hate him for a zhent."

"You use it then Limara if you want to" says Rizzit generously, "Maybe I will try on the ring instead" and he puts on the ring

"I think we were trying to get away from the free-for-all in grabbing at treasure, and that was why we agreed on a party decision" says Beltain "We need to agree as to where the items would be most usefully employed, and at the moment we just don't know what each ietm does. I would mind using the shield but I think that Feng, Elinor and Limara might also use it to good effect. It may take longer to make a joint decision but, in the long run, it may yield a better result - who knows?"

"Beltain maybe the shield would help you" says Rizzit trying to buy-off the verbose cleric.

"I want nothing for now, perhaps the axe horn or club for later" muses Feng "We Goin'?"

"We have to decide what to do. Nobody has suggested going to sleep again (despite what Rizzit feels) but we do have to choose between returning Lord G to the Knights or exploring the Nexus further. If we can be sure of keeping him safe then I think we should continue for the moment..."

"Let's go get a portal open, better bring smiler there along with us"

"We can try but before that I need some healing..." agrees Beltain

Once again Rizzit will attempt to lead beaker down and once again he fails.

Beltain hands a scroll of Mage Armour to Rizzit "You may need this later" he says

"Right," says Elinor "I'm ready to proceed as soon as you're all willing and agreed. I would prefer to take the Zhent back to the purple knights, but if the party's opinion is to investigate another portal first then so be it. Just a thought, does anyone have trackng skills? It might be worth identifying where the ogres and the Zhentarim came from. Perhaps there is a Zhent outpost nearby?"

The Wizard Nosnibor watches the proceedings carefully. He looks at Feng with a barely concealed look of shock upon his face before muttering to himself. "Acid? That's just horrible." Then he thinks for a second and suddenly seems to cheer up. "We took a prisoner. That's so wonderful. We can hand him in to face ... " The Wizard Nosnibor face begins to fall into a frown once more.".. Draconian Cormyrian justice. Oh. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea after all."

"Dead is dead" Feng tells the wizard philosophically "Don't worry too much about it. He lost, so he loses control of his own fate. It's just the way of the world, Wizard."

Elinor will move the pile of non-magical, unwanted loot over to where the horses stand. "There's no point in taking this with us if no-one intends to use any of the pieces in our upcoming encounters" she tells the others

"I can track, kinda." says Feng, pleased to use the skill "I'd rather hunt down Zhents than any other group around. We wanna give that option a go?"

"Dont leave anything that detected as magical behind" Rizzit tells the others. "Can someone help me drag an ogre over to Beaker so he wont get hungry. OK Feng, see if you can find the trail then"

"Look!" says Beltain, a hint of exasperation in his voice "You lot wanted the party to decide on the apportionment of the magic items we found and now look at us. It's the old free-for-all yet again. Unless we can come to some decision then it will be like this every time we find something and the quickest at taking stuff will be those that benefit. At least people are selecting items they will use at the moment as these are only party allocations but it certainly isn't being done for the best of the party. I'm confused to just who has what at the moment".

He waits for a moment and then continues "Elinor, you have chosen to follow the high moral path in life, not all of us believe in that way but all respect your integrity. Perhaps you could propose an allocation of the items for the best good of the party, rather than personal preference. We can comment on and modify it if necessary. As we just don't know fully what items do what I think we should assume that firstly they aren't cursed and second that they are probably the most minor and inexpensive of their kind. Only two things we ask of the temporary custodians of the items, first that they try and use the devices and second that they return them to the party pool if they are unable to use them. We will make errors, but at least we will have an equitable method of division. If we cannot agree at this stage what chance do we have when we come to the actual division of items?"

