Chapter 7: All I want is a little sleep!!
Copyright © 2000 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-06-05 09:15:42]
Subject: Guard your Back!

"Ohe! Ohe! Three from the back. Guard your rear." Hrissu pounds on the door repeatedly. "Deshnah, in the name of whatever pagan demons you worship, wake up!"

From: Game Master [2000-06-05 17:24:04]
Subject: What's this
Neshkriuma hacks wildly at the rope where Ssrivan has ordered, but there seems to be no reaction, no dent, no slash, no........ for all his efforts there is nothing to give him any satisfaction.

Ssrivan has moved off to a more protected place while muttering strange incantations under his breath. You can see the look of concern wash upon his face just before his visage is overtaken by the look of deep thought.

Hrissu's muffled yelling has tripped into your ear, the alarm of invaders from the rear sets your hair on end and aids in that claustrophobic feeling of being surrounded.

Churisan reemerges from his room in loincloth, leather tunic (ordinarily the layer under a breastplate), and sword belt with his dagger and sword hanging on it. His case of arrows strung over one shoulder and his bow noched with arrow in front of him. He steps with determination and purpose up to the rail of the balcony, pulls his arrow back to his cheek and with calculated accuracy lets fly the shaft to find its new home. You watch as the arrow is sent straight for one of the persons on the platform, you hear its whistle as it slices through the air, you watch as it penetrates the robes of a priest of the flame god and you are amazed as it continues on into the night. The priest seems to have no ill effects from the arrow passing through him and in the blink of an eye Churisan has another arrow at the ready.

Churisan's attention is drawn, temporarily, to Deshnah's body being drug along the floor by, what would seem to be Hrissu, who is flickering from between being invisible and being solid. There also seems to be a blue mist working its way just behind Deshnah's feet in a wispy snake-like fashion. It appears to hesitant as in it's actions, as though some larger animal has stolen its prey and it's not sure how to get it back.

Yet the platforms continue to descend upon you, rolling slowly along their supports. You can hear the massive wooden wheels grind their way along the rope, as they seem to be in no rush. These massive structures lumber along, carefree towards the balcony with no regard for time or danger.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-06-05 18:18:50]
Subject: Tricks and Diversions
"Everyone get inside. The platforms are some kind of illusion. We can't do much about them anyway out here, but we can do something about the real attack inside. Whatever it is chasing after Hrissu and Deshnah is a much more profitable target. It would also serve to clear our backs and provide some kind of escape."

With that he darts inside to help Hrissu drag Deshnah away from the questing blue tentacles.

"There is a third rope up there, much thinner and reaching up into the sky from the roof. Someone came down it to set this up--if we find and engage them, we can untangle a bit more of this puzzle. Take no chances though--we don't need a live enemy to 'accidentally' kill one of us while we are otherwise occupied."

He then continues to help drag the hapless Deshnah out of reach of the blue tentacles.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-07 10:39:39]
Subject: 'little help here please!
Clad only in helm and shield Neshkriuma shouts over the growing din that is inevitable in the confussion of battle. "Whoever is behind this attack must not be allowed to escape. I go for the guard to secure our rear. Do not fire on us when I return." Nesh smiles grimly but not without humor. "We must speak with the management in the morning". With that he turns and sprints into the darkness.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-06-07 13:28:54]
Subject: As you go...
Hrissu shouts back to Neshkriuma:

"Churisan's friend has already gone to get help! The guards should be coming any time now."

From: Game Master [2000-06-07 16:41:50]
Subject: let's see here..

Those of you who enter into your rooms from the balcony are slowed by the sounds in the hall, just outside your doors.

[ooc-I need to get and exact location of where you are at this moment (can be sent by private post) which room you are in and what you are doing. The order of room and their occupants are as follows. From left to right, 7 around to 5 on the clock face. Vrodlan, Hrissu, Deshnah, Adzul, Ssrivan, Churisan, Neshkriuma and Kunur. At this moment I have most of you heading into Churisan and Neshkriuma's rooms. Let me know if you are somewhere else.]

