The Everdrench

In preparation for what lay beyond the watery hole in the wall, Fox transformed himself into an aquatic elf.  The small stream flowing through the wall did not have much of a current however it appeared to drop straight down to an unknown depth.  After tying two long lengths of rope together and fastening one end to his waist and the other to the immovable rod, Fox dove in and plummeted over the side of the abyss. 
     The free-fall that he experienced was both terrifying and exhilarating.  His insides forced themselves up his throat until he splashed to the bottom.  By all accounts he was now floating in a large underground pond.  Using Phae's message spell he notifies the rest of the group to take caution and enter the chamber feet first. 
     Near the edge of the pond a trail led through tunnels of varying sizes.  At times they could walk three at a time side by side and at others they had to hunch single file to make it through.  Finally the corridor opened up to an expanse even larger than the dwarven ruins.  Victran stepped out front to lead the group.
     "The Everdrench." he paused to soak in what seemed like a homecoming event. 
     A dim light, almost like that of a quarter moon, radiated from all corners of the expanse.  A large lake lay in the middle.  There was no indication as to how much of the cavern the lake took up, at some points it looked as if it met with the walls and at others it appeared to fall off the edge of the earth. 
     "We are at the Eastern edge of the Shining Sea." Victran reminisced. 
     Rain fell in in slow motion, dripping from the ceiling in endless wonder.
     The path curved around the edges of the lake and and came to an end at small hut which guarded a mall pier creaking eerily over the water.  A black wrought iron lamp rested just above the door, it's light was much dimmer than that of the of the luminescence throughout the cave.  Victran stepped up and rapped on the brittle door.
     After a brief moment a lanky frog-like humanoid stood in the open doorway.  Victran exchanged a series of guttural croaks and a small amount of money.
     "He will take us across."  He relayed to the group.
     The frog-man walked them to the small pier and motioned for them to board a small dinghy.  He grabbed his oar, took a seat at the front of the boat and began rowing. 
     He navigated slowly but surely near the edges of the lake making sure not to enter the deep water.  Large shapes moved swiftly just under the surface.  Some were dark and others glowed faintly just below the surface.
     After reaching an even shabbier pier further down the lake bed Victran and the humanoid began to argue in croaks.  Money changed hands again and the group was allowed off the vessel. 

To the ANUS!

Once outside of the astral plane the group found themselves in a massive underground chamber.  Their feet rested on a crudely drawn five point star covered in runes similar to those in Tear's inner sanctum.  Their senses became dulled and real life had never looked so bland.  The vibrations of the plane had turned into the echoes of dripping water pulsing through the cavern.  A stale wet odor permeated the air around them.
     "Where are we?"  Fox asked as he surveyed the dark expanse surrounding him.  As his eyes slowly adjusted he could see a rock face beyond with intricate lines flowing in all directions. 
     "This is what remains of a great dwarven kingdom."  Tear announced.
     The outlines on the wall became clearer and they could see an entire city carved into the wall of rock.  Houses with windows opened up to meandering walkways that etched their way up and down the wall.  It was the ghostly remains of a vast city that stretched beyond their view. 
     "How can this be?" Raddick pondered.  "Where have they gone?"
     "It has been abandoned for over one thousand years.  The sea came to reclaim it and no one returned."  Tear spoke with excitement.
     "There must still be riches if they ran from a flood." Raddick replied.
     "Yes indeed.  I have explored somewhat, but not extensively."
     "Which way?" Fox interjected.
     "Towards the anus." said a voice from behind the group, with disdain.  Victran the Drow stepped forward to collect their puzzled looks.
     "When mapped out the chamber which we are now in takes on the appearance of the a stomach.  Our best chance at moving deeper underground is to head for the anus."  Victran extended his arm and pointed to a gentle flow of water which had carved itself into a small valley, cutting through the chamber.  The stream led to a  hole in the wall big enough for them to fit through one at a time. 
     Dahktor kept quiet and moved on the outskirts of the group.  He had thanked them profusely for rescuing him from the hunting party on the astral plane.  He had remained aloof and did not speak much of himself.  They knew that he had been some sort of slave or prisoner however there was no weird funny stuff going on.  He had agreed to take up arms in the underdark and join in their cause.
     Showing trepidation, Groth complained about going deeper underground.  He stated that he was very accustomed to fitting into small holes above ground but did not like being stuck in small holes underground.  It was agreed that he would wait here at base camp and guard the portal so that they may return.

Next up EVERDRENCH

Through the Looking Glass

Tear did his best to coach the group on the intricacies of movement through the astral plane.  Once complete, bypassing the formalities of getting to know the strange (non-sexual) ex-slave who now graced their presence, they made their way for the portal which led to the dwarven ruins.
     They came upon a large swirling vortex which extended high above and deep below.  The swirling visual created a sensation of being pulled closer.  However this was not the case.  Since the mind felt it was being pulled, it was in fact thinking about moving closer, which caused the physical self to move closer to the vortex in the astral plane.
     Victran the drow lead the charge and moved steadily towards the swirling mass followed closely behind by Tear, Fox and Auren.  A haze swelled up between them and the portal, as they moved closer it began to take the form of a voluptuous female drow.  She hovered with a sensual glow, her gray skin hinted through her silken covering as she narrowed her eyes.
     "Danger!" Victran's thoughts ripped through their minds with searing exactness.
     "Oh," she turned her gaze towards Victran, "Victran the traitor."  The drow lowered her head and smiled.
     "Gladly." he replied smugly.
     "The lady is aware of your coming," her body rippled under the silk as she shifted her weight, "she has plans for you."  She lifted her head, smiled and blinked out of sight.  For a brief moment her real form was visible as she faded out of view.  A momentary glimpse revealed a large molten mound of a creature swirling with tentacles.
     "Yochlol, a handmaiden of Lolth."  Phae answered the question that all were thinking.
     After lots of thinking, the group travelled through the portal and gave up the astral high.

Off to the Underdark!

I'm sick of these M F'ing Snakes on this M F'ing Astral Plane

Off in the great expanse were silver tubes that appeared to be some sort of cloud.  They also floated far below.  Beyond that large red discs spun round and round.  Everything around them pulsed as their senses turned into overload.  Sounds came in waves both visible and physical.  Color seemed to have deeper meaning as they pulsed to an unknown beat.  The sound of coins rattling in a pocket seemed to be only a foot away but it was clearly coming from a far of distance.
     In another direction a tropical island topped with an upside down tree was swaying like a pendulum. 
     "Remember," Tear's voice rang through their skulls, "you must move through thought."
     A flash of light broke out somewhere to the left.  Coins and armor fell out of nowhere and onto nothing.  Behind it tumbled two more forms who continued to fall until they disappeared. 
     Shouts rang out causing them to face the opposite direction.  Dark shapes formed on the horizon.
     "What is that?" Fox's thought rang out.
     Tear stopped immediately.
     "This is an opportunity I can not miss."  Tear turned to face the crew.  "You can stay here if you like."  With Victran the Drow in tow he floated off to face the shapes in the distance. 
     Without hesitation Phae and Auren set off in chase causing the rest of the group to follow course.  As the closed the gap the shapes began to take a human form.  There was one in front and two in back.  It did not sound like a happy group.  The shapes began to fad in and out of sight as they grew closer, their forms appeared to be blinking in and out of the plane.  They soon realized that the two behind were chasing the one in front.  Words became audible.
     "Plane walkers assistance." 
     "Plane Walkers."
     "This is not your business."
     The two in back fired bursts at the one in the front.
     "Stand back, they are chasing down a Gith slave." Tear's orders leaped through their heads.
     With a quickness beyond comprehension Tear blinked forward to meet the oncoming concern. 
     "This one will come with me."  he held his position with arms crossed.
     "There are other plane walkers approaching."  hissed the creatures.
     "Plane Walker Tear," they screeched, "what is your business here?"
     "None of yours." he replied as the escapee caught up with him.  The two stopped and glared.
     "He is but one." they recoiled.  "We will recover him.  You will be back with your precious silver strand and we will cut it.  You will never have safety in the plane." 
     The new figure warily backed away from his tormentors until he rested behind the physical manifestation of Tear.

