The smoke was thick in the dining area of the Purple Worm. Many adventurers stayed at the old inn between jaunts into the wilds. Currently there were several groups that had paid for lodging for the night, along with the rest of the guests, the place was nearly full, this was just the way Samuel liked it. He enjoyed listening to the tales of adventure while tending bar, it reminded him of his own days of adventure and glory.

Looking over at the corner, he couldn't help but notice a rather timid looking fellow staring out at all the comotion. He had checked into a room this afternoon, but hadn't said much about where he was from or what he needed, just that he was here to seek help.

At that moment, the door opened with a loud crash, and in walked Oscar. To most of the locals, he was simply known as "the Ogre", not because he was one, but he was unusually large and stronger than anyone in the city. Oscar also liked to listen to the tales of adventure, so he frequented the inn. He moved over to his usual spot and the waitress was already bringing him his order.

Samuel liked it when Oscar was around, there was usually no trouble unless someone was stupid enough to make Oscar mad. For this accidental benefit, Oscar was never charged for food or drink while at the Purple Worm. "So Oscar, when are you going out on your own adventure?" Oscar simply waved.

The start is promissing! Let's hear some more!

Knorr, the chef in the Purple Worm, rather liked it when Oscar was about too. The big lug ate a lot, so Knorr got to try out recipes on him. Not that Oscar had discriminating tastes....

The chef at the Purple Worm was fairly content with his lot. From time to time they let him play a song or two on his wooden recorder, and most of the townsfolk seemed to get along with him rather well. Travelers too liked him, but that was usually more because he sometimes let them pay for food by giving him the odd adventuring lesson.

Being a chef, he thought mostly about how long to feed his goat before slaughtering it for cutlets. Goat with saffron was his specialty.

Finishing slicing garlic (with what looked suspiciously like a punch dagger) and tossing it into the marinade he was preparing, Knorr wandered out to the inn to see what information he could gather from the customers.

[This message has been edited by Shralp (edited January 12, 2002).]

RING, RING, RING. There he sat, day in and day out, listening to the infernal ringing of that bell. Naffins short stay in New Jarla had, so far, been boring. In fact, his days (weeks?) since departure from The Order had been suprisingly dull so far.

Sure sure, travel the land, live humbly and aid those in poverty. Right. Very few of the poor actually appreciate the few coins one can collect and distribute. Just grab the money and scuttle away, fine. Naffin was begining to think himself invisible.

The rare moments of pleasure in this job came from when some moron did notice him, and tried to relieve him of the few coins he could collect in a day. There was an immense sense of satisfaction knowing that some thug trying to rob an impoverished man of his few farthings, would instead be defecating out his own teeth.

Ah, its always the look on their face as it gets crushed in that makes it all worthwhile...

"Oh, here comes a good natured looking fellow." Naffin thinks to himself. RING, RING. "Ahms, Ahms, for the..." Naffin watches as the gigantic man passes on by into the tavern without even so much as a glance. "...lousy stinkard" Naffin finishes.

RING, RING, Inside the barroom is the usual noisy squalor of such places, and slightly above the noise he hears someone shout, "So Oscar, when are you going out on your own adventure?"

RING, RING, "Ah to hell with it." Naffin drops his bell into his vacuous pack, and hops to his feet. After patting some of the dust out of his filthy tunic and trousers, he secures his pack over his shoulder, and makes sure his daggers haven't slipped to a place where he could not readily utilize them. With that done the emaciated man crosses the theshold into the pub.

Perhaps he can nab some scraps of food, eaves drop on an interesting story, or in the very least, beat the living snot out of some deserving tosspot.




[This message has been edited by ArtEChoke (edited January 13, 2002).]

Nyora entered the Purple Worm on this day,as she did periodically to help the unfortunate and infirmed adventurers who wandered into this pub.

On her way in, she nodded a greeting to Samuel and decided to head towards the back of the pub to observe the patrons. There was always some poor lost soul looking for some healing and spiritual guidance. There were, however, a couple of unpleasant persons who do not take well to religious conversation... but people such as those are quite easy to point out of a crowd.

She enjoyed listening to the stories of those coming and going, and, although she didn't like to admit it.. she delighted in most of Knorr's experimental meals (Although she NEVER asked what it's ingredients were).

After a bit of a lull in the ambient conversation, she noticed the poor man from outside of the pub enter, she decided to approach him to see if there was any assistance she might provide.

"Is there perhaps, some aid you might require, Sire?"

[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 13, 2002).]

Oscar couldn't wait to taste what Knorr had prepared for him today. he enjoyed eating almost more than anything else. It had been a long hard day at the anvil and he was famished. It took alot of food to keep the 6 1/2 foot tall blacksmith at his desired weight of 280 pounds. Seeing the thin man enter the Inn, Oscar told the waitress to ask him if he would join him for the meal.

