The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
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The Temple of LLolth
The black walls of this chamber are carved with web-like patterns interspersed with bas-reliefs of drow clerics and warriors tormenting members of "lesser races." The outline of a huge spider has been traced in the floor. At the far end of their vision an altar it is below the floor level of the main room and this is where the female voice came from.
One of the drow shouts, he obviously seen one or more of the party. Beltain moves and fires his crossbow, but the bolt hits a wall.
"Bash that fecker Feng - get in on the closest one Feng so I can rush up behind " says Rizzit then looks over to the bard "Quit dithering Col and get those vocal cords working"
"Feng... how many d'ya see ?" asks Limara who can't see as much of the action as the big barbarian..
One of the Drow Shouts again "Ogglin ml'aenus", this time Limara hears it and she knows it means 'Enemy Sighted' "He's introduced us ... watch for the incoming reinforcements " Limara warns the others.
Coleridge moves up behind his companions as quickly as he can on his wobbly legs, he draws his sword and steals himself for any attack. Then he begins to recite a poem to bolster his allies, and although something in the rhyme and meter have the desired effect, it seems the toxins in his system are affecting more than just his physical health.
"An elongated albatross looks grim
I trip the light fandango anyway
as swarms of hornets cause the lights to dim
I watch a purple piglet stalk her prey."
One of the drow moves out into the corridor. He takes aim and fires his hand crossbow at Feng but the bolt misses the barbarian.
Belatin turns at the sound of Coleridge's voice, he's puzzled as this isn't the poets normal type of stanza 'perhaps the trap injected hallucinogenic drugs but at least the effect seems the same on our moral' he thinks in relief.
Feng charges forward on one of the Drow, striking with a very mighty blow, the drow falls to the floor dead!
Rizzit reads a scroll and two illusory duplicates of the kobald pop into being and he moves forward into danger. "Hmm, that's a lot of Drow, oh dear" Rizzit remarks as he looks around.
Limara chants the words of a spell and a long sword of force appears and attacks one of the drow archers, it misses.
Near the altar, a female drow silently whispers words to Llolth....the up-worlders will pay for this intrusion...
"Feng can you batter this one by me?" say the Rizzits indicating the drow in front of him.
Beltain unships his shield and moves forward "Get the bloody priestess before she conjures up some spell" he adds to no-one in particular
"Let's hope the others move up Feng or we are out on a limb here" the plucky kobald tells Feng from his position in the fore of the action.
"
'em, we'll kill 'em all! RUN! MIGHTY FENG IS COME! MY AXE IS DEATH! FENG AND HIS AXE COMES!" is the reply, "Limara, Beltain - Close up! I want some shielding from their bolts, pronto! I want to be awake to hear the screamin'"
Feng pauses for a moment and then addresses the bard "Cole - you know any Battle Chants? My people have "KILL! KILL! KILL!" which is good while you have breath to shout it.".
“Ahh, battle chants…" muses Limara "I loved studying them at church… so many styles from so many cultures and races… if I remember rightly, ‘ Now you have something to die for’ was a famous Orc chant, the verse escapes me right now though”
"Col any chance you can get over here and help us out?" says Rizzit emphasising Feng's request for support.
In response Coleridge moves up again to support his friends and continues his obtuse verse
"Pink spiders crawl upon my batskin shoes
and forty-seven turtles say “hello”
Candescent blowflies gaily sing the blues
I sit upon a yak and watch the show."
"What side effects to that poison are you feeling Col... ?" she asks the bard, he voice edged with concern "Your lyrics have become more surreal somehow"
Coleridge as he brings the verse to a close he brings the fifth wind up from his belt and prepares for a burst of sound as he moves up behind Rizzit.
Three drow discharge their crossbows at Feng, Coleridge and Limara but luckily all the bolts go wild, while another slashes through one of the images conjured by Rizzit, the image disappears.
Feng moves swiftly forward and swings his axe at the drow confronting Rizzit, it is a clean hit and the drow falls dead at his feet. "There ya go Rizzit - just point 'em out and down they go!" chortles Feng "FENG KILLS! LOOK OUT! HERE COMES FENG!" and winks at Cole "Nice ta see ya up front, but was it wise to leave 'em both together?". He smiles and raises his voice "OI! Limara. Beltain. The fight is this way! Play with yer little crossbow shootin' friend later!"
The other drow drops his hand Crossbow, draws a rapier, moves forward and attacks one of the Rizzits.
The kobald takes a step backwards and speaks to a Drow "My friend, please defend me from these foes, in the name of Llolth my friends and I must be protected from these traitors" using his charm person ability. The drow looks at Rizzit, a little confused, but slowly nods his head at the kobold. It then turns and shouts to the other drow "Vrine'winith thrityh, nind ph'abbilen". Meanwhile Rizzit has drawn his crossbow.
A female voice rises from the altar pit....full of anger "Wael, dos inbal chi p'luvt ulu thier faer. Ka gu'e dont elgg dos usstan orn"
One of the drow near the alter pit makes a strange hand symbol, to the female drow you presume. He then moves across the room, sights Beltain, and fires his crossbow but misses.
Another of the drow bowmen target Coleridge but he too misses his mark.
A voice rises from the altar again.. This time in common "LOLTH DOES NOT ABIDE CATTLE IN HER TEMPLE!" and suddenly a pulse of evil energy wracks several people in the temple, Coleridge, Rizzit and Limara flinch as they take damage. "Ouch, that certainly hurt" complains Rizzit frowning then smiles again and goes back to listening to the happy singing in his head. Three of the drow also seem to be affected by the wave of pain and they fall to the ground badly unconscious. At the same time, four monstrous Spiders appear, out of thin air, in the central section of the chamber...
One of the newly appeared monstrous spiders moves forward to attack Feng
Limara replies to the female drow .."Lolth uriu deserted dos. Il nau longer kyonen ka dos dro xor el." But Kaellara shouts back "Lolth orn yutsu mzild powerful taga rin'ov. Hwuen t'yin udos ph'ilta keepers. Lu'dos orn kreth'el venturing wund ilta yath"
Limara's retort is "usstan tlun zhaunus dos z'reninth nindel ichl. udos zhal kyorl vel'uss uriu l'garethurl yah" The female drow does not reply and the rest of the party are bemused by the exchange.
"Less talk more hitting please Limara," implores Rizzit "Oh and can I get a heal? If not I will be taking a potion in a second or two"
Limara's spiritual weapon hits at the drow bring it close to death and she recites battle scripture to the party raising the moral to heroic proportions.
"Are ya pretty, Priestess?" calls Feng to the drow at the altar "If yer pretty, I'll keep yer for a while before I sell ya as a tart to the cheapest cat-house on the docks. Feng stamps on spiders! Bring 'em on!"
One of the spiders scuttles forward and attacks Coleridge hitting him and adding to the poison in his system.
Beltain moves forward drawing his sword, and strikes down at the spider with both hands, he hits, driving the life from it's body.
"Hey, priestess" calls Beltain "You have sacrificed three of your own to the dark goddess to no avail. Are you going to kill the other males in exchange for some spider pets?" He looks over to the crossbow drow "Are you happy to lay down your lives so that the-female-who-will-soon-be-dead can have some more squishy friends?" he indicates the dead spider at his feet.
Another spider moves to attack Feng but its bite misses the huge barbarian.
"Coleridge my poetic friend..." commences Limara "You are indeed brave, but you are a sitting duck there... why don't you try shooting at them from cover, either behind someone or from around a wall."
Coleridge staggers back, yet more poison coursing through his veins and struggles on with his strange verse
"Incredibly, the moon falls in my lap
and tells me bedtime stories with a grin
A faun creeps by, in tights and dunce’s cap
A camel choir adding to the din."
Coleridge lifts the 5th wind to his lips and blasts the area with a tremendous cacophony. Every creature in the 10ft radius spread takes sonic damage and none of the spiders targeted make their save and all lie stunned.
Meanwhile the drow stumbles away from Limara's spiritual Weapon and stumbles slowly to behind one of his fellows.
Another of the drow fires at Coleridge but misses .
"Let's get that bitch priestess," calls Beltain to Feng "Before she summons more creatures to aid her".
Feng dodges past the stunned spiders and jumps into the pit, taking cover behind the alter and waiting his chance to deal death to the Female Drow.
Meanwhile yet another drow comes into view from one of the other areas off the main hall. It moves across the room to the edge of the Altar pit. It sights down his bow and fires from his position above Feng but misses.
Rizzit back away from the spiders and drinks down the potion of healing.
Another drow sights and fires at Colerige hitting him and the poison-coated bolt causes him to fall into a deep sleep.
Feng hears the female drow whisper a few words to the spider queen. Then she then scrapes her nails across the top of the Altar. Just then, a pulse of evil shoots through several of the party, again Rizzit, Coleridge and Limara take damage. "Owwwww" groans the kobald "Dammit I still need to take a potion. Cut that bitch up Feng"
Two more spiders appears in the central area.
"I know your there Orc" hisses the Drow female as she looks over the Altar down in the Altar pit. She saw the barbarian jump down "Let me see what Lolth will take. Doer, Doer, lest kyorl vel'bol dos aslu"
"Do you need backup Feng?" calls Beltain
"BACKUP? FOR THIS BITCH? YOU MUST BE JOKING!" replies the barbarian from near the altar "RUN LITTLE PRIESTESS! FENG COMES! Father Gruumsh! Guide my Axe! I dedicate another foe to your glory!"
x[Beltain] "What did the priestess say?" Beltain asks Limara "It appears that Feng doesn't need my help so I'll stay here for the moment and guard against these spidesr, unless anyone has a better idea?" he looks around at the sadly depleted party.
Rizzit anxiously taps a foot as the beautiful cleric approaches him. "Rizz, I'll heal you.... you just open fire with something this round...." says Limara and Rizzit agrees with a terse "OK".
Limara: Puffs on her cigar: and, with perfect tongue action she rolls the cigar from one side of her mouth to the other and coverts a spell into a heal for the kobald. The sorcerer breathes sigh of relief when he realises he is only lightly wounded, now. The spiritual weapon hovers by her head.
A drow fires at Feng, trying to prevent an attack on his mistress but misses, again.
Beltain drops his crossbow, unships his shield from over his shoulder and then moves up to the edge of the altar pit, equipping the shield as he moves. He moves past the three stunned spiders and the one active one attempting to keep clear of their bites
A spider turns and to attack him but misses almost overbalancing.
Coleridge sleeps on unaware of the battle.
Beltain lets out a sigh of relief as the bolt from one of the drow passes over his head harmlessly.
"Many thanks for the heal Limara" Rizzit calls to Limara "But please don't forget our poor sleeping companion there, I would hate to see this evil wave kill him in his sleep".
"I have not forgot Col..." Limara reassures him "If you can buy me enough time to heal him I will, but if we all fall to this onslaught then no one can help him. Open Fire Rizzit".
"Limara " says Rizzit "Do you think this evil pain has anything to do with the spider pattern on the floor?" asks Limara. "I do not know Rizz possibly ...but I do know that the female drow has something to do with it though." She replies "Hopefully she will be too busy with Feng to do it again.." she smiles.
"Lets hope so," laughs Rizzit "I for one though am going to try and keep off the spider for now, I am fed up of getting hurt"
Limara shouts to Feng.. "My master told me some female drow are breathtakingly beautiful.....how beautiful is she Feng ?? ....try not to hit her face, i want to see for myself". "Her smile may be sweet and she may have some features of note" councils Beltain "But her soul is as black as the night. Send her to her dark mistress, Feng and as soon as possible".
From his vantage point at the edge of the altar pit Beltain watches as the barbarian flexes his muscles and prepares to take the fight to the evil priestess.
Feng Ignores the prickling sensation as all his superstition gathers together to daunt his spirit only father Gruumsh remains to augment his reckless attack!
"Feng will send her wrapped up in the pretty suit of full Plate Armour." He shouts to Limara "Teach lil' girls to play at being warriors." And he grimaces horribly at the Drow woman
So saying Feng brings down Laskurs Bane upon the female. Within the blink of an eye....she is no more.
A spider moves forward but fails to hit Rizzit while one of the crossbowmen targets Feng, the bolt runs true but does little damage and the big barbarian shrugs off the poison damage. By the pit another of the spiders targets Beltain but its bite is not enough to penetrate his armour.
Rizzit takes a step to the side, exclaims "Joke" and burns three of the spiders to a crisp with his wand of burning hands, "That should have cleared those little buggers out, do you want to get that flaming sword onto the drow Lim?"
"Nice one Rizzit, just a few left to tidy up!" calls Beltain in appreciation.
Limara directs her spiritual weapon onto the drow that is approaching her, the blade of force swings but misses. Limara moves forward coming face-to-face with the drow. She looks directly into the drow's eyes and says "Orior ulu el, ilythiiri xuileb natha yah. Ka Lolth uriu aelus dos, vel'klar orn dosst quortek alu vel'drav usstan elgg dos".
Beltain swings his long sword killing one of the spiders facing him and then descends into the altar pit.
Coleridge continues to sleep unaware of the battle raging around him while the badly injured drow, shuffles off, out of the main room, heading west.
Feng moves forward towards the drow targeting him from the top of the altar steps "Feng is merciful - this is gonna be quick!" he tells them. He swings his great axe and another drow falls to the ground "FENG KILLS! ALL WHO FACE MIGHTY FENG ARE DOOMED! LOOK OUT, HERE COMES FENG!" and grimaces at the remaining Drow.
One of the remaining drow warriors fires at the barbarian by the bolt goes wide and Feng ducks as a bolt wiffles overhead.
A spider bites Beltain, he takes damage but shrugs off the poison.
Rizzit moves forward firing his crossbow at a drow, he curses as the bolt flies wide
"Nicely done, all!" calls Feng "Keep up the scare are we sorted this little nest! I wouldn't mind having this place as my private hideaway. I like the look o' the place. Classy, if yas know what I mean. When we leave, can one of yas put a sign on the door saying 'This is Feng'a place, Keep out'? N' 'Tresspassers will be gutted and left to die while wild dogs eat their entrails?' "
Limara's spiritual weapon cleaves into the drow facing her and he drops to the ground, dying. She moves over to join the melee by the steps.
Beltain takes a 5' step and attacks the drow on the top of the steps felling it with a single blow. He turns and winks at Limara, "Soon this place will be free of the cancer of the dark goddess" he says, "But I do wonder where the drow that you severely wounded has escaped to Princess" he adds indicating the passage to the Northwest, "I hope he has gone to cower in a corner somewhere and not to unleash some other foulness on us".
"Things are going well, lets hope we get to regroup before those missing drow return with reinforcements" agrees Rizzit.
Feng fixes his eyes on the drow at the top of the steps and advances, his axe swings down "I gave yer a chance - now off!" he says as the drow collapses on the floor, unconscious.
Only a single spider remains of their combatants and it moves forward and bites at Beltain but fails to get through the cleric's defence. Rizzit fires a bolt, it is a superb shot and the last spider falls dying.
"Well done" exclaims Beltain impressed
Limara: Puffs on her cigar: and, with perfect tongue action she rolls the cigar from one side of her mouth to the other, castes a spells and then heads North West after the wounded, fleeing drow calling "doer doeb, doer doeb vel'klar rin'ov dos ph' " to the wounded enemy.
Beltain double moves to keep pace with her. He passes her and peers round the corner looking North and South attempting to see where the drow has gone
"C'm out little Drow! Feng comes for ya now!" calls Feng by heads across the altar pit towards the statue of Llolth.
"I dont think its safe to leave Col asleep over there, and I cannot move him" calls Rizzit anxiously to the others from the rear.
"That may be true Rizzit, but we need to stop the last drow from doing any mischief" replies Beltain, "If you can't move him can you watch and, if necessary, defend him, until we return?"
"Good idea what with being so good in a melee role should an invisible drow come sneaking up on me" grumbles the kobald.
"Yes, that's true Rizzit,you certainly are the best person for the job." Responds Beltain in the distance, not really concentrating on the sorceror's words "I remember well how you told us how you defeated one of the demons single-handed. I certainly could not have hoped to have done so well"
"Note to self, avoid sarcasm when dealing with idiots" says Rizzit sadly to himself.
Feng looks nervously at the altar and then North where he spots the bloody tracks of the badly wounded drow. Feng suddenly hears a noise!.. The barbarian looks around. The statue of Lolth in front of him appears to be moving!...
The black walls of this chamber are carved with web-like patterns interspersed with bas-reliefs of drow clerics and warriors tormenting members of "lesser races." The outline of a huge spider has been traced in the floor. At the far end of their vision an altar it is below the floor level of the main room and this is where the female voice came from.
One of the drow shouts, he obviously seen one or more of the party. Beltain moves and fires his crossbow, but the bolt hits a wall.
"Bash that fecker Feng - get in on the closest one Feng so I can rush up behind " says Rizzit then looks over to the bard "Quit dithering Col and get those vocal cords working"
"Feng... how many d'ya see ?" asks Limara who can't see as much of the action as the big barbarian..
One of the Drow Shouts again "Ogglin ml'aenus", this time Limara hears it and she knows it means 'Enemy Sighted' "He's introduced us ... watch for the incoming reinforcements " Limara warns the others.
Coleridge moves up behind his companions as quickly as he can on his wobbly legs, he draws his sword and steals himself for any attack. Then he begins to recite a poem to bolster his allies, and although something in the rhyme and meter have the desired effect, it seems the toxins in his system are affecting more than just his physical health.
"An elongated albatross looks grim
I trip the light fandango anyway
as swarms of hornets cause the lights to dim
I watch a purple piglet stalk her prey."
One of the drow moves out into the corridor. He takes aim and fires his hand crossbow at Feng but the bolt misses the barbarian.
Belatin turns at the sound of Coleridge's voice, he's puzzled as this isn't the poets normal type of stanza 'perhaps the trap injected hallucinogenic drugs but at least the effect seems the same on our moral' he thinks in relief.
Feng charges forward on one of the Drow, striking with a very mighty blow, the drow falls to the floor dead!
Rizzit reads a scroll and two illusory duplicates of the kobald pop into being and he moves forward into danger. "Hmm, that's a lot of Drow, oh dear" Rizzit remarks as he looks around.
Limara chants the words of a spell and a long sword of force appears and attacks one of the drow archers, it misses.
Near the altar, a female drow silently whispers words to Llolth....the up-worlders will pay for this intrusion...
"Feng can you batter this one by me?" say the Rizzits indicating the drow in front of him.
Beltain unships his shield and moves forward "Get the bloody priestess before she conjures up some spell" he adds to no-one in particular
"Let's hope the others move up Feng or we are out on a limb here" the plucky kobald tells Feng from his position in the fore of the action.
"
'em, we'll kill 'em all! RUN! MIGHTY FENG IS COME! MY AXE IS DEATH! FENG AND HIS AXE COMES!" is the reply, "Limara, Beltain - Close up! I want some shielding from their bolts, pronto! I want to be awake to hear the screamin'"Feng pauses for a moment and then addresses the bard "Cole - you know any Battle Chants? My people have "KILL! KILL! KILL!" which is good while you have breath to shout it.".
“Ahh, battle chants…" muses Limara "I loved studying them at church… so many styles from so many cultures and races… if I remember rightly, ‘ Now you have something to die for’ was a famous Orc chant, the verse escapes me right now though”
"Col any chance you can get over here and help us out?" says Rizzit emphasising Feng's request for support.
In response Coleridge moves up again to support his friends and continues his obtuse verse
"Pink spiders crawl upon my batskin shoes
and forty-seven turtles say “hello”
Candescent blowflies gaily sing the blues
I sit upon a yak and watch the show."
"What side effects to that poison are you feeling Col... ?" she asks the bard, he voice edged with concern "Your lyrics have become more surreal somehow"
Coleridge as he brings the verse to a close he brings the fifth wind up from his belt and prepares for a burst of sound as he moves up behind Rizzit.
Three drow discharge their crossbows at Feng, Coleridge and Limara but luckily all the bolts go wild, while another slashes through one of the images conjured by Rizzit, the image disappears.
Feng moves swiftly forward and swings his axe at the drow confronting Rizzit, it is a clean hit and the drow falls dead at his feet. "There ya go Rizzit - just point 'em out and down they go!" chortles Feng "FENG KILLS! LOOK OUT! HERE COMES FENG!" and winks at Cole "Nice ta see ya up front, but was it wise to leave 'em both together?". He smiles and raises his voice "OI! Limara. Beltain. The fight is this way! Play with yer little crossbow shootin' friend later!"
The other drow drops his hand Crossbow, draws a rapier, moves forward and attacks one of the Rizzits.
The kobald takes a step backwards and speaks to a Drow "My friend, please defend me from these foes, in the name of Llolth my friends and I must be protected from these traitors" using his charm person ability. The drow looks at Rizzit, a little confused, but slowly nods his head at the kobold. It then turns and shouts to the other drow "Vrine'winith thrityh, nind ph'abbilen". Meanwhile Rizzit has drawn his crossbow.
