Story so far...

Introduction; Fete & Fortune The period is set post the Time of Troubles where major shifts in the balance of power have impacted amongst Faerun's deities and its people. Set in the vast region of the Sword Coast you find yourselves acting as caravan guards and escorts to a rather popular and successful travelling carnival known by all as Cornelia's Crazy Circus. The circus is comprised of around 70 members forming a company of clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, jugglers and stunt orientated artists. There are merchants, fortune tellers, alchemists, illusionists, evokers and crafters all capable artisans in their own right. All this is contained within twenty huge wagons, carts and haulers, pulled by over 40 beasts of burden. For the past six months or so you have aided in its defence and safe passage through various towns and cities up and down the Trade Way and the High Road. On a day to day basis whilst the circus is in full swing you act as security officers ensuring no ill wishers or disgruntled customers attack your colleagues or disrupt their shows, overseeing payments and protecting the business best interests. At night you keep watch and defend their property. Whilst upon the road you act as sentries, escorts and scouts defending the caravan from ambitious bandits, wandering monsters and the like. You each possess unique abilities that make you suitable for the job and it is your skill, experience and reputation that secures your position and earns your high wages. Cornelia pays her guards well and you all receive 5gp a day with a bonus upon departures of each city stopped at to perform. She includes food and lodgings and allows you to keep any loot gained in deterring enemies of the circus. You have worked with your colleagues for some time now and have come to trust in their abilities and judgement. Some have become close friends whilst others remain just work associates. Your employment suits your need for travel and adventure whilst it ensures you a comfortable standard of living despite the repetition of mundane tasks and tight sleeping arrangements. Over the course of your time in the circus you have bonded with a Gnome Illusionist called Rowan Gozwallop who sub contracts capable members of the guard into fulfilling specific tasks for him. His thirst for knowledge and desire for all things rare and magical has lined your pockets well over the past months. He compiled a group called The Delvers to retrieve such treasures on his behalf for excellent payouts, magical trinkets and wicked adventures to which you are all pleased to be apart of. So to the present time... You spent the last week at Luskan where you have never worked so hard in breaking up fights, deterring criminals and disposing of drunken hecklers intent on ruining the show. Luskan, or the City of Sails, is a city of pirates, thieves and disreputable folk who follow their own agendas of making gold via the black market, production of drugs and slave trading. Several of your companions were injured and few were killed during your stay and the decision was made by Cornelia to leave a week early to avoid any further mishaps. You now find yourself on the North Eastern Road to Mirabar located on the southern reaches of the Spine of the World. With a population of over 10,000 compromising of mainly Dwarves and humans, the circus aims to make a lot of coin here whilst allowing it to recover supplies and make essential repairs. Two days have passed following the departure of Luskan and several more remain before you reach the gates of the great mining city. This day is coming to a close with the great sun falling in the west casting wonderful shadows over the illustrious rocky landscape. You awake staring at the faces of your tired companions to the bumpy shaking of your carriage as the caravan comes to a standstill. Loud voices shout outside calling for the others to stop and form a defensive ring some hundred yards from the road. The greedy Gnome has already asked you to meet with him this night, his excitement was barely disguised at the subtle mention of an adventure. With a few hours sleep under your belt you scoff your rations and ready yourselves to meet with Rowan.

Chapter One - To Reclaim Ones Pride. The adventurers woke from their afternoon slumber in a rickety old caravan shambling down off the road into a gulley some 100 meters away. As per usual the coach drivers formed a giant ring allowing its occupants resting in the centre some form of protection from the mountains wind. This also allowed the guard to defend in one direction if ever it were to be attacked knowing their colleagues would always have their backs behind them. Viaja was already up sorting through her papers and other miscellaneous things . The others noticed she wore her divine white cloak, so bright that it glimmered like untouched fields of snow in silvery moonlight. Beside her, Dorian was brushing his long golden hair, grooming his chiselled jaw and polishing his precious armaments. He scrunched his face taking much displeasure in the smell of the oddball monk who reeked of ale and sweat still curled up on the floor snoring like an injured baboon. He bent down to pick up some floss and almost jumped out of his skin when he saw the dumbfounded face of a long haired mule staring straight at him from a side window. The paladin saw it from his gleaming mirror, the creatures head now positioned through the portal and resting on the shelf below. The beast was chewing straw, its jaws working like a windmill's grindstone as hay and slobber flicked everywhere. The warrior sighed as he focused on the patchwork cotton hat that sat stupidly on its bulky head allowing its pointy ears to protrude up and out. Snarr, a capable scout and proficient marksman, leapt up then kicking the balding vagabond intentionally to wake him as part of a staged trip causing the brute to stir. The man never spoke much on a day to day basis and the others often joked about holding better conversations with the withdrawn monk when he is unconscious. This however woke the parties smallest member, Kevril, a confident Gnome Sorcerer who was quite content snoozing in his makeshift hammock between a set of two bunk beds. With an outright stretch of his little arms and a disgruntled sigh he descended from his comfy bed and prepared his spells for the evenings shenanigans knowing full well Rowan's intentions of a possible quest this very night. They were all there earlier when the powerful Illusionist made reference of a secret meeting for the Delvers. Kevril respected the master wizard and whilst he was always envious of the mage's ability he knew not to test him, not yet anyway. The party formed up outside taking in a deep breath of autumns cool fresh air as their eyes recoiled from the glorious dazzling sun that was now setting in the west. It's warm rays conjured long flickering shadows against the tall fir trees as they looked back down the road to Luskan recalling the tough times and close encounters that barbaric place had to offer. They saw Jax then attending to his dinosaur pet George who was hastily woofing down a brace of conies at the end of the carriage. The druid was a man of nature and not one for social encounters and often spent his time outside away from the politics and greed of mankind. The others preferred this as a better alternative than spending any amount of time with the strange human and his vicious raptor. That tranquillity soon diminished when the sound of a familiar voice barked orders and commands to other members of the guard, organising the defences for the evening. Vaukhaul Rootsmasher was Cornelia's right hand man and run its security measures like a well oiled machine. The man was a goliath, a race of stone who's strength and constitution reflected his heritage. The sword on his back was twice the height of a human and almost as wide; rumours through the circus state he took it from a hill giant after defeating it in a game of mercy, a most notable feat. Vaukhaul was quick to spot the heroes who were emerging packed ready for adventure as opposed to a night of rest before their long shift tomorrow. Instantly suspicious he made his concerns known freely stating the consequences of what an employee can expect for poor attendance or to be found sleeping on the job. Viaja, always the most diplomatic of the group, reassured their captain that his concerns were noted but unnecessary and led them over to Rowans abode. It wasn't hard to find the spell casters shelter as he conjured a different structure each night depending on his mood and the mammoth sized enchanted boot easily gave it away on this occasion. Crouching down and knocking the pentagonal shaped door which happened to be under the uplifted toecap (that also acted as an adequate porchway) the party entered. Rowan seemed a bit on edge but excited as he normally does when he reunites the 'Delvers'. He disclosed a lengthy story of a Gnomish mage called Chadwick Peabottom who was once a class mate at Gimbles college of Facades and Fallacy a very long time ago. The two were ahead of their class and were great friends but also strong competitors. After school the pair worked together on a spectacular performance called "The nameless face" and took it on the road all around Faerun. Rich and famous, they were approached by a male called Lessionous who offered a huge contract for a private show during a meeting of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep. Rowan explained that this display was his last as it quickly emerged the pair were