Episode 16: A Rest in Between...

After having explored a large section of the Keep, the party decides to take a rest outside. They make their way back through the Maze of Caves, back past the storerooms and guard rooms, and exit the Keep. It is dark out when they arrive back on the surface.

Arden sits close to the fire in the party's camp, rubbing his hands together and trying to get the chill out of his bones. "Well that was quite a day! It is very unfortunate that we lost a friend, but I believe we made good progress. Rest up, tomorrow is likely to bring tougher trials yet." With that Arden begins meditating on what he has learned in these past few days, training to strengthen his mind and bond with the dark powers from beyond.

As he rests and meditates, images of his past teachings flood his mind. Lessons of the power of the Infernal and the dark bindings of their knowledge consume his thoughts, power surges through his sub-concious granting him a firmer grasp on the dark powers he seeks.

Varro helps Brann carry Ehud to the campsite. and after a few moments of reflection on his fallen companion, he joins Arden at the fire. "I feel dat we all have much ta reflect on dis evenin. I be reckenin dat we all will be much refreshed come da mornin." Varro drinks from the waterskin of ale then offers it to Arden.

Sitting quietly, something he doesn't do very often, he reflects a bit on your fighting styles, trying to figure out a better way to do things. After a while of going over the lessons of past battles, he is able to come up with a few new moves that should put the hurting on some Filthy Greenskins. His axes feel lighter in his hands, and his eyes feel even more trained for combat than before.

Arden takes the waterskin from Varro and drinks before returning it to the Dwarf. "Thank you friend."

Wilam finds a patch of grass and sits cross-legged in it. He begins a short traditional chant that aligns his mind. He lets his mind recount the experiences of the last week... battling kobolds, meeting new adventurers, defeating undead in the graveyard and finally discovering what may lie beneath the nearby keep. Finally, he sifts through some loose scripts and pages that were wedged between random pages of his tome.

Studying them closely, he can't seem to remember where they came from. After transcribing a particularly interesting Elven text, he decides to give it a try. He reads the text of the key phrase, "ξεθώριασμα φεγγάρι". Instantly, but only for a moment his body fades into a ghostly mist. Hmmm... interesting indeed! It seems these moon elves are more useful than their primitive nature suggests. I'm sure I'll be able to use this in the battles to come. Wilam spends the next hour making an exact copy of the spell on a page still attached to his tome.

The knowledge gained from the pages found in his tome give him confidence in his quest to understand the mysteries of the Divine. One step closer to mastering his Arcane Arts. The more he learns, he feels, the more powerful he becomes. The energies derived from these spells is a dangerous tool indeed.

Wilam eventually tires of his studies and falls into a deep sleep. He doesn't remember to offer to help with the night watch.

Brann sits down after carrying out the ritual to preserve Ehud's body. He is drained from the day's fighting and the loss of a comrade. However, looking over to Belimir lightens his spirits as he sees the druid appreciating his shinies.

Being able to take pleasure in the simple joys of nature and the world around. When did I lose the ability for that level of appreciation and wonder? I'm not exactly the oldest of dwarves yet. Brann chuckles to himself as he conjures up images of his clan elders and realises he is far from old in the eyes of his clan. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from Belimir, we certainly don't get many like him back home.

"Come Belimir, while you inspect your new shinies why don't I tell you about those stories I learnt from my teachers in the halls of Moradin."

Belimir never felt this tired. His muscles ached, his head was throbbing and shinies just weren`t that interesting. Sure, he played with them for a while, watched how the sparks changed colours when he was watching the fire through his amethyst, but he grew tired from it quickly. I must become stronger. He appreciated Brann`s interest in his training, and since he promised him a story or two, Belimir went to the dwarf. Maybe it will change his mood.

Brann starts to share some of the heroic tales of great dwarven clerics that he learnt from his temple elders while growing up. He tries to explain how the source of power that the clerics draw upon is a way of channelling the energies that exist in the world as an aspect of their deity.

"Moradin is always watching over us and his power infuses those who worship him. When we are acting to help spread the message and faith of his teachings, we are able to use some of his power to aid us in our endeavours."

"I'm not sure how it works for those who walk the arcane paths", he says nodding over at Wilam and Arden, "but I sense that the way you are able to harness the powers of nature may be closer to our clerical ways. Perhaps you can share your ideas to help my understanding?"

That wasn`t much of a story!.........An introduction maybe? Belimir carefully listened for what Brann had to say. He was silent for a few moments. How can people believe in such small things as Gods?

"In nature, only one thing is important. Balance. Unlike chaos, where everything dissolves and gravitates towards entropy, or the cities where races try to organize things by artificial laws, nature takes care of itself, in perfect balance. Nowhere can you find such harmony or such tranquility with life being present at the same time. But nature is delicate. Balance is delicate. In their short lives, races don`t see that they are affecting this balance. Long before your Gods established themselves as rulers of the universe, the primal spirits were there. Manifestations of all things present and living. Souls if you`ll have it that way, of mountains, of seas, of the stars. Of every stream and every breeze, every stone and gem in the ground. As the living world evolved, so did these spirits take form of the new creatures and now you have The Great Bear and The World Serpent, The Watchful Eye and The Silent Death. They existed in this world, organized things by the simplest of laws. Even now they are here, present in every part of our life. You rarely see them at work, you don`t hear them when they speak, you don`t even have to believe they exist, but they are here. And through them, we, the Primal disciples gain our powers, evocations." His voice slowly trails off to a whisper as Belimir was thinking about something, then suddenly, his eyes were again fixated on Brann, a smile on his face. "You still owe me a story old dwarf. And if it`s good, I`ll tell you one legend of the Primals in return."

"I do indeed owe you a story."

Brann takes a deep breath, recalling the facts of a story he learned about long ago.

The cleric begins:

"Thoragrim was one of the great ancestors in my clan and a great champion for Moradin. His greatest battle was against a vile demonic entity that threatended our clan. An evil human sorceror had used his unnatural powers to raise a fiery raging demon-beast named Chogath. It had run rampant over the nearby settlements and Thoragrim and his companions set off to face it in the valley outside our halls. They had to fight through swathes of cultists that were worshipping Chogath and had taken many wounds before they finally faced the demon."

"During the battle Thoragrim's companions charged at the demon and blasted and rained upon it with blade, axe, thunder and ice. Thoragrim was taxed to his limit pouring forth his healing energies to keep his companions fighting. It was not enough however. Despite inflicting many wounds on Chogath, one by one Thoragrim's companions were killed by wounds too severe for him to heal. At last he faced Chogath alone, drained by his efforts but also filled with rage and agony over his companions and the fate of their settlement. He uttered his final prayer to Moradin and advanced on the demon with his faith blazing brightly around him. As Chogath charged and tore at him, the power of Moradin channelled into him and ripped apart the demon, but it was too much for the mortal body of Thoragrim. Thoragrim was found by his clan barely holding onto his life and brought back to the temple of Moradin. He followed in the footsteps of our ancestors and went to stand at the side of Moradin."

