Vinoh lets out a sigh mixed with gratitude and puzzlement. Lately, potential allies have been crawling out of the woodwork! While there is strength in numbers, Vinoh wonders at the logistics of keeping such a large group coordinated.

Taken off guard by the appearing mage and shocked at his sudden death, the mind mage wonders if he is not hallucinating and hopes this vile place has not already corrupted his mind.

Looking over the elf and human, Vinoh reads their auras, to be sure of their intentions. While he can't get a straigth read off of the human, he finds something strange in the elf... he has no aura at all (OOC: he sent me an e-mail telling me this)! It's as if he was killed and came back under some unknown force! Getting slightly nervous, Vinoh takes a few steps back and sends a telepathic message to everyone, except their 2 new companions:

*Telepathic message to group*: "My friends, I fear that the "fun" has already begun. The elf Krazixs has no aura, meaning that he is either dead or from another plane... I'm not exactly sure. He seems friendly, as you can tell by his stuttering affability, but we should do well not to trust whomever happens to come our way."

Ending his psychic link to his friends, Vinoh then speaks normally.

"Well then... I guess any help we can get is a blessing. However, be advised that after what we've been through, we just can't fully trust you right away, Kazixs and Fael, especially since you join us at the very gates of this evil place! Indeed, our goal is to purge the Tomb of Velix of whatever evil has befallen it as quickly as possible. If you truly want to help us, we welcome you warmly, but if you even think of harming us..."

Vinoh finishes his speech mentally:

"... then be prepared to face the consequences."

The mind mage let's his gaze linger on Kazixs and Fael, adding weight to the seriousness of his words. Then, adopting a calmer behaviour, he addresses the group once again:

"I plan to check out the top of this ziggurat, I'll help anyone who cares to join me but cannot climb it on their own with my telekinetic powers. Darghon, can you back me up on this?"

Krazixs swallows sickly, shaken by the mental warning that flashed through his already shakey mind.

With a weak grin he manages to say,

"Ss-sure, nn-no pproblem"

D'Aleen is startled by the sudden appearance and dire words of the strange person who formed from nowhere. Shocked, she watches him fall to the ground dead.

"After that display there is no doubt in my mind we should get moving as quickly as possible. I am uneasy standing around like some sort of bait."

Leaning towards Darghon, she whispers back "I think Vinoh is wise in not trusting these newcomers too quickly....perhaps they have been sent from the dark side as spies. And I'm sure with our powers and Vinoh's abilities we shall find a way to get to the top of the tomb...are any of your handy "spirits" able to transform themselves into a ladder?" Grinning broadly she casts her gaze to the tomb again, wanting to move on before they lost the precious daylight they had left.

Fael looks up for a moment, then starts laughing."Mental mind games, cute," he says then looks towards D'Aleen,"You are wise in your mistrust, but you think if I was really a spy, I'd reveal myself now, not somewhere in the tunnels? Or somewhere upon the mountain? When you'd be more vunerable." Looking at the elf in front of him, he walks away from him, after which he produces a length of rope from a pack concealed well within his dark cloak. Dropping the rope for a moment, he grasps the middle of his staff, closes his eyes for a moment. After a brief second, a fire seems to engulf the middle of his staff. Soon after the fire dies down, he opens his eyes, and chuckles. Within his hands, his staff has split into two parts that he stashs within his cloak. Bending down, he picks his rope back up, and starts climbing the mountain.

Watching the strange appearance of a man and his sudden death somehow does absolutely nothing for Sir Thantos. For some reason, he isn't really suprised about anything anymore. Thinking back briefly he remembers people disappearing into thin air, being controlled mentally, killer mold, undead children, magical horses, half dragons (ouch not liking the mental image of that mating!), floating temples, etc.

Shaking his head as if to clear it, he focuses his attention at the more important task at hand.

"I, as you all must know by now, agree most whole-heartedly with Vinoh. Let's move out and get onto this ziggurat at least.

Darghon, can you carry me up to the lower level so I can provide some protection from on the tower for those that are climbing up? I figure if we can all get to the base pyramid we can climb up together in a line looking for openings."

The knight pauses to see his companions finally moving into action.Attrah takes a mocking tone, "Oh,so you have decided to join me? How nice." Pausing a moment to rummage through his pack,he takes out a length of rope with a grappling hook at the end."If we aren't flying up there,guess this is the only way eh?"

Krazixs looks skyward at the climb before him, visions of him tumbling to his splattering end taunt his already fragile nerves. Keeping his eyes on the climb the small elf steps forward only to twist his foot on a rock loose his footing and come crashing down face first in the dirt. Lying still contemplating the wisdom of his decision to accompany the party Krazixs trys to decide if there might not be a better way to get to the top. The sudden picture of himself hanging by his neck strangling to death upside down in the vines does little to calm him. Gritting his teeth the small body pushes itself on it's ungainly feet, and much to his own horror, begins to try and climb the vines upward. . . .






As Krazixs swings helplessly by his feet tangled in the vines, a mere foot off the ground, he looks helplessly toward the group . . .

"Heh. . .don't suppose one of you might want to give me a hand?"

Seeing that the elf was stuggling with his climb, Vinoh concentrates for a moment. An invisible force then untangles Krazixs from the vines holding him and lifts him gently to the first tier. The mind mage then joins him by performing the same act of will on himself, landing a few feet from the elf.

"Just because my trust needs to be earned doesn't mean that I don't like to offer help when it's needed..."

Vinoh then turns to see how the rest of the group is doing. Attrah seems to be handling the climb well and Thantos will probably get help from Darghon. This leaves D'Aleen, the good Father, Goban, Fael and Tower. The latter two would surely be able to climb on their own, so Vinoh calls to the elvish druid and the cleric.

"Father Quadrial, D'Aleen! If you need help getting up here, just tell me or Darghon. We'll put our minds to it!"

