Trapped Like a Rat

4 November, 595
Part Three

After given healing by Throckmorten, Jimmy is still feeling the detrimental affects of the poison. It is decided to return to the surface and pay a visit to the Temple of St. Cuthbert. Jenya agrees to cure the poison for a reduced price, and the group also purchases some potions, cashing in on the blue spinel gem that was found.

After a private chat with Jenya, Joseph learns that he is to be sent on an urgent mission to Sasserine immediately, and needs to leave the group that day. Brisk also learns that he has some important family business to take care of, as one of his relatives in Hollowsky has fallen ill.

The group decides to have a quick meal (provided gratis, thanks to Plenty's music and Jimmy's hypnotic spell), then head back to the gnome ruins. Before reentering, the group hears from behind the keysmith's shop curtain a debate between Keygan and someone who had entered the shop. Moments later, the curtain parts to reveal a well-groomed elf garbed in chainmail, bearing the religious symbol of Wee Jas. The elf introduces himself as Nodonn, and states that he has learned of the activities through a revelation from his goddess. She has directed him to them to aid in the search for the lost children.

Now 6 in number, the group ventures back into the ruins. Returning to the room behind the ajar "A" door in the mask room, they come to a tunnel ending with a stone ladder leading up to a hole in the ceiling. Poking his head through, Jimmy is swiped by something sharp. He immediately leaps down and warns the rest of the group. Nodonn leaps up the hole with his sword at the ready and finds himself in an empty room. A quick search of the small room reveals a hidden door. Opening the door, Jimmy moves into the room and is immediately ambushed by another "tall one." Stepping over Jimmy's fallen body, Nodonn enters the room and engages the creature. He is quickly joined by Bruinor and Lyra. Finding himself surrounded, the creature throws his arms up and shouts something in an unknown language, but is met by the merciless answer of steel. Bruinor's axe carves a fine arc through his midsection, and it is Lyra's sword through his back which finishes him off.

Found in the room are several chests and a cage containing a rat with a white starry patch on his head. Plenty grabs the cage, and Bruinor takes to smashing chests. After finding some loot among the smashed remains, the group drags the beaten body of Jimmy out of the ruins. The rat (Starbrow) is presented to Keygan and he is overcome with joy to be reunited with his companion.

Off to the temple again and this time an assistant cleric helps with the healing, and the rogue decides to purchase some additional healing potions. By this time it was dark and everyone decides to get a night's rest before embarking on another expedition.