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----------------- Chapter 27: A Flight Into Danger -------------------
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The party are winging their way toward the native's temple. They fly
on shadowy grey pegasi, in pairs. Arlon and Falrun are flying at the
front ...


(DM:)
All of you are on your conjured pegasi, except Silver, who seems
absent, though Shade will be able to tell you she is with you guys.

(Arlon:)
"Fly medium speed, medium ascent."  Once we reach a cruising altitude,
about 40' above the trees, Arlon will signal to go faster - top speed,
this of course can vary depending on the group.

(DM:)
You take a last look around you, and begin the ascend.

(Falrun:)
As the steeds take off, Falrun visibly tightens his grip on his mounts
mane as if hanging on for dear life.

(DM:)
Townsfolk wave in greetings to you guys as you pass overhead, and soon
the green treetops rush beneath you. As far as you can see, the green
expanse spreads landinward and to the north. To the south you spot the
mountains Mendahl spoke of, about as far as this temple is supposed to
be to the west. As you fly and chat not much eventful happens.

(Falrun:)
During the flight his knuckles turn white and beads of perspiration
break out on his forehead.  He isn't very talkative and if asked
anything, he grunts in answer or ignores the question altogether.  His
time is occupied by blankly staring straight ahead with occasional
glances at the ground.

You can tell that he starts to loosen up a bit when he actually dares
to look around him once in a while but that is the loosest he gets.

(DM:)
The pegasi fly at a frightening speed.

(Tatiana:)
They had had to slow down early on in the flight for Tuft to land on
Tatiana.  It was a tricky maneuver, but after a few tries they
succeeded.  The pegasi flew too fast for Tuft to keep up.

(DM:)
Now and then, flying shapes, some as large as small donkeys, with evil
looking bat-wings, fly towards you, only to fall behind. They are
simply too slow to catch you guys. After many hours of flying, the sun
already going down, Shade spots the glade.

A large gaping hole in the sea of trees, centered around a single
small black stump. The glade is roughly circular. You are all very
tired, some extra so, since you guys have had some time of inactivity,
most simply because you haven't been on a horse for months at the
least, if not years.  You set down with the horses, and massage your
weary legs, cramped from clamping the horses for so long without being
used to it. All are very tired.

(Arlon:)
Arlon would suggest stopping at the clearing for a while to rest.
Sitting on our butts for 14 hours would be a little tough on us I
believe.  A four hour trip from the clearing would be much easier.

As far as going to the temple, we should probably take Lady Shilara's
advice about how to approach it from the air.

(Keilan:)
Keilan dismounts immediately upon arriving at the glade.  He unties
his bundles from his mount and leads it off to one side of the glade.
He then goes to make a bed for himself on the ground away from the
steeds.

(Falrun:)
Falrun slides off the pegasus and walks stiffly to a nearby tree.
"Wake me, Arlon, when we are ready to continue."  He slumps down next
to the tree and is quickly asleep.

(Arlon:)
With a jovial sarcasm "Sure Falrun, should I have breakfast ready for
you as well ?"

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana climbed down from her pegasus and rubbed her rump.

(Arlon:)
Arlon whispers "Are you sure I can't do that for you."

(Tatiana:)
Chainmail and a long flight were wearing on her and it showed.  That
and carrying an owl under your arm didn't make the trip any more
comfortable.

Tuft spread his wings and took off silently into the night.

Tatiana's eyes had adjusted to the darkness quickly, thanks to Tuft's
gift of keen dark vision.

"Arlon, Do we need to do anything special with Pegasi?  I know how to
take care of horses, but these things are magical and soon to
disappear.  Do we need to do anything for them?"

(Arlon:)
"No, these things will not go anywhere until we do.  They will still
exist for at least another half day."

(Tatiana:)
She unpacked her backpack and other goods she had picked up from
Keilan's supply trip.

"We all need some sleep before we go any further from here, but I
don't feel too safe unless someone were to scout out and around a
little bit.  She looked to Keilan as she said this.

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks up from where he is arranging his makeshift bed, "You are
right, of course."  Keilan stands and walks out into the edges of the
forest quickly disappearing into the dense undergrowth around the edge
of the clearing.

(Tatiana:)
Keilan turned to walk off into the jungle.  A slight smile came to her
face as she watched him go.  She was always amazed by the ability of a
Ranger in the woods.  She was good in wilderness due to her training,
but nothing compared to the skills of a Ranger.



And so the party settle down, grateful for the respite from flying,
while Keilan scans the immediate area ....

(Tatiana:)
Tuft's thought broke through to her *I'm scouting around right now as
you guys unpack.*

"Tuft is doing a once around right now to make sure we are alone
here." She listened to the jungle noises with the keen ears that
Tuft's magical link gave her and she sighed in contentment. "Such a
nice place to be housing such evil" she commented.

She walked around a bit to stretch out her legs and work out the
cramps.

(Arlon:)
Referring to when Keilan and Silver were arguing back in the
headquarters, and Tatiana calmed down Arlon, he says to her "Thank you
for your hand back there in town.  You are like a light cool breeze on
a hot summer day to my spirit."

(Tatiana:)
*How's it going out there?* she mentally asked Tuft

*Nothing yet, but I'm only half way through my checkout*

She looked to her companions.  "Who wants first watch?"

(Arlon:)
"We could let Tuft be our watch for the next couple of hours and the
steeds will deter most things from even coming near us. Everyone might
as well take a nap, I'll wait for Keilan to come back - I hope he is
not too long."

As everyone is stretching and getting settled, Arlon says "By my
calculations we should spend no more than two hours here, if we want
to get to the temple before dawn. We should also be clear about our
first objective before we get there.  Either the temple and to check
it out and perhaps find that being or try to locate the Darkhaven
Dozen's items."

"I think we should try the temple first, if the natives are indeed
afraid of what's there they may be staying away from it.  Plus I would
like to be at full capacity if we meet this thing that scorched the
Dozen; just in case."

(Tatiana:)
"I agree with heading towards the temple first, but if we find the
remains of the Darkhaven Dozen then we tackle that.  I see our mission
as recover the missing goods and get information if we can.  But I
agree that success at accomplishing both increases if we hit the
temple first.  I don't think it will be so deserted though."



And Keilan arrives back after a quick scan, looking concerned ....

(Keilan:)
Keilan comes walking into the glade, suddenly appearing from behind
one of the forest giants.

(Tatiana:)
"You're good!" Tatiana said as Keilan appeared out of the jungle
unexpectedly.

(Keilan:)
"I'm not sure, but there's something wrong out there" he says,
indicating the forest behind him. He shakes his head, worried.

(Tatiana:)
Keilan had just returned when Tuft began to talk to her again *You're
not safe!*

*What?* she thought back.

*There are natives on the move towards you. Looks like a fairly large
party. They move very stealthily through the dark forest, the
darkening sky further concealing them. They come roughly from the same
direction as we came. Seems like they followed us along the ground.
They are about 30 minutes away from you now.*

*SHIT* she cursed mentally. "Tuft just told me a bunch of natives are
headed in our direction ..."

(Keilan:)
Nodding, he says "They are following us, aren't they?  I suppose Tuft
spotted them coming from that direction ?"  indicating the direction
back toward the city.

