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

[tariff]

THE PARTY TRAVEL ON
The party continue to travel until it gets dark. They set up camp.
Rizzit ties beaker up, makes a fire and sleeps on it "I hate this cold" he grumbles.
Coleridge secures his horse and sets up his bedroll near Rizzit's fire "Are we having people on watch?" yawns Coleridge from under his blanket..."wake me up when its my watch" He quickly falls asleep.
The Wizard Nosnibor sits by the fire. He laughs at seeing the kobold asleep in the flames. "Oooh. A camp fire! How lovely. Why don't i cook up some supper and we can all have a jolly sing song? Does anyone know a song called Ging-Gang-Gooly?" The Wizard Nosnibor takes off his small satchel from his back and reaches seemingly too far into it with his arm. He brings out a large cooking pot and a tripod which he places over the fire. Out of the bottomless bag come various packets of herbs, some flour and a large tea pot. Finally a white chefs hat is whipped out of the bag and replaces the bobble hat upon the Elf's head. Nosnibor begins to chop, peel, dice and grade ingredients before adding things to the large pot. Before long a large pot of bubbling stew appears to be being created before the parties eyes. He also makes a large pot of steaming tea. Finally the Wizard Nosnibor delves into his bag and brings out tin plates, mugs and silver cutlery which he doles tea and stew out into before distributing it out amongst the party.
The meat stew that the Wizard Nosnibor hands smells good and is warm and welcoming on such a cold evening, he makes a unlevened flat bread in a pan to mop up the juices. The tea is sweet and hot.
"I hope you enjoy this brief repast. It's so much better to eat good warm food. Better than iron rations i hope. And make sure to eat it all up. We don't want you going hungry. Plenty for everyone."
Limara heals the wounded. "Thanks for cooking such a delightful meal Nosnibor, please excuse me an hour while i go and pray for my spells..
Sparhawk dismounts from Faran and comes back to the camp briefly to eat his meal "My thanks neighbour, tis good to have a hearty meal on the road especially on these cold nights. I will take first watch" He heads back out of the camp to take up his watch position, strapping his lance to Faran and drawing his sword as he passes "Keep guard with me my old friend" Sparhawk says to Faran
Beltain settles down to pray in the snow.
The party consume Nosnibors food eagerly, thet were used to rations on the road and Nos's cooking is a welcome treat. The bed down for the night. They rise early in the morning and continue travelling down the Moonsea Ride. For a few more uneventful days they travel, the snow continues to fall... They arrive at Arabel..

Time of Day: 10:00 PM. - Snowing Day 13, Hammer (Deepwinter) 13th, The Year of Wild Magic.

ARABEL
During the goblin war, Arabel was evacuated to Suzail with the help of magic, and the city was occupied for several months by an army of orcs and goblins. The trading company outposts were looted, the mercenary groups that were not slain fell back to other cities, and the great temple to Tymora was burned. Arabel's lord, Myrmeen Lhal (known as the Lady Sword), swore to reclaim her city. Despite the loss of her left arm and its subsequent restoration by powerful magic, she spent the last few months collecting mercenaries, rangers, scouts, and adventuring bands for that purpose, then forced the orcs from the city. The orcs fled to the Hullack, King's Forest, eastern Storm Horns, and the plains to the north of Arabel. While routing the humanoids from the open farmlands may go easily, clearing the forests of their presence will be far more difficult. Arabel is still being rebuilt.

Just outside Arabel is a large tent. Several Purple Dragon Knights patrol the area.
"Great! More of these Purple Dragons - just watch the innocent Half Orc attract the heat - as per usual" snorts Feng. "Sparhawk - You and Lim had better speak with these Pricks - at least you understand the language. I'm just gonna stay in the background and try not to be charged for the sacking of this city by some zealot."
Coleridge mutters “Lets hope our stop over here is somewhat less eventful than our visit to half-hap or we'll end up getting a reputation we don't want. I do hope that there is a bards guild in town, our recent experiences make me feel ready to stretch myself with a little training"
Sparhawk nudges faran forward stopping in front of the purple dragon knights "Hail and well met neighbours"
"Hail.. and well met thyself" replies one of the Purple Dragon Knights
"I am Sir sparhawk , Knight of the Garison to the Throne of Athkatla...Shouldst there be any things we need to know before entering this town sir?"
The Purple Dragon Knight responds "Feel free to enter the city of Arabel, please ensure you follow the law. Weapons must be peacebonded at all times. Some of our establishments do not allow weapons to be worn at. If you are a adventuring band new in Cormyr, please ensure you travel to Suzail and register as soon as possible"
Sparhawk nods "Myself and this party are on a simple escort duty, we are on our way to Suzail...please good knight feel free to peace bind our weaponary, we will be inkeeping with law and order"
Beltain stands up on the cart and gazes with awe on the city. "So many people - and all in one place" he murmurs to himself, then he glances around and notices the ruins and battered siege engines that ring the city walls. He also notices the breaches in the walls and the lack of scaffolding that would suggest repairs. He wonders how secure the city really is from the orc mobs that he has heard about.
He looks over to his fellow cleric who also regards the city appraisingly. A rest, good food and a warm bed would be appreciated by all after our days on the road he thinks. In an aside to the others of the party (before they enter the city and outside the hearing of the guards and Nosnibor ) he reminds then that he still carries some items from Half-Hap. In fact 300gp and a diamond ring inset with rubies. He suggests that someone with good negotiating skills should be the one to sell it.
Limara checks her weapons to make sure they are all peacebonded, then rides over to the purple knights
"Hail, knights blessings be upon you both this cold day. I am Limara, a cleric of the Red Knight. We are a peacebonded party of adventurers currently escorting two merchants to Suzail."
Limara shouts back at the party on the wagon..." please check your weapons are peacebonded before we move any further....and confirm when you know they are.." Limara turns back to the purple knight . "we were attacked by two Leucrotta down the road aways, i dont know how many travelers they have harassed, but they are dead now. I have just asked my colleagues to confirm their weapon stowage to avoid any misunderstanding. Please feel free to check anything you deem necessary....Sir knight.."She leans forward slightly toward the knight "...i understand the shrine to Tempus here was destroyed by the lawless hordes, has it been rebuilt yet? "
Beltain goes across to allow the knight to check his weapons. He is uncomfortable with the situation but just wants to get out of the snow and into somewhere warm...
The Purple Dragon Knight replies "Leucrotta!, yes, fearsome beasts indeed, you have indeed made travel safer for all. The temples, are functional, but they, as Arabel itself, are rebuilding"
The Purple dragon Knights check the partys weapons are peacebonded, then wave them forward to the gates "Enter"
Feng assumes a haughty mein and strides proudly into the city. “Which one of you poofs wants to be drank under the table?”
"A drink sounds good Feng, and mayhap a little music.... i'm gonna check my horse in at a stables then go for a drink or three with feng here" says Coleridge.
Beltain walks through the city gates after Limara looking around in wonder at the size of the buildings and the sheer number of people. He has heard tales about theft in large cities and takes care to keep away from people. "Let's find an inn and decide what to do next." he says "A glass or several of mulled wine would be just the thing to shake this cold from my bones"
Rizzit says to the party as they enter "I would really like to go through my draconic rite of passage guys, I know you wont understand what it is but I need about a 10 day to get through it.”

The Wizard Nosnibor addresses the group "Well Fellows. As we've reached town i know i should take my leave of you. But i have found all of your companionship to be most agreeable. Would it be possible for me to stay within the party and become a regular member of your intrepid band? There.. I've asked. No need to for the nerves really. Also Beltane. If you wish my help in researching your magical ring i would gladly lend my abilities. I have a passing knowledge of matters arcane and am much more comfortable in the environ of the library than i am in the dungeon. Though i hope that will change."

The party decide to take the ring they found in Half-Hap to the local sage. The sage looks over the ring. It is a platinum ring set with a large diamond surrounded by a circle of smaller sapphires and rubies. These gems gleam brightly even in the dullest light. An inscription on the inside of the band reads simply "for Alenea" in Elven. The sage puts the ring on, it appears a loose fit on him. "At will, by uttering a command word, you can use light as the spell" (caster level 2nd) he says. "At face value its worth about 750gp...but...i believe this ring holds more secrets." He places a jewellers loupe in his eye and once again examines the ring. "Judging from the style of the setting and the form of the Elven letters in the inscription, the ring is of high-elf craftsmanship. The name "Alenea" might well be a reference to the sorcrer Alenea, a legendary elf hero of three millenia ago. An adventurer and a wanderer, Alenea was the lover of the wizard Eldarniel, court magician to a powerful elven king of old. Since Eldarniel was a legendary crafter of magic items, especially rings, it seems likely that he created the ring for Alenea, perhaps to aid and protect her on her travels" The sage hands the ring back to Beltain. "Im sure this ring has other powers, but it will require that you do some more research into the items History... I think the ring goes by the name of "Bright Evening Star"... Feel free to visit myself again, or any of my fellow sages, once you have determined a little more about the ring, maybe we will be able to help you again"

Limara thinks a moment, she had heard a story about this ring, somewhere, sometime...She recites her knowledge.

“Little is known of Alenea's early life before she completed her magical training and began her adventuring career. She was born in a small fishing village on the coast, and at a young age, she entered one of the elves' many spellcasting academies. When her studies were completed, she joined up with an adventuring troupe along with another young mage, Eldarniel. Together they explored ancient ruins and plumbed arcane secrets, but thier chief passion was finding and cataloging the mystical properties of moonlight and starlight. Some lore-masters credit them with discovering silver's effects on lycanthropes and crafting the first Ring of Shooting Stars. Whether these claims are accurate or not, the pair certainly revealed many potent magical effects centered on the light of the moon and stars. Alenea and Eldarniel also loved to sit by the still waters of the many lakes they came accross...from dusk till dawn, talking and exchanging sweet nothings. Thier love was strong.”
"That is very romantic” says Beltain “Perhaps we should sit under the stars together and see if the ring reveals its properties in that environment?" suggests Beltain, "Even if nothing is revealed it would be romantic for us... perhaps"

The party book into the Inns and spend a while resting, training, purchasing…

Feng stands in the stables holding the reigns of a white horse. "I name my horse "Shinegami" - my we trample the blood of my enemies into the mire of their bodies whilst their glazing eyes still have the power of sight... an if this nag ever throws me, It'll never do it twice"
He puffs his chest out “For I am FENG! The great! The powerful! The wealthy!…The world of men shall weep tears of blood before I meet my lord Gruumsh again!" He Looks around the deaf walls of the stable
and whispers "But for now it's just my little secret! hehehe!"

 

[tariff]

ENTER BIBABOBALOBALOS THE DWARF
A dwarf stands at the bar in the Tired Traveler "Ah, Barman. I seem to have had the misfortune of finding a magic portal. Could you tell me the name of this place, good sir?"
The Barman peers down at Bibabobalobalos "Hail my man...i mean dwarf. You are in Arabel, in the region of Cormyr. If ye looking for adventure i hear a adventuring group has just entered the town. Or perhaps you would just like refreshments.. please, take a look at our menu"
"oh, look over there a dwarfy chap" says Deirdre, sitting in the corner of the Inn.
"Dont stare dear" replies Walter.
Bibabobalobalos replies to the barman, "Oh good. I think I'm still in Faerun. That's good, at least. I'd best shop for supplies but I'll be back. Thankyou good sir." Bibabobalobalos exits the Tired Traveler. He encounters several adventurers outside the weapons shop. "Excuse me my good fellows could you make way, please, as I require a new rapier? Thanking you." Touches forelock.
Limara steps aside for the dwarf, noting his lightly armoured appearance. She also notes he is on his own and buying a weapon... " Certainly sir by all means.....pardon me but,are you a local here? we are new in town. Does this vendor of weapons you seek come recommended, because our party are looking for good place to refresh there arsenal."
Beltain speaks to the dwarf "If you live here, Sir Dwarf, I would be grateful if you could give your recommendation for a good alehouse too. I would fain leave such a large city without discovering something of the goings on. Is there such a place where the citizens gather to discuss the latest new, mysteries and liaisons...?" Beltain continues, "If you live here, Sir Dwarf, I would be grateful if you could give your recommendation for a good alehouse too. I would fain leave such a large city without discovering something of the goings on. Is there such a place where the citizens gather to discuss the latest new, mysteries and liaisons...?"
The Wizard Nosnibor interjects "I say! Mister Bibabobalobalos. Did you mention that you had been transported to this area via a strange vortex? I must say this is curious as that has also recently happened to me. Please tell me of your experience. If you do so i will give you a bright shiny coin."

 

[tariff]

After making a few purchases Rizzit books a room at the Elfskull Inn, feeling this to be a pleasant and trustworthy place. He requests that he will need no disturbance as he will be performing a kobold rite of passage in his room, this will involve meditation and fasting so he will not be requiring any food. After the 9 days he emerges, much weakened by the fasting but with a huge smile on his face "This is an important milestone in my life" he beams.

Nosnibor spends his time in town making scrolls scrolls and cooking.

The party spends 11 days in town. They all gather at the stables. Beltain has a new mount, purchased for him by Limara. He names the horse Salix. "This is a magnificent warhorse Princess, I thank you for your gift"
"You chose a good horse, .. the pleasure of the gift is all mine. All you need now is some nice leather barding for it. Shaded in your deities colours would be nice." She replies. She looks across to Feng who is grooming a large white horse. It seems the barbarian has also invested in barding for the mount.
"Feng has chosen well too. Shinegami looks solid enough for him.." she comments.

