Date: Lunadain, Yarthmont 1, AC 1000

Module: I= n Search of Adventure (Dungeons of Terror)

After touring his new castle, Clifton hired a high-level magic user to unlock the mysterious door. The room behind the door was total= ly empty, except for a trap door in the floor. The windows in the room had been b= ricked up.

The trap door in the floor = opened easily enough, but the area below was totally dark. When the magic-user cast a light s= pell through the trap door, she saw an empty room with an opening leading to a corridor. She was not willing= to explore further, either on her own or in the company of a larger party. Therefore, <= st1:place w:st=3D"on">Clifton has turned to you who have prov= en yourselves to him already. Kn= owing that a somewhat sizeable amount of treasure has been brought back into the town, he offers you 100 gold pieces each, one half up f= ront and the balance upon completion of the task, to explore the area below the castle and “clean house.”

Assuming you accept the con= tract, Clifton pays you = the half and you spend the evening at the inn. Please let me know if there are any purchases you wish to make, or a= ny other arrangements before heading back to castle Caldwell in the morning. Nahawen and Sevaliar, please let me know what spells you would like to prepare for the day.

The following XP has been e= arned (this includes a bonus for completing the first quest):

Ambrose: 98

Anastasia: 103

Gurv: 98

Keelo<= /span>: 88

Nahawe= n: 88

Pommer= aie: 84

Sevali= ar: 89

Shayes= ti: 90

Date: Soladain, Yarthmont 7, AC= 1000

Time: ear= ly morning

Location: At the previously stuck door in Castle Caldwell=

Pommeraei is ready to go.

N= ot wishing to purchase any equipment that will futher redu= ce her speed, Shayesti pockets her coin and saves it f= or a future day. Ready to go, she meets the others back at Castle Caldwell for t= heir next foray into danger.
       &= nbsp;    "Well met again." She greets the others. "Shall we continue from whence= we left off?"

Nahawen= gives them all a graceful bow, brushing back her light blonde hair as she stands again. She gives each of them a gentle smile, shifting her weight on her st= aff.
       &= nbsp;    "Vell met again, my friends. Shall ve continue on with the adventure?" Gives the trap do= or inside of the room a look.

Sevaliar pulls his bow off his shoulder, strings it, and nods. "Yes, we've all lived = this far. Let's continue the trend, shall we? Scouts forward."

"Indeed, into the fray yet again I suppose. Be on your guard, we know from the statue that there are or at least were bandits holed up down here. Which also means we have another entrance to look for as well."
       &= nbsp;    Anastasia looks about at the group "Shall we set up our standard camp in the courtyard yet again? It seemed to make a fair place on which to lay our heads."

Nahawen= nods her head in agreement. "Yes, it has verked= so far, I don't see vhy not."

"That's acceptable." The scarred wizard says, cracking his neck.

You make camp once more. Please let me know anything you wi= sh to store there, otherwise you’re dragging everything with you, with it’s inherent encumbrance.

Nothing seems drastically d= ifferent about the castle, save some debris has begun to be cleared….and the s= tuck door is open. Entering, you s= ee that the room is empty except for a trap door with a ladder descending into darkness.

"Vell," she says, looking to the fighters with a = grin, "after you, I think."

Gurv lo= oks down into the trapdoor. With a sigh, he puts a foot on the ladder and begins the descent.
       &= nbsp;    "Wish me luck."

"Good luck!" *Keelo says, with a grin and a wave= of his wide brimmed purple hat* "I'll be down shortly...."

Anastasia moves into position to move down the ladder after Gurv= . With a smile and a wink to the ones above. "= ;Let the fun begin."

&= quot;Let us finish that which we have begun." Shayesti says while gripping both sides of the ladder with hands and feet before sli= ding down it to the darkened level below.

Gurv, Anastasia and Shayesti huddle around the bottom of the la= dder, in what little light leaks down from above. Keelo,= Nahawen, Pommeraie and Sevaliar are still up above.
       &= nbsp;    After the first three go down the ladder, Nahawen takes her turn. She takes her time feeling he= r way down the ladder, making sure not to trip on her skirt. Once she's down, she= 'll stay behind the fighters, trying to see through the darkness.

*Keelo whispers down into the hole* "You see anyt= hing down there? Co-ins? Je-wels? Dragons?"

Gets a strange tingly feeling on the back of her neck and sends a glare up the lad= der at Keelo.

In fact, nothing can be see= n except up the ladder and back to the main floor.&= nbsp; There is no light down here.

"Need a torch? I grabbed some back in town."

"Da, that vould be very ni= ce, Keelo. And don't mention zee dragons, no? I have a ve= ry strange fear of them." Makes her way back up the ladder, taking a torch from Keelo, and then heads back down. "Do = you vish me to light it? I have some flint and steel, it = may take me a moment or so."

Pommeraei waits for the torch to be lit, and offers to carry it down with him or have it to= ssed to him after he has descended.

Pommer= aie may not want to be the torch bearer as he would not be able to wield his sh= ield at the same time. You can now= see that you stand in a 30-foot by 30-foot room. There is a 10-foot-wide exit that = leads out and to the left to a 5-foot-wide hallway.

So, anyone else want to hold this thing? Otherwise, are we ready to continue? If not, Pommeraei sheaths his sword and uses his s= word hand to hold the torch and off arm for his shield. He will use the torch in attacks.

