Chapter 3 - Harbinger of Tragedy

[BigRedRod]

It's early morning when the serving boy knocks on the door. The situation feels all too smiliar to the last night you spent at the villa, the light streams through the windows, the sun is bright and rising. After being presented with hot water for washing you are informed that the Master Rizeth awaits you in the garden.

The serving boy stares excitedly at Sy as he greets Roth, but he doesn't comment and remains well mannered.

****

The morning is warm and bright, the circular table is once again present in the gardens. The collection of food on the table is different but no less impressive than your last breakfast at the villa. Variously shaped and coloured types of bread fill a basket near the centre of the table, various preserves are off to the side of them, along with small pots of things which you can't quite identify but are most likely dried and sliced or ground fruit, roots and suchlike. In the dead centre of the table there is a bowl of Müsli (oatmeal which has been soaked in yogurt for an extended period). A plate covered in several types of what seems to be thinly sliced meats (mostly ham, you would assume) and cheeses. Once again there is a large pot of tea MAster Rizeth is seated at the table as you arrive. Along with a jug of water and a jug of milk.

He greets you all with a smile,
"Please sit down, I trust you slept well? We can discuss your task and payment after we eat, as you know I don't believe that anything productive can be achieved on an empty stomach."
Rizeth sits with a cup of what can only be assumed to be tea

[SponkleofInfini]

"Thankyou for your hospitality, it is much apreciated."

Algerdar suveys the table from a boosted seat to accomodate his smaller form. Like before, Algerdar takes whatever food he can get his hands on, ham...cheese all looks good after their recent adventure. Filling his plate to full capacity, he sits quite contented with his first helping.

[SuperJosh]

Roth wakes up groggy, feeling that the sleep he got was nowhere near what his body needed. Never the less he gets up and starts to wash himself. Starts to get ready he notices the serveing boy's reaction to Sy.

"You can pet him." Roth says. "He won't bite... unless I tell him to." he concludes with a grin. Then finishes getting ready.

****

Roth makes his was through the vill to the garden, with Sy in tow, until he reaches master Rizeth.

"Greetings Master Rizeth." he starts, then eying, the table he goes on. "Your hospitality is as good as, or better, than it was the last time." With this he sits down and starts to eat, slipping scraps of ham and whatever else he thinks the dog will like to Sy.

[Black Plauge]

As usual the streaming sunlight makes Durn's morning less plesant than it could have been.

Damn sun! Don't have to worry about that back in the caves. Annoying thing to wake up to. How do these surface dwellers manage.

The arrival of the serving boy, however, forces Durn to put off his recollections of home and focus at the task at hand. Taking his time as he washes and braids his beard, Durn looks about his room, taking in the craftmanship of the stonework, and the general quality of his surroundings.

Once his beard is properly braided, Durn reattires himself and makes sure the letter from the foreman is in his shirt pocket before heading downstairs.

Probably due to the time he took with his beard, Durn is the last to arrive at the breakfast table where the others are already eating.

Taking note that Master Rizeth once again is not eating much, Durn can't help but feel that the elaborate spread of food on the table has been placed their not for the Master's benefit, but for theirs. However, his hunger quickly overcomes his curiosity and after a quick but polite good morning to Master Rizeth, Durn sits him self down to eat, nearly attacking the plate of meats and cheeses as he piles them high on slices of bread.

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth makes idle chatter as the party eat, about the weather and his gardens, he seems to have quite the passion for them. Once he is satisfied that all finished he sighs and says,
"Well let's get down to business then. One of you should have a letter from Mr Restart, the overseer of my mining venture in that particular region, yes?"

[Black Plauge]

"Indeed I do," says Durn in confirmation. Taking the letter from his shirt pocket, Durn hands it to Master Rizeth with a simple nod.

His hunger sated, Durn's curiosity is back in full force and he can't help but observe Master Rizeth's reactions to the letter from behind the rather large glass of milk he is drinking.

[SuperJosh]

Roth remains silent while for this part of the conversation. Content to feed himself and Sy.

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth takes the letter and reads it carefully,
"As I recall, we had agreed on thirty-five gold pieces a head, assuming they weren't much more than goblins, and a full ten-day with the spellbooks. Sadly, we don't seem to be any closer to understanding why I was attacked, I'll have my men investigate the area they were mining throughly, hopefully they missed somehting on their first search. So judging by what you fought, and what you managed to exterminate, I'd say that two hundred and sixty gold pieces were fair. I will have your money shortly."

The man pauses for a moment

[ooc: if anyone wants to argue aobut money or anythinf do it now]

[SponkleofInfini]

"I feel that is fair, although I don't speak for everyone."

Algerdar shifts uneasilly in his seat, awaiting someone to offer an objection to the fee and most likely try to haggle.

[Black Plauge]

Seeing as the agreed split has the money going to Roth and Dron, Durn sits quietly by waiting for one of them to speak up about the sum.

The ten-day with Master Rizeth's spellbooks should be more than enough compensation for me, Durn thinks to himself, I wonder if the sum of gold will be enough for Dron and Roth though, after all that bugbear and orc were a little more than we bargianed for.

[BigRedRod]

Dron raises an eyebrow,
"Thirty-five gold pieces, per goblin which we removed. We were not fighting goblins, yes they were present, but they had powerful allies. Orcs! A Bugbear! And I'm not even sure what some of those things were! Not goblins, we agreed on their price, but the problem was much deeper than a few chaotic goblins wandering into your mine. I should think that our payment should be rather more than you offer."
The man seems offended by the amount offered

Rizeth looks at him with perhaps a flicker of annoyance, Dron continues,
"Does two hundred and eighty pieces not sound a little more fair?"

The older man speaks within a breath of Dron's outburst,
"I understand that you encountered some type of creature I'm not familiar with, not to mention the rather unique orc, who seemed to be the leader of the little invasion party. I shall be sending a note shortly to a good friend who has a special interest in unusual specimens. Although as unusual as they were you seem to have overcome them. Perhaps my knowledge of the real world has become slightly faded and I under-estimate difficulties, and so I shall raise your reward. Does two hundred and seventy pieces sound a little better , my hard bargaining friend?"

Dron pauses for a moment and then speaks,
"I'm glad we could reach an understanding."

The tension from the quick exchange lingers in the air for a moment and then Rizeth looks back at the group as a whole,
"I take it that this arrangement is agreeable to the rest of you."

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar nods

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth nods,
"Well then, it would seem that our business is almost concluded. You should feel free to enjoy the garden's, and each of you will be allowed to freely travel them and through the library for today and the nine days to follow, which I shall have you shown to. If someone would like to come to my study in an hour or so I will have your money waiting."
The man smiles and continues to drink his tea

[Black Plauge]

"Thank you for your hospitality, Master Rizeth," Durn replies.

Furrowing his brow he continues, "As for the creatures, I too am concerned that we were unable to discover their motive for being there. Foreman Restart said that the area they were mining did not contain any valuable minerals so I find it odd that they put so much effort into it. However, they all had small figurines or chams dedicated to the god Kunoq, so I was thinking their digging might be religiously motivated. I'm afraid though that I do not know enough of this Kunoq to draw any conclusions. Mr. Restart informed me that Kunoq was the god of the games in these parts, but being from the Endless Mountians, I am not familiar with your gods and customs. Can you shed any light on what a cult of Kunoq might be after in a mine?"

[BigRedRod]

"I am not a religious man, but I know of Kunoq and his followers. His followers value strength, the physical body and little else. Unless the mining was a display of devotion or somesuch I can't think of any reason for his followers to invade my mine. If it was a mineral they were after I'm sure there are easier ways of aquiring it than the invasion of my property."

[Black Plauge]

"I, too, doubt it was a mineral they were after. Mr. Restart, your foreman, seems to know what he is doing and he was fairly certian they weren't mining for any mineral."

"No, I think the digging was motivated by something else and I've thought of two options."

"The first your foreman mentioned; they might have been digging to create or expand a new nest. However, we found little evidence of ocupancy so I'm not sure that is the correct conclusion."

"The second is that they were searching for something. Something they beleived to be buried behind that wall they were mining. Now given the charms and figurines we found I was thinking that what ever they were looking for might have religious signifigance."

[BigRedRod]

"Hmmm, the latter certainly is probable, and I will, of course, ensure that the area is fully excavated. When I discover the cause of the invasion, I will share the information, and I'm determined that I will discover the cause of the disturbance."

[Black Plauge]

"Of that I have no doubt. Now if I could ask for some one to show me to the library, I really am rather anxious to get to work on my spellbook."

[SponkleofInfini]

"As am I, I have been rather on edge ever since I lost my original."

Adds Algerdar

[BigRedRod]

"Yes yes."

Rizeth stands, he moves quite easily for a man of such advanced years, and within moments a serving boy is stood beside him, Rizeth looks at him ,

"Show my two friends here to the library."

Rizeth then turns to Roth and Dron with a slight smile,

"As these two will no doubt be very busy , I expect I'll see one of you or the both of you in an hour or so. Until then, I bid you all good day."

The serving boy looks at the two wizards,

"If you would follow me..."

And with that he sets off towards the villa, leading you through the main door and then left. The three emerge in a huge library, books are neatly shelved everywhere, a suprisingly large amount seem to be spellbooks, it is awe-inspiring that so much magical lore can exist in a single villa.
"Will you be needing anything else from me, sirs, before I leave you?"

Dron and Roth are left sat at the table in the cool morning breeze

[Dust]

Dron grabs what appears to be a dried plum and leans back in his chair. He puts his right boot up on the table before gingerly moving his left up next to it with a grunt.

"Well, I'm not sure if it was worth it," he says to Roth, "but at least the pay is good. Not that I plan to make a living at it, you understand."

He takes a large bite out of the plum and talks while chewing.

"Do you think it's true that girls like scars?" he asks.

[SuperJosh]

Roth grins. Happy that his friend is feeling back to normal.

"I can say for a fact that girls like scars." he says with a chuckle. "It is usually not as bad as that. But those crossbowmwn sure gave us some troublt."

[Dust]

"Yeah," Dron says, nodding in agreement, "I don't imagine there are too many folks who last very long in this business, no matter how many favors Puck owes them..."

He finishes off the plum with one huge bite and chews for a few seconds before looking around at his surroundings.

"Oh well," he says with a shrug, "I've been in more danger for less returns. Might as well enjoy the morning for a little while before seeing the old man. And after that, I could use a few days in a good pub with a strong drink in one hand and a pretty girl in the other. I haven't had this much gold to throw around in a long time, and I don't intend to waste it."

[SponkleofInfini]

"No thankyou my lad, to be able to set foot in such a library is by far enough. Durn, have you seen archives this extensive before?"

Algerdar is filled with an excitement that he has not felt in quite a long time. His most fulfilling thought was that he had earned it. Ever since he had lost his original spellbook, he could not shake the apprehension that gnawed at him all this while. From his original imprisonment to the mines, his forboding, his dread...all had left him now, just the sight of such volumes lightened his spirits to untold heights.

Browsing around Algerdar collects a few of the arcane bindings, placing them onto the table with a rather heavy thud which looses a significant ammount of dust. Beginning with Cantrips, Algerdar studies and writes spells from the stepping stones of magic, Cantrips to slightly more advanced spells. Throughout the week and a half, Alegrdar barely leaves to the library, only to eat and sleep. While in some spare moments he would recline with a brandy and a good novel.

[BigRedRod]

Time rolls by in a slow but pleasant way. With the two wizards in the library it is left up to Roth and Dron to collect their earnings. Upon arriving at the study they are approached by one of the master's serving boys,
"I'm sorry Sirs, but the Master is not available at the moment. However I have your payment."
The boy hands over a dark purple velvet bag which jingles slightly

[ooc: it contains 27 platinum pieces, add your share to you sheets]

[SuperJosh]

"Come on Dron, lets go back to my room and split this up."

Once they are there Roth will take 13 platinum. "half of that odd platinum should more than cover what I owe you." he says to Dron. The also takes 5 pieces out and sets them aside to give to Durn the next time he sees them. The remaining are split into two piles, a small one containing 3 goes into his belt pouch while the other goes into his traveling bag.

[Dust]

"Much obliged," Dron says with an impish bow. He places the coins in his belt pouch and heads back to his own room with goodbye wave to Roth.

Upon reaching his room, Dron takes the platinum coins back out of the pouch and spreads them out on the large bed. He takes off his right boot and, after feeling around for a moment, opens up a hidden compartment in the boot heel. Inside he places four of the coins inside and then places the rest in his backpack. After sorting through the rest of the coins, he takes 10gp, 10sp, and 10cp and places them in his belt pouch, packing the rest away in a sack inside of his backpack.

A few minutes later, the door to Dron's room opens and he steps out, whistling softly and flipping a silver coin. He strolls down the luxurious hall with only the slightest limp on his injured leg.

(OOC: Dron will have done his best to hide his backpack somewhere in the room (loose floorboard, behind a dresser, etc.). He's currently carrying just his flint and steel and his belt pouch with the mentioned coins. He has his dagger and rapier with him, but not the crossbow he picked up in the mines.

He's going to try to head into town to spend a few days boozing it up with the locals and trying to pick up rumors, staggering back to Rizeth's only to sleep.)

[BigRedRod]

The tenday passes...

Dron's Rumours
(As recalled and sorted by the rogue the mornings after)
- It seems to be fairly common "knowledge" that Archer (the half-elven owner and operator of Archer's general store) is involved in something a little shady. Most claim to know someone who has seen carts at the rear of his store at very late hours. Exactly what he is doing isn't clear, although a older man missing an eye and quite a few of his teeth thinks he's supplying one of the anti-ally rebel factions. However, the man didn't seem able to back up his accusations

-Despite the government's friendly stance with the allies, most people seem to have a dislike for the Venterrans. But anyone found aiding a rebel faction will be handed to the relevant state for questioning. The dislike seems to inherited as no one seems to have a rational reason.

-Although monsters were never uncommon in this area, the sightings of creatures have increased over the last few tendays. And the creatures aren't the usual wandering beats, they are "unusual"

-Quite a few are taking a trip down to Sinst for the Solstice, the arena will be having a day of competition including a Dragoon battle. Combat involving dragoons isn't a common recreational activity.

-The younger men are already boasting about how they are going to win the Lodez games on the 20th (the solstice). Most are doing it to attract girls as there aren't any prizes of worth, just ribbons. There are three events, an unarmed combat tournament, a sprint, and a longer cross-country race.

-No one knows much about the rebels or any bases they migt have. or if they do then they aren't saying anything. Although one of two point out that you could hide almost anything in the cavernous wood and it's on the border between the allied states and the free making it as good location as you're likely to find. But the existence of a rebel base is nothing more than idle talk from drunk people

-Children don't respect their elders there days

Geology
As far as anyone knows there are no obsidian deposits large enough to be documented anywhere in Sinst, or in a nearby region. That which is required is bought from merchnats who aquire it from the dwarvern clans in the endless mountains (the obsidian clans mainly seem to inhabit the mountain region in Zoltad)

Kunoq
Kunoq has very few actual temples in any civilized lands. Although a portion of most large arenas or other places of physcial competition is normally owned by the clergy.
They maintian these places and offer training to those that seek strength and success, they also tend to judge such events, laying out the rules and ensuring that the rules are not breeched.
Any test of the physical body with a priest of Kunoq present will most likely be proceeded by a prayer.
In any game or competition the taking of life is discouraged by the priesthood, there is no shame in losing to a superior opponent providing no cowardice was shown and both gave their all.

In uncivilised lands however, things are different. The God is seen more for his strength aspect, his followers seek to achieve their potential. The harshness of life reaffirms faith to Kunoq, who understands their struggle and accepts it as a show of devotion. Those who somehow survive unspeakable odds without showing cowardice are said to be the children of Kunoq, those he has watched out for and protected from certain death.

The two apsects are not entirely seperate however, even the most noble of creatures may thank Kunoq if it survives an event with odds stacked heavily against it (for example a member of a caravan who fights to protect himself and the caravan despite an on-slaught by a band of knolls which ended with his and the caravan's defeat, if for some reason he awakens to find himself with the wreckage rather than in a Knoll pantry, he will almost certainly offer words of thanks to Kunoq as one of his first actions)
And even wild bands of monsters will compete against one another in various physical events, asking Kunoq for strength and offering thanks for a win (providing the race is one which values victory without cheating)

...

...

