The game thus far:

The Game Thus Far

Experience: The encounter tonight was worth 2637xp in total, so that is 528xp each for Snf'L, El'Fross and L'Wehn. S'Part's equal share is wasted as he died (I would normally just divide out the experience evenly among those who survived, but I question the challenge of this encounter being worth so much xp. I think this is sufficient reward enough.) , and I gave Coderick a share even though he was not involved in the fight; he was about to get into it and ultimately would have had an effect on the fight.

Roleplayer of the week:

Roleplaying was good this week, but lacked any real depth. The characters all did what we have come to expect from them, but there were no character revelations (aside from El'Fross' new paranoia). 50xp for role-playing. I am going to start giving out experience for character write-ups. Give me a piece of your character's past, a revelation on what he has learned or a plan for the future, and you get 50xp extra for that character. Xp goes into the following week's game.

Coderick - 578xp - was at 19,489xp - puts him at 20,057xp - needs 21,000 for 7th level
El'Fross - 578xp - was at 21,166xp - puts him at 21,744xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
Snf'L - 578xp - was at 20,748xp - puts him at 21,326xp -

Congratulations on 7th Level!
S'Part - DIED and 50xp - was at 12,574xp - brought back to 8,050xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level
L'Wehn - 578xp - was at 12,386xp - puts her at 12,964xp - needs 15,000 for 6th level
X'Ylo - 50xp - was at 2,000xp - puts him at 2,050xp - needs 3,000 for 3rd level

Daranel - ?xp - was 6,465xp - puts him at ?xp - needs 10,000xp for 5th level
Grinbeard - ?xp - was at 6,907xp - puts him at ?xp - needs 10,000xp for 5th level
A'Ha - at 8,847xp ...DEAD...
Siroth the White Dragon - 0xp - ...DEAD...
Tikkel the spider - ..DEAD..

6th Brewfest (cont...)

After the battle with the Rhino and the Grey Ooze, El'Fross decides to continue his quest to get Coderick some clothes. He and Coderick head for Rassmussen's, while Snf'L decides he has sobered up enough and wants to get back to drinking. S'Part is nominated by the party to accompany Snf'L and keep tabs on him. After all, someone has been asking about them. L'Wehn waves good-bye and heads off to do some shopping.

Coderick gets some winter clothes ordered from Rassmussen, an expensive rush job. He also buys a dagger and leaves his broken crossbow at Olitouk's for repairs. Coderick heads back to the inn where the party had stayed the night before. ("The Whetstone") and sits around for most of the afternoon watching the comings and goings. Snf'L tries to lose S'Part in the crowd, but hiding behind a hanging tapestry that does not cover from his knees down is not effective. In a drunken fit of inspiration, Snf'L runs away from S'Part, knowing the frail elf could not possibly follow. S'Part sends "Rave" after Snf'L to keep an eye on the elf. Once Snf'L stops, Rave is told to "fly in a circle" above the place where Snf'L is. Rave does indeed follow this order, and S'Part sees a loop-the-looping bird over a shop of musical instruments. By the time he gets to the scene, the bird is exhausted and nose-dives into the ground. S'Part cures him with a spell. S'Part then attempts to enter the shop, but out comes Snf'L with a new Lute. He tells S'Part he's gonna learn how to play it. They go to a bar, and Snf'L spends the afternoon drinking and serenading (shudder) the other customers, while S'Part sits and ponders why Sehanine has given him yet another Divination spell. Stan, a local drunk, spends the day with them, as he seems fascinated by Snf'L untrained lute strummings. Snf'L tries getting drunk, but S'Part keeps making his beer taste off. They are kicked out of one bar ("The Tinderbox") and head across the street to a second tavern, "The Chunk of Cheese".

Meanwhile, El'Fross goes to the Wizard's Tower to speak to Neuman, the mage's assistant. Neuman thanks El'Fross for the help they gave him in the market place, and expresses regret about the loss of the halfling's sword. He offers to help the party if he can, but only knows a few, minor spells. El'Fross says he may take him up on that in the future, and departs to find L'Wehn. Following the trail, he finds increasing references to the elf who seeks them, and becomes convinced that the elf is none other than the dead Uni, the Drow. He then finds out that L'Wehn was seen in the company of a very non-descript elf, holding her arm and walking through the crowd. El'Fross' suspicions grow. He finds Coderick and tells him what he thinks is happening, but Coderick tells El'Fross he saw L'Wehn with her friend not long before El'Fross got there. He has nothing else to add to the description El'Fross already had of the companion.

El'Fross is off again to find Snf'L and S'Part, and as he walks, he meets L'Wehn and discovers her companion is not Uni but Bart, the High Elf bard. His suspicions are still high, and he suspects both of these friends to be wearing magic rings. He checks them for magic and discovers several magical items on Bart, including an aura of magic on the bard himself.

They seek and find Snf'L and S'Part in the "Chunk of Cheese" and proceed (after El'Fross fetches Coderick) to celebrate Brewfest, although somewhat paranoidially. Snf'L's beer starts to taste bad again, and suspicion is put on the innkeeper, who was absent for part of the afternoon, and then not too happy to hear complaints about his ale. Eventually it is admitted by S'Part that he has been spoiling the beer. The innkeeper comes over and chats with the party awhile, buying them a round. He introduces himself as Garl Herfal and is quite open and friendly, but the party is stubbornly secretive. The innkeeper shrugs and then gets back to work.

After an entertaining evening listening to Bart the Bard do his thing (he has a new sound that incorporates the discordant tones that seem to be the invention of Snf'L) and dancing, and drinking, the party decides to head back to the "Whetstone" (their hotel). Coderick disappears alomst as soon as the group gets out the door. After a few dozen yards, a noise is heard from the shadows of the deserted street and 8 orcs move out to surround the party. Wordlessly, they attack, injuring L'Wehn and chopping poor S'Part into two seperate pieces at the waist. L'Wehn, Snf'L and El'Fross make short work of the 8 orcs and there is no further incident. But S'Part is dead.

The party decides to take S'Part to the temple of Sehanine in town. After all, those traveling priests should have gotten here by now, and they can take care of their own. They take both halves of S'Part to the temple and El'Fross tries in vain to pick the really good lock that S'Part himself had paid for a month ago. The party bangs on the door and after a bit of a pause, a sleepy voice calls, "Who comes to the sacred temple of Sehanine at this ungoddessly hour?"

The party answers that they have a priest of Sehanine with them and that he is dead. The many inside bolts are drawn back and the door slowly opens. A figure in priestly robes moves out to look at the party, and his robes shift slightly as the moon shines down upon his face; the face of a Drow!

Snf'L lets out a gutteral warcry and draws his sword while L'Wehn stands staring in open astonishment. The quick-thinking El'Fross sums up the situation and slams the door in the face of the Drow. L'Wehn comes to her senses and her and Snf'L call the foul creature out.

After much yelling a voice is heard from somewhere above the door. "Who dares attack the priests of Sehanine?" There is a momentary misunderstanding as S'Part's body (another priest of Sehanine) is revealed. Snf'L tries to climb to a window and is held as he climbs, falling to the ground. The party is told to clear off before the priest calls the guards. El'Fross tries to beseech them to deal with S'Part. They are told to leave S'Part's body on the doorstep, and after El'Fross cuts off S'Part's finger, the party departs.
7th Brewfest

After leaving a few instructions to Coderick the halfling, the three remaining K'Needian Elves head out on the run to get to the Centaur Pool as quickly as possible. Worn completely out but in high spirits, they arrive at dusk at the pool. First, S'Part's finger is lightly touched to the surface of the pool and dropped in. It floats to the bottom and then slowly, bones begin to knit themselves. Eventually muscles and flesh are added and then the skin. After a bit more of a wait, the resurrected body of S'Part sits up, gasping for air. He gets out of the pool, looking even greyer than he did the last time, and moving somewhat sluggishly.