Goban finishes rummaging through his packs, taking only a torch, his sword and bow, some food and his flask. His preparations set, he begins the climb on Attrah's rope. Reaching the top in fairly good shape, he takes a quick look around, admiring the view while waiting for everyone to get onto the pyramid.

Done being noisily sick Krazixs huddles on the ground awaiting the rest of the party.

The elf looks up to Vinoh with a sly grin... "Thank you for the offer but this I think I can handle. My poor father was always chasing me out of the trees as a child!"

And with that she slung her bow back over her shoulder, grasped the rope Goban used to ascend the pyramid, and started climbing. Reaching the top she accepts the hands held out to help her up.

"Goban, I could use a sip from your flask now, if you have it still!"

Seeing that everyone is ahead of him and are already on the 1st tier Thantos asks Darghon.

"Darghon, can you drop my near the top of the pyramid, beside the temple? That way if anything comes out between the others and us we can catch them in a crossfire. "

Father Quadrial watches rubs his butt as he watches first a man die at his feet then the party start climbing up toward the tomb.
He has never had a great affinity for the divine so when the he found himself slowly walking toward the caves where the elf had been hiding the monks only thought was evil magic.
But he felt too right, too much in control for the force to be evil.
Like he was being lead but had the choice to walk away if he wanted.
Walking into the cave he couldn't understand how the elf had managed to survive in such a dark, dank place with sharp rocks and where the only way to get around was on your hands and knees.
The cross on the tip of his staff began to glow as he pressed deeper into the darkness.
The it grew so bright it hurt his eyes.
Looking into a crevasse in the rocks Father Quadrial tried to figure out why a brass ring would be attached to the rock.
Reaching out he pulled on the thick ring only to have the rock move, swinging aside to reveal a small cavern.

"My friends, come quick. There is great magic here." The father bellowed with all the voice his massive lungs carried.

Thrown to the ground with amazing force D'Aleen is winded by the sudden drop of the temple.

"All that for naught...." she thinks to herself as she gingerly rubs her sore ribs.........

Clambering onto the now fallen rocks of the tomb, Gell laughs heartily at those who put so much effort into their climb. "Sometimes all you am having to do am wait, and prey am fall into trap instead of being hunted!" He unsheathes his axe and peers into the opened doorway, visibly unsettled. "Still, me an not wait for THEM to come to us. Me am go to them! It am time for Gell, great orc warrior, to kick bad magic squishy man butt!"

Watching everyone fall off the bottom of the soil around the tomb he shakes his head.

"You were right D'Aleen, all that for nothing indeed"

Looking at the crack in the side of the temple he wonders.. then hears Father Quadrials cry. Running to the cave he sees through the darkness then up to where it is illuminated by Father Quadrials staff. Seeing the new passage way he wonders...

"Father do you think this is possibly a way in?"

Darghon sends a telepathic message to Vinoh 'Tell the others father quadrial has possibly found a way in, but we need to discuss quickly which would be better route to follow, either the crack in the wall where we might suprise our hosts, or this secret passage way where they could be in wait...'

* Within the hidden chamber seemingly natural cut out of stone
is an alter of plain stone, with a recepticle at the bottom filled with light.

Darghon is in shock even more when the Father's mouth speaks
but his voice is not his own... a more hollow, echoing, distant, soft deep voice comes... *


"Thank you my son, you have done well
This is the last I'll be able to assist you, now that the sun has started to wane.
The horror will rise his home at night's peak, beware

Reach into the light...I have gifts to reward your quest's companions
These are to aid you in your times of need.

A shield for the Knight...protect your allies, ward your foes
A trinity of stars for the visionary...these will aid your strengths
A blade for the beast...striking fear fast
A helm for the dragon's child...for your mind must stand well
A cloak for the nightblade...climb to great height
A bow for the forest's lady...light will be your weapon now

and for the new trio
a ring each for the lord's warrior and the forest lord
and for the last son of the three
there is no need to be laid so low, a periapt for your well being

And for my son who gives my words...
a symbol, a token of my faith
thanks
and may you fare well in your quest to rid the darkness and aid the light."

* After the voice stops, Darghon notes the Father is standing bold
seeming straighter, stronger...his skin fairer...as if he's gained some youth.

The plain alter stands quiet, waiting with light.*

D'Aleen leaps up upon hearing the father's bellow, running to his side. Astounded, she peers into the hidden chamber listening to the voice coming from the friar.
"Good fortune does smile upon us from time to time..."she murmers as she steps forward and, shielding her eyes slightly from the incredible light coming from the altar, reaches forward...slowly withdrawing a long, beautiful bow.
Her eyes widen at the remarkable workmanship...even the greatest craftsmen from her kind would not be able to create such a treasure. She runs her fingers up the length of the pale bow, appreciating the strength of the wood. A small, clear jewel is embedded at the tip of it, sparkling as it catches a ray of sun from outside. Stepping back, she smiles and waits for the others to claim their gifts.

His voice sore from speaking in a voice not his own Father Quadrial looks down at the necklace in his hands.
There is a center stone with runes around with the Celtic cross in the stone.
The rest of the stones are dark and have glimpses of color running through them.
Touching the stone gives the monk a sense of well being and all the aches and pains that he had learned to live with for so long vanished.

Gaining his feet shakily, Krazixs stands cautiously awaiting the chance the ground might move again. With a superhuman effort the small elf gains control of his shakey stomach and slowly makes his way toward the cave where the priest entered. Reaching the cavern with amazingly little stumbling, the elf enters the cave to stand in the room next to Father Quadrial.

. . . ring each for the lord's warrior and the forest lord
and for the last son of the three
there is no need to be laid so low, a periapt for your well being

And for my son who gives my words...
a symbol, a token of my faith
thanks
and may you fare well in your quest to rid the darkness and aid the light."

