MSD

Echoing footsteps can be heard in the distance. As the seconds pass, it becomes apparent that they are coming from someone or something that is following you. Any who turn to fact the doorway through which these echoes emanate soon realize due to the motions of the man's feet that he is aware of the oud noise he is making and is obviously doing so intentionally.

He stops in the doorway, and stands with his hands folded in fron of him, openly displaying that he is not armed. The man is of short stature, and the caritlege of his ears is elongated in such a way that it forms a point. He is dressed in a padded leather vest, wearing trousers and boots, and his clothing seems to give the impression that he has no interest in standing out in a crowd.
The man's face is handsome, but not striking, and his facial expression reveals no emotion.

After allowing the group a moment to focus on him, the man steps forward, hands at his sides, and begins to speak in a soft, soothing tone of voice.

"I see you have been unfortunate enough to lose a companion to a curse. Even as you mourn him and other fallen allies, it is important to move on. Death is one of the possible outcomes of this journey, and we must accept it if and when it strikes us.

We also must be vigilant. In a cursed place, nothing is safe. Anything you touch may turn against you. Even the shadows on which some of us rely for stealth are unsafe. I urge careful consideration before you touch anything. I have the same purpose as all of you in being here, and we will need as many of us as possible in fighting condition once we find the evili that lurks below.

I suggest we rest and recover a bit before moving on.

Without waiting for a response, the newcomer steps over to a table at the side of the room, sets down his bag, and begins rummaging through it. After a minute, he has produced a small glass, a deecanter filled with a clear liquid, and a small box.

Before continuing, he mumbles somethign to himself, and proceeds to open the decanter and box, pours himself a glass of what appears to be water, and takes a few pieces of beeff jerky and dried fish from the box.

As he consumes his meal, he converses with any who wish to speak with him.

Minx

D'Aleen assures the others that she is alright and looks with amazement at her calf that has been almost totally healed by Krazixs. Gently she runs her fingers over the barely visible scar left by Attrah's blade, turning to Krazixs she surprises him with a large hug and gentle kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, my friend. I don't think I would have made it very far with that wound. You have an invaluable talent there, that is obvious."

It is on the tip of the elf's tongue to ask about the scars criss crossing Krazixs back but she refrains from prying into something so personal. In time, if he chose to share with them, he would reveal his own story. Saddened at the thought of someone having to endure something that would leave such awful marks she turns to Thantos for comfort after this last harrowing incident.

"Oh Thantos...for a moment I thought all was lost."

Not having the words to describe how frightened she was, D'Aleen wraps her arms around him, resting her head against his chest, the reassuring sound of his heartbeat soothing away her fears. Gradually she becomes aware of another sound, loud footsteps echoing down the hallway as someone approaches. Looking up she takes in the newcomer, his short speech and repast at the table. Not knowing what to think of this new development she remains quiet, still shaken from the recent events.

__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!

Sexodus

***As Sexodus places XianXian in his pocket. He goes to examine the cut on his torso. As the tips of his gloved finger touch the cut, He then realizes the damage it has done. Before he can utter a word he walks to the wall and leans against it with one hand. As the newcomer finishes talking.

"I... Thin..."

***Sexodus passes out & collapses to the floor all you can see, Is the blood hand print left on the wall.

krazixs

Krazixs hurry's over to Sexodus kneeling down next his fallen body. Placing his hands over his chest Krazixs concentrates hard on finding what is hurt. Prespiration stands out on his brow as he is already tired from the fight, and healing himself and D'Aleen.

__________________
The Kender in your party has just screamed in fear. Please roll a d20 to see how many of your body parts are still identifiable.

Cubby

Feeling D'Aleen's head against his chest, Thantos worries that his still rapidly beating heart doesn't disturb her moment of rest.

Hearing the sound of boots, he tenses and makes ready to stand and fight once again. When D'Aleen's head rises from his chest at the sound of the stranger's voice, Thantos rises to his feet and draws his sword. Moving over to the stranger who has so calmly sat down amonst strangers in an evil place, Thantos gently rests his sword on the table, directly in front of the elf.

