Hi, everybody. This will be an adventure open to everybody who's ever wanted to adventure in the Underdark with the world's greatest drow. Viconia herself will be along for this one, to find and either mercy-kill or, if possible, rescue her brother. This trip will start with a visit to my character and her husband's house in Baldur's Gate, where the three currently reside. Just write yourself in.

Sure, I'll sign up! When does it start?

The scene: A modest house on a side streeet. A conversation is taking place in Lady Galadria's Study. She is a mage of great might. Her husband is Sir Attalus, a Paladin of considerable prowness. Viconia, clad in a beautiful blue cloak that she received for her 400th Birthday is speaking.
VICONIA
(to Galadria) So you see, abbil, I feel that I must go back to the Underdark to rescue my brother, Valen, from his prison in the body of a Drider. So much has been happening, what with your recent decision not to become a goddess and your rescue of me from the clutches of that would-be poisoner, the evil Erawoib. I would not leave your side, but I feel that our task is done, for now, and I would not lie idle. Attalus has mentioned to me, of late, that he is beginning to be restless again, and he is ready to seek new adventure. How say you?

OOC>>Welcome, Secretmaster. I hoped I could count on you. Just walk up and ring the bell.

GALADRIA
(to Viconia)Of course, Vicky, if you feel that you must go, I shall be at your side. Attalus, as well. We shall start soon, but first, I want you to know that I have come across a marvellous artefact on my most recent foray to the Sorcerous Sundries. It appears to me to be a scroll from the hand of no less than the Avatar of mighty Helm, himself. It seems that a priest of his was instructed to do just such a thing, for a drider had been sent by Lolth to desecrate one of Helm's Temples. The drider was killed before the scroll could be used, and it was forgotten. Such a thing could not be a coincidence. Perhaps your recent decision to become a priestess of Helm had something to do with it?

SecretMaster walks up to the fine house, and he stretches his neck to see a mage tower behind it. It is very tall, and a bright orange color "Hmm, its either Ragefast's tower, or Galadria's. Anyway, better continue, times a wastin, and if I heard correctly, we'll be facing a drider. I can only wonder the horror's we'll meet down there..." SecretMaster walks up and rings the button. A huge bell rings 3times, and as he waits patiently, he hears a distinct rustle in the bushes by the side of the house, in a dark and grimy ally Secret Master draws his sword "Time to put that guy away" He creeps up to the ally, and jumps the man. But in retaliation, the giant 6'7 man throws him back. SecretMaster takes one of his throwning knives, and throws it at the man. It bounces off and he makes a harsh laugh "Hahahahaa, FOOL, do you think you can stop me. Only one of my power can hahahahah! You are foolish to come on this journey, and I swear that girl Viciona will be gone before you know it!" With that, a flashing light comes, and the man is gone. By now there is quite a crowd, with people looking all around, out of windows, on the street, etc. "What are you looking at? Get back to work you lazy animals!" With that, they walk away with a distinct murmur of questions. In the distance, he can hear something. "WHATS GOING ON PEOPLE!? IF THERES A FIGHT, THE FLAMING FIST WILL TAKE CARE OF IT!." SecretMaster rushes to Galadria's door, and bangs his fist against the door. "LET ME IN! Hurry you blasted fools!"

OOC: Letting the love slave go back to the underdark? Ah well, I'm in

IC: He opened the old door and slipped out. Three gold pieces and a Zircon gem. Not too bad. A lot better than those ferocious guard dogs and irritable magi, that's for sure.
Glancing around for the guards again, but finding none, he gathered his courage as he was taught and slipped in through another back door. He saw a room full of swords, shields, and armour, helmets, capes and magical trinkets. Very promising. It was the home of a well travelled adventurer. Either that or Reibald's storage room.
To grab some magic and run, or to search for the more powerful items in the other rooms? He decided to lift a sword off the wall and tuck it under his cloak. A tingling feeling spread out from his hand, moving up through his arm, and eventually spreading throughout his entire body. Powerful magic, for sure.