"Pardon me sir," Priscilla said to Naffin, "But the very large man over there was wondering if you would care to join him for a meal? I assure that he is very friendly despite his size. And I'm sure that your lady friend would be most welcome too." She did not wait for a reply, but kept on about her duties.

Oscar, seeing her ask, waved to them to join in the meal that Knorr had prepared. There was always enough to share with at least one or two thin patrons, even though Oscar's appetite was huge.

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 13, 2002).]

Naffin, stopped dead in his tracks. Evidently he should have been trying on the inside of the tavern rather than next to the entrance.

To the nice lady that offered him assistance: "No, thank you ma'am, I personally don't need aid, as part of my training I'm supposed to gather coin where it's available, and distribute it to where it's lacking, and I have to ring this bell.. but it's in my pack, and collect the said coin in this jar," Naffin shows Nyora the jar.

Naffin shakes the jar, "Ahmsahmsforthepoor?"

"Eh, I apologize, that large man over there generously wants to buy me something to eat. It would be rude for me to turn that down and... I know all about being treated rudely. In fact you are the first two charitable people I've met since leaving The Order.

I am Naffin Lickspigot, at your service." Naffin bows low. "Please accompany me to the table of the unselfish gentleman."

With that, Naffin eagerly heads towards the table where the enormous man is seated.



[This message has been edited by ArtEChoke (edited January 13, 2002).]

Grateful for the appreciation of kindness, Nyora nods in approval of the invite to Oscar's table. She headed towards the table, following the monk.

OOC: I assumed I knew who Oscar was since I've been to the Purple Worm before :)
By the way, Baldak... Nice save on the last post :p

Oscar smiled at the very thin human as he approached. "Come, come. Sit. Eat. Plenty food for all. Knorr always treat Oscar good." The huge man thrust a plate at each of the two that were approaching his table. His was already overflowing and there was plenty of food left on the platter. "I seen you in here before." Oscar commented to Nyora. "But you I no seen. You been many places? Me Oscar. Plenty good smith. Make goodly armor and stuff for Armand. Do bouncer thing here too for Sam." With that said, he put his huge hand out to offer a handshake to Naffin.

“At least that ‘bell ringer’ isn’t out front today”, Olanth muttered to himself as he Walked towards the Purple Worm. “Damn beggars.”
He hadn’t been in Jarla long, maybe a couple of weeks, and was already growing tired of the roots growing under his feet. That and the gold in his pocket was getting lighter. His stay there was definitely almost finished , one way or another.
As he walked in his eyes shot around the inn for Knorr. The chef was a suprisingly decent cook, and sometimes for a tall tale or two, you could get it for free. If you could withstand the pain, you could always ask him for a little song (you had to always remember to say “little” though). That almost always worked. Oscar thought that the cook would do much better if he actually made the patrons pay for their meals.
Not seeing Knorr anywhere, he thought to himself “I guess I leave on an empty stomach. Well, no sense in making this a wasted trip”. With that thought he wandered up to the bar. “Samuel, seen the cook? I feel like a bit of song today.” He said aloud as he tossed a couple pieces of copper onto the bar.
“I’ll tell you what.” Samuel chuckled as he served the ale. “I’ll buy the meal today, just PLEASE don’t ask him to sing.”
Olanth roared with laughter. Enough so that most of the patrons stopped what they were doing to see what was so funny. “Seems like I owe for the meal and saving my ears”, he roared. “When I return, I’ll repay the debt threefold.” Samuel smiled as he tended the other patrons. He’d heard that many times before and if half of them ever returned and repaid their debt he would be a rich man.
As he stood by the bar drinking his ale and surveying the inn, Olanth noticed Oscar sitting with his companions. Oscar was pretty much unmistakable in a crowd, he was one of the few Men Olanth had met who was larger than he was. “Hehe”, he chuckled to himself. “Maybe I should try begging for a profession”, as he saw Naffin and Nyora pull up a chair beside Oscar. “Free food and beautiful woman”. With that thought in his head he turned back to the bar to get another ale.

"Very pleased to make your aquaintence Oscar. I'm Naffin."

As Naffin watches, the humungous man's hand engulf's his own entirely up to the wrist in a powerful grip.

"I fear I have not in fact seen many places. I have walked far across the land, and seen much of the same however." Naffin replies to Oscar's question with a dissapointed tone.

He continues, "My travels have taught me a valuable lesson though... the 'Wisdom of the Bell and the Jar' - To help one man in need may, in fact, help no one, but to beat one man so that dies, may help hundreds."

Naffin smirks at his revelation.

"Perhaps you, or the lady," Naffin nods looks towards Nyora, "could tell me more about the land that I am in, or New Jarla, or anything really, this is all much better than ringing the bell."