"I'll hold the light for the moment." The wizard stows his bow and takes the torch in one spidery hand. "Spells only require but one hand."

Thanks. Guess I'll have to save my pyromania for later, Pommer= aei says with a smile, handing over the torch and drawing his longsword.

Keelo<= /span> is now alone on the first floor.

*Keelo makes his way down the ladder and when he arriv= es on the bottom he draws his so fine rapier blade*

As soon as Keelo’s small feet touch the floor, the trap door above slams shut.

*Keelo sighs and climbs back up the ladder* "Can someone bring some light closer so I can see if I can open this back up?&qu= ot;
       &= nbsp;    ((When there is sufficient light Keelo tries to find a= way to open the door back up))

The trap door does not yiel= d. It feels like = it’s stuck fast.

"Well friends, it's seems we are stuck down here for the nonce. We might as well = make the best of it and maybe secure a place where we can hold out if need be.&q= uot; *Looks at Anastasia, then the rest of the party.* "What do you think?"

We may as well press on. If it took a high level mage to open = that. Pommeraei points up,= I doubt there is anything we can do, from here. Why don't we keep going, we came do= wn here anyway, and find another exit?

Gurv lo= oks visibly shaken.
       &= nbsp;    "Um...do we even know if there is another way out? We're trapped, we're..."
       &= nbsp;    Gurv's panicky expression freezes for a moment, then he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
       &= nbsp;    "Sorry. I'm...I'm sorry about that. Just a little worried about our plight here. We= oughta press on, I guess."

"There isn't much else ve can do," Nahawen states, "so ve may as vell press on." She sends a look down the hallway, then= looks back to the fighters with a smile. "After yo= u, as alvays."

Sevaliar's mangled face goes stony. He glares up at the trapdoor for a moment then say= s in a clipped voice "How many light sources do we have? And how long will = they last? Without light, we're all as good as dead, so finding some more torch materials should be our second priority; after finding a way out."

At that very moment a man d= ressed in robes and looking very similar to Sevaliar e= nters the room and pulls up short. = “Ahhhh, visitors! Oh, don’t worry about that o= ld trap door. There’s an e= xit at the end of this corridor. Wha= t are you down here for?”

Anastasia quickly composes herself, (even she looked surprised to see someone seeming= ly friendly down here.)
       &= nbsp;    "I'm sorry we weren't expecting to find much down here, especially a friendly fa= ce. My name is Anastasia, and you are?" Anastasia offers her hand in greet= ing.

* Not entirely trusting the man, Keelo moves into to a position where he can throw a dagger. While positioning himself he lets a dagger slide into his hand free hand (hopefully) unnoticed.*

Shayesti stays = quiet listening to the others discuss their new plight. Suddenly there is another person there talking with them and she never even heard him approach! Perhaps he was using magic to aid his stealth...

Nahawen= gives the visitor a beautiful smile and tilts her head in greeting, letting her golden hair fall loose over her shoulders. Though seemingly friendly, she is truthfully wary of the newcomer and remains toward the back of the group, letting Anastasia do the speaking for now.

“= My name? It’s been so long since I us= ed it..spend a lot of time al= one you know….it’s Vorlois, if you must know. Call me Boris.” He looks at Sevaliar. “Hmmm, a magic-user, yes? WE ha= ve much to discuss. I have a sec= ret to share with you, but not just yet. Getting ready to settle down am I.”

Gurv se= ems to relax upon hearing about an exit, though the mysterious man's entrance does concern him.
       &= nbsp;    "So...what are you doing down here all alone?" he asks, trying to remain as diplomatic as possible.

“Why exploring! Researching! Creating! What else does a wizard do when alone?”

"Vell," Nahawen speak= s up, taking a step forward, "you must know quite a bit about this place the= n, no? Vhy don't you tell us? Vhat is down here, vhere to go, if it's safe... Ve'd all be very grateful for your help." She gi= ves him a warm smile, tilting her head in interest.

"So you haven't run into anyone down here, besides us? Very Interesting."
       &= nbsp;    Anastasia continues the friendly demeanor while keeping one hand on the hilt of her s= word and being ever aware of any changes in the man's behavior or tone.

Boris addresses Nahawen. “Oh yes,= my dear. Not a large area= , mind you, but there are a couple of pitfalls. But the exit is very near.”<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Turning to Anastasia; “That accent, that bearing. Could y= ou be a Vorlois as well? Well of course you are! What other woman could be so proud= at so young an age? I’m sure you’re a capable leader my dear, but I must have a word with your sen= ior mage,” he turns to Nahawen, “no off= ense young lady,” and back to Sevaliar, “= ;in private. I have a secret to i= mpart before we depart.”

As a rule, the Sollis family never trusted magi, a holdover from their peasant days. The prejudice may have waned in recent ye= ars, particularly with the family's newfound nobility. But then, everyone said t= hat Pommeraei was a throwback anyway. He could not help b= ut be aware of his own prejudices, especially towards wizards. Sevaliar seemed a fine enough compa= nion, but what was this other wizard doing in a sealed dungeon? And now the two w= ere whispering.
       &= nbsp;    Pommeraei decides to keep some distance, but if Sevaliar and the other mage huddle-up, he plans to discretely follow and hear what transpires.

