I'm currently running Rise of the Runelords and my players are currently at Thistletop. The PCs cleared out the fort on the top of the island, but bypassed the goblin thicket by using a boat to land at the beach. Sadly no bunyip encounter for me.
As they descended into the first layer of the dungeon, the party managed to avoid Orik and Bruthazmus. They did stumble upon Lyrie almost immediately. She was cataloging artifacts, taking notes, and talking with her familiar. The Archeologist Bard struck up a professional conversation with her regarding her research. Some silver tongued diplomacy, and the stern gaze of the paladin in the background, got Lyrie to reveal that Nualia was downstairs. Before the party went to the second floor, a sense motive check revealed to the party that it was very likely Lyrie was going to bolt at the first chance she got. The AP does say she is a coward at heart.
The PCs have scouted around the second floor and are preparing to kick in the door to Nualia at the Observation Deck. Nualia is aware that something is up since the trap in the hallway went off. Buff spells go brrrrr.
Now my dilemma / questions.
1) Lyrie is definitely going to grab as much of her notes and artifacts as possible and flee. Does she stop by to grab Orik? Neither of them are really invested in Nualia's plans. Lyrie just wants access to the Thassilonian ruins. And she could use a Big Dumb Fighter to protect her. There was also an excellent suggestion on the boards of having Lyrie show up again in Magnimar later on. Does Lyrie know Orik is sweet on her and does her poor self image complicate this?
2) When the PCs face Nualia, she has her third yeth hound. When the yeth hound howls, does Bruthazmus hear it and react? Even going around corners, he is just within 300 ft. I am thinking that he stops to open the door to the chapel and let the other yeth hounds out. They then rush to Nualia's side, arriving (dice roll) rounds later. This should, hopefully, stagger their arrival.