"I agree with Rizzit that no magical gear must be left behind, so let's assign it immediately to its appropriate custodians. Then we can attempt to track the zhent and ogres, it shouldn't be too difficult, I hope, as the ogres are not known for subtly or for being light-footed. After that deliver the zhent to the authorities, who hopefully can extract information on zhent activities in this area. Finally we can return and investigate the nexus more thoroughly"

"How is it a free-for-all Beltain," Rizzit tells Beltain "I asked if I could use the brooch for now, Limara expressed an interested so I was fine with her using it, I tried the ring on, nothing has been split, there is a difference between using party treasure to aid the group and taking items as owned. I wouldn't care if treasure always stayed as owned by the party, then if a person left they would give back any items they were using, also where nobody has a use for an item it could be sold and the proceeds divided. This would discourage freeloaders hoping to join us to make a quick profit and then leave"

"Put that way it does sound reasonable" Beltain agrees "If people are prepared to pass things round where necessary"

Beltain picks up the shield and hefts it. He notes the balance and workmanship... After examining the shield Beltain picks up the goggles and puts them on. He looks around to see if his long-distance or short-range sight seems keener. If he doesn't notice any difference he will carefully descend the steps to see if his low-light vision is improved. Lastly he takes the horn from the pile of magic items and examines it. Then he moves away from the horses, as he doesn't want to spook them, and blows it gently.

"I can't see who will want to use the banded mail" says Beltain "But the Shocking axe and huge club, could be wielded by the fighters if they want to?" and he looks at Feng and Elinor to see if there is any interest.

"As Beltain appears to have a good grasp of the finer points of treasure distribution I think he should allocate it. If he knows what everyone has taken he can know who can benefit from what. And if someone wants something specifically they can ask him. How does that sound?" he pauses for breath "I have a short bow which I like to use by the way Beltain. It's my fall back weapon once I run out of spells. Which is about.. er.. Now."

Beltain picks up the shield and it feels good, he thinks it has a +1 enchantment on it. When he blows on the horn, the device makes a deep, foghornlike noise and a cloud of heavy fog emits from the horn. Next Beltain puts on the goggles, they grant infravision. Beltain offers the goggles to Elinor. "As you are normally in the front rank with Feng, it will be useful to you to be able to see clearly" he tells her. She takes the proffered goggles and puts them on her forehead, ready for use.

Then he addresses Feng, Elinor and Limara "I think that you all either have magical shield or scorn their use, would it be OK it I continued to use it, for the time being? Don't be shy if you'd like to use it, it probably has another power apart from the magic bonus as Rizzit detected two auras..."

When Rizzit puts on the Ring, nothing happens, ce certainly doesn't feel more protected, 'Not a Ring of Protection then' he thinks to himself.

Limara picks up the Brooch..

"Keep hold of the Shield, Beltain" says Feng "If it keeps you in the fight longer, that's fine by me. What about the banded mail too - the bugger was certainly difficult to hit - and chainmail is only a collection of holes joined by metal rings, Beltain."

Then the barbarian turns to look at the wepaons "The axe is a little wee for me - I'll carry it if no-one else wants it, likewise I'll carry the greatclub." He picks up the club and battleaxe and whirls the club around to test its balance

"I like the idea of a party pool of treasure" says Elinor after some deliberation "Let's use items as required, then return them to the pool if we leave, if we die, or if we have no further use for something. And I think Nosnibor should carry the horn just in case his head ever comes out of the clouds". Realising what she said she looks around, hoping Nos isn't upset by her comment. Beltain hands the Horn of Fog to Nosnibor with a smile "This could be a lifesaver, in the right circumstances, take care of it and I know you'll use it wisely"

The Wizard Nosnibor accepts the Horn and takes 20 of the arrows. "I'll use some of these. I'll look after the horn for you too." He approaches his dead horse, "Oh Robinson whatever am I going to do with you? You really can't keep getting yourself killed like this you know."



"If there's any going, I'll take some healing - otherwise lets hoss it" says Feng looking pointedly at the clerics and then starts looking for the start of the tracks. "C'mon, lets kill some Zhents." he says cheerfully.

"OK, I'm ready" Elinor mounts Legend and joins Feng.

"Giddiyap" echoes Feng

Beltain picks up the bottle and puts it in his backpack. "Were the arrows magical?" he asks Rizzit "If so they need to be distributed to those who can use them"

Rizzit mounts Beaker and follows Feng as he tracks, offering advice where needed (or not needed) "Lead on Feng, in your own time, no rush old chap" he says impatiently.

Beltain takes off his chain shirt and dons the banded mail from the zent. "It may be better armour plus it may act as a disguise if and when we find the Zhentarim encampment" he tells the others. He sheathes his longsword, equips the zhent shield on his arm, and mounts up, ready for the off.