Enter Dahktor Yangyu
    

Inner Sanctum

Tears inner sanctum rested peacefully underground, it's silence was absolute and echo less.  The air was clean with the hint of incense. It was a circular room supported by a series of large marble columns which were adorned with candles.  Shadows danced throughout the chamber taking on all shapes and sizes.  At first the scene was jarring, sending the most calm of minds into a paranoid spiral, but once acclimated a serenity took hold.  Carved on the floor was a series of ornate runes, each rested at the end of a large five pointed star etched at the center of the chamber.  Tear was the first to break the silence.
     "When you enter the astral plane it is important that you not become involved in anything that is happening around you."  He paused to allow this idea to sink in.  "Your senses will be heightened to a degree of which you are not familiar."
     Shadows raced across his face as the group listened intently.  The drow hung behind the group between two of the columns.
     "You will travel by thinking, there will not be an up or a down."  His eyes fixed on Groth's puzzled look.  "No force such as gravity exists on the plane, if you are not thinking of a direction, you will surely fall.  The plane is not aligned, it is timeless and infinite.  If you get lost, you will be lost forever."
     As the group soaked in the scope of the undertaking, Tear educated them of the status of the physical form.  Normally creatures visit the plane without their physical form, carrying a silver thread that serves as their link to the natural world.  If that link is separated the physical being will not survive. 
     Moving from column to column Tear traces the etched runes with his fingers.  As he steps away they begin to glow, faint at first and then brighter with each successive rune.  A hum begins to resonate within the chamber.  It builds to a crescendo as the final runes are activated.  Victran steps forward to join the group in the center.
     The hum resonates deeper and without warning the floor begins to crumble away, falling into a void below.  The chamber begins to shift away leaving the same shapeless void in all directions.  Chests tighten as stomachs lurch upward.  The sensation of falling inserts itself, however they were not travelling downward.

They had entered the Astral Plane

A New Entrance

Based on the intelligence provided by the oracle it was clear that someone within the Watchers is aware of an alternate entrance to the underdark.  Unfortunately that someone is also unaware that they are aware of the entrance.
     Groth and Raddick rounded up all of the possible suspects.  Colonel Dagney presented the map to a room full of blank stares.  The silence seemed to cary on forever, until Tear spoke up.
     "I do not know of the underdark, but there is a chamber," he stopped for a moment, "a chamber that I teleport to for meditation."
     "You can take us?" cried Fox.
     "Yes, but it will be difficult." Tears eyes narrowed.  "We must travel through the Astral Plane."
     Aurens eyes grew wide, he shuddered at he mention of the astral plane.

A Dozen Questions

A poweful oracle, communing with a god, allowed twelve yes or no questions.

1. Is Fox's mother alive?  yes
2. Does te Drow currently have her?  yes
3. Is she in the underdark?  yes
4. Is she in Xypy'sip?  no
5. Is she in Xypy'sindel?  no
6. Has she been comprimised?  no
7. Is the underdark entrance located under the mansion, the most direct means for our party to rescue her safely ?  very long pause/ yes
8. Does Dungeon Rose know a way to Xypy'sip tat would allow us an advantage?  yes
9. Is there anyone in the compound that knows of a closer entrance to Sons?  yes
10. Is the personnwho knows, someone that we know personally?  yes
11. Is there someone here that we known personally, working for the evil Drow?  no
12. Does tne person who knows of the secret entrance, really know that it is an entrance? pause/ no

The Drow

Enter the Drow:

"If you do not know where you are going down there, you are doomed."  Waiting silently in a
 corner was a short dark elf scanning the group with arms crossed.  They were not sure if he had slipped in or had been waiting the entire time.
     "The nearest Under Dark city is to the north under the Gygax mountains."  He stated.  "The Sverf Neblim city is called Suns.  There is a contact there named 'Desert Rose', she can give you directions."
     The group took notes as the Colonel jotted down a map.  The elf continued.
     "There is a Lost King sect in the Under Dark.  It is run by a powerful psychotic mage."
     "Is anyone wondering who this guy is?" interjected Nera.
     "My name is Victran." his eyes grew darker.  "She could be held in one of two possible cities.  Xypy'Sip or Xypy'Sindel.  It is best that we consult the oracle to search out any more information."

12 questions to destiny

Help with the Dark

After promoting each member of the group to the rank of Seargent, Captian Pierce notified them of the terrible news.
     A breach in security had cost them an agent.  They had sent a top agent to gather intelligence on the dark elves.  The agent was none other than fox's mother which explains why the Watcher's had such an interest in the group.  Her identity was given up by Auren't father who is now in league with the Drow.  The Drow now have Fox's mother and plan on killing her once they have the information they want.  Captain Pierce had arranged for a small strike team to hunt down Auren's father while the group can focus on rescuing Fox's mother from the Under Dark.
     The group agreed that rescuing Fox's mother was top priority.  Quickly the discussion turned to an assessment of equipment that would be needed to brave the depths of Under Dark.  There is a strong possibility of encounters with friendly Deep Gnomes.  The armory produced a number of articles that would prove to be helpful:

• Everburning Torches
• Alchemist Fire
• Sun Rods
• Polymorph Spells (3)
• Mass teleport scroll
• Mundane disguise kit
• Scrolls of secure shelter (4) 
• Scrolls of mass dark vision (2)
• Tongues/ Helm of comprehension
• Towel
• Climbers Kit/ Rope
• Food Rations, item everfull
• Cures Heal wand
• Intuit Direction
• Rings of Dark Hidden (2)

Prelude

Attached safely in magic saddles the crew returned to the Plum Valley.  Groth's wobbly Gryffin came in last and out of breath.  On the trip in Auren took notice of the troops standing in formation adorned with real armor and weapons.
     Captain Pierce awaited them near the barracks. He too was dressed in a formal uniform.
     "Welcome back, watchers," he greeted them solemnly, "I'm sorry we have to meet under such somber circumstances." 
     "What occasion calls for such a presence."  Auren asked referring to the formations out in the field. 
     "We are having a formal ceremony," his eyes shot to the ground, "today we are burying three of our own.  We must finish this discussion in the armory.  They are waiting to brief you."
     He directed them to the armory where the master at arms issued them new weapons and winter gear in preparation for the oncoming frost.  From there they moved to a meeting room where two obviously high ranking officers awaited.  The first was a woman with red hair and a large scar down the left side of her face leaving behind a dead soulless eye.  She introduced herself as Major Reeves.  Beside her stood an older stately grey-whiskered man answering to the name of Colonel Dagney.
     Major Reeves reacted first with a snarl, "Oh, come on.  This is the motley group that we will be putting our faith into?"  She stared at them with an accusatory eye. 
     "Do not make the mistake of underestimating their abilities." Pierce replied.
     "What is that supposed to mean?" she crossed her arms.
     "Remember that without them we would not have the knowledge that we have today.  They are the ones who warned us of the dark elves." Pierce smiled.  "Lieutenant Raddick, how much have you shared with them?"
     Raddick stepped forward, "Sir, only the essentials.  No specific details."
     "Do you think they can handle it?"  He asked.
     Raddick nodded.


"HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS"

New Map

Thanks to Tony, I think this will work out well.

House Gryffindor

As the group scurried through the contents of the chest like children on Christmas morning, Lord Kincep explained the properties of all that was magic.  He laid out the purposes and uses for the new items in graphic detail.  When finished they began to work together on estimations of the repairs needed in the mansion.  The discussion about day labor grew heated and tempers flared.  Suddenly a passing shadow drew the attention out over the estate grounds.
     Out on the lawn a gryphon carrying a courier had landed.  Recognizing right away that courier bared the symbol of the Watchers, Raddick rushed out to meet him.  Quite some time had passed before Raddick returned.  When he returned the news was urgent.
     Raddick informed the group that the Watchers needed them to return to Plum Valley.  They are preparing ceremonies for the fallen and their presence was requested. 
     After clearing up the details of the remodel with Kincep the group took to the lawn.  Off in the distance a group of creatures approached in a V-formation.  As the Gryphons flew near Fox noticed that one of the creatures could not keep in formation.  A larger clumsier Gryphon struggled to keep up with the rest.
     "Groth, I think that's yours." Fox chuckled.