The divine voice rings in Krazixs ears with a eerie familiarity, flashes of voices, lights, and colors run through his mind in a mental barrage. Staggering slightly the elf reaches into the light and takes the periapt. Strength and health flow into the small body, his mind begins struggle with the images flooding his mind.

The strain is too much, the elf's mind closes, and predictably, he passes out.




Blinking and wide- eyed Krazixs stares at the cave ceiling pondering exactly how he ended up on his back. The memory comes back slowly. Standing he looks at the periapt in his hand and revels in the feeling of health that he hasn't felt in an age. Something tickles the back of his mind, as if he's forgotton something or lost something. Shrugging the elf forgets about it, there's so many holes in his memory already what's one more?

Watching the ziggurat fall to the ground with a loud boom, Thantos is glad he wasn't yet on it.

"Well that makes things a lot easier. Is everyone OK?"

Running over to help people up, Thantos is relieved to find no one has been seriously hurt. Suddenly he hears the Father's voice calling to everyone. Following D'Aleen and Kraxics into the cavern he is amazed by the sense of peace and calm that resonate in this place.

"It feels like the last bastion of good in a world full of evil. I wonder how a place like this has not been corrupted by the evil outside."

Felling compeled to reach into the light, his hand closes upon something and....

(OOC: sorry just checking something with Rogue before I continue...)

Being left speechless after seeing the Father's transformation, Goban does as he was told and reaches into the light. The warm soothing glow envelops his hand and he can feel a ring materialize around his finger. He pulls his hand out and examines the ring of beautifully polished silver studded with small jewels. Although he has no idea what kind of magic the ring posseses, or who this mysterious benefactor is, the knowledge that a divine force is watching over them puts all of Goban's reservations to rest.

Walking up to join the others, Gell is startled by Father Quadriel's speech. He watches aprehensively at first as the others claim there gifts, sure it is some manner of trick until he sees the strength which the artifacts bestow on his companions. He steps forward to claim the axe that shines in the light, catching Krazixs as he faints and setting him down before picking up the axe. "This am surely gift from Krom! Why else would breakable elf fall over at gift? But me am not fall over! Me am Gell, great orc warrior! Me am chosen by Krom! Me am thank you Krom, you am great and wise to choose Gell! Me am using great axe of Krom to smash dark!" The orc then launches into a short celebratory dance to praise his orc god, then turns to the others. "Krom am even give gifts to squishy men and elves? What he am giving you?"

The fall of the temple knocks Attrah from his hold on the temple,causing him to slam into the stone he was holding moments before.The wind knocked from his lungs,he finds another hold so he can catch his breath."Blasted thing is trying to kill me before I get inside."

"Goban,are you alright?That was quite a ride." Looking below him to check Goban's status..the knight's attention soon turns toward the large crevice at the base of the ziggurat.With the Father's yell his intrest grows.

Holding on to the rope and stone,he strains to hear the faint,low voice coming from Darghon.

Darghon reaches into the light and grabs hold of the helmet and puts it on in good faith. It frames his face with shinning steel and a pair of bold dragon wings flare off the back. Darghon grins feeling the energy from it..

"Mmm I could get used to this.." Darghon looks into the light "Thankyou divine being... whom ever you may be"

Stunned by the power and serenity in the light Thantos suddenly shakes his head and realizes he still has his hand in the godly light. Closing his hand he feels something as smooth as silk caress his fingers.

Withdrawing his hand, he pulls forth a great cloak. All in black with tiny, almost noexistant strands of white throughout. Thantos backs away from the light holding the cloak almost reverently. He moves back, kneels down and removing his old cloak he folds it up and places it next to him. Swinging his new cloak around his shoulders he suddenly seems to snap out of his trance like state. Standing up he states:

"Father, please thank whomever has given this gift to me. I'm not sure what it does but the feel of it gives me confidence that we may indeed survive this encounter.

Now, we must be moving. What should we do? The way I see it this pyramid thingy might have two openings. One at the top in the temple and one in that crack by the base. Should we split up and try both (I'm presuming there is one at the top?) entrances and meet in the middle or should we just go in one?

If we split up I'd suggest a fighter or two in either party and perhaps the mind casters could be in separate parties in order to keep both groups informed.

What do you all think? "

Krazixs stands to the side listening to everyone and trying to decipher what's happening. The acquiring of the periapt brought a sense of purpose to the elf's existence and a eagerness to find out what this is all about. Not to thrilled with the idea of climbing the huge structure again, Krazixs resigns himself to the idea that he will journey with the ones that stay closest to the ground.

"Tough decision Thantos. Do we go with strength in numbers and stay together as a group or do we better the odds by splitting up? I can't help but feel we should stay together....these fine gifts have been given to us for a reason and each one must have their own benefits that will help the entire group.
Darghon, did you see an entrance at the top of the pyramid when you were airborne? It wouldn't help us any to split up if there isn't even an entrance up there." D'Aleen shrugs her shoulders slightly and looks to the others gathered around.
"Whichever way we decide, we should get moving quickly. I will abide by the decision made by all whether to split up or not."

Vinoh carefully listens to Thantos's and D'Aleen's words. While he is wary of splitting up the group in the face of such great evil, the gifts everyone has just received seem powerful enough to justify splitting into 2 groups...

"I agree with Thantos that a careful division of our numbers and abilities is needed if we split up. As it stands, our skills and powers are diverse enough to create 2 equally strong groups. Let's see... I think that one group could consist of Darghon, Thantos, Father Quadrial, Goban and Fael, while the other would be composed of myself, Attrah, D'Aleen, Krazixs and Gell. This way, each group has at least one member with telepathy, two fighters and one cleric.

Personally, I'm very curious to see what's on top of this ziggurat, but there a higher risk of trouble, since it is a potential entrance. The crack that has just formed at ground level would give us the element of surprise, but then again, perhaps not."

"Your groups sound fair enough Vinoh. And although I'm not fully confident in splitting up the group, if we are moving through narrow passageways, a small group could hold off against a rather large amount of attackers.