Feng finds some tracks quite easily, the ogres are not know for being light footed.... they head North.

"Lets go find if this lot had any friends," says Rizzit with satisfaction "We seem to stumble across far too much Zhent activity. They were on foot and have no supplies so can't have come that far".

Feng presses on, the grudge pulling him as Iron filings to a magnet.

Beltain sighs and dismounts again "Guess it's down to me if nobody else will carry him" he says and slings the unconscious body of the Zhentarim in front of the saddle, "Sorry Nosni" he adds "One of the others will have to give you a ride, you do seem remarkably unlucky or rather your mounts do…". He then mounts up again and urges Salix forward, following Feng.

"Do any of you clerics have animate dead for Mr Nosnibors horse?" Rizzit asks with an innocent smile.

"Blimey" says Elinor "These goggles are great- I didn't even realise it was night time. Come on up Nosnibor, there's room on my horse for two" Elinor rides Legend over to Nos, leans over, grasps him firmly by the arm, and tries to swing him up behind her. "Come on Nos, put a bit of a spring into it. Did you think I would leave you crying? Climb aboard Nos, we'll soon be flying, I can go just as fast with two".


And before the paladin can put a tune to the words the party set off following the ogre trail Northwards.

 

[tariff]

Zhentarim Lord

 

[Greyhawk]

Reporting back to Lord Hawklin

The party set off with Feng in the lead, following the tracks of the Zhentarim Lord and his ogre companions...

"Lead on oh great tracker" Rizzit mutters not liking to be silent for too long.

"This is awfully exciting. Does anyone want a sweety?" Says The Wizard Nosnibor as he passes round the Sherbert Lemons.

"Wow!!" exclaims Beltain "It's ages since I had one of those, yes please Nosnibor"

Limara fixes the broach to her blouse and occasions a remark from The Wizard "Oooh. Limara that brooch really off sets the flash of colour in your eyes. It's so pretty." and she blushes prettily at the complement, although Beltain is not so pleased at Nosnibor's flattering words.

After a while Rizzit asks "Do you think we are getting close Feng?" looking bored with the inaction.

After approximately half hour..Feng locates a small camp. There is a tent, three ogre sized piles of straw and a horse. "This is really strange" says Beltain "I have a funny feeling that the horse tethered by the rock is called Robinson... Now how could I possibly know that?"

"You know" says The Wizard Nosnibor "He does look like Robinson you know. He may have come here."

"FENG IS HERE! SURRENDER!" bellows the barbarian, but nothing stirs and without pausing, muscles his way inside, dagger at the ready

Elinor dismounts and draws her sword. She peers through the goggles and scans the area around the camp.

"Feng... I think the owner of the tent is lying across the back of Beltain's horse.." say Limara with a chuckle and she dismounts and walks toward the tent, hair shimmering in the moonlight "Maybe there's some information in there about what he is doing around here with those ogres"

Feng pushes through the flaps but here is nobody inside. A bedroll, a small pile of clothing, and several small bags containing food stuffs are all that is inside the tent.

"Well nothing here it seems" says Rizzit "Let's get rid of this prisoner and then we can get on with the mission"

"Yes" agrees Feng "Soon as we get rid o' matey, we can do our real job."

Elinor checks the horse over. It looks healthy enough, but from what she's heard of Nosnibor's reputation for ostlery, the poor creature probably hasn't got long to live...."Nos- do you want to come and get your horse?" she calls out. Elinor swings her leg over Legend's back. "Let's go"

The Wizard Nosnibor approaches the Horse joyously. "Oh Robinson you silly Billy. What are you doing out here? Come with me boy" jibbers the semi-delusional thaumaturgist and he strokes Robinsons nose and feeds him some sugar lumps from his pack. "Are there no documents at all about? Shouldn't we have a proper search?" he suggests timidly.

Limara knocks the tent down then remounts venomblood "If we come back this way it will be obvious if anyone is inside now. Let's go deliver this zhent to the purple knights then"

"Come on Rizzit, come on Nos. Stay close- we need to get to the Purple knights as fast as we can. They may be able to glean important information from the Zhent."

