The Age of Suffering - The Excavation

Malchaeius · November 21, 2008

This log was edited by the player of Koviaem. In certain places it shows the thoughts of the character, as it is seen from his perspective. Enjoy.

***Standing on the pier of the Miruvhor docks I notice something to the east***

A strange mist envelopes the Isle.

You say 'Strange'

End of Main Street

Faint voices can still be heard as the main street through the Isle of

Exile ends. There are very few people about, and the memory of what

you have seen so far has left your mind. To the west the blackened

remains of a house sways back and forth. To the east a ruined

Monastery stands lies. To the south you can still hear the chaos of the

main street.

[Exits: east south west up]

An iron digging pick is stuck in the ground.

An old shovel is stuck in the ground.

Nikyodi walks in.

Nikyodi fans her hand in front of her face.

You ponder the question.

Aelleor bows deeply.

Nikyodi says 'I'm not giIving up on him agaIin.'’

Aelleor says 'Greetings.'

You say 'Greetings'

Nikyodi says 'I read tHe MmMapsSs. He's -here-.'

You say 'Somewhere'

Aelleor says 'I hear father Jacobis...or his imitation, is about.'

Nikyodi says 'I'm doing what -I- think I should.'

You nod.

Aelleor says 'Perhaps he could provide guidance on what is best.'

Nikyodi flings dirt over her shoulder into the huge mountain behind her.

Nikyodi says 'There is no 'best'.'

You tell Aelleor 'I am not sure that Nikyodi will care about everyone so long as she gets her revenge'

***Spread the suspicion and I will be less suspected***

Aelleor says 'Of course there is, we just don't know what it is.'

Nikyodi says 'Even if their was, I wouldn't go to anyone but myself to find it.'

You tell Aelleor 'We must watch her carefully'

Nikyodi says 'Wanna know why?'

Aelleor tells you 'Revenge for what?'

You tell Aelleor 'Revenge against certain people, but not us'

Nikyodi lies her shovel across her shoulder. 'Because there is no Father Jacobis, not one that we can trust fully.'

You tell Aelleor 'Our worry is that she might betray us'

Nikyodi says 'There is no Malchaeius either. Nothing is certain, nothing has been.'

You say 'How can you be sure'

Nikyodi says 'Nothing has been certain since the event. Nothing.'

Nikyodi says 'I have been lead by the nose in circles for a long time. I think Thorm was too.'

You say 'Our day to day lives have been sure'

Nikyodi kneels down and puts her ear in the dirt.

You say 'Hear anything?'

Nikyodi says 'Not a damn thing.'

Nikyodi stands back up. She's dripping with mud. 'I know it is here.'

You say 'What did Thorm write in his last scroll?'

Aelleor says 'I think we're closest to the dig site in the jail.'

You say 'Yes, but the shrine is above us'

You say 'So the entrance is directly below us'

Nikyodi says 'I tried the jail for a while. Didn't feel right.'

You yell 'Oii!'

You yell 'Thorm!'

You yell 'Can you hear me?!!'

Thorm yells '...e...szs.....!'

Nikyodi says 'ZS****!'

You say 'Listen!'

You yell 'Thorm!'

Nikyodi drops to her knees and puts her ear back on the ground.

You yell 'We are above you!'

Nikyodi says 'Youhh heahrd ThhaoT too? oOoh damn.'

Nikyodi yells 'we're digging!'

You say 'He must be deep'

Excitement fills Nikyodi's red eyes. 'Damn!'

You say 'We can hardly hear him.'

Nikyodi says 'Weh'reh cjLOosse! coOomMmmmoonNn!'

Nikyodi gives you a digging shovel.

Thorm yells '...o....pe Y.... brought.. rie..ds!'

You yell 'It is the two of us!'

You yell 'We came to help you!'

Nikyodi kicks the jugs over so that the blood inside washes into the dirt.

Koviaem stabs the tip of his shovel into the dirt, the dirt gives very little way.

You say 'Ah!'

You say 'The blood'

Thorm yells 'Help! i amM being attacked by thormM!'

You say 'What the'

You say 'Did you hear that?'

You yell 'Thorm!'

Aelleor says 'The Eldrych temple...'

You say 'What?'

Nikyodi digs hurriedly. 'Is the puddle Thorm.'

Aelleor slams the pick into the ground, but he moves only a small bit of ground.

