4. The First Expedition

OK, let's roll for initiative ...

Ella, Jackie or Thrud ... please roll for the party.

Thank you, Geralt, that’s much better. Zach slowly descends the stairs, keeping an eye out as best possible for strange items (strings, hooks, protuberances) which may herald traps or worse. Zach also tries to listen for any strange noises, or even differences in tread sounds as he descends. Zach is nervous as heck with just he and Grim against who knows what.

Tied initiative in OSRIC is resolved simultaneously. This means that JET start to move away from the ‘cube at the same moment that it starts to approach them. As you are running, you’ll easily outpace it and escape.

As the gelatinous cube rounds the corner by the baboon fresco, Jackie, Ella and Thrud turn and flee. Doubling back east, past the misty chamber with the murky pool, they halt to gather their breath halfway up the south-easterly fork. There are no signs that the ‘cube has followed you.

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Meanwhile, Zach and Grim start to descend the stairs behind the concealed door. Apart from the occasional switchback, the steps head inexorably downwards through the darkness. After ten minutes, there’s no sign of them stopping. Are you going to continue?

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11:40 am, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Phew," Jacky says, running a hand through his hair. "Now we can go rescue those two before they get eaten by spiders."

Gumdrop, we’ve been descending for a while. Should we continue or go back for the others?

You think it probably turned to the west at the end of the south-westerly corridor.

"Let us head back cautiously,"the elf whispered.

We should go back, yes.
Our dwarven fellow turns, and with his torch lit he starts back up the passageway.

Zach stays behind Grimidek as they ascend. Where they were heading was already cleared; any danger would be from behind. Half the time, he slowly backed up the stairs behind the dwarf. Slow and steady, Glorfindel, slow and steady.

Ella, Jackie and Thrud will need to rest for a turn after their combat. So you'll all be able to rendezvous at the baboon fresco at roughly the same time (if that's what you want to do).

Jacky's map is correct.

Jacky hums as the trio catch their breath. "I wonder if they can get out from behind the secret door without our help?"

"I hope so," the elf responded.

Zacharias reaches forward over Grimidek’s shoulder with his bastard sword and trips the mechanism to open the monkey. There we go. Peek out, Grover, and see if anything nasty awaits.

With customary dwarven Hmph, Grim sticks his brow bearded head just around the corner and looks to make sure coast is clear. Before gesturing with calloused hand, fit Zach to follow him back to rejoin their friends.

Zach and Grim have no trouble exiting the stairway. The same switch that closed the moving wall section, opens it again.

With the party reunited at the intersection by the baboon fresco, you plan your next move.

Where to?

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11:40 am, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …