[ooc]"You insist on checking the upper level first? Although it seems the lower level was well guarded? Well, I hope we can clear any stragglers fast."[/B]
"If the lower level appears less guarded, we should clear out the upper level to prevent them from encircling us."
There is merit in both paths, as such in order to maintain cooperation, I suggest clearing this level first, as long as we do indeed return to investigate down here. We gave our word to clear the way, not just blaze a path. If the Neatholm folk are to help in the crusade, we can't have them ambushed as they follow our trail.
Farasha moves through the doors, following Kazul.
"You trusted my leadership, now I gladly trust your expertise. Lead on Kazul!"
The worked stone walls of this large room hold a number of shelves, each of which display the preserved bodies of dire rats, bats, rock vipers, cave lizards, and other creatures that pose in eerie stillness. A pair of bedrolls have been laid out to the southeast.
There is a door to the east, and an alcove to the north that contains a ladder leading upward.
Still wanting to clear this level first, Kazul heads east.
Lucille stares hard at the ladder up, but says nothing, agreeing with the decision to clear the current level first.
A muted roar echoes down the walls of this hallway. Near the eastern end, the worked stone give way to natural cave walls, just before the hall ends at an open shaft. Hanging over the edge of the shaft is a knotted rope—the other end tied to an iron spike driven into the ground.
I don't know what on Golarion that noise was, but that appears to be the end of this level. Shall we go down via this rope or the chain?
"Does anyone have the means to case some light down the shaft?"
I don't know what on Golarion that noise was, but that appears to be the end of this level. Shall we go down via this rope or the chain?
Sounds like the rush of water...
"I am no friend of rushing water. This could be an well. I am for the chain to investigate first. If you want Dieter, you can draw the rope up. This could really hinder someone who is down there."
"Agree, clear down and then up. Not in the mood to get wet so leave that for later." Kazul heads to chain in H4, stopping by to check NE door in H4.
This narrow hallway slopes downward steeply. The walls are stained with foul-smelling streaks of refuse. A mound of rotting garbage lies heaped at the far end of the hallway.
Not going to go through garbage in search of coins, so Kazul climbs down chain, stealthily if possible. He whispers to his companions, "I'll go down first."
Farasha will cover Kazul as he climbs, and once the all clear is given she'll slide down the chain to join him.
Asking Farsha to let him down second he will also climb down.
The teachings of Iomedea say first in, last out. But I have to give Kazul the lead, he is the best for this job we have. But let a holy woman go down first.... that would be shameful!
Silently, Kazul slides down the chain, but not silently enough...
At the last second, Kazul detects two forms hiding in the dark at the foot of the chain. They lunge at him just as he alights on the stone floor at the bottom. Only his quick reflexes save him from being bludgeoned by their clubs.
One of them calls out a warning. "Mistress! They're here!
Bollwerk moves down.
Enemies!! hisses Farasha to the rest of the group, taking aim at one of the assailants and releasing before she'd even finished uttering the single word.
Kazul draws his falchion and attacks the figure wounded by Farasha.
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Dieter leaps over the precipice, twirling and spinning in the air to land gracefully on his feet at the cavern floor. [Land at U29]
Acrobatics
He immediately jabs the foe in front of him with a hearty battle cry. [Target U30.]
rapier
critical confirmation
Farasha's arrow and Dieter's flashing blade nearly finish one of the guards. He staggers backwards to take cover behind the crude wall set up as a barrier.
The second guard steps backward and drops into a defensive posture. "Mistress!" He cries again. "They've reached the lower level!"
Farasha mutters under her breath as her targets scurry for cover. Moving quickly she slides down the chain and takes up an overwatch position behind her team.
It's hard to tell in the varying light levels. It doesn't look deep.
Moving to V33 Bollwerk presses the attack.
Kazul cuts down the mongrelman trying to fall back, but his swing at the second guard is dodged. Bollwerk is luckier, slashing at the creature's leg and nearly severing it.
"quick climb at half speed"
Dieter dances forward [5' step northeast to V30] and lunges at the nearest foe.
Target V31
rapier
Dieter's quick movement catches the mongrelman off guard, his rapier puncturing his abdomen. The guard crumples, leaving the room empty of enemies.
Moving to cover the exit, Farasha aims her bow.
Well whoever their mistress is, she's been warned we're coming. We should be prepared for an ambush
she glances at the bodies
They might have something useful on them like potions, can someone please check?
Kazul checks the bodies for valuables.
The guards have a total of 24 gp on them, and nothing else of value.
Kazul listens at the eastern door for sounds of an ambush and if none, proceeds forward.
"If they have been warned... perhaps we should wait. They will prepare their defenses, and after enough time has passed may send a party to investigate. We can ambush their scouts, and leave them with fewer forces massed together when we press forward."
You hear nothing.
Kazul waits 10 minutes, to allow any of their buffs to expire.
Leaning on the wand Bollwerk contemplates the implication of some cult down here and the fall of Kenebras, enjoying the relative quite before the storm to mentally prepare himself for the tasks ahead.
Patience can be a mighty tool! Use it!