As for the crack appearing in the base, I find it too convenient that the crack just opened by chance. I think this is the normal entrance to the ziggurat as the temple is likely only for those of higher power or status.

Let's all at least go and take a look in the entrance at least and perhaps decide from there. "

Thantos then moves back outside the cavern and moves over to his saddlebags. He drops his old cloak into them and pulls out a couple of torches. Putting the torches in his backpack he grabs his crossbow and re-loads a bolt.

From there he moves towards the crack at the base of the pyramid. Staying well away and hoping that at least a few people followed him to here, he examines the opening looking for any clues as to what may be inside.

Filled with newfound confidence after the party's encounter with divinity, and seeing the same confidence in his companions, Goban feels as though there's nothing can can stop them.

"I agree with Vinoh and Thantos, we can cover more ground in two groups, and we should be safe as long as the telepaths keep in constant contact. I wouldn't count on the element of surprise though, someone had to have noticed the big ruckus we caused bringing the temple down."

Having said his piece, Goban goes back to studying his ring, eager to reach a decision and get onto the task of sending whatever lurks inside to it's maker.

As Krazixs listens as the groups are called off, doubt gnaws on his mind as to his ability to help his group. Murmuring a small prayer to whatever god may be watching him, the small elf squares his shoulders and prepares himself. Strangely the little prayer seems to palpably ease his worry, confused Krazixs shrugs it off as nothing.

However his temporary ease is disturbed as he realizes his group may be the ones heading UP the tall structure. . .

Striding from the hidden chamber, D'Aleen exchanges her old, yet favorite, bow with the wonderous one just received. Making sure she has all she needs for the upcoming journey she turns and approaches the herd that is stamping their hooves uneasily.

Walking up to the great stallion that led them all here she sinks down in a low bow gracefully and, rising, rests her forehead against his as he bends his head down.

"Thank you my friend for delivering us safely. We shall have need of you again and I hope you will be there to answer the call. May Aine protect you from the dark and please care for yon mortal horse...he is special to someone here."

With that, the huge stallion rears up and spins to the south....with the herd following.

Walking over to where Thantos is examing the entrance at the base of the tomb she softly touches his shoulder...

"As long as we have Vinoh and Draghon in each group to keep in contact, this is most likely the best plan. Obviously, if we are to try to gain entrance at two points, your group - having Darghon's flying aid, should take the top entryway. What say you?"

"I really didn't mean for my group choices to be definitive, but I do believe that we should check out all of our potential entry points before proceeding. I can fly up to the temple right away and report back to Darghon telepathically. However, I would really appreciate some back up and can levitate a few others with me to the top."

Vinoh lifts himself to the first tier, then turns to address the group:

"Anyone care to join me?"

(OOC: I won't have access to the net this weekend. I'll be back on Monday, though!)

Having just heard D'Aleen's suggestion, Vinoh reconsiders his...

"Hmmm... maybe you're rigth D'Aleen. Darghon could fly everyone up there, but with my telekinetic powers, I could lift our group in 2 trips. No problem. Besides, Thantos seems commited to the side entrance!"

Finishing this sentence with a slight grin, Vinoh awaits the decision of the rest of the group.

Rappelling down the side of the Ziggurat,the knight walks toward the party.The last to receieve his gift,he picks up the shield.Silently he looks it over,noting the design,shape etc.

OOC: Could I get a description of the shield? thanks ;)


Holding the shield toward the light to get a better look...

Studying the entrance, intently, Thantos feel a presence approaching. A shiver of anticipation and excitment runs through his body as the presence gets closer. As D'Aleen touches Thantos on the shoulder, Thantos turns slightly.

"Flying aid isn't really an advantage when we get inside so I don't know if it will really make a difference. Why doesn't Vinoh fly up with two from your group and at least check out if there even is an entrance. My group here can hold down here until we find out if there even is an entrance up top. There is no reason to get separated if we are both going to have to go into the same entrance anyway.

Does that sound like a plan Vinoh? D'Aleen?"

Hesitantly, Thantos moves to place his hand on D'Aleen's which still rests on his shoulder. Seemingly in conflict about something his hand waivers just shy of contact. A moment passes and he seems to relax a little, decision made. His hand moves gently on top of her hand gripping it ever so slightly, more to reasure himself than to reasure her. Speaking softly so only she can hear he says:

"Do you think we'll make it out of this? The evil in this place is so strong that even I, one not attuned to magics or nature, can sense the despair. Even with these magical gifts, I do not pretend to think we can all make it out alive."

"You are truely wise my good friend" Darghon gives a nod towards Vinoh. "These groups do sound fair enough" Darghon lifts an eyebrow "But say, what if we get into the temple and find our telepathy unusable.. and even worse, what if we get in there and find any magic or psychic abilities un-usable?"

Darghon looks around "These groups are fair.. I'm just worried about what we'll find in there.." And with that, standing not weary, but not over calm, he looks towards the Temple for a few secs and then returns his gaze to the group.

"I am easy either way.. if someone thinks they have a better idea, let it be heard and I think Thantos is right, we should first check out to see if there is a opening up top.. how about it? Who's for a ride?" Darghon spreads his wings out offering out his hand..

(OOC: If I don't reply and someone does decide to come up, we go up and see then come back down and Rogue can tell you all what we saw)

Krazixs looks horrified at the idea of flying high in the clouds and backs slowly away trying to make himself look smaller.

Strange, he thought, I wonder when I got such a great fear of heights? Was it something that happened in the past? The more he thought about it, flying seemed to be nothing but stark terror, but at the same time something. . .

hmph, guess it's nothing

The half orc warrior looks around the group, shaking his head. "Me am thinking you squishy men am all as crazy as goblin that am drinking dwarf ale. Why we am want to split up? When orc am fighting enemy, first thing we am do am split them up! Orc am not smart as some, but we am at least know that when you am smashing enemy in head, you am not wanting him to have friend that am smash YOU in head! Am we not all looking for same place? Me am thinking that am why we all am come this far together." The orc scratches his head in puzzlement at human strategy. "Maybe you am know better than orc how to attack these, but me am want someone to hit bad magic squishy man if he am put magic on me again."

