Suddenly, chaos erupts. Spells and alchemical items fly and the roar of explosions and the Howler are deafening.
Ruben covers his ears as the huge monster roars but he wills himself forward toward the fray.
He focusses on the half-dwarf, realising that he is in charge here and therefore the real threat.
They reckon that urgosh never misses. Well, let's see about that...
The weapon is suddenly coated with thick, greasy oil that makes it difficult to hold on to.
JJ steps towards the buyer and quickly scores a couple of attacks on the creature's belly and chest. It shrieks in pain.
Maxim shots his gun after stepping forward. The bullet hits the howler although his thick skin avoids the dwarf to hit a vital spot.
Marigold throws then her readied alchemist fire at Prickles aiming for its back to avoid injuring Terrem. The flask hits the large outsider breaking and igniting its content!
A coat of grease suddenly appears on Kazmojen's urgrosh. The half dwarf looks at the weapon astonished as it inexplicably falls from his hands!
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The black-beard looks curiously at JJ as he suggests the wax be set into his ears to protect against the creature waiting for them. He doesn't argue, figuring it may help with his earwax problem already.
Kikinnin does indeed run straight towards the non-half-dwarf pretender to the throne, the sweat in the palms of his hands causing the waraxe to shift with a life of its own.
AC = 22, PfE
HP = 25/25
Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = Protection from Evil(Marigold), Wax +2, Inspired
The howl goes up, and Kikinnin fliches as the sound reminds him of nothing animal nor human.
When the sound rinses over him, Kikinnin takes all his strength, and focuses on bringing Kazmojen to his knees.
For a moment, Kikinnin tries to figure out if Kazmojen has decided to discard his weapon for some other kind of attack, then recognizes all too well the circumstance involved with the greasing of a weapon. His visage darkens as he recognizes a possibility of history repeating itself.
He presses his attack, with another swing, while waving off the bystander for the reckless nature of lollygagging around heavy metal weapons swinging about.
Kikinnin slashes at an unprepared Kazmojen, striking just over the fine dwarven breastplate and scratching the half-dwarf at the face.
Ruben appears just behind the cover of the pillar as the urgrosh falls to the ground.
Prickles howls miserably as its skin burns, it starts starts rolling in the ground trying to put off the flames.
The flames stop as they touch the ground, where the creature stays still rolling in pain.
The buyer, pressed by JJ, steps back and casts a spell, disappearing!
Kazmojen starts to roar in frustration understanding the group is organised and dangerous. He shouts something in Abyssal, although Prickles does not seem able to listen, then in Common "Pyllrak Shyraat! Do not run away coward! Fight against these ones and the children are yours!"
"Prickles! Stop crying and endure! Attack this creatures! The one with the fire!"
You appreciate how Kikinnin's scratch at Kazmojen's face suddenly closes and disappears. He then smiles self-confident and raises his long claws "You have no idea whom you are fighting dwarfy"
Kazmojen attacks are terrible, made with a prowess you have barely ever seen. Yet, something about the claws and combat style springs some kind of resort in Kikinnin, an old forgotten gene of his ancestors, and the dwarf dodges in the last moment a claw attack that was certain to crush him! Kazmojen emits a heavy roar by the frustrated effort. He steps closer to where Pyllrak Shyraat disappeared.
You do understand Kazmojen is in fact a half-troll! Which means he has a regeneration that can be only stopped with acid or fire.
The dwarven defensive training applies against him.
A commotion is heard at the western door.
JJ continues to follow up the buyer, insenced that he would try and purchase the blood of his "family".
His off hand sword is miles from hurting the invisible slaver, but the sword of his ancestors. The cold iron knows the hand that wields it, and it strikes out at the only spot the slaver could still be standing...
JJ feels the blade hit something, whether it drew blood he is less sure...
With his shot going wide and opportunities for additional safe shots dwindling, Ryan drops the large crossbow moving up with his mace to assist Kikinnin and JJ. "Stand tall Son of Malachite and Scion of Surabar, we shall prevail."
His first shot going wide as Kazmogen shifts to attack Kikinnin. Nonetheless the cleric swings once more.
