Ptolmek tugs against the loose tentacle attached to his chest. Gathering the slack, he turns quickly and slams the plant's slithering arm against the cold hard stone wall. The fibers of the thick arm audibly crack, but begin to reassert their strength to subdue Ptolmek. Crushing the vile thing between the wall and his shield, again and again, he relentlessly pummels the enemy until it yields, and dies. Several more assertive smashes ensure Ptolmek he has succeeded.

Piker stares down in horror as a violet fungus busily attaches itself to his body. He wriggles like a talented street performer impersonating a successful escape artist, and surprisingly evades capture. Once free he quickly dives and rolls toward Morcant who is in a far worse situation.

Drawing his rusty dagger from it's sheath, Piker slices repeatedly at one of the thick tentacles binding Morcant. He is soon joined by Ptolmek who also begins damaging the violet fungus threatening Morcant's life.

Lisabelle grimaces as she rips at the fungus planting itself on her body. Lockjaw emerges from the mist covered in shrieker blood. He spots a fungus taking hold of Lisabelle's tunic and pounces. As the badger rips the fungus apart, the stink of blood on his fetid breath covers Lisabelle. And she's never loved him more.

A quick glance around lets her know everyone could use more help in this situation. Hopefully the Albino Elk will provide. Calling another flame to her fingertips, she closes her eyes and begins praying. With eyes closed, as heat builds around her outstretched hand, Lisabelle hears the slowly building chorus of squeaks and grunts. A pack of dire rats emerge from a small crack behind the altar and begin to chew on the many tentacles still tying the party down.

Gurin felt his legs bind up. No worries a quick swing of the axe... oh seems they've got that too. Never one to panic, Gurin pummeled the violet fungus tentacle with the a thundering fist from his non-axe hand. "Let's introduce these little snots to Mr. Pain." The proboscis jumps, but redoubles it's efforts, aware it reached living prey. Gurin continues pummelling the plant as a dire rat approaches and begins gnawing it as well.

Morcant viewed a room filled with the auras of starving creatures. He kept a level head and projected a feeling of being completely stuffed and tired from digestion. Almost sending himself into a food coma, wanting nothing more than to sleep after having been stuffed, he was glad to see it seemed to be working. The plant fibre tasting his neck released first and began to lay slack on the floor.

The small success gave him the encouragement needed to broadcast his thoughts into the entire room. Although his eyes were closed, he could sense the auras shifting toward satiated lethargy. Not only were the violet fungus feeling satisfied, but the dire rats sense the tired and dormant prey. They begin feverishly devouring the waiting buffet.

As the commotion of the room begins to settle so too does the thick cloud of mist. Almost dissipated completely as the party finds itself free of the threat of violet fungus. The dire rats sent by the Albino Elk retreat far faster than they arrived. And, once more, they adventurers stand in the close quarters of the ancient chapel. Surrounded, at this time, by the dead corpses of a far different congregation than any of them ever convened.

What do you do?

Miranda's petite nose wrinkled at the horrid smell of tapestry burning, and tickled from the magical mist that appeared. She hoped the fog was a result of Marlit's spell - and not some noxious gas released by a misstep.

Nevertheless, she was surprisingly comfortable in the arcane fog. Like a silent warning on the lips of the damned she slithers towards the alcove. Miranda ignored the chaos and confusing of the rest of the party. Slipping into the alcove through the open portcullis she began to investigate the Tiny Stone Altar.

As she reached to tilt or turn the altar, however, he hand was caught by a tentacle. The oozing proboscis shot out of the thick pea soup without her noticing. But the slime and suction of it's tether were quite detectable. Glancing at the thick cord she recognized it belonged to a violet fungus. A threat which often accompanied shriekers.

Using a choice word he'd heard from a hard man in a rough bar, Piker rubs his eyes and blinks. Being blinded from Morcant's flame spell, his face now burned and his hands hurt. Clutching the looted dagger he edges toward the nearest shrieker. As he slices in the thick fog, the dagger finds a mark. The unmistakeable torrent of screams ensures Piker he tearing a nearby shrieker to shreds. Not yet dead, the bobbing cap attempts to push him away with it's erratic movements.

As Gurin's axe blade slices the shrieking shroom, Lisabelle follows suite and shouts "Lockjaw, kill!" She grins at the chaos around her. If it weren't for the dire straights the party was in she would laugh at the ineptitude of the plan unfolding.

As Lockjaw dives through the bank of thick fog, and out of sight, Lisabelle listens closely. Never one to disappoint, Lockjaw follows orders perfectly. The familiar growling, snapping of sharp teeth, and chorus of crying yells let's Lisabelle know the second shrieker is being effectively torn asunder.