Nahawen= nods to the man with a smile, shifting her weight on her staff, waiting and watchin= g.

Gurv se= ems more at ease as he walks. He starts making friendly conversation.
       &= nbsp;    "So where does this exit come out?"

Sevaliar throws Keelo a quick, meaningful glance, and nods at t= he peculiar human (?). "As curious as I am about the secret you'd like to share; I'd much prefer to discuss it in the light of day, fellow pupil. Per= haps you could show us the way first?"

Anastasia chuckles slightly. "You'll have to forgive them, we haven't met many in this place that wouldn't rather have us dead, so their all a bit on edge. B= ut perhaps if you can show us the way out, we can sit down to a bit of lunch, = you can have you secret chat with Sevaliar here, an= d then you can tell me more of your branch of the family. I daresay I have not hea= rd father speak of a magic user in the family, usually talks more of the great warriors. An oversight I'm sure."
       &= nbsp;    Anastasia takes her hand off her sword hilt and looks at the rest. "What say you= , a spot of lunch and some time for talk, before we resume our delving."

Boris steps back to the entrance. “I’m af= raid you have failed the first part of the test. We’ll meet again for the second.” He promptly disappears.

*Keelo rubs his eyes to make sure he saw that right th= en shakes his head* "I daresay that was a bit odd. Were you thinking I sh= ould use this in his back Sevaliar?" *Opens his= hand to reveal the dagger* "Or just follow, listen and intervene if necessary?"

Nahawen= raises a brow and looks to her group with a shrug of the shoulders. "Any idea vhat that vas about? Vhat test could he be meaning?"

A test of the afterlife...Pommeraei states grimly, now looking down the corridor, Let us continue. I will lead if necessary.<= /o:p>

Sevaliar grimaces and responds to Keelo "I was thin= king that if it was a trap, you were the one best suited to catch that...man off guard. Spellcasting is much more difficult with= a dagger in the femoral artery." To the group at large, he growls "I don't know what test he meant, but I doubt I'd remain breathing long were I= to make a habit of trusting scarred, vanishing men I met in dungeons without a= ny proof of good faith." He gestures toward the hallway that "Boris" appeared from, "lead on, ranger. Let's see if that apparition's claim that this tunnel leads to the surface is true."

Pommeraei begins moving cautiously down the hall.

You exit the room and conti= nue up the corridor for 30 feet until it turns to the right. There is a door immediately to you= r left and, 40 feet down the corridor, on the left hand side, is another. The corridor continues off into th= e darkness.

Pommeraei loosens his shield so that it hangs from his left forearm, freeing his left hand to open the door.

"Good, I'm glad I wasn't out of line in thinking of shaking him."<= /span>

The door opens on a roughly= 30-foot by 30-foot room, with a hallway that extends to the right and back, paralle= ling the corridor you were just in. The room contains a sleeping area with two pallets, a couple of chairs, and var= ious other pieces of furniture in the southwest corner. There is a crude laboratory along = the north wall. It has a work ben= ch with a few basic tools for doing experiments and an assortment of common chemicals. There is a faint o= dor of marsh gas in the air. A few c= andles provide light. Two men, dress= ed in ragged robes, sit at the bench.

“Ahhh, do please come in, and close the door behind you. You never know what migh= t be lurking in these halls.”

Anastasia says quiet, listening as the others talk = of putting a knife in her kinsmen and doubting his trustworthiness. Granted she did not know all the Vorlois line, but everyone= she did know was honorable and would die before dishonoring their name, surely Boris was no different. True if he was dishonoring the family name through = vile and ill mannered deeds he must be stopped, but to kill a kinsmen, she could= not that alone is one of the most vile acts one can commit.
As the door to the room opens and more robed men in= vite them in, Anastasia snaps back to attention, and puts on the same smile she = has had each and every other time you have run into human occupants in the keep. "Ahh Thank You, more friendly faces."=

“Ind= eed! I know, bit of a shock in such a dreadful place, but we don’t choose where our research takes us, it chooses where we go, so to speak. All of you come in from that nasty corridor, plenty of space.”=

Pommeraei ignores the soothing words of the man in ragged ro= bes. He quickly moves away from the doorway and around the room (trying to get on the flank of the man - if he remains facing the door) saying nothing and re= ady to strike.
        =     Pommeraei knows his limitations, and dip= lomacy is one of them. He will leave the talking to his allies, and stand ready to strike down either of the men at the slightest provocation.

I am assum= ing at this point (for lack of contradictory posts) that everyone is entering the room.

Gurv seems concerned. He eyes the men suspiciously but = allows them to continue and to let his wiser companions determine their danger. He just wants to be ready to act if necessary.

Nahawen, having already been in the back of the group, wai= ts on the others to move before she does, remaining in the corridor for the momen= t.

Shayesti stays suspicious of these humans living in this subter= ranean realm. How anyone could live underground in this crushing darkness was beyo= nd her. The air was stifling and the dark oppressive. The disheveled humans inviting them in cordially did nothing but further arouse her suspicions. S= he suddenly was reminded of a childhood story...'"Welcome to my web.&q= uot; said the Drow to the Elf'=

“Well don’t dawdle. We can’t properly brief you = on what we’ve discovered unless we’re all in attendance and paying full attention. It has been s= o long since we had a proper class, hasn’t it?” says the one.

