"I don't like it out there either" Goban says, still looking out from one of the slits. "But maybe that's the point. We're dealing with the undead, were you expecting flowers and rainbows? Why don't we make our way back to where we came in. If we're still.... here... I say we make our way to that graveyard."

Goban then looks up at the position of the moon, trying to determine how much longer until daybreak

"I'd agree with Goban here about going outside but first I think we should explore the rooms we did find further...I'd rather only have to come into this place once and if we can find what we are looking for sooner rather than heading outside and then back in...all the better. "

"Well either way let's head back down" Krazixs isn't too thrilled with the long descent, but at least it isn't up this time.

Darghon follows them when they are ready...

"Ok everyone we know there are two doors in this room we did not enter. Since one is on the balcony let's not go up there for now and lets focus on opening the doors near that idol.

Father, if you wouldn't mind preparing to do your deed again with the idol, that would be much appreciated. I don't mind being bait for any undead in the next room but I want a fisherman with a big knife waiting for me when I reel in the catch."

Thantos moves into the room with the idol in it and moves across to the double doors. He draws his sword and waits until the others catch up before opening them.

At the same time Thantos beings walking into the room,the knight
Attrah began walking toward the staircase.Catching himself before running headfirst into the party,Attrah pauses before explaining his return.

Addressing what remains of his comrades...
"Our situation has gotten worse I'm afraid.While searching for Gell in the catacombs,I must have made an incorrect turn following Vinoh.He never answered my calls,and I have no idea which direction he may have gone..."


"So now it is our decision..continue exploring the other rooms,or enter the catacombs and risk being seperated even further.As you can tell,I prefer the first option."

Krazixs bows his head in a silent prayer for the lost Vinoh. Moving across the room to stand next to Thantos,

" I believe we should fully explore the rooms around this place first, we may be able to find Vinoh that way."

"I too believe the rooms are the best direction," Father Quadrial added after some thought.
Walking to the idol which now felt like an old friend, the portly monk takes the necklace from inside his robes.
Kneeling he thought of the companions they had lost. Gell and Tower their orc warriors had been lost along with Vinoh. He hoped this battle would prove worthy of their lives and not just another joust between the sides of dark and light that so often ground out the lives of the common folk and served little purpose.
"Lets see if I can provide you with a hook and a big club for when you get the catch up on the bank." Father Quadrial said and returned to his prayers.
The 'finely made source of great magical power' pulsed against his chest in time to his heart beat.

Feeling loss for his newly found friend he see's that even if he did speak up for to go down and look for Vinoh it would be of no availe.. "I feel that Vinoh will be alright" Darghon smiles slightly "We should search these rooms some"

He walks over and ready's his light blade hilt. "Lets do this.."

Taking his cue from Dhargon, Goban unsheathes his sword and takes a deep breath. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Krazixs follows behind the two warriors determined to be useful

"OK then...D'Aleen gets to bring up the rear on this one...lets open these doors."

Moving over to the wooden doors with his sword drawn, Thantos pauses for a second and looks back at his companions; his friends. Looking at their faces, Thantos sees determination, steadfastness, and even eagerness in their faces. Turning back to the door with a slight smile he knows these people have adventure and sacrifice flowing thickly through their blood.

Reaching out with his sword he first attempts to push and/or pull the door from a distance with his sword. If the door fails to open he will reach over to the handle and try to pull or lean into the door with his shoulder to try to push it.

Goban concentrates his will on the ring he's wearing, trying to will it to shine light again. Once again, the ring ignited with it's warm glow, but he still wasn't quite sure how the ring worked. 'That's what makes it magic, I guess' he though to himself.

'There, that's a little better' he said, shining the light all around the entrance, at the floors, statues, and ceiling, trying to find anything suspicious.

"Well.." Darghon raises an eyebrow.. "That sure was a let down.." Darghon looks down the hallway seeing if he can see anything with his nightvision..

"Not really a letdown.It seems the passage goes deeper in.That is the goal isn't it? "

Putting his sword away,the knight takes a torch in its place.His shield in his off-hand,he begins making his way through the tunnel.Watching carefully,he waits for the others to follow.


Not sure of what to expect,Attrah recalls how to activate his shield..just in case.Being prepared would be invaluable.

Moving after the other, Thantos keeps his sword drawn and his eye on the statues.

"Remember everyone there is one other door way back in that room, we'll go down the hallway right now but remember it if there is nothing down this way."

Krazixs keeps within a pace behind the two warriors

Darghon comes in behind, keeping an eye out for anyone.. or thing that could harm the group

After watching Thantos open the ancient doors, D'Aleen follows after the group trying to see down the long corridor. Feeling uneasy leaving the Father behind alone, despite the icon, she pulls her bow from her back and gets ready for what may come.