"Ah, Olanth," Knorr noticed him as he entered and overheard his jokes with Samuel. "I don't think that uncultured barbarian would know a good song if it charmed him to sleep. Still, seems a tough fellow."

Knorr heard the call for a song and stepped to the side of the room, where the semi-cleared area that served as the Purple Worm's stage was. Looking directly at Olanth, he started to pipe a song.

"If you want to know about city, Sam knows everything. Just ask him." With that Oscar resumed eating and turned his attention to Knorr who was going to perform, Oscar enjoyed Knorr's songs almost as much as his cooking.

Seeing the barbarian enter the inn, Japheth decided that he looked promising. Approaching Olanth, Japheth musters all of his nerve and begins to speak. "Excuse me sir, I couldn't help but notice that you seem more than able to take care of yourself. Perhaps you would be interested in speaking to my master about a matter of utmost importance?"

“No need to be nervous my friend”, said Olanth laughing aloud as he turned his attention from Knorr’s song (and more importantly his ale). “Lucky for you I’m not nearly as mean as I am ugly. That is….” Then he looked at Japenth square in the eye. “Unless you get between me and my ale! HA….HA…HA….”

After he finished finding himself funny (and he was often the only one that did), Olanth straightened himself and continued in a slightly (very slightly) more serious tone. “Today is a good day indeed. I might be interested my friend. Just who is this master of yours and of what matter would he speak?”

Japeth chuckled to himself. He did indeed find the barbarian amusing, and he felt more at ease seeing Olanth's generally jovial mood. "Well, my master's name is Montague Esterhauze. He is the Minister of Trade here in New Jarla. As to what task he most urgently needs accomplished, I'm not at liberty to say except that he will pay handsomely. Do you have any friends that would be willing to accompany you? I was instructed to obtain the services of several adventurers but, you see I'm not a very good judge of such things. So if you and some of your friends would go out to his estate in the morning, He would be able to explain what he needs."

Olanth was now thinking that this was indeed his lucky day. Especially since his ale fund was almost non-existent by now. There still was the problem of companions though. Olanth usually traveled alone and other than the cook knew no one in New Jarla. If this service required several people, where would he find them? After some quick he responded…..

“HA..HA. Today is a good day for both of us then my friend. My…uh…group just happens to be between …uh… deeds of good doing!! We would be more than happy to help…..to keep our skills sharp. Yes, we will indeed speak with this ‘Montagoo’. Where shall we meet him?”

After obtaining directions to the estate Olanth turned back to his remaining ale. “ Oh, stupid Olanth”, he thought to himself. “Group of one maybe. What were you thinking? And how am I to think on an empty stomach?” (Then the dim light finally went off in Olanth’s head).

“Knorr ! He shouted as the cook was walking off the stage. “What a wondrous song! Too bad I’ll be hearing no more of them for a while. I’m uh….off on a ….another mighty adventure…..” Olanth tried to think quickly…..” It would be a sad thing if I were not to ….hear such tales again, and the food in the wild is less than wonderful. I could use some assista….or a ….traveling companion. I get tired of talking to myself all of the time…..Maybe you know of someone …or 3.”

All of this thinking on his feet made Olanth’s head hurt and he was getting more confused at his own story. Eventually, he had no choice but to be blunt. “Nahh !! Knorr, a big shot in town has requested ‘my parties’ services. I don’t HAVE a party but I could sure use the coin. He is offering to pay handsomely he says. Why don’t ‘you’ accompany me, and you know all sorts of people. You could stop telling tales of adventures and ‘live one’. What do you say?"

Knorr was suspicious immediately after Olanth complimented his song, but after listening to the big thug's story, he started to become intrigued.

"No idea what this quest is then?" When Olanth said he didn't, Knorr continued, "Well, I hear that Nyora is pretty good with a bow. Heck, so is Samuel, and he's an old hand with the rapier too. Oscar would be a good one to have along for the intimidation factor. And what about Urkel, the little guy with the limp over by the door? He wields a fine pick."

Knorr walked over to Nyora, offered his greetings, and motioned Olanth to tell her and Oscar his story. "Oh, hello there, Naffin. Good to see you. How's the spot outside the Worm? Need some shade out there?"

Rising from the table to greet Knorr, she pauses for just a moment in the middle of her greeting, noticing an unsightly man walking with him.

"Oh, good day to y..you, Knorr. What can I do for you?"

Knorr motioned the man to speak. The man explained his need for several adventurers to accompany him to Montague Esterhauze's estate in the morning for a quest of some sort. He also mentioned payment of some sort. Thinking that it was perfect timing for such an event (especially since, in her attempt to aid in Naffin's cause, she realized she was a bit on the needy side, herself).

"Very well, then. I will meet you at the estate in the morning. Oh, (shaking her head in a moment of confusion) forgive my manners, my name is Nyora Meil"



[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 15, 2002).]