"Although he saved our clan and defeated a great evil, that is not what made him a true champion of Moradin. After his death, his journals were read to pass on his teachings to the next generation of clerics. Within these it was discovered that Thoragrim had been having visions of the final battle and his companions death for many months. He had known that the battle he was going into would result in his and their deaths but there was no mention of whether they would be victorious. Despite this, Thoragrim had devotion in his deity and the faith and belief that he was carrying out a higher purpose. He did not beseech Moradin for knowledge of the outcome of the battle. He fought and knew that he was championing a cause greater than his and his companions. It was this belief and devotion to Moradin that allowed him to overcome Chogath and save our clan. Our power comes from our faith and it is only by following the true path of our beliefs that we will be bestowed with the gifts to further them."

Brann sits back to reflect on what he has said and how it relates to Belimir's talk of the great natural spirits.

Belimir listened carefully to Brann`s story. It was interesting, although, for him a bit predictable. But he still liked it. And the fact that these dwarfs have great respect for their ancestors. After thinking for a while about this story, he began talking about a legend he promised Brann.

"When the Gods made war against the Primordials, at the dawn of time, battles raged across the worlds for uncounted centuries. At one point, Gods gained the upper hand, banishing and imprisoning some of the powerfull Primordials. Still, the war threatened the very existance of these worlds. In the last days of this war, a force made itself known throughout the cosmos. Spiritual expressions of the worlds themselves. And it was these spirits that declared an end to the conflict. These worlds will not be a playground for neither Gods nor Primordials. Both forces were banished to their home planes, and mighty spirits decreed a balance. The world would remain a place where matter and spirit mingled freely, life and death would be two parts of an orderly cycle. Seasons would change in their unending wheel without interference. Gods and Primordials could still touch these worlds it, but could never rule them again."

"Well. That was fun." Belimir says it with a large smile on his face. He really liked this casual, story exchanging conversation with Brann. "We could do this more often, don`t you think?" After saying that, he stretches and without a word, changes into a white panther. He winks to his companions and is off to the bushes to find a nice place to rest.

Francis slowly removes his armor. He sits quietly, staring at the flames but concentrating on the last few days. After a long while, he says, "I sink zat—ahem—I think that tomorrow will bring plenty of opportunities for revenge, which is what Ehud would have wanted."

Varro takes first watch and decides to himself who he will wake to take the next watch,

“hmmm, well if I be reckenin da way I be figurin I should be reckenin den I be reckenin dat I should be wakin someone dat not be a finger waggler, so I be reckenin dat .... hmmm ...ale... mmmm ... good stuff ...wut was I reckenin...DAMNIT ... oh yea ... I be reckenin dat I should be wakin a finger waggler ... hmmm ...no wait dat aint right ... not a finger waggler... yea ...is dat be it ...not a finger waggler... yea, dat be right.... so who be it dat don't be wagglin der fingers? ... well der be wilich... no he be a waggler, der be Darky,,, na he waggles from time to time ta time... how about sneaky ...he don't waggle dat I be knowin ov ... he be a gud one ta be a wakin, or I be figurin dat half-pint be a gud choosen I recken. so who be da one I be wakin ... oooo ...ale.... mmmm... “

This might take awhile.

Episode 15: Kruthik Lair

The darkness continues as you press further into the caverns. The light from your torch does little to cure the dreadful feeling you have deep within the keep.

Arden turns to Varro and whispers, "I don't have a good feeling about this place, it smells like death. Hopefully the others will join us soon." He peers about the room and floor to see if he can spot any tracks or signs of danger.

"Bah, suck it up Darky. I be figirin dat ya be right at home where it be smellin ov death an such. Lets jus get dis part ov da keep cleared out and den we can be havin an ale or two or tree at da tavern. Ya jus be followin da Cannonball an ev'rting goin ta be jus fine. Lets go, if dos pansy asses wanta go sniffin rocks and slime in dat room den we be gettin dis done right ... We got dis. Damnit Darky stop holding on ta me like I be your long lost lassy or something"

"Um, I can see just as well as you my short little friend... That isn't me holding on to you. Maybe you are holding onto yourself? Are you cold?"

"Den Light a damn torch, jus cause I can see don't be needin ta be playing seein eye dog ta a bunch of finger wagglers."

"Haha, I don't need a damn torch Dwarf! You forget my Elven blood mixed with my Human blood! And Wilam has his light spell, so what are you grumbling about!! You need an ale my friend!"

Seeming confused as to who is holding who, and not wanting anyone to be holding him without his say so, Varro pulls out one of the recently found sunrods and lights the room with it.

Seeing Arden's hand on his shoulder, "Ya bloody liein Darky, get ya hand off me. *Belly Laugh*

Arden looks at his two hands again....neither on the Dwarf. "Nope! Not me Shorty! You are still very, very confused!"

Varro places the sunrod back in his pack

"Da least ya could bloody do is warm ya hands up ... de be as cold as a well diggers arse"

Arden stuffs his hands down his pants for a few moments, then pulls them out and reaches for the confused Dwarf. "Dat nice an warm fer ya den?" He chuckles, trying to mimic the Dwarf's accent.

Belimir slowly and carefully follows the two. "What did you find? And why aren`t you waiting for the others?"

"Hey there mes amis! It sure is dark in these caverns isn't it? Have we found something further in the caves?"

The halfling shuffles up to the rest of the group, interested in what they have found.

A ten-foot-deep pit looks as if it were once concealed by a layer of thin flagstone, which now lies crumpled and broken at the bottom, around the unmoving form of a broken, six-limbed reptile.

Wilam arives behind the group. "I can't see anything..." Placing his hand on the top of his tome, Wilam speaks a word of light into it and it begins shining brightly.

The cavern brightens instantly with the Light spell of Wilam's. The pit is illuminated even further, making it much easier to see into.

Other than the obvious pit in front of them, Wilam is unable to notice anything else.

As Arden's half-elven eyes adjust to the bright light brought by Wilam, he tries to see if there is a way around the pit. "Glad you all joined the party! Brann and Jiles still sleeping in that little cubby we found?" Arden chuckles at his attempt at humor.

"Do we have to climb into this pit to get across or can we get around on the edge?"

Arden turns back to Wilam, "Hey Wilam... are you able to cast that light spell on Varro? Since he is leading the way we should probably put the light on him, and the rest of us just try to stay in range of the light behind him. Hopefully everyone has their own light source if we get seperated."

"Of course." Wilam moves up to Varro and touches the blade of his axe, "Φως". The light of his tome dissipates and the axe head surges with light.

"aye, tanks ... so much fer me sneaky ways ... *belly laugh* (echos down the cavern)"

Holding his axe up and out in front of himself, Varro Slowly advances further into the cavern.

As the bright axe moves into the caverns, Arden progresses slowly behind it, and then up beside Varro as he stops. He moves around the outside of the pit, not sure if he wants to try climbing out.

Varro and Arden move forward into the caverns.