"I hope that icon works more than once if the Father has visitors..."


OOC: Sorry all for the delay, was away unexpectedly & for longer than I thought! :)

Walking toward the doors,Attrah signals the rest of the group to wait behind.Opening them slowly he....

Attrah:
* As you open the great doors slightly, inside you see through the cracked opening...
Cobwebs hang from the dust covered columns of this great hall,
illuminated by torches fluttering in iron scones. *

Walking inside the great hall,the knight waits a moment before signaling it is clear up to the doorway.
Glad that at least the torches were lit,Attrah strikes out his own on the ground.Brandishing his sword and shield again,he gives the rest of his comrades time to enter the doors.

"I believe we should be more on our guard, someone must have lit those torches recently."

Agreeing with the strange little man, Goban tightens his grip on his sword. Following his hand's lead, the rest of his muscles tense up, preparing to strike at a moment's notice.

"So, which way do we go now? I'm not in the mood for any more stairs, myself. Why don't we see what's behind the doors?"

Raising his staff high so that its light casts a pool of glowing warmth over the party Father Quadrial watches his companions backs.
He had taken this position many times in his days as a soldier.
What lay ahead could be dangerous but what came up behind you was deadly.

"I think you must be right Krazixs. This must have been a glorious place some time ago though...a shame it ended up like this.

I'm all for Goban's idea. If we can't get the doors open we can always check out the hall to the left."

D'Aleen fingers her bow and looks around warily while waiting for the others to decide which route to take.

"I agree we need to be on our guard. Let us quickly search this hall first before continuing through doors. Doors at least keep us from being seen. If there is something at the other end of this vaulted hall it has no doubt seen us. I have no desire to be attacked from both ends at once."

Thantos, with sword drawn moves down the hall looking around to see if anything catches his notice. As he is going he looks at the walls to see if there are any paintings or markings that he can read.

Thantos
* Torchlight flutters against the walls of this vaulted hall.
To your left, a single arched corridor of stone masonry is lit by light
from the circular stair visible some 20 feet away.
The light is coming up from the staircase, it also descends into a terrible darkness.
Beside the opening, a suit of armor, oiled & glistening, stands attention in a shallow alcove.

To your right on the far wall, large double doors hang slightly open,
a steady bright light escaping through the opening. *

"It would seem as if someone or something might be expecting us". Krazixs looks toward the doors that hang slightly open.

"Well,of course.Something has been expecting us the entire time.
I see no point in keeping whoever it is waiting."

Walking toward the steady beam of light,Attrah places his shield against one of the doors,and begins to push.

"Attrah..NOOOO...." (OOC: sorry just had to say that once..now back to the story..)

Moving with Attrah to the door, Thantos stands beside the doorway (next to the wall) and holds his sword at the ready.

"We may as well check as much as we can, and quickly since this place could be huge. "

(OOC: Net cafeing.. I'm having fun on the holiday :D)

Darghon backs up the group..
"I wonder if it will be a fellow dragon? But if so.. chaos and darkness might rule his heart.. lets hope not"
(OOC: Back to you rogue :))

Rushing to catch up with Attrah, Thantos and Darghon, Goban posts himself on the other side of the doorway with his sword held at the ready.

"If there's anything in there, it's gonna get a face full of swords"

"This..can't be good."
Raising his voice to be heard across the room,Attrah addresses the caped figure.

"Lo there,who are you? I am Sir Attrah,and that is the only name you shall have for now."

While waiting for a reply,the knight checks the room for any advantage.

The knight's mind,cranking with ideas and possiblities.An illusion,trap..both? And this food,an obvious trap. So simple,why would anyone be expected to fall for this?
Wondering what role this "Maestro" would play..

Addressing the figure once again...

"Music during dinner is nice,but I much prefer conversation.A Lord who invites guests over and doesen't mingle?"


Knowing well his words could get him into trouble,Attrah saw little else in the way things were going.Hopefully his "charm"
would at least get a response.

Obviously whatever this was,(And Attrah was pretty sure about "Vampire") the creature had been a noble at some point.

Sheathing his sword and lowering his shield,The dark knight wanted to know what this was about.Sure now that his comrades thought he was insane,Attrah hoped that his plan would work.Trying his best to remember etiquette...

Seeing Attrah put down his sword, Thantos hisses in a whisper..

"Attrah..are you nuts...everything in this place is evil..keep your guard up."