"Bel.. have you finished searching?" Limara calls to Beltain

Beltain finishes his search fruitless of the tent, ogre bedrolls then takes the saddlebags and mounts up and follows the others. "I'm ready, Princess" he replies to Limara "And I can't wait to get rid of this zhent. His presence here, alive, offends me!"

"I am ready to leave too" says the kobold sulkily.

"COME ON! FENG TIRES OF THIS!" calls the big barbarian and sets off at a pace.

After 3 and a half hours of riding the party arrive at the Purple Dragon camp near Tilverton. Captain Dunman emerges from one of the tents and watches expressionless as the party ride into the camp.

Beltain greets Captain Dunman courteously and enquires how her assignment is proceeding. Beltain tells Captain Dunman about the trip to the ruins and the discovery of the portal guarded by the orcs, the discovery of the cultist bodies and the encounter with the Zhentish Lord and ogres. He presents her with Lord G for return to Lord Hawklin and interrogation. He asks that any pertinent information, which could aid the mission, is sent to them at the ruins. He then goes on to tell her about the Nexus and that a number of the portals still appear to be active. He explains in conclusion that the party will return to the nexus to determine where the other portal emerge and to neutralise any threats to the realm that they find.

Beltain then asks if it is possible that the Captain could arrange for supplies to be procured in the city and made available to the party; of particular interest to himself would be scrolls of healing but the others (he looks around soliciting suggestions) may need other items.

"Also a rest and a heart meal would be welcome" adds the Wizard Nosnibor. "Indeed a saucer of milk for my pussy and a bag of oats for my loyal steed Robinson would also be greeted with eager wiffly noises."

Captain Dunman listens to Beltain, no emotion visable on her face. When Beltain finishes she nods to the party and speaks "That is very useful information. I, on behalf of the crown, thank you." Her eyes narrow "So you have deduced the ruins are of Netherese origin? You would conclude the portals are too?. And the involvement of the Cult of the Dragon and Zhentarim, are they working together?" her eyes scan the party "...questions.. questions." She looks down at the unconscious zhentarim "He will be questioned"

She once again looks at the party "You have done good work. The portal to Suzail will be opening at 9am, if you wish you may speak to Lord Hawklin at this time. He may have news regarding your friends the dwarf and the bard. Or if you have determined time is of the essence, feel free to leave and I will pass on this information to Lord Hawklin personally."

She pauses to look at The Wizard Nosnibor "Of course. We can offer refreshments here, or you could wait for the portal to open, I'm sure Lord Hawklin will feed you whilst you relay this information. And I assure you, his food will be superior to what we have here" Several of the purple dragon nights make muttering noises at the talk of food.

Captain Dunman looks directly at Beltain "The crown is stretched, both militarily and financially. Arabel still has to be properly rebuild, we face threats from all sides, then there is Tilverton. We cannot give you any magical supplies. If we could I assure you we would. If I'm not mistaken some of your companions were resurrected, free of charge. Do not be complacent and think this will be a regular occurrence. What we do, we do for the crown and the safety of its lands. Do not ask what the crown can do for you, ask what you may do for the crown."

With that she bows at the party, then kneels "Come here Pussy...what a FINE specimen you are!" Pussy runs over, purring at the captain.

Dismounts and bows deeply to the captain "I am going to stretch my legs for a bit while you decide what to do, I am keen to get back to those interesting portals but if you feel we need supplies already then we can go back. If possible though can we make sure this time we stock up for more than an afternoons picnic and more for a prolonged expedition"

Beltain smiles frostily at the Captain "I did not mean that you should pay for the items just that you would enable the items to be procured and allow us to be on our way as quickly as possible and without a lengthy detour into Suzail. Is that possible?" he asks "And as regards our mission for the noble Lord Hawklin, I would have thought that the capture of a high-ranking enemy so early would speak for us on this. I hope that the zhenterim can deliver useful intelligence to the crown and that any information that might help us, in our mission, would be speedily relayed to us at the ruins. That seems to be our both our benefits and I hope that you will be able to get the information, if there is any, to us?"

