Adrian: Baldur's Gate

As they grew closer to the noise, Adrian began to identify the sounds; the twang of a bow, and the unique chopping noise of an axe striking bone. He'd heard that second sound in his travels with Kagain often enough.

They came into a large square burial chamber. From the dim light of the torches that were being carried by these two new people, Adrian could see who they were. A stocky Dwarf with an axe, and a Gnome with a small bow. Fighting a fair number of skeletons. The Dwarf and Gnome were vaguely familiar to Adrian. Residents of Candlekeep, allies of Tethtoril. Obe and...Deder. Yes, that was it.

His clerics had turned undead too recently, and his own Bhaalpower in that line did not feel ready to be used again, so he simply lead the party in an unplanned, uncoordinated charge at the skeletons. But with no Dopplegangers to lead them, the skeletons were no serious threat. With the help of Obe and Deder, they took the undead down fairly easily.

"Well, well, well," said Adrian. "Obe and Deder. To what do I owe the honor?"

"Tethtoril sent us," said Deder, the Gnome, lowering his bow. "Said ye'd need some help."

"How did you get down here?"

"There are other side passages to get down here," said Obe, the Dwarf. "Tethtoril knows a few of em."

"Tethtoril knows more about the keep than anyone else alive, Adrian," said Deder. "You know that."

Adrian nodded slowly, and turned to look at Tiax.

Tiax sniffed. "They are who they say they are," he muttered.

Adrian nodded. "It seems I owe the old man more thanks than I gave him credit for," he said. "Very well, join us."

"I be thinkin there be traps down here," said Obe, as he fell into rank.

"Good point," nodded Adrian. "Tiax?"

Muttering and grumbling, the Cyricist slowly tiptoed his way around the cobbled central rectangular floor of the burial chamber. They were surrounded by small tombs on every side.

Tiax disarmed several fireball traps, and an acid arrow and lightning bolt one, before they moved on.

But the crypts were not done with Adrian and his troupe.

"Ho there, wandereer," came a familiar, annoying voice.

"Oh please, Doppleganger," Adrian sneered at the visage of Elminster waiting up the hallway. "You can do better than that."

"I do not decieve thee young one," said Elminster. "I am before you, come to aid you in your moment of greatest need despite your darkness. Indeed, thou has suffered a massive deception."

Adrian snapped his head to Tiax.

"Tiax senses nothing at all...." said the Gnome, frowning. "Neither that he is human, or Doppleganger."

"I am using my magic to protect me from this place," said Elminster. "Come with me, there is not much time."

"Indeed, child," came a voice, a voice that froze Adrian's blood in his veins. "Much innocent blood has been spilled. Awake, before it is too late."

For the first time in a very long time, Adrian lost his composure, as he found himself staring at the figure to the right of Elminster. It was....

....Gorion.