The adventurers’ noses are once more assaulted by the stench of the slimy walls of the well. The gaping wound in the side of the well near its water level still looms, daring you to enter again.

Jack grimaces and leads the merry crew through the gaping wound and through the various passages to the bloody shrine where the boulder awaits.

Tarin follows behind muttering darkly under his breath.

Uriwan and Katarina wield their daggers, and follow behind Jack and Tarin.  Many unpleasant memories come rushing back as they inhale the awful air. They are constantly looking about - watching out for nasty creatures that may try to surprise the group.

Halton looks around the insides of the tunnel.  "You know, this isn't so bad.  A little bit of soap and elbow grease topped with some fresh paint and this could be quite livable.  We'd probably have to do something about that entrance though.  Maybe a nice spiral staircase.  I have a cousin who does wonderful woodwork.  And we wouldn't even have to drain the well.  Throw some goldfish in there, add in a tiny little fountain or two.  It would be impressive."

In reply to Halton the Wanderer (msg # 4):

"Oh yeah?, challenges Tarin. "And what about them worms burrowing into your head when you're trying ta sleep? And wormy food!" he adds with a grimace.

Jack Quick again slips into the opening in the stone into the cramped mucous-covered chamber.

There are seven alcoves in the walls, five are filled by peasant corpses trapped in the horrific screams of their death. They have extra holes stabbed in them with a pitchfork as a preventative measure, performed on the previous expedition.

With a grim exptession Jack searches each corpse for anything that might help them against the necromancer.

Uriwan makes a face of disgust - first at the corpses, then at Jack's searching of them.  But, what must be done must be done. He turns a blind eye while Jack searches them... but hopes that he finds something useful.

One of the corspses has a belt pouch containing 23cp, 11sp, and a small sapphire worth 15gp. Also the pair of rusty hook-beaked polearms remain on the muddy floor from the first zombie encounter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:28, Mon 18 Mar.

In reply to The Judge (msg # 9):

Jack collects the valuables and pair of rusty hook-beaked remains. (?) "We're almost there!"
He dons the golden circlet and contines on.

Tarin pauses. "And what's the plan when we get there? Just wander in and ask for our friends back? And why do you get to wear the headband, huh?"

Jack Stops mid-stride and turns. "I'm wearing it so when I sneak up and stab him in the back, he doesn't get a chance to charm me! Great plan, yeah?!" He glances quizzically around at the group.

When Jack glances at the group, Uriwan mutters something about "...better you than me."

He and Katarina fall in behind the others, glad to let them take point in this terrible place.

"We certainly have to charge him," Halton suggests.  "Keep him off balance so he can't zap us like he did them.  Because then other people would have to come and rescue us.  And then people would have to rescue them.  And in no time at all, Pruneface will have an army."

"Of course," ponders Jack. "If someone were to place the headband on one of our friends it would break the charm and free them. if one of you wete to free Urmdrak or Pyke, they could help against the necromancer."

Uriwan strokes his chin while he mulls over Jack's words.  Finally he says, "Hmm, well, I guess I could give it a go.  I have always been somewhat agile... and sometimes really lucky to boot, so I might be able to accomplish that.  It would be helpful if one of you could distract Urmdrak, somehow, and then I can try to sneak up to him and put the headband on him."

Then he turns to Halton, "You're imagination certainly is active, friend! Ha! What with rescuers and spiral staircases... where do you come up with all that?!"

The trap door one of your brethren fell through earlier is still there, its cover of mucous slightly torn.

Jack steps carefully around the trap door and proceeds on his way.

Tarin follows closely behind.

"Oi - what's this then?" asks Uriwan as he skirts around the trap door. "Did one of your fellows stumble in it unawares, last time?"

Katarina carefully moves around it as well, making a disgusted face as she looks into the pit.

In reply to Keele Road Crew (msg # 17):

Jack looks over his shoulder and grimaces.
"One of the many reasons why we should get us and our friends out of here as soon as we can."