Part 10: Breaking the illusion

As Lorett keeps his watch, the passage of time feels strangely stretched, as if hours have transformed into years in the silence of the chamber. He had initially thought taking turns on watch might be an unnecessary precaution in this secluded room, but the unknown dangers lurking in the temple's depths made him err on caution. In the dim light, he meticulously tends to his equipment.

Lorett inspects his leather armor, tracing his fingers over the patches and wear, ensuring that it remains sturdy enough for the trials that lie ahead. With a damp cloth, he cleans off the dirt and grime, removing the nastiest bits accumulated during their journey. His clothes, particularly his pants and boots, have seen better days and bear the marks of numerous skirmishes and harrowing encounters.

As he contemplates the state of his attire, Lorett makes a mental note to invest some of their acquired gold into new boots upon their return to the city. Perhaps he'll also consider adding additional padding to his armor, increasing his chances of survival in the perilous adventures that seem to follow their every step. For now, he remains vigilant, watchful for any signs of danger while awaiting the first light of dawn and the promise of a new day.

As Lorett reflects on the previous day's events, he can't help but marvel at the whirlwind of action and adventure that unfolded from the early morning hours to the stroke of midnight. The day had been nothing short of a thrilling odyssey, filled with moments of danger, excitement, and unexpected challenges.

In the morning, they had embarked on their journey with a sense of anticipation, not knowing what lay ahead in the dark depths of the temple. The day had started with cautious exploration, but it quickly escalated into a series of daring feats. Lorett vividly recalls leaping onto crates and barrels, his agile movements carrying him through the treacherous terrain of the temple's chambers.

The memory of sliding on stone tables to evade foes still lingers in his mind. It had been a heart-pounding moment where quick thinking and reflexes had saved him from harm. The adrenaline rush of those encounters had left him feeling both exhilarated and exhausted.

And then there was the arrow that had struck him in the chest, a stark reminder of the dangers they faced. It had been a close call, a brush with death that had left its mark. The wound had served as a constant reminder of the perilous nature of their quest.

As he lies on watch, Lorett can't help but wonder what new challenges and adventures await them in the coming days. The temple's depths are a labyrinth of mysteries and dangers, and their journey is far from over. With these thoughts swirling in his mind, he remains vigilant, prepared for whatever the darkness may bring as he awaits the arrival of a new day.

Lorett gazes over at Nida, who is snoring away with the deep, rhythmic sound of a seasoned warrior at rest. A faint smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he contemplates waking her from her slumber. He knows that, as the one on watch, it's his duty to rouse his companions for the next leg of their journey.

With a gentle but firm touch, Lorett places a hand on Nida's shoulder and gives her a light shake. "Nida," he murmurs, "time to wake up. We've got more exploring to do."

Nida stirs, her eyes slowly fluttering open as she returns from the realm of dreams to the cold, stone reality of the temple's depths. She blinks sleepily at Lorett before nodding in acknowledgment and rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

Lorett then moves over to where Seraphina is resting. He gives her a gentle nudge and softly says, "Seraphina, it's time to rise."

[The party takes a long rest.]

[Oracle "Are there creatures near the puzzle door?" Not very likely -4: Nat 20 Yes]

As the party gathers their gear and prepares to face the day's challenges, Lorett takes it upon himself to scout ahead. After ensuring they are ready, he whispers to the others, "I'll take a look through the door, but first, I'll listen carefully."

Moving silently, he approaches the puzzle door leading to the foyer. He presses his ear against it, straining to detect sounds from the other side.

[Perception DC15: Lorett 4+6 Fail]

Lorett, unable to hear anything through the door, decides to look closer. He gently pushes the puzzle door open just a crack, enough to allow him to peer into the foyer without revealing their presence.

[Stealth DC15: Lorett 19+5 Success]

He cautiously examines the situation and spots a lone corvus in the foyer. The creature appears to be setting up the trap near the entrance, and at its feet lies a dead carator that seems to have triggered the trap.

Lorett carefully pulls back from the door and turns to Nida and Seraphina, silently conveying the information he has gathered. They nod in acknowledgment, realizing that they must proceed with caution to deal with the situation ahead.

[Decision check: Nida 6, Lorett 1, Seraphina 2]

Seraphina supports Lorett's idea of waiting it out for a moment, hoping that the lone corvus will eventually finish its work and leave. They decide to exercise patience and see if the corvus departs on its own, minimizing the risk of confrontation.

