Spectrum's Comments: Having passed through the demon guarded portal, the Seekers have discovered another pillar formation and shaft going deeper into the earth...
The Frontier #89
It is decided to continue on exploring. Finrod produces the tools necessary to break through the Wall of Stone. It takes almost half an hour to make a large enough hole to allow the group to pass. Mercy uses his last CLW on Blod.
Those going down, now surround the shaft. Even aided by your light sources the bottom cannot be seen. Pad drops one of his Continual Light rocks down the shaft. It takes about 7 seconds to reach bottom. The light appears to be a speck now at the bottom of the shaft.
Fin measures off his rope and finds it to be far short of the bottom. More rope is added to the line until it at last touches bottom. The shaft descends about 200'.
Fin rappels down, wearing the enchanted chain mail. He can already tell that it is not Elven in manufacture as he feels his movements greatly restricted. (Well, more then he is used to.)
Fin lands in a small cavern. It measures roughly 15' x 10'. One exit tunnel leads off into darkness. Most of the cave and tunnel are rough stone, but he does not areas where it was worked, to be widened more then likely.
Those who are going along follow Fin down without difficulty.
The tunnel leads off to your left, gently curving over 100'. At last it straightens outs and does so for 40' more feet. (I'm assuming that you are using Pad's glowing rocks for a light source down here.)
After 40' the tunnel opens into a wide cavern. It measures 40' (left to right) and is 70' deep. One large exit is noted in the far wall.
However, you see a shape floating before this exit. The object is 5' in diameter and spherical in shape. It bears a large, milky white large eye in its middle. (Facing you.) Several more tentacles protrude from its head. Most end in an eye. It begins to slowly move towards you...
GM Notes:
I'll need to know the locations of those of you who haven't posted whether to continue on or remain behind.
So far on the going list, I have Validar, Finrod, Pad, Armon and Blod.
And officially staying behind I have Bernice, Claudius and I believe Vonte.
No one has been able to regain spells yet. (You need a full night's rest before you can begin to regain them. I have your list from last post Mercy, but you have yet to gain those spells.)
Also, I'll need to know if anyone took any of the new magic items found. Finrod has the chain mail right now.
Current Hit Points:
Arocken 40 of 49
Bernice 25 of 38
Blod 12 of 36
Mercy 9 of 10
Stephanie 40 of 60
Validar 44 of 63
Vonte 9 of 16
Zynara 10 of 19
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 04/25/91 S#: 428144
With most of my major spells gone, I am not in favor of going down into the hole. When my husband says he is going down, I shake my head and step forward, "Well, if Blod is going down, so am I. The only way I am not going down is if Blod stays up top."
Since I am not that good at climbing, I will try and rig something up with my girdle and belt to keep me attached to the rope if I start losing my grip.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 04/25/91 S#: 833155
Upon noting the orb that floats in the chamber, Fin thanks whatever gods exist that this monster occupies a forty-by-seventy room. Room enough for a fireball without concern for frying the party!
The quick Elven steel-worshiper flashes off a FIREBALL in the eye of the orb (it must be a beholder, the second-best-known magical creature in all the spheres, after dragons). No sooner does the bolt leave his hand than he begins to chant a HASTE. Targets for the haste are: himself, Validar, Blod, Stephanie, Vonte, and Paddy...er, Pad.
After the HASTE is complete, Fin moves forward to melee, yelling "Chop Off the Eyestalks! They are more dangerous than the main body!" Since his thieving skills are inhibited by the armor, Fin will waste no effort trying to get behind the creature, instead opting to fight with sword and dagger on the left hand of Stephanie.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 04/26/91 S#: 416415
Arocken volunteers to go along with the party, and if no one has major objections will take the magic long sword for a test drive.
When the Creature is encountered Arocken quickly follows Fin's instructions aim both blades at eyestalks.
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Blod 04/26/91 S#: 519242
Staying just below Zynara, Blod will help his beloved down the rope. When they reach the bottom, Blod will give her a quick peck on the cheek and make a bawdy comment about her and ropes. :XXX
When they enter the chamber and see the floating form, the first thing that comes to mind is a beholder. But, gut feeling tells me it is a gas spore!
