07/01/3143
Did meet with my current companions at Trooney's Spear Inn to discuss possible monetary endeavors. After mulling over various options, we dismissed a trip w/Capt. Timnit to orc lands. His assertion about being in possession of a map that leads to a horde of gold does not ring true. His manner does not suggest his purported lofty station. We instead turned to Raang, cleric of Ussiska on the advice of the proprietor, Harden.
Raang disclosed the position of some ruins in the Stunted Forest south of Ossana. On top of this, Xaviera and Randi met with a scholar at the college about a reward for capturing a *large* spider purported to living in/around the Stunted Forest. The endeavors can be combined to hopefully turn a profit. I obtained a mule from at very reasonable cost. I have dubbed him 'Sparkles' because of he seems to sparkle in the sunlight.
07/02/3143
Left Ossana today and made good time to Cascrow. Along the way, became more aquatinted with my traveling companions. I traveled to Ossana with Winslow. His fascination with locks and food and endless stories of about his great-uncle Filigrew provide diversions. Though he tends to chatter a bit - hard for me to get a word in edgewise! Both Patkhin and Randi have musical instruments. Randi is not too bad - must work with her to provide accompaniment. Patkhin will take a lot of work. Winslow and Xaviera continually looked for edible plants to add to our staples while Sapphire skulks about like the whole world is after him. He swears that we are being followed, but we have seen nothing.
07/03
Reached Halmir today. Perhaps Sapphire is correct about being followed - we were joined earlier in the day by two fighters. They swear they were not following us, but acted strangely when confronted on the road. Their names are Ox and Norby. They appear dumb, but this could be a ruse. They claim to be on their way to the mines of Copperhame. They are obviously experienced fighters and not miners. As we stood talking with them, they were the first to react to the sound of a running horse. They were ready when Capt. Timnit rode by at a full gallop looking like fiends were after him. We later saw the good Captain leading his limping horse into the Stunted Forest. Wonder what that's all about? Anyway, Ox and Norby accompanied us the rest of the way to Halmir.
07/04
Reached the ruins - along with Ox and Norby. This morning, we said good-bye to them at the inn and saw them entering the forest via its main road. But later when Patkhin got jumped on by a giant toad (earning the nickname Flatkin), Ox and Norby came running. Seems they have been hired by Patkhin's family to look after him. Patkhin is not amused.
Amazingly, Sparkles reacted very well to the giant toad situation. He retreated a little but did not bolt. Truly, a well trained mule! Winslow, true to form, butchered out the toad. It will certainly extend our rations!
Winslow, true to form, butchered out the toad. It will certainly extend our rations!
07/05
Crawled through my first set of ruins today. Encountered mold, rats (giant and otherwise), spiders (large and otherwise), snakes, etc. ... and helped a bobcat escape an inadvertent trap. The cat seems to want to be near me. Don't know what to do about that! This should have happened to the Druid Xaviera - not me!
We entered the ruins through an opening in the hill. The frescos on the walls are indeterminate. Every working lock we encounter, Winslow appears to collect. Patkhin barges into anything, goaded a little by the over-protectiveness of Ox and Norby. However, we seem to be able to get Ox and/or Norby to get involved if it even *looks* like Patkhin is going to do something that they think is dangerous.
To recap, we found some scroll rings (no scrolls) in one room when we had Ox tip over a barrel containing water (thinking there might be something in the barrel or under it). Instead the water drained through some flagstones indicating a secret compartment. Within the compartment was a rusted box that had once contained scrolls of some kind. #1
Next - found a pit with very large, non-poisonous snakes (at least Xaviera said so). The pit originally was a spring trap that threw a person against some metal spikes. Nasty.
Found a room partially caved in. The symbols on the stone blocks indicate that this 'castle' originally belonged to the Broadhands. Must investigate further. Battled giant rats from this room. #2
Sapphire found a secret doorway that lead us into hopefully more untouched (read - unlooted) sections of the castle. We did find a room with a couple of bodies hanging in webs. Mercenaries that we are, we killed the junior giant spider and looted the bodies. Winslow locked the door behind us - don't want momma spider coming after us! #3
After that, we found a room that put Winslow in heaven. It was a kitchen. Winslow happily tossed it looking for pots/pans/utensils. His prize was a marble rolling pin sans handles.
This is where we met Roberta. A plaintive yowl came from the kitchen's ovens as we looked about. After clearing everything out, Xaviera and I used a rope to open the oven door. Out fell a very scrawny bobcat. Obviously starving and had been without food or water which we/I gave it. It followed us around as best it could until we got outside. At which point it collapsed next to our camp. I fed it some more and hope it finds its own way soon.
The day ended with us finding a chamber containing life size statues on a ledge circling the room. The first one was a man in plate armor w/mace and shield. The device on the shield was of a downward point sword (Teralis) w/a double spiral below it. Next to him was a slender woman (with a determined look on her face) in a robe w/wand in one hand and a hawk on the other arm. Next was an older man in robes w/arms raised. Next, a woman in plate mail w/sword & dagger in a combat pose. Next a young man in noble clothes with a faint smile on his face. Next a woman in a gown looking at a rose. A woman in leather w/chain vest leaning on a long bow. Young man w/goatee in long robe looking in a globe. The last two were closer together. Older man in regular clothes w/cornet w/stone. One hand is holding a rod/staff. The woman is about the same age as the man with her hand on his arm. Wearing a pleated gown and a cornet. I tentatively identified the last two as Dealis & Meadham Broadhand.
Searched the entire room and found that the statue of the woman w/the hawk moved. Upon doing so, a glow emanated from a hollow below the statue. Winslow pressed it! A beam of light came up from the floor and formed an oval at tall as the room but not very deep/wide. We tried to get Ox/Norby to touch it, but Sapphire ended up doing it. It was like he was sucked into a vortex. Winslow ran after him and he too disappeared. At this point, Norby knocked Patkhin out. Xaviera rushed after Winslow and reappeared on the other side of the light. Upon that, I did not feel like it was prudent to follow as the teleport appeared random.
As we collected ourselves to search for our companions, Sapphire reappeared walking from deeper within the castle. He had teleported to a section close to where we’d already searched and had quickly found his way back to us. We could only hope the same had occurred to our halfling friend. Luckily, Winslow found us a short time later - out of breath and obviously frightened. He'd found himself on the next level down and had to outwit a couple of bugbears! This halfling truly is a quick thinker. #3.1
Upon returning to camp and after cleaning up, I took it upon myself to 'educate' Ox and Norby about keeping a person from their rightful destiny Using allegorical songs, I tried to show them that restraining Patkhin is likely to backfire on them. By keeping him out of the fray, they are likely to get someone killed. And if that happens, I'll come back and haunt them! (I'm assuming I'll be one of the dead.)