used as a distraction to the assassination of a powerful and influential soldier. After escaping barely unscathed thanks to his powerful magic he returned to find Chadwick had fled with all the gold and his possessions leaving him penniless but the clothes on his back. Amongst his personal belongings was his prestigious spell book, his graduation cowl and gnarled staff. Rowan choked up at this point, cleared his throat and continued stating he had spent the remainder of his life searching for the rogue wizard and now believes to have found his tower. He confirmed with Viaja (who had been assisting him in scrying for its location for the past few months) that he believes it to lie somewhere near to a deserted underground shadow thieves hideout that was destroyed long ago. The cleric quickly informed the others of the forty year old tale of when a party of holy warriors dedicated to Helm, tracked the rogues back to a rotten tree north of here which held the secret portal to their hidden network of tunnels. The fighters smoked out the thieves and collapsed the passageways leaving their headquarters in ruins and the Sword Coast a slightly safer place. The Illusionist wanted his possessions back by any means necessary and asked the Delvers to do this for him, for payment of course. He described his spellbook as being disguised as a broken mirror explaining his logic that any would be thief would normally avoid such a misfortuitous item - however Chadwick knew his secret. His cowl was a sunrise yellow that glimmered with thousands of radiant sequins and the staff was fashioned to that of an upright lizard, its head being the handle protected by the fins and its tail being the point which he added "was as sharp as any spear". The quest was pretty straightforward to the party but Snarr raised the question of Chadwick's affiliation to the Shadow Thieves. Obviously Rowan could not answer this merely shrugging his shoulders but if this was the case then the threat may not lie with just one disgruntled old wizard. The party knew Rowan was good for his word and always paid well so the benefit had to outweigh the risk, or so they had to believe... The heroes took their fill of the buffet food the mage had kindly conjured up, especially Bear who scooped up half the table embracing a kings feast in his large hairy arms. Vaukhaul caught the group leaving the wizards residential boot and was quick to show his frustration at the notion of the warriors leaving the camp to take up another reckless quest for the Illusionist. Bear stuffed his magic rations deep into the side bags of his trusty mule who had inadvertently observed the whole meeting from the small circular window outside. Vaukhaul questioned the heroes' intentions but was quickly and cleverly side tracked by Viaja's wit who simply stated they were taking the rations to a nearby needy orphanage. Flabbergasted the mighty soldier waved his hand and stormed off at the silly notion muttering curses under his breath. Jax and Snarr picked out a direct path through the sparsely populated forest with the assistance of Viaja who appeared to be in regular contact with her deity for guidance. It wasn't long before the sun had set and the group marched under the starlit canopy of the night sky. With the sudden drop in temperature and the lack of concentration up front the party quickly halted when a filthy stout dwarf stepped out and blocked their path. He bore a circular steel shield and a tethered war-axe. His auburn coloured beard was platted in two lengths, containing greasy scraps of his latest meal whilst his pink skin displayed multiple scars and horrific burns. A tall man in grey robes stood beside him twitching his hands nervously whilst other well armed warriors emerged from the brush to accompany them and surround the heroes. The confident paladin stood proudly in front of his allies wielding an ever burning torch that Jax had lent him - illuminating the disgusting dwarf's features. The bandit boasted the reputation of Bagg's Branders, attempting to intimidate the travellers with a branding iron and a fee of 200gp for safe passage. He made it known they followed the caravan and was aware of its riches gained from its many performances along the High Road and beyond and were clearly on the rob. Dorian boldly stated he would not make such a payment when combat exploded as Snarr opened fire upon the nearest bandit. The paladin charged ferociously into the nearest axe wielding human still holding onto the torch, his reckless attack inaccurate as it clanged against the bandits parrying blade. Jax became one with nature then taking command of the plants and trees, entangling several enemies including the sorcerer holding them fast. His vicious pet George pounced into the swirling combat and tore apart the nearest villain ripping him limb from limb as friend and foe alike stared in horror. Witnessing this violent act, Snarr swallowed hard as he continued to rain in bolt after bolt on the bandits. He cursed aloud when he struggled to hit his targets due to the protection from the natural terrain and concealing darkness. Kevril almost soiled himself when a sword swinging mercenary rushed him causing a bloody wound on his shoulder. He could see Bear effectively punch kick and knee another fighter knocking him down and followed his movement side stepping his aggressor and unleashing his precious wand. Wave after wave of searing hot flames jumped forth spraying the unexpected warrior in first degree burns leaving him in a smouldering charred mess on the floor. Content with his contribution to the fight he soon back peddled avoiding any further melee combat. The filthy dwarf then charged the melee hacking the paladins defenceless off hand inflicting a grievous injury causing Dorian a moment of doubt in his ability and the perilous situation. He knew he had to withdraw his shield soon to ward off this powerful fighters attack or soon end up dead. He could think of nothing worse than the dwarf branding his perfect skin, dead or alive! Off to the side, the mage somehow managed to read a scroll and disappear into the ethereal plane allowing him to skip through the entangling vines unhindered. He approached the parties left flank and cast forth a spray of prismatic and blinding colours stunning poor Kevril and glancing the unexpected scout Snarr. In the meantime Viaja woke from her day dream taking note of the ensuing battle and instinctively started channelling positive energy from her deity into healing the inured paladin and friendly wizard. George raced along the right flank tearing each unsuspecting bandit apart after Jax enchanted its claws with powerful magic. Nothing could stop it, or so they thought... Bear raced into the dirty dwarf taking him into a grapple, pummelling his midsection with powerful strikes. This allowed Dorian to nimbly step back and charge the enemy mage who was now a real threat to Kevril and Snarr. The proud fighter agilely spun about 360 degrees swinging his enchanted longsword down in an overarching, sweeping attack taking the mages blinking head from his shoulders spraying a vertical fountain of blood high up into the air. The bewildered face of the robed man bounced along the ground into the dancing vines that wrapped about it compressing it, squashing it like a pumpkin in a vice until it exploded sending flesh, blood and bone in every direction. Bear met his match as the now enraged dwarf had equalled his strength and had returned a few minor blows in the grapple. George flanked the melee, pounced and raked the flatfooted leader however tripping the combatants causing them to fall prone. Catching the dinosaur unawares another bandit stepped out of the darkness wielding a massive greataxe and chopped the creature with one almighty powerful strike, cleaving flesh like a hot knife through butter, shattering bone, knocking it unconscious. The brawl between the monk and the dwarf raged on and it was Bear who eventually took the upper hand beating him senseless with a flurry of connecting fists and knee strikes. Jax rushed to aid the dying dinosaur but it seemed the battle had been won as the mercenary group had lost its nerve at the loss of its spokesman and subsequently rushed to hide in the dark forest... All except one who was still stuck high up in a tree in the tightening vines of the druids spell. Dorian showed mercy and allowed the trembling bandit to climb down once Jax released the effective spell. The warrior pleaded for his life throwing his sword down and a handful of coins at the paladin. He promised them no ill will and wished for nothing more than to return to Luskan and live a quiet life. The holy man had no reason to doubt his motives despite his actions momentarily before but felt that he should be handed into authorities and experience retribution and justice. Jax had a better idea and suggested they tie him to a tree and let nature take its course, a concept the paladin didn't necessary agree with but would mean they would not have a prisoner tagging along in their quest. It was decided then but the poor hysterical man kicked and punched trying to escape the groups unappealing judicial action. The bandit punched Jax square in the face as he grabbed hold of the man. They both then fell into Bear as he was plundering the dead dwarf looking for specific items. The hairy man stood up and grunted, sapping the pathetic human with a right hook spraying his teeth all over the ground. The man resisted no more and would soon wake to the calling of the wolves long after the heroes taken their leave. To be continued....