You say 'This dirt just won't move'

Thorm yells '..u.rt...so.ften it... w.ater..or blo.d.'

Thorm yells 'K.ep... t..rying...i..s...'

Thorm yells 'Yo. w..ill... ne.d m.ore... h.elp!'

Aelleor says 'No scrolls. Lets not draw our opponents here.'

Aelleor says 'We should work in individual requestsa.'

***And so we called on different friends and allies who might give aid in the rescue. Suddenly, Thorm appears in our presence***

End of Main Street

Faint voices can still be heard as the main street through the Isle of

Exile ends. There are very few people about, and the memory of what

you have seen so far has left your mind. To the west the blackened

remains of a house sways back and forth. To the east a ruined

Monastery stands lies. To the south you can still hear the chaos of the

main street.

[Exits: east south west up]

(13) A magical spring flows from the ground here.

( 4) A light water jug is resting here.

An iron digging pick is stuck in the ground.

Luzizac the Grand Master of Seasons is here, sitting astride a white charger.

(White Aura) Aendros the Holy Knight, General of the Protectors is here, sitting astride the Goliath.

Nikyodi the Master Bard is here.

Thorm the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

(Charmed) (White Aura) A member of the Blood Guard protects his master.

(White Aura) Dirmin the Holy Knight is here, sitting astride the Goliath.

(Charmed) A stone golem stands here to do his master's bidding.

(Charmed) (White Aura) A member of the Blood Guard protects his master.

Aelleor the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

A pig wallows in the mud and oinks in contentment.

Something is inexplicably strange about this Dwarf. With mustached brown

beard reaching down and braided to his knees, this squat humanoid stands

with a set jaw before you. His eyes burn with a white fire, and hold no

other coloration. His forehead is set forward casting a heavy brow upon his

face, letting a small shadow fall over his tanned cheeks. Intricately

carved wooden beads and tokens hold tightly upon his facial hair, tying it

and keeping it kempt. His short frame is garbed in white robe and shining

chained mail. A hooded ivory cloak is drawn over his head, brimmed with red

satin. His arms, draped in the mithril chain, are obviously well muscled

and trail down to two bare hands. Holding no adornment in metal or stone,

they are calloused and rather worn. His legs, holding similar chain to the

arms, shimmer their entire meager length. His feet, also well mailed, hold

a dusty glow about them as well. There is something wrong with all of this,

however. Something is just not right.

He has travelled quite a lot.

Thorm is in excellent condition.

You say 'Something is not right.'

Dirmin says 'That'sSs nnoOoT ThoOormM..'

You say 'How can you tell'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' It appears to be Master Brimli.

You say 'Brimli?'

Nikyodi grabs a fistfull of her own hair. 'Did he kill Thorm?'

Aelleor says 'This thorm odes not walk in the light. It is not the healer we know...'

Nikyodi says 'Are we too late?!'

Dirmin lays his large, fiery sword on the imposters shoulder.

Dirmin says 'Szspeahhk, ImmmposstEhr..'

You peer around yourself intently.

Aendros taps his chin thoughtfully. 'Strange work is afoot.'

Thorm flails his arms quickly, stretching.

Aelleor says 'Who are you?'

Thorm says 'Aoi?'

Thorm begins to pace a moment saying, 'There be somethin down 'ere...'

Thorm continues, saying 'Kint even commune no more.'

Nikyodi says 'No distractions. Just. Dig.'

You say 'Can you show us?'

Thorm says 'Aoi..... ye not LisTenin!'

Aelleor says 'Show us how to get down there...'

Thorm runs a few fingers through his long, braided beard.

Thorm says 'YEhr Nnoot listeNnIinn.....'

Nikyodi says 'You're not explaining! I'll listen when I can trust what I hear.'

You say 'EVRYONE SHUT UP!'

You glare at nothing in particular.

You say 'Speak, then'

Thorm says 'Ye not vbe listeniin, yoUh sUhreh yEh be wanTiin' tahhHh GEt vbuRnt?'

Thorm says 'Vbe lIke fire daown 'ere.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Unless you can think of a better way.

Thorm says 'ZSsomMetHiN' vbeenn changiInNn'.... stArted.... chAhNgiin lahTely..'

Thorm says 'Ffiirst, beh stahrtiin' wiIth mmmore strehaammms. thiis pLaozjE bEhenNn A swamMP wheN.....'

