Krondor - Text Web

MISCELLANEOUS TEXTS

[SPELLS] [TRAPS] [CONDITIONS] [LOCKS] [HOUSES] [CHESTS] [CHEATS] [DUNGEONS] [GRAVES]

CASTING A SPELL

CANDLE GLOW

VALID INVALID?

An artificial light dissolved the darkness.
Owyn shook his head, trying desperately to break his concentration. Blinking rapidly, he let his eyes adjust to the strange artificial light.
"I'm okay. Let's get going."
Clearing his mind of distracting thoughts, Owyn waited for the spell to coalesce in his mind. At first there was darkness, but slowly a flame guttered into being behind his eyelids, grew brighter until he could clearly make out the details of an underground passage. Instinctively he knew he would have no need of a torch while exploring caverns as long as he cast the spell.

DESPAIR THY EYES (Invalid?)

He felt his eyes twitch as a scene began unfolding before him. A battlefield. As he concentrated he somehow knew he was not looking out of his own eyes, but instead out of an enemy's eyes! Centered in his view was himself, staff held on high and body blazing light as he called down great power. A flash lashed down out of the skies and then... darkness and confusion. He...no, the enemy...was blind!

GIFT OF SUNG (Invalid?)

Sung -- Giver of Life, God of Healing, Bearer of Drusala's Staff. Next only to Ishap, he was the most revered of Midkemia's gods and the magical traditions passed down by him were among the easiest to master. Foremost was his gift, a spell that allowed a magician to sustain the life of a companion, to cradle him at death's door until the injured was able to heal naturally.

INVITATION (Invalid?)

Recalling the cantrip as easily as recalling his way home, Owyn smiled. Although many young magicians had formulated comic variations on the theme, Invitation was often referred less reverently to as A Kick In the Rump. Designed in the misty past by a mischievous spellcaster, it forced its unfortunate victims to suddenly stumble forward from an unseen kick.

DRAGON'S BREATH

Gorath watched in amazement.
Thick clouds of fog were rolling out of Owyn's mouth, as though some terrible fire was burning away inside his stomach and the smoke was rushing from his mouth in a horrified panic to leave his body. In less than a minute, the area was completely covered with a dense fog.

SCENT OF SARIG

Owyn muttered the incantation.
Knowing that the effects would be invisible to all but himself, Owyn explained as he finished the spell. "Until it wears off, I will be able to...sense...whether a chest has been trapped."

STARDUSK

Overhead, the stars flared.
Owyn swept his hand in a wide arc over his head, light growing around them like a shimmering dust. Blinking rapidly, he let his eyes adjust to the strange artificial light.
"A small loan from above," Owyn said in explanation. "Let's get moving."

UNION

Patrus felt a shifting in his mind.
It was as though his brain had suddenly turned itself around, and the thoughts in his head were scrambling to return order to the chaos and achieve some sense of equilibrium. At last, images began to form, and finally...words and letters, though these were not the same thoughts he was accustomed to thinking. They were moredhel!

NIGHTFINGERS (Failed Casting)

Owyn was unable to steal the [Item].
"As long as he's holding it, I can't tell what's animate and whats inanimate," he hissed in frustration. "The spell only works if the item isn't in immediate contact with living flesh. I might still be able to steal something from his pack..."

FAILED CASTING

Owyn blundered.
Hoping all was not lost, he tried to complete the rest of the incantation but realized too late that it was beyond all hope.
"Fouled it up," he snapped bitterly. "Complete waste of time."

ENTERING A TRAP

There was trouble ahead.
Unable to pinpoint the source of his anxiety immediately, James motioned for a halt. "Be wary. We may have wandered into a trap."
James noticed a circle of holes.
Instinct taking over where common sense had failed him, he shouted for stillness. "Don't move. In our daydreaming, we allowed ourselves to wander straight into a trap."
Preoccupation had dulled his senses.
Aware, as if someone had thrown water over him during pleasant dream, James grabbed Owyn's shoulder. "Don't move. There is something very not right about the ground before us."

EXITING A TRAP

They sighed in collective relief.
"We're through it, I think," James said. "But be on your guard. There may be other traps."

CONDITIONS - VARIOUS

HUNGRY

James felt weak.
Rummaging in his rucksack for a packet of rations, he frowned as it was apparent he'd already eaten through his supply. "If I don't get something to eat soon I'm going to drop."
Gorath's stomach rumbled.
Checking his bag for a packet of rations, he was dismayed as he learned he wasn't the only one that had run low on supplies. "We need to get food as soon as possible. We can't get anywhere if we're too weak to walk."