During the final day of Master Rizeth's hospitality, a serving boy approaches each of you and requests that you be present for a dinner with Master Rizeth in the Grand hall that evening.
Rizeth, himself, was fairly reclusive during your stay, he was rarely available, the two wizards saw him the most on the few occasions he would walk thorugh the library with a serving boy and send him after various books before returning to his study. However, when you did see him he made the usual pleasantries and apologised for how busy he had been when he had guests in his home. Despite all this he seemed quite glad to have more life in his villa than usual.

The grand hall is on the ground floor on the villa although the room itself has a lowered floor, making the room much taller. Master Rizeth is not present at the table (which is set and unpopulated by food or drink at the moment), however the serving boy by the door invites you in, and almost as soon as you are seated the second boy approaches with a bottle of fine wine.

[ooc: I'll leave you to post the specifics of your own arrivals, should you want, and make any other comments and then I'll press on]

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar arrives to be greeted by a somewhat barren dining table, of both food and host. Algerdar does not dwell on such thoughts though as he is seated, then to presented with a glass of fine wine to nurse while he waits the arrival of Master Rizeth.

"So how was everyones week, as productive as mine I hope."

Says Algerdar with a slightly raised glass in greeting. He hadn't seen Dron or Roth much at all for this past tenday.

[Black Plauge]

Taking the seat indicated for him Durn accepts the wine offered graciously, but only swirls the cup in his hand. Wine is generally not to his liking, but he will make a show of it for proprity's sake.

"Indeed, its been a productive week. My spellbook is not as full as it was before Naies, but at least it contains more than a mere handful now."

[Dust]

Dron walks in just as Algerdar is asking his question. He looks a bit disheveled, and his clothes are wrinkled like they've been slept in more than once over the last tenday. He sits down in the chair closest to the door and sinks down low.

As the serving boy approaches, Dron takes one look at the wine and feels his stomach begin to lurch. Making a sound deep within his throat he waves the boy off and holds his midsection for a moment, looking a bit pale.

"Yes, yes, much production," he groans, rubbing the heel of his palm between his eyes.

[SuperJosh]

Roth enters the room slightly after everyone else. His tunic is the simple one he always wears, but it is freshly washed and pressed. His goatee is neatly trimmed and waxed and he has obviously bathed and washed his hair rather recently. As he sits he takes the proffered glass of wine.

"Yes, I too had a very profitable week. Corran is not that bad once you get to know him, and he had a few tricks up his sleave he was willing to show me." Roth states after he has sat down.

[BigRedRod]

With everyone seated and the serving boys confident that everyone has a drink, the group pass a few moments telling the tales of the week.

"Ah! You are all here, this is good."
Rizeth is stood at the door and he takes his seat at the head of the table, the boys pour him a glass of wine
"I apologise for not being able to enjoy your company this week, I think I am making some progress with the energysts, nothing worth reporting yet, but I'll get there."
He gives a short laugh, and the first course of the evening arrives. A small plate containing a small bowl of a thick sand-coloured substance with a red swirl in it, alongside around half a dozen of what appear to be snails. The shells of the snails are angular and a brownish-red colour.
A large basket of bread appears in the center of the table during the flurry of activity to deliver food
"I do enjoy sampling new foods, my Chef, Margo, ... have you met her yet? She is very talented and enjoys learning new recipies as I enjoy tasting them. I'm informed that this is quite the delicacy among the elves in the Dor Wood."
Rizeth takes hold of the skewer-like implement, identical to the skewer that lies on table, and pokes it into a shell. Pulling it free he bites the snail off the end and then smiles
"I expected more of an aquired taste, but that is a good flavour. Don't you agree?"
He looks at his guests and their plates

...

As each course is finished, another seems to arrive, the portions are equally small but the origin of each dish is different, coming from all across the land.
"Having guests is so refreshing, it gives me a reason to make an effort, and I'll admit that it has been a while."

[Black Plauge]

At first Durn is hesitant to try all the new foods, especially the ones of Elven origin, but out of consideration for his host at least tries them all. To his own suprise Durn finds himself liking several of the dishes and complimenting the cook.

[Dust]

Dron's eyes widen in horror at the sight of the exotic dishes, and as their smell fills his nostrils he has to fight the urge to gag. Closing his eyes tightly for a moment to compose himself, he finally takes a plain piece of bread and nibbles on it reluctantly, if only to distract himself.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar had come accross some of these dishes upon his journey's before, and knew they were quite delicious. Like always manners seem to take a backseat to his eagerness to get the food into his mouth.

"I have come accross some of these delicacys before, most, including myself when first trying such cuisine are apprehensive. But after the first mouthful, you begin to contemplate seconds."

Syas Algerdar with a cheaky smile to Dron.

"I'm glad you're enjoying our company Master Rizeth, although seldom seen you have been a most gracious host."

[SuperJosh]

"Well, it is better than some things you have eaten...at least it is cooked...ish" Roth thinks to himself as he tries the snails.

"I must agree with Algerdar. Never have I felt so welcome in a guests hows as you have made me feel."

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth places his hands on the table before him,
"Perhaps I feel responsible for you, I know you understand that my tasks have had a real possiblity of danger involved, but I still feel bad for potentially risking your lives."

He pauses

"It seems evertime we eat together I have another motivate ... Today, unfortunately, isn't an exception. As you no doubt remember I told you that I had sent a message to a colleague and dear friend concerning the creatures you encountered in my mines. I have recieved no word from him, and it occurs to me that I haven't heard anything for some time. Perhaps I am just being an old fool and he has just had a busy few weeks."

Rizeth thinks for a moment,

"I have a package which needs delievering to him, just a small box. The task should be simple, travel to his home, deliever the package to him in person and then let me know if anything seemed ... odd. I would go myself, but I have so much to doand I'm most likely making a making a mountain out of a mole-hill, as they say. But still, would you be willing to perform another task for me?"

[Dust]

Dron's eyes perk up despite his hangover, and a weary expression passes across his face.

There's something he's not telling us, he thinks to himself, and I sense a bad bargain on the way...

But for now, he says nothing. Negotiations have not yet begun.

[SponkleofInfini]

"It sounds simple enough, but I am sure the issue of interest is fee."

Queries Algerdar, sensing the obvious in the others.

[SuperJosh]

"So far all the ventures you have sent us on have been profitable, if somewhat painful, so I am game also." Roth says as he nibbles on some leftovers on his plate.

[BigRedRod]

"I'm glad you are willing to help. This task shouldn't be as taxing as previous ventures, I just need my mind set at ease, I'm sure that nothing can have happened."

Rizeth smiles

"As for payment, I'll pay thirty gold pieces up front to cover any lodgings and food. And upon your return with the package delievered and any news of Lucas I'll pay an extra fifteen gold pieces to each of you on your return. I understand that you are highly skilled and simple courier work is beneath you but the man is a dear friend and I trust you."

[Dust]

"I don't suppose that you could tell us what's in the package?" Dron says, leaning back and crossing his arms across his chest. He gives a cheerful smile, but his expression doesn't match his tone.

"After all, the road is a dangerous place, what with bandits and monsters and all. We'd be better able to protect it if we knew what it was. For instance, is it fragile? 'Cause I'd hate to accidently sit on it and ruin the whole trip."

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth looks at Dron and prepares for the bargaining to begin

"Largely just various reports that I've come across which may interest him. Sightings of unusual creatures and the like. Although there are a few other odds and ends besides the papers. A mask which has some interesting properties ... nothing too special, just the usual items which are ferried between fellow wizards watching out for one another and aiding research. I would avoid sitting on the box, but it is packed well so it shouldn't be overly fragile."

[Dust]

"'Just the usual items between wizards!'" Dron exclaims, his eyes widening, "you say that like we're carrying bags of flour. 'Nothing too special'..."

Dron sighs and leans forward in his chair, holding his chin in his hand.

"I don't suppose your research on energysts has made you very popular with the Mechanists Guild. If your friend has been aiding in your research... well, I don't want to imply that he might be in trouble, but you understand my concern... How about this. We'll cut you a deal. If there's no trouble... you know, bandits, angry guild members, whatever... then we'll accept your original rate upon our return, 15gp per person. But if we have trouble, I'd say that the job would be worth more like, oh, let's say, 60gp per person."

He shrugs his shoulders and smiles.

"You're probably right; I'll bet the job will be easy," he says, "but just in case, I'd like to have some insurance.’You never know what's over the next hill', as my master always said."

[BigRedRod]

Rizeth rubs his chin,
"I prefer your method of pricing, but perhaps we should call it an even fifty pieces, there shouldn't be much on the roads which would cause you much trouble. And there is nothing in the package which should call for an special attention by those who tend not tto see things from my point of view."

[Dust]

Dron moves his head back and forth for a moment, an intense look on his face. Finally he nods.

"I'd say that's fair," he says.

[BigRedRod]

"With that settled, let me explain how to find the estate of my friend Lucas. If you head into Lodez and then follow the signs to Gran Arco you can head due east for around five miles. You shouldn't be able to miss it, he lives in a two-storey house nestled between a collection of large glasteel domes. It's quite a unique sight and you will hav to try not to notice it."

Rizeth thinks for a moment

"I will have the package placed in one of your rooms before the evening is out and I'd be most grateful if you could set out tomorrow morning."

[SponkleofInfini]

"That is fine with me Master Rizeth, it would be good to be outside again. However wonderful your library is, the sun on ones face can be quite a feeling after a time away from it."

Replies Algerdar

[BigRedRod]

The meal carries on for just short of an hour before master Rizeth announces that he must retire,
"One of the downsides of being an old man is that I need my sleep again."
He gets up from the table and walks out of the room, with a serving boy proceeding him opening doors and the like

...

The morning arrives as expected and the four meet outside the villa. The sun is warm and bright, as most feel it should be on the longest day of the year.

Riding at the speed of the ponies it's just short of a twelve hour ride following the major roads fro,m here to Lodez, to Gran Arco and then east five miles to the home of Lucas. It's a possible ride in a single day but it isn't a comfortable journey

It would be possible to travel directly towards Luca's home, this will take nine hours, also an uncomfortable day's ride but much better than almost twelve hours in the saddle. However, this relies upon the innate sense of direction of the group rather than simple roads that go to where they claim.

[ooc : I'll leave this for your dicussion, some of you may want to stop off in town first, or what have you]

[SuperJosh]

"Well?" asks Roth as he sits on his horse outside the villa. "Which way do we want to go? The more direct and shorter way sounds better, but you know what they say: 'Short cuts lead to long delays.'"

[Black Plauge]

"Its too long a distance for one day's ride anyway. Lets use the road. We're more likely to find an inn along the way to spend the night and less likely to get lost," Durn replies.

[Dust]

Dron takes a coin from out of his belt pouch and flips it up in the air. He catches it in his palm and slaps it down onto the back of his opposite hand. He picks his hand up and looks at it briefly before placing it back in the pouch.

"I vote for the road," he says.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm as do I."

Says Algerdar looking at the sky with renewed appreciation. Petting Gaia before hopping onto the saddle, it is quite obvious Algerdar is eager to begin their task.

[SuperJosh]

"The road it is then." Roth says as he starts down toward their destination. "'Sooner started sooner finished' my father used to say."

[BigRedRod]

The group ride towards Lodez and make good time, then following the fairly wide road they head north.
The weather remains good, with the sun shining but a cool breeze ensuring that it isn't too warm. There is quite a large amount of traffic on the road. Some caravans slowly rolling by, horse-back messengers riding past at great speed, and small groups wandering down the road.
Time slowly rolls by until it becomes clear that the horses are tiring, luckily at almost the same time the group are riding past a village which seems to boast a tavern/inn.
It is six miles until Gran Arco, but the horses would need pushing to continue on for any real length

[Dust]

"I don't see any need to rush," Dron says, looking at the deepening shadows and panting horses, "anyone object to staying here tonight?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"Not at all, after all our mounts could use a good rest."

Replies Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

"This seems both a good time and a good place." Roth agrees, "Lets rest both ourselves and our horses for the night."

As they approach the inn Roth goes around to the stables and looks for someone to care for their animals.

[BigRedRod]

The village is small, but the owner of the tavern seems friendly and the prices are reasonable. The evening is warm and light and the large doors of the building are open to allow air to circulate. It isn't very crowded, there are one or two other travellers and merchants sat around, having a drink before sleep and another day on the road.
It's all so very peaceful...

[ooc: prices are as per the PHB, I'll leave you to make idle chatter and whatnot, I'll push it along soon]

[Dust]

Dron finds a table in the common room and sinks down into a chair, resting his feet up on the table. He lets out a sigh of comfort.

"Ale, if you please!" he shouts, scanning the room to see if he can find a pretty barmaid. As he does so he feels the weight of the gold in his belt pouch and, with a smile, he shouts, "Actually, I think I'm in the mood for wine tonight. Wine all around!"

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar finds a chair by the table, hopefully proving more comfortable then the saddle he had spent so much time sitting upon. But the more he thought about it, the more he felt the urge to stand.

[BigRedRod]

The tavern only seems to have the one barmaid, and she rushes over with goblets (only wooden, but they're well carved), and wine. Her first port of call is Dron himself,
"It's very generous of you, Sir"
and she smiles a sweet little smile
She is rather plain though, but her smile lights up her face.

Then she moves around to each other table depositing a goblet of wine at each bar patron, most of them turn and thank Dron or at least grin and raise their goblet.

[SuperJosh]

As a goblet is set in front of Roth he raises it. "My thanks Dron." he says before taking a sip. "Not the best vintage I have ever had but it does much to wash away the dust from the road."

Once the barmaid is finished giving wine Roth calls her over and orders his meal. Preferabley two cuts of meat (beef, lamb, whatever then have) one cooked till pink, the other raw. Otherwise he will order two bowls of stew.

[BigRedRod]

The food is served and the evening remains pleasane as the hours quickly roll away

...

The next morning the four vacate their rooms and head out once again on the dusty trail, after a couple of hours of rather dull travel, the four can see the Cavernous Wood, a huge forest with a middle-sized town built just away from the edge. The town is surrounded by large stone wall, however the main gate is open, and the traffic that is moving through doesn't seem to be recieving any trouble from the guards.

Rather than attempting to ride through the centre of the town, the four follow a trail which connects tot he eastern road towards Gomorrah (the neighbouring free state). The riding remains uneventful and takes another two hours before Dron sees what he believes to be the Home of Lucas to the south.

The domes are made from what looks to be panes of glass and iron holding them in place, they sparkle in the mid-day light. As the group draw closer you can see that there are three domes, they are not very high, but each one is around one hundred feet across, two of the domes contain extensive plantlife (one is a temperate forest while the other, the damaged dome, contains what looks like a jungle, although it seems to lack the vibrant colours expected from something so exotic), which the third contains patches of grass amidst rocky outcrops and pools of water (of unknown depths).
The house between the domes looks to have seen better days too, the second storey is built onto the first leaving an open terrace on the south-west facing side of the house. Something huge seems to have struck the building at some point on the terrace, the floor is bowed and cracked. The ground around the home is covered in deep huge holes, which look like they could be footprints of some type, but they don't seem to lead anywhere.

The four sit astride their mounts just before the Luca's home, with a dome on either side (the jungle to the left, and the one containg the pools to the right) , the path to the central building is made up of heavily disturbed gravel, either Lucas isn't one for keeping up appeances or his home has had a fair number of people visiting quite frequently, the large double doors to his home stand firmly closed at the end of the path

[Dust]

Dron grimaces.

"I should've asked for more money," he mutters, jumping off of his horse in order to examine the holes.

(OOC: Use a Knowledge (dragoon) check in an attempt to figure out whether the holes are tracks caused by a dragoon. If that turns up nothing, search check on the immediate area to try and find something that might tell us what's going on here.)

[SuperJosh]

As Dron checks the tracks Roth moves towards the house, sword drawn. As he reaches the door he will stop and knock on the door, even if it is open.

"Master Lucas?" he shouts. "Are you hear?" WE mean you no harm. We were sent by a friend."

If there is no reply he will begin to search the house. If there is one he will wait to be invited in.

[BigRedRod]

Dron walks over to the area beneath the terrace, looking at the size of the footprints and depth, all things point to three of four dragoons, although there isn't enough information for Dron to guess any of the specifics, or even how long ago they were here.

...

Knocking on the door, Roth hears a scuffling noise, as he speaks a raspy voice shouts back, but not in a language that Roth can understand

[Black Plauge]

"It seems Master Rizeth was right to worry," Durn comments to no one in particular. "Dragoon tracks and signs of damage. It isn't to hard to guess what happened here."