She points in the direction of the shrieker crying out under Lockjaw's bite and casts a fireball. The flame licks at her palm, and swirls around back of her hand. Smoothly the fire slides toward her outstretched fingers and pools, floating, in the space between them. It glows brightly for a moment, then shoots with precision and speed toward the enemy. Perhaps it was the diminished line of sight which caused her flame to go astray. The ball of fire whizzed past Lockjaw's query, and instead aided Piker in his destruction of the remaining shrieker.

Ptolmek is thankful for the steel gauntlets which protect his hands from the worst of the flames. But feels dismayed by the lack of unity in the group. Inwardly he wonders how they will ever succeed at their mission if they can't work as a team. Ptolmek drops the tattered fragments of burnt tapestry. In the blindness caused by the mist, he feels around for the wall. Turning his back to the wall he draws the heavy mace into action. Ptolmek wouldn't flippantly swing the heft of the mace without clear sight. He waits for the mist to clear.

In the white cloud Blackbird can hear the cries of dying shriekers from across the small room. He squats down on his haunches to avoid being hit by any attacks that are being thrown. Calling out his position near the alcove, he feels a body move past him. And moments later, he feels the stick suction of a violet fungus tentacle grip the back of his neck.

Marlit is both satisfied and frustrated with herself. The spell was executed perfectly. Too perfectly. Amid the wailing, and the unexpected burst of light shooting across the chamber, she readies another spell to release the mist from her command to coalesce. Within moments the incantation is uttered quietly, and the fog begins to clear slowly.

The dying cry of the shriekers is soon met with another danger. The ire of the violet fungus in the room has been stirred. Their symbiotic hosts, and primary lure, have been eliminated. With a frenzied lashing of whips and tentacles, all the violet fungus present surface. Their only desire is to retain any prey that passed into their space - and ensure their next meal doesn't escape. Perhaps another shrieker will come along soon.

Several new violet fungus plants emerge from small cracks in the granite, from behind chapel seating, and from within the alcove. Each with several, wildly flung, slime coated proboscis shooting toward the party. Five slimy ropes curl around Morcant's appendages. His arms, legs, and neck are all tied up - and the fungus begins pulling him back toward itself. Gurin feels two grip his legs, and one wrap itself firmly around his axe.

Two land on Blackbird McAllister - on the back of the neck, and on the left ankle. Three find purchase on Piker Silentall. One on Miranda, Ptolmek, Marlit, and Lisabelle each - most landing squarely on their torsos. Lockjaw devours the shrieker's remains - but remains unhindered by the tentacles.

What do you do?

"These Shriekers will doubtless soon draw other monsters. Rather than directly attack the Shriekers, we can use this to our advantage. If we were willing to coordinate our actions we could gather just inside the entrance to the Chapel and ambush any wandering creatures that come to investigate." droned Ptolmek.

Miranda shrugs to herself. Thinking it might be best to gather inside, close themselves in and deal with the Shriekers. Let's see what the rest think, her face seems to say. Her eye is caught by the tiny stone altar. It is cut directly from the granite which forms this mountain, and the Vault itself. It would seem, even the most intricate carvings, were etched directly from the solid stone.

"A bold plan, but risky," Piker says. "What happens if we get overwhelmed, or leaves someone outside? Where are Morcant and Gurin?"

Lisabelle knew if they split up now, they'd all be in trouble. "Lockjaw!" she commands, "If one of those things attacks anyone, tear them up! I'll do my best to keep the creatures rooted in place!" Her Entangle spell floats effortlessly off her tongue and through the air. In moments the bobbing and gyrating movements of the creatures slows to a struggling frustrated squirming.

"Good point. I was thinking we could cover the Shriekers! Then draw a monster through the door. Or, we kill everything. But we'd better decide quickly." "We could affix a rope across the doorway at shin-height like a trapwire..." whispers Miranda.

Piker remembers the tapestry and he retrieves it from his pack. "Ptomlek, help me trap the beasts with this!" He hands the stoic warrior the right edge of the tapestry and moves to pin the creatures to the ground. As the spores struggle against the Entangle spell, the weight of the tapestry renders their movements null.

Ptolmek signals Miranda to hold the door open until the other two to the west make it inside.

"Is this really necessary?" Blackbird shouts, raising his voice above the growing screech of the Shriekers in the room. Their deafening cry almost begins to overwhelm his mind and tear at the lining of his ears.

