2. The First Delve

"Oh, whoops. Sorry!" says Fenwick. She pauses, looking back at Pickles with the expression of someone trying (and failing) to do a complex mathematical question in their head. She opens her mouth momentarily, then decides to forget the matter, shakes it off, and concentrates on the path ahead.

Now that we've moved forward enough to inspect the doors and the storerooms on the other side, Gabbro peers to the north and west to see what can we see down those passages...

(I’ll assume you shield the party’s lantern to maximise the utility of Gabbro’s infravision.)

The corridor to the north extends for 20’ before arriving at another closed portcullis. The portcullis is identical to the others you’ve seen on this level. Beyond, there is a chamber that is 30’ long in the north-south direction. A further corridor continues north from the chamber directly opposite the portcullis. You can’t gauge the east-west dimensions of the room from your current position (which I’m assuming is mid-way between the two storerooms). As far as you can tell, based on your restricted view, the room seems empty (there’s no sign of those orcs).

To the west, beyond the second storeroom, your current corridor extends for a further 10’ before reaching a corner section and turning to the north.

---
Day 3, 9:20 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 ...

"We probably still have a bit of time before we have to head back north to the Korners, do we want to try one of these western paths?" Fenwick asks. "If so, which one?"

"I say we continue down the one we are in and head north."

"Seems reasonable to me."

Ricard readies his spear once more and resumes tapping as the party moves North.

From the wording of Luther’s post, I’m interpreting this as "west, then north", as opposed to "directly north towards the visible portcullis". But if I’ve got this wrong, I’m happy to rewind - just let me know.

You continue west beyond the two storerooms to the corner section that turns to the north. Ahead, the passage continues north for 30’ before arriving at a T-junction.

Looking to your right (east), you see yet another portcullis, just 10’ away.

To your left (west), 30’ away, you can see a large pair of double doors in the southern wall. Directly opposite these, in the northern wall, you see a side passage leading north. The westerly passage continues beyond these two features into darkness.

---
Day 3, 9:30 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 ...

"Double doors are for fancy folk... Or fancy halls. Shall we check?"

Should everyone agree, Ricard approaches the doors and listens...

"I agree, but rather because I don't fancy leaving something unknown behind us."

"Agreed"

Pickles trots along behind Ricard admiring the large doors, running appreciative fingers over the wood before placing an ear against the double doors as well.

Neither Ricard nor Pickles can hear any sounds coming from beyond the double doors.

Now that you're at the double doors, you're also in a good position to look up the corridor to the north. It extends for at least 30'. There is another pair of double doors up this passage, in the western wall after 30'.

---
Day 3, 9:30 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 ...

"So... should we knock, or just barge in?"

"No sense in being rude."

At Luther’s suggestion the Halfling shrugs and knocks with a medium strength, so as not to be too loud nor too quite, and waits . . .

Pickles strides up to the oversized doors, knocks confidently three times, and waits.

There is no response.

---
Day 3, 9:30 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 ...

Fenwick shrugs and nods to Ricard, readying her sword and preparing to advance through the doorway when the group makes their move.

Jessica readies her hammer, though she hopes that whatever they encounter might be willing to talk first.

"Here we go." Luther tenses as he hefts his mace making ready.

Pickles casually draws his bow and notches an arrow as he steps back from the door, once set he indicates so to Ricard.