[SuperJosh]

"Ummm, Algerdar?" Roth says in the most friendly tone he can. "Can you come overhere? there is a survivor, but I can not understand him."

Roth is sure not to raise his voice any higher than he needs to to be heard. He is also careful to keep his voice friendy, even though it may not match his request to Algerdar, he is more worried about soothing the survivor.

[Dust]

Dron's head pricks up at Roth's words. He rises to his feet, away from the track he had been examining.

"Careful," he says in a low voice, "we don't know what's in there."

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar heads over to the door by Roth, however not hearing the person speak leaves him a little puzzled as to how to aproach this.

"Hello!!"

Says Algerdar, in a firm yet polite manner.

(OOC: Edited...now to hope the person responds :))

[BigRedRod]

"Go away!"
The voice shouts in goblin, there is a large amount of scuffling and the sound of a door being slammed shut

[SponkleofInfini]

"He is speaking goblin."

Says Algerdar drawing and loading his crossbow, readying it incase of an unfriendly welcome.

[Black Plauge]

"More goblins?" Durn mutters under his breath in an exasperated voice as he too draws and readies his crossbow.

[Dust]

"We should leave," Dron says, his eyes scanning the house, "the old man's friend is probably gone, at least if he has any sense. We won't be able to deliver the package, and between goblins and dragoon tracks I don't think investigating is in our best interest."

Despite his words, or perhaps because of them, Dron readies his crossbow, briefly checking the mechanism.

"I say we get back to Rizeth's as soon as we can," he continues, "we can report what we saw and go from there."

[SponkleofInfini]

"No, we need to investigate this further, we have almost nothing to report, going back to Rizeth now would be fruitless. Who knows, there may be some extra gold in it for you."

Says Algerdar eyeing the area curiously.

[Dust]

"I like gold," Dron says levelly, "but not as much as I like breathing. And these tracks worry me. If we leave now and cover our tracks, there won't be any reason for whoever did this to come after us, and nothing to draw there attention to the old man."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Then return to Rizeth, report to him about the little snippet of information you possess. I and anyone else who is willing will enter and investigate. I doubt Rizeth will be as gracious as to allow you more free boarding and pay if this is how you react to tasks given to you, well paying tasks mind you."

Hissess Algerder, recalling Dron's pessimistic and somewhat cowardly attitude from back when they had first met. Although Algerdar had gotten to know Dron just a tad better over the couple of weeks they had been together as a group, Dron could still find a way to aggrivate Algerdar.

[Black Plauge]

In slightly more placating tones than Algedar, Durn adds, "Besides we agreed to both deliver the package and bring news of Lucas back to Rizeth. As of yet we have completed neither. We still have the package, and we do not know where Lucas is. All we know is that his house has been damaged by dragoons."

[SuperJosh]

"I agree, we are not even half finished with our contract." Roth says.

To Algerdar he asks, "Can you tell him we mean no harm? And what his name is?"

[Dust]

Dron grimaces and raises his eyes to the sky.

"Everyone wants to be a hero but me," he mutters with a sigh, but he makes no sign of leaving.

[SponkleofInfini]

Rolling his eyes at Dron, Algerdar ponders over Roth's request;

"Yes, but if he is a goblin he is probably gathering reinforcements as we speak."

Says Algerdar with a dry smile, continuing;

"I will ask."

In Goblin;

"We have come in peace, what's your name?"

[BigRedRod]

There is no response or sound from inside the house

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm as I said, probably preparing to ambush us."

Says Algerdar

[SuperJosh]

"Can you cover me, while I go take a look?" Roth asks his crosbow wielding compatriots. with that he makes his way as silently as he can towards the voice.

[Dust]

"Sure, why not" Dron says, throwing his hands up and shrugging his shoulders. He walks over into easy range of the door and aims his crossbow.

[Black Plauge]

"Hold on a moment," replies Durn.

Gathering up the others' mounts, Durn ties the reins for all four mounts to a nearby tree before readying his crossbow.

"We want to be able to find them when we come back out, and once inside, we might not be able to come back out immediately," he says by way of explanation.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar nods to Durn as he covers Roth by the door.

[SuperJosh]

Seeing that his friends are ready, Roth opens the door and peaks inside. seeing if he sees the speaker, and also looking for good cover he can dart to.

[BigRedRod]

With one hand on the door handle and his other ready to draw his weapon Roth twists and leans forwards, discovering that the front door is securely locked.

[SuperJosh]

"Uhhh, Dron?" Roth says in a hushed voice, "You think you can help me out with this door?"

[Dust]

"What?" Dron says with a questioning frown. Then, as Roth's meaning dons upon him, the frown deepens and becomes surly.

"Hey, what sort of man do you take me for!?" he says, his voice a bit louder than it should be.

OOC: Sorry Josh, no ranks in Open Lock. The Thief’s Tools I have are for Disable Device, seeing how my character is more of a mechanic than a thief.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Try giving it a ripe old smack Roth, we might get lucky."

Says Algerdar, looking for any windows that might prove to be a viable entry point should they not be able to get through the door. Algerdar gives a nod to the others to help him.

"Look for some other entry point, a window or something. Roth keep try to break the lock."

Says Algerdar in a hushed voice.

(OOC: Algerdar plans on going through a window, should there be one at ground level. The banging on the door should prove a decent distraction should the enemy be ready in wait.)

[SuperJosh]

"Sorry Dron, I just saw the tools, and well... sorry." Roth says to Dron.

As he gets ready to bash at the door he asks "Do not suppose you know how to see if it is trapped do you?"

[Dust]

Dron shrugs slightly before shouldering his crossbow and cocking his hip. He seems to consider for a moment, rising up one hand to rub the stubble on his chin.

"Doors aren't really my specialty..." he says, and then with another shrug, "but I suppose I could give it a try."

Dron walks over to the door, unshouldering his backpack as he does so. Upon reaching the door he sets it down on the ground, places the crossbow beside it within easy reach, and starts rooting around through his possessions.

(OOC: Not sure whether this would be a Search or Disable Device check, but I've got ranks in both, so let's give it a shot. I figure I'll be using some of the Thief's Tools to poke around a bit in the lock and around the door.)

[Black Plauge]

"I had to choose alter self over knock didn't I!" Durn mutters to himself as Dron begins to work on the door. "It'll be more useful I told myself. Well what's the first problem we encounter? A locked door. Grrr..."

[BigRedRod]

The house has no windows on the ground floor, although the upper level does seem to have them dotted aorund every few feet. A quick circuit of the house reveals that there are no other doors, or obvious entry points from the ground.

After a few minutes of careful work by Dron, it appears that the door is untrapped. The main problem seems to be that the door is not only locked with a key, but also is bolted shut at the base of the door, and the bolt is on the inside. Although Dron doesn't believe it impossible for the door to be forced

[SuperJosh]

"Well here goes nothing." Roth says as he gets ready to try and force the door.

He then squares himself with the door and gives it a swift kick where the upper latch would meet the doorjam.

[BigRedRod]

The first kick shakes the door slightly but doesn't seem to cause an damage. The second much more powerful kick destroys the lock and bends the bolt, it moves half open and then stops with the now bent bolt holding it reasonably firmly in place.

There are no signs of life behind the door, or at least none of current life. The room beyond is a fairly neglected enterance hall, a pair of torches are still burning in iron-wall sconces. THe rug which covered a majority of the stone floor is quite filthy in places, altohugh at one time it was no doubt an expensive and rare item. A staircase leads to, what you assume, is an upstairs sitting room

map
ground floor
The little box with the two ^s in represents the stairs up
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 2c rs 0 0 20 -c 20 2c 40 2c 40 -c *s -1
@40 2c rs 0 0 3k 2c 3k 18 40 18 *s -3 7q 42 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7q 4i rs
@0 ^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o
@o 3g 1c *s -1 30 1o rs 0 9zldr 30 10 30 1o *s -1 3o 2c rs 0
@9zldr 30 2c 3o 2c *s -1 30 1o rs 0 9zabk 30 10 30 1o *s -1 3o 2c
@rs 0 9zabk 30 2c 3o 2c *s -3 6x 1t rs 0 R *s -3 68 18 rs 0 Dr *s
@-3 7f 17 rs 0 Du *s -3 6w i rs 0 A
*END -ljn5kb

[SuperJosh]

Roth squeezes throught the now ajar door and takes a quick look around. Once he is satsfied all is clear he leans his head out.

"It is all clear." he tells the rest of the party. he then keeps an eye on the stairs while the rest of the party decides what they are going to do.

[Black Plauge]

"Any sign where the owner of the voice you heard might have gone?"

[Dust]

Dron steps forward, walking past Roth and inside the door with a sour look upon his face. He points his crossbow facing up and turns right at the door, taking up position in the corner of the room. His eyes start to rapidly move across the room, but his expression doesn't change.

(OOC: Examine the room without moving, by either Search or Spot)

Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7b 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 2c rs 0 0 20 -c 20 2c 40 2c 40 -c *s -1
@40 2c rs 0 0 3k 2c 3k 18 40 18 *s -3 7q 42 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7q 4i rs
@0 ^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o
@o 3g 1c *s -1 30 1o rs 0 9zldr 30 10 30 1o *s -1 3o 2c rs 0
@9zldr 30 2c 3o 2c *s -1 30 1o rs 0 9zabk 30 10 30 1o *s -1 3o 2c
@rs 0 9zabk 30 2c 3o 2c *s -3 6z 26 rs 0 R *s -3 66 2g rs 0 Dr *s
@-3 7f 17 rs 0 Du *s -3 6w i rs 0 A
*END 8n67mx

[BigRedRod]

This room and the one above are both devoid of life, however something has clearly been living here, and it's not been too tidy about it. There are food scraps in a corner and other general filth showing that something (or a group of somethings) which are less than civilised have been occupying the home for at least a few days

[SuperJosh]

"Well I doubt that Master Rizeth's friend would live like this. Do you think we should return to the villa and give him the bad news, or do you think we should investigate her a little more so that we might be able to answer more of his questions?" Roth asks his comrades when it is apparent that the mage's friend is not living here any more.

[Dust]

"I think you all know what my position is," Dron says from inside the door with a pointed glance over his shoulder.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm, we discussed this already, we should return when we have something to report."

Algerdar hisses...

Dosen't anybody listen...that boy is growing a belly as yellow as Dron.

[Black Plauge]

"I say we investigate a bit more. It may not have been explicitly stated that we were to investigate Lucas' disappearence, but we did agree to provide Rizeth with news of Lucas after delivering the package. There must be more to information to find here before heading back to Rizeth's."

"Besides, I'm interested to know what was so important that three dragoons we dispatched to take care of it."

[SuperJosh]

"Fine with me. I guess since I DID kick in the door I might as well go the rest of the way in the house." Roth says as he moves to the door to the west and quietly opens it.

Once it is open he will peak through and see what is inside.

[BigRedRod]

The tribesman peers through a crack in the door and listens, openly the door a little more as he becomes confident that nothing is waiting to ambush him in the room beyond.
The room beyond is a reception room of sorts, and it's a little dusty.

A large fireplace sit's in one corner of the room, altohugh it looks to have been inactive for months, the back of the fireplace is open to the room beyond (although you can't make anything out, except there is a room on the other side which also has a fire place, from your current position). A leather sofa sits in front of the fireplace, it looks achingly comfortable. Another expensive looking rug covers the floor (or formerly expensive). The large round wooden table i nthe room, is made from a dark polished wood, although it is rather spoilt by the kitchen knife which has been stuck into it for some unknown reason, eight rather splendid looking chairs surround the table.

The walls have a deep shelf mounted on them around five feet off the floor which encircles the room. The shelves look to have been packed with ornaments, books, scrolls and a quite impressive variety of "stuff" that a wizard will have run into during his life. Most of the contents of the shelves now appear to be on the floor however, as do whatever was mounted on the walls.
As impressive as the room should look, it has been spoilt by something which has been in the room only recently, it's hard to make out what it wanted. But possibly it was searching for something.

map
The green stuff on the walls represent the deep shelves, the green box is the couch and the "circle" is the table and chairs. THe big "thing" in the bottom right corner is the fireplace
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7b 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 31 rs 0 0 20 -c 20 2c 40 2c 40 -c *s -1
@3v 2y rs 0 0 3k 2c 3k 18 40 18 *s -3 7m 56 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7m 4l rs
@0 ^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o
@o 3g 1c *s -1 3o 31 rs 0 9zabk 30 2c 3o 2c *s -3 64 34 rs 0 Dr *s
@-3 7f 17 rs 0 Du *s -3 6w i rs 0 A *s -1 3c 1c rs 0 0 2o 1c 3c
@1c 3c o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 3c o 3c 1c 40 1c *s -1 30 20 rs 0
@9zldr 30 1c 30 20 *s -1 30 1w rs 0 9zabk 30 1g 2k 1w *s -1 2z 2p
@rs 0 0 30 0 -1o 0 -1o 2o 30 2o *s -3 68 3t rs 0 R *s -3 73 3j rs
@0 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 0 18 2o 18 20 1o 20 1w 28 2c 28 2k 20 30 20 *s
@-1 30 2o rs 0 1edc 30 o 2s o 2s 8 -1g 8 -1g 2g c 2g c 2o *s b 2n
@40 rs 0 *s -1 2g 24 rs 0 1edc 28 18 2g 1g 1k 24 1c 1w 28 18
*END 47y0x5

[Black Plauge]

As Roth opens the door, Durn moves into the house to follow him. Crossbow at the ready he scans the room for signs of trouble.

However, at the sight of the scrolls and other objects strewn on the ground Durn lowers his crossbow and shakes his head, muttering, "No respect for the knowledge these materials might hold."

Looking at the mess, Durn begins to examine some of the scrolls, trying to get a feel for their contents.

[BigRedRod]

The documents are a seemingly random collection of materials, it seems highly unlikely that this was Luca's knowledge base, more like it was a storage where he could keep his odds and ends that he didn't use and make them look impressive (as a the shelves would have been with the jars, ornaments, and even some skulls arranged around them).
None of the scrolls or books contain any signs of being enchanted, although some of the minor ornaments clearly are (or possibly were, as several have broken) such as the small glass cube with what appears to be a tiny flickering flame inside.

[SuperJosh]

Roth preforms a cursery inspection of the room to see if he sees anything that might contain more clues to what or who happened to this place.

He will also look and listen through through the fireplace to try and determin if there are other creature in that room. Once that is finished he will return to the entrance way anf go through the other door.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar moves over to where Durn is looking over the scrolls found sprawld upon the floor.

"So what do we have here?"

After being told that they're mundane in nature, he is sure to follow the others, covering them from currently unknown threats.

[BigRedRod]

It's difficult to tell from the state of the room exactly what happened, it doesn't appear to have been violent, more a casual but careless search of the room. The knife in the table is more of a mystery however.
As far as Roth can tell the kitchen is as quiet as the entry hall. If something is in there, it is either doing a very good job keeping quiet or it has fled to another room.
The remaining door from the entry hall, appears to be a library, the book shelves reach from the ground to the celing being almost ten feet tall. The large table in the room, has an almost equally large map spread across it and held down by books at it's corners. The library is no where near as impressive as the one possessed by Master Rizeth, but it is respectable.
This room seems to have been hardly disturbed, although there are a few pieces of random waste scattered about on the floor and the table (including remains of apples, and what looks like a majority of a cooked chicken now sitting on the map)
From his position at the door Roth can make out a single door, and it would seem to also lead into the kitchen

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7b 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 1 20 2p 40 2p 40 1 *s -1 3x
@2n rs 0 0 3i 2n 3i 1j 3y 1j *s -3 7m 56 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7m 4l rs 0
@^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o o
@3g 1c *s -3 64 34 rs 0 Dr *s -3 2x 3r rs 0 Du *s -3 4y 3t rs 0 A
@*s -1 3c 1c rs 0 0 2o 1c 3c 1c 3c o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 3c o 3c
@1c 40 1c *s -1 30 20 rs 0 9zldr 30 1c 30 20 *s -1 30 1w rs 0
@9zabk 30 1g 2k 1w *s -1 2z 2o rs 0 0 30 1 -1o 1 -1o 2p 30 2p *s
@-3 6w 56 rs 0 R *s -3 73 3j rs 0 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 0 18 2o 18 20
@1o 20 1w 28 2c 28 2k 20 30 20 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 1edc 30 o 2s o 2s
@8 -1g 8 -1g 2g c 2g c 2o *s b 2n 40 rs 0 *s -1 2g 24 rs 0 1edc
@28 18 2g 1g 1k 24 1c 1w 28 18 *s -1 21 2q rs 0 9zabk 1c 2o 20 2o
@*s -1 3o 2o rs 0 9zldr 30 2o 3o 2o *s -1 5o 6c rs 0 0 c -10 c 6c
@5o 6c 5o -10 *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 2c 2o 5o 2o *s -1 3g 30 rs 0
@9zabk 38 2c 3g 30 *s -1 30 4o rs 0 9zabk 30 40 30 4o *s -1 5c 60
@rs 0 0 4o 0 4o 60 5c 60 5c 0 4o 0 *s -1 4o 60 rs 0 0 4o 5c 20 5c
@20 60 4o 60 4o 5c *s -1 4o 5c rs 0 0 20 4o 20 5c 4o 5c 4o 4o 20
@4o *s b 80 8o rs 0 *s -1 4c 3o rs 0 0 3o 2c 3o 3o 4c 3o 4c 2c 3o
@2c *s -1 5o 2s rs 0 1edc 1o 2k 1o 2s 5o 2s *s -1 38 48 rs 0 1edc
@38 14 38 1c 30 1c 30 48 2s 48
*END -6h5bpm

[Black Plauge]

Having sifted through some of the scattered documents Durn comments, "What an interesting hodge-podge of information. Doubtless impressive when displayed, but of little use for true research it seems."

