Emfrid agrees to escort them back to camp, but pauses to hear Joshua's concern and await adjudication.

The elves appear not to be drow under an illusion.

Mel was pretty sure they weren't after Yul's reassurances, but he wanted to double check.

How far is base camp from where we are, time wise?

Too far, bloody elven time wasters.

Assuming Yul shared this piece of suspicion...

"Wait," says Morlan to Mel, Emfrid and anyone else planning to wander off. "If there are drow in the chamber to the east we would be foolish to split out force just before encountering them. Let's get in there and deal with them first, then we can take these elves back up to the surface. They have been down here for a while; a little longer will not hurt them."

To Mel and Emfrid in particular, he adds:

"And you should take a look at those bite marks. I like not the look of them. Could there be some parasite growing within them, do you think?"

Morlan looks to the others to see who is going to back him up when he heads for a confrontation with the drow.

If things kick off before I'm back here again Morlan will check the eastern passage and door for traps, and cast a Protection from Evil spell on himself before going in.

"The elves are in ill form but can still walk. I would think the chance at freedom would be enough of a motivator if we point them in the right direction - if not, then I doubt there's much we can do for them anyway. I can contact someone topside to make sure they are received properly, and then we will be free to hunt the black skinned devils."


I would be discouraged if you assumed otherwise. In fact, unless I say otherwise, you can assume that Yul will share information beneficial to the groups immediatewelfare.

"My only thought is that these elves might not be able to make it back on their own--if they are ambushed, they are in no condition to fight, and if we take on drow, we might not survive. Even if we do survive and are forced to flee, our new found friends might not be able to keep up. So that we are not having to protect them as well, I suggest that we run them back to the surface, then come back down here quickly, if we are already not in a drow ambush."

Mel bows. "Of course, I am with the rest of you, whatever we decide. I only wished to express my views."

"Right, what he said. Heck, I'd go further. We need to make sure these people are safe, not just that they can see sunshine before they die. What's got you all in such a hurry that you all think we should leave these poor folks to the wolves? We can deal with the drow when we get back, and we can use more potion to get Box out. Better yet, why don't you all just sit tight while Emfrid and I run them back? We won't be long, and I'm sure you can find a good hidey hole or somesuch. I could use the mass invisibility spell to help you hide. We've got a lot of ways to save these elves' lives."

To Dunn, Mel says "I would expect that you and Emfrid would have no trouble returning the elves to the surface; however, I am less than excited about our chances here against drow without both of you. I vote for us to stick together as much as possible; once we reach the point where box won't fit anymore, then perhaps we could leave a few to help keep box safe, but until that point, I would suggest that we stick together."

While they are arguing discussing, Morlan will check the eastern passage for traps.

Observant party members might have noticed that Morlan scowls every time someone suggests anything other than heading directly towards butchering any nearby drow. He has not said anything aloud about his feelings on the subject, but the signs are there to be seen.

bloody elven (and gnomish) time wasters.