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------ Chapter 12: The party decide it's time for bed once more ------
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Arcane lore is still in the forefront of the minds of the mages

(Arlon:)
"Let us mages go back to the Commons so we can trade spells properly -
it could be a long night."

Also to those that Arlon trades spells that need material components -
he will give that person 5 spells worth of components - unless it is a
component that doesn't get consumed in the casting, he won't be able
to help you there.

(Kaeyar:)
"I intend to rise early tomorrow, so I must leave you now.  There is
probably time yet tonight to copy a spell or two, if you care to join
me," looking at Dithion and Tatiana...

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana got up to leave with Kaeyar. "I've give everyone 5 shares of
spell components for each spell I've traded as Arlon has done, but
please remind me cause I forgotten what promises I've made to who.
Silly me only kept track of what I wanted not what I was giving" She
flashed a grin at the other mages.  Shall we retire then and meet in
the morning before the Citadel opens?"

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "Aye, let us go speak of trading spells, Kaeyar."  And
he goes...

(Silver:)
Silver will rise with Dithion and Kaeyar, and walking out with them
will turn to Dithion and say "I hope I have not offended you too much,
Dithion. Please tell me more about your deity, Des. Perhaps by knowing
more about Des, I will be able to avoid any possible offense in
future. And if, in turn, you wish to know a little about Mielikki, I
would be more than welcome to tell you of Her."



The rest of the party are also weary and in need of rest ....

(Falrun:)
Falrun, also feeling the weariness of his bones, gets up.  "I too must
be going back for some much needed rest.  These last days have taken
more out of me than I would normally admit.  I'll see you all in the
morning."  Falrun gets up, gives a slight bow to all who are yet
remaining and then heads to the Commons.

(Silver:)
To all of you guys at the Commons during the discussions of names,
leaders, etc. If any of you took a drink from the goblet that Silver
offered, you find that you slept better than normal. Combining the
effects of the better-than-usual night's sleep, with those of the
ministering that Silver will provide (she will be re-dressing wounds;
applying a soothing balm to any still-burnt areas; providing more of
the "herbal tea" the next day), you will find that you each feel much
better.

OOC: You all get 3hp back [if this is ok with you, Whisper] instead of
     the 1hp that you would normally have got back.  Is Falrun ok now?

(Falrun:)
Falrun thanks you for your help and concern, and yes he is now fully
healed.




Some of us sleep, others try to work late, and others ....

(Keilan:)
When you, I assume all of you, return to the Commons to sleep or
otherwise goof around with spell books and such, you find that:

Keilan and Keilan's belongings are no longer present.
	
(Arlon:)
"I was afraid that he might go off alone, hopefully he just went to
the Wide to stay the night, I believe he mentioned something like that
yesterday."

"Tatiana, could Tuft take a quick scan for him in the Wide and or
within the 'town'?"

(Kaeyar:)
When it is noticed that Keilan's things are not in the Commons, Kaeyar
just shrugs; when spying on him is suggested, Kaeyar remarks "He
obviously doesn't want to be bothered, so just mind your own business,
huh? *snort*"

(Arlon:)
OOC: Arlon is a little disturbed by what Kaeyar said - spying is not
     at all what he suggested.

"Hmm, I guess caring for a friend is an outdated concept - if we were
in a civilized part of the world I would not have suggested such; but
we are not, and considering his spirits and aloofness tonight I just
wanted to make sure he was alright."

(Kaeyar:)
Kaeyar doesn't stay up too late that night copying spells, entrusting
his spell book to the other mages, and asking them to place it in his
wizardlocked box when finished with it.

(Tatiana:)
Working late into the night Tatiana furiously scribes the spells she
has traded but finally falls asleep around 3 in the morning not even
half done with the task.

(Arlon:)
OOC: Scribing spellbooks 
     Arlon will be up as long as Tatiana is "Yes, scribing spellbooks
     can be a very long task; but the benefits are great - how is it
     going Tatiana?"



The third day dawns, and we set out to find what things await us ....
(This is the morning of the 19th, two days after our arrival)


(Kaeyar:)
He rises before dawn and leaves.

(Tatiana:)
She awakens in the morning before dawn to find her 6 traveling spell
books still cracked open waiting for her to finish the task.  Yawning
wide she brushes her hair back from her eyes and closes her books.
She shakes her head realizing the enormity of the task she has
undertaken.  "And this is just my traveling books, I've still got to
do my standard books yet" she commented softly with dismay.

(Arlon:)
OOC: In the morning, as Tatiana thinks about her task "How would you
     like to scribe spellbooks for a living and there is still much to
     do."