When Fin fires off his fireball, Blod will try to shield Zynny as much as possible.
When Fin takes off after the creature Blod yells, "Wait Fin! It could be a gas spore!!"
SUBJ: Out of Character comment FROM: SGT STONEY 04/26/91 S#: 427913
Whereas: I have encountered both beholders and gas spores in many games, and
Whereas: The dangers inherent in allowing a beholder two or three rounds of free action while finding out if it is a gas spore or not are immense(it can destroy a party in just a couple of rounds), and
Whereas: I have discussed this question often and at length with fellow gamers, and,
Whereas: It has always been agreed that the more prudent course of action is to treat ALL floating orbs as if they were Beholders and accept the consequences in the cases where they turn out to be a Gas Spore
Therefore: Finrod (who, like all the other members of this party except, possibly, Padraig, has never faced either Beholders OR Gas Spores) will continue to treat this creature as the real McCoy. In any event, the creature is far enough away from the entrance where we are that if it goes up it will not affect most of the members still inside the passage. In any event, the fireball will tell us for certain one way or the other in just a moment.
Thank you; SGT STONEY
(Advocate of playing characters as though they have no more experience nor knowledge than is justifiable within their background and level)
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 04/27/91 S#: 51884
(Here, here, Fin. I also agree with Fin's statements whole-heartedly. Unfortunately, Pad has never actually seen a Beholder before either. He does know ALL about them from the memories of the Lich he brain-drained once. Therefore the following statement:: )
"Aiiiggghhhhh! A monster!!!!", Pad yells in his best 'scared little boy' impersonation. He then turns and throws himself to the floor pressed as tightly as possible against the wall, hopefully blocking the Beholder's view.
Pad then proceeds to shape shift into an ochre jelly. He collapses his now amoeboid body against the wall and begins to flow out into the cavern. He hopes that the Beholder will be too busy worrying about the rest of the party to notice him.
When he is outside of the sweep of the central eye, Pad will change into Quickling form. His next action is dependent on how the party is fairing. If they are being destroyed, and don't look like they'll last more than another round, Pad will go for the all-or-nothing take out and attempt to Polymorph the Beholder into an armadillo. If this fails, Pad will use his quickling speed to stay out of the sweep of the main eye and go to plan 2.
If the party seems to be holding its own, Pad will go with plan 2 immediately. Using his quickling speed, and praying he's fast enough that the
Beholder won't get a chance to react before it's too late, Pad will run out and take up position under the Beholder. He will then fire a Cone of Cold straight up. If the thing isn't dead yet, this will be followed by a Magic Missile and a Lightning Bolt. If it ain't dead by then, the party's already dead. ];>
SUBJ: Zynny FROM: Zynara 04/28/91 S#: 812442
At my husband's comments about ropes, I smile and whisper some nice things in his ear. When the ball floats onto the scene, and the fireball is cast, I drop towards the floor and pray. When I feel Blod's weight on top of me trying to shield me, I hope he was fast enough and realizes I can't do anything with him there.
(Being a conjurer, I am not too familiar with the fireball spell but last time I knew, it filled a 30' sphere. Since the passageway is not large enough to handle the sphere, there may be a flashback as it fills an equal amount of area. Once again, not being familiar with the spell, I am hoping the flash back would be like any normal flame and run across the ceiling then come down.)
SUBJ: Armon Flamehilt FROM: Omni Tuens 04/28/91 S#: 805978
Armon ducks his head as the mages start hurling the spells.
"Um...does this mean we've ruled out that it's friendly?"
He waits for the dust to clear, then attacks with his bastard sword with the sole intent of makin' this mother a cyclops.
Spectrum's Comments: It certainly sounds like they've decided that its not friendly!
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 04/28/91 S#: 457004
Mercy will descend the rope very carefully. When he is down, he will draw forth the Morning star that was with the treasure.
Mercy will dive for cover, as the fireball is let loose. "I bet this is how part of their last group bought it." he mumbles to himself.
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 04/28/91 S#: 812423
After all the spells go off, I'll draw my sword and start to hack the thing.
