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Story Hour
The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
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<blockquote data-quote="Greyhawk" data-source="post: 3297333" data-attributes="member: 40355"><p><strong>The Nexus</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">The party look at their surroundings. Beltain checks some of the bones scattered here, he prizes a horn out of one of the skulls. The party look at the 16 portals. Some glow with a dim light, the same as the portal they arrived from. The party also notice numbers painted on the arches, a recent addition by the looks of it. The portal the party appeared through is labelled "1", the numbers ascend in a clockwise direction. Apart from the numbers there are no other markings on the portals. The portals all appear shut, save for the portal the party came through.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Feng Smears a bloody handprint over the portal from the stonelands "They all look alike to me, and I'd like the option of going back the way we came if needed." he snorts.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Limara finally manages to coax her dog Gypsy, through the portal from the Stonelands..</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Beltain looks around "Does anyone have an idea how these gates close?" he asks "If it is on a timed basis, then we may only have a limited time before we need to head back. If it is using a pass-phrase, it would be very useful to know what it is so that we can close the other gates" he sweeps his hand round, indicating the other gates "If they lead to anywhere too dire..."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Oooh. Isn't this exciting!" exclaims The Wizard Nosnibor, "All of this magic must be here for a great purpose. It's just so exhilarating. I think I might Pee my self. I suggest we be methodical about this and try the portals in order."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"I must agree," says Rizzit looking at the gates with curiosity "So what's the plan? Do we wait for one to open then go through it?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Getting no response, Rizzit gets comfortable in a corner and meditates ready to rest for his spells "Ommm. Doesn't look like we can do much until a gate opens, unless someone has an idea on how to get one to open. I will meditate for my spells while you play with them, shout if you need me"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"I could touch the portal #2 surround and say the words, I said before" suggests Beltain "But are we ready for an encounter now, assuming it succeeds?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">While he waits for the others to think about his suggestion Belatin sits down to rest and regain spells, while waiting for a response from the others.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Elinor says "In the absence of any other inscriptions, then I think we should do as Beltain suggests- let's try the same phrase and see if it works. Actually, Feng can you give me a leg up? I'd like to have look what's outside these four walls." Looking at the stars, do they look like familiar constellations?</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Thats <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />in' scary." exclaims Feng "I was thinkin' o' taking a look over the wall meself. I'll boost yer up so yas can take a look over, Elinor. Remember which ones were glowing when we came in. Praps they become unlocked in an order? Do we have a way of timekeeping? Praps some clerical chants to measure the time the glow will remain? Anyhow - I reckon we should do the following: Heal Feng. Then try a portal. I don't see the point in returning when there is so much to still explore."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"C'mon Beltain. Say the right words. If only knees opened as easily as these magic doors, eh?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Well I agree with Beltain too." the Wizard Nosnibor pipes up "It is my considered opinion that we should go through as many of these portals as we can. Think of the learning, and the expanding of our knowledge."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Limara points at the unconscious orc ... "This thing may have an answer or two, if we can persuade him to co-operate.... he may well know what's behind at least one of these doors. Remember people... its getting late... it might be wiser to heal everybody up and recharge spells before we go portal hopping... "</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Feng moves to one of the walls and bends slightly, his hands linked. Elinor places a boot in the half orc's large hands and hauls herself up the wall, the barbarian lifting her higher until Elinor grasps the top of the wall and hauls herself up. From her vantage point she gazes out... The Nexus is on a flat valley of stone, huge boulders scatter the landscape. Seemingly impassable mountains surround the entire valley. Up above, dark storm clouds gather, a little way to the north. Lightning lights the sky.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">The Wizard Nosnibor concentrates and casts an incantation. It looks a bit like a stickman having a seizure, but it seems to do the trick and he detects magic in the area. The wizard Nosnibor concentrates on is detect magic spell. Firstly he ascertains there is indeed magic here!!. T hen he realises that Beltain and Limara are within his spell effect, but yes, the portals also detect as magical! Secondly, The wizard Nosnibor determines that one of the types of magic resident on the portals is of the conjuration type, the other is to powerful to decipher. He tells the others "Well that is interesting. These portals have been created with the use of two magics, a lesser conjuration magic which probably deals with the portal/teleportation element itself and another more powerful magic, which although I cannot detect would probably be Abjuration or some such. The power of the spells used to create these portals was very great indeed, though that is to be expected as the are fairly obviously powerful magical artefacts. However this does rule out them being created by orcs or their immediate allies, I feel that this room and the portals have been here for some time"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Beltain looks at the others, "Before I attempt to activate gate#2" he says, "I think that we should be up to strength on hit points and magic. The arcane forces used to create this place are great and the foes that await us may also be powerful. We have travelled far and battled along the way before getting to this point. Certain of our number still carry the venom of the scorpions in their veins. Let us rest until the stars are higher in the sky and then press onwards?