“Oh yes, too long, in fact,̵= 7; answers the other.

"Come= on lets file in, no use keeping these good men waiting. They want to brief us on the area, let’s be gracious about the assistance they are offering."=
Anastasia says this with a tone of the militant side of her, trying to be friendly at the same time, it's an odd combination and while her back is too the two seated gentlemen she give a meaningful eye to those still in the hallway, and they notice her hand while looking at first to be casually res= ting on the hilt of her sword is in fact ready to draw it at a moments notice.
"Come= on, come on." She says to those in the hall again as she smiles and turns back = to face the seated men.

*Keeping his dagger hidden in his hand Keelo, steps in. Stopping only to inspect the door of= any hidden locking mechanisms, then moves in and attempts to casually flank one= of the men*

Once every= one is in the room and the door closed, one of the men begins in a professorial to= ne, “You see it came to our attention, quite a while back, that this location was unique= in many aspects of not only its architecture, but the manner in which its desi= gn was presented……” He drones on for almost two full minutes before he concludes what so= unds like only the introduction of an interminable lecture. “And that is why you must die.” Both men draw dag= gers and approach the party, their previously calm eyes now disturbingly focused= and intent.

Sevaliar, Anastasia, Shayesti, Ambrose, Keelo, Pommeraie<= /span>, Nahawen and then Gurv may= go.

Anastasia draws her sword and attacks trying to kee= p her back away from the men.

Anastasia&= #8217;s blade slashes into the man’s chest for 11 points of damage, a serious wound.

As I expected! Pommeraei's mistrust confirmed, he lashes out with his sword,

seeking= a killing blow.

        =      [ooc: I know = this is early, but hey, wanted to get my chops in!]

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen, still in the rear of the group, brings up her sta= ff and readies to strike if one of the men comes close enough. Her eyes narrow and= she glares at the two men, coming to the conclusion that she won't trust any ot= her strangers they come across.

        &= nbsp;            Shayesti maneuvers for a strike against one of the insane men. Freeing her sword from it's scabbard in the same motion as her swing aims towards the nearest opponent, the chaos of combat ensues around her. "Have at thee, treacherous ones!"

<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;            Shayesti’s blade slashes deeply (critical hit f= or double damage) for 13 points of damage to the second man.

           &nbs= p;         Ambrose rises up, draws his Morningstar and connects with the first man for 6 point= s of damage.

<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;            *If possible Keelo hurl= s his dagger into one of the men. Otherwise he draws his rapier and attacks*=

           &nbs= p;         The robed man dodges just out of the way of Keelo’s<= /span> thrust.

        &= nbsp;            Pommeraie’s blow strikes true and does 9 points= of damage to the first robed man and he goes down.

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen is able to reach the other man, who by now is giggling wildly. She brings h= er staff down on his head (critical hit for double damage) and does 8 points of damage, seriously wounding the man.

        &= nbsp;            "You remind me of my professors. I think I'll = enjoy this," says Sevaliar, punctuating his stat= ement by unleashing a bolt of twisting force into the more wounded of the two academic lunatics. (Magic Missile)

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar’s Magic Missile causes the man to coll= apse to the ground like a rag doll.

        &= nbsp;            "Well now, I think we all saw that coming."Anastasia says as she wipes the blood fr= om her sword and sheathes it.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia looks around at the two men laying on the ground "Good work everyone."

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Pommeraei immediately sets about searching the two dead mens desks for treasure, hints to their identities, a= nd any clue on how to escape the dungeon, in...er...that order.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Gurv watches the brief battle end before he can attack.= He looks down at the bodies gravely.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "So foolish. If the battle ends that fast, then t= hey never even had a chance. Why even try?"
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; He stares with a puzzled look on his face.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Each of the men carries a gem. Amrose says he’ll carry them for the party. The laboratory equipment is intere= sting to Nahawen and Sevaliar, but is not easy to transport without breaking. There is a corridor that leads off= to the right.

        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar will look around for any notes the lunatics might = have had, but not for more than a few (five) minutes, as he still wants to find a way back to the surface before the torch burns low.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Nothing else is found.

        &= nbsp;            Shayesti wipes the blood from her blade before sheathing it. Ch= ecking around the room with the others, she notices the lab equipment and thinks fondly that her mother would have been fascinated by it. Oh well, nothing to interest the daughter. After seeing the gems found, she is ready to continue searching down the corridor.

    = ;            &n= bsp;    Pommeraei does not bother to wipe his blade, simply shaking = it a bit, but leaving the sword in hand. After first glancing at the party to se= e if there are objections, he leads the way down the corridor, all senses alert = to traps or opponents.

        &= nbsp;            Unfinished Room

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     The corridor is about 80 feet long but only 10 feet wide. There is a set of double doors on = the right about 40 feet in. The left-hand wall is unfinished and honeycombed with natural-looking holes and indentations. The floor has s= everal coins scattered about. You he= ar a faint humming sound.

        &= nbsp;            Due to the fact that Shayesti heard the sound befor= e you approached (I had her and Keelo make a listen c= heck) you are not surprised when four large insects come out of the holes in the = wall. They are about 3 feet long with bl= ack and yellow stripes, resembling giant bees.