A female voice rises from the altar pit....full of anger "Wael, dos inbal chi p'luvt ulu thier faer. Ka gu'e dont elgg dos usstan orn"
One of the drow near the alter pit makes a strange hand symbol, to the female drow you presume. He then moves across the room, sights Beltain, and fires his crossbow but misses.
Another of the drow bowmen target Coleridge but he too misses his mark.
A voice rises from the altar again.. This time in common "LOLTH DOES NOT ABIDE CATTLE IN HER TEMPLE!" and suddenly a pulse of evil energy wracks several people in the temple, Coleridge, Rizzit and Limara flinch as they take damage. "Ouch, that certainly hurt" complains Rizzit frowning then smiles again and goes back to listening to the happy singing in his head. Three of the drow also seem to be affected by the wave of pain and they fall to the ground badly unconscious. At the same time, four monstrous Spiders appear, out of thin air, in the central section of the chamber...
One of the newly appeared monstrous spiders moves forward to attack Feng
Limara replies to the female drow .."Lolth uriu deserted dos. Il nau longer kyonen ka dos dro xor el." But Kaellara shouts back "Lolth orn yutsu mzild powerful taga rin'ov. Hwuen t'yin udos ph'ilta keepers. Lu'dos orn kreth'el venturing wund ilta yath"
Limara's retort is "usstan tlun zhaunus dos z'reninth nindel ichl. udos zhal kyorl vel'uss uriu l'garethurl yah" The female drow does not reply and the rest of the party are bemused by the exchange.
"Less talk more hitting please Limara," implores Rizzit "Oh and can I get a heal? If not I will be taking a potion in a second or two"
Limara's spiritual weapon hits at the drow bring it close to death and she recites battle scripture to the party raising the moral to heroic proportions.
"Are ya pretty, Priestess?" calls Feng to the drow at the altar "If yer pretty, I'll keep yer for a while before I sell ya as a tart to the cheapest cat-house on the docks. Feng stamps on spiders! Bring 'em on!"
One of the spiders scuttles forward and attacks Coleridge hitting him and adding to the poison in his system.
Beltain moves forward drawing his sword, and strikes down at the spider with both hands, he hits, driving the life from it's body.
"Hey, priestess" calls Beltain "You have sacrificed three of your own to the dark goddess to no avail. Are you going to kill the other males in exchange for some spider pets?" He looks over to the crossbow drow "Are you happy to lay down your lives so that the-female-who-will-soon-be-dead can have some more squishy friends?" he indicates the dead spider at his feet.
Another spider moves to attack Feng but its bite misses the huge barbarian.
"Coleridge my poetic friend..." commences Limara "You are indeed brave, but you are a sitting duck there... why don't you try shooting at them from cover, either behind someone or from around a wall."
Coleridge staggers back, yet more poison coursing through his veins and struggles on with his strange verse
"Incredibly, the moon falls in my lap
and tells me bedtime stories with a grin
A faun creeps by, in tights and dunce’s cap
A camel choir adding to the din."
Coleridge lifts the 5th wind to his lips and blasts the area with a tremendous cacophony. Every creature in the 10ft radius spread takes sonic damage and none of the spiders targeted make their save and all lie stunned.
Meanwhile the drow stumbles away from Limara's spiritual Weapon and stumbles slowly to behind one of his fellows.
Another of the drow fires at Coleridge but misses .
"Let's get that bitch priestess," calls Beltain to Feng "Before she summons more creatures to aid her".
Feng dodges past the stunned spiders and jumps into the pit, taking cover behind the alter and waiting his chance to deal death to the Female Drow.
Meanwhile yet another drow comes into view from one of the other areas off the main hall. It moves across the room to the edge of the Altar pit. It sights down his bow and fires from his position above Feng but misses.
Rizzit back away from the spiders and drinks down the potion of healing.
Another drow sights and fires at Colerige hitting him and the poison-coated bolt causes him to fall into a deep sleep.
Feng hears the female drow whisper a few words to the spider queen. Then she then scrapes her nails across the top of the Altar. Just then, a pulse of evil shoots through several of the party, again Rizzit, Coleridge and Limara take damage. "Owwwww" groans the kobald "Dammit I still need to take a potion. Cut that bitch up Feng"
Two more spiders appears in the central area.
"I know your there Orc" hisses the Drow female as she looks over the Altar down in the Altar pit. She saw the barbarian jump down "Let me see what Lolth will take. Doer, Doer, lest kyorl vel'bol dos aslu"
"Do you need backup Feng?" calls Beltain
"BACKUP? FOR THIS BITCH? YOU MUST BE JOKING!" replies the barbarian from near the altar "RUN LITTLE PRIESTESS! FENG COMES! Father Gruumsh! Guide my Axe! I dedicate another foe to your glory!"
x[Beltain] "What did the priestess say?" Beltain asks Limara "It appears that Feng doesn't need my help so I'll stay here for the moment and guard against these spidesr, unless anyone has a better idea?" he looks around at the sadly depleted party.
Rizzit anxiously taps a foot as the beautiful cleric approaches him. "Rizz, I'll heal you.... you just open fire with something this round...." says Limara and Rizzit agrees with a terse "OK".
Limara: Puffs on her cigar: and, with perfect tongue action she rolls the cigar from one side of her mouth to the other and coverts a spell into a heal for the kobald. The sorcerer breathes sigh of relief when he realises he is only lightly wounded, now. The spiritual weapon hovers by her head.
A drow fires at Feng, trying to prevent an attack on his mistress but misses, again.
Beltain drops his crossbow, unships his shield from over his shoulder and then moves up to the edge of the altar pit, equipping the shield as he moves. He moves past the three stunned spiders and the one active one attempting to keep clear of their bites
A spider turns and to attack him but misses almost overbalancing.
Coleridge sleeps on unaware of the battle.
Beltain lets out a sigh of relief as the bolt from one of the drow passes over his head harmlessly.
"Many thanks for the heal Limara" Rizzit calls to Limara "But please don't forget our poor sleeping companion there, I would hate to see this evil wave kill him in his sleep".
"I have not forgot Col..." Limara reassures him "If you can buy me enough time to heal him I will, but if we all fall to this onslaught then no one can help him. Open Fire Rizzit".
"Limara " says Rizzit "Do you think this evil pain has anything to do with the spider pattern on the floor?" asks Limara. "I do not know Rizz possibly ...but I do know that the female drow has something to do with it though." She replies "Hopefully she will be too busy with Feng to do it again.." she smiles.
"Lets hope so," laughs Rizzit "I for one though am going to try and keep off the spider for now, I am fed up of getting hurt"
Limara shouts to Feng.. "My master told me some female drow are breathtakingly beautiful.....how beautiful is she Feng ?? ....try not to hit her face, i want to see for myself". "Her smile may be sweet and she may have some features of note" councils Beltain "But her soul is as black as the night. Send her to her dark mistress, Feng and as soon as possible".
From his vantage point at the edge of the altar pit Beltain watches as the barbarian flexes his muscles and prepares to take the fight to the evil priestess.
Feng Ignores the prickling sensation as all his superstition gathers together to daunt his spirit only father Gruumsh remains to augment his reckless attack!
"Feng will send her wrapped up in the pretty suit of full Plate Armour." He shouts to Limara "Teach lil' girls to play at being warriors." And he grimaces horribly at the Drow woman
So saying Feng brings down Laskurs Bane upon the female. Within the blink of an eye....she is no more.
A spider moves forward but fails to hit Rizzit while one of the crossbowmen targets Feng, the bolt runs true but does little damage and the big barbarian shrugs off the poison damage. By the pit another of the spiders targets Beltain but its bite is not enough to penetrate his armour.
Rizzit takes a step to the side, exclaims "Joke" and burns three of the spiders to a crisp with his wand of burning hands, "That should have cleared those little buggers out, do you want to get that flaming sword onto the drow Lim?"
"Nice one Rizzit, just a few left to tidy up!" calls Beltain in appreciation.
Limara directs her spiritual weapon onto the drow that is approaching her, the blade of force swings but misses. Limara moves forward coming face-to-face with the drow. She looks directly into the drow's eyes and says "Orior ulu el, ilythiiri xuileb natha yah. Ka Lolth uriu aelus dos, vel'klar orn dosst quortek alu vel'drav usstan elgg dos".
Beltain swings his long sword killing one of the spiders facing him and then descends into the altar pit.
Coleridge continues to sleep unaware of the battle raging around him while the badly injured drow, shuffles off, out of the main room, heading west.
Feng moves forward towards the drow targeting him from the top of the altar steps "Feng is merciful - this is gonna be quick!" he tells them. He swings his great axe and another drow falls to the ground "FENG KILLS! ALL WHO FACE MIGHTY FENG ARE DOOMED! LOOK OUT, HERE COMES FENG!" and grimaces at the remaining Drow.
One of the remaining drow warriors fires at the barbarian by the bolt goes wide and Feng ducks as a bolt wiffles overhead.
A spider bites Beltain, he takes damage but shrugs off the poison.
Rizzit moves forward firing his crossbow at a drow, he curses as the bolt flies wide
"Nicely done, all!" calls Feng "Keep up the scare are we sorted this little nest! I wouldn't mind having this place as my private hideaway. I like the look o' the place. Classy, if yas know what I mean. When we leave, can one of yas put a sign on the door saying 'This is Feng'a place, Keep out'? N' 'Tresspassers will be gutted and left to die while wild dogs eat their entrails?' "
Limara's spiritual weapon cleaves into the drow facing her and he drops to the ground, dying. She moves over to join the melee by the steps.
Beltain takes a 5' step and attacks the drow on the top of the steps felling it with a single blow. He turns and winks at Limara, "Soon this place will be free of the cancer of the dark goddess" he says, "But I do wonder where the drow that you severely wounded has escaped to Princess" he adds indicating the passage to the Northwest, "I hope he has gone to cower in a corner somewhere and not to unleash some other foulness on us".
"Things are going well, lets hope we get to regroup before those missing drow return with reinforcements" agrees Rizzit.
Feng fixes his eyes on the drow at the top of the steps and advances, his axe swings down "I gave yer a chance - now
off!" he says as the drow collapses on the floor, unconscious.Only a single spider remains of their combatants and it moves forward and bites at Beltain but fails to get through the cleric's defence. Rizzit fires a bolt, it is a superb shot and the last spider falls dying.
"Well done" exclaims Beltain impressed
Limara: Puffs on her cigar: and, with perfect tongue action she rolls the cigar from one side of her mouth to the other, castes a spells and then heads North West after the wounded, fleeing drow calling "doer doeb, doer doeb vel'klar rin'ov dos ph' " to the wounded enemy.
Beltain double moves to keep pace with her. He passes her and peers round the corner looking North and South attempting to see where the drow has gone
"C'm out little Drow! Feng comes for ya now!" calls Feng by heads across the altar pit towards the statue of Llolth.
"I dont think its safe to leave Col asleep over there, and I cannot move him" calls Rizzit anxiously to the others from the rear.
"That may be true Rizzit, but we need to stop the last drow from doing any mischief" replies Beltain, "If you can't move him can you watch and, if necessary, defend him, until we return?"
"Good idea what with being so good in a melee role should an invisible drow come sneaking up on me" grumbles the kobald.
"Yes, that's true Rizzit,you certainly are the best person for the job." Responds Beltain in the distance, not really concentrating on the sorceror's words "I remember well how you told us how you defeated one of the demons single-handed. I certainly could not have hoped to have done so well"
"Note to self, avoid sarcasm when dealing with idiots" says Rizzit sadly to himself.
Feng looks nervously at the altar and then North where he spots the bloody tracks of the badly wounded drow. Feng suddenly hears a noise!.. The barbarian looks around. The statue of Lolth in front of him appears to be moving!...
The Stone Guardian
Beltain smiles "I wanted to pull the legs off that statue of the dark one" he says "Well now it's coming to us and saving us a walk"
Rizzit moves away from the combat telling the others that he is going to protect Coleridge as Beltain asked.
The spider goddess statue moves forward hitting the barbarian hard. Limara moves in to assist Feng with the stone humanoid arachnid she hits but the keen long sword does not do the amount of damage that she expected.
Beltain moves forward to a position behind Feng ready to start curing he reaches over, dropping his longsword and casts 'Magic Weapon' on Fengs Axe and starts to look for a scroll of healing.
"We need a caster over here," Limara calls to Rizzit "Weapons are gonna take too long to kill it. We will take too much damage from it... Ice or acid would be a good attack I reckon, steel is next to useless against stone"
"Rizzit" Beltain calls to the retreating figure of the kobald "If you can spare a moment from your guard duties, some offensive magic over here would be much appreciated"
Feng swings his axe and hits the stone creature, his weapon does less damage that it should, glancing off the stone statue.
Rizzit ignores his fellows calls for aid and steps into the shadows, crossbow in hand.
To the North a drow steps round the northern corridor and shoots at Limara but misses. While in the mêlée Feng is hit again by the statue.
"Where's our caster?" Limara exclaims in despair, looking to find where Rizzit has gone "We are being attacked from two sides now.. This is no time to cack it" she shakes her head in disbelief
She turns to her fellow cleric "Bel, look after Feng, I'll try and stop the drow taking advantage " and Limara moves north to attack the drow
"I was told to guard Col and that's what I am doing until I hear otherwise" protests Rizzit lamely from the shadows.
"Take that Drow down, Limara" agrees Feng "Beltain and I can scramble this stachoo."
Limara turns and runs North, neatly dodges the spider-thing's attack, she reaches the crossbow wielding drow and strikes it dead. "R I Z Z I T...help needed...more drow here .." she calls, sounding urgent, obviously she sees a new and serious threat.
Beltain takes out a CLW scroll and reads it to cure Feng, "Feckin Stachoo - Keep the Healin' commin', Beltain!" the barbarian says by way of thanks.
In the North another two drow appear, one a female cleric and Limara has to dodge another drow bolt from the fighter.
Feng battles the statue scoring another hit but Feng's ferocious attack does no damage to the animated stone figure.
The drow cleric casts Hold Person on Limara to no effect
In the South the statue once again hits Feng and the big barbarian is now moderately wounded.Limara targets the drow cleric by her longsword sweeps wide of the mark "Vendui'Destra, usstan tlun Limara, ori'gato udossa malar ulu l'streea nindol tangi" she tells her opponent. "Ele ph'dos naut malarin dosst og'elend dalninin a daggerfalls?"
"Shar vel'bol zhah naut dosst ehmtu nou'hai rivvil." The dark cleric responds.
Beltain finds another scroll of CLW and Feng is cured by Beltain's healing touch., while Coleridge continues to sleep.
The drow warrior drops his bow, draws a rapier, and moves round flanking Limara.he hits her heaviliy. Beltain winces as the drow drives his rapier into Limara's back. "Shout if you need help Princess" he calls out "Rizzit is on the way to your assistance"
"I will help Lim, my spells are more likely to work there" Rizzit agrees and hurries out of the shadows to aid the hard-pressed party cleric.
Beltain smiles "I wanted to pull the legs off that statue of the dark one" he says "Well now it's coming to us and saving us a walk"
Rizzit moves away from the combat telling the others that he is going to protect Coleridge as Beltain asked.
The spider goddess statue moves forward hitting the barbarian hard. Limara moves in to assist Feng with the stone humanoid arachnid she hits but the keen long sword does not do the amount of damage that she expected.
Beltain moves forward to a position behind Feng ready to start curing he reaches over, dropping his longsword and casts 'Magic Weapon' on Fengs Axe and starts to look for a scroll of healing.
"We need a caster over here," Limara calls to Rizzit "Weapons are gonna take too long to kill it. We will take too much damage from it... Ice or acid would be a good attack I reckon, steel is next to useless against stone"
"Rizzit" Beltain calls to the retreating figure of the kobald "If you can spare a moment from your guard duties, some offensive magic over here would be much appreciated"
Feng swings his axe and hits the stone creature, his weapon does less damage that it should, glancing off the stone statue.
Rizzit ignores his fellows calls for aid and steps into the shadows, crossbow in hand.
To the North a drow steps round the northern corridor and shoots at Limara but misses. While in the mêlée Feng is hit again by the statue.
"Where's our caster?" Limara exclaims in despair, looking to find where Rizzit has gone "We are being attacked from two sides now.. This is no time to cack it" she shakes her head in disbelief
She turns to her fellow cleric "Bel, look after Feng, I'll try and stop the drow taking advantage " and Limara moves north to attack the drow
"I was told to guard Col and that's what I am doing until I hear otherwise" protests Rizzit lamely from the shadows.
"Take that Drow down, Limara" agrees Feng "Beltain and I can scramble this stachoo."
Limara turns and runs North, neatly dodges the spider-thing's attack, she reaches the crossbow wielding drow and strikes it dead. "R I Z Z I T...help needed...more drow here .." she calls, sounding urgent, obviously she sees a new and serious threat.
Beltain takes out a CLW scroll and reads it to cure Feng, "Feckin Stachoo - Keep the Healin' commin', Beltain!" the barbarian says by way of thanks.
In the North another two drow appear, one a female cleric and Limara has to dodge another drow bolt from the fighter.
Feng battles the statue scoring another hit but Feng's ferocious attack does no damage to the animated stone figure.
The drow cleric casts Hold Person on Limara to no effect
In the South the statue once again hits Feng and the big barbarian is now moderately wounded.Limara targets the drow cleric by her longsword sweeps wide of the mark "Vendui'Destra, usstan tlun Limara, ori'gato udossa malar ulu l'streea nindol tangi" she tells her opponent. "Ele ph'dos naut malarin dosst og'elend dalninin a daggerfalls?"
"Shar vel'bol zhah naut dosst ehmtu nou'hai rivvil." The dark cleric responds.
Beltain finds another scroll of CLW and Feng is cured by Beltain's healing touch., while Coleridge continues to sleep.
The drow warrior drops his bow, draws a rapier, and moves round flanking Limara.he hits her heaviliy. Beltain winces as the drow drives his rapier into Limara's back. "Shout if you need help Princess" he calls out "Rizzit is on the way to your assistance"
"I will help Lim, my spells are more likely to work there" Rizzit agrees and hurries out of the shadows to aid the hard-pressed party cleric.
Limara
First Post
..thank you for your help Rizzit... many hands make light work.
Remember boys, teamwork is the key to success. We are ALL heroes, theres no point competing with each other if it is going to hinder the party... All of us have excelled at some point and no doubt we will all make an error at some point too, the trick is for the rest of us to react and correct it....speaking of errors, we must finish these drow off so that we can get our friends raised.
x x x
Remember boys, teamwork is the key to success. We are ALL heroes, theres no point competing with each other if it is going to hinder the party... All of us have excelled at some point and no doubt we will all make an error at some point too, the trick is for the rest of us to react and correct it....speaking of errors, we must finish these drow off so that we can get our friends raised.
x x x
The Servants of Llolth
Feng swings his axe and hits again but this time the axe makes no impression on the stone spider "This is a hard-dying stachoo," he tells Beltain "Any ideas?". Beltain shrugs "Just keep plugging away" he replies.
In the North the drow priestess attempts to cast a blinding spell on Limara but although she damages the beautiful cleric the spell fails to have the desired effect.
Rizzit after sprinting up levels his crossbow and fires at the drow warrior flanking Limara, the bolt runs true striking the drow through the neck and he falls dying to the cavern floor. "That's the way we stick sharp sticks into drow" the kobold quips. "Fantastic shot, Rizzit" calls Beltain "You are truly an excellent fighter, despite your modesty", Limara also expresses her thanks for the well-aimed shot.
The stone spider misses in his attempt to hit Feng.
"Yugho xo'al ... elg'caress " tells the priestess and swings her sword causing major damage. "L'amith natha tyav d'waer'honglath" she continues
Beltain takes another scroll from his backpack and heals Feng again, he looks around as he does so checking that no more enemies are in the area
Feng takes deep breath and swings his axe again connecting hard with the spider's stoney body. "A HIT! I'LL REMODEL THIS STACHOO! WISH I'D A HAMMER OR GREATCLUB, THO'". The statue of Lolth cracks a little.
"Good hit" says Beltain "It should feel the damage from that one!"
Destra tries to cast a wounding spell but she is distracted by Limara's attack and fumbles the spell.
Rizzit gestures at the priestess but Rizzits scorching ray fizzles as it strikes Destra, "Crap" he says under hit breath.
The spider statue bites Feng and the big barbarian is wounded.
Limara shouts to Beltain.. "How are you doing round there hun ?" but misses her sword thrust at the drow priestess.
"Progress is slow and our weapons are not that effective. The stone creature is protected against all but the hardest hits"" Beltain responds, he takes a 5' step NorthWest takes out a tanglefoot bag and throws it at the spider hitting it with the sticky goo. "I'll be back to heal you next round" he reassures Feng.
"Things are not going well" Beltain calls to Rizzit "Steel is making little impression on the stone beast although Feng is doing an heroic job. Although it is true that stone doesn't burn, do not the stones round the campfire shatter when exposed to the searing heat of the burning wood? There is a chance, and I think a good one, that your burning hands wand could make an impression where the mighty Feng's axe cannot. Could you come and aid us and at least try to damage this monstrous creature in spider form?" he pleads "The scrolls of cure are almost exhausted and we need to make an end of the dark effigy of the spider goddess. I will guard you from counter attack if you so desire, if that is an issue" Beltain assures the kobold.
