Barel lets those that are good at searching, search. He takes the magic hook from Lynore and attaches it to the ceiling above this side of the pit. When we are all down, he will walk across and launch it to the ceiling on the other side, so that we can all climb up with the least danger.
Barel sets about rendering the pit as harmless as possible, rigging the rope to aid the party in getting down and across.
Lanthair gathers up the mithril bits he found in case they are useful later.
The mithril shards twist in Lanthair's hands, seeking to escape.
"What? Thom, check those for magic."
Thom smirks, "Well, Lanthair, I think a career as a thief is out. I would advise becoming a baker."
Thom smirks, "Well, Lanthair, I think a career as a thief is out. I would advise becoming a baker."
"There is more honor in the latter anyway."
Thom's inspection suggests strongly that the shards are resisting being restored to whatever shape they were in to begin with. He's also of the opinion that the enchantment has weakened over the years and could be overcome with a ritual of some kind.
"Heh, looks like we found one of the keys we are looking for. Is that what they mean by 'some assembly required'?"
Take the bits and mend them then leave.
Lanthair thrusts the mithril bits into his backpack along with the residuum (400gp worth of it) and the group take advantage of Barel's combination of rope and hook to leave the deserted lab.
Hissing voices break into mocking laughter as you depart.
Thom shudders as the mocking laughter echoes in his ears. He is very glad to be out of that place.
"You know, whoever built this place likes messing around with people. Let's make a quick check for secret compartments just in case."
Neither Arishat nor Lynore notice anything more out of place than they would expect in a transdimensional portal built by a sadistic lunatic.
Lanthair searches as well.
Since everyone else is searching, Barel succombs to peer pressure and decides to search also. Finally, with a sense of failure, he decides to look at the stonework around him for any hidden/suspicious nooks and crannies.
Barel's knowledge of stonework is good enough to tell him that there are no hidden surprises lurking in the exit pit.
If we're leaving:
Arishat will help people into the pit. Once everyone is down, she'll climb n herself . And then she can help people climb out.
Lynore swings over the side.
Thom struggles with the athletic part of this job, as he climbs into the pit.
Thom's agility surprises him, but he and Lynore make their way across safely, their progress punctuated by the eerie, mocking laughter.
Arishat stands ready to help where needed.
The halfling slides easily between the spikes and out the other side of the pit.
Somewhat un-nerved by the whispering jeers surrounding them, the party make their way back to the comparative safely to the triple doored room. Now only the Feywild scented door awaits.
The ruined lab is brightly lit and wreathed in fungus of two types. The black variety smells atrocious and completely fills the westernmost vat, as well as a large part of the floor. The red type hangs in looming sheets from the walls. Greenish fungus grows over the central and eastern vats.
It is immediately clear that you have disturbed a group at work, as three quicklings lift their heads and draw their blades.
Danger Sense
Initiative
Init =
Lynore quickly gets her back up against a wall and surveys the sights.
Lynore is almost sure she sees something moving in the vat nearest to her, but her cogitations are interrupted by the zephyrs. Their speed blurring them to sight, they converge on Barel, pop back into view and attack him. The slick floor holds no terrors for them.
Unable to see the Zephyrs Tavar casts Iron to Glass at the Blademaster.
Attack vs Reflex,
Hit: Until the end of the encounter, the target takes a -4 penalty to melee damage rolls. Whenever the target hits with a melee attack, the penalty worsens by 2 to a maximum of -10.
Miss: Until the end of the encounter, the target takes a -2 penalty to melee damage rolls. Whenever the target hits with a melee attack, the penalty worsens by 1 to a maximum of -5.
"My Queen's power renders you nutered. Surender now and you can continue your unlife, fight and you shall be put down like a suckling pig."
The blademaster swears horribly in elven as Tavar's curse hits him fair and square.
Elven
Tavar realises that none of the combatants in this version of the chamber are undead, merely deeply evil.
Lynore slashes at the blurring Zephyr.
Deft though she is, Lynore's blade narrowly misses the indistinct figure.
"Ah, Tavar, you made him mad."