* a few pages copied in a neat, bold script are placed about town by Thane Rollo Stoneshield*

Good citizens of Sanctuary:

The Stoutheart Clan and the Order of the Pentinent Heart would like to discourage people from entering the area accessible through what was the Ruined Stairs now known as Barak Tor.

There are very dangerous creatures in this place that we are working to eliminate, and have gained some measure of experience in dealing with. If they escape into Upper Sanctuary, or if you do not heed or advice to stay out of Barak-Tor, please follow these tactics.

Flying Chosen: 1. They are werecreatures, and most require enchanted weapons to hit them.

2. There are both warrior, and magic using types of Chosen. It is wise to focus on the spellcasters first, and eliminate them quickly.

3. The mages employ fear spells, and having one's mind protected first is most wise.

4. The mages summon rats which spew forth noxious streams of pathogenic material. Any items to prevent or cure disease are helpful, although slaying the mage summoners also dispels them immediately.

5. The warriors have a strong healing potion, or the ability to regenerate a most of their wounds in a single moment. Thus, it is wise to slay the mages first, then surround and overwhelm each member of warrior caste individually so that they do not have the time to employ this amazing feat.

6. Some mages have a strong attack of negative energy and it is difficult to defend from such. Also, they are able to summon a mighty buffet of air that knocks those nearby off their feet where they may lie quite helpless and stunned for a dangerous period of time. This is why you must travel in a large group to defend those who fall to these attacks.

The other major threat are dangerous undead beholder kin that employ magics.

Beholder-Kin 1. They employ magical attacks from long range, so it is wise to engage them quickly at close range. Try to avoid engaging Chosen and these beasts at the same time.

2. These are susceptible to the holy banishing power of a strong priest or paladin. This aids combat considerably.

3. The larger are difficult to bring down, although their blows do much less damage than the chosen. A brave warrior can hold them at bay if he is well armored and elusive, while the Chosen are dealt with if necessary. But again, try to engage only one or the other if both are in the same area.

*** Always have invisibility potions handy, and try to heal yourself by potion or item if you are taking damage, as the mages and warriors can quickly defeat you with powerful attacks if you allow your injuries to mount. ***

We do not want to see any more remains of poor folk too foolish or weak that enter this place without an escort or a strong party with them, so heed well these lessons gained by hard experience.

And most importantly work together in a large party if possible. We have learned this the hard way, and paid for this lesson in blood.

~ Thane Rollo Stoneshield ~