Frustrated at a precious bullet going to waste on the beast's tough hide, Maxim curses and steps forward methodically loading his pistol as he does so
With bullet and powder once again primed he levels the pistol and lets fly at the flip-flopping beast - his pistol roaring once again:
:
:
Not sure how the buyer standing in the line of fire pans out? He's invisible so Maxim is just aiming for the Howler
JJ twists towards the invisible enemy and feels like his blade is deflected by something he cannot see.
Despite Ryan's attack with the mace is good, Kazmojen's breastplate deflects the metallic head of the weapon.
A new deflagration happens in Maxim's pistol, this time at a better range. The bullet finding the howler's fur once more, opening another bleeding hole!
Marigold blinks with astonishment as the wounds inflicted on Kazmojen seem to simply close over and disappear.
Some sort of magic?
With all of her alchemical resources and most of her magical reserves spent, she has little choice but to draw her morningstar as she moves forward. Hoping to take advantage of Prickles' momentary distraction, she takes a swing at the creature as she cries, "વધુ જ્યાં તે આવ્યા છે! નીચે ઊભા Prickles!"
"There's more where that came from! Stand down, Prickles!"
Ruben dashes past Kikinnin and slashes at Kazmojen with his gleaming blade.
AC = 22 PfE
HP = 13/25
Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = PfE, Waxed +2, Inspired?
Kikinnin startles as Ruben darts forward and cuts at Kaz.
Unhappy to have to reposition, he moves around, slowly, and finds himself side-by-side with Marigold, and the prickly creature. His momentum carries him a bit wide in his strike. The wax in his ears keeps his volume up, in order to hear himself think out loud.
Marigold hits the floor next to Prickles and shouts at him, but the deafened beast cannot hear her.
Ruben hits at Kazmojen just on the armor shoulder, and his blade is deflected by a small bit.
Kikinnin climbs the dais and attempts to hit at Prickles failing to find the prone creature's fur by very few.
The outsider stands up angry by the attacks it is receiving.
Prickles then attacks ferociously at the halfling woman, still angry by the fire she tossed him over.
The bite at the halfling's right leg stabs deep into the bone.
JJ feels the buyer moves away, perhaps to the west.
His target left, Kazmojen opts to attack the just arrived man with claws and bite.
The bite is almost to tear down Ruben but fortunately Marigold's protection spell deflects the jaws in the last moment. The half-dwarf steps to the side looking to avoid being flanked.
Terrem difficultly steps back, while the other children are fighting without success against their own shackles.
Realising that attacking Kazmojen directly seems fruitless, Ruben turns his attention to the boy next to him.
We're going to get you out of here, kid. he says earnestly.
With little damage done to Kazmogen from what should have been a solid hit, Ryan knows they are in a precarious position, presenting his shield, he seeks protection upon his companions
"Protect us and heal us" hp and +1 AC for one round, Ryan is including the children with the heal.
He looks on, hoping Marigold can injure it with the window of opportunity provided.
AC = 22, PfE
HP = 13/25
Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = PfE, Wax +2, Inspired?
Kikinnin shifts to the beast's south side, hoping the halfling can remain on her feet just long enough to end the creature's life.
JJ sighs as the slaver runs away. He wanted him, he wanted him badly. But right now there were other fish to fry.
He steps sideways, turning the twin blades on the half dwarf.
"If he heals fast, then that is just more pain for him."
Both blades crash off the dwarfs metal armor.
Marigold yelps with pain as Prickles climbs to his feet and tears into her leg. As Kikinnin moves up and addresses her she shakes her head frantically, unable to figure what he wants.
We're all gonna die down here if we don't get out and fast!
"We've got to get the kids and get out of here," she cries. "The Urgosh! JJ, someone needs to get the Urgosh!"
Moving behind Prickles, she once more attempts to strike the horrible creature.
- Effects/Buffs: Mage Armour (+4AC); Inspire Courage (+1 to hit/damage & +1 fear/charm)
As the battle rages around him Maxim shifts backward and pauses momentarily to talk stock of the situation; the nature of the fell half dwarf foe and the sudden disappearance of the buyer:
:
Hell's Teeth of course! Heals like a troll... Half troll!
:
Where the hell are you fish-face?
Grim set, the gun-mage breathes deep, reloading his sidearm , levels the pistol at Kazmojen bellowing a warning to his companions...
"Basterd's a half-troll! Fire and acid will bring him down best!"
... then pulls the trigger:
:
:
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Ryan shows his holy symbol and channels positive energy. A wave of divine energy surrounds the party healing wounds and protecting you momentarily.
Kikinnin strikes a solid hit on the howler as it attempts to stand up, followed by another hit of Marigold's morningstar just directly on the creature's head.
The dwarf warrior maneuvers a coordinate movement with Marigold whom understands with difficulty but efficacy. Both companions flanking Prickles attack simultaneously, axe and mace cutting and bruising the creature's poorly defended fur. Prickles looks to side and side, staggered by the several wounds, his bones broken too much to properly move.
JJ attacks with both his swords, but they only find the half-dwarf armor, the metal too strong to injury him it seems.
Then, Maxim shots once more his pistol, trying not to hit JJ with the bullet, but precisely aiming the shot. The shot is from so close that the bullet hits Kazmojen piercing the armor as if it was just butter.
The half-dwarf shrieks in pain and looks astonished as he finds his blood sliding to the floor.
The effects of Ruben's inspiring song come to an end.
With his last strengths the howler attempts to bite Marigold once more, but so weakly it results unharmful.
Prickles falls to the ground unconscious, too damaged to keep fighting.
At the sight of his pet fallen Kazmojen starts to shout crazily "You bastards! Come here and fight me cowards!"
The half-dwarf closes to Marigold in an attempt to defend his pet and attacks ferociously at the little halfling.
One of his claws finds her unprepared despite Ryan's divine protecting wave and tears through her left arm leaving it numb for a second.
Kazmojen's wounds heal partially. He shouts then "Pyllrak! Coward! Help us!"
As a sort of response you overhear some more casting somewhere north-west of the room, but nothing appears to happen.
Just then, the western door opens and a new squad of hobgoblins enter the room. "At last!" shouts Kazmojen.
Then at the eastern door appears the halfling woman you liberated in the forge. She points towards you and shouts "There! They are the ones assaulting the fortress!"
But to whom she is talking, you do not know, as you cannot see anyone else past the door.
Ryan circles around JJ trying to stay out of the ranger's sword arcs. Falling in opposite of MG who the troll/dwarf was attacking.
"Maxim how much acid you got?"
Ruben's looks up from the boy as the doors swing open to the west.
He curses foully as he sees an already bad situation getting steadily worse.
Give yourself an exit, LaChance, don't be a god*amned idiot who dies being a hero
He gathers what power remains inside him before sheathing his blade and withdrawing his thieves' tool.
Try as he might, the shackles on the boy remain stuck fast.
As the combat rages around him, Maxim answers the circling Ryan's question with a shout;
"Two. An' one o' the special hot sauce as well Taskerhill..."
Standing before the enraged Kazmojen, the gun-mage keeps his discharged weapon raised and aimed. He flashes a hard smile at the brute as he moves forward ...
Levelling the gun's barrel at their foe he utters arcane words as fire spits from the weapon in a cone of flame;
"Brandende handen!"
Hearing the halflings words, JJ hopes that she has rallied the other slaves to help them. Armed with crossbows, they may be able to counter the goblin reinforcements... at least for a time.
He goes on the offensive, stepping up to the horrible half dwarf and letting his blades to his talking for him.
"Surabar!"
The attacks serve little purpose other that distracting the horrible dwarf.
"Grab the weapon somebody!"
Marigold staggers, bleeding heavily from Kazmojen's assault. Knowing she can't take another beating like that one, she does the only thing she knows to do - retreat and retreat fast, back towards her fellow halfling.
Maybe the others can take potshots if he comes after me!
Ryan hits the half-dwarf on the armor which deflects his heavy mace.
Ruben brings up a new spell giving himself a better speed. The lock though refuses to open "Came' on man, can you not do this simple thing? What kind of rescue is this?" says the boy to Ruben.
Maxim struggles to find magical energies where there are no more and blasts with fire Kazmojen.
The tongues of flame are perhaps not that strong because he realises Lucinda is just next to the half-dwarf. Both are just slightly scorched.