The heroes smiled as they picked the pockets of the fallen bandits; their blood not even truly spilt upon the damp ground. The paladin and druid were making good use of their healing wands when the silence was broken with the sounds of painful groans resonating in the air. They glanced to the defeated man pitifully tied up but he did not move, still unconscious from his beating. Seconds passed when they heard the noise again. In unison the party turned to regard their scouting companion Snarr as he staggered out injured, from below the massive oak tree. Dorian's torch illuminated him fully revealing the distained look of shock and horror about his face. The others too gasped as they saw an arrow clearly protruding from his left knee. They all knew what this meant, the nightmare for any budding dungeon delver especially one as young and fresh as Snarr. His adventuring days were over. Snarr knew that he would live out the rest of his life as a non significant peasant or maybe even a town guard if he was lucky. Perhaps some new and upcoming hero would one day hear his tale of 'how he took an arrow to the knee'... Viaja couldn't do anything for him for his fete was sealed. She did however insist on escorting him back to the caravan where he could scavenge a ride to the next city. Dorian, Jax and Kevril waved them farewell whilst Bear just grunted in typical fashion before tightening their packs and heading for the rotten tree that the cleric described so vividly from her vision. The next part of the journey was uneventful as the druid successfully navigated the simple path through the rocky terrain. Within the half hour a huge debilitated oak tree was in sight. It stood a massive 40ft tall and was now covered in moss, vines and lichen. The remaining companions carefully approached it looking around wondering what the humming noise was resonating in their ears. It was obvious everyone could hear it from the uncomfortable expressions on their bewildered faces. Dorian brought forth his deity's holy implement hoping to detect any evil that may reside within its great branches. He wasn't surprised to learn however no such aura existed. The gnome sorcerer, thinking along the same lines, cast his detect magic cantrip hoping to learn something about the deceased sapling and found some faint illusion spell in play two thirds up its trunk. Bear and Dorian approached the tree whilst Jax and George circled it curiously. Kevril the cautious, remained a safe distance behind, none of the wiser to the magic aura and its importance. The paladin searched the base finding a pile of rubble, rocks and compact earth assuming this was once the entrance to the shadow thieves hideout Viaja had spoken of. The monk decided to reach out and touch its flaky bark hoping to learn something insightful when Jax shouted out "WAIT, DON'T TOUCH...ASSASSIN...". It was too late however, the tree came alive then lashing out a 20ft vine snapping him across his left arm opening a serious wound. Reeds, plants and shrubs then came alive all around entangling the unsuspecting adventurers holding all but Dorian in place. The assassin vines ambush had worked a treat. Its hunger for fresh meat was soon to be quenched... but not if Kevril had something to do with it. The monk had been whipped up into its branches and entangled in its thick vines. Jax and George were held fast within the entwining foliage so it was left up to the budding sorcerer to save the day. He began to utter the words to his powerful scorching ray but Jax warned out loud its innate resistances to the elements. Quickly changing his battle plan the small wizard stood back and launched a barrage of powerful purple missiles at the carnivorous plant. Bear struggled as the great tree shook under the immense force, but his training and discipline taught him not to panic even though the things twisting appendages wrapped around his throat. The druid fared just as worse as he too was struck and taken up into the heights of the living shrub, a fate he thought would never happen along his chosen path. Meanwhile down below, Dorian swung his longsword striking the low hanging vines but was quickly caught up in the reeds which were now taking a solid grip about his lower legs. Seeing his friends in trouble Kevril dug deep into his magic reserve and unleashed bolt after magic bolt, swinging his little arms with each gesture, slamming the hungry creature until it moved no more. Exhausted, the gnome looked up to see the monk and druid drop to the ground. Sharing concerned glances the tension ceased when the monks hairy mule appeared from nowhere burying its head into the assassin vines composition to chomp on clusters of dark purple berries. The heroes noticed a concealed corpse within its depths and pulled it free revealing a skeleton clad in crumpled breastplate. In its outstretched hand it wore a shiny gauntlet with an eye emblazoned on the back of the hand, the symbol for Helm. Within its grasp was a tightly compacted scroll, later identified as a healing spell, ironically. The dead warrior wore a blue and yellow silk tabard depicting his faith (and wealth as the garment was surely worth a fortune), that too with the sack of 15 platinum pieces in the sack on its belt. Bear picked himself up feeling an increasing dampness on his lower back. He reached round to feel his backside completely soaked! He unstrapped the oaken barrel tied to him to find a small fracture near the base of the container costing him pints of the valuable nectar that now drenched his loin cloth. Those blasted vines must have crushed it in the melee he thought to himself whilst the others scoffed at his minor misfortune. The sorcerer regained his composure quickly coming to the aid of his disgruntled companion, offering a suggestion of using sap from a nearby bush to seal the crack. The disciplined acolyte nodding in agreement before scrambling off into the nearest shrub with his trusty penknife whilst his crazy mule followed trying to chew his ass. Within moments the thing was sealed and the drip contained! Lost without Viaja's divine sight the heroes take to searching the area, turning over every rock and checking every crevice. George picked up a strange scent leading him to a huge slab of smooth rock which he subsequently started to claw and rake with his large talons. Jax followed him curiously investigating the feature, learning it was not as it seemed! The others stood by confused with sunken jaws as the druid started to move boulders aside with ease. Kevril understood then, the powerful magic's disguising the stone was an illusion and the pieces his friend shifted was actually mud. Dorian was dumbfounded as his knowledge of the arcane was rather limited whilst George continued paw the stone instinctively. The disorientated monk dropped into a crossed legged seating position observing intently as he poured a tall drink from the repaired gourd on his back. The paladin thought really long and hard about the illogical act, training his mind to see through the illusion. He reached out to touch it and soon enough he was pushing away real earth, much to his surprise. The Delvers then stood about a metal latch in the ground, the entrance to their next big adventure. The noble warrior prized off the circular lid and dropped the ever burning torch revealing a series of tunnels twenty feet below. George bounced down (not really thinking of how to get back up) and howled as he sprained his ankle in the process, landing on rough cavern floor. The heroes scrambled down the metal ladder provided, one by one, where they stood flabbergasted at what lay before them. A circular brass pedestal sat in the centre gleaming in the little daylight that shone down from above. Several pointers fingered in every direction from its smooth polished ring whilst a 4 foot post erected in the middle contained eight rivets each pointing the same way. Jax suggested it looked like a compass and the others whole heartedly agreed, the symmetry of the thing being to uncanny to refute the wild mans logic. The paladin took the torch and explored four symmetrical passageways each unique and unnaturally bizarre. One direction held a pathway of dense jungle where rain mystically poured down from the darkness above. The opposite path was swamped down in smelly bog, luring shadows and stagnant water. Another passageway led to a searing hot desert where spiky green plants protruded from the sand and shingle. The last threw out a frosty snowstorm as blankets of brilliant white snow coated the floor and razor sharp ice lined the cavern walls. The wise paladin pointed out the enviromental factors in venturing forth into a realm of snow or blistering desert so made the decision to lead through the overgrown jungle first, hacking and slashing his way through thick ferns and obstructing vines. It felt like forever as the group ploughed through the exotic forest with no end in sight as the green wall regenerated in the cleared route behind them. The moral warriors arm just started to tire when he stepped through into a clearing containing a huge serpent alter and four stone collumns surrounding a low marble table. Stepping cautiously out the hero's felt the burning stare from the bright purple gemstone eyes set deep into the snake statues face. The shallow bowl infront of it held a pool of brown stagnant water that rippled with each heavy rain drop that exploded into it. The adventurers found them selves stood round the polished table glaring at an auburn square segmented into two sets of two diferent shapes. Kevril searched the alter and read aloud an ancient verse scribed in Draconic… "Far you've come to lose yourself, far from haven, far from help. Solve the riddle, strech the square. Only then, may you escape my lair..." He knew this puzzle must be answered for there seemed no apparent escape from the endless jungle they now found themselves trapped in. The four worked tirelessly shifting the four diferent pieces in an attempt to make the rectangle the cryptic clue suggested. The watchful eyes of the serpent statue never ceased its glare as they contemplated the deceivingly yet intellectual objective. Bear, however, was not intimidated at all as he chose to sit infront of the thing matching its stare with his own. At long last the small sorcerer opened his mind and crept outside the box showing his creativity and perserverance. With four quick shuffles the shaped pieces now represented a rectangle, slightly shorter but a bit longer than the square they started with. As the segments magically infused together the ground started to shake as thunder rumbled and lightning flashed in the dark sky above. The head of the creature suddenly collapsed smashing into the alter and rolling to the feet of the companions, its eyes now vacant of any flourescent glow. A swirling mass of purple, green and silver filled the basin then sucking the air and drawing everything towards it. Being the only apparent exit, Dorian scooped up the head and charged right through, quickly followed by the others. Clinging tightly to the snakes appendage, the paladin felt sick as he was spun around laterally and vertically in fast, disorientating circles. They all closed their eyes in fear of what was occuring or what was about to occur, only knowing madness in their fleeting moments of this adventure. Suddenly each member of the Delvers crashed onto solid ground and the sound of each others groans was the only thing that told them they were still alive. Each in turn stood up dusting themselves off checking they were still intact, finding themselves back at the tunnels entrance with the compass. The front man retracted his legs from the curled up foetal position he found himself in and lifted the heavy object up to his face. On closer examination the things eyes were no longer glowing and found a unique star shaped hole drilled vertically through it. The words "Once hidden, since found" were inscribed across its forhead in the ancient dragon lanugage. Jax made a quick reference to the hole being the same shape as the erected pole in the monument so Dorian was up and hastily aligning it with the crosspiece. With a series of sudden jolts the shaft accepted the serpents head allowing it to clunk