Episode 1

Bubble heads, for sure.

Looking across the great expanse, Kray tests the line. Hinka has pulled it as tight as possible far on the other side. And the Tcho-Tchos advice to stretch the ropes as much as possible in advance was likely an important technique. There will still likely be a great amount of dip in the rope as full weight of a climber pulls it down. Hopefully it will be enough to get everyone across and still remaining above the water.

Luckily the close tie-off is so high, up upon the exposed overhang that provided such a perfect anchor. Since the other side had to be anchored to the balcony rail itself, it will be the end part of the crossing which will have the most risk of someone dipping down into the water. But whatever it is, it is as good as it gets, and hopefully good enough.

The water of the great pool room is crystal clear. Completely opposite of the entire trip through the murk at all other locations so far. The radiant glow of the distant torchlight on the other side, projecting in from somewhere outside of vision beyond the far balcony, makes a low glow on the entire room. With the great rising columns emerging from the water, the ornate stone work of the balconies, the remaining cracked mosaics on the walls. If this place were not a death trap swarming with enemies, there is no doubt that it would be a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight to see.

No longer needing the light necklaces, everyone has all loose items packed in and tied down. Hinka made the wall crossing look easy, but the lightweight agile barefooted Tcho-Tcho was built and trained for climbing. That route was clearly impossible for most men. Hopefully this system will work. And with the "haxital" creature yet to be seen, hopefully this crossing can remain quiet and without incident.

But everyone knows not to expect that as a forgone conclusion. While each climber crosses, all others, on both sides, will be poised for action, ready to react with a variety of pre-planned responses. STR Athletics OR DEX Acrobatics Check.
Shimmying across the rope from close balcony to far balcony.
Style of hanging on: PC choice.
Speed: as per Climbing Speed
Dash is possible, but forces Check at Disadvantage.
DC 6 to get across successfully. Coast to coast.
DC 5 to get across successfully part of the way, but at one moment during the crossing, the character slips, catches himself, and is dangling below the rope for 1d2 rounds before pulling back up and continuing. After back up, he can continue on successfully to the other side.
If you get the temporary fall down, roll the 1d8. These are increments of how far along the stretch the character is, roughly 10' each, before he falls and hangs on outstretched below the rope.
On a roll of 1, 2, 3, or 8, he is out of the water. Those are the higher angling points of along the route.
On a roll of 4, must make a DEX check DC 8 to pull feet up at the last moment before touching the water.
On a roll of 5, 6, or 7, the character drops at the lowest part of the slump of the rope. His feet and/or legs break the surface of the water.
6 is the roll that corresponds to the lowest slump in the line. That means water up to thigh level.

Rutcranna.

Made it.

With Thorn, Maeriks, Bryn already across, and Rutcranna about 20' away from the destination balcony, Hinka throws a signal from his lookout position at the edge of the corner leading off to the right.

Signal, "Danger. Enemies."

Hinka tucks back to hide in the shadows.

Still on the origin side, Kray and Ivor see the others across the pool shift to action response stance.

Yet unable to see the Pool Manager.

Hinka, now side by side with Bryn on the wall, speaks in silence with some of the more advanced Tcho-Tcho patrol hand signals.

Round the corner from hidden position and see:
2 of the creatures below (approx 7 feet tall). Creatures holding spears, wearing belts with knives.
2 scantily clad Dannein women (dark hair, ages approx 15 and 20). Women carrying large pottery vases, 1 each.

The ambushers come up behind the creatures as they run after Maeriks, down the hall towards a left turn from the balcony (they had originally come in from the hallway to the right, dashing after Maeriks and passing the balcony entrance without investigating sufficiently).

The girls are startled and are also standing behind the creatures, so the ambushers sort of have to charge in in front of the girls.



First come, first served on Advantage Surprise Attack.
We'll see where we are after that.