"Why do you assume that we lost a companion to a curse? For that matter, why do you assume that the dead man is even from our party? What is your name and please give me a reason why I shouldn't run you through with my sword right now. As you said yourself, you would urge us to have careful consideration for anything in this accursed place."

At that time, Thantos notices Sexodus fall to the ground and Krazixs run over to him. Not wanting to take his eyes of this "newfound friend" he trusts that Krazixs will take good care of this new injury.

__________________
Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted!

krazixs

Krazixs frowns, the wound is indeed deep. The elf moves to the other side of the room and fixes the cot. Turning back the elf picks up the much larger Sexodus in his arms, and places him on the cot as gently as a sleeping child. Krazixs kneels at the side of the bed and closes his eyes placing his hands on the inert Sexodus.

"Friends, I fear he is wound is rather serious, I will try to heal as best I can however I am rather tired, I pray my strength is enough." Without raising his head the elf addresses the new arrival.
"Foe or friend I warn you, greivous harm will come to you should you be here with evil intent."

Quiet now the elf concentrates on the man before him.

__________________
The Kender in your party has just screamed in fear. Please roll a d20 to see how many of your body parts are still identifiable.

MSD

The stranger responds to Thantos in a reassuring tone.

Your group's effort was far from quiet. One of you instructed the others not to touch the sword, and implied that it turned Attrah into "whatever he is now."

The man who said those words is the same who suggested that cremation would be the best way to ensure that "an undead for of our former teammate" would not be a threat.

After a pause for a sip of water, the stranger continues

If you are inclined to impale me because I am a stranger, then I would be glad to turn back and leave you all alone. However, with the loss of your friend, your group is weakened, hence my decision to make myself known. Those who know me address me as the simple name of James, as you all may. As for my intent, evil is a realtive term. To kill an evil creature is not evil, otherwise you, with your concern for evil, would not be on a quest to do so. Rest assured that my intent is no different than yours. I seek to destroy the creature that came to my homeland and attacked my fellow people.

With this, James reaches out to Thantos and offers a handshake.

I have some supplies with me if yours are running low. I would be more than willing to share them with my new companions, if you are willing to trust me.

Beltruckus

Nodding at Vinoh Kentelos turns towards Attrahs body and concentrates. Looking at the body you can see what would appear to be heat waves emanating off the corpse.... It would also appear that they are being deflected by a force that can not be seen only a few inches above him. Kentelos remains concentrating and is aware that there is someone new but does not pay attention to what is said.

OOC* The heat Kentelos is creating should be enough to turn bone into ash. He also has the heat contained in a heat shield.

__________________
The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of because words diminish your feelings. Words shrink things that seem timeless when they are in your head to no more than living size when they are brought out. -Stephen King

Cubby

Somewhat re-assured by his eloquent words, Thantos sheathes his sword and hesitantly takes the other's hand.

"I am Sir Thantos, James. There are only a few left in this group that started the quest from the request of a Duke (OOC: I can't even remember what type of ruler he was!). The rest have joined along the way. Sexodus and XianXian, here have just joined us as well. Pardon me if I am a little skeptical and wary of all these new faces. It seems they all join us when we lose a member, as if the end game in this creature's plans, needs a certain number of people.

I will offer fair warning that I will still be keeping an eye on you as you should be on all of us. For all you know, this was just an elaborate trap by Velix himself!

But enough of that nonsense. You claimed that the creature here came to your homeland and attack you. Does this mean you have seen the creature? None of us even know exactly what we are looking for."

__________________
Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted!

Bob Biter

Eyeing the newcomer warily, Vinoh heads to the cot to assist Krazixs in his healing, with the help of his own psychic powers.

*Psychic power: psychic surgery*

__________________
A plan is just a list of things that don't happen.

MSD

Turns to Thantos.