JJ pushes the assault against Kazmojen but his swords both hit just the dwarven breastplate.
Marigold retreat towards the door, next to the halfling who has the shackles no more.
There, at the eastern door Marigold feels something passing just next to her and into the room. Then divine words are heard from a male soft voice "Desna's blessings be with you" and a soft hand touches the halfling.
Most of Marigold's wounds suddenly closes with a divine light acting over them.
Suddenly, just next to Kazmojen appears a young half-elf of pale complexion, crisp blue eyes, silky blonde hair cut short and left wild, and a pinky finger missing from his left hand. The half-elf expression is concerned and serious while he attacks the half-dwarf by surprise.
The unknown half-elf stabs his fine shortsword on an open armor spot, just on the back part of Kazmojen lungs. The half-dwarf turns shouting angry.
The half-elf shouts at Ryan "Keep distracting him on that flank! Do not allow those hobgoblins to alert other guards!"
The just arrived hobgoblins take preventive shots at Maxim's and Ryan with their bows.
The first arrow stabs at Maxim, almost deflected by his mage armor spell. The second one is deflected by Ryan using his shield.
There is no notice of Pyllrak, the buyer.
Kazmojen wounds seems not to heal this time but are quickly recovering from Maxim's fire. The half-dwarf turns his attention to the new comer.
The half-elf is taken unprepared by the bestial strength of Kazmojen and his bite leaves the swift warrior barely standing on foot.
The halfling woman closes by next to Anfa and starts trying to free her.
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AC = 22, PfE (26, +4 v Giant Subtype???)
HP = 13/25
Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = PfE, Wax +2
Kikinnin obliges Kazmojen, stepping up against the wretched usurper to the throne. Wax still in his ears, he bellows out at the half-troll.
If the blaggard is bold enough to stand his ground, Kikinnin takes another swipe, seeking to separate an arm from the breastplate.
Hey listen you snot nosed little bastard, you want to try this? Ruben shouts at the mewling kid. We're risking our asses here!
He continues to curse the ungrateful attitude of the youth as he works furiously on the shackles.
Screw this, it ain't happening. He must have the key on him and that's the only chance we've got to get you out of here so shut your mouth and try not to draw attention to yourself. Ruben warns, once again ripping his longsword from it's sheathe.
As the goblin arrow nicks his shoulder, Maxim throws the newly arrived hoch-jeblin a hard look and changes tack, shifting his pistol to his off-hand [ooc](Move Action), then pulling forth his wand.
"Damned hoch-jebs... Stick me will you?"
Buoyed by the unexpected help - not to mention the wounds he didn't take that would surely have ended his short time as a swordsman, JJ renews his effects against the surrounded dwarf-troll.
"Your allies are dead and fled. You're next unless you are willing to wear those manacles yourself."
JJ snarls, taking on a fiercer expression than his somewhat tender years would normally allow.
"Suuuurrrraaaabbaaaaaaaaaaarrrrr"
This time both blades strike home, and JJ can hardly resist trying to twist them in the horrible mans body.
Kikinnin succeeds at an strong slash of his greataxe into Kazmojens right leg.
JJ scores two hits on the monster's limbs, making him to bleed.
The half-elf keeps fighting Kazmojen with his two swords.
One of them finding the half-dwarf's skin and making it to bleed.
At the eastern door, again a soft chanting is heard and a starknife made of force materializes and flies towards Kazmojen!
To just hit the floor underneath.
The hobgoblins keep shooting arrows at the group.
But both fly to high.
At the northern side of the room, you overhear the buyer chanting again something unknown. The chanting is this time hold in time.
Cornered, Kazmojen attempts to escape the situation stepping on the dais while some of his wounds heal again now that the fire effect has passed.
Kazmojen turns towards the dwarf taunting at him that just made him bleed and attacks.
The half-dwarf delivers mighty attacks on Kikinnin, but with his ancestral defensive training Kikinnin knows how to dodge those claws, and Marigold's spell protects him even from the precise bite.
Maple attempts to force open Anfa's shackles.
Not inclined to look gift-saviors in the mouth, Marigold feels her spirits buoyed by the sudden appearance of the half-elf and Maple.