Suprisingly, Winslow made a special dinner for Norby. Some kind of bird. This is especially suprising since Norby had earlier insulted Winslow by calling him a thief and then following it up with 'well, everyone knows that all halflings are thieves.' game note #4
07/06
Our first encounter with intelligent monsters has turned out badly. While no one has died, we certainly are the worse for wear.
We re-entered the ruins this morning feeling cocky. That quickly dissipated. Patkhin being his true self did not open a door with caution. Luckily the spear trap behind the door was stuck. Beyond, in some crypts, a ghoul attacked, disabling Patkhin and Winslow. We managed to kill it without Ox and Norby who'd dragged Patkhin away (again). #5
The next room had a shrine in it - to the Goddess Miaura. Left it completely alone. Do not want to annoy this goddess!
Our next encounter was with a scoured clean hallway. The only thing we could think of was a gelatinous cube. After collecting old rivets from some decrepit siege engines, we started lobbing them down the hallway. Winslow decided to test the other direction in case the cube was behind us. That drew the goblins. After a brief but painful battle, Randi, Sapphire and I are badly hurt. With Winslow and Patkhin already injured from the ghoul, we're back at camp. Xaviera is praying/resting and healing us as fast as she can. I have never hurt so bad in my life!
Interestingly, Roberta showed up sometime after I fell asleep. She had a rabbit that she would only let me take from her. She hadn't even eaten very much of it. Makes a nice change from smoked toad.
07/07
Went back into the ruins today. Specifically to get whatever we could off the goblins. The others were so worried about our injuries yesterday that they did not search the bodies.
After getting what was salvageable off the goblins (#6), we searched for the goblin camp. What we first found was a room full of bats that contained well splattered statues of what may be minotaurs. Finally found the goblin camp or rather pig sty (and that's an injustice to pigs!). #7
Found the gelatinous cube further down the hallway from the goblin camp. Luckily this cube responded poorly to fire and we were able to destroy it.
Further beyond it, we found a very unique room. As we opened the door into the hall, the sconces on the pillars flanking the middle sputtered to life. Fearing some trap (rightly), the group slit up and went down the sides of the hall, behind the pillars. Once at the other end, Winslow & Sapphire borrowed quarterstaffs and tapped their way back down the middle. Upon doing so, Winslow sprang a trap that would have flattened anyone stepping on a certain flagstone. The door out of this hall was trapped, but was either not set or inactive from age.
Patkhin continues to be reckless. Rather than opening doors cautiously, he simple barges through. At least, he usually waits for Winslow and/or Sapphire to check for traps. Again, a spider made for Patkhin after he opened a door, but Ox knocked it off so vigorously that he injured him (Patkhin).
Found fresh water in the ruins. A cavern has swift running, clear water in it. Luckily we approached cautiously. Of course the skeleton in the water may have tipped us off but the small chest in the water drew us on. By throwing a piece of toad meat in the water, we discovered an 8' crayfish. We're eating well tonight! #8
We followed the stream up river to where it came into the cavern. In the side of the cavern itself, we discovered steps to a door leading to a small section of the castle. We could not find any more beyond a few rooms. The door provided some consternation as the lock was not corroded. It even proved beyond Winslow's ability, much to his dismay and frustration. Sapphire got us through. In one room we found the remains of feminine items along with a key shaped like a gargoyle carefully hidden and protected by a dart trap. (#9).
Only one room was uninteresting. (#10), not so with the others. One contained a desk, a chest and three blackened, burned skeletons. Upon investigating the room, a compartment in the wall was discovered. Unable to open it, Ox went to pick up a sword by a skeleton. They 'woke' up and began attacking us. Winslow led one a merry chase around the desk while waiting for the rest of us to help him. A quarterstaff in this situation is very handy! After dispatching the skeletons (Sapphire was badly hurt), Ox managed to pry the compartment open. Inside was a safe with a lock that matched the key we'd found. Inside was two scrolls. Upon careful perusal, it was discovered that one contained magic user's spells and the other clerical spells. #11 We (read Winslow) tackled the chest after a hearty lunch (fighting skeletons is hard work!). Within a false bottom was found a piece of vellum containing instructions on how to use the 'Amulet of Destination'. The amulet apparently controls the teleportation device found. I wonder if such a device is on every level of the ruins?
Had to break down one door - neither of the locksmiths could open it. We almost lost Patkhin a second time today. Within the room was a pentagram in red with gothic, ornate candelabras with white candles (#12) surrounding it. A fresh breeze flowed from the room. The fool Patkhin entered the pentagram before anyone could stop him. Lucky for him several things occurred, he was able to release the air elemental caught in the trap and Norby was able to pull him from the vortex caused by the elemental returning to its home plane. On the other hand, the elemental seems to have gifted us with a large chunk of quartz.
Returning to the main cavern, we discovered some eatable mushrooms that Winslow was ecstatic about. So were the giant centipedes. The cavern contained an unusual amount of greenish rock. I've snagged some samples to take back to town. If worthless, I can always throw them away.
Did perhaps acquire some interesting armor. In a cave further on we discovered a bellicose reptile of very large portions. Patkhin actually used magic! He Color Sprayed it giving us time to dispatch it, We skinned it out because the hide is very interesting. (#15) Randi says that it can be made into leather armor. I'm beginning to see the need for such things.
Returning to camp was interesting in itself. Capt. Timnit was curled up by our fire looking much the worst for wear. He ran when we came up and we had to catch and bring him back. Should have let him go. Gave us a story about bandits, etc. And then two bounty hunters appeared out of the gloom. Cpl. Timnit is/was with the mercenary band called the Claws. The bounty hunters are Kyshala & Dromm. Kyshala makes Norby uneasy. They indicate Timnit stole something from the Claws and/or their employer, a magic user. Won't say his (mu) name. We have enough and let them take Timnit. Not worth fighting over. He'd hidden a pouch with a ring in our camp. We found the pouch and gave it to the bounty hunters. (game note#16)
07/08
Spent the day in camp in honor of Onnacala. Don't want to engage in any strife today - bad luck.
07/09
Goblins are our bane. Upon returning to the ruins today, we discovered two dead men in a room with a clean/new lock. They attacked Sapphire the moment he entered the room. We dispatched them with ease. (#17). Past this room, the hallway ended in a door. Beside it was a shrieker. Ox and Norby, using flaming crossbow bolts, destroyed it before it could raise an alarm.