On the walls around them, they notice several small tunnels, two feet wide, dug through the wall. Too small for any of the party to fit through though, except Francis.

A nose-wrinkling, snakelike musk issues from further into the chamber ahead.

As Arden moves up beside Varro, the flagstone floor crumbles beneath him, dropping him into a dank pit.

" Ya gots ta be watchin ya step better den dat, Darky. Now get up ere. looks like we's gots ourselves a fight brewin"

Varro lowers his axe into the pit to help Arden to get out.

While helping Arden out of the pit, Varro looks to the others following up.

"Ya better watch yer steps, looks ta be a minefield of pits and traps up dis way, Wheredahell be dat damn sneaky one? Damnit Lad get yer arse up ere and earn ya keep or I be likely ta start usein ya as me new battering ram!"

Brann enters the room behind the others and finds that they have encountered a bit of a problem. He sees that Arden has fallen down a hole, and Varro is helping him out.

Arden grumbles something about shoddy stonework as he stands and brushes himself off. He looks up to see his buddy Varro lowering his shining axe into the pit. "Thanks Cannonball!" Arden reaches for the axe and pulls himself up with Varro's help.

"Ok Jiles, enough hiding in the shadows. How about you get up here with Varro and use your skills to prevent this from happening again." Arden looks over himself making sure he didn't lose anything in the pit.

Arden, with the help of Varro, easily climbs out of the pit.

"What`s going on up front?" Belimir asks from the safe distance.

"I fell through the floor and into a small pit, and it hurt! Be sure to watch your step everyone, there may be more sink holes around here..."

The slight tumble of debris can be heard echoing throughout the cavern. Subtle scuffling can be heard all around the group.

"A'ight, Ya all follow me, ya step where I step and if I fall ya help me out ov da pit." Varro advances on.

After scouring the secret room for sometime and then realizing that everyone had left him behind, Jiles dipping and dodging from shadow to shadow hurries to catch up for fear that Varro will make good on his threat to use the lil rogue as a battering ram if he doesn't start earning his keep. That loony bastard would do it too...

A chittering noise can be heard coming from around the corner in the back of the cavern.

"Der be someting up ere udder den pits....gotta get infront of this big lug before he ruins any chance of me getting the drop on whatever it is up ahead.”

Jiles checks his crossbows with a fluid movement under his cloak and moves ahead around Varro and that god-awful lighted axe.

Varro feeling something brush against his arm, spins to see what it was. seeing nothing he awaits the others to catch up a bit.

The halfling shuffles by the others who seem to be in some sort of trance.

"Pardon moi, friends, I do not wish to miss somezing happening furzer in za caves. Varro wait for me!"

Francis' voice echoes a bit off the walls of the cavern, he carefully navigates around the open pits and finds himself right behind Varro and his glowing axe.

"Salut Varro. What are we up against? Do ye know yet?"

"I don't bloody know yet, der might be wraiths or ghosts ...someting be holdin me earlier and Darky swore it weren't he and jus now sumting be brushin up against me ...and der was noting der."

Varro looks around a bit more, then decides it was just a breeze or something.

"Ah, Ze Ghozts and Goblinz. Zey may be here, but we will have to zee!"

Francis wrings his hands around the hilt of his warhammer, preparing for whatever is to come.

Falling down holes and talk about ghosts and goblins, hmmm. Lets try not to get myself in trouble but if there are any otherworldly presences around I should be able to sense them.

Brann moves up to get close to the others and tell them what he's felt from his surroundings.

"We must be careful," Brann says to the others, "I sense that there has been much death around us and the spirits of the dead may yet linger."

Looking over at Varro and winks, "That means we might need to cleave up some ghosts so hold off on the exploring down holes until we've finished up."

The presence of the dead is strong in this section of the caverns. Many things have died in this particular cavern, which does not give a comforting feeling.

Belimir looks at the small holes in the wall. They don`t look good. Something must have made them and it wasn`t for ventilation.

As he was leaning over to see, a few small rocks got into his face and in an effort to shield himself, he raised dust from the floor with his hands which then got into his eyes. He doesn`t see a thing. He tries to pull out his flask and wash his face. I`m not sticking my head anywhere anymore!

Watching Jiles move up in the cavern and not hearing any sounds of battle, Arden decides to move up into the front of the action as well. He creeps along behind Jiles as quietly as possible, entering the shadows.

Moving with stealth and grace Jiles advances into the next chamber

Varro sick of waiting on the others to step up, Advances to the next chamber

Arden does his best to keep up with Varro and Jiles, as silently as possible.

The heroes make their way cautiously farther into the cavern. The chittering gets louder as they reach another bend in the tunnel.

Varro, Arden, and Jiles approach a wider section of the room. As their vision clears through the pitch black cavern, the forms of creatures begin to take shape.

Ahead, several creatures cluster around a small pile of loose

coins and other objects. Many are small, but one is the size of a

human. All resemble six-limbed reptiles with insectlike traits. Silvery chitinous plates cover their bodies and short tails, and each

has four limbs that end in scythelike claws. The creatures have

two smaller limbs, which have finer digits close to the body. The

head is vaguely reptilian, and the lower jaw is a toothed plate

flanked by serrated mandibles.

The creatures hiss at the approach of the adventurers.

As Jiles takes a step closer to meet up with Varro, the floor collapses out from under him, dropping Jiles into another pit trap. He drops ten feet to the bottom of the pit, landing hard on the rock below.

"What iz ze hissing I heeeaarrrr.....?" Francis gets cut short as he falls through yet another camoflauged pit trap, crashing to the bottom hard.

As Belimir investigates the strange holes in the wall, three reptilian creatures emerge from them, scythe-like claws cutting through the air threateningly towards the druid.

"BAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Belimir was surprised to see the creatures emerge from the holes in the wall. He gatheres his composure quickly and takes a step back. He changes his shape and roars, summoning a swarm of cave spiders to attack the creatures. These creatures........I recognize them...

Belimir identifies these creatures as Kruthiks, deadly hunters that live in hives.

Seeing all the enemies that have appeared, Brann is spurred into action.

"By Moradin's fire, your evil will be cleansed!" he shouts as he moves forward.

The cleric's eyes begin to simmer and burn. Licks of flame start erupting from his vestments and a divine glow builds around him. The darkness of the caverns is gone as the light grows. The cleric lunges forward, his arms outstretched as the power builds and climaxes in a burst of blinding light. The light travels across the cavern and resolves into a bold being composed of light.

The cleric slumps down after the exhausting display of power but manages a brief muttered prayer to aid the his rogue companion.

Wilam sees the kruthik crawl through the cracks in the wall and instinctively throws a blast of frost at it.

Arden looks around him and realizing they are outnumbered shouts back to the trailing heroes, "We have quite a number of baddies in here boys! Would love some help!" He then focuses on the battle in front of him, dark chanting comes from deep within his chest as he curses the creature nearest him. He then begins chanting louder as a bolt of chaos magic blasts from his rod and into the reptilian beast.

