Polux one-two steps and nimbly jumps from up top to scout the area.
Turel jumps down next to Polux, using the wall to slow his fall, then immediately begins scanning the floor for the pit trap the guards warned them about.
Kito moves through the doorway and waits Polux and Turel to give her a report over the message spell before going down the stairs. She makes sure to stay out of the way should anyone else want to jump down.
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Polux and Turel make their way from F2 down the stairs to F3 without incident.
Polux's Perception roll spots a pit trap in the four squares (2x2) south of the stairs. He would've caught it just barely even without warning, but thanks to the earlier warning from the captives telling you to expect a pit trap, the roll wasn't that close. The pit trap is now marked in red on the map.
Trap: The gang installed a counterweighted pit trap in this hallway between the bottom of the stairs and the western door almost immediately after setting up shop in the brickworks. Because of the counterweights, the trap triggers only once 100 pounds of weight or more is put on one of the two southernmost squares of the trap’s area.
As for the room itself...
F3. Basement Hallway
The stink of mildew and stale incense fills the air in this long chamber. Sputtering lanterns provide just enough light to reveal peeling paint on the walls and a floor covered in sand. A rickety staircase leads up to the north, while sturdy wooden doors exit the hall to the east and west. Six oil lanterns hang from the walls of this hallway, but only three are lit.
Furthermore...
Crossing her arms around her stomach and shaking her head, "Oil?"
Polux inches along to listen at both doors, the one to his right, and if nothing, at the one to his left.
Turel moves along beside Polux checking both doors here.
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The door leading west (left on the map, right in relation to your direction of arrival) has some sort of very occasional very faint noise that seems like very soft shuffling or scuffling or dragging. Mostly quiet though.
The door leading east (right on the map, left in relation to your direction of arrival) is silent.
Turel whispers to Polux, "Ptemenib is to the left, where the noise is not coming from. Ready?"
He will wait for the others to get in position before opening the door to the left.
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Have revealed new map and moved Turel on map. Areas F7 and F8 are now revealed.
F7. Dormitory
F8. Sump Wells
Four stone wells fill much of this otherwise unremarkable room. Disassembled mechanical remains lie scattered around plumbing connections in the southeast corner.
Turel motions to the area in front of him, "This area was used to prepare mud for special orders by applying chemicals to change the color and strength of the bricks. A system of trap doors and pulleys was used to move mixed batches to the molding floor above. These sump wells serve a dual purpose of keeping the basement from flooding with water from the nearby canals and storing water for fire control and use during the dry season," glancing around him further he gives the all-clear signal, "Nobody is here now. Let's see if our friend is being held here."
Qari stares at the nosoi, wondering what all its squeaks and chitters meant.
Turning to Qasin, "Quiet we don't want anyone to know we are here."
Sense Motive
Qari tries to make out what the pattern of squeaks and squeals might have meant.
Polux nods to Turel, and wades into the room, sweeping the area in a clockwork motion as carefully as he can, and pausing to listen at the door.
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Polux hears some sounds beyond the closed door to the northeast. There's the occasional sound of movement and occasional mundane talk. ("Pass me that mug." "So how about that new tavern?" and the sort in Osirian.) But nothing that yields any tactical information. You guess that there's maybe 3-4 people in the room beyond the door and they appear to be unaware of your presence so far.
Polux returns to the others to inform them in hushed tones what he has uncovered.
Turel flexes his muscles and grips his spear tightly, "I say we deal with the guards now. We cannot risk our friend alerting the guards early. While I am inclined to show them mercy I also know they may not return the favor."
"Deal" - Polux nods at the others, uncorking the flask he carries in the central spot of his bandolier with a smile and a wink at his companions.
He then consumes the silvery greenish liquid without hesitation - the change is subtle, but clearly evident to those who know Polux - his semblance becoming definitely more feral, while his muscles bulge significantly - "Let's get this started then" - he adds, in a cavernous voice.
Qari falls in line, ready to start blasting when the inevitable trouble started.
Kito gets to a position where she will be able to see past Polux and Ra-Khefer are — ready to misfortunate on of the guards.
Once the group is more or less in position and seems ready, Ra-Khefer trundles up to the closed door - weapon in hand - and boots it open with his foot.
"I am of the Pah-Met! No disease can take me down and no door can withstand my fury!"
Reaching out and touching Ra's shoulder, "Be careful."
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Once any of you rounds the corner (see the updated map to understand what I mean), you meet Ekram Iffek and can read the room description.
F9. Master’s Quarters
Finely crafted antique furniture from many different periods crowds this chamber, and the smell of rich food hangs in the air. Books and charts crowd one cedar table, while a half finished banquet of fruit and roasted meats sits on another. A living area with a bed and other furniture fills the southern portion of the room.
Three guys wearing similar masks to the one Ekram is wearing are distributed throughout room F9.
"What is the meaning of this! Explain yourselves before I will have you fed to the hyenas!" Ekram shouts.
Moving into the room, Kito waits for one of the others to take the lead talking to this person.
Sounds like there are more than just these two. If I can move to a better position, I might be able to prevent them from joining the battle.
While others are speaking, Kito looks for an opportunity to move to a place where she can see more of the room.
Harmose exchanges a look with Kito, and then nods.
“Fed to the hyenas? That would be certainly be a novel experience,” Harmose says, affecting the look of a slightly bored nobleman. It’s not a difficult guise for him, as he’s had plenty of experience with the ennui of the entitled. “Still, I’d hate to ruin these clothes; they’re tailored. Are you the one known as Ekram? I’d hate to waste my time with a minion, and I have a business proposition for you.”
Qari will follow Ra and Harmose into the room, ready to start blasting it and when things went to the next level.
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Ekram's facial expressions are impossible to read because of the full mask covering his face. "I am Ekram Iffek, yes." He makes a flamboyant bow, swinging the unique-looking khopesh and his off-hand kukri in a sweeping, impressive-looking twirl that demonstrates clear high-level skill. "I assume you're here for the cleric? I do apologize for his imprisonment, but I really must insist you leave. The Silver Chain has no quarrel with you and we have no desire to waste resources on conflict with you while greater threats occupy the city."
If you choose to continue dialogue with him, rather than attacking, roll Diplomacy.