SLEEPY

James yawned.
"We need rest," he said, looking for a good place to camp. "If we go much further without sleep, we might not be able to handle any unexpected surprises on the road."
Something moved.
"On second thought, let's not sleep here," Owyn whispered, gathering up his pack. "I get the uneasy feeling someone may be watching us. Pick up your things as quietly as possible and let's move out."

SICK

Gorath’s stomach hurt.
He tipped back his head and gritted his teeth, trying to fight back the nausea that he felt welling up inside him. All color drained from his face, he drank in the air in big gulps, only to expel it again in short bursts through his pursed lips.

POISONED

Owyn was on fire.
His insides burned like hot coals in a farrier's pot, this in sharp contrast to the numbness he felt in his mouth and lips. The poison that had spread through his system was slowly sapping his strength, draining him of everything but his will to survive. Seeing the looks in his companion's eyes, he could tell that he had not suffered the poisoning effects alone.
Patrus was on fire.
His insides burned like hot coals in a farrier's pot, this in sharp contrast to the numbness he felt in his mouth and lips. The poison that had spread through his system was slowly sapping his strength, draining him of everything but his will to survive.

PLAGUED

No one wished to speak about it.
Seeing the glazed looks in each other's eyes and sickly pallor each had begun to exhibit, it was more than obvious they had fallen prey to a virulent plague.
Silently, James hoped they would reach a temple soon before they all died of it.

NEAR-DEATH

Owyn's head swam.
"I don't feel well," he gasped, clasping a hand over his blood drenched side. "My wounds may be mortal." Turning, he saw that Locklear was in a likewise circumstance, his face as pale as corpse. "Perhaps you should leave us. We're only slowing everything down."
Gorath shook his head. "We will find a healer or a temple or something. This won't be the end of the road."
Owyn's head swam.
"I don't feel well," he gasped, clasping a hand over his blood drenched side. "My wounds may be mortal. I'll need attention from a temple soon."
A gasp escaped Owyn's lips as he levered himself into an upright position and looked over his wounds.
"I think I'll amend the plan," Owyn said. "My wounds are mortal. You go on without me."
"No one gets left behind," James shot back angrily. "No one! Get your things and we move. We'll find a healer for you along the way who can help."

DEATH

James fell to his knees.
Overwhelmed by his condition, he was unable to rise from the ground, helpless to aid as someone else fell near him. A friend? Enemy? Could he tell by the sound?
"We should..," James whispered, breathing in dust as his vision beginning to dim. "We should have been... more..."
Death came quietly.
Blood welled through Locklear's lips.
"Bested," he spit, clawing the ground uselessly as his life drained away. "Beaten by a bunch...of stupid...things. So stupid...so ...damn...stupid..."
It would be days before their bodies were found.
Owyn gasped.
Pain sapping his strength, he was unable to rise from the ground, but dimly he perceived his attacker moving closer, perhaps to finish him off, perhaps for some other less savory purpose.
"Bastard..," Owyn whispered, his vision beginning to dim. "Lims-Kragma curse you..."
Death came swiftly.

LOCKS

Once, its metallic surface had probably reflected the light as if by a mirror but now the lock was merely a tarnished and rusty barrier, keeping them out.

LOCKED HOUSE LOCKED DOOR

Gorath tried the door.
"The building appears to have been abandoned. They locked up after themselves," he said. "Think we should take a shot at opening it up?"
Gorath tried the door.
"It's locked tight," he said. "Think we should take a shot at opening it up?"

LOCKED CHEST LOCKED CHEST (Scent of Sarig)

The box's lid refused to budge.
"It appears to be locked," James said. "Shall we try to open it?"

The lid refused to budge.
"No good," James said. The only way were going to get this box open is with a set of picklocks."
Owyn stared at the chest.
With great concentration he closed his eyes and pictured the chest in his mind, studied the wooden grain and metallic bands until the image seemed to come closer and closer, until he was not only seeing the chest he was seeing inside the chest.
"I believe it is safe, he said at last. "Shall we attempt to open it?

LOCK UNKNOWN LOCK KNOWN (Key) LOCK KNOWN (no Key)

Locklear pondered the lock.
"I don't know that I've seen a lock like this before," he said. "There's always an off chance that we could pick it."
Locklear nodded.
"I know this make of lock. I believe it can be opened with a [Key]," he said.
Locklear frowned.
"Though I know this kind of lock, we don't have a [Key] that will fit it," he said. "We'll have to deal with a key maker somewhere."