down the riveted slots. Upon reaching the bottom they all noticed the beasts eyes relight with a flicker of colour once more intermating what they had done was correct. A little confused, the heroes quickly surmised that perhaps each passageway held a similar item and each must be explored. The group quickly adorned the additional clothing they carried and began to pysche themselves up to approach the chilling cold winds of the north east corridor ahead. Instantly they felt the temperature drop, the strong biting gale that barrelled towards them caused fingers and toes to turn blue. The small gnome felt it more than most as he complained aloud, but such comments were lost and muffled in the harsh snowstorm. They plodded forwards until the wind would not allow them to continue. It was all to much for Kevril who got blown over countless times in the physical challenge but Dorian came into his own showing an impressive display of fortitude and strength. The paladin secured the sorcerer to a rope he fastened about his waist and started pulling himself along the ice covered walls towards a soft pulsating blue light flashing somewhere in the mist up ahead. Jax, Kevril and George attempted to follow the brave man but were unfortunate and lacked the determination of the holy warrior. Dorian ascended about 35ft laterally up the windswept passage fighting the furious power of the gale despite the obscuring storm ahead of him when he felt the Gnome climb past only to fly past him seconds later. He rolled to one side in relief when the wall sloped to the right allowing him to brace against it when he realised Kevril was no longer attached. The bleached light still beamed from deeper down the passage and he lost sight of the others assuming they were not as successful. Dorian untied the rope and secured his grappling hook to the end. He slowly fastened it around the nearby rock and wondered about his friends as they could not hear him in this hurricane strength wind. He grasped his hand mirror, clumsily wrote the words 'CUM' using his creamy soap bar then carefully placed it into his sack and onto the other end of the rope. The smug paladin slowly descended the object to his friends before continuing the mighty climb without any real protection, knowing his companions would receive his message. He did well and soon passed the glowing light seeing it some 15 feet behind him. With all his strength and courage the man leaped out throwing himself into the wind towards it, hands out wide hoping to grab something. Luck was on his side as the man barrelled into a massive solid object but due to the swirling snow, he had no idea what. Dorian shifted down the structure fighting the wind now pushing him in the direction he wanted to go. It was to much for him though and he lost his grip slipping and sliding 15ft down bouncing off the odd shaped feature. His quick reflexes meant he found a handhold, a round circular shape that felt like a handlebar and fighting the wind he lifted his head up just enough to see what it was... He gasped as he looked face to face with a great white dragon! The creatures eyes shone a piercing topaz blue, he could see that it was not natural but somehow separate to the rest of its body. The great man clung to its left horn and swung his free hand wide knocking it out of its perch, grasping it tightly as the beast suddenly came alive. The headless creature stood up in a blind panic and began to beat its huge wings like a colossal fan, doubling the speed of the wind and sending all the heroes flying backwards. Not even the paladins stout fortitude could resist the increased gale as he joined the others buffeting backwards at a tremendous pace, still clinging tightly to the rock... They awoke piled atop each other freezing cold in a heap of fresh snow at the caverns initial entrance. The stone object clearly depicted a dragons face with dull blue eyes. The words "Rumours, scandals; true or false, but always fresh today" etched around its forehead. 'Great another riddle...' the panting adventurers sighed almost simultaneously... the adventure continues....

The heroes brushed off the gleaming white snow and fixed the wyrms head on the metal post, clunking it down three sets of rivets to sit atop the snakes head below. Content with their recent actions the group made their way over to the passageway representing a blistering desert. Kevril was grateful for the warmth as he could no longer feel his frozen fingers and toes, sensing hypothermia had set in but failed to mention it to his colleagues. Dorian led the troupe with his ever burning torch out front illuminating the sandy narrow passageway whilst desperately avoiding the spiky green cacti looming in from either side. The temperature here was sweltering, everyone feeling the heat. Beads of salty sweat formed in their muggy brows only to roll south over their clammy foreheads, stinging their eyes in turn. The adventurers pressed hard in the harsh terrain and eventually broke through into a clearing where a huge bronze mask in the wall up ahead bored over them. It had an Aztec feel about it as it represented a king of old with a square jaw and diamond eyes. Its mouth held a stone head of a sphinx that was protected by a red wall of force securing it. As they approached, the face awoke in slow animation, its deep voice booming an almighty sigh like the sounds of stone grating on stone. Suddenly sand rained from the ceiling as the cave began to shake and shudder violently. The group gasped as their only exit, the passageway they had just come from collapsed behind them. Bear began to feel uncomfortable as one of his few insecurities, claustrophobia, became obvious to the others. "Listen well mortal thing, else prepare to feel thy deserts sting. Roll the dice before it's too late but be warned there is no luck in your escape" it spoke catching the heroes off guard. They noticed ten six inch square panels, containing a number of respective dots, surround the enchanted mask. Viaja boldly demanded the thing to speak its puzzle quickly comprehending the dire situation unfolding around them. The construct continued its ramble "Say you roll five dice and get a one, a two, a three, a four, and a five. Your sum would be six. Rolling all threes would give ten. Rolling a two, four, two, four, and six would be zero. Rolling a two, three, four, five, and six would be six. What would you get if you roll a three, a four, a one, a five, and a four?" The cavern was still filling with sand and it was the monk who noticed an unusual shift in the fresh layer of shingle that had formed in the room. Before he could react a flash of black streaked through the parting sand sending alarm bells ringing in his head. The next moment a huge scorpion, the size of a warhorse powered through the ground to attack poor Dorian who was still contemplating the riddle. Bear acted with blinding speed charging the thing attempting to hold it in a grapple and close its massive pincer arms. He failed horribly however as the monstrous vermin threw him back like a leaf in the wind. Fortunately the holy fighters strong armour shoved off the reckless attack allowing him to turn and face the creature more defensively scoring a solid critical strike across its set back face. Jax instinctively pulled out his wand, enchanting his dinosaur companion with magical claws. George scurried across the sand and pounced on the beast burying its fangs and talons into its thick chitinous body. The vicious animal manipulated the fresh wound Dorian had caused ripping it open spilling pints of black and green bile. It wasn’t enough to outright kill the thing however as it snapped its huge claws at Bear pinching him around the waist, lifting him high above the shifting ground. The monk let out a painful growl as blood poured from his toned stomach, the constricting pressure of the monsters grip holding him fast. Viaja moved away from the fight focusing on the puzzle desperately seeking an answer that might open an escape route for them whilst Kevril stepped round the melee to avoid them also hoping not to incur the wrath of the dangerous arthropod. The battle was quickly over however, when the raptor pulled its head off in a series of nasty rake attacks with its rending front claws. With a sigh of relief, Jax stepped forward and pressed the tile marked with six dots. Immediately the red glow disappeared from its mouth and the druid grabbed the sphinx head with both hands. The others noticed two more scorpions burrowing out of the ground when suddenly the whole room started to shake more violently. Each hero ploughed the sand with their feet, holding their arms out wide as they felt themselves quickly sinking. A mocking deep laugh resonated from the bronze mask as one by one they fell through the ground helplessly, choking and coughing on the dusty irritating sand. One by one they gasped for air as they crashed onto solid ground, finding themselves in the familiar tunnel complex from where they set out. The druid lifted the Sphinx head noticing the distinctive star shaped hole drilled vertically through it. He read aloud the inscription atop its face "A patched hole, mended well" , his voice trailed off as if speaking a confusing question. Oblivious to Jax, Bear was back on his feet pacing up and down the passageway, streams of blood running from the fresh incisions across his body. The injured man grunted and growled but let out no decipherable word as he started to punch the rocky wall in front of him. Viaja went to his side attempting to calm the man but reassurance did not quench his frustration for Bear obliterated his fists in another series of reckless attacks on the impassable feature, knocking himself unconscious from the pain. It is then the others noted another injury of Bear's, one that explained a lot surrounding his refusal to speak. His tongue was but a shrivelled stump, long removed but unknown why. Dorian pulled free his wand of healing and sent waves of positive energy into the beaten monk restoring his near fatal wounds. Bear soon regained consciousness and leapt up to hug the knight in gratitude, soiling his sparkling white cloak with the crimson ebb of his life-force in the meantime. Dorian grinned and winced at the act politely accepting his praise but was secretly fuming at the now current state of his once pristine white cloak. Just like all the others, Jax inserted the most recent head on the erect pole, jolting the sphinxes face down onto the second to last rung of metal rivets. The Delvers noticed the once dull red eyes were now dimly lit, glowing like mystical rubies. Content that they were one step closer to solving this cryptic puzzle the explorers all turned to the final passageway. An eerie darkness loomed about the stagnant bog, a horrid stench lingering in the air within. The paladin scrunched his nose at the smell and cautiously lifted his cape as he led the group deeper into the miserable swamp. The torch faded dramatically, reducing its bright aura to dying candlelight as if some stronger magic's weakened the adventurers low level dweomers. Strange whispering voices could be heard in the shadows as the temperature dropped, causing the heroes to shiver and reconsider this awful route. Suddenly to their relief a great source of light pulsated in front of them revealing a crumbled statue where lively purple flowers clustered around its base. A divine yellow orb the size of a small melon slowly rotated in a spherical pattern projecting the artificial glow. Viaja understood from the statues leaf gowned armour and long curly beard this was a shrine to Silvanus the neutral good of nature. Jax was surprised to see the pretty plants growing in such a desolate place but did not question it considering everything else they've seen already. The cleric stared at the light guessing the circling orb was in fact some strange fey like creature when it spoke in a gasping feminine voice. "What you seek is what they have but what you have is what they seek. They will not trade, only hide and wait, for they are patient for the take. You will not want to give them what they want... something more valuable than a treasure vault. What am I?" Dorian whispered 'life' but was not confident to share it