Moving to follow Roth, Durn is impressed by the library. It may not be as extensive as Master Rizeth's but it is impressive nonetheless.

"Hmm..." Durn remarks after a moment, "Why do you suppose the show library was searched so thuroughly while this one seems to remain relatively untouched? If anything I'd imagine that what needed to be found would be here, rather than in the other room."

Looking about, Durn heads over to the table where the map is laid out. After removing the remains of some one's, or group of some ones, dinner he sets about examining the map.

[BigRedRod]

The map is of the local region, it takes the dwarf several minutes to understand what all the coloured blobs and circles mean, but it appears to be a map detailing the local monster population.

According to the map, there are, or were, two goblin tribes, a tribe of orcs,a mating pair of owlbears, and various other creatures which would be expected in such a region. The orc and goblin tribes both have a small star placed next to them, although what this signifies is unclear

[Black Plauge]

"Hmph..." Durn grunts as he examines the map. His first examination is interesting, but raises more questions than it answers. Taking the time to examine it properly, Durn carefully pours over every inch of the map.

[OOC: Durn is taking 20 on his examination of the map now. Take particular note: Is everything written in the same hand, or are there signs of multiple people marking up the map (especially the stars)?]

[SuperJosh]

"That knife there is just something...odd!" Roth thinks to himself as Durn studies the map. "It might be a waste of time, but..."

With that thought Roth heads back to the 'trophy' library and examines the table and knife. First he examines the knife to see if there is anything special about it, anything that would point to it being more that the mundane kitchen knife it appears to be at first glance. Then he starts to examine the table to see if there are any clues on or in it, and to see if the knife was stuck in just the once or if it was repeatedly stabbed in the table. Roth will also see if the knife is pointing to anything, either on the walls or on the ceiling. Finally he will look under the table for clues and then search the floor under the table.

[BigRedRod]

A detailed study of the map reveals depressingly little else. The map was clearly created by a skilled cartographer (which judging from the few labels which don't seem to have been added seems highly unlikely) and then written upon with great care in a variety of coloured inks to keep track of the local populations of "monsters", each creature group (such as a goblin clan) has an area of territory and then a smaller blob which is assumed to be the lair. Whoever added all of the notes to this map did so with a great deal of time and care.

...

The knife would appear be nothing more than a mundane kitchen knife, it only appears to have been thrust into the table a single time, but the rest of the table surface is covered with smaller scratches and most appear to be quite fresh. The knife isn't pointing to anthing in particular, unless there is something hidden in the roof which the handle points to, but if there is something hidden, it's beyond Roth's abilities to find it

[SuperJosh]

"Bah, I knew it was a waste of time. Oh well, maybe Durn is finished studying that map now." Roth thinks to himself as he walks back to the real library.

[Black Plauge]

Having completed his examination of the map, Durn takes a cursory look at the books holding down its edges before remarking to the others, "Well, it seems that Lucas was studying the local 'monsters' but I don't quite see why that was so important that dragoons were dispatched here."

"I can't make out what these two stars mean," Durn continues for anyone whose interested, "but I doubt they mean the orcs and goblins have dragoons." Durn finishes with a little chuckle at the idea of orcs and goblins owning dragoons.

[SuperJosh]

"Well if we are all finished playing riddlemaster I suggest we move on." roth says jokingly, then starts to move towards the door in the west wall of the library.

[Black Plauge]

Nodding, Durn readies his crossbow again and moves to follow Roth.

[BigRedRod]

The room beyond is without a doubt a kitchen. Although it lacks the warm glow that one would expect from such a room.
The floor, which one would assume is normally covered with dried reeds and herbs, is now covered in bits of everything. The foodscraps on the floor no doubt have caused the kitchen to become a haven for insects and other vermin. The mess is thickest around the table.
The table is quite high, being at around human chest height, although it is surrounded by half a dozen stools. The table is covered in food in varying states of being eaten, but it looks like the table was surrounded by a good number of creatures at any one time
The contents of the shelves are now mostly on the floor. The entire room seems to have been torn apart, apparently in search of food.

Roth can see another oom beyond the kitchen, it appears to have had it's door smashed open (it now lies on the floor in several pieces just inside the doorway), and it looks like a storeroom

Once again, the room is now deserted

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7b 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 1 20 2p 40 2p 40 1 *s -1 3x
@2n rs 0 0 3i 2n 3i 1j 3y 1j *s -3 7m 56 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7m 4l rs 0
@^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o o
@3g 1c *s -3 64 34 rs 0 Dr *s -3 7e 96 rs 0 Du *s -3 89 7r rs 0 A
@*s -1 3c 1c rs 0 0 2o 1c 3c 1c 3c o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 3c o 3c
@1c 40 1c *s -1 30 20 rs 0 9zldr 30 1c 30 20 *s -1 30 1w rs 0
@9zabk 30 1g 2k 1w *s -1 2z 2o rs 0 0 30 1 -1o 1 -1o 2p 30 2p *s
@-3 6a 94 rs 0 R *s -3 73 3j rs 0 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 0 18 2o 18 20
@1o 20 1w 28 2c 28 2k 20 30 20 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 1edc 30 o 2s o 2s
@8 -1g 8 -1g 2g c 2g c 2o *s b 2n 40 rs 0 *s -1 2g 24 rs 0 1edc
@28 18 2g 1g 1k 24 1c 1w 28 18 *s -1 20 2p rs 0 9zabk 1d 2p 21 2p
@*s -1 3o 2o rs 0 9zldr 30 2o 3o 2o *s -1 5o 6c rs 0 0 c -10 c 6c
@5o 6c 5o -10 *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 2c 2o 5o 2o *s -1 3g 30 rs 0
@9zabk 38 2c 3g 30 *s -1 5c 60 rs 0 0 4o 0 4o 60 5c 60 5c 0 4o 0 *s
@-1 4o 60 rs 0 0 4o 5c 20 5c 20 60 4o 60 4o 5c *s -1 4o 5c rs 0 0
@20 4o 20 5c 4o 5c 4o 4o 20 4o *s b 80 8o rs 0 *s -1 4c 3o rs 0 0
@3o 2c 3o 3o 4c 3o 4c 2c 3o 2c *s -1 5o 2s rs 0 1edc 1o 2k 1o 2s
@5o 2s *s -1 38 48 rs 0 1edc 38 14 38 1c 30 1c 30 48 2s 48 *s -1
@30 4o rs 0 9zldr 30 40 30 4o *s -1 3c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2o 4c 3c 4c *s
@-1 30 50 rs 0 0 -1o c -1o 50 30 50 *s -1 30 30 rs 0 0 18 2c 18
@30 1o 30 1w 2s 2c 2s 2k 30 30 30 *s -1 1o 40 rs 0 1edc 1o 1c 1o
@1k -4 1k -4 40 -c 40 *s -1 2c 44 rs 0 0 1o 2k 2c 2k 2c 44 1o 44
@1o 2k *s -1 1c 50 rs 0 9zldr o 50 1c 50
*END hg7j15

[SponkleofInfini]

"Hmm what do you think? Do you think from the mess that we could have more then one unwelcome guest to deal with? Or has it just all built up over a matter of time? My knowledge in such areas are quite limited."

Asks Algerdar questionally, poking around the lower regions of the table, crossbow at the ready.

[Dust]

Dron moves away from his position near the front door to keep up with the rest of the group, his crossbow at the ready and his ears cocked, as tense as a coiled spring.

Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7b 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 1 20 2p 40 2p 40 1 *s -1 3x
@2n rs 0 0 3i 2n 3i 1j 3y 1j *s -3 7m 56 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7m 4l rs 0
@^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o o
@3g 1c *s -3 73 63 rs 0 Dr *s -3 7e 96 rs 0 Du *s -3 89 7r rs 0 A
@*s -1 3c 1c rs 0 0 2o 1c 3c 1c 3c o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 3c o 3c
@1c 40 1c *s -1 30 20 rs 0 9zldr 30 1c 30 20 *s -1 30 1w rs 0
@9zabk 30 1g 2k 1w *s -1 2z 2o rs 0 0 30 1 -1o 1 -1o 2p 30 2p *s
@-3 6a 94 rs 0 R *s -3 73 3j rs 0 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 0 18 2o 18 20
@1o 20 1w 28 2c 28 2k 20 30 20 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 1edc 30 o 2s o 2s
@8 -1g 8 -1g 2g c 2g c 2o *s b 2n 40 rs 0 *s -1 2g 24 rs 0 1edc
@28 18 2g 1g 1k 24 1c 1w 28 18 *s -1 20 2p rs 0 9zabk 1d 2p 21 2p
@*s -1 3o 2o rs 0 9zldr 30 2o 3o 2o *s -1 5o 6c rs 0 0 c -10 c 6c
@5o 6c 5o -10 *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 2c 2o 5o 2o *s -1 3g 30 rs 0
@9zabk 38 2c 3g 30 *s -1 5c 60 rs 0 0 4o 0 4o 60 5c 60 5c 0 4o 0 *s
@-1 4o 60 rs 0 0 4o 5c 20 5c 20 60 4o 60 4o 5c *s -1 4o 5c rs 0 0
@20 4o 20 5c 4o 5c 4o 4o 20 4o *s b 80 8o rs 0 *s -1 4c 3o rs 0 0
@3o 2c 3o 3o 4c 3o 4c 2c 3o 2c *s -1 5o 2s rs 0 1edc 1o 2k 1o 2s
@5o 2s *s -1 38 48 rs 0 1edc 38 14 38 1c 30 1c 30 48 2s 48 *s -1
@30 4o rs 0 9zldr 30 40 30 4o *s -1 3c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2o 4c 3c 4c *s
@-1 30 50 rs 0 0 -1o c -1o 50 30 50 *s -1 30 30 rs 0 0 18 2c 18
@30 1o 30 1w 2s 2c 2s 2k 30 30 30 *s -1 1o 40 rs 0 1edc 1o 1c 1o
@1k -4 1k -4 40 -c 40 *s -1 2c 44 rs 0 0 1o 2k 2c 2k 2c 44 1o 44
@1o 2k *s -1 1c 50 rs 0 9zldr o 50 1c 50
*END yri599

[Black Plauge]

"I don't know," Durn replies honestly, "It seems to be quite a bit of a mess for just one person to make, but I suppose one really sloppy person with alot of time..."

[SuperJosh]

"REgardless of whether one person could make this mess or not, I highly doubt that the person that spent as much time and was as detailed as the one that made the map would have let his house get this filthy." with that Roth starts to turn. "I am going to check up stairs. Who is coming with me?"

Roth then heads up stairs.

[SponkleofInfini]

"I will."

Says Algerdar, heeding caution.

[Black Plauge]

"It seems to me there should be more rooms down here," Durn mutters to no one in particular as he follows Roth and Algerdar upstairs.

[Dust]

Dron hesitates, considering the prospect of heading further away from an exit. He glances longingly at the open front door but then turns and starts up the stairs, his crossbow at the ready.

[BigRedRod]

The party cautiously emerge on the landing of the op floor. The room seems to be some kind of sitting room, but it is huge.
A giant fine woolen rug covers the floor, it contains a colourful and hypnotic pattern which remains suprisingly tasteful.

A majority of the room has been left almost clear, or made clear. The room carries a heavily lived in look, general rubbish covers the floor, and the trio of leather sofas at the far window appear to have been neglected, each seems to contain a myriad of tears and other general signs of abuse.

The room was clearly constructed to be light and airy, the door leading onto the outside terrace, has a loop on the bag, and the wall is fixed with a hook that should allow the door to be held open despite a breeze, two of the four windows look out onto the terrace, and it is all too easy to see the damage caused by some large impact, although luckily it doesn't seem to have damaged the structure of the building itself, but the tiling of the terrace has been decimated

Again there are signs that creatures occupied this area recently, but they currently aren't here

map of the 2nd floor
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2o rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 9zldr 2c 40 2c
@4o *s -1 28 4o rs 0 9zabk 28 40 28 4o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 4o
@60 rs 0 9zabk 4o 5c 4o 60 *s -1 4o 40 rs 0 9zabk 4o 3c 4o 40 *s
@-1 30 6k rs 0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1 4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o
@5g *s -1 4o 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o 3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o
@*s -1 3h 5w rs 0 1edc 34 2s 28 3o 2g 3w 3c 30 34 2s *s -1 2w 6p
@rs 0 1edc 2o 44 2g 4c 34 58 3c 50 2o 44 *s -1 44 6e rs 0 1edc 3w
@3g 44 3g 44 4k 3w 4k 3w 3g *s b 6u ak rs 0 *s -3 6u 75 rs 0 R *s
@-3 87 5v rs 0 Dr *s -3 66 6g rs 0 A *s -3 6s 5t rs 0 Du
*END -qqs735

[Black Plauge]

"Well, that balcony might explain how our mystery voice got out since he doesn't appear to be inside," comments Durn as the party fans out in the upstairs sitting room.

Heading towards the balcony, Durn tries to see if there is a way down from it, making sure the balcony is safe before stepping out on it.

[BigRedRod]

The terrace doesn't seem to have taken any structural damage, which just goes to credit however designed the building. It is rimmed with a small wall about two feet high, looking over the wall and down there doesn't seem to be any easy way of escape, but it gives a better view of the dragoon footprints below.
The walls are quite smooth and the fall is more than ten feet, so exiting the house via jumping or climbing is possible but would require talent to do so without self-injury

[Dust]

Dron walks over to the balcony and stands beside Durn, taking in the view and examining the dragoon tracks from another angle.

(OOC: Trying to see if there's anything that I missed from below that I can see from up here. Probably a spot check, but maybe a Knowledge (dragoon) check if there's anything to do with the tracks.)

[BigRedRod]

From above Dron guesses that there were most likely three dragoons, although four isn't impossible. From the orientation of the prints they seemed to spend a majority of their time facing the terrace. One of the dragoons has a different shaped foot to the other two/three, which may imply a completely different model, or just a few customisations

[Black Plauge]

"Hmm... I wonder what fired the shot that did this?" Durn comments to no one in particular, kicking some of the shattered tiles with his foot.

Going back into the main sitting room, Durn looks around at the other two doors before continuing, "Anyone want to guess which door hides the bedroom?"

[SuperJosh]

As the others check out the terrace Roth completes a circle around the room, making sure nothing is hiding and seing if there are any clues or bits of information he might have missed.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar has remained surprisingly quiet, preferring to take in and absorb the information acquired by the group.

[BigRedRod]

Roth's tour of the room reveals very little, bar a small patch of blood on the rug near one of the sofas. The room was clearly some kind of sitting room, or meeting room which has since been used as a living and most likely sleeping quarters for an unknown number of creatures

[SuperJosh]

"Well, I found nothing either interesting or informative. Did you find anyuthing?" Roth asks Durn and Dron as he approaches the balcony,

[Black Plauge]

"Only that one of the dragoons is not like the others," replies Durn as he and Roth pass each other.

Leaving Dron to explain, Durn walks over to the two doors facing the balcony and gives them a once over, listen carefully for sounds eminating from the room on the other side as he does so.

