With both swords clean Crow was ready once more to head further inland and find the source of the sound of running water. As he and Tohmas examined the terrain ahead of the others, the sound of this ‘Happy Water’ seemed to grow louder and louder!

Signaling the others to stand quiet they could all tell that this was the sound of a river somehow flowing underneath the rubble. With no sign up to this point of neither any aquatic life, nor any animal that would be drawn to such life sustaining water it was clearly a mystery to investigate. Putting his ear to the ground the Ranger attempted to determine which way the water flowed. He was rewarded with the information that the river was not only covered by rubble, but at a particular point seemed to cascade downward into a cavern.

Standing up he passed his findings to Tohmas who after a bit of his own investigating also concurred that Crow was indeed correct in what he had discovered about the Happy Water. With Bartimeous discovery of gold beneath the rubble then stairs leading there was no doubt that the Seekers would venture forth. Bending down Crow briefly examined one of the gold pieces and found nothing amiss about it and so took up three of them. Like the eye patch, which he had not worn, they might very well come in handy.

Once more one of the two Seekers in the lead along with Amur the Seekers all started down the steps and into the semi-darkness beyond..............

Standing rear guard, Elyra watched as the others decended before starting down herself. The light of the lantern provided plenty of light for her to see with her elvin ability. She hoped that there were no more nasty things waiting for them.

Crow lead the way as he and Tohmas search to find the source of the water sounds. Before long the ranger indicated the sound was under ground. Tohmas placed his ear to the ground and he too heard the rush and fall of water. “This why we do not see the benefit of the waters, it is hidden away. If we ere to find it the way would have been shown.” At that they heard Mylos let out a scream.

Rushing to his aid they saw the Gnome pull his hand from a cleft in the stone to reveal a gold coin. The party gathered and search the rubble, soon more coins were found. As they cleared the debris Tohmas notice that it appeared to be steps leading down toward the sound of the waters.

( using some of the Q&A info from Hammer.)

Stepping forward the Cleric motioned and suddenly the stone blew away revealing passage going down. As the dust settled more coins were on the stairs and soon each of the party had at least one of the coins. Peering into the dark of the passage Tohmas said, “I’ll gather materials to make torches, you continue to clear the steps.” In short order the Shaman had located some long pieces of wood and with Crows help they soon had fashioned two torches.

The party now gathered in preparation to follow the coins and see what may be found along the sounds of the under ground waters. The stair was wide enough that they descend three across but they choose the travel two by two. Caution was the wise way to travel. So with Amur and Crow leading they started.

Bartimeous was not as outwardly excited about finding any gold as Mylos seemed to be, but the Cleric focused upon channeling his 'inner excitement' by laying his hands upon the rubble around the exposed space, unleashing a Minor Blast Spell that produced the slightest concussive damage possible!

Apparently, the Cleric of Toft was much more excited, or much more exhausted from battling the Skeleton Pirates, than any Seeker realized, including himself.

Although none of the eager spectators were injured by the concussion blast, Bartimeous staggered upon the impact, as a few stones were separated from their original positions! [-2 Hit Points]

The Paladin named Jaufre was quick to react to the minor plight of his fellow Seeker, as he responded by laying his hands upon the fatigued Cleric, restoring his health and vitality with this simple act of compassion for a fellow Seeker! [+2 Hit Points]

The other Seekers began clearing away the dislodged rubble, stirring up great clouds of dust in the laborious process, exposing more gold coins, plus clearing enough room for the Seekers to begin their descent via the exposed steps into the mysterious unknown below!

As the dust settled more coins were on the stairs and soon each of the party had at least one of the coins. Peering into the dark of the passage Tohmas said, “I’ll gather materials to make torches, you continue to clear the steps.” In short order the Shaman had located some long pieces of wood and with Crows help they soon had fashioned two torches.