"What a windbag" Rizzit thinks to himself "You sure are making hard work of one spider" he calls out.
"Come and show us how it's done" calls Beltain to Rizzit by way of a reply
"If this is a mindless guard I wonder how far it will pursue us should we retreat?" Feng thinks "Or if there is some sign that will allow it to recognise Friend from Foe? As if being an ugly Drow wasn't enough of a clue."
"I'd prefer to beat this thing with muscle," he says out loud "But if I need to use brains, I'll do so as a last resort! How long will that bag last? I'd much rather pinch the treasure and leg it - and come back later with a BIG HAMMER when I'm ready to take possession."
"I am , of course, consoled by the fact I can run faster than Beltain." He thinks with a smile.
"It lasts between 2 and 8 rounds, I think" says Beltain in response to Feng's question, "But the creature can try and scrape it off..."
Limara calls to those fighting the stone spider " I suggest stepping back and seeing if it follows you, it might have an area to protect.... thought I suspect it will follow you" then summarising her own fight "The priestess is a worthy opponent and battles well, I do not know how long it will take to kill her..........but I will "
Beltain throws the Tanglefoot bag at the Stone statue of Lolth. Goo covers the creature and its movement slows. Feng, looks hard at the creature, it does indeed just seem to be a animated statue.
Feng swings the axe and although it connects with the statue he feels he did no damage with his strike.
Destra steps back from Limara and casts fear on the brave cleric, although Limara is not affected by the full force of the spell, but she is still shaken.
Rizzit meanwhile takes out his wand and fires at the priestess of the Llolth, he follows that by crying out "Whoosh" as she is Heavily Wounded by the flames
Statue of Lolth moves forward slowly targeting Beltain with a slam but misses..
Limara, read hair tousled by the fight strikes at the priestess but misses and mutters something in drow at her enemy.
Draws the heavy mace and swings at the statue then takes a step back, although he manages a solid hit, the statue appears undamaged by the weapon.
Back in the temple and unaware of the fight Coleridge sleeps on.
Feng swings again and this time the axe sends chips of stone flying, the creature of Llolth is visibly damaged.
"Hit harder, Beltain - It's laughin' at ya!" Feng exclaims in glee, "It was a great hit Feng, we are winning, slowly" exclaims Beltain, his pleasure unaffected by the jibe.
The priestess, Destra takes another step back from Limara and pulls out a potion and drinks, curing many of her wounds.
Rizzit again fires the wand and flames engulf the priestess.
Coleridge's body attempts to shake off the effects of the poisoned bolt but continues to sleep..
Belatin steps back behind Feng and ships his mace ready to start curing again.
Feng swing hit axe and hits but the stone creature is hardly damage by his blow but the barbarian stands his ground and shakes the sweat from his brow. This is the toughest opponent he has fought yet
"You reckon I'd do more damage with that mace o' yours, Beltain?" Feng asks.
Beltain looks down at the mace "Nope" he says "You are doing better with the axe, but it is slow going!"
"When we get back to the world, I'm gonna have this blade acide etched, and mount it in ebony and silver. Laskur's Bane is a blade worthy of Feng" the barbarian muses, "I'll then see about getting it enchanted, as befits such a weapon."
In the Northern fight Destra Darkweb utters a few words, motions with her hands and then disappears. As if into thin air.
Rizzit fires off his wand, down one of the corridors leading south. Maybe it will locate the invisible drow cleric. He hears no sound, and once the flames die down, he sees nothing of interest either.
"Tlu bekea lu'morfeth nindol vedaust Destra" chides Limara
The spider statue lunges for Feng but is restrained by the Beltain's tangle-foot goo.
Limara, seeing no sign of the priestess, moves to help the boys with the animated statue. She runs round the corner and sheathes her sword in readiness of her next action, "She's vanished ... I'll come and assist you two with the spider" she shouts ahead.
"Huh - The Drow priestess to much for ya, Limara?" jokes Feng as he hits the statue again.
"No...she has vanished..." replies the beautiful cleric.
"Well this bastard is staying put at any rate!" says Feng with a smile.
"You want another cure or do you want me to attack it ?" she retorts
"Do what you will" says Feng "I'm not so daft as to tell a woman what to do!" which makes Limara laugh...
Rizzit rounds the corner having come down the southern passage, he aims his wand and fires at the statue causing it major damage "Now that you dumbasses is how you do it" he tells the others.
The statue turns and rushes down the corridor trampling over the kobold, while Feng lashes out and hits the retreating spider.
Rizzit manages to avoid some of the legs as the creature tramples over him, but the kobold is still hurt. Luckily his earthsilk jersey also reduced the damage a little.
"Owwwwwww" shouts the voluble kobold "That hurt"
Beltain listens hoping to hear the sound of armoured priestess moving through the temple, and thinks he hears movement to the North but it's difficult to hear anything over the screeching of the wounded sorcerer.
"Oi, Rizzit! Don't die! Tht's the plan, ok?" shouts Feng then mutters "That little runt has done more damage to that thing than me. Bastard! As long as this don't get out I should be credible-intacto at the bar."
"I'm gonna move up" he says in a louder voice "And get in front-o you, so stay put, Rizzit and watch Feng's Charge!" and adds almost as a after-thought "Belt. You wanna cure stumpy? You might wonna leave his tongue in a splint, 'cos I doubt we'll hear the last of it, else."
"In front of me?" yells Rizzit "You wanna get crisped?"
"Works for me, Feng!" says Beltain ignoring the shouts of the kobold "I can move up to just South of him, cure him then flatten myself against the wall to avoid the battle-charge of a barbarian and the flames of the enraged kobold. Mind you I'd just love to know where the dark priestess is hiding, first – just in case she has some trick in mind."
Beltain calls to Limara "Princess, if you want that bitch of the spider queen, you might want to try moving up North and listening. She's bound to make a racket in her fine plate mail. Not that you'd hear anything from down here with Rizzit yelling fit to burst." he laughs
"Yeah, In front o' me." Says Feng to Rizzit, enjoying the moment "Just heave my big balls out o' the way and point yer wand thru my legs, fruntkin."
"Cheer up Beltain, we've got this thing beat." he tells the cleric "..maybe Spitfires bolts can burn it.." as Limara.
Limara moves round the corner dropping her shield when she stops, she draws her crossbow and shoots and hits the spider doing a little damage.
Beltain moves forward, scroll in hand and heals Rizzit
Feng charges forward and swings his axe down on the statue "RAR! FENG KILLS!" as he damages it yet again.
Rizzit points and fires again and the statue takes damage but not enough to fell it "Die now please your using up too many of my charges" he quips.
The statue slams down on his tormenter but the kobold easily evades the blow.
Limara moves round to get a better shot and reloads her crossbow ready to fire at the stone spider.
"This is your kill, Feng" Beltain tells the barbarian "I would not steal the glory from you" and so saying he moves to the North drawing his sword, stops and listens intently for some sound from the priestess but does not hear anything untoward..
"Gnugh!" grunys Feng "TAKE THAT, FEARSOME GUARDIAN!". Laskur's Bane smashes once more at the Statue of Lolth. The axe connects with a loud clang, and the statue crumbles... "YES, YES - One down one to go" calls Beltain in delight "Great trophy for your wall!"
In the North without warning Beltain is suddenly attacked out of nowhere! Destra Darkweb spits as she misses the cleric. "Bugger" says Beltain "That was not polite, hitting at a man when he isn't looking. Think I preferred you invisible, you are one ugly bitch" he tells the female drow attacking him.
Rizzit puts away the wand and reloads his crossbow.
Limara hearing Beltains response to the drows attack, rushes to finish the job she started. As she turns the corner she can see her friend dodging attacks from his flank. Limara realises where the drow is and where Feng will soon be running to, so she diverts her course to get a clean shot at her. Limara rests against the corner of the wall and takes careful aim at Destra's head .... "dos wael, dos zhal'la z'haan vel'drav dos inbalus l'mayar" she states flatly.
"Unlike rivvin, ilythiiri xun naut z'haan. Ka udos z'klaen, udos malar ulu l'streea. Lolth orn erl'elee uns'aa" the priestess replies scornfully.
Beltain turns and flails at the priestess with his longsword but misses "You have escaped my blade this time, but your luck will not hold" he tells the servant of Llolth.
Feng, hearing the commotion hurries North to confront the be leagued priestess, "Ha! Another Trophy - I want yer head!" he tells her with a wicked grin. As he moves past her she strikes out at him but misses. Snarling she turns and thrusts her rapier at Beltain, who unprepared for the stroke is wounded.
Rizzit moves quickly to the others fighting Destra
Limara looses a flaming bolt at the priestess which hits with great accuracy, almost immediatelt Beltain also stikes the drow.
Limara replies to the drows comments.."Lolth zhah venorik ulu jal, il uriu aelus dos. Kiaransalee ehmtau l'ilythiiri nin. Dos ph'jal maglust wun dosst klew'ar d'streea."
"Girls talk." Shrugs Feng "Probably about the men you've conned and wishin' you had a dick. No matter, she'll be dead before she can reply. Unless she surrenders, 'corse, then she'll live a little longer."
"I will ask her to surrender. But if I do, she will be our prisoner. That means no one kills her unless she tries to escape ... ok. She may have very useful information on any number of subjects that could be of great help to us. I would at least like to try and question her, Lolth has abandoned the drow and she is one of the last of is followers.. her kin have no allies above ground or in the underdark, so she might be persuaded to exchange valuable information for a chance of life deeper in the underdark. "
"Feng wait until I offer her terms of surrender....please" and then turning she addresses the drow ..." Destra l's'gos ... streea zhah dosst elamshin. Jhal ka dos surrender dos inbal natha mayar d'tu'dro lu'Duul'ssom. Vel'bol zhah dosst reply ?"
"Feng... please let her reply ... she may say yes...pretty please" she smiles at the half orc .
Beltain adds his plea to Limara's "She could have information that we can use to damage the drow cause, she has little love for the new gods that they now worship, so she may play true and support us of the surface world."
The naked desire to kill is clearly shown on Feng's face as he raises his axe
Destra considers Limara's words a second. She then throws down her rapier "Ves al rivvil". She turns to the party "Very well. I will cease hostilities"
"OK, as a prisoner we will not kill you unless you try to escape or harm us " Limara states as she binds the drow's wrists and checks Destra for any more weapons and removes them if there are any. She offers to take responsibility of watching the prisoner and explains to the party that she has questions she wants to ask the drow about the rise of evil in Cormyr and the attacks on their towns. Maybe she might even have some thoughts about the disruption of the weave and the destruction of Tilverton."But this can wait until we have sorted out Coleridge.... and Destra's room needs to be searched too. " Limara wonders what secrets are hidden in Destra's papers in her room.
"I think that you understand common, bitch" Beltain tells the priestess "Your dark mistress will not be happy about this" he indicates the destruction wrought by the party in the temple "And we both know that you mistress does not tolerate failure from her chosen. You have chosen the only way to redeem yourself in her sight. Give us the information on your fellows, so that we can bring pain and suffering on those traitors who have forsaken your dark mistress and you may yet regain her full favour. Agree to this, and persuade your pretty underling to obey our wishes too, and you could yet be one of the favoured chosen on the spider queen's return. Do not try to betray us, if you play us false you will die and endure Llolth's wrath, aid us and you will regain to favour of your dark goddess. The first small thing to prove your compliance is to tell us what is in the chest in your room and how to open it without danger to us"
"I suggest that you take her armour off too" Beltain suggests to Limara "It will make her even less likely to try and escape although, as I pointed out to her, it is in her best interests to behave" he looks pointedly at the priestess. He picks up and hangs Desta's rapier on his belt
"Tell us priestess, who or what are held within those cells to the South?"
"Princess," says Beltain turning to the cleric of the Red Knight on his right "I suggest that we take Kaella back with us too, the others, if any survive, we have no use for. Perhaps Feng has some ideas on what to do with them."
Belatin examines the drow chain he is wearing, it seemed to be more effective that his original chain. He looks to see how the chain is woven together, perhaps that is the secret of its improved defensive capability. It is quite difficult to see the detail in the torch-light of the temple so he resolves to study it again when he gets outside in the daylight.
"If you are planning to take me to the surface world..kill me now." spits Destra. She looks at Limara "Zhah nindol ussta ap'za?. Usstan orn'la y'sik el ghil lu'nin"
Destra is stripped of her armor (Full plate +1), Beltain takes her Rapier (normal). She also carries to potions, both labelled, Spider climb and See Invisibility. Limara binds the Drow elfs hands with manacles.
"There is but one prisoner, a human, he's in the cell south." She tells Beltain and then turns to Feng "The egg-sack you saw on the level above was just a spider sack. We breed spiders, in the name of our lady."
"Can I have the key to the jail?" Beltain asks Destra "And please tell me if there are any dangers that I should be aware of...?"
"Nicely done people" says Rizzit in an offhand manner "Let's check everywhere here, and someone ask the drow how you get down into the underdark from here" and with that he wanders off looking bored now
"Good idea, Rizzit" Beltain tells the kobold, "After you have told me about the prison key, could you let us know if there is a way into the Underdark from here?" he asks Destra. "The keys to the cells are in my room, on the table. There is a way to the underdark off of the Mithril mines, south, that way also leads to the Duergar."
"Thank you, priestess" Beltain acknowledges the information and heads into the room taking the keys from the desk..
Meanwhile Rizzit looks at another area in the drow complex. This area contains bodies that appear to have been cocooned.
Limara turns to Beltain angrily "Beltain.... do you want to dishonour me ?? .... I have already made a deal with this drow, if she answers all our questions and doesn't try anything stupid, then she goes free... to run deeper into the underdark. There is no need to swear at her either it just makes you look cheap. There is no way she will answer the questions I ask if we are to hand her into the authorities, and seeing as she is on her own without allies, I don't see her as a threat to civilization. But the information she can give us will be worth her weight in gold...."
"Um, sorry Princess" says Beltain "But I have no idea what you two have been talking about. What's the deal?"
"...I know you hate drow Bel, and you have a right to as well.... But please don't make me a liar. I cannot agree to handing her in now I have given my word to her... I persuaded her to give us information in exchange for her freedom ."
"Drow and such are the ones that murdered my family and I am loath to let them live" Says Beltain sadly "I will support you on this but it is against my better judgement, what assurances do we have that she will speak true and inform against her own kind?"
Destra nods at Limara "Dos xun ke kluth mzild yutreess taga dosst abbilen. Usstan zhahus led ulu z'reninth rivvil jalilen ph'rothen"
Limara replies to Destra "Usstan promised dos dro lu'Duul'ssom ka dos belbaus udossa de'lu'mith. Usstan orn sslig'ne nindel iglata."
Beltain deep in thought, heads towards the jail. On the way he picks up his dropped Longsword. He then goes to the jail and opens the grill cautiously with the tip of the blade. "Who's in there" he calls out
"We should talk in common. so no mistrust is presumed" Destra advises Limara.
Rizzit finds a number of cocoons in a room to the North and detects magic on them with no result.
"Thank you Beltain. I know it must be hard for you to see an enemy walk free. Think on this, if 1 in 100 of the enemy ally to us, what an army we would be..." she turns to destra "...In answer to your question, no, women are not slaves in human society. Though it is a male dominated power structure, a woman can get to the top if she is ambitious enough."
"Male dominated, Princess?" Beltain interjects from the distance laughing "You just have to be joking!". He Continues "Ask the priestess if any of the males are her consort and need saving. Otherwise they will be sent ahead to meet their dark mistress"
Beltain calls out more loudly "You, in the cell, what is your name and what are you doing here? Are you a friend to no to these drow? Speak!"
Feng fetches Kaella unconscious body "Lets search these prisoners and find out where the loot is. I also want to know what is in the big egg-sack upstairs.", he turns to the others "Oh, and Kaella is my prisoner, OK?"
"They are both party prisoners" Beltain replies to Feng "After we question them about this place and any treasure, we need to get them back to civilization. There they can either volunteer information or take the consequences for not doing so. I am hoping that their 'value' will help get Nosni and Bob raised and back into the party again" he adds with a sigh "But I have no objection to you looking after her, until we get back" he laughs, "She is a comely little thing --- For a drow that is" he adds quickly looking at Limara.
But Feng responds angrily to the suggestion "What? You presume greatly, Beltain? Kaellara lives at Feng's pleasure! She is my prisoner and i need no permission from you! All these drow scum are weak, else they would be killing us now! We vanquished them. It is for them to sue and beg for their lives like the worms they are!". Then he seems to recover his temper a little, "Look, if the lass is pretty, I'll gag her and she will warm my bed until it becomes time to sell her. I'm sure some bastard is stupid enough to buy the wench, and for good money too. When that time comes, I will spit the proceeds with the party. Ya know, this is great. Not only will she know she's been beat. She'll also be sold as a slave by the people she was gonna kill. hehe. That's rich! But if she pisses me off, I'll find out how long a drow can take to die, if Feng has time to take care over it. Each night she shall pray to her dark mistress for death, but it shall not come near until Feng decides!"
"It is only fitting that she should provide service to the victor" concedes Beltain "But I would be grateful if I could question her. She may have knowledge that could aid our search for glory and reward"
"Question her soon." Feng laughs "I plan to slit her tongue. I do not want the witch castin' spells over me in my sleep. A slit tongue will eventually heal, so shouldn't diminish her value".
Grinning Feng lopes over to join Rizzit "What do we have here, Rizzit? A Door? Cocooned bodies? Spider food? Praps we got a big-off spider in here?"
Rizzit nods "And maybe some people are in the cocoons"
"Yeah?" queries Feng, "Can u see anything bro, I'm too short" Rizzit asks Feng.
Takes a butchers into the corner room.
"Help please" says the man in the cell by Beltain "I am but a mere traveller...I was, um, investigating the mines when I was captured by goblins.. They bought me here"
"Who are you and what business would you have investigating mines such as these?" asks Beltain
Feng swings his axe and hits again but this time the axe makes no impression on the stone spider "This is a hard-dying stachoo," he tells Beltain "Any ideas?". Beltain shrugs "Just keep plugging away" he replies.
In the North the drow priestess attempts to cast a blinding spell on Limara but although she damages the beautiful cleric the spell fails to have the desired effect.
Rizzit after sprinting up levels his crossbow and fires at the drow warrior flanking Limara, the bolt runs true striking the drow through the neck and he falls dying to the cavern floor. "That's the way we stick sharp sticks into drow" the kobold quips. "Fantastic shot, Rizzit" calls Beltain "You are truly an excellent fighter, despite your modesty", Limara also expresses her thanks for the well-aimed shot.
The stone spider misses in his attempt to hit Feng.
"Yugho xo'al ... elg'caress " tells the priestess and swings her sword causing major damage. "L'amith natha tyav d'waer'honglath" she continues
Beltain takes another scroll from his backpack and heals Feng again, he looks around as he does so checking that no more enemies are in the area
Feng takes deep breath and swings his axe again connecting hard with the spider's stoney body. "A HIT! I'LL REMODEL THIS STACHOO! WISH I'D A HAMMER OR GREATCLUB, THO'". The statue of Lolth cracks a little.
"Good hit" says Beltain "It should feel the damage from that one!"
Destra tries to cast a wounding spell but she is distracted by Limara's attack and fumbles the spell.
Rizzit gestures at the priestess but Rizzits scorching ray fizzles as it strikes Destra, "Crap" he says under hit breath.
The spider statue bites Feng and the big barbarian is wounded.
Limara shouts to Beltain.. "How are you doing round there hun ?" but misses her sword thrust at the drow priestess.
"Progress is slow and our weapons are not that effective. The stone creature is protected against all but the hardest hits"" Beltain responds, he takes a 5' step NorthWest takes out a tanglefoot bag and throws it at the spider hitting it with the sticky goo. "I'll be back to heal you next round" he reassures Feng.
"Things are not going well" Beltain calls to Rizzit "Steel is making little impression on the stone beast although Feng is doing an heroic job. Although it is true that stone doesn't burn, do not the stones round the campfire shatter when exposed to the searing heat of the burning wood? There is a chance, and I think a good one, that your burning hands wand could make an impression where the mighty Feng's axe cannot. Could you come and aid us and at least try to damage this monstrous creature in spider form?" he pleads "The scrolls of cure are almost exhausted and we need to make an end of the dark effigy of the spider goddess. I will guard you from counter attack if you so desire, if that is an issue" Beltain assures the kobold.
"What a windbag" Rizzit thinks to himself "You sure are making hard work of one spider" he calls out.
"Come and show us how it's done" calls Beltain to Rizzit by way of a reply
"If this is a mindless guard I wonder how far it will pursue us should we retreat?" Feng thinks "Or if there is some sign that will allow it to recognise Friend from Foe? As if being an ugly Drow wasn't enough of a clue."