The party meet up with the dwarven rogue Bibabobalobalos again. He is also in the stables. Limara and Beltain talk to the dwarf about joining the party. He agrees. "I have never adventured this far south and east before. There appears to be much trouble here, much more than in Silverymoon." He says.
"Yes, Cormyr is full of adventure at the moment Biba…Bibalo" Limara has trouble pronouncing the dwarfs name..
"You stumble over my name?” asks Bibabobalobalos. “I find this a lot with humans. Bibabobalobalos is a proud and traditional dwarven name but I have been called 'Bob' by many humans and have got used to it. If that will help?"
Limara grins at bob.."yes, that will help us humans greatly.."
"I am glad to help, when I can." The dwarf replies "Bob it is then," He smiles broadly.
"What are your major skills Bob.... do you fight with ranged or melee weapons?" asks Limara.
"I have a short bow but not many arrows. I prefer to get close with my rapier and flank the enemy. I am good at finding enemies weak point. The rapier is not a traditional dwarven weapon but my clansfolk got used to me using it. The deepwarden's often made fun of me because of my use of it." Replies bob.
Limara nods "Sparhawk and Feng will both appreciate your flanking skills, they are our melee frontline."
"Have I met them?"
Limara points at Feng and then Sparhawk.."Pardon my manners... This is Feng the barbarian and Sparhawk the knight...boys this is Bob.."
Feng grunts.
"Greetings Bob" says Rizzit.
Limara turns to Rizzit.."and this is Rizzit, our sorcerer"
Bibabobalobalos stares in horror at Feng, "By Moradin, he is in your party?…"My lord protect me!" The dwarf looks at Rizzit "Rizzit are you a kobold?"
"I certainly am Sir, and proud of it" Rizzit stands tall.
Bibabobalobalos strokes his beard in an agitated manner. "This is going to take some getting used to. I fear I have led a very sheltered life in Silverymoon."
"Yes ... it certainly is a cosmopolitan group we have... " laughs Limara.
The Wizard Nosnibor stops grooming Robinson (a new horse he purchased) "Greetings Bob. I myself am also a new comer to this group. From what i have witnessed they strive to fulfill good and true deeds. I have heard witness reports from the fair Diedre and Goodman Walter that they saved their lives when they were captured by the evil Zhents. If fact i was just telling my Aunty Beryl about it earlier."
Limara looks at Nosnibor “You were telling your aunt? how ? do you you use your magic?"

Rizzit saddles up Beaker his Axebeak. "Hey Mr Nosnibor have you ever seen a beast such as this fine fellow before? we dont have these in the underdark. Usually us Kobolds ride around on giant weasels, one day I hope to get one myself. So far all the giant weasels I have met have been trying to kill me"


LEAVING ARABEL IN SEARCH OF OLD TOM
Beltain addresses the assembled group "Friends, shall we attempt to see what lies ahead for us on the road by checking what travelers tales there are. Who knows there may be adventures to be had or wrongs to be righted as we travel on our way"
Coleridge interjects "I don't know if its a matter that we might like to look into after we get moving again.. but i've heard tell that a man people refer to as Old Tom appears to have gone missing from his small farmstead just south of this city"
The Wizard Nosnibor looks excited "Wrongs to be righted? Adventures to be had? Ohhh! I've gone weak at the knees. Can we go looking for Old Tom? Can we? Can we? Can we? Eh? Eh?" He continues "Oh i just bet he's been captured by some beastie, who's probably misunderstood. If we save him we'll be heroes. Wouldn't that be simply smashing?"
Rizzit nods "I would like to go look for old Tom as well, we cannot walk away from a mystery"
“It soundeth to me this might be a good time to search for 'Old tom'” agrees Sparhawk.
"I feel that we can't leave the Old Tom mystery unresolved" muses Beltain "What say you Princess, it will give you the opportunity to try out your new gear?"
The party packs their items for travel. "Mr Nosnibor how much do I owe you for the scrolls you made me?" asks Rizzit.
"Why Rizzit you don't owe me anything. If i have the ability to make them i couldn't possibly charge you for them. Especially as they'll be used for the good of the party. And i couldn't possibly take any of your hard earned money of you because you're such a smashing chap."
"Why thank you so much Mr Nosnibor, its a refreshing change to have such a pleasant person in the party, hopefully your influence will help smooth some of the rough edges some members have" he says looking at nobody in particular.
"Well actually Rizzit. I had a smashing idea in that area. To help us all be pleasant and live together better. I was thinking we could have a swear box. Then when we collect money from the bad language we could give it to good causes. Or use it towards our adventurer’s license of something. Coarse language is so terribly upsetting don't you think?"
Sparhawk rolls his eyes and sighs
"I think that is a bloody good idea!" says Beltain, realizing what he's said and hands over a gold piece to Nos.
"I agree”, nods Rizzit “I would like to see more love in the party and putting an end to the potty mouths would be a good start"

The party set out of Arabel. Walter and Dierdre ride in the wagon. Coleridge leads, he has been told where Old Tom's farmstead is located. A days travel south of Arabel, near the river that goes to the Arabel Springs.

 

[tariff]

Beltain rides carefully, testing the capabilities of his new mount. He is pleased with the way Salix responds to his commands. "Nice horse" he says to himself.

"Ohh. This is so exciting.” Exclaims The Wizard Nosnibor “We're just going to go and save Old Tom. Just like that. No arguments or debates. Good needs to be done. So we just do it. *sniff* I'm so Proud."
"Dont get too excited my elven friend, with this party nothing is ever as easy as it first would seem...we normally end up in the proverbial right up to our very necks" Sparhawk adjusts his lance , resting it in his stirrup, he nudges Faran forward to take up his usual place at the front of the column.
Noznibor rattles the swearbox in Sparhawks direction.
Feng snorts "If anyone wants to shake the tin under my nose, he'd better first invest in some bandages. I never agreed to such a daft Idea - no-one will limit my freedom of self-expression...unless they are hard enough - of course. And I totally doubt that this will be the case with any of my companions... so if you want to amuse yourselves with the collecting tin, fine - but include me OUT!"
Feng winks at Bob "I'm a nightmare to my enemies - you should be safe enough - for now!…" the barbarian smiles "Just joking, little-one".
Feng selects his Orc Double Axe…and lays it across his pommel "I'm coming on this job 'cos it promises to be more interesting than sitting on my arse in the effete atmos of a large burg. I smell blood on the wind - fell deeds and renown call me onward - but dont mistake me in that I feel nothing for this daft old man who has got himself lost - ok?"
Sparhawk looks around at the group “We ride out with a few new members...all i can say is i have an agreement with Feng as far as this swear box is concerned, i keep my sword well sharpened, and on a lighter note ...any time thou feels ready Feng i will see thou in the lists for a tourny! As for the new comers ...show yourselves well is all i ask, do your respective jobs and i have nothing to argue with"
The Wizard Nosnibor looks at Feng Gulping. He then quietly gets two gold coins out of his purse and puts them in the Swear box. The Wizard Nosnibor sighs. Swear boxes are such a good idea. But no one ever likes them.
"So Mr Nosnibor your magic comes from books?” asks Rizzit riding next to the elven wizard on his strange bird mount “Amongst my people this is unheard of, our magic comes from our links to the great dragons" The kobold turns to Sparhawk “Think positive Spar, we are missing the root of most of our troubles in the past and now we have a much more positive influence in the party, another scholar like myself"
Sparhawk leans forward and whispers to Faran "My point exactly, my good friend"
The Wizard Nosnibor replies to Rizzit “Yes, Elven Wizardry as it is called now, or Simple Magic Using as it was known in my home land, is all about learning the thurmaturgical rules that bind the universe together and bending those rules to your will. It is a process that involves intense study and years of trial and error practice. I attended University for many years to learn my craft. I see the manipulation of the rules of the universe as more of a Science than an Art. I find it marvelous and incomprehensible that others can learn these same results through sheer talent. It is indeed awe inspiring."
"Wow that sounds like a lot of hard work to me, I just got the urge to use magic and there it was, of course the spells I can cast are very limited” states Rizzit.
"I don't like to interrupt you conversation" Beltain calls to The Wizard Nosnibor and Rizzit, "But there is a cat back here struggling to keep up. I think that if we venture off the road it will disappear under the snow never to be seen again. Perhaps she should ride with you Nosi, all the cats I've know tend to prefer the warm to the cold."
Limara pats the back of her horse and indicates to 'pussy' that she is welcome to catch a lift with her. Limara looks at Nosnibors cat and smiles...." i sometimes wish that clerics could attract an animal companion.."
"I would have thought Bel was enough" says Rizzit.
"Purrrrr" says Beltain with a laugh. Beltain then begins to whistle a merry tune…well, it would be, could he whistle. He sees the pained look on the rest of the partys faces and stops abruptly.
Coleridge lightens in mood recites some poetry... possibly inspired by Beltain's whistling or perhaps to stop him trying again.

"The morose mage met the poor pauper suffering sleepless nights"
"since his shabby house had been targeted by termites."
"He had little lucre or wits left but said he could afford about"
"a couple of copper coins if the conjurer could help him out."
"The mage gestured and incanted, and motioned and chanted till"
"the termites tumbled from the house, obeying his will."
"The house holder paid him saying "You rose to the occasion.""
"To which the mage replied, "It did not take much persuasion.""

Coleridge hums to himself a while riding on, enjoying the bright chill day, then continues his verse

"Then there was the trouble with the jaded juvenile"
"Whose fatigued father found entertaining him futile."
"If you can come up with an idea which proves to be a winner"
"Then we would be willing to if you want to stay for dinner.""
"The mage gestured and incanted, and motioned and chanted till"
"There were explosions, and lightshows, and fireworks to thrill"
"Later at dinner the father whispered, "You're a star.""
"To which the mage replied, "They're spells. That's all they are.""

Coleridge once more hums to himself as they ride on, smiling to the world in general.. he brings his poem to a close

"There was the raging river with a trader trying to get past"
"But who could not wade through as it was running too fast."
"If I am to sell anything I must fetch up at the fair."
"If you can get me across then I will pay any fare.""
"The mage gestured and incanted, and motioned and chanted till"
"The waters began to slow, and then they were still."
"The man said as he paid, "That was just the job I confess.""
"To which the mage simply replied "Yes.""

Coleridge his verse done, pats his horse companionably and urges him forward, just enjoying the ride and company of his companions.
"Col, i must declare that your verses always seem to lift the day." Says Limara to the bard.
Beltain applauds Cole's verses, delighted by the changes in cadence and the smooth flow of rich words.

Beltain rides up next to The Wizard Nosnibor. They get talking about religion.
"I am not from this world i do not worship the same gods. In fact on my world there were only 7 gods and they were all gods of the Humans. Traditionally we Sidhelien, or Elves as you would call them, worshiped the earth as an entity of balance and nature. Not actually a God per se. Or gods invested their power into there Noble lines of the various lands giving them immense powers. These 'Scions' "Nosnibor makes little speachmarks with his fingers as he says the word Scion."...Were responsible for their countries and the people in it. It's sort of like the head of the state was also the head of the church. Unfortunately if another scion came along and killed the head of another country he could take all of his power and also steal the country. It was a terribly messy system, with alot of Nobles going around killing each other. Often at the head of large armies. So the Gods on Cerilia were never really the harbingers of good tidings. "

Coleridge rides next to the dwarf "So, Bibabobalobadobalos" Coleridge ineptly attempts the dwarf's name "sorry i think i'll stick to Bob from now on too... I was going to ask where do you hail from, and how did you come to be here?"
"Yes" agrees Beltain "Come Bibabob, tell us your story to while away the time as we ride South"
Bibabobalobadobalos replies "Coleridge, Beltain, I hail from Silverymoon. Things are a little hazy as far as how I got here is concerned. I believe I may have stumbled upon a magic portal." He strokes his beard and lapses into silence again.
During the journey party fill in Bibabobalobadobalos on past events.. They tell him about Poacher.
"I have too have only recently joined them Young Bob.” Says The Wizard Nosnibor to the dwarf “I was also transported here through a teleportal misconcordance. Though it seems to have happened to me alot. I came from Icewind Dale to this place. Though i am originally from another world." The Wizard Nosnibor briefly gets off his horse and picks up Pussy before climbing back on.
"Yes, faerun is blessed with many magic portals." Replies the dwarf.
"Yes. This i have noticed. " The Wizard Nosnibor wipes a tear from his eye. "Most of them seem to turn your friends inside-out."
"Is that your magical companion wizards are famed to have?" asks Bob.
"Pussy? Pussy is my best friend. She's lovely. And very warm and fluffy."
"Did I hear correctly that they can talk?" says Bob.
"Pussy can talk to me. She's very learned. She used to be the Minister for Cat Affairs in a whole Country. She's a very important cat." Replies The wizard Nosnibor proudly. "So Young Bob. Are you a right thinking fellow of Courtesy and honor?"
Bibabobalobalos strokes his beard. "Yes . . . "
"Well i had this idea. If we have a swear box we can save up money to give to charities and orphanages we pass buy. Want to sign up? It improves our behavior AND helps the needy?"
"Honour is paramount to the dwarves of my clanhome. Does this mean I have to start using foul language? For smeg's sake!" says the dwarf.
The Wizard Nosnibor shakes his head.
"Oh..For NOT swearing? Interesting concept." Replies Bob, suddenly getting the idea.

OLD TOM’S FARMSTEAD
Presently..the party arrive at a small Farmstead..
Time of Day: 05:00 PM. - Snowing Day 25, Hammer (Deepwinter) 25th, The Year of Rogue Dragons 1373 DR.

