"Well met, Nortis," says Morlock, offering a hand to help him to his feet. The fact that he is capable of judging the hopelessness of his situation and responding rationally to that gives Morlan hope that this man can be brought back from the brink of madness. *Looks like we're back to being barmy saviours,* he thinks.

"Look, I understand you feel nervous and distrustful of us. That is only natural in your position. Give us a chance, though, and we'll prove to you that we can really be a help to you."

Morlock goes over to the window and, still keeping one eye on the half-elf in case of any tricks, signals down to the others that all is well.

"So, how long have you been here, all alone? It must have been a tough life. However have you managed to survive all the horrors of Delhumide?"

"This hasn't been my life," he says. "A few months of it, maybe."

He rises and wanders over to his chest, which he closes and latches unless stopped.

"What horrors do you mean?"

Mel thanks Yodel for his relayed communicaes and stands down his spell casting readiness. He will quietly observe the Red Wizard's reaction to this situation as inconspicuously as possible, unless the Red Wizard is off with another group. Otherwise, he will observe the others' reactions to this threat.

"We have heard there are all manner of monster lurking within the ruins. Undead, demonkind, who knows what else? Have you not seen any such thing in the time you have been prospecting here, then? I must say, that is encouraging."

Seeing him securing his treasures, Morlock says:

"Looks like slim pickings so far, eh? Do not fear that we will take your treasure. I could easily have done so already if that was my intent. My friends and I intend to search these ruins for treasures the like of which you can only dream. Again I say, if you would join us you can have a fair share of what we find."

"If you prefer to operate alone, then we will leave you in peace, so long as you do not get in our way or threaten us at all. This tower, for instance, is of no use to us, being too small. You may keep it for yourself, and we will find another place to make our camp."

"Now, please come down and meet the rest of my group. Whether or not you decide to join us it is important that everyone knows your face and is clear on whatever agreement we reach. You can tell us about where you have explored, and what kinds of things you have discovered about this place."

Morlock encourages him to descend using his own rope ladder. If he wants to put on his sword Morlock will not stop him. Morlock will slide down his own rope and then release it with a deft flick, coiling it back into place on his belt.

Sadly, the red wizard is with the Trap Trippers, and Mel is stuck looking at all his dumb friends.

Hrolf and the Veterans appear uneasy, but they busy themselves checking on their fellow that got thrown from his horse.

"I don't remember any monsters," Nortis tells Morlan. "Just a lot of no good treasure-stealers. No offense."

He sits on his chest and watches the elf carefully as he speaks. With the psionic assault gone, he seems to lack even the self-awareness to remain unnerved by that which terrified him moments before.

"I like being alone," he interrupts, obviously paying less attention than he appeared. "But I'll show you to the other thieves. If you kill them for me, I'll share the ruins with you."

*Other thieves?* thinks Morlan, *This could prove enlightening.*

"Okay, I would like to get a look at these other thieves. Come down and show them to us."

Morlock lets down the rope ladder for Nortis and, if he doesn't take the hint, will physically take him by the arm and drag him over to it. Either he climbs down on his own or he's going to get some help. Morlock's patience has its limits.

When Morlan agrees to kill the other thieves (to Nortis' ear, at least), the half-elf grabs his sword and crossbow and heads down the ladder.

Upon reaching the bottom, he is impatient to lead the way but will speak if spoken to.

Mel will greet Nortis. "Hello! I am Mel, a traveling minstrel and priest of Milil. Might I inquire as to your name?"

Mel is trying to get a sense as to this guy's craziness or not; he has one charge left on his tattoo and wants to use it well.

"Nortis," he says suspiciously. "Odd place for a minstrel."

He rubs his chin and peers off into the distance, trying to determine how this latest clue fits into the ongoing mystery.

Joe watches Nortis somewhat warily, but once the notion that he is going to lead them to other treasure hunters is explained Joe is onboard.

He will flash his barmy tattoo, which is on his palm, at Morlan with a questioning expession. Yul made it clear that the man was unstable, but Joshua will trust Morlan's judgement for now on whether they need to clear Nortis's head.