"I'd prefer to beat this thing with muscle," he says out loud "But if I need to use brains, I'll do so as a last resort! How long will that bag last? I'd much rather pinch the treasure and leg it - and come back later with a BIG HAMMER when I'm ready to take possession."
"I am , of course, consoled by the fact I can run faster than Beltain." He thinks with a smile.
"It lasts between 2 and 8 rounds, I think" says Beltain in response to Feng's question, "But the creature can try and scrape it off..."
Limara calls to those fighting the stone spider " I suggest stepping back and seeing if it follows you, it might have an area to protect.... thought I suspect it will follow you" then summarising her own fight "The priestess is a worthy opponent and battles well, I do not know how long it will take to kill her..........but I will "
Beltain throws the Tanglefoot bag at the Stone statue of Lolth. Goo covers the creature and its movement slows. Feng, looks hard at the creature, it does indeed just seem to be a animated statue.
Feng swings the axe and although it connects with the statue he feels he did no damage with his strike.
Destra steps back from Limara and casts fear on the brave cleric, although Limara is not affected by the full force of the spell, but she is still shaken.
Rizzit meanwhile takes out his wand and fires at the priestess of the Llolth, he follows that by crying out "Whoosh" as she is Heavily Wounded by the flames
Statue of Lolth moves forward slowly targeting Beltain with a slam but misses..
Limara, read hair tousled by the fight strikes at the priestess but misses and mutters something in drow at her enemy.
Draws the heavy mace and swings at the statue then takes a step back, although he manages a solid hit, the statue appears undamaged by the weapon.
Back in the temple and unaware of the fight Coleridge sleeps on.
Feng swings again and this time the axe sends chips of stone flying, the creature of Llolth is visibly damaged.
"Hit harder, Beltain - It's laughin' at ya!" Feng exclaims in glee, "It was a great hit Feng, we are winning, slowly" exclaims Beltain, his pleasure unaffected by the jibe.
The priestess, Destra takes another step back from Limara and pulls out a potion and drinks, curing many of her wounds.
Rizzit again fires the wand and flames engulf the priestess.
Coleridge's body attempts to shake off the effects of the poisoned bolt but continues to sleep..
Belatin steps back behind Feng and ships his mace ready to start curing again.
Feng swing hit axe and hits but the stone creature is hardly damage by his blow but the barbarian stands his ground and shakes the sweat from his brow. This is the toughest opponent he has fought yet
"You reckon I'd do more damage with that mace o' yours, Beltain?" Feng asks.
Beltain looks down at the mace "Nope" he says "You are doing better with the axe, but it is slow going!"
"When we get back to the world, I'm gonna have this blade acide etched, and mount it in ebony and silver. Laskur's Bane is a blade worthy of Feng" the barbarian muses, "I'll then see about getting it enchanted, as befits such a weapon."
In the Northern fight Destra Darkweb utters a few words, motions with her hands and then disappears. As if into thin air.
Rizzit fires off his wand, down one of the corridors leading south. Maybe it will locate the invisible drow cleric. He hears no sound, and once the flames die down, he sees nothing of interest either.
"Tlu bekea lu'morfeth nindol vedaust Destra" chides Limara
The spider statue lunges for Feng but is restrained by the Beltain's tangle-foot goo.
Limara, seeing no sign of the priestess, moves to help the boys with the animated statue. She runs round the corner and sheathes her sword in readiness of her next action, "She's vanished ... I'll come and assist you two with the spider" she shouts ahead.
"Huh - The Drow priestess to much for ya, Limara?" jokes Feng as he hits the statue again.
"No...she has vanished..." replies the beautiful cleric.
"Well this bastard is staying put at any rate!" says Feng with a smile.
"You want another cure or do you want me to attack it ?" she retorts
"Do what you will" says Feng "I'm not so daft as to tell a woman what to do!" which makes Limara laugh...
Rizzit rounds the corner having come down the southern passage, he aims his wand and fires at the statue causing it major damage "Now that you dumbasses is how you do it" he tells the others.
The statue turns and rushes down the corridor trampling over the kobold, while Feng lashes out and hits the retreating spider.
Rizzit manages to avoid some of the legs as the creature tramples over him, but the kobold is still hurt. Luckily his earthsilk jersey also reduced the damage a little.
"Owwwwwww" shouts the voluble kobold "That hurt"
Beltain listens hoping to hear the sound of armoured priestess moving through the temple, and thinks he hears movement to the North but it's difficult to hear anything over the screeching of the wounded sorcerer.
"Oi, Rizzit! Don't die! Tht's the plan, ok?" shouts Feng then mutters "That little runt has done more damage to that thing than me. Bastard! As long as this don't get out I should be credible-intacto at the bar."
"I'm gonna move up" he says in a louder voice "And get in front-o you, so stay put, Rizzit and watch Feng's Charge!" and adds almost as a after-thought "Belt. You wanna cure stumpy? You might wonna leave his tongue in a splint, 'cos I doubt we'll hear the last of it, else."
"In front of me?" yells Rizzit "You wanna get crisped?"
"Works for me, Feng!" says Beltain ignoring the shouts of the kobold "I can move up to just South of him, cure him then flatten myself against the wall to avoid the battle-charge of a barbarian and the flames of the enraged kobold. Mind you I'd just love to know where the dark priestess is hiding, first – just in case she has some trick in mind."
Beltain calls to Limara "Princess, if you want that bitch of the spider queen, you might want to try moving up North and listening. She's bound to make a racket in her fine plate mail. Not that you'd hear anything from down here with Rizzit yelling fit to burst." he laughs
"Yeah, In front o' me." Says Feng to Rizzit, enjoying the moment "Just heave my big balls out o' the way and point yer wand thru my legs, fruntkin."
"Cheer up Beltain, we've got this thing beat." he tells the cleric "..maybe Spitfires bolts can burn it.." as Limara.
Limara moves round the corner dropping her shield when she stops, she draws her crossbow and shoots and hits the spider doing a little damage.
Beltain moves forward, scroll in hand and heals Rizzit
Feng charges forward and swings his axe down on the statue "RAR! FENG KILLS!" as he damages it yet again.
Rizzit points and fires again and the statue takes damage but not enough to fell it "Die now please your using up too many of my charges" he quips.
The statue slams down on his tormenter but the kobold easily evades the blow.
Limara moves round to get a better shot and reloads her crossbow ready to fire at the stone spider.
"This is your kill, Feng" Beltain tells the barbarian "I would not steal the glory from you" and so saying he moves to the North drawing his sword, stops and listens intently for some sound from the priestess but does not hear anything untoward..
"Gnugh!" grunys Feng "TAKE THAT, FEARSOME GUARDIAN!". Laskur's Bane smashes once more at the Statue of Lolth. The axe connects with a loud clang, and the statue crumbles... "YES, YES - One down one to go" calls Beltain in delight "Great trophy for your wall!"
In the North without warning Beltain is suddenly attacked out of nowhere! Destra Darkweb spits as she misses the cleric. "Bugger" says Beltain "That was not polite, hitting at a man when he isn't looking. Think I preferred you invisible, you are one ugly bitch" he tells the female drow attacking him.
Rizzit puts away the wand and reloads his crossbow.
Limara hearing Beltains response to the drows attack, rushes to finish the job she started. As she turns the corner she can see her friend dodging attacks from his flank. Limara realises where the drow is and where Feng will soon be running to, so she diverts her course to get a clean shot at her. Limara rests against the corner of the wall and takes careful aim at Destra's head .... "dos wael, dos zhal'la z'haan vel'drav dos inbalus l'mayar" she states flatly.
"Unlike rivvin, ilythiiri xun naut z'haan. Ka udos z'klaen, udos malar ulu l'streea. Lolth orn erl'elee uns'aa" the priestess replies scornfully.
Beltain turns and flails at the priestess with his longsword but misses "You have escaped my blade this time, but your luck will not hold" he tells the servant of Llolth.
Feng, hearing the commotion hurries North to confront the be leagued priestess, "Ha! Another Trophy - I want yer head!" he tells her with a wicked grin. As he moves past her she strikes out at him but misses. Snarling she turns and thrusts her rapier at Beltain, who unprepared for the stroke is wounded.
Rizzit moves quickly to the others fighting Destra
Limara looses a flaming bolt at the priestess which hits with great accuracy, almost immediatelt Beltain also stikes the drow.
Limara replies to the drows comments.."Lolth zhah venorik ulu jal, il uriu aelus dos. Kiaransalee ehmtau l'ilythiiri nin. Dos ph'jal maglust wun dosst klew'ar d'streea."
"Girls talk." Shrugs Feng "Probably about the men you've conned and wishin' you had a dick. No matter, she'll be dead before she can reply. Unless she surrenders, 'corse, then she'll live a little longer."
"I will ask her to surrender. But if I do, she will be our prisoner. That means no one kills her unless she tries to escape ... ok. She may have very useful information on any number of subjects that could be of great help to us. I would at least like to try and question her, Lolth has abandoned the drow and she is one of the last of is followers.. her kin have no allies above ground or in the underdark, so she might be persuaded to exchange valuable information for a chance of life deeper in the underdark. "
"Feng wait until I offer her terms of surrender....please" and then turning she addresses the drow ..." Destra l's'gos ... streea zhah dosst elamshin. Jhal ka dos surrender dos inbal natha mayar d'tu'dro lu'Duul'ssom. Vel'bol zhah dosst reply ?"
"Feng... please let her reply ... she may say yes...pretty please" she smiles at the half orc .
Beltain adds his plea to Limara's "She could have information that we can use to damage the drow cause, she has little love for the new gods that they now worship, so she may play true and support us of the surface world."
The naked desire to kill is clearly shown on Feng's face as he raises his axe
Destra considers Limara's words a second. She then throws down her rapier "Ves al rivvil". She turns to the party "Very well. I will cease hostilities"
"OK, as a prisoner we will not kill you unless you try to escape or harm us " Limara states as she binds the drow's wrists and checks Destra for any more weapons and removes them if there are any. She offers to take responsibility of watching the prisoner and explains to the party that she has questions she wants to ask the drow about the rise of evil in Cormyr and the attacks on their towns. Maybe she might even have some thoughts about the disruption of the weave and the destruction of Tilverton."But this can wait until we have sorted out Coleridge.... and Destra's room needs to be searched too. " Limara wonders what secrets are hidden in Destra's papers in her room.
"I think that you understand common, bitch" Beltain tells the priestess "Your dark mistress will not be happy about this" he indicates the destruction wrought by the party in the temple "And we both know that you mistress does not tolerate failure from her chosen. You have chosen the only way to redeem yourself in her sight. Give us the information on your fellows, so that we can bring pain and suffering on those traitors who have forsaken your dark mistress and you may yet regain her full favour. Agree to this, and persuade your pretty underling to obey our wishes too, and you could yet be one of the favoured chosen on the spider queen's return. Do not try to betray us, if you play us false you will die and endure Llolth's wrath, aid us and you will regain to favour of your dark goddess. The first small thing to prove your compliance is to tell us what is in the chest in your room and how to open it without danger to us"
"I suggest that you take her armour off too" Beltain suggests to Limara "It will make her even less likely to try and escape although, as I pointed out to her, it is in her best interests to behave" he looks pointedly at the priestess. He picks up and hangs Desta's rapier on his belt
"Tell us priestess, who or what are held within those cells to the South?"
"Princess," says Beltain turning to the cleric of the Red Knight on his right "I suggest that we take Kaella back with us too, the others, if any survive, we have no use for. Perhaps Feng has some ideas on what to do with them."
Belatin examines the drow chain he is wearing, it seemed to be more effective that his original chain. He looks to see how the chain is woven together, perhaps that is the secret of its improved defensive capability. It is quite difficult to see the detail in the torch-light of the temple so he resolves to study it again when he gets outside in the daylight.
"If you are planning to take me to the surface world..kill me now." spits Destra. She looks at Limara "Zhah nindol ussta ap'za?. Usstan orn'la y'sik el ghil lu'nin"
Destra is stripped of her armor (Full plate +1), Beltain takes her Rapier (normal). She also carries to potions, both labelled, Spider climb and See Invisibility. Limara binds the Drow elfs hands with manacles.
"There is but one prisoner, a human, he's in the cell south." She tells Beltain and then turns to Feng "The egg-sack you saw on the level above was just a spider sack. We breed spiders, in the name of our lady."
"Can I have the key to the jail?" Beltain asks Destra "And please tell me if there are any dangers that I should be aware of...?"
"Nicely done people" says Rizzit in an offhand manner "Let's check everywhere here, and someone ask the drow how you get down into the underdark from here" and with that he wanders off looking bored now
"Good idea, Rizzit" Beltain tells the kobold, "After you have told me about the prison key, could you let us know if there is a way into the Underdark from here?" he asks Destra. "The keys to the cells are in my room, on the table. There is a way to the underdark off of the Mithril mines, south, that way also leads to the Duergar."
"Thank you, priestess" Beltain acknowledges the information and heads into the room taking the keys from the desk..
Meanwhile Rizzit looks at another area in the drow complex. This area contains bodies that appear to have been cocooned.
Limara turns to Beltain angrily "Beltain.... do you want to dishonour me ?? .... I have already made a deal with this drow, if she answers all our questions and doesn't try anything stupid, then she goes free... to run deeper into the underdark. There is no need to swear at her either it just makes you look cheap. There is no way she will answer the questions I ask if we are to hand her into the authorities, and seeing as she is on her own without allies, I don't see her as a threat to civilization. But the information she can give us will be worth her weight in gold...."
"Um, sorry Princess" says Beltain "But I have no idea what you two have been talking about. What's the deal?"
"...I know you hate drow Bel, and you have a right to as well.... But please don't make me a liar. I cannot agree to handing her in now I have given my word to her... I persuaded her to give us information in exchange for her freedom ."
"Drow and such are the ones that murdered my family and I am loath to let them live" Says Beltain sadly "I will support you on this but it is against my better judgement, what assurances do we have that she will speak true and inform against her own kind?"
Destra nods at Limara "Dos xun ke kluth mzild yutreess taga dosst abbilen. Usstan zhahus led ulu z'reninth rivvil jalilen ph'rothen"
Limara replies to Destra "Usstan promised dos dro lu'Duul'ssom ka dos belbaus udossa de'lu'mith. Usstan orn sslig'ne nindel iglata."
Beltain deep in thought, heads towards the jail. On the way he picks up his dropped Longsword. He then goes to the jail and opens the grill cautiously with the tip of the blade. "Who's in there" he calls out
"We should talk in common. so no mistrust is presumed" Destra advises Limara.
Rizzit finds a number of cocoons in a room to the North and detects magic on them with no result.
"Thank you Beltain. I know it must be hard for you to see an enemy walk free. Think on this, if 1 in 100 of the enemy ally to us, what an army we would be..." she turns to destra "...In answer to your question, no, women are not slaves in human society. Though it is a male dominated power structure, a woman can get to the top if she is ambitious enough."
"Male dominated, Princess?" Beltain interjects from the distance laughing "You just have to be joking!". He Continues "Ask the priestess if any of the males are her consort and need saving. Otherwise they will be sent ahead to meet their dark mistress"
Beltain calls out more loudly "You, in the cell, what is your name and what are you doing here? Are you a friend to no to these drow? Speak!"
Feng fetches Kaella unconscious body "Lets search these prisoners and find out where the loot is. I also want to know what is in the big egg-sack upstairs.", he turns to the others "Oh, and Kaella is my prisoner, OK?"
"They are both party prisoners" Beltain replies to Feng "After we question them about this place and any treasure, we need to get them back to civilization. There they can either volunteer information or take the consequences for not doing so. I am hoping that their 'value' will help get Nosni and Bob raised and back into the party again" he adds with a sigh "But I have no objection to you looking after her, until we get back" he laughs, "She is a comely little thing --- For a drow that is" he adds quickly looking at Limara.
But Feng responds angrily to the suggestion "What? You presume greatly, Beltain? Kaellara lives at Feng's pleasure! She is my prisoner and i need no permission from you! All these drow scum are weak, else they would be killing us now! We vanquished them. It is for them to sue and beg for their lives like the worms they are!". Then he seems to recover his temper a little, "Look, if the lass is pretty, I'll gag her and she will warm my bed until it becomes time to sell her. I'm sure some bastard is stupid enough to buy the wench, and for good money too. When that time comes, I will spit the proceeds with the party. Ya know, this is great. Not only will she know she's been beat. She'll also be sold as a slave by the people she was gonna kill. hehe. That's rich! But if she pisses me off, I'll find out how long a drow can take to die, if Feng has time to take care over it. Each night she shall pray to her dark mistress for death, but it shall not come near until Feng decides!"
"It is only fitting that she should provide service to the victor" concedes Beltain "But I would be grateful if I could question her. She may have knowledge that could aid our search for glory and reward"
"Question her soon." Feng laughs "I plan to slit her tongue. I do not want the witch castin' spells over me in my sleep. A slit tongue will eventually heal, so shouldn't diminish her value".
Grinning Feng lopes over to join Rizzit "What do we have here, Rizzit? A Door? Cocooned bodies? Spider food? Praps we got a big
-off spider in here?"Rizzit nods "And maybe some people are in the cocoons"
"Yeah?" queries Feng, "Can u see anything bro, I'm too short" Rizzit asks Feng.
Takes a butchers into the corner room.
"Help please" says the man in the cell by Beltain "I am but a mere traveller...I was, um, investigating the mines when I was captured by goblins.. They bought me here"
"Who are you and what business would you have investigating mines such as these?" asks Beltain
Ofter the Temple Battle
"My name is Rodger," says the man in the cell, "I was you know, seeing if any opportunities were to be had. C'mon, get me outta here will ya"
Beltain moves along and looks South "In a moment" Beltain tells the man in the cell, "I need to check that the coast is clear."
"HELP>>>HELP>>>DONT LEAVE ME HERE!" Roger calls after him.
"So Roger" asks Beltain, "Just what is your calling? And tell the truth if you want to get out of here! Right now we could do with some expertise on opening locks"
Rodger replies to Beltain "Well, I was thinking about becoming a..um..rogue I think you call them...don't think I'll bother now - to bloody dangerous"
Fen takes out a dagger and slits open a cocoon to see what is inside "C'mon people. We got bodies to loot and armour and weapons to salvage. Alright, it's poncy Drow with wouldn't draw blood from a bloated leech, but someone will buy it."
"Beltain, can you make some o' these dead walk long enough to carry the loot out o' here? They're only dark elves, so I don't suppose it will trouble your conscience?"
Beltain blushes "I am not yet strong enough to raise the dead, Feng and even if I was, that is an unworthy use of my deity's spell. All I can offer is the assistance of this would-be thief. Don't trust him an inch!" Belatin answers.
Feng slits open a couple of the cocoons. One of the corpses is indeed Drow..infact Feng recognises it as Amandrukil, the drow wizard. The other corpse is human, a poor peasant by the looks of it.
After he has examined the cocoon he moves back to Destra, "Take alook at these. So we heading back towards the duegar then" he produces the Draegolth's head and claws.
Rizzit grins "You ready to kick some stumpy ass bud?" he says to Feng
Feng is not distracted "What the was this and are there any more o' these around?" he asks the priestess. I'm always ready for a fight. Dark Elves, Dark Dwarves, anything. Mighty Feng can kill even the stones of the earth."
Rizzit sighs "Bag up the treasure, secure those prisoners and lets go, there's some hero'in to be done"
Feng and Rizzit begin to strip the fallen drow of valuables. Meanwhile, Limara continues to question Destra...
"The chest is not trapped...its not even locked" shrugs Destra.
Limara asks: "What do you know of the disappearance of Tilverton ? "
Destra looks puzzled "Nothing, what is Tilverton?"
Limara continues "What is the inspiration behind the attacks on Cormyr's towns by Orcs and their allies? Who is backing them and do you know which town will be next?"
Destra shrugs, "The Drow empire has nothing to do with the orc attacks on Cormyr, although we did view it favourably"
"Is it true that lolth is Still silent?" Limara persists "Do you know why? How many Lolth followers are left and are there any plans to attack the Kairanselee traitors at the Underdark city of the spider queen, which incidentally has been attacked since they left."
Destra looks annoyed "Yes, my lady is still silent...but there must be a reason. SHE HAS NOT FORSAKEN US!!!" Destra calms herself "I'm sure there are many followers of the queen...scattered through the underdark, but the worshippers of Kiaransalee are massing, who knows what their dark plans entail." She looks at Limara "Where did you say was attacked? Which city? Who attacked?"
Limara continues with the questions "You say that there is a path from the mithril mines to the Underdark that also leads to the duergar settlement, What information can you give us about the duergars numbers and strengths. Is this the route you will take ?"
"The Duergar settlement is about a days travel through the Underdark," destra relies "There are many tunnels, I will not go anywhere near them. There are many dangerous creatures in the underdark, and the dwarves have allies, strange creatures made of stone. I would suggest you do not entertain going near their settlement... if you value your lives. Besides, unless you know where you are going, you will surely get lost"
"It is strange that you keep a human prisoner" Limara says indicating the cell to the South "What value is he to you?"