Father Quadrial makes it into the room just in time to see the dark figure turn back to the organ and begin playing it.
"Don't eat the food. No matter how hungry you are."
Raising his staff he mutters a prayer that sounds almost like a curse.

D'Aleen slides past Goban hoping he won't fall under the enticement of the scene laid out in front of them. Many of the less powerful but mischevious races she was familiar with would often lure in victims by the use of food and drink. Shuddering to think what the evil forces here could conjure up she watches in amazement as Attrah lowers his sword and faces the figure at the organ.

"Thantos...get ready to grab him.....this has a bad feeling all over it."

Instinctively her hand reaches down to hover above her dagger settled against her thigh, just as she realizes that it would prove futile in a battle against any undead. Readying her bow she prays that the power in it will be enough to help the group defeat the forces they are up against.

Krazixs stands inside the doorway next to the friar. His staff gripped tightly in his hand and ready to summon a bar of fire at the first sign of trouble.

Attrah:
* The dark figure stops playing again.
Flipping his cloak back & turn slightly, stiffly.
You notice his reflection in the mirrors that surround the area.
Still facing away, tapping on the keyboard slightly, as you draw closer. *

"Welcome, welcome
You have been expected, forgive me for not meeting you earlier.
I can be such a bad host at times, but I do not get many vistors.
Allow me to make it up to you with a feast in your honor.
Please partake, and talk, let me get to know you all.
Heroes deserve a rest & repast after a quest.
I enjoy my rest in peace too.
Hahahahaha!"

"My lord,our quest is not over.The temple is still a place of seething darkness.A question remains though.You know who I am,but what is your name?"


Walking smoothly over to the table,the knight stared down on the fine feast.

"Don't find it rude we don't take from your table,but the situation does beg caution."

Wondering if this encounter would quickly turn sour,Attrah hoped he had not made a mistake thus far.

Listening intently to the ramblings,Attrah begins putting pieces together in his mind.All of it could be true/false...but this person seems too incoherent to be the mastermind...or maybe his attitude is just to throw us off.


"I see,or maybe I don't.Anyways,Velix..what reason do you have to enter our world? And why exactly,were you expecting us?"

*Father Quadrial steels himself and steps forward.
"Your words are hardly comforting, dark one."
Reaching into his pouch, the portly friar takes a small packet of fine powder.
Pouring the powder into his hand he then blows it across the table.
It settles over the food and the wine.
"A little dust from the tomb of Saint Swithen mixed with an antivenom and some white pepper. Goes very well in stews and glazes for ham."

Looking at the curiously bobbing head and hands, Thantos whispers to Attrah...

"Attrah, ask him to remove his cloak hood or stand up..I think that this person/thing may be being possessed or animated and is not the usual embodiment of Velix."

Something about this shady character made Krazixs extermely nervous. Actually everything about him did. What is his game?

Shaking his head and a bit irritated,Attrah tries to light himself a torch.
"From the sound of it,we are going to have to find another exit.This place just gets better and better.We need to get some light in here before something gets the jump on us."


While fumbling around in the near complete darkness,the knight figured what the maestro had told him could prove useful..or not.In any case it WAS information.Truth or not,it didn't change much..but at least the story made sense.

Concentrating Father Quadrial brings light to the celtic cross at the head of his staff.
"I guess we know a bit more then we did before but it sounds like we will be paying in spades for that information."

Narrowing her eyes D'Aleen peers into the darkness to make sure there isn't any unpleasant surprises waiting for the group. She shoulders her bow as the Father's staff casts a small pool of light around the room.

"Well that was interesting. Was that really our foe utilizing the body of another or was that just a decoy to throw us off the trail? I wonder.......regardless, we need to decide which direction to take now."

Apokx:
* There is enough light coming from the party's magical sources to see that the doors of the hall haven't closed.

While near the bench where the figure you had approached sat,
when you light your torch...a cloaked figure in still the shadows
in the mirror!
As a matter of fact, with a second glance...in several of the mirrors,
behind the archaic ornate organ. *

"Interesting . . . " Krazixs approaches one of the mirrors in the dim light. Gripping his staff the elf ignites it with holy fire, and cautiously extends the end of his staff to touch the mirror closest to him.

Watching Krazixs approach the mirror Thantos raises his sword at the figure in the mirror nearest him and sees if he can see himself in the mirror.

"I wonder if he's left an image or essence of himself in the mirrors to watch us. "

Attrah,had at this point never been as annoyed as he was now.
The newcomer's longwinded introduction and warning only served to fuel the knight's irritation.


"That was a nice speech,very pretty.But a few problems with your proposal...

One: We are not leaving.

Two: You will never lay a hand on anyone in this party.