"If you wish to purchase supplies, by all means" Captain Dunman replies "Wait until the portal to Suzail is open and you can go shopping all you like. As to information, if Lord Hawklin and I consider it relevant that you know something, then you will know it"

Captain Dunman strokes Pussy "You could do with a little bath, couldn't you...yes you could!"

"For the sake of 2 hours, then we should wait until the portal opens and speak to my Lord Hawklin" says Elinor "Then we can make sufficient purchases to support us through the next few days and weeks."

"Whatever!" says Feng wearily "Just let us have done! Feng's axe is restless. I also mislike the company of these stiff purple dragons whose welcome is as cold as their manner."

"I can't gainsay you on that Feng" says Beltain sadly "They don't seem at all grateful or even pleased with our assistance. Let us buy what we need and return and finish the job. Do people feel that there are any party items that could be gainfully sold at this stage?" he asks

"What does mislike mean?" asks Rizzit "I think these Purple Dragon Knights are just great, look at all that shiny armour and the Purple looks divine. That Captain Dunman is babe, if only she went for two foot lizards, maybe I could impress her with my great balls of fire"

Elinor leads Legend over to the horse corral so that he can have a drink. While she's there she will try to engage one of the knights in conversation. "Do you mind if I put my horse in the paddock so he can have a drink?" Elinor says to the knight, "We've been travelling all night and he got a bit too close to some ogres at one point. Have you seen any ogres around here? We found their camp but we're not sure where they came from. So, have you been here long? It looks as though things are pretty serious. Lord Hawklin sent me to accompany that party of adventurers on their fact-finding mission. They seem like a fair bunch to travel with. An angry half-orc who likes the feel of his axe in his hand, a dreaming mage, 2 lovers, and a fire wielding lizard. But all enthusiastic partners in combat. "

"I better tie Beaker up over here where he cant bite anyone" says Rizzit and ties up the Axebeak then fetches him some food and water

"Captain Dunman is obviously a lovely lady" says the party's wizard "Look how Pussy has taken to her. And Pussy is such a good judge of character. You know Pussy is an important cat, she used to be Minister of Cat affairs for a whole Country. I'm ever so lucky to be her Familiar. She could have had any one she wanted. But she chose me. I don't really need many supplies. Though maybe some more Sherbert Lemons or a packet of Jelly Babies. Might come in handy."

"OK" says Limara, "We wait to talk to Lord Hawklin and see if he wants Thunder Peaks explored... or another portal. Or maybe he wants us to continue searching the area we were heading in." sits down and fusses her dog. Then she gets a cigar out, lights it with a tindertwig and .... after a moment .... blows a big fat smoke ring

Beltain sites on the grass watching the others and waiting for the portal to open.

The party wait until 9AM. Captain Dunman stands stiffly, looking south, in the distance, far below the hill the camp is on, can be seen the Moonsea Ride. A wagon can be seen traversing slowly down the road. Suddenly obscuring the view a vortex of swirling light comes into being. When it fades a warehouse can be seen. The doors to the warehouse stand open. Inside the party recognise the familiar figure of Lord Hawklin. His handsome features stretch into a smile. "Ahh, The Order of Initiative have returned!"

He nods to Captain Dunman "We will speak later Captain. Firstly let me offer these brave adventurers some refreshment, I'm sure they have much to tell" He beckons the party through the portal. Once the party are inside he mutters a few words and shuts the doors. He moves to the other side of the warehouse and opens another set of doors. Outside is Suzail. They procede along the promenade to Lord Hawklins luxurious manor.

Rizzit helps himself to a candle before sitting down to examine the ring

"Mmmm..shoulda purchased more candles" muses the Lord as he watches Rizzit.

Rizzits casts a spell that reveals the ring is a ring of sustenance. The ring continually provides its wearer with life sustaining nourishment. The ring also refreshes the body and mind, so that its wearer needs only sleep 2 hours per day to gain the benefit of 8 hours sleep. The ring must be worn for a full week before it begins to work. If it is removed, the owner must wear it for another week to re-attune it to himself. "Cool" mutters Rizzit

"Want me to check the shield for you Beltain?" asks Rizzit pleased with the result.