Winslow managed to unlock the door with barely a sound. If you hadn't been listening for it, you couldn't hear it. But Patkhin got impatient and threw the door open...and got hit with a bottle of oil. Luckily, Sapphire pulled him back and closed the door just as two arrows hit it. Goblins and a wolf awaited us beyond the door.
After washing much of the oil off with Winslow's help, Patkhin again threw the door open and lunged in the room. Only to get hit by an arrow through the chest. Ox and Norby pulled him from the room while Xaviera tried to heal him. The rest of us headed for battle. While Winslow danced with the wolf, Sapphire engaged a goblin, Randi headed for the archer and I tried to keep Sapphire from being skewered from behind by another goblin. My luck was foul. I helped but barely. Randi had better luck by beheading the archer. And then turned to help us. After finishing the wolf and goblin, Winslow and Sapphire headed towards the end of the room where a statue stood. Randi and I couldn't understand why until later. Apparently we were affected by a spell that the goblin shaman had used to make us 'forget' him. Unfortunately, Winslow and Sapphire did not get to him in time. Suddenly, the rest of us were fighting goblin zombies.
Winslow and Sapphire did disrupt the shaman enough that we were able to destroy the zombies. Sapphire was badly hurt (again) but the shaman was killed. On the up side, Sapphire now has a bow again (he broke is one and only bow string several days ago) along with more arrows and extra bow strings. He's happy. Or will be as soon as Xaviera heals him. (#18)
Before leaving the room, we (mostly Winslow) desecrated the shrine by toppling the statue, destroying the symbols on the floor, etc.
The rest of the day was spent in camp, repairing armor, weapons, clothing and bodies.
07/09
I have had the most frightening and exhilarating day of my life! With the possibility of a haunting to come!
We went back into the ruins to look through areas missed in previous searches. We continued on past the goblin shrine. Luck or skill was with us in that Winslow found a fiendish trap set with a trip wire. Had one of us encountered it, we'd have been smashed by a metal bar swinging out of the wall. Beyond it was a room with two zombie goblins. Sapphire easily arrowed them. The bow is definitely his forte.
Found the castle vault further on. Empty of course. The metal door had been slagged by some great blast of heat or lightning. Something prompted me to suggest that Winslow and Sapphire look for hidden doors. The vault in plain sight suggested another hidden somewhere close. While we didn't find any vault, Winslow did find the magically hidden guardroom across from it. From the corridor, you only saw a blank wall. From inside the room, the door had a window that looked out on the vault. Also within the room was some weapons that appeared in good shape. When Randi picked up the crossbow, it cocked itself! Ox and Norby were drooling over it! (#19)
Further on, we discovered the 'dungeon' part of the ruins. Cells with barred doors and a room with jail cells. A couple of cells contained the remains of previous human inhabitants. But in one cell a man remained. Shackled, haggard and dirty, he croaked a request for water. The man claimed to have been imprisoned by the Broadhands. Since they died over two hundred years ago we were, understandably, wary. We even went so far as to toss a pebble onto him to determine if he was a ghost or solid. The pebble bounced but we/I was unconvinced. We withdrew to discuss the matter. Upon our withdrawal a bitterly cold wind blew from the jail cells in our direction and the man howled 'Fiends' and came after us. His lower body was now indistinct and the cold wind blew before him. We rushed to the siege engine room since it contained a hole in the ceiling that admitted a stream of bright sunlight. It stopped the apparition. While we stood in sunlight, it prowled the shadows hissing and making threats. By mutual consensus, our group agreed that his kind was beyond our abilities to handle and a retreat to the nearest town was appropriate. So up a rope to the outside and everyone headed back to camp. An interesting note - Winslow was in the lead! Perhaps, given the right circumstances he can outrun even the longest legged of us.
But I could not let it be. Here was a story to tell! Why was this man now undead? What made him hate all living beings? Who imprisoned him? Why?
So I turned back and stood at the edge of the hole, questioning the shade. Over a period of time, I managed to worm his name and story from him. His name was Mueth, the loyal bodyservant of Trinith Broadhand. When she ran away, he was imprisoned and tortured by Trinith's mother and grandfather. Soon after his captivity began, the keep was attacked and the Broadhands killed. But Mueth's hate kept him 'alive' and seeking revenge. Not much more did he impart, but enough was told for me to convince him that he had indeed won. With that, he bade me tell his story as he began to dissipate. From his wording, I fear that if I do not tell the story well and soon, I will be haunted for the rest of my maybe short life. So be it, balance has been restored with an undead life laid to its final and appropriate rest.
With the shade gone, I returned to my companions who seemed a bit peeved at me. It did not matter - we journeyed back to Halmir without fear of an undead creature attacking us. Ah, it is good to be back in the comforts of a town. Baths, clean clothes, and a ballad of my life to compose!
An interesting note - a half orc ranger approached me in the eating hall. After obliging him with a very long ballad, Teomarth revealed that there was an old, intact Kirinari tower near Whale Lake, south of the village of Lago. It sounds interesting.
07/11
Journeyed in the company of spice merchants from Halmir to Cascro. Quite uneventful, but I found out what the greenish stone was from miners staying at the Laughing Sheep. Seems it is a medium for veins of silver and/or gem stones. If we go back to the ruins, will definitely take a chisel with me. The miners were also quite helpful in recommending places in Ossana to go and/or avoid when selling our crystals and jewelry.
07/12
Made it to Ossana today. The spice merchants paid us for our guard duty with spices. Had a hard time not laughing at Winslow as he drooled over their wares. Only other happening was Ox getting jumped by a large spider on the road. Not the kind that we were hunting unfortunately.
07/13
Had to travel to the local druid's grove almost 1/2 a day away from Ossana. Roberta seems to have followed us from the Stunted Forest. While it's an honor to have such a companion I fear for her safety. Farmers tend to take a dim view of large cats prowling around. Unfortunately, the 'talk' with Roberta is inconclusive. She's 'choosing' to go our way.
The only entertaining occurrence is that Xaviera seems to have made a conquest of her own. Mirk, the high druid's apprentice seems quite taken with her.
07/14
Traveled back to Ossana and arrived in time to have lunch with Patkhin's mother. A formidable woman to say the least. Poor Patkhin.
Am starting to work on Mueth's ballad. The college has accepted me for more training to start after the festival. I'm hoping this will increase my chance of creating a suitable composition.
