Though it sounds as if the creature might be moving, it does not respond vocally.
We can go around to see what's there Jenya suggests to the others.
"Let's. It hasn't attacked us yet, so it's at least less violent than the majority of what we've seen so far."
Perhaps only one of us should speak to it. It seems scared
"I'll let you do the honors"
Jenya nods and motions everyone else to stay back as she approaches the figure.
We wish you no harm if you wish us none. We just wish to gain items that can be used as keys to let us pass the vines that block the exit she explains. She will stop twenty feet away from the creature.
Tamayra keeps her gun trained in the event that thr creature proves hostile.
Noticing the weapon pointed in its direction, the creature dashes for the exit, leaving a pile of metal parts where it was crouched. Surprisingly, the vine wall lets the creature pass.
It scattered these metal pieces. Everyone has a gem. Maybe those are enough for everyone to pass the vines Jenya suggests. [b]It is worth a try.
Amidst the pile is a metallic cube. The rest is only scraps.
Someone should pick up the cube. It might be enough to get through the vines. Does everyone have something from here?
Rheynold collects the scrap, hoping that it may be of use in repairing the clockwork creature. He also examines the cube.
As the group approaches the vine, which blocks the exit, the leaves shift and move - as in in anticipation. Aak and Rheynold are able to move through the vines as they open with out a problem. Likewise, though the vines begin to narrow - Jenya is also able to pass. However, they close quickly as Tamayra tries to move through them.
Mal'c and Voz speak up as they approach.
"You must not have the right object? What do you have?" Looking hopefully toward Tamayra.
"I will go ahead and make sure the others do not move to far into the tunnels."
The vines shift open for Voz, though they stay close to his body - as if sensing others are near.
We should go back and help her find whatever it is the vines want
"What all did you find?"
"I believe we've found some gems, this clockwork raven," Iron Sprocket says displaying the creature, "and a dagger."
Pointing to the pile of scraps Rheynold has.
"What about all that? There seems to be some kind of block with all that junk you picked up."
Jenya will go back in through the vines.
The vines open, letting Jenya through.
Well let's find something that'll get you through the vines she sighs and says to Tamayra.
Looking on for a moment before speaking up.
"It sounded as if Voz had an idea. What are the scraps he mentioned? I can hear him, but I can't see beyond these vines."
Jenya says Maybe that cube is what we need
Iron Sprocket will pass the cube to someone to get it to Tamayra if necessary.
With the cube in hand, Tamayra easily passes through the vines. From beyond the vines you can hear the strange gardener speaking. 'The vines have spoken.' Voz and Mal'c seem to find amusement in the creature's words. The tunnel ahead looks of natural making with the only signs of craftsmanship being the metalwork piled nearby. The strange creature is motionless, though on approach you can hear a slight whirring sound.
"The entrance to the monasteries vaults is not far. Prepare yourselves. I can gain us entrance, but no monk living knows where all the traps are once we enter."
The tunnel leading beyond the strange mechanical creature is dark, though no longer damp. Though the cavern is s single path for the first hour of your quickly paced journey, soon the cavern multiplies. There seem to be not only tunnels that divide, but deceptive openings that do nothing but loop into other tunnels. The slight dampness in places seems to indicate that these twists, turns, and looping tunnels were carved out by some ancient water source. After several hours of twists and turns that only Mal'c seems to know, he stops near a large fairly dry rock.
"We break fast here. Any edibles you have should be eaten from this rock. Strange mold grows in the water here. You'd be best not to eat it."
Jenya nods and makes ready to make camp.
Nodding his head up and down.
"I don't want to spoil the surprise. Let's just say this area used to be less dry."
How much further?
Looking off into the twisting tunnels.
"By the evening meal. The doors may be opened at dawn."
Jenya nods.
After everyone has had a moment to rest and eat Mal'c stands and slowly walks forward. He seems to take a moment getting his bearings. Strangely, his eyes are closed moments after he stands. He only opens them when he begins to move forward, sure of his path - though he does not go far until everyone is close behind. Though he moves quickly it is clear he is moving more cautiously. Perhaps an hour or two after resting it becomes clear why. The water has begun to rise such that pools gather in places where the stone has been worn away.
Perception rolls:
That moss.. just moved! Jenya says pointing out the danger to Mal'c.
As the moss moves from the water, gliding onto the stoney ground, its outline appears blurred, shifting, and wavering. Mal'c leaps back, surprised.
Initiative:
Round One: All PCs now acting.
Jenya moves to within 20 feet of the moss and fires.