Spectrum's Comments: You've got to love Stephanie's posts. Short and directly to the point!
SUBJ: Vonte FROM: Vonte 04/28/91 S#: 399838
Staying behind (I made that decision before I read of the spore/beholder posts.) I will try to make the injured that remained behind as comfortable as I can.
When a free moment comes to be...I will light my incense of pine and jasmine and pray to Ehlonna in search of guidance and spells. Since the already injured party members have decided to adventure many CLW's will be asked for. Knowing the injured will seek me out after their glories instilled upon them in the face of battle. Knowing the party still needs me, helps diminish the pain for Thundron's death, still doubts of if I had only..., these thoughts weigh heavily upon my soul. I will ask forgiveness for both Ehlonna and Thundron's soul in the failure of my duties to my Goddess and my Friend.
**************************************
I will try to post one last time before going offline.(hopefully Friday night) but If I don't. I'll say what I want to say now((just in case))...
TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF "THE SEEKERS"and to GM MAD.
I wish to take a moment (and a few lines) to say thank you for allowing me to take part in the adventures of "The Seekers", I used to play AD&D 3-4 times a week, for sessions up to 8 hours a time. Due to friends getting better jobs, and families. My cliché of friends moved to an all time low. I hadn't played in 2 yrs before your group voted my entrance to your game.
And you cannot understand the pleasure your group has brought to me, once again to roam the realms of fantasy. I know my presence has ruffled a few feathers, and my instincts to help party members sometimes out of line (Validar), but I hope I have brought a little something special to the group.(chaos) that made the other members come online just to see what I have done now and to whom. Well enough babbling on my part, now to the point it has been a great pleasure playing with all of you and I hope to be able to re-enter the group when I get back online, THANK YOU ALL for your patience and tolerance. Have fun and good gaming!!!!!
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 04/29/91 S#: 429211
Not to worry, Zynara, the chamber containing the (Beholder(?)) is large enough to contain the blast of the fireball... my only real concern was hoping that no one rushed in right off, thus getting singed. Seems that worry is alleviated.
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 04/28/91 S#: 788059
Validar will assent to the taking of the mentioned magic items by the respective individuals. He is also pleased with the relatively large number of Seekers who decide to join him in the further searching of the lower areas.
"Bernice, you have a very good point. You are in charge of the situation here, and everyone should treat you as they would me. We shall not be gone for very long."
Once down on the lower level and seeing the apparent threat of the beholder-like monster, Validar will snap to battle readiness.
"Anyone with ranged weapons, fire! Quickly!"
Validar will hesitate a moment to give anyone who is attacking at range a clear shot, not obstructed by his own form and then begin advancing on the creature. Seeing Finrod casting a Fireball, Validar will move forward slowly, until the fiery blast engulfs the monstrosity and then rush forward.
Validar will make his rush with a slight flanking maneuver. Hopefully, this will draw the monster's attention or else give him a target upon reaching hacking range. Once Validar has closed with the creature, he will continue to press his attack with all of his skill and strength, until either the 'beholder' or himself lie bereft of life.
The Frontier #90
Underneath the Fiend's lair, the group has encountered what they believe to be a Beholder.
Finrod reacts first and casts a Fireball at the creature. The far corner of the room explodes in fire and the creature is singed.
Pad feigns terror and moves out of sight. Once there, he polymorphs into an ochre jelly and begins to crawl across the cavern. The remaining Seekers advance.
The Beholder floats closer. Those who get close note that several of the eyestalks are missing eyes. Even more surprising is the numerous wounds in its shell. In one spot you can even see its internal skeleton! Mold grows on its bottom.
Four of its eyestalks point forward and beams of various colors are fired off.
Finrod is struck by a beam and feels great pain. Likewise, Validar, Stephanie and Blod are struck, but they feel no ill effects.
Validar and Stephanie lead the charge. Val connects twice, once to the body, another across its great eye. Steph follows up with a tremendous shot to the body.
Fin's Haste spell goes into effect, although not quite the way he intended it to. Fin, Blod, Zynara, Arocken, Armon and Mercy are all hasted.