(Tatiana:)
"Yes ! Same direction as we came from, about half an hour behind us !
Should we stay here and lay a trap for them or bug out?"

(Arlon:)
"Just great!  I would rather not stay around and fight a large group.
It could seriously deplete my magic.  Plus if they are a group that
has followed us, it would give us an excellent opportunity to lose
them.  In any event we should lay some traps, if possible, to impede
the native's progress. We'll have to wake Falrun up to see what he can
do.  Shade, do you have any expertise in setting traps?"

(Shade:)
After a moment of silence the bard adds "By the way Tatiana, please
thanks Tuft 'cause I think he has just saved our necks."

(Arlon:)
Arlon will wake Falrun up.

(Falrun:)
Falrun takes a moment to clear the cobwebs from his head and then
asks, "Arlon, where's breakfast?"

After he is informed of what is happening, Falrun will begin to
stretch his muscles, "Great, and I'm all cramped up from that flight.
I really don't like flying..."

(Arlon:)
Now if there is enough raw material lying around, Arlon will also
suggest making a few decoys of ourselves (2 or 3 at the most) using
the branches, logs etc that are lying around.  Hopefully this could
delay the natives even more.

OOC: If the group decides to stay and fight it out, Arlon will still
     suggest much of the same; but he would prefer to 'bug out' as
     Tatiana put it.

(Falrun:)
Falrun will be helping Arlon in setting what snares and traps he can
with the resources available.

"I agree that we should leave before the natives arrive.  Tatiana, did
Tuft give you a rough estimate on how many there are?  But then, I
don't suppose owls can count too well."

(Tatiana:)
"Exactly, he's good, but can only count to about five.  All he said
was that there were natives moving fast and keeping to the shadows."

*I've been working on it! and there are more than 5*

"More than five though"

(Falrun:)
"With the speed of the steeds at our disposal, we should be able to
avoid them as long as we have a minute or more of a head start,
although I don't relish the idea of riding those things again so
soon."

"Just out of curiosity, has anybody considered the fact that these
natives may be seeking our help in dealing with whatever it was that
was released from the temple?  I know it's a long shot but it is a
possibility..."

(Arlon:)
"A possibility; but an improbable one, given that they recently tried
to destroy us.  Even if it were so, I have no doubt they would turn on
us after the job was done.  That is one _chance_ I would not like to
take, eh Falrun."

(Tatiana:)
"Right!" she said sarcastically. "They are probably still pissed that
we let the daemon out"

(Falrun: )
"True, but they tried to destroy us before the individual was released
from the temple.  The enemy of our enemy is our friend...  Besides, I
just want everyone to be aware that our first encounter doesn't
necessarily have to be a violent one."

(Tatiana:)
"I'd say that is up to them!  Sneaking up on us is not what I would
call starting out a meeting on the right foot!"

(Arlon:)
"It would probably be a good idea to leave a few minutes after Tuft
gets back to give us good lead time.  There's another thing we could
try if we wanted to rest here.  We could ride out in a wide circle
behind them, giving them time to get to the clearing and then moving
on.  If it works, I would estimate we could get about an hours rest.
Other than that I don't know if there will be another chance for us to
rest."

(Tatiana:)
"It's gonna be a long night."

(Keilan:)
"I think we shall have to go without rest for a while.  If they are
pursuing us, then our advantage lies in the speed of our mounts.  If
Silver could create more of those enchanted berries, remember Arlon?
That would help our weariness."

(Silver:)
Silver is still not anywhere to be seen by the party.

(Arlon:)
"That is true Keilan, those berries were revitalizing .. Damn!  We
should have got some of that water that Mindak told us about - it was
supposed to revitalize you."

(Keilan:)
"But we don't have a mount for Silver still.  That may have to wait
until we reach the temple." (looking to Shade) "She will be changing
back then, won't she?"

Keilan pauses a moment in thought. "Arlon, can you create more horses
like these?"

(Arlon:)
"I have the spell; but the steeds would have no power of flight."

(Keilan:)
"That would do.  One or two in addition to my mount might be enough to
fool them.  Depends on how good their trackers are.  And if they have
figured our true goal.  As soon as Tuft returns, the rest of you can
fly for the temple.  I'll leave them a nice trail to follow away from
the direction of the temple."

(Arlon:)
"It may work.  Although the steeds will leave no trail, you will need
to make a trail without much help from them. I'll make one steed,
we'll fly on at about half speed so you can have a chance to catch
up."

(Keilan:)
"What!?  That's no good.  I need hoofprints to make it work.  I don't
suppose you can alter the spell?  I simply can't make a convincing
imitation of six people on horseback without hoofprints.  The plant
growth is sparse over most of the forest floor, tracks are the only
way it would work.  At best it would only split their search into two
groups."

(Arlon:)
"No way to alter the spell.  It was designed with you Rangers in mind,
not to leave tracks.  Only three other things I can think of at the
moment.  I can transform into a horse; but this would use up a high
rank spell that won't be easily replaced.  I can summon some
creatures, and hope that I can communicate with them at a high level.
Lastly I could create a wall of fog in this area that would help to
impede their progress."

(Tatiana:)
"I can do that one too.  I'd rather save your spell energy for when we
need it.  We can use my magic when it's useful and preserve yours for
when it is needed."

(Arlon:)
"Oh, I forgot - if Silver is willing and still has the ability today,
she can transform into a horse.  Of course she would have to transform
into something smaller and ride with you after you're done."

(DM:)
Note that the time is around 11 pm, and it is quite dark by now.

(Falrun:)
"Arlon, Keilan, I know that you have your hearts set on this
diversion, but if we are going to avoid the natives, I suggest we
_all_ leave now.  If the temple is still two hours away by our method
of transportation, it should take the natives many more hours on foot.
No need to try to throw them off course."

(Keilan:)
"It was only a possibility.  What worries me is why the natives are
only 30 minutes away.  If our speed is so great why are they so
close?"

(Falrun:)
"Maybe they are a group that was closer to us that saw us fly over.

(Arlon:)
"Yes, I was wondering about that myself.  It would be highly unlikely
that they were a group that followed us.  Which means, they either saw
us flying overhead and followed a straight line path - unlikely; they
are a group that is heading this way by coincidence; or, and this is
the worst of the three, they have an extremely effective distance
communication system, using magic or sounds.  Something we may want to
consider as we fly on.  If anyone hears any strange noises like
repetitive banging, let me know."

(Falrun:)
"In any case, they are a minor concern in my opinion."

"If we can get a large enough lead on them, we can get to the temple
and possibly be done there before the natives reach it.  In any case,
it will be better than trying to give a false trail that may or may
not work and divide the party.  Let's just get going."

"Tatiana, any word on how many there may be?"



And so the party prepare for a flight to the temple to avoid
confrontation ....

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana moved towards her pegasus, "Tuft is almost here now, are we
leaving or setting up traps?"

(Arlon:)
"Falrun does have a point, we should probably just go as soon as we
are ready."

(Keilan:)
"We're leaving now."  Keilan goes and hastily gets ready for the next
stage of the flight.

(Tatiana:)
Tuft came sailing through the giant trees into the glade and landed on
Tatiana's extended arm.