07/15
Festival! Lights, music, fun was had by all!
07/16
Taking care of business. And still working on the ballad.
07/17
Started training. Am learning spells!?!. I always wondered how the really good ones did sound effects and the what not. Oh, this is going to be so much fun!
Winslow surprised the party with an evening out for the group at a local dining establishment - The Cloven Sword. When asked the occasion, his reply was simple "Because of a successful adventure!" Well, we just might have to make this a habit!
07/22
Training and more training. Though the ballad is done and well received. Hopefully Mueth will be satisfied.
07/23
Odd Bodkin's Day. Do nothing chancy! Winslow kept trying to get me to gamble with him but there is no way I would try my luck today!
07/24
Met Emar, the cleric that the group has hired to accompany us on our travels. Seems ok. Because of his faith, we cannot expect him to do much fighting. Good, hopefully he'll not get hurt. He's supposed to doctor us!
Made Cascrow early as we were all riding instead of walking. Some of us are in bad shape from saddle sores. And tomorrow will be worse! One thing of note - the mercenary group The Flying Spears came into the inn while we were there carrying one of their folk who was dead. Seems they ran into Hill Giants down by Durkin.
07/25
Made Castle Rawlmondo today. Did not meet the lord who was away on a hunt, but made the acquaintance of the steward and cleric in residence. Quite nice folk. Sang the ballad of Mueth. It was well received! Rest easy Mueth.
07/26
Made Lago today and had to ride for our lives! The townsfolk seem to be possessed by something evil.
The good people of Rawlondo spoke well of Lago giving no indication that there may be trouble ahead. I truly believe they did not have an idea of what awaited us. After a hot but uneventful ride to Lago, we entered the town late in the afternoon. The streets seemed unusually empty for such a large settlement with no one about. Upon entering the inn, we discovered it empty except for the innkeeper. Upon inquiring about us 'strangers' and how many of us there were, she called a helper to ready things for the 'strangers'. Also at that time the mayor, accompanied by a larger man carrying an axe, appeared and welcomed us 'strangers'. We made to leave on the pretext of taking the horses and mules to the stables down the street. At that point more townsfolk appeared muttering 'kill the strangers.' As they moved slowly and deliberately, we were able to mount and ride past/through the encircling people (which included children) before anyone had to swing in attack or defense. On our way past the keep (which was dark), the drawbridge began to lower, but we did not stick around to find out what came out.
We are now a couple of miles away from the town. We hope to sleep and decide what to do in the morning.
07/27
This may be my last entry for a while or maybe forever.
Last night while we slept, a strange blue glow emanated from our bodies. Luckily, Randi and Winslow were keeping watch and saw it happen. They awoke us from horrible dreams about someone/something calling us. We moved another three miles from the town and tried to sleep again. The blue glow did not happen again.
Upon awakening, the group tried to decide what to do. Go back and try to find whatever/whoever was controlling the town? Or continue on to the tower and hope things have gotten better once we get back? Lacking a feeling one way or the other, I asked Ryanne for guidance. Much to my surprise, She answered.
The vision showed a blue glow falling from the sky to land next to a peddler's wagon. This same wagon we had seen in the town next to the inn. The peddler (naturally) investigated what had fallen so close to him. Once he touched the glowing object, a cold intelligence void of all artistic joy seized and controlled the hapless peddler. The impression I got was that it grew stronger every day and would soon have the strength to 'posses' Rawlondo. Who knows where its power will stop?
This thing must be destroyed! If allowed free reign, it will use anyone it wishes with no regard to the host. Some of our group saw a blue glow on the cliffs overlooking the town. Perhaps that is where it is hiding. We are going back this evening to (hopefully) destroy it. If we don't and any of our party survives, they are charged with riding back to Rawlondo with the news of the threat.
I've sung my comrades back to sleep for the afternoon. I hope it is a good sleep because tonight we'll need all our strength to defeat this evil.
07/28
We've done it! The evil is destroyed!
Upon returning to Lago, we saw from afar that many soldiers guarded the road at both ends of the town. We headed in the general direction of where people had seen the blue glow in the cliffs. After a little while, it was easy to find - a cave was guarded by 40 soldiers. We set up a diversion so that Winslow and Sapphire could get into the cave without having to deal with the soldiers. Unfortunately, in the chaos we wounded several of the soldiers severely. Luckily Emar was able to keep them from dying.
From our point of view when we sprang our diversion the soldiers attacked without much coordination or skill. Then, all of a sudden, that changed. The soldiers, while confused and disoriented, quickly perceived that they were in battle and reacted accordingly. Our group then threw down our arms and surrendered. Some fast talking on our/my part prevented us from getting skewered on the spot. Happily, they took us back to their lord for questioning. Lady Einara didn't take our word on face value but enough so that we did not spend the night in the dungeon but rather in guarded rooms.
About mid-morning, we were once more summoned to the Ladyship's presence. The cleric of the village use a truth spell to determine the validity of our tale. Luckily for us, I stuck strictly to the facts without any embellishments! The cleric announced us free of lies and the Lord gave us a very generous reward for saving the village.
I've spent the rest of the day playing calming songs and working with the children of the village to ease the mental distress of the possession. Only time will tell how well the folk of this hamlet copes with the ordeal they have been through.
07/29
We have reached the tower. It is impressive. And completely looted.
We headed out from Lago early and reached the tower about mid day. The area around the tower is strangely groomed. No tall brush or trees exist for about 100 yards out from its edge. Only low grass and brush grow there.
The tower looks to be stone shaped. There are no seams or cracks to show that it is made of fitted stone. The entrance is on the SE side with a crossed sword and oak branch symbol on the keystone. Just inside the doorway are two opinthicus facing each other. When Winslow stepped through, he said he felt a strange feeling wash over him. Many of us asked permission to enter and felt nothing. Pathkin did not ask permission but still felt nothing.
Just as we were 'stabling' the horses, Roberta yowled from outside. A very large shadow passed over the entrance. Winslow and Pathkin began an investigation of the second level to see what it was. It turned out to be a hippogriff. Pathkin tried to show it that we meant it no harm. The creature in turn tried to take Pathkin's head off.
Luckily, Pathkin remembered his training and color sprayed the creature. Winslow showed his courage by rushing in and dragging Pathkin out of harms way (or tried to). I managed to cause it to go to sleep thus saving the party the necessity of kill such a fine animal. We did tie it up (Winslow is very skilled at this).