Next, the skull of X'Ylo is placed in the pool. His process takes longer than S'Part's, but in the end he sits up, shouting, "Get it off, it burns! It burns!" before he realizes that he is not still being consumed by a mustard-smelling jelly creature.

The party is delighted to be reunited, but the problem of getting two naked male K'Needian Elves back to Unicks is now the big concern.

From the diary of El'Fross:

Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean Uni isn't out to get us - that was the thought that kept running through my head through most of last night, but let me gather myself and begin at ...the beginning.

After saving Neuman from an oozy acidy fate, we carried on with our day. I took Coderick to Rasmussen's shop to set him up with some winter clothes. I did this partly to get to know our new companion, build some trust with him, that sort of thing; but mostly to get away from SnF'L who staggered drunkenly away, presumably to find another bar to continue his BrewFest celebrations. S'Part reluctantly followed, obligated by his faith (??) to make sure no harm beset SnF'L in his intoxicated state. SNF'l probably needs to unwind more than any of us as his Angst-Meter is usually pretty high - but it doesn't mean I have to be near him as he "relaxes". L'wen wandered off to do some shopping of her own.

After visiting the clothier, we went to the weapons shop and left Coderick's cross bow for repair. He wanted to buy a short sword, but there was none to be had - I lent him mine for reasons described above. A quick visit to the wizard's tower to check on Neuman's well being, and we had the rest of the day to kill. Coderick went back to the inn where we were staying to see if anyone would approach him regarding us. He had paid the innkeeper to send any "nosy parker-elves" his way.

I debated whether to find L'Wen or join SNF'L and S'Part at the bar for some merriment and was soon searching the market place and local shops for L'Wen. She was not in the market place, so I stopped by the jewellery store where I had bought her the stupidly expensive necklace she wears from time to time. As luck would have it, she had been in there earlier that day and the shopkeeper had actually remembered her (funny - he would remember a stunningly beautiful fair skinned elf wandering in) and said she had headed North.

I wandered into a few more shops in that general direction and lucked out again at the "Ye old Hat Shoppe". The shopkeeper there said she had been there earlier also with a companion - a male elf - though he couldn't remember anything about him. Not surprisingly I suppose, since he was probably pre-occupied with my female friend, but still a slight wave of panic washed over me. After all, she had been kidnapped by Uni not all that long ago and though we thought him dead, there was no body to prove it. That combined with the knowledge of an elf asking about us around town, worried me. The Shopkeeper said they had headed east. I hurried in that direction.

I wandered close by the Inn that Sch'tep had worked in as "Gladys". Man, that guy was weird, but still I wondered how he and S'Rang were doing. I kind of miss that grumpy old elf. Just kind of, though. The innkeeper quickly ushered me into a back room and locked the door. He told me an elf - high elf to be precise - with dark hair was asking about us. At first he thought the Elf's voice sounded familiar, then he realised that the high elf's voice sounded a lot like.... "UNI"...I had shouted, finishing his sentence for him. I knew it! I gave him 50 gold pieces and told him to keep me informed of anything that he might hear in his position - he agreed, but told me he would contact me as it was too dangerous for me to be seen walking into his bar. I left feeling very paranoid.

Rather than finding the others I wandered to see if Teur was around. I was thinking he had maybe heard something about Uni. After wasting three hours looking for him I went to find the others. Coderick told me L'Wen had just been by with a male elf. I was completely panicked and shook our little friend imploring him to tell me what the elf looked like and where they went. He couldn't recall and I ran off frantically looking again.

Finally I found L'Wen and she was with Bart the Bard - the man who had inspired me to buy a lute - but I was not feeling very musical. I was relieved she was with the Bard and not some "mysteriously plain" looking high elf with dark hair. I suspiciously noticed they were wearing gloves - (black rings!?) I cast a detect magic on the bard - he did have a magic ring and several other vaguely magical items on his person. An elf who knew Bart ran up and told him to check out a drunken party at the "Chunk of Cheese" Tavern. We went with him. We found SNF'l drunkenly plucking on a lute with a small crowd of equally drunk patrons clapping hands in unison with him. It was an odd sight. I was about to make some angry comment when SNF'L got up and handed me the lute, saying he had bought it for me cause I had lost mine. My anger quickly subsided. I was touched that SNF'l would so such a thing and I thanked him, taking it from him, briefly ignoring the paranoia that swept through me.

Bart began to play, I sat in my chair, paranoid - my mind racing - I hate when I get this way. It really cuts into my "me time". SNF'l suddenly decided he was being poisoned. I looked and L'Wen was drinking beer too! I asked her to dance, not so much for the pleasure of her closeness, but to protect her from whatever the hell was going on, whether poison, Uni, or some yet unknown danger - I was really feeling tense and was happy when the night was over. The innkeeper had asked if we would be back the next night? I even took that as a threatening question. I think I needed to get out of town.

On our way back to the Inn where we were staying we were attacked by....Orcs....right in town - and these were no ordinary orcs or at least they appeared to have slightly nicer weapons. We dispatched them fairly easily, or so I thought initially. After the battle, though, I realized that S'Part had been killed....and L'wen badly wounded. Distraught we took S'Part's body to the temple of Sehanine to see if there was help. To our complete and utter surprise and horror we were confronted with a DROW ELF wearing the holy symbol of our goddess. Sn'Fl and L'Wen tried to attack. I don't know what I was doing - completely at a loss - the stress of the day taking its toll. Attacking the Drow just didn't seem right.

We were told to leave through the door, accused of racism. I lopped of a finger from our companion, then left in disgust, dragging SnF'l who had been frozen in place moments before.

The next day we hurried to the pool of ressurection that the centaurs had shown us. Coderick stayed in town to wait for his armor, in no hurry to visit the centaurs again. We dipped Spart and X'Ylo in and soon the two clerics stood before us in all their glory. S'Part came out of the pool with nothing but a smile and a divination spell to his name. He was looking a little gray and moving slow. I wonder if there is some sort of limit as to how many times the pook can be used on an individual? X'Ylo, on the other hand, was fine. He hadn't changed a bit; reminding me a bit of a frightened turtle as he cautiously stepped from the pool.

I took some comfort in seeing X'Ylo again after all these months. Still the happiness of seeing him again is tempered by an extremely intense feeling of dread. I can't help but think that we have not seen the last of Uni. The need to find L'Tir and to keep it from Uni is becoming paramount in my mind.

Session Sixty-Seven

Experience: A slow game - the DM was clearly taken aback from the absence of a key player and his machinations for this gaming session were abandoned with little to replace them (feeling guilty, Darrel?). :)
No combat, but role-playing wasn't too bad. 200xp for all characters who were played by their proper players. I as DM, have chosen to take on the role of X'Ylo, as I am getting a feel for the character.

El'Fross gains an extra 50xp for his weekly diary. Remember that any effort on anybody else's behalf toward character or story development will be rewarded as well.

Coderick - 200xp - was at 20,057xp - puts him at 20,257xp - needs 21,000 for 7th level
El'Fross - 250xp - was at 21,744xp - puts him at 21,994xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
Snf'L - 200xp - was at 21,326xp - puts him at 21,526xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
S'Part - 0xp - was at 8,050xp - puts him at 8,050xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level
L'Wehn - 200xp - was at 12,964xp - puts her at 13,164xp - needs 15,000 for 6th level
X'Ylo - 200xp - was at 2,050xp - puts him at 2,250xp - needs 3,000 for 3rd level

Daranel - ?xp - was 6,465xp - puts him at ?xp - needs 10,000xp for 5th level
Grinbeard - ?xp - was at 6,907xp - puts him at ?xp - needs 10,000xp for 5th level
A'Ha - at 8,847xp ...DEAD...
Siroth pthe White Dragon - 0xp - ...DEAD...
Tikkel the spider - ..DEAD..