I don't blame you for being skeptical. As for whatever we are trying to find, if I had seen it, I would probably lay among the dead. Few things are more disturbing than seeing the deceased loved ones of your friends and family climb out of their shallow graves and turn against you, backed by the legions of decaying corpses that brought the curse.

Many were struck down by the evil forces as they were paralyzed by the horror of seeing their decomposed relatives staggering toward them, weapons in hand. Some, like myself, survived to fight. My lord, a powerful sorcerer, discovered that this tomb is teh source of the power that is attacking us, and sent me to ensure that this overlord would never again be able to invade our city.

Minx

Seeing that Krazixs and Vinoh are attending to the stricken Sexodus, and that Kentelos is busy disposing of their fallen former companion, D'Aleen focuses on the conversation between her beloved and the stranger. Feeling reassured at the newcomers words she softly walks forward and stands by Thantos side. Smiling gently she reaches out her hand and looks into James' eyes.

"I am D'Aleen. We are glad to have you join us James. I joined the group just at the time your village was going through that nightmare. Poor souls. Any help we may have in destroying this evil is welcome."

And with that the elf turns and wanders over to where she had been knocked to the ground to retrieve her bow that had been dashed from her grip. Spotting it laying under a heavy sword she kneels to release it and slowly runs her hands along the length of the smooth wood to ensure it hasn't been harmed. Satisfied that it is intact she starts to stand when a small glitter catches her attention in the rubble on the floor. Reaching out, her fingers touch upon the ring she had been examining at the table with Darghon earlier. Surprised she holds it in the palm of her hand and realizes she must have been holding it as well when she fell. Turning it over she is drawn again to the workmanship and, walking over to where Thantos is standing, she is compelled to slide it onto her slender finger. Gazing at it she wonders at the irrestible draw it has.

__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!

TinniT

::Highly disturbed by the sudden jolt of Sexodus' collapse, XianXian emerges from Sexodus' pocket and looks around for the source of the blood. Quickly, she jumps from the cot, and lands with a thud and a roll, and rushes faster to the desk she discarded her rags on. Putting them on, she runs back to the cot, climbs up and opens the cut in Sexodus' shirt as wide as possible.

Reaching into the folds of her rags, she produces a sticky mold that she begins to chew and spit on to the deep gash on Sexodus' body, urging the wound to mend.::

"Lemons!!! need Lemons!!!"

::XianXian stares at the wound awaiting for someone to do her bidding in anticipation::

krazixs

Krazixs opens his eyes in surprise at the pixie staring at him from Sexodus' inert body.

"I have no lemons little one, mayhaps someone else may."

__________________
The Kender in your party has just screamed in fear. Please roll a d20 to see how many of your body parts are still identifiable.

Cubby

Hearing the request for lemons, Thantos moves of to the side and searches through his pack.

"Sorry XianXian, I have no lemons. I have one lime left if that will do but no lemons."

__________________
Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted!

TinniT

::XianXian looks at the wound, and the unfinished mending of wounds, and with a defiant frown, stares back up at Thantos and nods her head in approval.::

::With the lime, she will hope to cause an acidic catalyst in the mold that will cause great biogenic adhesion and tension on itself, to pull the skin that it is stuck to back together again,as the acid breaks down the mold slowly.::

Minx

__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!

Sexodus

krazixs

Exhausted Krazixs rises from the side of the cot.

"Well we've done all we can, I suggest we catch a quick breather while we wait for Sexodus to recooperate."

Walking over to Da'leen, the elf takes the dagger from his belt, the dagger that was found in the chest with XianXian.

"Here Da'leen, take this." He flips the dagger over and hands it hilt first to D'aleen. The blade is black as obsidion with a silver center and in the pommel a raised graphic of a skull split down the center. The dagger seems to absorb the darkness around them.
"Next time you need a weapon in close quarters, this one will surely suit your need, especially in this place. The knife is old and whoever it's previous owner was, surely they fought the darkness even as we do now. You will find it invaluable against undead, as it's edge is keen enough to sever even the unnatural life that animates the denziens in this place."