(Falrun:)
Falrun shudders slightly as he approaches his pegasus.  You can see
him steel himself for the ordeal as he climbs onto the creatures back.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will get on his mount when Tuft gets back. "Lets be off then.
Try to keep eyes and ears alert."

(DM:)
You decide to saddle up again, and proceed towards the temple.
Shilara's thoughts on landing were simple. She only flew over it from
great height, but it was obvious that the vegetation around the temple
was scarce to none, so landing there would be a simple matter.

As you fly, once more tree tops flash past you in the dark this time.
Darkness is setting in seriously now, and those without infravision
are glad the steeds are so steady and can see in the dark.

From your time of flight you estimate you should be nearing the temple
grounds. And suddenly you get a weird feeling as you get close. You
remember that the Darkhaven Dozen never really got close, except for
those who teleported in.  Just as you get a glimpse of torches on the
ground, the horses disappear in thin air! As you curse and fall
through the trees, all those capable of magic-use scream out in terror
or shock. You feel powerless as the cloying, oppressive feeling of a
magic-less area enfolds you.

All of you crash through the tree branches, which luckily somewhat
break your falls. (All of you roll Dex checks. If failed receive 4d6
hpd, else 2d6 hpd). With loud thuds and yelps of pain and dismay you
fall to the forest floor. While you test for broken bones (all make
save vs breath weapon, with constitution bonus - same as HP bonus,
i.e. add +2 to roll for con16 etc, if failed have a broken bone. roll
d10. 1-2 left arm, 3-4 right arm, 5-6 left leg, 7-8 right leg, 9-0
some ribs for additional d8 hpd), you hear the babbling of natives
approaching.

(Arlon:)
OOC: HOLY #!$&*! Made the dex check - took 10pts of damage; made the
     breath weapon save (rolled a 15)

(Keilan:)
Keilan stands up from the forest floor. "Owww.  Damn magicians.  I
thought Mendahl said a full day."  He seems uninjured except for some
soreness.  He looks around to see what has become of the rest of the
group.

(Falrun:)
Falrun, reacting quickly, grabs a branch on his way down to break his
fall.  (OOC: 6 hpd) After hitting the ground, he lays on the forest
floor shaking from the shock of falling and dealing with his fear of
flight now that it seems as if his fear was well justified.

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Dex check rolled a 5 against a 17 (saved) for 6 hp of damage
     Breath Weapon save 17 against 13 (saved) for no broken bones.
     Man do those kind of tests scare me!  I still remember the day my
     halfling thief with ungodly good find traps ability.  An
     excellent save verse poison check, and good constitution for
     system shock.  He rolled a 100 and missed the deadly pin trap.
     He rolled a 1 for the save and when they tried to resurrect him
     he rolled a 100 and was dead for good!

Tatiana was flying back from the lead group and with the keen night
vision Tuft's link provided her she saw the Pegasi disappear from her
companions ahead.  Her mind went into quick action mode and she flung
her cloak open and tossed Tuft into the air.

Her mental link with him was more than sufficient to prepare him for
what was coming.  Tuft gracefully took off into a glide just as her
pegasus disappeared below her.  The shock of losing her magic was
quickly replaced with her training as a warrior from earlier days.
She slapped the branches as she fell through the trees and was
thankful she didn't break any bones.

She fell into an uncommon patch of undergrowth with a loud thump.
"UUUffff!"

(Dithion:)
Dithion falls hard unfortunately, and takes 17 pts damage, with some
cracked ribs. He can still move fast and fight if necessary, but that
may take an additional toll.

(Shade:)
Shade starts tumbling through the uppermost branches, twisting to
avoid hurting the frog tucked in his jacket, and suffers some minor
scratches (3hpd) before his innate levitation kicks in, and he floats
gently to the ground.

Anyway all present will witness an unbelievable stream of drow
swearings.

When landed, Shade's first worries are to check for Silver/frog
status, "Are you well dear?"  - he kisses the frog on the nose, - "Do
you want to morph back? one croak for yes, two for no."

(Silver:)
OOC: failed dex, damage 4d6 = 7hpd, save vs breath made (phew! agree
     with you about these rolls, Joe!), shapechange cures 7*.4=3 hpd,
     leaving just 4hpd.

"Croak"

(Shade:)
He puts Silver on the ground.

(Silver:)
The more familiar form of Silver soon replaced the frog, and for a
long moment, Silver and Shade held each other, happy that nothing
worse had happened to them. "Thank you, Ebu - I felt you twist during
the long fall, protecting me from the branches. You saved me from
being crushed ... I _love_ you" and kisses Shade hard and long.

OOC: Nightsight Proficiency

Silver's eyes were already accustomed to the dark, and able to make
out details very well.  Noting several scratches over Shade, some
starting to bleed, she gasps "Oh, my poor Ebu!".  Composing herself
she raises her eyes to the sky, lays her hands on the wound, and says
quietly

	"Oh Mielikki, Your poor child has suffered,
	 to save more suffering.
	 To save me from harm.
	 Let me repay him with Your kindness."

She waits, yet nothing happens. "My sweet Goddess, I ask for very
little ... please, I implore You to show Your mercy and love in small
measure." As still nothing happens, Silver looks up and says "I know
not what I have done to offend You, to gain Your disfavour. I ask for
nothing more, unless it be a sign to a way I can please You."

Turning back to Shade, she will administer kind words and first aid to
the scratches he sustained in the fall, showing him all the time what
she does and why.

OOC: If still ok to administer first aid, Shade gets 2hp back.

(DM:)
The approaching natives obviously heard your screams of terror, and
maybe were even warned of your coming. The temple is still some 2000
yards away from your best information.  The natives are still a few
minutes away. From the sounds of them, they come along a wide front
(i.e. not just one group) and must number in the high decimals, 50+
people you would guess within range you can hear.

(Falrun:)
After he recovers and realizes the danger approaching he will look
around to survey the condition of the party.  If there appears to be
some delay in recovery, he will move towards the noise of the natives
and slip into the shadows.

(Arlon:)
Arlon sits up slowly and checks his limbs for sturdiness and breathes
deep to check on his body.  He then takes a quick look to find Tatiana
he then starts to crawl towards her to see how she is.  As he crawls
along he talks "Couldn't have been Dispel Magic - the area was too
big.  And the power to generate an anti-magic shell that size would be
almost unimaginable."  he shakes his head as he continues.

(Tatiana:)
She got up quickly despite being winded by the landing.  She scanned
the area and was dismayed to find she couldn't see anymore. She
quickly reached out to Tuft mentally *TUFT!!!* and got no response.
She couldn't even feel him anywhere nearby.

OOC: I assume the link to Tuft is still magical in nature and not
     innate so the link is broken for as long as I am in the zone.

(Arlon:)
When he gets to Tatiana.  "Are you alright?"

(Tatiana:)
"I can't see!" she exclaimed as she reached out grasping for some
support.

OOC: I'm not sure if I ever wrote anything about this but I've got it
     noted on my character sheet now that Tuft is 5 years old.  Which
     means Tuft has been my familiar for about 4 years.  I'd say
     that's long enough to become used to night vision, after a little
     adjustment Tatiana will be able to deal with this loose I'm sure.

(Arlon:)
"We have to get moving, it sounds like the natives are headed this
way."