7th Brewfest (cont...)

Coderick is paying attention to the goings-on in the "Chunk of Cheese" Tavern, while trying not to look like he is doing so. He notices that the innkeeper has a few whispered words to a mysterious cloaked stranger in the tavern. The stranger soon afterwards leaves, and Coderick follows him. The stranger goes to a small shack north of the town and enters it. He does not come back out while Coderick watches.

1st Patchwall

Coderick gets his winter clothes from Rassumssen the tailor. As promised, they are extremely good quality.

The K'Needian Elves return from the pool. They have S'Part and X'Ylo with them. The two clerics are naked and freezing and are taken to the church of Sehanine. S'Part is dismayed to find that even after death, he is being granted a divination spell that he has not prayed for. He decides he better use it. On the advice of the party, he asks, "What is the meaning of the other divination we recieved?" His answer is:
'Tis a human game
the play's the thing
A move and a word
to capture the king.

The party is as lost with this as they were with the first divination.

L'Wehn and Snf'L have misgivings about the Drow Elf cleric, but S'Part and X'Ylo will hear none of it and want to see for themselves. They head off for the church, but are followed by a whole train of spies. No Drow were harmed in the ensuing confusion.
2nd Patchwall

Coderick tells the elves of the mysterious strnager and the actions of the tavern-keeper at the "Chunk of Cheese". He mentions the shack that the stranger went to, and the party figures it is probably the same shack that L'Wehna nd Snf'L were held captive in by Uni. They swing by the church to grab the clerics, but S'Part is deep in mediation, so only X'Ylo comes with the party to check out the shack's inhabitants. The party watches all day and partly into the evening before giving up. They realize as they are preparing to leave that they failed to set up a watch on the secret door in the boulder. They move around to that area and check it, finnding diminuitive tracks leading to the Northwest through the forest.
3rd Patchwall

El'Fross decides that he no longer needs the fake La'Tir and has the blacksmith smash the crystal globe to recover his stone from inside. The hammer-blow from the smith shatters the crystal globe easily, but also breaks the Ioun Stone inside. El'Fross is very distressed at the apparent lack of brains the blacksmith carries around. Snf'L mends the rock, and now El'Fross has a non-magical pink and green spherical rock.

The party goes to Neumann and has him do identifies on their stuff. They finally find out that the chess piece Snf'L has been carrying around has some sort of blocking spells on it, but has a summoning spell placed on it. The party suddenly figures out the clues that the knight will summon something that could take the rod and hide it. They go to S'Part with the news. S'Part puts the chess piece on the ground (after some experimentation) and says, "check". Suddenly a knight on horseback appears and introduces himself as "Arthor Ratee" and offers assistance to the party. S'Part asks him to take the rod, which the knight does. They then say the word, "mate" and the knight turns back into the chess piece.

Is this the end of S'Part's little "problem"?

S'Part is given the newly-identified Ring of Swimming as a gift. The party playfully insists on "testing" it and they take S'Part down and toss him in the Artonsamay River.

From the diary of El'Fross:

We made it back to town without event with our two shivering, naked friends. I took them to the temple. As I found out later, Snf'L followed us hoping to get a shot at the Drow in the church. L'Wehn followed Snf'L, also hungry for Drow blood. Coderick, not wanting to be left out, followed L'Wehn.

The stealth train soon arrived at the temple. We were met at the door by a very beautiful wood elf named Maya. Expecting a Drow, I was stunned and stuttered stupidly in the face of her beauty. S'Part and X'Ylo were invited in. I was not, apparently because of my presence during Snf'L and L'Wehn's assault on the dark-elf-turned-priest of Sehanine.

We spent some time monitoring the Rogues' Headquarters on the waterfront with no success. The next day we waited outside Uni's hut to the North of town for a clue as to who might be in there, again with no success. It is imperative to know if it is Uni or Teur that is asking about us around town. S'Part stayed behind to meditate, but X'Ylo came with us. He explained that the Drow was a devout Cleric of Sehanine. Snf'L tried to explain the situation away with a conspiracy theory, that even A'Ha wouldn't buy. I began doubting my own convictions. Was it possible that Drow, Orcs, and even Humans might have elements (deviations) in their race that were not inherently evil - even "good"?

Earlier, S'Part cast his divination spell, asking for "clericfication" on the riddle given to him before. He received a reference to the human game of chess. Apparently, a "knight" is a game piece in the childish human game and the reference of the knight who doesn't bleed is to this game.

We went to Neuman who helped us identify a few potions and magic items - as we rummaged through our packs, Snf'L pulled out the magic chess piece we had found at Berole's crypt. I knew immediately, that this was the answer to the puzzle, even before Neuman detected a summoning spell on the piece.

We rushed to find S'Part who was groggy from mediation (or Drow poison as Snf'L likely suspected) and told him of our discovery. S'Part took the piece, said the command word (check) and a knight appeared. S'Part commanded him to take the rod and hide it. The knight agreed and disappeared with the end command (mate). Coincidently, S'Part got all the spells he prayed for that morning. Finally, we accomplished something.

One immediate problem has been solved; on to the next. L'Wehn is keen on discovering whether there is anything left of her brother to take to the resurrection pool. Then we must recover La'Tir and retrieve the Arcana Nebloth. Snf'L is opposed to finding La'Tir for reasons I cannot fathom. Perhaps he is afraid - of course we all are to one degree or another. But we must accept the responsibility that has been bestowed upon us. The securing of these items will allow us to begin the arduous task of fulfilling a prophecy that has been thousands of years in the making - a destiny that we have prepared our whole lives for. Of that, I am sure. And no creature, elf or otherwise will prevent me from fulfilling that destiny. Wow - that was weird - time to lie down for a nap.

Session Sixty-Eight

Experience: Grizzly old bear - worth 1463xp : 244xp each for all the characters.

Roleplayer of the week:

We have an award this week - 250xp to each of El'Fross, Snf'L and L'Wehn (my NPC gets it too for putting up with this...). It was a mean email battle and I'm glad its over.

Coderick - 244xp - was at 20,257xp - puts him at 20,501xp - needs 21,000 for 7th level
El'Fross - 494xp - was at 21,994xp - puts him at 22,488xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
Snf'L - 494xp - was at 21,526xp - puts him at 22,020xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
S'Part - 244xp - was at 8,050xp - puts him at 8,294xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level
L'Wehn - 494xp - was at 13,164xp - puts her at 13,658xp - needs 15,000 for 6th level
X'Ylo - 244xp - was at 8,000xp - puts him at 8,244xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level

3rd Patchwall (cont...)

The party departs for the Black Castle to search for A'Ha's missing arm. They encounter naught but heavy rain and a little hail. Coderick figures all the cretures of the forest are smart enough to stay out of the cold and damp except these crazy elves.

4th Patchwall

A sunny day of travelling - the mud starts to dry up. Coderick is a little more comfortable.

5th Patchwall

A good day of travel - no major incidents.

6th Patchwall

In the morning the party hears a group of creatures talking not far from their camp. They sneak closer and it is revealed that there are several unkempt-looking humans around a fire breaking their fast. The party decides to avoid them.

The party meets a Wild Elf in their travels, who turns out to be Maya the Wild Elf cleric's brother. His name is Joaquin. Joaquin is not happy to hear that a Drow Elf resides in the same church as his sister. He hurries off to get to Unicks as soon as he can.

The party also meets a cousin of Charlie the Centaur. He has no news but is glad to have met these pleasant white elves.