Landing hard on the rocky floor, Francis takes a nasty fall.

"Ow! Zat was unfortunate."

He stands up, brushing himself off, as he hears the shouts of his comrades as they engage something above the hole.

"Wait for me! I'm in zis hole, I'll be right out!"

Once Varro's eyes adjust and he sees the creatures, he springs into action, charging straight ahead towards the biggest of the group.

"Sonova..."

Varro grumbles.

"oooo, that was good, didn't even see it coming, Goin to have to get you for that one"

As the lizard creatures emerge from their lairs, Belimir jumps into action. Shifting, he roars and swarms of cave spiders fill the openings in the walls, enveloping the lizard-beasts, dragging their poison-filled bodies into the tunnels to eagerly devour them.

Falling into himself in prayer, Brann shows his true faith, summoning a guardian of Moradin to protect his allies.

An ethereal Dwarven Guardian appears in a flash of light, ready to cleanse the evil threatening the party.

Brann, with a last show of faith, spreads healing words out to Jiles, closing some of the bruises and scrapes he received in the fall.

Wilam, spotting a kruthik hatchling poking its head out of the tunnel, searching for prey, releases a ray of cold at the creature, freezing the lizard-thing where it stands.

Arden, explaining their situation to the group behind him, curses the nearest Kruthik with Supernal hexes, then blasts the creature with Eldritch Energies, searing its scaley hide.

Francis, a bit embarassed having fallen into the pit, brushes himself off, stands up and climbs out of the pit.

Varro springs into action, charging straight ahead towards the largest creature of the group, drawing attacks from every lizard around him, he takes several nasty hits as he closes the distance with the Adult Kruthik.

Varro swings out with no regard for personal safety, clipping Kruthiks left and right, lizard parts flying everywhere.

He crashes into the Adult, his axe driving deep into the scales of the beast, green blood spilling everywhere.

Jiles, bruised but otherwise okay, climbs up out of the pit, ready for action.

The Kruthiks begin swarming the party, apparently very hungry, and having been without fresh meat for some time.

Their limbs, deadly and numerous flail about in a whirlwind of scythe-like claws, the heroes have a very difficult time avoiding their gnashing swipes, a few of the party taking several unavoidable hits.

The adult kruthik rears back and bile-dripping spikes shoot from the back of its hide, barely missing Varro and Jiles.

The youth flanking Varro trashes out at him with its razor sharo claws, raking his back causing the dwarf to cry out in pain.

The hatchling hiding behind the Adult tries its best to claw Varro again, but misses.

Jiles faces off against two Kruthik Youths, both with deadly hunger in their blank black eyes.

The nimble rogue dodges under the quad-strike attack of the first youth, only to run directly into the waiting arms of the second, taking a feirce number of cuts across the chest.

A hatchling surprises Arden from behind as it crawls out from a small tunnel in the wall next to him. The warlock manages to fend off the lizard, enough so it does no real damage to him.

The Guardian of Faith watches stoically over the battle. It wraps it arms around itself, bends over, gathering energy, then explodes, arms shooting out wide to each side as pure white holy light spreads throughout the caverns. The burning power of Moradin fries the lizards, burning their scales, and completely immolating the hatchling.

Varro charges the Largest Kruthik and several of the smaller ones seem to try to stop him to no avail. As Varro begins his charge a hatchling swipes for his leg, Varro kicks it in the face crushing its nose and ending its pitiful life. As the first dies another six-legged lizard snaps at the dwarf, Varro sees it coming and avoids the blunt of the damage, Varro returns the pain with a right cross to the lizards left eye, sending the beast searching for easier prey. Another youth lunges at Varro but misses badly only to soon find Varro's axe blade slicing it's soft underbelly, hurt and embarrassed the youth follows it's brother. A brutish and obviously vicious lizard dives at the dwarf that his brothers failed to take down, the more determined lizard hit but could not penetrate the wonderful Dwarven mail. Varro punches the lizard but it just growls in response. The dwarf presses on to his target, as an ambicious hatchling springs to attack the bellicose heroes head, Varro ducks and then leaps upwards sending the lizard to its death by smashing into the ceiling. Finally reaching his main target, the adult Kruthik, The beast strikes, Varro reacts in time turning away a portion of the damage.

Varro lands an attack with the butt of his axe to the jaw of the lizard, and follows with the blade cutting a deep gash across the creatures mid-section. Seemingly from nowhere, another attack slices the battlerager but with pure determination, He avoids the majority of the pain. The persistant Youth rakes Varro across the back, the cowardly attack catches Varro unaware.

Varro steadies his stance and envokes the power of his armor, healing some of his wounds, and also envoking his dwarven heritage to gain a second wind.

Varro Swings his axe in a vicious arce slicing thru his main target and striking the foe to his back with the follow thru.

Not waiting for a counter attack Varro swings his axe high in a deadly sweep and at the last moment changes his grip and forces the axe into a downward slice, nearly impossible to avoid.

Jiles climbs out of the pit to face a savage beast with a nasty goose-egg forming on the side of its head, he dodges the attack from this one and runs smack into his brother. Not so lucky on his dodge attempt this time, Jiles takes a nasty beating from the creature, then seamingly from no where Jiles is struck for an additional wound.

"hey yo, wait a second, give a fella a chance here."

Jiles fires a crossbow at one of the creatures, the one with the goose egg, and scurries away into the shadows.

As Jiles moves up, Arden takes the opportunity to move closer to the battle, positioning himself for an area attack. Arden curses the beast in front of him and begins chanting and gesturing, pointing his rod towards the group as he unleashes a deafening clap of thunder upon them. While the thunder is still booming throughout the caverns, Arden quickly begins chanting again, channeling dark flames into his rod and releasing them onto the Large Kruthik. Liquid flames seem to pour out of nowhere, washing over the Kruthik and searing its scaley hide.

Wilam's mind begins to race as he realizes he's out of reach of his companions. He hears the sounds of battle from the darkness and moves as quickly as possible without falling into a pit. He follows the western wall, his hand extended to keep constant contact with the wall. What have I gotten myself into? This is outrageous!

Belimir rushes to help his friends. Seeing there is a Kruthik around the corner, he changes back to his human form and summons a torrent of water to drown the threatening creature.

Seeing the rogue being attacked again, Brann channels his healing energies into him to bolster Jiles' reserves. He then blasts the closest Kobold with divine light and uses this to aid the rogue further.

Francis moves carefully around the pit and summons his divine strength to attack the youth that has not seen as much action. He growls at the lizard, challenging it to mortal combat. The lizard seems to understand the threat and turns to meet the halfling, towering over the Paladin.

Varro summons his dwarven resolve, pulling strength from the ancient brethren who made his armor, and endurance within himself to shake off most of his wounds.

He slices his axe in a vicious arch, cutting through his main target and striking the foe behind him with the powerful follow through.

Varro eyes the Adult Kruthik dangerously, and not waiting for a counter attack, Varro steps through his follow-through, shifting the weight of the axe as it passes over his head, and bringing it screaming down in a downward slice, moving impossibly fast and near unavoidable.

