While Sandros (and the sunrod) stays well back, Thorak carefully tries to sneak in to push the doors shut. However the doors seem to be stuck and he risks making a considerable noise if he's going to apply more force.
As he passes he notices that he skeletons are indeed human or something like it, and it seems to be about four of them. The larger bodies seem to have been ogres.
There is a musty, earthy smell coming out from the depths of the cold, damp cave beyond the doors. It looks like there is a great room, but it is preternaturally dark, and even Thorak's darkvision has trouble penetrating the darkness. Squinting, he can make out some kind of sex feet tall wooden spikes adorned with a cluster of shrunken heads tied to the pole. There are three of these horrible totems close by the door and there seems to be more in the chamber.
Returning to Sandros, you see a light approaching. Proteus is hurrying towards you, carrying a lit lantern, followed a little later by Royl and Grond.
To Grond:
If he prefers, she will rely on following him with a hand on his belt and no lights at all. The girl's got trust in him.
"I know you're not happy about how that turned out back there, but I think you were very brave to fight that monster alone. If you hadn't been there, it could have grabbed one of us and eaten them without anyone knowing."
For Black Tom:
Her plan will be to work with whatever the others suggest, but she will offer to provide light again (if her lights work in the darkness of the cave) and her primary "weapon" choice will be the Heavenly Fire (+5 ranged touch attack) unless it proves ineffective, in which case she will use her crossbow instead (+5 ranged attack inside 30', +4 ranged attack outside 30'). She'll cast Enlarge Person on Grond or Thorak if it seems that it will be helpful (25' range) in the fight. Most importantly, she will do her best to keep them between herself and a foe unless she needs to protect a fallen comrade.
If her Dancing Lights function in the cave, she will send them out to explore its dimensions from the door unless someone tells her not to. (Move Action, 100' speed)
Initiative (1d20+5=19)
Pre-rolls to use as necessary (1d20=13, 1d20=12, 1d20=6, 1d20=12, 1d20=15, 1d20=15)
Optimism is an endearing trait, right?
Heavenly Fire damage rolls (1d6+1=3, 1d6+1=4, 1d6+1=7, 1d6+1=2, 1d6+1=7)
Crossbow damage rolls (1d8=6, 1d8=1, 1d8=6, 1d8=5, 1d8=5)
Can't complain - Invisible Castle was kind to me. Hope they do us some good.
Have fun!
Proteus gathers the small group together where they can discuss the situation without making their presence known to whatever lies within the cave beyond. He looks into their shadowy faces, a look of consternation on his face. "I don't think this is a wise idea," he begins. "We have left our employer to defend herself against possible foes. I am the first to say that we need to destroy the menace that inhabits this place. However, if we were to enter this stonghold of unholiness and, Asclepius help us, not make it out alive; not only would we be leaving Madam Wilkerson to fend to against the wilds by herself after giving her our word that we would see her to Warwick, but we would also be enabling this den of malevolence to continue its existence in secrecy."
"My suggestion is this, return tonight to Madam Wilkerson and see this journey through to completion. We must warn those we see on the road to avoid this area. Once we arrive in Warwick, we can notify the religious authorities and return when we hold no responsibility to another." Proteus face becomes solemn. "I give you my word, I will return and lay to rest whatever lies within." Proteus looks at Thorak and asks "Can you remember this place so that we may return later?"
"In my estimation, we are ill-prepared and it is ill-conceived to take on the unknown with our current situation. What say you all?"
, Grond does have an idea, fire. As the cold fist or paralysis looses its grip on his tightly wound body, he explodes into action. He roars in frustration before looking down to see Royl standing steadfastly near him. His beastial mind wants to strike out at anything but his human side sees the faithfullness she showed in staying by his side. And though he would never admit it, the fear of being alone, unable to move, with that crypt fiend made his blood run cold. All these feeling and thoughts collide in his head as he shakes off the feelings of immobility.
"Fire!" he grunts, turning to the camp. His eyes and ears caught much of the action, even if they remained unfocused during his ordeal. He knew the fools ran off to a lair, maybe an ancient barrow down or mausoleum. Whatever the case, Grond knew that fire was their best chance of killing the fiend. He will run back to the campsite and grab a burning brand. "Get some oil if you have it, as many flasks as you can find. Check the other's bags as well."
He pounds on the wagon. "Undead walking!" he shouts." If he attracts her attention he will ask for some oil or burnables. He will also make sure the lady is safe, syaing they may be gone for awhile, and suggests moving the wagon. He will let her decide and only offers the suggestion.