7th Patchwall

A good day of travel - no major incidents. A nice mild day for travelling.

8th Patchwall

A good day of travel - no major incidents. Partly cloudy and a bit cooler: 10 degrees Lydia.

9th Patchwall

A good day of travel - no major incidents. Much cloudier and the threat of precipitation is in the air most of the afternoon. The party arrives at the castle and the moment of "truth" has arrived. Snf'L insists on facing the dragon Pall and telling her that he has killed her son. He goes in to face the dragon with El'Fross hanging aroudn nearby. But Pall is not there. Signs in the lair indicate that she has not been gone for too long. The group goes up the stairs to see if Mykell is still around. The Black Giant is very happy to see his old friends again. They ask if he was given a book by Pall to hold for them. He replies in broken common that she did leave a book with him. Remembering the giant's penchant for eating books, cover and all, the party asks, "Mykell, did you eat the book for supper?" Mykell responds, "Of course I not eat book for supper - that book was very special." (pause) "I had it for dessert!"

After some inital panic, they realize that their friend is just teasing them, and he brings out the Arcanae Nebloth and gives it to them.

Having obtained the book, the party begins their search for A'Ha's arm, lopped off all those months ago by the orcs that infested this area for a brief time. They find the tunnels connecting the towers completely clear of debris, and several very ragged zombies standing about doing nothing, their task completed. El'Fross gives them something to do by tossing a rock into the tunnels.

Meanwhile, the party checks out the three watch towers. In one they had not previously discovered, they find a skeletal arm. It could certainly be A'Ha's, as it is severed in the same spot A'Ha's was. S'Part is unable to determine whether this arm once belonged to an elf, but he is fairly sure it does not belong to an orc. Another discussion breaks out about what to do with the arm to determine whether it is A'Ha's or not. Snf'L suggests they head to the place where A'Ha died while Lillethaneles was trying to regenerate the lost arm. But L'Wehn becomes exasperated that it would be impossible with all the bodies at that site, even if they could find the place, and she leaves to get some air. El'Fross examines the arm, and pulls off one of the finger bones. He then joins L'Wehn outside. Without saying a word, he shows L'Wehn the finger bon and raises his eyebrows. L'Wehn's eyes open wide in understanding and she nods yes. They take off for the pool to get L'Wehn's beloved brother A'Ha back from the dead.

Not too long after they leave, the rest of the party is still discussing the arm and notices that one of the fingers is missing. This causes a whole new set of discussions, as A'Ha never was missing a finger. Snf'L looks around and asks where El'Fross and L'Wehn have gotten to, and someone answers that they are outside. Snf'L suddenly realizes what has happened and goes after them, throwing an entangle spell on the couple.

An angry exchange follows...

Snf'L begins by saying, "You and L'Wehn have the right to make your own choices in this life but you do not have the right to make choices for myself or make those choices with no regard for the K'Needian race. By risking the pool just because L'Wehn can't wait 3 more days to check these bones, LIKE we did with Xy'lo, means that she is willing to risk the long term survivability of the last of our race. Because if the pool were destroyed then the next time one of the group dies there is a far better chance they will stay dead.

"Also I believe that lying is what caused the village to be wiped out, and so I feel that if the party insists on lying it will be wiped out as well. Therefore it falls to me to carry on the quest for the other Scheff elves. Alone if necessary."

El'Fross responds from his uncomfortable position in the weeds and bushes of the Fellreev, "But listen Snf'L, there may be some negotiating room here..... I'll agree to asking the clerics in Unix to identify this bone as Elf before throwing it into the pond if you agree to help me find La'Tir (that means to the top of the to do list) once A'Ha is back amongst the living....."

Snf'L turns specifically to El'Fross and replies, "I realize that to you that the destruction of the K'Needian village was merely an in convenience that interrupted your naps and puerile quest for your own way, but I take my responsibility as one of the last of our race a little more seriously. I will not indulge your juvenile games for L'Wehn's favour by bartering with the viability of the K'Needian race. I believe that if we unearth La'Tir before we can defend it, it will cause the ultimate destruction of all the group. But that doesn't matter to you, El'Fross, because by convincing the group that that is what we should do would make you a big man. Well it still doesn't make it right, any more than risking the pool is right. And if I feel the group is under taking a course of action that puts our greater purpose at risk, then for me to go along with it would be lying to myself. Unlike you I do not aspire to being the "leader", and as such I do not want to force my will or beliefs on the group. So if the situation arises, as is currently, in which I morally can not accept a decision, then my only option is to leave the group."

Snf'L then turns to L'Wehn, " And as for you L'Wehn I find your underhandedness and selfishness disgraceful. When it was X'Ylo we were trying to resurrect it was acceptable that we verify the bones, but because its A'Ha you would risk the pool for 3 days of your life! I realize that We of K'Nee share the same blood as the Drow but I had thought that we had learned that teamwork and trust were the tools that were used to defeat the darkness. Obviously the lesson hasn't been learned as well as we thought! If your use of emotional manipulation of El'Fross hadn't worked would you have cast a charm spell on him or maybe a black ring has come available?"

L'Wehn stand with open mouth as El'Fross answers, "Well well well, doesn't Snf'L have a pumped up, distorted view of himself.... And reality. We think the bones are elven we just don't know if they are A'Ha's so we're not messing anything up. And besides maybe it's time we took a few risks. Maybe the village was wiped out 'cause they sat around waiting for the Drow to "see things our way". Maybe its time for action rather than analysis - which by the way hasn't even vaguely worked once for us. I've never been wrong acting on my instincts, but have often been wrong when I allow too much thinking to interfere with my karma. I think.

"But hey, the offer stands. I agree to take these bones to the Clerics at Unix to verify that they are A'Ha's or failing that at least a confirmation that they are elven (if they are elven - nothing is risked, right?) in return for your support for digging up La'Tir as soon as possible. We have a job to do according to the prophecy and it includes retrieving La'Tir. I am part of the prophecy - of that I am sure. Are you?.... Cause I'm pretty sure it doesn't say anything about the four of the three becoming five and then one of them running away cause his little feelings got hurt..... but maybe I missed that part of the lesson.

"And by the way - where do you get off calling me a liar - and even more insultingly - calling L'Wen a liar? You're lucky she doesn't kick your ass - I'd do it but I know she hates me fighting her battles.

"So you are for the will of the group unless it offends your sensibilities and then you leave. In truth, the will of the group means nothing to you - you simply want us to follow what you believe to be right? And if the will of the group is not the will of Snf'L then Snf'L will take his sword and go play by himself? Maybe you're wrong Snf'L -

"I believe that La'Tir holds they key to defeating the Drow - and the key to preserving our race - and the power to defend us all. Read your prophecy again - it doesn't say anything about waiting until you are strong enough - you will never be strong enough to defend La'Tir against everything we might encounter. The question is, will you ever be brave enough to try?

"Here are my plans - ressurect A'Ha - find La'Tir - and then unlock the secret of her power. I think Uni is alive - What if he knows about La'Tir - he was in your brain and L'Wehn's brain - Where did the bard disappear to? Maybe Uni has it all figured out. Do we try and stop him? Or do we let him have La'Tir cause we're not powerful enough to protect it?

"I put these goals forward not because I want to lead - not because I want an adventure - not to undermine your opinion - and not to risk our race - I put them forward because I believe it is the proper action to take. You don't want to accept the fact that maybe somebody else might have an opinion just as valid as yours. You're not being honest with yourself, though you can't stand lying to anyone else. Your voice is no more important than anyone else's - and if I can convince everyone else to take a course of action - then maybe it's the right one to take. Ask yourself this question and answer truthfully - if everyone else thinks one thing and you think another - who is right? Are you capable of being wrong Snf'L - am I capable of being right?