with the group. Jax shouted 'warmth' and the others seemed to agree with his fair assessment of the riddle, all except the orb who shunned him , clarifying the answer to be in fact, life. The annoyed paladin cursed himself for not speaking up but was interrupted again by the poetic fey. "My essence wains, my light is dull, they sap my strength and are never full. One last fight I have in me if you answer this cor_rect_ly. For get it wrong, then pay the price, blind you'll be in this hidden heist". Viaja requested the thing to speak its cryptic clue feeling somewhat nervous by the looming darkness and howling voices evident all around them. "Something you can play and pull, I love the naive. A pleasure to give, but not to receive. What am I?" the bright globe retorted. The heroes glanced around searching for the monsters making the noises before staring at each other in a perplexed manner. Suddenly the little Gnome said "a prank?!" and the spinning sphere doubled in size emanating a divine white light illuminating the entire swamp. The heroes relieved in their companions quick wit and intelligence were only temporarily reprieved as three shadowy forms circled the group, each with a grotesque head under its black cowl. They caught a glance of ambient yellow eyes flickering in the incorporeal creatures faces just as the monsters turned in fear of the revealing light. Battle commenced then with the paladin leading the charge, striking the ghostly apparition with his magic longsword. The warrior grimaced as his enchanted blade failed to make contact on occasion especially when the thing retreated into the rock wall. Bear rolled up next pummelling the nearest shadow with his ki strike, an ability that monks develop as they progress in power which treats their fists to become imbued with divine force. The monsters lashed back striking the front line warriors with waving tendrils sapping their life force and physical strength. The oracle reached into herself and called out to Boccob demanding aid to turn back the undead horrors, as did Dorian who shouted out Lathanders name. The evil entities withdrew then fleeing the holy warriors concealing themselves in the wall. This gave temporary respite to the heroes but was no permanent solution as the cavern walls gave the things impenetrable protection. Jax conjured the cantrip from his magic wand bolstering his dinosaur companions attacks with the spell magic fang whilst Kevril blasted the things with his positive disruption dweomers. George ripped into the shadow that was clawing at the nervous Gnome, tearing the thing apart sending its own negative life force into its nearest associate. Bear had a hard time fighting his opponent as the malicious form floated into the statue using its stone mass as total cover, so much so he had to roll away as the thing sapped the strength from his body. Dorian too had to pull back as he felt his sword grow heavier and heavier the more this thing raked at him. The proud warrior was forced to drop to his knees as he crawled through the wet bog to escape the nasty apparition, barely able to lift his own weight, let alone his armaments. As the ghost pursued him George pounced on it destroying the creature causing its whispering ghostly essence to seep out and join the final monster. The druid conjured his trusty Shillelagh, a magic cudgel made of pure force and launched his own assault on the shadow pummelling the thing into obliteration. When he finally stopped swinging he looked down to see a grotesque skull under the forms cowl, its once yellow eyes fading out. Scooping it up the glowing orb suddenly exploded creating a blanket of bright white light all around blinding the tired fighters. Suddenly it was gone and they found themselves facing the brass compass rubbing their bleary eyes. Bear and Dorian no longer felt the weakness that plagued them moments before suspecting the fey had cured them of their ills, thank Talona for such good luck! Jax placed the final head on the post clicking it into position then read out the final message across its face, "Post hallow, after bet" . At this the brass ring around the base started to glow with an inscription clearly visible now on its once dull surface. "A compass here will guide you true, the faces speaking out each clue. Turn to face from top to bottom, spell the word once you got em." The heroes noted each heads eyes were illuminated slightly as if some great magic was beginning to be unlocked. Dorian suggested turning the faces to each direction from whence they came, thinking that may solve the mystery of the curious device. It did little good however as Viaja pointed out the relevance of the words inscribed on each head hinting the notion of yet another puzzle. Bear and Dorian were dumbfounded whilst George scratched around on the floor making busy. Kevril, Jax and Viaja bounced around a number of ideas of how to solve the thing when the oracle guessed the phrases could be riddles and the answers spelt a word that could be read out using the direction of the faces. Jax instantly came up with the answer SEWN to the sphinx's clue of a patched hole mended well. Viaja then guessed the other answers NEWS to the dragons riddle, SEEN to the Snakes head and WEEN for the skull. The heroes turned and faced each head representing the four letter words from top to bottom. Upon each successful combination a column of coloured light burst upwards from the compass, it representing the colour of the heads eyes. Blue was first for the dragons head which dispelled a hidden wall to the south revealing a magic door the other side of a bottomless pit. The wooden portal was protected with a prismatic array of red, yellow and purple magic that flickered about it. Upon completing the Sphinx riddle the red dweomer dispersed, followed by the yellow when WEEN was spelt by the corresponding heads, each adding a tower of coloured light to the compass. The final clue released the purple magic from the door. With a series of clicks and clunks it conjured a horizontal platform, a wall of force across the chasm allowing access to the once hidden area. Dorian tested it with a pebble as the last one he dropped down the hole suggested it to fall a very long way. The arcane bridge held fast, the small stone bouncing harmlessly over it. The heroes steeled themselves for what lay within and nervously stepped across the magic platform. Chapter 2: The Master Spell Inside the huge door was a series of wide stone stairs leading 30ft deeper below. Tall arched recesses lined each wall where dim torch light attached to metal sconces barely illuminated the way. The paladin believed he saw a shadow pursue him, a phantom with long outstretched claws and menacing slanted eyes, however when he turned there was nothing but the confused faces of his friends. Sharing the experience with his companions Viaja attempted to call out, asking the thing to show itself but this only caused the lights to flicker out and a loud crackle to echo around the room. As the light resumed to normal a heavy click sounded from the bottom of the stairs followed by a long groaning creak as the huge door crept open a few inches. Dorian made the call to press forward and the others followed him through the over bearing portal into a well lit hallway comprising of an army of stone warriors poised for battle on a field of alternating black and white chequered tiles. Behind this was a wooden viewing platform standing 8ft above the scene. A balding old gnome with long white hair tied round the sides into an even longer white beard stood with his hands on the front in an unimpressed manner. His skin was pink and flustered and wore the most fabulous gowns heavily enchanted with all manners of runes and symbols. The creature introduced himself as Chadwick Peabottom and master of the dungeon before them. He complemented the Delvers for their tenacity and brains for solving his arcane lock but was equally angered for the unwelcomed interruption. Dorian stood proud and requested Rowans items back either in trade or for some other agreement however this further frustrated the gnome wizard; hearing his old associates name and the fact Rowan did not come himself. Viaja tried to appeal to his better side sharing the fact she was a disciple of Boccob and claimed to understand him. Chadwick scoffed at her stating she was but a pompous clergywoman limited in her spellcasting due to her beliefs and the arcane is where its at! The old mage refused to hand back the items stating they were now his as Rowan owed him his life after he cast a powerful mislead spell on him in the height of the mischief caused the night they split. This was quickly followed by a challenge, a game of games to best his stone army in the ultimate quandary. The balding sage clicked his fingers and was gone in an instant. The group colluded together and made the association of the game to a familiar tabletop version they had all seen or played in the taverns along the sword coast. They identified the varying stone warriors as pieces in chess which had its own unique move in the game and could possibly attack them if they stepped in that square. Viaja quickly came up with a sketch of all the squares that would incur hostility and a path through the battlefield was formulated. Dorian agreed to be first and started to make his way across. At first all was good as he avoided a number of pawns to get half way through the puzzle. Suddenly he stepped on a tile which sunk beneath his feet and then a large concrete knight started to barrel towards him. The others gasped in disbelief as the once stone statue was now fully animated thrusting its heavy lance towards their companion. George charged in but stopped short as they now realised a tower piece now threatened further squares due to the move of the knight. This complicated things somewhat and they started to reformulate a new strategy. Viaja moved forwards and taunted the stone warrior hoping to distract it long enough for their front man to get to the other side. The paladin pressed forwards but was pursued by the narrow minded object. Jax, George, Kevril and Bear picked a new path down the right flank knowing they could trigger another rock soldier but since the change on the other side it now seemed the safer route. As predicted another warrior sprung to life and started to wrap its arms around the druid as he tried to run past. The monk pummelled it with every body part available to him in a flurry of blows and managed to fight the thing back allowing his friend of nature to slip past. Dorian escaped the grasp of the pursuing knight several times but the thing was relentless. It chased him down off the battlefield and started to pin the poor man behind the lines as he eventually succumbed to its heavy bulk. He tried to strike back but his metal sword just bounced off the hardened warriors stone head causing no damage at all. Then the dinosaur was there using its animalistic strength to prize the statue off freeing the paladin, allowing him to crawl away. Whilst he escaped Dorian spotted the silver crown atop the apparent king statues head for it was not concrete like the rest of him. Scrambling to his feet the fighter rushed to the royal piece and swiped the prestigious heirloom from its crown sensing an unseen force dissipate as he did so. To everyone's relief the active stone army froze, turning back to the inanimate statues they once were. The chamber then fell silent except for the hastened panting of the adventurers who realised they just had a lucky escape. Dorian showed the circle of treasure to his friends and it was Kevril who appraised the royal crown as being worth a small fortune! He bowed to the cleric offering it to her stating a beautiful piece for a beautiful woman. This illuminated Viaja's smile as she gladly accepted the gift never seeing anything as glorious in all her life. The flirtatious paladin felt warm and fuzzy inside for a moment as the others looked on credulously, silently mouthing their disbelief of the over generous human. 'That's his share of the treasure spent then' they all thought to themselves whilst Dorian desperately tried to disguise the fact his knees had turned to jelly in the soppy act. To be continued...