[Oracle "Does the corvus leave without examining the doors?" Likely +2: 11 Maybe]
[Oracle "Does it try all the doors?": 14 Yes]
[Oracle "Does the corvus understand the mechanism of the puzzle door?" Most likely not -6: 3 No]

A few moments pass, and they hear the door being pushed and knocked. It doesn't budge. The party waits, holding their breath for a few minutes. Lorett then looks at them and nods his head. He says he'll have a look. Lorett opens the door slightly, just an inch, to look at what's happening on the other side without revealing their presence.

[Stealth DC15: Lorett 19+5 Success]
[Perception DC10: 16+6 Success]

Lorett steps out into the foyer and signals for Nida and Seraphina to join him. As they gather in the foyer, they notice that the dead carator has disappeared, and the first stone door is now closed. The broken door remains in its damaged state. The door leading to the tunnel where they encountered the chanting yesterday is also closed, and the mysterious chanting still emanates from that direction.

[Decision check: Nida 6, Lorett 3, Seraphina 5]

Lorett suggests they consider investigating the tunnel with the broken door, and both Nida and Seraphina agree that it's worth taking a look. Nida emphasizes the importance of sticking together this time instead of splitting up, a decision they all find prudent. With cautious determination, they make their way towards the tunnel with the broken door.

[TSAT "Passage table": 18 "Opening to the right, stairs. Go to Stairs table"]
[TSAT "Passage contents table": 80 "Empty apart from rubble. Clue 10%. Perception check DC 10 to find.", No clue]

[Stealth DC10 Group: Nida 16+2, Lorett 5+5, Seraphina 15+0, Success]

The party cautiously approaches the tunnel, its stone walls adorned with intricate geometric patterns. A torch is placed on the wall every dozen feet. As they proceed, they soon encounter a wide staircase leading downward. Lorett keeps his bow ready. Nida holds her javelin and the torch while Seraphina grips her staff firmly with both hands. Their senses are heightened, prepared for whatever might await them as they descend the staircase.

[TSAT "Strairs table": 5 "Down one level to a (d4) 1-2: Room, 3-4: Passage", 1]
[TSAT "Room table": 9 "Rectangle, (d4+1)x10 ft x (d8+1) x10 ft, 1d6 exits", 3 and 8, 40x90feet, 1 exit]
[TSAT "Room contents table": 42 "Level appropriate Easy Encounter"]
[TSAT "3 PCs, L2 Easy" > "1 PC, L2 Deadly" d4: 1  "3 CR ⅛ monsters"]
[TSAT "Dungeon/Underdark tables, CR⅛" d20: 7 "Neogi Hatchling"]

[Contents and purpose of the room prompt: spell commemorative start]

As Lorett steps into the room, the torchlight spills across the expansive rectangular chamber, revealing intricate details that tell the story of this place. The walls are adorned with spellbinding and commemorative carvings etched into the stone with great craftsmanship. These markings weave a captivating narrative, capturing a momentous moment in the dwarven history.

The carvings depict a grand and ceremonial start to a significant event or journey. Dwarven figures, meticulously carved, are frozen in various poses that radiate determination and purpose. They seem to be embarking on a monumental undertaking, with each detail of their expressions and movements telling a part of the story.

One section of the wall showcases a group of dwarves gathered around an ornate spellbook, their hands raised in an incantation. The pages of the book seem to come alive with magical symbols, forming a mesmerizing tableau that evokes the start of a powerful spell.

Another part of the chamber's walls portrays dwarven miners setting out on their expedition, equipped with pickaxes and lanterns, their faces etched with anticipation and determination as they commemorate the beginning of their journey into the depths of the earth.

These remarkable carvings serve as a vivid testament to the rich history and achievements of the dwarven civilization that once thrived within these very walls.

In the middle of the room, there's an ancient stone altar, weathered by time and partially covered in dust and debris. This altar stands as a centerpiece, a focal point for the chamber's ceremonial purpose.

Along the walls of the room are several stone benches, meticulously carved and designed for observers or participants of the ceremonies. These benches are adorned with intricate patterns and symbols, showcasing the dwarves' attention to detail and craftsmanship. The benches have clearly withstood the test of time, their stone surfaces remarkably well-preserved.

A few stone pillars, also ornately decorated, stand at regular intervals along the walls. They rise tall and proud, supporting the chamber's ceiling and adding to the solemn atmosphere of the room. Between these pillars are alcoves, each holding a small stone brazier that likely once held flames, illuminating the carvings and creating a dramatic ambiance.

In one corner of the chamber, there's a toppled stone lectern, its surface marked with scuffs and scratches, perhaps from the passage of time or a past disturbance. The fall seems recent, as it has disturbed some accumulated dust on the floor.