"As for the insults - if I am on a puerile quest for my own way - then what quest are you on? I am committed to this group, through hell and back - too bad you're not."

At this point, El'Fross turns (with a bit of difficulty) to L'Wehn and says, "He's wrong - it's me who manipulated you into coming - partially to raise A'Ha - partially to impress you with bravado."

El'Fross turns back to Snf'L, "And as far as Teamwork goes - what team member leaves when he doesn't get his way? The K'Nee are loyal to one another above all else - except for you it would appear. You owe L'Wehn an apology, cause it was my idea - not hers.... If you want to leave then leave - just spare me the greater good speech, cause if you think you're leaving is for the greater good, then you are nuttier than even I thought."

Snf'l replies to Elf'ross, "Nice speech except the only thing you are now or ever been committed was avoiding work and taking credit for anything and everything possible. And if the will of the group is mutually exclusive to what I feel is correct then I have no choice but to take my sword and leave. This is a concept you are obviously unfamiliar with. Its called moral integrity and ethics. Just because the majority of a group agrees on an action does not make it necessarily correct. In the past I have disagreed with the group but still been able to go along with the decision because those decisions were not mutually exclusive to my ethics. You ask when I'll be brave enough to try to use La'Tir. And the answer is I'm brave enough to do it right now, I'm also smart enough to know that we are not ready to move against the Drow yet and that is what La'Tir is for. You are right in saying my voice is no more important than anyone else's. But in your own words your desire is to have an adventure. My desire is to save our people and defeat the Drow. And I believe your little adventure's most probable outcome is to aid the Drow. I also realize that I could very well be wrong. But in choosing MY path I only am risking myself, whereas you insist on risking everything on maybes, coulds, mights and perhapses. You have said that plans have never helps our group, well until they can we aren't ready to battle goblins let alone Drow.

"So you say you are committed to the group through thick and thin yet you admit that to improve your chance of getting in L'Wehn's chain mail you subvert the process that you accuse me of not living up to. And L'Wehn, knowing full well what you are up to, went along with it. So tell me again why I should apologize? Oh right, because I think that 2 people trekking off on there own into the forest, in which the entire group has gotten kicked, without out any clerics is a stupid idea. Especially when One of them can't stay awake on watch.

"And By the way the prophesy doesn't even mention La'Tir. I guess you must have been just dreaming that."

El'Fross shakes his head and sighs, "I'm sorry you doubt my integrity. Its obvious to me that you have not listened to a word I've said and if you have, you have purposefully ignored it - to what end? I don't know. Should we have wandered off - maybe not. Is it worth leaving the party? That's your choice to make not mine.

"I am in favour of digging up La'Tir for two reasons. First, I believe that there is a very good chance that its location has been discovered by the Drow Uni, and secondly, I think we should try to learn about it's power.

"Tell me you know Uni is not alive - tell me you know he hasn't figured out or is about to figure out where La'Tir is.

"I DO NOT intented to immediately pick a fight with the underdark once it is dug up.

"Understand this clearly - I AM NOT changing my mind - so if you can't live with me digging up La'Tir in the next few weeks - then you are better off leaving, cause that's what is going to happen. If you won't be part of the prophecy - then so be it. Any of the others who are against digging up La'Tir are welcome to skip through the forest with you.

"And leave the party possessions you carry, unless your integrity and ethics won't allow you to return what we all have determined to be the group's possessions. Your "ethics" seem to allow you around many of the pesky ideals our kind hold dear - like group will and justice.

"Keep the boots, though - you may need them - be safe, Snf'L my friend - I wish you well. I hope you change your mind."

Snf'l's voice raises to shouting level as he responds, "How could I doubt your integrity? You've never shown any. Was it your integrity that loaded all you stuff on to Siroth? Was it your integrity that made you think that getting into L'Wehn's pants was worth putting yourself and her into unnecessary danger?

"If this is an example of your intuition at work....STOP!!!

"First, if we assume that Uni is still alive, which is a much safer assumption than to assume he's dead, then if he knows where we think La'Tir is, AND that place is indeed where La'Tir is hidden, then, given that he's had 3 months to get it, why would you expect La'Tir to still be there. If on the other hand he is either dead, doesn't know where we think La'Tir is, or we are wrong about the location, then there is not reason to go look, and possibly lead Uni to it. And secondly, so now the truth comes out, you figure La'Tir might actually make you the most powerful (fill in whatever profession you feel like this month)!

"Take your head out of you ass! As I said before La'Tir isn't even mentioned in the prophesy.

"I have no intention of taking anything that belongs to the party. Although I notice that you sure are in a hurry to get your trotters in the trough when it come to party treasure even though you seem to have no problem destroying it or throwing it away. And I didn't notice you leaving any "Party treasure" behind when you and L'Wehn took off on your own.

"And Its YOUR mind? I thought you wanted a party decision? So you're going after La'Tir no matter what the rest of the party wants? Fucking typical. Grow up, El'Fross there are more important things in life that your immediate wants."

El'Froos is growing a little hot as well as he shouts, "So.... according to you..... I have no integrity; I care only about myself; I'm power hungry; I do not miss my village; I do not have the best interests of the group at heart; And my main goal is convincing L'Wen she should marry me? Ok I'll give you that one.....

"Any other insults you'd like to throw at me? Which of the above is causing you to leave? Maybe it's just cause I have an opinion?

"Now who's lying by ommission? I have done one or two things right...., including dragging your sorry dead ass through the forest until I found someone to bring you back.

"Go ahead Snf'L take another shot at me -

"Tell me how I resent my mother and father for dying at the hands of the Drow because it's taking away my nap time.

"Tell me anything you want, but choose your words carefully because I'm getting sick of the personal insults. And I may be the only person in this group more stubborn than you....."

Snf'L replies to this tirade with, "Yes. Yes. Yes. I'm not sure. I haven't seen any indication one way or the other. No you don't. And who said anything about marriage? I would appear that you just want to get in her pants.

"I'm leaving because you are an untrustworthy liar. In the past I have ignored your selfish behavior, but I now realize that its just getting worse not better. Perhaps you are right; that its my problem. But the fact is I can't handle your deceit any longer. Maybe the others can, but I can't. So after examining my options the only possible recourse is for me to leave and try to find the other Schef Elves on my own.

"And Although I was DEAD at the time I got the impression that there were other people involved with bringing me back. And I have thanked you and all the rest who got me back. But you seem to think that doing something good absolves you of responsibility for your actions.

"And as to choosing my words carefully: What part of `lying sack of shit' didn't you understand. Oh, I'm sorry was that a veiled threat? Is the most powerful sorcerer in the party going to teach me a lesson? You wish!"

L'Wehn, who has been stadning open-mothed and incredulous from the beginning of this this, finally speaks, "Enough you two! I don't appreciate being talked to like I'm not even here for one thing! For another thing, and to me this is the most important, I will not be talked about in a crude way by you Snf'L! If your mother were here she would cry in shame! Since when do you refer to a so-called "friend" like she was a common human whatever-you-call-'em? Street girl? El'Fross and my relationship is none of your damn business, and I think I would know it by now if he was just trying "to get into my pants". If that was his primary motivation, he could go after someone else a lot easier and wouldn't be doing things like helping me get my brother back and being the only damn one with the motivation to even try! This party has been committing itself into inaction for far too long, and I'm not going to have my brother stay on this stupid "to do" list any longer! You say I can't "wait 3 days", but A'Ha has been dead for FOURTEEN days now while everyone discussed what we were going to do and when we were going to do it and on and on and blah blah like it always has been. You are being so stupidly righteous about leaving the party to go and do your own thing, when that is exactly what I am doing! So it's ok for you and not for me? A'Ha told me about the time you left the party before because somebody did something you didn't like. Is this what you're going to do every time things don't go your way? I say get going then, and don't let the branches hit your ass on the way! We aren't going to cave into your childish pouting and do what Snf'L says just to keep you. What happens if we convince you to stay but things don't go your way next time? You'll just threaten to leave again. I say go. You've insulted me by inferring I would ever even have sex until I was married, insulted El'Fross by calling him a liar, and insulted my brother by inferring a stupid promise to a Centaur is more important than his life. You also said you were concerned about what would happen to 2 K'Needian Elves heading out in the forest alone, but you are going to be 1 K'Needian Elf heading OUT of the forest alone to find the other Schef elves? Give me a break! You NEED us to follow that quest, and we need you to do the same, and we all need A'Ha."

