<blockquote><div><cite>Brady wrote:</cite> "And what about *my* rear, hm? It's sooo delicate and vulnerable..." </div></blockquote><br/>Lifting his only free hand, Linal places it over his heart, heaving a heavy sigh "The work of a rear guard is never done....the more delicate and vulnerable, the more it must be guarded. I humbly accept this additional duty, M'am. For the good of the  squad - NAY! - for the good of the land!" Brady's little hip-bump is swiftly reciprocated with a soft little slap on her rump, followed up by a rather lewd squeeze. It seemed he truely had no shame - or, was just letting off steam, who knew.<br/><br/>Casting a downwards glance at the pretty lizardess, and then up to the beautiful giantess, Linal offers up a happy little sigh. Clearly, they'd already died to some vicious trap, and this was just celestia. A really weird version of it, sure...but who knows, eventually they might run across a couple of beds, maybe some good food....yeah, this wasn't so bad after all...<br/><br/>Zukris just rolls her eyes, the 'distant', goofy look on Linal's handsome face telling her EXACTLY where his mind was wandering "Keep it in your pants, Linal. Now, as for searching this place over, we should likely do that. Linal, you-"<br/><br/>"Um, M'am..." Mystari interjected, drawing the big dragoness' attention "It is a good suggestion from Brady....however, I've been keeping track of our surroundings for the past fifteen minutes. During that time....we've passed no hidden entrances, magical or otherwise. Though, it is possible my magic is obscoured due to the nature of this place..." Despite her admission, it seemed unlikely. Mystari was not exceptionally skilled in combat, and she was surprisingly unlearned when it came to magic...but her raw, natural talent was nothing to be scoffed at.<br/><br/>The new information brought another groan from Zukris, the frustration on her features clearly visible "We're finding a way out of this, if we have to chew our way through the damn stone walls..." It was clear she was trying to remain at least somewhat optimistic and calm - but with only moderate success.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">Brady...</span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">With a 21 knowledge Esoteric, you do know a little bit about pocket dimensions. Mainly, this one seems to be mimicking an alternate version of the 'Maze' spell, an incredibly powerful and dangerous spell, cast by wizards and sorcerers who have years upon years of experience under their belts. (Level 8 spell).<br/><br/>Unfortunantly, expansive knowledge of a pocket dimension is not something you possess, with a 21.<br/><br/>However, you *DO* know that even pocket dimensions have an end, and are normally only a few miles wide. You also know that time within a pocket dimension is different than on the material plane - hours and days could have already passed, or you might not lose even a second in the real world. <br/><br/>You also know there is no fear of starving, as most pocket dimensions eventually collapse in on themselves, ejecting the occupants in a matter of a few days for the most powerful versions, to only a couple of hours for the weakest.<br/><br/>Eventually, a single pathway of the myriad options will converge on the central point - where the dimension was made. Of course, knowing that path without being the caster of the spell...is difficult.<br/><br/>Not to mention, some corridors would not lead forwards, but backwards...essentially the equivalent of walking in circles.</div></div></div><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Rylia wrote:</cite> " I'm all for splitting up" </div></blockquote><br/><br/>Rylia's comment makes Zukris sigh, again lifting a hand to rub at her suddenly pounding temples. Unfortunantly, Rylia was right...the more they split up, the more chances they'd have of ONE of them eventually finding the correct set of paths. Of course, maybe that was the entire point of this little maze - divide and eventually conquer. Squads walking in, in groups of two or three...would be much easier dealt with than a full troop of fifty storming through the door.<br/><br/>"It seems we have little choice. Very well, assignments..." Zukris begins, gazing over the little squad. How best to divide abilities....<br/><br/>Linal, ever helpful, quickly speaks up "I humbly offer to scout ahead with Sunete. Or Brady. Or both.  For the greater good, of course."<br/><br/>Again, Zukris just rolled her eyes. Not a chance in the heavens or hells. The very last thing she wanted in her current mood was to walk through a pocket dimension, and find Linal boinking someone on top of a barrel. At any other time, the thought would be quite enticing - especially given the absolute beauty of the giantess, and the lovliness of the much smaller lizardess "...No. Just no."<br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Sunete wrote:</cite> Extending her left hand she stroked the fur under Linals muzzle, making no attempt to remove those furry digits upon her rump. "My hero!" She said in a joking tone. "It reassures me that the many thrusts of your long harden steel will be at my backside" </div></blockquote><br/><br/>Linal's muzzle splits into a surprisingly handsome grin as he gazes up into the giantess' eyes, rather enjoying the feeling of her fingers sliding across the warm, soft fur of his chin. Not to mention, rather enjoying the feeling of that lucious rump beneath his hand, of which he'd still not released "Oh...my desire to protect would penetrate you deeply, my dear.  When my blade dulled, I'd find something else long and hard to take it's place!" Utterly shameless...<br/><br/>Sunete's acceptance of that hand - along with her little 'backwards' push against it, seems to embolden Linal beyond the norm. Casting a quick glance around to ensure noone was looking DIRECTLY at him, he removed the hand from her rump just long enough to slip his fingers beneath the top of her 'panties', working his hand beneath the fabric to get a full handful of that firm, sexy rump. His fingers squeeze and tease that soft-yet-firm flesh, the rather bold move - and unobstructed feel - making him grin almost dreamily "...My....why didn't I offer to guard this sooner...or do other things to it.."