"Yes please Rizzit, that would be an excellent idea" agrees Beltain "And it would be great to know exactly what the bottle is, if you have another spare spell". So saying he hands the shield to the diminutive sorcerer. "If we are selling items then the Banded mail would fetch a pretty price" says the cleric "I am happy to go back to wearing my Chain-shirt! But the shield I like and would like to retain that for a while, if the party agree" he adds, looking to Rizzit to see if the object has any other characteristics.

Rizzit attempts to cast identify on the shield.. However, he is missing a important reagent and the spell will not cast.

"I think we should take the 100gp materials cost for identification out of a general party fund" says Nosnibor "It is unfair for Rizzit to pay it every time. I'll pay it if you want to though."

"Rizzit. I have 505gp" says The Wizard "That's enough for 5 identifications. Feel free to take as much as you need old chap. Although I can't help thinking if we had stuck to the swear box when I had suggested it we would have had enough cash for 20 identifications."

"I have no great desire for the goggles if the decision is to sell them" says Elinor generously "I think we should keep the ring, the brooch, the shield, and the horn. And maybe the bottle if that is useful following detection."

"I am also loathed to sell the magical items that we have accrued. I think that just because they do not have an obvious use at this time it does not mean that that will not be the case in the future. Especially with magical night vision goggles, keep hold of them Elinor, they could save all of our lives one day. I also think we should do what Feng says. Let's not get him any more sulky. He might want to eat one of us.. Me.. Us... Sorry. Don't be offended."

"I really don't want to sell the goggles. If you want Elinor, I will swap them for the broach.... I agree with Nos, we shouldn't sell any magic items from the party treasure.... unless no one can use it or no one will ever use it, such as the axe Feng mentioned. Everyone should agree to any sale before it happens though, that way it will stop future arguments and yes Rizz identifying party treasure should come out of the party coffers."

Limara talks to Lord Hawklin about the parties discoveries and asks him which direction he would like them to search next... The portals.. Thunder Peaks.. further north of Tilverton ??

"The brooch is far to useful to sell Limara, the goggles are not, if we had one person that couldnt see in the dark fair enough but we have four so will always need to bring lights. The brooch could save a life one day. The club seems an oafs weapon Feng, the battle axe is a better weapon to keep as a backup and easier to store away"

"The club an oaf's weapon?" queries Feng "Perhaps to those who lack the strength to wield it. The battleaxe is too light and "flashy" for my taste. A true weapon takes both hands to use. I'd rather smite an enemy good and proper, than cut him up over several blows. Also, If you slap the chieftain so hard his brains come outa his ears, the followers widdle their drawers and climb over each other to be first away on their toes."

"Well it sounds like the party only want to sell the battleaxe so can we do that and get going please" says the kobold "Who wants to wear this ring as it will take a week to activate? I don't need it"

"A ring that makes people not get hungry? And therefore not want to eat my lovely and wholesome home cooked food? Get rid of the evil thing. It is surely an item of terrible and evil power." says the elven wizard, with feeling.

"That axe is a mighty weapon Feng, it has the potential for greater damage that even Nibbler" advises Beltain, unconsciously fingering the scar left by Lord Gs axe. "Perhaps if you don't want to use it then Lady Elinor could wield it to the advantage of the party?"

"If I find a way to enchant Laskur's Bane, we can sell the Greatclub - I'm big enough to forgo the pleasure of splatting in order to more easily divide our foes. I also feel the ring is a good find - as any who have travelled in the wild, light and hungry would agree. Beltain, the axe may be a mighty weapon to any only verse in the sword, however I find it a little light for my taste. Also, Nibbler takes two bites at any cherry, and is a weapon that helps define me. The battle axe is merely a piece of frippery, and unsuitable for a real warrior. As such, Elinor may find it amusing for a while."

"One day I would like enough cash to get a magical repeating crossbow a fire enhancement and maybe keen on it" says Rizzit dreamily.

"Rizzit I will not agree to selling the goggles... I, as a human, will always find them useful as would any one of us. The weapons seem to have no one wanting them, so maybe we can sell them. Your constant demand for money to spend is getting annoying. You have already had the armour and sold that. We are all managing on the same money as you and we don't want to keep selling everything we find. To solve Rizzit's problem we should all pick an item from the loot, keeping the rest as party treasure for the mean time. If there are any items that are not wanted by everyone, we sell them off and share the money. That should help your bank balance along with the repayment of your identify components.... you are gonna have to learn to limit your purchases though. Maybe you should seek financial advice..."