Armon, Arocken and Mercy all join the melee. Arocken's magic longsword sinks twice into the creature. Armon hits once, as does Mercy with his magic morningstar.
The thing's eyes close and its eyestalks wilt. It floats silently and appears to be lifeless. Pad suddenly reverts to his normal form as his Polymorph spell gives out.
Elsewhere, upstairs everything is quiet with the remainder of the group. They did hear the explosion, but can see nothing from the shaft.
SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 04/30/91 S#: 425247
Now what?? Wasn't it strange that it never said a word?? ;)
Current Hit Points:
Arocken 42 of 49
Bernice 25 of 38
Blod 12 of 36
Finrod 25 of 36
Mercy 21 of 22
Stephanie 40 of 60
Validar 46 of 63
Vonte 24 of 31
Zynara 10 of 19
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/01/91 S#: 523797
"Weird. Truly weird. An undead beholder?"
"Personally, I don't think this bodes well. I suggest we retreat. There's something really odd happening down here, and I'd like to be at full power if things get nasty."
Spectrum's Comments: Gee, I wonder who likes to make undead monsters....
SUBJ: GM Notes FROM: GM Mad 05/01/91 S#: 822315
[It seems that this slipped my mind while putting this post together. Simply put, I forgot about Zynara's "delicate condition" when she got hit with the Haste spell. My own carelessness there. So don't be too hard on Fin and don't send me any hate mail! It seems we have a question here worthy of the sage of the Dragon Magazine. What does happen when a pregnant woman is Hasted?? ];>]
Just as sudden as the beholder goes down (technically, it's a Death Tyrant or an undead beholder) Zynara screams in pain as her bodily functions suddenly accelerate. She is delirious from the pain as the last seven months of her pregnancy pass in a mere five minutes! Mercy rushes to her aid as her and Blod child is rapidly being born right in the cavern!
Those not involved with the birth watch on tensely hoping for the best. Suddenly, a cry breaks the silence! After a moment, Mercy hands Blod his son! He has Blod's strong features, but swirling emerald eyes like Zynara.
Zynara is totally exhausted. The strain on her body was tremendous. It will take her weeks to regain her strength. The baby seems to be normal and is approximately 5 months old in development.
And now, we're back to now what??
**************************************
So, what are the parents going to name the littlest Seeker??
::passing out cigars::
;)
Spectrum's Comments: I trust THAT came as a complete surprise! A word of advice. Adventuring and pregnancy don't mix!
SUBJ: Zynara FROM: Zynara 05/02/91 S#: 801052
Remind me to get a large billboard for the GM when one of our other couples decide to have a child. That way we don't have this little problem popping up, or is that out?
****************
I watch as the spells go off and when I feel the effects of the haste spell begin to take effect, I try and say a prayer but the pain shuts out all future thoughts. All I comprehend is the bloating feeling I get in my abdomen. It feels like I am going to blow up like a fireball. Then there is someone trying to help me. Suddenly the pain is gone. The ache continues in my abdomen but now it is tolerable.
With that I doze off. Just as things are going black, I hear, "It's a boy." Then there is nothing. After a time, I feel someone trying to wake me. "Go away. I am exhausted."
SUBJ: Armon FROM: Omni Tuens 05/02/91 S#: 474199
Armon is pleased yet surprised to see the beholder go down so quickly.
"I've never fought one before, but I think its strange, too.. What if-"
The remainder of the bard's words are cut off as a scream rips through the cavern. Seeing Zynara, he quickly realizes what has happened and assumes a protective position around her.
"Talk about your wonderful timing... We don't have time to celebrate; it's still too dangerous down here. I say we need to get outta here now. I'll run ahead, making sure the path back is still clear and alerting the others."
With this said, Armon starts quickly back up the passage, wondering how the Seekers will work through the delicate situation.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/02/91 S#: 811044
"Get the Mother and Newborn out of here post haste. Let's get back to the rest of the group and go to the pocket dimension of the Rod. We have much more to worry about than our own safety right now."
Arocken throws himself between the Mother and Child and the Beholder.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/03/91 S#: 497096
Ummm...
