The Crypt of Bones

[A brief and incomplete 180 degree look a just three (3) characters' expressions during 11 rounds of combat on 18 Kythorn. In this commentary we look at the expressions and appearances of Animosus, Leaf, and Mauros. Note: Perceptions can have their own life and merit and accuracy, sometimes in contrast to the intended or self-actualized internal view of the self...]

The bleak room triggered high emotion for three (3) adventurers who possessed great goodness in their hearts, that is, the Crypt of Bones deeply affected Animosus, Leaf, and Mauros.

Animosus: Animosus was more hesitant than normal, but with good reason. He had nearly been swallowed whole by the ancient temple and its near sentient countenance. And without showing it, he had already blocked the death of his dear friend and mentor, Pavel, from his mind—barring the emotions that could compromise the strength he desperately needed to survive. Everything about this situation seemed difficult, his plate mail seemed extra heavy to him when negotiating the deep pit descending into the crypt room. Perhaps calling upon Tothlorian gave him some solace to know he was not alone. Indeed, one could tell by Animosus expression of serious thought that he knew and appreciated each member of his adventuring party and the unique talents they offered while fighting as a unit. He seemed a bit melancholy as he embraced this true reality of fell forces that have lain dormant for centuries. And the expression of amazement in his eyes was evident when, just as Animosus seemed resigned to accept the notion that the company's forces were imbalanced and lacking wholeness of talent arrays, he heard Kelestri's voice and it held a positive and confident tone. Perhaps he thought to himself, this would not be the first time Kelestri pulled a miracle out of her sweet ass. Again, his expression was just beside himself, perhaps noting the groups good luck and fortune—rather blessings of the Holy Triad thus far.

Leaf: Leaf was earnest in his efforts, carrying the Paladin safely to the base of the dark well of broken earth. As they slowly fell together, perhaps he missed seeing his father-like friend Pavel leap with heroic brilliance, for Pavel's death was slowly, imperceptively, inexpressably crushing him. And upon their landing, both he and Animosus seemed to recognize the sheer beating that the newcomer, Nemeseth, was taking. As they alighted at the base of the shaft, one could see the nods of gratitude that were unconciously expressed toward the priest. Leaf watched the priest and the former slave pummel the unlife out of the soldier of Myrkul that awaited them in the portcullis room. Upon their descent they watched the one blessed by Tempus tear the iron portcullis up from its roots and systematically grinded each of the ancient gear teeth into shards of mechanical junk. Leaf proceeded forward cautiously but steadily until he charged into melee with the contingent of bone claws that oppressed his friends. After the battle, Leaf expressed more grave concern than resolution as he read the script upon crypt, "Rauma the Untouchable, High Priest of Myrkul, Destroyer of the Everlasing Wyrm, The Year of the Adamantine Spiral." And by now, the whole temple seemed to be really getting to him. He noted that the troubles and internal disputes each company member was experiencing before in the swampy earth above, now seemed a bit trivial. Even the death of Slyl now seemed to be put into persepctive. Yes, he felt the temple's unhallowed pull upon his heart. He sensed it speaking, though not with a voice as most are accustomed to know. "Know me and fear me, my embrace is for all and is patient and sure." Perhaps by now Leaf considered that he was becoming physically affected by the dripping evil of this place—in battle he became visibly winded and now he was sensing (or hearing) the voice of the structure, perhaps as a sign of his own madness, though he could not be sure. All at once he too was also glad to hear Kelestri's voice shout from the far wall—as though she'd found a way out of this horror! But Leaf knew it would only lead deeper in and further down, with the threats growing and evil surmounting the group. But for now, it was pleasant to hear Kelestri's confident and hopeful voice...

Mauros: And to speak for Mauros would be a mistake for most, for his expressions are as stolid and stoic and stalwart as a former slave of Thay would be. He knew deeply that his faith in Ilmater had not yet been shaken, despite the untimely death of his companion—the adorned Ilmateri, Pavel Nemetsk. (Do not mistake the following observations as comparisons to others, for Mauros was similary horrified by the faces of evil found this day.) Yes, Mauros is a difficult read, and one might say his level of concentration upon the battle at hand works like the bulls-eye of an archer's target. When in battle, Mauros was of limited words and expressions, save the magnitude of retribution he enfused into each strike of his kukris. He stepped forward to meet the Knight of the Lord of Bones without hesitation, and his actions were nearly paladin-like in their righteousness. Swinging like a killing machine, the kukris whacked seering slices into the long powerful bones of the undead, doing enough damage to overcome the difficult nature caused by a lack of bludgeoning weaponry. When looking upon Mauros in battle, one almost wants to take an extra purposeful breath, for Mauros oft appears to be without breath, or as if holding it in-between attacks. To view him in action, is like observing a mechanized loom assemble its myriad threads—in order, with an air of proscription to each swipe, slice, and movement. Indeed, Mauros appears as a finely tuned golem-craft of the Red Wizards, and rightfully so, for that is what they made of him. Yet, what seemed to come across his face during those moments was a pure faith, one uncompromised by his surroundings—an expression you might say that was first deeply wordly for having seen battle and suffering and lived with evil for decades, and secondly the expression of naiveity that blithely and ignorantly moved with the bliss that true faith provides. And great irony is expressed here, for the more real the evil appears the more unrealistically confident this freeman appears to become. And these acts reminisce back to the time of the great martyrs of Calimshan, and recollect a great history unfamiliar to Mauros. Again, more irony and yet more innocent and pure bliss of faith in Ilmater.