(Tatiana:)
"You'll have to lead me!  I can't see."

(Keilan:)
Keilan hisses from the darkness, "Be silent, Tatiana."  Keilan's dark
form is outlined against the darker forest.  "Arlon, help me locate
the others.  You can see well enough.  We need to move now."

OOC: I'm assuming it's not absolutely dark.  If it is, well, things
     are going to get ugly.  (or would that be uglier?)

(Arlon:)
"Shade and Falrun can do that, I am attending to Tatiana!"

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana squeezed Arlon's arm gently.  "I'll be okay, I was trained to
fight in the dark, but maneuvering will be difficult over this
terrain.  Go ahead and help Keil' locate everyone." she said softly.

(Keilan:)
Still in a quiet but stern voice, "You'll move *now* or Ana will need
an undertaker.  If she can't walk, I'll carry her, but we need a
better defense than this.  I cannot see the others."

(Arlon:)
Responding to Keilan, he says "We're already in the process of moving,
oaf, her legs are fine she is just having trouble adjusting to the
darkness."

(Tatiana:)
"I'm not an invalid, I just can't see!  I can take care of myself if
fighting starts.  I just can't move fast if we need to run!" she said,
her voice showing an tint of anger as she felt Keilan's harshness
unnecessary.

(Arlon:)
"I don't know if heading toward the temple will get us out of this
anti-magic area; but it is probably better than waiting for the
natives.  This is very bothersome, meeting something that can do this
would not be my first choice - but may be inevitable. "

Turning to Tatiana, he adds "You may be relying on my eyes right now;
but if this magic-less area persists, I will need to rely on your
skills, my warrioress."

(Tatiana:)
To Arlon, "Keep talking to me, so I know where you are.  I wouldn't
want to mistake you for an enemy."  She started to calm down and her
training in Blind Fighting started to surface again.  She tried to
orient herself as she had been trained to do. "Let's get out of this
zone so we can at least use our magic!  I bet we'll be out of the zone
if we run from the natives coming this way!"

(Arlon:)
Arlon makes a check for his items.

(DM:)
You are still in an anti magic zone, Arlon puts on a ring, but not
much happens, you do not even feel a slight tingle. To the spell
casters, the area is quite oppressive. Silver could still change shape
from being polymorphed, as it is an innate power, affecting herself.
No magical forces can manifest basically, but magical items are still
magic, infravision etc still work.

(Keilan:)
Keilan calls out to the darkness, "Shade!  Falrun!  Silver?"

(Falrun:)
After an approximate determination of how many natives are near,
Falrun reappears from out of the shadows.  "I'm here, Keilan."  He
will then check the others for damage and try to locate the rest of
the group.

(Silver:)
Keilan's call comes from a little distance away, and both Silver and
Shade pick up their packs, moving towards the rest of the party,
getting quite close.  Before either of them have a chance to call out
and answer Keilan, Falrun appears like a ghost from the darkness.
"Falrun !"  Silver exclaims, used to darkness, and able to see quite
well.  "Well met !"

(Shade:)
"How are all you guys? Gotta go, and fast too."

(Silver:)
When told about the threat of the natives she will remove a pair of
padded green gloves from her satchel, and put them on. The other times
she has worn these were when Dark Haven got attacked and down in the
mines.

(Arlon:)
Using infra-red scanning, Arlon will see if all are moving ok.
"Everyone seems to be moving ok, why don't you (Keilan) and Falrun
take the lead and the rest of us will follow.  Shade and I can help
Tatiana and Dithion navigate.

(Silver:)
Silver moved with Shade, quite easily in the dark. She seemed almost
distraught about what she thought of as Mielikki deserting her. "What
could I have done for Her to desert us ? I had never thought to gain
such disfavour !" she says to herself.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana heard Silver's prayer in the dark. "Silver!?  We are in an
anti-magic zone.  By the size of it, I think it would be a dead magic
zone, it's much too large for a dispel magic."

(Silver:)
"A what ? Surely there is nothing that can keep a Goddess from
reaching Her subjects ! By all that grows, I had never heard of such a
thing before."

(Tatiana:)
"I'll tell you more about it later Silver, now is not the time to go
into the battle of the Gods story."

(DM:)
The natives that are coming at you do so at an unhurried pace,
possibly to keep formation, or ensure no one slips through from what
you would guess. There is one problem with that.  They are between you
and the Temple. Those using infrared vision, will not see them yet.
They are still too far away. Though the Anti Magic Zone does not
adversely affect the infrared vision of those who have it, the energy
field, or whatever it is, which suppresses the magic, does make your
infrared viewing in grey shades, rather than coloured. You guys know
from experience, that running away will not work for ever. In these
woods, the natives are faster than most of you, only Keilan, if he
were by himself, would probably be able to stay ahead of them, most of
you, and definitely when moving as a group, would be caught sooner or
later.

Decisive action is called for on your parts. The time is now about
2:30 AM.

(Arlon:)
Arlon now realizes the natives are coming from the direction of the
temple.  "Damn!  We'll have to fall back and try to get around them or
through them."

(Keilan:)
OOC: eep!

Keilan turns to Falrun after Arlon's "oaf" comment.  "I hope you were
right about the natives not being hostile.  As I see it we've got
three choices.  We make a stand here and meet them.  We try to break
free of this magicked area and meet them.  Or we break thru to the
temple.  In the dark, you're our best warrior."

(Falrun:)
OOC: I'll second that 'eep!'

"If what Arlon said is true about this area having dispelled our
magical mounts, I would guess that we are on the very edge of it.  If
we move back about 100 meters in the direction we came from, we may
give our magic users the chance to use some spells."

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Double eep!

Tatiana huffs angrily "ENOUGH!  We move away from the Temple!"  She
pulled on Arlon's arm for him to guide her.

(Arlon:)
"Falrun is right, the edge of this zone shouldn't be too far back.
The question then becomes - what do we do at that time.  I guess we
should try to flank them, it is unlikely that all the natives are
fanning out in a circle from the temple just to cut us off.  We should
probably move off at an angle to either side to help us accomplish a
flanking move."

(Shade:)
"Just avoid them first, then we will find what to do next! Let's go."
He gestures to the others to start walking away from the temple.

(Tatiana:)
"Yes let's get out of this zone, our magic can only help us!"

(Falrun:)
"You go and escort Arlon and Tatiana, I'll go and help Shade, Silver
and Dithion.  Let's be quick, I don't think we have too much more
time, and I don't think stealth is of great importance at the moment."

(Arlon:)
As Keilan approaches Tatiana and Arlon, "Sorry about the 'oaf' thing;
I am more than a little upset about losing my magic.  I have never
known life without it." If Keilan is looking at Arlon's face, he will
think there is something different about it.

(Keilan:)
"Huh."

(Arlon:)
"Yes, I have felt the presence of magic as long as I can remember.
This is the first time I have not been able to 'feel' it."

(Keilan:)
Reaching Arlon, he says "Shut up and move." Keilan grabs Arlon's shirt
and pulls him in the direction that should be out of the anti-magic
zone. Presumably Tatiana will be in tow.  Not a rough shove, just a
bit to get the magickless- wizard moving whether he likes it or not.
You don't have to curse his entire lineage for it.