The others left Dorian to drool over their female companion and began to take interest in a glass cabinet behind a stone font that displayed a rather lucrative shiny wand. The tiny gnomes eyes sparkled as the dazzling lights reflected off its hexagonal shaped head, creating an almost blinding stream of silvery sparkle from every angle. The paladin regained his composure and told everyone to stand aside suggesting it could be trapped, showing he was not afraid. Viaja smiled at the man's confidence as she played with her new toy feeling somewhat gooey too. Dorian smashed the glass with the hilt of his magic sword and reached in taking the glorious rod. Instantly he heard a small click and as he lifted the wand his face was being sprayed with burning hot streams of silvery fire. He turned to cover his precious features causing his cape to disintegrate in the manoeuvre. He arrogantly passed the magic device to Kevril as if he wasn't bothered by the minor scalding and discarded what was left of his cindered cloak. The stout sorcerer skipped down the open passageway content with his latest prize as he slipped the slender yew wand into his belt. Kevril's eyes were once again diverted to a wonderful sparkling cape tied about the neck of a white marble bust set back into the recess of the corridor, just around the corner. Reaching up to untie the regal blue cloak, Bear and Dorian stepped beside him stopping short sensing a strange tingling sensation course through their bodies. The monk felt the hair on his arms and legs stick up as did Dorian who could now hear a quiet but distinctive static charge crackle in the room at the far end of the hallway. The gnome to blind in his own greed, unclipped the magic gown lifting it high infront of him to inspect the runes heavily woven in its fine cloth. The unsuspecting mage then felt an impact on his back followed by a stinging burning sensation. He caught the glimpse of a green dart fire from an armadillo warrior statue at the opposite end of the corridor and recognised it to be the infamous corrosive spell mastered by the legendary Wizard 'Melf'. Bear reached down and pulled him backwards out of the firing arch of the construct but the magic had hit its mark and continued to dissolve through the Gnomes simple vestments. The tiny conjurer squealed in panic as he squirmed but the dweamor soon wore off leaving a nasty hole in his robes. The others shot him disappointed glances for failing to spot such an obvious trapped feature. The five regrouped and trekked east towards the statue half expecting it to fire another bolt of acid. Nothing transpired fortunately and the Delvers were presented with the choice of two doors or continue down the passageway. A strong and overpowering waft of perfume lingered in the air but they were unsure from where it originated. Dorian stepped up and checked the first door pushing it open to reveal a splendid bedroom decorated in the finest wax wallpaper, coloured in various shades of purples and pinks. A small dark wood table and chairs sat right infront of him covered in papers whilst a huge metal chest occupied the nearest corner by a four poster bed. Viaja began to root through the papers on the desk and found a powerful scroll whilst Bear slipped in and began to search the chest. He scanned the detailed exterior with his eyes and naturally reached out expecting to feel cold steel, however, he was most unpleasantly surprised. His coarse hands began to stick to the strange surface as he quickly discovered the thing was coated in a powerful adhesive. The quick thinking monk retracted his hand before it took its hold and suddenly the inanimate object came to life. The huge chest swung open its wide lid revealing a wriggling tongue surrounded by a square ring of carnivorous white teeth. The monster caught the heroes by surprise snapping its maw trapping Bear and Dorian in its mouth whilst the others fled backwards wanting no quarrel with the creature! The two warriors used all their strength to squirm free but the self secreting glue held them firm against the bulk of the object. The cleric rushed past it forcing her quarterstaff vertically into its throat attempting to hold open the dangerous jaw and buy some time. Kevril followed suite propping open the other side with his staff allowing the front men some momentary relief from tremendous pain. Jax instructed George to push a nearby trunk up and into its mouth attempting to choke the monster and divert its attention away from rending Bear and Dorian from limb to limb. Viaja had an idea then, she unstrapped Bear's barrel of ale and poured the golden liquid into the creatures throat hoping to drown it. The plan didn't work quite how she planned, but found that the concentrated liquid seemed to counteract the bonding agent giving her companions some lean-way in escaping. The monk pulled a hand free and started to beat its sarcophagus over and over whilst Dorian slipped out his long sword and attempted to slice and stab. Kevril again copied the cleric taking note of her logical actions, taking out his bottled vino, pouring it over the monk and paladin. Bear licked his lips enjoying the red shower of wine, he managed to break free as did Dorian who then took up a defensive stance against the bizarre aberration. The monster used its brute strength snapping the annoying poles propping open its mouth and began to shift towards the heroes in a series of small bouncing steps. The things huge jaw opened wide and caught poor Dorian's left arm, again trapping him inside gyrating his fragile body in the creatures vice like mouth. Viaja stabbed and poked at it with her long spear as George raked it with his sharp claws, almost getting stuck to the thing with each swipe. Bear picked up the nearest chair and forced it into its gob hoping to give the paladin some assistance in escaping its grip once more. The monster swallowed the chair sucking the poor monk in but this time the drunken master was ready for it. He reached in and took hold of the huge tongue and pulled with all his might. Beads of sweat rolled down his brow as the muscles in his arms throbbed like tightly knitted cords. Suddenly, with a mighty heave he ripped out the wriggling appendage sending it slapping and flopping toward Viaja. A bellowing growl followed by a great sigh emitted from the monster as it's heavy lid sagged limply and without life. The monk spotted two sacks tucked deep in its throat, one brightly coloured and the other holding a bundle of heavy coins. Dorian felt the glue dissolve quickly so pulled himself free and did what he could to clean himself up. The confident man never lost his nerve but the amount of blood, wine, ale, soot and gore that now soiled his clothes began to make him feel sick and disorientated. The others began to loot the room including stuffing a pillow case full of fancy small clothes from the wardrobe. Kevril picked up a golden statue of a mask off the sideboard and pilfered a gold band with a hefty sized amethyst plugged in its centre from a locked drawer beneath. The words "To my love, forever" was finely inscribed around the inside. Bear picked through the bag of coins counting 150 platinum pieces. He turned the bright coloured sack inside out to discover it was infact an intricate yellow hood lined with thousands of tiny dazzling sequins - realising it must be Rowan's cowl! The monk wasn't overly impressed but his eyes lit up when Viaja pulled free the trunk from the dead mimics corpse, and lifted out a set of blue dragon scaled gloves from its depths. Snatching them from her, he quickly slipped them on, pleased with their apparent comfortable fit. Leaving the bedroom behind the heroes stepped back out into the corridor sensing the sweet smell of soaps and deodorant once more. Dorian took the lead again and opened the next door revealing a beautiful arcane bathroom. A gold plated circular bath tub bubbled with soft glowing suds as a cylindrical tank behind it dropped steaming water gently into it. Lines of towels, slippers and gowns were neatly stocked on various shelves as were rows of multicoloured bottles of perfume. A floating scrubbing brush span in the air and drifted towards Dorian as an unseen voice greeted him with unknown familiarity suggesting he should take a long hot bath to take away his stress. The paladin began to panic as he felt his armour loosen and the belts up his right flank undo as if some invisible servant started to undress him. He waved his arms about in distress hoping to beat the thing back retreating back out into the corridor, perplexed at the weird anomaly. Viaja too felt her gowns loosen and awkwardly left the room embarrassed and slightly unnerved not wanting anything to do with the mystery. Curious Bear however, stepped forward and allowed to be undressed showing all the world his hairy body and pale bottom. Fortunately the unknown force left his tiny loin cloth on and began to scrub his face and back with soap and water. The monk felt himself being pulled towards the bath as a step shifted infront of him allowing him easy ascent into it. As he stepped in the warm water began to bubble and the disorientating waves of perfume put him in a relaxing trance as several brushes animated to scrub him clean. After a few moments of pampering crisp ironed towels floated