(Tatiana:)
"Eh, maybe I'll be ready to finish after I get some breakfast and take
the job interview with the others."  She reached across her bed to
pick up her lute, then set it aside and picked her flute instead.  She
started to play it softly, a calm soft melodic tune meant to wake her
friends in a gently manner.  She was thankful they had not complained
too loudly as she had the lantern burning late before she finally fell
asleep still dressed.

(Falrun:)
In the morning, Falrun wakes and prepares for another day.  As he is
preparing, he hears Tatiana playing her instrument.  Falrun calls to
Tatiana, "Do you happen to know any songs or ballads by the great
bard, Ozzy Osbournus?  I understand that he was a bard that had
specialized in a kind of music that not everyone could appreciate.
Maybe you've heard some of his music."

(Tatiana:)
As the other's wrestled to wakefulness.  She smiled "Thus the Eidolon
embark on their first full day of adventure"

*Good morning Tuft* she thought out tentatively

*Good night you mean* came a grumpy reply

*We may be traveling today, Don't be too far away*

*Don't worry, I'm not moving till dark* he thought and Tatiana could
tell Tuft was tired from a nights activities.

She would have to carry him if they traveled far.

*Sweet Dreams*

(DM:)
There seem to be two groups forming for this morning. those who want
to head over to the Citadel earliest possible, and those who prefer to
vegetate, eat or transcribe spells first. Regardless of, I will send
one post, assuming that those who went to the Citadel will find the
others eating brunch at Midnights Run, and relate to them what they
found out.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana joined the others for breakfast and then on to the Citadel for
a job interview as it opened in the morning.

(Arlon:)
"Breakfast would be welcome, I need to stop at the money changer
first, I would like to unload some of these gold bracelets"

(Falrun:)
Falrun will then wait for the rest of the group and have breakfast and
afterwards, he will go to the Citadel to see about this job interview.

(Silver:)
I wish to enjoy breakfast with the party members who wake at a
reasonable time, and then on to find more about Rhuleck's Farm.

(Kaeyar:)
When the burners of the midnight oil come straggling in for breakfast,
he gives them a look.  Rising from his seat and taking a last swallow
of the worst tea in the house, he says "I'm off to do some
provisioning -- if anyone has anything they need, let me know.  Food,
knives, that sort of thing.  I'll keep a record in case there's any
chance of being reimbursed by our employers."

He waits for their answers, then is off.




Some of the party go to investigate the situation at the Citadel,
others go off to do other things ....


(Silver:)
Silver will try to get a bath and wash her hair before the start of
the new day, look really fresh and beautiful for the day ahead. She
will pay homage to Mielikki before setting off. She will not leave
Dark Haven without paying her respects once more to the memory of Tier
Breche.

(Silver:)
I will want to ensure my seedlings and plants have good care while I
am down underground, so this is what I will try to do ...

1) Get in touch with the top druid (name ?) and leave them in his care
2) Failing that (not enough time to locate him) Pay a waitress a few
   coins (say 5sp) to look after them while I am away. I will leave
   clear but simple instructions on what to do, ie.  when and how much
   water/light to provide Must ensure that they understand the
   importance of it to me

> You have not yet reached Rhuleck's Farm, so you do not know about
> that.  Anyways, you don't even know for sure if Rhuleck's Farm still
> stands or not.

This will be of high priority to me, but the plants should be ok with
the care they are receiving for quite a few weeks yet ....

(DM:)	
You do not know where to find the 'top-druid', so will not have time
to find him. You give the seedlings to a waitress, and hope that all
will be alright.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana will have visited Stonethrowers shop and checked out the cost
on a magical Longsword, and magical daggers (2).

She will purchase 6 normal daggers to replace the ones she lost

She will also visit The Vault and talk with Daermon S'Zrida'hn and
look into what potions he has for sale.  Healing and extra healing,
Giant strength, invisibility.

Her last stop will be Fred Gemstone to look at jewelry and rings and
things.

(Dithion:)
Dithion says, "I think we should all go to the Citadel.  We have no
leader, and I would prefer to hear what is available myself." Dithion
will go on his own if no-one else is going.

(Arlon:)
"If we are going to harass the natives on the way to Rhuleck's farm I
should stay here and refresh some of my spells and try to transcribe
any I have left (yeah, right).  I would like to go to the Citadel; but
I'd best serve here."

"If we need supplies either Kaeyar or myself should be able to supply
the funds" Arlon gives a wink to Kaeyar.

(Arlon:)
Arlon has spent most of the day scribing and memorizing spells, also
picked up some extra cash - I'll buy tonight Kaeyar :-)




When some of the party reach the Citadel, they find ....