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Ommm" comes from the corner as Rizzit attempt to meditate.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"If we are selecting and learning spells" says Beltain hesitantly "Perhaps, Rizzit, you might give Nosnibor some pointers, not that he needs it of course being an experienced wizard, to make his choice more, errr, practical"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Mr Nosnibor unfortunately seems to lack the raw destructive spells I favour but hopefully he will have some good spells to aid others" replies the kobold.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Belatin sits down with his back to the wall to rest, and to relearn spells in preparation for the fighting he is sure will follow the opening of the other portals...</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"I will be wanting to pray for my spells at 9.00pm," says Limara "Which takes about an hour. So we can leave anytime after that, but we will need to sleep soon so I suggest rest for 8 hours then set off in the early hours of the morning."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">She then rises and casts curing spells on Rizzit and Feng who are still injured.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Limara fusses her dog and gives it a big hug..."Who's a good girl then...you are.... yes you are"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Then she addresses the other party members "If we are to rest then back there," she points to the portal they just used "The room through portal has only two points to defend. In here we have sixteen to consider" and she continues looking up at the sky and the increasing rain "And we're getting wet here too... we need cover. This weather is going to get worse... Trust me, we need to shelter through the portal if we are going to get any sleep. We are very exposed out here".. she looks thoughtful</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"That seems reasonable" says Beltain "Maybe we can find a way of closing the portal too... Perhaps a variation on the words used to open it?" he looks quizzically at Nosnibor "What do you think?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Limara sits down on her haunches and looks deep in thought, she leans against her dog and looks slightly concerned. "Guys... I've been wracking my brains ... and I think I know where we are..." she stands up "I think we are in Thunder Peaks... It would explain things if we are... It's got to be Thunder Peaks, Cormyr hating orcs live here, that would explain the sub species of orc we just killed. They must be numbering the portals and going though to raid and steal... Lord Hawklin must know of this fast" Limara stops briefly..</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Belatin nods his head listening to Limara's proposition "Did the Nether race have strongholds there he asks, as this structure cannot be of orcish origin? And perhaps the cultists are from one of the other gates...?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Good point Bel, The Cult of the Dragon… It would also explain how the the dragon cult members got there as well... There is a Dracolich in Thunder Peaks, if I remember correctly its lair is in some old abandoned dwarven city... the cultists must be using the gates too... bugger. OK, I also think I know why we were offered such a generous wage for this job... "</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Fine, Fine. Orcs...Raiders...powerful magics. Blah Blah Blah. None are a match for my axe backed up by the healing and magic of my companions. I ask only two things - where are they, and where is the treasure? If Limara thinks it good to rest out of the rain in the stonelands, I will stand guard against intruders if we retreat through the portal until we are rested. Remember..It is FENG! you travel with. we will prevail!"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Feng Feng- catch me!" Elinor slides down the wall and drops to the ground. "I agree. If the party needs to rest then we should go back thru the portal, and trust that the magic phrase will work again when we need it. Let's try and remove any signs of our presence before we go back". She moves around trying to scuff out any marks on the ground left by Gypsy's paws or Limara's haunches.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">A screech is heard, up above the party see a strange creature flying down at them. This beast's body resembles that of a muscular lion. Its two heads and front legs are those of a great eagle, and it has a pair of large, golden wings.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Elinor calls out to the party "Try and get back through the portal- Feng and I will defend you. And watch out for Wizzy and Gypsy- they're easy pickings"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Beltain reacts first and rising he casts a spell at the Griffin then takes a 5' step next to Limara.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">A Spiritual Weapon springs into existence and strikes the attacking foe but does little damage. "Blast, first blood, but negligible damage" grumbles Beltain</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Mmmm." mumbles the Wizard oblivious of the fast approaching griffon "So what you're saying is that the Orcs are from around here and they have found the portal nexus, which is ancient and built by some long forgotten civilisation. And they are using it for their own nefarious purposes. Indeed that is something that should be reported to Lord Hawklin. Has the wind picked up or is it getting chilly?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Whats the plan Feng?" calls Rizzit "Run away through the portal or charge the... whatever it is"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Beltain calls to Rizzit "Only spells and missiles can touch it at the moment, it's just too high for hand-held weapons at the moment. The question is whether we should fire missiles at it now or wait, readied to hit at it with melee weapons when it lands. I don't think that running away is an option that we should consider this early…"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Feng readies a huge swing with his great-axe on his face there is a grim smile! "At last! Another Beast worthy of my skill! Limara - Bull's strength, Quickly!" and he grins in anticipation. "The rage! It comes! GNNAAGGGHH! FENG KILLS!"