Despite his headache, Karak Oakwood, hastily made his way through a crowded street in the fortified port town of New Jarla. He cut down an alley, checking back to make sure he wasn't being followed. He felt as if he was running from his past. Well, it was all behind him now. What was done, was done. He could either mope around in self pity or make the most of his situation. Part of him wanted to stow aboard the next ship and get back to home. The other part of him wanted him to quit dwelling in the past and get on with his life. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but some feeling from inside himself made him think he should stick around New Jarla for a few more days. He hadn't exactly given the Island of Thoris a chance.

When he came out on the other end of the alley, he took a seat on an abandoned crate by the side of the road to rest a moment. As he was gathering his thoughts he noticed a tavern by the name of the Purple Worm, and the people that were visiting it. Cities always offered strange lots, and taverns were always the centers of attraction.


Karak preferred to just sit back and watch the tavern's entrance and its patrons for awhile. He recieved a few strange looks himself, but didn't return them. He noticed a well dressed gentleman asking something to everyone that passed by. Karak watched and listened and it didn't take long before he learned that a man was sent on an errand to find adventurers. It appeared that Montague Esterhauze was in need of some services, and that those interested should go to his estate in the morning.

*C'mon you like a good adventure.* Karak shifted.
*I don't know about this.* He fidgeted with his axe by his side.
*You can't resist. Go on, give it a try.* He got up from his seat slowly.
*Alright, but you had better be right about this.*

He approached the tavern, and once inside he seated himself quietly along the wall.

Gathering around the table, Knorr, Naffin, and Nyora listened to Olanth as he explained about a possible task that sounded promising. While they were discussing it, they were approached by a cloaked figure. He identified himself as Karak, and he had overheard about some task involving reward, and he wanted to join. It was decided that they would all meet back at the inn and be off in the morning.

Samuel explained to them where the Ministers estate was, and the group left, heading east toward Oakhurst. They noticed an increased number of patrols, but when they stopped one to inquire about the matter, they were told to just be careful and report anything suspicious to the sergeant of the closest patrol. They arrived at Oakhurst around mid-day.

The Esterhauze estate was easy to spot, and the party approached the entrance gate where they were stopped by two guards. They explained to one guard the nature of their business, and he sent for Japheth. Upon his arrival, the party was escorted inside the main house and led to a room where they were told to wait. Montague Esterhauze, the Minister of Trade, soon entered the room and explained to the group that his two children were adventurers also, but that they had disappeared about a month ago. He wanted the party to search out the area north of Oakhurst, where he believed they went. The party was to bring his children back safe, or bring their signet rings if found dead. He would pay each of them 200 Gold for each ring or double that for his children’s safe return.

The party set off at once, heading north along an old road that lead into the hills. After traveling for another 4 hours, the road turned toward the east. At this point, they could see a deep ravine with some pillars standing along the edge near the center. Upon closer inspection, they found that a knotted rope had been tied to one of the pillars, and it descended into the ravine. There were many tracks around the pillars, and they decided that the two wayward adventurers had gone into this ravine. The sun was beginning to set, so the party set up camp for the night. During the night, they were attacked by 7 tree-like creatures standing about 4 feet tall. They were dispatched with no problem. Karak and Knorr had heard rumors about such creatures, they were called Twig Blights and they fed on the blood of living creatures, killing them and then sucking the blood through their root-like feet.

In the morning, they descended the rope. Oscar remained at the top to guard the camp and Knorr’s goat. At the bottom of the rope, the group found a stairway that continued downward in 10 foot intervals with landings in-between. On the third such landing, Knorr noticed a hole in the ravine wall. He thrust his light encased spear into the hole, and was attacked by a very large rat, about 3 feet long. He easily killed the rat, thrusting his spear into the creature, and two more emerged from the hole. Olanth sliced one in half with his Bastard Sword while Nyora pierced one with an arrow, and the rats were dead. Knorr, discovered seven tiny gemstones in the rat nest.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, some 100 feet down, the party came to what appeared to be a castle. It looked as though it had been swallowed up by the earth and there was a large debris field surrounding it. They arrived inside a courtyard that lead up toward a tower. The tower had a door in the center.

Each party member received 200 experience.

A "Player Map" can be found at my site. http://people.ne.mediaone.net/frankmarianne/
the link is called Fortress Durbuluk


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 16, 2002).]

As Karak examines the tracks found on the cavern floor, Naffin approaches Knorr:

"Knorr, a moment. Something has been bothering me since we fought those creatures at the cliffside...

"Minister Montague had told us a few things that may or may not be of coincidence. One, the Priest of Simberal, who was found dead by the roadside, was clawed by some creature. Two, one of the missing party members *knew about the wilderness,* and Three, they were in search of a magical tree that produced a special fruit of some kind...