A Dozen Questions

A high leve oracle, communing with a god, offered up twelve yes or no questions:

1. Is Fox's mother alive?  (yes)
2. Does the Drow currently have her?  (yes)
3. Is she in the underdark? (yes)
4. Is she in Xypy'Sip? (no)
5. Is she in Xypy'Sindel? (no)
6. Has she been comprimised? (no)
7. Is the mansion entrance to the underdark the most dorect means for our party to rescue her safely. (long pause/ yes)
8. Does Dungeon Rose know of a way to get to Xypy'Sip that would give us an advantage? (yes)
9. Is there anyone in the compound who knows of a closer entrance to to Sons? (yes)
10. Is the person who knows of this entrance someone we know personally? (yes)
11. Is there someone here we personally know and would recognize that is working for the evil Drow? (no)
12. Does te person who knows about the entrance, really know that it is the closest entrance to Sons? (no)

Chesty

Contents of Lord Tindross' Chest

• Rings of fire armor/Black Iron/ +5 AC - Holding for future use
• Swordbow +1 - Sell
• Bone ring/ finger bone/ protection from energy/ability drain - Raddick
• Badge (Vag) of the Sverf Neblim - Fox
• 3rd (Brown) Eye penetrator/ +2 (Glory Eye) - Nera
• Stone Rope - Party Item
• Magic Rod of reach/ Metamagic - Phae
• Weilding Clasp - Sell
• Eternal wand of magic missiles - Fox
• +1, +2 mettling scimitar/ takes on any metal - Raddick
• +1 Everbright Greatsword - Sell
• +1 Fleshgriding long sword/ vibrator sword, 5 rounds 1d8 + reg dam - Groth
• +1 Dragonhunter longbow bane - Hold
• Breastplate moderate fortification +2 - Raddick
• 87,000 Equivalent GP
• Manual of quickness of action - Fox
• Axeblock (asscock) shield of damage reduction 5 - Nera
• Boots of the Mountain King - Groth
• Cord of Favor/ Vests of divinity set - Hole
• Gloves of the starry sky - Gay
• Rod of escape - Hole

Loot em up! (Updated)

"Have we blown the horn yet?" Nera asked as she searched the black assassins corpse.

New Inventory:

Kateria:

• Cloak of displacement major -Nera
• Bag of holding/ type 2 Holds 500lbs, 70cf - Phae
• Luck Blade - Fox
• Venom Dagger +2 - Sell
• Assassin Dagger +2 - Fox
• Phylactory

Mage:

• Cloak of resistance +3 - Phae

Fighter:

• Boots of speed and Jump - Nera
• Warhammer of returning +2 - Groth
• Ring of Mind Shielding - Fox
• Ring of Protection +2 - Raddick

Rogue #1:

• bracers of Archery Skill +2 - Fox
• Immoveable rod - Party Item
• Ring of protection +2 - Fox

Wizard:

• Bracers of Armor -Phae
• Brooch of Shielding - Groth
• Blessed Tome - Sell
• Ring of Spell Storing - Phae

Rogue #2:

• Ring of Feather Falling - Groth
• Flame burst long sword +2 - Raddick

Geomancer:

• Vorpal Scimitar - Raddick

The Item

Auren approaches the phantom and appeals for his friends.
     "Lord Kincep, Groth is in need of your healing powers."
     "The deal still stands, once the vermin is gone, I will help.  No more, no less." replied the spectre.
     "But he must be restored to his strength if we are to travel to Gygax." Auren pleaded.
     Kincep turned back to his studies and remained quiet.
     "What if I had news of your torch-bearer, maybe that will garner some help?" Auren turned and walked.
     "WAIT!," cried Kincep, "I will hear this news first."  He floated to intercept Auren.
     "We met Thwup with the torch." he said.
     "Where." he demanded.
     "Amid a forest of Uniclopses.  He passed through and was heading for the mystery island where the Maul and Cest are currently searching in the depths."
     "You must go there."  his eyes grew wide.  "But first you must search Kateria, she has an item, I need you to retrieve it for me."
     "Then you will heal our friend." Auren nodded as he asked.
     Lord Kincep narrowed his eyes, "I need you to retrieve it for me."

Stoned

Lord Kincep floats to the window and solemnly chants, "Servitude Orium".  His head drops as he floats back to his work.
     The enormous stone golems who quietly stood watch over the front grounds lumbered into motion.  Rocks and gravel fell to the ground with every movement.  Fox held his breath as they made their way toward him.  He knew that he was safe in his hiding spot but the rest of the group may not be so lucky.
     Nera felt the ground shake as the footsteps approached.  She turned around and found herself engulfed in the shadow of the massive golem.  The others followed suit and readied their weapons.
     The statues stopped and fixed their eyes on the adventurers for a moment before moving on.  They pounded the earth with each step.  Nera could feel her insides thump.  As they disappeared into the hedge maze, howls and screams erupted.

More like DEAD assassin

The room shook with his footsteps.  Bobbles and trinkets rattled with his lumbering steps.  Before him a hallway led to the front door and the landing for the stairway.  Groth stopped as movement broke out above him.
     "Who's there?" he heard the old ghost shout.  This confused Groth as the question was not directed to him.  He heard a second mumble which sounded more familiar, and then a third.
     "Ahhh, it's you Auren!" hissed the distinct voice of Kateria.
     Groth made his charge to the stairway.
     Auren steps out from behind the wall to see Lord Kincep floating above a table and Kateria ready to move.  She swiftly makes her way for the far window.  As she rushes past Auren, he strikes out slicing her clean.  The black assassin stumbles from the pain and Auren attacks again leaving a deeper gash. 
     Hearing the screams, Groth charges up the stairs, turning sideways to fit. 
     "We'll finish this later." Kateria scowled and rolled out the window.
     Tumbling to the ground below in a shower of glass the black assassin hits the ground and tumbles.  She rises to face the entire party circling her.  'Wrong window' she thought to herself.
     Above wood splinters as Groth widens the hole that she had just fell through.  He lands in a heap just before her.  She cuts at him with her poison blade and he back away feeling it's effects.
     She turns and sees the missile coming for her.  She knows that it is too late.
     Phae does a fist pump as she drops.

Critical

Raddick, Groth and Nera stood over the dead rogue.  Behind them, at the opening of the hedge maze, a scared dire wolf and werewolf emerged in a rush.  They appeared to be looking for escape rather than a fight.  Something had spooked them. 
     Out of the maze sauntered the large fighter.  His armor was covered in clods of blood and black fur.  His axe dripped foul black slime.
     "Oh-HO," he shouted with his axe in the air, "I found you , I will be rich."  As he cocked his head back and howled Raddick pounced.
     Charging forward with blades swinging, Raddick separated the fighter and the dire wolves heads from their bodies.  They rolled on the ground like two coconuts spreading their milk as they went.  The fighters mouth was frozen in a ironically victorious battle cry.  As the werewolf turned to flee Raddick finished him off.
     The dust had settled and those outside looked at one another.  Raddick heaved deep breaths and slung the gore off his blades.  Nera was in shock as she had not had the chance to use her weapon on a single enemy.  In his head, Groth tried to inventory the the mercenaries who had fallen and those that still prowled.  Fox was nowhere to be seen.

A muffled shout came from within the mansion.  Groth turned and lurched through the doorway.

Fox's Field Notes

Excerpt from Fox's Field notes:

I waited and studied the Rogue.  He crouched at the front of the building as he watched his fellow mercenary fall to Groth's blade.  He waited.  As soon as he realized he was unnoticed he made his move.  As he passed I moved out like a shadow.  He was set on his goals and paid no attention to the darkness that followed him.  I decided that this one deserved poison.  My blade entered quick and smooth.  He fell without a sound.

I should do this  more often.

Auren goes in the back-door.

Leaning closely to the back door, Auren listens for movement.  A monotonous creak reverberated through the walls, indicating a nervous pacing on the second floor.  Low murmers blurred through the door.  He knew at once that it was the sounds of Kateria and Lord Kincep.  Judging by the pitch, they were having an argument.
     "There is not time," her voice wafted out, "I must take the relic."  Only some of the argument could be made out, "I must leave."
     Auren had to make a move before she disappeared again.  He slid through the doorway, a pantry to the left and a guest room to the right, he made his way for the steps leading to the second floor.  Every step must be gentler than the last as the floor boards above creaked with movement. 

Meanwhile Raddick and Groth circle the cellar door.  The hinges rattle and clank as something from inside stirs.  Reacting on instinct Groth swings at the massive doors and does very little damage.  The left dormer swings open and a figure rolled out with great dexterity.  Raddick flashes into action sending his blades into a flurry, drawing first blood.   
     The rogue leaps back and surveys his exit.  He turns to see a fellow mercenary making his way along the side of the mansion.  The rogue looks back to face his attackers only to see the flash of steel come down with great force upon him.  Groth smiles as the rogues blood spurts into the air.







Auren takes each stair with caution.  He breathes in and out with each step, testing the boards with his toes before pressing his weight.  Half-way up a short but crisp 'creeeek' shot out from under him.  He stopped with wide eyes.
     "Shhh, what was that?" the black assassin whispered to her cohort.