Thorm seems in thought, continuing 'When we started.'

***Thorm proceeds to guide us on how to reach him…or it…whatever***

Thorm yells 'H..p!'

Malchaeius · November 21, 2008

***Then we are graced with the holy Father Jacobis’ presence***

Ancient beyond belief, the frail looking man before you stands at a

meager five human feet in height. He is clad in home-spun, white cotton

robes that appear to proffess his dedication to a humble life style. Deep

lines are etched into the pale skin of his face to form the many wrinkles

that reside on his visage. Light maroon eyes are set deep beneath thin

white eyebrows. The sparkling orbs of his eyes rise and fall whenever he

examines something for a prolonged period of time. He is completely bald on

the top of his head, having lost most of it to the winds of time ages ago.

However, white hair hangs from the side of his head all the way to the top

of his neck.

From the side of his robes, his two thin arms can be seen. There is

absolutely no muscle definition that can be seen. It is as if the skin,

having lost its elasticity, merely drapes over the bone. His feet are

covered by modest brown leather sandals that provide him with excellent

support. His only prized possession appears to be the gnarled yew staff

that he carries with him at all times.

Father Jacobis is in excellent condition.

Father Jacobis is using:

the Robes of a Holy Man

'Forgiveness' the Holy Yew Staff of Tranquility

Aelleor bows deeply.

You say 'Jacobis!'

Father Jacobis says 'What is this?'

You say 'We are trying to reach thorm'

You say 'He is being assaulted.'

Father Jacobis says 'By whom?'

You say 'An imposter we believe'

Father Jacobis says 'Imposter?'

You say 'That is what aendros called him'

Father Jacobis chuckles softly, 'I see then.'

Nikyodi says 'That's what it -is-.'

You say 'In fact, we are not sure who he is'

Thorm yells 'D..ig You anvi...dro.Ping...elf..ki.sers! '

Father Jacobis says 'Such deception.'

Thorm yells 'sSstay OUht aofF hehRe awnnd Do nnnot iNntErfehREh! ThEhreh ARe thhinGss aht wOrk hhEhRE tHAt you've no cOmPREhHehnNnssIioNn OfF Hhaow Too caontraol!'

Thorm yells 'D...o not l....issten to.....it.... come!'

Thorm yells 'q...uicklY...'

Father Jacobis says 'What do you hope to find?'

Nikyodi says 'Not going to stop now. No way.'

Aendros yells 'hhang iin there my friiend! we move wiIth the ZszPeed of craneszs!'

You say 'Cranes?'

You say 'Why caan't it be szsomething betteR ZSsounding'

Nikyodi looks at Jacobis again very briefly. 'Don't know.'

Aendros enters a frenzied state, shoveling and picking at the ground like never before.

Grawrer keeps digging with a fury as both clawed hands fling dirt and stones out of the way.

Nikyodi says 'Don't care. Worked too hard on this.'

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

You say 'We hhOopEh too ffiNd wHhAhtevEhr is dOwnNn tHhEhrEh'

Nikyodi grins at you. 'Cute. Yeah, about right.'

A messenger hands you a scroll marked "note"

AVA Jacobis: BEWARE!

Sat Oct 11 14:54:49 2008

To: All

T..p! I.'s a .ra.!!

Aelleor says '.......ReaD yoouhr nNnoote...'

Father Jacobis says 'I wrote nothing..'

You say 'A trap?'

Father Jacobis says 'I am standing before you!'

Aelleor says 'Who.......do we believe?'

Nikyodi narrows her eyes at the letter. 'This is...'

The dirt beneath you opens ever so slightly.

Nikyodi lights a small black cigarette with shakey hands.

Nikyodi says 'I. Don't. Care!'

Nikyodi says 'It could be the Rift itself!'

Nikyodi says 'I am -not- stopping. Not now!'

Nikyodi crumples the letter and flings it over a mound.

Grawrer keeps moving mounds of dirt with his bare hands, brown specks all the way up his arms to his armpits.

Progress begins to be made as finally the ground slows its resistance.

Thorm yells 's....omMethin.....g....w.....rong! kuui...ckl.y...... he..lp..... to..o.....hot!'

There is suddenly a breakthrough in the digging!

Thorm yells 'hhelp! Thorm is trYing to chop me in to bits!'