[BigRedRod]

Durn's Dwarvern ears detect no noise on the other side of either door, if something is there, it's being very quiet. Both also appear to be unlocked

[SuperJosh]

Once Roth is finished listening to Dron, he walks over to see what Durn is looking at.

"Shall we check them out?" he asks motioning towards the doors.

[Black Plauge]

"Seems safe enough," replies Durn.

"Since your the one going in first, I'll let you decide which one."

Durn then steps back to provide Roth with cover as he opens one of the doors.

[SuperJosh]

"Might as well go threw this one first." Roth says as he gets ready to go through the northern door.

Once Durn is ready he will cautiously push, or pull, the door open and peak through.

[BigRedRod]

The room beyond would appear to be a study. Before it's experience with whatever decided to take up home in the house, the study was clearly tastefully furnished through great expense. The large desk of high quality polished wood, the large leather chair behind it, the two wooden chairs on the opposite side.
But now the room is a mess, more so than most rooms. The contents of the shelves and desk are now strewn along the floor and broken. The desk has been emptied, the leather chair lies on it's side, the two other chairs have suffered heavy damage.
It seems that a majority of the shleves were filled with yet more books, and papers were contained in the desk.
Two doors lead into further rooms, one of them is damaged but closed. The other has been knocked down and now lies in this room.

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2o rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 4o 60 rs
@0 9zabk 4o 5c 4o 60 *s -1 30 6k rs 0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1
@4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o 5g *s -1 4o 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o
@3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o *s -1 3e 4w rs 0 1edc 37 3s 2b 4o 2j 4w 3f
@40 37 3s *s -1 34 5y rs 0 1edc 2g 4v 28 53 2w 5z 34 5r 2g 4v *s
@-1 44 5h rs 0 1edc 3w 4d 44 4d 44 5h 3w 5h 3w 4d *s b 6u ak rs 0
@*s -3 8u 7v rs 0 R *s -3 28 af rs 0 Dr *s -3 6z 9t rs 0 A *s -3
@7g 7s rs 0 Du *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2c 4c 1o 4c *s -1 2c 4o rs
@0 9zldr 2c 4o 2c 40 *s -1 50 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 50 2o *s -1 6c 2o
@rs 0 0 4c 2o 6c 2o *s -1 78 30 rs 0 0 64 2c 78 2c 78 30 *s -1 78
@40 rs 0 0 78 3c 78 40 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78 40 24 40 *s -1 7c 3o
@rs 0 73 74 2c 74 3o 7c 3o 7c 2c 74 2c *s -1 5c 2o rs 0 9zabk 4o
@2o 5c 2o *s -1 6o 3o rs 0 1edc 60 2c 6o 2c 6o 3o 60 3o 60 2c *s
@-1 4w 3c rs 0 1edc 4w 20 4w 28 4o 28 4o 3c 4g 3c *s -1 64 2s rs
@0 1edc 50 2k 50 2s 64 2s 64 2k *s -1 50 3o rs 0 9zabk 4c 3o 50
@3g
*END -ddrf67

[Black Plauge]

"Is it just me, or do most of these rooms seem to have been ransacked by someone looking for something?" Durn asks after taking in the condition of the study.

[Dust]

"It's not suprising," Dron says, walking into the room, "dragoons don't tend to belong to common raiders."

[Black Plauge]

"Who ever said the pilots of the dragoons were the ones doing the searching?" replies Durn.

"I've seen no evidence to that effect thus far. Nor any to contradict it. For all we know the dragoon footprints may simply be a coincidence."

"Any way, shall we continue with our explorations? Pick a door Roth."

[SponkleofInfini]

"To say a coincidence would be nieve though wouldn't it Durn."

Says Algerdar to some surprise, he has remained remarkebly silent lately for unknown reasons. However has kept a keen ear and eye upon things, trying to discern the situation.

[SuperJosh]

"I will leave the detective work to you guys, it is not exactly what I excel at." Roth says.

Then he enters the study and, after making sure nothing is lurking in there, goes through the eastern door.

[BigRedRod]

Another oom, another scene of a formerly nice house seemingly random searched and vandalised.
This would appear to be the master bedroom. A large bed lies between the two windows, the bed linen now spread across most of the room. The great wardrobes have been torn open (with such force that one of the doors is hanging off it's hinges) and the clothes inside have been spread across the floor.
A door opposite the bed leads into another room
Of most interest is the fallen bookcase which seems to reveal a secret area. The book case lies on the floor inside the bedroom, as it fell it tore a few chunks out of the wall, where it was connected by it's opening and locking mechanisms no doubt. The region beyond is much barer than the rest of the house. A single lit torch sits in a sconce above the stairs which lead downwards

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2n rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 4o 60 rs
@0 9zabk 4o 5c 4o 60 *s -1 30 6k rs 0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1
@4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o 5g *s -1 4o 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o
@3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o *s -1 3e 4w rs 0 1edc 37 3s 2b 4o 2j 4w 3f
@40 37 3s *s -1 34 5y rs 0 1edc 2g 4v 28 53 2w 5z 34 5r 2g 4v *s
@-1 44 5h rs 0 1edc 3w 4d 44 4d 44 5h 3w 5h 3w 4d *s b 6u ak rs 0
@*s -3 cu 54 rs 0 R *s -3 a5 7s rs 0 Dr *s -3 c5 7s rs 0 A *s -3
@at 6g rs 0 Du *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2c 4c 1o 4c *s -1 2c 4o rs
@0 9zldr 2c 4o 2c 40 *s -1 50 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 50 2o *s -1 6c 2o
@rs 0 0 4c 2o 6c 2o *s -1 78 30 rs 0 0 64 2c 78 2c 78 30 *s -1 78
@40 rs 0 0 78 3c 78 40 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78 40 24 40 *s -1 7c 3o
@rs 0 73 74 2c 74 3o 7c 3o 7c 2c 74 2c *s -1 5c 2o rs 0 9zabk 4o
@2o 5c 2o *s -1 6o 3o rs 0 1edc 60 2c 6o 2c 6o 3o 60 3o 60 2c *s
@-1 4w 3c rs 0 1edc 4w 20 4w 28 4o 28 4o 3c 4g 3c *s -1 64 2s rs
@0 1edc 50 2k 50 2s 64 2s 64 2k *s -1 50 3o rs 0 9zabk 4c 3o 50
@3g *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 3o o 5o o 5o 2o *s -1 78 2o rs 0 0 78 2o
@78 20 *s -1 78 1z rs 0 0 78 20 78 1c *s -1 78 1c rs 0 0 78 1c 78
@w 24 w *s -1 4o 1o rs 0 0 4o 1o 4o k *s -1 7c 1o rs 0 73 74 10
@7c 10 7c 1o 74 1o 74 10 *s -1 7c 2c rs 0 73 74 1o 7c 1o 7c 2c 74
@2c 74 1o *s -1 75 20 rs 0 1edc 78 1c 64 1c 64 20 78 20 78 1c *s
@-1 78 18 rs 0 1edc 78 18 4s 18 4s 10 *s -1 5c 1o rs 0 0 4g 1o 4g
@10 5c 10 5c k *s -3 ac 2j rs 0 v *s -3 9j 2m rs 0 v *s -3 9i 33
@rs 0 v *s -1 5o 2c rs 0 9zabk 5o 1o 5o 2c
*END emuc3r

[Black Plauge]

"I didn't say it was a coincidence, merely that it could be," replies Durn.

Glancing into the room past Roth, Durn sees the formerly hidden stairway and comments, "Well, that might explain all the extra space on the first floor. Shall we finish up here before going back down stairs?"

[SponkleofInfini]

"I never implied otherwise Durn, don't threat I did not mean to miscontsrue your words. However things seems to point to both the dragons and the ransaking being related....tis all I was merely commenting upon."

Syas Algerdar with a raised brow

[Dust]

"Shhhh," Dron whispers, pointing at the lit torch, "I'm betting they're close."

[SuperJosh]

"Does someone sneakier than me want to go first?" Roth whispers.

[Black Plauge]

Raising an eyebrow, Durn regards the lit torch for a bit.

[OOC: Spellcraft check, DC 22 to identify continual flame, if its in effect.]

[BigRedRod]

The wizard's instincts are correct, the torch has been artifically kept alight from magic

[Dust]

Dron looks around after Roth's comment, apparently waiting for someone else to volunteer. When they don't, he grimaces and slumps his shoulders.

"I guess you had to make up all that good luck somewhere, didn't you?" he mutters to Puck under his breath.

He shoulders his crossbow and draws his dagger. Walking forward to the entrance of the not-so-secret area he starts cautiously moving down, hugging the wall.

(OOC: Move Silently check down to as far as I can go and still see. Not taking the torch with me or bringing another light source.)

[BigRedRod]

As the mechanic moves down the stairs he notices more torches set onto the walls of the staircase and room below, along with vague sounds. Exactly what they are is hard to guess, possibly a dampened combination of speech and movement.

The room itself is very bare, but appears to be devoid of life. Hay covers the floor, it seems to have been pulled from the crates which sit next to a bare table in the corner. Next to one of the crates there is an odd mess, it looks like bits of greenish blue egg-shell and the sticky mess reinforces the conclusion that a large strange egg has been dropped in this room.
A lever sits on one of the walls

A heavy steel door dominates the room, it bears a keyhole and generally looks like without a key it might be easier to trya nd break through the wall.

[ooc: green squares are crates, X is lever]

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7b 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 1 20 2p 40 2p 40 1 *s -1 3x
@2n rs 0 0 3i 2n 3i 1j 3y 1j *s -3 7m 56 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7m 4l rs 0
@^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o o
@3g 1c *s -3 73 63 rs 0 Dr *s -3 7e 96 rs 0 Du *s -3 89 7r rs 0 A
@*s -1 3c 1c rs 0 0 2o 1c 3c 1c 3c o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 3c o 3c
@1c 40 1c *s -1 30 20 rs 0 9zldr 30 1c 30 20 *s -1 30 1w rs 0
@9zabk 30 1g 2k 1w *s -1 2z 2o rs 0 0 30 1 -1o 1 -1o 2p 30 2p *s
@-3 6a 94 rs 0 R *s -3 73 3j rs 0 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 0 18 2o 18 20
@1o 20 1w 28 2c 28 2k 20 30 20 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 1edc 30 o 2s o 2s
@8 -1g 8 -1g 2g c 2g c 2o *s b 2n 40 rs 0 *s -1 2g 24 rs 0 1edc
@28 18 2g 1g 1k 24 1c 1w 28 18 *s -1 20 2p rs 0 9zabk 1d 2p 21 2p
@*s -1 3o 2o rs 0 9zldr 30 2o 3o 2o *s -1 5o 6c rs 0 0 c -10 c 6c
@5o 6c 5o -10 *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 2c 2o 5o 2o *s -1 3g 30 rs 0
@9zabk 38 2c 3g 30 *s -1 5c 60 rs 0 0 4o 0 4o 60 5c 60 5c 0 4o 0 *s
@-1 4o 60 rs 0 0 4o 5c 20 5c 20 60 4o 60 4o 5c *s -1 4o 5c rs 0 0
@20 4o 20 5c 4o 5c 4o 4o 20 4o *s b 80 8o rs 0 *s -1 4c 3o rs 0 0
@3o 2c 3o 3o 4c 3o 4c 2c 3o 2c *s -1 5o 2s rs 0 1edc 1o 2k 1o 2s
@5o 2s *s -1 38 48 rs 0 1edc 38 14 38 1c 30 1c 30 48 2s 48 *s -1
@30 4o rs 0 9zldr 30 40 30 4o *s -1 3c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2o 4c 3c 4c *s
@-1 30 50 rs 0 0 -1o c -1o 50 30 50 *s -1 30 30 rs 0 0 18 2c 18
@30 1o 30 1w 2s 2c 2s 2k 30 30 30 *s -1 1o 40 rs 0 1edc 1o 1c 1o
@1k -4 1k -4 40 -c 40 *s -1 2c 44 rs 0 0 1o 2k 2c 2k 2c 44 1o 44
@1o 2k *s -1 1c 50 rs 0 9zldr o 50 1c 50 *s -1 5k 2o rs 0 0 5k 2o
@5k 1c *s -1 5k 1o rs 0 0 5k 1o 5k 10 2g 10 *s -1 4w 1o rs 0 0 4g
@10 4g 1o 4w 1o 4w 10 *s -1 5k 20 rs 0 9zabk 5k 1c 5k 20 *s -3 84
@3g rs 0 X *s f 8d 4y rs 0 *s -1 4k 2k rs 0 1edc 44 24 44 2k 4k
@2k 4k 24 44 24 *s -1 4w 2k rs 0 1edc 4g 24 4g 2k 4w 2k 4w 24 4g
@24 *s -3 9i 36 rs 0 ^
*END -voccg4

[Black Plauge]

Even as Durn opens his mouth to say that the lit torch doesn't necessarily indicate the presence of anyone, Dron begins to make his way down the stair case. Shruggin his shoulders, Durn moves to cover the intrepid mechanic with his crossbow from the top of the stairs, hoping his conclusion about the occupancy of the rooms below is correct.

[SponkleofInfini]

Algerdar follows, crossbow at the ready.

There are only so many hiding places.

[BigRedRod]

Roth walks down the stairs into the room which has been verified as empty. He peeks into the two opened crates and looks at the broken egg on the ground,
"Shouldn't food storage be in hte kitchen?"
Now to choose between the door and the level

[Black Plauge]

"Well, it appears we have three options," comments Durn. "We can go back upstairs and check the last room up there out, we can pull that lever, or we can open that door."

Looking at the door again, Durn adds, "Or at least try to open the door."

"Me I say we check out the upstairs room first. That door doesn't look like its going anywhere and there's no one here to pull the lever except us. Besides I'd prefer to know there was nothing behind us upstairs before going through that door."

[Dust]

"Agreed," Dron says quickly, glancing upstairs and thinking about escape routes.

[SponkleofInfini]

"I agree aswell."

Says Algerdar turning to venture back upstairs.

[BigRedRod]

Roth returns upstairs and opens the remaining door in the master bedroom. The room beyond would appear to be a washroom, and it would appear that Lucas has high standards of personal hygiene, or his architect did. The room is furnished in marble, and has numerous surfaces and cupboards, although most of these are now covered in broken glass. The great mirrors that sat on each wallmake the room initially appear much larger than it really is. The focal point of the room is the large bathing pool, which is currently empty.

The entire room has a rather odd smell, no doubt from the mixture of liquids which previously were kept in the now broken bottles are various shapes, sizes and colours. There seems to be a large patch of vomit in the centre of the room, which further adds to the strange combination of odours.

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2n rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 4o 60 rs
@0 9zabk 4o 5c 4o 60 *s -1 30 6k rs 0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1
@4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o 5g *s -1 4o 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o
@3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o *s -1 3e 4w rs 0 1edc 37 3s 2b 4o 2j 4w 3f
@40 37 3s *s -1 34 5y rs 0 1edc 2g 4v 28 53 2w 5z 34 5r 2g 4v *s
@-1 44 5h rs 0 1edc 3w 4d 44 4d 44 5h 3w 5h 3w 4d *s b 6u ak rs 0
@*s -3 bn 4g rs 0 R *s -3 bn 35 rs 0 A *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2c
@4c 1o 4c *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 9zldr 2c 4o 2c 40 *s -1 50 2o rs 0 0
@4c 2o 50 2o *s -1 6c 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 6c 2o *s -1 78 30 rs 0 0 64
@2c 78 2c 78 30 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78 3c 78 40 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0
@78 40 24 40 *s -1 7c 3o rs 0 73 74 2c 74 3o 7c 3o 7c 2c 74 2c *s
@-1 5c 2o rs 0 9zabk 4o 2o 5c 2o *s -1 6o 3o rs 0 1edc 60 2c 6o
@2c 6o 3o 60 3o 60 2c *s -1 4w 3c rs 0 1edc 4w 20 4w 28 4o 28 4o
@3c 4g 3c *s -1 64 2s rs 0 1edc 50 2k 50 2s 64 2s 64 2k *s -1 50
@3o rs 0 9zabk 4c 3o 50 3g *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 3o o 5o o 5o 2o *s
@-1 78 2o rs 0 0 78 2o 78 20 *s -1 78 1z rs 0 0 78 20 78 1c *s -1
@78 1c rs 0 0 78 1c 78 w 24 w *s -1 4o 1o rs 0 0 4o 1o 4o k *s -1
@7c 1o rs 0 73 74 10 7c 10 7c 1o 74 1o 74 10 *s -1 7c 2c rs 0 73
@74 1o 7c 1o 7c 2c 74 2c 74 1o *s -1 76 20 rs 0 1edc 77 1c 63 1c
@63 20 77 20 77 1c *s -1 78 18 rs 0 1edc 78 18 4s 18 4s 10 *s -1
@5c 1o rs 0 0 4g 1o 4g 10 5c 10 5c k *s -3 ac 2j rs 0 v *s -3 9j
@2m rs 0 v *s -3 9i 33 rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2o rs 0 0 4o o 4o 2o *s -1
@5o 2c rs 0 9zldr 5o 1o 5o 2c *s -1 60 2c rs 0 9zabk 5c 2c 60 2c *s
@-1 54 28 rs 0 1edc 48 28 54 20 54 14 *s -1 5o 1s rs 0 1edc 4k 1s
@5o 1s *s -1 4w 2o rs 0 1edc 4w 1s 4w 2o *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 1edc 58
@2o 5o 28
*END qwzdfc

[SponkleofInfini]

"How much do you wish to wager that whatever has taken up squating here drank some of Lucas' toiletries."