The party now gathered in preparation to follow the coins and see what may be found along the sounds of the under ground waters. The stair was wide enough that they descend three across but they choose the travel two by two. Caution was the wise way to travel. So with Amur and Crow leading they started.
Although not everyone was motivated to grab a gold coin, suspicious of any traps or curses, it was the Gnome Bard Mylos who eagerly pressed a coin into the hands of those who had not grabbed one for themselves, insisting that they may have some kind of ability to aid the Seekers in the not too distant future, as the eye patches had done previously!

This was exactly the thought of Tohmas the Shaman, but his view was regarding the 10 gold coins each Seeker had received earlier that day, before leaving the ship to explore the city.

Ironically, both sets of coins bore the same resemblance!

However, there was only one way to find out: that being descending down the steps, after Crow had helped Tohmas create two makeshift torches, for none of the inexperienced Seekers had thought of bringing torches with their equipment inventory for exploring or finding treasure!

In fact, it was unclear if any of them had even considered that their exploration and search might lead them inside some dark edifice, or take them underground, as they were now doing!

Between the wood found by the Shaman and the Ranger's rope, bandages and candles ignited by the fire starting tools carried by more than one Seeker, they managed to cobble together two suitable torches to begin their journey down the awaiting steps!

Crow took charge of arranging the order the Seekers would take, before descending towards whatever awaited them below! Both he and Tohmas had discussed this very point among themselves, while they were constructing the torches.

They both agreed that Mylos would be a liability to the entire group, were the Gnome Bard stationed at the head of the line, where his lust for gold coins and any other type of treasure, might trip a trap and endanger the others with his over-zealousness to obtain the objects of his desires!

Amur the Rogue and Crow the Ranger would lead the procession, on the lookout for any traps, aided by the torchlight behind them.

Willem the Fighter andTohmas the Druid, carrying the first torch, were second in line.

Jaufre the Paladin and the Cleric named Bartimeous, also carrying the second torch, took their respective positions in the middle of the Seekers lineup.

Followed by Areldor the Illusionist, holding his lamp, without being distracted watching the back side of the lovely Elf Bard. He was accompanied by the Knight named Vincent who had proven himself handy with a blade!

The two Bards, Mylos and Elyra were stationed at the end of the line, being counted upon to guard the Seekers from any sudden attack from behind them!

As the Seekers began their descent down the steps, the sound of the 'Happy Water' of the now underground river cascading to the bottom of the natural cavern, had more of a soothing effect upon their tense emotions, than contributing to the eeriness of the unknown awaiting them below!

They descended five steps, littered with gold coins, before finding themselves on a landing about 45 feet long and ten feet wide.

From this landing, the Seekers were able to pause and examine the surroundings that awaited them below. The air was fresh enough, with no trace of poison, nor any trace of any living or undead inhabitants below.

They watched a few moments as the water from the river cascaded below to form a smaller river running about 30 feet and emptying into a much larger pool of water, surrounded by an expansive border of mud.

There was another seven steps leading to another landing, followed by another six steps that ended between two walls, bordering a stone floor.

Each set of steps was littered with gold coins, but at the bottom they could see three Treasure Chests with more gold coins strewn all around them!

Those with keener vision were able to see a Table and a Chair beneath the second landing. On top of the table was one set of Bracers and a Wand, plus some Candles. There was also a Cot near the table, but no sign of any living being, nor undead monstrosity.

But it was the keen eyes of Mylos that caused the Gnome Bard to tap the Elf Bard Elyra politely on her left knee, then pointed to the second landing below, inquiring with a hushed whisper: "Do you see what I see?"
Elyra nodded as she noticed what had unnerved the Gnome at her side, a Parchment clutched by a partial set of four skeletal fingers, broken in the middle of the digits, where a whole skeletal hand, including a missing thumb, should have been!

At Last the Map! Direct Your Questions or Comments in the QnA Please!