"Mere pleasure" says Destra with an evil smile "He was to be tortured and fed to the spiders. The other creatures the barbarian mentioned, the Draegloth, They are created by the unholy union between an ascending high priestess of the drow goddess Lolth and a glabrezu. No, there are no more here"
She stops and looks at Limara "I have answered your questions...no?"
Beltain unlocks the door and takes Roger North, to Limara. Then he turns to Destra "Priestess, I have a further question" he says in a tight voice "You seem to have answered Limara's questions fairly and I will not stand in the way of freeing you. It seems that, for the moment at least, we have a common cause against your fellows, most of whom have recanted from the worship of the spider queen. We will never be friends or even trust each other enough to be considered allies but perhaps we might be able to work to a common purpose? If you could feed us information out of the underdark, perhaps we could work together to confound their plans. If you agree," he adds with a laugh "And persuade us that you would deal truthfully with us, then, if my fellows agree, we would allow you to select from the common weapons and armour" he indicates the items on the male drow "Which would give you a better chance of returning quickly and safely to your fellows"
Beltain turns to Limara and leaves the priestess time to consider the proposal. "Princess" he asks her "Have you determined where if anywhere the valuables from this area are held. So far we have found no gold coin or gem and not a scrap of mitheral though these mines appear to be well worked. I do not understand the tongue of the underdark so it may be that these questions have been already asked" he raises a quizzical eyebrow.
While waiting for the answer he turns to Roger "Go and help Feng with his task. Obey him in every way and do not attempt to steal from us. Feng has a short way with thieves and you might find yourself with less body parts if you try anything"
"Let's go guys," complains Rizzit "I think we are done with this mess, lets go and explore further. Also there is that very small tunnel we passed on the way here, we never found what was down that". In the distance Coleridge snores gently in his sleep zzzz *whistle* zzzzz *whistle* zzzzz
Beltain goes into the drow priestess's room and to test her truthfulness opens the chest, which he assumes isn't locked.
"No Beltain I have not asked about their valuables ..." Limara responds coldly "But as we have two comrades to raise, I shall ask.."
Shwe turns and addresses Destra..."Indeed you have.. Where are the kiaranselee scum massing ? can you show me on these maps ? " she shows Destra the maps of the underdark..
"Feng, bind her mouth... don't cut her tongue out or the Purple knights wont be able to question her... and you won't get as big a reward then. If we keep her in a coma, she is harmless." She pauses and then continues, "... Think on this my muscle-bound killing machine, if you take a fully functioning Drow priestess back to the purple knights your reputation will shoot sky high, The Order of the Initiative will be a force to be noticed. I have no doubt that the better our reputation is the better our reception will be at Suzail"
After looking in the chest Beltain will scan the room and take any paperwork that may be around, he then pauses and scans the priestess room for magic emanations. If there are none he moves outside and scans the altar and Stone Spider areas.
Limara then picks up the two potions and puts them in one of the side pockets of her backpack, all the time carefully watching Destra.
"Hmm, there may be something in what you say. But I don't want her in a coma. She is more use to me alive and, ahem able. And not only will she be fully functioning, she'll be broken in, too. Just a quick question - how have you squared letting this crazy sadistic bitch go free with your sense of honour? I'm not really bothered, but doubtless she will kill again. Still, it certainly won't be me - She faces me with a naked blade and she is a very dead and messy drow, indeed." Feng smiles at Destra "But I'm sure the bitch knows this."
Destra replies "These maps will mean nothing to an up-worlder..the underdark is immense. But, i can point you in the right direction to the worshippers of Kiaransalee. There is a crypt, The dordrien crypts i believe it is known to up-worlders. It is situated near a up-worlder city, Dagger Falls. Below the crypt is a drow settlement Sith Morcane"
Beltain opens the chest in Destra's room. It is not locked or trapped. Inside is: 1000gp, 2 Vials of Drow poison, Amandrukils Spellbook (Wizard). Beltain then casts detect magic in the room, but it finds nothing. He moves out and scans the alter and the statue areas..again, nothing is detected.
Feng loots the unconscious body of Kaellara, she wears MW plate mail. She has no other items of interest although the barbarian's search does linger over certain parts of the body.
Feng turns away "Roger - lets take a look upstairs."
The fight in the temple is enough to raise Feng and Coleridge to the next level of experience.
"My name is Rodger," says the man in the cell, "I was you know, seeing if any opportunities were to be had. C'mon, get me outta here will ya"
Beltain moves along and looks South "In a moment" Beltain tells the man in the cell, "I need to check that the coast is clear."
"HELP>>>HELP>>>DONT LEAVE ME HERE!" Roger calls after him.
"So Roger" asks Beltain, "Just what is your calling? And tell the truth if you want to get out of here! Right now we could do with some expertise on opening locks"
Rodger replies to Beltain "Well, I was thinking about becoming a..um..rogue I think you call them...don't think I'll bother now - to bloody dangerous"
Fen takes out a dagger and slits open a cocoon to see what is inside "C'mon people. We got bodies to loot and armour and weapons to salvage. Alright, it's poncy Drow
with wouldn't draw blood from a bloated leech, but someone will buy it.""Beltain, can you make some o' these dead walk long enough to carry the loot out o' here? They're only dark elves, so I don't suppose it will trouble your conscience?"
Beltain blushes "I am not yet strong enough to raise the dead, Feng and even if I was, that is an unworthy use of my deity's spell. All I can offer is the assistance of this would-be thief. Don't trust him an inch!" Belatin answers.
Feng slits open a couple of the cocoons. One of the corpses is indeed Drow..infact Feng recognises it as Amandrukil, the drow wizard. The other corpse is human, a poor peasant by the looks of it.
After he has examined the cocoon he moves back to Destra, "Take alook at these. So we heading back towards the duegar then" he produces the Draegolth's head and claws.
Rizzit grins "You ready to kick some stumpy ass bud?" he says to Feng
Feng is not distracted "What the
was this and are there any more o' these around?" he asks the priestess. I'm always ready for a fight. Dark Elves, Dark Dwarves, anything. Mighty Feng can kill even the stones of the earth."Rizzit sighs "Bag up the treasure, secure those prisoners and lets go, there's some hero'in to be done"
Feng and Rizzit begin to strip the fallen drow of valuables. Meanwhile, Limara continues to question Destra...
"The chest is not trapped...its not even locked" shrugs Destra.
Limara asks: "What do you know of the disappearance of Tilverton ? "
Destra looks puzzled "Nothing, what is Tilverton?"
Limara continues "What is the inspiration behind the attacks on Cormyr's towns by Orcs and their allies? Who is backing them and do you know which town will be next?"
Destra shrugs, "The Drow empire has nothing to do with the orc attacks on Cormyr, although we did view it favourably"
"Is it true that lolth is Still silent?" Limara persists "Do you know why? How many Lolth followers are left and are there any plans to attack the Kairanselee traitors at the Underdark city of the spider queen, which incidentally has been attacked since they left."
Destra looks annoyed "Yes, my lady is still silent...but there must be a reason. SHE HAS NOT FORSAKEN US!!!" Destra calms herself "I'm sure there are many followers of the queen...scattered through the underdark, but the worshippers of Kiaransalee are massing, who knows what their dark plans entail." She looks at Limara "Where did you say was attacked? Which city? Who attacked?"
Limara continues with the questions "You say that there is a path from the mithril mines to the Underdark that also leads to the duergar settlement, What information can you give us about the duergars numbers and strengths. Is this the route you will take ?"
"The Duergar settlement is about a days travel through the Underdark," destra relies "There are many tunnels, I will not go anywhere near them. There are many dangerous creatures in the underdark, and the dwarves have allies, strange creatures made of stone. I would suggest you do not entertain going near their settlement... if you value your lives. Besides, unless you know where you are going, you will surely get lost"
"It is strange that you keep a human prisoner" Limara says indicating the cell to the South "What value is he to you?"
"Mere pleasure" says Destra with an evil smile "He was to be tortured and fed to the spiders. The other creatures the barbarian mentioned, the Draegloth, They are created by the unholy union between an ascending high priestess of the drow goddess Lolth and a glabrezu. No, there are no more here"
She stops and looks at Limara "I have answered your questions...no?"
Beltain unlocks the door and takes Roger North, to Limara. Then he turns to Destra "Priestess, I have a further question" he says in a tight voice "You seem to have answered Limara's questions fairly and I will not stand in the way of freeing you. It seems that, for the moment at least, we have a common cause against your fellows, most of whom have recanted from the worship of the spider queen. We will never be friends or even trust each other enough to be considered allies but perhaps we might be able to work to a common purpose? If you could feed us information out of the underdark, perhaps we could work together to confound their plans. If you agree," he adds with a laugh "And persuade us that you would deal truthfully with us, then, if my fellows agree, we would allow you to select from the common weapons and armour" he indicates the items on the male drow "Which would give you a better chance of returning quickly and safely to your fellows"
Beltain turns to Limara and leaves the priestess time to consider the proposal. "Princess" he asks her "Have you determined where if anywhere the valuables from this area are held. So far we have found no gold coin or gem and not a scrap of mitheral though these mines appear to be well worked. I do not understand the tongue of the underdark so it may be that these questions have been already asked" he raises a quizzical eyebrow.
While waiting for the answer he turns to Roger "Go and help Feng with his task. Obey him in every way and do not attempt to steal from us. Feng has a short way with thieves and you might find yourself with less body parts if you try anything"
"Let's go guys," complains Rizzit "I think we are done with this mess, lets go and explore further. Also there is that very small tunnel we passed on the way here, we never found what was down that". In the distance Coleridge snores gently in his sleep zzzz *whistle* zzzzz *whistle* zzzzz
Beltain goes into the drow priestess's room and to test her truthfulness opens the chest, which he assumes isn't locked.
"No Beltain I have not asked about their valuables ..." Limara responds coldly "But as we have two comrades to raise, I shall ask.."
Shwe turns and addresses Destra..."Indeed you have.. Where are the kiaranselee scum massing ? can you show me on these maps ? " she shows Destra the maps of the underdark..
"Feng, bind her mouth... don't cut her tongue out or the Purple knights wont be able to question her... and you won't get as big a reward then. If we keep her in a coma, she is harmless." She pauses and then continues, "... Think on this my muscle-bound killing machine, if you take a fully functioning Drow priestess back to the purple knights your reputation will shoot sky high, The Order of the Initiative will be a force to be noticed. I have no doubt that the better our reputation is the better our reception will be at Suzail"
After looking in the chest Beltain will scan the room and take any paperwork that may be around, he then pauses and scans the priestess room for magic emanations. If there are none he moves outside and scans the altar and Stone Spider areas.
Limara then picks up the two potions and puts them in one of the side pockets of her backpack, all the time carefully watching Destra.
"Hmm, there may be something in what you say. But I don't want her in a coma. She is more use to me alive and, ahem able. And not only will she be fully functioning, she'll be broken in, too. Just a quick question - how have you squared letting this crazy sadistic bitch go free with your sense of honour? I'm not really bothered, but doubtless she will kill again. Still, it certainly won't be me - She faces me with a naked blade and she is a very dead and messy drow, indeed." Feng smiles at Destra "But I'm sure the bitch knows this."
Destra replies "These maps will mean nothing to an up-worlder..the underdark is immense. But, i can point you in the right direction to the worshippers of Kiaransalee. There is a crypt, The dordrien crypts i believe it is known to up-worlders. It is situated near a up-worlder city, Dagger Falls. Below the crypt is a drow settlement Sith Morcane"
Beltain opens the chest in Destra's room. It is not locked or trapped. Inside is: 1000gp, 2 Vials of Drow poison, Amandrukils Spellbook (Wizard). Beltain then casts detect magic in the room, but it finds nothing. He moves out and scans the alter and the statue areas..again, nothing is detected.
Feng loots the unconscious body of Kaellara, she wears MW plate mail. She has no other items of interest although the barbarian's search does linger over certain parts of the body.
Feng turns away "Roger - lets take a look upstairs."
The fight in the temple is enough to raise Feng and Coleridge to the next level of experience.
Out of the Mines
Beltain takes all the papers from the priestess' room and looks through the spellbook. He tells the others that, from his experience of wearing it, even the drow male's armour is either magical or very, very well made and we should take it back for sale in the city. He takes the items from the chest and rejoins Limara and Destra. "Well priestess" he says "You have had a chance to think over the offer. Do you want to feed us information on your drow enemies or, if Limara has gleaned all the information she needs, shall we call it quits and let you go on your way, back into the underdark?" Destra replies to Beltain "I will not stay in this area...I will leave"
"I would not have you stay" replies Beltain "But if it is our mutual interests we may exchange information in the future. You have deal fairly with us and kept your side of the bargain. Take a mundane rapier and chain mail from the pile" he indicates the pile of drow equipment "And be on your way." He looks to the others for confirmation "I hope that our paths do not cross in anger again".
"You're right Beltain lets go" agrees Rizzit and the two of them start to transport their fallen comrades and loot out to Sparhawk who waits at the entrance.
Beltain starts by going South, he picks up Limara's shield and return it to her, with a smile. As he goes he gives Limara a hurried kiss, "Be back soon, Princess" he assures her.
Limara thanks Beltain for retrieving her shield and puts it over her shoulder
"Arr, Sith Morcane...well Destra... You have answered all my questions, now I will answer one of yours... " She takes a mundane suit of drow chain and a rapier from the loot and drops it on the floor in front of Destra. "We will not leave you defenceless. The city that was attacked was the Kiaranselee occupied Sith Morcane, it was there that my allies witnessed the wholesale slaughter that the Lolth turncoat Kiaranselee worshippers had inflicted on there former kin... it is in my deity 'The Red Knight's' interest to eliminate the Kiaranselee drow. You see we both have a common cause.... My name is Limara, if you think a temporary alliance with my allies to destroy the Kiaranselee is possible, then let me know. Or pass a message via Daggerfalls .. I will arrange an emissary to stay in that town in case you choose to send word. The emissary will be a Red Knight follower in a cloak like mine.." as Limara leaves the drow and returns upstairs she parts by saying "Aluve Destra Darkweb, mayoe udos orn thalra 'sohna "
When she reaches the light she is accosted by Feng "Limara, can you shackle this bitch? And gag her too." he indicates Kaellara.
The party gather loot and the fallen and load them on the wagon. At the cavern area Destra takes her leave, heading off into the underdark. Roger, the drow's captive, follows the party to the surface.
Sparhawk greets the party outside "Neighbors, I hope your trip was successful.." the warrior pauses as he sees the dead bodies of Nosnibor and Bibabobalobalas "Oh dear" he says sadly. The warrior points to the pile of treasure the party had lefy outside from before "It seems the Drow armour has decayed" he states.
Indeed, Beltain feels less protected by the Drowcraft armour outside the realms of the underdark. Beltain makes a face, then swaps out the drow armour for his original chain, he sighs, "I though it was too good to be true" he says with a shrug.
"Thanks for rescuing me guys" Roger tells them "Thought I was a gonner there...well, im gonna head off..good luck to you all"
"Forgive me for being so untrusting Roger, my erst-while thief, but would you object to being searched before you go off". "Searched?" exclaims Roger "Why?...look at me, I'm just wearing pants and a shirt and its BLOODY COLD"
Beltain grins "I'll not force the point" he concedes
Beltain moves over to Salix and makes sure that his horse is non-the-worse for its time out in the cold. Then checks out Kaellara to make sure that she is fit enough to survive the journey. As Beltain begins putting items in the cart he notices all is not right with the Wizard Nisnibor's horse. Robinson is a block of ice, it seems he has frozen to death!!
Coleridge awakes with a start from his enchanted slumber
"Red wombats picket glumly, chanting “sad”"
I laugh and slowly, happily, go mad."
He looks around wildly at his chilly surroundings "It appears i have some catching up to do, if someone wouldn't mind filling me in? I still feel a bit wobbly from those spider bites.... and the poisoned dart... and the poisoned bolt, in fact not really been my day has it?" Coleridge grins weakly
His expression falls at the sight of his fallen comrades "I have faired better than some though. Let us make haste back to civilisation to see if we can help return our fellows back from the abyss and some rest mayhap.. and of course deliver the overtanned wench to the authorities if Feng wishes to relinquish her so"
"Nice to see you up and about again Col..." Limara welcomes him back to wakefulness and recants the events in the temple on the way.
"Thank you Limara," Coleridge tells her "I had some most interesting dreams under the efects of that poison, it should make for some very interesting lyrics"
"I will look forward to them... your lyrics make me smile" she tells him.
"And word of your exploits and that of my other companions in the battles below will aid me in the compiling of information to write our saga for all to hear in years to come" he promises.
Limara moves over to Venomblood and checks him over, stroking and comforting him as she does so..then she leads him nearer the campfire to warm up a bit. "Poor Robinson... that seems a rather unlucky name to be labelled"
"We need to be off as soon as we can" says Beltain "Our fallen comrades need to reach a senior cleric as soon as possible if they are to be saved"
"Hey Rodger, you can travel with us if you are going to Immersea" offers Limara "Enjoy some free protection from the Order Of The Initiative.." she grins. "Thanks for the offer. but I'm heading to Arabel.. gotta get a job, I think adventuring is not for me.. I've always wanted to be a chef" with that Rodger sets off
"You are mighty free with the power of my arm, Limara." Feng glowers "I'm sure a big boy like roger can look after himself. Anyhow, I'm gonna break in this bitch - so anyone who feels sorry for her can remember what she would have done to us if she had beaten us, in there." he ties Shiegami to the wagon tail, and climbs in the back with Kaellara. He observes her closely to see when she regains consciousness
"Can I watch?" asks Rizzit "I need to make notes for future reference if I am ever going to get in favor with Sune"
"What am I, A FREAK SHOW?" Feng storms. "Yes, yes you are..." jokes Limara with a grin. "You're just jealous that the drow is gettin' it all."
"OK I am ready Bud, talk me through it if you can so I dont miss anything" Rizzit says watching the warrior. "I hope you write in shorthand Rizzit. This is gonna be over very quickly..." Limara says with a smile.
"Nothin' short about this - get ready to watch and learn. The idea is she feels absolutely beaten by so called inferior races, who can do what the damn well like, 'cos they were better'n her.. Since the point of this is breaking her, I'll only start when she comes-to. Hehe! Anyone got an idea as to how long this spider poison lasts? I'm wondering if it might affect...stuff."
The snow stops, "That must be a good omen" remarks Beltain "Perhaps we will reach a place where we can help our fallen without mishap..."
From time to time Beltain drops back to check that the unconscious drow's condition has not worsened with the jolting of the cart (or Feng's attentions) "I'm looking forward to a hot bath, fine food and a warm bed" he tells the others "I don't suppose you could think of a good song to cheer us on our way" he asks the bard
Feng whistles tunelessly whilst polishing out a burr from the edge of Laskur's Bane with a stone
Limara heals Coleridge of his severe wounds and he responds "Thank you for the healing lady, although I feel revived I still feel a little light headed from the poison.. I shall look forward to a warm bed and a chance to purge my system of these toxins"
Beltain looks up at the sun, "We have along way to travel before we reach Immersea" he remarks "I fear that we will not see the city before nightfall. We will have to press on swiftly if we are to reach it before the town guard shut its gates for the night."
Beltain takes all the papers from the priestess' room and looks through the spellbook. He tells the others that, from his experience of wearing it, even the drow male's armour is either magical or very, very well made and we should take it back for sale in the city. He takes the items from the chest and rejoins Limara and Destra. "Well priestess" he says "You have had a chance to think over the offer. Do you want to feed us information on your drow enemies or, if Limara has gleaned all the information she needs, shall we call it quits and let you go on your way, back into the underdark?" Destra replies to Beltain "I will not stay in this area...I will leave"
"I would not have you stay" replies Beltain "But if it is our mutual interests we may exchange information in the future. You have deal fairly with us and kept your side of the bargain. Take a mundane rapier and chain mail from the pile" he indicates the pile of drow equipment "And be on your way." He looks to the others for confirmation "I hope that our paths do not cross in anger again".
"You're right Beltain lets go" agrees Rizzit and the two of them start to transport their fallen comrades and loot out to Sparhawk who waits at the entrance.
Beltain starts by going South, he picks up Limara's shield and return it to her, with a smile. As he goes he gives Limara a hurried kiss, "Be back soon, Princess" he assures her.
Limara thanks Beltain for retrieving her shield and puts it over her shoulder
"Arr, Sith Morcane...well Destra... You have answered all my questions, now I will answer one of yours... " She takes a mundane suit of drow chain and a rapier from the loot and drops it on the floor in front of Destra. "We will not leave you defenceless. The city that was attacked was the Kiaranselee occupied Sith Morcane, it was there that my allies witnessed the wholesale slaughter that the Lolth turncoat Kiaranselee worshippers had inflicted on there former kin... it is in my deity 'The Red Knight's' interest to eliminate the Kiaranselee drow. You see we both have a common cause.... My name is Limara, if you think a temporary alliance with my allies to destroy the Kiaranselee is possible, then let me know. Or pass a message via Daggerfalls .. I will arrange an emissary to stay in that town in case you choose to send word. The emissary will be a Red Knight follower in a cloak like mine.." as Limara leaves the drow and returns upstairs she parts by saying "Aluve Destra Darkweb, mayoe udos orn thalra 'sohna "
When she reaches the light she is accosted by Feng "Limara, can you shackle this bitch? And gag her too." he indicates Kaellara.