Algerdar has a little chuckle under his breath while the others examine the area.

[Black Plauge]

Following Roth back upstairs, Durn comments, "That wasn't the door I had in mind, but I suppose its good to check it anyway."

"Now shall we check the other door off the sitting room?"

[BigRedRod]

The tribesman nods,
"But I feel that it is for the best to check everywhere"
Roth moves through the room, taking care to step around the vomit and avoid slipping on the floor, and returns to the sitting room through the far door
Roth approaches the door as quietly as he can and very carefully opens it, once it is fully opened, Roth let's out a loud sigh,
"More doors..."
The corridor beyond curves around the corner and contains several potted plants, which has led to soil now providing a loose covering for most of the floor, but all of the plants are still up-right. The two doors are firmly shut

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2n rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 30 6k rs
@0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1 4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o 5g *s -1 4o
@5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o 3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o *s -1 3e 4w
@rs 0 1edc 37 3s 2b 4o 2j 4w 3f 40 37 3s *s -1 34 5y rs 0 1edc 2g
@4v 28 53 2w 5z 34 5r 2g 4v *s -1 44 5h rs 0 1edc 3w 4d 44 4d 44
@5h 3w 5h 3w 4d *s b 6u ak rs 0 *s -3 8v bu rs 0 R *s -3 8a 7s rs
@0 A *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2c 4c 1o 4c *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 9zldr 2c
@4o 2c 40 *s -1 50 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 50 2o *s -1 6c 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o
@6c 2o *s -1 78 30 rs 0 0 64 2c 78 2c 78 30 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78
@3c 78 40 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78 40 24 40 *s -1 7c 3o rs 0 73 74
@2c 74 3o 7c 3o 7c 2c 74 2c *s -1 6o 3o rs 0 1edc 60 2c 6o 2c 6o
@3o 60 3o 60 2c *s -1 4w 3c rs 0 1edc 4w 20 4w 28 4o 28 4o 3c 4g
@3c *s -1 64 2s rs 0 1edc 50 2k 50 2s 64 2s 64 2k *s -1 50 3o rs
@0 9zabk 4c 3o 50 3g *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 3o o 5o o 5o 2o *s -1 78
@2o rs 0 0 78 2o 78 20 *s -1 78 1z rs 0 0 78 20 78 1c *s -1 78 1c
@rs 0 0 78 1c 78 w 24 w *s -1 4o 1o rs 0 0 4o 1o 4o k *s -1 7c 1o
@rs 0 73 74 10 7c 10 7c 1o 74 1o 74 10 *s -1 7c 2c rs 0 73 74 1o
@7c 1o 7c 2c 74 2c 74 1o *s -1 76 20 rs 0 1edc 77 1c 63 1c 63 20
@77 20 77 1c *s -1 78 18 rs 0 1edc 78 18 4s 18 4s 10 *s -1 5c 1o
@rs 0 0 4g 1o 4g 10 5c 10 5c k *s -3 ac 2j rs 0 v *s -3 9j 2m rs
@0 v *s -3 9i 33 rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2o rs 0 0 4o o 4o 2o *s -1 5o 2c
@rs 0 9zldr 5o 1o 5o 2c *s -1 60 2c rs 0 9zabk 5c 2c 60 2c *s -1
@54 28 rs 0 1edc 48 28 54 20 54 14 *s -1 5o 1s rs 0 1edc 4k 1s 5o
@1s *s -1 4w 2o rs 0 1edc 4w 1s 4w 2o *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 1edc 58 2o
@5o 28 *s -1 50 30 rs 0 9zabk 50 2c 50 30 *s -3 7k bu rs 0 Du *s
@-1 50 5o rs 0 0 4c 5o 50 5o *s -1 60 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 60 5o *s -1
@6o 5o rs 0 0 60 5o 6o 5o *s -1 6o 5o rs 0 0 6o 5o 6o 50 *s -1 78
@6k rs 0 0 24 5g 24 6k 78 6k 78 1g *s -1 5c 6o rs 0 73 4o 6g 4o
@6o 5c 6o 5c 6g 4o 6g *s -1 6c 6o rs 0 73 5o 6g 5o 6o 6c 6o 6c 6g
@5o 6g *s -1 7c 6c rs 0 73 74 5o 74 6c 7c 6c 7c 5o 74 5o *s -1 5c
@5o rs 0 9zabk 4o 5o 5c 5o *s -1 6c 5o rs 0 9zabk 5o 5o 6c 5o *s
@-1 50 5s rs 0 9zabk 4c 5k 50 5s
*END 6ypk1p

[Black Plauge]

Durn echo's Roths sigh, but doesn't say anything. Keeping his crossbow at the ready, Durn provides Roth with cover as he moves to open the next door.

[Dust]

Dron hugs the wall next to Roth, sheathing his dagger and redrawing his crossbow.

[BigRedRod]

Roth carefully opens yet another door,
"Another Bedroom"
The room beyond is most likely a guest room, a large wardrobe lines one way, a small desk with a chair is against the wall opposite the bed and the bed itself occupies the far corner. The furnishings are nice but far from the quality seen in the master bedroom.
The wardrobes are open, and the desk drawer lies on the floor. The bed always appears to have been slept in recently. However the room contains very little, except traces of rubbish much like the rest of the house is covered with. Whatever is currently staying in the room is most likely not a guest of Lucas.

Roth slowly moves toward the next door and suddenly pauses and presses his ear to the door, he speaks in whispered tones with one hand on the door handle,
"I heard a yelp, there's something in this one"

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2n rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 30 6k rs
@0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1 4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o 5g *s -1 4o
@5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o 3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o *s -1 3e 4w
@rs 0 1edc 37 3s 2b 4o 2j 4w 3f 40 37 3s *s -1 34 5y rs 0 1edc 2g
@4v 28 53 2w 5z 34 5r 2g 4v *s -1 44 5h rs 0 1edc 3w 4d 44 4d 44
@5h 3w 5h 3w 4d *s b 6u ak rs 0 *s -3 c3 bu rs 0 R *s -3 92 bt rs
@0 A *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2c 4c 1o 4c *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 9zldr 2c
@4o 2c 40 *s -1 50 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 50 2o *s -1 6c 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o
@6c 2o *s -1 78 30 rs 0 0 64 2c 78 2c 78 30 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78
@3c 78 40 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78 40 24 40 *s -1 7c 3o rs 0 73 74
@2c 74 3o 7c 3o 7c 2c 74 2c *s -1 6o 3o rs 0 1edc 60 2c 6o 2c 6o
@3o 60 3o 60 2c *s -1 4w 3c rs 0 1edc 4w 20 4w 28 4o 28 4o 3c 4g
@3c *s -1 64 2s rs 0 1edc 50 2k 50 2s 64 2s 64 2k *s -1 50 3o rs
@0 9zabk 4c 3o 50 3g *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 3o o 5o o 5o 2o *s -1 78
@2o rs 0 0 78 2o 78 20 *s -1 78 1z rs 0 0 78 20 78 1c *s -1 78 1c
@rs 0 0 78 1c 78 w 24 w *s -1 4o 1o rs 0 0 4o 1o 4o k *s -1 7c 1o
@rs 0 73 74 10 7c 10 7c 1o 74 1o 74 10 *s -1 7c 2c rs 0 73 74 1o
@7c 1o 7c 2c 74 2c 74 1o *s -1 76 20 rs 0 1edc 77 1c 63 1c 63 20
@77 20 77 1c *s -1 78 18 rs 0 1edc 78 18 4s 18 4s 10 *s -1 5c 1o
@rs 0 0 4g 1o 4g 10 5c 10 5c k *s -3 ac 2j rs 0 v *s -3 9j 2m rs
@0 v *s -3 9i 33 rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2o rs 0 0 4o o 4o 2o *s -1 5o 2c
@rs 0 9zldr 5o 1o 5o 2c *s -1 60 2c rs 0 9zabk 5c 2c 60 2c *s -1
@54 28 rs 0 1edc 48 28 54 20 54 14 *s -1 5o 1s rs 0 1edc 4k 1s 5o
@1s *s -1 4w 2o rs 0 1edc 4w 1s 4w 2o *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 1edc 58 2o
@5o 28 *s -1 50 30 rs 0 9zabk 50 2c 50 30 *s -1 50 5o rs 0 0 4c
@5o 50 5o *s -1 60 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 60 5o *s -1 6o 5o rs 0 0 60 5o
@6o 5o *s -1 6o 5o rs 0 0 6o 5o 6o 50 *s -1 78 6k rs 0 0 24 5g 24
@6k 78 6k 78 1g *s -1 5c 6o rs 0 73 4o 6g 4o 6o 5c 6o 5c 6g 4o 6g
@*s -1 6c 6o rs 0 73 5o 6g 5o 6o 6c 6o 6c 6g 5o 6g *s -1 7c 6c rs
@0 73 74 5o 74 6c 7c 6c 7c 5o 74 5o *s -1 6c 5o rs 0 9zabk 5o 5o
@6c 5o *s -1 50 5s rs 0 9zabk 4c 5k 50 5s *s -3 9i cy rs 0 *s -3
@9j cy rs 0 Dr *s -3 av cv rs 0 Du *s -1 50 5o rs 0 9zabk 50 5o
@50 50 *s -1 5o 5o rs 0 0 5o 5o 5o 3o 3o 3o *s -1 5o 54 rs 0 1edc
@50 48 50 54 5o 54 *s -1 4w 5o rs 0 1edc 4w 3o 4w 5o *s -1 5o 5k
@rs 0 1edc 50 5k 5o 5k *s -1 5c 5o rs 0 1edc 5c 5g 5c 5o
*END -gfrhd6

[Black Plauge]

Whispering, Durn asks, "Do you think we should call out and ask it to surrender? Last time we tried that our foes got away. Maybe we should just charge in."

[Dust]

"What's so bad about them running away!?" Dron says in a barely controlled whisper as he enters the room and takes up position to cover Roth.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Well for one it may not understand you. It spoke in Orcish last time afterall. However I feel the charge in will at least hinder its escape."

Whispers Algerdar, standing with his crossbow at the ready.

[BigRedRod]

Roth walks away from the door to have a look around the corner, as he does so he whsipers,
"Hopefully we actually have this one trapped"

A few moments later he returns,
"There are two more doors around the corner, they could connect to this room, but unless it is gonna go through the window back there it should be stuck"

map

Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2n rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 30 6k rs
@0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1 4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o 5g *s -1 4o
@5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o 3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o *s -1 3e 4w
@rs 0 1edc 37 3s 2b 4o 2j 4w 3f 40 37 3s *s -1 34 5y rs 0 1edc 2g
@4v 28 53 2w 5z 34 5r 2g 4v *s -1 44 5h rs 0 1edc 3w 4d 44 4d 44
@5h 3w 5h 3w 4d *s b 6u ak rs 0 *s -3 bj bu rs 0 A *s -1 2c 4c rs
@0 9zabk 2c 4c 1o 4c *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 9zldr 2c 4o 2c 40 *s -1 50
@2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 50 2o *s -1 6c 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 6c 2o *s -1 78 30
@rs 0 0 64 2c 78 2c 78 30 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78 3c 78 40 *s -1 78
@40 rs 0 0 78 40 24 40 *s -1 7c 3o rs 0 73 74 2c 74 3o 7c 3o 7c
@2c 74 2c *s -1 6o 3o rs 0 1edc 60 2c 6o 2c 6o 3o 60 3o 60 2c *s
@-1 4w 3c rs 0 1edc 4w 20 4w 28 4o 28 4o 3c 4g 3c *s -1 64 2s rs
@0 1edc 50 2k 50 2s 64 2s 64 2k *s -1 50 3o rs 0 9zabk 4c 3o 50
@3g *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 3o o 5o o 5o 2o *s -1 78 2o rs 0 0 78 2o
@78 20 *s -1 78 1z rs 0 0 78 20 78 1c *s -1 78 1c rs 0 0 78 1c 78
@w 24 w *s -1 4o 1o rs 0 0 4o 1o 4o k *s -1 7c 1o rs 0 73 74 10
@7c 10 7c 1o 74 1o 74 10 *s -1 7c 2c rs 0 73 74 1o 7c 1o 7c 2c 74
@2c 74 1o *s -1 76 20 rs 0 1edc 77 1c 63 1c 63 20 77 20 77 1c *s
@-1 78 18 rs 0 1edc 78 18 4s 18 4s 10 *s -1 5c 1o rs 0 0 4g 1o 4g
@10 5c 10 5c k *s -3 ac 2j rs 0 v *s -3 9j 2m rs 0 v *s -3 9i 33
@rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2o rs 0 0 4o o 4o 2o *s -1 5o 2c rs 0 9zldr 5o
@1o 5o 2c *s -1 60 2c rs 0 9zabk 5c 2c 60 2c *s -1 54 28 rs 0
@1edc 48 28 54 20 54 14 *s -1 5o 1s rs 0 1edc 4k 1s 5o 1s *s -1
@4w 2o rs 0 1edc 4w 1s 4w 2o *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 1edc 58 2o 5o 28 *s
@-1 50 30 rs 0 9zabk 50 2c 50 30 *s -1 50 5o rs 0 0 4c 5o 50 5o *s
@-1 60 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 60 5o *s -1 6o 5o rs 0 0 60 5o 6o 5o *s -1
@6o 5o rs 0 0 6o 5o 6o 50 *s -1 78 6k rs 0 0 24 5g 24 6k 78 6k 78
@1g *s -1 5c 6o rs 0 73 4o 6g 4o 6o 5c 6o 5c 6g 4o 6g *s -1 6c 6o
@rs 0 73 5o 6g 5o 6o 6c 6o 6c 6g 5o 6g *s -1 7c 6c rs 0 73 74 5o
@74 6c 7c 6c 7c 5o 74 5o *s -1 6c 5o rs 0 9zabk 5o 5o 6c 5o *s -1
@50 5s rs 0 9zabk 4c 5k 50 5s *s -3 9i cy rs 0 *s -3 bh cd rs 0
@Dr *s -3 cp cc rs 0 Du *s -1 50 5o rs 0 9zabk 50 5o 50 50 *s -1
@5o 5o rs 0 0 5o 5o 5o 3o 3o 3o *s -1 5o 54 rs 0 1edc 50 48 50 54
@5o 54 *s -1 4w 5o rs 0 1edc 4w 3o 4w 5o *s -1 5o 5k rs 0 1edc 50
@5k 5o 5k *s -1 5c 5o rs 0 1edc 5c 5g 5c 5o *s -3 cy bx rs 0 R *s
@-1 6o 5c rs 0 0 6o 5c 6o 3c 60 3c *s -1 60 4c rs 0 0 60 4c 5c 4c
@*s -1 5o 4c rs 0 9zabk 5o 3o 5o 4c *s -1 6c 4c rs 0 9zabk 5o 4c
@6c 4c *s -1 7c 4g rs 0 73 74 3s 7c 3s 7c 4g 74 4g 74 3s
*END -pfvk0z

[Black Plauge]

"Okay then," replies Durn, "I'll stay here to block the hallway so it doesn't scoot around behind us, while you take the more frontal approach."

[SuperJosh]

Roth nods to Durn. "That sounds like a good plan." he whispers as as he draws his sword. He then holds out three fingers...
two....
one...
He throws open the door and rushes into the room.