Elyra felt Mylos tap her knee and saw him point. The skeletal hand seemed to be cluthching some sort of parchment. "I see it Mylos. Perhaps it would be best if we both take a look at it before moving deeper." Elyra raised her voice to be heard by all. "I would like to take a look at that parchment with Mylos before we head down any further. Might give us a clue as to what awaits." Elyra made her way past the others on her way to the skeletal hand. Carefully she removed the parchment and took a look. "Hmm, the hand seems to be missing a thumb. Looks like it was bitten off somehow." After a brief glance at the parchment she added, "Anyone want to help look this over?" Elyra also thought about the gold. Why was it being carried in here and by whom? Perhaps simply reporting the gold would be smart. Plus it would give them all a chance to confer with the captain about the skeleton pirates.

As the Seekers began their descent down the steps, the sound of the 'Happy Water' of the now discovered underground river cascading to the bottom of the natural cavern, had more of a soothing effect upon their tense emotions but Crow was not buying it, something felt wrong. Then after five steps, each littered with gold coins like the 3 the Ranger now had in his pocket, the Seekers found themselves on a landing about 45 feet long and ten feet wide.

From this landing Crow were able to pause and examine the surroundings that awaited the ten Seekers below. As far as he could tell the air was fresh with no trace of poison, or any smell or trace of any of the undead inhabitants from above.

Then down another seven steps and another landing, Crow watching Amur all the way keeping him covered. Then another six steps that ended between two walls, bordering a stone floor. Each set of steps was littered with gold coins, but at the bottom he could see three chests with yet more gold coins strewn all around them. At this point Crow realized why he felt as he did.....This was all to easy.

True they had faced the undead above, the Elf Ranger assumed were the guardians of this place, but no one puts three chests of gold, a set of bracers and dozens of gold coins, with just undead as guards.

Then from behind came Elyra’s raised voice.

"I would like to take a look at that parchment with Mylos before we head down any further. Might give us a clue as to what awaits.”

Crow had no problem with that, none at all. If there was a trap down there better someone more familiar with magic and such then he himself. Sheathing his two swords he took his bow, ’Dragon Keeper’, from his back and knocked an arrow keeping a second ready for rapid reloading. Moving to the best vantage point he could find, he covered the two Bards as they moved past him, nodding to Elyra with a smile of knowing, then watching them head towards the skeleton hand.......

After receiving a gold coin from Mylos, Areldor looked at the coins they all received from the crew of the ship. “They are the same” the illusionist said quietly, but aloud to himself. Then he joked “May be we are returning treasure for Mad Dog instead seeking it” as he studied the two coins. Then he put them away and adjusted the eye patch on his fore head to make sure it could be seen then got the lantern ready.

Moments later the decision on how the team was to descended into the underworld of the city. This time Areldor was partnered with the Vincent. He proved himself in the last battle and seemed to be a very sincere young man but he did enjoy the female bard for company not just for her beauty but her sharp wit and zeal for life. But he was not that dismayed for the Elyra was behind him. He looked back to her before they started down and said with a sly smile, “Now you are going to do your best not to skewer me with your sharp friends, Right?”As the Seeker’s moved down the stairs, Areldor studied and listened as they moved down. He was going to keep conversation down to a minimum. The skeletons caught them off guard the last time and he was not about to let that happen again so he was going to be extra alert.

Areldor eyes slowly adjusted to the use of the torches and his lantern. He now could see the water that made the “happy “sound. It fell into pool that seem not to overflow and the stairs kept going down toward it and was littered with the same gold coins all the way down. “This is strange very strange” the illusionist thought to himself. “This gold and nothing here to guard it, Great Minerva, please give us knowledge to know what is in our surrounding.”

As they made it to the second platform Elyra spoke up "I would like to take a look at that parchment with Mylos before we head down any further. Might give us a clue as to what awaits.” The two bards noticed something that Areldor missed. They saw a hand with a parchment in it and wanted to examine it before we got to the bottom of the stairs. To Areldor this was a great idea. Maybe once again he believed his goddess would reveal some answers to what has happened here.