over to him allowing him to cover his masculinity and dry himself. His once soiled robes were now cleaned, pressed and hanging from an unseen rail in the air and the Monk dressed himself feeling somewhat rejuvenated. Completely flabbergasted at what they just witnessed, his companions stared with dropped jaws as he proudly minced out of the room with a smile about his face. Throughout the last ten minutes or so Jax had been in a daydream and not really concentrating. He quickly awoke when he wandered into a room generating massive electric charge however, as he got zapped by a lightning bolt almost killing him. Scrambling back up the stairs to his companions he fumbled for his healing wand hoping to restore his now char grilled skin as the others scrunched their faces from the roasted smell of flesh. Kevril and Dorian approached the room from the other entrance near the marble bust and surveyed a metal statue holding an electric spear at its centre. It was obvious this weapon generated the dangerous electricity but a small purple fragment dangling from its throat grasped their curiosity most of all. The holy warrior spied a balcony above them and lifted the Gnome high pushing him through the narrow wooden banisters for a better look. The care free monk confident in his dexterous ability skipped forward dancing into the room avoiding bolts of lightning striking his feet from the armed statue. The sorcerer conjured an invisible hand and commanded it to float out and undo the glowing amulet taking hold of it in an unseen grip. The cantrip drifted back towards Kevril however the monk jumped up and snatched it from its grasp identifying it as one half of a purple mask attached to a slender chain. The arrogant monk jumped right upto the charged warrior, fly kicking the spear right out of its hand; disarming the trap and freeing what was obviously a powerful weapon. With the static javelin in hand the heroes clamber up some wide marble stairs upto the balcony area where Kevril was observing from. The gloriously decorated hallway was illuminated by floating, dancing candles all gently circling the great room where a matching staircase led down directly opposite into an impressive library . A huge statue of a bearded gnome wielding a mighty staff stared at a massive set of double doors at the opposite end of the room. Upon further investigation the Delvers quickly discovered no discernible handle or lock but a protruding ebony face split down the centre of the doors about 3ft up. Bear fixed the one half of the mask found in the previous room to it discovering it was a smooth fit and reasoned their must be another part somewhere else in the dungeon. Cautiously stepping down the opposite staircase the adventurers were amazed at the sight of magical dust pans and brooms sweeping the chamber whilst invisible hands sorted the thousands of books on display in the overstocked library. A circling red sphere, floating above a stone pedestal caught their eye as did two transparent tanks containing a tiny snake and hairy spider respectively. Viaja crept sideways with her back to the wall from the serpent dreading the innocent creature whilst the Druid couldn't identify the snake but knew the spider to be poisonous. He came to the conclusion that the obvious pets were well fed and catered for taking no immediate concern for their welfare. Just as he turned his back on the black spider Dorian decided to take the floating pearl from its magical resting point triggering another arcane trap. The sound of shattering glass erupted around them as they turned to see both critters enlarge in size so big they touched the ceiling and spanned out a whole 15ft wide. The tanned snake was so large it's body was thicker that than a mature oak tree at it widest point. It's flat wide head lifted high flicking it's forked tongue sensing its trembling prey. The monstrous spider, now feeling hungry, began to bare down on the unsuspecting Druid and dinosaur, it's huge mandibles twitching nervously at thought of a fresh meal. The room then exploded with panic and sounds of battle sending books, scrolls and parchment fluttering everywhere. The animated brushes worked overtime around the warriors sweeping and scraping, as they battled for their lives against the colossal vermin and gargantuan snake. The serpent felt the terror emanate from Viaja as she froze in fear. The huge animal descended its massive head towards her in frightening speed, clamping its powerful jaws around her waist and lifting her high into the coils of its thick muscley body. She almost feinted as its powerful body began to constrict around her squeezing the air from her lungs. The paladin and monk worked together to flank the beast slashing and punching it in an attempt to distract it and buy their companion more time. The cleric attempted a spell but could not speak the words as she gasped for every breath losing her concentration. Kevril was feeling fatigued and had almost consumed his spell list for the day. He then had an idea and withdrew the wand he took from the wizard in the skirmish with the bandits earlier. Feeling its icy cold magic emanate from the hilt he attempted to use the magic device unsure of what would actually happen. In the panic of battle he fumbled the item which backfired encasing his feet in solid ice entrapping him where he stood. Jax and George faced the Spider alone working together to avoid its massive jaws and needle like sting. George raked and chomped on the things hairy legs injecting his debilitating poison but left himself wide open to a furious attack back. The spider pinned the dinosaur down with its razor sharp teeth biting and tearing at its scaly hide in return. Jax saw the pulsating glands behind its throat pump pints of venomous poison into his animal friend as it buried its face deeper into George enjoying the feast. The druid stepped back and pulled free his healing wand hoping to keep his pet alive whilst dodging the monsters attacks of opportunity. The dinosaur managed to slip free and swipe back at the spider but was now limply staggering about, struggling to stand up. The beast had sapped most of the creatures strength from poor George and it was evident he could not take another attack like that. The crafty druid cast forth a spray of sticky spittle splashing the vermin's face and coating its many eyes, blinding it. Had he paid more attention in his nature lessons as a child he would have known that spiders sensed by tremors and not with sight, so was very little better off. The spell did weaken its defences however and Georges bile had too caused it to become less nimble making it much easier to hit. In the meantime the snake had scored several hits on the paladin and monk as they desperately battled to stay alive. The sorcerer frustrated with his new wand spent the rest of the battle chipping away the ice around his feet in an attempt to get free leaving his companions to face the monsters without him. Suddenly the snake struck out at Bear but he was too quick and dodged the monsters attack. In return he sidestepped and jumped vertically, upper cutting the beast right under the chin in a flurry of powerful blows. The serpents head recoiled and bobbed as the furious monk punched kicked and struck the thing focusing on its huge bulbous head. Dorian aiding his companion slashed at the things neck opening a near mortal wound spraying blood everywhere. Bear kept his resolve and waited for an opening, then there it was. He launched himself at the snakes head using his ki strike to blast the monster under its chin snapping the things neck in one almighty punch. The serpent thrashed about wildly hissing and screeching in its death throes trapping poor Viaja deeper under its bulky body. As the animal finally dropped dead the thing hastily shrunk back to its tiny size, its shattered body resting on top of the barely concious clerics face. Viaja animated then, throwing it off in mass panic taking her boot off and hammering it relentlessly with the heavy heel flattening it into a squashed line of fleshy pulp. The druid and his flagging companion wore down the huge spider working together to strike at its fumbling defences one after the other. In desperate need, the monster spat a net of sticky webs at the man but Jax broke free instantly smashing his mighty staff atop the head of the squirming vermin killing it outright. To their relief the creature shrank down to its original size too as if some powerful magic had left its body in that final strike. The six regrouped in the centre of the library, assessing their fresh wounds as Dorian and Jax activated their healing staves yet again. To their surprise the nearest dust pan and brush swept up the tiny corpses disposing them in a nearby bin as if nothing abnormal had occurred at all. Searching the vast library the group located a number of useful scrolls including some identify spells that they quickly activated identifying the red pearl, the lightning spear and the two wands. Bear rifled through the bookcases and shelves searching for something as the others glanced over to the obvious exits on the north and west sides of the room. On the brink of fatigue and almost out of resources they heroes hoped they'd meet the evasive Chadwick sooner, rather than later... To be continued...