<br/><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Cragsplitter wrote:</cite> GRRRAAAAWBLARGHBLARGHBLARH! </div></blockquote><br/><br/>The sudden loud, growling roar makes Mystari yelp in surprise, stumbling backwards as the bear charges right past her.  Zukris, on the other hand, doesn't budge - and simply watches. Perhaps he had the right idea? These damn corridors were cursed, maybe the best bet would be just plowing right through the wooden racks on the walls? Who knew, maybe something was behind them.<br/><br/>Cragsplitter connects with the wooden shelving stretched between the two hallways, the old wood groaning beneath the sudden impact, then shattering in a spray of splinters, the odd mug, and a few old, musty jars of something best left undescribed.<br/><br/>Unfortunantly, what lies behind the wood ends up being the same thing the walls were made of - stone. The big bear connects with it solidly, and pretty well bounces off, just barely managing to keep his footing. A quick inspection reveals there was no hidden passageway - just more stone. Always more stone.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">Sunete...</span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">The bear - a perfect distraction.<br/><br/>As attention shifts to the white-furred wrecking ball, Linal's own attention shifts to that lovely rump the giantess had offered up, and the hand now nestled beneath her panties. Giving her a coy little grin for her praises, he slips his hand a little bit lower, and she feels it starting to move across the top of the back of her thigh...then between them, a single digit lightly pressing against the soft folds of her pussy, and - unless she stops him - begins to press between, his index finger slipping slowly into the warmth of her body...<br/><br/>"Mm...so, that is what heaven feels like..." He compliments with a wink. Suddenly, the raid was the furthest thing from his mind. Oh, what would he give to get this giantess alone for just one hour, with a nice bed beneath her...<br/><br/>The male begins to shift slightly back and forth in discomfort as his arousal began to grow, and his pants started to feel a little bit too tight. Ugh, if only Zukris would just give him this...just in case none of them made it out of here alive, just give him this...<br/><br/>Sunete can pretty clearly see the bulge beginning to develope in the front of his trousers, one that his back-and-forth shifting does little to hide, clearly incredibly aroused by groping that lovely backside - and getting a feel of those equally as enticing little lips between her thighs.</div></div></div><br/><br/>Laughing softly, Zukris steps up behind Cragsplitter, slapping him roughly on the shoulder "A valiant attempt, bear. Looks like we gotta do this the old fashioned way. Now, Linal...Mystari. Both of you are with me. We'll be heading down the left passageway. Brady, Cragsplitter, Rylia, Sunete....the four of you go down the right. Do not split up any further - we don't want to get too thinly spread.  If you find nothing after a few more corridors, turn back and see if retracing your steps will put you back here. We'll do the same, so maybe - just maybe - we'll be able to meet back up if we have no luck."<br/><br/>Linal looked crestfallen "Aww. But...." He began, but a sudden, stern look from Zukris made him change on the spot "...It sounds like a wonderful plan, M'am. With you till the end, I am. I was merely offering protection to show my good character, that's all. To the left it is!!" He doesn't immediently move to step into line, choosing - instead - to enjoy a few more seconds of gropes before moving on.<br/><br/>Mystari nods in acceptance, the soft-spoken fox girl stepping up beside Rylia "Here. If we are splitting up, you should take these with you. Hand them out, if you would...the green will aid in curing your wounds, should you get harmed. The oil will protect you against the heat of a flame...briefly." Digging in a tiny pouch at her side, the sweet girl produces four surprisingly tiny vials, and a slightly larger flask, pressing all of them into the wolf's hands "Good luck to all of you." She says with a smile, stepping back and taking up her place beside Zukris.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"> Rylia </span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Rylia is handed...<br/><br/>4 Potions of cure serious wounds<br/>1 oil of fire repellant (Once applied, acts as 'sunscreen' more or less, for the first 10 points of damage, fire-based. One use.)</div></div></div><br/><br/>"Alright. Off with you, now. Remember, the plan is to stop the ritual via any means. Collateral damage or not. If you have to stomp your way through a field of babies and kittens to get to the ritual, damnit I want it done. We're getting paid to do this right. Prisoners are secondary - if you take them, great. We could use information on what's been going on. If you can't, no loss...kill them, just stop the ritual." Zukris hefted her large bardiche onto her shoulder, motioning with a wave of her hand towards the right-hand passageway "Remember, three or so more passages, and then retrace your steps. We'll meet back here. I hope. If not, well...figure it out. Good luck. Cragsplitter. Work with them. Do as is required. You know what I mean." Seemingly, a last command to the big bear, just to ensure he was 'on board', despite the lacking presence of those who'd geas'd him.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">Sunete</span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">With your Spellcraft check, you know very little about the nature of this place, save for that whoever casted it was incredibly powerful...or using a scroll or item to simulate the effect.</div></div></div>