        &= nbsp;            Initiative order is Pommeraie, Shayes= ti, Anastasia, Keelo, Sevaliar= , Nahawen, Gurv and A= mbrose.

        &= nbsp;            Giant hornets!!!Pommeraei cries the warning when he sees the insects crawl from the wall. He immediately tr= ies to skewer the nearest one on his sword before it can take flight...he hits = with a satisfying crunch sound...

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Anastasia will draw her sword and attack the neares= t bee.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Shayesti redraws her blade and slices out at one of the huge in= sects buzzing around. "I've not seen bees that large outside of the Alfheim honey trees."

    = ;            &n= bsp;    Shayesti’s blade swishes through the air in fro= nt of the insect (3 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia also misses her target (6 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Keelo, Nahawen, Sevaliar and Gurv are up<= /p>
        &= nbsp;            If possible, Nahawen wi= ll try to smack on of the bugs with her staff. If she can't, she'll keep her staff ready.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Nahawen’s attack misses (4 rolled).

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar dispatches another bolt of force at the woun= ded bee from behind the lines.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar’s magic missile severely wounds the in= sect.

        &= nbsp;            Gurv, startled by the buzzing insects, swings his blade= at the closest hornet. He's hoping to take one down and then get his back to a wall so he can figure out what is going on.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Gurv fumbles his attack (1 rolled), stumbles, falls a= nd is stunned.

        &= nbsp;            As the insects begin to attack by biting, it can now be seen that they are actually some king of giant fly.

        &= nbsp;            The first attacks Gurv but can’t get through = his armor.

        &= nbsp;            The second misses Shayesti.

        &= nbsp;            The third bites Anastasia for 3 points of damage. Anastasia is mildly wounded.

        &= nbsp;            The fourth fly attacks Nahawen but misses.

        &= nbsp;            Ambrose steps over Gurv to protect him and swings his Morningstar at the fly, dealing a life-threatening injury to the creature.<= /p>
        &= nbsp;            Ich! Giant Poo Flys!!!! Pommeraei's shock at confronting such foul beas= ts must have affected his aim, as his second swing misses the nearest fly by a country mile, chipping into the cavern wall.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Anastasia swings at the fly that just hit her, grum= bling to herself about the size of the flies in this place.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Nahawen will again try to smack the bug hard with her staf= f.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Nahawen misses the fly (6 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Ambrose swings at a fly and misses.

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia’s attack misses (4 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Shayesti swings again at one of the giant flies hoping to have = better luck this time.

    = ;            &n= bsp;    If one is within reach, Sevali= ar will swing at it with the only weapon he has available: a lit torch.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar’s torch fails to connect (10 rolled).<= /p>
        &= nbsp;            One of the flies bites Ambrose for 6 points of damage and a= nother bites Shayesti for 1 point. The flies attacking Anastasia and = Nahawen both miss

        &= nbsp;            Shayestis’ sword slices into one of the flies f= or 6 points of damage.

        &= nbsp;            Gurv is still stunned.

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia, Shayesti and then Pommerai= e are up. = Gurv remains stunned.

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia swings yet again at the foul fly.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Anastasia’s sword cuts into the fly for 6 points of damage, a mild wound.

        &= nbsp;            *With a flourish, Keelo= draws his so fine rapier blade and attempts to slash open the underbelly of one flying bugs* "Ah they're as big as me! Do you human-types breed these = gianormous bug-types?"

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Keelo underestimates the altitude of the fly (1 rolle= d) and inflicts a critical injury on himself (double da= mage) for 11 points. Keelo is severely wounded.

        &= nbsp;            "Oh dear, I think my arms off....." * Keelo's knees buckle as he nearly takes his arm off w= ith that wild swing*

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Shayesti swings again at the bugs with her blade...<= /span>

    = ;            &n= bsp;    Shayesti just misses the fly (11 rolled).<= /span>

<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;            Pommeraie swings at a fly but loses his grip and drop= s his weapon (1 rolled).

<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;            One of the flies bites Ambrose for 8 points of damage, severely wounding the cleric.

<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;            Another fly lands and leaps at Shayesti in one fluid movement, and almost goes crashing back to the floor as it misses her.

<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;            The third fly misses Anastasia, but the fourth fly bites N= ahawen for 6 points of damage, mildly wounding the mage.

<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar, Ambrose and Nahawen are up.

        &= nbsp;            When Nahawen gets the c= hance (and if she even can make it) she will attempt to stand over the fallen Keelo and smack a fly good with her staff.=

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar figures this situation calls for it, and unloads a= nother magic missile at the most wounded fly that's still fighting.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar sends his last magic missile for the day int= o one of the flies for 3 points of damage. It crashes to the ground with a wet plopping sound.

        &= nbsp;            Ambrose crouches next to Keelo and shields his body wit= h is buckler (well, shields most of it anyway).= Dropping his Morningstar to the ground Ambrose lays his hands on Keelo and heals him for 2 points of damage. The halfling is still severely wou= nded.

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen takes up her protective position and smacks t= he fly (17 rolled) for 2 points of damage, leaving it still only mildly wounded.
        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar and then Keelo m= ay go. Gurv= is still stunned.