"I agree with everybody." says the Wizard Nosnibor earnestly not wanting to offend anyone.

"Keep the goggles then," says Rizzit glaring at Limara "I just want the stuff sorted out so we can get back onto the job at hand. Are you sure we all manage on the same money? Seemed you were pretty well kitted out when you first joined us"

"If there are items, such as the weapons, that nobody wants to use then we should sell them. If there is someone that would like to use them then they should stay with the party" says Beltain "But we need to be getting back, we still have complete our mission and remove the threat to this land for Lord Hawklin"

"I agree." Says The Wizard Nosnibor as he turns to Rizzit. "We want to see more of that Daring Zoodoo that you-do so do-do."

Lord Hawklin confirms that he would like the party to check out the "open" portals in the Nexus, to see if they pose any threat to Cormyr..

"Your friend Bibaboba..." he pauses "Bibabub...Bibaboob.." he stutters attempting to pronounce the name "THE DWARF!... Has gone to the dwarven village of Glen, in the Dalelands. There has been a drow attack there and he has relatives who reside there. The bard Coleridge has not been seen, apparently he did a rousing performance in the Laughing Lass, but he hasn't been seen since. Rest assured if he turns up we will inform him of your current status."

"We sell the unwanted arms and armour only?" Beltain asks the group "Are you sure that you don't want to use the Battleaxe Lady Elinor?"

"I am not interested in the battle axe" says Elinor in reply, "I'll wear the goggles if we are travelling at night and I am at the front of the party, but I'm not bothered about owning them."

"If I can raise enough from my share of any money to enchant my greataxe, I will willingly give up the battleaxe and the greatclub for sale. It seems also that Beltain has a valid reason for not keeping the Banded armour... I gotta raise around 1300 shiny ones, tho. As for the bottle, I agree with Rizzit - sellin' it for 50 seems like a thief's bargain. I think that if I can use the ring, I'll stand all the night time watches. I like the idea of a ring that removes the need for rest and food. Too often I've been short of both."

"Well I have the Horn. Which I think I'll find useful. I don't really need treasure, it's not really what I'm in this for, but I'll put this horn to good use. If no one else wants the bottle I can take that too. Perhaps it's full of nice spicy sauce or something. Mister Feng. If you need 1300 gold pieces I can give you about 500 towards your goal. I wish I had more, I probably would have if we'd kept up the swear box."

"Rizzit, I think you should 'identify' all the unknown magical treasure" says Limara with a smile at the kobold "I can detect magic on them to make sure there is something for you to detect. We can take the money for the pearls you need from the party funds. "

Limara sweetly smiles at Rizzit,"Your opinion is just as valid as mine, my little dragon friend. Please don't ever think it isn't.... I understand your need to replenish your stock, I just don't want us to be hasty in what we sell and find we regret it later." she then turns to the party's paladin "Elinor, if you don't want to own the goggles then I would like select them as my choice... it would seem that no one sees their use, where as i would say they were the pick of the haul... is there nothing that you would like from the booty? Say what you want, if someone else wants it too then a brief discussion, or a roll of dice, can sort it out.."

The beautiful cleric then turns and addresses Lord Hawklin, "Your Lordship, thank you for keeping us informed about our friends. The open portals will be our next target and we will endeavour to bring concise details of what lies beyond."