Elyra raised her voice to be heard by all. "I would like to take a look at that parchment with Mylos before we head down any further. Might give us a clue as to what awaits." Elyra made her way past the others on her way to the skeletal hand. Carefully she removed the parchment and took a look.
Amur was carefully studying the surroundings from the landing where they had all stopped to observe the chamber which lie before them. He turned when he heard Elyra speak; a parchment? He watched as she passed Crow and him, who were in the lead and make her way down the steps towards the next landing where he spotted the parchment she mentioned. He started to say something about how there might be traps, but he shrugged; somethings people had to learn the hard way. He followed her down more slowly, checking the steps for traps as he went down.

The boy thief bypassed the gold on the steps, they could always pick it up on the way out. He was more interested in getting out alive than gold right now. Reaching the second landing, he gave it a check for anything unusual, other than a skeletal hand holding a parchment. He was less concerned with scrolls and parchments, most were magical and they didn’t interest him much; he left them to more magically inclined individuals.

As some of the others moved to check out the parchment, Amur moved to the stairs heading on down towards the bottom and began to check them for traps and safety. If things appeared safe, he would move down them slowly continuing to check as he went. If he reached the bottom, he would check around the area where the chests lay; he found it hard to believe that all this treasure was just laying here for the taking. Well they had fought their way through a mob of skeleton pirates to get here. This must be what they were guarding; they worried him, especially the fact that they seemed to be associated with their employer. Why were they here? Was it for this gold? What happened to transform them into the undead that were destined to guard the very treasure they might have been sent here to obtain? It was a mystery that Amur would like to unravel; and he was determined not to suffer the same fate as the previous employees of ‘Mad Dog’ Muldoon.

(OOC: Basically he is going to move down the stairs to the bottom where the chests are, checking for traps the whole way. Once at the bottom, he will check around the chests for traps and anything unusual.)

The group cautiously descended the stair two by two. Tohmas carried a torch to help light the way for those that didn’t have sight for the dark. Gold coin littered the steps and the party collected them as they moved down into the craven. They soon came to a landing where they saw the waters gather into a pool. As their eyes adjusted they were able to see more, some a bit unnerving. There were three chests holding gold at the bottom, at table held a wand and guntlets. But what bothered Tohmas was a parchment that was held by four skeletal hands.

As Crow drew his bow to prepare to defend the party Tohmas called out, “Don’t touch that parchment.. those hands may be those of the last to try to claim it. There may be an enchantment upon it. Perhap the text can be copied to study.” Tohmas also drew his bow to assist Crow.

Crow drew his bow, ever vigilant against an unexpected attack, while his friend Tohmas did the same, after shouting out a warning that the parchment may have some type of curse or trap!

However, the two Bards, Elyra and Mylos did not seem to pay any attention to the shout from above!

Disregarding the warning from the cautious Shaman, the two Bards first examined the skeletal remains of what had been a left hand; obviously bitten off below the fingertips and above the middle knuckles, with no trace of the missing left thumb!

They eagerly grabbed the parchment, puzzling over its contents, as they unrolled it to its full length; although there were no cursed repercussions from touching the parchment, as the Shaman had feared, both Bards soon discovered that the contents read like the ramblings of a mad man, written in several archaic and unknown or forgotten languages and scripts!

Amur had passed them by, moments before they had reached for the parchment, searching the area for traps. The boy Rogue was disregarding the gold coins; while considering that some people may have to learn the hard way; when it comes to hidden treasures, mysterious parchments and the possibility of life threatening traps!

Fortunately for the Seekers, no traps were laying in wait along the steps, nor were there any traps associated with the three treasure chests on the stone floor below!

There were no markings indicating to whom the treasure chests belonged, not one trace of an etching of a Toothless Dragon, so they did not seem to be the forgotten property of their employer, Mad Dog Muldoon; nor was their any other seal to indicate they belonged to any type of royalty or city treasury!

However, the chest on the left was filled to the brim with Orc Gold Plates, (10 Plates = 50 Human Round Gold Coins). The middle chest contained an equally brimming cache of Dwarf Gold Squares, (10 Dwarf Gold Squares = 30 Human Round Gold Coins).