You say 'That Note iIs a fFahke..'

Nikyodi continues to spear the ground with her shovel.

You say 'We must huhHRRy'

Bancroft says 'Some get food and water. We cannot continue at this pace without it.'

An Unstable Tunnel

It has taken a lot of effort to dig this much into the resistant ground.

The more effort you exert, the more you realize that the ground is closing

in around you. It is as if the dirt itself is sentient and is preventing

your very entrance. This tunnel is not stable, and you fear that it may

collapse at any moment. It is not a good idea to dawdle... No... Not a

good idea at all.

[Exits: (up)]

You say 'Where ahhre we'

Aendros says 'We aoPpear TrawPPeD'

'Think I'm going to stop?' Nikyodi hisses as she digs.

Bancroft says 'Progress! Dig!'

You say 'We have gone beLow'

Aendros nods quickly and shoves his glaive into the ground once again.

Aelleor says 'We're...in the tunnnnel...'

Aendros yells 'Thorm, we are coming!'

Nikyodi says 'I know. I've been digging this for months!'

Nikyodi says 'Finally got somewhere with some help.'

Bancroft says 'With no exit. We must dig.. but which way?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I told you my friend, help was yours.

You say 'DOwNn'

Thorm yells 'P...lea.... I... am l..osi..... consio..sne....'

Nikyodi says 'Down. Down, down, down.'

Thorm yells 'H.e..l..P.... DIG!'

Aendros slams the butt end of his glaive into the ground, freeing up the soil.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' We need more water.

Nikyodi yells 'Thorm, don't you dare let in! Hold on!'

Dirmin yells 'We can't dig with Anume's 'chosen' are interfering!'

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Bancroft slams his pick into the ground over and over again.

Aelleor says 'We AhrE siiTtiing duhhcks iNn ThIis TuhHNnEl.'

Aendros says 'So dig!'

Father Jacobis says 'Do not let the dirt close above you...'

***We are then assaulted by the living undead, a shaman by the name of Jalice. We all go to arms as we are all assaulted and it is quickly disintegrated into ash***

Father Jacobis says 'My question was never answered.'

Father Jacobis says 'What do we look for?'

Nikyodi says 'Can't stop now, though.'

Dirmin says 'We look for Thorm.'

Father Jacobis says 'To what end?'

Dirmin says 'To any end.'

Nikyodi says 'Any end. Don't care anymore.'

Dirmin says 'As long as one of ours is safe.'

Father Jacobis leans on his staff and stares in thought.

The dirt beneath you shifts and thunders as you hear digging and violence. Truly an epic battle is taking place.

Valadar tells you 'And why do you help them, hm?'

You tell Valadar 'Who says I help'

Valadar tells you 'I know thorm'

Valadar tells you 'And i know the mirror of thorm.'

Valadar tells you 'Which do you Save.'

You tell Valadar 'Neither'

Father Jacobis says 'Hmm.'

Father Jacobis says 'That must be Thorm.'

Father Jacobis says 'I understand your motivation Dirmin. '

Bancroft continues to dig oblivious to the exhaustion that has set in.

Thorm yells 'Help! Thorm is tearing me to shreds!'

Father Jacobis says 'He is a member of your organization.'

Dirmin says 'So will you?'

Dirmin places the pick into Father Jacobis' hands.

Dirmin says 'Help us dig?'

Father Jacobis says 'Do you know why you are here Aendros?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Aye.

The air in here is stifling with the presence of so many!

Grawrer growls with frustration, 'Where me put dirt from here?' as he asks with arm armload of debris.

Aendros closes the dirt above you.

Nikyodi murmurs whilst digging furiously. 'Up. Throw it out.'

Aelleor says 'If anyone interrupts us, we should show them they have but two choices: Leave or Fight us.'

Sweating profusely, Koviaem continues to dig into the tunnel, it becoming deeper as he works.

Thorm yells 'Y..o..ur...cl..ose! Do... n..ot stop!'

Gradrel appears in a swirling mist.

Gradrel lets out a bellowing snort.

Dirmin slams his body into the dirt below.

Thorm yells 'I AM WARNING YOU FOR THE LAST TIME! LEAVE NOW! YOU ARE NOT WORTHY OF WHAT LIES BENEATH YOU! FIND OTHER MEANS TO YOUR ENDS!'

Palwen raises her shovel, 'Are we here to talk or dig?'