Beltain shields his eyes as he scans the area, worried that the snow may conceal hidden enemies. He moves forward to get a better view of the wooden farmhouse.
Rizzit rides up to the farmhouse and looks through the windows. He sees no-one inside.
Limara waits patiently to see the results of Rizzits observations.
Coleridge says out loud "I don't know whether someone has already been to check the farmhouse and this is how they know of Old Tom's disappearance, or whether they were just assuming due to him not coming to Arabel as is his normal routine. Either way we should be cautious, and considerate if the property, in case it has been a mistake"
The Wizard Nosnibor speaks "Perhaps we should announce our selves in case the poor chap is in his house and is afraid that we are raiders? And please don't be offended Rizzit, i know you're a lovely chap, but he may get afraid if his house is approached by one of your kind. Perhaps the least strange and threatening of us should approach. Perhaps Limara, as she is of the fairer sex."
"I never thought of myself as threatening before" says Rizzit.
Beltain replies to the kobold "I'm afraid that you must begin to see yourself as more and more threatening to humans as you take on your dragon ancestry. We in the party probably don't notice the gradual change but someone new, like Nosi, sees it clearly"
Feng, impatient with the vaporing prattle around him, moves over and checks out the old Well that stands beside the farmhouse. “Oi! Grandad!" he shouts down. Feng's darkvision picks out a crumpled form at the bottom of the well. Feng indicates to the others, who ride over. “Theres someone down here” states Feng flatly.
Beltain rides over and dismounts and then casts a Light spell down the well to illuminate the body. It does not move, and it appears to be a man.
Limara speaks "Rizz..no anybody who is small and light that could go down the well in a bucket to tie a rope on the unfortunate fellow?.."
Rizzit thinks hard "I cant think of anyone Lim"
Feng grunts "Now I realize that I should have brought a harpoon - so this is the mystery? Some old twat has fallen down the well and broke his neck? Hardly heroic, or reward-worthy - still, at least It got us out of the city for a while. Mystery solved - lets move on"
The Wizard Nosnibor looks at Feng and places a coin in the swearbox. "Dear me. The language in this Party really is awful.” Says the Wizard Nosnibor as he looks anywhere but at Feng.
Beltain listens to the banter, he gets out his rope and starts to make knots in it. Someone's got to go down and logically it should be someone who can climb out again if they need to. Biba isn't saying a lot but a small thief would seem ideal?" he raises an eyebrow enquiringly at the dwarf. "I'd go myself but I'm too big, can't climb and am wearing armour..." he adds "If we put the rope around whoever we lower. and then attach the other end to one of the horses, we will be able to pull the explorer out immediate-like should there be any problem." Beltain continues "But we'd better get a move on its getting towards evening already"
The Wizard Nosnibor looks down the well “We should be more respectful. This poor man has died down a well and we are being insulting and coarse about it. We should respectfully retrieve his body and inter him with good regard. It's the least we can do. We do have two Holy Me...er.. People in our group. "
Limara sighs "ok everyone is in agreement then.. the body must be recovered......now for the second time WHO is going down the well to tie a rope to him? " She looks at the small, unarmored and light kobold. Then looks at the dexterously blessed rogue dwarf...
Bibabobalobalos suddenly notices all eyes on him. He looks down the well to gauge the ease of the task Limara hands him a rope. She ties one end to Venomblood., who seems uncomfortable with this.
Bibabobalobalos begins climbing down the well.
Limara calls down "i have faith in you... if you dont fall, i'll give you a cigar !" she laughs
"But I don't smoke!" replies the dwarf as he descends.
The dwarf successfully climbs down the rope to the bottom of the well. The body is indeed that of an old man. His back, leftside, has been pierced by an arrow. The end seems to have snapped off. The man is quite dead. He ties a rope to the man.
The party all assists in bringing up Old Tom’s body.

The party examines the body. The arrow seems to be a standard arrow, the kind sold in every town and city. Limara thinks that the single arrow killed him, hes been dead for quite a while, between one and two weeks, the cold has kept his body in good condition..

"Well the arrow, killing him or not, is proof of foul play." Says Bob as he removes the rope from his waste.
"Oh the Poor man. What sort of monster could attack such a defenseless fellow." Tears of anguish run down The Wizard Nosnibor's cheek. Tears he sheds for a man he has never met or known. He picks up Pussy and cuddles him.

"Maybe we should look inside" says Rizzit. He dismounts from Beaker and moves to the front door.. He pushes the wooden door...it swings open.
"Covering you Rizzit," says Bibabobalobalos as he rushes after the kobold.
Beltain recoils his rope and stows it. "Time to investigate the house?" he asks Limara "There is a mystery here Princess"
"Oh Pussy. Why are people so cruel?" Sobs The Wizard Nosnibor.
Feng looks at the corpse "Hardly an act of a valiant foe to shoot an old man in the back....and they were afraid of the crime's discovery, so they pitched the body down the well?. I don't think we should be too worried by the coward, concerned. Just a job for the local flatfoot - not for braves like us".
"We shouldn’t assume there was only one assailant... we need clues" says Limara. She follows the others inside the farmstead. Inside is a living area, a kitchen, and a single bedroom. There is a empty stable also attached to the main building. They begin to search it for clues. The old mans personal items still appear to be here, although no money is found, and everything seems in an orderly state.
Feng rubs a finger across the table, he looks at it and then holds it up to the party. His finger is black, “Soot” he says. They find that the whole house seems to be covered in a fine layer of soot.
Limara looks up the chimney..it seems normal, she turns to the wizard "Nos..you are a learned mage... can you see any clues in here we are missing?. Why is everywhere in here covered in a thin layer of soot.."
The Wizard Nosnibor shakes his head. “I know not” He continues "Can one of the Clerics ask their god for guidance? Some sort of Augury? Or should we carefully wrap old tom in a shroud and take him back to town where the authorities can contact his next of kin?"
"hmmm" muses Coleridge as he looks round at the soot covered house "the chimney is not blocked now, i wonder if the soot could have perhaps come from someone covering the chimney to cause the house to fill with smoke and thus getting the old man to exit.. Whereby he could be easily slain by whatever individual or individuals did this. It would indeed as Feng surmised be a very cowardly way of killing an old man, but would also mean they were trying to keep the crime secret by leaving no sign of struggle in the building it would mean there was the possibility that Old Tom had just gone elsewhere. Once done it would have been a simple matter to uncover the chimney again, and as long as the body in the well was not discovered all that would be apparent should anyone come looking would be that the house was dirty with soot"
"Nicely said, Cole." Nods Feng "But why?…The only remarkable thing about this palce is the well , and the nearness of the river. This is a law-ridden land, but some will try to make a profit on the margins... Rivers were the first highways. In the wilds, rivers are still used to get skins and suchlike down to the cities for the ladies to have them turned into rich clothes. Perhaps old Tom saw something he shouldn't, or fell out with his partners in a dodgy game. Smuggling is one of the oldest games in the world - Don't know about anyone else here, but I'd walk barefoot over broken glass to avoid paying taxes to some aristo with too much time and money on his hands. A motive for keeping the murder secret might be either fear of discovery, OR they still need to use this area, and don't want to stir up the law".
When The Wizard Nosnibor hears Feng begin to speak he reactively reaches into his back and take out his purse and the swear box. When the Huge Half-Orc fails to swear The Wizard Nosnibor looks a little abashed.
"You make a well reasoned and salient argument Mister Feng. I once read in a statistical analysis of city watch and Guard demographics that most murders are carried out by someone who the victim knows. And a financial motive is one of the most common. If Coleridges scenario is correct, which is it's self an adroit chain of reasoning, this murder was carried out in cold blood so it would follow that there was a motive. Unless he was killed by a wandering psychopath or wanton killer. I my self have seldom come across this type. So have little understanding of their ways. I personally follow Mister Fengs cogent train of thought and think that this may be likely some nefarious criminal dealing." Nosnibor spins round and shouts at his cat "Pussy. Get off the dead mans bed! Have some respect!"
Limara stands quietly listening and thinking.... "The theory we seem to be forming is a good solid theory... unfortunately we have no evidence that points to who the killer or killers might be. " She turns to Nosnibor "In answer to your question Nos, augury unfortunately is no use, the spell 'Speak with Dead' is the one we need to get information from old tom. But i cannot do that spell until i gain more experience. The priests in the shrine to Tempus could cast it, in Arabel. We are in a lawful region and within a days ride from Arabel, which houses a platoon of Purple knights. I believe it to be in our own best interests to report our discovery promptly. As it is too late to set out for Arabel today, i suggest we return there in the morning. Don’t forget that old Tom has been dead for at least a week, maybe two... "
Sparhawk nods "Limara has a good point neighbours, let us take shelter here this night and return on the morrow to report our findings to the proper authorities"
Beltain speaks up “I agree with most of what has been said but the soot is indeed puzzling. Climbing up onto an icy roof to block the chimney to drive the old man out seems a perilous strategy. Then he has to get down from the roof quickly but not falling and then chooses to kill the old man with an arrow to the back rather than a dagger thrust, which must surely be a more effective method? And then he drops the body in the well, where it is sure to be found, rather than weighting it with stones and dropping it in the river where the likelihood is that it would never be recovered. There are surely many puzzles here!”
Coleridge nods at Feng "It is indeed a good hypothesis that Feng makes that the reason to try and keep the murder secret is that whoever perpetrated the crime needs to continue to use this area and needed the old man out of the way... in possible answer some of Beltain's questions, working on the supposition that it is the location, not the old man himself which were important to the miscreants, the may not have known who/how many people were in the farm house, it then becomes less of a risk to cover the chimney to get the occupants to run out where they can be picked off by bow, rather than face melee against a potentially larger force... as for dumping the body in the well i can only suggest that they either felt it may come to light too soon if dumped in the river, even weighted if the river is fast moving there would be the potential for it to wash a shore further down, or it would give them the possibility to retrieve the body at some later point for some other nefarious reason"
The bard continues "This is all supposition on my part though, based on what i can see before me, i would suggest we stay here the night, one while we mull over our next course of action, viz returning to Arabel to report this matter to the authorities, and possibly gaining information by the ability to talk with the dead... also if whoever perpetrated this is using this land/farmhouse we may encounter them if they return, for although tom has been dead some time they may be making regular use of the property.. i would suggest us stabling the horses and concealing our presence in so far as possible so as not to alert our being here to any n'er-do-wells"
"And two, it is getting late and i do not see the point in traveling back this late in the day this crime happened some time ago and reporting it will keep another night.”

The party move old Tom to the stable. Beltain prays for him. They then settle down for the night. The night passes uneventfully.

Time of Day: 08:00 AM. - Snowing Day 26, Hammer (Deepwinter) 26th, The Year of Rogue Dragons 1373 DR.

The Wizard Nosnibor cooks up a hearty breakfast of Bacon, Sausage, Egg spiced with powerful herbs and with fried bread. He also brews a large pot of tea. After they have had breakfast, the party head out, back to Arabel, with old Tom’s corpse.
"Great..now we gotta share the ride with a corpse!" moans Walter.
Beltain snaps back "You are welcome to remain here if you wish it Walter, but I think it would be wiser to come with us back to the city"
Sparhawk looks at the cleric “Whilst I agree with your intentions neighbours, let us not forget we are supposed to be escorting these good people, therefore they have a right to not be best pleased at riding with a corpse, as for suggesting they remain here ... I expected more from you Beltain!"

The party ride back to Arabel.

Time of Day: 05:00 PM. - Snowing Day 26, Hammer (Deepwinter) 26th, The Year of Rogue Dragons 1373 DR.

The party inform The Purple dragon Knights of their discoveries. The Purple Dragon Knights inform the party they will look into the matter. The party spend a relaxing day in Arabel. There seems to be nothing else they can do for Old Tom, so they plan to head out of Arabel in the morning. Hopefully they will be able to travel to Suzail without further interruption. That evening they have a few drinks..

Morning arrives..

Feng yawns "More bloody snow - Rise and shine, all youse heroes!"
"I am so sick of snow" says Rizzit, standing outside the inn.
Limara rises and looks out of the window at the beautiful snow falling on the town making it all seem so clean and bright. She contemplates the days travel lying ahead as she pulls on her leather trousers and boots.
Bibabobalobalos comes out of the inn into the street where Rizzit stands "I prefer the Underdark, you don't get any snow there."
"me to" nods the kobold.
Sparhawk laughs "Do not moan neighbours...This weather , like this journey is character building...trust me in the future you will look back on all this and laugh , but will have learned from this experience"
Beltain replies "I can tolerate this snow, it is far better than the mists of that accursed puppet village, Half-Hap" he shivers "We should count our blessings, our former companion Poacher is still in that god-cursed place"
"I'm not sure a tight fitting leather cap is the thing to be wearing in this weather." Bibabobalobalos pulls his cloak tighter about himself. "Anyone got an Endure Elements spell they can cast?"
The Wizard Nosnibor reaches into his bag and pulls out a couple of woolly hats.
"me me me,” shouts Rizzit waving an arm in the air, “please" he adds
The Wizard Nosnibor smiles "If you chaps are cold perhaps you'd like a nice warm Bobble hat to keep you warm? I knit them my self."
The Wizard Nosnibor hands a nice Lime green and Orange Bobble hat to Rizzit. He also reaches into his bag and gets him a lovely warm pink and purple scarf. "Those should keep you all cosy Mister Rizzit."
"I'm not sure lime green and orange is my colour Mr Nosnibor." Says Bibabobalobalos.
"I've got a yellow and electric blue one?"
"That sounds wonderful, Nosnibor, I thank you very much." Bibabobalobalos feels a bit of an idiot he places the bobble hat on his head.
"You're absolutely welcome Mister Bibabobalobalos. Knitting is my hobby, there's plenty more where that came from."
Bibabobalobalos smiles at the Wizard "Cooking and knitting, you are talented in extraordinary ways."
"How about some mittens if you time to make me some" asks Rizzit.
The Wizard Nosnibor looks excited "Oooh. Mittens! Oh i'd love to make you some mittens. No one has EVER asked me to make them some Mittens before. Thank you. Thank you! I'll get on it as soon as i can."
"I'm not sure mittens would do for me, Mr Nosnibor, could you knit me some of those gloves without any fingers?" asks the dwarven rogue.
"How about a technicoloured kobold balaclava" chips in Rizzit.
"I could use a matching cardigan, too." Says Bob.
Feng curls a lip in contempt "Enduring the elements makes one harder. Ya don't see me dressing up like the offsping of a woolen cod-piece and a maypole."
Feng turns to his kobold buddy "Rizzit, I expected more of you, clearly I'm unsurprised by the antics of our Elvish and Dwarven interlopers".

The party once again leave Arabel, heading for Suzail down Calantars way...They travel a day and rest the night, in the morning they set off again..

Time of Day: 01:00 PM. - Snowing Day 28, Hammer (Deepwinter) 28th, The Year of Wild Magic.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW
Beltain drops back behind the wagon and draws up on the other side to ride next to Limara. He leans out of the saddle to give her a kiss. Limara returns Beltain’s kiss, then kicks Venomblood on noticing something ahead.. "hey boys ...look i can see footprints leading from the road into the snow...look southeast" she points at the footprints in the snow.
Feng grunts "I'll stay right here with the wagon. I don't think that tracks leading to or from a main road are remarkable - not everyone starts at the beginning of a road and moves along it to it's ending. Some people have to join and leave a road half way along. This should not be seen as sinister - otherwise we'll be stopping every mile or so, tracking peasants to where they decide to behind a bush!"
The barbarian shouts "OI! BIG AND UGLY! FENG IS HERE! WANT TO FIGHT?"
Feng snorts "I rather thought not!"
The bard Coleridge interjects "I agree Feng, unless there is anything apparently untoward about these tracks why are we following them? we are on the road south, its not as if we are using it exclusively, someone may be out hunting, or went off the track to relieve themselves"
Limara rides down the road and slowly follows the tracks for a way. She shouts back "Is blood under a tree, splattered all over the snow untoward ?"
Coleridge sighs "I don't know Limara, it depends why its there, there is nothing to say that it is not simply blood from an animal a hunter has killed and skinned, or blood from a beast slain by adventurers such as ourselves... we live in a violent and brutal world sometimes, tracks and blood do not necessarily add up to something untoward and as Feng stated if we stop to investigate every set of tracks coming off the road we'll be stoppin' every mile or so"

Limara follows the tracks..upahead she sees a outcropping of rock. There is a opening, a section of track emerges from the cavemouth...a mine?. She indicates for the others to follow her.