You can hear through the doors the sounds of chaos and beasts rendering things apart. Now that the alarm has been sounded, (no matter how muffled) your attackers have cast surprise to the wind and are gearing up for an assault. What is holding them back at this moment is beyond you. But you can feel the tension rise and the air thicken.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-06-08 09:24:18]
Subject: Somebody Burn that Thing!
Hrissu points to the mist. "Burn it, banish it... kick it... do something!" He pulls Deshnah into Churisan's room, careful to keep him away from the mist. He tosses a cushion at the mist, to try to drive it away.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-08 10:21:31]
Subject: Circle the wagons!!
Fearing that the guard was either waylayed or in need of some size 10 1/2 motivation up their backsides, Nesh bolts for the door. He opens it but a crack and is assailed by the nearly overpowering scent of cinnamon. "Ssu!," he shouts. "By all the gods, our skein unravels! To one room, everyone. There will be only two points of entry to defend and we must hold them untill the guard arrives. A spell to secure either the balcony or the hall door would be most welcome, but regardless I will put my trust in a fine blade." With that he stations himself by the door waiting to remove any unwanted intruding appendages.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-08 10:32:09]
Subject: location, location, location.
As Desh is down and helpless, Neshkriuma follows him into Churisan's room to make their stand

From: Game Master [2000-06-08 12:53:17]
Subject: the gathering
Ssrivan, Adzul, Hrissu drag the limp Deshnah into Churisan's room. Neshkriuma comes into Churisan's room sword drawn adorned with fresh blood and behind him strides Churisan back into his room not having found any real targets outside. He sets his bow down calmly, draws his sword and braces himself with steely eyes for what is to come.

You see a cushion fly across the room and through the blue mist, which thins and dissipates only briefly before regathering itself back into its form. It still hovers at Deshnah's feet, its actions no more aggressive than they were a minute ago.

Your thoughts are interrupted as you hear a loud crack, you turn and see the tip of a halberd which has pierced the door, and small splinters sprinkle the inside of the room. The doors are heavy and solid, perhaps a bit too solid. Normal weapons would not stand a chance against such wood, but these strange Ssu heavy weapons seem to have that little extra needed to create such damage. The doors solidity working against itself, making it brittle against the force of the halberd.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-10 17:27:00]
Subject: Hack and/or slash
Neshkriuma is now coated in the gore of at least one fallen Ssu. The stench of cinnamon on him is powerfull. "That won't hold them for long," he says. "Ssrivan and I can hold this door for now but it is only a matter of time before they try our flank. Mayhaps that bow will still prove usefull," he says to Churisan. "They will be on the balcony before long, else my mother sired a fool. Adzul, Hrissu, is there nothing you can do for Deshnah?" Nesh turns back to the door, his well aimed thrusts cutting down any who would dare to enter. "By the Gods, where is the cursed guard!"

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-06-11 07:55:51]
Subject: Defending the door
"Unfortunately, the arts of combat were never properly introduced to my Skein in the past. This lack could have most deleterious effects on our defense--I will try and make sure that the door stays closed better though."

He then looks around to find one of the numerous small carpets on the floor and carefully begins jamming it under the edge of the door with his dagger to work as an additional impediment to attackers if a halberd shot from the Ssu outside succeeds in damaging the lock before the door gives way entirely. He will then start moving some of the larger furniture items into place as additional support. They won't really stop anything from entering the room, but they should slow them down long enough for Churisan to plant a few of his arrows into them.

"It is most unfortunate that my sorcerous skills are of a more nonviolent nature--I can do little to assist us there either."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-06-12 11:16:09]
Subject: lights?
Churisan had been heading for the door to the hall, but as weapons thud into it, be backs away and returns to the balcony entrance. "I will guard this side, and Neshkriuma can hold the other. I fear for Kunur and Vrodlan...learned sorcerors, if you cannot dispel the blue mist or the illusions, can you perhaps make lights? The night is dark, and torches do not serve."

From: Game Master [2000-06-13 14:39:59]
Subject: What is this new horror?
Ahhh, but the torches serve well enough for what happens next. Assembled in the room you find yourselves busily preparing yourselves for this battle. Bracing the door, taking up positions for both attack and safety. The rooms are large, but not as large as you would like when it comes to this sort of action. Soon you have run out of items to barricade your door. The chests and blankets are placed in front of the open sliding balcony door to serve as a slowing, maybe tripping, device for what may come from that side. The inside of the room is dark, which affords you the ability to move around and not be seen too well. Making you less of a target for any projectile type weapons which may be lurking about outside the room. Another couple of hacks at the front door, but it seems to be holding, for the moment.

Even through all of this you are able to hear the terrified shrieks coming from the balcony combined with the sweet chiming sounds of the Ssu language. The irony slaps you in the face like a angry lover. After several more screams of pain, an arm lands on the balcony just outside the door, obviously freshly harvested from the whom ever is still shrieking. The shrieks subside into whimpers as a second arm joins the first, not severed, you notice, but torn from its victim. Then, just a quickly as the screams began, they end. You can still hear the chiming voices of the Ssu and then, a thud and something rolling towards you. It stops at the arms and gazes up into the night sky. It only takes a moment for you to recognize the face. Vrodlan!!! It's the head of Vrodlan!!!