Geomancer no more!

The Geomancer prowled the front grounds of the estate and the party had a lock on his location.  Fox moved in close and hid among the vegetation, he began to study his prey diligently.  Groth lumbered as quietly as he could towards the side of the mansion.  The thirst for blood shed started welling up in his chest. 
     The creature was inspecting one of the stone golems that somberly stood watch over the estate.  He moving erraticly and speaking to himself.  The sound that spewed out sounded like that of a dog.  It moved closer and began sniffing the stone statue.  He cocked his head back as the growling sounds of combat wafted out from the hedge maze.  He sniffed the air again and returned his attention back to the stone. 
     From behind the mansion Phae sends a fireball with precise aim.  The Geomancer howls in pain.  As the flames subside a smoldering mass rises from the ground.  The creature shakes off the blast and immediately turns to face the attack.  In mid charge Groth stops awkwardly.  His blade hangs from his wrist.  The beast sways too and fro.
     Abruptly he turns around.  His eyes are no longer his own.  Phae recognizes the scenario and prepares for a difficult choice.  Raddick and Nera peer out from behind the mansion's walls.  Noticing a possessed Groth they slink back.
     The Geomancer approaches with a grin across his face, his eyes are fixed intently on his newly converted minion.  He is concentrating so hard that he fails to notice Fox who slinks behind him.  Fox instinctively plunges his blade into the creatures back, delivering a fatal blow.  Opening the portable hole, Fox wrestles the fresh corpse in.  I will have time to search this later he thought to himself.

Saturday

It looks as if the spirits of Groth and Phae will not be present this weekend.  Do what you must with our mortal coils.  I guess this also means that you may proceed to fapping as much as needed.  Please keep the Borderlands talk to a minimum.

Hedgerow of Horrors

Floating above the maze Fox surveyed the pitfalls below.  A small platoon of wolves began assembling themselves in the center of the hedgerow maze.  They wove in and out of the maze sniffing the air and howling.  One stood on the roof of the small building in the center.  He acted as a sentry directing the others this way and that. 
     Beyond the maze Fox surveyed an even more dire scene.  Just outside the back door of the mansion stood Kateria the Black Assassin and six unknown characters.  They appeared to be mercenaries; a fighter built like a tank, a mage, two rogues, a wizard and a geomancer with bat wings who was once human.
     As Kateria addressed the motley crew Fox swooped closer and listened at a safe distance.
     "They are here on this property and you may use any means necessary."  She barked.  "I will award one thousand gold pieces to anyone who can bring me the head of Fox, Auren or Pas."
     Fox swallowed hard as he relayed the information back to the party. 
     Below him the group of mercenaries split up.  The fighter charged into the maze while the first rogue headed West around the Mansion.  With his nose up sniffing the air the geomancer traveled in the opposite direction around the mansion as the other rogue slowly poked his head into the cellar.  As the caster saunters towards the corner of the hedge maze Fox quickly alerts the party.
     "HIDE!"
     Groth and those brave enough, to not look down,  hung over the edge of the cliff face.  Raddick tried to situate himself behind a stick of a tree.  There he remained still hoping the attacker was blind.  Phae scrambled to find a hiding spot and curled up attempting to imitate a boulder.
     The mage diliberately made her way to the oddly shaped rock and stopped.  Wind whipped around them.  The muffled sounds of angry wolves and an irate fighter wafted over the green walls.
     "Which of you is Auren, Pas or Fox?" demanded the mage.
     Phae lifted his head and looked about him.  He gave the mage a quizzical look and rose to his feet.
     "Do you bear one of these names?" the color in the mage's eyes flashed darker.
     "I am Phae and this is raddick," Raddick stepped out from behind his twig, "Pas waits for you in the mausoleum."
     "Watch out for the vampires." replied Raddick.
     "Raddick," the mage grinned, "you will do."  She raised her arms and began to cast.  Light glowed furiously between her outstretched hands.  Phae and Raddick raised their arms to block the coming attack as Fox swirled up behind her. 
     As she lunged forward Fox gave her a little poke from behind.  She dropped to pile on the grass. Phae and Raddick lowered their arms with looks of stunned gratitude.
     "Always study kids!" Fox said with a grin.
     The rest of the party hauled themselves up over the cliff side.  Nera set to looting the corpse as Auren removed the head.

1 Mage
Personal effects:

• Armor/ Magic - Leather
• Short Sword
• Dagger/ Magic
• Rings/ Magic
• Necklace/ Magic

1 DOWN 5 TO GO, WILL THEY MAKE IT, NOBODY KNOWS.

Amazing Race

Outside the Mausoleum daylight greeted our adventurers.  Blinking in the bright light they looked around and took account of those that remained alive.  The sting of loosing blossom had recently faded away only to be replaced with the loss of Pas.  They mulled around in a moment of silence.  For they knew that his great sacrifice is the sole reason for their existence at this moment.  They must not let his name go in vain.  They must follow through on their plans to rid this property of all it's vermin.
     Opposite of the Mausoleum was the entrance to the estates hedge maze.  It's twelve foot walls ran an extensive length of the property.  It's two outer edges met with a cliff face that ended in a thousand foot drop.  There was no possible way around, they had to navigate the maze. 
     "We must keep to the right," Phae suggested, "I read it once in a children's book." 
     The rest agreed and they began to make their way through the maze.  Dragging two large platinum gates, Groth brought up the rear.  The foliage blended together masterfully making some of the turns very difficult to see.  From the center of the maze sounds of rustling and creatures drifted out. 
     Phae cast message. Fox began to change shape.  He hopped up and took flight.  From below he appeared to be a cloud.  He relayed what he saw through Phae.
     "There is a building in the center," he said, "I see Dire Wolves and Werewolves, not sure how many."  The group readied themselves in positions against the walls of the maze.
     "There is room outside the wall, I will lead you out."
     Fox directed the group through a short section of maze to an outside wall.  Phae enlarged Groth who tossed the party members over along with the two large gates.  As the Green giant climbed over one of the wolf sentries noticed.  Howling and barking erupted from the center of the maze.
     "Uh-oh, looks like we have trouble up ahead."  Fox messaged to Phae.


This post was brought to you by:  Stret Self Storage.  Forget portable holes, we have all of your storage needs. 

Saved by the bell

Lord Tindross again halted battle and allowed the group an opportunity for closure.  He demanded that the party sacrifice one of their own.  In return he would revert back to his previous declaration.  His brood would leave never to return and give our adventurers the spoils of Lord Tindross' treasure chest, with the stipulation that anyone who attacked after the "cease fire" would not be allowed to benefit from the loot.
     The group spend a grueling hour or so deliberating on their choice.  At first they drafted up a spreadsheet that depicted everyones good qualities versus their bad.  They toyed with the idea of sneaking back for 3Dub and hoping he would pass as a party member.  Finally they put all of their names on pieces of paper and dropped them into the portable hole.  Groth reached in 'shoulder deep' and pulled out a shred of paper bearing the name of Pas.  Luckily he had already been mind controlled so the decision made sense. 
     They took turns congratulating him and patting him on the shoulder.  His eyes were fixed ahead.  Due to his trance state, he had no idea what was taking place. 
     "We will need 24 hours for the transformation to take place, then we will leave."  Lord Tindross called out.  "As for you all, I suggest you leave immediately."  He smiled and pointed to the large stone doors behind them.

Updated Pages above & New Poll at right --->

I have updated some of the pages that are tabbed above.  Most notably; Places, Directory and the Crypt.  Check them out and post a comment for anything that needs to be added and or fixed.  I know there should be more in the crypt.  I'm also drawing a blank on Chium and the group that is addressing the Dead King. 

I definitely would like the pages to be a more comprehensive tool, but I will need some guidance as to anything that I am missing or have wrong.  Haha, I said tool. 

Also new poll to the right. 

Leave a post or send an email.

Groth's Hello Kitty Diary

Excerpt from Groth's diary:

Groth sees comrades Auren and Fox talking with vampire man.  Groth is tired and wants to sit.  Phae shoots missile at vampire and now Groth can not sit.  Vampire is angry and now smaller vampires are all around.  Why are Auren and Fox waving at Groth from the altar.  They are smiling. 

Groth smiles at Nera, Raddick, Phae and Pas.  The small vampires die easily.  Groth's head tingles.  Fire is all around, why is Phae attacking Groth?  Groth wonders if this was a good idea.