Maybe we can do this! Maybe we can win!
Knowing that her friends need to be free to concentrate on Kazmojen and freeing the children, she reaches out and places a hand on Maple's shoulder as she furiously works to undo Anafa's shackles. Knowing that Maple won't be able to understand her, all she can do is give her shoulder a squeeze.
Please, get Anafa out of here.
Gathering her courage, she stows her morningstar and darts back towards the melee.
As she goes, she catches the sound of chanting from somewhere close by...
Seeing both Kikinnin and the mysterious half-elf bleeding heavily, Marigold steps up next to them and taps her friend with the healing wand.
Got to do something about those archers...
Ryan continues to swing but is having horrible luck landing anything trying not to interfere with JJ on the one side and the child on the other side. Seems the best thing is to protect those who have been injured.
Round 8
Presenting his shield once again the clerics ask for healing and protection.
hp and +1AC for one round
As the dwarf starts his retreat, JJ moves around the back of the pillar, coming up behind the foul creature again. The moves takes him, but he hopes it is worth while and he strikes out at Kazmojen with the blade of his family.
"No running away now. You didn't let my little brothers and sisters run after all. And when you're dead, I'm going to throw your body into the forges and watch it burn. Which is what your soul will likely do in the afterlife for your crimes."
AC = 22, PfE, 26 v Giants... I think....
HP[//b] = 25/25
[b]Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = PfE, Wax +2
Kikinnin continues to dog the half-troll, standing ready to provoke more swipes. At least, he hopes to.
Keeping his baleful gaze on the two hobgoblin archers, Maxim aims the wand at the pair and releases another charge of its arcane energy;
"Sluimeren!"
Sleep!
Marigold helps Maple with divine guidance, then moves forward healing the unknown half-elf.
Ryan swings his mace attempting to hit Kazmojen, distracting him on that flank then channels energy protecting the group.
JJ turns around the column jumping to the dais and stabbing his sword on Kazmojen's back the enemy intimidated by his menace. The half-dwarf stumbles almost falling by the attack, but he instead turns towards JJ.
Kazmojen dodges Kikinnin's attack and shouts back pouring blood though his mouth "That is yet to be seen!"
Maxim starts waving the wand and using arcane words.
The half-elf smiles at Marigold "Thanks swetie" then moves around Kazmojen surrounding him and fighting side by side with JJ.
Helped by Ryan's flank, the half-elf scores another hit on Kazmojen's back neck.
The flying starknife comes ones again flying against the half-dwarf.
Failing to take the creature.
All of a sudden another half-elf materializes at the eastern side. Very young, with a tanned complexion, bright green eyes, a small scar across his right eyebrow, short brown hair and a cackling laugh. He has just shot an arrow from his shortbow.
The arrow flies stabbing directly on the red hobgoblin's belly.
When the invisible Pyllrak finishes his casting a roiling wave of flesh appears just behind Maxim as he waves his wand. Amid the fatty surge wriggle half-formed limbs and a dripping tumorous face.
It tears the cleric's right leg unexpectedly with a mighty blow of its claws.
You notice someone at the northern doors, then the strip of metal blocking the doors starts flying and falls to one side unblocking the doors.
The hobgoblins aim both at the wizard menacing to cast a spell in front of them and let their arrows fly.
One of the arrows is almost to hit Maxim, but the positive energy of Abadar deflects the arrow in the last moment.
Observing the well defended Kikinnin, Kazmojen turns enraged to JJ whom is attacking him so precisely and attacks him furiously while his wounds keep healing.
Only one of the claws finds him, causing a big slash at the height of the shoulder.
Maple keeps working in the shackles lock unsuccessful.
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AC = 22 PfE/ 26 v Giant
HP = 25/25
Weapon Equipped = MW Dwarven Greataxe
Condition(s) = PfE, Wax+2
Kikinnin sees Kazmojen's hamster wheel change directions, and is all the more unhappy for being unable to hold onto the half-troll's attentions.
To remind the half-troll that he's still here, and able to inflict damage as well as the young man, the black-beard lays into Kaz another time.