The party gather loot and the fallen and load them on the wagon. At the cavern area Destra takes her leave, heading off into the underdark. Roger, the drow's captive, follows the party to the surface.
Sparhawk greets the party outside "Neighbors, I hope your trip was successful.." the warrior pauses as he sees the dead bodies of Nosnibor and Bibabobalobalas "Oh dear" he says sadly. The warrior points to the pile of treasure the party had lefy outside from before "It seems the Drow armour has decayed" he states.
Indeed, Beltain feels less protected by the Drowcraft armour outside the realms of the underdark. Beltain makes a face, then swaps out the drow armour for his original chain, he sighs, "I though it was too good to be true" he says with a shrug.
"Thanks for rescuing me guys" Roger tells them "Thought I was a gonner there...well, im gonna head off..good luck to you all"
"Forgive me for being so untrusting Roger, my erst-while thief, but would you object to being searched before you go off". "Searched?" exclaims Roger "Why?...look at me, I'm just wearing pants and a shirt and its BLOODY COLD"
Beltain grins "I'll not force the point" he concedes
Beltain moves over to Salix and makes sure that his horse is non-the-worse for its time out in the cold. Then checks out Kaellara to make sure that she is fit enough to survive the journey. As Beltain begins putting items in the cart he notices all is not right with the Wizard Nisnibor's horse. Robinson is a block of ice, it seems he has frozen to death!!
Coleridge awakes with a start from his enchanted slumber
"Red wombats picket glumly, chanting “sad”"
I laugh and slowly, happily, go mad."
He looks around wildly at his chilly surroundings "It appears i have some catching up to do, if someone wouldn't mind filling me in? I still feel a bit wobbly from those spider bites.... and the poisoned dart... and the poisoned bolt, in fact not really been my day has it?" Coleridge grins weakly
His expression falls at the sight of his fallen comrades "I have faired better than some though. Let us make haste back to civilisation to see if we can help return our fellows back from the abyss and some rest mayhap.. and of course deliver the overtanned wench to the authorities if Feng wishes to relinquish her so"
"Nice to see you up and about again Col..." Limara welcomes him back to wakefulness and recants the events in the temple on the way.
"Thank you Limara," Coleridge tells her "I had some most interesting dreams under the efects of that poison, it should make for some very interesting lyrics"
"I will look forward to them... your lyrics make me smile" she tells him.
"And word of your exploits and that of my other companions in the battles below will aid me in the compiling of information to write our saga for all to hear in years to come" he promises.
Limara moves over to Venomblood and checks him over, stroking and comforting him as she does so..then she leads him nearer the campfire to warm up a bit. "Poor Robinson... that seems a rather unlucky name to be labelled"
"We need to be off as soon as we can" says Beltain "Our fallen comrades need to reach a senior cleric as soon as possible if they are to be saved"
"Hey Rodger, you can travel with us if you are going to Immersea" offers Limara "Enjoy some free protection from the Order Of The Initiative.." she grins. "Thanks for the offer. but I'm heading to Arabel.. gotta get a job, I think adventuring is not for me.. I've always wanted to be a chef" with that Rodger sets off
"You are mighty free with the power of my arm, Limara." Feng glowers "I'm sure a big boy like roger can look after himself. Anyhow, I'm gonna break in this bitch - so anyone who feels sorry for her can remember what she would have done to us if she had beaten us, in there." he ties Shiegami to the wagon tail, and climbs in the back with Kaellara. He observes her closely to see when she regains consciousness
"Can I watch?" asks Rizzit "I need to make notes for future reference if I am ever going to get in favor with Sune"
"What am I, A FREAK SHOW?" Feng storms. "Yes, yes you are..." jokes Limara with a grin. "You're just jealous that the drow is gettin' it all."
"OK I am ready Bud, talk me through it if you can so I dont miss anything" Rizzit says watching the warrior. "I hope you write in shorthand Rizzit. This is gonna be over very quickly..." Limara says with a smile.
"Nothin' short about this - get ready to watch and learn. The idea is she feels absolutely beaten by so called inferior races, who can do what the damn well like, 'cos they were better'n her.. Since the point of this is breaking her, I'll only start when she comes-to. Hehe! Anyone got an idea as to how long this spider poison lasts? I'm wondering if it might affect...stuff."
The snow stops, "That must be a good omen" remarks Beltain "Perhaps we will reach a place where we can help our fallen without mishap..."
From time to time Beltain drops back to check that the unconscious drow's condition has not worsened with the jolting of the cart (or Feng's attentions) "I'm looking forward to a hot bath, fine food and a warm bed" he tells the others "I don't suppose you could think of a good song to cheer us on our way" he asks the bard
Feng whistles tunelessly whilst polishing out a burr from the edge of Laskur's Bane with a stone
Limara heals Coleridge of his severe wounds and he responds "Thank you for the healing lady, although I feel revived I still feel a little light headed from the poison.. I shall look forward to a warm bed and a chance to purge my system of these toxins"
Beltain looks up at the sun, "We have along way to travel before we reach Immersea" he remarks "I fear that we will not see the city before nightfall. We will have to press on swiftly if we are to reach it before the town guard shut its gates for the night."
The Way to Suzail
Belatin looks around overawed by the natural beauty of the countryside but still his eyes probe the shadows for sign of ambush. Convinced that the undergrowth holds no surprises he gives Limara a broad smile.
Feng puts aside Laskur's Bane after finishing his work with a sharpening stone, and takes up Nibbler to attend to it's double edges
The party arrive in Immersea at about 11pm.
When Limara arrives she casts resurgence as a cure spell on Feng. She then stables her horse and goes to find Walter and Deirdre. She books a double room and after a light snack and a wash, she casts all her orisons as cures on herself. She then settles in her room to pray for new spells before going to bed)
Rizzit heads with anyone else getting a room and books into the same inn and then goes for a walk around with anyone exploring, not wanting to get stuck on his own in this strange town.
Limara gives Beltain the two cure light wounds scrolls that Rizzit gave her, "Do you have a potion Belt? If so you can carry a couple of my curing potions too.."
"Thanks Princess," he replies "I do have a potion of CLW for emergency use but that fight did hit my supplies fairly badly. I hope that we have enough money (after we have paid for the fallen to be raised) to build up our healing capacity a bit!"
"I will negotiate a good deal for us when we get to suzail," she assures him "I'm sure we will get recompensed for our heroism.."
"Then here have these two potions as well,... there's no point having all the cures in one place in a fight" Limara tells her partner "Be frugal with the potions though, as anyone can administer them, not only us" and so saying gives two Cure light wound potions to her beloved.
Beltain finds stabling for Salix and ensures the horse gets a good rub down (or whatever one does to horses??) then retires to the inn.
Beltain is tired and it's quite late, so he retires to the room to pray and to get an early night.
Feng attempts to get stabling for the horse, and a room for his drow prisoner. He keeps her face hidden with a helm, and carries her up to the half-orcs room. Once there, ties her up so she cannot escape if she wakes.
At 9am Beltain rises and heads downstairs with Limara for breakfast. While Rizzit rests in bed a bit longer enjoying its warmth
"Is it worth unloading the items that we liberated here or will we get a better price in Suzail?" Beltain asks his companions, "It's important that we raise the maximum possible if we are to have enough to raise our fellows"
"I vote we look at selling as much as possible here, after all we are not a bunch of carters." Says Feng "As it is we must sound like tinkers, loaded as we are with Iron-mongery. I was looking to get Laskur's Bane remounted, and perhaps Nibbler too - but it don't see that that sorta facility exists here. Lim, Belt - cure me. I look like something swallered me, an spat me out". He looks at the magic plate wondering if it will fit him…
"The money seems fair to me" Beltain shrugs "And I agree with Feng, we don't want to appear to be travelling tinkers or ironmongers.". He turns to Feng "I think you should try on the priestess' magic plate. You are a formidable fighter but I still think that you might benefit from its defensive powers. Perhaps we could paint over the drow embellishments with something more personal to yourself?"
"The price for the mundane items seems fine to me... " says Limara and then turns and chats to the locals to see what rumours are circulating in the city but learns nothing new.
"How do you know where Walter is?" Feng asks Beltain. "We know only that Walter and Deirdre said that they were staying with the Wyvernspur family" says Beltain replying to Feng's question "It seems the logical place to enquire for them first." Then remembering the young drow priestess he asks "By the way how is the young priestess, did she recover herself during the night and did you learn anything of interest from her? We also need to consider what we do with her, I'm not sure I like the idea of having her, at our backs attempting to escape or worse. And," he pauses "She may have a value to the Purple Knights as a source of information, we do need all the cash we can get to raise our fellows"
Beltain turns to Limara with a warm smile "Princess, I suggest that we try to find the resolution to our fallen comrades problems here but" he shrugs "I doubt that Immersea is a big enough place. If there is no remedy here then we must collect our employer and continue on our way, as soon as we are able."
Limara retrieves the pile of papers that Beltain took from Destra's room, looks through them to see if anything immediately stands out as a point of interest and then puts them neatly in her backpack for safe keeping.
"Bel is right Feng... the drow's magical platemail is better than the half plate you wear. It would be wise for you to use it until it is sold, or picked when we have enough treasure to share out."
"Good suggestion, I'll wear the plate armour until I can claim it for my own" Feng replies with a grin and straightway dons the plate.
At about 10am Rizzit comes downstairs sleepily "Hey Rizz" calls Limara "Do you want to exchange one of the flasks of acid I am carrying for one of the drow poison vials you have?... I can the poison on my crossbow bolts"
Rizzit shrugs "I am only carrying them, as far as I am concerned they are party loot"
Limara smiles "As are these vials of acid, so you wouldn't mind then?"
"Here take em" says Rizzit handing Limara the flasks "Is anyone able to tell me anything about this wand I picked up?"
"Thanks" says Limara gratefully as she takes a vial "I don't know much about wands.. I could do a detect magic on it if you think it would help. You want one of these acid flasks to put in ya potion belt?"
"No thanks, I doubt I would use it. I know the wand is magic" responds Rizzit testily "I just don't know what it does or how to activate it"
"OK, ill do a detect magic on it and see if I get any info" she says ignoring Rizzit's protests, and she casts detect magic on the wand and concentrates real hard
Coleridge who was resting up at the same inn as his companions, emerges from bed last. He orders breakfast and takes some time with other patrons of the establishment to catch up on any goings on in the area.
"I agree with disposing off the plunder here, the price seems fair enough" he agrees when he is told of the deal that has been offered. "I can take a look at the wand too if you like Riz?" he offers and looks at the wand in question. "Its a long stick type thing" he says, gaining no insight from his bardic knowledge.
"Really? Hmm, it is magical I do know that" Rizzit says seriously
"Okay, I revised my assessment.. it's a magical pointy stick type thing" he says with a weak smile "I'm afraid that's all I can tell from looking at it sorry Riz"
"If it's a wand I need the activation word, any idea how I can determine that?" continues Rizzit stubbornly. "Well I will be able to cast 'Identify' tomorrow if that's any good?" enquires Beltain "But it will cost 100gp and you'll have to remind me to learn it tonight" he says with a wink.
Feng takes a turn over to Nelzol's hardware if Limara and Beltain will take care of Kaellara. "I'm looking for a masterwork Orcish Double-axe" he tells the others "Feel free to question the witch, just don't spoil her for bed-time, alright?
"Will we have any cash to split after we get the fallen revived?" asks Rizzit. "Depends how much they're charging" Coleridge tells him earnestly "Small town like this they may well have higher prices if they offer such services at all"
"At least in Suzail there will be more diversity and competition." Continues Coleridge "May be worth waiting till then to see if any of the temples there have any special offers on. You know like a raise one get one raised free. 20% off our new and improved raising" he gabbles excitedly, then stops and then in a more measured tone continues "I'm sorry don't know where that came from! I think I'm still a bit woozy from the poison"
"Better have enough and to spare" frowns Feng "How much were them bastards carrying? It's only right they pay their own way back. Can we get someone to turn em into zombies? It would be funny, and we wouldn't have to lug 'em around"
"Hmm, interesting idea," laughs Rizzit "Would we tell the difference?"
"...Quieter" responds Feng with a grin.
"I would make a good zombie" Rizzit suggests "Maaaaaa" he groans arms outstretched
The door opens "Hey..I heard you was in town. How are you all?" the party look up and see Walter in the doorway. He and Deirdre inform the party they are ready to leave for Suzail whenever the party are ready to go.
The party spend a little while checking out the town after their good nights rest. Limara and Beltain find themselves down at the docks.
Looks around the town for anyone offering tatoos
Beltain and Limara look around the docks, interested in what is happening. After having looked at the stalls they take a break and to spent a few moments contemplating the tranquillity of the lake stretching before them. Beltain takes the Bright Evening Star ring, he tells Limara it is the ring from party treasure and suggests that she tries it on "I did try it and it went on and came off my finger, so there should not be a problem with a curse" he explains "But perhaps its designed for a particular alignment to use..." "OK, I'll try it on..." she agrees "But the information we have on it suggests that it would probably suit a mage better...still, it is a beautiful ring..." she smiles and puts on the ring.
They gaze at the lake, admiring its beauty.... romantic spot for a rest she thinks "I wonder if this ring is made specifically for lovers ... what kind of magic would that produce...maybe Alenea and Eldarniel were the only ones who could use it.." she suggests. Beltain squeezes her hand and looks out across the sparkling waters of the lake.
Meanwhile Rizzit investigates the town's graveyard, using detect magic and even tries a crypt door while Feng buys an assortment of weapons at the local weaponsmith.
"Hehe- when they see the sword, they'll be stirred...." he exclaims as he purchases a greatsword.
Coleridge takes some time perusing the wares in Nelzol's before taking a stroll round the town, taking in the architecture and chatting with the locals, before returning to the inn ready to head off with Walter and Deirdre when the rest of his companions are set
"Did you get to sell the stuff? and where's my cut?" Rizzit asks the other party members when they meet up again outside the inn.
"I'm OK with splitting the money..." says Limara uncertainly "But as two people are dead at the moment . and we don't have enough decent treasure for all to have a pick.. I'd rather leave them a bit longer"
"We have fallen comrades to raise and this town doesn't seem to have anyone capable of such a task, or any really interesting items for sale", Beltain says also responding to Rizzit "We have gained some treasure but it may not be enough to raise our fellows without selling some of the magic items. My vote is to keep it together until we have paid for a raise and then split it up. After all, nobody in our party is in such dire need of funds, that we need to take risk that we'll not afford the raise deads, are they?" he pauses and then continues "Come Rizzit, mayhaps we will encounter some villains on the road that will fill our purses to overflowing!"
Beltain ensures that the two fallen comrades are securely laid on the wagon and that Pussy is with us and fed and watered. He will also check (with someone watching) the possessions of the two dead party members to see if they have money that could be used to support their resurrection. Then a thought strikes him and he turns to the bard "Cole, my friend" Beltain calls "Did you have time to compose a letter to poor Nosnibor's Aunt Beryl? I know that they were very close and he would have wanted her to know what has happened even though the news is so sad…"
"It was a task I had delayed in actioning Bel. It was my hope that he could be raised before the letter was necessary to avoid putting his aunt and uncle through any unnecessary angst." The bard replies. "However as it is some way to Suzail still, they may also worry if they do not hear from him, do you think i should compose one now to avail them of the bad news, but also of our plans to offer them a light of hope?"
Beltain thinks for a moment before replying "We should break it to her gently but not raise any false hopes until we know that Raise Dead is available and affordable, in Suzail..." Beltian he says grimly
The cleric looks up at the sun "Midday" he says "We should be setting off soon it we are to get to Suzail and raise our friends. More to buy in the shops and the wages for our guarding" he nods to Walter and Deidre "We will be free agents then to follow our own path! But before we go there is a decision to be made" he turns and addresses Feng "Do we take the drow priestess with us or leave her with the Purple Knights? I confess that I'm nervous travelling in company with a drow, even if she is shackled. It's your call Feng, but perhaps there could be something that would compensate you for the lack of 'companionship' when we get to the capital…?"
"Let's shift guys," interjects Rizzit, bored with the proceedings "We need to move quickly to get a raise dead, if we take too long getting there we will need resurrections"
"Lead on Rizzit" agrees Beltain "Let's get to it" and he heads off to fetch the horses and wagon, "Um, could you fetch you axebeak, Rizzit, it looks extremely vicious to me and I'd like to set off with the same number of fingers I started with – if that's OK with you" he adds with a grin."
"No," Feng responds to Beltain's suggestion "The witch stays with me. And to let's face it, the price we will get from her will be greater than in this cess-pool. I've been here all day and not one challenge. How you don't all die from boredom in these so-called civilised parts baffles me. It's so boring around here, I'll need a diversion to while away the hours. Who know, and not that it matters, be perhaps she'll welcome a more manly change than the weaklings she has been used to." and he winks at the party
"Changing the subject completely" continues Feng "You all had chance to admire Feng's super-sized weapons?" and the mighty warrior grins at his simple minded innuendo. "Let' s head out as quickly as may be, we'll only get poorer and more bored in this fish-gutters paradise."
Beltain checks both the corpses of Nosnibor and Bibab for any money. Combined they have about 400gp..
Fengs enquires about men-at-arms for hire in the town but his inquiries are met with silence. Kaellara awakes as the party set off and she is bound and gagged...
Walter and Dierdre climb in the wagon as they do so Walter complains "Not a lot of room in here....again...and the smell - quite repulsive"
The party set off in high spirits much of the snow has thawed and it is a bright clear day.
"If nobody objects" Beltain asks looking around at the others "I will have a quick look at Nosni's spell-book when we next stop and see if he will need any of the spells from the drow wizard's book. It's in all our interests to have Nosni with a full range of spells" he finishes
Coleridge rides up ahead next to Sparhawk, he appears to be concentrating greatly and deep in thought... occasionally he mutters under his breath as he endeavours to compose a suitable letter to Nosnibor's Aunt.
Feng begins an exercise in studied humiliation and cruelty on the hapless Drow which stops short of wounding, "How do you like the company of cattle, priestess? Hehe, not so high and mighty now, are ye?"
The drow strains against her bonds, fear and uncertainty in her eyes...she bows her head to avoid the sunlight.
"Gruumsh makes Feng strong! Feng conquered Kaellara. Gruumsh is stronger than the spider queen!" and he looks carefully for any sign of dissent before administering a mild beating anyway, "Kaellara must please Feng, or her pretty skin will see much more of the sun." he threatens and attempts to gauge her reaction. He senses nothing…
Beltain looks at the cowed drow priestess concern showing in his eyes 'She was an evil bitch' he thinks to himself 'But I hate to see any creature so confined and degraded. Let us hope that she sees the error of her ways as Feng administers to her what I expect she has administered to other poor souls'. A thought occurs to him and he ties Salix to the wagon and clambers aboard. "With you permission?" he asks Feng as he checks the captive, searching for a holy symbol that might have been missed when Feng searched her originally for loot. If he finds one he takes it "She will have trouble using much divine magic without this, he says" with a smile. He gets back on Salix, his heart lighter
"It's mighty crowded on the back of that wagon. Feng, Deirdre & Kaellara plus two dead bodies and a cat!" says Beltain now back on his horse.
"Yes it bloody well is!" replies Walter irritatedly.
The time on the road passes fast and soon the great towers of the city gates of Suzail loom in the distance. The vision of warm beds and good food heightens the party spirits and they increase their pace so that very soon they are at the city walls..
Perhaps they will find help here for their fallen comrades
Belatin looks around overawed by the natural beauty of the countryside but still his eyes probe the shadows for sign of ambush. Convinced that the undergrowth holds no surprises he gives Limara a broad smile.
Feng puts aside Laskur's Bane after finishing his work with a sharpening stone, and takes up Nibbler to attend to it's double edges
The party arrive in Immersea at about 11pm.
When Limara arrives she casts resurgence as a cure spell on Feng. She then stables her horse and goes to find Walter and Deirdre. She books a double room and after a light snack and a wash, she casts all her orisons as cures on herself. She then settles in her room to pray for new spells before going to bed)
Rizzit heads with anyone else getting a room and books into the same inn and then goes for a walk around with anyone exploring, not wanting to get stuck on his own in this strange town.
Limara gives Beltain the two cure light wounds scrolls that Rizzit gave her, "Do you have a potion Belt? If so you can carry a couple of my curing potions too.."
"Thanks Princess," he replies "I do have a potion of CLW for emergency use but that fight did hit my supplies fairly badly. I hope that we have enough money (after we have paid for the fallen to be raised) to build up our healing capacity a bit!"
"I will negotiate a good deal for us when we get to suzail," she assures him "I'm sure we will get recompensed for our heroism.."
