Part 5: Return to the Moathouse Ruins

Hrmph! "Now that introductions and anecdotes about swords are out of the way, perhaps we should discuss what brings all of us into this gods-forsaken place. We originally came to deal with bandits that had taken over the first floor, bandits whom were quickly dispatched. But it would seem that there is more to this place than merely thugs. Now we seek challenges, gold, and fame. There are creatures below our feet that would make your blood curdle, some of whom we have defeated... Some, not all. We would return below ground to continue marking our place, and claiming out loot. And, as you can see, we could use the assistance."

Eltrezar first speaks to Norris before turning to his companions. "There is still much daylight ahead, it would be wasteful to head back to town now. Especially when we have alchemical potions that should close your wounds. I propose we take a moment to regather our strength, and head back down. Mal, do you know how long those last undead will be held back?"

"Unfortunately no, but I suspect they will keep away from the light of Cuthbert whenever they see it."

Mal takes out her stash of healing potions and offers them to the wounded.

"The wizened one is right, I have blessed potions that will staunch yet wounds for those who need 'em."

Bors nods in agreement for a rest and settles down. He scrounges through his backpack and is surprised to find a bottle of some mysterious liquid. "Huh, when did this get here?" he mutters. Shrugging he drinks the stuff.

Gilly watch’s the fighter drink the potion. She takes her own from the cleric!

She hesitates, and then winks to the newcomer!

"Oh, Bors. I’ve never done a Ceremony of Essence Transfer. Would you mind showing me how it’s done?

What do I say?"

The liquid tastes of lemons and almonds but at least it sends warm waves of healing through Bors and reduces his pain.

Seeing his wounded companions down the foul-smelling potions, the wizard stands up straight and tugs on his beard. Hrmph! "Now that we are more capable again, should we return to the basement and continue our excursion? I would find more riches before we turned tail and rode to town." He makes a move towards the staircase, but gestures for the warriors to take the lead. As he passes the corpses, he bends down to pick up his discarded and imbedded daggers.

Pleased that some manner of progress was being made, Norris briefly contemplated letting the inquiries slide, as it seemed his answer was not enough of a cause to hesitate or delay the group's departure.

Still, thinking it was best to tilt one's first impression towards the positive, especially since he had been labeled as "one of the bandits" from the onset, the persistent Norris answered the question, in a manner that would do nothing short of aid his position and paint him in a favorable color, "I could do without the challenge bit, but I'm all for a fair share of the gold. You can keep the fame- I much prefer being easily forgotten than permanently imbedded in one's memory" he notes, struggling to conceal the grimace born of a memory prompted by that statement.

"To answer your question good man Eltrezar, about how or why I find myself here... I am a convenient acquirer of convenient things, and suspecting that such things could be acquired here... conveniently and for my convenience, I would have been a fool to resist and a sap to let such an opportunity go. If you'll have me as one of your number and assure me of a fair share of any riches we unearth, I'm sure we can all work together towards that common goal" offered the young man. His rising and falling brows and extended hand awaited approval and a binding substitute for a signature at the end of a yard-long contract scribbled on yellowed parchment.

Mal takes lead next to Bors on the stairs but upon hearing Eltrezar and Norris exchanging lengthy discourse the dwarf pauses and turns to address the newcomer.

"We keep things fair in this lot, equal work for equal pay. Fight without cowardice and you'll get yer cut o'tha bounty. Dead men below, keep the talk at a whisper if ya please."

"We’ll need torches again!" Gilly whispers as she draws her short sword again.

Dead men below…

She nods her head, confirming she’s good to go when torches are lit.

Eltrezar takes his position somewhere in the middle, lantern held high. He whispers to Maloria, Ahrm! "Perhaps we should finish exploring the main chamber, then look into some of the passageways we spied. Also, let us not forget the cells from which the undead erupted."

Mal listens to Eltrezar's advice and nods solemnly.

"Agreed" she whispers as she in hooks her hammer and snugs her shield against her shoulder.

Norris promptly interjects, "First rule of searching... err... determining a house is safe- check your corners. Then, make sure one area is clear before you put it behind you..." he urges, speaking as if from innate knowledge.

"I think pointy hat's suggestion is a good one; best make sure this upper level is safe before we delve much deeper- you should always protect your escape- keep your options open" added the footpad sagely. He really did seem to know all these plans and tactics for maneuvering in places and getting into and out of things that one probably shouldn't be bothering with in the first place.

Interesting.

Just stay alive, and no arrows on the zombies. Find a club or swing a torch."