His axe bites deep into the Kruthik, green blood pouring from a gaping wound. The creature is obviously very badly hurt.

Jiles loads his crossbow in a flash and fires the bolt at point-blank range into the young kruthik, as he releases the trigger he expertly moves around the lizard and falls into the shadows, sneaking up behind the Adult Kruthik, ready to plunge his blade into the creatures back as it is busy with Varro.

He takes a deep breath, steadying himself and he stashes his crossbow and silently unsheathes his shortsword.

Arden takes the moment of distraction to move closer to the battle, finding the perfect spot for an attack to harm the entire room.

He calls forth the curses from beyond onto the Youth in front of him, and begins chanting and gesturing. He points his rod towards the group as a deafening thunder clap booms throughout the small cavern. As the creatures reel in pain from the thunder, Arden releases dark flames onto the larger Kruthik, searing the scaley hide, burning its soft flesh underneath.

The adult kruthik lets out a squeeling cry as the fires consume its body.

Wilam, hearing the sounds of battle races to reach his companions. He tries desperately to not fall into a pit as he makes his way through the dark cave, hand on the wall guiding him. He curses the situation to himself quietly as he moves.

Belimir, charging to catch up with his friends, spots another hatchling peeking out of a tunnel, so the druid washes out the tunnels with a torrent of water.

Brann channels his holy powers to once again heal his companions wounds. Warm radiance falls over Jiles as Moradin works on closing the cuts and bruises across his body.

The cleric finishes healing Jiles, and begins concentrating on cleansing the closest lizard with divine purity, but is unsuccessful in summoning offensive magics so close to mending injuries. More healing power flows from Brann's attempt at an assault and increase Jiles' resolve.

Francis moves carefully around the pit and summons his divine strength to attack the youth that has not seen as much action. He growls at the lizard, challenging it to mortal combat. The lizard seems to understand the threat and turns to meet the halfling, towering over the Paladin.

He swings but with no conviction, missing the lizard as it dodges left and right past the slow-moving hammer.

The Kruthiks lash out again, gnashing their limbs across the heroes, causing more damage throughout the cave.

The youth behind Varro misses the dwarf cleanly after its barrage of slicing limbs.

The kruthik retaliates against Francis, but cannot penetrate the halflings reinforced armor.

The bloodied kruthik near Arden lands a solid strike on the Warlock, cutting through his robes and slicing his leg.

The hatchling poking its head out of the tunnel near Brann, moves back into the maze and pops out near Wilam, sythe-claws leading.

It rakes at the wizard, catching him on the back of the thigh, drawing a slim trickle of blood through his robes.

Brann's Guardian unleashes another cleansing blast inside of the cave, the divine time-bomb blasting the Kruthiks left in the cave.

Seeing that Varro has things under control and Arden and francis are being pressed by Youths, Jiles Slides into combat with the Youths, Maintaining his stealth.

Having seen his main target fall, Varro spins on the cowardly creature attacking his rear. Varro slides closer to Francis to aid his friend once this beast is dispatched.

"Ya be holdin it tagetter der half-pint, I be a comin!"

Gasping for breath as the Kruthik tears into his leg, Arden turns towards the nearest foe and calls forth a dark blast of eldritch energy. "How many of these damned things are there?!"

Wilam is taken by complete surprise by the kruthik's assault. He covers his wounded thigh with his hand and backs against the opposite wall of the cave.

"Damned creature! To the Abyss with you... Παγωνιά!" Wilam throws his hand towards the insectoid creature and throws a beam of frost.

Moving carefully forwards to avoid the pits, Brann goes to aid the bloodied halfling.

Belimir rushes forward to help his allies and nearly falls into the pit. He avoids it and goes around. Seeing the creatures are grouped, he summons another torrent of water to cleanse the area.

Francis strikes again with Holy resolve against the young Kruthilk.

Jiles, seeing that his friends have things under control, slides in between the youths hidden in shadow.

He then strikes out from the darkness, driving his blade deep into the backside of the Lizard, sticky green blood flowing freely as the beast lashes about in its throes of death.

Varro, having to switch targets, spins on the cowardly creature behind him. He slides closer to Francis trying to protect the weakened halfling, and hold off the beast.

He swings wickedly at the Kruthik, his axe cutting into the creature so that it never moves again.

Startled and gasping for breath at the sudden injury, Arden turns towards the beast that attacked him, calling forth a quick blast of Eldritch energy.

The young kruthik gets hit barely by the blast, getting thrown back against the far wall, slumping to the ground in a dead heap.

Wilam, taken by surprise, bends down and covers his wounded leg with one hand, instinctually protecting himself by throwing an icy ray at his aggressor. The freezing bolt flies from his palm and strikes the Hatchling dead, the creature taking its last breath before it even hits the ground.

Brann moves carefully around the pits and aids the bleeding paladin.

With no more threats present in the caves, combat comes to an end.

Arden glances around the room at the walls, expecting more creatures to spring forth at any moment.... none do. "Well I sure could use a rest after all that... casting so many spells is quite draining!" Arden moves over to the pile of coins and other items that the Large Kruthik was sitting on top of and begins gathering the coins and searching for valuables. He turns over anything he finds to the group's dual action Cannonball-Pack Mule.

Catching his breath after the battle, Varro Restores some of his life force. Then begins searching the area for anything of value.

Wilam finally catches up to the group... he was not prepared for the carnage before him. The splattered insects and horrible smells... Eugch! "Is everyone alright?" He does a quick headcount.

"Where's Jiles?"

"I'm Here" Jiles reveals himself from the center of the carnage. "Ya missed a heller of a show, ol' Cannonball tore em up!"

Jiles moves to help Varro and Arden go through the loot

"Francis, buddy, how you feeling? Looked like they liked the taste of you."

"Good, then we're all accounted for..."

Wilam turns to Arden and agrees, "I think we look like we're about ready for a rest, too. I know my old bones could use some relief."

Arden nods at Wilam. "Maybe we should camp outside then? We don't want to get caught by any patrols that notice all the corpses around here! It would also be a good time to take Ehud's corpse outside... maybe Brann or Francis could give him a proper passage to the afterlife."

Varro opens the chest, and examines the contents

"Aye, nice. Belimir, Shinies!"

Varro braces himself for the incoming Belimir

Belimir just changed shape into a panther when he heard the word shinies! The cat raised his head, a broad smile on his face and started running in full speed towards Varro, jumping at the chest and nearly knocking the dwarf to the ground. He starts examining each of the gems, and decides to keep one, throwing the rest away. He changes back to his human form, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "Ooooooooooooh it`s BEAUTIFULL! Look at it. LOOK AT IT! Thank you Varro, oh you little dwarf. I don`t know where`d you get the nose for these things, but you`ve got it!" Belimir starts playing with his new gem.

"Aye zat zey did! Must be somezing in my halfling blood! Ztupid inzects!" Francis goes about tending wounds and checking the condition of his armor.