Snf'l turns to L'Wehn and says, "I never said anything about you having sex, I stated what it appears Elf'ross's motivation is. As to your motivations I haven't the faintest clue.

"The TRUTH is that El'Fross is a liar. Seems to me the phase 1El'Fross you shouldn't lie to Snf'L' came out of you a moment ago. So if the truth is an insult to El'Fross's ego too freaking bad.

"And as for A'Ha: your rash action has a very good chance of making it so that A'Ha, or anyone else in the party who needs it, will have to find some other way to get resurrected. This isn't a case of, if it is A'Ha we get him back, and if not oh well, we'll try again. If its not a sylvan creature the pool stops working, forever, period. And then how will you get A'Ha back? I'm betting it'll take more than 3 days. But you guys do what you believe is best.... As I must. It is obvious that I am some how different from the the rest of you....well at least you two anyway. I don't feel empowered to ignore any promises I make if they happen to interfere with my selfish wants. This is a difference that I can not accept. And so I will leave. But be warned! I will warn the centaurs of your intentions should I be able to find them."

El'Fross calls out to Snf'L before he can leave, "Now see what you've done....!"

El'Fross turns to L'Wehn, "Ahem. That 'trying to get L'Wehn to marry me" thing I just said - I was being hypothetical. I meant like far in the future - maybe after the Drow are all gone and we're sitting around, and I'd be like, "Hey, L'Wehn, we should get married." .... Not that I wouldn't want to marry you sooner or anything - it's just - well you know we're really busy with this prophecy thing right now. I mean I would be honored if you would - but I wasn't really asking, unless you think maybe I should be asking. In which case it wouldn't be tomorrow or anything. It would take a lot of planning and stuff, right. Cause just running off and doing something on the spur of the moment is only a good idea some of the time....right? Of course, I guess we could, but that's probably not a good idea or maybe it is..."

El'Fross turns from a completely confused L'Wehn back to Snf'L, "You are far more selfish than I am. You are leaving this group cause you're not getting your own way - plain and simple. You can sugar coat it all you want - but that's the reason. Putting your own ideas ahead of others. Expecting us to cool our heels until you say we're ready to go get La'Tir. What's up with that?

"As far as choosing your words carefully, I was referring to what you said about me 1finding the destruction of the K'Needian village an inconvenience that interrupted my naps and puerile quest for my own way'.... or something like that. What was the purpose of those words? To show me the error of my ways, my dear conscience or simply to hurt?

"Yeah, I lie - so what! Yeah I follow my instincts - so what! Yeah, I think doing the first thing that pops into my head works from time to time - so what! The truth is, I have always been there anytime I was needed. And if you say otherwise, then it is you who is the, how did you put it, `Lying Sack of Shit'. I've always been there for all of the K'Nee - including you. Is this your way of being there for the rest of us? Leaving? You should try being a little more like me, maybe then you wouldn't be such a STUCK UP, PARANOID, DEMANDING, ANNOYING ...SACK OF SHIT - yourself.

"And you've put up with me? How about me putting up with you, and your meticulous stupid planning that NEVER, EVER, EVER works. Um, remember the dragon, the crypt, A'Ha's arm! Why do I put up with you? Same reason you're supposed to put up with me! 'Cause we're supposed to be in this together.

"You've got a problem with me taking off - I can buy into that. I might even listen your argument. However, understand me clearly - if you are planning to ever again threaten to leave because you don't get your way - then leave now. If you are planning to threaten to leave because following the will of the group would be "lying to yourself" and disagrees with your "delicate ethical beliefs" then leave now. And if you are unwilling to put up with my slightly spontaneous side from time to time, then I'm sure as hell not going to put up with your insanity.

"Oh and when you're wandering around - maybe you can find S'Rang and ask him if he regrets leaving the village and the only family he knew for a life in the wilderness - how do you think he might have felt after the village was destroyed? Maybe its time you stopped worrying about being truthful to others and thought about being truthful to yourself.

"In the end, Snf'L there is no right or wrong approach. The world is not black and white - I think we've all come to realize that these past few months. Perhaps my approach to life and yours can co-exist. I'm prepared to accept your "choices", if you are prepared to accept mine. However, if you are of the mind that there is no room for discussion - then leave. I have nothing further to say on this matter and if all you mean to do is insult me and tell me how wrong I am, then save your breath - you'll need it for your travels. I truly hope you decide to stay - but not at he expense of losing my free will."

Here El'Fross turns back to L'Wehn and continues, "I'm willing to go to Unix and confirm this finger and arm as being A'Ha's if you are - but it's got to be because we think it's a good idea and not because Snf'L is going to run away if we don't, 'cause I'm not going to be blackmailed by him nor am I going to let him supercede his own beliefs on mine. He needs to decide where his loyalties lie. With K'Nee or with himself. I have another idea of something that might help our cause in Unix also."

Snf'L takes a step away, then begins to visibly shake. He turns back to L'Wehn and El'Fross and says in a quavering voice, "Throughout my entire life every time I have lied something bad has happened. Even if I told a little lie something bad would happen. I lied to my Mom about where we were going when we went with S'Roth to get tested. And guess what I found when we got home? So I guess, in truth, I'm not as afraid of the lies - it's the consequence of the lies. And here you two are, making the promise I made to the Centaur's to keep the pool safe INTo yet another lie! Then, El'Fross denied that that was what you were doing, it was like El'Fross was saying, `Not only do I not care about truthfulness, or your feelings about honesty, you are so stupid I can lie in your face and you won't know' and that is when I lost sight of who we are and what we are doing together." With this Snf'L collapses to one knee.

The entangle spell ends at thsi point, and L'Wehn and El'Fross rush to Snf'L's aid, helping him up from the ground. They support him between them and start the trek back to the watch tower.

El'Fross says quietly to Snf'L, "Why didn't you tell us in the first place Snf'L? You never told me that you blamed our village's destruction on your lie to your mother. You seem to have some personal issues here. How can I help? Do you want to talk to someone? Maybe the clerics at Unix can help?

"Oh and I did take back the lie, before you even called me on it because L'Wehn told me I shouldn't lie to you. So, out of respect for your, er, `passion for the truth' I voluntarily withdrew my lie. So really I didn't lie - I just `almost lied'. So, you see - I really don't think you're that stupid.

"And I suppose there may have been some merit in talking this plan over with you and the others first.....

"I'm willing to be big about this - maybe I overreacted a little when you entangled us.... I'm sorry for yelling at you. If it means that much to you, I'm willing to put this to the others to formulate a plan....just so long as get this done as quickly as possible. Maybe the centaurs would be able to identify the arm as Elven? .....Now how about a hug?"

El'Fross says to L'Wehn over Snf'L's head, "Shall we talk this over with the others?...Now how about a hug?" As the three of them embrace, El'Fross says very quietly is L'Wehn's ear, "I can't believe he lied to his mother!"

From the diary of El'Fross:

After a day in Unicks we once again set out to find our friend A'Ha. We headed back towards the castle of the black giant / white dragon. Jeez, it sounds scary when you put it that way.