Blackbird draw his bow to full length, aiming at the living spores. He slowly walks backward and edges into the alcove under the arched doorway. "I can finish them swiftly! I don't think it wise to intentionally draw any more Grimlocks..."

As he positions himself in the alcove to get a better shot, Blackbird neglects to notice the pair of violet fungus growing in a darkened corner. The pair begins to shudder and move toward the unsuspecting archer. Their whipping tentacles flail about - lengthening with each whirl - reaching for Blackbird.

Across the Chapel, another pair of violet fungus tentacles begin to reach downward from above a small crack on the altar. The crack certainly wasn't intended by the master craftsman who honed the altar, but may have grown from a fissure over time, and successive earthquakes.

Together, Morcant and Gurin approach the commotion with their weapons drawn. Amid the confusion Morcant clearly saw their enemies being covered by a flammable tapestry. Morcant concentrated intensely on setting the tapestry on fire with his mind. The tiny fibers of the ancient woven fabric singed and scorched, blackened and suddenly burst into bright neon red flames.

The bright flash temporarily blinded Ptolmek and Piker who were closest to the ignition point. The shriekers renewed their cries - louder than before, fueled by utter terror and shear pain - at being set ablaze.

Adrenaline surged through Gurin as he leapt into battle! He somersaulted through the legs of the crowd, and rolled upright - with his axe drawn - in one fluid motion. With a great loud "YYYAAARRGGHHH" he cleaved at the lower halves of two shriekers at once!

The flare of the tapestry which burst so suddenly was beginning to die out. For those who retained their sight, they witnessed Gurin slice a shrieker completely in half, and it's mushroom cap top slump over and die on the floor. However, the thick root at the base of the final Shrieker caught and held Gurin's axe firmly in place. It was stuck, immoveable.

Meanwhile, Miranda made haste to pull the leather strap and re-close the door while the others were finalizing plans. From over her shoulder she hears the strange mutterings of an incantation.

"Safna þoku árdaga, Mynda ský af dýpstu móða, Ná reykinn af vaporous líkklæði, Hylja úða og afmá augnaráð þeirra!"

(OOC: Loosely translating the dwarven incantation into common tongue would result in - Gather fog of ancient days, Form clouds of deepest haze, Cover smoke of vaporous shroud, Obscure Mists and blot out their gaze!)

Marlit was never sure the tapestry would completely obscure the Shrieker's ability to see, or even sense the group. She casts an Obscuring Mist spell and focuses the effect in the corner where the fungi are clustered. As the smouldering remnants of the tapestry fall to the stone floor, the squirming Shriekers shudder and attempt to break free of the Entangle spell.

The cloud of fog Marlit calls into being from the ether is effective, to a point. The shriekers begin to lessen their cry - an attempt to call down any ill-willed beast that will finish their attackers. But the fog doesn't stop spreading and begins to envelope the floor and ceiling with a thick blanket of white smoke.

None of the adventurers choke on the thick soup of vapors as it hits the back wall and joins together to fill in the remaining emptiness of the Chapel. Unseen by all of the adventurers are the reaching tentacles of the several violet fungus in the room. The fog does nothing to deter their progress, and now the party is at a severe disadvantage - having absolutely zero visibility.

What do you do?

Following the lead of the angered Lockjaw, Ptolmek Skarab and the majority of the party assemble near the Chapel door. Along the north wall of the chamber an open wooden door bears an orb and leather strap which hangs from the top of the doorway. The eastern door to the Chapel also has a leather strap connected to a brass orb. The orb is resting at the floor, and the door is closed. Ptolmek awaits any enemies lurking behind the closed door.

Miranda Chalix inspects the Chapel door - and the floor and ceiling surrounding it - for traps. Finding none, she boldly places a hand on the leather strap and pulls upward to open the portal. As the door slides into a pocket in the ceiling, another door on the northern wall slides closed with a loud bang! Piker is shaken by the unexpected crash, but stands ready to assist the squad in a moment's notice.

Lisabelle has her focus on Lockjaw and continues to prompt him to attack anything hostile that should approach. Uttering the Entangle spell one more time, the incantation rests between her tongue and her lips ready to be hurled at danger.

Meanwhile, Morcant explodes with elation at his minor success. He had done it! Morcant imagined fire into existence! His partner, Gurin, was fascinated by the southwestern door of the Guard Bunkroom. Gurin recognized it as a trick door, like many he used to design. He located the activation panel and stopped.

His world shifted and he suddenly felt quite naked. Covering himself, he enjoyed the sensation of bathing, but was embarrassed at the oddly public location! Gurin stepped out of the (imaginary) bathtub and shook dry his mangy beard. After coming back to his sense, Gurin felt surprisingly dirty still... 'This place is unsettling,' he thought.