[Perception DC15 ADV (Seraphina assists): Lorett 2/10+6: Success]

As Lorett and Seraphina scan the room, their eyes lock on the unsettling sight in the middle. Three Neogi Hatchlings, gruesome and repulsive in their appearance, are in the midst of feasting on a pile of small insects, likely spiders and cockroaches, that had been unfortunate enough to cross their path. The hatchlings' sharp teeth and menacing claws tear into the creatures, making short work of their meal.

The hatchlings, their eel-like necks and spider-like legs giving them an eerie appearance seem engrossed in their grisly feast. Their poisonous bites are evident from the dead insects strewn around them. It's a disturbing sight, yet it appears that these hatchlings are preoccupied with their meal and haven't noticed the intruders just yet.

The room remains silent except for the faint sounds of the hatchlings devouring their insect prey, starkly contrasting the eerie chanting from the tunnel they had just left behind.

[Stealth DC10 Group: Nida 14+2, Lorett Nat1, Seraphina 11+0, Fail] || A natural 1 can only be countered with a natural 20. Otherwise, it is an automatic failure

The sudden noise of Lorett bumping into Seraphina and the resulting clatter of his bow against the wall shatters the eerie silence of the room. It's an unfortunate accident that couldn't have come at a worse time. The sound alerts the Neogi Hatchlings, their gruesome feast interrupted by the unexpected intrusion.

With their keen senses now honed in on the source of the noise, the hatchlings immediately abandon their meal and turn their attention toward the party. With a ferocity that matches their grotesque appearance, the hatchlings rush forward, driven by an instinct to defend their territory and eliminate any perceived threats.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lorett hastily draws his bow, preparing to fend off the approaching hatchlings. Seraphina, staff in hand, readies herself for a confrontation as well. The room is no longer silent; it's filled with tension as the party prepares to face these deadly adversaries. Still up the stairs, Nida is about 15 feet behind the others.

Encounter starts

Enemy: 3 Neogi Hatchlings

[Initiative rolls: Nida 6+2, Lorett 20+3, Seraphina 20+0, Carvuses 17+1]
[Order: Lorett, Seraphina, Neogi Hatchlings, Nida]

Round 1

Lorett

[To hit: Longbow 17+7 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 1+3 Piercing]

Lorett reacts with lightning speed as the Neogi hatchlings screech in response to the party's presence. He notches an arrow and lets it fly toward one of the hatchlings, striking it in the body. The hatchling recoils from the impact, injured but still very much alive.

Seraphina

[Seraphina casts Eldritch blast.]
[To hit: Eldritch Blast 3+5  vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Miss]

Seraphina reacts quickly, aiming her staff at the approaching Neogi hatchlings. With a focused incantation, she unleashes a bolt of purple and golden energy, intending to strike down the menacing creatures. However, her aim falters in the heat of the moment, and the bolt ends up hitting the center altar, causing no harm to the hatchlings. She then swiftly turns and dashes in the opposite direction, aiming to split the group of hatchlings and gain a tactical advantage.

Neogi Hatchling A

The Neogi hatchling, driven by hunger and aggression, charges directly at Lorett in the corner. It hisses and snaps its sharp, venomous fangs in the air, aiming to sink them into its prey.

Neogi Hatchling B

The second Neogi hatchling, fueled by its predatory instincts, charges toward Seraphina in the opposite corner of the room. It emits shrill and frantic screeches as it darts forward, determined to reach its target.

Neogi Hatchling C

The injured Neogi hatchling, wounded by Lorett's arrow, hisses with rage and pain as it limps toward him.

Nida

[To hit ADV (Reckless attack): Javelin 3/15+5 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 1+3 Piercing]

Nida charges down the stairs with her javelin held high, aiming for the injured Neogi hatchling that has cornered Seraphina. She impales the creature with a swift and reckless strike, causing it to screech in pain. However, the hatchling is still alive and hissing angrily, now even more furious due to the wound.

Round 2

Lorett

[To hit: Dagger 10+3 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 2+1]
[To hit: Sickle 18+3 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 3+0]

[Mobility feat: "When you make a melee attack against a creature, you don't provoke opportunity attacks from that creature for the rest of the turn, whether you hit or not."]

Lorett swiftly abandons his bow, opting for close combat with his dagger and sickle. In a rapid sequence, he strikes out at the two Neogi hatchlings surrounding him. The dagger finds its mark on the wounded hatchling, taking its life in an instant. Meanwhile, his sickle grazes the other hatchling, causing it to recoil momentarily, giving Lorett the opportunity to slip away from its dangerous grasp.

Seraphina

[To hit: Staff 14+4 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: hit]
[Damage: 8+2 Bludgeoning]

Faced with the charging hatchling, Seraphina grips her staff with both hands and delivers a powerful downward blow. The staff connects with a sickening thud, instantly ending the creature's life. Ichor oozes from the lifeless form, staining the stone floor.