The trip was uneventful except for one particularly vicious assault on the lovely L'Wehn by a very large Grizzly bear. She was very nearly killed in the encounter before the rest of us were able to come to her aid.

Then it was on to the castle � the last three days seemed to whiz by. When we arrived, Snf'L went down to tell the Pall that he had killed her son. The others tried to talk him out of it � I knew better. Once Snf'L makes up his mind on something he can be quite stubborn � and I knew no matter what any of us said he was going to face Pall.

I walked with him to the entrance to Pall's lair. He went in alone. A few minutes later he came back out to report Pall had left. We were all relieved � no one more so than Snf'L. He is honest, after all, not suicidal.

We met Mykell, who had the book we wanted in his possession. Once we secured the book, we started searching for A'Ha's arm. First we searched the area where it had been initially cut off, the we went into the tunnel system we had found before between the two towers and the castle. The tunnels were immaculate. We ended up in a tower that apparently we hadn't been to before. Inside we found a group of undead miners, apparently created to clear the tunnels. The others were appalled at the abominations and began turning them and lopping off arms, stabbing them and generally making a mess. I was stunned. Was I with the same group who had admonished me earlier that year for ending the existence of a similar creature in this very tunnel?

Coderick found what appeared to be an arm, about what we were looking for. A number of us examined it. My gut reaction was that is was A'Ha, but I couldn't really determine whether it was elf or not � I suspect it was definitely not Orc � I don't recall any one armed orcs running around.

A discussion broke out about what to do. I suggested we lop off the arm of one of the undead orcs and compare it. As the clerics began scraping the flesh off the bone and Snf'L droned on about how we have to be sure for the sake of the blah blah blah�.. I whacked off a finger and invited L'Wehn to come with me to the pond. Then I went outside. She hesitated a bit and then joined me and off we went to save her brother and my friend as the other's argued the nuances and ethics of what needed to be done. I am weary of talking. Every time we talk something through it goes wrong, and I am done with it. It is time for action � and though I'd rather someone else initiated it, it appears I have no choice but to do it myself.

Had L'Wehn not hesitated we would have been away. However, Snf'L noticed we were missing and came after us. He managed to catch us with the help of his pseudo-dragon. And then he did a rather odd thing. He cast a spell, causing the forest to entangle us. If he wanted to talk, I would have stopped and discussed the situation with him � I was just carrying out what I perceived to be the will of the party. After all, if we are to believe the prophecy, then I had a majority in tow with me already.

However, this spell changes much. As does what followed � an ultimatum. Snf'L proclaimed that if I was going to proceed to the resurrection pool, against the wishes of the group, then he was leaving. What he failed to recognise is that three of the five (the "five of the prophecy") were on their way to the pool together and unless my math is out 3 of 5 is a majority. L'Wehn, and I voted to go to the pool � I also voted with A'Ha's proxy assuming he would prefer to be alive. So when Snf'L is talking about me going against the wishes of the group, what he really means is against his wishes.

It's unfortunate that S'Part does not get a vote and of course, Coderick wouldn't. The way I see it is three to one with X'Ylo yet to speak up. Snf'L is worried about the pool � about the forest � but he is forgetting who he is and why he is here. I would raze the entire forest, drain the pool, trudge through the underdark, and destroy whoever I had to in order to bring back any of the K'Nee.

The biggest problem is that once the ultimatum was made, I know Snf'L will have a hard time backing down. Others may try to talk him out of it � but I know better. Snf'L can be quite stubborn � trouble is it sounded too much like a dare for me to ignore it.

Another problem is that even if we get through this crisis, Snf'L will want to wander aimlessly, looking for help that may not even exist, when the next step in our quest becomes more and more obvious. I'm done with talk. We have the book - once A'Ha is back � I am going to get La'Tir. A'Ha understands the importance of this all, so I need him first. Then those who want to fulfill the prophecy will. Perhaps Snf'L isn't part of the prophecy after all? Hmmmm four of the three becomes five � L'Wehn, A'Ha, the two clerics and me � make 5. Interesting thought.

Session Sixty-Nine

Experience: Encounters: Boar worth 517xp, or 86xp each. Ice Toad worth 1463xp or 244xp each (even for the sleeping Coderick).

Roleplayer of the week:

Everyone did fine - lots of role-playing, but nothing outstanding. 100xp each.

A'Ha - 0xp - was at 8,294xp - brought back from the dead but died at the very end of a very high experience battle (Berole) so I am putting him at 6,000xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level
Coderick - 430xp - was at 20,501xp - puts him at 20,931xp - needs 21,000 for 7th level
El'Fross - 430xp - was at 22,488xp - puts him at 22,918xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
L'Wehn - 430xp - was at 13,658xp - puts her at 14,088xp - needs 15,000 for 6th level
Snf'L - 430xp - was at 22,020xp - puts him at 22,450xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
S'Part - 430xp - was at 8,294xp - puts him at 8,724xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level
X'Ylo - 430xp - was at 8,244xp - puts him at 8,674xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level

Daranel - ?xp - was 6,465xp - puts him at ?xp - needs 10,000xp for 5th level
Grinbeard - ?xp - was at 6,907xp - puts him at ?xp - needs 10,000xp for 5th level
Siroth the White Dragon - 0xp - ...DEAD...
Tikkel the spider - ..DEAD..

9th Patchwall (cont...)

That night at 9 PM, a light snowfall begins. To Coderick's great puzzlement, all the elves get very excited and run out to "play" in the stuff. L'Wehn makes snow angels and El'Fross and Snf'L have a snowball fight, as X'Ylo and S'Part built a big fort. Coderick stays in with Mykell and gets to know the big giant, who likes his new "itsy friend".

The group spends the night in Mykell's room.

10th Patchwall

Bidding good-bye to Mykell, the party travels toward Berole's crypt. They figure that they are this close and might as well grab A'Ha's equipment. Even L'Wehn can't argue with this. It would mean a week of delay to bring A'Ha back just to come back this way and get hsi spellbook. And the party knows A'Ha would want his spellbook.

It's hard travel in the 8 inches of snow that fell over the night, but it's melting in the warm fall air and they manage it. Snf'L, running point as usual, stirs up some game from the bushes, but it is angry and hungry and charges Snf'L. It's a wild boar! After some injuries to Snf'L and a few well-placed arrows and sword cuts, the party has some ham for lunch and for supper.

11th Patchwall

Early in the morning, the party discovers that the snow has brought an odd creature their way. A completely blue toad hops into camp and proceeds to wreak havoc. Even the K'Needian elves (so used to cold) are affected by the aura of cold surrounding this magical beast. The elves fight the creature and manage to kill it, while Coderick sleeps soundly under a pine tree.

They travel the rest of the day, and reach Berole's crypt as the last of the sunlight fades. They discover orc trcks, heading Southeast, and some overlapping light humanoid tracks. They also find that A'Ha's stuff is mostly all gone, including his spellbook and the medallion that he got from Uni's body.

12th Patchwall

A forced march and no encounters or whacky weather puts the party back at the Pool of Restoration, where A'Ha's finger-bone is placed. The pool does it's work and the party si pleased to discover it really was A'Ha's finger they were carrying around.

A'Ha is back!

From the diary of El'Fross:

Snf'L is insane. I know I've speculated on this in the past. I did the time he endangered himself and our collective plans when he tackled Uni for reasons known only by him and his god. Then there was the time his head exploded when A'ha gave S'Roth's sword to S'Rang. And now his latest snit had him raise his ire against me � the bravest, yet most relaxed of our merry little group. And for what? Wanting to expedite the return of A'ha, our friend and brother.