The chest on the right was filled to over flowing with Human Round Gold Coins, that were spilled all round about the three chests and all along the steps the Rogue had traversed.

He had noticed on the way down, that the gold coins on the final flight of stairs had been pushed to either side of the steps, but there were no traps along the way.

The coins were also pushed aside against the two walls and the treasure chest on the far right (*when looking at the Map*) and as the boy Rogue carefully examined each treasure chest, he concluded that each weighed several hundred pounds, more weight than any two of the Seekers together, would be able to carry up the narrow flight of stairs between the two landings!

Meanwhile, the inquisitive Illusionist named Areldor got as close to the two Bards as he dared, silently praying to Minerva for protection, while the two Seekers together slowly deciphered a few random words:

"Beware
Giants
Forbidden
Mountains
Stay Away
South Village
Orcs
Magic
Danger
Dragons
Protect City
Destroy Forest
Curse Pirates
Hid Treasure
Doomed City
Took Refuge
River
Caverns
Stay Hidden
Ring of Sustenance
Arcane Magic
Forbidden Spells
Terrible Mistake
My Fault

Faldian Misirim
Junrero 23, 97awd"
The above 'Word Clues' give you a somewhat ambiguous picture of why the city is a pile of rubble!

Amur carefully examined the chests once he reached them; he didn’t find any traps which was surprising but also a good thing. He picked up one of the Orc gold plates and examined it; a slow smile spread across his face. This was quite a haul, and speaking of haul he estimated that each of these chests weight a couple hundred pounds or more.

“Ahhhh, people,” he said loud enough to be heard by the people still up on the landing above where they had stopped to examine the parchment, “the chests appear to be safe, I don’t find any traps anywhere here, but this is a lot of gold. We won’t be able to carry this up these stairs alone.”

He thought maybe they should notify the Captain and his crew and have them come and assist them in hauling out the gold, but he decided to not say as much. He was sure someone else would bring it up; it was sometimes best to appear to be not so smart so that people might underestimate one’s worth. Amur was not here to impress or lead this group, he was here for the adventure and the gold of course.

Amur’s spotted a table with a chair and a cot near the wall by the base of the stairs; his sharp eyes spotted something laying atop the table. Walking over, he raised an eyebrow at a set of Bracers and what looked like a magic wand. He doesn’t touch them but instead checks the table and around the items for any signs of traps. If he doesn’t find any he reaches out and nudges the bracers slightly with the point of a dagger, if nothing happens he examines them closer and notices some kind of writing on them that is not familiar to him.

“Elyra,” Amur calls up to the bard on the landing, “there is something else here you might want to check out when you are done up there with that parchment. It appears to be a set of Bracers and maybe a magic wand, both with some kind of writing on it. Maybe magical.”

Elyra was gald for the extra time she spent at the bard academy. It was in those extra years she learned enough about languages to translate at least a portion of the parchment. Although it did not give specifics, it appeared that there was a battle of some sort in the area that has destroyed the city. "The parchement speaks of the skeleton pirates and the destruction of the city. It also speaks of orc mages, giants and dragons. We made it past the pirates but I would not like to run into magic weilding orcs or dragons. Perhaps it would be best if we retreive some of this gold and report our finding." She had just finished speaking when a call came that some magic items had been found. "Magic items you say? Well this place gets more and more interesting." Elyra made her way to the items. "Well now, these look somewhat familiar. I am sure I saw something like this in professor Ferksburg's advanced magical jewelry course. Or was it in professor Thornbloom's class on identification of magical items. Well either way let me think a moment and see if I can recall anything in particular about them.

Carefully studying the bracers, Elyra turned them and checked the marking. "Well crafted but somewhat delecate. Not intended for a warrior. Being made of metal, thieves would have no use for them. No markings of any god I have heard of and I have heard of many." After a few more turns her eyebrow rose. "Ahh, now I know. These are designed for one who practices magic. Areldor, come look. These are designed for one such as you. If I am right they will grant you some extra protection during combat. How much I cannot tell." Elyra held them out to Areldor.