Sorry?
Spectrum's Comments: Given the context, that is extremely funny!
SUBJ: Finrod FROM: SGT STONEY 05/03/91 S#: 462529
No, REALLY! I thought that haste was still like it was in AD&D 1, where the caster could choose his targets, within the area of effect. Never bothered to read the description in the 2nd Ed. Handbook close enough to note the change.
If you go back and check, I made SURE not to list Zynara in my group of hastee's.... But I got zapped. All I can say is: Everything 'came out' OK in the end, didn't it?
Now, let's get out of here and get this child to safety!
SUBJ: Claudius FROM: GM Falcon 05/03/91 S#: 796426
Claudius, back from his madness with the insect/demon (I assume), stays out of the battle with the beholder, perhaps too terrified by such an appearance.
Then Zynara's scream rips through the air. He rumbles in long enough to find out what's going on, then rumbles out.
As the newest Seeker makes himself known, he turns to Validar: "Considering the newest complication to our situation, I advise a full-scale retreat. The pocket dimension will do until Zynara can travel again, but we need to get mother and child back to Gateway, NOW. There is no treasure worth chancing the child's life in this hell hole."
SUBJ: FIN AGIN FROM: SGT STONEY 05/03/91 S#: 494039
Oh, yeah...
And we need to have the rearguard torch that beholder--just in case.
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/03/91 S#: 457233
After witnessing the birth, Pad says, with a woeful lack of tact, "That was an interesting little experiment. Personally, I would have bet on a miscarriage or the child being still-born."
"The way a Haste spell interacts with the body's metabolism is generally completely detrimental. This would make an interesting subject for research and experimentation. Somehow, I just don't think we'd get the same effects from an animal, for instance. I'm not religious, but I'd rack this one up to some level of divine intervention."
When the pocket dimension is mentioned, Pad focuses back on 'reality' and says, "Perhaps I should try my experiment with the Pillars first. If I am correct, I can then take the entire party back to Gateway. I would think access to some high level clerics would be a sensible option considering the manner of this child's birth."
If Validar gives the go-ahead, Pad will immediately return to the Pillar room and attempt the experiment.
Spectrum's Comments: Yeah, that was pretty tactless.
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 05/03/91 S#: 448571
Mercy is quite happy with the outcome of the fight mostly because he hit something. He is beaming with pride when he hears Zynara scream. He turns to see that she is in labor. "How?" is all he says as he goes to work. Using everything the priest taught him at the Temple, Mercy proceeds to help Zynara have her baby, with the least amount of pain.
Sweat beads on the half-elf's brow as he delivers the baby." It's a Boy, Zynara!" Mercy says with a loud roar. His smile wavers a little when he notices that the child is much larger and more developed than he should be for a newborn.
Mercy will make the Mother and the newborn as comfortable as possible, for the ascent up the shaft.
After hearing Padraig's idea on teleporting, Mercy speaks up. "I don't know if the Zynara or the baby can handle teleporting right now, they both need a lot of rest."
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 05/03/91 S#: 453436
"Hmph! Not much of a foe this beholder. I don't understand why you spoke in such fear of this creature. I--"
Steph is cut off by Zynie's growing problem. "Oh my...."
I watch in silent wonder as the baby is born. [Fin, if you think we're ever going to have kids now, forget it!! ;D ]
I'll volunteer to hold him the first chance I get.
"He's so precious... Yes, we must get back to Gateway right away. Do you still have that flying carpet Validar?? That might be better then Pad's method. I'll volunteer to go along if needed."
[No offense, Pad ;D]
"How are we going to get them out of here? It's a given that she can't climb out and someone carrying her and climbing is only inviting trouble."