Through some negotiation and giving in � mostly on my part - we managed to come to an agreement. Snf'L is staying with the group and L'Wehn and I are lucky to be continually blessed with his "honesty".

Man, the things I will do to make others happy! And who appreciates it � nobody that's who. Oh, but someone will be happy to tee off on me for not helping with supper when it is obvious I am pondering the future of our entire race.

Back to the pool we went. As it turned out, upon closer examination, Snf'L came to the conclusion that the bone was elven and he wasn't really all that opposed to dipping it in the pool � go figure.

We fought what appeared to be a 8' toad the first night. It seemed to have the ability to exude cold that hurt us � yes even the K'Nee with their resistance to cold � wowzers.

The next day we arrived a Berole's crypt to find all of our stuff gone. Footprints of Orcs were found leaving the crypt. Among the orc prints were sets of lighter foot prints � we speculated Elven foot prints. UNI! My initial reaction was that the prints belonged to the Drow Uni who had kidnapped my one true love, and the toughest fighter in the group, L'Wehn months before.

We had to decide whether to follow the tracks or raise A'Ha first. In the end, it wasn't that tough a decision. And after a day of tough marching, we were once again reunited with A'ha, perhaps the unluckiest elf I have ever known. And even better, A'Ha was himself, not the generic version of a K' Nee that we had made him with the polymorph spell.

Now, we are faced with the prospect of tracking down the Orc party that took our stuff. And perhaps another showdown with the Dread Pirate Uni. I suspect if he really is alive � he will be much harder to kill a second time.

I am quite interested, however, incapable of reading the Arcanae Nebloth. I believe that part of the answer to our quest, lies in this tome. A'ha will be able to read it again if we ever find his spell book. I wonder if there is a way I can�.Perhaps we could have it translated.

The thought of Uni being alive, lends a sense of urgency to our quest at least to me if not the others�. We must recover L'Tir soon and now we are sidetracked again trying to recover A'ha's belongings. Although if it is Ltir he is after, we may be led to more than we bargained for by the orcs.

Session Seventy

Experience: A good set of role-playing, but only one battle. The party got trounced seriously, but I think they all learned something. 250xp for all characters who were represented in the game.

Roleplayer of the week:

A'Ha - 250xp - was at 6,000xp - puts him at 6,250xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level
Coderick - 0xp - was at 20,931xp - puts him at 20,931xp - needs 21,000 for 7th level
El'Fross - 250xp - was at 22,918xp - puts him at 23,168xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
L'Wehn - 250xp - was at 14,088xp - puts her at 14,338xp - needs 15,000 for 6th level
Snf'L - 250xp - was at 22,450xp - puts him at 22,700xp - needs 28,000 for 8th level
S'Part - 0xp - was at 8,724xp - puts him at 8,724xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level
X'Ylo - 250xp - was at 8,674xp - puts him at 8,924xp - needs 10,000 for 5th level

12th Patchwall (cont...)

Party rests from their long run to the pool. A'Ha does watch and paces nervously. He wants to get going and regain his book as soon as possible. The party has a big discussion about whether to head back to Berole's crypt and follow the tracks of the orcs and their smaller buddies or to go on to Unicks and check things out.

In the end, they decide to go back to the crypt. Coderick shows dismay that he cannot make another trip like that last one, carried under some elf's arm. He says he'd like to go to Unicks. A'Ha tells him to go ahead, get out of here, but the halfling is concerned that he will become lost in the forest. Eventually, S'Part agrees to go with the halfling back to Unicks. He has some concerns about the temple of Sehanine to deal with.
13th Patchwall

The party heads back to the crypt, bidding good-bye to Coderick and S'Part. They decide as they travel that they should check at Lestung first to see if anyone has seen orcs about. At Lestung they talk to Aplina, the girl whom El'Fross turned back to flesh from stone and who returned S'Part's familiar to flesh (well, feathers) not so long ago. She had not heard of any orcs passing through the village, but knows that any gossip will certainly be known by her neighbor. A'Ha tries to get her to give/sell him her spellbook, and she is quitetaken aback by this request. The party finds out she was once an apprentice of "The Wizard" in Unicks, and that apprentices must serve for one year to gain knowledge and their spellbooks.

The party heads down to the Lestung Inn and talks to the innkeeper. There were no orcs going through, but 2 elves, one with black hair, came through Lestung about a week to 10 days ago. They wanted food and supplies for more than two. Several cloaked figures waited outside for the elves and did not come in. They seemed to be headed for Razan. The party heads that way as well.
14th Patchwall

On the road to Razan. Travel is uneventful. Suddenly, there in the road is an elvish arrow. Snf'L stops the party and they examine the arrow lying in the road. It seems to be pointed in the general direction of Lupien Dross to the northwest, and the crypt is not too terribly far from the shores of that lake. El'Fross picks up the mysterious arrow and they continue on to Razan. After a few attempts at getting information for the obviously hurried but happy innkeeper, the party leaves and goes intot he back alley of the Razan Inn. There is the body of a serving wench, still in her uniform. There are tracks here which head down the alley then hook up with some much bigger tracks, all fo which head east. The party prepares to follow these tracks, but El'Fross first goes to inform the innkeeper of the dead wench in the alley. The innkeeper sighs and says, "So that's what happened to her!"

The party hurries after the footprints, but they head into the main road and get somewhat swallowed up in later traffic. They lose the prints but travel on, trying to watch both sides of the road for obvious sets of tracks leaving it. Finally, it becomes too dark to see tracks. They rest for the night.
15th Patchwall

Hail that fell during the night makes the tracks even more difficult to spot. The party goes to about where they figured the arrow was, and then they head toward the lake. L'Wehn tells the party to quiet down and she takes some food from El'Fross, and befriends a black bear. She names him "Blackberry Jam" in the spirit of the familiars "Rave" and "Hawk".

They reach the lake, backtrack, and find the crypt. The footprints are almost impossible to see now. The party camps again.
16th Patchwall

The party returns to Razan. They now plan to place the dead tavern wench into the Centaur Pool and bring her back to question her about who she was talking to in the alley where she was killed and why. They are directed to Willowwhack Street, where they meet her parents. The party promises to bring Joanne back to life if they could take he to the pool. The parents are overcome with joy and go to fetch her. They bring back a sealed urn, Joanne's ashes inside. The party has to embarassedly tell the parents that they can't bring her back when she has been burnt. The parents go back into even harder mourning upon hearing this news and try to usher the K'Needian Elves away from their house. A'Ha, not wanting to miss any opportunities, tries to get them to give him a spellbook.

The party watches the Inn the rest of the evening, waiting for the poker games to break up. Theya re interested in the magic cards and the ongoing card game. The party enters after many patrons have finally gone home for the night. El'Fross, curious about the magic here in the bar, casts detect magic and sets off some sort of alarm. All of the patrons drop their cards face-down onto the table and cover them up. The innkeeper tells El'Fross he must leave the bar and that "no cheating is allowed". El'Fross tires to explain himself but the innkeeper will not listen. As they argue, Snf'L asks Mac the pseudodragon if he sees anything invisible in the room. "Naw, nobody but the giant who is floating on the ceiling", Mac replies. At first sSnf'L thinks the little dragon is joking, but the little dragon insists that he is not. Snf'L tries to cast a faerie fire on the giant, but the spell fizzles and suddenly the giant is in motion. As the party wonders what to do next, a whirlwind forms in the inn. It picks up Snf'L, then A'Ha, then El'Fross and finally L'Wehn and X'Ylo.

It takes them away from the inn, dumps them unceremoniously to the ground, and a huge blue man appears, saying, "And stay out!"

A'Ha is barely alive and El'Fross is barely conscious. The ride within the whirlwind was extremely hard on the party.

From the diary of El'Fross:

Nothing for this week...

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