"Then here have these two potions as well,... there's no point having all the cures in one place in a fight" Limara tells her partner "Be frugal with the potions though, as anyone can administer them, not only us" and so saying gives two Cure light wound potions to her beloved.
Beltain finds stabling for Salix and ensures the horse gets a good rub down (or whatever one does to horses??) then retires to the inn.
Beltain is tired and it's quite late, so he retires to the room to pray and to get an early night.
Feng attempts to get stabling for the horse, and a room for his drow prisoner. He keeps her face hidden with a helm, and carries her up to the half-orcs room. Once there, ties her up so she cannot escape if she wakes.
At 9am Beltain rises and heads downstairs with Limara for breakfast. While Rizzit rests in bed a bit longer enjoying its warmth
"Is it worth unloading the items that we liberated here or will we get a better price in Suzail?" Beltain asks his companions, "It's important that we raise the maximum possible if we are to have enough to raise our fellows"
"I vote we look at selling as much as possible here, after all we are not a bunch of carters." Says Feng "As it is we must sound like tinkers, loaded as we are with Iron-mongery. I was looking to get Laskur's Bane remounted, and perhaps Nibbler too - but it don't see that that sorta facility exists here. Lim, Belt - cure me. I look like something swallered me, an spat me out". He looks at the magic plate wondering if it will fit him…
"The money seems fair to me" Beltain shrugs "And I agree with Feng, we don't want to appear to be travelling tinkers or ironmongers.". He turns to Feng "I think you should try on the priestess' magic plate. You are a formidable fighter but I still think that you might benefit from its defensive powers. Perhaps we could paint over the drow embellishments with something more personal to yourself?"
"The price for the mundane items seems fine to me... " says Limara and then turns and chats to the locals to see what rumours are circulating in the city but learns nothing new.
"How do you know where Walter is?" Feng asks Beltain. "We know only that Walter and Deirdre said that they were staying with the Wyvernspur family" says Beltain replying to Feng's question "It seems the logical place to enquire for them first." Then remembering the young drow priestess he asks "By the way how is the young priestess, did she recover herself during the night and did you learn anything of interest from her? We also need to consider what we do with her, I'm not sure I like the idea of having her, at our backs attempting to escape or worse. And," he pauses "She may have a value to the Purple Knights as a source of information, we do need all the cash we can get to raise our fellows"
Beltain turns to Limara with a warm smile "Princess, I suggest that we try to find the resolution to our fallen comrades problems here but" he shrugs "I doubt that Immersea is a big enough place. If there is no remedy here then we must collect our employer and continue on our way, as soon as we are able."
Limara retrieves the pile of papers that Beltain took from Destra's room, looks through them to see if anything immediately stands out as a point of interest and then puts them neatly in her backpack for safe keeping.
"Bel is right Feng... the drow's magical platemail is better than the half plate you wear. It would be wise for you to use it until it is sold, or picked when we have enough treasure to share out."
"Good suggestion, I'll wear the plate armour until I can claim it for my own" Feng replies with a grin and straightway dons the plate.
At about 10am Rizzit comes downstairs sleepily "Hey Rizz" calls Limara "Do you want to exchange one of the flasks of acid I am carrying for one of the drow poison vials you have?... I can the poison on my crossbow bolts"
Rizzit shrugs "I am only carrying them, as far as I am concerned they are party loot"
Limara smiles "As are these vials of acid, so you wouldn't mind then?"
"Here take em" says Rizzit handing Limara the flasks "Is anyone able to tell me anything about this wand I picked up?"
"Thanks" says Limara gratefully as she takes a vial "I don't know much about wands.. I could do a detect magic on it if you think it would help. You want one of these acid flasks to put in ya potion belt?"
"No thanks, I doubt I would use it. I know the wand is magic" responds Rizzit testily "I just don't know what it does or how to activate it"
"OK, ill do a detect magic on it and see if I get any info" she says ignoring Rizzit's protests, and she casts detect magic on the wand and concentrates real hard
Coleridge who was resting up at the same inn as his companions, emerges from bed last. He orders breakfast and takes some time with other patrons of the establishment to catch up on any goings on in the area.
"I agree with disposing off the plunder here, the price seems fair enough" he agrees when he is told of the deal that has been offered. "I can take a look at the wand too if you like Riz?" he offers and looks at the wand in question. "Its a long stick type thing" he says, gaining no insight from his bardic knowledge.
"Really? Hmm, it is magical I do know that" Rizzit says seriously
"Okay, I revised my assessment.. it's a magical pointy stick type thing" he says with a weak smile "I'm afraid that's all I can tell from looking at it sorry Riz"
"If it's a wand I need the activation word, any idea how I can determine that?" continues Rizzit stubbornly. "Well I will be able to cast 'Identify' tomorrow if that's any good?" enquires Beltain "But it will cost 100gp and you'll have to remind me to learn it tonight" he says with a wink.
Feng takes a turn over to Nelzol's hardware if Limara and Beltain will take care of Kaellara. "I'm looking for a masterwork Orcish Double-axe" he tells the others "Feel free to question the witch, just don't spoil her for bed-time, alright?
"Will we have any cash to split after we get the fallen revived?" asks Rizzit. "Depends how much they're charging" Coleridge tells him earnestly "Small town like this they may well have higher prices if they offer such services at all"
"At least in Suzail there will be more diversity and competition." Continues Coleridge "May be worth waiting till then to see if any of the temples there have any special offers on. You know like a raise one get one raised free. 20% off our new and improved raising" he gabbles excitedly, then stops and then in a more measured tone continues "I'm sorry don't know where that came from! I think I'm still a bit woozy from the poison"
"Better have enough and to spare" frowns Feng "How much were them bastards carrying? It's only right they pay their own way back. Can we get someone to turn em into zombies? It would be funny, and we wouldn't have to lug 'em around"
"Hmm, interesting idea," laughs Rizzit "Would we tell the difference?"
"...Quieter" responds Feng with a grin.
"I would make a good zombie" Rizzit suggests "Maaaaaa" he groans arms outstretched
The door opens "Hey..I heard you was in town. How are you all?" the party look up and see Walter in the doorway. He and Deirdre inform the party they are ready to leave for Suzail whenever the party are ready to go.
The party spend a little while checking out the town after their good nights rest. Limara and Beltain find themselves down at the docks.
Looks around the town for anyone offering tatoos
Beltain and Limara look around the docks, interested in what is happening. After having looked at the stalls they take a break and to spent a few moments contemplating the tranquillity of the lake stretching before them. Beltain takes the Bright Evening Star ring, he tells Limara it is the ring from party treasure and suggests that she tries it on "I did try it and it went on and came off my finger, so there should not be a problem with a curse" he explains "But perhaps its designed for a particular alignment to use..." "OK, I'll try it on..." she agrees "But the information we have on it suggests that it would probably suit a mage better...still, it is a beautiful ring..." she smiles and puts on the ring.
They gaze at the lake, admiring its beauty.... romantic spot for a rest she thinks "I wonder if this ring is made specifically for lovers ... what kind of magic would that produce...maybe Alenea and Eldarniel were the only ones who could use it.." she suggests. Beltain squeezes her hand and looks out across the sparkling waters of the lake.
Meanwhile Rizzit investigates the town's graveyard, using detect magic and even tries a crypt door while Feng buys an assortment of weapons at the local weaponsmith.
"Hehe- when they see the sword, they'll be stirred...." he exclaims as he purchases a greatsword.
Coleridge takes some time perusing the wares in Nelzol's before taking a stroll round the town, taking in the architecture and chatting with the locals, before returning to the inn ready to head off with Walter and Deirdre when the rest of his companions are set
"Did you get to sell the stuff? and where's my cut?" Rizzit asks the other party members when they meet up again outside the inn.
"I'm OK with splitting the money..." says Limara uncertainly "But as two people are dead at the moment . and we don't have enough decent treasure for all to have a pick.. I'd rather leave them a bit longer"
"We have fallen comrades to raise and this town doesn't seem to have anyone capable of such a task, or any really interesting items for sale", Beltain says also responding to Rizzit "We have gained some treasure but it may not be enough to raise our fellows without selling some of the magic items. My vote is to keep it together until we have paid for a raise and then split it up. After all, nobody in our party is in such dire need of funds, that we need to take risk that we'll not afford the raise deads, are they?" he pauses and then continues "Come Rizzit, mayhaps we will encounter some villains on the road that will fill our purses to overflowing!"
Beltain ensures that the two fallen comrades are securely laid on the wagon and that Pussy is with us and fed and watered. He will also check (with someone watching) the possessions of the two dead party members to see if they have money that could be used to support their resurrection. Then a thought strikes him and he turns to the bard "Cole, my friend" Beltain calls "Did you have time to compose a letter to poor Nosnibor's Aunt Beryl? I know that they were very close and he would have wanted her to know what has happened even though the news is so sad…"
"It was a task I had delayed in actioning Bel. It was my hope that he could be raised before the letter was necessary to avoid putting his aunt and uncle through any unnecessary angst." The bard replies. "However as it is some way to Suzail still, they may also worry if they do not hear from him, do you think i should compose one now to avail them of the bad news, but also of our plans to offer them a light of hope?"
Beltain thinks for a moment before replying "We should break it to her gently but not raise any false hopes until we know that Raise Dead is available and affordable, in Suzail..." Beltian he says grimly
The cleric looks up at the sun "Midday" he says "We should be setting off soon it we are to get to Suzail and raise our friends. More to buy in the shops and the wages for our guarding" he nods to Walter and Deidre "We will be free agents then to follow our own path! But before we go there is a decision to be made" he turns and addresses Feng "Do we take the drow priestess with us or leave her with the Purple Knights? I confess that I'm nervous travelling in company with a drow, even if she is shackled. It's your call Feng, but perhaps there could be something that would compensate you for the lack of 'companionship' when we get to the capital…?"
"Let's shift guys," interjects Rizzit, bored with the proceedings "We need to move quickly to get a raise dead, if we take too long getting there we will need resurrections"
"Lead on Rizzit" agrees Beltain "Let's get to it" and he heads off to fetch the horses and wagon, "Um, could you fetch you axebeak, Rizzit, it looks extremely vicious to me and I'd like to set off with the same number of fingers I started with – if that's OK with you" he adds with a grin."
"No," Feng responds to Beltain's suggestion "The witch stays with me. And to let's face it, the price we will get from her will be greater than in this cess-pool. I've been here all day and not one challenge. How you don't all die from boredom in these so-called civilised parts baffles me. It's so boring around here, I'll need a diversion to while away the hours. Who know, and not that it matters, be perhaps she'll welcome a more manly change than the weaklings she has been used to." and he winks at the party
"Changing the subject completely" continues Feng "You all had chance to admire Feng's super-sized weapons?" and the mighty warrior grins at his simple minded innuendo. "Let' s head out as quickly as may be, we'll only get poorer and more bored in this fish-gutters paradise."
Beltain checks both the corpses of Nosnibor and Bibab for any money. Combined they have about 400gp..
Fengs enquires about men-at-arms for hire in the town but his inquiries are met with silence. Kaellara awakes as the party set off and she is bound and gagged...
Walter and Dierdre climb in the wagon as they do so Walter complains "Not a lot of room in here....again...and the smell - quite repulsive"
The party set off in high spirits much of the snow has thawed and it is a bright clear day.
"If nobody objects" Beltain asks looking around at the others "I will have a quick look at Nosni's spell-book when we next stop and see if he will need any of the spells from the drow wizard's book. It's in all our interests to have Nosni with a full range of spells" he finishes
Coleridge rides up ahead next to Sparhawk, he appears to be concentrating greatly and deep in thought... occasionally he mutters under his breath as he endeavours to compose a suitable letter to Nosnibor's Aunt.
Feng begins an exercise in studied humiliation and cruelty on the hapless Drow which stops short of wounding, "How do you like the company of cattle, priestess? Hehe, not so high and mighty now, are ye?"
The drow strains against her bonds, fear and uncertainty in her eyes...she bows her head to avoid the sunlight.
"Gruumsh makes Feng strong! Feng conquered Kaellara. Gruumsh is stronger than the spider queen!" and he looks carefully for any sign of dissent before administering a mild beating anyway, "Kaellara must please Feng, or her pretty skin will see much more of the sun." he threatens and attempts to gauge her reaction. He senses nothing…
Beltain looks at the cowed drow priestess concern showing in his eyes 'She was an evil bitch' he thinks to himself 'But I hate to see any creature so confined and degraded. Let us hope that she sees the error of her ways as Feng administers to her what I expect she has administered to other poor souls'. A thought occurs to him and he ties Salix to the wagon and clambers aboard. "With you permission?" he asks Feng as he checks the captive, searching for a holy symbol that might have been missed when Feng searched her originally for loot. If he finds one he takes it "She will have trouble using much divine magic without this, he says" with a smile. He gets back on Salix, his heart lighter
"It's mighty crowded on the back of that wagon. Feng, Deirdre & Kaellara plus two dead bodies and a cat!" says Beltain now back on his horse.
"Yes it bloody well is!" replies Walter irritatedly.
The time on the road passes fast and soon the great towers of the city gates of Suzail loom in the distance. The vision of warm beds and good food heightens the party spirits and they increase their pace so that very soon they are at the city walls..
Perhaps they will find help here for their fallen comrades
The Arrival at Suzail
On day 4 of Altriakin the Year of Wild Magic at about noon the party arrive at Suzail. The weather is fine and clear. Outside the gates stands several Purple Dragon Knights. They begin to walk towards the party as they approach. "At last - home again" says Walter with a sigh. "Well. we made it Neighbours. So much for a simple Escort.." replies Sparhawk with a smile. "Make sure we are all peace-bonded.. Here comes a reception team" Sparhawk looks back at Feng and the wagon "Don't know what they will think about the Drow"
"Greetings knights" says Rizzit and bows "We are escorting this annoying merchant and his fair wench into your fine city". Feng lounges in the wagon, affecting a bored mein while Limara hurriedly peace-bonds her weapons and rides forward to meet the purple knights "Greetings to you purple knights .... We are the Order of the Initiative. We have come to register ourselves ... and yes, we are escorting these merchants too.... we have a drow prisoner that we captured north east of here, we will be handing her into the appropriate authority for questioning..."
The Purple Knights look over the party as they approach the gates. They spot the Drow in the back of the wagon. "HALT. Drow are not permitted here. She will be taken to secure residence.. The rest of you, please have a pleasant stay in Suzail" The Purple Knights retrieve Kaellara and lead her away.. The party enter the city.
"6000gp for a raise dead !!!! Let's just buy some shovels" says Rizzit in jest, adding more seriously "Do we have 12000gp between us? Guys we have nowhere near enough money, we need to sell some of the magical party treasure, I suggest the spellbook and leather armour, the nature book and possibly the plate".
One of the purple dragons approaches the party "When you have made yourselves comfortable and enjoyed the sights you are requested to an audience with Lord Hawlin. He wishes to speak with you about the Drow prisoner you rode in with"
"That Drow was mine." Protests Feng "I Hadn't finished breaking it in. I won it fair and square in combat, and it is my property. When we see lord Hawlin, I will be expecting my property returned, or a sale price. Rizzit. The plate stays, I can put it to very good use - I have no wish to go back to light infantry right, now, since I cannot afford my own retinue of surgeons to keep me on my feet in a fight. I'm tough, but even Feng benefits from a steel shell. Why not sell that fag wand?"
"Look I got the wand the same time as you got your cloak for our little adventure on our own," Rizzit tells Feng "The plate is part of party loot and we need the cash to get our friends back". "Humph" is all the reply that Feng gives "I'll look around for a prze-fight, and I'll win us some money. Yeah, lets stay at the Dragon Jaws - seems less tame than most of the places around here."
"Stop whinging you two.... it wont cost us 12,000gp to get them raised" limara tells the two non-humans "I am sure I can get us a better price.... and remember we are in town and our actions reflect on all of us.... don't be a 'Poacher' ... please behave and at least mimic being respectful to Lord Hawklin. If we impress the right people it will enhance our reputation further....and we command greater rewards for our work..." she points out. "I am confident that my diplomatic skills and noble divinity will serve us well in our meeting with this man... if the meeting goes well it may help us get that discount we need... I will work hard to get it for us. "
"To put it plainly" says Beltain addressing Feng and Rizzit "Let Limara do the negotiation and we will get a better deal with more cash left after our friends are raised for us all both to spend as we wish in this great city" he finishes with a smile. Despite his words he seems ill at ease in the huge metropolis and even more so with the purple knights, his hand rests lightly on the hilt of his peace-bonded sword and his body is tense. "Let us journey on to this inn" he suggests "Unless anyone knows better this place of Rizzit's sounds fine to me, I could do with good food, a bath and a warm bed for the night."
He turns to their employer "Well Walter, our ways part here. You have arrived safe and sound with many tales to tell your fellows. In this place our pay will buy many delights, and perchance the use of your name may get fair prices at some merchants or perhaps," he pauses for effect "Even a discount. Maybe you could add your word to ours' when we look for assistance in raising our fellows who worked with us in guard duty on the road?" he asks
"And don't forget to pay us" adds Rizzit rather spoiling the effect of Beltain's words.
"Yes.. it has certainly been an interesting experience." Responds Walter cagily "I've learnt more about adventurers than I wish to know. The money has been deposited into your bank accounts. I hope to meet again, with some of you..." He looks at Rizzit and Feng "And some I hope I never see again". With that, he and Deirdre leave the party.
A little while later a messenger from Lord Hawklin arrives and the party are escorted to a large stately home situated near the palace. They are lead to a large room. Two Purple Knights stand guard. A servant enters the room with a tray of drinks for the party. "Lord Hawklin will see you now" says the servant. They are lead to another room. In the room is a stunningly handsome man. Sophisticated and collected in his manner and bearing. Tall, dark haired, dark eyed, smooth skin, and impeccably dressed in black, he is enough to make anyone believe some nobles really are better than everyone else..
"Welcome" Lord Hawklin says with a smile "I call you here because it came to my attention that you rode into Suzail with a Drow prisoner. A female priestess. Now, at this juncture she isn't speaking to us, but I had hoped that she may have talked more freely with her original captors. Any information you can pass onto us would be greatly appreciated"
Beltain bows low to Lord Hawklin "My Lord, we are honoured to be invited to your company. We were able, at some loss to ourselves to destroy a colony of drow in an outpost along the road from Immersea to the North. The battle was long and hard and we were only able to emerge victorious due to the courage of all our fellows. In the battle two of our company fell. My Lady Limara," here he indicates Limara, with a bow and a smile, "Has no little skill in languages and was able to question the priestess in command of the nest of wickedness in the drow tongue. She may be able to assist you and supply the information that you need"
Despite the flowery words Beltain is ill-at-ease in the company of Lord Hawklin and the purple Knights. He is deferential and respectful to this powerful noble but he is very aware of their different perspective on life and law. After his speech he takes a step to the rear and watches the proceedings closely.
Before Limara can respond Rizzit takes a deep breath then recants the story of our adventures in the mine, leaving nothing out and with the innocent (stupid) honesty he has. "Is there anything to eat and drink?" he asks at the end of the story and eats the lit candle on the table "I don't think much to the canapés here" he whispers to Feng.
Listens intently to Beltain and Rizzit recount their tale "Mmm.. interesting, a Drow colony near the Mithril Mines. We had started to wonder why the dwarves at the mine had not been in contact." He looks a little startled as he sees the kobold eat the candle "Please refrain from eating the fixtures and fittings. Now, where were we.. ahh yes, you said something about fallen companions. I will arrange for your friends to be brought back to life, free of charge, by a way of thank you for this information. I may have some further work for you, should you be interested. Firstly I encourage you to relax in Suzail a while..."
"Wahooo" shouts Rizzit and performs a back flip "Thank you so much Sir"
The Lord contacts the Towers of Good Fortune and the cleric is instructed to raise the two dead adventurers.
The Wizard Nosnibor and the dwarven Rogue Bibabobalobalos awake.
Rather late Limara offers her service to help question the drow "As well as speaking their language I also have some knowledge about drow politics and religious factions... if you would like to know more I would be pleased to discuss it with you" she adds. Lord Hawklin says that he think over Limara's offer.
Beltain is clearly delighted at Lord Hawklin's decision to have Nosni and Boge raised, he is very well disposed to the aristocrat and will be very interested in any commissions that Lord Hawklin may have to offer.
The Wizard Nosnibor sits up and looks around "W-wh-where am I? What's is this? I feel ever so strange." The newly revived Wizard Nosnibor says in confusion. "Oh no! I must be in a drow prison cell. Chaps! Chaps? I remember something about sitting watch I corpulent man hammering his fingers against a board with lots of little stones on it. The stones had letter. He was looking a a colourful box."
Beltain pumps Nosni hand up and down, delighted to have the elf back in the party. He fetches Pussy and hands her over to The Wizard "I think that you will find her well cared for" he tells his comrade "And she is sure to be pampered in Suzail" The Wizard Nosnibor looks more pleased tosee the cat than the other party members "PUSSY! Oh Pussy my love! I have missed you so. Long it seems that I have travelled the barren shore of strange lands without you my sweet sweet companions." So saying he sweeps Pussy into his arms and hugs him close as he open sobs with joy.