Taking the brand and whatver oil they could gather, Grond and Roylenna eventually make it to the cave mouth, where they decide what needs to be done. Grond could care less about future travellers, but he desperately wants a chance t kill the ghoul who paralyzed him, and additionally, he sees a chance for loot.
"Let us pile the corpses in front of the doors, douse them with oil and set them alight. With greenery from nearby we could get a smoky blaze that should last the night. I will stand guard at the cave entrance until dawn, and then I say we enter and put this scourge to rest." Before making this suggestion, Grond will want to try the doors himself. (Str 16)
"My suggestion is this, return tonight to Madam Wilkerson and see this journey through to completion. We must warn those we see on the road to avoid this area. Once we arrive in Warwick, we can notify the religious authorities and return when we hold no responsibility to another." Proteus face becomes solemn. "I give you my word, I will return and lay to rest whatever lies within." Proteus looks at Thorak and asks "Can you remember this place so that we may return later?"
"In my estimation, we are ill-prepared and it is ill-conceived to take on the unknown with our current situation. What say you all?"
"That is a four day delay, my friend. By that time, the ghoul will have fled, off to spread its disease and corruption on some other unsuspecting village or farm. If we leave now, we lose our chance to end its evil."
"Wait, Grond, listen to me for a second and do not allow your rage to spur you into hasty action. None of us knows what it is we face within. It could be one ghoul or it could be a massive host." Proteus takes a look around at the group and his whisper becomes more urgent, "For Asclepius' sake, only Grond wears armor! We are being careless." He looks down and shakes his head. "It is one thing for us to throw caution to the wind and gamble with our lives. It is another when we gamble with the lives of others."
"If we just rush into this place, we are gambling with Madam Wilkerson's life as well as the lives of each traveller who may pass this way. If we smoke them out and they overwhelm us, how have we helped anyone?"
Proteus looks at Grond, "Perhaps there is opportunity to be had for reward. All we have to do is find someone for whom putting these beasts to rest has value."
He then turns to Sandros, "Many people saw us leave Seahill with Madam Wilkerson. It would not do well for our names if she does not arrive in Warwick breathing."
As he makes eye contact with each of the others in the group. "Maybe we can request that Madam Wilkerson allow us to deliver her to the inn at the Merchant's Road. If I recall correctly, that is only one day away. We can be back before the second night falls, possibly with several more curative potions to aid us. Besides, by the sound of what you and Thorak describe, Sandros, this is not a temporary lair."
Proteus sighs, "No one wants to enter that tomb more than I. The stench of death and disease causes my blood to boil. But, if we are smart about this, we can maximize the reward and minimize casualties."
"If Madam Wilkerson were your mother or your sister, would you want those who maintained her wellness to rush into the belly of the beast? There is more here than that which we are seeing."
Proteus takes a look around at the group and his whisper becomes more urgent, "For Asclepius' sake, only Grond wears armor! We are being careless."
The excitement of the chase has worn off a bit and Roylenna realizes the human is correct -- Thorak doesn't even have a shirt on! "I have to agree -- whatever our course of action is, we are not as well prepared as we should be."
She points to the packs that Grond and she caught up as they rushed to catch the others. "Grond and I have brought our gear and could guard the door while you three return to the campsite and gather your things and confer with Greta. I think she has more than an equal voice in this decision. And maybe a better idea of what else we might encounter down there..."
"Grond and I have brought our gear and could guard the door while you three return to the campsite and gather your things and confer with Greta.
"Thank you for being a reasonable voice, Royl. We have all seen what a ghoul can do, however, and one unfortunate blow and you will be here to fend for yourself. I think we should all return to the camp and make our plan together. But, I will abide by the decision of the group so long as it doesn't involve the abandoment of our task."
"All right, we stand guard at the cave mouth till dawn. I will pile up a bonfire but not light it unless we are in danger..." Grond sets his pack on the ground and pulls the ungodly huge falchion from over his shoulder.
"None could sleep with this door unguarded. GO back, prepare for dawn." Turning towards Roylenna, "You have all you need? I will light the fire and run towards camp if there is danger."
Next, he turns to the cleric, sneering, "Your suggestion of abandoning this wicked wight-hall whilst collecting our reward and building up support for its extermination-"
...
"I like."
"I wanted to wait for morning in the first place," Sandros mutters to no one in particular.