[BigRedRod]

The door resists for a moment but the force put behind it manages to negate the latch. There is a yelp as the door opens and the tribesman appears in the room, the room is near identical to the one to the left.

A small goblin is sat shaking at the head of the bed, his body is covered in scars and stitiching, he manages to quietly say a single word (in goblin)
"Please..."
He looks at Roth filled with terror

The little goblin wears a shirt and little else, someone seems to have attempted to alter the shirt into a garment for such a small creature, but it didn't work as well as might have been intended

map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7c 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 20 1c 40 1c *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0
@40 0 40 2o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 0 20 2o 40 2o *s -1 3s 2o rs 0
@0 3s 1k 3s 2o *s -1 40 24 rs 0 0 3k 24 40 24 *s -3 7q 55 rs 0 v *s
@-3 7p 4o rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2n rs 0 0 0 2o o -g 40 -g 4o 2o *s -1
@4c 14 rs 0 73 10 w 10 14 4c 14 4c w 10 w *s -1 40 6o rs 0 73 20
@6g 20 6o 40 6o 40 6g 20 6g *s -1 2c 5o rs 0 73 2c 4c 24 4c 24 5o
@2c 5o 2c 4c *s -1 2c 40 rs 0 73 2c 40 24 40 24 2o 2c 2o 2c 40 *s
@-1 28 3c rs 0 0 28 3c 28 -1c *s -1 2c 4c rs 0 0 24 3o 24 4c 2c
@4c *s -1 28 50 rs 0 0 28 4c 28 50 *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 0 24 4o 2c 4o
@*s -1 28 6o rs 0 0 28 4o 28 6o *s b 1w bj 1zt 3t *s -1 30 6k rs
@0 0 1o -18 1o 5g 30 6k *s -1 4o 6k rs 0 0 3c 6k 4o 5g *s -1 4o
@5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 4o 2c *s -1 4o 3o rs 0 0 4o 3o 4o 1o *s -1 3e 4w
@rs 0 1edc 37 3s 2b 4o 2j 4w 3f 40 37 3s *s -1 34 5y rs 0 1edc 2g
@4v 28 53 2w 5z 34 5r 2g 4v *s -1 44 5h rs 0 1edc 3w 4d 44 4d 44
@5h 3w 5h 3w 4d *s b 6u ak rs 0 *s -3 bh cl rs 0 A *s -1 2c 4c rs
@0 9zabk 2c 4c 1o 4c *s -1 2c 4o rs 0 9zldr 2c 4o 2c 40 *s -1 50
@2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 50 2o *s -1 6c 2o rs 0 0 4c 2o 6c 2o *s -1 78 30
@rs 0 0 64 2c 78 2c 78 30 *s -1 78 40 rs 0 0 78 3c 78 40 *s -1 78
@40 rs 0 0 78 40 24 40 *s -1 7c 3o rs 0 73 74 2c 74 3o 7c 3o 7c
@2c 74 2c *s -1 6o 3o rs 0 1edc 60 2c 6o 2c 6o 3o 60 3o 60 2c *s
@-1 4w 3c rs 0 1edc 4w 20 4w 28 4o 28 4o 3c 4g 3c *s -1 64 2s rs
@0 1edc 50 2k 50 2s 64 2s 64 2k *s -1 50 3o rs 0 9zabk 4c 3o 50
@3g *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 3o o 5o o 5o 2o *s -1 78 2o rs 0 0 78 2o
@78 20 *s -1 78 1z rs 0 0 78 20 78 1c *s -1 78 1c rs 0 0 78 1c 78
@w 24 w *s -1 4o 1o rs 0 0 4o 1o 4o k *s -1 7c 1o rs 0 73 74 10
@7c 10 7c 1o 74 1o 74 10 *s -1 7c 2c rs 0 73 74 1o 7c 1o 7c 2c 74
@2c 74 1o *s -1 76 20 rs 0 1edc 77 1c 63 1c 63 20 77 20 77 1c *s
@-1 78 18 rs 0 1edc 78 18 4s 18 4s 10 *s -1 5c 1o rs 0 0 4g 1o 4g
@10 5c 10 5c k *s -3 ac 2j rs 0 v *s -3 9j 2m rs 0 v *s -3 9i 33
@rs 0 v *s -1 4o 2o rs 0 0 4o o 4o 2o *s -1 5o 2c rs 0 9zldr 5o
@1o 5o 2c *s -1 60 2c rs 0 9zabk 5c 2c 60 2c *s -1 54 28 rs 0
@1edc 48 28 54 20 54 14 *s -1 5o 1s rs 0 1edc 4k 1s 5o 1s *s -1
@4w 2o rs 0 1edc 4w 1s 4w 2o *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 1edc 58 2o 5o 28 *s
@-1 50 30 rs 0 9zabk 50 2c 50 30 *s -1 50 5o rs 0 0 4c 5o 50 5o *s
@-1 60 5o rs 0 0 4o 5o 60 5o *s -1 6o 5o rs 0 0 60 5o 6o 5o *s -1
@6o 5o rs 0 0 6o 5o 6o 50 *s -1 78 6k rs 0 0 24 5g 24 6k 78 6k 78
@1g *s -1 5c 6o rs 0 73 4o 6g 4o 6o 5c 6o 5c 6g 4o 6g *s -1 6c 6o
@rs 0 73 5o 6g 5o 6o 6c 6o 6c 6g 5o 6g *s -1 7c 6c rs 0 73 74 5o
@74 6c 7c 6c 7c 5o 74 5o *s -1 50 5s rs 0 9zabk 4c 5k 50 5s *s -3
@9i cy rs 0 *s -3 c5 cy rs 0 Dr *s -3 df 8h rs 0 Du *s -1 50 5o
@rs 0 9zabk 50 5o 50 50 *s -1 5o 5o rs 0 0 5o 5o 5o 3o 3o 3o *s
@-1 5o 54 rs 0 1edc 50 48 50 54 5o 54 *s -1 4w 5o rs 0 1edc 4w 3o
@4w 5o *s -1 5o 5k rs 0 1edc 50 5k 5o 5k *s -1 5c 5o rs 0 1edc 5c
@5g 5c 5o *s -3 c7 b5 rs 0 R *s -1 6o 5c rs 0 0 6o 5c 6o 3c 60 3c
@*s -1 60 4c rs 0 0 60 4c 5c 4c *s -1 5o 4c rs 0 9zabk 5o 3o 5o
@4c *s -1 6c 4c rs 0 9zabk 5o 4c 6c 4c *s -1 7c 4g rs 0 73 74 3s
@7c 3s 7c 4g 74 4g 74 3s *s -1 6o 4o rs 0 0 4o 4o 6o 4o *s -1 6o
@54 rs 0 1edc 60 48 60 54 6o 54 *s -1 6o 5o rs 0 1edc 60 5o 60 5g
@6o 5g *s -1 5w 5o rs 0 1edc 5w 3o 5w 5o *s -1 60 5o rs 0 9zabk
@60 5o 60 50 *s -3 cx 9s rs 0 G
*END -kiwsha

[SponkleofInfini]

"So it was you? We....won't hurt you if you answer my questions."

Says Algerdar in Goblin, entering the room after Roth. As Algerdar speaks, he finds it difficult to hold back his hate of the creature, of the goblin race. However Algerdar lowers his crossbow, as if trying to reassure the goblin....afterall Algerdar was here to find out all he could for Master Rizeth.

[BigRedRod]

"Me? We did nothing! The evil wizard kept us prisoner! He was gone, but you're here for him, you're gonna lock us all up again. You're gonna hurt us!"
The goblin's voice gets louder and more high pitched and as he finishes he sits back and continue looking in fear, possibly realises he over-stepped his bounds

[SuperJosh]

Roth sheaths his sword, and holds up his hands to show that they are empty.

"We are not here to cage ANYONE." He says. "Just tell us what happened and we will let you go on doing whatever it is you do." Roth tries his best to be reassuring and to sound kinder than Algerdar.

[SponkleofInfini]

"Where is the wizard...What happened to this place...how did you get free...and where are the rest of you?"

Queries Algerdar in goblin.

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: just assume that Aldergar is translating back and forth through goblin]

"Nasty evil wizard. He ... changes us, he was with a big one when it all shook and he dashed away. It got loose and smahsed it all up good before it died. Some of us left, like the two-headed God-Orc"
He speaks with venom in his voice about the "God-Orc"
"others, like me, stayed here. It's nice and warm, and there's food and we hoped he wasn't coming back. And we deserve this after what HE DID TO US!"

[SponkleofInfini]

"He changed you...how, what did he do to you?"

Hmm what was Lucus up to? Could that two headed orc creature in the mines have been this God-Orc the goblin speaks of. Is Lucus responsible for the mines incident? What of the mapWhat of Master Rizeth, what did he really intend? Is he innocent?

Many questions fly through Algerdar's mind, he needed to discuss this with his companions.

[SuperJosh]

"Hmmm, what do you mean 'a big one' ? A big creation like you? Or something else?" Roth says in as calm a voice as possible, all the while wondering what sort of game Rizeth is playing at.

[SponkleofInfini]

"I think he ment a Dragoon...when something happened Lucus ran, if the goblin tells truth, then we won't find Lucus here."

Says Algerdar to Roth

[BigRedRod]

"It was just big! Bigger than you, and had horns and wings and was so strong ... or should have been, but the evil bastard ... sometimes after ... some just don't survive for long."

[Black Plauge]

As it becomes apparent that whatever was in the room isn't trying to escape, Durn moves to rejoin the others, catching the tail end of the conversation.

"What don't survive long?" he asks as Algedar finishes translating.

[SuperJosh]

"Evidently Rizeth's friend waws experimanting on these creatures and made a big one.. with wings and horns and such, but it did not survive the process." Roth informs Durn. "Also it seems that Lucas created that two headed monstrosity that we fought a few days ago."

[SponkleofInfini]

"Ahem...I believe Durn was speaking to me, but yes, Roth is correct. However what else could Lucus have...created."

Says Algerdar turning to the goblin, he does not repeat the question to the others...yet;

"Do you know someone by the name of Rizeth?"

Says Algerdar in goblinoid.

[BigRedRod]

The goblin gives the gnome a confused look but shakes his head,
"The evil man stole someone you are looking for? No, there is no Rizeth here, unless he died before ... or he was made into not-Rizeth before he had a chance"

[SponkleofInfini]

"Someone...who?"

Says Algerdar, curious, he decides not to inform his companions of the Rizeth question however continues to now relay information back to the group.

[BigRedRod]

The goblin look away from aldergar and asks the others,
"Is he together?"
Then he looks back and speaks to the gnome slowly, the fear seems to have completely dropped away and he speaks as if he would to a child, although his voice knots in anger whenever he speaks of the man who captured him,
"This Rizeth you mentioned ... I'm sure he is ok and not someone that the hateful, evil bastard managed to catch and hurt"

[SuperJosh]

"Hhhmmmmm..." Roth ponders. "What do you all think? Are our questions answered? Do you think we should 'invite' our friend here to come with us to Master Rizeths, in case he has more questions?" All this is said in a voice his companions will find at odds with the words. All the inflections are cheerful instead of questioning, and Roth has a comforting smile on his face the whole time.

[Black Plauge]

"I think not," replies Durn, "As much as orcs and goblinoids are the scum of the earth, even they deserve more respect than Lucas gave them. An honorable death at the very least, not as victims of some horrible experiment. Our 'friend' here should be allowed to go free, he's been through enough for now."

"However, I don't think all our questions have been answered. We know what Lucas was doing, but we don't know what happened to him. We also can't explain the presense of the dragoon tracks outside. Something very strange is going on here. I'll not feel comfortable until we can come up with some explinations."

[SuperJosh]

"Ahh, I forgot you were not in the room when Algerdar told us what the goblin said. Evidently Lucas ran away when the Dragoons attacked. So he might not be dead, just missing." With that Roth looks around the room and thinks about the rest of the house. "Of course if he were still alive I can not imagine him staying gone long enough for his house to have gotten this bad."

[Dust]

"I think it's time to go," Dron says, "we have the information that we need... and when we get back, I don't think we should mention the goblin to the old man."

Dron crosses his arms while still holding his crossbow and regarding the creature with a frown, "and I think when we get back, we should take our money and leave. If what the goblin says is true, then I'm not sure we can trust Rizeth any more. Good people don't often keep friends like what this Lucas sounds like."

He seems to stare strangely at the goblin. It is hard to read is expression. Is it loathing? Disgust? Pity? Empathy? Or, perhaps, all at the same time...

[SuperJosh]

Roth is silent for a moment. "You might be right, however Master Riseth does seem to be genuinly concerned about his people, and they do seem to like him. You do not often find those two qualities in people of dubious character. Usually they push their people as hard as they can and use them as much as possible."

Roth is silent for another moment. "This is something we can talk about on the way to his place. Is everyone else satisfied with our findings?"

[Black Plauge]

"We still haven't two doors around the corner to check as well as that big one downstair. Now while I suspect that the two doors around the corner are nothing more than a closet and bedroom, the one downstairs is far more likely to house something of intrest. I think we should at the very least attempt to open it before heading back."

"Algedar, could you ask our friend here if he knows whats behind that door or how to open it."

[BigRedRod]

Aldergar thinks for a moment and then produces a mixture of gutteral and squeaking sounds that make up the goblin language. The goblin relies in kind, and the gnome re-translates,
"The others are behind the door. But they won't let you in ... I was too scared to move when I heard someone was coming."
The fear seems to return to the pitiful creature as he realises he is on the wrong side of the huge metal door

[Black Plauge]

"Others? How many of these creatures are still here?"

[BigRedRod]

Aldergar translates and retranslates once again
"Six of us all together. Lee'ktan* is our leader, she spoke against Gurun, the God-Orc, he wanted us all to follow him and the God he claimed had set us free."

[* Lee'ktan is the closest word to "hope" in the goblin language]

[SuperJosh]

"I think we can leave the others in peace." Roth says to the group in a voice that is almost sad. "But if you want to check the other doors I will be happy to go with you." Then, almost as an after thought he turns to Algerdar. "Can you find out why they call her 'hope'?"

[Black Plauge]

"I agree we can leave the others in peace, but whatever experiments Lucas was performing, his materials are most likely behind that door because we haven't found them elsewhere. I want to know more about what Lucas was up to if I can."

As an after thought, Durn asks Algedar to translate and asks the goblin, "When did the metal giants show up? And what did the people in them want?"

[BigRedRod]

To Roth's question the goblin answers with a confused look on his face and he slowly speaks the words as if having problems understanding why the question needed to be asked
"We call her that, for it is her name"
after a long pauses the goblin adds,
"Or what she has told us, I suppose she could have given herself a new name. Afterall, I think some of those the wicked, nasty beast of a wizard managed to capture, have been left unsure of their own pasts"

The goblin replies to Durn's question in a short and , again, confused manner,
"Metal giants?"

[Black Plauge]

Stupid goblin doesn't even know what a dragoon is.

"The dragoons," Durn says in explination to Algedar, "see if you can't find an explination this goblin will understand."

[BigRedRod]

The goblin looks both confused and frightened,
"Dragoons!? Here!?"

[Black Plauge]

Suprised that the goblin knows what dragoons are, Durn is nevertheless disappointed that it appears clueless as to their purpose.

"Tell him about the tracks outside," Durn says to Algedar, "They're kind of hard to miss, it must know something about them."

[BigRedRod]

The goblin nods,
"We've seen them, but we didn't realise they were from dragoons."
The pathetic creature pauses,
"Perhaps they are what saved us from the evil wizard! They attacked here and killed him!"
He seems quite excited by his conclusion

[SuperJosh]

"Algerdar, ask this one if he might be able to get the others to open the door so that we could get a look at Lucas's equipment." Roth says. "I would really rather be away from hear as soon as possible, so that, hopefully, Master Rizeth can shed some light on this situation."

[BigRedRod]

"They won't let you in."
The Goblin shakes his head quite violently to express just how impossible it would be to pass the door,
"They won't let me in either"
He seems quite upset about this,
"Not until they are sure you have gone. Very sure. No one wants to go back to how things were"

[SuperJosh]

"Isn't there some way we can convince them we will not hurt them? The entire reason we want in the room is to make sure things do not go back to the way they were." Roth says to Algerdar.

[BigRedRod]

The goblin shrugs and looks at the ground to his right,
"You could try, you haven't hurt me. Maybe they'll take your word you won't hurt them"
The goblin flops into a standing position off the bed, but still doesn't draw too close to any of the party

[Black Plauge]

Stowing his crossbow, Durn remarks, "It'll probably be easier to convince the other to let us in if we put away our weapons."

