2. The First Delve

"Yes, that sounds good." Gabbro nods. "But that might be restricted, too. If they don't allow us to head south from the guard post, we could also get our weapons and head west, to explore down this corridor, the next opportunity to go south past the guard post..." Gabbro points to the area on the map. "But while we're waiting for Ricard's shopping, let's take a look to see what's through that archway...or at least find out that's restricted, too!" Gabbro winds his way through the stalls, heading to the northern exit from the Kobold Market.

Luther will follow Gabbro keeping his eyes open for anything out of the ordinary.

Fenwick will tag along with Luther and Gabbro.

Jessica tags along.

Access through the archway that leads north from the marketplace is also restricted. On the far side of another bugbear guard, you can see that a corridor extends for 20’ before opening out into a lit storage area filled with boxes, barrels and bales. Numerous kobolds scurry about sorting and counting inventory.

However, there is nothing to prevent you from heading south from the guard post to the west of the market, so you collect your weapons, light your lantern and head through that door. Beyond, a corridor extends for 10’ before a side passage branches to the east for 30’, terminating at a door. Continuing south, the corridor extends for at least the range of your lantern’s light (30’).

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Day 3, 8:10 am
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 1: 5/5 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 1: 4/4
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"Try the door?" Fenwick suggests. "So, at first I thought the bugbear guard was another tribe, but it seems like maybe they're contracted security?"

After a bit of internal debate, Ricard purchases one of the iron rations from the vendor and then hurries to catch up with his companions. After fetching back his blade he heads up the group as they travel south and west.

"Door looks like a good place to start..."

Ricard tries to ease the door open without making too much noise.

Pickles skips along behind Ricard picking up his weapons from guards as he goes. Finally they arrive joining the others as the examine the door, "Hi everyone, interesting door."

As you head along the easterly corridor towards the door at its far end, you hear a sudden crash from the room beyond followed by lots of kobold shouting, yelping and whining. Moments later, the door is flung open and a corpulent kobold wearing a tattered fur cloak, a red fez and a monocle comes storming out towards you. He’s followed by four more kobolds, all armed and armoured, who are struggling to keep up with him.

All seem preoccupied with whatever has just happened beyond the door and are set on a collision course with you unless you step aside.

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Day 3, 8:10 am
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 1: 5/5 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 1: 4/4
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Luther will step aside trying to hold in his laughter at seeing a kobold in a fez and monocle. That is something you don't see everyday.

Gabbro steps aside, trying not to meet Luther's eyes because he knows that he will crack up otherwise. He really doesn't want to laugh, as kobolds are only a joke in genteel parlors back in the city.

Jessica dutifully steps aside to let the kobold parade pass.

Fenwick moves to the wall to get out of their way. This guy looks important. His fez is amazing.

Ricard follows suit with the others though offers an enterprising sympathy as the fat kobbie struts past,

"Need any assistance sir? Troubles relieved?"

Pickles moves a side, but keeps a weary eye on them especially after their last encounter with rude Kobolds, unfortunately as taller members of the party step to one side Pickles spies the front Kobold and his hat . . .

The humour of the situation fires like a party of sparklers in Pickles head confusing the path from brain to mouth, giving Ricard the moment he needs. "Uhmff umffhh hummer." is all the Halfling managers to get out as a ham like hand covers half his head.

The flamboyant kobold looks askance at Ricard and Pickles as he sweeps past, his entourage trailing in his wake. He ignores the fighter’s polite enquiry, instead hurrying to the end of the corridor before turning north towards the market.

In the meantime, the door at the end of the corridor swings shut again. But, before it closed, you’re sure you caught a glimpse of some large, black, beetle-like creatures in the room beyond …

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Day 3, 8:10 am
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 1: 5/5 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 1: 4/4
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"Sorry Pickle," Ricard whispers as he releases the halfling,

"Bad time for a wild card. Looks like a beetle in the next room, everyone ready for a fight or should we find another way?"