He shakes his head, looking back toward the camp. "We have two places to guard now, and still several hours until dawn. We could assault this place in the morning - but we will be weary and weakened with fatigue. Now that we know where our enemy is, I think we should prepare ourselves and resolve this tonight. We need not guard against what is already dead." He nods at Roylenna. "I would be grateful for a chance to retrieve my armor, and we should indeed explain matters to Madam Wilkerson, but she can be no more comfortable with the idea of sleeping so close to a ghoul's lair than are the rest of us. I think we should finish what has been begun, ready and prepared."
He glances at Proteus. "And while your point about our names is well-taken, our reputation will be the least of our concerns if we fail in this."
"Talkin' ain't doin'. Do what you like but I'm goin' in there and killin' whatever I find. Whatever any of you decide to do I'm goin' back to camp and get my gear," and with a smile Thorak adds," I need to get dressed for the party!" With that he hurries back to camp to don armour and shield.
As he arrives back at the cave he looks everyone over,"Well what are you waitin' for. Let's go get that little bastard! I didn't get dressed for nothin'!"
Sandros shudders. "Corellon's nose, I agree with the dwarf..."
As you return to camp to get your gear, you find Greta sitting bundled up by the fire where she has mounted a teapot with some kind of hot beverage. (The fists are gone and the fire looks quite normal.) She gestures to you to have some, if you like.
As she sees you rummaging through your stuff she sighs. "If you are going to get yourselves killed, I would have preferred you to do it after we pass Fool's Pass."
"None could sleep with this door unguarded. GO back, prepare for dawn." Turning towards Roylenna, "You have all you need? I will light the fire and run towards camp if there is danger."
Roylenna shrugs, "I really have little in the way of gear, so I will stay if you do."
Next, he turns to the cleric, sneering, "Your suggestion of abandoning this wicked wight-hall whilst collecting our reward and building up support for its extermination-"
...
"I like."
"I said we could guard the entrance rather than rushing in half-dressed. This appears to be a nice, tight lair. Is this an intelligent creature? I find it unlikely that it will abandon such a lair just because we found it -- more likely, it's prepared with traps and defenses for such as us. For all we know, this is but a shortcut to somewhere else, filled with deadly traps and monsters for those following, while the prey has already passed through and is circling back around to the wagon." As she rattles these ideas off, that last one causes her to look around with definite concern, "Regardless, we need to investigate this door and what lies beyond, but I think the more urgent matter is to see Greta to her destination." She looks in the direction of the wagon as though hoping she can see if the older woman is in danger.
Roylenna takes half a step toward the wagon, but stops and waits for the group to decide what to do.
As Thorak and Sandros agree to raid the den of the ghoul(s), obvious disappointment crosses Proteus' face. "I am sorry then, I cannot join you. I must see Madam Wilkerson to safety and then I can return. I will leave you Atlas, in case you have need of him."
"May Asclepius be with you."
"I will return as soon as I can assure that Madam Wilkerson will be safe. Again, I am sorry."
Proteus stands up and makes his way back to camp. At the sight of Madam Wilkerson awake making tea, he puts on his armor and takes a seat beside her. He respectfully reaches for a full cup.
He somberly begins speaking to Greta, "Madam Wilkerson, what can you tell me about healing herbs?"
As Thorak and Sandros agree to raid the den of the ghoul(s), obvious disappointment crosses Proteus' face. "I am sorry then, I cannot join you. I must see Madam Wilkerson to safety and then I can return. I will leave you Atlas, in case you have need of him.
"May Asclepius be with you."
"I will return as soon as I can assure that Madam Wilkerson will be safe. Again, I am sorry."
Proteus stands up and makes his way back to camp.
Roylenna's eyes get bigger in amazement with every step the cleric takes away from the party.
Turning to the half-orc, "Grond, we cannot proceed without the healer. I don't want to leave friends here to face the creature alone, but you know how powerful its touch is..." Facing the other two, "You saw what it did with one lucky hit to Grond -- it doesn't have to kill you! All it needs is one hit each and we lose! Let us return to the campsite and see Greta through the pass."
"Wait, cleric," Grond snaps. "We cannot leave this lair active without knowing more. I will go in and explore. I can see in the dark, I know how to move where others cannot see." ALl the while, he is tightening buckles, wrapping black cloth around items that jangle or sparkle in the dim light. His naked falchion lies point stuck in the earth, pommel near his ear as he goes about readying himself for action.
"I agree with the dawrf in this. We need to kill this ghoul or at least discover the amount of danger hides in here. He turns to Thorak. "I too want to slay the beast who injured me, but we do it my way. Stay at the door, do not come unless I call out, but if I call, vome as fast as those heavy boots of your will carry you."
