One of the creatures leans forward a bit giving a distasteful look at the grappling hook still attached to the bowl and points down at the object.
"It wishes to barter. Possibly we can convince them to let be while we work."
"Perhaps so, I have little on myself to offer up though. A few mundane items, my cloak is magical, and a few alchemical items that I carry. Not much else beyond value. I saw we start with a small offer and see if we can work them towards something of moderate value."
"Hold for a moment, this might help you in your talks.
Caun will lay his hand on the Dreadguard as it glows in radiance, and uses giving Lienhol aid in matters of influence.
"We have the fire flasks from the clockwork hunters... Perhaps it would want more fire?"
Ryzern relights his cigar.
"We should probably retrieve the hook. It seems to be annoying it."
Smoke mephits. Lazy and short tempered.
"Caun, are you detecting the smoke mephit as magic?
The brazier might have blocked you before. If the imp was called or bound here then we might be able to offer it freedom...."
"Not a bad idea Ryzern, let me see."
Caun scans the area with the Mephits in it
Nope.
I'm in the same position as Caun, little in the way of possessions or treasures that are of value. Those that ARE of value, I can't part with...unless they want the ioun torch for some strange reason.
The gnome points at the dimly glowing crystal circling his head lazily.
"Cards on the table Dreadguard. It looks like it is stuck here the same as use. Maybe if we tell it that bit of silver is part of the exit key then it will give it over so we can all get out of here."
The Hedgewitch smiles.
"Mutual cooperation to mutual benefit, it had better not catch on or I for one am out of a job."
Lienhol does his best to transmit the parties off in Ignan
"We ask only that you stand aside for a moment while we retrieve the item on the platform below, that we may use it to leave this place. In return we will leave you to your business, or we can offer a few trinkets if you'd prefer."
The misty thing shrugs and calls back clearly annoyed.
"Fire flasks and an ioun stone. This is our offer."
"They want tinder or...food."
"...tinder.....
Ryzern thnks and smokes....
"We have an entire room of old dry flammable crates...
Old dry flammable crates full of packing straw and sawdust."
"Do you think your new friend would like that? He lets us get the key and we lead them to the fuel."
"We have an entire room filled with wood and straw if that is you want."
Caun whispers "No magic still." and then stands somewhat impatiently watching the conversation with the Mephits, his foot lightly tapping the ground.
I would be happy to drag a crate to pay...cheapest toll of my life.
Aiseilura mutters, "I really hate not understanding what's being said..."
Lienhol raises an eyebrow "They're considering the crates, but they want to see one first."
"Well, then let's hurry up and get them a crate so we can continue."
Lienhol will excuse himself and go grab a crate with one of his companions.
When they return he offers it to the mephits, but reminds them
"You'll need to burn it in the other room with the rest."
Caun will stand by and keep an eye on the Mephits while the crate is retrieved.
"Persnickety things they are. Let's hope this is sufficient to them. "
As long as they give us enough time to get out of here before they burn the place down...
One of the mephits comes out to inspect the crate while the others wait by the brazier. He gives them a thumbs up and all three flit out of the room excitedly leaving the brazier shaking under the grappling hooks grip.
"Alright, looks like that's settled. Let's grab the key and be gone."
"Well done Dreadguard. Britti, If you would be so kind as to retrieve the key we can be on our way."
Ryzern anchors one end of a long rope to the upper hinge on the entry door as Britti and The Dreadguard walk the other end to an anchor point on the far wall.
With the rope suspended between the key and the brazier Britti now has a pathway to the key or to a bubbly death if there is a backup trap we missed.
"I will keep guard on the side lines, ready to bring forth creatures to help you if trouble arises.
Perhaps this will aid you slightly."
Caun then casts
Ryzern steadies the rope near the door end.
..time to lend a hand..
For a moment the rope seems to glow. For a moment there is not one rope but a maze of strings and chains and ropes of all kinds spanning the acid. All but the true rope fade but that rope is not quite what it was before.
10 is fine.
Brittiri moves to retrieve the key...
With careful timing and cautious maneuvering the nimble gnome manages to retrieve the key piece without further issue.
Annnnd there we go. Hopefully we can get the rest before those little mephit guys burn the place down.
"Excellent work people. One more down."
Caun nods in agreeance with Brittiri.
"Presumably our 'benefactors' would take proper protocol with those sort on hand, but it would be preferable to not test that after that last room."
I believe you've done four rooms now. Which leaves the two rooms on the east end.
Going out of their way to avoid the raging fire in the warehouse room, the group makes for the room in the north-east corner.
"Feels like we've been down here for months already..."
As the group evacuate the bubbling moat of goop and its abandoned luxury brazier you enter the 5th room to the smell of smoke coming from the distance. Asphyxiation in the back of everyone's minds and the bottom of everyone's lungs the door to the room opens up into pitch darkness.
Little more than a gaping silent nothingness greets you.
"A light spell, perhaps?"
Brittiri drops to the floor in place and then puts his hand out gently to ensure that there is more floor ahead...
Yah. Can someone try to light it up?