Brann briefly looks over the chest but then turns to his companions. He moves from one to another, carefully checking even minor injuries and assisting with dressing the wounds.

"Well that was a rather large pack of beasts but we've still got to deal with those worshippers of evil that have defiled this keep."

He turns to Belimir, "After I've seen to Ehud, we will have some time to discuss those stories you were interested in earlier. I'd also like to hear more about your adventures."

Turning once more to Ehud's corpse, Brann holds back the emotions of yet another companion lost.

"I shall carry out a ritual to preserve Ehud's body to ward off any evil and preserve his corpse until we return to town." Brann turns to the corpse to begin his ministrations.

After carefully stashing away all the coins and gems, Varro offers his assistance to Brann. "Brudder, I be ere if ya be needin me"

"Your prayers will be welcome brother. Although we have defeated many of the followers of evil this day, we have lost a champion for good and above all a friend."

Varro nods and waits in silence while Brann finishes his ritual.

Belimir usually wasn`t this close to tears. Nature taught him how to deal with loss of close friends. Still, seeing the two dwarves mourn the loss of their friend almost brought a tear in Belimir`s eye. This new feeling of grief was strange to him. He tried to speak something but couldn`t find the right words. "I.............Ehud was.........He.........What the hell is going on with you!" Realizing he said that outloud, he quickly closed his mouth and silently observed as Brann performed the ritual.

Episode 14: The Maze of Caves

The finely worked stairs and flagstones of the dungeon give way to a wide, natural cavern. The ceiling drips with dozens of stalactites, and the floor rises unevenly with loose rocks and stalagmites. The rocks and debris become thicker to the east and west, and both directions offer only narrow paths of unobstructed terrain.

Varro, Brann, Arden, Belimir, and Jiles move down the stairs. The sound of rodents squeaking and squealing grows louder as they descend into the pitch black darkness of the roughly made caverns.

As they reach the bottom of the stairway, small patches of stalagmites and stalagtites can be seen along the floor. Giant rats can be seen along the walls, floor, and ceiling just to the side of the stairway. They don't even look up as the party reaches the bottom of the stairs, as they appear to be feasting on something around a bend in the cavern wall.

Varro looks to Francis, and whispers "get da Wilam, and da cat Belimir, der be more rats down ere"

Varro moves to a position to defend the rest of the party as they disembark from the stairs.

Rats! A cat that has any respect for it`s stomach doesn`t eat rats. They kill rats. I hate rats! Belmar changes back to his human form and sends a torrent towards the rats. "डूब मैल कीड़े, कीट कृंतक, डूब!"

"I believe he is coming," Francis whispers back. He moves to attack the giant rat but stops when he sees that the rats are feasting on a fresh corpse. Although their fur and claws are in the way, Francis suspects that it is Ehud. It would have to be him. Francis moves and strikes his target.

"I see Ehud!" he shouts to the others. "We have to save him!"

Arden moves into the room to help clear the rats from Ehud. "I hope that we are not already too late!" Arden begins chanting and drawing his power from the infernal pact, pointing at the giant rat.

"Hold on Ehud, help is at hand"

Brann rushes down to get close to his injured companion, blasting at the closest giant rat with a divine word.

Varro whispers to Francis as he moves down the stairs, ready to protect the group if anything attempts to attack.

Belimir shifts from his cat form back into his elven body, moves down the stairs, then summons a torrent of water to drown the rats around the corner.

The immense amount of water washes through the rodents, drowning them in its wake. Only one rat manages to escape the attack, hiding behind several large rocks.

Francis begins to move in to help clear the rats when he spots what the rodents are feasting on...a human corpse. Suspecting that it is their missing friend, Francis calls out to the group as he rushes in to try and save their friend.

Dispatching the remaining rat as he closes the distance, Francis arrives at the half eatten body of Ehud.

Arden follows close behind Francis to help with Ehud, Brann at their heels, ready to smite any rodent that dares try to attack them.

Chittering of rodents mixes with odd water-sounding noises in the other pitch black areas of the caverns.

"Der be more o'er ere" Varro lifts his axe and charges.

Arden follows the living cannonball known as Varro, and picks out another target amongst the rubble. Uttering a dark curse under his breath he moves into and fires a blast of energy at the rat. "How do these dirty goblins live in such conditions!" He chuckles as his blast rips into the beast.

I...................AM..................AWESOME! SEVEN IN ONE BLOW! COME HERE RATS! I`VE GOT SOME MORE WATER FOR YOU!

Belimir confidently walks forward.

Wilam finally stumbles into the area, late because of his confusion in missing the rock-hewn passage. The stink of dead rats nearly makes him vomit, but he holds back his lunch and looks for any threats. Spotting the rats struggling to survive Belimir's thrashing waves, he attempts to freeze them into watery prisons.

Seeing that the two visible rats are taken care of, Francis moves to L9.

What will become of Ehud? he wonders. Will Brann be able to save him? He fights back the urge to cry or lash out in anger against the walls and the rubble. He takes three quick breaths and calms himself. He imagines that he is a river. I must move and wind my way through the world. I must adapt to new situations.

Varro spots more rats past a pile of rubble, charges the closest one and cleaves it right in half.

Arden following close behind the living cannonball blasts the other rat, exploding rat guts all over the cavern walls.

Belimir, pleased with his well-placed spell, walks with confidence into the caverns.

Wilam finally stumbling into the caverns nearly vomits, but maintains his composure. Wilam summons a cloud of cold to help protect the area.

Francis, noting the death of the other rats, moves around the dark cavern a bit. He struggles against the loss of Ehud, taking a few moments to himself to collect himself.

Varro and Arden are congratulating themselves on their easy killing of the last visable rats, hear a slimey, squishing sound. They slowly turn around to see a huge slime-creature making its way hungrily towards them.

As Francis is taking a moment for himself, another rat stealthily makes its way out of the stalagmites and attacks the halfling, looking for an easy meal. The rat is unable to peirce the halflings armor though.

"oo oi ... Whatdahell be dat" asks Varro.

It took some time for Belimir to realize that the corpse under the now dead rats was Ehud. He was shaken by the fact that his friend was dead, but didn`t let it show. He whispered a short prayer for Ehud`s soul and continued fighting. There was a large slimey creature in the cavern. It didn`t look friendly.........or tasty. Belimir thought it would be better to attack this enemy with claws than with his staff. He changes shape and races across the cavern floor, roaring angrily. A swarm of carrion beetles rushes to attack the slimey creature.

On seeing the monsterous blob, Wilam's eyes grow large. He notes the creature seems to be having trouble fitting through the doorway into the next room and he sees a chance to keep the enemy at bay. "I can trap it in the opening there... keep your distance and we can dispatch it with our distance attacks. Jiles and Arden, give it all you've got!"

Jiles moves swiftly to gain some cover from the blob, readying his crossbow. He nods to Wilam, awaiting the storm pillar before loosing a bolt.

With a smooth motion, Jiles reloads, preparing for his next shot.