SPECIAL KEY NEEDED

James frowned.
Peering through the hole into the inner workings of the lock, he saw nothing within that gave him cause to be enthusiastic about the chances of getting in. "This lock takes a very special key and is clearly not pickable," he said. "If we want in, we will have to find the key."

USE PICKLOCKS

OPEN SNAP FAIL

The lock was simple.
"As the old saying goes, locks are for children and fools," Gorath said. After a few seconds he flipped the picklocks into the air and caught them again. "I am no fool."
The picklocks snapped.
Cursing, Gorath withdrew all evidence of his fouled attempt to pick the lock and threw away the broken thieving tools. "So much for that pair of picklocks!"
Gorath shook his head.
"The lock maker knew what he was doing," he said. "It's beyond my ability. I can’t open it."

USE PICKLOCKS: INVALID?

OPEN FAIL

James smiled. Putting away his picklocks, he gestured to the box. "That was easy enough. Now let's get this lid open." After half an hours effort, James threw down his tools in disgust. "What little I know about picking locks is evidently not enough," he said. "The lock is too complicated for me to open."

USE KEY

OPEN BREAK FAIL

With a pleasant click the key turned in the metal lock. "Let's take a look at what's inside," Locklear said.
With a pleasant click the key turned in the metal lock. "Now let's take a look at what's beyond this door," Locklear said.
Locklear turned the key slowly.
Feeling some resistance he applied a bit more pressure, praying he had the right key and that the mechanism inside wasn't hopelessly jam -- "Damn!" Locklear spat. "It broke. We'll have to try another key or try to pick it."
Locklear tried the key.
"No good. It doesn't fit," he said. "We'll have to try another key or else try to pick it."

NO KEY OR PICKLOCKS AVAILABLE

DOOR CHEST

A debate ensued.
For several minutes Locklear insisted that he knew more about locks and should therefore make the attempt to open the door. "We're wasting time. I need keys or picklocks. Give me any that you have."
Gorath blinked. "I thought you already had something to work with."
"Oh, that was useful," Locklear observed with a chuckle." We'll still have to find a key or a set of picklocks before we can get inside."
A debate ensued.
For several minutes Locklear insisted he knew more about locks and should therefore make the attempt to open the chest. "We're wasting time. I need keys or picklocks. Give me any that you have."
Gorath blinked. "I thought you already had something to work with."
"Oh, that was useful," Locklear observed with a chuckle. "We'll still have to find a key or a set of picklocks before we can get this open."

EXTRA DIALOGUES (invalid?)

It was strange.
Gorath examined the lock carefully. "This lock should never have been picked," he said at last.
Gorath pondered the lock.
"Our luck has run a bit thin," he said, rocking back on his heels. "I've never seen a lock like this before so I have no idea what key might fit it or if any key might fit it. Secondly, we might be able to pick it, but none of us have a set of picklocks to do the job."
Gorath frowned.
"I can try picking it, but I don't guarantee success by any means," he said, slipping open the pouch of picklocks. "The lock looks complicated."
Gorath frowned.
"Our luck has run a bit thin," he said, rocking back on his heels. "Not only does the lock look difficult to pick, but none of us have a set of picklocks to do the job."

INVALID DIALOGUES

A debate ensued.
For several minutes Locklear insisted he knew more about locks and should therefore make the attempt to get inside. "We're wasting time. Now give me whatever you have that might work on a lock and we'll get this over with!"
Wordlessly the argument came to a close and Locklear looked over the implements available to him.
A debate ensued.
For several minutes Locklear insisted he knew more about locks and should therefore make the attempt to open the door. "We're wasting time. Now give me whatever you have that might work on a lock and we'll get this over with!"
Wordlessly the argument came to a close and Locklear looked over the implements available to him.
A debate ensued.
For several minutes Locklear insisted that he knew more about locks and should therefore make the attempt to get inside. "We're wasting time. Now give me whatever you have that might work on a lock and we'll get this over with!"
Wordlessly the argument came to a close and Locklear looked over the implements in his right hand.

HOUSES & OTHER DWELLINGS

INSPECTION

HOUSE BARN TENT

"Private residence," Locklear said. "I'm not sure if anyone is about or not." James shrugged. "Looks like this building is being used for storage," he said. "Beyond that, anyone's guess would be as good as mine."

The tent was small. Though he wasn't certain how many men it might hold, it was large enough to hold at least one person who wished them dead.