The thief opened the door to the next room, and took it in. His heart nearly stopped. Three people were in that room, one a drow. She had seen him. He froze in place, sweat breaking out all over. At least one of these people was an experienced adventurer. He was toast.

Frantically, he tried to relax. He didn't, at first, but after taking a few calming breaths, he managed to stop trembling. He took a daring step forward.

"Greetings Sir, Ladies, I am Skip. The, ehr, my bosses at the hall of wonder told me an adventurer lived here, and.. ehr.. and... Ah. And I was sent over to polish your equipment (yes, polish. That's it). It would be a shame to see such wonderful items lost to the world, wouldn't it? So, ehr, here I am."

ATTALUS
(opens door)What's all the commotion? Come in, friend. Gal's in the study with Vicky. It seems that we're going back to the Underdark, to rescue Vicky's brother. I don'tt know if you know them. Come in and introduce yourself.(As they go into the study they find Galadria and Viconia confronting the thief, Skip)

You hear some screaming and next thing, SecretMaster barges in. "I told you to open up! Damn, their after me again, so I'll just bolt the door. And hide Viciona, Flaming Fist will do anything to kill a drow! Thanx for saving me Galadria" With that, SecretMaster bolts the door, next thing he disapears. "Invisibilty ring, found it at the Hall of Wonders. They've been after me all over the city. I've just about raided every rich place, and that new fella who lives in Entar's old estate, is filthy rich. Why does he even have this little thing?" He takes out a small glowing orb that swirls with different colors. As you look closely, you can see a faint cavern like area. "when i went out at night, this little thing brights up with color, so I'm guessing its used for dark dungeons. Oh, allow me to introduce myself. I am SecretMaster the thief. Extrodinaire robber, assassin, and scout at your service. By the looks of it, we already have another thief" SecretMaster says as he eyes Legolas carefully.

GALADRIA
(taken somewhat aback, but, as usual, in total command of herself}
"Welcome. Skip, and Secretmaster. It seems that we have a great task ahead of us, to rescue Valen, Viconia's brother, from the clutches of the Spider Queen. Do I take it right that you are both thieves? Are you registered with the guild, here? Imoen and I are both members in good standing, you know. It's too bad that Immy isn't here, but she's off with Elminster doing something with those shady Harpers. Like I told her, I've never trusted them since they tried to have Jahiera and I murdered."(looks in fascination at Secretmaster's orb)
(to Secretmaster)"Indeed, Sir, it seems that you have come upon an artefact of great power, We must certainly use it in the Underdark.
VICONIA
(to Galadria)"Abbil, I am glad that they did not get you, but that Jahiera would have been small loss."
(to Secretmaster, uneasily)"Attalus said that there was a fight in the street. Did this concern me?"(clutches an amulet on her bosom)

"I used to work for the guild. Used to have headmaster, but, this city is kinda small for my liking. And to many flaming fist. Hate those guys, so I decided for the next best thing. I run a main guildhall, and below me are many guilds stationed around. I'm in league with the Shadow Thieves, but thats it. I run many operations, so feel free to stop by.
(Speaking to Galadria) "Lady Galadria, you may keep it. One with such an artifact and such a reputation best not be around with it. It'll blow my cover, and this city, well hates me. The guild keeps me safe, and my appartment, not to far from here. It runs below to the sewers, where a minor thief guild stays. Its now safe to go in the sewers thanx to some heroic people that cleared out the trouble."
(Speaking to Viciona)"A man was spying on you, or at least one of you. He wanted to capture you, and said you would not survive the trip. I fear you life may be in great peril, and the Flaming Fist will come around to look for me, and if they see you, they'll be in a jackpot.

"Me? A thief? No, no, you've got it all wrong. I told you I look after valuable items. Polish them, repaint them, bring them to a wizard to refocus the flow of magic... I wouldn't dream of stealing anything. I am perfectly honest, you see.
Which reminds me, ehr.. Secretmaster, would you care to return that ring to the Hall where it belongs? Maybe I'll get a raise for it. You just give it to me, and I'll see to it that it is returned. I'll give you a Zircon gem for your toubles.
Now, with your permission, I will start dusting your extraordinary collection.
But, ehr.. there's one small problem. I left my tools at home. So, I'll just be going then."