Zudarthan turns his eyes to Gradrel, 'Greetings.'

Grawrer says 'We get close, other voice try to stop us now'

Thorm yells 'THE DWARF WILL PARISH IN THE GRAVE HE HAS DUG FOR HIMSELF. DO NOT JOIN HIM.'

Thorm yells 'Help! Thorm is attacking me!'

Grawrer hurls another armload out of the tunnel with a battle cry.

Koviaem continues to dig into the tunnel.

***Deeper we go as we make progress with out tunnel, but the walls begin to quiver, so unstable is our work***

Nikyodi continues to displace soil, panting and hissing.

Grawrer proffers a brisk salute to Gradrel.

You say 'We are close'

Father Jacobis stands by and watches, taking to action himself.

Throwing his back into digging, Koviaem tosses the dirt out the tunnel.

Father Jacobis says 'I fear we may find more than Thorm.'

Nikyodi occasionally looks at Jacobis as she digs. 'Whatever.'

Dirmin says 'Perhaps we may.'

Bancroft nods in enthusiastic agreement with Father Jacobis.

Dirmin says 'We will slice through whatever it is.'

Nikyodi says 'Or diie by It.. daoeZSsN't mAhtTer.'

***At this point, I wish to gather all under my leadership, so that it is not disputed that I lead this expedition. For someone must take the initiative when the time comes***

Palwen says 'JOoiiN taogeThher aand fiIgHhT..'

You say 'FOllaow meh'

Father Jacobis says 'Fight against what? What if the Demon manipulates this entire ordeal?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' And what if it is not? I can't let fear rule me.

Nikyodi's eyes burn with anger as she tries to ignore Jacobis.

Father Jacobis says 'Let there not be fear, only courage.'

Father Jacobis says 'Courage is not synonymous with recklessness however.'

Grawrer cracks a tired smile as he hurls another armful of dirt and stone out of the way.

You say 'Whaat else do you want?'

Father Jacobis looks at you.

The Blood Guard grabs a large boulder and throws it up out of the tunnel.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' You find my actions reckless, Father Jacobis? Or you simply warn against such.

Father Jacobis says 'And why do you dig?'

You say 'Me?'

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

Someone says 'Such a pitiful bunch.'

Grawrer peers around himself intently.

Grawrer says 'Who say that'

Aendros peers around himself, looking into the shadows.

Aelleor says 'IF yaoU wish to InsUhlT Uhs, shOow us yOuhr faoce.'

Thorm yells 'I..c.a.nNn...ea.r..You! K.ep...at..it..'

Aelleor says 'To do otherwise is meaningless...'

Someone says 'Your lives are meaningless.'

You say 'Ii diig becAhUse i cknow that whatever Is dowNn there wiill heLp us'

Bancroft says 'Blood upon stones!'

Nikyodi focuses her movements. 'No distractions.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Please, do not taunt whatever may be lurking. Let us focus our efforts on this tunnel.’

Grawrer hurls an armful of debris towards the voice, 'Eat dirt'

Aelleor gives an order to his guard, 'Ignore the voice. Keep digging.'

Someone says 'You will fail.'

Bancroft says 'Progress is made.. or they would not try to deter with words. DIG!!'

Nikyodi spades the ground with her shovel. 'Just. Dig.'

Malchaeius · November 21, 2008

The dirt trembles as the ferocity nearly triggers a cave-in!

Palwen stabs at the dirt with her shovel, trying to losen it up.

Grawrer strikes a large rock and with a ferocious roar he cracks it into fragments with his powerful claws.

Father Jacobis closes his eyes and creates an aura that seems to ease the shifting of the rocks.

Dirmin pushes his body into the gravel, and the light around him throws the dirt high into the air, and out of the tunnel.

Thorm yells 'THIS PLACE HOLDS GODS WILL, AND IT WILL BE HIS WRATH THAT BURIES YOU AT ITS HEART IF YOU CHOOSE TO CONTINUE, YOU PETTY FOOLS!'

Father Jacobis says 'You will bring this entire tunnel around us.'

Aelleor signals to Palwen and Bancroft, 'Expand your protective shield, perhaps we can expand it cover this part of the cave in case of a cave in?'

Someone begins kicking dirt back into the freshly dug holes.

Nikyodi yells 'ClosSze.. JuZszt hold onnn!'