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Look out Nosni" calls Beltain "There is a bloody great winged monster bearing down on you! Get behind one of the fighters AND QUICKLY" he shouts his voice tinged with desperation and seeing no reaction from the elf "NOSNI TAKE COVER!!!"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Zap it, Rizz!" laughs Feng</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Everybody back through the portal!" Elinor runs to stand in front of Nos, ready to engage with the incoming griffon.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Run away from it? Elinor that is not our way" says Rizzit eager for battle. "I doubt Feng will flee and I would never leave him"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Proof, if it were needed, that a sword does not make a fighter." quips Feng "What you need is a HUGE weapon and a bit o' backbone. Still, she's just a lass, so you should cut her some slack, Rizz. That way I won't have to. Rally on me! We can take it!"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Never fear Feng," says Rizzit "The two of us could deal with this wee beastie if the others need safety"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">" Nos... please take the animals back through the portal to safety then return if you can help.... Rizz get near the portal before you cast, it could easily carry you off... Bel honey, can you watch Elinor's back.. I'll watch Feng's back whilst the fighters do there stuff... OK lets get this right or we could loose someone". and moves up behind Feng in readiness, then casts a spell a Spiritual Weapon, similar to Beltain appears and attacks the Griffon, but this time the hit does serious damage.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Great hit, Princess!" yells Beltain But the griffon still dives to attack Elinor and although her armour deflects most of the attack, still the griffon still hurt her quite badly.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Belatin quickly moves up to Elinor and cures a goodly portion of the damage but his Spiritual Weapon misses the beast this time.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Elinor mutters "Yes, yes Feng. You and Rizzit keep talking the <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />, I'll keep talking the hits... Still, I'm just a lass, so cut me some slack.....". She turns and winks at Feng</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Feng's veins begin to pulse and his muscles bulge, as the Barbarian goes into a RAGE!" and his axe slams into the monster dealing major damage. "Elinor, just hit it, 'k? It will do more fer yer self esteem than the group hug yer seem to be wantin' to start up !" and then to the kobold "What do yer reckon, Rizz - painters in?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Elinor swings her longsword, which connects with great force, massively wounding the beast "Oops, seem to have clipped it's wings with my nail file" she jokes.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Wow! An impressive hit, Elinor" says Beltain in admiration "I think you will have to be more complementary about 'girls' fighting skills now Feng!"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"A wonderful show of fighting prowess Elinor," admits Rizzit "As for talking <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />, I think that was Feng I have never doubted your ability with the sword surpasses even you magnificent beauty" says the Kobold walking towards the griffon</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">He mutters an incantation "What a pile of crap" moans Rizzit as his ray shoots over the Griffons heads</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Belatin looks expectantly at The Wizard Nosnibor standing at his side, his expression is hopeful but tense. "If you are going to do anything too spectacular or showy, wizard, please give us warning so that we can get out of the way..."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Look, I admit it, the lass is lucky with a sword" the big barbarian agrees surprised at the power behind Elinor's blow "Or is it just channelled rage that she did'nt have time to fix her hair before the thing dove down onto her? Whatever works say I - I just don't expect it to happen again. And Rizz? I think trippin' over yer tongue spoiled yer aim."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Like some others things I got a long tongue" says Rizzit with a lear.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Well it's certainly busy enough - hinged in the middle, I'll bet?" laughs Feng "Anyhow, I thought the part of calf-eyed panting fool was already taken?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Nice hit Elinor" calls Limara "You nearly killed it in one blow.." She puts her hand on her sword hilt and prepares to dash into the fray</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Oh my sweet giddy Aunt!" Says The Wizard Nosnibor in a state of awe and not a little incredulity. "It's a griffon! It's so pretty. Don't kill it. It's lovely. Can we attack it with subdual attacks and make it our friend? Please don't kill such a lovely creature." The Wizard Nosnibor waves his arms bombastically and shouts "SHOO!" loudly to try and scare off the griffon.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"It is an abomination Nosni," Beltain tells the wizard "A combination of the parts of normal animals joined together by some mad wizard. Can't you feel its pain and anger? No noble creature should be subject to such indignity" he pauses and then continues almost shouting "And you can call a creature two heads pretty? It is the final blasphemy against nature!"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Beltain feels his anger subside, shrugs his shoulders and looks over to where his fellow cleric is standing 'Can she fell it before it wounds anyone else in the party' he wonders</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Well I think it looks lovely" says Nosnibor, not at all abached "You think it was made through Wizardry? I wonder how."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Nosnibor, it has attacked the party and as such is an enemy." Limara tells him "Why do you persist in defending our enemies? Do you not want to help defend your friends ? " she sighs</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">She moves forward attacking it with both her sword and spiritual weapon but both attacks fail. "I'll tell you what Nos... You stop it attacking us and get it to back away and we will stop attacking it... After all, that thing started it not us. But if it doesn't leave sharpish then someone here will finish it. Anyway, maybe you can look at the bits and work out how it was made " she suggests</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">The badly wounded creature attacks Limara, wounding her slightly, then attempts to fly away. Elinor, Feng, and Limara strike as it flies off..