(Silver:)
Shade and Silver are with Keilan when he starts to hassle Arlon and
Tatiana to get them moving. When Keilan grabs Arlon's shirt, Silver
will move forward as if to stop him, then she reconsiders the
situation, and urges Shade forward, slightly ahead of this small
group.

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Tatiana is accepting a guiding hand from Arlon, she is not in
     tow.

Tatiana heard Arlon grunt slightly from the mishandling he was getting
from Keilan.

For tactical situations her instincts were keen, she sprang ahead of
Arlon to where she estimated Keilan was grabbing him.  She reached in
and twisted her arm around Keilan's forcing him to release Arlon, or
suffer a broken arm.

"A little more tact please Keil" she said angrily, not expecting a
counter strike.  "Solid leadership is all we need, not a bludgeoning
hand."

(Keilan:)
Keilan walks behind the two to make sure they don't stop. Referring to
Arlon's idea of flanking the approaching natives, he says "We don't
have enough people to outflank them, Arlon."

(Arlon:)
"But you don't need numbers to outflank a group, just speed of
movement and thought.  I may not have my magic; but I still have my
mind.  A powerful tool that many forget to use."

(Keilan:)
Growing petulant. "Speed of movement is their advantage at the moment,
not ours.  If we don't clear this zone or your magic doesn't return
then your powerful mind will have a spear through it."

(Tatiana:)
"DAMN IT to the nine hells! Just move out of this zone.  We'll get
organized later."  Tatiana moved carefully away from the Temple
towards where she thought the dead zone started.

OOC: Slower if she isn't getting a guided hand.  How much light are we
     getting here on the Jungle floor?  I assume practically none!

(Keilan:)
Again, to Arlon, "Stay together unless you are told to do otherwise.
Until we get out of this magic-less area you can't pull your own
weight.  And even then it remains to be seen if your spells will
return.  I know of one place that drains power from wizards like water
through a sieve.  None of them could do any magic for days."

(Silver:)
Silver half smiles. She knew her Goddess would never allow that. Then
her expression froze - of course ! It would not be Mielikki that
failed to grant Her gifts, it would be Silver who did not have the
strength to accept them !

(Falrun:)
Falrun directs Shade to Keilan while he checks on Dithion.  If Dithion
needs help, Falrun will help him get to the rest of the party,
otherwise he will just make sure that Dithion can find them.  In the
meantime, he will be watching the party's back for any signs of
advanced scouts or imminent contact with the natives.

Falrun will have his bow out and ready, but he will only fire on the
natives if he is fired upon.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will periodically check to see when they clear the anti-magic
zone.  Although I suspect Dithion will practically know immediately
when that happens, when one of his items takes effect again.



And at last, the whole party are together again, moving away from
immediate danger ...

(Silver:)
Silver will be _very_ relieved that no-one is seriously hurt, and will
stick close with Shade and the rest of the party. She is in favour of
moving back outside the Anti-Magic barrier, but will not yet believe
that the barrier is the reason her powers have deserted her. She will
give any aid to any obvious wounds on people, after they get wherever
they are moving to.

(DM:)
You all move away from the Temple, and pursuit of the natives is
tentative and unhurried.  You have the feeling they do not care that
much if you escape away from the Temple, but are greatly interested in
ensuring no one slips through TO the Temple.

You move cursing and stumbling through the deep darkness. Not much
light ever reaches the jungle floor here you feel, and it being deep
night doesn't help much either.

(DM:)
Finally, after what seems ages, those who possess magical abilities
and spells, suddenly feel those powers return to them. You have made
it out of the zone without problems.  However, the natives are still
approaching, and the only way to the temple would appear to be
straight through them....

(Arlon:)
"AAAAHHHHHH!  That feels better."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana stepped out of the jungle's magic dead zone and her vision
instantly became better.

*Thought you'd never get out of there* Tuft's mental voice came to her.

She let out a sigh and eased her grip on Arlon.

(Keilan:)
Keilan shudders as the group makes it way through the forest.  "We're
free of the magickless region, aren't we?"

(Arlon:)
"Yes, I felt a surge as we came out."

(Silver:)
As it becomes apparent that they have left the zone, Silver starts to
ask Mielikki for gift to cure her bruises, to ensure that She can hear
Silver, but then Silver thinks better of it.

(Arlon:)
"We need to find a way to get around, through the natives.  There is
no telling how high the anti-magic zone extends; so I would not try
flying.  I'll still say we should try to get to one side of the
natives and look for or make a hole in their line.  Keilan could you
make a misleading trail for our friends and if so how much time would
you need?  If I only had some illusion spells."

(Falrun:)
Once we have a decent lead on the natives, Falrun will tell everyone
to keep going while he climbs a tall tree to check on the activities
of the natives.

(Keilan:)
When Falrun goes treeclimbing: "Quickly now.  And remember that they
can see in the dark as well as you."

(Tatiana:)
"Not any more." Tatiana said smugly and with a confident tone.

(Falrun:)
Falrun quietly slips out of the shadows as you continue your flight.
"Ok, this is what is going on.  There is a line of natives approaching
us.  Each one is about two meters from the next in a line stretching
from left to right as far as I can see."

(Keilan:)
"Damn! Two meters? That's a lot of natives. We should try stealth
first.  But not the trees.  If they spot us up there, none of us make
it down alive.  Why do you think hunters use dogs to tree their prey?
It's your turn, Arlon.  Now we need some spells."

(Falrun:)
"Arlon, do those invisibility potions still work?  If they do, we can
all drink just enough to keep us invisible till they pass, then we can
sneak our way to the temple which is still a couple of kilometers from
here.  If they don't, we can try climbing a tree, using the branches
and leaves to block our body heat from being seen from below.  Then,
when they pass, we can climb down and move on."

(Arlon:)
"Yes the potions should still work, of course the magic would cease
once we reenter the anti-magic zone; but it would help us evade the
natives.  Hopefully it will take them some time to understand that
they have passed us.  Now if Keilan can make that false trail given
our time crunch, we could get some more lead time.  Once invisible
should we hide on the ground or in the air.  I could levitate five,
probably six of us in the air."

(Falrun:)
"Because of the fanned out manner in which they were searching, I
believe that they are not following our trail, they're just trying to
catch us in an overall sweep.  If this is the case, we could just
stand behind a tree to avoid having to move if one of them wants to
walk into us.  Save your spells for when we will really need them."

(Keilan:)
"Still risky.  Anyone of them might lean against the tree and ruin our
disguise."

(Falrun:)
"Besides, in this darkness, even with night sight, it must be too
difficult to follow a trail anyway."

(Keilan:)
"If only that were true."

(Falrun:)
"Dithion, you may want to do something about those ribs before you do
any climbing or running."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana spoke up.  "I've got an idea!  I've got a spell that can
create a wall of fog, and one that can summon minor intelligent
creatures.  I cast these two together and order the summoned creatures
to stay in the fog and cause a disturbance.  If I can get the wall of
fog to move away from us then perhaps the natives will attack them
letting us by!?"

"In the meantime we are invisible and sneak past them towards the
citadel.  If things go well the summoned creatures will dispel before
they catch up and the natives will be searching for us out here."

"If we stumble upon a native while we still have access to magic, I
can make him forget what he just saw, then go invisible again - if I
have a potion that is.

