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Fellstone takes a few breaths to try and shake off the sickness. "If the lads in the pub...monastery heard that a smell was turning my stomach, they'd be laughing for a week." he says.
Stepping further into the room he goes to the door. "No matter where we are, there's always a cause to be civil." Fellstone says. "My name's Fellstone of the Pathfinders. You are among friends Balenor. How'd you end up here?"
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The voice sounds puzzled.
"Drangle...? Oh, do you mean Drandle? The old codger had nothing to do with me being here. I was sent in to explore by myself - used my climbing kit to get up to the second level, bypassed a trap... and then ran afoul of some troglodytes, who brought me up here."
Gratius moves over to investigate the door, and discovers, much to his consternation, that the door is locked.
When whatever is beyond the door hears you playing with it, it helpfully adds:
"I believe the big fellow that was living in this room had the key... I don't suppose you happened to find any of my equipment anywhere around here...?"
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Using one of the keys, Caelben is easily able to unlock and open the door.
Upon opening the door, the party finds a small cell, and shackled to the wall, a disheveled-looking man, clothed in a tattered explorer's outfit, who perks-up considerably when he sees that you definitely aren't monstrous.
"Thank the Gods! Could you get me out of these? They aren't exactly haute couture, and chafe abominably to say the least..."
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Caelben tries the key on the man's restraints, and they open easily.
He collapses to the ground, then picks himself up with a wan smile, rubbing his wrists.
"Thank-you for my release!"
He then does a little jig, and hums a catchy tune...
...and his wounds completely heal.
Cautiously moving out into the main room he takes stock of the party, and moves over to shake everyone's hands, effusively expressing his gratitude for being released.
When espies the rusty chest, he gives it a calculating look...
...and a swift kick which breaks it open.
Inside is a suit of masterwork studded leather armor, a masterwork buckler (emblazoned with the Glyph of the Open Road), a masterwork rapier (with the initials 'BF' engraved into the hilt), a shortbow with 15 arrows, two scrolls, a heavy, ornate compass, and a climber’s kit.
Balenar spends a few minutes putting on and/or stowing his equipment, before turning to the party with a smile.
"Well now, I could go home, but it would be a shame not to see the entire tower... and I have a bone to pick with the leader of this lot... unless you have already encountered him? Big Trog? Feather headdress? Goes around with a pygmy crocodile?"
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When Kailun picks up the scrolls and starts to look over them, Balenar frowns, before the corner of his mouth quirks up in a smile.
"You know, you could have just asked..."
In response to Gratius' question, Balenar smiles, and nods.
"Indeed it is! I received it after finishing my Confirmation; that was nearly two years ago, though - I have had a number of different adventures since then. On to other matters, however; if you haven't found the troglodyte leader, I recommend we do so, and bring and end to this infestation..."
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Balenar nods.
"I intend to, although since there are so many of you, I will be content to adopt a supporting role." He then grins. "As I mentioned before, my name is Balenar."
The door opens easily.
Cracks in the walls and ceiling of this chamber have allowed rainwater to collect here, flooding the room and giving rise to a profusion of mold and fungus along the walls and ceiling.
Crouched in one of the limpid rainwater pools is a frog the size of a pony, which glares at Caelben balefully through rheumy eyes, clearly sizing him up as a potential meal...
Gratius:
Caelben:
Guybord:
Fellstone:
Balenar:
GF:
Round 1: Caelben, Kailun, GF, Balenar, Gratius, Guybord, Fellstone
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Kailun fires an arrow, which sails clear over the frog's head, to clatter against the wall.
Caelben steps forward and readies an attack, skewering the frog as it closes into melee range.
Undaunted, the frog attempts to bite Caelben...
...but try as it might, it is unable to chew through his armor.
Balenar starts singing a rousing ditty.
Round 1: Caelben, Kailun, GF(-10), Balenar, Gratius, Guybord, Fellstone
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The four wings of the tower are completely open on this level, forming one great, cross-shaped chamber with arched ceilings. The decayed remnants of a carpet run from the doorways at the end of each wing, meeting in the center, where a spiral staircase drops out of sight below. A large, throne-like chair stands in the middle of the eastern wing next to a big chest.
Standing next to the throne is a big troglodyte, who reaches down and strokes the back of an albino crocodile squatting beside the chair as Caelben crests the top of the stairs.
Gratius:
Caelben:
Guybord:
Fellstone:
Balenar:
T:
S:
Clearly unconcerned, the big troglodyte snorts, and unmistakeably gestures for Caelben to 'bring it'!
Round 1: Fellstone, Balenar, Gratius, T, Kailun, Guybord, Caelben, S
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Fellstone moves forward and tosses a javelin, which slams into the flank of the crocodile with a satisfying thud.
Balenar begins singing.
Gratius moves forward, getting up close and personal with both enemies.
The big troglodyte grins, steps back and casts a spell, causing a scimitar of pure flame to appear in his hand.
Guybord casts a spell, calling down the blessings of the Gods on his allies.
Round 1: Fellstone, Balenar, Gratius, T, Kailun, Guybord, Caelben, S
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Kailun emerges from the staircase, and casts a spell, causing grease to appear across a large chunk of the floor...
...causing both foes to fall prone.
Caelben then steps forward and takes a swing at the crocodile...
...but his spear simply slides across its scales.
The crocodile then stands up (provoking from Caelben, who scores a nasty blow to its flank damage), and attacks Gratius...
...but it is unable to find a chink in his armor.
Round 2: Fellstone, Balenar, Gratius, T, Kailun, Guybord, Caelben, S