After searching the other levels above, we made a barrier to the second level and to the outside entrance. I once again slept the hippogriff, we removed its bonds and put the barriers in place. After recovering our spells we are going to explore the lower levels.
07/30
Have found the secret entrance to a Kirinarian village! Randi to her credit discovered the means of entrance. This after hours of fruitless searching.
We descended a stairway into what appeared to be the basement. The stair ended in a 20' room with a very large beetle. It severely chomped Xaviera, Randi and Emmar before it was defeated. We found some items in a crack in the wall. Because of the severe injuries, we retreated to the main level to recover.
Upon returning to the lower levels we discovered an empty room, a room with what appears to be an ogre skeleton and keg covered in green mold and a room with a statue.
The statue is of a tall noble looking half elf man at arms. It has an inscription on the base reading 'A place of refuge awaits for one who knows, where one may breath freely.' We tried everything to find a secret door, passage or portal. We did manage to find a magical door after the Winslow poured water on the floor against each of the walls. But we couldn't find the trigger. After keying on the 'knows' as 'nose' and Winslow going so far as to press his against the door, Randi simply walked over to statue and pressed its nose (with a small 'neep' sound to help). The doorway disappeared and gave view of a broad sweeping stairway down.
We are going to go down the stairway tomorrow. We spent all afternoon looking for that darn switch! So much for my knowledge of legend lore!
08/01
The village is inhabited by memories and disgusting insects.
We descended the stairs into a very large cavern. The grooves in the stairs are the tracks for now rusted out sleds. We heard a strange clacking noise that echoed through out the cavern. The village consisted of 10 buildings - 2 large ones at the ends of a plaza with 4 on each side. A ramp is off to one side.
Upon searching the buildings we found one inhabited by bugs with 8 legs and segmented antennae. Later determined them to be whip scorpions whatever that is. We killed them, destroyed the egg cases and found a reptilian man skeleton. Found some coins with the skeleton - Drow coins! I certainly hope we don't run into any of the dark elves! I cannot tell what Sapphire is feeling.
While checking out the second story of a dwelling, we chanced upon a periscope. It looks out over some of the landscape above. Winslow has taken the mirror from both ends of the periscope and determined that when used in the dark the mirrors reflect images as if seen in dim light.
Another house contained a room covered by a thin layer of shaped stone. Unfortunately, much of the contents of the room were destroyed by acid fumes. I almost cried to see the remains of a book. Nothing was left of it but the brass corners.
At one house a giant tick thought Winslow was just the right size. Missing him it jumped on Sapphire. I pulped it with one good swing of my quarterstaff. Unfortunately, it splattered all over Sapphire. He was not amused. It was worth it. In the building we found a chest with a false bottom. It contained a spell scroll.
After a good lunch allowing Sapphire to get cleaned up, we reentered the city but instead of checking more houses we went up the ramp. There we ran into instigator of the clacking noise heard earlier and the ugliest thing I have every had the misfortune to encounter. It was ~8ft tall with the head of a vulture and the armor of a crab. It was bi-pedal with two hooked appendages for arms. We managed to defeat it but again Patkhin was almost killed and Xaviera badly wounded. The only good to come out of it was some coins, jewelry and a magical dagger!
08/02
I've met a Korred! This is something out of legend!
On our second day in the 'city', we found a communal kitchen with a dough-man creature. It tried to envelop Randi but with Sapphire's amazing bow skill breaking an oil flask that Winslow had thrown we flambeed it before it hurt anyone. The kitchen has an amazing cold room. It must be magical to keep the interior cool.
We also got a good look at the chasm running behind the village. It appears to be about 200 feet deep by about 120 feet wide. There is a stone bridge over it, but our halfling locksmith seems ill-inclined to go that way.
Found a Kirinarian urn and what appear to be geodes in another building. This building has a nasty trap for the unwary. I suppose it was useful in its time, but time has turned it lethal. The room contains a stone conference table with buttons in a recessed panel. Touch one and the room becomes enclosed with steel panels. Touch another and the panels disappear. Unfortunately Sapphire touched the button that made the panels appear and then discovered that the other button was broken. He repaired it but who knows how long it will remain fixed. The fool Pathkin was ready to try it again when we tackled him and dragged him away. Winslow tried to activate the mechanism while everyone was outside (so that it would remain closed forever), but the attempt failed.
We met Karzy the Korred when we followed a boiled boot smell to another building. She had disabled a trap when she saw us coming so she's not all bad. Though her cooking leaves a lot to be desired. Stirge soup! Yuck. I played for her and she seemed to enjoy it. But I failed Ryanne. Karzy bespelled the rest of the group and made them dance. I tried to sing a counter song, but failed miserably. I'm just not good enough. Only with Winslow's quick hint that the stirge soup needed tending did Karzy break the spell herself. We quickly made our good-byes (with some not even bothering) and left.
Karzy did warn us about crossing over the bridge to the other side of the cavern. She pantomimed some type of creature that we could not identify. May have to talk to her some more later.
One of the buildings is a temple. Beautifully constructed and still with magic on it. An obelisk stands in front with an inscription 'Unknown visitor, you stand in the cavern of Tyricha'Kaellen. For a handful of years a small band of Kirinarian made this cavern home. Gloom and darkness were dispelled by light and growing things and here we waited in safety for the Departure. Remember us, for we shall Return.'
The temple entrance has carved panels (the only wood we've seen so far) with locks. Winslow managed to open them and then broke some tools trying to remove the locks. Inside the buttresses of the main room are carved in the likeness of trees. On the floor is a replica of a crossed oak branch and sword. Three statues stand a the back. Eru, Beniceem and the chief elven deity await the return of their people. We found a secret compartment in one of the statues containing some old coins and feathers. In a back room, we found a box containing vestments for Beniceem. Interestingly, a key found earlier fit this lock!
With more time left in the day, we decided to continue on. One passage out of the cavern leads to another smaller cavern containing a large variety of lethal mushrooms. We left them to the giant rats living there.
The other exit leads to a cavern with the biggest geode I have ever seen. Along the way, another giant tick thought that Sapphire would make a tasty treat. We proved it wrong.
After entering the cavern, three troglodytes attacked us when we started down the ramp. They nearly killed Patkhin (as if that is something new). The geode is the size of a small house and open at one end. It contains psychedelic mushrooms. When Randi, Xaviera and I entered to try and get some crystal from the walls, I saw demons and devils coming at me. I ran. Someone tackled me but I broke free. When I came to my senses I was back in the tunnel leading to the village. Randi, Sapphire and Emar had followed me.