Taking up the wand she once more searched her memory for answers. "Well balanced. A bit of soot on the hand grip area. Reminds me of one they had at the academy. Some sort of offensive wand but what?" Closing her eyes she became lost in concentration. "Lightning? No, not quite. Poison gas? No they never showed us that one. Fire? Of course, they had that uncharged firewand and it also had soot on the handle. Of course being used up it was never demonstrated. I remember them saying that these types of wands have limited charges." Holding it carefully she looked at Areldor. "I believe it is your lucky day to become the owner of two magic items. I cannot tell you exactly what will happen when you use this but I would caution against practicing as it may not have many charges left, perhaps as few as one." As she handed it over she noticed a tiny engraving. "Hmm, this is an archaic language etched here." She pointed out the engraving. "If I am correct it says 'Faldian Fire!'. Just promise that you will not point that thing at me."

"Beware Giants Forbidden Mountains
Stay Away South Village Orcs Magic
Danger Dragons Protect City Destroy Forest
Curse Pirates Hid Treasure Doomed City Took Refuge
River Caverns Stay Hidden Ring of Sustenance
Arcane Magic Forbidden Spells Terrible Mistake My Fault

Faldian Misirim
Junrero 23, 97awd"

“Hmm” the illusionist thought to himself. Pondering the writing on the parchment as the bard went down the stairs to meet with Amur. “I understand the pirates line we have lived that and the River cavern could mean where we are, besides the orcs and giants and dragon lines, the forbidden spell one I think could be the worst.” Areldor was pondering when Elyra called to him to come down the lower level near the table. He slowly made his way down with lantern in tow gazing at the amount of treasure that was everywhere. Bars of gold and coin were in the chests and Amur had already said there were no traps to be found.


As he approached the bard she held out some bracers. “These are designed for one such as you. If I am right they will grant you some extra protection during combat. How much I cannot tell." He looked at her with a surprised expression. “Me?” was what he said as he cautiously took the bracers from the Bard. Areldor turned them over in his hand wondering what they would do if he put them on and what type of protection would they afford him? He studied the magic items. Once again reached back into the past trying to finding stories of items found like the one the bard was handing him. Some telling how the magic in the bracer granted speed or the one that Garlin told himself of a man gaining the ability to breath underwater. Areldor chucked at that last thought ,still he was not too sure of them just yet and was going to as her a question about them when she spoke again to him about the wand she was giving the once over too.

I believe it is your lucky day to become the owner of two magic items. I cannot tell you exactly what will happen when you use this but I would caution against practicing as it may not have many charges left, perhaps as few as one." As she handed it over she noticed a tiny engraving. "Hmm, this is an archaic language etched here." She pointed out the engraving. "If I am correct it says 'Faldian Fire!'. Just promise that you will not point that thing at me."

“Minerva be praised “ was what Areldor said as she passed the wand to him. Magic wands were very powerful in the hands of the right people, this was something Uncle Garlin did mention many times to him in time leading up to his exodus. "Wands are tools, but you need to use them at the right time and know the phrase that will activate the magic " Areldor took the wand in hand and looked at it carefully. This was his first real magic wand. He has wooden one that is used in his shows but that just really was a prop. This item had magic stored in it and he could feel it. He carefully went over the wand to make sure he knew which was the business end of it and carefully put it away in side bag with his spell book. Then looked back at Elyra and said "Thank you. but I did hear you said "Faldian Fire" right?" Then with a smile he asked the beautiful bard "Now can you take the time and explain these bracers again."

Elyra returned to the parchment and studied it again. "I think I know why this gold is just lying around and what happened to the pirates. If I read this right, this is a dragons hoard and the pirates were cursed for trying to steal it." She dug out the single gold coin given to her on the way down the steps. "Perhaps I will leave this here. Now I really think we should return to town and report this and not poke around too much more. One thing I learned from the songs I sing; there are bold adventurers and old adventurers but no old, bold adventureres."