Grond prepares to enter the lair. (He won't enter it until we have consensus or until it is obvious no one will agree. He will use every skill at his disposal, including hide, move silently, search, spot, find traps, etc. He will use a take 10 on ANY obstacle, and will move with slow precision into the cave. Grond's intentions are to go in just far enough to see a rough count of enemy and to discern if there is treasure.
"Wait, cleric," Grond snaps. "We cannot leave this lair active without knowing more."
"I cannot leave Madam Wilkerson by herself any longer. I must return. I have offered what wisdom I could to ensure that you, my friends, do not fall needlessly and without purpose to the foul creatures within that tomb."
"Sandros, the worth of your name affects more than yourself."
"Grond, Royl relies on you for safety just as Madam Wilkerson relies on us for her safety."
"Thorak, your bravery and strength serve you no purpose if you are unable to move."
"Royl, thank you for seeing the senselessness of this undertaking given our situation."
Frustration builds up in Proteus as he is torn between his desire to enter the cave and the word he gave to Madam Wilkerson. Frustration that displays as anger in his eyes.
"I have given my word to Madam Wilkerson. I care about each and every one of you, but cannot allow my concern of those who should be able to care for themselves to outweigh my word to someone who cannot. "
"I shall not return until Madam Wilkerson is safe."
"I have done all I can in leaving you Atlas."
Proteus stands up and makes his way back to camp. At the sight of Madam Wilkerson awake making tea, he puts on his armor and takes a seat beside her. He respectfully reaches for a full cup.
He somberly begins speaking to Greta, "Madam Wilkerson, what can you tell me about healing herbs?"
To Proteus.
"Herbs, you ask? Oh, there is a thing or two that I could tell you, but really, it takes a long time to master the arts of herbalism. Are you offering to become my apprentice? I sure could use an extra pair of hands." She looks musingly at Proteus. "And maybe you have just lost your adventuring friends, eh?"
Tom - mention was made earlier of "barring the door." Is that even possible? I mean, are there brackets to put a bar into and so forth, or were we merely talking about trying to find stuff to pile in front of it?
Thorak dismisses Proteus with a wave of his hand,"Bah! Let the whelp run back and hide under the skirts of the old woman if he wants. It just means there's more for me!"
"And as for you," Thorak looks dubiously at Grond,"I'll not be takin' orders from the likes of you half-breed. I'll not have it said that Thorak Trollslayer waited around while some wet behind the ear son of an orc went in before me! You can sneak and skulk all ya like boy but I'm not lettin' you out of my sight!"
Mumbling to himself about Sandros," ..who'd have figured the pointy eared runt would have the sense the gods gave a dwarf...
Thorak approaches the doors preparing to enter the caves beyond with shield up and axe at the ready...
"Wait, cleric," Grond snaps. "We cannot leave this lair active without knowing more. I will go in and explore. I can see in the dark, I know how to move where others cannot see." ALl the while, he is tightening buckles, wrapping black cloth around items that jangle or sparkle in the dim light. His naked falchion lies point stuck in the earth, pommel near his ear as he goes about readying himself for action.
"I agree with the dawrf in this. We need to kill this ghoul or at least discover the amount of danger hides in here. He turns to Thorak. "I too want to slay the beast who injured me, but we do it my way. Stay at the door, do not come unless I call out, but if I call, vome as fast as those heavy boots of your will carry you."
Grond prepares to enter the lair. (He won't enter it until we have consensus or until it is obvious no one will agree. He will use every skill at his disposal, including hide, move silently, search, spot, find traps, etc. He will use a take 10 on ANY obstacle, and will move with slow precision into the cave. Grond's intentions are to go in just far enough to see a rough count of enemy and to discern if there is treasure.
Roylenna looks at the half-orc for a long moment before sighing and shrugging her shoulders. She puts a tiny hand on his arm to get his attention. When he stops to look at her, she says something quietly:
She steps back and lets him finish his preparations, not taking her eyes off him. When he is ready and indicates that he's going in, Roylenna points at him, pronounces a word of power, and says in a whisper that the others can easily hear, "The range of this spell is limited, about as far as my magical lights, but if you whisper, I will hear you. I will relay it to the others. It's only good for a few minutes, but it's all I've got."
Grond clearly hears her whisper in stereo, both from her speaking in front of him and from the magical delivery.