Focusing on the door once again, Gurin located the panel, pressed firmly and engaged the sliding mechanism to open the door to the Main Hall. "What wonders must lie inside," he exclaimed, "perhaps stew is indeed waiting!"

Marlit ignores the odd dwarf as he begins bathing, and instead turns her attention toward the growing commotion by the Chapel door. She quickly leaves Gurin and Morcant to their own devices... as it were.

Her only hope was that they did not trigger some unexpected trap which spelled doom or disaster for the entire party this early in their quest. She'd only just arrived after all.

Blackbird gathers close behind his comrades and peers at the Chapel door. The badger was angrily scratching and huffing around the base of the entrance. Whatever was inside had gotten him worked up into a frenzy.

Blackbird readied his arrow into the nock of his bow and took a few casual steps back to ready himself for anything. Out of the corner of his eye he notes a now open portcullis to the South. If anything were to flank the party, or approach from the rear, it would be from that dark passage.

As he peers into the opening, a low thrum like the throat of a resting crocodile emanates from behind him. He looks back over his shoulder to see the party begin entering the Chapel. The sound get's louder and louder as each of them passes through the doorway. Then suddenly it explodes into a deafening wail!

Blackbird runs toward the room to find the party crammed into the tight space of the small chapel. The residents of this hall must have taken time to worship. The small room here features a tiny altar, prayer rail, small stone benches, and notches for candles. All the fixtures have been painstakingly chipped from the solid piece of granite entombing this place.

An archway leads to a tiny prayer alcove to the south. A leather strap connected to a brass orb hangs from the center of the open wooden door, he just passed through, on the west wall. A closed stone door way is also visible on the southern wall.

It appears at one point in time several Shriekers became trapped in this Chapel. They are now actively patrolling it's small territory. The party has disturbed the family of Shriekers, and their siren call will call every creature within earshot to their location in moments if not dealt with quickly.

What do you do?

Snarling with frustration at the failure to spark a flame, Lisabelle hurls the parchment to the floor of the room and glares at Morcant. Lockjaw's sudden aggressive posture is all that prevents her from lashing out at her new comrades. "Lockjaw," she says, "go kill."

She hurls the door open banging the door against the stone wall which likely alerted her newest threat to their whereabouts. Lockjaw knows this command give him free reign, and expectation, to tear asunder anything that lurks ahead. Lisabelle, concious of her own mortal coil, holds back a step or two. She slips with stealth through the shadowy passage into the Guard Bunkroom.

As she moves silently, Lisabelle readies a spell, calling on wisdom from deep in her soul. Entangle has been a trusted incantation since she mastered it so long ago. However, use of it's unique methods would be pointless. As she enters the empty bunkroom, the spell dies on the tip of her tongue.

(OOC:
1) Successful Action, please add 0:05 min to HANDLE ANIMAL Skill and Charisma Attribute.
2) Successful Action, please add 0:05 min to STEALTH Skill and Dexterity Attribute.
3) Unsuccessful Action, please add 0:15 min to ENTANGLE Spell and Wisdom Attribute.)

"Lisabelle!" Piker shouts, but to no avail. "C'mon!" he shouts to the rest of the party. "We have to stop her!" He pursues her, cautiously and with stealth, through the southern door to the Guard Bunkroom, expecting the others will follow.

(OOC:
1) Successful Action, please add 0:05 min to DIPLOMACY Skill and Charisma Attribute.
2) Successful Action, please add 0:05 min to STEALTH Skill and Dexterity Attribute.
3) Unsuccessful Action, no creature are lurking beyond the threshold or in the Guard Bunkroom.)

Morcant's mind stepped back toward reality. He often lost himself in his own imagination. One day he would have better control of his powerful, and as yet untapped, mental powers. In the last moment  he had seen a fire spawner where there wasn't one, and walked into the bunkroom without moving an inch!

Morcant focused harder on a stronger memory. He recalled a Ravenstine meal was being pulled from the hearth. Concentrating on the smell he did all he could to send the sensation to Gurin! Meanwhile, his body wanders into the Guard's Bunkroom behind Piker, mechanically pulling a candle from it's concealed storage place. Breeching the threshold of the room, the flame ignites somehow. But his focus was elsewhere, so Morcant missed the key element which set the ember aglow.

(OOC:
1) Successful Action, please add 0:05 min to PERCEPTION Skill and Wisdom Attribute.
4) Successful Action, please add 0:05 min to PRODUCE FLAME Spell and Wisdom Attribute.)