Upon returning to the cavern, we discovered a small T-Rex attacking our companions. We managed to kill it, but it injured Winslow. I feel bad. If I had not panicked, we all would have been there for when the lizard had shown up and Winslow might not have been hurt. I feel bad and still a little strange from the mushrooms. Oh - I did get a piece of quartz from the geode. Hope it was worth it!
08/03
Well it seems that anything with half a brain is our match or better.
We returned to the geode cavern to investigate further. Xaviera was attacked and almost killed by a giant lamprey that tried to suck her dry. I ended up jumping on the thing and riding a bucking bronco just so I had a good attack with a blade. If Emar hadn't been casting heals light wounds as quickly or as many as he did, Xaviera surely would have perished.
While we waited for the water to clear we continued on down another passage out of the geode cavern. There we were trapped and overcome by a large group of troglodytes. When we awoke we were in the main trog village stripped of our possessions and incarcerated in small cave. We were given two alternatives for defiling the sacred light - either go kill a demon plaguing the trogs (all to the good I say) or be sacrificed. Given 24 hours to contemplate our options we noticed that Winslow was not among our group. True to form (and good for us) he'd stayed out of the battle and remained undetected. Unbeknownst to us while we tried to find a way out of our prison he was liberating our possessions and trying to find a way to get us out. Unfortunately he was discovered but in the ensuing chaos he got us the magical dagger and his lock picks. As he led the trogs on a merry chase (and drawing off our guards), Sapphire picked the lock on our cage and we scampered out, grapping possessions and weapons. Alas we could not get to Winslow who was captured by the filthy trogs and there was no way for us to stand against so many.
Instead, I turned to Karzy hoping she would have some magical means with which I/we/she could get Winslow out of the clutches of the trogs. Luckily she can not only magic others to dance, but she can stone shape! She danced one set of trogs down a corridor and closed it behind them and then threatened the trog shaman with destroying their cave if they didn't let Winslow go. Winslow for some reason was ready to let them sacrifice him rather than go with Karzy. I certainly hope to come back some day and see what revenge I can inflict on these beasts.
Tomorrow we must go kill the stirges for Karzy. That and be there for stirge cakes for breakfast.
08/04
Hey, stirge cakes aren't so bad! Won't want to eat them everyday though.
Killed the stirges and cleaned out the other buildings. Found a bowl but nothing else. Did go back to the lamprey's pool and recover some stuff but this trip is coming up dry. All together (unless the old and drow coins are worth more) each person's cut will barely pay for training let alone re-provisioning. I can only hope we find *something* that can make this trip profitable. I've mended the big Kirinarian urn so maybe that will bring in some cash.
Karzy did elaborate on what is over on the other side of the chasm. From her description it sounds like shadows and ghosts 'live' over there. Not something I want to run into very soon.
We're back at Lagos now and at least they are happy to see us. But I feel that I have let my Goddess and my fellow companions down by even suggesting the tower. It had little to offer and I had high hopes on finding something that I could use to further myself. I will know better than to *even* think such a thing in the future.
08/05
The villagers have thrown us an impromptu festival. I hope we gave as good as we got. I tried to repay their kindness with song, laughter, tales and dance. But we must be careful and not overstay our welcome or take advantage of their generosity. It may begin to wear thin if we overindulge at their expense.
08/07
Patkhin is extremely lucky. On the 6th, we returned to the tower
to finish looking through the levels we had explored but giving
the trog area a wide bearth. I took a nice ceramic bowl to Karzy
as a thank you gift. She seemed to like it.
We searched the tunnels the the T-Rex came out of. There we met a *very* large cricket. We did not kill it and I think it brought us good luck. Winslow found a secret door in a basalt column that lead to a lower level filled with treasure. Unfortunately, it also contained 6 zombies.
The zombies badly hurt Xaviera and Randi and killed Patkhin. We gathered up the treasure as quickly as possible. Emar, Xaviera, Winslow and I have ridden to Ossana as quickly as possible. Upon reaching the temple of Beniceem, we discovered that Patkhin's mother has pre-paid for a raise dead! Premonition or knowledge on her part? Anyway, he is up and about but will not be ready for more adventuring for a while.
08/09
The others have returned safely to Ossana. I've taken this opportunity to train during which I identified the buckler as also of the Order of the Flame. I seem to be increasingly impulsive - doing before thinking. It's not my usual way.
08/13
Once again it seems I've acted before thinking. We sold all of our 'loot' today without checking the breast plate. Since it was not tarnished I'm sure it was magical!
On a side note, the geodes we found contained salamanders! Xaviera took them to her mentor, who released them safely. We were able to sell the (now uninhabited) geodes for a pretty amount.
08/17
We've decided to return to the Stunted Forest and the Broadhand's keep. Roberta is following. I hope she decides to stay in her forest this time.
08/18
We've made another 'friend'. An 8-9 ft ogre by the name of Grout.
We got to the ruins about mid-day. After determining that the jail area was now uninhabited (Muelth nowhere to be found, but centipedes did try for a bite), we went down to the next level. Following Winslow's lead (since this was the level he got teleported to), we went through the room with the statues. Had to talk Patkhin out of trying one of the statues.
We did find a very interesting room containing a extremely detailed carving of a marsh on its wall. The letters LTS were stylized into the carving. Could it be the carver's name?
Found another room that was pyramid shaped with shelves, with half a dead rat on one of the shelves. We found a funny little gnome-shaped jar containing what I believe to be a powerful healing potion. Once again my impulsiveness came through and I tried it. No ill affects, just a sense of well-being.
Outside this room is where we encountered Grout. He peered at us from around a corner. Suprisingly, instead of attacking on sight he warned us away. And suprisingly, we did not impulsively attack. Turned out that he was badly injured. Once Emar healed his wounds Grout allowed us to pick a reward from his treasures. He also warned us about the 'little green brothers'. Ghouls. And he warned us that in the statue room the kobold statue is a seeing device while the goblin is a doorway.
Not wanting to leave anything 'behind' us, we went back to the statue room. While Winslow found the mechanism, he couldn't find the opening lever. Sapphire did that.
Someone has a weird sense of humor. We found a set of 10 foot rooms that when one door was opened, the other door closed. We managed to stop the doors from closing, but it was difficult to get the other door open with the first door propped open. We decided to come back to these later.
We discovered another *very* large snake half in and half out of a basin. We managed to kill it before it got a chance to attack. Lucky for us - it was a giant asp! Per the norm, Randi skinned it and Winslow filleted it.
