LANDSLIDE APPOINTMENTS
Nanith rolled away from the dirt landslide just as it ripped down at him, but Oktavianus wasn't so lucky. His feet got knocked out from under and he toppled backfirst onto the cracked concrete.
Aramil replied with relief " Many thanks to the stars and Correllan that you both are safe. I say rest a moment and get your breath back for I am sure that rattled you both."
Erelis and Gailwind showed up a few seconds later to check out the situation. When it was assured the dwarf only received minor bruises, the psionic informed " Well, there is too much risk in climbing back out over this unstable incline. Loten is analyzing the entryway of a new area. It seems there is an inner courtyard."
The hawk gave a quick screech from atop a looming roof and Aramil turned to him "Glory! There is something to this after all.
The ranger remained firm " Don't let your guard down. If anything still remained behind, it surely knows we are here now."
" Telfar " the mage emphasized as he sensed his bird perched on the dark roof. " Personally, I would like to enter that tower. It may provide a different view of this place. Salimen must be in here dead or alive and it is best we follow the evidence that was left."
The woodsman and paladin agreed to this proposition whereas the halfling had reservations based on the handiworked traps perhaps lain by the formidable magician long ago. There was light debate and it went even so far as to elect a new leader for the team. It was assured that the old alliance now had to mesh with a new appointed group in order to function and the term 'StarPoint Raven' seemed an odd fit for the others who didn't consign such hidden agendas. So it was established that a joint leadership should be nominated when Oktavianus gave his blessing that Teflar would represent Bethlun and Loten shall exemplify Pinedroi. Both leaders, should they decide to split up, would head two key exploring teams. MYCRAN 16 ~ 1 AM: As the organized band approached the northwest tower, the woodsman instructed his sideman " Loten, get ready to push past me if there is something nasty inside. Your armor and strong arm will do much better than mine."
With a sigh, Teflar added " I don't trust this place. I don't trust any place not surrounded by trees." Seeing the rogue misunderstand his words {because certainly the keep was surrounded by trees}, the ranger emphasized. " I don't like this place."
Teflar and Aramil raced towards the dirtfall looking around for immediate danger.
" What has happened?!" The mage glanced around wildly. Seeing the cleric half-buried, he gasped " Oktavianus, can you hear me?"
With help from the ranger, the dwarf staggered to his feet.
" Arrrghhh, by the power of Moradin." He wiped dirt from his face and angerly spat out small pieces of gravel. " I'm all right!"
Nanith stood up carefully and dusted off his clothes.
" That was too close for my liking."
It's a multi-floor tower there."
This time, however, they would act as one force led by Teflar and explore the tower that lay forboding in its nearby shadows.
Gailwind, centering as the nucleus of the band, carried a torch high as the ranger examined scuffled tracks outside the curled obsidian walls. Obviously, orcken beasts, in their ignorance, had stumbled freely about betraying the concealed door before them. The portal swung out on tight inner hinges when the ranger pulled its griphandle with sweaty palms. Almost instantly, a rank stench swept out at them making the most hearty member fumble for nasal covering.
"Accckkk!! Smells like the whole damned orc army used this tower as their
midden.
Teflar stepped away from the door for a moment taking a deep breath of
fresher air.
Despite their avidity to stay with the group, Aramil and Nanith could not enter without being overcome with severe nausea.
They waited outside as the other five entered the tower.