Das Pools

OK, everyone looks around the room at the pools. I will list the contents of
each.. here, again, is the map, this time with the pools each marked with a
letter..

                     __
                    / n|   |       |/_~ Walls
                   /m _|   |
                  /   |    |          < Crack
                 /i l |    |
                |     |    |          [ Door
               _| h k <____|
              _|      [
              | e g j |
             _|       |
             |  d f __|
             |      |  
             |a c  _|
             |     |
             |  b  |
             ~~~~~~~

a) The pool contains a sweet-smelling opaque pink liquid. Carved onto the
edges of the pool are murals of what look like wine cups or grails.

b) This pool is filled with what seems to be water, except there are small
bubbles that float to the surface from time to time, and it gives off an
upleasant odour. A brass key, about six inches in length, lies at the bottom.
Triangles are carved onto the edges of the pool.

c) This pool, which has more grail murals on its edges, is filled with a murky
gray liquid.

d) The horrid contents of this pool are immediately apparant to all who gaze
in it. Green, wriggling slime covers the walls and bottom of the basin.

e) This pool is filled with a clear, colourless liquid, that, in all respects,
looks and smells like water (unless you'd like to try to prove otherwise by
drinking some). Yet more grail murals are carved onto the edges of this
depression.

f) This pool is filled with a semi-transparent liquid of a deep red colour,
and smells like wine. The murals? Grails again.. :)

g) This depression is completely dry, and there is no trace of any liquid
within it, nor any clue as to whether any type of matter was ever in it.
Depressions in the shape of rectangles cover the edges.

h) This steaming and bubbling pool is filled with another clear, colourless
liquid, undiscernable from water (again, unless you care to taste it). Circles
are carved into the rock around the edge.

i) Again, another pool of what seems to be water. However, unlike the other
pools, this one is nearly empty. More circle depressions surround this pool.

j) This pool is full of a shimmering violet liquid of varying shades. The
aroma of spiced apples wafts up from its location. Yet even more circles are
carved around the pool.

k) This pool appears to be filled with water containing several white, blind
fish with enormous eyes. Carved onto the edge are pictures of fish.

l) It is nearly impossible to see into this pool, since it is steaming and
bubbling very violently. However, when you stand in the steam, it feels
neither hot nor wet. Quite the opposite; it is freezing cold and very dry.

m) This pool, again apparantly filled with water, has a large treasure horde
(several open chests of gold overflowing with silver coins) lying on the
bottom. Grail murals line the edge.

n) This pool has much less liquid than the others. However, it is right up
against the wall, and on that wall is carved ITS mural, with great detail. It
is of what appears to be a wise old man holding a book. An arrow points to his
head. The liquid in the pool is a grayish color.

Carideth uses a board to try and retrieve the key, the treasure, and the fish,
the only things of use in the pools (unless he'd like to try taking out the
green slime). Much to his surprise, the wood starts burning as soon as it
touches the surface of the key pool. He quickly withdraws it, deeming the pool
unsafe, and walks to the next pool, containing fish. He swishes the board
around in the liquid until he manages to flip a fish out. Upon examination, it
proves to be, in every respect, a normal cave fish. Finally, the treasure.
Unfortunately, Carideth's board is not quite long enough to reach down to
touch the treasure (and he did get one of the biggest boards he could break
off). However, upon withdrawl, the wooden slat seems unharmed.

Meanwhile, the gnomes busy themselves attempting to break open the door while
their leader walks around and inspects the pools with you. "Hmph," he says.
"I'm thirsty. Wonder what would happen if I drank from one of these things?
Last expedition here said most of 'em were safe, and that there was only one
dang'rous one.. must be that one with that key there.."

Stooping down, he places his hand in pool E. "This one seems harmless
enough.." he says as he lifts the clear liquid to his mouth and drinks. "Mmm,
that was good!" Kneeling now, he thrusts his face into the water and drinks
heavily. He then leans back, and wringing his beard out with his hands,
exclaims, "Best water I ever tasted." 

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|/ungeon |  |aster

Sage's Desk AD&D