</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Both Feng and Elinor almost fumble their weapons at the speed with which the griffon flees upwards, Limara swipes at thin air. The griffon flys up 80ft.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Belatins spiritual weapon also misses and he grabs his crossbow & loads it but cannot bring it to bear quickly enough to fire - yet...</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Feng glares at Nosni, "I'm wound up to hit sommat - don't make yerself a target, yer prat!"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Beltain chuckles "Looks as if the griffon's off to find easier prey! Mind you" he turns to the sorcerer and wizard "I could say 'There goes your next level' unless you can react very fast and of course it would have made a very nice two-headed trophy for the wall off Feng's home". He nudges the paladin in front of him "Perhaps you may be able to bring it down with the bow you recently acquired from the orcs outside?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Elinor drops her sword and shield on the floor, draws her bow, knocks an arrow and fires up towards the griffon, but she too misses. "Damn- bet it dives on us now"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Belatin rounds on Nosnibor, perhaps angered but the party's dismal attempts to hit the departing monster "Nosni, there are creatures trying to kill us and each member of the party must play his or her part in defending the others from danger. We do this is by fighting back until the attacker dies or is driven off. Some of these assailants are evil and mean us harm, others just follow their natural instincts and want us for food, but from each we must protect ourselves or die." </span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"You must accept that all these creatures mean us harm and that you must play your party in the preservation of our companion's lives." he continues his diatribe "In this we expect you to select spells that either kill or disable our enemies or perhaps protect your fellows from harm. There is a saying from an ancient tongue 'Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.', 'if you want peace, prepare for war', bear this in mind when you prepare yourself for tomorrows endeavours. I understand that you want to feel that all is fine and cheerful with the world, but although there is much that is beautiful and good there is also that which is evil. I think that, for some reason of your own, you seek to deny this, although in your heart of hearts you know it to be true. Who knows some dark trauma from your past may persuade you to warp your thoughts in far too positive a way, while all the time your heart says that bad is being done?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Rizzit mutters some arcane words "Take that" says Rizzit launching magic missiles at the flying griffon, will they be enough to kill it before it attacks again, he wonders. </span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">The missiles impact on the flying griffon... but still it lives. "If you have a magic missile – use it now, Mr Nosnibor" Rizzit tells his fellow mage.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Beltain," says The Wizard Nosnibor "I think your belief that there is some hidden trauma in my past that has piled such misery upon my life that it rules my behaviour unto this day and makes me look at the good in everything is an erroneous argument. To my knowledge deep childhood trauma and violence only breeds erratic and anitsocial behaviour in the child, not a rosy outlook. Which is something I try hard to maintain. My outlook is based on cognition and an unconditional positive regard to the universe and all of it's beauty."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"However I do take on board your argument about defending my companions and comrades from a threat. I hold you all in very high regard and would give my own life to save any of yours. Thus this creature, as beautiful as it is, must die. Sadly."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">So saying he mutters some arcane words and two boring old Magic missiles with absolutely no distinguishing features what so ever fly from the Wizard Nosnibors hands. He wishes they were more interesting. Perhaps a bit more pink and fluffy. Perhaps a little bouncy. Maybe even with some sort of head circling tweeting bird effect. But alas not. Just normal boring magic missiles, causing the griffon to plummet to the ground "That should do it." he concludes.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Well done Mr Nosnibor," says Rizzit with satisfaction "Your first kill I believe. It's traditional to paint you with the beasts blood and eat its heart I believe"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">The Wizard cringes at the thought of such a thing and a strangled "Ewwwww." escapes his lips and he looks slightly sickened.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Elinor picks up her sword and shield, and pats Nosnibor on the shoulder. "Look at this way. It was probably in a lot of pain from its injuries. You did it a favour. And saved our lives as well"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Sniffing into his hanky The Wizard Nosnibor perks up a little "Thank you Lady Elinor. Your works are a comfort to me."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"My good works? Water works?" asks Elinor puzzled</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Opps. This violence has muddled my speech. I meant you 'Words', your WORDS are a comfort to me." explains The Wizard.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Right everybody," continues Elinor in a business like fashion "Shall we get out of this rain and go back through the portal for the evening?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Rizzit speaks truely." Feng tells Nosnibor earnestly "Eating the beast's hear may confer some of it's bravery onto you, mage. Often the blood of the beast makes you more attractive to any receptive females -however in that I think you will be disappointed. Not that I'd eat an animal's heart which was practically slain by a woman. I'm sure it would lose whatever value the heart would otherwise impart."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Beltain, slaps Rizzit and Nosni on their backs, "Well done, well done" he chortles "That is another monster that will not take human life again. Now shall we get out of the rain and rest to regain spells through the portal in the peace of the Orc Room?"