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Round 8
Frustrated as his lack of connecting with their enemy, Ryan still encourages Kikinnin and JJ forward as he keeps the half-troll hemmed in.
"True son of Malachite, today will be sung of in history future. When Dwarf, Elf and Man stood against the evil growing within the fortress. Now JJ, off with his head and we'll see how well he regenerated then!"
standard action - Inspiring Word[JJ](Target receives +2 on attack, skill checks, ability checks and saving throws for 1 rds.
)
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Ryan inspires Kikinnin to fight stronger against their enemies.
Maxim finishes moving his wand, the easiness of use allowing him to continue despite the pain.
The hobgoblin in black clothing falls to the floor slept.
With a precise movement of his dwarven axe, Kikinnin opens a wide gash on Kazmojen's face. The half-dwarf faints due too the too much blood losed and falls to the floor. The gash seems to start closing fast.
Even as Kazmojen falls to the floor and one of the hobgoblins at the western doors follows suit, Marigold knows that they're still not in the clear just yet. Hoping that some of the others will be able to come to Maxim's aid, the halfling steps up to the gun-mage and taps him with the wand.
JJ takes the opportunity presented by the fallen dwarf to try an execute him.
Fort save or die.
"Someone get fire."
As Marigold's healing washes over him, the gun-mage utters a "Thank you kindly Missy..." as he steps away from his corpulent foe ;
"Got fire on me Surabar... acid too. Best we take care of the other dancing partners first though eh?"
Maxim sheaths wand, then pistol then nods toward the remaining hob archer and the gross new arrival;
"Anyone know what in the name o' Forge-fathers that is?!
Kikinnin watches JJ go for the final blade fall, with a mixture of pride and interest. He's learning, at least. Some things must be seen through. Quench the fire, don't leave embers to burn.
The black-beard lifts his gaze from the fallen Kaz, to Maxim making more noise about further foes. "Dunno, but if it bites, bite back."
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Maxim grumbles at his fellow dwarves advice as he prepares to deal with the threats around him;
"Gods be damned... We've a sage in our ranks! Rouradont the Wise!"
Kikinnin waits for Maxim to finish his thought. ...ass? When it doesn't come forth, he chuckles. "I see your color, Maxim. Dwarves aren't as versed in sarcasm, but gnomes, on the other hand..." The black-beard laughs heartily.
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Ryan ignores the dwarves jest amongst themselves, turning to the creature menacing Maxim and Marigold.
"Withdraw from this thing and burn Kaz or melt him, damned if I care which, but stop the regeneration we'll deal with the rest."
Hoping to put his action to match his words, Ryan swings at the abomination. Yet once again fails to connect solidly with an opponent.
Marigold heals Maxim with the wand while taking a closer look at the strange creature. It is definitely a summoned creature, but she does not have the knowledge to know what is it.
This is a common devil without brain. It has DR 5/good or silver
JJ uses his sword to cut Kazmojen's head. The head though starts to regenerate.
You know fire or acid will be needed to stop the regeneration and kill Kazmojen.
Ryan swings at the strange mass raising a prayer for a better luck or at least a better weapon.
The force starkey suddenly disappears and the dark haired half-elf advances climbing to the dais and casting a spell on the blonde one "Are you ok Fario?"
As his wounds close he answers "Much better now Fellian. Thanks. We have to try stop the hobgoblins."
With that the blonde half-elf jumps out of the dais and swings at the hobgoblin.
Seeing the situation, the remaining hobgoblin looks back and retreats all over the bridge turning to the south when he reaches that side while shouting "Croleks! Croleks! Kazmojen lakol! Croleks!"
The stupid mass keeps attacking switching targets randomly.
And despite his clumsiness one of his claws take Marigold unprepared.
The doors to the north suddenly open without no one there apparently. You overhear hustled steps to the north.
Maple keeps trying to unbind Anfa. Both the child and the halfling seem to start becoming desperate.
Kikinnin retrieves his backpack, pulling out a torch, and his flint and steel, and gets to work lighting the torch, presuming there are no actively lit torches in the room already. "JJ, make sure it doesn't... ew, is it trying to reconnect?"
JJ gives off hacking at the stump of Kaz and runs northwards, heading towards the levers and pulling them to activate the pit trap!