As the elf turns to find a place to rest something catches his attention. The ring that D'Aleen holds seems to emanate a magical aura.

"D'Aleen would you mind if I examined your ring? It seems to me that some magical properties are inherint in it."

__________________
The Kender in your party has just screamed in fear. Please roll a d20 to see how many of your body parts are still identifiable.

krazixs

As D'Aleen seems entranced with her own study of the ring, Krazixs shrugs and moves over to the table, and picks up the two items Darghon was examining earlier. Picking up the two small objects Krazixs murmmurs some words under his breath.

:Spell Identify:

__________________
The Kender in your party has just screamed in fear. Please roll a d20 to see how many of your body parts are still identifiable.

Minx

Wrestling her attention from her perusal of the ring, D'Aleen walks over to join Krazixs at the table.

"I am sure that dagger will come in handy Krazixs, thank you. You are more than welcome to look at the ring.....I cannot explain why it has such a draw to me. Any insight you may have that will help us is most welcome.....I think these others objects that came from the chest are worth some examining as well."

__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!

Bob Biter

__________________
A plan is just a list of things that don't happen.

Cubby

(OOC: Bob...Minx came on board in the mold infested city...if I recal correctly!)

Seeing Sexodus on the painful mend, Thantos moves over to D'Aleen and wraps his arms around her, placing his chin on her shoulder to look over at what Krazixs and she are looking at.

"What are you two looking at over here?"

__________________
Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted!

Bob Biter

(OOC: Opps! You're right Cubby! Wow, only three originals left!)

While most pople seem occupied, Vinoh discreetly reads the newcomer's aura, gauging his power and his general alignment.

*Psychic power: read aura - James*

__________________
A plan is just a list of things that don't happen.

TinniT

::XianXian bites a rind off the lime and squeezes it onto the wound, splashing juice everywehre it needs to be, and anywhere it could be without. Satisfied with the process, she awaits the full recovery of Sexodus with motivated determination.


slapping his chest to keep blood flow in the region, XianXian smiles satisfied that her job done will be well in the end.::

"I have great feeling that this will work out well for you, Sexodus."

::Innocently she smiles to everyone::

"This mold also doubles as an extremely potent sexual enchancment."

::She crawls off of Sexodus, and over toward minx, climbs up her leg, onto her shoulder and offers her some delicoius mushroom pieces before biting on two herself.::

rogue49

Minx

Blushing slightly D'Aleen takes the offered mushroom from XianXian.

"Ummmm thanks....I'll just save this for...err....later."

Looking up at Thantos she holds out her hand so he can see the ring nestled in her palm.

"It is just amazing, my love....the workmanship is beautiful and it is almost weightless....almost like it is just an image. I have to admit I am quite intruiged with it......" And with that D'Aleen slips the ring on.

__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!

TinniT

::XianXian giggles.::

"I'm sorry, I meant the mold has the side effect. That piece of mushroom I gave will help awaken and rejuvenate you."

::XianXian walks around on the table, looking at the treasure she spent much of the last several years with.::

Cubby

Whispering into D'Aleen's ear..

"D'Aleen, beloved, how are you doing truly? Your wound looks good and it seems like you have some strength but....how are YOU doing? Yes, dear the ring is beautiful but....No!"

Reaching for her hand, Thantos is a little too slow. His hand closes over hers just after the ring is slipped on.

__________________
Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted!

TinniT

::XianXian's eyes widen with panic at Thantos' worry, while she pauses momentarily to reconsider any worry, she jumps and dives onto the desk and hides behind the inkwell on it.::

Sexodus

***A Sudden loud voice from Thantos wakens Sexodus. Jumping up from his position, he takes in his surroundings. Shocked by the new comer he raises his hand to attack. While checking his wound.

