Zokama will try to unlock the box after Fin determines whether it is safe to do so, magic-wise.
I am unable to read the writing as I haven't prepared that spell, it is likely some form of trap. I would take caution, Zokama.
He will reveal whatever he determines with the detect Magic, but he doesn't have Read Magic memorized today.
The marking leaks energies of a Home Rune Divine nature, bordering on the edge of faint to moderate power, something Fil has had little experience with thus far.
Zokama's roll was enough to unlock the padlock, which can be removed. The marking is on the box itself.
Okay, Zokama will remove the padlock, but not attempt to open the box yet.
If nothing happens after she removes the padlock, she'll suggest that everyone stand back at least 30 feet, and cast Open on the box from a distance. (She waits for agreement and compliance first, willing to listen to other ideas.)
Navith examines the symbol Musami shows him.
He is hesitant to offer advice regarding the box, but he does think Zokama is taking suitable precautions.
Navith cannot discern the etched design on the box Braggi asked him to identify. Like Fil he would need some form of magical assistance to delve into the meaning of the strange marking.
Fil shuffles everyone back about 40 feet due to his parents, and prepares to cast scorching ray if anything horrible jumps out of the box.
Fil's suggestion would put everyone backed into the NE corner of the room.
Is someone going to trigger the rune?
I believe the open spell would do so.
Zokama casts open on the iron box, causing it to explode in a loud and thunderous blast, shattering the chest, collapsing the bed, and shredding the blankets underneath.
While the roar of the sonic blast echoes in fading shades down the hallways, you spy the remains of small glass vials, ripped and wet paper, and bits of wood atop a small glint of gold.
Fil goes to inspect the remains. I didn't hope we didn't miss anything important in here
There appears to be two broken potion bottles, a shredded and potion soaked scroll, several broken tinder twigs and, surviving the blast, a gold plated dagger in a matching sheath, curved with a series of wicked hooks backing a serrated edge.
"Aw, man, I hope those weren't useful potions, like healing or something."
While some of his companions try to decipher the scroll, Braggi pays attention that no visits come seeking for the source of the bang.
"Ah. I believe that, as they say, settles that." Navith says drily. He nods to himself.
"Yes, whoever still dwells here know... something is happening here..."
While standing and staring at one another, a moment passes, then two, stretching into nearly a minute of silence. Then, from up the northern passage a loud metallic clang sounds, banging down with force.
A few seconds later, as the sound fades, a soft howl can be heard calling, again from the north. An answering howl comes from the west.
Nothing has sounded from the three doors along the southern wall.
"What the...
"Shyte, I think we're trapped. That sounded like closing the doors."
Navith nods. He talks as he shrugs out of his pack, opens it and begins to take stock of his equipment.
Caltrops.
"We should repair to an easily defensible location with few exits."
A bullseye lantern.
"We will be assailed in force, and should meet that force with our own."
Silk rope.
"Zokama, what else have we that could aid us now?"
"Agreed. Let us prepare for this. If the first person through is a human, though, please allow me to cast a spell on them. I will try to charm them to prevent further violence, perhaps convince them we are cultists."
"Okay..."
Braggi looks actively for a place to hide and sneak attack anyone who comes that way the very moment they show their face.
"Human spare, other kill. Human spare, other kill..." he keeps repeating while lifting his big blade.
Fil readies an action to cast charm person on the first human through the door and hope the livery helps them.
A minute passes as the two passageways remain fairly quiet. The doors are still and straight, whatever hidden behind them a mystery.
Fil will listen at each of the doorways
There are three unchecked doors on the southern wall, a northern passageway you came from (which had the clanging and the first howl), and a western passageway you have not explored (which had the answering howl).
From the easternmost door you hear almost nothing, a slight moving of air, a soft touch of a breeze perhaps. You do smell faintly a dampness, mold, and a whiff of fish rotting on the docks.
From the middle door you hear absolutely nothing, only the sound of your own heart beating in your ears, vibrating the wooden door.