At that moment several Ssu jump into the space on the balcony just outside the sliding doorway! The are tall and strong. Their skin hangs on them like the torn rags of a mummy and the smell of cinnamon reaches your nostrils quickly; you wince. They have shields and spears and seem to be assessing their advantage. One of them tosses a burning torch into your room and starts relaying positions and numbers to his comrades somewhere further on down the balcony. The other two start advancing.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-13 15:56:58]
Subject: Once more unto the breach dear friends
Neshkriuma recons the door will have to hold while this dangerous breach in the security of their position remains. Carefull to keep clear of Churisan's line of fire, he rushes forward to flank the Ssu. "If I can just get inside their spear length," he thinks, "I may live through this night."

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-06-14 05:57:37]
Subject: Gift returned
Adzul will attempt to dash to the torch and throw it back over the balcony

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-06-14 09:59:54]
Subject: target!
Chúrisan shoots an arrow at the torch-tossing, order-giving Ssu ("always aim for the officers..."). If the doorway is narrow enough that Neshkriuma and his shield will fill it, then the archer will move up and try to either shoot at angle past Nesh, or through the shutters in the sliding door. If the doorway is more than one man (or Ssu) wide, then after his first shot, Chúrisan will toss his bow aside and join Neshkriuma with scimitar in hand.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-06-14 15:13:05]
Subject: Burning things out
Those not preoccupied with the fight notice a sly grin on Ssrivan's face. He hunts around the leftovers of the room's furniture for the lamp that would have been near the bed. He will then attempt to light it with one of the slow-burning coals that would be in the nearby firebox. If there is a supply of oil nearby he will snag that as well. (OOC: all actions predicated on finding aforementioned items!) By this time, the rest of the group will probably be well into their combat. He will set the lamp on the floor in such a way that it silhouettes his friends but makes the enemy much more visible to them. He will then find something to shield himself from the light (he will keep any extra oil, as he has plans for it, especially if the Ssu succeed in breaking in).

From: Game Master [2000-06-14 18:29:02]
Subject: And in todays headlines....
The torch barely has time enough to hit the floor before the portly man in the yellow robes of a priest of Belkhanu has scooped it up and flung it back from whence it came. He then lands on his round belly and slides along the smooth stone floor and up against the far wall, next to the entrance of the bedroom. Not the most graceful movements that you have ever seen, but very effective. The torch passes very close to one of the Ssu's head causing it to rear back while trying to avoid the flame.

[As you are facing the Ssu who are charging in, it would be the one on the right. The door is open just enough to let them both in at once]

The Ssu on the balcony calling to its comrades stops to stare at the torch which has just landed at its feet. This would be its last moment as an arrow pierces its left eye and runs through its head. The shot was true and precise and the Ssu dropped to the floor of the balcony like a heavy sack of flower, crumpling into a mass of arms and legs as though it was the marionette who's strings had just been cut. A wry smile pierces Churisan's lips as he drops the bow and lifts his scimitar to the ready.

Neshkriuma, watching and looking for opportunity see's one in the right Ssu's rearing action. Quickly and nimbly he rushes the Ssu, blocking the weak attempt by the Ssu to hold him off with its spear. The Ssu puts up a front but Neshkriuma does not stand and fight as expected of him. In stead, he dives under the Ssu, passing the front legs and landing between the front and rear legs of the creature. He gathers himself and swings mightily at the hind legs, severing them both above the knee. The Ssu drops onto Neshkriuma writhing and chiming with urgent pleading. It is silenced quickly by Churisan as his scimitar relieves the Ssu of the top 1/3 of its body, the Ssu slumping into two lumps on the floor.

The other Ssu is intent on its target, which seems to be Deshnah for some reason. The creature pushes past his fallen partner, lunging for Deshnah with its spear. The two Ssu had entered the room side by side and so this second one was out of reach of our two swordsmen for the moment. Hrissu stands with dagger in hand (though you are unable to see him because he is invisible) and blocks the thrust of the spear. The Ssu looks surprised that its shot would go so far astray, when there had been so clear and easy a target. It raises up on its hind legs to put greater force into its next thrust and bore down hard on the end of its spear.