"What Happened…? Who are you…? My stomach…? Why…? Who? Where’s XianXian?"

rogue49

Minx

Smiling softly D'Aleen is surprised at the feeling that overwhelms her...such a feeling of tranqulity and peace as she hasn't felt since she left her father's side and her homeland. For the moment all seems to fade away...the horrible loss of their companions, the quest that still lays ahead of them....the arrival of their newest compatriot. All is forgotten as an incredible sensation of floating washes over her.

A gentle whisper seems to dance across her mind as the ring reveals a few of its wonderous secrets that have been waiting for the right time....the right place. Slowly blinking her eyes the elf comes out of her reverie, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips and she covers Thantos' hand with her own.

"Ahhh my love we are blessed. We have found...thanks to the discovery of XianXian and her treasures...a great aid in our fight. This ring has powers that will surely come in use in our quest....the powers of nature, as my father has instructed me my entire life, but this....this is different."

With a glimmer in her eyes she feels invigorated and ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room!

Bob Biter

Surprised by Thantos' words, Vinoh relaxes as he senses great peace wash over D'Aleen. It would seem the elf now has great tools to help her in her fight against evil: her bow, the dagger and now this ring. Looking back at Attrah's remains, he notices that his shield would no longer be of any use to him. Picking it up, he hands it to Thantos.

"Thantos, why don't you take Attrah's shield. Since you're the only full-fledged fighter here, it would make sense."

Vinoh then turns to James and looks him over inquisitively.

"So, James, it would seem that you possess some protection against mind probes and attacks. Care to tell us what other abilities you might have?"

__________________
A plan is just a list of things that don't happen.

Sexodus

*** After seeing everyone brush off what Sexodus has said. He takes a second to realize the situation.

*** Thinking to himself: I was cut... I remember feeling faint, then... then... They must have healed me. They would have warned me of a threat, if this person was here to harm. But where is XianXian... My little friend where is she?

*** Lowering his hand he begins to speak

"Where has my little friend gone? XianXian she wasn’t hurt was she. When I fell... OMG IS SHE OK???

*** Looking into his pocket, He finds nothing. Frantic he looks for answers

TinniT

::XianXian, still mystified by what has occurred in objects possessing members of the party, and slightly frightened, hears Sexodus' concerns from teh caught, she lifts just her head above the inkwell, and getting his attention, she waves him down, still afraid to come out behind the inkwell::

Sexodus

*** Seeing XianXian, Sexodus walks over and offers her his hand. So that she may once again take a place on Sexodus Shoulder

"Are you ok? I hope i didnt hurt you when i fell. What is new with this group, While i was asleep?"

Cubby

"Ah, D'Aleen, sweet, that was not a very wise thing to do. I'm glad you did it considering that the ring seems to be good but you gave me quite the fright."

Giving D'Aleen a tight squeeze and holding onto her hand with one, Thantos turns to Vinoh to accept the shield.

"Thank you Vinoh. I will try to be as worthy of this shield as Attrah was. "

__________________
Don't be irreplaceable - if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted!

krazixs

Krazixs frowns. His energy is nearly exhausted and he has yet to break the mystery of the two items in his hands. Concentrating harder the elf focuses his energy on identifiying the items in his hands.

__________________
The Kender in your party has just screamed in fear. Please roll a d20 to see how many of your body parts are still identifiable.

MSD

{OOC Note: Sorry for my disappearence, it was finals week and I was nowhere near the internet}

James turns to Vinoh, looks at him for a moment, then responds to his question.


"I was wondering who that was. Please let me know in the future if you decide to make an attempt to peer into my mind. I hope that we can develop a better sense of trust without resorting to mind-reading.

"I hope that I can trust you to guard my back, as I know you can trust me to guard yours. It may be even more helpful to our effort if the back I see is that of the enemy. I am light on my feet, and more often than not, the last sound my enemy will hear is the air rushing out of his companion's throat where I sliced it open."

To accentuate the last statement, James draws his index finger across his own throat in the way he would run a dagger across the throat of an enemy, and lets out a soft, wheezing breath, mimicking the sound of a man whose throat had been cut.