Arden turns to face the new foe as his comrades immediately launch into action. He points and utters a dark curse at the foul creature as he mentally prepares his next spell. This blob doesn't look very sturdy... could probably blast it away with thunder. Arden begins chanting and suddenly a loud clap of thunder washes over the creature, making it shudder. He then slips into the shadows, moving away from the blob for safety.

Brann stares at Ehud's body for a brief period, instantly knowing that there is nothing further he can do for his companion.

Another one? Why...I should have been here. I should have kept an eye on everyone. What must I do to keep them alive?

He looks over and spots the large mass and it gives him a target to focus his grief on.

"For Ehud, you'll pay", says the dwarf as rays of divine light spark from his fierce gaze.

Vitality flows into Arden as the rat explodes into peices. Death feeds his soul...

Varro is surprised by the appearance of the monsterous blob. He wastes no time in charging at it, axe held high.

He swings a wicked strike at the blob, his axe cutting deep into gelatonous mass, coming out the other side. A hole is left where his axe cut through, but then fills up again after a moment.

Francis strikes out at the rat but misses as dust clouds his eyes.

Belimir, after a short prayer for Ehud, shifts into his panther form and engages the slime. He roars, summoning a swarm of beetles from the cavern to swarm the blob. The beetles crawl along the surface of the jelly, only to be sucked into it, feeding the creature.

Wilam's eyes go wide as he spots the giant jelly. It seems to be having trouble fitting through the doorway, then the blob changes its form and takes up the entire doorway to the lower caverns.

Wilam, intent on keeping the jelly in that section of the caves, summons a raging storm pillar, threatening to harm the creature should it move forward.

Jiles avoids notice of the blob, waits for Wilam to release his storm pillar, then fires off a crossbow bolt from the shadows, scoring a solid hit into the mass of the jelly.

Arden throws a curse onto the jelly, then calls for a thunderous Clarion to harm the creature.

Thunder claps and the creature tremors with vibrations so powerful that bits of jelly fling off and stick to the cavern walls, floor, and some even cover Varro and Belimir.

Arden disappears into the space between worlds as he moves to a better position.

Brann shouts a curse for Ehud at the jelly, vowing to make it pay for the death of his friend. Rays of divine light escape Brann's eyes, but even with the vigor of revenge behind them, they have little effect on the blob.

The blob swells up and covers the entire cavern, walls, floor, and ceiling. It then begins to flow freely through the cavern, splitting and moving around Varro and Belimir, somehow avoiding attacks from either of them. As it reforms behind them, a long arm-like appendage protrudes from its mass and slams into Belimir, acid goo splashing onto the Druid, burning at his fur and skin.

The rat snips at Francis as it tries to protect itself, but misses the halfling completely.

Seeing that his swarm had little effect, Belimir changes back into his human form, stepping away from.......Bob. Can it be drowned? He summons a torrent of water which splashes the creature. He goes into the cave and quickly examines what`s in there.

Wilam is frustrated at the slime's ability to move despite his electric barrier. He abandons that tactic and switches to his cold attacks.

He realizes he's with distance of another strike and moves back to what he feels will be a safe distance.

Arden looks more worried than usual as the blob moves towards them, striking a damaging blow on Belimir. "Looks like this thing isn't going down without a fight!" Arden begins chanting and fires a bolt of dark, crackling, eldritch energy at the blob. He then moves further back against the wall, entering the shadows for protection.

Varro growls in protest as the jelly shifts past him.

Raising his axe he charges back at the ...thing.

Belimir's hurt again but he's too far away. This thing looks rather more serious than mere goblins so I'll have to be careful, no rushing straight headlong into it. I've got responsibilities to all of our comrades.

Brann cautiously moves into a better position to assist his wounded companion while attempting to bolster the attacks on the blob.

Belimir shifts back into his human state, and begins the motions of summoning the torrent of water.

The water surrounds and splashes into the Blob, but again has little effect on the gelatenous mass.

Belimir then moves further into the cave to investigate.

He finds that the section of the cave is empty, minus several spots full of slimey goo.

As he moves farther into the cave, the sticky acid burns his skin some more.

Wilam, frustrated at the ineffective electric storm, pulls forth cold from the frozen elements to assault the creature.

An icy blast of cold assails the Jelly, freezing parts of the slime covering its mass, falling off and shattering on the floor.

Wilam, cautious not the be hit, moves back several steps, well out of reach of the blob.

...Something seems to be happening to the Jelly.

It collapses in on itself slightly and begins to quake and shake violently.

The slime then begins to part straight down the middle, slowly seperating into two halves.

Each side falls apart from the other, and there are now two jellies in the caverns.

The slime has split!

Arden, wasting no time, begins chanting and fires a bolt of dark, crackling lightning at the closest part of the blob. It strikes, sending eldritch energy coursing through the jelly. He then jumps back through the shadows once again, seeking protection.

Varro growls at the slippery goo sneaking past him. He raises his greataxe and charges back at the thing...or part of it...his axe slicing clean through the body of the blob, but not connecting with it at all. The slime anticipated his attack and apparently 'dodged' the swing...

Brann caustiously moves into a better position to help Belimir and bolster the attacks of the rest of the party against this creature.

His defiant gaze is overlooked as the slime is focused on an easier target.

The slimes begin moving closer, hungrily persuing the weaker party members.

The weaker of the two halves moves steadily towards Brann, weaving in and out of the stalagmites.

It reaches out and slams the cleric with a gooey appendage.

Francis strikes the rat with grief and vengence, smashing it into the rocky wall.

The second slime follows Belimir into the lower caverns, but as it passes Varro, cannot pass up a chance at weakening a closer meal.

It tries to slam Varro with its acid-dripping arm, crashing in hard into the dwarves side, Acid sticking fast to the dwarves armor and skin.

Belimir didn`t realize how much damage the blob had realy cauzed him and was paying the price for that. He finds new strength within him and get ready for the oncoming half of the blob.

Varro growls again in defiance of the slime and the pain it just inflicted on him. He once again raised his axe and attacks the nearest slime.

Still hiding silently behind the cover of the wall, Jiles looks on in horror as the jelly splits apart. What the?! Waking up from his stupor at watching the gelatinous creature split, Jiles fires his crossbow at the creature nearest him.

After firing the bolt, he shifts quietly back a few steps, reloading as he does so.

Seeing Belimir in some bit of pain, Jiles takes aim at the creature and fires again.

I need to get to Belimir, that acid is taking its toll. First I'll have to get past this blob though.

Brann attempts to finish off the slime closest to him while trying to use his divine powers to aid against the acid eating away at himself.

Wilam smiles as the nearest blob gets overwhelmed. He summons his Astral Wasp to torment the second Jelly. "Τσίμπημα του από χίλιοι πόνοι"

Seeing that the nearest jelly is under control and Belimir is getting cornered, Arden rushes forward into range for the second jelly. He utters a foul curse at the gelatinous blob and unleashes another dark bolt of energy, crackling as it shoots from his rod.