        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar swings the torch wildly at the nearest bug, making= the shadows jump and plunge wildly, and his companions no doubt ducking desperately.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar misses the fly (11 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Stunned at his poor reflexes (and grip!!!), Pommeraei ignores his dropped sword and clutching his shield in both hand, takes a swat at the nearest fly!!!
   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     *Keelo withdraws from t= he fight if at all possible*

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     One fly attacks and misses Shayesti while another f= ails to bite at Pommeraie. The third fly withdraws and return= s to one of the holes in the wall.

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen, Pommeraie (alrea= dy have your action), Anastasia, Shayesti and then Ambr= ose may now go.

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen takes another swig at a staff, cursing quietly.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Nahawen hits the fly (19 rolled) for 6 points of dama= ge, severely wounding it.

        &= nbsp;            Pommeraie fails to connect with his shield (12 rolled= .)

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia, Shayesti and Ambrose are up.

        &= nbsp;            Shayesti slashes again at the fly, hoping to damage it this tim= e.

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia slashes at one of the flies, but misses (2 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Shayesti slashes into one of the flies (19 rolled) fo= r 4 points of damage, moderately wounding the bug.

        &= nbsp;            Seeing that Keelo has moved out of danger, Ambrose pic= ks up his weapon and attacks the fly again, but misses (3 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            In the new round of combat, Shayesti is up first.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> As her action is so close to her l= ast, I’m going to assume she does the same thing (please feel free to corr= ect me if you wanted to do something different.)

        &= nbsp;            Shayesti swings at the fly again, and hits it (14 rol= led) for 8 points of damage, dealing it a life-threatening injury.

        &= nbsp;            Both remaining flies retreat back to the holes from whence they came, leaving the party in sudden silence.

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen stands there motionless, staff at the ready, breat= hing heavily from the hard fight. She looks slowly at the rest of her party, tak= ing in the damage done by those horrid flies.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Gurv shakes off his stunned status and regains his comp= osure.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "Sorry about that. They kinda got the better of me and= the whole thing went bad. Lucky you guys didn't fall to pieces like that."=
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Gurv attempts to shake off his fumble with good humor= , but he appears a little ashamed nonetheless.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     "Happens to the best of us, just reminds us al= l that we need to stay on our toes."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia sheathes her sword and goes to check on Keelo. "You alright, that was a heck of a swing. Ambrose and Nahawen, stay to the back with him. We need to press on, no choice in that. We need = to find an exit, once we do that we can breathe a bit easier." Anastasia gives Keelo a reassuring pat on the back. "= ;We can handle the front line for now, you take it e= asy and try to regain your strength."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia looks back at the now composed Gurv. "Gurv, why don't you take a rear guard behind them. I don't want them having to bear the brunt should anything come up behind us."

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Other than the door you came in, and the occasionally buzzing holes in the wall s= till very near you, there is only a set of double doors out of this rough hallwa= y.

        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar jerks his head unceremoniously in the direction of= the doors, still eyeballing the fly-holes.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Pommeraei retrieves his sword and moves towards the doors, l= ooking them over for traps before opening them.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Shayesti wipes the bug guts off her sword and moves forward to = the doors also. "How about a second set of eyes to check things out?"= she asks Pommeraei as she starts to look over the d= oors for traps as well.

    = ;            &n= bsp;    Nahawen stays to the back as usual. She puts a protective = arm around Keelo's small shoulders, giving him a beautiful, reassuring smile.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Anastasia, gives one final look to make sure everyo= ne is in position, and then moves up to the doors with Pomme= raei and Shayesti.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "Let's keep going shall we." Anastasia draws her sword and waits for the door= s to open.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     "I should be alright. I just misjudged the fly= 's altitude and and I went to readjust my arm got = in the way. Clumsy thing that it is." *Smiles to <= span class=3DSpellE>Nahawen* "Thanks, your a dear, even for a wizard-type."

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Sevaliar glances at the wrappings on the torch, wondering h= ow much longer they'll have enough light for the humans to function, then exte= nds his arm to better illuminate the double doors for the = pointman and elf rogue.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     The doors are not trapped and, in fact, open on the corridor you would have hea= ded down had you not accepted the insane mages’ invitation to a lecture.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The corridor continues 40 feet bef= ore turning to the left. There is= a door 30 feet down on the left. Approaching it, you see a second door another 30 feet down on the le= ft, and one on the right 10 feet past that one. The corridor continues into the darkness.

        &= nbsp;            Well. Looks as though we have a= choice to make. Any suggestions?, Pommeraei asks the party.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     "Either way is fine by me, but I'd prefer to do th= em first come, first served that way we don't leave any danger lurking behind us."

    = ;            &n= bsp;    "Agreed," mutters Se= valiar.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Well then, first things first. He approaches the fi= rst door on the left, moving cautiously, looking for traps and enemies, and then begins looking the door over for any possible dangers.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Gurv moves into position as step away from the door, re= ady to offer support when it is opened. He seems determined to redeem himself from= his panic with the flies.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     The door is neither trapped nor locked. It opens on an empty room some 30 feet deep by 40 feet wide. A thorough search confirms there is nothing in the room.

        &= nbsp;            Moving on to the next door on the left, you find that it is securely locked. There is an ornate keyhole in the door. Ke= elo and Shayesti are unable to pick the lock.

        &= nbsp;            Moving onto the door on the right you can see that he corridor dead-ends some 60 f= eet further down. Shayesti notices a secret door 10 feet down past the door you’re at, but on the opposite side of the wall (your left).

        &= nbsp;            Keelo, Shayesti this is all = you. Ranger's may be passable at detecting traps, but secret doors are a wee bit out of our league. Pommeraei steps aside to let the rogues do there things, prepared to provide melee support if needed.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     *After Keelo finishes p= utting his arm into a sling he readies a throwing knife and moves forward to inspe= ct the hall and door*

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     The hall seems perfectly empty. <= span class=3DSpellE>Keelo inspects the secret door, and although he finds= it be untrapped, it defies any means of opening.

        &= nbsp;            "Maybe there is a secret = vay to open it, da? Or maybe there is another room = vich can open it?" She shrugs, looking to her pa= rty members.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     "Well if there is no way to open it, then we'l= l have to press on. Gurv keep an extra close eye on the rear, so we make sure nothing comes out of there and sneaks up behind us.&q= uot;
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia readies her sword and takes position at the front, "Lets keep moving so we can find this exit."

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Gurv shrugs.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "A little beyond my area of expertise, I'm afraid. I still don't really see the secret door, much less have any idea how to open it," he says squintin= g at the wall.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "Let's move on and see if it becomes clear later."

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     The only door available that you can actually use (the one on the right as you initially entered the hall) is neither trapped nor locked. It opens onto a room 30-feet-wide = by 40-feet-deep. The room appears to be empty. There is trash of the floor and a = door on the far wall. For Keelo and Shyaesti to sea= rch the room would take about 6 minutes. Do you take the time?

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     "I don't see what choice we have. If we can't find= an exit or something else of use, a few minutes wasted here won't matter anyway." Shayesti begins searching the roo= m...

    = ;            &n= bsp;    There is a door on the far wall.

        &= nbsp;            A thorough search of the room yields nothing. The far door is untrapped and unlocked. Opening it reve= als a 60-foot-long corridor, with a door on the right 15 feet in, a door on the l= eft 30 feet in and another door on the right 45 feet in. The first door on the right is untrapped and unlocked. It opens onto a 30-foot-wide by 20-foot-deep room. The room a= ppears to be empty. As Keelo and Shayesti begin to search the room they both notice something shiny glinting in the torchlight in one corner. What do you do?

        &= nbsp;            "Hmmm, interesting. Be over there soon enough."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Shayesti will check it out carefully. Not letting her= greed get the best of her, she will get to the corner by way of searching the res= t of the room to ensure there are no traps between here and there.

    = ;            &n= bsp;    As Shayesti moves about the room she fails to noti= ce the shimmering cube surrounding the source of the shiny glint. It is large enough that she makes = her discovery before she reaches that source.&= nbsp; Shayesti suddenly finds herself engulfed= in a cold, wet substance. Just bef= ore she becomes paralyzed she realizes acid is beginning to dissolve her clothi= ng, and her skin.

        &= nbsp;            You now see the large shimmering cube.

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen, Gurv, Anastasia, Ambrose, Shayesti (who is paralyzed), Sevaliar, Keelo and then = Pommeraie may go.

        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar pulls out his bow in the hand not occupied with ho= lding the torch. He shouts "OOZE! Don't touch it!" and holds the torch = in the doorway while he backs his body up to the hall's far wall.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Nahawen's eyes widen, watching as poor = Shayesti is struck motionless. She readies her staff but tries to figure if there is= any way to grab poor Shayesti out of harm's way. &q= uot;Do any of you know how to kill these things? I'd prefer not to get too close to them, but we can't leave her there either."

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Gurv moves forward, getting close to the shimmering cub= e and Shayesti. He will try to grab his ally and will even = plunge is hand into the ooze if he thinks he can get a good grip on Shayesti.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "Grab her! We need to get her!"

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Gurv plunges his hands into the gelatinous cube. He can feel his sense of touch beg= in to deaden, but it is a minor effect (Strength save succeeded, 15 rolled), and = he pulls Shayesti out of the = goo. He stands there holding her up, di= rectly in front of the horrid thing.

        &= nbsp;            "Kill it, and get her out of here, she's in no= condition to be up here right now."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia slashes into the cube, being careful to not cut too close to Shayesti that she might risk hurting her.<= /span>

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Anatsasia’s blade slashes into the ooze (19 rol= led) for 11 points of damage.

        &= nbsp;            Ambrose moves forward and attacks the ooze. His Morningstar smashes into it (15 rolled) for 7 points of damage.<= /p>
        &= nbsp;            As Gurv holds the paralyzed S= hayesti he begins to realize that her armor, clothing backpack and weapon scabbards= are dissolving.

        &= nbsp;            Keelo and Pommeraie have = yet to act.

        &= nbsp;            "Get that stuff off of her, fast!" Anasta= sia yells over her shoulder.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     *Keelo attempts to hit = is with his throwing knife*

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Keelo’s knife misses (3 rolled), but only becau= se it is difficult to tell where the creature begins and ends.

        &= nbsp;            (Auto-posted for Pommeraie) Pommerai steps forth and attacks the cube, but misses (8 rolled.)