 

[tariff]

THE MINE
Sparhawk dismounts replaces his lance and draws his sword ready "curiosity will get the better of us one day methinks" he says lightly
"This looks more like it!" says Rizzit.
Bibabobalobalos agrees with the kobold "A mine! Oh good, I'll be much more comfortable in there." He smiles.
The party move closer to the Mine entrance. They see noone. All is quiet. There are mine cart tracks leading into the darkness. Bob, using his dwarven vision, sees that they bend round a corner, not far into the mine.. "Should we take the animals in to get them out of the weather?" he asks.
"We can leave them under the trees for shelter.... i hope we wont be in there long enough to worry about them." Replies Limara.
Beltain dismounts and ties Salix to the side of the wagon. He goes to draw his sword, sees the peace-bonding and refrains, then he follows Limara towards the cavern entrance.
Limara unhooks her peacebonding, but draws no weapon. "Do we go in with light or do the darkvision people wanna check it first ?"
Beltain turns to Bibabobalobalos "Well Master Dwarf, with your great racial knowledge of the subterranean can you tell us about the rock structure of this place, and what kind of precious metal or gems there are to be found in it?"
Beltain colours "Um, Bibabob, forgive my ignorance of your race, but I assumed that you were a male of your kin, is that so....?"
Limara takes a sudden interest in the floor just in front of her... so much so that it would appear that its made her take a rapid intake of breath. Beltain turns and looks at her, "What is it Princess?" he asks
Limara mumbles "Its not really the done thing to ask a dwarf its gender..."
Beltain turns to her in surprise "Is it not" then how do I adress Biba? Master Dwarf or Mistress Dwarf, surely it cannot be so much of a secret?", he turns to Bibabobalobalos and says "Your pardon if I caused offence, I am unfamiliar in the ways of dwarf-kind, please say that no offence has been taken for none was surely meant"
Bibabobalobalos tugs at his beard "It's alright, Limara. I've been around humans for sometime and got used to their funny ways! In my experience it's only the Hearth Guards that grow their beards these days though many generations ago, before the Thunder Blessing, male and female dwarves both had beards. Don't mess with the Hearth Guards, big nasty brutes of women they are!" Bibabobalobalos examines the entrance to the mine.
The dwarven rogue whistles. "Dwarven work!..Look at the craftmanship there!"
"...its a hole in the rock" says Limara unimpressed.
"But look at the shoring up, quality I tell you, quality!…"Dwarven quality mining here," He whistles again.
"Let us just check whoever made these footprints are safe and well and then be on our way Princess" says Beltain. He turns to the dwarf again "Biba, do you want to lead the way into your ancestoral halls?" Beltain asks the dwarf "My lady" he nods to Limara "And I will accompany you as an honour guard if you wish"
Bibabobalobalos tugs at his beard again, looking into the mine "It's procedural to register a mine with the Mining Council, at least, it is with the dwarves in Silverymoon. I'm sure that the dwarves in this area will have followed both custom and the law" "As if they had a choice with the knights about" he adds under his breath
"You would have thought that the law would require this to be registered for tax reasons at least..." nods Limara.
"Yes, most dwarves are law abiding." Says Bibabobalobalos. Though some of the ones that live very deep can be . ." pauses, "a bit funny," he finishes lamley.

ENTERING THE MINE
Bibabobalobalos hears the drip drip of water, apart from that. it is quiet... He proceeds forward cautiously.
The rest of the party stand ready at the entrance, waiting for a signal from Bob.
Rizzit ties Beaker to the wagon then goes to the entrance of the mine. He waits for a second then enters, Limara tries to stop him, but the nimble kobold scuttles inside. "pfttt, dwarves are beginners at mining compared to kobolds" he says as he enters. The kobold gets out a potion and consumes it. An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds him.

Outside Limara turns to Beltain "That stupid kobold is going to get someone killed with his selfish ill-considered actions...we should have him on a lead" she says to Beltain. "..I can hear him talking from here..."
Beltain sighs "I think we may be needed soon, the dwarves may not appreciate a kobold visitor, particularly one who tells them that kobolds are better at mining"

Coleridge turns to their wards "Well its a good job your not in a rush to get to Suzail Walter, by the time we've investigated every trail and hole we come across you could be an old man" quips the bard. Walter lays back in the wagon and lets out a large sigh.
Coleridge looks into the mine. Bob and Rizzit are out of view. The bard turns to the others "I'm going to find out if they've found anything of significance, you guys stay with the wagon and the horses” He enters the mine.
The Wizard Nosnibor peers in to the cave entrance with Pussy in his arms. "I say." He says quietly. "You chaps are awfully adventuresome. You simply can't leave a hole in the ground unexplored. I'm dreadfully impressed. My Uncle Nobby would've loved this sort of thing. He was always singing the praises of messing around in dark back passages." The Wizard Nosnibor delves into his own pack and brings out a large Icicle.
Feng snorts "This had better be a goldmine. If I see lumps of Coal, I'm liable to become irritable". Feng crouches by the entrance, shield fronted, ready to charge in should he hear a cry of alarm.

Inside, Coleridge retrieves a sunrod from his pack and bangs it on the wall to bring it to life. He sees Bob ahead of him, looking down a branch in the tunnel. "Hey Rizzit, Bob... you guys okay in here?" Coleridge calls out in what he believes to be sotto voce, but which in actual terms is more akin someone speaking quite loudly in a bad stage whisper

Limara watches Coleridge enter, she hears him talking in the darkness, she smiles...then bursts out laughing,”. I guess we might as well go in then..."

Beltain looks at Limara and nods and then takes a step into the mouth of the cavern, waiting inside in the darkness for his eyes to become accustomed to the gloom

Sparhawk commands Faran to wait for him, then turns to Walter and Dierdre in the back of the cart. "Neighbours, it may be best if you come with us, for safety sake you understand, I am sure we wont be long but feel it in best interest if we stay together" he says to the escortees in the cart. “Im not going in there!” exclaims Deirdre. Walter sits up “We will wait here…we are not far from the road”

The Wizard Nosnibor whispers to Pussy "Mister Sparhawk is so lovely to his horse Pussy. He must be a really lovely chap. Anyone who likes Ponies must be nice. I like their wuffly noses, i like their cloppy feet. I like the way they look at you when you have something nice that they can eat."

 

[tariff]

Bibabobalobalos sees that there is an area of water. Some of the tunnel is submerged. He examines the water and drops a rock into it to test it's depth. The water is approximately 4ft deep. Bob sees what looks like an old trunk..infact two, in the water up ahead..Bibabobalobalos shouts back down the tunnel to the others "Water here. It's a bit deep. I'll tell you something for nothing about dwarves; they don't like water very much. Who can swim?"
Sparhawk strides into the mine..its very dark.. He moves toward Coleridge’s light. Bibabobalobalos smiles "Yes, Mr Sparhawk, sir, a strapping big bloke like you could wade into this pool here without difficulty. If that is what you would be inclined to do?"
"I would prefer not to go wading through water as platemail does not tend to be much of a buoyancy aid" replies the warrior.
"I take your point!" replies Bibabobalobalos "Then, of course, there is the problem with rust.”

"I thought it was cats that didn't like water, must be getting the two things confused" says Coleridge "I don't mind getting in to try and get them up... by the looks of it it shouldn't be above my chest, and this leather armor we got at the keep seems well cured" Coleridge pauses a moment "my only reservation would be that the last time i came across a pool underground like this was at Galath's and it had a nasty creature living in it... how about tying a rope to me then if anything untoward happens you can yank me back out of the water?"
"Cats and dwarves don't like water!" replies the dwarf "No. Cats, dwarves and halflings don't like water." He corrects himself "Ah. Cats, dwarves, halflings and mad dogs don't like water."

Feng moves boldly inside. "I have a rope. You feeling depressed?" He snorts “If me and Sparhawk keep a grip on the rope, it's gonna be one hell of a fish that is gonna steal our wordsmith from us! ..."an' It won't wake up from the headache that Feng's little axe will give it!" Feng poses a little with the Orcish double-axe "What do ya say Limara? The Greataxe or the Double axe? What is really Feng? I wants to know. I'm just not sure I consider a chopper worthwhile if ya don't need two hands to wield it properly". Feng laughs loudly until he considers that he has conformed to most half-orc barbarian clichés in just two sentences, and stops with a cough.

Limara replies “I think they both suit you well. I know a mighty Half orc warrior, he favours the Greataxe...says it makes more of a thud when you hit!"

Bibabobalobalos nods "Feng, the dwarven waraxe is more flexible in that it can be wielded with either one or two hands, though wielding one handed does take some skill and practice. Alas, I am not proficient and have to make do with my rapier."
Feng shoots the dwarf a look "Yeah. My mistake. I probably looked like I would be interested in your opinion. Pah! Rapier! When you die, can I take it and give it to my first-born daughter?"
"Oh!" Bibabobalobalos smiles nervously.

Beltain looks at the half orc "I had thought that you favored an axe such as, what was it now, Laskar's Bane? That certainly was a death dealer and put fear into the hearts of your foes. Why do you think that you should change?"
Feng snorts again, ignoring Beltain "Ya know what! I can't be arsed waiting for you strange bunch to be tying each other up. I'll wade in a' take a look-see."
Bibabobalobalos cheers "Well done that fellow, good luck."
Feng places his dagger between his teeth and settles his shield on his arm, and wades out into the water....Slowly, feeling his way "Come on in! The water is lovely!" He mutters "Jessies"
Bibabobalobalos calls back "I would do but it's over my eyes!"
Feng calls back "And the problem is?" Feng smiles to himself.
"When I get a chance I'll take swimming lessons” says the dwarf.
Beltain follows the half orc into the water.

Feng pushes his way through the water toward the two submerged trunks. They both are ruined, broken open. Feng shouts back to the others "THEY'RE JUST CRAP, BUT THE WATER GOES IN A COUPLE OF DIRECTIONS!"

Sparhawk speaks up "As I see it neighbours we have 3 options...we can all head into the water, we can all follow these cart tracks , or we can do a quick reccy in both directions by splitting up"
Rizzit follows the tracks a little way, they continue on and turn round a corner. “The tracks go deeper in the Mine” shouts Rizzit.

Feng pushes on through the water with Beltain following. He turns a corner. There is a dead end, but a miners lamp glows from the top of a rock. Several more broken trunks lie submerged in the water. Feng and Beltain check the area but find nothing of interest. Feng pushes through the water again down another tunnel. This also ends in a dead end. Both of them begin to make their way back to the party..

Back on dry land The Wizard Nosnibor says to his comrades "Did Feng just say the Cee Aarh Aye Pee word?" Limara whispers back to Nos.."Yes, i think he did" "Oh Fooey." Says The Wizard Nosnibor as he puts another coin into the swear box. Limara looks at the wizard "I thought that ..that word... was just slang, from the inventor of the flushing toilet, Thomas Crapper.... am i wrong?...gnomish fellow i believe..."
"Flushing toilet? By the holy arse of Gruumsh - what are you on about?" says Feng, arriving back.
"Yes you are. That's an uban legend."Says The Wizard Nosnibor as he puts another coin in the swear box.
"oh.. thanks for informing me.." says Limara, she turns to Feng "Feng... apparently CRAP is a swear word too according to our learned mage here..."
Feng smiles mischeviously.
"It most assuredly is." Says The Wizard Nosnibor as he shakes the tin at Limara hopefully.
Feng speaks "Crap is a swearword? Well, now I am surprised - whoever thought that Crap would be though of as rude?”

Knowing Feng is a lost cause The Wizard Nosnibor puts two more coins into the Swear Box.

Limara turns to Nosnibor and smiles. She takes a coin out of her pocket..” Nos, dear Nos.. there are indeed times when swearing and cursing are not acceptable, for instance when we are addressing Ranked Purple Knights or nobles, when we deal with councilors in a town. There are more examples too, especially in a lawful region like Cormyr. Now at those times Feng and everyone else is expected to bite their tongue and show no outward disrespect, for the sake of the whole party…but then there are other times when that doesn’t apply. During those times I am more than willing to accept Fengs or anyone else’s colorful language, as long they aren’t personally belittling or verbally bullying a weaker person.”..Limara puts a gold piece in the swear box. “This is the only time I will ever put a coin in this box. I do it because I intentionally swore to offend you and for that I am truly sorry. Any money I have is used to further the cause of my church not your charity, please don’t ask for another donation. “

Beltain climbs out of the water… He looks down at his dripping clothes. Then at the wizard. "I think that the idea of a swear box isn't a bad one but your definition of swear words appears to be very wide and not understood by all in the party. If I was to fall on the rear of my person I need to know what I can say that I have hurt without having to pay you amounts of money. We can't have the situation of people hesitating in critical situations and fumbling for a word thus putting there or others lives in jeopardy. I consider swearing to be where the objective is to annoy or cause offence, if the use of a word is not intended to do these things then I feel that your tin should not benefit. In short the offence of swearing is to a large part in the intent rather than the language. We clerics have to take action to heal a bloody or bleeding wound then we need to describe it as we see it. Sorry I know that you do this for the best but I feel that a fully documented procedure with all offensive words, including those in elvish, dwarven, orcish and kobald are clearly noted would allow us to understand more clearly what is to be avoided."