"I am so happy to be back amongst those who care for me." The Wizard Nosnibor looks at each member of the party with his running nose and tears running down his face. "Thank you my friends. Thank you."
Rizzit overcome gives Mr Nosnibor a nig hug
"I need a drink," Feng exclaims "And someone to punch. Hmm, nice to see both Nosi and Biba on their feet - for however long that lasts. We need to find a grog shop, and then get tattooed."
Bibabobalobalos sits up and looks about blankly for a few moments. "Whh . . . Oh. I guess the fight with the spiders didn't go as well as I was expecting!" he thinks for a moment. Or, perhaps, it went exactly as expected!"
"Thank you good cleric." He says to the priest "It is good to be back in the world of the living. It was not much fun in purgatory, I can tell you." he stands and looks about for an exit. "Er. Which way did they go good cleric? The ones that brought me here."
Beltain welcomes Biba back into the party. "Now we can share our findings and celebrate" he says beaming at one and all but saving an especially warm smile for Limara
The Wizard Nosnibor smiles "I am so glad that you fellows dealt with those foul demons, though I'm sure they were just misunderstood."
"I still need more money" grumbles Rizzit "And as there is little to interest me in the loot I may pick on value, if someone wants to buy the item to use I will of course sell at below market value to the party. Do we need money for this stupid party registration bollocks"
"If we are to be Adventures under the orders of the Lord Hawklin, then perhaps he may want to waive the fee on this occasion?" suggests Beltain "Now Rizzit, did you say that you knew of a good hotel for the night?"
Beltain wanders round the Thayan market, looking at the goods on sale and chatting with the vendors and wizards. He focuses on the skills and on construction methods/processes hoping to augment his ideas on magic item construction. He then rejoins the main group and realises that Nosni and Biba are very low on hit points and casts spells to heal them.
"Nosi" asks Rizzit "Are you going to copy what you need from that spell book then we can sell it and split the money"
"I feel weakened and somehow drained" Biba says to anyone who will listen "But I want to get out and adventure as soon as possible. Are we to wait for the spell-people to do the magical thing? I'll need my share of treasure to rent a space in the common room and for some simple grub." He pauses while he thinks a moment. "If I have a share, that is? Oh and thank you very much, Beltain, for the healing spell. It is very good of you to look after me so after my failure in the mine."
"I need to shop then I am ready to go," says the kobold "Not sure if anyone needs training here. I think we should spend a few days checking the Inns and bars for rumours though. You can share with me if you want Bob"
"Good point, Rizzit" agrees the dwarf, "It is good to see you again, after the shadowy darkness."
"Its good to have you back my brave friend" Rizzit respons "But may I suggest some anti-venom potions on your shopping list"
"Thank you, little fearless one. So where are you staying?" the dwarf continues.
"In the Dragons Jaws" the kobald answers immediately "
"Obviously chaps I will point blank refuse to accept any treasure at all," says The Wizard "Whether you feel I should have any or not, you have all sacrificed greatly to bring me back and i feel it would be churlish to have any part in the loot. You have given me the gift of life and that is treasure enough for me. However if you find an item or scroll that you want me to use and hold for the party i will do so, though my thaumaturgic abilities are no doubt surpassed by the great Rizzit."
The Wizard Nosnibor "Chaps. I hope you don't mind me learning some spells from that magic book before we sell it?" and he successfully learns Ray of enfeeblement, Mirror Image and See Invisible but fails to learn Scorching Ray.
"Ahh, see you are stepping into my area with scorching ray," quips the kobold "The gods obviously favour leaving me with wanton destruction thus preserving your soul"
"Indeed fair and learned Rizzit" agrees The Wizard "Though I will seldom use it, all knowledge gained is good."
While he waits for the others Beltain will browse through the wares on sale at the Ring of Coins but finds little of interest.
Limara spends the four days talking to the people at the church of tempus, passing information on to them and gathering rumours and information, but also spends some time training in a new ability she warmly greets Nosi and Bob back from the Fugue and asks if they went anywhere near the wall of lost souls... "..I have always wondered how haunting it must look...heh, did any baatezu try and tempt you to sell your soul ?" she asks. She also makes a point of thanking Feng for behaving so honourably. Then she goes out to shop and buy potions. Anyone paying any attention to Limara will have noticed how she seems completely at ease in this town, naturally fitting in with the rigid social structure and laws. She also spends time talking to some of the purple knights to see if they have any information about recent threats to the capital or surrounding area.
Beltain too questions the locals but with no end result he sighs but accepts that he will never have Limara's social graces
"Thank you everyone for the coinage" says the dwarf delighted "It will come in most useful for potions and lotions!" He winks. "I will not take any of the other treasure, though, I have not earned it."
"You took the same risk as anyone else in the group Biba, and you Nos....just because you fell early in battle means nothing....my view is that everyone has equal right to the treasure, its up to you what you do .... but 'at least' choose a potion!"
"Thank you Beltain and Limara but I will take nothing, not even the dregs!" says the dwarf obstinately.
The Wizard Nosnibor "So chaps. Do you want me to make some scrolls? I'm sure they would help."
"Yes Nosnibor," agrees the beautiful Limara "That would be a splendid idea. I'm not sure how many scrolls we need or indeed can afford to buy."
Rizzit choses the +1 Platemail as his choice from the party treasure and immediately offers it to Feng "Would you be interested in buying the plate-mail from me?"
Beltain selects the Fifth Wind Flute and asks if Coleridge is interested in buying it....
"Why not make some scrolls of some of your 1st level spells Mr Nosnibor" suggests Rizzit. "Yes, a pile of magic missiles wouldn't go amiss!" agrees Beltain.
The Wizard Nosnibor takes to his room with a pen and a candle and gets to scribing.
"If there is going to be a party fund for cure spells I would gladly contribute." Says Biba "Are the holy men of the party willing to giveth of themselves for the party and recompense?"
"I think the idea is that we all stock on Cure Scrolls" says Beltain raising a quizzical eyebrow at Limara "For the clerics to cast when we get wounded. They aren't quite as good as potions but they can hit the spot after a battle" says Beltain "I will be buying six!"
Beltain bids the other goodbye and tells them he plans to go to the Ring of Coins to get an idea of the value of the Fifth Wind. "Beltain," protests Biba with a frown "I do not like the sound of this 'Ring of Coins'. It seems a little shady to me. Be careful."
Beltain is taken aback, "If the Ring of Coins is too shady for a rogue, then should an upright cleric be seen in the place?" he asks himself. He changes his mind and goes to talk to the Thayan wizards...
Meanwhile the rest of the party await the summons from Lord Hawklin
On day 4 of Altriakin the Year of Wild Magic at about noon the party arrive at Suzail. The weather is fine and clear. Outside the gates stands several Purple Dragon Knights. They begin to walk towards the party as they approach. "At last - home again" says Walter with a sigh. "Well. we made it Neighbours. So much for a simple Escort.." replies Sparhawk with a smile. "Make sure we are all peace-bonded.. Here comes a reception team" Sparhawk looks back at Feng and the wagon "Don't know what they will think about the Drow"
"Greetings knights" says Rizzit and bows "We are escorting this annoying merchant and his fair wench into your fine city". Feng lounges in the wagon, affecting a bored mein while Limara hurriedly peace-bonds her weapons and rides forward to meet the purple knights "Greetings to you purple knights .... We are the Order of the Initiative. We have come to register ourselves ... and yes, we are escorting these merchants too.... we have a drow prisoner that we captured north east of here, we will be handing her into the appropriate authority for questioning..."
The Purple Knights look over the party as they approach the gates. They spot the Drow in the back of the wagon. "HALT. Drow are not permitted here. She will be taken to secure residence.. The rest of you, please have a pleasant stay in Suzail" The Purple Knights retrieve Kaellara and lead her away.. The party enter the city.
"6000gp for a raise dead !!!! Let's just buy some shovels" says Rizzit in jest, adding more seriously "Do we have 12000gp between us? Guys we have nowhere near enough money, we need to sell some of the magical party treasure, I suggest the spellbook and leather armour, the nature book and possibly the plate".
One of the purple dragons approaches the party "When you have made yourselves comfortable and enjoyed the sights you are requested to an audience with Lord Hawlin. He wishes to speak with you about the Drow prisoner you rode in with"
"That Drow was mine." Protests Feng "I Hadn't finished breaking it in. I won it fair and square in combat, and it is my property. When we see lord Hawlin, I will be expecting my property returned, or a sale price. Rizzit. The plate stays, I can put it to very good use - I have no wish to go back to light infantry right, now, since I cannot afford my own retinue of surgeons to keep me on my feet in a fight. I'm tough, but even Feng benefits from a steel shell. Why not sell that fag wand?"
"Look I got the wand the same time as you got your cloak for our little adventure on our own," Rizzit tells Feng "The plate is part of party loot and we need the cash to get our friends back". "Humph" is all the reply that Feng gives "I'll look around for a prze-fight, and I'll win us some money. Yeah, lets stay at the Dragon Jaws - seems less tame than most of the places around here."
"Stop whinging you two.... it wont cost us 12,000gp to get them raised" limara tells the two non-humans "I am sure I can get us a better price.... and remember we are in town and our actions reflect on all of us.... don't be a 'Poacher' ... please behave and at least mimic being respectful to Lord Hawklin. If we impress the right people it will enhance our reputation further....and we command greater rewards for our work..." she points out. "I am confident that my diplomatic skills and noble divinity will serve us well in our meeting with this man... if the meeting goes well it may help us get that discount we need... I will work hard to get it for us. "
"To put it plainly" says Beltain addressing Feng and Rizzit "Let Limara do the negotiation and we will get a better deal with more cash left after our friends are raised for us all both to spend as we wish in this great city" he finishes with a smile. Despite his words he seems ill at ease in the huge metropolis and even more so with the purple knights, his hand rests lightly on the hilt of his peace-bonded sword and his body is tense. "Let us journey on to this inn" he suggests "Unless anyone knows better this place of Rizzit's sounds fine to me, I could do with good food, a bath and a warm bed for the night."
He turns to their employer "Well Walter, our ways part here. You have arrived safe and sound with many tales to tell your fellows. In this place our pay will buy many delights, and perchance the use of your name may get fair prices at some merchants or perhaps," he pauses for effect "Even a discount. Maybe you could add your word to ours' when we look for assistance in raising our fellows who worked with us in guard duty on the road?" he asks
"And don't forget to pay us" adds Rizzit rather spoiling the effect of Beltain's words.
"Yes.. it has certainly been an interesting experience." Responds Walter cagily "I've learnt more about adventurers than I wish to know. The money has been deposited into your bank accounts. I hope to meet again, with some of you..." He looks at Rizzit and Feng "And some I hope I never see again". With that, he and Deirdre leave the party.
A little while later a messenger from Lord Hawklin arrives and the party are escorted to a large stately home situated near the palace. They are lead to a large room. Two Purple Knights stand guard. A servant enters the room with a tray of drinks for the party. "Lord Hawklin will see you now" says the servant. They are lead to another room. In the room is a stunningly handsome man. Sophisticated and collected in his manner and bearing. Tall, dark haired, dark eyed, smooth skin, and impeccably dressed in black, he is enough to make anyone believe some nobles really are better than everyone else..
"Welcome" Lord Hawklin says with a smile "I call you here because it came to my attention that you rode into Suzail with a Drow prisoner. A female priestess. Now, at this juncture she isn't speaking to us, but I had hoped that she may have talked more freely with her original captors. Any information you can pass onto us would be greatly appreciated"
Beltain bows low to Lord Hawklin "My Lord, we are honoured to be invited to your company. We were able, at some loss to ourselves to destroy a colony of drow in an outpost along the road from Immersea to the North. The battle was long and hard and we were only able to emerge victorious due to the courage of all our fellows. In the battle two of our company fell. My Lady Limara," here he indicates Limara, with a bow and a smile, "Has no little skill in languages and was able to question the priestess in command of the nest of wickedness in the drow tongue. She may be able to assist you and supply the information that you need"
Despite the flowery words Beltain is ill-at-ease in the company of Lord Hawklin and the purple Knights. He is deferential and respectful to this powerful noble but he is very aware of their different perspective on life and law. After his speech he takes a step to the rear and watches the proceedings closely.
Before Limara can respond Rizzit takes a deep breath then recants the story of our adventures in the mine, leaving nothing out and with the innocent (stupid) honesty he has. "Is there anything to eat and drink?" he asks at the end of the story and eats the lit candle on the table "I don't think much to the canapés here" he whispers to Feng.
Listens intently to Beltain and Rizzit recount their tale "Mmm.. interesting, a Drow colony near the Mithril Mines. We had started to wonder why the dwarves at the mine had not been in contact." He looks a little startled as he sees the kobold eat the candle "Please refrain from eating the fixtures and fittings. Now, where were we.. ahh yes, you said something about fallen companions. I will arrange for your friends to be brought back to life, free of charge, by a way of thank you for this information. I may have some further work for you, should you be interested. Firstly I encourage you to relax in Suzail a while..."
"Wahooo" shouts Rizzit and performs a back flip "Thank you so much Sir"
The Lord contacts the Towers of Good Fortune and the cleric is instructed to raise the two dead adventurers.
The Wizard Nosnibor and the dwarven Rogue Bibabobalobalos awake.
Rather late Limara offers her service to help question the drow "As well as speaking their language I also have some knowledge about drow politics and religious factions... if you would like to know more I would be pleased to discuss it with you" she adds. Lord Hawklin says that he think over Limara's offer.
Beltain is clearly delighted at Lord Hawklin's decision to have Nosni and Boge raised, he is very well disposed to the aristocrat and will be very interested in any commissions that Lord Hawklin may have to offer.
The Wizard Nosnibor sits up and looks around "W-wh-where am I? What's is this? I feel ever so strange." The newly revived Wizard Nosnibor says in confusion. "Oh no! I must be in a drow prison cell. Chaps! Chaps? I remember something about sitting watch I corpulent man hammering his fingers against a board with lots of little stones on it. The stones had letter. He was looking a a colourful box."
Beltain pumps Nosni hand up and down, delighted to have the elf back in the party. He fetches Pussy and hands her over to The Wizard "I think that you will find her well cared for" he tells his comrade "And she is sure to be pampered in Suzail" The Wizard Nosnibor looks more pleased tosee the cat than the other party members "PUSSY! Oh Pussy my love! I have missed you so. Long it seems that I have travelled the barren shore of strange lands without you my sweet sweet companions." So saying he sweeps Pussy into his arms and hugs him close as he open sobs with joy.
"I am so happy to be back amongst those who care for me." The Wizard Nosnibor looks at each member of the party with his running nose and tears running down his face. "Thank you my friends. Thank you."
Rizzit overcome gives Mr Nosnibor a nig hug
"I need a drink," Feng exclaims "And someone to punch. Hmm, nice to see both Nosi and Biba on their feet - for however long that lasts. We need to find a grog shop, and then get tattooed."
Bibabobalobalos sits up and looks about blankly for a few moments. "Whh . . . Oh. I guess the fight with the spiders didn't go as well as I was expecting!" he thinks for a moment. Or, perhaps, it went exactly as expected!"
"Thank you good cleric." He says to the priest "It is good to be back in the world of the living. It was not much fun in purgatory, I can tell you." he stands and looks about for an exit. "Er. Which way did they go good cleric? The ones that brought me here."
Beltain welcomes Biba back into the party. "Now we can share our findings and celebrate" he says beaming at one and all but saving an especially warm smile for Limara
The Wizard Nosnibor smiles "I am so glad that you fellows dealt with those foul demons, though I'm sure they were just misunderstood."
"I still need more money" grumbles Rizzit "And as there is little to interest me in the loot I may pick on value, if someone wants to buy the item to use I will of course sell at below market value to the party. Do we need money for this stupid party registration bollocks"
"If we are to be Adventures under the orders of the Lord Hawklin, then perhaps he may want to waive the fee on this occasion?" suggests Beltain "Now Rizzit, did you say that you knew of a good hotel for the night?"
Beltain wanders round the Thayan market, looking at the goods on sale and chatting with the vendors and wizards. He focuses on the skills and on construction methods/processes hoping to augment his ideas on magic item construction. He then rejoins the main group and realises that Nosni and Biba are very low on hit points and casts spells to heal them.
"Nosi" asks Rizzit "Are you going to copy what you need from that spell book then we can sell it and split the money"
"I feel weakened and somehow drained" Biba says to anyone who will listen "But I want to get out and adventure as soon as possible. Are we to wait for the spell-people to do the magical thing? I'll need my share of treasure to rent a space in the common room and for some simple grub." He pauses while he thinks a moment. "If I have a share, that is? Oh and thank you very much, Beltain, for the healing spell. It is very good of you to look after me so after my failure in the mine."
"I need to shop then I am ready to go," says the kobold "Not sure if anyone needs training here. I think we should spend a few days checking the Inns and bars for rumours though. You can share with me if you want Bob"
"Good point, Rizzit" agrees the dwarf, "It is good to see you again, after the shadowy darkness."
"Its good to have you back my brave friend" Rizzit respons "But may I suggest some anti-venom potions on your shopping list"
"Thank you, little fearless one. So where are you staying?" the dwarf continues.
"In the Dragons Jaws" the kobald answers immediately "
"Obviously chaps I will point blank refuse to accept any treasure at all," says The Wizard "Whether you feel I should have any or not, you have all sacrificed greatly to bring me back and i feel it would be churlish to have any part in the loot. You have given me the gift of life and that is treasure enough for me. However if you find an item or scroll that you want me to use and hold for the party i will do so, though my thaumaturgic abilities are no doubt surpassed by the great Rizzit."
The Wizard Nosnibor "Chaps. I hope you don't mind me learning some spells from that magic book before we sell it?" and he successfully learns Ray of enfeeblement, Mirror Image and See Invisible but fails to learn Scorching Ray.
"Ahh, see you are stepping into my area with scorching ray," quips the kobold "The gods obviously favour leaving me with wanton destruction thus preserving your soul"
"Indeed fair and learned Rizzit" agrees The Wizard "Though I will seldom use it, all knowledge gained is good."
While he waits for the others Beltain will browse through the wares on sale at the Ring of Coins but finds little of interest.
Limara spends the four days talking to the people at the church of tempus, passing information on to them and gathering rumours and information, but also spends some time training in a new ability she warmly greets Nosi and Bob back from the Fugue and asks if they went anywhere near the wall of lost souls... "..I have always wondered how haunting it must look...heh, did any baatezu try and tempt you to sell your soul ?" she asks. She also makes a point of thanking Feng for behaving so honourably. Then she goes out to shop and buy potions. Anyone paying any attention to Limara will have noticed how she seems completely at ease in this town, naturally fitting in with the rigid social structure and laws. She also spends time talking to some of the purple knights to see if they have any information about recent threats to the capital or surrounding area.
Beltain too questions the locals but with no end result he sighs but accepts that he will never have Limara's social graces
"Thank you everyone for the coinage" says the dwarf delighted "It will come in most useful for potions and lotions!" He winks. "I will not take any of the other treasure, though, I have not earned it."
"You took the same risk as anyone else in the group Biba, and you Nos....just because you fell early in battle means nothing....my view is that everyone has equal right to the treasure, its up to you what you do .... but 'at least' choose a potion!"
"Thank you Beltain and Limara but I will take nothing, not even the dregs!" says the dwarf obstinately.
The Wizard Nosnibor "So chaps. Do you want me to make some scrolls? I'm sure they would help."
"Yes Nosnibor," agrees the beautiful Limara "That would be a splendid idea. I'm not sure how many scrolls we need or indeed can afford to buy."
Rizzit choses the +1 Platemail as his choice from the party treasure and immediately offers it to Feng "Would you be interested in buying the plate-mail from me?"
Beltain selects the Fifth Wind Flute and asks if Coleridge is interested in buying it....
"Why not make some scrolls of some of your 1st level spells Mr Nosnibor" suggests Rizzit. "Yes, a pile of magic missiles wouldn't go amiss!" agrees Beltain.
The Wizard Nosnibor takes to his room with a pen and a candle and gets to scribing.
"If there is going to be a party fund for cure spells I would gladly contribute." Says Biba "Are the holy men of the party willing to giveth of themselves for the party and recompense?"
"I think the idea is that we all stock on Cure Scrolls" says Beltain raising a quizzical eyebrow at Limara "For the clerics to cast when we get wounded. They aren't quite as good as potions but they can hit the spot after a battle" says Beltain "I will be buying six!"
Beltain bids the other goodbye and tells them he plans to go to the Ring of Coins to get an idea of the value of the Fifth Wind. "Beltain," protests Biba with a frown "I do not like the sound of this 'Ring of Coins'. It seems a little shady to me. Be careful."
Beltain is taken aback, "If the Ring of Coins is too shady for a rogue, then should an upright cleric be seen in the place?" he asks himself. He changes his mind and goes to talk to the Thayan wizards...
Meanwhile the rest of the party await the summons from Lord Hawklin