You say 'DiIG, we wilL Buhhrrow oOour way THhrOUGH'

Aelleor yells 'we've dug downn verY deep.....we are being vissited by sSzhadows....'

Grawrer nods at you in agreement.

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

You say 'We Must fIinnnd wherE thoorm iis'

Dirmin yells 'Blast this shadow back into the depths it came from!'

Thorm yells 'Help! Thorm kicked dirt into my eyes!'

Someone frantically pushes the dirt back into the hole, attempting to cover up the work.

You say 'EhvEhryONneh fFOllow mME!'

[50 Hea] Palwen 100% hp 55% mana 100% mv 451654 xp

[50 Pal] Aendros 98% hp 62% mana 100% mv 642620 xp

[50 Hea] Aelleor 100% hp 100% mana 100% mv 421833 xp

[50 Nin] Grawrer 100% hp 60% mana 100% mv 497071 xp

[50 Bar] Koviaem 100% hp 97% mana 100% mv 428519 xp

Dirmin says 'DIG!'

Dirmin yells 'QUICKLY!'

Aelleor pushes the limits of his protective shield to cover a small portion of the cave.

***Then suddenly we were assaulted from below. The dirt we had just dug up molded into some beast that lashed out at us. We quickly dispatched with the dirt, mainly due to Bancroft’s use of the water elements***

Bancroft follows suit and expands his protective shield.

Aendros gasps. 'The dirt...it's alive?

You say 'We MmMuszst hurry'

Thorm yells 'Hell itself will bar Your way, with God's hheaVen in agreement! what will swaY You creatures to value your lives?! '

You yell 'The truth!'

The walls pulsate angrily and... wait... what is that smell...

Bancroft runs his index finger along his absurdly large nose.

Koviaem sniffs the air.

Grawrer hastens his pace, his nine remaining claws blurring with speed as he digs.

Dirmin slams his body into the walls.

Palwen grimaces painfully at the thought.

The Blood Guard SLAMS their pick axes into the ground with a 'click', 'clack', and displace stone and dirt with speedy efficiency.

Palwen pinches her nose.

You say 'What iszs that..?'

Nikyodi peels hair out of her face and snirks loudly. 'Smell is back.'

Nikyodi says 'NOt like the blOOod thaough.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Decay?

You say 'NNnOo...'

You say 'SzsoOommmethhinngh more...'

Grawrer says 'Maybe we find out soon'

Nikyodi glances at Aendros. 'Sulfer maybe. Keep digging.'

It smells like... oil?

***Once more we are assaulted by the very ground we stood on***

You say 'We are getting nearer'

As the group gets deeper and deeper into the ground, the earth becomes violent!

You say 'We can't rest'

Aendros continues to diligently shovel loose dirt and mud with his glaive.

Dirmin says 'Iif yOouhH'rEh tao liIvEh, I mmmust.'

Grawrer gains a second wind from the adrenaline of the recent fight, furiously digging once more.

The heat is overwhelming! Sweat literally streams from every pore in your body!

Dirmin throws his body against the dirt once more.

Gradrel lets out a bellowing snort.

Thorm yells 'ghaiIaa?! gahhiahh hHaas nnoo clahIm ooVeR thIs plasjeh. tHheh sSztRuhhgghle IZsz

BEhtweEhnnn MmMoOoRTawl ANnd gOd HhiMmMself NoOow!'

You say 'I do not believe a word.'

Thorm yells 'help! thorm is attackiIng me!'

Nikyodi breathes hard as she digs. She slows down considerably.

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' He insults Her, Overseer...

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'So I hear.'

Bancroft expands his protective shield to cover as much area as possible.

As the ground becomes enraged, the rocks that you have been throwing away seem to come together!

***As we dug deeper we came across more frequent occurences of boulders in our way. The blood guard was very useful in pulling the large stones out of the earth and hurling them behind us. But as with the dirt, the boulders took on life as their own and attack us. Maybe against one of us it would have made a difference, but with all of us, it was a mere annoyance as we shattered its frame***

Thorm yells '..t...he....h...ea..t...be ..bec...omin Unn...bearable, thi...s.....beinNng be...fin...diNg me..... eve.Ry...wheRe....'

You say 'Dig!'

Aelleor yells 'We are closse!'

Bancroft says 'We should assign shifts. Some to dig some to defend.'