Skip thinks a moment before asking
"By the way, there aren't any guardsmen out there, are there? Because, well, they always pick on me for no good reason. They scare me, you know..."

He is working hard to keep an honest look on his face. If they catch him, he's toast. Freelance always worked better that the guilds. No quota, no thievery cap. No responsibilities and a lot of freedom. But, unfortunately, no protection from other thieves. And this woman seemed to be a member of the most powerful guild around. He started sweating again.

VICONIA
(to Secretmaster)(puts her hand on his arm fixes him with her softly luminous black eyes, smiling gratefully)"It was good of you to tell me of this. I feel that I know you. I will feel safer, knowing that you are on the trip with us."
(to Galadria)"Abbil, he speaks true. How soon may we leave?"
Galadria
"As soon as may be. Everyone, make your preparations. We must go by nightfall, to screen us from prying eyes. Viconia, you are not to leave the house until we do."

"Yes, yes. You go ahead. I'll try and keep an eye on the house while I'm tending to the weapons and armour, keep any thieves from coming in, sending your enemies off in the wrong direction, the usual. Well, good luck, and try not to get yourself killed, okay?"

"Hmm, you remind me of sombody Skip. Were you the one who had once come to my guildhall to learn the valuable pricing of gems, or was it sombody else. Oh, here's the ring (hands Skip the ring) and don't pay me, I'm extremely wealthy, and anyway, we should get going. We best leave by nightfall, for the cover of darkness will aid us. But the choice is yours (speaks to Galadria)."

ATTALUS
(lays huge, calloused hand on Skip's shoulder)"Now look here, young fellow-me-lad, you're going with us as far at least as the entrance to the Underdark. How do I know that you are not some spy, seeking to pin down Vicky's position for Lolth or some other foul creature? Have a seat in the hall. I'll just let my dog watch over you until it's time to go." (Calls Tethyrean Mastiff, much larger and fiercer than other varieties, and completely devoted to him) "Bortan, watch this one. If he tries to leave, he's yours."
GALADRIA
"I certainly agree, Secretmaster, nightfall it is,"

"Wise move Attalus, but consider this as a game of chess. Your house is the king. If you leave the king unguarded, checkmate. Your house is valuable, and so is Viciona. So we have two kings really, and it is best if both are guarded. And I doubt he is a spy, for this Skip, looks so familiar. I've seen him before, maybe he was the person I taught."

"(to Attalus) I bet I could hire some guards, and they're not thieves. It's my adventuring party, and they are at the Blade and Stars inn. I could go get em."

ATTALUS
(laughs in his bluff way) You raise a good point, Secretmaster, but fear not. Galadria has fearsome magical wards set about the place. I'm almost afraid to go to the bathroom at night. See that statue over there? That's a Juggernaut Golem that Gal can activate with a thought, or if an alarm is set off. And I can trust my old comrade Odo and his guard, who live here, to forstall any invasion whilst we are gone. But I would be glad to meet with your old party, to augment my guards while we are gone."

"Wow, and it doesn't even look guarded. Well done I say. It would take me about 7 hours to disarm one of these wards and with guards, no thief can do it. Not even one of the greatest thiefs of them all can't. He's my buddy Rats, and he looted an evil necromancers house without setting loose any traps in 1 night. It was a great achievment for him, and he is my boss. Anyway, I'll go get them, but I must travel swiftly and move without being noticed." SecretMaster slips out the door silently, and as Attalus looks out the window, he sees SecretMaster use his stealth tequnique to meld into the day. He can only see a bit of him, and he is well hidden

"Uhm, weelll..."

If I'm going to steal anthing at all from this place, I'd better get on their good side. But I think I'd rather move to another house
Wards, a gollem, and a huge, scary dog are too much for poor Skip. To make matters worse, Tethyrean Mastiff has a bad breath. The thief is struggling to keep his bladder in check.