"What do you think?"

(Arlon:)
Arlon gives Tatiana's rump a couple of quick pats - it is dark you
know :) "I was also thinking about that, although I was thinking about
doing it after they passed us, so they would be delayed getting back."

"I also believe Keilan is right, it's a bit too risky to stay on the
ground when they're close - too many things could happen.  If we're in
the air we won't have to worry about bumping into them, unless they're
swinging from the trees.  Falrun, about how much time will it take for
them to reach us?"

(Falrun:)
"How much time do we have, Arlon?  I would say that we only have about
five minutes before they reach us.  That should be enough time to do
all of this stuff."

"I like Tatiana's plan... and maybe we'll have some time before we
actually reach the temple to rest and recuperate."

(Tatiana:)
"Only if we get there undetected and remain so!"

(Keilan:)
"Tatiana, cast your fog spell now.  Arlon, cast your levitation on as
many as you can manage.  Then we will drink the potions of
invisibility.  We will wait until they pass and then make our way back
toward the temple.  There will be no time to rest.  Save your spell of
summoning Tatiana.  Our problem is not the hunters but the ones still
at the temple.  Not all of them will be searching for us.  There will
be more sentries to pass.  Or destroy."

(Arlon:)
"Ok Tatiana you cast the Wall of Fog before they get here, wait a
couple minutes though to give the natives maximum time within the fog.
I would make it no thicker or higher than 50' then make it as long as
you can.  I'll cast one after we get down.  Now I have an idea ..."

(Tatiana:)
"Don't worry about levitating me." she said as she pulled out a pair
of slippers from her backpack a put them on over her soft boots. "And
the spell of summoning won't work in the magic dead zone.  It's use it
now or risk not being able to use it later."

"As long as there is magic available I'll be able to walk up the side
of the tree with ease." She then began to cast her Wall of Fog spell
further away from the magic dead zone.  "Now remember invisibility
will do you no good in the fog as they will be relying on other means
to find you."

Tatiana took a potion bottle from Arlon and took a sip and soon faded
from sight. "I'm up a tree folks.  Make a break for the dead zone as
soon as you can.  I'll make sure Tuft rounds us up when we make it
over." her voice could be heard coming higher up in the air as she
walked up a tree invisibly.

(Silver:)
Thinking for a while about Falrun's report, Silver suddenly smiles and
says "If there is only a single line of them, then it is simple ! I
can open a path ! We simply wait until they get close, then walk
through a portal which takes us ... oh ... thirty metres or more
behind them, closer to the temple. We simply go through them without
them noticing ! No need for invisibility at all."

(Tatiana:)
"Oohhh" Tatiana's voice could be heard up the side of a tree. "I like
that!  No trail to follow either.  Let's be on the other side of the
Fog bank and put the portal up on the side they can't see then
transport right to the other side of them!"

She can be heard coming back down out of the tree.  "Let's do it
folks! We are running out of time!  Tuft will still get us back
together if we get separated before we make it to the dead zone"

(Arlon:)
He raises his right eyebrow.  "Indeed, your druidic magic is quite
intriguing Silver."

(Silver:)
Silver smiles at this in the dark. 

(Arlon:)
"I would still like to use invisibility just in case.  The wall of fog
may still be useful as well.  At any rate we should make sure we are
more than 30 meters outside the anti-magic zone or the trip could be
shortened unexpectedly.  It sounds like Silvers spell will be our best
bet."  If Arlon can locate a small rock or twig "If someone can throw
this away from us right before Silver casts her spell it may distract
the natives and cause them to move faster away from the Temple."

(Falrun:)
"Or even better, a couple of arrows in a tree next to them..." he says
as he pulls his bow off of his shoulder and prepares it for use.
"That should really stir them up."

(Arlon:)
"I'd rather do the rock thing, an arrow coming at them could put them
in a defensive posture which may cause them to stay put or retreat.
If they feel they are close and we are still fleeing, they may speed
up their 'pursuit' - the noise from the rock will hopefully give them
this sense."

(Falrun:)
"Very well.  But I'll still keep my bow out.  You never know what
might be waiting for us."

(Tatiana:)
"Do that from the far side of the Fog before we enter the portal."

(Keilan:)
Keilan just stands back and shakes his head.

(Tatiana:)
*Tuft?*

*I've been listening*

*Good then you know what I want you to do right?!*

*Yes, Spot the stragglers and round em up into one group.*

*You know we won't be able to communicate in the dead zone*

*I'll be okay, A 6 inch creature landing on your shoulder is hard to
ignore.*

OOC: Tuft is a screech owl if you didn't know, and when fully grown
     are very tiny still.  No more than a handspan of a grown man.

*Well, be careful anyways.  I love you.*

*Me?!  You be careful!  You've got the natives running around like a
swarm of fire ants!*

She smiled mentally and moved into position to implement the plan.

(Silver:)
"The false trail is still an excellent idea, and perhaps a ...
diversion ... might not go amiss ? Somewhere up along the line a bit,
then we can get through in the chaos which follows"

(Keilan:)
As discussion continues around the large number of permutations of
spells at our disposal.  "Whatever!  Choose quickly one plan that will
work and be done with it!  I for one will savour going back through
that zone of anti- magic."

(Arlon:)
OOC: well lets get moving before Keilan falls asleep or starts
     throwing mages around :)

To Tatiana about wall of fog. "Cast the Wall of Fog between us and the
natives and Tuft can let us know when they enter the fog, Silver can
begin preparations and we can go shortly after Tuft gets back."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana scampered back down the tree and grimaced as she caught
Keilan's disgusted look of dismay at her haphazard plan. Even
invisibly she looked like a dizzy girl.  She felt even more urgently
the need to prove she worth something to the Eidolon, besides a teller
of tales.

(Arlon:)
"Ok, everyone ready.  Tatiana you better hold on to my arm, so we know
where the other is.  Silver, do what you need to do."

(Silver:)
"Ok guys, I need a moment to provide a distraction of my own. Quick
now, gather round."

As the others get closer so she does not need to speak above more than
a whisper, she says "The area directly in front of us will very soon
become very difficult and painful for the searching natives to cross.
This area will show no trace of magic ...  but there is a chance that
they may think it unusual enough it warrants further searching. If you
need to move out of here, go that way ..."  she indicates a direction
away from the temple "...  for about ten metres, then go to the side
for another ten."

Pausing for quick breath, she adds "when I am ready, the start of the
path will be directly between these two trees ..." she points to two
trees close to them "... and will - by the grace of Mielikki - emerge
directly at the very edge of the dead zone."

Not waiting for any questions, she intones, very quietly 

	"Mielikki, I wish no harm to come to creatures of your realm,
	 so grant me this gift if You deem me worthy,
	 to prevent greater harm from falling on this forest.
	 Grant us a shield and a path, if You deem it correct"

(Tatiana:)
She stepped in close to Silver as she prayed.

* Pay attention Tuft, I'll send as strong an image of where I am when
we come out the door as I can *

* Don't be silly! I'll take the same path as you *

* What?!? *

* I'll come out in the same location as you will, if I take the same
path as you.  That way you can concentrate on what you walk into. *

* Oh * she thought feeling stupid again.