TREE HOUSE PANTH TIANDN INVALID?

Wind toyed with the rope. Glancing up into the canopy of limbs that spread overhead, Owyn could see that the rope provided access to some manner of house. No man had made the structure. Created from some material unlike any that Owyn had ever seen, the dwelling had qualities about it that reminded him of an animal's burrow. James shrugged. "It's a building," he said. "Beyond that, anyone's guess would be as good as mine."

James took a step forward. "We need to approach this house from the front," he said decisively.

LET'S HAVE A LOOK

Owyn pushed the door open.
"The place is abandoned," Locklear said, looking around the room. "Maybe the occupants left something behind we can use." Locklear looked around nervously as Owyn knocked.
"Doesn't seem that anyone's about," he said. "Luck's with us." James pushed the door open.
"The place is abandoned," James said, looking around the room. "Maybe the occupants left something behind we can use. Let's have a look."

Gorath pulled back a tent flap.
"The place is abandoned," Gorath said, looking around. "But maybe the occupants left something behind we can use. Let's have a look." Chicken clucks greeted their entry. James pulled back the door of the barn and took a look inside. "It would appear normal, but still it bears investigation." Locklear pushed the door open.
"Looks like an abandoned tavern," Owyn said, looking around the room. "Maybe the former owners left something behind we can use."

NOTHING OF INTEREST

At one time the crumbling farmhouse probably sheltered a small family. Now it lay in ruins, a casualty of overworked soil, or perhaps a drought from decades past. "We won't find anything here," Locklear said. "Let's move on." The building was empty.
At Owyn's insistence they conducted a quick search, but finding nothing of interest soon left to resume their search. The small dwelling was abandoned. "This was more a shelter against the wind than anything else," James said. Looking around he commented, "Judging by the shape it's in I'd say no one has actually lived here for some time."

James pushed open the wooden door. "No one has lived here in some time," he said, looking around the empty room. The dwelling was now empty.
Gorath walked inside and looked around. Finding nothing of interest he motioned to Owyn and they left the small building together. The house was now empty.
James walked inside and looked around. Finding nothing of interest he turned to leave. "There is nothing of use to us here. We should leave before any others return."

They approached the small tent. Pulling back the flap Owyn took a moment to survey the interior. "This tent hasn't been lived in for some time," he said. James approached the small tent and peeked inside. "No one has lived here in some time," he said. "We should leave." James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be a shop of some kind," he said. "But there's no one doing business in here now."

James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be a temple of some kind," he said. "But it would appear this place was abandoned some time ago." James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be an inn of some kind," he said. "But it would appear this place was abandoned some time ago." James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be a tavern of some kind," he said. "But it looks as though this place was abandoned some time ago."

James looked around the small barn.
Judging by the variety of livestock he guessed it was community property, perhaps owned by the citizens of the town. He poked around for a few minutes, then said, "Nothing of much interest here. Let's move on." Still panting from the climb Owyn studied the tree house. "I think we just wasted our energy climbing up here. There doesn't seem to be anyone about."

NOBODY HOME?

Locklear knocked on the door.
For a long moment he leaned against the door frame as he waited, positioning himself so he could listen for the sounds of any stirrings inside. When at last it was evident no one was coming, he stepped back with a shrug. "Doesn't seem that anyone's about," Locklear said. No one answered Locklear's persistent knocking.
After circling the house he announced, "Either the occupants slipped out, they're ignoring us, or they're stone dead sleepers. Whatever the case may be, we would probably have better luck if we moved on."

TEA & SYMPATHY

A woman escorted them inside.
After a friendly chat and a steaming pot of tea, they refused any further hospitality from the hostess. "Would that we could pass the time with you a bit longer, Locklear said, "but duty calls us. We have a...trading caravan waiting on us." They were greeted warmly.
After a friendly chat and a steaming pot of tea, they refused any further hospitality from their hosts. "You've been more than generous," James said, grabbing his pack. "I think it's time we made for the road again." They were met at the door by a friendly couple.
James introduced himself and greetings were offered all around. He sat and traded stories for several minutes, then rose, "We really must be going. You have been very kind."

WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE

The door remained latched.
"I get the feeling we aren't welcome here," Locklear said, a faint grin touching his lips. "Of course, now that I think about it, I seem to recall that we might have done something to upset the tenants."

Gorath hesitated. "We've been here before," he said. "I don't see what purpose would be served by us visiting this place again." Gorath hesitated. "Considering the circumstances, I don't think it would be a good idea to come back to this place. We should leave." Gorath hesitated. Turning to Owyn he said, "I don't see any purpose served by returning to this place. We should leave."

