4. The First Expedition

Baboon Fresco
As you debate whether to descend the newly found stairs, you hear a faint squelching sound coming from the south-easterly passage beside you. Whatever is causing it is currently beyond the range of Thrud’s lantern (i.e. it’s more than 30’ away), but it does seem to be approaching.

---
11:30 am, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Akoslan, Khumus Fighter 1: 8/8, ?’
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 …

Probably not.

Grim halts, and clutches his holy symbol. He grunts in customary dwarvish fashion and utters a quick prayer for safety’s sake.

"Maybe the pool has spawned a guardian," the elf remarked while setting an arrow to her bowstring. "Maybe head the way the skeleton fled…?"

Aye, meh-be we see what else dere is ta see, b’fore engagin’ oozy ilk!

Heeding their words, Jacky moves down the south western corridor - not so far back to where the skeleton's remains remain, but in the middle of the corridor where he can still get a clear look at whatever creature is making that odd sound.

What? We’re not descending? Come on, this layer has probably been picked clean. Zach looks at Thrudmarr, his partner in bladed mayhem, Thurston, good buddy, what should we do?

Thrudmarr, standing absentmindedly picking his nose while the other discussed what to do, looks startled at being addressed. He looks back and forth between the dark stairwell and the squishy sound. "Uhhhh...squishy noise sounds fun...but Thrud want treasure!" He points down the stairs, convinced that in order to get treasure, they should go deeper.

I agree, Thursday, let’s see what’s down these stairs!

Grim follows with Jacky and Zach. C’mon, de rest o’ ya, we don’ wanna be splittin’ up!

So, given Akoslan isn't around at the moment, it looks like there's a 3:2 majority for heading downstairs. Should I take that as the group's action?

And are you going to close the secret door behind you?

Turning to Jacky, Zach asks Jehosaphat, do we know how to open the door from the inside?

There are pros and cons to closing it!

I just want to make sure I'm clear what you're doing.