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Feng shoulders his axe "Lets move back outa the rain. Not that a little rain bothers the mighty FENG! I think we're actually getting better at this. No one died. Heh?" and he steps back through the portal..</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Rizzit follows Feng back through the portal with wizzy and gets comfortable amongst the rocks to sleep feeling his powers may have increased when he wakes</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">Limara turns and addresses Nosnibor, "Thank you Nos... your action is appreciated. I admire your positive regard towards life, but am glad you value our lives so highly." she smiles "OK, I'm getting out of this rain... " she goes over to fuss her dog and praise it for behaving well, then she and Gypsy go back through the portal "Let's have supper and rest, I need to pray soon... just before I pray I will use my remaining spells to cure Elinor and myself"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"I'm sorry Nosni," explains Beltain eager not to insult the Wizard who cast the decisive Magic Missile "I didn't mean to offend in suggesting that your attitude to life was based on childhood experiences but you shouldn't rule it out. My Uncle Fred always said that the child maketh the man and that strange behaviour in adults could be traced to incidents in their youth. He would have said that your, pardon my saying, overly positive view of the world was either a reaction to a traumatic incident or an abnormal reaction to a normal incident, if I remember it correctly. Mind you he couldn't talk, always insisted that we put an extra 'u' in the middle of his name, daft bugger. His wife, on the other hand used to say that all creatures had precognition and that abnormal behaviour was a reaction to a traumatic incident that was yet to happen. Still they got on well together, surprising really as she was a lot older than him and the spitting image of his mother."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Will you shut up and let me sleep," calls Rizzit "I can still here your bollocks from this side of the portal. Oh and someone take a load of feathers for and maybe the heads from the griffon…"</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"><strong><em>The party head back through the portal to rest in the dry. Outside the rain batters the nexus. Battered and almost out of spells the party relax in the orc cave and get ready for further exploration</em></strong>…</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greyhawk, post: 3297333, member: 40355"] [b]The Nexus[/b] [COLOR=SlateGray]The party look at their surroundings. Beltain checks some of the bones scattered here, he prizes a horn out of one of the skulls. The party look at the 16 portals. Some glow with a dim light, the same as the portal they arrived from. The party also notice numbers painted on the arches, a recent addition by the looks of it. The portal the party appeared through is labelled "1", the numbers ascend in a clockwise direction. Apart from the numbers there are no other markings on the portals. The portals all appear shut, save for the portal the party came through. Feng Smears a bloody handprint over the portal from the stonelands "They all look alike to me, and I'd like the option of going back the way we came if needed." he snorts. Limara finally manages to coax her dog Gypsy, through the portal from the Stonelands.. Beltain looks around "Does anyone have an idea how these gates close?" he asks "If it is on a timed basis, then we may only have a limited time before we need to head back. If it is using a pass-phrase, it would be very useful to know what it is so that we can close the other gates" he sweeps his hand round, indicating the other gates "If they lead to anywhere too dire..." "Oooh. Isn't this exciting!" exclaims The Wizard Nosnibor, "All of this magic must be here for a great purpose. It's just so exhilarating. I think I might Pee my self. I suggest we be methodical about this and try the portals in order." "I must agree," says Rizzit looking at the gates with curiosity "So what's the plan? Do we wait for one to open then go through it?" Getting no response, Rizzit gets comfortable in a corner and meditates ready to rest for his spells "Ommm. Doesn't look like we can do much until a gate opens, unless someone has an idea on how to get one to open. I will meditate for my spells while you play with them, shout if you need me" "I could touch the portal #2 surround and say the words, I said before" suggests Beltain "But are we ready for an encounter now, assuming it succeeds?" While he waits for the others to think about his suggestion Belatin sits down to rest and regain spells, while waiting for a response from the others. Elinor says "In the absence of any other inscriptions, then I think we should do as Beltain suggests- let's try the same phrase and see if it works. Actually, Feng can you give me a leg up? I'd like to have look what's outside these four walls." Looking at the stars, do they look like familiar constellations? "Thats :):):):)in' scary." exclaims Feng "I was thinkin' o' taking a look over the wall meself. I'll boost yer up so yas can take a look over, Elinor. Remember which ones were glowing when we came in. Praps they become unlocked in an order? Do we have a way of timekeeping? Praps some clerical chants to measure the time the glow will remain? Anyhow - I reckon we should do the following: Heal Feng. Then try a portal. I don't see the point in returning when there is so much to still explore." "C'mon Beltain. Say the right words. If only knees opened as easily as these magic doors, eh?" "Well I agree with Beltain too." the Wizard Nosnibor pipes up "It is my considered opinion that we should go through as many of these portals as we can. Think of the learning, and the expanding of our knowledge." Limara points at the unconscious orc ... "This thing may have an answer or two, if we can persuade him to co-operate.... he may well know what's behind at least one of these doors. Remember people... its getting late... it might be wiser to heal everybody up and recharge spells before we go portal hopping... " Feng moves to one of the walls and bends slightly, his hands linked. Elinor places a boot in the half orc's large hands and hauls herself up the wall, the barbarian lifting her higher until Elinor grasps the top of the wall and hauls herself up. From her vantage point she gazes out... The Nexus is on a flat valley of stone, huge boulders scatter the landscape. Seemingly impassable mountains surround the entire valley. Up above, dark storm clouds gather, a little way to the north. Lightning lights the sky. The Wizard Nosnibor