"Lets say for the sake of argument that their *friend* was a druid. Druids have ways of controlling plant creatures, such as these Twig Blights. These are clearly creatures of the wood.

"Perhaps the Druid (if it is in fact a druid) is seeking this tree for reasons other than healing fruit, and the Priest had detected this. The druid summons, or somehow utilizes said creatures to kill the priest, and he is found by the roadside - clawed to death.

"Perhaps the fruit, or its seeds are the source of these creatures.

"Finding and controlling this tree, and the creatures, could be the intent of this one, if this theory were to be correct.

"I understand, however, that it is far too early to tell, but I wonder what your thoughts are on this."




[This message has been edited by ArtEChoke (edited January 16, 2002).]

Knorr has, in fact, started to suspect that Naffin, whom he considered a mere beggar that invited himself along when Knorr was really after Oscar, is actually a bit more than he previous suspected.

"Maybe he's one of those peace-niks," Knorr thought to himself. "I notice he didn't take part in either of the fights."

Then aloud: "Well, from what I know about twig blights, you could very well be right, Naffin.

"And even if that's not the way things shake out, it occurs to me that we shouldn't assume that Maid and Master Montague will be happy to see us. They may have been working with this druid of yours or have decided to abandon the path of good men.

"By the way, you seem a stealthy sort. Perhaps you should take my place alongside Karak scouting ahead. Nyora and I are most useful in any encounter as the second line. Just don't let Olanth sneak up behind you."

Naffin thinks for a moment.

"Yes, a wise observation of the Montagues. If we find them alive, we should handle them with caution. We may not be rescuing them, so much as interrupting them."

"I'm sure we'll speak of this again as we proceed," he hesitates once more, and continues:

"I will take your comment about Olanth into advisement." he finishes, looking sidelong at the huge barbarian.

Kneeling, Karak searched for tracks and clues amidst the sunken courtyard and at the base of the tower. What he came to notice was that in roughly a five by ten area in front of the door on the tower, there was nothing. At first glance one might not notice such an observation, but looking deeper one would notice that no tracks, no dust, no signs of anything, laid in front of the door. This compared to the rest of the area, which on this level of detail looked as one would expect an area of land that got swallowed in an earthquake should, perturbed Karak.

He rose to his feet and approached his adventuring compainions with this observation.

With Karak's observation of the out of place area, Naffin decides to take a brief look for anything unusual in the area surrounding the tower.

After searching through the debris however, he manages to turn up nothing (with the obvious exception of debris).

Thinking that the "clean" area may have been someone's overzealous attempt to conceal their passage, Naffin decides to take a closer look at the door. Before reaching the door, however, he notices a crack, or an irregularity where the 'clean' area meets the natural ground.

Crouching down, he looks closer at the break in the ravine floor, and follows its perimeter around the conspicuous area. The seam in the floor forms a perfect 5x10 rectangle, roughly one foot from the door of the tower.

Naffin calls out, "I think this is a moving panel. It could be a push plate, or a sliding panel, or a trapdoor, I'm unsure."

"I wonder if its pressure sensitive, or perhaps tampering with the door activates it..."

Nyora glanced at the pile of debris upon hearing Naffin's discovery. She then glanced back at the rectangle on the floor.

Addressing the group: "If the trap is indeed 'pressure sensitive' then opening the door won't do us any good at all. Perhaps we should put some of the debris on top of the rectangle, rocks or....something. Then we might be able to trigger the trap door, without harm to anyone else, and without fooling ourselves into thinking it is safe to cross simply because the door is open."


[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 18, 2002).]

"Unless, of course, it's not a trap but an alarm."

Knorr looks up to see if there are accessible windows, as he's now quite sure the party would like to be inside the tower, if not for safety then for glory.

[This message has been edited by Shralp (edited January 18, 2002).]

"Maybe it is an alarm of some sort. I'm not sure. If we open the door it might just let someone know that people are crossing that particular threshold. I don't know exactly how... but I suppose it's possible. The only question that remains is, what do we treat it as: A trap door or an alarm of some kind? If it is an alarm, than I don't see how there is any way we can open that door without setting it off."

Not knowing exactly what to do, Nyora addressed Naffin "Is there any way you can check for traps on the tower door without actually stepping on the rectangle?"



[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 18, 2002).]

After standing back and listening to the conversations so far (especially the cook’s earlier wise crack), Olanth turns towards Knorr and laughs in amusement as he addresses him.“ Maybe I could place you on the panel and then we could find out if it is indeed a trap or not!” He laughs for a moment then continues, “ Do not worry cook. My stomach cannot bear the thought of losing you just yet.” He chuckles yet again to himself and then in a slightly more serious tone continues, “I think we should first see if there is another way into this place. If not, then maybe we could find a way to bridge this panel, allowing us to enter without touching it in any way.”