(DM:)
When you reach the Citadel, it is clear that this was one of the major
targets during the attack, and the native bodies are heaped along its
walls.  It is here that you find the remains of the two groups of
other demonic natives killed by Mendahl and company. On its walls you
spot Lord Talon Clasp surveying the damages, and directing engineers
and architects on which parts need to be repaired soonest. Outside the
Citadel, stand twelve guards, some still weary and with scrapes and
bandages, but looking alert. The double doors in this stone structure
(you think that Mendahl may have helped out in the building of it) are
open, and the guards, seeing you are villagers, let you inside without
any trouble. Inside is a large hall of about 20 meters by 20 meters,
with doors leading out in each wall. One door, opposite the entrance,
is half open, but guards standing there look like they will not let
anyone without legit business and appointments in.

(Keilan:)
Those who arrive early at the Citadel spy Keilan already looking about
the place, as interested in this new area as anything else.  He
carries with him all of his gear and there is a smile upon his face.
"Hail, friends!  Good to see some of us aren't lay-abouts."

(DM:)
However, inside the hall, slightly off to the right, you spot a large
table, with three sergeants/lieutenants sitting behind it, with some
other adventurers (you guys are not the only ones here :) in front of
it, asking questions about jobs and stuff. You walk up and conclude
that there are but the following options that are of any
attractiveness to you.

Standing awards for geographical info on the inland (NOT just
flyovers, the dragon already did that), or discovery of other
civilizations or its remnants.  Scouting of native empire and
locations of their villages (one village has been found so far).
Natives killed (10 gold per native, 100 per shaman). And now also for
harassing native armed forces, and the actual scouting out of the
discovered village to prepare for a retributive strike.  And striking
through the native rearguard to make contact with Rhuleck's Farm.

You step up to the sergeant who is currently not talking to anyone
else, to ask your questions about advances, provisions and possible
magic items

The sergeant looks at you as if you have a mental disorder and begins
to laugh loudly.  Sputtering he sez..

"Supplies...MAGIC supplies... ADVANCES!.. Hahhahah. You..must .. be
kidding me right? What do you think this is? Azouns treasure house?
You must EARN your living here. If you dont have the resources it
takes, you could let yourselves be sponsored by Natasha or the Iron
Throne. they would of course demand a large percentage of your bonus
and any items you pick up along your trip, but hey, such is life
Y'know?"

At your questions on who Natasha is, the sergeant responds.

"She is the lass who owns about half the businesses here. Half of the
dwarves construction emporium is hers, and she has a monopoly on the
pearl diving in this bay. She also owns half of the Commons. She is
one rich lady, she is."

While you are talking amongst yourselves on a course of action, one of
the dwarves from the mining operation bursts in (Mindak, the one
Mindak's Rock is called after).

"Lieutenant!" He shouts to one of the other troopers.

"Emergency! I need some good souls to help me out. My digging under
the rock just hit a tunnel. One of our mine shafts connected with an
existing tunnel complex. I am not about to go in there myself, and my
workers are good and strong people and all, but they are paid and live
for mining, not tunnel- ratting. Before we can continue, I need some
good souls to check out the complex, to ensure that it is safe. We are
afraid something might come out of it on its own already, so we closed
the entrance off again temporarily. I am willing to pay well, for
until this is cleared, I cannot mine, and our copper supply is at a
low what with the repairs of arms and armour these last days."

What do you do?

(Dithion:)
At the keep, Dithion says to the group, "This tunnel business sounds
fun, although killing natives would probably prove more lucrative.  I
suggest we go exploring the tunnels."

(Arlon:)
"Yes, that does sound interesting, and since it is an immediate and
local need - we still may be able to do the mine job and then help
with the Rhuleck's farm job."

(Falrun:)
"I and my friends may be interested in taking you up on your offer,"
says Falrun to the dwarf, "but we are poor adventurers and we would
like to know how much this job may be worth.  We are low on funds and
we are looking for the most lucrative means of supporting ourselves
before we are required to work at a manual labor position."

(DM/Mindak:)
"How much you ask? I needs have the tunnels cleared or at least
checked as soon as possible. I was thinking along the lines of one
thousand gold and a free set of armour replacements for any who
wishes."

(DM:)
Okay, also, to get everybody in on the arguing, I'll assume that you
guys told the dwarf you might be interested, and the Lieutenant that
otherwise you will do some of his stuff, but you have to get back to
the rest of your comrades. So the arguing will take place at
Midnight's Run, where all of you are sitting comfortably drinking and
eating, and making decisions. You know for a fact that all the other
adventuring companies are already out harassing the enemy, so the
tunnel scoop will remain until tonight when they all return and hear
of it. In other words, no matter how you decide, all options will
pretty much stay open till tonight

(Tatiana:)
OOC: There are 8 of us so I assume we each got 250 GP (the final price
was 2000 GP)




So, back at Midnight's Run, Falrun explains the options ....