It happened so quickly that it was almost unnoticeable. The blue mist hovering at Deshnah's feet had moved. It had, in an instant, encircled the upper torso of the Ssu and had lifted the creature off of the ground. You watch with marvel as the Ssu twists and squirms but can find no purchase to stabilize itself and nothing solid to strike against. You watch as the body of the Ssu starts to become deformed, it has the appearance of water on the lake just after a pebble has been tossed into it. Soon the body resembles nothing of the Ssu it once was, it is now almost only a liquid substance of indistinguishable matter. After a few moments, it turns solid and crumbles to the floor in small sand sized pieces. The mist, once again, hovers at the feet of Deshnah, waving in a serpent-like pattern. It almost seems as though it has an air of satisfaction about it.

First battle won, you pause for a brief second in the predawn light. Neshkriuma is clambering out from under the slain Ssu and the rest of you check to make sure there were no injuries incurred during the melee. One odd thing you all notice. Hrissu is still invisible. Usually after a strike or a contact in battle the spell nullifies itself. At least you magic users know that. But with Hrissu, this does not seem to be the case. Hummmmm, what else is afoot here?

You have about three seconds to contemplate that fact before another bone shaking thud hits the hallway door.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-06-15 12:24:34]
Subject: advance
Chúrisan quickly decides not to think about what just happened to the last Ssu. He clips his sword, retrieves bow and arrows, nocks an arrow, and looks out onto the balcony. If it is clear for the moment, he steps out and takes a step to the right (to avoid being silhouetted by the light in the room) while looking around.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-16 12:32:35]
Subject: up and running
Pausing only long enough to spit the vile taste of Ssu gore from his mouth and to wipe his hands as clean as possible, Neshkriuma lops the head from one of the Ssu corpses and slings it over the balcony rail. "Vrodlan sends his greetings," he shouts and then snatches up one of the fallen Ssu's spears and bolts for the door. There is a grim smile on his face and a dark cast to his eyes. He sets his sword at his feet and thrusts the heavy spear through the splintered crack in the door.

From: Deshnah [2000-06-18 21:37:35]
Subject: giggler
As Churisan steps through to the balcony a 3/4 meter long, six-legged, mammaloid creature with widely spaced bright eyes and dusky fur darts under the sill, heads back up to the ceiling and then rapidly skitters--unnaturally upside down--to a spot above where Deshnah lays. It abruptly springs down, tumbles in mid air, and deftly lands quick beside Deshnah's left ear. Without pause, it opens its narrow, black, leathery lips, showing needle sharp teeth, and strikes the meat of Deshnah's shoulder. The action immediately draws a thin spurt of blood but, thereafter, the creature gently and tenderly begins lapping both the blood and Deshnah's face.

At this point the blue mist begins to break like fog before the land breeze of a hot morn. Deshnah however does not look the better for it. He rolls to his side [the first voluntary movement on his part in some time] and begins to retch. First heaves, then the bile of a half processed dinner mixed with a great flood of social lubricant, then something far worse--ichor and purplish bulbulous bits of things no human could have possibly ingested.

The creature next to him primly moves back a pace and begins cleaning itself. At this point you notice that its fur is clotted with blood and that it is struggling to distangle bits of grey folded flesh from its claws.....

From: Game Master [2000-06-19 11:47:53]
Subject: As the stomach churns...
You watch as Chúrisan slips past the door, out onto the balcony. His bow drawn and his arrow nocked, he slides back into the shadows. It is not but a few quick moments before you see the shaft of an arrow slice through the air in front of the balcony door way and disappear from view. It was easy to tell that it had hit its target as there was a slight squeal, a heavy thud, and the sounds of alarm coming from down the balcony a ways.

Your attention is drawn quickly back to the hallway door as the noise level has risen due to Neshkriuma's continuous thrusting of the spear through thedoor. Every so often, as the tip of the spear retreats back through the door, into the room, you can see blood dripping from it end. A good indication that he has struck something. But, like poking a stick at a bees nest, he has seemed to stir things up a bit and angered the, already frustrated attackers.

It would appear that you were all expected to be fast asleep, or busying yourselves with the rope on the balcony. That way you would be easy targets to
attack from behind or as you slumbered. A nice plan, but not well executed it would seem.

Neshkriuma thrusts the spear back through the door again like a kilnsman stoking an angry fire. You watch as his strong muscular arms jump and move around. Either he has struck another target, or something has a hold on the other end. You watch as Neshkriuma struggles with the spear and several heavy strikes vibrate down the shaft up his arm and into his tense shoulders. Several more jolts and he is able to bring the spear back into the room. You take pause and notice that only half of what he rammed through the door has returned. With disgust Neshkriuma tosses the half spear to the ground and, with a half crazed look in his eyes, starts searching for something else to use.