Miranda Chalix uses a great deal more caution than the party of louts ahead of her. She sneak through the open doorway which was once concealed behind a bookshelf, and inspects the floor tiles and western wall. Nothing appears to be concealed, or trapped - thank goodness!

Gurin became hungry wuickly, and set his mind to explore the kitchen for the stew which was cooking. "Does anyone else smell that? It smells like Ravenstine stew in here!" Arriving in the Guard Bunkroom, near the closed entrance leading to the Kitchen, he lost the scent. "This place is odd, I've never felt so... tampered with then I have in these vaults." The uneasiness prompted Gurin to ready his trusted axe. Along with thoughts of his beloved - he felt a bit more at ease in this ill-fated place.

Ptolmek feels safe in numbers, and agrees with Piker that they should explore the Armory and Chapel to the east before returning to the Inner Sanctum. He strides off to catch up with Piker. Along the way he notices the Dwarven Barbarian licking his chops in anticipation of a meal! 'Strange fellow,' he thinks, 'we're not camped nor have we prepared rations!'

Blackbird acquaints himself with Marlit and the two proceed toward the Guard Bunkroom with the others. Upon entering the room, Marlit leaves Blackbird to move closer to the hungry dwarf focused on the door to the West. "What if anything interest you about this door, good Dwarf?" Blackbird knows danger when he sees it and the angry gnome's badger is stalking something to the East.

Miranda Chalix silently stalked over to the western wall.  She searched it extensively but found no hidden doorways, or openings to private caches. As she searched, she thought about Backwards Man. He had told her to keep an eye on things. He had a special interest in this undertaking, and Miranda knew she had her orders.

Piker watches Miranda search along the wall for anything of interest. Focusing his attention on her first, he feels overwhelmed by the sense that she isn't sharing her whole story. As he moves his attention to the other Followers that recently joined the party, a sharp pain fires through his brain like lightening. A migraine headache has formed and it prevents him from sensing the motive of anyone else either.

(OOC: Failed Action Piker Silentall, you are unable to penetrate the thoughts of Miranda Chalix to clearly determine her motives for being in the party. Perhaps further conversation, and another attempt will reveal more with time. Please add 0:15 to the Sense Motive Skill and Wisdom Attribute.)

With his best smile Piker addresses the party as a whole. "Perhaps it would be advantageous to split up and look for new equipment. There is an armory marked on the map. There might be something there. Anyone interested?"

Blackbird is visibly shaken by the mention of breaking the party up. And understandably after his brief encounter with the Grimlock. "I'd prefer to stay together, as one. But you all do as you like. I'll take my chances with Ptolmek - if it's all the same to you..." He nods toward the fighter who defended him before.

(OOC:  Failed Action Piker Silentall, you are unable to persuade the entire party to split up. Of those that spoke up - Blackbird is against the idea. And Gurin is for it. Please add 0:15 min to the Diplomacy Skill and Charisma Attribute.)

As he move south toward the wall where the bookshelf slid open earlier, Piker glances at everything with a deeper gaze. He is certain that everything in this sparsely furnished room has been accounted for, and nothing is hidden or undiscovered.

(OOC: Successful Action Piker Silentall, you are able to fully perceive all the objects in this room. Please add 0:05 min to the Perception Skill and Wisdom Ability.)

Turning to praise the dwarf, Gurin Firebeard, Lisabelle shouts "Impressive!" as the echoes of the machines locking down the vault disengage. She has no love for mechanical items, but rather marvels at the sheer enormity of the vault.

"Follow me Lockjaw," she says as she moves toward the southern wall with the other gnome. All his fiddling with the shelves is making a terrible racket, and he clearly needed the help. She spies a piece of discarded parchment on the floor, rolls it up, and focuses her mind on starting a flame.

(OOC: Successful Action Lisabelle Hexfidget, please add 0:05 min to Handle Animal Skill and Charisma Attribute.)

Stepping forward, the beast she calls Lockjaw rocks his haunches from side to side, swaying as they move toward the southern door revealed behind the bookshelf. As he nears the open door, his scruff bristles and he begins to snarl at the dark passageway. His actions would seem to indicate danger or another creature were up ahead.

Feeling the gloom of the darkened vaults press in around her, Lisabelle attempts to ignite the small piece of parchment found. It begins to catch and smoulder. Smoke lifts off the edge of the paper and strings into the air. But her focus is broken when Marlit waves her everburning torch around. Marlit gives Lisabelle a look of confused amusement.