concentrates and casts an incantation. It looks a bit like a stickman having a seizure, but it seems to do the trick and he detects magic in the area. The wizard Nosnibor concentrates on is detect magic spell. Firstly he ascertains there is indeed magic here!!. T hen he realises that Beltain and Limara are within his spell effect, but yes, the portals also detect as magical! Secondly, The wizard Nosnibor determines that one of the types of magic resident on the portals is of the conjuration type, the other is to powerful to decipher. He tells the others "Well that is interesting. These portals have been created with the use of two magics, a lesser conjuration magic which probably deals with the portal/teleportation element itself and another more powerful magic, which although I cannot detect would probably be Abjuration or some such. The power of the spells used to create these portals was very great indeed, though that is to be expected as the are fairly obviously powerful magical artefacts. However this does rule out them being created by orcs or their immediate allies, I feel that this room and the portals have been here for some time" Beltain looks at the others, "Before I attempt to activate gate#2" he says, "I think that we should be up to strength on hit points and magic. The arcane forces used to create this place are great and the foes that await us may also be powerful. We have travelled far and battled along the way before getting to this point. Certain of our number still carry the venom of the scorpions in their veins. Let us rest until the stars are higher in the sky and then press onwards?" "Ommm" comes from the corner as Rizzit attempt to meditate. "If we are selecting and learning spells" says Beltain hesitantly "Perhaps, Rizzit, you might give Nosnibor some pointers, not that he needs it of course being an experienced wizard, to make his choice more, errr, practical" "Mr Nosnibor unfortunately seems to lack the raw destructive spells I favour but hopefully he will have some good spells to aid others" replies the kobold. Belatin sits down with his back to the wall to rest, and to relearn spells in preparation for the fighting he is sure will follow the opening of the other portals... "I will be wanting to pray for my spells at 9.00pm," says Limara "Which takes about an hour. So we can leave anytime after that, but we will need to sleep soon so I suggest rest for 8 hours then set off in the early hours of the morning." She then rises and casts curing spells on Rizzit and Feng who are still injured. Limara fusses her dog and gives it a big hug..."Who's a good girl then...you are.... yes you are" Then she addresses the other party members "If we are to rest then back there," she points to the portal they just used "The room through portal has only two points to defend. In here we have sixteen to consider" and she continues looking up at the sky and the increasing rain "And we're getting wet here too... we need cover. This weather is going to get worse... Trust me, we need to shelter through the portal if we are going to get any sleep. We are very exposed out here".. she looks thoughtful "That seems reasonable" says Beltain "Maybe we can find a way of closing the portal too... Perhaps a variation on the words used to open it?" he looks quizzically at Nosnibor "What do you think?" Limara sits down on her haunches and looks deep in thought, she leans against her dog and looks slightly concerned. "Guys... I've been wracking my brains ... and I think I know where we are..." she stands up "I think we are in Thunder Peaks... It would explain things if we are... It's got to be Thunder Peaks, Cormyr hating orcs live here, that would explain the sub species of orc we just killed. They must be numbering the portals and going though to raid and steal... Lord Hawklin must know of this fast" Limara stops briefly.. Belatin nods his head listening to Limara's proposition "Did the Nether race have strongholds there he asks, as this structure cannot be of orcish origin? And perhaps the cultists are from one of the other gates...?" "Good point Bel, The Cult of the Dragon… It would also explain how the the dragon cult members got there as well... There is a Dracolich in Thunder Peaks, if I remember correctly its lair is in some old abandoned dwarven city... the cultists must be using the gates too... bugger. OK, I also think I know why we were offered such a generous wage for this job... " "Fine, Fine. Orcs...Raiders...powerful magics. Blah Blah Blah. None are a match for my axe backed up by the healing and magic of my companions. I ask only two things - where are they, and where is the treasure? If Limara thinks it good to rest out of the rain in the stonelands, I will stand guard against intruders if we retreat through the portal until we are rested. Remember..It is FENG! you travel with. we will prevail!" "Feng Feng- catch me!" Elinor slides down the wall and drops to the ground. "I agree. If the party needs to rest then we should go back thru the portal, and trust that the magic phrase will work again when we need it. Let's try and remove any signs of our presence before we go back". She moves around trying to scuff out any marks on the ground left by Gypsy's paws or Limara's haunches. A screech is heard, up above the party see a strange creature flying down at them. This beast's body resembles that of a muscular lion. Its two heads and front legs are those of a great eagle, and it has a pair of large, golden wings. Elinor calls out to the party "Try and get back through the portal- Feng and I will defend you. And watch out for Wizzy and Gypsy- they're easy pickings" Beltain reacts first and rising he casts a spell at the Griffin then takes a 5' step next to Limara. A Spiritual Weapon springs into existence and strikes the attacking foe but does little damage. "Blast, first blood, but negligible damage" grumbles Beltain "Mmmm." mumbles the Wizard oblivious of the fast approaching griffon "So what you're saying is that the Orcs are from around here and they have found the portal nexus, which is ancient and built by some long forgotten civilisation. And they are using it for their own nefarious purposes. Indeed that is something that should be reported to Lord Hawklin. Has the wind picked up or is it getting chilly?" "Whats the plan Feng?" calls Rizzit "Run away through the portal or charge the... whatever it is" Beltain calls to Rizzit "Only spells and missiles can touch it at the moment, it's just too high for hand-held weapons at the moment. The question is whether we should fire missiles at it now or wait, readied to hit at it with melee weapons when it lands. I don't think that running away is an option that we should consider this early…" Feng readies a huge swing with his