D'Aleen leans close to hear Thanto's softly spoken words. A look of sadness crosses over her face with her answer...

"I feel it as you do....even the animals have fled these lands. I've worried about the future of everyone here but we have no choice but to fight this. I've seen what horrors the dark side can bring, and what you can lose...."

Her voice trailing off, she looks over her shoulder to listen to the orc's words.

"I must say I think along the lines of our giant friend here, but it wouldn't hurt to at least know what we are dealing with at the top. We may not even have to split up at all for the time being if there is no entry up there. I won't weigh you down much Darghon...I'll come along to see what we are dealing with."

"Don't be suprised to find yourself alone.Consider this place a test of your being.Personally I think no matter how you slice it the outcome will be the same."


Looking at his new shield,he adds "Pity,using my Father's sword and this shield will be very difficult.I dare not leave one behind though."

Darghon grabs hold of D'Aleen, holding her tight and then spreads his wings and with a few thrusts he is off into the air to survey the top of the temple..

(OOC Up to you rogue :D)

Darghon had a point... Vinoh's previous use of telepathy at the village did produce some frightening results. His will is strong, but how would it hold at the heart of evil? Yes, it would be foolish to separate the group, no matter how balanced the parties might be... This point was reinforced by Gell's common sense that any enemy would prefer a divide an conquer method, which would put the group at a disadvantage.

Now that Darghon and D'Aleen had already taken off to check out the top of the ziggurat, Vinoh uses his will to lift himself up to that level, making sure to still be within view of his comrades on the ground and at a safe distance from the temple at the top.

"OK, we're wasting precious time discussing possible entry points here. I'll check out the top with Darghon and D'Aleen, but will remain at a safe distance, in case anything crawls out of there. Please keep an eye on that crack in the temple; I can be one the ground in just a few seconds if you spot anything."

Reaching a height equal to the temple, Vinoh nods to the rest of his scouting party and sees...

Watching D'Aleen and Darghon fly up to the top of the temple followed at a distance by Vinoh, Thantos listens to the others points of view.

"Gell, that is often the difference between orcs and humans. Orcs like to attack in one strong force basically overwhelming with sheer strength and numbers. Humans on the other hand look to tactics. In this case you are right about splitting an enemy in half. But this when the enemy is defending. Flanking an opponent in battle and opening multiple fronts keeps them guessing and prevents them from sending all their forces into one battle. Effectively if we attack from two directions we will end up splitting up their forces.

However, in this case we are attacking an unknown element in their own lair. No one here knows what we will face or what will be better so a simple quick vote is best and I will agree fully with whatever the majority decides.

We will wait for D'Aleen and Darghon to get back to let them cast their vote but for now let us assume there is an opening at the top and at the bottom.

With the number of people we have in this party and the likely narrow confines of the tunnels we are about to face I vote to have two separate parties that move in.

What say you all? Yay or Nay to splitting the group? "

Goban watches the three fly up to the top of the temple and as they disappear from his sight, he goes back to idly sharpening his sword

"You're right about one thing Thantos, we have no idea what's waiting for us in there. We're not exactly the biggest raiding party either. After the racket we made bringing this thing to the ground, we can forget about the element of surprise. Whatever's in there'll probably come at us in full force. It might be a better idea to stick together at least until we have a better idea of what we're up against. But if I'm in the minority, I'll go along with the vote, anything's better than sitting here waiting"

Equipping his new shield,the knight unsheathes a long sword and assumes a defensive stance."If it makes you feel better,I'll go first.I would rather let this shield take the blow for now,and I'm intrested in what it does.So,find a door and let's go."

(OOC: Sorry for the delay, I was pounded with work this weekend and needed to recover)

The flying team:
* At the top of their flight it is difficult to see amongst the quickly enclosing fog.
However, a the top is a flat roof of solid marble on the temple on the top tier.
3 other sides are just as uncompromising, flat and barren with no markings.
Only the front is adorned with huge columns,
with what seems to be a large indentation in the wall hidden behind the columns,
but a real doorway is not apparent from your current viewpoint.
The other tiers are much larger progressively with brush & vine grown atop each terrace
the walls have strange pictures and markings on each side.
Again from your current viewpoint there is no apparent entrance.*

Thanos:
* The crack is fairly large,
however you can see the wall of the tomb is deep, thicker than you would expect,
the way is dark,
but you can feel a decent cool breeze,
the smell is not rank, but ancient,
as if this is the first time this air has moved in centuries.
the sounds of your feet touching the crumbled wall echo back to you.

And strangely your fingers seems to be gripping the wall rather well. *

Father Quadrial, still a little stunned from the emotional and physical events that have transpired watch the flying team while sitting in the grass.
The monk feel young again physically, all the wounds and aches of age gone, but his spirit feels like it has aged a hundred years.
He could understand why people who spoke to the gods preferred isolation.
"I don't think it is a good idea to split up the party." he said, mostly to himself. "Gifts like these do not come without a very steep price tag. We will need every arm, every weapon, every strong back and mind if we are to survive this night."

"I agree with Father Quadrial,strength in numbers.My suggestion is we stack up on defense for now." Attrah walks to the large crack in the side of the ziggurat,and waits for his companions.

Pretty much satisfied with what he's seeing from his vantage, Vinoh addresses Darghon and D'Aleen:

"Well, I guess it's pointless to waste more time inspecting this temple. Granted, it may be interesting to explore it further, but our friends on the ground seem anxious to get moving. We should probably head back down and go into this Tomb as we went into the village: as a team."