Roylenna will move as close to the doors as possible to give him maximum range, without getting in the way of the others if they need to charge in.
To Greta
Herbs, you ask? Oh, there is a thing or two that I could tell you, but really, it takes a long time to master the arts of herbalism. Are you offering to become my apprentice? I sure could use an extra pair of hands." She looks musingly at Proteus. "And maybe you have just lost your adventuring friends, eh?"
Proteus looks to Greta trying to hide his emotions and speaks, "As for my friends, they have chosen to ensure your safety by destroying the creature that attacked us this night. For myself, I have chosen to to remain here in case you have need of me. I am sure they will be back by morning." It is obvious that Proteus is more hopeful than certain.
"As to apprenticeship, I have spent most of my life in apprenticeship to another and fear I could only apprentice myself to you until I have opportunity to return here in case of my friends failure. I have assured them I will come back as quickly as possible. I was more asking if there are any native plants you might share with me that are useful in the healing arts. I am sure your knowledge is much more than I could consume in one or two days time, just hoping for a bit of shared knowledge."
Grond listens to all Roylenna has to say, nodding. He then follows behind the dwarf into the cave mouth, but when the dwarf goes thru the door Grond will hang back for a moment, and finally, when it sounds like Thorak is far enough from the doorway, Grond will enter as before, with all his thieving skills on high alert. He attempts to discern if there are enemy, and how many, and if there is treasure, and how much. He also tries to stay away from Thorak, opposite sides of the room or even down different passageways if possible.
If Thorak enters combat, Grond will try to make a backstab attempt using his falchion, unless the odds are 4-1 or more, then he will run for the exit. If Grond is attacked or makes an attack, he will shout for the others.
During his exploration, he will periodicaly whisper a few words to Roylenna such as "entering chamber" or "testing for lock" or "too risky, moving to next" to keep her abreast of the action.
To Greta
** spoiler omitted **
To Proteus:
To Black Tom
At some point through the night he will find a large piece of wood with a pointy end. Using a charred stick from the fire he will write "undead" on it and post it at the side of the road they travel. He also uses his "create water" orison to fill any waterskins in preparation. He will be using the "guidance" orison regularly to increase his perception checks.
As Thorak and Sandros enter the cave, followed closely by Grond (who hangs back the better to sneak around), a tingle of cold sets your spine ashiver. It's not clear if it's the ghastly totems, the dungeon chill or the unnatural darkness that does it to you, but you all feel it. This place reeks of some kind of ancient evil, and you don't have to be a paladin to know it.
There are three totems clustered near the entrance, and it is hard to pass them without brushing against strands of their straggly hair. Not being prone to superstition, you press on. Thorak straight ahead, accompanied by Sandros, while Grond watches them and veers off to the right to explore unheard and unhindered.
Thorak is in L10, Sandros in M10 and Grond in P10 when you hear a shuffling noise from the northeast . It is the sound of many feet, perhaps as many as dozen people or more, accompanied by low moans and groaning.
Squaring himself off as he faces the noise coming from his right Thorak tells Sandros,"Right then. Shine that glow stick in the corner there and let's have a see at what's comin' for dinner!"
Oh boy.
(I'm no good at these Fort saves)
Grond has seen enough, he turns and sprints for the door keeping Roylenna informed of all he sees. "More of them, MANY more!"
Thorak is in L10, Sandros in M10 and Grond in P10 when you hear a shuffling noise from the northeast . It is the sound of many feet, perhaps as many as dozen people or more, accompanied by low moans and groaning.
Squaring himself off as he faces the noise coming from his right Thorak tells Sandros,"Right then. Shine that glow stick in the corner there and let's have a see at what's comin' for dinner!"
Looking only slightly peeved at being given orders by the dwarf, Sandros nevertheless tosses the sunrod in the direction of the noise, about 20 ft off.
With an expert flick of the wrist Sandros tosses the sunrod towards the sound, and even the dimmed light it sheds in this accursed chamber is enough to make plain that there is indeed a great number of creatures advancing on you, more than a dozen in fact. Kobolds, ogres, men, and eerily enough even a little girl. All long dead from the looks of them, but still inexorably moving towards you.
With a shout Grond turns on his feet and rushes out of the room, nearly knocking poor Royl over.
Panting, Grond skitters through the door, nealry bowling the little Roylenna over. "Quick!" He shouts, "help me get the door closed! Clear the debris! Get something to spike it with!" He stands looking around for anything to help seal this vault, hoping that his erstwhile companions either dash thru the door as he did, or die a quick death.