Father Jacobis says 'They are becoming stronger.'

Father Jacobis says 'And more violent.'

Gradrel nods in enthusiastic agreement with Father Jacobis.

Father Jacobis says 'From dirt to the very rock itself.'

Father Jacobis says 'This place is cursed.'

Bancroft says 'Not natural, nope, not natural at all.'

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'Cursed by the Demon Lord himself.'

Nikyodi spins around and continues to dig. 'Don't care.'

Bancroft slams his pick into the ground.

Nikyodi says 'Not stopping.'

Aendros lets out a burderened sigh. 'We must not give up!

You say 'ThEhn it is oUr dUhTy To stop it.'

Grawrer says 'We end curse when we find what down there'

***Deeper we go… ***

An Ominous Tunnel

The strenuous effort that you have exerted has brought you to this point

beneath the ground. Try as you might, you cannot dig any further down. The

dirt has now given way to a strange dark rocky substance. Each strike with

your shovels sends a ringing noise throughout the temple. You fear any

attempts to dig further down would lead to a disastrous collapse.

[Exits: up]

(Charmed) (White Aura) A member of the Blood Guard protects his master.

(White Aura) Dirmin the Holy Knight is here, sitting astride the Goliath.

The Blood Guard walks in.

Grawrer flies in.

Bancroft rides in.

Aendros rides in.

Koviaem looks at the solid rock beneath his feet.

With a snarl of his nostrils, Gradrel firmly says, 'We are close.'

You say 'We cannot go further down..'

Grawrer says 'ME Nnoo thiinnk we shoOould dIig doOowNn nnO MorEh'

Father Jacobis looks upward and frowns. 'What is keeping all of this dirt from collapsing?

Palwen hits the solid stone below her feet with her shovel.

You say 'Hrmmm'

Aendros yells 'thHORmm!'

***Looking all around us we took tosearching the walls for hidden entrances or any deteriorating rock of any kind. There had to be a way to get to Thorm or it…whatever***

A slab of strange stone is closed.

You open a slab of strange stone.

Within an Eldrych Temple

Before you is an extended and elaborate array of ruined edifices; all

composed of incredible, though unfamiliar building styles, and having

various stages of preservation. Most of the structures appear to be made of

marble, and gleam with a whitish hue, reflecting off the rays cast from the

lanterns placed around the room. The shape of the temple is unfamiliar,

being larger than the other two, including numerous isolated pagodas and

villas on the steep slopes of its roof. The roof is held up by partially

fallen and broken columns, but there still remains an air of some powerful

ancient splendors, of which nothing could be effacing.

[Exits: north]

(Translucent) (White Aura) Aelleor the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

(White Aura) Grawrer the Master of the Miyama Ryu is here.

(Translucent) (White Aura) Dirmin the Holy Knight is here.

A large horned beast is here, snorting at you.

(Translucent) Aendros the Holy Knight, General of the Protectors is here.

Thorm the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

Bancroft flies in.

Thorm sits down and rests.

A medium sized humanoid is here, looking disheveled and worn. A tired

look in his glazed eyes divulged little of his identity. He partially nude,

and carries only a barrel and some tools for digging.

He has travelled quite a lot.

Thorm is in excellent condition.

Thorm's severed head plops on the ground.

Aendros says '..........'

Aendros says 'Nnao.........'

Aendros yells 'NooOo!!'

Aelleor says 'We...were...so close...'

Koviaem looks around himself, he wields the marmalade orb in defense.

Aendros says 'ThHe impOorsTer!'

There is a sudden and violent collapse of the tunnel!

Grawrer says 'This be real thOormM?'

You say 'The tuhnnel!'

Father Jacobis growls.

Grawrer says 'HiMmM be real or impOster?'

Thorm says 'I..killed it.'

Father Jacobis says 'The tunnel collapsed.'

Father Jacobis says 'Why was I ignored?'

Aelleor says 'Southward there is a pedastal.'

The secret compartment is closed.

Thorm says 'No...'

Father Jacobis says 'Yes. With nothing in it!'

Grawrer says 'Hoow we aopen doooor?'

Father Jacobis says 'This WAS a trap wasnt it?'

Bancroft yells 'Elven script!'

Thorm says 'That door should not be opened...'

You say 'Whahht lies thereh?'

Thorm says 'A tunnel had been opened...'