(Keilan:)
"I'm not going delving into some stinking pit in the earth.  Dwarves
and drow might call it home, but I call it hell.  It's darker than the
darkest night, more confining than the densest forest, and no normal
creature ever lurked there.  If you seek trouble, underground is the
place to find it."

(Falrun:)
"Keilan, I suggest that we take the job offered because we may find
more rewards where there have been no previous pillaging by other
adventurers.  Maybe that consideration will outweigh any discomfort
brought on by the thought of exploring a dank and dirty hole in the
ground." Falrun says out of earshot of the dwarf.

(Keilan:)
"Falrun, just what do you expect to find in subterranean caverns where
no man, dwarf, elf, or even drow has been?  While there may be lodes
of copper as big as Mindak's rock, I don't think there is likely to be
much down there you and I would call precious.  Not unless you wish to
become a miner.  Just a bunch of crawling oddities of nature.  While I
enjoy the company of animals, mostly I prefer them to have about four
limbs.  No, you'll have to come up with a better reason than some
mysterious 'unpillaged reward'.  Come to think of it, I never caught
the price for this foolish excursion.  How much did that frightened
dwarf offer anyway?  I don't think it'll be enough to put me down
there, but if he's truly afraid then perhaps he will be very
persuasive."

(Falrun:)
Falrun to Keilan:
"Yes, I can think of a better reason than "unplundered treasure".  It
seems to me that not too long ago, we were talking about not just
naming ourselves but making a name for ourselves."

"Who is more famous?  The man who does something for the tenth time or
the man who does something for the first time?  I say, anybody can go
chasing through the woods after some natives but it takes a truly
brave and heroic man to enter unexplored tunnels to discover what
mysteries lie beneath this strange and unexplored ground."

"If money is not your motivation, even though you could do many good
and decent things with it, then think of how people will remember you.
Imagine what people will say when they come here to see "Keilan's
Catacombs, he saved the village when the women and children could take
refuge in them during the native's attacks".  Now I ask you, isn't
this a noble undertaking for the great and mighty Keilan?"

OOC: Is that convincing enough? :-)

(Kaeyar:)
In favor of going underground, Kaeyar comments "Consider this -- the
natives made no use of underground passages when they attacked us
here.  So I would assume that they knew not of them.  And so it would
be my guess that if any underground complexes hereabouts were ever
inhabited or used, that the inhabitants were (or are) from some
different culture or race than those we fought.  If such is the case,
the lords of this place would pay well for such information..."

"And I've just purchased some torches for any poor humans who can't
see in the dark," making a mock sympathetic face at the humans in the
group.

(Shade:)
"I do not like the underground so much" - he looks at his friends - "I
ran away from it you know" - a thin smile - "anyway I'm more than a
little curious" - he winks at Kaeyar and Falrun - "and greedy too."

"I understand your worries, Keilan, but my vote is for going down"

Keilan (not Kealan dammit!): 
"Falrun, it is becoming painfully obvious to me that not a damn one of
you understand anything I desire.  Why the hell do you think I left
the discussion last night?  I do not choose to do that for which I may
be remembered.  If I really cared for fame, do you think I would spend
my days in the forests alone?  And what is brave in facing the
unknown?  Each man does this every time he rises to face the day.  It
is the known burdens chosen freely that mark the brave from the
cowardly.  As for wealth, I have but a passing interest, for it will
not buy happiness.  The man who seeks ought save satisfaction is the
eternal fool and wretch.  But hold your tongue, I tire quickly of this
argument.  I will do this wretched task, for the dwarf's price is a
generous one and I cannot be without funds completely."

(as he kneels to tighten the straps on his boot)

"Hmph.  Nor would I abandon fools such as these to their own greeds."

(Falrun:)
To Keilan, "That's the spirit!"

(Shade:)
Shade chuckles and slightly elbows Kaeyar "Seems our ranger is really
nervous about going underground, don't you think?" than, in a more
serious tone "By the way I cannot blame him: what does not lie under
the sun can be dangerous indeed - he frowns - I witnessed it myself."

(Silver:)
Silver stands to one side, listening to all the talk of the job
underground.  While Falrun is trying hard to convince Keilan to go
with the rest of the party, Silver will move next to Keilan, and say
in a quiet, calm voice "My dearest Keilan, I share your deep concerns
about the underground tunnels. The dark itself does not bother me too
much, but life is so .... alien .... down there" and with this, she
shudders.