"I.. ehr, I, well.. My auntie is very sick and promised I'd go visit her tonight. So, uhm, I can't really go with you, much as I like. Besides, I would need to get my own equipment. If you go to the Underdark, I wouldn't want to have to walk home all by myself, unarmed."

"Not that I'll be robbed in this town, I still got my receipt from last week. But people out of town don't respect the thieves guilds anymore these days... Hey, maybe it was secretmaster who robbed me a tenday back. I couldn't see a face from the shadows, but I uh, I honestly didn't recognise him not at all...
"And besides, I need to get the ring back to the Hall of Wonders. I bet Gond is wondering which unfortnate mortal took it this time. Heh. Wouldn't want it to look like it was me."

Somehow he has the feeling his excuses won't be very convincing.

"Now look, I promise not to tell anyone where you are going, okay. I don't even know how to get to the Underdark, except by digging a very big hole in the ground, and I don't want to know either. I.. I'm no good at fighting, I'm just an apprentice learning to clean weaponry. I can't see in the dark, and I'm very, very afraid of anything unnatural, including drow. I'm no adventurer."

When Tethyrean Mastiff starts to nuzzle him, he yelps, then adds
"Uh, and I need to chance into some fresh clothes..."

[I] just as Skip is walking out the door, the door opens up, and to his horror, he sees a huge 6'2 man, with an axe, a sword, bows, knives, tattoos all over. "And just where do you think YOUR going mister. SecretMaster told me about you. YOur coming." He lifts up skip by the shirt and drags him inside.
"Well, Here's my party. All here. Let me introduce you to them. The dwarf is StoneRock, a cleric. The big guy, he's Hogarth the Northern Barbarian, The gnome is Galdaar the ma..."
"Not really a mage, an inventor of the sorts, really" Galdaar blurts out.
"Yes yes, a inventor, the mage over here, he's Aganthar, and the monk is Hardpunch."

The giant Barbarian is wearing snow white fur boots from a winter wolf, greaves from a steelhide crocodile, and wearing a worn down chain shirt. You can see many scars and tattoos on him, and you see that he is a walking weapon shop. His sword sheath is on his girdle, along with daggers, short swords, and two throwing axes and 5 throwing knives. A huge battle axe is attached to the back of his chain armor, along with his quiver and bow. He has a variety of daggers on his greaves, and thick leather bracers.

StoneRock the dwarf is wearing dwarven forged plate mail, just covering the chest. You can see priest robes cover his arms, but when you look closer they are mithril chains with engravings of Clangeddin the dwarven god. He is wearing dwarven crafted mithril for leg protection, and leather boots. You notice a fine girdle that holds a sling, and bullets. You also notice many scrolls of the sort on pouches. His warhammer is in his hand, and you notice a small shield, but large to a dwarf, on the back of his platemail. He does not wear a helmet, but you notice his fine light brown hair and hazel eyes.

ATTALUS
(to group) Welcome, all. This is Odo, my captain of the guard. Odo, will you please take them and show them their rooms. Skip, I'm going to let you go get your things, but Lady Galadria has somethig for you.
GALADRIA
Alla resta notocorda p'rt va, (waves hands in mystical manner) Skip feels an unpleasant tingle. "Well, now, my fine young thief, if it's training you need, it's training you'll get. You now have a geas on you to return to that very spot before sundown, or you'll be turned into a newt. Now, get going. Bring light clothing and a bedroll, and whatever weapons you are proficient in. They play for keeps down there, and so do I."
(turns to Viconia) Vicky, do we have what we need for the trip, here?
VICONIA
"Yes, abbil, I feel we do. We have all that we had before. Attalus' great sword, for one." (she touches Attalus' hand, apparantly accidentally. Their eyes lock, then part) The words 'my terrible, wonderful man' drift across her mind. She sternly represses them. She goes on. " The globe that Secretmaster gave you will be an asset, but we must use it grudgingly. Light in the Underdark is likely to attract undesirable attention. How I wish I had time to teach you the Drow hand-signalling! We would need less talk. Perhaps you, with your magic, can perform the spell that the silver one did, and make all of you appear as the Drow? Then, we could sneak into Mezzobaranzan and try to find Valen?"