Olanth then turns his attention towards Nyora, “If you possess the ability to check this panel for magical properties, we would at least know that much about it.”

Then seeming to completely lose all interest in the conversation at hand, he turns away and starts to mumble to himself, “Ughh !…. All of this thinking on an empty stomach. I should have grabbed some rat steaks while I had a chance.”

After checking the tower door for traps, Naffin, having not found any, opened the door, and looked inside. Awaiting them was a circular chamber with 4 dead goblins strewn about, recently slain and one skewered to the wall by a spear. Seeing two doors leading out of the chamber, they decided to check the one in the northwest section. Behind it was a hallway leading west. Three doors could be seen down it, thanks to the sunrods given to Naffin by Oscar. Two of the doors were about 30 feet down the hall, one on each side, and the last was at the end. The door on the north wall of the hallway lead to an empty chamber. The one on the south wall, an Iron bound oaken door with a carved relief on it, was locked. The door at the end lead into an irregular shaped chamber with a cage in the southern section, a bench in front of it, and a bedroll on the floor. Coming from beneath the bedroll, whimpering could be heard. Knorr moved the bedroll aside with his short-spear revealing the curled up body of a whimpering kobold. Knorr, speaking draconic, began a discourse with the creature. He found out the creature was called Meepo, who spoke in broken Common in return. He was guarding his tribes dragon protector, which had been stolen by goblins. Meepo offered to take the party to his queen, Drasyl, who knew more than him. Karak, during the conversation decided to search the room and found five jade figurines carved into the likeness of a dragon. They accepted the offer and followed Meepo through a door in the center of the west wall, down a hallway, around a corner, and into the throne room of Drasyl.

The party explained to Drasyl that they were looking for a party of humans that had possibly ventured into the sunken castle. She explained that she had seen such a group. They had gone off to fight the goblins, and had not returned. There were four; one knight, one woodsman, one swordsman, and one female wizard. Knowing that they would have to return through the realm of the kobolds, the group decided to aid them in retrieving their stolen dragon. Queen Drasyl offered a reward if they returned with their dragon, and would send Meepo with them as Calcryx, the dragon, would respond well to him. The reward was to be three scrolls, one potion, and the key to the tomb of the dragon priest. The party, having accepted the rescue mission, returned to the room where the dragon was kept, and exited through the door in the northern corner of the east wall.

They followed the hallway revealed to the end where they found a door on the north wall. Opening this door they found an empty chamber. Karak identified several sets of tracks, and determined that the other humans went through the door on the north wall. Opening the door, they entered another chamber, this one has a door on the west wall, a hall leading out to the north, and a fountain in the eastern area with a statue of a dragon in the center. Naffin discovered that the door on the west wall was trapped. Karak found the bottom of the fountain was coated by a film. Carvings on the west door were found to read “Channel good, open the way”, written in draconic, while similar carvings at the base of the dragon statue read “Let there be fire”, Knorr provided the translations. The statue was made in the image of a red dragon. In fact all the images of dragons they had seen so far were of the same red dragon, identified by Knorr as Ashardalon, a female ancient red that he had read about. Not being able to determine how to open the trapped door, the party continued to the north. After 10 feet, they came to a crossroad intersection. The hall to the north went further than they could see, but there were some doors ahead on each side. The hall to the west went for 10 feet, and ended in a door while the hall to the east went 10 feet and ended in a pile of rubble. Finding that the tracks went both north and west, they decided to head west.

Opening the door, they found a room with a single door in the west corner of the north wall. Naffin failed to find the alarm trap attached to this door, and when the door was opened, the two goblin guards were alerted. They threw a barrage of javelins down a small hallway from their hidden location behind a small battlement built at the other end, Naffin was hit by one and took minor damage. Nyora cast bless on the party, and Knorr sang an inspiring tune. Karak went to charge down the hall, but he quickly found the floor of the hall covered with a multitude of caltrops. He stopped short and took out his sling. Naffin threw a dagger, hitting one of the goblins in the eye, killing it, while Karak having readied his sling, hit the other with similar effects. A search of the goblins yielded 44 silver pieces, 16 javelins, and four sacks designed to hold the caltrops in the hallway. Naffin and Knorr each took 4 javelins, Naffin collected one sack of caltrops, and all the silver was taken. The room the goblins were in had another door on the south wall. Moving through this door cautiously, the party discovered another room with a battlement in it. This one also had three target dummies against the south wall. Attempting to move hidden, Naffin, Karak, and Knorr tried to approach the battlement. They were assaulted by a hail of four javelins, thrown by the four goblins behind the wall. Knorr, Naffin, Karak, and Olanth moved up to the wall. Meepo yelled that he would cover them as they attempted to climb over the wall. Olanth was the first to go over the wall, and as the goblin tried to attack him, he was struck by a bolt from Meepo’s crossbow and fell dead. Olanth then swung his sword at another, slicing the creature in two with a mighty blow. The remaining two goblins threw their weapons down and lay prone on the floor. One, speaking in common, said, “We give up.”