Interesting Site

Thought you all might find this gaming site interesting.
http://plagmada.org/Home.html
 

Letter From the Editor

Who in their right mind would attack poor Lord Tindross after he has yielded in battle.  The guy bows out and vows to take his spawn with him, leaving his treasures behind.  This sort of move reaks of Obamacare.  I would love to see how the pundits try to spin this meltdown.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Spawn

12 Damage!!!

"If you heed in your attacks we will leave these premises."  Lord Tindross stood in front of the group gaunt and bleeding. 
     "How do we know?" Fox shouted out with heavy breath.
     "My spawn will stand down," he replied, "I have a chest full of treasure behind the throne."  He eyed Fox.  "It will be yours to take."
     "What is your affiliation with the Werewolves on this mountain?" Auren asked.
     "I am not in league with those filthy beasts.  We are at odds with their kind." he sneered.
     "Who is their leader?" 
     "They answer to Mordechai.  He is very dishonorable and serves Chium.  That group disgusts me."
     Sensing the anger Auren decided to switch his line of questioning.  "What do you know of Kateria and Lord Kincep?"
     "She also answers to Chium.  Her desire is to become a Lich." 
     As the questioning moved on the group as well as the vampire began to lower their guard. 
     "Where does this shaft entrance lead to?"  Auren's voice became more relaxed.
     "You will find yourself in the under dark if you continue down it." he replied.
     As Auren opened his mouth to speak the room lit up with.  A ball of fire arched over his head and landed on Lord Tindross.  He convulsed with anger and fear as his attempts at achieving an agreement with the vampires went up in smoke.


Fox and Friends find themselves in a pickle yet again.  How will they ever make it out?

Who Dat Vampire?

The Vampire rose from his throne and surveyed the group before him.  Raising his left hand a pillar of violet smoke swirled to the floor.  A sea of spawn gnashed and leaned into the adventurers.  They were surrounded.  The only possible escape route would be back down the tunnel.  The pillar of smoke grew thicker and began to take shape.  Nera knew that any escape down the tunnel would end with a quick fall to their death.  There was no way that they could outrun this large of a mob.  She gritted her teeth as the smoke pillar settled into the form of a large Mastiff.  It glared with red eyes and white teeth. 
     "I understand what will happen here today."  The Vampire addressed the party.
     "Lord Kincep wishes that you remove yourself from his property."  Auren stepped forward.
     "We must fight until one of us is no more." he smiled.  At this the surrounding spawn began to howl with excitement. 
     "Who are you?" Auren inquired.
     "That is not important, but if you must know I have been known as Lord Tindross." he bared his fangs.  "The only way we will leave is through defeat.  Only one of us will leave alive today."
     "If we win you are to leave this area and not return." Auren commanded.   
     "I can agree to those terms but I must warn you, if you attempt to leave through those doors before we are finished, it will be fatal."  Again the spawn danced with pleasure.
     "Things would be much better were it a fair fight." Auren claimed as he looked around him.
     "Not to worry, this will be between your group and me.  They will not attack before we are done."  The Mastiff shoots his gaze to the ceiling and bays.  A tingling tears through Foxes brain followed by a ringing.  Screams ring out behind him as Phae and Pas frantically scramble through the army of spawn.  They appear to be scared beyond reason.  He turns back to the throne as the Mastiff disappears in a puff of smoke.
     At once Auren and Groth lunge at Lord Tindross missing with their attacks.  The Vampire's fury turns to Auren, who sustains a hefty blow, then Tindross vanishes.  The group takes turns swinging at the air.  Fox could sense his presence but not his exact location. 
     In a flurry the Mastiff appears in front of Raddick, ready to attack, he slices the beast and brings it to the ground.  The group readied themselves for Trindross to reappear.  Torch light flickered and danced throughout the chamber casting hundreds of shadows.  The effect caused the mob of spawn to look more than double it's size.
     In a flash of smoke Tindross appeared next to Groth drawing an attack from nearly every member of the party.  Groth landed a heavy blow on the fiend as Fox nimbly slipped up behind.  As Auren loosed an arrow Fox unfurled the portable hole and slapped it on the ground under Tindross' feet.  All attempts failed as Tindross blinked out of sight again. 
     On their guard the party waited.  At intervals the crunching of bones could be heard above the murmur of spawn. 
     In a far corner Phae comes to.  His breath was quick and deep.  Garments soaked in sweat.  A feeling of complete terror still resonated within him.  He looked across the chamber as Lord Tinross emerged near Groth.  On instinct he loosed a volley of missiles which made contact with the creature.  Groth complemented the attack with a direct set of blows from his sword of speed.  Lord Tindross leaned back on his heels.  Thick black infected blood oozed from his wounds.  Sick puddles formed below him.
     "Oh, the glory of battle," he grinned, "to receive such a challenge from mere children."  He seemed smug about the beating that he had received.  His grin grew wider as his eyes affixed on to the green monster.  Groth tilted his head and furrowed his brow at the vampire.  The grin quickly faded into pure anger as his attempts to control the giant were unsuccessful.  With the blink of an eye he is again invisible. 
     After overcoming his fears Pas wanders back into the battle.  Looking quite stunned he stared at the floor.  A pile of bones rested near the far wall.  A femur rolled to the floor and Pas looses an arrow.  A howl rang out as the arrow hit.  Following the momentum Phae launches fire on the same pile of bones. 
     "Yield!" cried Lord Tindross. 
     Readied in action the group hold their weapons tight.
    "I ask you to yield and we will leave here." whimpered the beaten Vampire.  Making himself again visible he stepped down from the pile.

WILL THEY  YIELD?  WILL THE MANSION BE HEALED?  WILL FOX ASK HIS SWEETHEART OUT TO THE BIG DANCE?  Tune in next time to find out...
    

Vampire Diaries!

Sparing no time Auren charged into the tube and began his ascent.  Fox held out the portable hole, Raddick and Nera climbed in.  Using spider climb he made his way up the vines.  Groth latched onto the wall as Phae cast enlarge.  Pas and Phae climbed onto his now over sized frame as he powered up the tube.  An ominous odor hung in the air.  As they rose it grew stronger and thicker.  The smell of decaying flowers permeated the air.
     The tube opened up into the Mausoleum.  Auren arrived first and peeked over the edge into the well lit room.  The walls were lined with sarcophagi.  Four layers rose to the high vaulted ceiling.  Some were stone and others were wood, all were in different stages of age and decay.    Thick wooden rafters ran the width of the room.  Body parts littered the floor, cluttering into heaping piles in some areas.    
     An over sized double door lined one wall and was flanked by a raised alter on the opposite.  Dozens of torches sent light and shadows dancing around the room.  Sitting still on a throne atop the alter was a stately vampire.
     Auren flipped and rolled quietly into the chamber of death.  He could now see that vampire spawn was spread out from end to end. 
     "We have been awaiting your presence."  The vampire on the throne smiled.
     Auren stood still and met his gaze as the rest of the party peered over the edge into the room.

Tunnel Vision

The tunnel was tight and the light was non-existent.  Auren led crawl followed by Raddick, Fox, Nera, Phae, Groth, and Pas.  They crept along making every effort to remain silent.  Almost immediately Auren noticed that the tunnel came to an end.  He halted the group and retreived a copper piece which began to glow. 
     He tossed the bright coin down to the end of the tunnel where it bounced and illuminated what appeared to be a chamber beyond.  A very fine trip-line crossed the path.  Whispering and chattering drifted in from the chamber ahead.  Auren reached into his sack and produced a torch.  Pebbles bounced off the path in the darkness ahead.  He held his breath and lit the bundle in his hands.  The bright burst of fire temporarily blinded those who could see ahead.  Their immediate surroundings became visible and the view ahead grew darker. 
     He threw the torch.  As it passed through the opening it gave witness to the size of the room ahead.  It was a vertical tube gnarled with roots and vines.  Circling the opening and walls of the tube were vampire spawn.  They clung to the vines and peeked their heads into the tunnel.  The torch fell into the tube.  It's light disappeared gradually.  There was no indication that it had reached the bottom.
     Phae's voice cut through the mental fog.  "Close your eyes!"
     A burst flashed up ahead.  Blinding light encompassed the tunnels.  Hissing and screaming rang out as the spawn scattered.  Opening their eyes a mist welled up in the tube and drifted upwards.  Auren scrambled to the edge and looked down then up.
     "We are below the Mausoleum!"

HMMM, will they climb or turn around?