[ 01-05-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>

OOC>>Wow, that was fun. Got to head towork, now. CYA later

The monk Hardpunch is standing straight up, and keeping an eye on the door. He looks serious, and it looks as if he was about to spring on someone. You can see that he has one braid in his hair, which is colored black. His hair is a blondish, and he is wearing red robes tied by a golden rope. You can see some mysterious writing on them, but the incantiations are beyond your knowledge to read. You can see the outline of a sword and sheath that is in a special robe sword holder area.

The gnomish mage/inventor Galdaar is fidgeting with a weird contraption of his. you can see that he caries a pack that fits the shape of a tool holder, and a spellbook and scroll holder. He has a finly trimmed beard that is black, along with his messy hair. He is wearing purple robes with a bright gold and blue to it, and you can see gnomish writing on them. You also notice a weird staff that has a glowing orb 4 inches above the staff.

You finally look to see the last party member, Aganther. He is holding a dagger that glows a bit blue. He is wearing fine light brown robes, with a green color along the sides of the robes. He has brown hair, and his robes are opened like a night gown. You can see that underneath the robes, he has a smaller robe that is pure red. He wears a scroll case to hold his spellbook and scrolls. He seem precoccupied about something, but its probably a mage thing

Oh great! Now I have a geas on me. Could things get any worse than this?

"Well.. I suppose I'll leave through the back door then. To avoid the guards. Um... bye everyone. I look, ehr, forward to seeing you again (yeah, right)"

He rose from his chair, restricted by his wet trousers, and waggled out. While he was at it, he might as well take what he could. He didn't think he was going to live much longer anyway.
Grabbing a bag of darts, a curved swordlike thing, three daggers and a helmet, Skip made his way to the alley. He'd get the man over at te Sorcerous Sundries to identify it.
They got along well, he had items identified for free, the mage got a share of the profit. Hey, maybe he can break the geas!

"<font color="brown">Darts of wounding, Dagger +1, a Helm of Glory made for a giant's head, Longtooth. There's a good one for you. And what have we here? A short sword of Mask! Where'd you pick that one up? Don't answer that. I don't need to know.
What else have you got? A scimitar +2, and another dagger +1.
Not bad, not bad. And your other clients?
Hm. Plain ring of invisibility, the umpteenth Ring of the Princess, and a load of gems. I suggest you dump it all, but make sure you get a good price for the sword. And get yourself some fresh clothes for crying out loud.</font>"

"Yeah, but they put a geas on me. To make me goto the Underdark, of all places. Can't you, like, get it off?"

<font color="brown">"A geas? Underdark? Well, it's been a pleasure doing buisness with you Skip."</font>

"But.. I.. well, you know where I live. You can have my stuff."

Merchants were so easy. No asking questions, just buying it all. He'd sold everything but the sword. And the darts. Noone wanted those either. And the ring. He needed to figure out how it worked first, but it could come in handy.

And four pairs of trousers. As if I'd last that long. A bedroll, as ordered. They'd have to bring the food, he wasn't going to drag that with him. He might be cursed, but he wasn't a mule. Rope, daggers, magical sword. And the darts can come as well. Armour is no use. Maybe some antidote potions. I'll have to buy those first, but I won't be coming back. Grandma's amulet, and maybe a flask of wine. At least I could die happy then. Oh, and a big bag. You never know what you'll find, and maybe I could escape after all.


OOC: Okay, we'll pick this up later [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 01-05-2002: Message edited by: Legolas ]</p>