Mail From: GM Shifty Date: Friday 3-May-91 01:38 EDT
re: Pillar experiment
Initial spell used will be Shrink. Before leaving, I'll copy down the names
on all the pillars in this room. The theory being, that the name of the place you're at won't be on a pillar. I'll check this against the Gateway set up when I arrive. If this holds true, I'll look for a name on those pillars that doesn't correspond to one at the new pillar site. If there's only 1, I'll assume that is the place I want to go. If there are more than 1 unfamiliar names, I'll take my best guess at what pillar is in the correct direction and try that one. The return trip will be fueled by a Shield spell.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/04/91 S#: 456662
"Oh, getting her out of here is no problem, dear! You and your nice, strong, non-child-bearing arms will simply climb up, then haul mother and child to the top. Zynara can sit in a loop tied in the end of the rope, and the babe can be tied in a sling made of cloth around her neck and body, leaving the child snuggled against her chest."
"Oh- and of course I'll help you pull her up, Darling! Since we can't raise a child of our own, we'll raise this one together.(Raise it 300 feet or so, that is!)" ;)
--Finrod Fasthand
-Smart-aleck Husband
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/04/91 S#: 790121
Pad sniffs at Mercy's comment, "And just how much experience do you have with teleportation? Do *I* give you council on the effects of clerical spells? As I expect, the ONLY person here with first hand knowledge of teleporting I can categorically deny that it places any strain on passengers. It's perfectly safe in that regard, and it won't take several days like a magic carpet."
Padraig, Aggrieved Wizard
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 05/04/91 S#: 786790
Mercy stands ready to knock some feelings into the boy-mage. As he rises the teachings of Mortidus come racing to his mind. Mercy smiles "Pad, what dangers are there in teleportation? Could she and her child die, because of some error, when you teleport? The teleport may work fine once when you use, how do you know that it will work correctly a second time?"
With that Mercy turns and heads towards Validar. "Validar I am a Cleric of Mortidus, I have been trained to give council, and I recommend not using the teleport grid."
**********
After the birth, Mercy will ask the happy couple, if he may bless the child and the parents.
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: DD Pagent 05/04/91 S#: 460981
Trying to keep Zynara shielded from the Beholder, Blod stays in front of her. When the beholder is killed, he sighs in relief, hoping this durned thing is dead.
When Zynara screams, he literally jumps and turns to find his beloved in labor. Not knowing what to do, he stays with Zynny, mumbling words of encouragement. When our son is born, Blod beams in pride, showing his on to all.
"No offense, Padraig, but if there is even the slightest chance of my family being hurt, then you can forget this tele-whatjamathingy."
"Mercy, I would be honored if you blessed us. I'm just glad you were here to help."
"Steph, could you carry my son, while I carry Zynny? Then you and Fin can haul Zynara up the shaft, while I carry my son up. I think I can handle it. :D"
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 05/04/91 S#: 831843
"From what I believe from going over the carvings in the Pillar room, these pillars were a standard travel means for your 'Elders'. There should be no variance in the locational fix during the transference process. That fix is hard-set into the grid matrix itself.
It should be the equivalent of sliding down a tube. The only place you can get is the bottom of the tube."
"At any rate, that's why I volunteered to experiment with it first. After having traveled in it, I should be able to judge if I've read the instructions for using it correctly."
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/05/91 S#: 823401
"I must concur with Paddy...er...PAD about the teleport grid. Once the utility of it has been established, and the calibration checked though testing to ensure that it has not drifted 'out of focus' in the intervening centuries, then travel by grid should be utilized at all possible events. Let us not forget that just because we do not encounter large bands of the enemy does not mean that the enemy's eyes are not lurking and gathering. Any movement that is not observed by those watchers (rest assured: they ARE out there) is information denied to our foes. The "Fog of War" is no uncontrolled thing of chance. It is an intentional curtain drawn across your capabilities and intentions, to better confuse the enemy."
"In any event, if Pad proves the grid works, we should use it not only to remove the child and mother to safety, but once we finish here, we should use it to depart ourselves. We have a duty to the conduct of the war, that we do so. After all... wouldn't it be nice to have the enemy leaders speculating endlessly about how we managed to sneak past their watchers and back to the city?"
Finrod Fasthand
Mercenary Mage
SUBJ: Stephanie FROM: Schar 05/05/91 S#: 449751
"Of course, Blod. A pleasure to help."
