A storm drives in with hard rain and lightning it must be the work of the storm lord. I spot a large tor in an opening ahead and hurries toward it. As I approach lightning strikes the tor and as my eyes recovers a see an opening in the side of the tor. I enter in hope that it will provide shelter from the weather. Most important though is that it isn't inhabited. The tor seems empty so I enter and settle my self against one of the walls in the large room that opens up inside. I start sorting through my herbal finds but is interrupted when I feel cold steel against my throat.

– Is that worn to scorn true followers or are you truly a follower? Someone whisper who has obviously noticed my Lathandrian symbol

– I is a true believer of the morning lord. Please don't kill me. I reply.

– So, when can a drow… though half… be trusted?

– Yes. I'm but a humble scholar trying to make a living.

Our conversation is interrupted then two figures enter. A huge man with a golden skin and a noticeable air, and in his shadow lurks a nasty looking wood elf. I call out for help to the that to the man who to my relief bear a symbol of Helm. Before he can reply we are interrupted again. This time it a man in worn clothing. A symbol of the morning lord hangs around his neck. He starts chanting at which time the wood elf explodes into action drawing two short swords in a swift flowing move and closes the distance between them in a heart beat. Before anyone realizes what has happened the sword cross the rugged mans throat. Time seems to stop in anticipation of what is about to happen. Finally the Golden man says.

– Let him go he poses no threat and carries no evil with him.

He turns toward me and my stealthy captor and adjudge.

– Neither do they.

The wood elf sheathe his sword's and retreats. The threatened man continues his chant and as he finish a bright light emanates from his mace letting him see what everybody else is already aware of.

The golden man manages somehow to subside the building tension. Several minutes later my captor finally realizes that there is more dangerous to remain hostile than to release me. To my surprise my cloaked captor seems to be a small girl, but things don't add up. Her stealth, strength and indisputable skill with the blade makes her something else. Probably a female gnome but not a regular gnome and neither a svirfneblin. A mystery needs to be solved.

The human gets a fire going and we settle around it. Suddenly the earth shakes as several lightnings seem to strike the tor simultaneously. We hear several large stones shatters against the floor. Then our eyes and ears have recovered some we can see that three stone door have collapsed leaving open doorways to tunnels beyond.

Before anyone have time to react, three huge frenzy rats emerges from one of the openings, and charge.

Ilf Zaug — Anno 090202