And Three:"

The Dark Knight grasped his Father's Sword firmly,and withdrew it.

Attrah:
* As you reel, from the brief illusionary flash that appeared.
Disturbing your concentration, your focus returns.

You note that all the mirrors show the same still, hanging, figure in the shadows
and it is behind the organ.
There is no movement, there is no sound
except for the slight chill wind left. *

"I think someone should check out the organ, I believe our magician friend might be trying to lead us on" Krazixs turns from the mirror and looks at the organ.

"I've had enough of these games. You've been a pretty bad host so far, and I think the party's just about over."
Goban cautiously starts to make his way around the organ, trying to keep at a safe distance from where the figure appears to be in the mirror. His sword and ring ready, he prepares to fire some lightning should he see the stranger actually behind the organ.

Pulling her bow from across her back, D'Aleen steps forward ready to assist Goban, Attrah and the others. Suspecting that the figure at the organ would now just turn out to be the corpse the creature claiming to be Velix was inhabiting, she was still wary as she watched Goban advance.

"If Velix, or whoever that was, has in fact disappeared then I suggest we find him as soon as we can. Even if he isn't the reason we are here, we still may be able to get valuable information from him if we use our wits."

"I don't want to get caught in a maze of mirrors but I think we should pursue our new "friend". Who is with me?"

D'Aleen asked as she cautiously moves towards the passageway....

"I'm with you, I'm getting tired of the games, I want to get to the bottom of this"

Krazixs looks unusually determined.

"Yeah I'll follow you D'Aleen...lead on."

Thantos follows grimly.

Picking up a plate of food,the knight turns it upside down,then tosses his new frisbee into a mirror.(Making sure it isnt close to anyone)

Nodding to D'Aleen.Attrah takes a place behind Thantos.

Following the knights lead Father Quadrial dumps a couple more plates of food and practices his discus throw.
"I would rather not wander into such a fun house but it looks like our host would have us there."
Making a quick prayer he follows his compatriots.

"I tire of this game of hide and seek....let's up our odds a touch, shall we, the old fashioned way...."

And, reaching down, D'Aleen grabs a handful of the sand and dirt that litters the passageway and hurls it in an arc towards the mirrors hoping that most of it would hit the solid glass and fall straight down, giving them an idea of which route to take.

OOC: Hmmm Rogue don't want to go to far without a nod from the big guy! ;)

"I figured it had to be some sort of fake creature. Let's cut it down so that it doesn't bother us again...at least not with this particular mannequin. What do you think? "

Thantos moves over to the levers and moves a few of them to see what the mannequin does.

Krazixs looks warily on as Thantos experiments with the levers, fearing a trap or a unexpected surprise.

"Well these definitely do control the mannequin..Unless anyone has an objection I'm going to cut this thing down. Perhaps then we will see something in one of the mirrors that doesn't belong."

(OOC: I'll wait for a bit to see if anyone objects...if not then Thantos will cut the wires that hold the mannequin up).

The knight has no objections to cutting the mannequin down.

The next thought crossing Attrah's mind was about breaking all the mirrors...but that might be a waste of time.

Waiting patiently,Attrah watches the figure dangling there.

"By all means cut that thing down so we aren't bothered by it anymore. Hmmm I wonder where that corridor leads off to..."

D'Aleen wanders over to the entrance of the corridor to see if she can see down it.

"Cut it down if it would please you.. I haven't an issue with it" Darghon wanders slightly behind D'aleen "I'm more interested in finding our friend from back there anyhow..."

Darghon walks through the corridor and stops at where it splits and looks at the cobwebs.. "Urgh.. I hate spiders.." He then continues into the domed room and has a look around. Looking out of the archers slits he sees..

Darghon:
* You feel the frigid wind on your face as you look through the 2 inch slit.

Before you, you see a chasm of great depth, beyond what you can see.
Across the dark & wide split in the earth, you see a dark & dead forest.
Out of that forest comes a beaten road that approaches the cliffs.
This ends at the chasm and at a gate with two large ancient turrets to each side,
which seems to be a place where a drawbridge can open to.

Right below you before the dark slash in the earth,
are tall stone walls...forbidding to say the least,
and before that, what seems to be a courtyard.

A cold fog wafts through the dead ground,
Lightning flashes overhead from a storm approaching in the distance. *

"Well.. from what I can see" He looks back at the group "We're definetly in some sort of castle far from our original place I would think"

After looking back through the archers slit.. "Everything is dead and dark out there.. Shall we press on then?"

"Yes, let's."