Then she turns her charm on her fellow cleric "Hon, if we sell the mundane stuff, the shocking axe, the greatclub and the banded armour, how much will that raise?.. Is everyone sure they don't want the great-club? It's a magical blunt weapon.." and then continues to the rest "I do think everyone should have an item from the treasure. It would be unfair if someone missed out. If someone is missing out on a choice, would it not be fair for them to have an item from the sale pile to sell for themselves? My suggestion would be, if anyone wanted to raise money, instead of choosing from the 'treasure' list they should be able to choose an item from the 'to sell' list, sell it and keep the money. That way people can improve their weapons and buy spells and the like without having to sell something they want to keep in the party.... what do people think? "

Beltain responds to Limara's question "Well Princess, as you know we did not bring the mundane items with us but left them in a pile outside the steps to the nexus. The only ones with us are those that party members thought useful to them. For example Elinor took a Longbow and Nosnibor some arrows. If we sell the battleaxe(2,000), club(1,000) and banded mail(2,125) we would get 5,125gps which is 854gps each, not a fortune but enough to restock on potions and such or maybe to buy a wand of magic missiles! Also remember that we have found some cash, not a lot, 102 gp, but that might be useful for Rizzit if he is Identifying items."

Beltain pauses and thinks, not wanting to offend his partner "As far as I am concerned Princess, the party allocation after the Zhent fight worked well and although there were not appropriate items for some of our number the overall capability of the party was improved. As regards selling items, I think that all items, that we can't see a need for now or in the future, should be sold and the money shared equally" he says, "Those items, that someone can use, should be allocated to party members. We should keep track of who has what so that we can ensure, as far as possible, each member has a fair share. If there is disagreement then we should obtain party consensus, as we do now."

"I agree with Beltain," says Rizzit tiring of the discussion "He should be the keeper of the treasure records and as such his decision should be followed"

"Feng does not want to own the ring, but will use it until we get a larger haul to split up. It's been a while since a foe has tumbled down to the netherworld to serve Feng in the afterlife - Feng's axe is restless."

"Have we discussed enough? I think we need to kick on and get back to the Nexus."

Feng grunts his assent

"Feng I can lend you my share of the loot if it gets your enchantment"

Feng brightens up at the thought of the magical enhancement and nods "That would be most generous - perhaps if both Nosni and yourself shared the burden until I come into the funds required?"

"Sounds good to me" agree Rizzit

"Laskurs' Bane will then bite hard upon Feng's enemies!" says the barbarian with a bleak smile.

Elinor picks up the goggles. "Limara- we can take turns wearing these, depending on who is at the front"

Feng screws up his brow, caught in the throes of tortured academia "I Got 788 Gold, I'm getting 800 gold, I'm spending 100 gold on potions which leaves me about 600 short to enchant Laskur's Bane. That means Rizzit and Nosni would have to lend me 300 each?"

"Me an' Laskur's Bane are better at division than addition.." he adds with a smile.

Rizzit hands Feng the Ring "This is better on either you or Beltain bud, you to give you more time on guard duty and Beltain if he wants time to scribe scrolls and other magicy stuff"

"Better on me, I reckon. Also, I'd be happier on guard." says the warrior Feng

"Works for me Feng" agrees Beltain "I'm not able to do much crafting at the moment, if I need it then I'll ask to borrow the ring"

The Wizard Nosnibor gingerly moves closer to Feng and nervously hands him 300 gold pieces. Feng notices that this is probably the closest he has ever come to the lanky elven prestidigitator and he never noticed that he sweats so much. Feng also notices the The Wizard Nosnibor seems to be muttering something under his breath. Listening carefully he thinks it could be the words 'DON'T EAT ME' over and over again. Once he has given Feng the cash the Wizard "Eh.. I.. I .. I Agree with everyone especially Beltain." the wizard tells the rest of the party.

"Bel hon," Limara says, glad the issues have been resolved "That is fine by me. I am glad you are now the keeper of the treasure list.... I will gladly carry the party funds in my haversack, you will keep the accounts though, for your pen is mightier than my sword... on this occasion.." she giggles, "Make sure Rizzit's pearls are paid for, or he will have an i.o.u in the first page. I also agree to picking from the treasure at a later date when we have more to choose from. That way everyone will get something they want..."

"Thanks you all for trusting me with this" says Beltain and proceeded with the sale of the Battleaxe, club and Banded mail and the division of the money gained. He dons his chain shirt ready to set out again.

Limara buys up a veritable banquet of food in the town and has it shipped through the portal for Captain Dunman and the knights, who are surprised and overjoyed with the magnificent fare which will brighten their somewhat tedious duty in watching the crater.

The rest of the party buy their provisions speedily and make hast back to the ruins and the steps down to the nexus.