The barn looked familiar. "We've been here before," said James. They explored the interior for a couple of minutes, but not finding anything of interest they left. James approached the small tent. "Judging by the way this tent is sealed up," he whispered, "I'd say if there was anyone inside they don't wish to be disturbed right now." Owyn hesitated in front of the tent. "We have been here before. I see no purpose served by returning to this place."

CHESTS

INSPECTION

Ordinary Locked/Trapped Moredhel

"Looks like someone lost a box," Owyn said. "Might be worth investigating." "Looks like someone lost a chest," James said. "Might be worth investigating." "It's a chest," Gorath said. "It appears to have a special lock on it."

INVALID?

Locklear lifted the box lid a fraction of an inch. "It appears to be unlocked," he said. "Think we should open it?"

ORDINARY CHEST

James gritted his teeth.
While they had agreed the box should be opened, he was privately concerned the previous user might have left behind an unpleasant surprise.

LOCKED CHEST

SEE: LOCKS

TRAPPED CHEST

IGNORANCE SCENT OF SARIG

The box's lid refused to budge.
"It appears to be locked," James said. "Shall we try to open it?"
YES:
Something clicked and suddenly the box detonated into flame and hurtling splinters...
Owyn grabbed Gorath's shoulder. Startled by the sudden movement, Gorath halted and gazed up at his companion.
"What's wrong?"
"The chest," Owyn replied. "Give me a moment." Concentrating his thoughts, another scene overlaid the one already before him, different only in the fact that it included a man kneeling before the box, a skin of naphtha in his hand.
"It's trapped," Owyn replied, dazed by the effects of the spell. "Someone's rigged it to explode the moment the lid is lifted. Shall we try to deactivate it?"

TRAP DEACTIVATED

The trap was deactivated.
James breathed a sigh of relief and gently lifted the lid of the box.

EXPLODED CHEST

The box was charred.
Wary that the trap which had incinerated the box the first time might not be completely deactivated, Owyn looked to his companions. "Want to risk trying to open it up now?"

MOREDHEL CHEST

Rough in its construction and banded with iron, the moredhel box would be impossible to open without solving its wordlock, and judging by the marks on the face of the chest, others had learned that lesson after much difficulty.
Gorath scanned the runes embossed on the moredhel clue plate, its text their only hope of opening the difficult wordlock.

OPEN EXIT

The chest thumped.
Satisfied the magical locks had released, Gorath tipped open the large wooden lid.
Gorath rubbed his temples.
The moredhel words might as well have been unscalable walls. Whatever was within the box would have to remain untouched while he pondered the puzzle.

CHEAT CHESTS

It defied logic...
Visions of a Moredhel Lock chest infused their minds. Of the many questions that drifted amongst their dreams... How ?...Why?... the most evasive was: what code could possibly open this lock?

CHEST OPENED CHEST ABANDONED

All were silent...
Perplexed by the magical device inside the chest, they continued their investigation more carefully. The device looked as if it might aid in getting past situations that might, because of past mistakes, be insurmountable.
"We should be cautious not to abuse this power," suggested James as they began to explore their options. "On the other hand," he continued, "perhaps we are in a situation where we could use it."
He stopped...
"Why," he thought, "do we attempt the cheaters path? Certainly there are other paths to take..."

CHEAT CHESTS: INVALID DIALOGUE?

They conferred...
"Perhaps," suggested James, "your mind has grown weak from the travelling?"
"Yet it is an option if...", returned Owyn.
"Only if there is NO OTHER WAY," interrupted Gorath. "Certainly this must be our last resort!"

CHEAT CHESTS: Invalid and Intriguing!

It would be some time before they reached their decision to the question, "Should this chapter be concluded now?"

All were silent...
In their minds only one thought prevailed. Who among them would dare cheat? Would anyone ever step forward?

"My [Skill] rating is limited to a mere [X]," thought Owyn. "Perhaps I should increase it?"

DUNGEONS

"It's a tunnel mouth of some kind," Locklear said.

DOOR DOOR (Invalid?)

"The door's too solid to listen through," Owyn observed. "We'll just have to go through it to find out what's on the other side." James stared at the door.
"You don't put up a barrier unless you want to keep someone hemmed in or keep someone out," he thought aloud. "I wonder which this was for."

CLOSE DOOR: DON'T STAND TOO CLOSE!