“Frankly standing in water up to my chest is no fun." States Feng "I really hope I don't stub my toe and vent some more salty expressions.."
The Wizard Nosnibor nods to Limara and Beltain "I agree with both Limara and Beltain that swearing constitutes times when we are showing outward disrespect and that that should be curbed, thus is the purpose of my swear box. I also agree that what qualifies as a time when someone is swearing should certainly include times when the objective is to "Annoy or cause offence" or "Personally belittling or verbally bullying a weaker person". However the genesis offensive of bullying behavior is in the language it's self. Coarse and observably limited linguistic phraseology such as your ' swear' words encourage fast reply, no thinking behavior, which mirrors the fast reply insulting nature of the language. Studies have shown that language and behavior are linked. And Beltain, your point about ' fumbling for a word thus putting others lives at risk' is erroneous. By searching for alternatives to the common, and i do mean common, expletives we increase our vocabulary and offer us more alternatives of speech in dangerous situations. Thus allowing us to describe said situation more precisely and increasing out chances of survival, not decreasing them. as we do when we exclaim with simple profanity. And my final and most important point about moderating our language at all times is that it is a reflection of who we are. Are we simple gutter thieves who sneak into other hiding holes and steal their hard earned money? Or are we brave and heroic adventurers who bravely fight the evils of the world and redistribute wealth amongst the population? Do we chose to be brave. Honorable. Steadfast. Dependable? Or are we just a rabble who are out on the make, to get what we can for our selves in the world? Our behavior and attitude is one of the things that define this. And our language is a thing that underpins our behavior. So do we slay foul beasts? Or ing twat some ing stupid ing monsters s? Do we rescue the fair maiden? Or do we stubble upon some ing useless tart? " The Wizard Nosnibor counts seven gold coins into the swear box. He continue "Language is really a very powerful thing. It can bend reality. It can define what is correct. And it can also define what is BAD. That is the purpose of the swear box."

The Wizard Nosnibor bends down to his cat "What was that Pussy? Oh. I'm sorry i swore. I really needed to to get my point across.”
Feng spits as he climbs out the water "Typical Mage. Words are important if that is all you have. You don't get to be so talkative when you stalk some beast which you have to face - perhaps alone - perhaps in unfamiliar and difficult places, far from help or recognition." He stands upright "Feng is what Feng is. Don't take it on yourself to foist unwanted improvements on me. Don't the teacher have to be better than the pupil if the teaching is to be something other than a teacher’s ego trip? Run twenty miles in my shoes and take on a rough fight at the end of it, then come back with something to say. 'Cos all I'm hearing is someone flappin' their gums." He points a finger at the mage "We all know good from bad. I don't know if I need someone to tell me I'm right or wrong. Even if it ain't all the same to you, I'll take my cue from Limara and Beltain. They've stood with me with bloody hands and even brought me back from death. They've earned the right to bore my ears orf. They've paid in blood and sweat. They ain't just sat in a room somewhere and read a lot o' books."
Feng Sneers "I reckon readin' gives someone an overdeveloped sense o' themselves.” He bellows “I AM FENG…And someday, people will read of me!"

Beltain looks over to Limara "sat in a room somewhere and read books, Princess?" he grins "No way Feng, we are clerics or sterner stuff and worship the gods to war!” He turns to the wizard “If you use words Nosi, you'll always find someone to argue with your point of view. Not many argue with Feng's axe, and those that do are soon as silent as the grave"
Feng gives and exaggerated sigh "Beltain - I said you hadn't... must be the weird acoustics in here... I dunno, I may be a simple man, but I never thought that swearing robbed an action of nobility. Make sure you never stub your toe as you help an old lady across the road, thats all I can say....but I'll be ED! if I let prat-hat over there be final judge of my actions. The only one who has the right to do that is the person who can kill me." Feng sets his mouth in a grim line.

The Wizard Nosnibor looks directly at the half orc "Feng i absolutely agree with your point of view. And i absolutely apologize. I have no right to stand in judgment over your behavior until i have stood in line of death with you in the battle over evil. Until such time as i have done so i will withdraw my comments and my swear box. However i do still believe the truth of my earlier points. Though, as you have so eloquently stated, i do not have the right to express them here. Again you have my humblest apologies. We will return to this topic of discussion when that time comes." The Wizard Nosnibor pulls out a small bag "Does anyone want a boiled sweety?"

Feng suddenly laughs "Mage. I am at fault. I should take my own advice. It's only words, after all. Carry on with whatever you want to say. I just won't promise to listen.... but I tell ya what - if ever it seems that I cannot rage-in-battle, just give me some more crack-brained advice, and it should sort me out nicely." Feng takes a sweetie and slobbers noisily

“Nos...i like you. You have upstanding values, your Aunty must be proud....and thank you for the candy." Says Limara as she takes a sweet.
Bibabobalobalos scratches his beard, looks at The Wizard Nosnibor and shakes his head.
Coleridge speaks "You make some interesting observations Nosi, but as others have pointed out we would no more have someone else's opinion about our use of language rammed down our throats, than we would have another’s religious beliefs thrust upon us. You also need to ask yourself about the derivation of a great many words, many that you view as acceptable alternatives to common slang words, were themselves slang derivations in the development of our common tongue... and you call the words common, but does that necessarily make them wrong, as with all words it is the context in which they are used.. you can be derisive, hurtful and downright nasty without uttering one word which you view as an expletive.. and make someone feel better and brighten someone’s day by using a phrase which is full of them"
Coleridge continues "There is no bad language, all language is beautiful in its intricacies and development, there are only bad ways in which people use language... but the debate seems to be over now anyway, i just wished to added my 2cp worth, cos words are important to me and my profession"

Sparhawk speaks up "If we have finished discussing the finer points of language and eating sweets and worrying about wollen hats and such like can we please focus and get on with this neighbours"

"You can't knock a good boiled sweet Spar" Coleridge grins

The party travel on, following the mine tracks

 

[tariff]

(NOTE: Due to lack of time on the GM's part the following few sessions are in a very abbreviated form. Hopefully one of the players will now be taking over as Journal writer

THE MITHRIL MINE
Time of Day: 02:00 PM. - Snowing, Hammer (Deepwinter) 28th, The Year of Rogue Dragons 1373 DR

The party follow Feng down the tracks...it eventually opens into a dark cavern...

The Wizard Nosnibor hugs Pussy close as he follows behind the others. Quietly he whispers to his cat "It'll be alright Pussy. Don't be scared. We're with brave adventurers now."

Boge scouts ahead of the party, moving into the large dark cavern. His darkvision scanning the area. Suddenly, he spots Goblins. A sound of screeching goblins suddenly fills the cavern.

"Oh, good! Goblins!" says Bibabobalobalos "There's a lot of them so form lines so they can't get behind us!" he advises.

Limara scans the area, but she can only see as far as the light shed from her sword, Justice. "Are they coming from both directions? can anyone see or hear?"
Sparhawk grips his sword "Just a walk in the park neighbours" he says in a stern whisper.
Limara turns to the warrior "Spar, do we block both corridors with two groups of four? or take them on mass here as we are..... how do you want to play this out?"
Sparhawk replies"At this time we cannot discern from which directions they may come ...I suggest we let them come to us for this moment"
Limara nods "...agreed ....". She shouts to bob "BOB...pull back next to Feng, dont get caught on your own..."
"Once we are set, I have no doubt we will be able to hold our own....Tis sometimes best to let the opposing offense commit their forces before deploying ones own" Sparhawk says with an air of authority
Limara replies"in this case, being goblins i think you're right to choose that tactic.... you hold the frontline steady and i'll make sure you dont fall...."
Sparhawk grins "This is the first true confrontation I have had since being a puppet, I have no intention of falling and plan to make my strikes true"
Limara laughs..."thats the way to do it.....sorry.....yes it will be a joy to fight as a cleric and not as a toy"
"Alas tis a shame my old comrade Faran will miss the fun again...he will be most displeased, but then again he always was bad tempered" Sparhawk says with rye smile, his eyes dancing in both directions watching for the oncomming assault
Feng shouts "HA! GOBLINS! FENG IS HERE! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!…Thank Gruumsh! At last, a real fight, if only against these little bastards." Feng hefts his new double-axe. "And what name will I give you at the end of this? Goblin chewer? Head cleaver? Terror-by dark? I just hope it will not be shirks-to-bite. Come, my new friend. Lets drink together." Feng begins to feel his rage build..

Beltain turns to the bard “Hey Cole - when we get an audience maybe they would like to hear that flute we found way back? I wonder if goblins like music?”

"Better play quick, then - while they still have their ears." Snorts Feng.

Coleridge nods "Your right Beltain, i think a nice tune may be in order.. but let us wait till our audience has the best seats in the house"

Beltain laughs "I'm sure that your performance will be remembered for the rest of their lives. Their very short lives!"

The Wizard Nosnibor] "Perhaps if we tried to talk to them? You know Goblins are very intelligent. And can be quite sensitive in their own way."

Rizzit turns to the wizard "Mr Nos we blast now talk later. Best tactic with goblins believe me"

The Wizard Nosnibor shouts out in a Goblinoid language "Don't attack us. We come in peace."

BATTLE WITH THE GOBLINS
The Party fight the goblins. The goblins have two shamans with them, and a leader. One of the shamans casts a Silence spell at the party, which initially proves very annoying. Rizzit goes to work with sleep spells, and Coleridge uses the magical flute “The Fifth Wind” to great effect. The Wizard Nosnibor uses a Web spell to ensnare the leader, and also summons a beetle to the parties aid. Sparhawk and Feng wade in to the Goblin attackers. Bibabobalobalos thrusts his rapier, And Limara summons her spiritual weapon. Beltain assists by attacking and casting healing spells. Soon the party is victorious. Several goblins lie asleep from Rizzit’s spell. The party discusses questioning the goblins, before they can however, several black dwarves appear from one of the tunnels connected to the mine. Duergar!. The duergar spot the party and see the sleeping and dead Bloodweb Goblins. “Bloodweb goblins!..the treaty has been broken…and we have upworlders here” they shout before attacking the party.

BATTLE WITH THE DUERGAR
The party fights the deep dwarves. Some of the duergar grow in size as they advance on the party. The party is also surprised when several duergar appear out of thin air and attack them. It seems they can cast invisibility.
The battle rages for a while, but the party once again defeat their foes without too much difficulty.

THE PARTY SPLITS
After the party defeats the Goblins and Duergar they have a brief recce around. Rizzit locates swarms of spiders in a room full of debris and is hurt badly. Bibabob locates a map and a segment of a diary in a room to the east that seems to have been occupied by Drow. The party takes the loot outside and loads it onto the wagon. There a lively discussion ensues, Walter does not wish to wait around whilst the party rest again before they explore deeper in the mines. Rizzit tries to change his mind with the use of a charm person, Limara nullifies its effects, and several members of the party are appalled at Rizzit’s actions. Spar, Limara, Belt, Nos, and Cole decide to escort Walter and Dierdre to the nearby town of Immersea, a mere 8 hours away. They have promised to return after they have dropped Walter and Dierdre off. Walter and Dierdre will be staying with friends in Immersea, the Wyvenspur family. They will wait for the party to return, and continue on with them to Suzail. Bibabob, Feng and Rizzit follow the mine tracks back into the Mithril Mines..

Duergar Attack in the Mithril Mines

Goblin Leader ensnared by Nosnibor's Web

 

[tariff]

Feng, Rizzit and Bibabobalobalos in the mines

Feng and Bibabobalobalos continue to search the caverns whilst Rizzit rests in the Mine. They find a tunnel that heads south which is marked by statues of dwarves (Duergar). A passage also leads west, but it is very small, to small for a dwarf even.
Then there is the iron door guarded by two drow west.
Feng and Bib return to the mine and await Rizzit to wake.
At midnight the kobold awakes. They decide to confront the Drow.
Bib drinks a potion of invisibility and moves forward to attack the drow. Rizzit fires magic missiles from round he corner and Feng charges in. The drow die quickly.
Both drow carry iron keys. The party open the iron doors and enter.
They come into a courtyard. There are two doors. One south, one west. Feng opens the southern door. Behind the door is a bedroom with bunkbeds, and two drow. The party attack. Bibabob falls asleep by drow poison, they kill one of the drow, but the other runs through a curtain, feng follows, he comes into a large room, a laborartory. In the room is another drow dressed in robes.
Rizzit fires off a scorching ray at one of the images, but he misses. Feng attacks but also misses badly. All the images of Amandrukil move thier hands in arcane gestures, a scorching ray hits Feng and hurts him.
Rizzit uses his wand of burning hands and blasts the images of the drow mage, several wink out.. Feng wades in and soon the mage is dead.
The dynamic duo continue to search the area. They come accross a strange creature..some sort of demon or something..it seems to be protecting some sort of torture chamber. Feng hits the creature with a mighty strike of his axe. Rizzit blasts with magic missiles. The creature tears into Feng, tooth and claw, ripping the barbarian to pieces, Feng collapses to the floor dead. Rizzit retreats backwards firing off magic missile after magic missile at the advancing creature. The creature strikes several times at Rizzit but the kobolds magical protections save him. At last the creature falls to another barrage of magic missiles. Rizzit looks over at his dead friend. Suddenly Feng is surrounded by a magical glow, and dissapears. Stunned, Rizzit runs out of the drow complex, dragging the sleeping dwarf Bibabobalobalos with him. Outside, in the snow, Rizzit builds a campfire to keep the sleeping dwarf warm, whilst they await the others to return from Immersea.