great-axe on his face there is a grim smile! "At last! Another Beast worthy of my skill! Limara - Bull's strength, Quickly!" and he grins in anticipation. "The rage! It comes! GNNAAGGGHH! FENG KILLS!" "Look out Nosni" calls Beltain "There is a bloody great winged monster bearing down on you! Get behind one of the fighters AND QUICKLY" he shouts his voice tinged with desperation and seeing no reaction from the elf "NOSNI TAKE COVER!!!" "Zap it, Rizz!" laughs Feng "Everybody back through the portal!" Elinor runs to stand in front of Nos, ready to engage with the incoming griffon. "Run away from it? Elinor that is not our way" says Rizzit eager for battle. "I doubt Feng will flee and I would never leave him" "Proof, if it were needed, that a sword does not make a fighter." quips Feng "What you need is a HUGE weapon and a bit o' backbone. Still, she's just a lass, so you should cut her some slack, Rizz. That way I won't have to. Rally on me! We can take it!" "Never fear Feng," says Rizzit "The two of us could deal with this wee beastie if the others need safety" " Nos... please take the animals back through the portal to safety then return if you can help.... Rizz get near the portal before you cast, it could easily carry you off... Bel honey, can you watch Elinor's back.. I'll watch Feng's back whilst the fighters do there stuff... OK lets get this right or we could loose someone". and moves up behind Feng in readiness, then casts a spell a Spiritual Weapon, similar to Beltain appears and attacks the Griffon, but this time the hit does serious damage. "Great hit, Princess!" yells Beltain But the griffon still dives to attack Elinor and although her armour deflects most of the attack, still the griffon still hurt her quite badly. Belatin quickly moves up to Elinor and cures a goodly portion of the damage but his Spiritual Weapon misses the beast this time. Elinor mutters "Yes, yes Feng. You and Rizzit keep talking the :):):):), I'll keep talking the hits... Still, I'm just a lass, so cut me some slack.....". She turns and winks at Feng "Feng's veins begin to pulse and his muscles bulge, as the Barbarian goes into a RAGE!" and his axe slams into the monster dealing major damage. "Elinor, just hit it, 'k? It will do more fer yer self esteem than the group hug yer seem to be wantin' to start up !" and then to the kobold "What do yer reckon, Rizz - painters in?" Elinor swings her longsword, which connects with great force, massively wounding the beast "Oops, seem to have clipped it's wings with my nail file" she jokes. "Wow! An impressive hit, Elinor" says Beltain in admiration "I think you will have to be more complementary about 'girls' fighting skills now Feng!" "A wonderful show of fighting prowess Elinor," admits Rizzit "As for talking :):):):), I think that was Feng I have never doubted your ability with the sword surpasses even you magnificent beauty" says the Kobold walking towards the griffon He mutters an incantation "What a pile of crap" moans Rizzit as his ray shoots over the Griffons heads Belatin looks expectantly at The Wizard Nosnibor standing at his side, his expression is hopeful but tense. "If you are going to do anything too spectacular or showy, wizard, please give us warning so that we can get out of the way..." "Look, I admit it, the lass is lucky with a sword" the big barbarian agrees surprised at the power behind Elinor's blow "Or is it just channelled rage that she did'nt have time to fix her hair before the thing dove down onto her? Whatever works say I - I just don't expect it to happen again. And Rizz? I think trippin' over yer tongue spoiled yer aim." "Like some others things I got a long tongue" says Rizzit with a lear. "Well it's certainly busy enough - hinged in the middle, I'll bet?" laughs Feng "Anyhow, I thought the part of calf-eyed panting fool was already taken?" "Nice hit Elinor" calls Limara "You nearly killed it in one blow.." She puts her hand on her sword hilt and prepares to dash into the fray "Oh my sweet giddy Aunt!" Says The Wizard Nosnibor in a state of awe and not a little incredulity. "It's a griffon! It's so pretty. Don't kill it. It's lovely. Can we attack it with subdual attacks and make it our friend? Please don't kill such a lovely creature." The Wizard Nosnibor waves his arms bombastically and shouts "SHOO!" loudly to try and scare off the griffon. "It is an abomination Nosni," Beltain tells the wizard "A combination of the parts of normal animals joined together by some mad wizard. Can't you feel its pain and anger? No noble creature should be subject to such indignity" he pauses and then continues almost shouting "And you can call a creature two heads pretty? It is the final blasphemy against nature!" Beltain feels his anger subside, shrugs his shoulders and looks over to where his fellow cleric is standing 'Can she fell it before it wounds anyone else in the party' he wonders "Well I think it looks lovely" says Nosnibor, not at all abached "You think it was made through Wizardry? I wonder how." "Nosnibor, it has attacked the party and as such is an enemy." Limara tells him "Why do you persist in defending our enemies? Do you not want to help defend your friends ? " she sighs She moves forward attacking it with both her sword and spiritual weapon but both attacks fail. "I'll tell you what Nos... You stop it attacking us and get it to back away and we will stop attacking it... After all, that thing started it not us. But if it doesn't leave sharpish then someone here will finish it. Anyway, maybe you can look at the bits and work out how it was made " she suggests The badly wounded creature attacks Limara, wounding her slightly, then attempts to fly away. Elinor, Feng, and Limara strike as it flies off.. Both Feng and Elinor almost fumble their weapons at the speed with which the griffon flees upwards, Limara swipes at thin air. The griffon flys up 80ft. Belatins spiritual weapon also misses and he grabs his crossbow & loads it but cannot bring it to bear quickly enough to fire - yet... Feng glares at Nosni, "I'm wound up to hit sommat - don't make yerself a target, yer prat!" Beltain chuckles "Looks as if the griffon's off to find easier prey! Mind you" he turns to the sorcerer and wizard "I could say 'There goes your next level' unless you can react very fast and of course it would have made a very nice two-headed trophy for the wall off Feng's home". He nudges the paladin in front of him "Perhaps you may be able to bring it down with the bow you recently acquired from the orcs outside?" Elinor drops her sword and shield on the floor, draws her bow, knocks an arrow and fires up towards the griffon, but she too misses. "Damn- bet it dives on us now" Belatin rounds on Nosnibor, perhaps angered but the party's dismal attempts to