Deshnah is patricianly sitting up and still retching vial substances off to the side of the room While the six legged, dog like creature continues to preen itself and glance, almost laughingly, towards Deshnah from time to time.

You notice that Hrissu is barely visible. He is just a shadow that seems to flicker in and out of view, like a torch in the wind.

Ssrivan and Adzul crouch close to the floor in front of the bedroom. Adzul righting himself after his slide across the floor and Ssrivan tending the light that he has lit.

Another couple of heavy slams against the door and you can see the bolt giving way. In a matter of moments that doorway will be breached and your enemy will pour its way in like the sea into a sinking ship.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-19 16:00:57]
Subject: just great!
"Churisan," Neshkriuma shouts, "the door fails! I fear we cannot hold this room any longer." He thrusts the truncated spear through the door one last time and then abbandons it for his sword. He pleads to anyone who will hear, the first hint of wildness creaping into an otherwise confident voice. "Can any of you secure this Hru'u-cursed door?"

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-06-20 13:12:05]
Subject: Perhaps it's time.
Shaking Deshnah by the shoulder, now that most of the bile is expelled, Hrissu shouts to the room, "Perhaps it is time for us to be going... "

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-20 17:09:44]
Subject: He who fights and runs away...
"This door cannot hold," Neshkriuma says. "Onto the balcony everyone, and let's hope Churisan has been able to secure it. I will guard the rear."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-20 17:18:15]
Subject: any port in a storm
To Ssrivan: "A hidden passage of any kind would be most fortuitous right about now..."

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-06-21 11:19:08]
Subject: Not letting go.
Not letting go of Deshnah's shoulder, Hrissu looks over towards Azdul and makes a little sign with his fingers like legs walking over to a precipice and then jumping off.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-21 11:37:39]
Subject: moving right along
Neshkriuma snatches up the remaing spear from the fallen Ssu and motions toward the balcony door. "Gentlemen...?" A new shower of splinters from the overtaxed hallway door punctuates his querry.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-06-23 19:57:38]
Subject: Doors and lights and lamp oil
Scooping up the lamp and the oil supply, Ssrivan heads towards the balcony exit, only slowing down to turn and hurl both lamp and oil into the faces of our attackers (and before it becomes a magnet to attract attention to him from potential enemies outside). Note that there seems to be a lot more fire coming from the lamp as it flies than its little wick would normally permit, as it seems to blaze into a ball of fire along the way (it seems he was also busy preparing bits of rag and soaking them in the oil while waiting for trouble at the door, and draped around the lantern, they do make for a nice unexpected fire). With luck, he will even hit one of them with it, but its prime function is to slow them down long enough for all of us to prepare for their onslaught outside. Ssrivan then springs out onto the balcony and follows his companions, sppeding up so as not to be the last one in the line and using any available cover to keep from being a target again.

From: Game Master [2000-06-24 21:28:44]
Subject: Moving time...
"Gentlemen"? Neshkriuma says motioning with his head towards the balcony door. He starts in that general direction and then pauses. An arm has just come through the hole in the door and is fumbling around blindly for the door latch. Neshkriuma turns his head towards the door with a look of great anoyance and almost as an after though he takes two quick side steps back towards the door and stretching out his sword arm (not really wanting to get a whole lot closer to the door than he already is) makes a quick slicing motion separating, just below the elbow, the intruders hand from the rest of its person. Neshkriuma stands erect and says, above the screeching of the disarmed creature, "That bought us about five seconds, Gentlemen, I must insist". He then points to the balcony door with his sword, takes two large steps to build up speed and leaps over the short barricade that you have built. He lands amidst the wreckage of battle and takes a quick look around. With his shield he motions for you to follow and, you do.

Adzul and Ssrivan scramble up off of the floor and quickly lend assistance to Hrissu as he struggles to escort a doubled over Deshnah. Adzul, in the lead, does not bother going over the barricade but rather, using the advantage that leisure has added to his waistline and with a grimace set on his face he blasts his way through the chests and tables opening up a rather sizable hole. The other three follow through and are all on the balcony as the door bursts open.

A short, stout human stands in the doorway, angry that there is no one within striking distance and fuming that things have become so out of control. Behind him are several Ssu apparently disgusted by this humans presence and rank, as he is, by all appearances, the leader of this lame duck search and destroy mission.