(Silver:)
This intonation continues for some moments, and perhaps Keilan may
notice some change in the forest ahead of them and to either side.

OOC: This is 2 spike growth spells, and a plant door spell. The
     frontmost spike growth comes off first, then the one which wraps
     round the party, then the plant door. The area of the spike
     growth is ahead and to the side of the party.  Imagine each
     character to be a 5 foot square, and ^ indicates spikes, and *
     indicates the party.  %% shows the start of the path, and it goes
     straight ahead to the edge of the barrier. I assumed we would be
     at the appropriate distance from the zone before casting the
     spell.

                            ^^
                         ^^^^^^^^              ^
                        ^^^^^^^^^^            /|\
                       ^^^^^^^^^^^^            |  To the temple
                        ^^^^^^^^^^               and approaching
                        ^^^^^^^^^^                   natives
                        ^^^^%%^^^^
                        ^^  **  ^^
                        ^^  **  ^^
                         ^^^  ^^^
                           ^  ^

(DM:)
You see the line of natives slowly advance, and have created the mist.
All of you are invisible due to potions, and some rocks and sticks are
thrown to misdirect the natives.  They startle at the sounds, but do
not break formation. They continue on, even more cautious than before.

(Silver:)
Before Silver went invisible, she went close to Shade and said quietly
"Well, Ebu, all is ready. Let us stay close ... hold on to the end of
this twine when we pass through. I would hate to lose you when we
emerged." And she kisses him before disappearing from view.

(Shade:)
"You won't lose me so easily, dear," says Shade with a smile.

(DM:)
Then Silver creates the portal through the surrounding trees. You guys
step through, and now are behind the line of, now retreating from your
vantage point, natives. (I take it you guys were careful not to appear
too close to the anti magic zone, lest you become visible again, and
be spotted by a native glancing backwards or some ill luck like that.)

(Falrun:)
Falrun gathers some branches and large rocks to be thrown into the
underbrush before he enters the Dimension door.  As the others start
to pass through the door, he will start throwing and tossing these
branches into the nearby brush in order to make as much noise as
possible.

(Tatiana:)
"Arlon" she whispered trying to locate him. 

(Arlon:)
"I am right behind you, beautiful" he whispered back. "Remember to
keep your knees high as you walk to avoid tripping."

(Tatiana:)
She moved closer to Arlon and held on to his arm as they crossed
through the plant path created by Silver.

(Falrun:)
As the last person enters the portal, he will throw one last branch
into the underlying vegetation.  As he heads through the portal, he
will ready his bow and prepare to meet whatever may be waiting on the
other side side..

(DM:)
So, now you guys are standing invisibly near the edge of the anti
magic zone. Now and then you bounce into each other, if you can't see
each other. :)

(Silver:)
When we emerge at the other end of the path, close to the dead zone,
Shade can feel the twine go taut and then feel an arm on his. A
whisper near his ear says "Are you alright ?"

(Shade:)
"Yes, I am." The voice of the bard is just a whisper in Silver ear.

(Silver:)
Silver then remains totally quiet and motionless, waiting for the
natives to move further away. She would listen for any sounds as they
crossed the spiked area, but pay particular attention to the dead area
ahead, searching the darkness for any movement there. "I shiver to
think that I will be entering a place where I cannot feel Her ..."
she whispers again to Shade.

(Shade:)
"Hold on, Silver, the Goddess is still at your side even if you cannot
communicate with her ..."

(Silver:)
Silver links her hand with Shade's in response, and whispers back in a
voice full of emotion "You're right, I know ... it's just I sometimes
doubt my own capacity for ... oh, I don't know" she ends in a
frustrated tone.  "_Why_ do I plague myself with doubt ?"

(DM:)
You guys are now about 50 meters behind the natives, and they are
still receding farther.

(Keilan:)
From the empty air comes a quiet, stern voice: "Let's go.  Toward the
temple.  Form a line and put one hand on the shoulder in front of you.
Falrun, you go first.  I'll go last and make sure no one comes up
behind us."

(Tatiana:)
She came out close to the edge of the Anti-Magic zone. Keilan gave his
order and she hissed in reply "Stay still until I give the okay!  Tuft
will check things out while we are invisible"

(Keilan:)
"Mmm.  Quickly or we proceed without his help."

(Silver:)
Silver tried hard not to laugh despite the tense situation when she
saw Tuft sitting, perched on nothing.

(Arlon:)
"Keilan's right, we can't wait too long.  He shouldn't go all the way.
Tell him to use some kind of body signals so he can alert us from a
short distance.  You know like two wings out for stop and so forth."

(Tatiana:)
"That's kind of tough to do when he is flying.  I think we can rely on
Silver to be able to communicate with us and tell us what he is
saying.  Besides I'll probably be able to tell anyways cause I know
him so well."

* Tuft!? Check out the best path to the Temple and then come back and
fill us in on the best path to take. *

A moment later she felt the absence of Tuft again.  Her night vision
disappeared with a surprised gasp.

(Silver:)
As Tuft left, she hooted quietly [Fly swift and sure, Tuft]. While
Tuft was gone, she reached Tatiana, touched her arm and whispered
"Only us, 'Ana. How thick do you think that dead zone is ? I would
hate to be without Her for ever. To die in such a place would be truly
horrible - without ever knowing Her touch again" and she shivers in
the cool night air.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana nodded invisibly in agreement with Silver and let out a sigh.
"Yes, this world would be a better place without these kinds of zones.
But what can I know of the ways of Gods.  I think I heard that priests
of Mystra would still feel her touch in such zones though.

(Silver:)
Silver stops totally, and turns to Tatiana, and with an amazed tone
says "Oh no, 'Ana, you must _surely_ be mistaken. That is like saying
that Mystra has dominion over Mielikki in such a realm as this. I have
not dabbled in lore as you have, but that really does not sound right.
I _really_ cannot believe that !"

(Tatiana:)
The moment seemed to stretch on forever as she and the others waited.

Finally Tuft returned, and the comforting feel of his thoughts and his
better sensory perceptions came back.  She knew what she would wish if
she ever had the opportunity.

She whispered out to the group, at least to where she thought they
were if no one had wandered off.

"Tuft will lead us through the best path.  Just watch the birdie."

(Silver:)
Again, Silver hoots at Tuft quietly [Don't go too fast, Tuft !] as she
moves towards the temple. It is with mixed emotions that she both
loses her contact with Mielikki but actually sees her colleagues at
the same time when they cross into the dead zone.

Taking a deep breath she moved quietly through the forest, leaving not
a single trace of her passing. She will be looking mainly straight
ahead as she moves, trying to see this temple which is the apparent
origin of this godless dead zone.

(Arlon:)
"Falrun, if you can follow the path of one of the natives, chances are
its a good one."

(DM:)
Tuft returns with news of the path, before you enter the dead zone,
and communicates the following. There is not a second line of natives
following the first, Falrun confirms this by not seeing anything from
his tree, but there IS a second stationary line of natives closer to
the temple, about 100 meters into the dead magic zone. Even closer to
the temple, just outside the dead magic zone (it seems to be a circle
around the temple grounds) the Temple grounds are ringed with small
camps of natives, guarding the temple exits as well as the temple
entrances. The dead magic zone appears to be about 650 meters broad.
Then it will be another 1,300 meters to the Temple proper.