Owyn laughed.
Quickly, James impaled his mirthful companion with a venomous scowl, not at all amused that he had hit himself in the head trying to close the door.
"I think it'd be easier on your head if you backed off a step," Owyn suggested in a patronizing tone.
"Keep laughing and I'll use yours as a battering ram," James replied.

DUNGEON PITS

The cavernous pit stretched across the narrow corridor. Standing close to the edge, Locklear quickly determined that it was far too wide to jump across, and far too deep to try climbing down.

NO ROPE HELD ROPE HELD

A pit yawned before them.
Careful not to edge too close and fall in, James shook his head. "The only way we're getting across that is to swing across it," he said. Glancing up at a small hook on the ceiling, he sighed, "If we only had a rope we could probably swing across this pit."
A pit yawned before them.
Careful not to edge too close and fall in, James shook his head. "The only way we're getting across that is to swing across it," he said. Glancing up at a small hook on the ceiling, he nodded. "Apparently, we're not the only ones to have faced this dilemma. I think I could attach a rope up there, shall we try to swing across?"

RUNNING OUT OF ROPE

The rope had frayed.
"That's it for our good rope," James said, discarding the useless length of hemp into the pit. "Let's hope we won't need to get across this pit again."

WHOOPS!

James flailed.
His last impressions were those of a dark shaft and hard packed earth rushing up to meet him...

GRAVES

It fascinated him.
Not ordinarily given to morbid moods, James allowed himself to study the tombstone, and the name and epitaph inscribed on it.
Turning to Locklear, Gorath said, "Shall we dig up this grave?"

SHOVEL: Corpse SHOVEL: Coffin

An hour passed.
Covered with grime and grave mold, Owyn distaste fully flung back the heavy lid of the coffin to look at its cont ents. Immediately he wretched as a thick ammonia scent billowed up from the coffin's corrupting remains.
"Just a body," he gagged. The digging was exhaustive.
Standing waist deep in the hole, Owyn levered open the lid of the pine box with the tip of his shovel. When at last it was open, his face contorted with a look that was a mixture of relief and disappointment.
"That's strange," Owyn said. "No body."

NO SHOVEL SHADE

After a brief discussion with Gorath, Locklear shook his head. "I know the moredhel spies are using graves as secret caches," he said , "but I'm not too comfortable with the idea of accidentally digging up dead people! Besides, we need a shovel. We'd ruin our swords digging." Smoke seeped from the earth.
Backing away from the defiled grave, Gorath watched in horror as the gas began to whorl into a sparking maelstrom...

[SPELLS] [TRAPS] [CONDITIONS] [LOCKS] [HOUSES] [CHESTS] [CHEATS] [DUNGEONS] [GRAVES]

VALID	INVALID?
An artificial light dissolved the darkness. Owyn shook his head, trying desperately to break his concentration. Blinking rapidly, he let his eyes adjust to the strange artificial light. "I'm okay. Let's get going."	Clearing his mind of distracting thoughts, Owyn waited for the spell to coalesce in his mind. At first there was darkness, but slowly a flame guttered into being behind his eyelids, grew brighter until he could clearly make out the details of an underground passage. Instinctively he knew he would have no need of a torch while exploring caverns as long as he cast the spell.

LOCKED HOUSE	LOCKED DOOR
Gorath tried the door. "The building appears to have been abandoned. They locked up after themselves," he said. "Think we should take a shot at opening it up?"	Gorath tried the door. "It's locked tight," he said. "Think we should take a shot at opening it up?"

LOCKED CHEST	LOCKED CHEST (Scent of Sarig)
The box's lid refused to budge. "It appears to be locked," James said. "Shall we try to open it?" The lid refused to budge. "No good," James said. The only way were going to get this box open is with a set of picklocks."	Owyn stared at the chest. With great concentration he closed his eyes and pictured the chest in his mind, studied the wooden grain and metallic bands until the image seemed to come closer and closer, until he was not only seeing the chest he was seeing inside the chest. "I believe it is safe, he said at last. "Shall we attempt to open it?

LOCK UNKNOWN	LOCK KNOWN (Key)	LOCK KNOWN (no Key)
Locklear pondered the lock. "I don't know that I've seen a lock like this before," he said. "There's always an off chance that we could pick it."	Locklear nodded. "I know this make of lock. I believe it can be opened with a [Key]," he said.	Locklear frowned. "Though I know this kind of lock, we don't have a [Key] that will fit it," he said. "We'll have to deal with a key maker somewhere."