On the Right Track

A series of underground tunnels opened up to a large chamber.  As eyes adjusted a grim scene unfolded.  A large glowing mushroom added much needed light to the chamber.  Large shadows loomed overhead.  Piles of bones and body parts dotted the floor.  It was clear at once that they had found the entrance to the upper under-dark.  A plan was made to double back and investigate a new direction. 
     A steady light glowed at the end of the tunnel.  Pas tenderly led the group ahead in 40 foot increments.  Up ahead he noticed something and held his hand up to silently stop the group.  Phae once again cast message to ensure the group could communicate without being heard. 
     A thin filament line caught Pas' eye and he motioned for Fox to move ahead and examine.  Immediately Fox notices the deadfall that the line is attached to.  The trap has a slight glow which indicates a touch of magic.  He disarms the trap allowing safe passage. 
     Another 100 feet down the tunnel a second and smaller tunnel branched off through the ceiling.  The opening was barely big enough to crouch.  Unfortunately for Groth this meant that he would have to traverse it on all fours. 
     The large green man placed his palms on the walls and braced himself.  One by one the party climbed his back and pulled themselves into the opening.  Once in Pas turned to lend a hand to Groth and quickly realized that he would not be able to assist his large frame. 

"Once he plugs this hole there will be no more light!" Pas explained to the group.

WANTED ! ! !

Intercepted Communications:

The following transcripts were intercepted on the King's Highway.  The whereabouts of the battle are unknown.  The sender is unknown and the intended recipient is also unknown.  Members of this party are wanted in Stret.  The location of this battle is of great interest.

Urgent Message

~We are going to die~

Do not get me killed!

~We're all dead~

~No joke.  Room full of Vampires, 2 stone golems and an ogre magi trying to kill me.~

~Groth is dominated and about to kill nera~

No way!

~Way, Fox and Friends are dead.~

~I just trapped 9 enemies in a 30' iron sphere~

Did you toss a bean?

~3 so far.  More to come.~

~Groth Hit me for 35 HP.  I'm down to 5 HP now.  Pas healed Nera for 21~

RUN, RUN!

~The Vamps keep coming!~

~Groth and Raddick are dominated~

~Groth just killed Fox, Nera and Pas.~

~Raddick down to -1~

ABORT MISSION!

~Too late.~

~Groth is being turned into a Vampire.~

~Raddick is a Vampire~

~Groth is still alive~

~ ~ ~

If you have any information regarding this communication, please contact the Stret Guard.  This group is wanted and very dangerous.

Peek-a-Boo

Fox climbed up Groth's back and crouched on his massive shoulders.  The green giant stood up raising Fox to the second story window.  The panes smeared with years of unkempt particulate.  A grand library unfolded before his eyes.  Rows and rows of books rose from floor to ceiling. 
     He lifted the jalousie window open.  Warm air greeted him.  The odor of parchment hung heavy.  To the right a long table with a stained green cloth ran the width of the room.  Two great Iron Golem statues flanked the table.  A bald man floated over the table holding a book.  He seemed slightly translucent.  A voice called out from a corner that he could not see.
     "Where is it?"  It was  woman's voice and it seemed rather familiar.
     "Hush, I am translating." 
     From the shadows a figure emerges.  It is now clear to Fox that they have located the Black Assassin.

Kincep Mansion

There once was an old building who lived on the mountain.  It's hedgerows were manicured meticulously.  It's barn had not been used in quite some time.   Trees on pedestals stood as ominous warnings.  Could this be a new beginning, or the beginning of the end? 

The password was called and admission was granted.

A little R & R

Once safely over the chasm, the group unanimously agrees that sleep is a necessity.  After finding spots on the ground and safely in the trees, they manage to find deep sleep while Auren keeps watch.
     Faint sounds of movement made their way from the direction of the mansion.  Auren knew it was too good to be true, 2 hours of sleep was about all they could expect from this mountain-side.  The noise crept closer.  No need to wake the group just yet.  The trees came alive with movement.  Something was close.
     Below him on the forest floor a dense fog rolled in.  At first it was thin and translucent.  It quickly thickened and covered the ground.  Auren could no longer see those sleeping below him.  He could see forms taking shape out of the fog. 
     At the perimeter of their trees three figures rose above the fog.  Ancient and Gaunt the slender figures stood shrouded in dark.  They stopped at the perimeter, red eyes glowing.
     "Reveal yourself apparition," Auren shouted into the night.
     There was no noise.  No movement.  Auren strained to make out the figures.
     "We will consume your soul."  The figures chanted.
     Auren readied an arrow as the red eyes pierced into his being.
     The fog began to recede and they disappeared as quickly as they had appeared.  As the forest floor became visible it was clear that the entire party was now awake. 
     Fox called the group to sit around the campfire as he scared them with tales of Kroger.  Raddick and Pas hid in their armor as he spun yarns of ancient vampires. 

Things should be looking up at the Mansion

Wrap it up

Turning caution to the wind Phae launches a fiery blast across the crevasse encompassing the wolves on the far side and igniting part of the bridge.  One of the blind wolves jumps over the edge falling to it's demise. 
     Groth opened his eyes and saw the chasm below.  His innards jumped to his throat and he cringed before realizing that he was walking along the wall of the rock face.  He watched as the wolf tumbled into the abyss, shortly after a second followed suit.  Not long after the larger horny werewolf screamed by.  He reached up and jumped to the other side of the chasm and walked to the top.
     Meanwhile on the other side of the crevasse Raddick and Auren make short work of their werewolf and systematically drop the remaining dire wolves. 

Among the bodies:

Scroll of expeditious retreat

Scroll of Glitter Dust

Wand Cure Moderate 7th level 16 charges

Magical Longsword

Magical Scarab Clasp

Groth drops to his knees as his blood begins to boil inside his skin.  Sweating like a donkey, he shakes off the lycanthropy.

Nera heals all!

Phae: Deep Thoughts

In accordance with his own private practices, Phae has decided that now is a really good time to communicate with the fire elementals that he wants to emulate and is looking for the nearest access to the Plane of Fire.

P.S.  He does not want to be locked in the stockades.

Sneak Attack

Groth untied the rope from around his waist and heard a branch snap behind him.  He spun around and was met with three snarling dire wolves and the howl of a much larger wolf.  Judging by the large horns jutting from the creatures spine it had to be a werewolf.  The green man smiled.
     "Ever heard of the wolf who cried Groth?" he growled, and lunged at the beasts.  Bringing his great blade in a full arc he drew blood on two of the wolves.
     On the opposite side of the crevasse an identical set of attackers met the group.  Nera concentrated on mending the bridge bit by bit while Pas and Auren ran to meet the attackers.  Pas quickly cast empathy causing his werewolf to ease back, it's ears dropped down a bit showing signs of a lessening aggression.  Auren flies into combat striking with his full-blade.
     All at once the group hears a command from Phae.  "Close your eyes!"  A bright light flashed across the expanse blinding 4 and dazzling the rest. 
     With a combination of empathy and dazzle one of the dire wolves turns to slink back into the forest.  This enraged the werewolf who turned and clawed a hunk of flesh from the retreating beast.
     Across the crevasse Groth had become surrounded and at once three of the creatures attack with claws and teeth.  The force traumatized the green man and his situation turns dire.  Fox notices that Groth has takes severe damage and quickly acts.
     Casting Alter Self, wings sprout out behind him.  Moments later the Fox we all know and love no longer resembled himself.  Avariel the winged elf took flight up over the crevasse.  He flitted behind Groth and granted him Spider climb.  Immediately Groth felt groggy and overcome.  Looking down he assumed that this was the effects of massive blood loss.  Inside his head Fox's voice rang out, "Run down the mountain, quickly!". 
     Acting on instinct he turned and bolted over the cliff side.  His heart jumped to his throat as he realized his mistake 500 feet below. 
     He closed his eyes and cursed himself for listening to the voices in his head.