We later ran into some more big lizards. Similar but not the same as what Randi and I used for armor. Took their skins and loot and returned to the surface where Winslow made a very tasty stew with the asp meat.
08/19
We are all worried about Xaviera. She was unusually quiet before we started on this trip. Now she's downright depressed.
We re-entered the ruins again today and searched the area Winslow had been teleported to. Ran into several bug-bears which caused Winslow much consernation. We managed to defeate them and found some booty.
We also found a very nasty bug. It's about coin size, silver colored, and eats through stone. Upon finding a room with holes all over the floor and walls, Winslow happened to get one out of its hole. It tried to latch onto him, but he got rid of it upon which a whole lot of them came after us. We retreated to camp to provision ourselves with oil.
It was at this time that we noticed Xaviera behaving oddly. She lagged behand the party; did not care what we did or were doing.
We returned to the ruins and the room with the coin bugs. After wedging the door shut (they didn't seem to be able to come through wood?!?), we had the misfortune to run into our first ghoul. It paralyzed Sapphire which was not a pleasant experience by all accounts, but Randi cut the ghoul down in short order.
After resting in camp so that Sapphire could recover, we once more ventured forth to the ruins. We found a pit trap that once sprung filled with the coin bugs. Perhaps my new found impulsiveness paid off here because I immediately flung oil in the trap and burned the buggers to cinders. But now we were stuck with a open pit trap. If we crossed, it would block our escape route. We decided to search in other directions.
Instead we returned to the 10 ft rooms and their doors. We found a cable attached to each door. Disabling the doors, we continued on. Much to our suprise we were 'jumped' by a sabertooth toad from behind. While it didn't flatten Patkhin, he and Randi were hurt.
The 'last' room held 3 skeletons burned to a crisp. Not wanting the same to happen to us, we used Patkhin's grapple to retrieve them. Found some items of interest including a magical dagger from the Order of Quorndt (True Neutral order of seers and oracles). Sapphire went into the room (with a rope attached to him) and attached some twine to the handle of the opposite door. After coming back out, Winslow had one of the 'tall' people slide a pouch full of sling bullets down the twine to the door whereupon the latch tripped and we were witness to a rousing display of coils of ropey fire curling through the room.
Lucky for us, we weren't in the room. The door that activated this trap appeared to end in a blank wall. But once again the halfling showed his cunning mind by throwing one of the skeleton's helmet across the room at the 'wall'. It revealed a secret room painted all black with the only light source in it shining on a silver hilted obsidian bladed short sword. Winslow was the first one there with Sapphire a close second. A runic H is carved into the hilt. Winslow is unwilling to give it up to Sapphire. Says it is made for him. I hope it's not cursed!
Unfortunately, Xaviera is acting even more depressed if that is possible. We plan on heading back to Ossana tomorrow.
08/20
Made Cascrow today. The rain that started today isn't helping Xaviera's mood.
08/21
Found the reason for my impulsiveness! Xaviera and I were affected by the mushrooms in the huge geode back at the Kirinari tower.
We returned to Ossana today and went straight to the temple of Beniceem. There the healer, Stephan, insisted that I join Xaviera within a healing circle. Upon casting his spell, I felt my mind become 'free' of an outside influence. What a relief!
08/26
Took advantage of being back in town to train to my next level. But no money to buy anything but supplies. We're also waiting for a stone shape scroll to be made so we can get by the coin bugs and the pit trap.
08/28
Saw my first demon today - from a distance. Something called a Retriever. Harden says that it is a demon from the Abyss and is an assassin.
We were having a late breakfast when Winslow and Sapphire emerge from the inn's basement to inform Harden that he has 'big bug' troubles. After a swift look, Harden informs us that we need to remove all our items of interest from the basement to another location. Upon entering the locale, we were confronted with a large silvery looking insect. Translucent and terrifying to the eye, it did nothing while we carefully remove our possesions (which in itself was unnerving). Suddenly it disappeared! Out in the township, we heard cries of alarm. I hurried out to the area while trying to stay a safe distance and still observe the 'action'.
And what action there was. The demon was grappling with a man known as Bargon the Axe. Around him flew a flying carpet that spat fire balls while wizards and clerics stood on rooftops and plaza throwing who knows what kinds of spells.
Apparently, all the combatants efforts were successful. After a seemingly short time, the demon appeared to melt away. Though injured, Borgon actually laughed! Booming about what a good fight it was. The man is mad!
08/30
Have returned to the Stunted Forest and the Broadhand ruins.
09/01
I must chronicle what happened and what I felt this day. It is the only way to come to grips with what happened.
We got a late start this morning due to a Dire Wolf attack last night. The only one hurt or killed was the wolf. Consequently, we slept late to recover sleep and spell ability.
We entered the ruins and proceeded to the pit with the coin bugs. After stone shaping the holes closed, Winslow built a bridge across it to give those less nimble a sturdier crossing.
We found a room full of skeletons - some humanoid, some of giant lizards. We found one room with a dead ghoul in it also. Prints of a 4 toed creature were found, but Xaviera couldn't identify them. Continuing on, we found a larger hallway flanked by two ghoul statues. One was battered and well carved. The other was newer and not so well done. Sapphire swore that he'd heard whispers coming from the statues. Something about meat, blood and the juicy small one. We were pretty certain that we were being spied upon, but could find no entrance. Continuing on, we found the ghouls. While I was able to disable 3 of the foul creatures, more came at us. Soon all but Winslow and Sapphire were paralyzied. We could do nothing but watch our remaining companions battle for their lives and ours.
But battle they did and won. They took us to another room to protect us while the paralysis wore off. While there, they had to battle another ghoul that came out of a secret door.
Once we recovered, we continued our exploration. We found a crypt and ossuary of interest. Writing on the walls was spiky and slanted. Guests included 'Kellinuk - 1st Lord of the Middle Reaches'. Sapphire found a skeleton that looked like a hobgoblin fed a growth potion. We also found a trap consisting of a wand that shoots Melf's Acid Arrows.
After this, the trip turned grim. We entered a room with a ghoul image in metal on it's door. The room held a broken throne with a bone crown on it. The fool, I, tried to put it in a bag using some broken sticks so as to not touch it. It took possession of my mind and against my will I found myself putting the crown on my head.
The hideousness of it! My companions tell me that my features changed to that of a ghoul. My thoughts turned to the rending and tearing of flesh from my friends' bodies. My heart beat with the lust for flesh blood seeping between my lips. Those in front of me stood out in a red haze of gluttonous desire.