OPEN	SNAP	FAIL
The lock was simple. "As the old saying goes, locks are for children and fools," Gorath said. After a few seconds he flipped the picklocks into the air and caught them again. "I am no fool."	The picklocks snapped. Cursing, Gorath withdrew all evidence of his fouled attempt to pick the lock and threw away the broken thieving tools. "So much for that pair of picklocks!"	Gorath shook his head. "The lock maker knew what he was doing," he said. "It's beyond my ability. I can’t open it."

OPEN	FAIL
James smiled. Putting away his picklocks, he gestured to the box. "That was easy enough. Now let's get this lid open."	After half an hours effort, James threw down his tools in disgust. "What little I know about picking locks is evidently not enough," he said. "The lock is too complicated for me to open."

OPEN	BREAK	FAIL
With a pleasant click the key turned in the metal lock. "Let's take a look at what's inside," Locklear said. With a pleasant click the key turned in the metal lock. "Now let's take a look at what's beyond this door," Locklear said.	Locklear turned the key slowly. Feeling some resistance he applied a bit more pressure, praying he had the right key and that the mechanism inside wasn't hopelessly jam -- "Damn!" Locklear spat. "It broke. We'll have to try another key or try to pick it."	Locklear tried the key. "No good. It doesn't fit," he said. "We'll have to try another key or else try to pick it."

HOUSE	BARN	TENT
"Private residence," Locklear said. "I'm not sure if anyone is about or not."	James shrugged. "Looks like this building is being used for storage," he said. "Beyond that, anyone's guess would be as good as mine."	The tent was small. Though he wasn't certain how many men it might hold, it was large enough to hold at least one person who wished them dead.
TREE HOUSE	PANTH TIANDN	INVALID?
Wind toyed with the rope. Glancing up into the canopy of limbs that spread overhead, Owyn could see that the rope provided access to some manner of house.	*No man* had made the structure. Created from some material unlike any that Owyn had ever seen, the dwelling had qualities about it that reminded him of an animal's burrow.**	James shrugged. "It's a building," he said. "Beyond that, anyone's guess would be as good as mine." James took a step forward. "We need to approach this house from the front," he said decisively.

LET'S HAVE A LOOK
Owyn pushed the door open. "The place is abandoned," Locklear said, looking around the room. "Maybe the occupants left something behind we can use."	Locklear looked around nervously as Owyn knocked. "Doesn't seem that anyone's about," he said. "Luck's with us."	James pushed the door open. "The place is abandoned," James said, looking around the room. "Maybe the occupants left something behind we can use. Let's have a look."

Gorath pulled back a tent flap. "The place is abandoned," Gorath said, looking around. "But maybe the occupants left something behind we can use. Let's have a look."	Chicken clucks greeted their entry. James pulled back the door of the barn and took a look inside. "It would appear normal, but still it bears investigation."	Locklear pushed the door open. "Looks like an abandoned tavern," Owyn said, looking around the room. "Maybe the former owners left something behind we can use."

NOTHING OF INTEREST
At one time the crumbling farmhouse probably sheltered a small family. Now it lay in ruins, a casualty of overworked soil, or perhaps a drought from decades past. "We won't find anything here," Locklear said. "Let's move on."	The building was empty. At Owyn's insistence they conducted a quick search, but finding nothing of interest soon left to resume their search.	The small dwelling was abandoned. "This was more a shelter against the wind than anything else," James said. Looking around he commented, "Judging by the shape it's in I'd say no one has actually lived here for some time."

James pushed open the wooden door. "No one has lived here in some time," he said, looking around the empty room.	The dwelling was now empty. Gorath walked inside and looked around. Finding nothing of interest he motioned to Owyn and they left the small building together.	The house was now empty. James walked inside and looked around. Finding nothing of interest he turned to leave. "There is nothing of use to us here. We should leave before any others return."

They approached the small tent. Pulling back the flap Owyn took a moment to survey the interior. "This tent hasn't been lived in for some time," he said.	James approached the small tent and peeked inside. "No one has lived here in some time," he said. "We should leave."	James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be a shop of some kind," he said. "But there's no one doing business in here now."

James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be a temple of some kind," he said. "But it would appear this place was abandoned some time ago."	James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be an inn of some kind," he said. "But it would appear this place was abandoned some time ago."	James pushed open the door. "Looks like this used to be a tavern of some kind," he said. "But it looks as though this place was abandoned some time ago."