Grawrer says 'HiM MmMirraor iMmMage'

Thorm says 'The heat has come from there.'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I can feel it.

Grawrer says 'You imposter!'

Thorm says 'Believe what you will.'

Aelleor says 'I can no loOonger pass the daooor soUhth........'

***And so we try our way eastward, and there we find another hidden chamber***

A Hidden Chamber

As you enter the room, you are nearly blinded by the sheer luminescent

and rhythmic pulsation of an object in the middle of the chamber. There is

nothing in this room save for this single object. It sits atop a pillow

that sits atop a pedestal. It is strangely marked with elven writing. What

is it doing here in such a gloomy place.

[Exits: west]

(Translucent) Aelleor the Holy Patriarch of Healing is here.

Sneizl the Caller of the Pack is here.

Dirmin walks in.

Grawrer flies in.

Koviaem approaches the pedestal.

Grawrer says 'Who read old elven?'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' Thorm, you have brought us here. What is the next step?

Thorm says 'Me?'

Grawrer says 'Be something in room to east'

Thorm says 'I told you what is to the south. Certain death.'

You say 'I dOo NnooT feAr deawTh'

Nikyodi hesitates as she reaches toward the object on the pedestal.

Grawrer says 'Me no can get good look at it'

Nikyodi says 'Why is there elvish oOon this thing?'

Grawrer says 'Must be clue'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' It is ancient.

Aelleor says 'Iit loooks elvIsh bUht....I sjannnnNnoot read Iit.'

Aelleor speculates, 'It seems to be a very ancient dialect...'

Palwen says 'Let MmME try Tao see.'

Thorm says 'I am warning you... you've retrieved me. Saved my life. That is enough. Let us leave.'

Father Jacobis says 'Leave how?'

Thorm walks west.

Father Jacobis says 'The tunnel collapsed.'

Thorm walks in.

Grawrer says 'Now we here, we must end curse'

Koviaem reaches out a hand towards the object.

***I pass my hand through nothingness as it is an illusion, frustrated I take a step back and look for clues***

Father Jacobis says 'Because they rushed in without thought.'

Thorm says 'You...you've not dug properly?'

Father Jacobis says 'No.'

Malchaeius · November 21, 2008

Father Jacobis says 'Led by this one.'

Father Jacobis nods at Nikyodi.

Father Jacobis says 'Who just wished to dig without thought.'

Nikyodi snorts derisively.

Thorm sighs.

Father Jacobis says 'It has collapsed.'

Aelleor says 'We can dig out the same way we duhg in..'

Aelleor says 'Iit iis oOof No cooNnzjernn..'

Aelleor says 'What is of concErn is this pEdastal....'

Nikyodi scrapes mud off of her sleeves. 'Cute.'

You say 'I thought you were supposed to grant courage to all, Jacobis?'

You say 'We will come through this'

Father Jacobis says 'Courage without forethought is recklessness.'

You say 'We are here now'

Nikyodi says 'Jjust dOonn't blaMmMe Me.. iI Taold yaouh why ii was digging.'

Grawrer says 'How we figure it out?'

Father Jacobis says 'The blind leads the blind?'

Thorm says 'It appear so.'

Grawrer says 'No be time for I told you so's'

Though stifled slightly by his visor, Aendros's words ring clear. ' I can barely see with this pulsing light.

Father Jacobis says 'Now it is time for planning?'

Grawrer says 'If we no plan now, we die here'

Bancroft says 'Plans are always good. You have advice for us father?'

Grawrer says 'And taints above all laugh at us'

Father Jacobis says 'I do.'

Father Jacobis says 'This is clearly a puzzle of some sort.'

Father Jacobis says 'Many different rooms all with the same appearance.'

Father Jacobis says 'You rushed in here so quick to save Thorm, you did not listen to reason!'

Grawrer says 'You keep saying, but too late for going back, so what we do now?'

You say 'Sounds familiar.'

Father Jacobis says 'Now I will not give my advice to those who will only act foolishly and jeopardize everyone.'

Father Jacobis says 'If I give my advice, it will be to those who are level headed.'

Aelleor says 'There is a dooaor wesTward tO the sOuhHTh.'

Grawrer says 'So you say Jacobis, Grawrer be listening'

Father Jacobis says 'Very well.'

You say 'We can only listen now.'

Father Jacobis says 'Let us return to the center.'