Taking the child in my arms, I cradle him as Blod tends to Zynara. I make myself as useful as possible in the difficult ascent ahead.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/05/91 S#: 458277
"Due to the unknown nature of the Teleportational Grid, I for one would be uncertain whether or not to place a small child in that situation. We should let Pad test it out and find out if it even works. Then we all can go. I do think a brief stay in the Rod's world would be in order, we are all in need of a little rest, especially mother and child."
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Bl Panther 05/05/91 S#: 838075
Upon the defeat of the beholder-like creature, Validar pauses a moment when it just hangs in mid-air, unmoving. Just to be on the safe side, Validar will unleash one final blow to the bizarre creature. As he does that, there is a scream of pain behind him.
Validar is pleased that he was not amongst the number affected by the haste spell. Upon seeing Zynara on the ground, his eyes widen with understanding. Some unheard comment is muffled by his great helm.
As it is apparent that others have matters in some semblance of control, Validar does what he can do best to help the situation. He stays out of the way.
Once it becomes clear that mother and child are in no immediate danger any longer, Validar will begin steps to cut this adventure short.
"It would be my opinion that the creature we just killed in but a guardian here. Whether it guards something or someone cannot be said. Therefore, I have my doubts as to whether all the danger has passed. However a 'full-scale retreat' is uncalled for. We shall withdraw, making certain that we are not in any danger of attack while returning to the caverns overhead."
When Padraig makes his thoroughly tactless remark, Validar gives him a disapproving look.
"Since you seem to be so sure that you understand the workings of the Elders' artifact, you may proceed with your experiment. I feel I must warn you however that things are not always as they appear when dealing with the creations of the Elders. There is a reason why few people have ever reached a full understanding of anything they have made."
"I am willing to allow Padraig his attempt with the pillars. If they work as he surmises, then we shall use them to return to Gateway. I have no wish to travel through these lands with a newborn and its mother. If for some reason Padraig is incorrect, then we shall send someone back with Zynara and her baby on the carpet, perhaps after a short stay in the Rod's dimension."
"Armon, Arocken, assist me in standing guard over our withdrawal from this cavern complex. We are the most vulnerable while everyone is scaling the ropes and I have no intention of being caught unprepared at this point." It is apparent that Validar does not agree with either Padraig or Arocken's suggestion of resting, but with the current situation, there is no longer any choice. The tone in the Seeker's voice however indicates that he is the slightest bit frustrated with having to withdraw from this expedition.
SUBJ: VALIDAR (cont.) FROM: Bl Panther 05/05/91 S#: 838103
Once back in the cavern with the pillars, Validar voices a few of his thoughts on them and their operation.
"It is unfortunate that we are unable to learn anything more on the workings of this place. If we were to locate the destination points, we would have an incredible advantage in the War in the Spring. It may be that we can use this to penetrate deeply into the Kelnian's territory. Perhaps Sheridan's library will shed some light on the subject once we arrive back in Gateway."
Once everyone has returned to the upper level...
"As soon as you are ready to conduct your experiment, Padraig, you may begin. In the meantime, the rest of us shall all move a safe distance away from the room. It's not that I don't trust your judgment, but I do not care to take any chances at this point. If you are not back among us within a few hours time, we shall be retiring back to the Rod's dimension and then will begin travel back to Gateway. Good luck."
SUBJ: Mercy FROM: Mastiff1 05/06/91 S#: 397619
After hearing Validar's decision, Mercy will help with getting both Mother and son up the shaft.
Before Padraig leaves Mercy will wish him good luck. "May Mortidus' wisdom guide you."
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/07/91 S#: 453829
Standing on Guard with Armon and Validar, Arocken starts pondering the Teleportional device. When everyone is around he begins to ask a question, although he almost seems embarrassed by it. "What happens if Pad does make it back to gateway, or for that matter anywhere, and there is no Teleporting grid, like we have here. How will he get back and tell us if it is successful??"
He looks to Pad with questioning eyes.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/07/91 S#: 802578
Paddy...er-Pad carries TELEPORT as a spell, guy. He'll use that to get back to us, if he has to.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: In spite of this setback, some of the Seekers continue to explore and Pad tests his theories.