Once on the balcony Ssrivan turns and launches his flaming surprise. You watch as the lanterns glow grows larger and larger as the it heads towards the door. It lands just short of the door exploding into a brilliant burst of flame. Continuing on, it rolls over the threshold, between the legs of the human warrior and out the door. It separates the Ssu behind him as it continues on out into the hallway spreading flames and some mild uproar as it makes its way to the fountain where it finally rests, burning nicely next to the moist stone. In the lit hallway you can see at least five Ssu and a few humans dressed in the robs of the flame god. You also see one of these priests grow an arrow from between his shoulderblades, his back arching from the impact, and you watch as he spins around violently trying to reach the shaft. These actions have bought you a few precious seconds and you take full advantage of them.

Your group scampers off, around the balcony and slips into Neshkriuma's room(the next room to your right as you traverse the balcony clockwise) A few thrown spears hit the balcony floor and skip to dull their points on the balcony's stone rail. Neshkriuma now pushing you into the room as he offers protections from pursuers. With several more Ssu heading toward you from the balcony side, you retreat, in somewhat of a panicked scramble into the room where all are accounted for including Churisan who you notice is getting in a few last shots through the half open hallway door. He then slams the door
shut and bolts it just moments before you hear shoulders and pole arms hit the opposite side. Churisan turns to you with a look of some satisfaction painted on his face and welcomes you to the next stage of this mornings activities.

From: Deshnah [2000-06-24 22:50:37]
Subject: What is going on here?
With a helpful drag and shove from Hrissu, Deshnah stumbles across the balconey and staggers into a corner. Stray locks of his dark hair are plastered wildly across a cold, clammy face. He is trembling and weak--desperately trying to gather focus. No animal. It didn't follow. Just as well. Soul back. Look with eyes that don't see. Oh shit. Back stiffens--up against the wall. Belt dagger pulled. [thought: It's over, kill to kill: that's all]

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-06-26 09:14:33]
Subject: door to door Ssu-polishing...
"Welcome friends, you have excellent timing!" Chúrisan smiles as he moves quickly towards the balcony, nocking another arrow. He sees Neshkriuma's bloody sword and sketches a brief salute. "We may yet hold the wretches off! I hoped we could rush the hall if I picked off a few first, but there are too many. La, Ssu and Váomahl priests, what a strange combination!" The archer looks out on to the balcony, left and right (gm: what happens to the balcony beyond Kúnur's room? Does it end, or continue on to other rooms?).

If enemies are already on the balcony, he'll shoot once, then switch to his sword. If they are not, he steps out and prepares to pick them off as they emerge. He says: "Ssrivan, would you bring a light? We should look in to Kúnur's room next door. He may have met the same fate as Vrodlan, but we should check. It would also help to bar his door."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-26 21:08:21]
Subject: hail and well met
"I see your brief time away from us was well spent, Churisan," Neshkriuma says with a rueful grin. He stoops to pick up the stray spears hurrled by the Ssu. Blunted tips or no, he suspects they may prove usefull before long. "Take great care," he says. "They may well try a more concentrated assault from the balcony this time. Now, if we could once again barricade this balcony door..."

From: Game Master [2000-06-27 15:11:00]
Subject: Batton down the hatches...
[ooc- Kurnur's room is the last room on that side of the balcony. There is his sliding door and then about 15 feet (the shared wall of his bedroom) of balcony which runs into a solid stone wall. There is a bench and a medium sized potted plant in the corner :) ]

Churisan takes a moment to peer out the sliding balcony door. You watch as he leans out over the balcony and then hurriedly ducks back into the room and starts to roll the sliding door closed. The door is heavy and well made and will supply a sturdy blockade for a short while. Neshkriuma lends a hand with shutting the door and blocking it. He then takes a look around the room and starts putting on some of his armor which is siting in the corner. Choosing only the bare minimum, for comfort and speed,as well as, the fact that he does not have the time to don the entire outfit. There is also a pile of four spears in the center of the room that Neshkriuma has brought in from outside.
There is quite a lot of noise coming from outside the doors. Angry words, frantic chiming and the sounds of heavy weapons striking wood. These doors seem to be handling the stress much better than your previous room. This will at least allow you a few moments to make some arrangements......

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-06-28 09:23:57]
Subject: more schemes needed
Chúrisan helps Neshkriuma with his armor while he speaks:

"I saw 4 armed Ssu on the balcony, and now it sounds like there might be humans there too. In the hallway earlier there were four humans: a warrior and three priests, all in Váomahl colors. I think I dropped one, maybe two priests. There were also five Ssu there, and 2 smaller creatures I'm not sure of. Not much bigger than Tinaliya, but with teeth and only two legs. I think they were armed too, but I'm not sure.