With that, Vinoh drops his telekinetic hold and starts hurtling towards the ground at great speed. A few moment before reaching it, he activates his power again, which cushions his fall and places him gently near the rest of the group. Guildmaster Lanodin had always warned him against such frivolous and showy use of his powers, but Vinoh couldn't resist. Indeed, he felt more powerful and in control now than ever before!

The stones around his head begin whispering their secrets to him. One by one, they infuse him with their power. Vinoh feels his body surging with vitality and strength; cuts and sores disappear shortly and he feels ready to tackle anything thrown his way. The stones had given him great physical powers, which would help him greatly in a place where his more sensitive abilities would be compromised.

Vinoh thanks whatever benevolent force had been gracious enough to give him such wondrous gems and vows to repay the favor somehow. Then, looking up at the ominous shape of the Tomb of Velix, the nexus of such unspeakable evil, the mind mage new that the opportunity for reparations would be more immediate than he could have imagined...

"Since pretty much everyone prefers a united team and everyone complements each other so well, I guess we should all investigate the newly created crack together. Let's get moving!"

Vinoh then falls in behind Attrah, scout's club in his right hand, the mind gems maintaining their steady rotation around his head.

Letting out a long sigh of relief, for the fact that he was not to do any sort of flying, Krazixs hoists his staff and prepares to enter the tomb. For the first time that he can remember he felt excited. He was going to this place that had been a sort of calling to him, he was going to find out something. . . .He just wished he knew what that something was.

Looking around at the rest of the party starting to get ready, Krazixs edges closer to Father Quadrial. For some reason Krazixs felt drawn to the portly priest, something had struck a cord and the elf hoped to learn something about himself from him.

As Goban makes his way through the opening into the tomb, he feels his new ring glowing with an eerie warmth, seemingly feeding off of his desire for light. The ring's glow rapidly expands around him, chasing the darkness away.

Checking his surroundings... (assuming the ring works, what do we see Rogue?)

OOC...Sorry bout this Golden but I'm dragging you with me back to the group or we'll get left behind!

After seeing no apparent entrance at the top of the temple, Darghon and D'Aleen follow Vinoh and sweep down to join the others at the base.

Following the group into the tomb, she pulls her bow to prepare for what may lie ahead. The darkness is disorienting and heavy, seeming to settle on her shoulders. Shivering a little, remembering Thanto's words about them all surviving, she is thankful when Goban's ring casts a gentle glow and illuminates their passage. She looks around tentatively...

After touching the stone of the temple and feeling the coarse stickyness of the rock underneath his hands, Thantos pauses for a moment, head down, as thoughts and words pass rapidly through his head. When the thoughts cease, he slowly raises his head in amazement, grabbing his cloak and looking at it in awe.


"I can't wait to try that out.."

Smiling, he crouches over and lights a torch, waiting for D'Aleen and Darghon to arrive before entering the tomb. Loaded crossbow in one hand, torch in the other and sword hanging in it's sheath on his left hip, ready for drawing.


(OOC: I'm presuming we are walking through passageways and are not in a big hall or something like that.)

"Let's put two fighters up front, and two in the back with the rest between us. Gell and Goban are already up front. I'll head in last. Make sure we have good communication between front and back everyone. We need to know what we are coming into or if you have any problems. "

Concerned about the darkness, Vinoh turns to Thantos:

"Sir knight, if I remember correctly, you brought some torches with you, right? May I have one, in case some of us get separated?"

While making his request, Vinoh looks around him and feels slightly exposed. Normally, he could just open his mind to his surroundings and know exactly what awaited him, but the nigh-overwhelming pull he felt in the village convinces him that any use of telepathy of even sensing for presences or evil (which would be redundant in this place) could have serious repercussions.

Reaching into his pack and grabbing another torch Thantos hands it to Vinoh.

"These are the only two torches I have Vinoh so try not to lose it. We should have a light in the front and a light in the back. Only if we are stretched far enough should we light something in the middle I think. This whole adventure could take place in pure darkness so I think perhaps you should just put that torch I just gave you into your pack and save it for later. I'll leave that up to you though. Perhaps we will find some old torches along the way.

One thing I would like though is for someone walking near the back but not right at the back to carry the torch so that I can fight with both hands if needed. "

"In that case, maybe you should keep that extra torch and let me hold the one that's already lit; I'll stay near the rear of the line. I mostly use my mental powers in fights and a torch might even come useful if I need to use pyrokinesis."

Having said that, Vinoh hands the unused torch back to Thantos and takes the lit one. He now holds a torch in his left hand and his club in his right hand. Now that he has some light, Vinoh surveys his surrounding and sees...

Feeling rather useless Krazixs stays near Father Quadriel somewhere near the center of the group.

Overhearing the words spoken between the mage and the knight, D'Aleen moves over to address them...

"Hopefully the light cast by Goban's ring will illuminate enough for him to light the way for those at the front. I could carry your torch for you Thantos, but that would leave me without my bow ready. Perhaps Vinoh could carry it and I will take up mid position...these elf eyes of mine see well in the dim light."

edit....opppps! Sorry Bob - I missed your last post so I sorta doubled up here....great minds think alike though! :) Sorry all.

Gell shakes his head in amazement at the humans as he looks around their darkened surroundings. "You am small AND you am not see in dark? Me am glad you am have torches, or me and elf am making sure you am not bump into things." Gell chuckles at this thought, then stops as he remembers the sobering position they are all in. "So where am bad things? They am waiting for us at town, why they am not waiting for us now?" Gell's grip tightens on the Axe of Krom, feeling the power that it holds.

Darghon gets dragged back down to the ground by D'Aleen. Pulling his wings back inside of him. He follows the rest of the group inside the temple through the crack. Being able to see slightly in the darkness, he doesn't see much.

"Magic is so useful" and with that he conjuers forth a Globe of Daylight and has it hover just above the group.