Each party member received 150 experience points.
The updated Player Map can be viewed at: http://people.ne.mediaone.net/frankmarianne/Jalpiar/Player_Map.JPG


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 21, 2002).]

Knorr climbs the battlement and leans casually on his short spear.

"Olanth," he whispers to the barbarian in Common, "how about towering over my shoulder and making it clear to the goblins what will happen to them if they do not cooperate? Finger your sword or something."

Knorr waves to the rest of the party to join them on the other side of the battlement and then in the goblin language says, "You two can either join your two dead friends or tell us what we want to know.

"First. A party of four humans came through here. Did you see them, and where did they go?"

[This message has been edited by Shralp (edited January 22, 2002).]

Naffin, not sure he wants to see what's about to happen to the surviving goblins, instead turns his attention to the doors along the West and North walls.

Beginning with the handle of the southern most door, he examines the opening mechanism...

ooc: Baldak, he'll search each door for traps and alarms, so might as well give me a roll for each.

[This message has been edited by ArtEChoke (edited January 22, 2002).]

One of the goblins, after mustering up some courage, begins to speak to Knorr in goblin. "I can't tell you about what I ain't seen, but there were three humans that tried to bully their way through here. One is dead, and the other two were sent down by Durnn."

OoC: Naffin does not find any traps on any of the three doors, and the southern one is locked, but the other two are not.


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 25, 2002).]

Knorr translated the answer into Common for the rest of the party and, keeping his eyes on the prone goblins, turned to Meepo and asked in Draconic, "Do you know who or what Durnn is?"

Then again to the goblins in their own tongue, "Where is the dead one's body, and where can we find the other two now?" Knorr wasn't sure he believed the goblin, but it looked like Olanth's presence was having the desired effect.

Meepo approached Knorr cautiously, he did not trust the goblins. "Durnn is Goblin Cheif. He one bad ass. Me no want to meet up with him."

The goblin, still staring at the large barbarian, spoke again. "The dead one is probably Dragon fodder now, as you will all be. Durnn will be plenty angry when he finds you."

Nyora walked over to Knorr after he translated for the goblin.

"Ask the goblin which one of the party was killed."

When Knorr finished translating to them,, Nyora walked over to Naffin and voiced a probably shared and understood discrepancy in the goblins account of the humans.

"He mentioned a total of 3 humans. Where is the other human that Drasyl spoke of?"



[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 25, 2002).]

Knorr translated for the others and then said "Worry less about Durnn and more about Olanth and Knorr," as he indicated the barbarian and himself respectively. "Which of the humans was killed, and where? Continue speaking, goblin, and we just may let you live instead of letting Meepo end your lives like he did the unfortunate dead one over there."

Having regained some of his courage, the goblin seemingly ignores Knorr's threat. "A human is a human. I can't tell them apart. They all look the same to me. He carried a sword and wore armor. All part of our treasure now. And I am not worried about Durnn, but you should be. He will beat you to a pulp, then turn all of you into soup."
The goblin then spits at Knorr, hitting the Bard on the boot with the slimy spittle.

Knorr suddenly looks far less friendly than your average singing chef. He places his spear point lightly on the nape of the other goblin's neck and speaks to him. "Goblin, listen carefully.

"Your friend is as good as dead. If you tell Olanth here where we can find the dragon, he may be overjoyed enough that he will not have me cook up a batch of goblin-leg chowder. Speak now."



[This message has been edited by Shralp (edited January 25, 2002).]

Feeling the point of the spear on his neck, the goblin, too afraid to speak, simply points to the northern door on the west wall. The other goblin still feeling quite brave, wriggles forward and tries to bite Knorr on the foot.

"Right."

Knorr notices the attempt to devour a chef and, noting that such is the most feared fate of those in the culinary arts, kicks the goblin in the teeth. The goblin dutifully collapses unconscious.

"Now then," Knorr says, turning to the other goblin. "How do we open that door?" He indicates the locked door Naffin was talking about. "And which way did the humans who were not killed go?"

[This message has been edited by Shralp (edited January 25, 2002).]

Naffin nods at Nyora, "Yes it seems that everytime we speak of the missing adventurers the size of the party changes - very strange. Perhaps the 'woodsman' has left them?"

Continuing: "One of those doors is locked, we should see if one of those goblins, living or dead, has the key to it, or with any luck a ring of keys for doors around here. We will make lots of noise breaking through every locked door we come across."