Feng & Rizzit face Amandrukul

 

[Greyhawk]

To Immersea and back

To Immersea
After much discussion it is decided that Rizzit, Bibabob, and Feng would stay at the mine whilst the rest escort Walter and Deirdre to Immersea. Once that is done the party will return to the mines. Immersea is approximately 8 hours away and the two groups part company at about 3pm, the larger group heading out through the snow towards the road from Arabel to Immersea.
"I think it was about 2:30 when we started so I hope that we can make it to Immersea by 10:30pm, grab a few hours in bed, and then get off at first light (4am?) to get to the cavern by midday. Even so I am sure that Rizzit and Feng will not be able to resist a foray against the drow, if drow there be."
"OK!” says Limara “If we hussle the wagon horses for the last hour, we can cut the journey to 7 hours.... each way that is a 2 hour saving... plus I get to pray on time.. We need 8 hours rest so we are not fatigued in the morning.... so we get in at 9:30pm... and leave at 5:30 in the morning, that’s assuming we are not jumped on the way...."
"We get our wards there safely!” says Sparhawk, ”That is what we are being paid to do! As for the others ...we can hope that which ever deity they believe in keeps them safe" he rides on lance in hand and ready.
Beltain is obviously annoyed at Sparhawk’s concentration on Walter, to the exclusion of everything else "Sir Sparhawk, we accept that you are being true to those who hired you, please also accept that others in the party have, not only this, but other loyalties in their minds. Their loyalty to their God, friends and fellow citizens. You may not share such loyalties but you must recognise that such exist"
As they ride along Beltain asks Nosnibor to look at the elvish ring ‘Bright Evening Star’ and assess its capabilities.
Sparhawk continues to argue with Beltain "My objection is to people expecting to just leave our wards and go off looking for adventure anytime it pleaseth them...we are being paid to do a job, either do it or don’t is my simple suggestion neighbour"
Which invites another response from Beltain "Look Spar, a man, like you or I strayed into those caverns and was killed, murdered by the goblins. In addition there was some evidence that drow either were or had been living there. Now drow are the most evil set of bastards known to man and it is anyone's duty to stop them if they can. This isn't 'Adventure' it's a moral duty, even if we don't get paid to do it!"
"So report it to the proper authorities...” Sparhawk retorts “Again you speak a personal opinion, I have met a couple of drow...and they did not attack or even try to be offensive. In fact they were quite an honourable pair as I recall"
"You have a point” Beltain concedes “Walter & Deirdre should not have been left out in the freezing winds and certainly not subjected to spells from Rizzit. I am with you 100% on that and" he sighs "I suppose that there may be drow that are not evil but yours are the first that I've heard of. But let's treat them with care, I'm not going to adopt Nosni's 'everything is good at heart' approach with them - not if I expect to live much longer!"
"I am a warrior sir cleric” says Sparhawk amicably “I too do not hold Nos' approach, lets face it , if there were no evil in this world I would be out of a job"
Beltain laughs, glad that the discussion has ended "Oh so true, Sir Knight. By the way do you know what sort of merchant Walter may be? He carries no obvious wares and didn't even have horses when we met him. Whatever he carries my be small, lightweight and valuable. Perhaps gems, information (is he a spy?) or perhaps drugs."
"A good point," says Sparhawk "However you can ask him yourself as you are riding next to the wagon!"
Walter turns to Beltain "I deal in all manner of things, buying/selling that kind of stuff. I had just arranged a shipment of rugs from Suzail to Arabel when I was kidnapped by those Zhent fellows" , he laughs "You know...in all the time i have been with this group, no one has asked me anything...to busy arguing amongst yourselves. Still, I’m glad to see the back of that half orc, and that kobold...mentalists I tell ya!"

The Wizard Nosnibor sits in the back of the wagon and gets a quill and some paper out of his bag. He sticks his tongue out of the side of his mouth and begins to pen a letter. When he hears the others talk about him he looks up and joins in their conversation, periodically turning back to his letter.
His thoughts are interrupted by the conversation between Spar and Beltain and he interjects " I say chaps, I feel I'm being slightly misrepresented or misunderstood in my intentions if you think that i believe that i have an 'everything is good' approach. I merely think that we should give people the chance to prove they are bad. If we try to parley first and leave combat as a last option surely that is an honourable approach? If we lead by example. say, by NOT butchering folk in their sleep or slaughtering prisoners. You know, simple things like that."
"You are at it again, Nosni" says Beltain in an exasperated voice "Using pejorative words like 'butchered', it's only slightly better than 'slaughtered', if we are to look at things in an even-handed way then 'killed' would be a better was of expressing things. Perhaps try and include some neutral language in the letter, so not 'murdering goblin bastards' or 'sweet, pink and fluffy goblins' but the tribe of goblins that attacked and tried to kill me and my friends' and we might be getting somewhere"
"Ok. How does 'killed while unable to defend themselves'; sound then?" responds the elf. "Unfortunately, it sounds accurate”, replies Beltain “But in the heat of battle, when an enemy is disabled for a round or two, it seems only common sense to take the advantage while its there. But I hope that you don't have me down as such a killer, for I value your high regard... Or the Lady Limara, as I'm sure we all see her as the inexorable & incorruptible bringer of justice."
Beltain leans over in the saddle to see if he can determine what Nosnibor is writing about him.
"What about in the heat of questioning?" continues Nosnibor. "Not much heat around here" says Beltain looking around at the snow, completely bemused by Nosnibor's response "Perhaps he's too engrossed in scribing to have been listening properly" he thinks and urges Salix back into position.
"I have to say I agree with Nos on the issue of slaughtering prisoners!” Sparhawk tells the party members “I find that totally wrong, If you take someone prisoner, you are by any accordance of war, under some obligation to not just disarm them and kill them. If you plan on slaughtering them then just be done with it. However that said on the flip side of the coin, If you try to talk to every foe to discern their intentions you will wind up very dead very quick. To make my point clearer the foes could have just been killed as they fought...why bother to even pretend to take prisoners...I am reasonably certain that technically the open murder of a prisoner would be considered as a war crime"
"Jeez" says Beltain, "We all, including you and Nosni left five stable but unconscious foes in the hands of Feng and Rizzit. Which is as near condemning them to death as I can think of. You didn’t even think to bring them with us. If you consider yourselves guilty of war crimes then you'd better hand yourselves in at Immersea, or do you consider that because you didn't actually kill them, just left them to be killed, you hands are clean? This is war against evil, ask the Purple Knights, and in war there are hard decisions to be made. One of these is what to do with foes captured for information, in reality we do not have the forces to guard them and we dare not leave them at our backs"
"I never expressed any preference in taking any prisoners...” retorts Sparhawk “Secondly my assumption was that between Coleridge and Limara at least some good sense would prevail...Ok what information did said prisoners give us sir cleric? I ask you that?"
"Very true” Beltain admits, “No information that I can think of, they were in our hands but they never accepted their fate and submitted the information they surely held. Perhaps you are right, Sir Knight" he says sadly, "That capture does not yield information that we can use to protect ourselves and our friends - Only time will tell"
"That is why you don’t just take prisoners everywhere you go...by making someone a prisoner you then have to give them certain rights as prisoners of war. Taking of them prisoner was simply and excuse to murder in cold blood unarmed foes....I am sorry but that goes against all I am and all I hold dear... maybe next time you could go one step further and stab them in the back so they cant see you coming"
"Wait just a minute - I took no part in prisoner killing although I have no problems with such battlefield 'justice'.” Exclaims Beltain incensed, “I have to admit that I don't subscribe to such notions as Human (or indeed Inhuman) Rights and such but treat each encounter on its merits - If I think we can gain an edge by capturing and gaining information by some means then I'm all for it, but in this case I do not think that I acted improperly even by your or Nosni's standards. I was down South in the mines trying (unsuccessfully) to keep Rizzit and Feng out of trouble."
"Hang on neighbour, a minute ago we all stand accused of said crime...how can you now say you were no part of this act?" accuses the knight.
"I am guilty of the act, the difference is that I consider it no crime and certainly will not be handing myself over to justice for.” Replies Beltain, “I have little time for the Purple Knights, who seem to prefer tying complex knots than chasing the orcs that trashed Arabel. If you think that you've committed a crime then hand yourself in, is all that I say. And while we are about it, I think that Limara is one feisty young lady for whom I have nothing but respect. Her conduct has been irreproachable, if a little more subdued than her earlier days. Justice needed to be done and she didn’t flinch from carrying it out – battlefield justice – none of the slow torture of days on the road, in prison and the inevitable hangman’s noose for those guys, despite their admission of killing the human poet without remorse!"
"They never said they killed him!” argues Sparhawk “There was no admission and no evidence of them murdering him....and by that token then surely Limara deserves the same fate as she is a murderess herself now? or are we into double standards again sir cleric? I believe your feelings for said fair cleric are clouding thine mind and judgement her neighbour" with a broad grin.
"I stand by my actions Sparhawk” interjects Coleridge “I also never agreed to the taking of prisoners and certainly not the woefully uncouth swine and a gaudy, sock-sucking sub-literate simpletons that tried to silence the flow of my art; I interrogated as I saw fit, the creature had the choice to live by providing me with answers, it chose not to so it died"
Beltain agrees “I have no doubt that Limara acted properly although, as I have said, I was down to the South. These goblins had murdered the poet, they murdered our bard’s poetic flow and were guilty of attempted murder on the party. Case closed! My feelings for Limara are simple and unbiased. Her actions here commend her to me, dispensing justice with compassion. As for them being prisoners I’m not even sure that is true as they never submitted or surrendered to us, they were just slept by Rizzit.”
Coleridge continues "I have known you longer than any of the others we travel with Sparhawk and value your friendship and trust, but in this matter you will not sway my view or opinion. I could have just slain the miserably blighted blackguard, the perverted, disease-ridden diaphanous drivel from a doddering dullard, but I chose to question it first to see if I could gain from the encounter.. if it had responded I would have honoured my word, it didn't so I kept my word to it"
"Coleridge we indeed have been part of the same group for a long time, And by the looks of things no one is going to sway in their opinions neighbour" concedes Sparhawk
Limara turns to Beltain and smiles fondly.."Thank you Belt", having been quietly listening to the conversation for a while, speaks up. "Spar, when I see lawless evil, it is my duty to slay it . The very fact that the goblins and duergar had set up camp in Cormyr is reason enough to act.....You ask why i questioned them.... well it was a goblin that we questioned that told us about the human and his sad demise. I am certain that I have broken no laws in my actions in the mines. This is Cormyr, evil hordes have no rights here, the whole state is at war at the moment. As a Red Knight cleric I ally myself to the purple knight’s cause and if I can kill their enemies then I will. Also, how can you murder a goblin???.... it’s like saying murder a rat or murder a poison ivy bush... "
She continues, the colour rising in her cheeks "I killed none of the sleeping foe, but would have had no problems in doing so if we weren’t being attacked at the time.... they were evil lawless scum, they deserved nothing else. As for the goblins not admitting to the death of the poet ... how naive are you... no wonder warriors don’t represent people in a court of law... they are evil goblins who hate humans, what do you think they did to him ? "
She finishes in a conciliatory tone "I don’t think we are that far apart in our opinions friends... let not the death of a few goblins cause a problem..... "
The beautiful lady cleric turns to the merchant "Walter... please can you hustle the wagon horses for the last hour, it will save an hour on our journey... thanks......oh, and what is your opinion of goblins and duergar camping along a merchant trail ?"
He replies "Well, I’m a merchant not a adventurer, and yes I dislike monsters and such. BUT, they weren’t camped along a merchant trail, they are in the underdark. From what I understand Underdark is below all of Faerun. As long as the monsters stay down there...and don’t impinge upon my profits, then all well and good"
"But they left the underdark and took a poet, killing him below.... " she points out but Walter responds "They said that?... I thought the said poet had stumbled into the underdark. If that was the case, it was his fault...no humans should be going underground"
"Where do you think the influx of evil in Cormyr is coming from Walter?" she responds drawing him to the conclusion, "Well, yes, I understand your point, but was it those Goblins...specifically. I mean, there’s an awful lot of beasties that roam this planet...cant tar em all with the same brush.. I mean, humans don’t have a great reputation amongst other beings"
"Also, if the poet stumbled into the underdark... what was all the blood in the snow outside..." says Limara pursuing her point and Walter responds weakly "I have no idea, maybe like you said, he’d killed something before he went in...who knows"
"If a being acts within the law and with consideration then i agree with you Walter, but they attacked us first without warning... they got the justice they deserved.".
Walter changes tack "Were you not on their turf?...How would you react if someone barged in your home. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like goblins but look at it from their point of view". "Well,” explains Limara “If someone walked onto 'my turf' then i would ask them what they wanted.. if I didn’t like their answer i would tell them to leave... if they didn’t I would make them... How would you deal with it ?"
"That the difference between lawful civilised society and the animals.." she adds pressing her point. “Well isn’t that the difference between civilized fellows such as ourselves and, erm, monsters” he responds lamely “.. I mean, we know they don’t adhere to the same rules, so you should have known what to expect - no?"
"If they are of a mind to attack first then they are the ones who have to deal with the consequences.... I do not make their decisions for them" Limara points out.
"Well, there we will have to disagree.” Responds Walter thinking himself to be on firmer ground “I think adventurers such as yourselves often tread on peoples toes...then you struggle to justify yourselves. Really, there are better ways of making a living and less dangerous"
Beltain looks at Limara with admiration as she puts her case to the party, after a while his face clouds, why should a professed merchant defend the position of such as goblins that traditionally prey on travellers. Could it be that this merchant has dealing with such creatures? There would certainly be a profit to be made. He resolves to watch the merchant more closely in the future and perhaps he would attempt to get more information from Deirdre, but, then again, perhaps not if he wanted to remain on good terms with the Lady Limara.