She will continue "However, the miners seem to have stumbled onto
something which could be a danger to the village. If we all go into
the tunnels, then I will not be of great use, since I, like you, love
the open sky."

At this point she gets serious, and stresses this point "But if the
village is overrun by denizens from the deep, then we may well lose
our place in this new land, *and all that each of us hoped for when we
set out*"

"And besides, I would also enjoy your company as we delve into the
unfamiliar."  And with a grin, she extends an arm and says "What say
you, kind sir, that we go together to find safety in this land of
savages" (referring to Keilan escorting her off the ship)

(Keilan:)
Keilan accepts the offered arm of Silver, a smile breaking across his
face, "Very well, gentle lady.  Let us go get ready while the others
carry news of our acceptance to our employers."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana sat quietly at the table hearing out what the others say.  As
the arguing lulls into a quiet period, Tatiana clears her throat to
get everyone attention.  "The way I see it we have two options.  One
to harass the natives like everyone else is doing.  Two to investigate
the hole in the ground for this Dwarf.  What was his name?"

"I prefer the great outdoors myself, as that's where I've _been_ most
of my life.  And a dark smelly hole is going to ruin my clothes and
I'm running out of money to buy new ones.  But the money is good and
we have the jump on this before anyone else does."

"I'm with Keilan on this one.  I don't like the idea of being in a
cave, but it's the best choice we have right now.  Besides, I can
finish transcribing spells at night when we are done."

(Arlon:)
"I too am not totally comfortable with the underground; but the
ancient things are generally found there.  Knowledge that may have
been buried for centuries; stories .." he nods toward Tatiana and
Shade "that await to be told again.  We may even find a clue as to why
this continent has been corrupted.  It could be a very interesting
trip indeed."

"I remember one 'dig' back home that yielded some extremely useful
items."  He says with a big smile.




The party seem to be in agreement of sorts, so ....


(Falrun:)
It seems that we are all agreed on going into the tunnels, so Falrun
and any that wish to join him will go back to find the dwarf and
inform him that we will accept his offer.

(Tatiana:)
"Before you go Falrun, don't forget to haggle!  And if he won't haggle
then insist on a guide familiar with the tunnels up to where we will
be exploring.  We'll protect the guide but we need someone who
understands tunnels willing to help us out.  If he does haggle then
ask him if there are any volunteers to guide us, if not how much would
a guide cost?"

"Just some ideas to help us survive in the hole in case something bad
happens."

(Arlon:)
"Shade, lets take the walk with Falrun - you should be able to get the
most beneficial info from the dwarf.  I would also like to ask the
dwarf some questions."

(Kaeyar:)
Kaeyar will jog back to the Commons to leave his bow and arrows there,
then go off to wherever it is that these Dwarves have their mines.

Once there, he'll banter with dwarves (other than the boss, who
presumably will be talking with Falrun), spitting, scratching himself,
making rude jokes, and generally being his usual charismatic self.  He
will be trying to see if he can get the dwarves to spill any stories
or rumors about the mines...

(Keilan:)
Keilan returns to the Commons, stowing his bow and backpack, and
indeed most of his meager belongings.  When he emerges he carries his
axe and knife at his side, a staff in his hands, and a single
waterskin slung over one shoulder.  A pair of gloves are stuck into
his belt, and he is settling a ring onto his finger as he arrives with
the rest of the party.

(Falrun:)
Once Falrun gets to see Mindak, he will inquire as to when and where
we should begin our exploration.  He will also try to discover the
general condition of the caves to be explored, i.e.  are they
extremely rough or do they show some signs of being worked, are they
damp enough to show signs of having access to underground springs or
are they only "normally" damp.

(Arlon:)
"Were there any markings, runes or writings in or near this entrance."

(Falrun:)
Falrun does not have a lot of experience with natural caves and
caverns so he will try to get Shade to go with him so that the best
questions can be asked concerning what we might expect when we get
down there.

(Silver:)
There were minimal preparations that Silver had to make before setting
off to the Citadel to meet the dwarf, and these did not involve going
to any of the shops. She will meet the rest of the party at the
Citadel, and she will be carrying the backpack she left the ship with,
together with 2 staffs (staves?).  A scimitar handle can be seen
poking out of the top of her backpack, and she is wearing her dark
cloak.

(Falrun:)
Afterwards, Falrun will return to the Commons and prepare his
equipment for the expedition and inform those who did not attend, of
the outcome of his discussion with the dwarf.