(OOC: Failed Action Lisabelle Hexfidget,  Please add 0:15 min to the Produce Flame Spell and Wisdom Attribute.)

Using her sharp eyes trained by years of living in the wild, Lisabelle examines the room for any other items the first two missed. But nothing else appears to be hidden or undiscovered.

(OOC: Successful Action Lisabelle Hexfidget, you are able to fully perceive all the objects in this room. Please add 0:05 min to the Perception Skill and Wisdom Attribute.)

Feeling good about his work with the locking mechanism, Gurin considered adding the story to his tales for the grandchildren. But realized he'd have to faced some real danger to make the tale stick... On hearing Piker's request to venture to the armory, "It's better to travel in groups if I'm to face danger," he cheerfully says. "Piker my new friend, if it will lead us to battle then count me in!"

Gurin looks toward Lisabelle and Lockjaw hoping these highly favorable companions could be persuaded to come with he and Piker. Speaking generally with the others, he encourages them to head to the Guard Bunkroom with him.

Morcant was lost in amazement at his connection with the little dwarf. The ability to inject a thought into another being was powerful! Morcant concentrated again on the dwarf's thoughts. He could picture the faces of ther other's own grandchildren... and of some dwarvish sport involving moles. 'Amazing...' he thought to himself. Across the room, Gurin suddenly spoke aloud - "Amazing!" Just as suddenly he looked confused, and felt embarrassed, of his uncontrolled outburt.

Morcant's reverie was broken by the smouldering parchment moving toward flame. This is the second time he has witnessed a party member summon fire at will! The first had been lost somewhere in these vaults, or run away frightened. He would need to act quick before this one was also lost.

As he approached Lisabelle to ask about the flame - it sputters out. Her frustration is apparent. Perhaps asking about mastering flames at a better time would result in a direct conversation about the training Morcant desires.

(OOC: Failed Action Morcant, her frustration precludes you from succeeding at a diplomatic conversation. Please add 0:15 min to Diplomacy Skill and Charisma Attribute.)

Ptolmek silently appraised the new henchmen while keeping his usual guard. He thought the majority would benefit the party - if they could put aside their greed. The Hobbit rogue was little more than a shadow herself. He chuckled to himself grimly. He did not yet know if she were friend or foe or both or neither.

With the vault's many portcullis - known and unknown - thrown open by Gurin, the party had little idea about what lie ahead. Were the only indicator Lockjaw's aggressive stance... then the small party faced grave danger indeed.

Ptolmek looks around cagily. Pleased his friends Blackbird, Morcant, and Piker closed ranks around him, they all peer toward the flickering torchlight up ahead. None of them realized how accustomed their eyes had become to the dim of the Vaults. Catching sight of one another, the two parties attempt to greet in the narrow hall awkwardly. Ptolmek moves through the threshold of the Gatehouse chamber and hails the new adventurers to join him inside.

He begins to brief Lisabelle and Gurin on their basic findings so far. First, mentioning the peg on the wall in this room and the gearwork they had noticed to the south. Next, he also warns of the presence of Grimlock in the Vaults. And finally, recounts the brief exploits which covered him with gore in the map room.

"Anyone else with you? Ah, a couple more behind you then. Glad to have you." Ptolmek presents them with a wide mercenary salute, a gesture he would issue toward any other freeman.

Miranda Chalix gathered with the others inside the room. To think this place once housed guards on duty, actively monitoring the small entrance they'd breached moments before. The little Halfling keeps her hood firmly over her head. Wisely clad in leather from head to toe, her whip and dagger at the ready, Miranda was well protected against the elements on their journey here. In spite of a pair of leather pouches bulging with equipment she moves very quietly with natural grace.

"Well met, to all of you!" Piker's eyes the new arrivals. He takes a bow and remembers the days he used to play in front of the crowds of people the songs of his home in Palladia Glades. Most of the arrivals were taller than him, save a feral looking Gnome accompanied by a creature with a striped face. "Ptolmek is correct. This room has a dowel we ought to check. Your assistance examining the other rooms for additional passages would also be appreciated."

Lisabelle Hexfidget studies the group of adventurers before her. The taller warriors of the group are covered in gore and viscera from some past conflict, while the smaller Gnome directly in front of her smiles, as if thinking they could be allies since they share the same race. It has been many years since Lisabelle was stuck in such close proximity with a group of total strangers. As if picking up on her anxiety, Lockjaw bares his teeth at her side and growls softly. "Tell me where these rooms are or lead the way. We will follow you."