Bear flicked through the pages of a dusty old tome deep in thought whilst the others frantically searched the remaining exits for Rowan's stolen possessions. Dorian smelt an array of pungent aromas lingering from beyond the northern door and paused to consider the faint shuffling sounds behind the other. The strong man pushed open the former door revealing an intricate laboratory breathing in more of the bitter smells that peaked his curiosity moments before. Scores of bottles; all varying in colour and size, were neatly lined up on a shelf on the back wall whilst racks of unusual herbs, spices and components lined the other. Kevril gasped out a slight "ooo" as he gazed upon the most fabulous alchemists set he'd ever seen scattered over the large oaken table infront of them. The small wizard then began to pick through the various potions identifying a powerful vial of magic fang amongst elixirs and healing salves. He cradled the item as if it was a new born baby before carefully handing the potent enchantment flask to Bear, whispering to his companion the immense arcane power that dwells inside it. Dorian ignored the Gnome, spotting a strange globe suspended in a fine wooden frame in the opposite corner. He examined it closely and found the whole of the Forgotten Reams carefully depicted on it; how small the Sword Coast looked to him then, causing him to reflect upon his own self importance. Viaja began to help herself to the spell components refilling her almost depleted pouch. Dorian snapped out of his trance when he spotted a rather unique looking staff resting on the cabinet in the far corner of the room. He carefully picked it up glancing around hoping not to release another arcane trap or conjure some other magical beast to assault them. He gasped a sigh of relief when nothing happened and took some time to investigate the intricately carved weapon. The treated wood was shaped into an angry lizard, spiralled up into a pouncing position. The top of its head was clearly the handle as fanned fins about its neck allowed some protection for the holders hand. The paladin stroked the detailed shaft finding a sculptured grip two thirds down its length suitable to hold the thing two handed. This is when he saw the razor sharp point of its tail at the other end and thought it could be a capable weapon in the hands of a small person. Whilst the holy man marvelled at such fine craftsmanship the others began to carefully wrap the various flasks and beakers on the table in clothes, looting the artisans kit before leaving the room. Dorian concealed the prestigious staff in his pack hoping not to anger Chadwick upon their next meeting, hoping to barter common sense into the zany old mage. As he brushed past the others he found a locked drawer in the table, so without the presence of a rogue he used his trusty blade to force it open. Popping the lock he lifted out the second half to the purple mask they needed to open the huge door in the hallway beyond. The group checked behind the door but only located a messy storeroom with a lone animated broom sweeping the mass pile of papers and books in the centre. Leaving nothing to chance the five Delvers rifled through the shelves locating a useful scroll of resist energy tightly clamped between two fantasy novels. They pressed on up the stairs, out of the library and held high the two pieces of mask anticipating some great magic feat. Like magnet to metal the pieces pulled together forming one unique purple mask in the paladins hand. He stepped forward and pressed it gently onto the ebony face between the two doors when a subtle click sounded adjacent to him. A smaller, secret door within the base of the right hand portal shifted open slightly revealing a glimmering spray of golden silvery light beyond. Sensing the end fight upon them, the heroes dug deep and conjured every last defensive spell, scroll and potion hoping it would save them against the evil wizard, Chadwick Peabottom. Dorian led the companions through to what appeared to be a large metal platform with two flickering rifts evoking either side. Beyond that, several other similar platforms magically floated in what appeared to be three dimensional space!! Tiny specks of gold and silver dazzled from what looked like miles away as the sheer concept of this place baffled them all. Viaja and Kevril thought maybe they had stepped into the Astral plane as they searched for other reasons to answer the massing number of questions now forming in their heads. The tiny door slammed closed behind them then when a familiar voice boomed from some distance away "Muhahaha you will violate my sanctum no more, rats of Rowan Gozwallop. I have worked too long and hard for this marvellous spectacle to come crashing down by a band of misfit grave robbers. Behold my glory and power!!" From the darkness an almost spherical monster shifted forward revealing a bulbous floating head. Several eyes on stalks dart about excitedly off the top of its face where a large single eye glared at them, full of malice and rage. Beneath that, a large mouth of gnashing teeth chomped through the air as if the thing was tasting there flesh already. The beast spoke again and the heroes was sure it was the crazy sage who they were sent here to confront. This was no Gnome wizard however, this looked very much like a beholder to the now shaking cleric, Viaja as she warned the others of its impressive innate abilities. Chadwick scoffed at the Delvers petty pleas of diplomacy and bargain, retorting only threats of pain and anguish for disturbing his privacy. The evil Gnome called to the skies above them laughing manically when a large black octopus floated down atop poor Kevril sitting rightly upon his shoulders. Viaja knew it was a darkmantle, a magical beast that used darkness as its ally to drop down from cavern ceilings on unsuspecting victims and suffocate them. She gasped at the size of this one never seeing one this large before, assuming the worst for her sorcerer companion. The cleric was relieved to see it had actually targeted one of the Gnomes many mirror images however causing it to blink out of existence and allow George the Dinosaur to rake the confused thing to death! The beholder opened fire then with its six eyes targeting each hero with an adverse and negative effect. Bear shrugged off the waves of fatigue whilst the dinosaur was barely effected by the ray of exhaustion it cast at him. Poor Kevril however, was scorched within an inch of his life with a ray of burning fire that almost consumed him. Viaja braced her fragile constitution and somehow warded off the numbing ray of paralysis whilst Dorian felt his blurring spell wear off from another of the monsters attacks. Jax was simultaneously blasted with negative energy as the creature finished its deadly barrage, leaving the heroes only a few seconds before it launches it next assault. The quick thinking Kevril scoured through his backpack grimacing as his burnt flesh wept and popped. He pulled out the powerful scroll he picked up in the library and took no time in unravelling the arcane parchment. The Gnome spoke aloud words of magic way beyond his capability, the undecipherable text lifting of the page and forming the spell in mid air as he recited it. The others stared on credulously as the little man's eyes glowed blue and his voice boomed deeper beyond any recognition of what they've heard before. Kevril then recoiled backwards as a great arcing bolt of electricity leaped from his hands zapping the beholder in mid air causing Chadwick to cry out in pain and fly some 20ft back. To their surprise, the mighty spell reflected on the creature bouncing up into the air crucifying two other darkmantles that were hidden above them. The disguised wizard spiralled in agony, screaming out when Dorian acted next, lifting his radiating javelin of lightning high and in line with the monster. The man put all the strength he could muster into that throw, hurling it straight for the beholders central eye. The thing never stood a chance as the spear transformed into a bright white firebolt midair, crackling with intense ferocity. The weapon impaled the aberration sending it tumbling backwards colliding with an invisible wall behind it. Suddenly the world as they knew it began to crackle, fizz and blink as if some immense magical effect was quickly dissipating. The heroes frantically glanced around expecting to be at the centre of some powerful explosion, mass destruction imminent as they shielded their eyes from their surroundings condensing before them. Everything then shrank, minimalising as if in some magical vacuum. First the sparkling walls, then the flickering portals and finally the metal platforms leaving the adventurers in a mundane cavern complex, not an object in sight... Other than the corpse of poor Chadwick Peabottom that is. Kevril's spell had incapacitated the Gnome but it was Dorian's magic javelin that had obliterated him. The dying Gnome let out a final curse before his head dropped onto the cold rock floor, blood spilling from the gaping hole in his chest. A cracked hand mirror fell from his pocket then clattering on the ground before them. 'Rowan's spellbook' they all gasped in unity. They plundered the dead wizards possessions taking a collection of wands, a powerful scroll of banishment and his precious bangles. Upon exiting the once complex dungeon, only jagged natural stone walls now remained. Everything that was before was an illusion, a figment of Chadwicks wicked and cruel imagination, his creativity, his malice and spite all rolled into one. The group pondered on the notion, concluding that Rowan was right to have them retrieve his possessions, for what perils lay in wait for the Sword Coast had he not been stopped? The companions faced the cold breeze of that autumn night once more as they descended back to the caravan. They stopped by at the skirmish site hoping to retrieve the tied up bounty only to find a pile of gore smeared over the gargantuan oak tree and shredded bonds. Jax noted the deep claw marks in the trunk were the man's chest should have been whilst Viaja bent down to retrieve a large golden brown feather soaked in blood. Would an eagle or other great bird do this? It made no sense to them. Overburdened with treasures, battle fatigue and mental exhaustion they all yearned for their comfy beds, smiling at the notion of sleep and well earned rest as the wearily staggered back. Then Vaukhall's last words repeated in their minds..."Your on the early shift, don't let me catch you sleeping on the job else there'll be hell to pay!" To be continued...