Ssrivan, is there any way we could break through into Kúnur's room next door? This place seems pretty solid, but it would win us more time, and I am worried about the little physician.

Adzul, is there any way to dispel this wierd sound muffling? It seems to have kept our hosts from hearing our troubles. Or perhaps you could send a sorcerous message?"

Once Neshkriuma is armored to his satisfaction, Chúrisan sets his bow and arrows aside, and takes up one of the spears.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-29 09:29:16]
Subject: Buckle up for safety
"The small creatures you saw are, I believe, Pigmy Folk. But they are little more than merchants, certainly not warriors! I killed one at least, but what they are doing in this unholy alliance I cannot imagine."

With Churisan's help Neshkriuma is quickly armoured. He sheathes his sword and takes up one of the spears. La, what a morning, he thinks. We may yet prevail only to be roasted like last nights Tsi'il beast by that fire outside. Where IS that Hru'u-cursed guard?

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-06-29 14:02:15]
Subject: Lights Again
Ssrivan looks for the materials to light this room's lantern as well, gathering its oil supply and some cloth for use as a later potential fireball. He then lights the light and uses it to scan the wall carefully between this and Kunur's room. It is possible there is a secret way here.

"You might want to get any loose combustibles ready, just in case I need to fling another flaming lantern at our opponents again. The last one did seem to discomfit them for just enough time for us to get away. Maybe this time we can even burn one of them."

"Can someone look after Deshnah--he doesn't look at all well, and I am busy scanning this wall for a possible way out of here."

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-06-29 15:18:46]
Subject: I guard.
The invisible Hrissu calls from a direction Deshnah-wards.
"Do not fear for Deshnah, I am as close to him as the shore to the sea."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-06-30 09:12:35]
Subject: Got a light?
"Take care with that lantern, friend SSrivan," Neshkriuma says gently. "Its use as a weapon was inspired, but I fear blocking our only route of escape with flame."

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-07-01 14:53:36]
Subject: Walls and Peepholes
"La! It seems our hosts are the usual curious sorts. Here we see that it is possible to look in upon the hapless Kunur, though it appears that nothing is amiss in his room, so maybe our opposition was after one of us instead and he was far enough away from the epicenter of their search that he was ignored or forgotten"

"I will take care with the fire friends, as I am not interested in becomeing charcoal for the next fire festival, but sometimes extreme actions are necessary so I want to be prepared."

With that, ssrivan awaits the response of the others.

From: Game Master [2000-07-02 23:06:55]
Subject: what's that?
All of you stand there in the room, panting, a bit from exertion and a bit from nerves. What a miserable way to start the day, you think to yourself and look around the room at you partners. It is apparent that all of you feel trapped and uneasy about your present situation. All of you seem to be contemplating some plan that will exercise your attackers and which will create a much more pleasant morning atmosphere for your group.

It wasn't all that noticeable at first, what with all the confusion and fighting, but then you felt you had to strain your ears hard to make sure that you heard right. The pounding and hacking at the doors had stopped! You heard nothing outside your room other than the fountain gurgling in the hallway. Inside your room you could only hear poor Deshnah as he tried to regain some balance in his life and the sounds of leather straps stretching and
creaking as Neshkriuma flexed and twisted himself so that his armor would settle in its comfortable battle position. You can make out the sound of Chúrisan's hands sliding around the shaft of the spear, searching for the best balance point and tightest grip advantage. The sound of tearing cloth also fills the air and Ssrivan readies another possible fiery surprise package. It is hard to say which is more uncomfortable, this new silence or the relentless ferreting sounds of your attackers.......

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-07-03 10:14:49]
Subject: Plans and Silences
"Either our enemies have come up with something else with which to eradicate us or they have finally been distracted by the rest of the compound's guards. I would suggest that someone take a quick look out at the balcony and be braced for a rush through the door. Their sorcerors seem to be strong enough to do such a frail ting some serious damage, and being surprised by them for a second time this morning is not on my preferred schedule of activities for the day."

With that, Ssrivan continues preparations for the fiery surprise--just in case.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-07-03 11:16:09]
Subject: Sight unseen
"Perhaps Hrissu could take advantage of his present state and spy on our attackers unseen."

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-07-05 09:44:48]
Subject: Take a deep breath and...
Hrissu, looking now more like a man made of clear water than entirely invisible, moves to the balcony door. Sticking to the shadows, he slips outside to take a quick peek around.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-07-07 09:08:57]
Subject: Coming up short...
Hrissu moves to the balcony door, making as if to open it. He peers through the grating and pulls back with a puzzled look on his face. He places his hand to the door, poking a finger through the grating. He hits something hard.