Upon seeing the new arrivals Morcant was overwhelmed by a completely new sensation with one of them. There was something unique about Gurin Firebeard. For one - Morcant immediately knew his name! As they exchanged greetings Gurin said: "Why hello I am ... " and Morcant cut him off with his own precise thoughts "... the ever cheerful Gurin Firebeard."

Morcant knew that he had never had this level of intimacy with a stranger. But could the dwarf read his thoughts as well? Morcant tried to concentrate on the dowel in the room that they had gathered in, to test this connection.

(OOC: Successful Action Morcant, you are able to penetrate the mind of Gurin Firebeard and relay a message to him. Please add 0:05 min to your Detect Thoughts Spell and Wisdom Ability Focus Times.)

As Gurin cheerfully greeted the rather gory looking crew, he noticed how Morcant seemed to speak very softly without moving his mouth. Gurin hardly heard Morcant saying something about a dowel. A dowel... this was an odd sensation indeed! Gurin confidently glanced around the room. From his time designing complicated locking systems he immediately recognized portions of a Halfendish's Gambit on one wall. Gurin Firebeard walked over to the dowel, fiddled with it in just the right way, and with a shift in his body weight used a bit of force to jam the dowel into the up position.

(OOC: Successful Action Gurin Firebeard, you successfully Disabled the Device which unlocked several Mechanical Portcullis throughout the Vaults. Please add 0:05 min to your Disable Device Skill and Intelligence Ability Focus Times.)

A familiar sound echoed throughout the halls of the Vaults. Gurin smiled, placing beefy hands on his hips, he leaned backward in satisfaction. The sounds of ancient gears turning and mechanical portcullis sliding into waiting sleeves finally came to an end. 'This will be interesting,' he thought to himself!

Blackbird followed the others into the Gatehouse, then slunk to the back of the pack. He was uneasy about the University sending another party of adventurers. Certainly they were on a commissioned venture to locate the Solid Quicksilver Miner's Pick of Legendary Dwarf Mason Glorgrim Morgyth. And certainly the University had to protect it's investment. But give their party a chance to delve into this mountain's side before sending reinforcements. What an embarrassment this would be at Drad Silor's Saloon... He decided to brood in the corner, apart from the group. Perhaps his methods - silence and observation - will gain him more insight than gregarious insincerity.

Moving swiftly to catch up with Gurin Firebeard, Marlit Garkasten rounded the corner just in time to see the hood draped face of the ranger she was sent to accompany. Had he seen her? Had he recognized her face? Well, it wouldn't matter soon. In a few moments they would all be greeting one another and exchanging equipment, she was certain. Still, it made her uneasy.

The entire escapade had better be worth it, she thought silently. Pursing her lips, and tilting her head to drop her hood lower around her face, Marlit sighed heavily. Had her pursuit of arcana really come to this? Running petty errands for small University departments in a bid to win favor of the Archmage of her order. It certainly seemed below the station she'd begun in life. But ever since... Well, she would do anything for her sister. Marlit just hoped this step was one closer to resolution, rather than the familiar two steps back.

As the group began to wrap up greetings, the Followers reported on their purpose. First and foremost The Great University had been concerned about the sparse provisions they initially sent with the adventurers. As a show of good faith, and in hopes the ancient Vault hadn't already devoured the crew, the University sent more equipment. Along with the valuable weapons, armor, and additional gear, there was also an assortment of potions and scrolls.

Marlit Garkasten stepped forward as the last of the gear had been redistributed and spoke clearly. "I was instructed to present this sealed parchment once we had located your party - what there is left of it. Only when our small band had entered the Vaults and secured a position of safety with your group was I to even reveal the existence of this document." She pulled a small hardened leather map case from the folds of her thick cloak. The cap was coated with a thick red sealing wax which consumed the end of the tube like a great hungry wurm. Marlit pressed the edge of a dagger to this hardened shell, and with a quick jerk of her torso popped the case open.

"As you know, four guards originally investigated the carved stone doorway we all passed through on the face of this granite slab in which we are now standing. They pried the stone entry open just enough to slip through. And during their preliminary search, found a map. This map. I do not know how much the University shared with your company. But, I was pulled aside the night before our group left, and given special instructions.

"I was told... 'Deliver this parchment. By whatever means necessary - ensure the success of the expedition. Whether it be the party, or you alone, it is imperative that you locate and return the Solid Quicksilver Miner's Pick from The Secret Vaults of Kas the Betrayer.' The Commons were busy that night, and we were soon interrupted by revelry. Before I could question our patron with further details, he was gone."