hit the departing monster "Nosni, there are creatures trying to kill us and each member of the party must play his or her part in defending the others from danger. We do this is by fighting back until the attacker dies or is driven off. Some of these assailants are evil and mean us harm, others just follow their natural instincts and want us for food, but from each we must protect ourselves or die." "You must accept that all these creatures mean us harm and that you must play your party in the preservation of our companion's lives." he continues his diatribe "In this we expect you to select spells that either kill or disable our enemies or perhaps protect your fellows from harm. There is a saying from an ancient tongue 'Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.', 'if you want peace, prepare for war', bear this in mind when you prepare yourself for tomorrows endeavours. I understand that you want to feel that all is fine and cheerful with the world, but although there is much that is beautiful and good there is also that which is evil. I think that, for some reason of your own, you seek to deny this, although in your heart of hearts you know it to be true. Who knows some dark trauma from your past may persuade you to warp your thoughts in far too positive a way, while all the time your heart says that bad is being done?" Rizzit mutters some arcane words "Take that" says Rizzit launching magic missiles at the flying griffon, will they be enough to kill it before it attacks again, he wonders. The missiles impact on the flying griffon... but still it lives. "If you have a magic missile – use it now, Mr Nosnibor" Rizzit tells his fellow mage. "Beltain," says The Wizard Nosnibor "I think your belief that there is some hidden trauma in my past that has piled such misery upon my life that it rules my behaviour unto this day and makes me look at the good in everything is an erroneous argument. To my knowledge deep childhood trauma and violence only breeds erratic and anitsocial behaviour in the child, not a rosy outlook. Which is something I try hard to maintain. My outlook is based on cognition and an unconditional positive regard to the universe and all of it's beauty." "However I do take on board your argument about defending my companions and comrades from a threat. I hold you all in very high regard and would give my own life to save any of yours. Thus this creature, as beautiful as it is, must die. Sadly." So saying he mutters some arcane words and two boring old Magic missiles with absolutely no distinguishing features what so ever fly from the Wizard Nosnibors hands. He wishes they were more interesting. Perhaps a bit more pink and fluffy. Perhaps a little bouncy. Maybe even with some sort of head circling tweeting bird effect. But alas not. Just normal boring magic missiles, causing the griffon to plummet to the ground "That should do it." he concludes. "Well done Mr Nosnibor," says Rizzit with satisfaction "Your first kill I believe. It's traditional to paint you with the beasts blood and eat its heart I believe" The Wizard cringes at the thought of such a thing and a strangled "Ewwwww." escapes his lips and he looks slightly sickened. Elinor picks up her sword and shield, and pats Nosnibor on the shoulder. "Look at this way. It was probably in a lot of pain from its injuries. You did it a favour. And saved our lives as well" Sniffing into his hanky The Wizard Nosnibor perks up a little "Thank you Lady Elinor. Your works are a comfort to me." "My good works? Water works?" asks Elinor puzzled "Opps. This violence has muddled my speech. I meant you 'Words', your WORDS are a comfort to me." explains The Wizard. "Right everybody," continues Elinor in a business like fashion "Shall we get out of this rain and go back through the portal for the evening?" "Rizzit speaks truely." Feng tells Nosnibor earnestly "Eating the beast's hear may confer some of it's bravery onto you, mage. Often the blood of the beast makes you more attractive to any receptive females -however in that I think you will be disappointed. Not that I'd eat an animal's heart which was practically slain by a woman. I'm sure it would lose whatever value the heart would otherwise impart." Beltain, slaps Rizzit and Nosni on their backs, "Well done, well done" he chortles "That is another monster that will not take human life again. Now shall we get out of the rain and rest to regain spells through the portal in the peace of the Orc Room?" Feng shoulders his axe "Lets move back outa the rain. Not that a little rain bothers the mighty FENG! I think we're actually getting better at this. No one died. Heh?" and he steps back through the portal.. Rizzit follows Feng back through the portal with wizzy and gets comfortable amongst the rocks to sleep feeling his powers may have increased when he wakes Limara turns and addresses Nosnibor, "Thank you Nos... your action is appreciated. I admire your positive regard towards life, but am glad you value our lives so highly." she smiles "OK, I'm getting out of this rain... " she goes over to fuss her dog and praise it for behaving well, then she and Gypsy go back through the portal "Let's have supper and rest, I need to pray soon... just before I pray I will use my remaining spells to cure Elinor and myself" "I'm sorry Nosni," explains Beltain eager not to insult the Wizard who cast the decisive Magic Missile "I didn't mean to offend in suggesting that your attitude to life was based on childhood experiences but you shouldn't rule it out. My Uncle Fred always said that the child maketh the man and that strange behaviour in adults could be traced to incidents in their youth. He would have said that your, pardon my saying, overly positive view of the world was either a reaction to a traumatic incident or an abnormal reaction to a normal incident, if I remember it correctly. Mind you he couldn't talk, always insisted that we put an extra 'u' in the middle of his name, daft bugger. His wife, on the other hand used to say that all creatures had precognition and that abnormal behaviour was a reaction to a traumatic incident that was yet to happen. Still they got on well together, surprising really as she was a lot older than him and the spitting image of his mother." "Will you shut up and let me sleep," calls Rizzit "I can still here your bollocks from this side of the portal. Oh and someone take a load of feathers for and maybe the heads from the griffon…" [B][I]The party head back through the portal to rest in the dry. Outside the rain batters the nexus. Battered and almost out of spells the party relax in the orc cave and get ready for further exploration[/I][/B]…[/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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