"Fly, you fools!" He shouts, putting his shoulder to the crypt door.
Panting, Grond skitters through the door, nealry bowling the little Roylenna over. "Quick!" He shouts, "help me get the door closed! Clear the debris! Get something to spike it with!" He stands looking around for anything to help seal this vault, hoping that his erstwhile companions either dash thru the door as he did, or die a quick death.
"Fly, you fools!" He shouts, putting his shoulder to the crypt door.
Roylenna dives out of the way as Grond makes haste to leave, but steps back in the doorway to yell at the two making their stand, "There are so many! You'll be better to meet them here at the door, one at a time!"
Initiative: 1d20+3 = 8+3 = 11
Attack, if available: Heavenly Fire (1d20 5=9, 1d6 1=2)
At Grond's flight back through the doors Thorak says," Never trust an orc!" He turns to Sandros,"You can run home to your mother if want now boy. There's barely enough for me let alone the two of us!"
Thorak moves back a bit to get the doors behind him and keep the enemy in front.
Yelling to get through a certain dwarven skull, "Thorak, if you stand outside the doors, you can control how many can reach you and you can concentrate your blows! Sandros, where is your bow?"
Whispered (Message should still be in effect), "Grond, if we have to retreat, I have little chance of outrunning them after watching the first one take flight. I have a spell that would make it very easy for you to carry me -- would you do that?"
Cast Dancing Lights into the crypt, at ceiling height and about ten feet in front of Sandros and Thorak. No "programmed" motion once they are in position there.
"Aye. Cast it now if it will help get this infernal portal closed!" Grond growls. He is really wanting to get this door closed but his human side tugs at him to give the fools still inside a last chance to survive.
"Listen lass, if I need you to tell me how to fight these creatues then Moradin can come down here himself and strike me dead!"
While the undead mob continues advancing slowly and jerkily, Thorak and Sandros take up positions at the door. Roylenna's magic torches only shed a dim light, barely outlining the monsters as they approach.
The undead ogres are the first to appear, and as they reach the edge of the light Roylenna's Heavenly Fire hits the first one squarely in the chest, flaring red and searing its flesh, but it hardly misses a stride.
As the zombie ogres move in for the kill Their clumsy movements don't allow them to attack - except for the middle one.
As Thorak moves in position and deals it a mighty gash with his axe, the monster hardly even seems to notice the gaping wound. Sandros takes the opportunity to stab it with his rapier but finds it nearly useless as a near-perfect attack only leaves a tiny wound.
The monster bellows in a rasping voice and brings a mighty fist down on Thorak, nearly breaking his neck.
"ow"
"Grond, I'm not sure these are the same creatures as the one that attacked you..."
Another ray at whatever's the best target, considering cover and all.
Attack: Heavenly Fire (1d20 5=7, 1d6 1=6)
Black Tom:
Some potential actions while I'm AFK.
If the lights help, she will continue to use them in this fashion. Otherwise, she will continue to use her ray since she's not afraid that it will harm allies. If she gets a completely clear line of fire (unlikely), she will try her Burning Hands spell once.
If retreat is called for, Grond's additional size and +2 to Strength from the Enlarge Person spell will hopefully make it very easy for him to carry her. If memory serves, she and her gear weigh all of about 40 pounds. She will continue to harry pursuers, if possible, over his shoulder with the Heavenly Fire. She doesn't want to start a forest fire, so is unlikely to use Burning Hands outside the crypt.
Is it possible to reach into the doorway and grab these meat-heads by the scruffs of their necks and yank them out? If so, Grond will do that, as he has seen about enough of the undead for now and wants to LEAVE. He really wants to close and spike the door, this is his last attempt to save them.
(He is not above landing a sudual blow to the top of the dwarf's head in order to facilitate dragging him out.)
If Roylenna casts enlarge person, he will immediately slam the door, barring it with his 12gp value silvered dagger, grab up Roylenna and dash for camp.
Sandros, seeing Thorak step away from the doors, snarls, "No, you fool! We have to hold our position and make them come to us! The door is the key - they must approach and die, one at a time! Fall back!"
Suiting action to words, Sandros backs through the door and sheathes his rapier . He glares across at Grond, shouting, "If you're not going to use that Gruumsh-blinded falchion, give it here and let me take care of this!" Operating on the assumption that Grond won't do so, though, he draws his dagger and shifts it to a blade out fighting stance.
Just checking in. It appears that it is Thorak's go for Round 2, correct?