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen, when able, will move to start removing Shayesti's belongings as fast as possible, though attempting to not touch the goo directly. "Hurry, before its starts to dissolve her flesh, too!"=

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Before anyone else can act, the cube surges forward, engulfing both Gurv and Shayesti (Gurv failed his DEX save, 10 rolled; Shayesti gets no save). Gurv’s clothing, backpack, and the leather coat of his brigandine armor begins to dissolve.

        &= nbsp;            Gurv suddenly stops moving (failed STR save, 4 rolled= ).

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia, Keelo and Nahawen m= ay go.

        &= nbsp;            Gurv will carry Shayesti aw= ay from the oozing thing and place her on the ground. Seeing th= at Nahawen seems to be taking the dissolving clothing and items off of his afflicted companion. Gurv will leave her and draw his blade. (This does not happen)

        &= nbsp;            Shayesti's remaining violet eye stretches wide in horror and pain= as a low moan escapes her throat. With the goo plast= ering her hair to her head, her missing left eye is finally revealed for all to s= ee instead of being hidden behind the fall of her hair. The silvery patch cove= ring where her eye used to be is now etched and tarnished from the acid.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; As her armor and clothing are ripped off, Nahawen = sees that Shayesti's skin is a bright shade of red a= s if she had been out in the sun for too long. In the places where there was not= hing covering her skin, it has begun to blister and boil...

    = ;            &n= bsp;    Anastasia slashes at the cube from inside it, a det= ermined look on her face.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Although she is not inside the cube, Anastasia’s attack misses nevertheless (4 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Nahawen tosses aside her trusty staff and grabs both Gurv and Shayesti from be= hind, trying to yank them away from the ooze as hard as she can.

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     As Nahawen plunges her hands into the goo, she begins to feel herself go numb (failed STR s= ave, 13 rolled) and becomes paralyzed.

        &= nbsp;            *Keelo grabs Nahawen and pulls her away from the cube, dragging he= r back so it can not engulf her*

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Keelo alone is unable to pull Na= hawen free (STR check failed, 11 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            The cube moves forward slowly and engulfs Nahawen.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Gurv a= nd Shayesti each take 2 points of crushing damage and 4 = points of acid damage. Their non-met= al equipment is now completely dissolved.&nbs= p; Gurv is moderately wounded. Shayesti is severely wounded.

        &= nbsp;            Ambrose tries to bash the cube again, but misses (5 rolled).

        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar and Pommeriae ar= e up

        &= nbsp;            Sevaliar drops the torch, making the shadows leap up as he = pulls an arrow from his quiver and fires at a section of cube with the fewest paralyzed adventurers in it!

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Luckily the torch stays lit and Sevaliar’s arrow plunges into the transparent cube. With a sound like a bucket of water being emptied, the cube dissipat= es, leaving a naked Gurv and S= hayesti lying on the ground on a pile of coins.&nb= sp; Nahawen’s paralysis seemed to be m= ore temporary than the others and she lands on her feet, somewhat numb yet.

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia checks on the three who had been engulfed. "Nahawen are you alright, why don't you go= back there with Keelo and rest for a minute. Ambrose= , is there anything you can do for these two, they still seem to be paralyzed by that thing."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia leans Gurv and Shayesti against the wall in a sitting position and pulls two sacks from her pack, w= ith a few quick slashes of her dagger to one she cuts it in two and uses it two cover Shayesti's chest and lap. The other intac= t sack she places over Gurv's lap. "There at leas= t they will have their dignity when they come too now."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "You all stay with them and recover, I'm going to fet= ch two of the robes the crazy people were wearing. They can't rightly walk around = in sacks."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia looks at Seveliar "Keep that bow trained o= n this hall, "Anastasia points the way they have not yet been, "and shoot anything that comes down it. I'll be going down this way, "She gestures down the way they came "and I'll make sure nothing gets down it to you."
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; Anastasia looks around for something to make a makeshift torch out of, but seeing not= hing looks to Ambrose "Do you have a spare torch?"
   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     Ambrose looks at the two (he was looking away until they were covered). “Nay, time I reckon is what = they need ta come ‘round. If not ‘= tis beyond mah ken. As fer= light,” Ambrose= takes a torch from his backpack and lights it from Sevaliar&= #8217;s. “And I’ll be going wit= h you, may Halav keep us safe.”

        &= nbsp;            Ambrose and Anastasia are able to get the robes from the nutte= rs in short order and Gurv and Shayesti are able to move by the time they return.

        &= nbsp;            Anastasia hands Shayesti and Gurv the robes and take the sack back from Gurv and begins putting as much of their now loose st= uff in it as possible from the pile of goo. Anything t= hat is dissolved beyond repair she hands to them to see if they have any use for i= t. Gear that is still usable she hands to the respective owners. While coins a= nd any other things the beast had trapped inside get tossed in the sack.
       &= nbsp;           &nbs= p; "We can try and figure out what’s what when we get someplace safe, this i= s no place to try and sort through. I just hope that’s the last of those in this place."

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     "What was that? I mean, it looked like somethi= ng I saw an Elf-type eat once. I just never heard of food fighting back." *= Keelo shudders at the thought*

   &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;     What the cube had inside it originally amounts to 72 silver pieces and a very ni= cely made