"Stone, comrades, black as night."

He turns back to his companions.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-07-08 17:13:54]
Subject: Huh.......?
"Stone...? Is this a mage's handiwork? A trap of some kind perhaps?"

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-07-09 14:19:46]
Subject: Checking the walls again
Ssrivan looks through the peephole to the room next door, as it looks like it might be very important in the next few kiren. Once he does this,he also checks the ceiling for solidity/potential escape routes. This room smells too much like a trap at the moment, and unanticipated escape routes must be quickly and quietly utilized.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-07-12 08:40:02]
Subject: stone?
Chúrisan also examines the balcony door, spear in hand. Is the whole portal sealed with stone? Are there any more sounds coming from outside either door?

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2000-07-15 21:14:37]
Subject: Time to bail
"Well," Neshkriuma says, more than a little frustrated, "either we are being sealed in for our entrapment or for our protection. I don't know if those magic users have enough power left to support a spell such as this, but either way this turn of events is not of our choosing. It is time for us to regain the initiative". With that said he begins to probe the ceiling with his spear hoping to find some means of egress from this part of the complex.

From: Game Master [2000-07-15 23:17:17]
Subject: the box....
The room is lit solely by the small lantern that Ssrivan has ignited, and it hangs on a hook on the wall where is sways back and forth casting long and ever-changing shadows across the room. The colors of the wall hangings and the dark wooden doors give the room a dark mysterious ambiance which is being washed over by the rich golden light cast forth from the lantern. The wick is a bit long and so the lantern also sends out a thick black smoke which you watch curl up to the ceiling. You know that it will burn down quickly and so you will tolerate its unpleasant oder for now. Besides, there are much more important things to deal with at the moment.

Chúrisan, you notice, is laying on his belly at the hallway door. He is looking under the door, studying, prodding something with his spear. After a moment he turns his head towards you and pushes himself up to his hands and knees saying, "It appears thatthis door is blocked by stone as well". Then he leans on the spear in his hand and stands up, adjusting the sword which is clipped to his belt and brushing off the front of his armor padding.

Neshkriuma, joining Ssrivan in finding an alternative exit, starts jamming his spear up and against the ceiling. After the first few thrusts of his spear you can see that the ceiling is made of solid stuff. Most of his blows glance off the hardened clay-type material.No doubt having been cured over the years by the heat of the burning lanterns and the like. But Neshkriuma does not quit. Small step, jab,...small step, jab,.... small step, jab,...he continues across the ceiling section by section, looking for any area that would give sign of yielding.

Here, at this moment, it would seem that there is little else to do.......

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2000-07-16 16:43:53]
Subject: spyholes?
Chúrisan asks: "Ssrivan, could you show us where you found the spyhole into Kunur's room next door? We should see if they too are blocked, and if there are similar tiny windows into Neshkriuma's room on the other side. Perhaps they will be weak points in the walls that we can use to break through?"

[assuming he finds the holes, he'll look through and pry and poke with his spear to see if there are panels or thin spots in the walls]

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2000-07-18 09:04:04]
Subject: Those wacky Drhé priests.
Hrissu sits down, cross-legged in the middle of the room and waits.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2000-07-22 08:59:11]
Subject: Spyholes
Ssrivan shows the group the location of the spyhole and continues his scan of the ceiling, taking careful note of the results of Neshkriuma's pokings. Such pokings may make obvious hidden traces of earlier constructions no longer known to even the current inhabitants of this place.

From: Game Master [2000-07-25 10:20:34]
Subject: Poky-man.....
Small step, jab,...small step, jab,.... small step, jab,... After several long minutes one of the jabs sounds soft, more of a hollow thud in comparison to the sharp, crisp ping that Neshkriuma had been hearing. He pauses, then thrusts the spear up again. You see the bludgeoned point make a dent. Again, he slams the spear head into the ceiling and again it gives away to the force of the strike. Several more heavy jabs and a slight hole starts to become apparent and small pieces begin to shower down over Neshkriuma and on to the floor. It is a fine white powder which floats down lightly creating a dusting effect on all
that is below it. Then, finally, the spear breaks through the ceiling and as Neshkriuma brings it back out, he also brings down a larger potion of the plaster. It hits the ground and shatters like glass against the hard stone floor. Neshkriuma turns to you and says,

"I think we may have just found a way out of here".

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2000-07-27 05:38:20]
Subject: We need a ruse
"Friends I believe what we need now is a ruse to make sure nothing awaits us atop the hole. Perhaps a helmet on our friends spear?"