James looked around the small barn. Judging by the variety of livestock he guessed it was community property, perhaps owned by the citizens of the town. He poked around for a few minutes, then said, "Nothing of much interest here. Let's move on."		Still panting from the climb Owyn studied the tree house. "I think we just wasted our energy climbing up here. There doesn't seem to be anyone about."

NOBODY HOME?
Locklear knocked on the door. For a long moment he leaned against the door frame as he waited, positioning himself so he could listen for the sounds of any stirrings inside. When at last it was evident no one was coming, he stepped back with a shrug. "Doesn't seem that anyone's about," Locklear said.	No one answered Locklear's persistent knocking. After circling the house he announced, "Either the occupants slipped out, they're ignoring us, or they're stone dead sleepers. Whatever the case may be, we would probably have better luck if we moved on."

TEA & SYMPATHY
A woman escorted them inside. After a friendly chat and a steaming pot of tea, they refused any further hospitality from the hostess. "Would that we could pass the time with you a bit longer, Locklear said, "but duty calls us. We have a...trading caravan waiting on us."	They were greeted warmly. After a friendly chat and a steaming pot of tea, they refused any further hospitality from their hosts. "You've been more than generous," James said, grabbing his pack. "I think it's time we made for the road again."	They were met at the door by a friendly couple. James introduced himself and greetings were offered all around. He sat and traded stories for several minutes, then rose, "We really must be going. You have been very kind."

WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE
The door remained latched. "I get the feeling we aren't welcome here," Locklear said, a faint grin touching his lips. "Of course, now that I think about it, I seem to recall that we might have done something to upset the tenants."

Gorath hesitated. "We've been here before," he said. "I don't see what purpose would be served by us visiting this place again."	Gorath hesitated. "Considering the circumstances, I don't think it would be a good idea to come back to this place. We should leave."	Gorath hesitated. Turning to Owyn he said, "I don't see any purpose served by returning to this place. We should leave."

The barn looked familiar. "We've been here before," said James. They explored the interior for a couple of minutes, but not finding anything of interest they left.	James approached the small tent. "Judging by the way this tent is sealed up," he whispered, "I'd say if there was anyone inside they don't wish to be disturbed right now."	Owyn hesitated in front of the tent. "We have been here before. I see no purpose served by returning to this place."

Ordinary	Locked/Trapped	Moredhel
"Looks like someone lost a box," Owyn said. "Might be worth investigating."	"Looks like someone lost a chest," James said. "Might be worth investigating."	"It's a chest," Gorath said. "It appears to have a special lock on it."

OPEN	EXIT
The chest thumped. Satisfied the magical locks had released, Gorath tipped open the large wooden lid.	Gorath rubbed his temples. The moredhel words might as well have been unscalable walls. Whatever was within the box would have to remain untouched while he pondered the puzzle.

DOOR	DOOR (Invalid?)
"The door's too solid to listen through," Owyn observed. "We'll just have to go through it to find out what's on the other side."	James stared at the door. "You don't put up a barrier unless you want to keep someone hemmed in or keep someone out," he thought aloud. "I wonder which this was for."

NO ROPE HELD	ROPE HELD
A pit yawned before them. Careful not to edge too close and fall in, James shook his head. "The only way we're getting across that is to swing across it," he said. Glancing up at a small hook on the ceiling, he sighed, "If we only had a rope we could probably swing across this pit."	A pit yawned before them. Careful not to edge too close and fall in, James shook his head. "The only way we're getting across that is to swing across it," he said. Glancing up at a small hook on the ceiling, he nodded. "Apparently, we're not the only ones to have faced this dilemma. I think I could attach a rope up there, shall we try to swing across?"

SHOVEL: Corpse	SHOVEL: Coffin
An hour passed. Covered with grime and grave mold, Owyn distaste fully flung back the heavy lid of the coffin to look at its cont ents. Immediately he wretched as a thick ammonia scent billowed up from the coffin's corrupting remains. "Just a body," he gagged.	The digging was exhaustive. Standing waist deep in the hole, Owyn levered open the lid of the pine box with the tip of his shovel. When at last it was open, his face contorted with a look that was a mixture of relief and disappointment. "That's strange," Owyn said. "No body."

NO SHOVEL	SHADE
After a brief discussion with Gorath, Locklear shook his head. "I know the moredhel spies are using graves as secret caches," he said , "but I'm not too comfortable with the idea of accidentally digging up dead people! Besides, we need a shovel. We'd ruin our swords digging."	Smoke seeped from the earth. Backing away from the defiled grave, Gorath watched in horror as the gas began to whorl into a sparking maelstrom...