London Bridge

The group moved on through the forest with wax jammed in their ears to prevent the harpy's spell.  Phae cast message enabling them to overcome the aural blocks.  The path continued up the mountain.  There were signs of creatures following them through the forest.  Pas and Auren led them to a crevasse. 
     Over 500 feet deep the land form funnelled violent winds up and back down the path.  A poorly maintained wooden footbridge stretched across the twenty foot expanse.  It did not look safe to cross and it was definitely not holding Groth's heavy load.  A decision had to be made. 
     Nera stood at the foot of the bridge and began to cast a mending spell.  Working at 5 feet intervals her process would take a while.  It let out unsavory creaks as the the mountain winds raged against it.
     Meanwhile Auren attached one end of a rope to the sturdiest tree he could find and the other around Groth's waist.  The green man was not to excited about what was to happen next.
     "So I jump to the other side?" he asked.
     "Yes, then you will tie your end to a tree on that side."  Auren replied.
     "Is this to zip-line across?"
     "Something like that."
     "What If I don't make it?"  Groth asked shakily.
     "That's why I you're tied to this tree," he said and slapped the big man on the shoulder, "now get over there."
     Groth took five steps back, inhaled a deep breath, and charged across the crevasse.  They held their breath as he sailed across with great force and planted both feet firmly on the other side.  He turned around and gave a cheesy grin with a thumb up in the air.

If only they could all be this easy!

How to deal with Werewolves

Merril's body fell from the vine, blood still pouring out of his open mouth.  The hair subsided and the size of the creature wilted down to reveal a small  elf.  Fox recognized the elf.  He had sequestered Blossom in the wee hours of the night while he and Jend waited quietly in their tree.  There was something odd and unsavory about the fellow.  He was angry at the thought that he would not be able to question him further.  A dead werewolf did not help them in this situation, however a live werewolf wouldn't be of much use either.
     Pas moved in and began working on the corpse, he knew that werewolves did not always stay dead and it could soon come back to bite them in the...   Pas skillfully removed the head and lodged a silver coin deep into the still warm neck-hole.  Auren and Raddick stood watching and wincing at the grotesqueness of it all.  Pas stopped and looked back over his shoulder.
     "If you want to be a "made" man, you can't be afraid to get your hands dirty,"  he smiled and flashed another silver coin.  He rolled the corpse over, removed it's tattered breeches and jammed the coin up the elf's rear.  He moved closer and sniffed the corpse.
     "There are many types of Lycanthropes," Pas started, "the type decides the form they take.  If you get bit, you turn.  You will most likely need silver weapons if you plan on doing any serious damage to them.  And forget tracking them, they will always have the drop on you."
     Pas described more in-depth knowledge as he stood above the corpse sniffing his fingers.  Fox shook his head in disgust and noticed a pack laying near by.  I must have belonged to Merril. 

Pack contents:

Wax
Cooked Pheasant
1 Garnet
26 Gold
Old paper with writing

Fox held the tattered paper up, light pouring through caused it to look like a flap of skin riddled with veins.
     "The sun comes up in the morning"
     "The moon comes out at night"
     "The wind blows at noon"


Who keeps complaining about getting healed?

Make it Rain

Inventory (Harpy nest, Apple Orchard)

Harpy:

20 Platinum
4 Gems (est. 120gp each)

+1 Flaming Dwarven war axe (to be sold)
Ring of Swimming  (Nera)
Potion of Levitate (Fox)
Scroll of Explosive Runes 5th caster lvl (Phae)
Scroll of Spike Growth 5th caster lvl (Phae)
Wand of False Life w/ 11 charges (Fox)

Apple Orchard:

80 Platinum

Ring of Protection +2 (Groth)
Amulet of Natural Armor +1 (Pas)
Cloak of resistance +2 (Phae)
Short Sword Keen of Ghost Touch (Raddick)
Long Bow +2 defending (Fox)


950 Exp combined

Where the Wolves Were.

Our heroes found themselves in a lethal predicament.  They were completely surrounded by a werewolf (Merril), a Winter Wolf and four dire wolves, all of which carried a ravenous thirst for blood.  Phae tossed a fire-ball into the apple trees to draw out any more would-be enemies. 
     "Looks like we've come across some bad apples." growled Groth as he readied his steel for action.  He charged with ferocity towards a cluster of wolves.  In his excitement he misses the targets. 
     Without wasting any time Merril leaped from the fallen log.  Striking for Raddick he lost his footing.  Raddick dodged.  At once the dire wolves choreographed an attack tripping both Raddick and Groth. 
     Fox couldn't help but ponder the worst of outcomes.  The Winter Wolf stared at him with glowing eyes.  Icy bursts came forth with every exhale.  He knew that something drastic had to be done, and it had to be done soon.  Pulling out the bean pouch he prayed for a good outcome. 
     Holding the bean between his thumb and index finger the jammed it into the earth. 

Where to place the fire...

     The blast forced him back five paces.  The ground shuddered as the ground swelled all around them.  Slithering our of the forest floor rose close to two dozen thick black tentacles.  Wrapping up everything in their path, the tentacles isolated Merril and two of his dire wolves.  They gnashed their teeth and thrashed about; causing the tentacles grip to tighten. 
     The Winter Wolf let out a growl as it breathed frost onto Raddick and Groth who have yet to get back to their feet.  They writhe with the pain of a thousand frozen needles.  Phae rewards the creature with a fatal fireball which spreads it's flames to encompass the tangled Werewolf.  
     Groth slashes through two more dire wolves dropping them both while above, a tentacle, squeezed the life out of a third. 
     High above Merril howls in frustration.  Raddick turns to attack and nothing happens.  Merril laughed.
     "If you critical fail, your turn is done!" he boasted.
     With the flick of his wrist Auren unleashes his whip-dagger, catching Merril in the throat.  The creatures smile disappears.  A small amount of blood dripped out of the corner of his mouth.  The tentacle tightened causing the wolf-man to gurgle and spew forth dark red blood.  Phae and Fox dispatch the last of the wolves.  The party can now breathe.


GIMME DAT LOOT!

The road to Castle Wolfenstein

A well defined path etched it's way through the thick forest.  Fox attempted to spot the dragons as they moved deeper in, but he canopy was too thick.  Half of the group was still reeling from the Harpy's mesmerizing song.   They trudged forward in a slight haze.  The smell of decaying fruit permeated the air.  Large apple trees lined the path on both sides. 
     "Stay on the path, that layer of dead leaves looks pretty thick."  Fox stated as he examined their whereabouts.
     "More like a THIck DIck." replied Auren.
     Groth and Raddick turned and raised their eyebrows.  "I'm never sure what going to come out of his mouth next," thought Raddick. 
     The mood of the forest had turned darker and the smell stronger.  The path curved through the dying orchard.  Orange rays of light peeked through the canopy.  Night would be on them soon.
     Rounding a curve in the trail the group halted.  A large rotting tree blocked the path.  Auren studied the wood.  The tree appeared to have fallen due to old age, or at least someone went to great lengths to make it look that way.  He noticed minute saw marks near the base.
     "The tree is too large," a head popped up from behind the log, "it will be too much work to move this tree.  It is best to go around."  The man pointed to either side of the tree.  There was a faint path through the dead leaves on both sides of the tree.
     "What say you?" cried Auren.
     "I suggest that you travel around this massive eyesore." replied the hunter-looking character from behind the log.
     "I am aware that you cut down this tree, now who are you?" Auren demanded.
     The man smiled revealing a sparkling white set of teeth.  "I am Merril, a huntsman."
     "If you are a huntsman, then you will be able to tell me what kind of prey traverse these lands."
     The two bantered for a short while on the types and sizes of wildlife that called the forest home.  Quietly studying the forest floor Fox notices something amiss.  To the right of the fallen log  a well placed snare lay snugly below a thin layer of leaves.  It was large, too large for a bear.  What would they need this size of a snare for, other than a pack of wild eyed adventurers, he had no idea.
     "Oh, there are wonderful berries and fruits growing up near the mansion at this time of year." the huntsman carried on.
     "Which route should we take?" asked Auren.
     "Either way will work." the Merril smiled.  He eyed the travelers with suspicion.
     "I suppose we shouldn't go that direction," Fox stated as he pointed to the right of the trunk, "that snare would leave a nasty scar."
     Merril's eyes glared at Fox.  He stood up tall with a rigid stance, cocked his head back, and howled.

Next up:  THe MEan BEan

Mouth Harp

It was clear to Fox that Phae, Pas, Raddick and now Nera were under a sensual spell.  They walked, as if in a trance, towards the forest where two Harpys flew boisterously from tree to tree.  Their flight was erratic.  Large wings flopped awkwardly in the breeze as they fumble over the tree-tops.
     The first Harpy left his roost and swooped down down on Raddick attacking him and arcing back to a tree on the opposite side.  Raddick swatted at the creature and continued to march.  Angry at the noise blasting his skull, Groth hurled a spear which slashed through the Harpy's side.  Almost immediately the second Harpy made it's arcing attack on Raddick.
     Raddick reaches the forest and disappears as Auren looses and arrow which caught the wounded creature in the neck, bringing it to the ground with at thud.  Raddick came to a stop under a tree and stared upward.  The vile beast swooped down and caught it's wing on a branch.  The missed attack allowed the rest of the group to catch up.  Auren prepared his next arrow and the creature took to the air.  He let it loose with no luck.  The harpy flapped of into the distance.