Belimir stops to catch his breath while he is in the empty section of the cave. He finds new strength in himself and prepares for the persistant half of the blob. He also manages to swat away the last of the sticky acid that was clinging to his skin.

Varro growls in defiance he raises his axe and brings it crashing down onto the slime, goo flying everywhere as his axe obliterates the ooze. The flying goop cleans off the acid that was sticking to him as well.

Jiles slips out of the shadows, finally taking action against the slime, firing a crossbow bolt into the heart of the creature, he then slips back into safety of the shadows, reloading his crossbow as he does.

The first half of the jelly quivers and then deflates as it sinks into the ground, defeated.

Jiles prepares to fire again at the ooze, but is relieved to find that it is already dead.

Brann notices the acid eatting away at Belimir and makes a valiant effort to get close enough to tend to his wounds.

The cleric spots Jiles finishing off the first half, so he continues on his way towards Belimir, inacting a holy flame upon the second half, scorching the jelly, wisps of smoke rising from the burning ooze.

Brann shakes off the effects of the acid, and calls out soothing words, drawing power from his diety to heal Belimir's wounds.

Wilam is pleased as the last jelly is overwhelmed by the Cleric, and saves his spells for when they are needed next.

Arden rushes forward hoping to help save the cornered Druid, luckily the threat has been dispatched.

Francis moves to rejoin the group, unaware of the jelly they had been fighting.

Varro wipes ooze from his axe and looking in Wilam's general direction, "Whatdahell was dat?!"

Belimir takes a deep sigh of relief. The battle with Bob was hard. It got him. It really got him! One minute he was triumphantly walking in this cave and the next, some giant tar monster ate all his friends, and it hurt him as well. He was begining to feel really tired. I hope there isn`t more to this keep.

"Let`s just keep going.......I`m getting tired. The front just isn`t that interesting. I`m going to stay back, with Wilam."

Wilam walks up to the lifeless ooze and shakes his head at Varro, "Some sort of gelatainous creature." He catches a whiff of the dead creature and his stomach wretches. He holds his stomach and gags, but keeps from vomiting. "Vile creature, indeed."

"From what I know of them, they're barely sentient creatures that scour caverns and underworld places in search of food... their jelly 'bodies' simply absorb and digest anything it comes in contact with. Make sure none of it gets left on your armor... or it will be eaten away before nightfall."

Arden peers around the room from the puddles of slime, to the rat guts, and eventually his eyes settle on Ehud's corpse. "What are we going to do with him? We can't just leave him here like this...." While Arden didn't know Ehud very well, you can tell that he feels the sting of loss and would like to show respect for the dead. "We could cover his body and give him a proper burial on our way out, though I have nothing to cover him with." Arden looks around the room and tries to remember if he saw anything in the other rooms that could be used to keep off the corpse.

"Ehud deserved better, but he would not want us to suffer now. We should come back once the keep is cleansed of evil and give him the send off to the next realm that he deserves."

His life shall not be in vain, we must rid this keep of evil.

"Well, da cat be gettin tukered out an wit Eduh bein dead, I recken we could be takin him body back ta town and rest up a bit den we could be makin anudder go at da keep. Not likely dat da be havin much ov a way ov restockin der defences. I don't recken der be much harm in takin Eduh's body back, he be deservin dat much befere whatever critters be eatin his flesh ta a bare pile ov bones. I me self be good edder way, but I be reckenin dat Eduh be deservin ta be honored proper like. But Lik-I-said I be good edder way."

Varro waits for the others to weight in on the idea.

"I think we should at least explore the rest of these caverns... unless they get too deep. But I agree that we shouldn't over-extend ourselves."

"Poor Ehud. But he is dead now. I say we make camp here, find a room, clean it up and rest. It might not be safe, but we`ll save time. I really hope there isn`t much more to this keep. Is anybody mapping it?" Belimir looks at his frineds.

Arden nods at the others, "I do agree that we should keep exploring at least a few more rooms. I suppose now that we have killed the rats in here his corpse should be safe for a while. As for the mapping, we agreed to handle it when we have cleared this place... it should be easier to do in one shot than pausing in each room to map out the dimensions."

With one last glance at Ehud's corpse, Arden looks to the group.

"So which way then?"

As the group calms down after the fight in the caverns, Varro, Arden, and Brann all notice something suspicious about the wall to their left. It doesn't quite match the rest of the stone around it.

Varro examines the wall, looking for a way to open the secret door.

" ey Sneaky, come er. Der be sometin not hanky dorry wit dis wall"

Varro runs his hands along the edge of the door, showing Jiles where the edges are.

"Ya tink ya can be gettin it open?"

A small notch in the secret door appears the be what is used as the handle. The door has no hinges, but looks as if it would slide open and shut.

"Damnit sneaky, get yer head outta yer arse and be checkin if we can open dis ting wit out blowin any ting up er be killin ourselves. Is just be likely ta be findin out da hard way."

Varro points out the handle.

Getting impatient Varro grabs the handle "Stand back!" and opens the the sliding secret door.

The door slides easily open, a large cloud of dust explodes into the room blocking the view and choking Varro up a bit. The dust settles after a few minutes. Inside the secret room lay basic adventuring equipment.

"Jack Pot!" Varro grabs the ale sniffs it once and drinks from it twice.

He picks up the rations, sunrods, and both wineskins.

"a'ight, Lets get ta goin." He hoists his axe over his shoulder, and heads south.

That secret room looked very comfortable to Belimir. Maybe we can curl up in there and rest for a while. I`ve never felt this exhausted before. But I`m not going to show it. What would Vid think? A hunter giving up on it`s prey. I am going to live through this keep and make sure to be smarter in combat. Stand back like Wilam and drown everything that doesn`t like us.

Belimir feels his determination rising. He starts going to the next room, but remembers his own thoughts and is impatiently waiting for the party to move forward.

"Do those look like Goblin supplies? And why were they stashed behind this secret door? Although judging from that dust it may have been a while since that room has been used."

Brann pauses.

"Still I think we'll be best off trying to clear out this keep today. Not sure we want to be curling up for bed this evening with the thought of ghosts around, eh Belimir"

Brann winks over at the druid hoping his words have lightened the situation.

Wilam is startled by the sound of the sliding door. He walks over to the newly discovered room and studies it for clues of origin or anything that stands out of the ordinary.

Arden looks over the basic supplies found within the hidden room. Thought there would be more in there than that... guess it was just a hidden sleeping place. Bored with the empty secret room, Arden follows Varro through the southern exit and on into the next room.

Varro and Arden make their way south deeper into the caverns.

Belimir follows the two, although he is determined to stay back if possible.

"I am going to follow the others. I do not want to miss anything, as we do not know what we could find in these caverns. Care to join me?" Francis pauses for a moment waiting for responses, then moves off south to catch up with Varro, Belimir, and Arden.

"Right behind you." Wilam walks beside Francis.

"Indeed, let's see what we can find." Brann moves up to catch up with the others.