2. The First Delve

Ricard returns the embrace, "The Beggars seem to have pulled all their operations down to the lower levels, we have been looking everywhere up here but haven't seen anything from them. We are headed topside to resupply for the push below, no choice now but to chase those rats down into their hole"

Pickles gives a bright smile but those whom know him would see the fire behind the eyes, "Hello Gruk. Glad to see you’ve still posted here, but you must be racking up some overtime!" The Halfling says after letting Ricard speak first.

"Interesting …," Gruk responds, nodding along in an exaggerated fashion. "We were sure the Beggars were based somewhere above the dungeon, but if they’ve moved down below, that’s good to know. Should give the hobgoblins something to think about, eh? Could work in all our favours."

He continues ... "Anyways, you want anything, or are you just passing through?"

---
Day 4, 3:10 pm
Gabbro, Elf 2: 10/10, 90’, Sleep, (+1 1st level spell)
Horath, Cleric 2: 9/9, 90’
Luther, Cleric 3: 6/10; 90’, Cure Light Wounds (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 7/18, 90’
---
Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"Well seeing as you ask, we are looking for an exit to the surface. It seems the main hall is a one way door, is this the way up or is there another way? Also what do you know of the Goblins gang on this level?" Pickles says with a smile.

Gruk’s eyes glaze over momentarily, as if lost in thought, before he shakes his head to clear it. "Sorry, I just had the strongest sense of deja vu. If you’re looking for the way out, you want to be heading in that direction," (pointing to the northern exit). "Just keep bearing west."

"The Wolf Gang goblins? We’ve had some skirmishes in the past, but I’m not sure there are too many left. Let’s just say they came off second best."

---
Day 4, 3:10 pm
Gabbro, Elf 2: 10/10, 90’, Sleep, (+1 1st level spell)
Horath, Cleric 2: 9/9, 90’
Luther, Cleric 3: 6/10; 90’, Cure Light Wounds (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 7/18, 90’
---
Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"Interesting," Gabbro responds to Gruk's comment, a bit belatedly. "The beggars DO seem to have a presence on the surface, but I wouldn't have thought it was their base. I thought it was just a lookout station. If it's their base, that means they have another way in and out of Stonehell, because we've seen them in Kobold Korners, too."

He shrugs, addressing his companions. "Well, we'll figure it out, one way or another. Let's take the next step and move on." To the orcs, the elf says, "See you again soon."

Assuming we have no other business with Gruk and his troop, Gabbro will move north again, taking deep breaths. His adrenalin is always a little elevated when dealing with any of the Stonehell factions, but especially with the Open Sores.

With a quick check of the map, Gabbro leads the party north from the orc guard post and on to the threshold of the high vaulted chamber with the six columns holding the ceiling aloft. When you last visited, a couple of days ago, the ceiling was choked with cobwebs. But Pickles cleared them with his trusty bow and flaming arrows, and it remains in that state.

Are you going to do anything here, or just press on? There’s only one visible exit - the one to the north shown on Gabbro’s map.

Link to previous posts that featured this room, just in case you want a reminder …

---
Day 4, 3:20 pm
Gabbro, Elf 2: 10/10, 90’, Sleep, (+1 1st level spell)
Horath, Cleric 2: 9/9, 90’
Luther, Cleric 3: 6/10; 90’, Cure Light Wounds (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 7/18, 90’
---
Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"Since we're trying to find our way out," Gabbro mutters to his companions, hopefully low enough that nearby nosy orcs won't overhear, "Let's just keep going to where we think the exit is rather than searching more here."

So saying, he moves north and to the T-intersection, taking the left-hand turn. There, he begins moving cautiously down the corridor, testing the floor with the spear as has become second nature to him by now.

Pickles waves goodbye to Gurk and the Orcs, before skipping along behind the group and admiring his handy work of a clear ceiling.

Gabbro leads the party down the westerly corridor and into the hitherto uncharted areas of Stonehell. After 30’ you arrive at a north-south T-intersection.

To the south, a corridor extends for 20’ before terminating at a dead end. There is, however, a door in the western wall at the corridor's end.

To the north, a corridor continues beyond the 30’ range of Luther’s torchlight.

---
Day 4, 3:20 pm
Gabbro, Elf 2: 10/10, 90’, Sleep, (+1 1st level spell)
Horath, Cleric 2: 9/9, 90’
Luther, Cleric 3: 6/10; 90’, Cure Light Wounds (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 7/18, 90’
---
Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Ricard keeps his blade free and his guard up as the party enters uncharted territory, the taste of fresh air and sunlight making him want to rush and act carelessly.

"Where to Gabbro? Can't wait to get out of here."

"Aye, fresh air will be good for us."

"Let's check the door first..." Gabbro suggests, and starts tapping down the southern corridor toward it.

At the intersection, you turn left and head south towards the door. As you approach, a distinct smell of smoke and cooking meat hits your nostrils. You can also hear muffled voices beyond the door.

---
Day 4, 3:20 pm
Gabbro, Elf 2: 10/10, 90’, Sleep, (+1 1st level spell)
Horath, Cleric 2: 9/9, 90’
Luther, Cleric 3: 6/10; 90’, Cure Light Wounds (Torch)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10, 90’
Ricard, Fighter 3: 7/18, 90’
---
Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"This is close to the kitchen we found...well, some of us found a while back," Gabbro whispers to the others, "But it's not that close that we should hear voices, unless my map is completely wrong. I think that this may connect with this passage we never explored." Gabbro points at the map, then listens at the door to see if he can make out any words.

Ricard's stomach growls loudly at the smell of cooked meat and he looks around a little guiltily,

"Sorry about that."