Onward Ho!

Call of the Wild

A clearing in the tree-line approached leaving an open field between the group and a the next cluster of forest.  A rolling blanket of moss covered the expanse.  Stepping out, Auren's feet sunk a few inches in the green cloud.  He inventoried the scene before him.  Four large boulders sat as guardians of the plain.  One large enough to conceal Groth.  His eyes jogged back up to the mountain peaks where dragons still circled.  Scanning down the mountain face he saw the tree-tops ahead and movement set him on edge.
     Two winged creatures appeared to be hopping from tree to tree.  He could not identify the creatures.
     "Do you think it's another dragon?" asked Raddick.
     "Doubtful." replied Auren.
     "It's moving too erratic," interjected Fox, "and it looks humanoid."
     "Let's see if we can't draw it out into the opening."  Auren decided as he pulled out his horn.
     The group huddled into battle ready positions as the great horn called out.  Three blasts echoed out across the field.  They waited.  The creatures continued to bounce back from tree to tree. 
     Fox let out a faux goat bleat.  He wasn't the best at goat sounds but he gave it his all.  Groth chuckled as he knew it was unmistakably the sound of a goat in heat.  He had tended to many herds during the breeding season in his past life.  The creatures halted their flitting.  The group waited.  Still nothing happened.
     Fox stared across the landscape, mesmerized by it's beauty.  A soft breeze blew down the mountain carrying with it the hum of life that filled the forest around them.  For a moment he forgot what they had even come for.  The hum grew louder and vibrated through his temples.  Pas, Phae and Raddick stepped forward causing him to snap-to. 
     He shook his head and cleared his thoughts.  The hum of the mountains morphed inside his skull and was replaced with a putrid screeching noise that blasted him in stereo. 
     Groth had dropped to one knee and began cramming wads of earth and moss into his ears.  Pas, Phae and Raddick continued a slow march towards the opposite tree-line.  Auren winced in pain as he lunged on to Pas, grappling him to the ground.
     Nera pounced on Phae holding him back while Fox ran to the nearest boulder and took cover.  Nera cringed as the wailing sound resonated in her head.  She found it difficult to focus.  Pas jerked to get free while she clung on tightly.  Nera looked up to the forest and suddenly the noise stopped.  She breathed in deep and relaxed as the soft hum of the mountains filled her.  The soft hum grew to a harmonic crescendo.  She felt at peace with the land and let go of Pas. 
     He continued to march towards the forest and this time Nera followed.


It looks like the gang is stuck like a fly on poop... how will they ever manage to get out of this one?

Unknown

Unknown Character's Myspace posting

Well that was close! *wipes sweat from brow*

     So we get to the top of this rock face without incident and everyone gets hard-ons for dragons.  Apparently there are two or three circling up at one of the mountain peaks.  Wow!  That's crazy!  Last I checked we wer on our way to a mansion, not bird watching.
     Apparently there are two types of dragons; metallic and chromatic.  One is good and one is bad.  I'm not sure which is which because I was too busy day-dreaming of Stret wenches. 
     Before I know it I snapped to just in time to hear Phae discussing how horny the dragons get.  Something about Flutes and beaks. 

2 Whites, 2 Bronze, a bottle of red and a bottle of white

Don't Harp on ME...

Dragons AHOY!

Groth set to work quartering the uniclopse carcasses.  The pools of stale blood began to smell of copper.  He hated copper.  He was hoping that the group's newest edition, Old Grey, would enjoy a few pieces of tribute.  Unsure of what renders ate, he hoped they would find uniclopse meat palatable. 
     When deciding on who should enter the cave all fingers pointed at Fox who shrugged his shoulders and crept into the dark entrance.  The stench boiled his nostrils.  A mixture of feces and rotting flesh particles corrupted the air.  Not very far back he located the stash: 600 Gold and 4 Gems (approx. 75gp each).
     Once camp was cleared Pas cast "without trace" enabling the crew to travel without leaving tracks.  Setting off, the decision was made for Auren to lead the next leg of the trek due to Pas' inability to detect the whereabouts of possible enemies.
     The trail elevated up the base of the mountains through varied steepnesses of terrain.  Thick forest and moderate undergrowth lined both sides.   A few hundred yards up the pass Auren motioned for a stop.  Stamped across the trail were large prints.  Realizing they were fresh Auren signaled for ready action. 
     "It was definitely stalking something," Auren thought to himself.  Following the track through the vegetation he noticed a lump a few yards off in the forest.  The remains of a freshly mutilated goat lay strewn about the forest floor.  A second set of tracks, definitely dragons, intermingled with the first set.  By the size of the kill it was likely that two adult dragons would not be wasting their time on such a small morsel.  They had to be young.


I tawt I taw a dwagon.

     One hundred yards or so up the trail the forest began to thin.  The canopy opened up revealing a glimpse of the Gygax Mountain peaks.  Auren gripped his monocular scope tightly with both hands and shook it up and down vigorously to activate the telescoping function.  Pressing the lens to his eye he confirmed his fear.
     "Definitely two dragons," he stated with purpose.
     He handed the scope to Fox who squinted into the lens.
     "Yep, those are dragons." Fox nodded.
   Pas noticed a path around the steep wall face which led to yet another even steeper sheer rock face.  A very narrow path zig zagged up the face with rough cutbacks.  Traces of goblin tracks pocked the dusty trail here and there.  Two large boulders teetering above served as a warning sign to "turn back."  But Fox and Friends don't read warnings or signs for that matter.  So they trampled blindly up the narrow trail leading up the steep mountain face; ignoring the fact that they could at any moment fall thousands of feet to their deaths.

Poll

I have added a poll to the right!  I can add some more baddies if need be, let me know who to put up there.  Also, if you have any other ideas for poll questions please let me know so that I can get some new crap up.

Don't forget to tell others about the blog!  The more the merrier.

Uni-CLOPS in the Chops!

At sun-up the party moved into the woods.  A gentle trail sloped up through the foothills at a relatively mild incline.  The forest was dense and plenty of undergrowth discouraged free movement off the trail.  On either side noises could be heard no more that fifty to one-hundred yards off.  First it was movement then shrieks and growls.  Rustling in the distance indicating some sort of fight breaking out would happen at regular intervals.
     That must be Old Grey Raddick thought as he trudged up the hillside.  They were not used to uphill travel and this left some of the group out of breath.  The forest around them bore the signs of Uniclopse, tracks and scents indicating that they must surely be near.
     Auren signaled them from up the trail and the group halted.  With his next hand gesture they composed their gear and moved one by one silently to the edge of a clearing.  To the right of the clearing was a cave opening with no movement.  Just outside the cave rested a boar on a spit roasting over a fire.  By the look and smell of it Raddick new that it was ready to eat and the cooks must be nearby.
     A short ledge rose up on the far end of the clearing forming a flat plot of land which housed 4 uniclopses which were busy searching the opposite end of the forest for some invisible invader.  Both Fox and Raddick entered the clearing.  Fox fired and hid while Raddick raced for the ridge climbing it with ease.  He send his blade deep into the first uniclopse downing it with ease as the second lurched forward and attempted grabbed for him.
     The uniclopse beared down on Raddick with a wild-eyed crazy look.  Forcing him to the ground the creature gripped at his throat.  The third uniclopse charged at them with a roar.  Raddick surged with fury, but the beast's grip was too strong.  His eyes grew twice their size as the massive club swung down at him with great force.  He closed his eyes and braced for impact.  He heard and felt a thud and suddenly his body was at ease.  He felt heavy, put no pain.  He felt a warmness flow over his face. 

Kill Zone

     He opened his eyes to see a limp uniclopse corpse laying on top of him.  It's skull had been caved in and a lava flow of blood and grey brain matter spewed out, he was covered in it.  The club-wielder lay stunned on the ground, he must have tripped.  He did not waste time looking his gift horse in it's ugly mouth.  Hearing Groth's battle cry as he charged the group, Raddick slipped out from under the corpse and dispatched the clumsy beast just as Groth arrived.  With a snort the green monstrosity moved on to the last uniclopse and dealt it's fate.


TILL WE MEAT AGAIN!!!