"They are gathering" Braggi whispers, strengthening the grip on his sword. "It's been a pleasure, friends, in case we don't see again each other."
Fil finally cyecksbtye Western passage.
"We aren't dead yet, Braggi. Have some faith.". Fil grins as he tugs at the evil eye cloak he is wearing.
I hope we make it out. This could be very bad. Fil thinks to himself as he is trying to alleviate the tension of the situation.
Fil listens closely at the edge of the corner down the western passage. Silence greets him. Peering around the corner his bow sheds light along a corridor 15' long which opens into a larger chamber. It appears at least 20' deep, the far wall covered in dusty shelves and dirty draperies, the walls extending beyond sight north and south. It looks in the shadows as though the northern reach may open up deeper still.
Zokama, what else have we that could aid us now?
I suppose that depends on what you think will help. I have potions of Bull's Strength, Magic Weapon, and Enlarge Person here. Would those be of use? We also have disguises, so we might be able to talk ourselves out of something, or get around the possible barriers through one of these passages, or one that we saw earlier. I imagine moving away from the place the commotion was made might help.
Fil, do any of those passages look better than another?
I smell fish to the east. That seems odd, unless there is an underground stream here. To the middle door there, I believe there is nothing, or the restless dead, and that Northern passage may be our best to find our cultists or the one who locked us here, unless we want to look into the possible stream.
He looks to the others. What say you?
"Let's go North and giv'em Hell" Braggi smiles.
Fil indicates the western entrance and to turn north. He casts light on Braggi's Axe.
are we ready?
Zokama nods and moves forward, scanning for traps.
Navith nods also. He looks at Braggi and Musami, the nominal frontliners.
"Let us get a little closer, but yes Zokama - all three of those potions would suffice."
With a slight grunt Musami joins Fil in moving toward the sounds of teh dropping object. Is that the portcullis?
Zokama gives the potions to Navith.
As you move towards the northern passage to return the way you came, Navith and Zokama discussing potions as they move. Braggi and Filnefillan catch the sound of weapons being drawn ahead, just as a group of gnolls turns the corner, their angry eyes staring out at your group and it's lights. Manlings, dinner? the largest and ugliest of them snarls in crude tradespeak. He then squints down the length of the passage at you, waving at his companions. He jerks his head back then cocks it to the side, growling out the words, very loudly, Bree-yark kah. The gnolls with him snarl and sniff at the air, growling a bit themselves. He seems waiting for a reply.
Hey rube, how much?
Initiative Order
First Group: Navith, Gnolls A, B, D and G
Second Group: Braggi, Gnoll E
Third Group: Filnefillan, Musami, Zokama, Gnolls C and F
Fil becomes arrogant in demeanor, speaking goblin to the gnolls.
Yark?! ti'll het kahl know not just ended ae th'rakat tam sep moathouse. Ear tam ak kahl des
The gnolls growl and yip among themselves before the larger uglier one snaps at one of the smaller guards. He growls out something in gnoll, Ghulle gree gnie waghwoord gnie. Greh'et ghulle wat rek herr.
The gnoll closes a bit, as you realize there are other gnolls further up the passageway with them.
Oro tavana kuti Bree-yark.
Unsure of which way the conversation goes, Navith attempts to look appropriately forbidding. By all accounts failing miserably.
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@Navith, Let's flip a coin, 1 = Gnoll chosen as a language, 2 = A Different Language must be selected.
Well the dice roller has spoken, Navith knows Gnoll...
Navith hears and understands the gnoll speech, and puffing himself up visibly barks back.
"Vigha gha waghwoord glaraâd! Brèk Lareth grukna "unknaä"."
Grinning widely, showing jagged canines and a pierced tongue, the ugly gnoll barks out in Common, Dinner Boys!!!
Initiative Order
First Group: Navith, Gnolls A, B, D and G
Second Group: Braggi, Gnoll E
Third Group: Filnefillan, Musami, Zokama, Gnolls C and F