(It is nightfall, and the party has assembled. They steal out of the city, unmolested by any. Viconia has her hood drawn close, and is wielding Crom Faeyr. Attalus is in full armor, carrying the sword Carsomyr with the Eye of Tyr gleaming in its pommel. Galadria carries only a simple staff, wearing a black silk mage robe. They are fully equipped with food and potions. Marching by night and sleeping by day, they finally, just at dusk, arrrive at what appears to be a le cave in the side of a green hill. Secretmaster and Skip check the area for traps and ambushes, finding none.
GALADRIA
Vickey, how did you find this place? It is not so far from where we found you.
VICONIA
Abbil, my brother Valen told me of it. It was here whence one of his war patrols departed to raid the surface world. I remember well when he came to me, to tell me of his disgust at the senseless carnage of children and women that the drow of his patrol performed. I felt that secret knowlege could be useful, I sought it out, and to here I ran in my escape. I was so naive, I felt that I could carve out a new life here. That oaf from the Flaming Fist that you dispatched was going to bring me in for a reward posted, a thousand for the death of any drow. I still wonder at your showing up and fighting for me like that.
GALADRIA
You can thank Attalus for that. He said that his paladin senses told him that you were all right, and that he couldn't let that racist have you.
(They take one last breath os surface air and plunge into the cave. Immediately, they are surrounded with darkness, and they pause for a minute to let their vision recover.

[ 01-05-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]

[ 01-05-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>

By nightfall the small party is making good progress, but then SecretMaster stops.
"I sense somthing odd, somthing different. The ground seems as if it is moving." Everyone remains motionless, until SecretMaster spots something.
"Look! Water. My gods, were above the flooded cloakwood mines!!! Galadria, are we supposed to be here?"

GALADRIA(to Secretmaster)"No, I can only suppose that the tunnel that we entered has a communication with the Mines."
Viconia(examines wall)"There has been recent digging here, abbil. Who do you suppose would want to come from the Underdark to the mines? We killed Daevorn and looted it, long ago. Perhaps we should investigate, there may be some clue as to recent Drow activity that might give us a ruse sufficient to get us into Mezzobarashan.
(to Secretmaster)(puts her hands on his arm and fixes him with her imploring gaze) "I have been told that you are a great thief. Do you think that you could discover if there has been a drow incursion, or simply an attempt at clumsy burglary?"
GALADRIA(maliciously) "Yes, Secretmaster, and you can take Skip and show hjm how a Master does it."

[ 01-05-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>

"Uhh.. well.. No time for that, I'm afraid. You've got a brother to save and cannot delay! Why, every minute you waste now brings him a minute coser to his death! And as for me, I'm going to have a hard time just finding my way back to the city, what with all this nightly traveling. Really, it's been fun, but ehr.. my master's probably worrying where I am right now, and da's going to be real angry with me for dissapearing, so I should really be going. Uh, bye?"

Skip slowly starded retreating to the entrance of the cave, all the while keeping an eye on the others to make sure they wouldn't come after him.

ATTALUS
(grabs Skip's neck in a surprisingly gentle, yet unbreakable grasp)
"Oh, no you don't, young 'un. If Galadria says you go with Secretmaster, with Secretmaster you go!" (shoves Skip in the direction of the rapidly disappearing Secretmaster)

[ 01-06-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>

He shrugged and started walking after secretmaster, all the while muttering to himself.

"What is wrong with those people? Think I'm some kind of slave or something... Next time I come across a house like that... Dammit, I'm a free man for crying out loud... Could have been goin' after that rogue stone right now... They don't have the right... What'd I ever do to them? If I were stronger I'd whip their.. Think they are, goin' after -ing drow.. Don't want to die 'cause of them... Nothin' but slavedrivers..."

But there was nothing Skip could do, and he knew it. Sighing, he accepted his fate.

"Come on, a thief knows better than that. This place has something of interest Skip. Lets go, some new tunnels must have been made, and the only reason why I can think new tunnels have been made is because of a drow invasion, or they're after Viciona. Lets go Skip!" With that, Skip and SecretMaster descend into the darkness of the Cloakwood mines.

"Sheesh! How many times do I have to tell you guys I ain't no thief!? I clean weapons, armour, even cloaks. But I don't take them home with me. And that is all, I'm no adventurer, and no interest in finding any drow whatsoever. Even a mushroom could scare the hell out of me if it was dark. I'm just a normal person. No thief. I dont have the guts to enter someone else's home unless my boss ordered me to and told the people I was coming beforehand. And even then, I take the backdoor.
Go through your list of guildmembers if you like, ask them, I ain't no -ing thief. I didn't join a thieves guild, and I never will. Okay?