The Owlbear
Limara starts to reply to the merchant but her eyes have caught a strange sound, it sounded like a bear’s growl but somehow different. Looking to the west they see a strange creature stalking toward them. The bear-like stance and feather are quickly recognised, an Owl-bear! "I've heard these things are vicious,” says Beltain, glimpsing the creature off in the trees to the West, “But does anyone know anything about their attacks and defences?" he asks.
Nosnibor seems unaware of the approaching Owlbear and continues the argument "Well i for one am so very happy to be travelling with such a brave and morally forthright group of daring adventurers. Do you see Pussy? How they discuss morally ambiguous topics with such simple honesty? It's justy simply smashing to see. Although i myself feel the breaking the law argument to be more manufactured and spurious. I believe the killing of prisoners is wrong simply because it is. Pussy doesn't like it. I don't like it. Only naughty boys and girls kill prisoners." Said the Wizard Nosnibor as he stroked his Pussy and rocked back and forward with the motion of the wagon.
Suddenly he sees the Owlbear and he stands up suddenly with a look of joy and amazement on his face. "Look Pussy." He says, pointing with one hand and clutching his familiar to his chest with another. "An Owlbear. I've always wanted to see one of them. How marvellous it is!"
A sparkle comes to Beltain's eyes, action again, he gives Limara a quick smile "All this moralising & philosophy about good and evil is all very well, and well may suit the domestic clergy, but it is combat action that is the meat and drink of us War clerics!"
"These creatures are abominations part bear part bird and vicious to boot” Beltain tells Nosnibor, “I think that we will be lucky to escape from them with only minor injuries. You'd better keep Pus safe!”
"Pussy can look after her self” says Nosnibor indignantly, “She is an important cat, and has many and varied fantastical abilities. Why i have seen there stare off into the distance at seemingly nothing at all for hours on end. Such concentration requires the sort of mind that only a hugely powerful arch mage can possess."
"Um, yes" replies Belatain to Nosibor, but it's obvious that he was not really listening, he leans forward in the saddle the better to hear what Coleridge has to say. He relishes the lyric verse from the bard that precedes each encounter for its innate beauty”.
"Awwww. I remember now” says Nosnibor, unaware that Bel is no longer listening, “These Owlbears are lovely creatures. I'm sure they love to give people a big hug. Or something."
Limara is less than convinced "That thing looks vicious.... you give it a hug if you want, but I have no intention of getting that close ...and the way its homing in on us with those hungry eyes and dribble hanging from its beak, I'd say it think we are its next meal."
"Tish and pish, Just make a loud noise. That'll drive him off." Is Nosnibor’s only response.
"OK, Nosni, YOU make the loud noise, as loud as you like! If it runs away then we can continue - if it doesn't then it's fair game. Personally I think it would look better as a winter coat!" retorts Belatin
"Eewww. Wearing animal skins is soo Barbaric. I can knit you a lovely winter coat. And it has the added advantage of not causing the death of an innocent creature." wails the wizard
"You could be right, but it's just about the right size for in front of a log fire. A combination between a bear-skin rug and a feather bed - sweet!" laughs Beltain "Now tell me Nosni, do they have cubs or eggs when they have young?"
Coleridge begins a recitation to bolster his friends should it be necessary to engage this strange creature
“Downhill I came, hungry, and yet not starved;
Cold, yet had heat within me that was proof
Against the North wind; tired, yet so that rest
Had seemed the sweetest thing under a roof”
As he recites the poem, to inspire his comrades, he slides a bolt ready into his crossbow and cranks it back ready
Limara edges he mount forward to better sight the beast and adds a few words to Coleridge’s poem, adding to the inspiring effect.
"I like the rug idea Bel .." she grins
Beltain nods with appreciation at Cole's verse, he waits until the bard has finished unwilling to interrupt the rolling words that impact on his thoughts. He pauses to mull over the words and rhythm.
'Nosni, isn't shouting but I'll give it a try' he thinks and yells "GET BACK HOME FOUL OWLBEAR" a little self-consciously and looks to see if it had any effect.
Beltain urges Salix forward to beside Limara and then casts a spell creating a longsword made of pure force that lightly wounds the owlbear.
Beltain addresses Nosnobor: "Well I've shouted it and given it a smack on the rump, so by your reckoning it will be hightailing it back to it's lair and safety now! If it doesn’t then it can’t be the beast that you identified…"
"Perhaps i can scare it off by banging some cooking pans together?" reposes Nonsi, without much conviction.
The owlbear moves forward heading directly for the party, and Sparhawk wheels Faren and charges at the beast lance in hand. He strikes true and massively wounds the attacking monster.
The Wizard Nosnibor takes his bow up in one hand and draws an arrow from a quiver on his back. He prepares to fire at the Owlbear.
Coleridge sights at the creature and looses a bolt, hitting the creature, which stops in its tracks swaying from the damage it has received.
Without a pause Coleridge continues his poem
"Then at the inn I had food, fire, and rest,
Knowing how hungry, cold, and tired was I.
All of the night was quite barred out except
An owl's cry, a most melancholy cry"
Beltain exclaims at the Bard’s versatility "That was even more impressive, a massive hit while composing and reciting the, very apt, verse! ‘An owl's cry, a most melancholy cry’ as you disabled it – such timing!"
Meanwhile Limara swings her shield behind her back and draws her crossbow. She loads and fires, hitting the owlbear for massive damage. It slumps to the floor, blood seeping into the snow..
"Sweet" she says under her breath.
After waiting a little time, to make sure that it is dead, Beltain dismounts and loads the Owlbear body onto the wagon, covering it with a blanket to ensure it doesn't offend the sensitivities of Deirdre or Walter. "Unless there is a nest containing eggs, babies or the creatures treasure we should be on our way" he suggests.
Nosnibor protests "Ewww. Why are we transporting a dead creature? Surely taxidermy is not on your mind?"
"I do not have the expertise to skin it myself but, perchance, there will be someone in Immersea that can oblige " Beltain tells Nosnibor, "Then I will have to find some place with a fire to place it in front of. It would be a shame to waste such a beautiful pelt"
"Would it be called a pelt, or plumage do you think?", Coleridge muses, "No matter, it will make quite the striking centre-piece somewhere I should think... at the right price of course"
"If there is a nest or den we could spend five minutes looking for it... the tracks in the snow must be still quite clear. Then we should be on our way" suggests Limara, "...oh, and Spar... that charge was text book, sweetly done"
"Look for a den?” protests Nosni “Didn't we split from Rizzit and Feng because they got side tracked from the roll of protecting Walter? Should we get side tracked again?"
"Really Nosni” exclaims Beltain, shocked “I had you down as a caring individual, with a concern, perhaps too much of a concern, for the wellbeing of all creatures. Now, when the Lady Limara suggests that we look for the Owl-Bears nest, to rescue the poor pink and fluffy fledglings, who may well starve without their parent, you site the letter of the agreement with Walter and want to head South for the comfort of a warm bed. I had you down as someone with a respect for life and the spirit of the rules but not one that couldn’t bend a rule when necessary” he continues tongue firmly in his cheek.

Immersea
The party continues riding and as the afternoon shadows start to lengthen they come upon a snowman and milestone indicating 8 miles to Immersea. Although Beltain is deeply suspicious of the snowman is appears quite normal and the party increase their pace, arriving in the city as dusk falls. Walter and Deirdre bid a hasty farewell and retreat to the comfort of their friend’s house, apparently glad to be away from their uncouth guards for a time.
Nosnibor, regales the party with a ditty based on the name ‘Immer Inn’, which is a tad repetitious but has a very catchy tune and the party select this as the hostelry of choice. They sell the items found on goblins and deugar and (to Beltain’s dismay) the Owlbear pelt for a total of just over 2,000 gps, a nice haul, and then return to the inn for a hearty meal. Almost as soon as its over Limara and Beltain make their excuses and hurry upstairs as they need to pray. The others in the group exchange knowing glances and continue to sample the excellent ale.
The following day Nosnibor is awake before dawn and sits in his room and memorises his spells. Then he writes a letter to his Aunty Beryl before the party depart. With a grunt of satisfaction he completes his description of the finding of the mitheral mines and the goings on inside. As he writes his normally sunny disposition takes on an air of sadness and perhaps disappointment that the world isn’t the way that he feels that it should be.
Feng’s story
Beltain has an excellent night in the Inn's bed - enjoying the warmth and comfort and thinking of the morrow. As they come downstairs Limara suggests to Beltain that the wagon is left in Immersea so that they can make faster progress, pointing out that they can always come back to fetch it, should it be needed.
The whole party go downstairs in the Immer Inn to partake of a bit of breakfast before the off. "Neighbours”, announces Sparhawk “I have been doing some thinking whilst i slept, i have decided to stay here with Walter. I cannot abandon my duty. I will rejoin you once you have returned from the mines" and Nosnibor concurs "I agree good sir knight. i too will also stay behind, besides, pussy seems to be getting a lot of attention here, she’s loving it"
When they get down to the main room of the Inn there are amazed to see Feng sitting there. "Oh my word,..IS THAT FENG OVER THERE!" exclaims The Wizard Nosnibor, Sparhawk looks over at the barbarian "What is going on?" says sparhawk tersely.
When Beltain sees Feng in the room, waiting, his jaw drops. Letting go of Limara’s hand he sprints across to the big barbarian and throws his arms round him in a bear hug. “Feng??” he stutters “How come you are here? Where are Rizzit and Biba? Are you wounded? How? What happened back in the mines?” While the imperturbable Coleridge just acknowledges Feng with a nod. "Good to see you my friend, where are the others who stayed with you at the mine?" and turns to the barman and orders breakfast before moving to take a seat with Feng and await his food
Limara walks over and sits down to breakfast... "Well with you two as guards Walter and Deirdre will be more than safe here in town” she tells Spar and Nosni “But as it seems that two of our Order are missing, I feel it is my duty to go and rescue them."
Turning to Feng "Good morning Feng... what happened to our sorcerer and rogue?" she asks, " do they still live?"
Feng nods dourly to his companions, "As far as I know, Rizz and Stumpy are in the mines. If you value their lives, we need to get back there quickly."
"I left the dwarf asleep in a Drow encampment” he adds “He fell prey to their poison quickly, unlike me and Rizzit. After we stormed the gate and overran the guardroom - we met a Drow mage of considerable foul skill. As I've long maintained, the black arts are no substitute for cold steel, and I hacked him down."
Flexes his muscles until his harness creaks. He continues "In hindsight, that was the time to get careful - whatever that misbegotten bastard had conjured as a guard was still roamin' around. Typically Rizzit stumbled across it and I had to pile in to save the wretch."
"It had teeth and claws like I've never seen", he elaborates “It shrugged off two good hits with Laskur's bane here like I'd patted it with a feather."
Feng pauses significantly "Then it ripped me apart."
He looks around to the others, "The next I knew, I was outside the town and that purple ring had gone."
"I don't really care about stumpy,” Feng sighs “But that little Kobold has got some guts - I'd like to rescue him before the drow string him up with them. If they both stay quiet and hidden, they've got a chance if we hurry back."
"..Oh, and before I get a lecture”, he glances briefly as Sparhawk “When I left the dwarf, he was asleep. I took some trouble to hide him so he wouldn’t be found by a casual search."
" knows wher Rizz is by now. Probably flicking pebbles at a high priest and callin' him a tosser."

Rizzit’s Story
"Then we need to start off immediately" says Beltain looking around, "You can fill us in on the details and geography of the place as we ride. What says you?". Beltain looks rounds at the others and he smiles at Limara.
Given the seriousness of the situation Nosnibor and Sparhawk agree to accompany the party back to the mines and to check what has happened to Rizzit and Bibabob.
However they are in for another shock for when they get there outside the mines sits Rizzit and Bibabob.
Rizzit looks up...he looks very surprised to see Feng riding in the back of the cart. "Feng? How come you are there?" he asks "What happened to you bro?"
Beltain looks to Rizzit and then to Feng and back again. "I told you the kobald was indestructible" he laughs, "Sitting here, as calm as you like on a great pile of treasure!"
He turns to Rizzit and asks "Can you tell us your story and what the situation inside the mines maybe? Feng here was almost monosyllabic in his description of event, but the way he told it Biba was fast asleep and you were doomed when he left"
"Doomed, ha, it was only one huge demon thingy", scoffs the kobald.
Let me start from the beginning says Rizzit enjoying being the centre of attention "Well we sneaked back in and Bob and Feng 'scouted' discovering two drow guarding a door. We decided to rest so I could regain spells then set off to take out the guards, Bob used the potion of invisibility to sneak up behind the guards where he totally failed to hit one with his sword"
"The fight was then on, Feng charged bravely in whilst I stood my ground firing my magic into the weakling drow, we quickly slew the guards and went through the door" Rizzit adds in plenty of arm waving and boom sound effects. He continues "Well next we came upon more Drow and the fight was once again on!"
"Bob immediately got hit by a sleep dart and slept through all the rest of the events" glares are the dwarf, "Myself and Feng fought on, slaying drow about us until we met a powerful drow Mage, he used a mirror image spell to confuse us and wounded Feng, but the friends working together against the foe quickly removed the images and dealt a killing blow"
"After checking the area we proceeded north where my less than stealthy movements attracted the attention of a huge demon, Feng moved up to try and protect me as it attacked but still I took a vicious wound" points to said wound, now healing nicely. "Stepping back I threw magical missiles at the beast as Feng heroically stood his ground against what looked like the end of our days"
"The fell beast with a roar struck down the mighty Feng killing him instantly. The beast moved forward to finish with a kobold morsel not realising I had used more protective magic. Time and again the beasts blows found only my magical protections whilst I bravely sent missile after missile into its evil body"
"Then with my final magic missile spell the beast stood dumfounded, making one last pitiful attempt to hit me it slumped to the ground bleeding where I quickly finished it off with my dagger"
"As I stood looking at the carnage around me Feng’s body was covered in light and vanished. Heartbroken at the loss of a friend I returned to drag Bob out of the mine and make him comfortable by the fire whilst I awaited your return"
Sits back down by the fire "And that’s all we did, how about you guys? I hope you bought some bacon back with you."
"Wow!" exclaims Beltain, impressed "That sounds an amazing battle and I can see why you thought that Feng was dead. He says that the next thing he knew he was just outside Immersea and so he marched into town and met us for breakfast. Strange thing was that he purple ring was missing, couldn't really explain how that could of been."
"Um" he continues somewhat embarrassed, "We did have some excellent bacon for breakfast, but we didn't think to bring any for you as Feng was convinced that you were either dead or a prisoner... Sorry"
“Humph!” explodes Feng “Well bugger me with a cart-pole - Rizz, I thought you was a gonner for sure". "And the demon is dead? - The praise of the brave to you, Rizzit. Perhaps there's more to this arm waving than first I thought."
"By the way did the drow have any treasure? Not that it's any of my business, just interested...?". "Well we have this pile of drow crap here” says Rizzit modestly, referring to a sizable stack of armour and weapons “And did recover a wand and a cloak of resistance that have been split. I think we need to give Feng a chance of a pick though as he did considerable more than the bumbling dwarf in there"
"My goddess Sune was looking after me I think, I cannot see how a little kobold could stand up to such a beast otherwise"
"Well nice to have you back, now lets get inside and kick some drow ass" he concludes and beams at the others.
Rizzit makes sure Beaker has plenty to eat and is secure. Then walks back inside the mine
"By the way Rizzit" says Beltain as he follows the kobald into the tunnels, "Very well done, you are something of a hero on the quiet!"

