Shae follows the others back to the room with the orc bodies. "I wonder if they were attacked in that room and the survivors scattered out the various doors." He regularly looks up at the ceiling while walking.
"The orcs may be in bad shape if they've split from whoever Longtail is; especially if their scouts are consistently defeated. We may want to avoid them until we have extra provisions to offer, as they may be desperate. Perhaps this Longtail needs a visit."
Grumthar then asks the Orc if he can point out the way to Longtail's holding area.
Shae looks at both of the doors. "I don't think it matters which we choose first. Let's try the one to the south. Agromite, do you mind checking the door before we open it?"
"We should probably check the southern door before continuing to head east. No reason to leave closed doors behind us as that is just asking for trouble."
Shae looks at the two doors and nods his approval at Grumthar's suggestion.
Jamadar sets about checking them.
He helps Agromite, and nods to the fighters in the party after they are in position, as he throws the southern door open and takes a step back, readying his bow.
once the door opens, Grumthar sends the dancing lights forward to help the scouts out
Shae waits for the scouts to go through the door while keeping his eye on the door to their left.
"Remember what you said about not leaving closed doors behind us, Grumthar? If there is nothing in there, we should see what's behind this one before moving on," he says pointing to the door to the east.
Jamadar nods to Shae and follows the same procedure at the other door.
Shae looks into both doorways.
Hrmmm, neither seems like a great choice. Shall we try and stick to the outside as much as possible, going through the south door and then taking the right passage?
"I believe the orc camp was back the way we were going. We just didn't want to pass this door that went south, cutting off any escape. However, seeing that these passages probably run on for a good bit, who can say. If we wanted to keeping heading that way, but staying in these passages, I think we would want to take the eastern door. If we do, we should start with the door just across the hall from it before heading back north or south. It is seemingly one giant maze; I am fine with wherever we go at this point. The orcs may see us more as food anyway, we should be wary when approaching them."
Shae shakes his head in agreement with Grumthar. "To the east and the door across the hall then. I agree this place is just a maze. I'm not sure I could find my way back to where we entered," he says as he enters the next hallway.
Jamadar nods to Gruumthar and leads the party in that direction, keeping special attention out for darkmantles.
Shae looks at the words, concerned by the "ink" that was used. "I hope one of you can read that but my guess is it says "Do Not Enter". Maybe the blood of a victim was used. So do we enter or go back?"
"Quite right Master Shae. It says do not enter, and is in broken common . This may be our orc clan.
So, what is our strategy? Play upon the mercy we've shown the orcs so far and see if they will talk? Or, subdue them with might , as is their way?"
Shae considers the words of the sorcerer. "I think the first thing we need to do is check for traps and see if the door is locked. If we can enter safely, then maybe use diplomacy and mention the abandoned orcs we have come across. It may come to combat, but without knowing how many there are or what their condition is, I'd rather not burst to start a fight."
Jamadar shrugs, checking the door twice for good measure and listening at it also.
Not finding anything, he backs up to the side of the door and let's the others proceed, bow in hand.
Jamadar goes ahead and tries to quietly open the door after greasing the hinges and look inside.
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As the door is opened, there is a loud click and suddenly, Jamadar and Shae are engulfed in flames!
(Ref save (DC 11) for half)
Although the room is empty, you can almost guess at it's previous purpose. A complete forge sits in one corner. A large workbench along with two stools dominates the center, while there are numerous hooks and nails on the wall indicating a place where tools were once kept. A hallway exits to the east.
Jamadar gasps at the searing flames, rolling to the side and proceeding to try to put them out.
"I guess I should check for traps more vigorously next time..."
Hearing the click as the door is opened, Shae raises his shield to partially block the flames. He then looks over at Jamadar to see if he is injured. "Yes, I suppose you should," he says with a slight smile. He then calls upon Bolka to heal their wounds.
"Well, a trapped door. At least that's different. There may be something interesting in here, at least."
Shea looks around at the empty room. "It looks like this room has already been plundered. We can look around but be careful. Nothing to say there's not another trap." He moves over to inspect the workbench.
Looks around the room and shakes his head, Gems, gold and ale I say...and there ain't none of those here.
Jamadar assists in quietly surveying the room, checking ceilings first any darkmantles before checking contents and lastly the exits.
"Let's not forget that finding a forge may be significant to long term survival; if it comes to that. We could potentially trade services for alliances. Of course, can any of us forge weapons and armor?"
Bollux hops into the room and looks towards the exit to the east.
"One places a trap to gather food or to protect oneself or one's possessions. There are no precious things here and I don't intend to be someone's dinner. Someone is down that hallway."
Hmm, dinner sounds good right about now. I could go for some venison stew, warm bread, dark ale...
Drool starts to trickle down from his mouth.
Shae nods in agreement to Grumthar's comment. "I'm afraid I have not had time to learn, given my studies. Perhaps one of us should try to since we may be in here a while."
Jamadar looks for traps on the next passage as they finish this room.
If nothing found he opens it quietly.
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The passage leading east and then north out of the room opens into another large room. Several tables and stools are pushed against the walls, and another forge sits in the far corner. The tables show discoloration and burn marks along their length. There are small piles of glass debris scattered about the room.
"Hmm, maybe we can open an inn and tavern down here and strike it rich, hah"
Surprised at not finding any enemies behind the door, Bollux hops into the room and helps look for anything out of the ordinary.