4. The First Expedition

Seeing the sheep-headed man's preference for Ella as a conversation partner, Jacky turns his efforts toward uncovering any dangers leading toward the yet-to-be-explored direction past the trapped door.

As he shuffles along beside Ella, it’s clear that the elderly Ovinius will need assistance in traversing the wire trap. Indeed, you end up pretty much carrying him across it, although he is very reluctant to accept the help.
"Well," says Ovinius, scratching his woolly cheek. "I don’t rightly know exactly how many of us there are. Well over a hundred, I would say," and with a chuckle, "Fortunately, they’re not all quite as ‘battle-hardened’, as you kindly put it, as me!"
You learn that the beastmen’s leader is called "Deino", but Ovin generally refers to her as "Mother".

He doesn’t appear to have any clear idea (or interest) regarding the beastmen’s goals, other than to protect their precincts. Such matters are left to Mother and her three "Counts". He just follows orders.

There are no particular threats he is concerned about. He considers the beastmen to be sufficiently well-trained and well-organised that they can deal with any intruders.

Ovinius says the beastmen mostly use two entrances to Arden Vul - the pyramid entrance (that you are already aware of), and a concealed entrance in the cliff face on the far side of the "Great Cavern".

Do you wish Ovinius to accompany you (and essentially join the party as a retainer), at least until he makes his saving throw vs. Ella’s Charm Person spell (which is likely to be weeks or months, rather than days)?

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4:20 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Is the Great Cavern on this level? Is it within your Pentarchia’s territory?" Ella asked as they stepped beyond the trapped doorway.

After precious moments of stoic silence, Grim adds, Aye, if ya can take us to de Cavern, we’ll be much obliged!

Thrudmarr helps Ellagel carry the elderly Ovinius over the tripwire, his large hands surprisingly gentle as he supports the sheep-headed beastman. Once across, he steps back, giving the others space to continue their questioning.

"Yes, it’s over in that direction," (pointing south).
"As far as I know, the Great Cavern is only accessible through our precincts. And I don’t think you’ll be allowed through. I’d stay away if I were you … especially you two," (gesturing at Thrud and Zach). "Mother can be … ,"

He pauses, seemingly searching for the right word, "... persuasive."

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4:20 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Do you have any idea where we should head toward instead, then?" Jacky says.

"Mother?" Thrudmarr looks up at the mention of the word. He approaches Ovinius with an unusually earnest expression, his normally boisterous demeanor softened as he points to himself. "Thrud no have mother."

After this brief moment, he turns away abruptly, returning his attention to watching for dangers from the corridor.