 

[Greyhawk]

Drow guards in the mines

Rizzit moves on through the mine "It was big and nasty and hit very hard.” he recalls, talking of his fight with the demon “I just do what needs to be done, Feng is the hero" he mutters to himself as he moves in deeper.
"Hey Rizzit, wait for the others and FENG" calls Beltain following, "Well get ‘em to hurry up then, got drow to kill here" responds the kobald
Back at the entrance Sparhawk and Nosnibor have decided to stay outside looking after the horses and loot.
“So Mr Feng..you say you actually died?” says Nosnibor (undiplomatically) “..and then noticed a ring was missing? ..was this ring magical? ..do you think it maybe resurrected and teleported you to just outside Immersea?. That is certainly a powerful magical item...albeit it one shot only."
Feng ignores the mage and darts into the mine after Rizzit and Beltain
Beltain calls back to Limara "Come on in Princess, the foul drow await us!", he pauses in the gloomy tunnel for her to catch up... He looks around, scanning the darkness for signs of movement. The drow will be alert now, he thinks
"Rizz, you can keep that magic dross” says Feng as he moves forward and still on the subject of dividing the items that he and Rizzit found “I'd like some gold to buy some kick-butt armour and perhaps a magic Greataxe, but apart from that, my needs are few."
"Lets get a move on" says Rizzit, swigging a Potion of Mage Armor, "If anyone has antitoxin drink it now, I would like to have one if anyone has a spare" but there is no response.
Back at the entrance Limara dismounts and enters the cave following Beltain “See you soon Spar, Nos” she tells the two waiting outside.
"Do you have any idea how many drow are still down there Rizz ?" she asks as she catches up with the kobold. "I didn’t see any more but it looked a big place and there were stairs going down" responds Rizzit as he hurries ahead.
Limara drinks her only antitoxin at Rizzit’s suggestion.
"Do you have a spare I could buy off you Lim, I already used mine?" and then realsises that it was her last one.
Bibabobalobalos nods toward Nosnibor and Sparhawk, "See you soon, Gentlemen." And moves to catch up with Feng.
"Feng. Take this magic cloak we found, you have earned it. If you don't wear it you can sell it. Maybe someone in the party has your asking price, no?"
"If we have no more antitoxin then do the clerics have any spells to bolster our fortitude?"
Feng dons the cloak and moves, quietly and carefully, towards the Drow stronghold. "All we need now are the effin Dorfs to appear." He whispers
Rizzit sends his familiar Wizzy to see if he can spot any guards ahead
Meanwhile outside the mines The Wziard Nosnibor looks around to Sparhawk and tries to make light hearted conversation. After receiving several unimaginative and monosyllabic answers he gives up trying to converse with the warrior. Though Sparhawk is indeed noble and honourable, and a fearsome warrior. The Wizard Nosnibor perceives that he is perhaps rather more boring than an obsessive compulsive stamp collector. Although he would of course never be so impolite as to say so.
"Take care Robinson" He calls to his horse, "Don't get turned inside-out by anything while I'm away."
“Well Noble Sparhawk, my fine and fit fighting friend. I believe that the treasure is in very safe hands an does not require both of us to guard it. I think I'll just go and join the others. It has been really nice talking to you." He tells the warrior picks up Pussy and wanders into the mine, humming the tune of 'Always look on the bright side of life' to himself.
"I say chaps. CHAPS! Wait for me." Nosnibor calls out when he catches up with Beltain. Beltain turns and puts his finger to his lips, hoping that the sounds of Nonsibor's enthusiasm don't carry too far in the tunnels.
Creeps forward and takes a look cautiously around the corner
"Shhh, Feng the hornets are in the honey pot" Rizzit calls softly to him
Feng spits on his hands and hefts his Axe and whispers "Gotcha"
"That’s code so the enemy wont know what we are saying" explains Rizzit.
"They ain't the only ones" mutters Feng
Beltain moves out of the main cavern up to support Feng and Rizzit
"Which way did you guys go?" calls Nosnibor (who hadn’t been paying attention. "Straight across the top of the goblin hall, where the first deugar came from" whispers Beltain back. "Thank you Beltain." The Wizard replies.
"Move up Beltain, we need to rush em" whispers Rizzit and Beltain moves up behind Rizzit, ready to enter the drow stronghold.
The rest of the party, Limara, Biba and Cole follow Nosnibor towards the drow.
"Looks like its me and you again Feng, lucky some of us have some balls here" he whispers to Feng. "Balls? Humph! in' Poacher." Responds the barbarian "Feng is ready."
"Will you stop talking and get a move on" says Beltain "Or are you going to stand there and all bloody day?"
The other arrive and Bibabobalobalos waves his hand silently and then puts his finger to his lips. Seeing that no one is looking, shakes his head in despair.
Rizzit casts a shield spell upon himself. Feng peers round the corner, as he does so the lumbering barbarian scrapes his axe against the cavern wall...it makes a loud metalic clank...Round the corner, in front of large iron doors stand two Drow...Hand crossbows drawn ready..
Limara shouts in undercommon..."Has the queen of spiders returned yet, or is she still silent ? ". The Drow snarl as they hear Limara's voice but they had already been alerted by the sound of Feng’s axe.
"Good to have you with us, Princess" says Beltain smiling at Limara "I though you were going to miss all the fun"
"It would have been better to take them out fast and quietly Limara, without the shouting" Rizzit cautions Limara
"Doing something without loads of talking Rizzit? It doesn't sound a bit like your way of working..." laughs Beltain.
"I am taking down the one to our right, Nos you think you can take down the other one?" suggests Rizzit, ignoring Beltain "We got to get in fast, that shouting may have alerted those behind the door who could now be prepared with spells"
"Most Talented Spell Spinner Rizzit.” Says Nosnibor “As you were not with us during the conversation that we had when I chose the spells that I was memorising today I will repeat the rational for picking the ones I did."
"I suggested that the difference between sorcerer and wizard, apart from the fact that Wizards have to spend years of torturous study to hone their craft, and sorcerers get theirs out of a Christmas cracker.” he coughs, “Sorry. Ignore that. What was I saying? Oh yes, the main differences are that you have a greater number of spells per day with a narrower choice, where as a wizard has a greater choice though being able to cast far fewer spells."
"So it would be a false economy for me to chose a narrow band of 'pure combat' spells." The Wizard Nosnibor does the speech-mark thing with his fingers that everyone hates. "Thus i have tried to chose utility spells that will have a wide range of uses. Thus playing to my professions advantages. I have not picked any direct damages spells this day. I have picked such things are detect secret doors, and feather fall, invisibility, silent image, Tasha's Hideous laughter and sleep. Obviously after the last combat i was in I will not pick web again. As I have some proficiency in archery I plan to back up my utility spells with my use of the bow. Is that ok?"
Rizzit casts his eyes heavenward at Nosni’s speech "What’s a Christmas cracker?" he asks. Not waiting for a reply he casts a magic missile spell "Take that scumbag" he calls out but Rizzit’s magic missile fizzles out when it reaches the Drow...
"OK Mr Nosnibor lets see some of the 'useful' spells then" Rizzit also does the speech-marks in the air whilst grinning at the Drow
The Wizard Nosnibor coughs “I don't really know where ‘Christmas’ came from. The word just seemed to pop into my head as if from no where. Things like that happen a lot to me."
"Like I often feel the urge to say 'wey aye man!' as an affirmative response. It's like i am being controlled by some other worldly entity at times. Do you ever get that feeling Rizzit?"
The Wizard Nosnibor moves down the corridor with his bow ready and fires an arrow at one of the Dark Elves hitting it for 3 damage
The Wizard Nosnibor continues "So Rizzit. Is it OK that I chose my spells with those parameters in mind? Or would you rather i picked magic missiles? I must admit i have heard of some Wizards who can convert their spells memorised into spells of preference. I was hoping to learn how to do this, so that i could convert utility spells into magic missiles or some such."
Drow #1 targets Rizzit with it’s crossbow but misses. It drops his hand crossbow, pulls out a rapier and advances toward Rizzit
"I hope your more diverse selection of spells will work to complement my mostly offensive spells Mr Nosnibor" Rizzit tells Nosnibor who replies “That was my plan most Charismatic Kobold. I also have a few spells which can incapacitate."
Bibabobalobalos double moves to join the others and stands alongside Rizzit facing the drow. "At least I've given him another target." he quips.
Limara moves gracefully in behind the Kobold, ready to pick up the pieces if it all goes wrong... "So Rizzit... One; If you wanted us to move silently, why didn't you mention it... and Two; Define moving silently. As far as I was aware it doesn't include talking constantly to people up and down the corridor, especially when they are up to 40 feet from them...". She looks over the kobold’s head at the drow and shrugs at him. She looks closely for identifying marks but notices nothing on the Drow signifying thier god. However, the large iron doors behind the drow are covered in a base relief depicting many spiderkin.
Beltain moves forward and casts a Bane spell affecting only one of the two drow.
"Chaps. For future reference, I have Invisibility memorised for today. If we want to send someone forward to scout, say Mister Bibabobalobalos, you just have to ask me and I shall cast it." Nosnibor burbles on brightly.
Limara speaks to the drow in undercommon.. "It is a shame... You have successfully hidden from your turncoat brethren and kept your worship of Lloth alive. Now we battle to the death. Your battle should not have been with us... "
"Then LEAVE...NOW!" screams the Drow back at Limara
"On another day, in another place.... maybe we would have been uncomfortable allies fighting a common foe... but not today." Responds Limara sadly.
Feng scratches his head "What are yas talkin' about Limara? It's just a freakin' elf - It's better off dead." And then turning to the drow warrior "I hope ya last longer than that in' wizard I killed ya blond streak o' piss!"
Coleridge hearing the sounds of battle ahead rushes to catch up with his companions
The second drow moves forward, Rizzit and Bibabobalobalos are unable to make attacks of opportunity as they both do not wield melee weapons.. The drow drops his crossbow, draws his rapier, and strikes at Limara, its blade dripping with a black substance but misses the beautiful cleric.
Feng swings Laskur's Banebut mssing the drow, he, spits messily at his opponent and the drow spits back!
Bibabobalobalos tells Nosnibor "Thank you, Mr Nosnibor, going invisible will be most useful in my line of work. I would say, though, that a few more offensive spells would be quite good. Could you put the 'Utility'", does quote motions, "Onto scrolls?"
"Is all of this spitting really necessary?” Nosnibor chides Feng “It's dreadfully unhygienic."
Then, turning to Biba "I do intend to place some utility spells onto scrolls when i have the chance Mister Bibabobalobalos. However it is a time consuming process. The last opportunity that I had to make scrolls I did some mage armour ones for myself and Rizzit. It is my intention at our next stop to create a wider range of utility scrolls. However until then I will maintain a number in my memory. A wizard is a learned manipulator of the cosmic forces that bind the universe together, i try not to rely on the sort of spells that seem to be intended to split little portions of that same universe apart."
"That sounds really useful Mr Wizard" says Beltain "I have some ability to use arcane scrolls myself but this time you simply must allow me to pay for them. I confess myself somewhat jealous of friend Rizzit 'shield' spell at this juncture"
Beltain looks worried for a moment and wonders why his language gets quite so flowery when he talks to The Wizard Nosnibor.
Rissit steps back and again fires magic missiles one at each of the drow, but both of Rizzit’s magic missiles fizzle out before they hit the drow and Rizzit swears, quite a bit
..
Rizzit waits with baited breath for Nosnibor’s attack but Nosnibor’s crossbow shot misses the drow "Oops. Butterfingers." He grins.
The drow target Bibabobalobalos and hits, the drarf takes damage and slumps to the ground.
"These fellows seem blessed with luck so far, I somehow don’t think it will last" says Rizzit grumpily. "Can we rename this dwarf 'Sleepy' would seem more appropriate". Feng snorts contemptuously at the sleeping Dwarf 'Sup?” he asks “Tripped on yer beard?"
"Hey Nosni” he continues “In my tribe they called Wizards learned manipulators too. It seems we agree on something at last."
"Let’s see if I can use my axe to split this little portion of the universe apart." He nods at the drow facing him.
"I hope that your drow will see his comrade sent onwards into the void left by his spider goddess first, Mighty Feng" says Beltain fingering his sword
Limara, with aflowing motion, thrusts her longsword deep into the drow’s ribs, she twists the blades violently as she withdraws the weapon from her foe and it falls to the floor, it’s life force ebbing.
"Superb Princess" calls Belatin as he moves forward drawing his sword to stand over the sleeping dwarf. He swings his long-sword felling the other drow warrior.
"...likewise Bel " Limara tells he cleric partner.
Beltain smiles at the praise from Limara, things are going well --- so far
Bibabobalobalos snores a little "Zzzzzz." and after a time snorts and wakes up. "No mummy, not more dwarf bread. Humm" he says confused.
Beltain sheaths his sword, "Well time to see what awaits beyond these doors" he tells the others "Can you tell us anything of what lies ahead?" he asks the three who had adventured here before. He moves forward following Rizzit but careful not to stand on Wizzy's tail.
Coleridge continues his dash down the corridor, hearing the sounds of battle cease he slows to a walk before rounding the corner so as not to appear out of breath "I arrive to late it appears" he tells the others "Although it must have been a comfortable victory if Bob was able to have a little nap. We should progress with caution, I may not be the only one to have been alerted by the sounds of battle"
Beltain agrees "Cautiously but swiftly, we don't want them to have too long to prepare their response"
"Someone get those doors open" suggests Rizzit eager for more action "Be aware they may now be ready and waiting. Let’s go quickly though and maybe we can still have an element of surprise"
Feng listens at the door and then tries to spot any booby traps placed around the entrance. He the produces an Iron key with a flourish "Everybody ready, Boys and Girls? Now it's gotta get interesting - we've been here before, and they know we have, so stay tight and no-one wander off unless they want to get et - huh Rizz?"
"From Memory, this courtyard has three doors - one to the south and two to the west. The west doors both lead roughly to the same place - the Wizards' room. The door to the south is a barracks. Behind a curtain to the south is a hall on the far wall of which is a door to a longer hallway that stretches off to your right. At the far end of which is a flight of stairs."
"Leading off from this is something that looks like a conjouration room."
If the Dwarf wants to check for traps, Feng will let him, otherwise he turns the key in the lock and gets ready to open the doors with a booted foot.
None of the party can hear anything through the large iron doors..
Coleridge takes his crossbow and readies himself for what may wait beyond the door.
"Is one of you big brave ones going to open this bloody door", looks at Beltain
Beltain turns to Rizzit "Given that your Magic fizzled when it got near these creatures, that's pretty rich. Remember that it was the blows from the Lady Limara and myself that felled the drow. Your magic, on this occasion, was of little use" Ignoring him Rizzit questions Biba "Bob do you have any potions of antitoxin?"
And then to Beltain "Let’s not forget me and Feng already cleared half this place on our own. Now open the door and stop yakking or are you waiting to get behind Limara's skirts. Col do you know the once popular tune 'under my thumb'?
"Rizzit, I'm actually waiting on your mate Feng to unlock it" retorts Beltain "I don't think that I've seen Limara in a skirt, so you may have to wait some time"
"You know what I mean" reposts Rizzit, "Feng what you waiting for, open it up and lets get killing"
"I really, really hate drow especially when they keep putting me to sleep!" Bibabobalobalos complains as he tests his rapier and then performs a coup-de-grace on the nearest dying drow.
The other side of the door are 4 large spiders, and two Drow. The drow fire at the party immediately, obviously readied.
They miss Feng but a bolt strikes Beltain and he slumps to the floor sleeping.