Tuft CAN lead you guys through a comfortable path, but this will not
avoid the second native line, nor can you avoid being spotted from one
of the small camps, though Tuft can make sure you guys at least do not
end up in the middle of such a camp.

(Silver:)
Silver, still invisible, says "This is a real problem. _I_ could
probably get through without them being aware of me, but I don't fancy
going in there alone ..." and gives a nervous laugh.

She then asks the others "Is there any way that we can find out if
this dead zone is a hemisphere, or if it's just a circular wall that's
limited in height ?"

(Arlon:)
Arlon's head drops to his chest and he shakes his head.  "Can it get
any worse ?  We are basically surrounded by natives and have a
magickless zone to navigate.

"Let's see, we can use Tuft to see if there is a height limit to the
zone, within reason, allowing us to fly again.  Make a mad dash past
the natives - yeah right - stealth and diversion or go home.  Anyone
else have any thoughts ?"

(DM:)
You guys let Tuft fly around to check on the zone, you find out it is
a hemispherical shell around the temple. also, the DD never mentioned
it, so chances are it was put up recently. From the dimensions of the
shell, to fly above it and drop in, you will have to be about 2
kilometers up, and then there will be a LONG fall, with 750 meters of
it through the anti-magic shell..

Also, just a hint to aid in your planning, remember that the natives
never really approached the temple when the DD were there, so that is
'safe' as far as natives are concerned. So either a stealthy approach,
or a gauntlet run will both end up in 'safe' territory once you reach
the temple.

(Falrun:)
"Let's sneak as close as we can to their weakest point, then we'll
make the mad dash from there, dealing with whatever comes up as it
happens."

(Silver:)
"I agree. To go for stealth all the way would mean we would have
probably have to split up, and if one of us got caught ...." her voice
trails off.

(Tatiana:)
"I see no other choice!  We will surely die here if we do not move
soon.  We are trapped between two superior forces in a magic dead
area."

She nudged Arlon, "let's go" she moved carefully and as quietly as she
could with her chain mail suit on.  Her now normal long sword was out,
it's black runed blade held carefully away from where she thought her
friends were.  At times like this being trained in the art of Blind
Fighting was necessary.

She relied on Arlon for direction, but her steps were careful and
measured.

(Silver:)
Turning to Tuft she hoots [Are there any paths with less danger than
others ?]

(Keilan:)
You hear the creaking of leather as if someone is kneeling and then a
space on the forest floor is cleared of leaves and debris.  A small
"X" is cut into the dirt and a line drawn a bit above it.

"Ok.  We have another line of natives ahead of us here.  It looks to
me that they are within the zone which means we will have to get past
without our magical aids.  The camps nearer the temple will be easier
to pass.  Likely they are not keeping good watch."  <sigh> "Falrun,
you'll have to lead them the last leg to the temple past the camped
natives.  I'll give the rest of you a chance to get by this line.
Make the most of the invisibility.  It can't last much longer from
that little bit of potion."

(Tatiana:)
"Our invisibility will be destroyed once we enter the zone.  So I
suggest we stick close together and sneak forward.  Then make a break
for the Temple at the last possible moment.  Of course how we will get
out of this place will be a wonder to me."

(Arlon:)
Arlon will ask Tatiana to ask Tuft whether the second line of natives
is more spread out than the first.

(DM/Tuft:)
Tuft explains as best as he can that the second line is just as dense
as the first one ...

(Falrun:)
"Ok, I'll lead to the line.  From there, I'll try to sneak up as many
guards as I can and take them out quietly.  Keilan can probably help
me clear a swath through the natives.  Anybody that can use a bow in
this darkness can try to take any more out that may notice us, and the
rest can start running when we're noticed or when we clear a large
enough opening."

(Keilan:)
Sharply, "No!  They are stand too close together for you to attract
attention like that.  *I* will open a hole in their line and the rest
of you will try to sneak through.  As soon as you start slaying them,
it becomes a matter of greater forces.  Go by without being seen or
heard and you may yet keep your head."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana hissed "Quiet! shhhh"

(Silver:)
"Ok guys," Silver interrupts, "just tell us - do we follow Falrun or
what ? How does Falrun follow you, Keilan ? And how far behind ? Do
you have a signal for danger ?  And lets get moving quickly - I have a
_bad_ feeling about this place !"

OOC: Silver is ready to go, she will assume in single file behind
     Falrun. She will fall in with any marching order suggested. How
     about Keilan advance scout, Falrun, Shade, Silver, Tatiana,
     Arlon, Dithion. Anyone prefers a different order, fine - suggest
     it and lets go !

(Tatiana:)
OOC: I don't know or care about the rest of the marching order, but
     Tatiana is in front of Arlon, while Arlon is guiding.

(Keilan:)
"Must I explain everything?  Falrun will lead the rest of you past
this line of guards through the hole that will soon be there.  You
will have to move quickly when your chance comes, but do not give away
your presence.  From there you will go on to the temple.  I will
rejoin you if I can.  Now shut up and do as I say!"

(Silver:)
Silver bristles with anger. Why does he do this ? It is as if he can
only function under dispute. Well, if he needs an argument, he can
have one, and damn him to the abyss and beyond ! As Silver starts to
utter a retort to Keilan, Shade whispers in her ear ...

(Shade:)
The drow shivers slightly "Wish he were as gentle as he is competent"
- he whispers in Silver's ear - "anyway it's far better this way than
if he were as competent as he is gentle." Shade steadies himself
"Let's do as he say."

(Silver:)
Silver barely suppresses a laugh. Of course, Shade was right. Let it
drop. Maybe Keilan needs this bitterness to survive his exile.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana was getting angry at this disorganization.  She looked to
Falrun as the leader and Arlon as an advisor.  She saw Keilan as
Falrun's right hand man, but this was not how it was working out
at all.  Keilan had a mind of his own, and Falrun couldn't control
him.  It was obvious Keilan needed his independence, but it seemed
like it was at the expense of other's desire for organization.  That
man had better learn to express his independence within the plan soon
or they would all get killed!

"Enough!" she hissed, "Keilan make your distraction!  Falrun lead us
to the best point for us to break through when Keilan acts.  Once you
have successfully gotten us through you may aid Keilan if he needs
it."

(Keilan:)
"And thank you for repeating me."

(Tatiana:)
She felt like adding 'and if it were not pointless' --------------
probably sacrificing his life for the rest of them.

"Mielikki be with you Keil'"

(Keilan:)
"Not her.  Not today."

(Silver:)
Hmm. He has even lost faith in the Gods. Not really a surprise - even
I have my doubts at times. Perhaps over time he may soften towards us.
But then again, perhaps his bitterness will drive him too far. Let us
pray that it will not be today ...

(Tatiana:)
One again she wondered how they were going to get out of this temple
once they made it in, and why did the natives avoid it so. Tatiana
started to move forward acting on the plan.  Hopefully the others
would act too.  She was ready to act on her own.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will just follow - he is not making any suggestions.  He'll help
Tatiana as they move toward, what could be their destiny.  He's ready
to run when Falrun gives the signal.

"May all that is good be with us" he whispers.



And the group, still all together, enter the dead zone once more ....