Dropping his invisibility power, Vinoh Madren steps into full view of his comrades, whom he is especially glad to see. He then casts a glare at Attrah:

"Well, it would seem that someone couldn't keep up... nonetheless, the collective magic wielded by our group leaves a slight trail, which I was able to hone onto and find my way here.

Sadly, I haven't found neither Gell or Tower and I would strongly advise against going back to the catacombs. Our little spiff there seems to have stirred quite a few nasty things. However, I was able to find shelter near the freshest tomb, where Father Quadrial placed a crucifix. I was most thankful for that indeed! Held at bay, these... "things" were unable to approach. I then made my way here... Strangely, this place seems full of dimensional vortexes that feed off of each other. Looking out arrow slits and gashes in the walls, I saw very different landscapes.

Nonetheless, I'm happy to see you all! Even you, dark knight. It would seem that you confronted something here. What is this puppet-like monstrosity on the floor? Did you guys have fun without me?"

With that last remark, Vinoh smiles slyly, thinly concealing the great relief he feels with the discovery of his companions, which is underlined by the great dread he holds for the catacombs. Their way back was cut off, that much he knew for sure. The only option now was to press on.

"I shall tell the Brother who carved the cross of the assistance it offered." Father Quadrial smiled at the return of their lost companion.
"The puppet was a sneaky way of distracting us from the real nature of this place. I suspect that there are multiple forces here and that some are not so much in control as just settled in. Let's see if we can't stir up their comfortable nest a bit."

"Vinoh!" Darghon grabs his forearm giving him a strong warriors handshake. Grinning wildly he says "It is good to see you alive old friend and yes I agree with you about the dimensional vortexs"

Darghon looks out the slits again "But I wonder if we do go back the same way will we return to the location we need to goto? or if no be it that we wander around here for a life time" He says raising an eyebrow..

"I guess we have only one way to find out.." With an even bigger grin "Lets go destroy some evil"

Relieved that the sudden apparition wasn't some undead horror out for blood, Krazixs smiles as he see there lost companion returned. Emboldend now with their added comrade, Krazixs turns to the rest of the group, "I believe we should be on our way, someone must have been operating the mannequin, let us try to find our mischevious puppeteer."

"Welcome back Vinoh and Darghon..hope your adventures have been..uh...memorable. Shall we progress? We can head back up the way a bit I believe there were more rooms and such that we could go into or we could head down the cobwebs corridor. It doesn't look like much has passed that way in quite some time which of course could be a good sign...or a very bad one.

I'm all for the corridor personally, spider's don't seem to frighten me as much anymore."

With that Thantos, moves down the corridor as far as the light goes, slashing down cobwebs with his sword. Turning at the edge of the light he looks back...

"Shall I continue at the front or are we heading back the other way?"

OOC: Sorry for the delay guys, I've been a little under the weather.

Hearing a familiar voice behind her, D'Aleen spins around and a delighted grin spreads over her face as she realizes her eyes are not playing tricks on her. Rushing over she surprises the mage with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Ah it is good indeed to have you back safely with us Vinoh. I am so glad you came to no harm.

Now though I think Thantos is right and we should all press on. If Vinoh says the way we came, or the catacombs at the very least, is not safe then I think we should continue with this path. If the rest of you agree, that is."

"Aww and I was so looking forward to slaying some evil" A slighty depressed look comes over Darghons face.

"Oh well what ever is good for you lot" He grins again

Raising an eyebrow,the knight simply nods to Vinoh.
"Next time,you can wear the armor..and keep up with me."



Considering their current situation,and have no love for mazes Attrah felt pressing forward was the best choice.

"Everyone agrees that we should press on? Great...Do any of you want to explore this room to the right back there or are you going to follow me down this gloomy cobweb infested corridor? By the way, Goban or Darghon, I could use some added light down here."

And with a wink darghon closes his eyes. Holding out his palms you can see the mystical energy leap from his fingertips and create a small 'Globe of Daylight'.

"Just ask if you need anything else Thantos" he cracks a little grin "Well I'm ready to head down this gloomy cobweb infested corridor.. yeuk"

"I will follow whatever way you choose"

Overjoyed by the welcome he receives, Vinoh feels his confidence return to him, which had been severely shaken earlier. He is glad that everyone seems fine and ready for action. Remembering the evil he had just narrowly escaped, Vinoh nods his head in agreement.

"I agree that we should press forward, but let's at least make sure to cover the most ground. I am most in favour of at least giving that room a cursory once-over before moving down that corridor. If you say that this puppet was controlled, then perhaps the pupeteer is nearby... What do you guys think?"

His curiosity once again overwhelming his fear, Vinoh makes his way to the side chamber for at least a brief inspection.