2. The First Delve

Abandoning the litter outside the Ruined Chapel, you run north to try and catch up with the Ghost Beggar. Upon reaching the T-intersection, you look west and see her trying, but failing, to raise the portcullis that leads to the Chamber of the Sea.

Upon hearing your approaching footsteps, she spins around and, with a look of urgency and insistence upon her face, puts her right forefinger to her lips in a clear "be quiet" gesture. She then beckons for assistance in raising the portcullis.

---
Day 4, 00:10 am
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7, 90’, Sleep
Horath, Cleric 1: 4/4, 90’
Luther, Cleric 2: 6/9; 90’, Cure Light Wounds, (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 16/18, 90’
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5, 90’

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Ricard glances at Pickles to see what kind of mood the halfling is in... Be it murderous or helpful?

Time passes …

---
Day 4, 00:20 am
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7, 90’, Sleep
Horath, Cleric 1: 4/4, 90’
Luther, Cleric 2: 6/9; 90’, Cure Light Wounds, (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 16/18, 90’
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5, 90’

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Sensing indecision from the halfling, Ricard cautiously approaches the woman, keeping a keen eye on her weapon hand. Before completely closing the distance, he whispers to her,

"What is it? I'll not be lured to a knife point if that's yer aim."

Luther sitting back with the supplies wonders what is taking so long.

Horath watches the exchange expectantly.

Pickles waved at the Beggar enthusiastically and moves forward with Ricard (think of Forest Gump). The fighter notices even though he has a friendly smile towards the Beggar, his hand never drops the bow. "We’ll happily help if you can carry a message to Zorrel Gnast?"

Gabbro blinks, looking uncertainly between the enemy Ghost Beggar, Ricard, and Pickles. ::I really thought we were going to kill her quietly and stash her body like we did the others.:: Gabbro looks at her. ::...hmm. maybe we shouldn't judge all the Ghost Beggars by the actions of the few that have threatened and tried to extort us? I guess it's possible that she wasn't sent to spy on/assassinate us...?::

The Ghost Beggar ignores Ricard’s and Pickles’ questions. Instead, she continues to heave, fruitlessly at the heavy portcullis, seemingly desperate to raise it and get to the Chamber of the Sea beyond.

As he watches on, Horath (and only Horath) notices something strange. For a split second, barely perceptible, the Ghost Beggar seems to …, well …, "flicker" is the best way that Horath can describe it.

---
Day 4, 00:20 am
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7, 90’, Sleep
Horath, Cleric 1: 4/4, 90’
Luther, Cleric 2: 6/9; 90’, Cure Light Wounds, (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 16/18, 90’
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5, 90’

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Horath blinks hard and looks more closely. Did she just pop in and out? "Wait!" He calls to his new companions. "Something isn't right, here!"

Ricard instantly draws his sword and points it at the woman,

"What do you mean?! Just say the word..."

"Take a close look at her. A moment ago, she... well, flickered. As though she was there, then not there, then there again."

Ricard reaches out with his blade and pokes at the silent beggar... Then it occurs to him,

"This is a diversion, everyone on alert!"

Pickles hanging a little back takes a step away from the flickering illusion and notches an arrow, his eyes scanning his surroundings . . .

You hear the distant rolling of dice ...

Upon the prod of Ricard’s sword, the Ghost Beggar turns to look at him and breaks out into a maniacal, cackling laughter …

(Ricard's sword did meet resistance, suggesting she is not a pure illusion).

Let's move into combat rounds. If anyone is intending to cast a spell or retreat/withdraw, please declare accordingly. Otherwise, please roll for initiative. As best as I can tell from your preceding posts, Ricard is definitely in melee, Pickles is definitely not. I’ll let Gabbro and Horath choose either way.

Luther is back at the entrance to the Ruined Chapel, around the corner and 70’ away. At this point, he is unaware of what is unfolding.

---
Day 4, 00:20 am
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7, 90’, Sleep
Horath, Cleric 1: 4/4, 90’
Luther, Cleric 2: 6/9; 90’, Cure Light Wounds, (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 16/18, 90’
---
Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5, 90’

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Horath is not yet in melee, but will definitely be entering such shortly if he can get there.

Ricard wastes no more time with the sorceress...

Bow and arrow swing up on target and cool, calculating visage falls upon the Halfling, The maniacal, cackling laughter causes the little guy to withdraw about ten more feet. "There something not right with this one." he says for all to hear . . .