Darghon looks around to see if there maybe any inscriptions or writings on the walls. He looks up at the ceiling to see what is above them. (OOC: Giant spiders are always fun :D, Up to you rogue :))

Trying to ignore the chatter behind him,the knight tries his best to watch for traps and pitfalls ahead.

Carefully scanning the walls, floor and ceiling Father Quadrial remembered back to his days as a tunnel rat.
He had spent a fair amount of his early teen years digging under the walls of castles and other fortifications.
He often wondered if that was why he had put on the weight so he wouldn'g be small enough to crawl into those dank holes.
At least here you could stand up.
While he appreciated the knight taking point, he had learned a long time ago that being in the middle wasn't always much safer.
The light provided by the torch and the wizards was comforting.
The only really distracting thing was the way the the new rosery was speaking to him.
Words of comfort none the less but he had never had objects talk to him before.
That and the elves butt was rather cute.

ooc: I don't think I want to be THAT close to father Quadriel anymore lol

Krazixs stays near the center of the group as Father Quadriel takes a position a little ahead of him. The feel of the tunnel, seemed to bring up old memories and unpleasant thoughts. Something about this seemed familiar to the elf, he just couldn't put his finger on it.

"Oh..this looks interesting", quips Thantos as he moves into the room.

"I see a few different possibilities here. Since we are dealing with horrible unspeakable evils here I'm thinking we should perhaps burn the two coffins or at least make sure they are empty before moving towards those statues. Can anyone see if there are inscriptions on or around the coffins that may give us a clue as to who or what is inside?"

Keeping an eye on the passage way they entered, Thantos waits inside and to the left of the passageway in case anything follows them in or shoots into the room.

"Good idea thantos" Darghon looks at the coffins from a distance.. "hrmm" he thinks to himself as he looks closer to the coffin bringin the globe of daylight closer to himself and readying the hilt in his hand just in case of trouble.

He sees on the coffin..

"You know I can raise the dead?
"Well not really raise the dead but I can sort of help the almost dead.
But not very often."
The rosery was starting to be annoying so Father Quadrial kept focused on the way the bow and quiver bounced up and down on the female elfs behind.
"I'm very powerful.
There is nothing that can hurt you now.
Well maybe trolls, or ogres. And the undead I can't protect you too much there. Oh yea, and the really big monsters can't help you there. But if it's a little monster...."
As the party entered the room the stones around his neck went silent for a moment then started up again.
"Evil, theres a whole bunch of evil. It's right over there. Over to the left....no my left. I mean I think there's evil. Sort of."

Huddling in the middle of the group Krazixs is feeling very uneasy. "There's evil here, great evil. . ." colors, flashes of light permeat in the elf's mind ". . .it's everywhere. . ."

As his companions check out the coffins, Vinoh heads for the blueish veil that seems to be barring the way up.

"Hmmm... maybe this is some kind of magic barrier. Sometimes, barriers are connected to guardians, which must be defeated to open them. Otherwise, magic or a special mechanism must be used."

Vinoh inspects the immediate area around the barrier, looking for anything that might be connected to it.

(occ...lol redravin, for a while I was worried you were admiring krazixs ass! :D )

Entering the dim room D'Aleen looks around, taking in the statues and the two coffins. She watches as Darghon steps closer to the one to try to makes sense of the markings on it. Feeling uneasy at the overwhelming presense of evil, she grasps her bow, sliding her fingers along the softness of the wood as she pulls it from across her back.

"Take care Darghon....there's not much hope we will be finding an ally in that sarcophagus...not in this place, I wouldn't think."

"Vinoh you are most likely correct....we will have to find a way to open those coffins if that is the case." Letting her eyes travel the full height of the enormous bronze statues, she mumers to herself "I certainly hope those aren't going to come to life...."

Glancing over his shoulder at the Darghon and the rest of the company, Thantos notices the Father's staring gaze. Responding to Darghon he says..

"Stone? Damn. That makes it a bunch more difficult to burn the coffins...anyone want to try opening them or should we just let them lie and move on? Can anyone actually sense the source of evil that we are here to remove or is it just to cleanse this entire place? If we have to cleanse this place we may as well start with coffin number one!

Oh, and Father, can you have a look at the symbol and see if it means anything to you. With your vows of celibacy you must have had plenty of time for studying ancient texts, especially those related to the unholy."

Krazixs turns to regard the rest of the group, "There is evil here, make not mistake, it inhabits everything around us." looking around the small elf shivers "It's too much I can't pinpoint anything, it's everywhere."

Gell looks cautiously at the huge statues, waiting for some sign of life. Then he looks to the coffins in similar fashion, but quickly looses interest as neither seem to show any signs of being much of an opponent. "You am not sure which one to worry about? Me am not worried. Me am pick up statue and hit dead thing with it, take care of both!"

(OOC: Cubby I almost cracked withs Thatos' comment to Father Quadrial, good one! :D)

"But is it something we have to defeat..?" Darghon takes a cautious step back from the coffin "Or something we have to open..? Say a key to a lock" Darghon grins.. "mmm, I love puzzles"

Darghon looks around for a loose stone "Hrmm.." He looks at Vinoh "What you reckon? If there is a guardian, maybe whatever it is needs to be woken up" Darghon flicks the stone up and down in his hand...

"Don't do any rash-or stupid.Check the other possiblites before any throwing of stones or opening of coffins...Unless you really want to,which in that case,I'll be in the hallway."




OOC: Famous Last Words: "I Open the Coffin VERY slowly"

Father Quadrail looks closely at the symbols.
"Nothing I recognize, maybe a long dead language."
"I can read any language. Well not that one but just about all others. Not Orkish that too simple. And not elven ths..." the necklace whisped.

(OOC: Golden..glad to bring a smile..I try my best. :D )

Hearing the arguments for and against Thantos adds...