With that, Naffin again moves to each door, one at a time, and listens at them for the sounds of activity or the possiblity of an oncoming patrol.

The remaining conscious goblin removes a piece of string from around his neck and holds it out, on the end is tied a key. The goblin then makes some noises and points to his throat, revealing a scar.

OoC: Naffin does not hear anything from beyond the doors on the north wall or the northern door on the west wall. Beyond the southern door on the west wall, he hears some faint moaning.

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 25, 2002).]

Keeping his spear against the remaining goblin, Knorr yanks the key off his neck and throws it to Naffin.

While the interrogation of the goblins went on, Karak borrowed Olanth's torch long enough to get a good look at some tracks in the room.

First, he noticed that a scuffle had taken place in this room, one that had seemed worse than theirs. Upon further inspection, Karak noticed that there were three sets of human tracks, and they all led to the north door. Only a few other tracks headed to the other door.

He gave Olanth his torch back, and told the everyone of his discoveries after eying the goblins suspiciously.

"I have some rope we can use if need be. We've got to keep these goblins somewhere, so they can't go running off. We could take them back to the kobolds. Any other ideas?"

While Naffin listened at the doors Nyora checked the two dead goblin's bodies to see if there was anything of worth. She found 18 silver pieces and a silver flask. She then approached Naffin to show him the flask and sp.

"Have you any idea what this is?"

Just then, Karak told of his discovery of the human tracks. She took a step towards Karak, just in time to avoid the key chain that Knorr had thrown to Naffin.

[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 25, 2002).]

Naffin picks the key up off the ground where it landed near his feet, and tries it on the lock of the door...The key turns and Naffin hears the tumblers fall.

"Olanth, Karak, be ready... there was breathing inside."

Naffin opens the door.




[This message has been edited by ArtEChoke (edited January 26, 2002).]

Squalor, filth, and crude torture devices fill the chamber Naffin is now seeing. Three small, horned humanoids (Kobolds) are roughly tied to a large spike near the entrance. Their bodies are covered with small cuts and bruises. In the far north west corner, a battered gnome languishes inside a rusty iron cage, small even for him. Along the walls, rusted manacles are attached. In the center of the room, a large table sits, its gears and wheels giving away the cruel intent of this rack.

The kobolds sit on the floor moaning. The gnome inside the cage raises his arm and waves at Naffin. "Thank the gods. Perhaps I won't have to remain here for the rest of my life."


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 26, 2002).]

Naffin hesitates, trying to take in everything that he is suddenly confronted with. After a moment, he simply calls out, "Knorr, I think I know where we can put those goblins."

"In fact perhaps you should come and look at this, Meepo I believe this will be of interest to you as well..."

Naffin cautiously enters and carefully looks around for a possible key to the cage might be kept as he makes his way into the room. He stops at the Kobolds, and observing that hey are obviously in no shape to cause any trouble once freed, produces a dagger and begins to cut them free of their restraints.

As he is doing so, he addresses the gnome for the first time: "Excuse me Mister Gnome, would you happen to know where the key is for your current lodging? I'm afraid that you can not stay there, as it is going to have new occupants moving in shortly."

After peering into the room, Nyora decided to search the "unconscious" goblin, in the hopes that he might have the key to the gnome's unfortunate enclosure.




[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 26, 2002).]

The gnome perked up at hearing a friendly voice. "Well, I'm afraid that the key to my lock is in the hands of that large brute, Durnn. Perhaps you have someone strong that could bust me out. This lock is somewhat rusted and perhaps not as good as it once was. By the way, my name is Erkastinous Q. Timbers, but most everyone simply calls me Erky. I think I would have been goblin gruel by now if it weren't for the fact that I'm a wizard. I have been able to check things out for the cheif as far as to their magical properties, so he keeps me around."

OoC: After searching the unconscious goblin's body, Nyora finds 18 silver pieces in a small pouch. Having been freed by Naffin, and seeing Meepo, the three battered kobolds approach Meepo, talking to him in low voices.

Meepo addresses Knorr, "Hey boss, these three wish to know if they can go back home."

Finding nothing but silver, and hearing that this goblin did not have the key anyway, Nyora left the unconscious goblin and walked into the apparent torture chamber.

"I didn't find anything on the unconscious one, Naffin. Only more silver pieces."
Addressing Olanth, "Do you think you can help this gnome out a bit and see if there is some way your strength can free him?"



[This message has been edited by Xenecor (edited January 27, 2002).]

After moving aside so Nyora could feel up the unconscious goblin, Knorr uses his spear to urge the other goblin to stand and pushes him into the room Naffin unlocked. "Where do you want this guy, Naffin?"

When Meepo asks about letting the kobolds go free, Knorr says "That sounds good, so long as no one else objects. Just make sure they know their rescuers were named Knorr, Nyora, Naffin, Olanth, and Karak."