Unfortunately, Xaviera was the first to feel my hunger. She approached me when she should have been running away. I slashed at her and felt newly formed claws bite deep into her flesh. She fell paraylized by my new abilities.
I struggled, oh how I struggled, against the compulsion to rip my companions limb from limb. At times I thought I would win and then to my horror I would find myself leaping at a friend. My next target was Randi. Luckily, she danced out of the way and my attack missed.
Thank-you Ryanne for Patkhin. He used his brains instead of muscle. He stood to the side and used a scroll of Unseen Servant to wrap a rope around me. Between its encumberance and Randi, who knocked me unconscious, my friends save my life and theirs.
I remember little of the ride back to Halmir, where a priest of Eru raised me from the dead. My friends tell me they used the room of fire to destroy the crown, for which I am glad. At least that evil thing is gone.
The bath where I scrubbed my skin raw and my hair clean has done nothing to purge the memory of the blood lust. My guts roil and my mind recoils every time I think of it. Ryanne, once again my overconfidence in my abilities has cause harm and misfortune.
09/02
We returned to the dungeon today. My discomfort was obvious to all as we entered its bowels. My mind was briefly distracted when we discovered the remains of the ghouls' treasure. One torn sack and 2 coppers. It appears that Grout was here first. Watching a halfling chivvie the ghouls' treasure out of an 9 ft ogre is something to see.
Later we found what looked like the mother lode, only to determine it was an illusion. But what an illusion. Piles of gold, gems and jewelry. Ah, the life of comfort such a fortune could lead to. But, alas, all an illusion with nothing but wall behind it.
We found and followed the stairs down to the next level. We discovered a room with a bull's head with horns carved into the wall. It *must* contain something. It is too well done to not have a door or room behind it.
At the end of the day, Winslow got the fright of his life. We unlocked and entered a room where Winslow used his mirror to look around a corner. The mirror showed a bugbear face peering back at him. The poor boy squeaked with fright (don't blame him) and came running back closely followed by two bugbears. The fight was on with luck against us. We did win, but only barely. We did find some interesting items like a red silk bandana with a winged lion motif.
09/03
Patkhin almost died again today. How many does that make? We re-entered the ruins and continued our explorations. We, at first, found and left alone a brown ooze that appeared to dissolve flesh. But later we burned it rather than make the mistake of leaving it at our backs.
The number of traps in this place are incredible. Sapphire found a spike trap at the juncture of two hallways. And we ran into another in a room with polished gray counter with cabinets under it. Winslow adeptly opened the doors of the cabinet without anyone getting burned by the flames that shot out of it. The back of the cabinet, of course, was hidden some candlesticks.
Further on we found the remains of an aquarium. When Winslow entered to search for artifacts, a *very* large snake came into the room and attacked Patkhin. It almost smothered him before it was killed. All Winslow and I could do was watch since he was in the aquarium and I was holding his safety rope. Though Winslow received quite a shock - literally. A small wood box he found gave him an electric shock when opened. I've never seen halfling hair stand on end like that.
At the end of the day we found a room containing some really overgrown rat-like creatures. We managed to destroy them, but they hurt Xaviera, Sapphire and Winslow. Winslow is the worst off.
My nights are plagued by dreams of ghouls. I'm afraid I'm causing some distress among my companions if nothing else because of the interrupted sleep. My only consolation is that Sapphire has confided that he feels that I am 'his friend'. I take it that he does not feel that way about many people. I hope I am worthy of the honor. I can only work to be so.
09/04
Now Sapphire almost died. I loath this place that has almost killed most of my friends and tried to turn me into one of its tools. I can only work to clean it out. Hopefully, I can do much to restore the balance to it. On the upside, we met an inhabitant of the ruins that may be even more help than Grout in preparing ourselves of the task before us. But I get ahead of myself.
Our first stop this morning was the room with the bull's head. Sure enough the D-shaped ring found the previous day fit into the bull's nose. The head swung out and revealed a compartment behind containing a 2-reed horn with scrollwork. Could it be magical? I am anxious now to return to Ossana and research this artifact.
Next we found Ismar. He seems reclusive and lonely at the same time. The next time we come, we need to bring him several rounds of cheese. We met him when we tried to open some doors. Ismar issued a warning and we responded with an offer of friendship. Once fed a decent meal, he gave us information about the other levels. Such as the level down contains gnolls, on two levels below that is a well organized band of trolls, Dar-Netturion is on the level below the gnolls - his sign is a runic DN. Also on the next level down is a cage that either duplicates what is put in it - or disappears the item. Dar-Nettruion has only gone to level 10 - on the 11th level is a liche! It also seems that the ruins are older than the Broadhands. I must look into this more.
Earlier we had found a room with a low circular jet black pedistal divided into 8 pie shaped segments. Each segment contained a rune. It faced a doorway containing two doors. Each door contained four panels. The panels showed various scenes. On the left most door, the top left panel showed a legion of devils leaping and swarming over a plain. The top right panel shows a dark mountain range. The lower left panel shows a gaping chasm with flames shooting out of it. The lower right panel shows a group of amorphous shapes with large eyes huddled together with a spear poking at them. On the right hand door, the top left panel shows a large devilish being eating a human. The top right panel shows a staff throwing lightning. The lower left panel shows a bench with alchemy equipment. The lower right panel shows three interlocking glowing rings.
Ismar says that pressing the correct combination of runes on the pedistal will open the door behind which is a captive demon that must answer your questions truthfully. Not sure I want to mess with it.
Sapphire's near death experience came at the claws of a giant spider. It sank it's fangs into Sapphire before anyone could stop it. Luckily two things happened. Winslow made the best attack of anyone. He ran under the monster and stuck it in its belly. And Emar used some of Keoghtom's Ointment to neutralize the poison. I can only thank providence that we had the ointment.
One special note - in another room we found a most wonderous device. It is a contour map of the surrounding area. It is so realistic that you can see the animals in the fields move! I do wonder - if it is moved a distance away will it show the area around the ruins or the area around the map?
09/05
Well, it seems that we've really pissed off Patkhin. We went back to the pedistal with the runes and Winslow figured out the key. The doors opened into a long hallway ending in an octagonal room with an iron statue. When Winslow stepped into the room, he asked the statue 'who are you'. The thing answered 'Skulak - Duke of Nine Hells'. That was enough for us. But Patkhin wanted to ask more. Considering his lack of wisdom, we were unwilling to let him. At which point he stomped off. When we returned to the camp he was not there.