Then making way for the goblin to lead the way, Durn steps aside and waits to follow the others down stairs.

[BigRedRod]

The goblin walks quickly just avoiding breaking into a run. Despite how he seemed to be at ease before he is now full of fear once again. Reaching the huge metal door, the goblin walks up to it and taps on the surface, a voice can just be made out on the other side. It also speaks in the goblin's tongue,
"Are they gone?"
"...No, but they sa-"
"They captured you? Are they there now?"
"No, No"
"Then you are a traitor!?"
"No... they don't work for the evil wizard. They ju-"
"Were you born under the sun! Of course they tell you that. They just want to open the door so they can put us back in cages! Just make them go away!"

The goblin durns to Aldergar and shakes his head

[Black Plauge]

Re-examining the room as the goblin tries to convince the others to open the door, Durn's eyes fall on the lever. Scratching his chin, gazes at it for a bit as the goblin shakes his head at Aldergar.

Wish I had a bit of rope. Then I could pull that lever from across the room. Durn thinks to himself as he contemplates the lever. His face suddenly brightening, Durn taps Roth on the arm before speaking in a low voice that won't carry through the door.

"I'm going to go get a length of cloth from upstairs so that we can pull the lever from a distance. It may open the door, especially if the goblins don't have the keys to work the lock."

[SuperJosh]

"Good idea. Do you want me to keep them occupied? NOt that I really think they are going anywhere." Roth asks Durn.

[Black Plauge]

"No, I don't think they're going anywhere either," Durn replies, "I'll be back down in a moment."

Heading upstairs, Durn heads for the bedroom where they found the goblin. Taking his knife from his boot, Durn half cuts, half rips a two inch wide strip of cloth off of the edge of one of the bedsheets.

Mental note to self: buy rope at next avaliable opportunity,Durn thinks as he heads back down stairs.

Checking the lever when he gets back down stairs, Durn ties one end of it to the lever, being careful not to pull it before backing away to look at it a bit more.

"We're going to need to a downward force to the lever to pull it... Roth, would you help me move the table over under the lever? We can use it as a make shift pulley so that we can stand over by the stairs while we pull it."

[SuperJosh]

"No problem." Roth says as he walks over to the table. He then proceeds to position it so that it can be used as a pulley to actuate the lever.

Roth then draws his sword. After looking at it for a moment he resheaths it. "I guess we should probably ought to approach them unarmed." he says, "Since we just want to talk and all."

[Black Plauge]

Checking the weight of the table as he and Roth move it into position, Durn tries to determine if it will be heavy enough to stay in place while they try to pull the lever.

Well I guess there's one way to find out.

Once the table is in position, Durn takes the loose end of the strip of cloth and passes it underneath the table and brings it over to the stairwell. Once all is set up, he looks at the others, waiting for them to confirm that they are ready for him to try pulling.

[BigRedRod]

Hardly breathing the dwarf grips the cloth and gives it a sharp pull. The lever moves downwards easily, but the result isn't quite what he expected. The Section of wall to the left of the lever makes an odd very quiet grinding noise and shifts forwards slightly, then the entire wall shifts to the left, the mechanism to move the wall must be extraordinarily complicated and well-designed for no one to have noticed anything suspicious about it. Even Durn himself, a dwarf, hadn't noticed.

After the noise has stopped and everyhting appear to have stopped moving, the wall has opened and through it you can see the main enteranceway to the house. The same one which the party entered through earlier.

map
[ooc: hopefully it worked, getting lines to appear in the exact place you need it always seems quite tricky]
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 7b 6o rs 0 0 -6o 6o -6o -4o 7c -4o 7c 6o *s -1 7c 6o rs 0
@0 -6n 6o 7d 6o *s -1 40 2o rs 0 0 20 1 20 2p 40 2p 40 1 *s -1 3x
@2n rs 0 0 3i 2n 3i 1j 3y 1j *s -3 7m 56 rs 0 ^ *s -3 7m 4l rs 0
@^ *s -1 3o 10 rs 0 9zldr 3o 10 30 10 *s -1 3o 1c rs 0 9zabk 3o o
@3g 1c *s -3 73 63 rs 0 Dr *s -3 7e 96 rs 0 Du *s -3 89 7r rs 0 A
@*s -1 3c 1c rs 0 0 2o 1c 3c 1c 3c o *s -1 40 1c rs 0 0 3c o 3c
@1c 40 1c *s -1 30 20 rs 0 9zldr 30 1c 30 20 *s -1 30 1w rs 0
@9zabk 30 1g 2k 1w *s -1 2z 2o rs 0 0 30 1 -1o 1 -1o 2p 30 2p *s
@-3 6a 94 rs 0 R *s -3 73 3j rs 0 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 0 18 2o 18 20
@1o 20 1w 28 2c 28 2k 20 30 20 *s -1 30 2o rs 0 1edc 30 o 2s o 2s
@8 -1g 8 -1g 2g c 2g c 2o *s b 2n 40 rs 0 *s -1 2g 24 rs 0 1edc
@28 18 2g 1g 1k 24 1c 1w 28 18 *s -1 20 2p rs 0 9zabk 1d 2p 21 2p
@*s -1 3o 2o rs 0 9zldr 30 2o 3o 2o *s -1 5o 6c rs 0 0 c -10 c 6c
@5o 6c 5o -10 *s -1 5o 2o rs 0 0 2c 2o 5o 2o *s -1 3g 30 rs 0
@9zabk 38 2c 3g 30 *s -1 5c 60 rs 0 0 4o 0 4o 60 5c 60 5c 0 4o 0 *s
@-1 4o 60 rs 0 0 4o 5c 20 5c 20 60 4o 60 4o 5c *s -1 4o 5c rs 0 0
@20 4o 20 5c 4o 5c 4o 4o 20 4o *s b 80 8o rs 0 *s -1 4c 3o rs 0 0
@3o 2c 3o 3o 4c 3o 4c 2c 3o 2c *s -1 5o 2s rs 0 1edc 1o 2k 1o 2s
@5o 2s *s -1 38 48 rs 0 1edc 38 14 38 1c 30 1c 30 48 2s 48 *s -1
@30 4o rs 0 9zldr 30 40 30 4o *s -1 3c 4c rs 0 9zabk 2o 4c 3c 4c *s
@-1 30 50 rs 0 0 -1o c -1o 50 30 50 *s -1 30 30 rs 0 0 18 2c 18
@30 1o 30 1w 2s 2c 2s 2k 30 30 30 *s -1 1o 40 rs 0 1edc 1o 1c 1o
@1k -4 1k -4 40 -c 40 *s -1 2c 44 rs 0 0 1o 2k 2c 2k 2c 44 1o 44
@1o 2k *s -1 1c 50 rs 0 9zldr o 50 1c 50 *s -1 5k 2o rs 0 0 5k 2o
@5k 1c *s -1 5k 1o rs 0 0 5k 1o 5k 10 2g 10 *s -1 4w 1o rs 0 0 4g
@10 4g 1o 4w 1o 4w 10 *s -1 5k 20 rs 0 9zabk 5k 1c 5k 20 *s -3 84
@3g rs 0 X *s f 8d 4y rs 0 *s -1 4k 2k rs 0 1edc 44 24 44 2k 4k
@2k 4k 24 44 24 *s -1 4w 2k rs 0 1edc 4g 24 4g 2k 4w 2k 4w 24 4g
@24 *s -3 9i 36 rs 0 ^ *s -1 40 20 rs 0 9zldr 40 1c 40 20
*END j3lcex

[Black Plauge]

"Well, that was unexpected," Durn comments when the wall is finished moving.

Fassinated by the mechanism that could accomplish such a feat, Durn goes over to the wall and begins to study it.

[SuperJosh]

"I can truly say that was the last thing I expected. Any Idea if there is a corosponding lever on the other side?" Roth asks as he looks through the door.

[Black Plauge]

"Well, we missed it on our way in if there is one, so it would have to be cleverly disguised," replies Durn as he continues to study the door, momentarily forgetting about the goblinoids behind the other door.

[SuperJosh]

"I agree. But as interesting as I find this new revelation, I feel we need to decide what to do about the others behind that door." Roth says as he motions to the door the experiments are hiding behind, "And then report back to master Rizeth."

[BigRedRod]

The Goblin hovers by the large door looking suspiciously at the tribesman and dwarf, after a few moments he sighs and sits down in a corner

[Black Plauge]

"Oh, yes, the others..." Durn mutters as he pulls himself away from studying the door. "What shall we do?"

"You, know, I wonder if Rizeth knew what Lucas was doing. Do you suppose that our report on the creatures in the mine is what prompted Rizeth's sudden overwhelming concern for Lucas that he had to send us on a 'fool's errand'? Maybe he rocognized the description of the creatures we gave as some of Lucas' subjects and suspected that something must have happened to Lucas if his test subjects had escaped."

"Perhaps we should take a look at the package Rizeth wanted us to deliver. It might answer some of our questions faster than these goblins will."

[SuperJosh]

"I had not thought of that. But now that you bring it up it certianly makes sense." Roth says then he turns to Dron. "Dron, do you think you could open this package in a way that Rizeth will not be able to tell we opened it when we return it to him?

[BigRedRod]

Fron places the box on the floor and crouches next to it, withdrawing a few random tools better suited to metal he inserts them and rotates them until eventually there is a slighlt click and he opens the box,
Inside is a mask , of a style that none recognise, made from what appears to bone and painting white and red to possibly represent a face.
Most of the box is made up of a pair of scroll cases and the rest is filled with small pouches that contain odd materials such as a variety of coloured crystals and stones, what appear to be scales of some silver creature, a variety of other strange items and even one of the energysts you recovered so long ago

[Black Plauge]

Taking careful note of the layout of the items in the box so that they can replace them in exactly the same way, Durn looks over the items curiously.

"Well, Rizeth's description of the contents seems to be accurate," Durn comments as he looks over the diffrent contents. Settling on the scroll cases, Durn checks to see if they are sealed or could be opened with out leaving evidence of the tampering.

[BigRedRod]

Both scroll cases are sealed with wax and imprinted with what you assume is the pattern on Rizeth's signet ring.

[Black Plauge]

"Well, there's no opening these to see what's inside." Durn comments after examining the cases.

Raising his eyebrows as an idea occurs to him, Durn calls to Algedar, "Algedar, can you ask that goblin to look at the stuff in here and see if there is anything that looks like stuff he's seen on the other side of the door? That might help us figure out whether Rizeth knen about Lucas' experiments."

[Samurai]

Algerdar looks over the scrolls longingly, thinking of the sparse pages of his spellbook. He turns to Durn, as he asks him to translate his request to the Goblin they had found. Algerdar looks over to the wretched creature, points to the scattered items on the floor, and says, "What is your name? And, do you recognize any of those items?"

[SuperJosh]

After giving the contents of the box a brief look Roth leaves the closer inspection to the spellcaster types. There is nothing that really intereasts him in there anyway.

[BigRedRod]

He speaks with great pride about his name, all traces of fear seem to have now drained away and he seems quite confident that the party aren't going to harm him
"They call me Oggri, after the great goblin warrior! Lee'ktan honours me with my name"
He pauses for a few moments and looks rather glum as he walks over to the box and glances at it's contents. He shakes his head and looks back at the gnome,
"It all looks like wizard rubbish to me"

[Black Plauge]

With the goblin shaking his head, Durn does not even have to wait for Algedar's translation to realize what the answer to his question is.

Carefully putting the objects back in the box, duplicating the original packing pattern as best he can. Durn sighs and says, "Well, none of this stuff can really tell us what Rizeth knew and didn't know. I'd still like to get a look at Lucas' laboratory, though. Whatever equipment is in there that the goblins haven't destroyed might be able to answer some of our questions and at least give us something to report to Master Rizeth. As is, all we can tell him is that Lucas is missing, apparently chased off by one of his own creations, and that several dragoons visited some time before he left."

"Any one got any ideas on how we might convinve a group of goblins that we mean them no harm?"

[Samurai]

"Since when did we decide that we will do no harm to the Goblins, Durn? Goblins are a despicable, filthy race of miscreants that should be met with due force. I do not approve of what Lucas was doing here, but his atrocities do not change the nature of Goblinkind. I recommend we find a way into the labratory, kill the Goblins that resist, and take this Lee'ktan prisoner."

[SuperJosh]

"When did we decide to let the others live?" Roth asks increduously "About ten minutes ago in the bedroom. Durn and I said we should leave the others in peace and you did not speak up." Roth turns to face Algerdar. "I am sorry that you feel that way about goblins, and to tell you the truth usually I feel the same way. But Lucas's experiments changed them. They are different than normal goblins now. They cower instead of fighting. As I said earlier I think the should be left alone. "

[Samurai]

Algerdar responds in a measured tone to Roth, saying, "I did not speak against the earlier plan because it seemed the most logical course of action at the time. However, if we are going to enter the hiding place of the Goblins, we should deal with them appropiately. Cowardice is a normal trait of Goblinkind, I would say, and hardly reason to show unwarranted mercy."

"The fact that they have been experiemented on is all the more reason to take them down. We do not know the exact details of how they have been changed, or the consequences those changes could have. We need to discover more details about what happened here, and what Lucas was doing. And it seems likely we may find those details behind that door. So leaving the Goblins alone seems imprudent, at best."

[SuperJosh]

"I disagree." Roth replies. "If these goblins have truely united against a stronger foe, as our two headed freind certianly seems to be, then it is evidence that the experiments have changed them to a degree. I do not think that we should plan on the wholesale slaughter of the tribe behind that door. If they prove to be a threat I will be the first to start the killing, but until then I will not kill them just because they resemble a monster."

[Samurai]

Algerdar glances over at the doorway, and says,"Goblins do not deserve the benefit of the doubt, Roth. If we fail to strike first, we may be the ones who end up dead. The lives of Goblins are not worth taking such a risk for."

[SuperJosh]

"Hmmph," Roth grunts, "that is and argument worthy of a Venterran!"

[Black Plauge]

"Hey," Durn exclaims, interupting the argument between Roth and Algedar, "If I remember correctly Oggri didn't much like the 'god-orc' as he called the two headed monstrocity. Maybe if we showed the goblins inside that we have a common enemy they'll be more inclined to trust us. I still have a bunch of those diffrent symbols of Kunoq that we took off the corpses of the previous bunch. We could use them to prove we have fought and beaten the 'god-orc's' followers. We might even convince the goblins that having been thrown out of the mine, there's a chance the 'god-orc' and his followers might come back here."

[BigRedRod]

Oggri backs away slightly as the argument starts and glances toward the stairs, however before he can take a step toward them. Dron makes it more than clear that he is watching the goblin.

[Samurai]

Algerdar turns to Durn, and says, "Either that, or they will assume we are agents of this so called 'god-orc'. By the time I translate whatever convincing speeches the rest of you come up with, the visual confirmation from those symbols could be enough to spur them into attacking us. I still think our best approach would be to take them down with force."

Algerdar catches Oggri's movement out of the corner of his eye, and gives a mirthless smile. "As you can see, this little wretch is entirely untrustworthy. He has been relatively helpful, but we still need to subdue him before we deal with the rest of his people. It is quite clear where his loyalties lie. Even if we pursue a diplomatic course of action, it will be neccessary. If negotations end in the manner I expect them to, the last thing we will want is an enemy at our backs. We will already be too busy dealing with the ones at the front."

[Black Plauge]

"Not if we break one of them," Durn replies, "Besides, Oggri has been helpful, and I think that at the very least he is willing to give us the benefit of the doubt. We haven't harmed him, or even threatened him since we found him in that bedroom. I beleive all we really have to do is convince him and then let him convince the others. We could even offer to wait outside while he discusses it with them."

"Under normal circumstances, Algedar, I might agree with you; goblins do not deserve the benefit of the doubt. But these are not normal circumstances. These goblins have been imprisoned, abused, neglected, and even tortured. Though it may seem like ages, it was only a little over a week ago that we four were in the same boat. Were it not for that group of rebels we would most likely still be imprisioned. Have you forgotten what it was like to have your freedom striped from you? To have all your possesions, your spellbook even, taken? These goblins want nothing more it seems than to remain free. As long as that is their only goal and they do not attack innocents, I see no reason to take them by force. They are simply creatures who were in the wrong place at the wrong time, much like ourselves last tenday."