Now let's get this over with. I want to go home."

Galadria
As Secretmaster and his whiny assisstant make their way into the dark tunnel, she spots a suspiciously artificial mass in the near distance. Approaching it, she sees, withthe aid of Secretmaster's globe, a dark, metallic polyhedral."Vicky, what do you make of this?"
Viconia
"Why, abbil, this is a drow device. A Machine of Lost Souls. Drow magicians use them to imprison magic-users that they have a particular grudge against. They are conscious, but devoid of any sensation. (shudders) A horrible fate."
Attalus
"Yeah, Gal, don't you remember? All sorts of magic-users came out when we operated it. Most of them hostile. Probably, we shouldn't disturb it."
Galadria
"But, this is evidence of a drow presence here. They could be expanding their realm. This is perilously close to Baldur's Gate.Perhaps we should free one of them and question them."
Viconia
"Abbil, the drow put these things where they think that no-one will find them. The fact that it is here should argue that not many come this way. (considers)But, also, it could be a trap, to entangle unwary wayfarers. I agree with Attalus (their glances lock, again, but they look quickly away) We should not disturb it."

[ 01-06-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>

Galadria
She looks more closely at the thing, as she tries to decide about what to do. She finds a broken staff, a piece of what once was a magic spell, and a broken potion bottle. As she searches, her keen eye picks up a trace of movement. Something, or someone, is lurking about behind a nearby stalagmite. She carefully returns to her companions annd points out where she thinks she thought she saw the movement. Grimly, Attalus pulls out his sword and positions his body between the women and himself. Galadria readied a spell, as Viconia slipped in front of Attalus, brushing his hip with hers as she passed. As she closed on the mineral, a small pebble rolled in front of her. Gripping her hammer, she bellowed her war cry and charged, quickly followed by Attalus. As they plunged behind the rock, they were surprised to find a small drow child, one leg chained to a stake in the floor of the cave. They lowered their weapons as the child shrieked.
Attalus
"Gal, it's all right. Come over here." As the mage joined her friends, she saw them stooping over the child, surely no more than the eqivalent of eight in a human. Viconia was speaking urgently to the waif in Drow, as attalus severed the chain with one swing of Carsomyr.
VICONIA
(straightens up)Abbil, she say that a drow mage lured her to his house, then abused her. He then brought her here and staked her out. She thinks she is bait for something, but he would not tell her anything. The idea. True, she is of no real House, but for a mere male...(she trails off) I am sorry, abbil. In this place, I fall back into old habits of thinking. Forgive me, Attalus. (she places her hand on his arm and looks into his eyes)
ATTALUS
(Looks determinedly away) "Think nothing of it, Vickey. Only in a manner of speaking."

[ 01-06-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>

GALADRIA
"Vickey, how long has the child been here?"(Viconia speaks to the waif in drow)
VICONIA
"Abbil, she says no more than a few hours. She also wants some food and water. I shall give her some of mine."
GALADRIA
"Then, they are trying to lure some monster out to attack her, so that they can get the monster. Why, I wonder,have they not attacked us? (comprehension dawns) I know. They are waiting for the child to scream. Lucky for us, they did not hear the faint cry she made. Let us hide. (They conceal themselves)Now, Vickey, have the child scream. Be ready!"

[ 01-07-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>

SecretMaster
"Come on you drows, I need something to do other than sit around. Maybe we should keep one of the guys captive, and question him. Whatever we do, we better do something wise. I'd hate to fight a drow army."

(Secretmaster and Skip rejoin the group. Viconia makes the drow child scream. Suddenly, they are rushed by a group of six drow, one mage and five fighters. Each of the fighters attacks a member of the party, while two of the fighters atttack Attalus. Drow Mage casts Horror on the group.)
GALADRIA
(save vs. spell, magic resistance) Casts Dragon's Breath on Drow mage.
VICONIA
(save vs. spell, magic resistance) attacks drow fighter
Attalus(save vs. spell, magic resistance) attacks drow fighter

[ 01-08-2002: Message edited by: Galadria ]</p>