Having delivered the map to the fully assembled party, Marlit withdrew into her hood, and stepped back to the side. She had little more to offer, and was ready to get underway. If any of the lore she studied before embarking were true, then she was deathly eager to complete this errand sooner rather than later.

(OOC: Along with the introduction of a complete map, there are a few rule changes being introduced to Realms of Adventures this turn. These changes are an attempt to streamline game mechanics, and enhance roleplay activity. In essence, Realms of Adventures is story driven gaming. Anything that can be done to facilitate that goal will be evaluated and implemented!

1) Movement Only Counts During Combat Encounters
Otherwise, freely move by stating which 'exit' your Character wishes to move through. 'Head North' - 'Leaves through the stone archway' - 'Dashes into the second open door to the south'. Unless hindered by locks, traps, enchantments, the environment, and so on - your Character will move to the next room you indicate.

2) Players See The Whole Map
While a whole map of known rooms and hallways can be seen, the adventure may include hidden passageways, doors, traps, or rooms which are not shown on your map. Players should direct their Character's actions in the immediate room in order to play out scenes, encounters, puzzles, and environmental hurdles. The larger map is a reference to help keep the story moving along.

3) Increase Number of Actions (from 2 to 5)
Characters may now state up to five (5) actions each turn. Stated actions can include searching, disable device, and so on. MOVE is no longer an action that will be counted in this total, outside of combat encounters. You may use as few, or as many, of the five actions as you desire. Upon entering a room, in Exploration, actions might be fewer as players scope out what's around. Once the description is known, those items, creatures, and environment can be acted upon.

In Combat Encounters - these actions may result in the following: Cast a certain spell, Attack creature, Defend against counter attack, Quaff a potion,  Move away by four spaces
In Exploration - perhaps the actions result in: Perceive Room, Disable traps on southern door, Unlock a single chest if found, Take weapons if found, Rest for healing

4) Actions CAN FAIL or BE INTERRUPTED
If the Action Score fails against the Difficulty Score of the item acted upon. Success or Failure will result in an outcome presented by the Game Master in the next post. These outcomes could benefit Characters - or injure, hinder, and complicate life a bit more for them. Players will earn Attribute and Skill Focus Time when using Actions listed in the Character Skills area of the Resources.

Please, offer any feedback you may have to these modifications. It is the hope of the Game Master to improve the story driven aspects of the game without bogging down the action with mechanics.)

Shaking his head, returning from a daze, Piker Silentall remembers his adventure and sprints back down the hallway to catch back up to his fellow adventurers.

Meanwhile,  at the entrance to the vault, a shadow stirs. "Smell them, Lockjaw," she says. "Smell the fear, the bravado. Smell the stone and the blood already spilled. There is another party here. Let's find them."

One party breeches the threshold of the hallway - as the other rounds the corner of the entrance passage. In the flickering light of an approaching torch, the adventurers get their first glimpse of a party of followers sent by The Great University.

Ptolmek, after receiving word magically from the University, heads with purpose to the entrance of the Vaults. Perhaps he will have a chance to greet the approaching party of Followers before any of the others.

Entering the Guard Bunkroom, where many of their party were last seen, Ptolmek notes that none have remained. The others must have been spooked by the dark corridors, passing Grimlock, or onslaught of giant rats. Either way, there was still a mission to complete, and having the University send reinforcements is never a show of confidence by the institution.  
 
Blackbird follows Ptolmek's lead and heads north quickly. After being presented with such an odd note from the University, appearing in such an abrupt and startling way, Blackbird is eager to meet the others.

Morcant Gunnar sensed the hope building in his party. It is often the case that one must take a few steps backwards in order to find the right path forward again. With a bout of optimism he moves north with the group. Glancing back over his shoulder briefly to wonder at the hidden secrets that lie before them once they return to this chamber.

Marlit Garkasten trails behind the guide of the small party now entering the Vaults. When she agreed to the errand - "supplying a crew delayed by unforeseen, and hereunto unknown, circumstances at the far reaches of The Highwall Peaks on expedition on behalf of The Great University" - it was her hope she could wrangle some time in the Archmage's laboratory from the head of the order.

Wisened Gurin Firebeard looked around at the hallway and breathed deep. The smells at the beginning of a dark and dank labyrinth are unlike anything else. Adventuring is his favorite way of gathering stories for the young beards back home. With all the enthusiasm of his sixties he struts forward into the dark.

In his haste, Gurin missed the motion of a hand being raised warning of noises ahead. The leader of the party, until Gurin darted ahead, grimaced with a face twisted by frustration. Since the courtyard he'd been causing issues. Perhaps this Vault would prove the final solution to the problem.