"I agree with Apokx here but I don't know what else to do. I'm kinda for backing up to a defensible position and trying to pass something through the blue curtain of light. I may be wrong but I'm hoping that the stone coffins' lids are heavy enough to keep anything in them, inside. I think if we open them we may be opening Pandora's box. Perhaps opening the coffin triggers the statues or moving through the curtain of light, or heck there could be trigger stones on the floor. Or, we could be reading too much into all of this and this could be just a room.

I say we back into the tunnel a little and then toss a rock through the curtain of light. But before that I would suggest that Darghon or Vinoh fly up to the lantern/chandelier with the torch Vinoh has and lights the lantern. Light often helps to combat the forces of darkness."

Nodding her head after hearing the knight's idea, D'Aleen speaks up...

"I think Thantos is right on this one. We will have enough to deal with without setting free whatever is in those coffins. I say if we can pass through the light without being harmed let's press on and get to the heart of this.

If we find we need to open the caskets in order to pass through, well then so be it....we can deal with it once we know for certain."

"Good plan, Thantos. I'll go light the lanterns."

Vinoh then focuses his will, flies up to the nearest lantern and attempts to light it with his torch.

Watching Vinoh's attempt to light the lanterns fail, the elf unconsciously plucks the tight sinew of the bow in her hands.

Feeling a slight tremor shiver through the wood, she glances curiously at the weapon and notices the jewelled tip glimmering with a soft, warm light.

Suddenly the elf feels a soft glow flow through her body and a feeling of hope overwhelm her....she closes her eyes to hear a gentle voice whispering from the corners of her mind. Suddenly snapping open her eyes, she strides past her comrades and places herself a distance from the veil of light.

Without hesitation she stands firm and draws back on the bow aiming directly at the light. A bright light flows from the weapon, enveloping the elf. An incredible shaft of pure energy can be seen as, with a prayer, D'Aleen lets it fly right into the heart of the blue veil.

With a soft cry she shields her eyes from the startling myraid of colors that explodes when the shaft touches the mysterious barrier......hoping against hope her instincts are right, she raises her eyes.....


(occ...Rogue you decide now! To the others....had a hunch and had to act on it!!!)

OOC:"I agree with Apokx here " <--- First reply by Thantos
OOC:"I think Thantos is right on this one" <---Second reply by Minx
OOC:"Good plan, Thantos" <---Third Reply by Bob Biter


:( :(



Attrah watched dumbfounded and steps into the hallway.
"Here we go."

"Bats, bats, I hate bats."
"Shut up unless your going to damn well help."
"Well that's a fine way talk to a finely made source of powerful magic. Just for that I'm not going to help."
Father Quadrial doesn't have time to respond to the necklace but the anger he feels comes out in the slashing moves he makes with his staff.
Trails of light burn through the massed black wings.
Moving towards the other members of the part he tries to signal them to stand back to back.
"We must create a circle that they can't penetrate." the monk bellows against the squeaking, chittering and flapping leather wings.

(ooc....bats....uh huh Argh!)

D'Aleen groans at what she has raised and thinks to herself it would have been better to open the coffins.

With no time to react and having released the horde upon her companions she pulls her dagger from her side and, muttering every elvin curse know to her, backs up and starts slashing at the creatures.

Darghon groans slightly at the on coming bats... "Damn it.." Darghon casts 'Fiery Touch' An invisible fiery aura surronds Darghon. Any bat touching him is burned as if it had just flown into a fire. He moves his globe of daylight around to fend off the bats as well.

When the bats finally go he looks at D'Aleen and says "Where is your magic elf?" Raising an eyebrow and a hand he clicks his fingers and casts ignite, igniting the wicks above in the lanterns.

"I choose to not commune with the servents of the dark side Darghon."

D'Aleen said as she kept an eye on Vinoh as his flame wiped out hordes of bats.

As D'Aleen shoots toward the magical barrier, Gell jumps to the side, instinctively recalling several orcen arrows that had been returned to their sender by similar magic. Instead of an arrow however, a dark cloud rushes back at the party of adventurers instead. Gell howls as his head is enveloped by a dark cloud of bats, and he swats furiously at them in an animalistic panic. He flails his arms furiously as he stumbles across the room, only able to hit a few with his limited batting range. He feels his hands touch something large and flat, and Gell yanks the lid off of one of the coffins and promptly flattens the flying scourge with it, realizing only afterwards what he holds in his hand. Gell looks sincerely apologetic as he glances toward the others, then snarls and grasps his axe as he turns to see what he may have released.

Attrah watches as the situation goes from bad,to possibly worse.

The knight simply simply waits,and hopes that the coffin is empty.

"D'Aleen, magic doesn't involve talking to the dark ones... You are an elementalist are you not? You use magic that is entwined with the elements as I do. Did you not summon the horses? What do you think your bow uses every time you pull back on on it and the telekinetic arrow 'just appears'..." Hearing the lid being torn off off one of the coffins, D'Arghon looks straight over towards it to see what has been released. "So be ready to use what ever gifts Nature gave you Elf.."

As the bat's continue to flow out of the passageway, Gell swings frantically with the stone lid at the winged beasts, vainly hoping to be rid of them. None of the humans seem to have any new strategy to rid the room of the bats, and Gell thinks back to his days as a young orc in training to become a warrior.
"Now gunk, what you am do in fight?"
"When you am in fight, you am smash first and think later!"
"You am not think later! You am smash, then you am eat!"
"Ok, you am smash first and EAT later! When you am think?"
"You am orc! You no am think!"
As the memory faded, Gell realized his training in orc strategy was useless. Stupid flying things! They am making it hard to think! They am puny, but am hard to squish- like bug! This thought then jarred loose a second memory from the orc's smallish mind, this time of his mother.
"You am put rock back when you am come in cave! You am let in stupid bugs that am hard to squish!"
Figuring this second bit of advice might be more useful than the first, Gell pressed the lid against the entrance to the tunnel that the bats were coming through, hoping to stem the flow of the biting vermin.