Neogi Hatchling A

Putting some distance between himself and the remaining hatchling, Lorett taunts it by making it chase him across the room. The hatchling scurries after him but can't quite catch up, frustrated by its inability to reach him.

Nida

[To hit: Javelin (thrown) 2+4  vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Miss]

Nida rushes toward the last remaining hatchling and hurls her javelin, but it misses the target, embedding itself in the wall next to Lorett, who gives her a puzzled look. Nida quickly apologizes and advances toward the hatchling, drawing her pike for a more direct confrontation.

Round 3

Lorett

[To hit: Dagger 10+3 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 1+1]
[To hit: Sickle 3+3 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Miss]

Lorett swings both his weapons at the hatchling. His dagger finds its mark, wounding the creature, but the sickle hits the stone bench between them, causing a clang. Taking advantage of the distraction, he slips out of the hatchling's reach and dashes across the room.

Seraphina

[Seraphina casts Eldritch blast.]
[To hit: Eldritch Blast Nat1  vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Miss]

Seraphina rushes toward the remaining hatchling, and staff raised to cast an eldritch blast. However, in her haste, she stumbles over a loose stone on the floor, causing the spell to dissipate from her staff without hitting the creature.

Neogi Hatchling A

The hatchling, now fixated on Nida, turns and rushes toward her. However, due to the distance between them, it doesn't manage to reach her and strike.

Nida

[To hit ADV (Reckless attack): Pike 5/12+5 vs. Neogi Hatchling AC 11: Hit]
[Damage: 8+3 Piercing]

Nida, driven by her determination, charges at the hatchling with her pike held high. With a powerful thrust, she impales the creature, and it lets out a final screech before collapsing lifelessly on the chamber floor. The battle is over, and the room falls silent once more.

Encounter ends.

[Experience gained 25 XP per character.]

As the battle ends, Lorett retrieves his bow and the arrow he shot, relieved to find it still intact. Nida checks her javelin, satisfied that it's in good condition, and secures it back in its place on her harness. The adventurers take a moment to catch their breath and survey the room. They are captivated by the intricate murals and carvings adorning the chamber's walls, each depicting scenes and stories from a long-forgotten era.

[Investigation DC10 (Nida assists): Lorett 6/18+0 Success]

[Oracle "Does the room have the CR appropriate loot?" Most likely +6: 19 Yes]
[TSAT "Loot Tables: CR ⅛ Individual Treasure Table": 2 "3d6 cp": 6+2+2 CP]
[Reason for loot prompt: refuse merge advise]

Nida and Lorett, while admiring the mural depicting agricultural work, Nida and Lorett notice an easily discoverable compartment at the mural's base. Inside, they find a collection of scrolls detailing various agricultural practices and a small pouch containing 10 copper pieces. However, most of the scrolls are old and weathered, making only a few legible.

After a brief discussion, they leave the documents in the compartment, perhaps preserving the history of the past for others to find. With the copper coins in hand, they continue their exploration of the chamber.

Nida's intuition proves correct as she and her companions examine several other murals in the chamber. They find similar compartments near the base of these murals as well. However, to their disappointment, these compartments are empty, lacking any hidden treasures or documents.

[Seraphina casts Detect Magic.]
[Oracle "Is there anything magical in the room?" Likely +2: 14 Yes]
[Oracle "Is emanating from the murals?" Most likely +6: 18 Yes]

[Oracle "What is the type of magic?": 1-2 Abjuration, 3-4 Transmutation, 5-6 Illusion: 6]

Seraphina detects an aura of illusion magic coming from one of the murals in the chamber. Her attention is drawn to one particular mura depicting the spellbook. The aura of illusion magic seems to emanate from this mural, and Seraphina notices that the runes on the depicted spellbook are constantly changing, following a repeating pattern.

Intrigued by this discovery, Seraphina carefully examines the mural, looking for any clues or hidden mechanisms that might be related to the illusion. She shares her findings with her companions, suggesting that something might be concealed within the mural that can only be revealed by deciphering the changing runes.

[The text written on the runes prompt: congregate relate market]

Using her Rune Decipher Spirals, Seraphina focuses on the shifting runes of the mural depicting the spellbook. The runes begin to form a coherent passage of text.

"In the depths of knowledge, wizards and scholars gather to share their arcane secrets. Within the hallowed halls of magic, they exchange and offer their spells, fostering a market of wisdom."

[Oracle "Is the text a cipher?" Most likely not -6: -2 No]
[Intelligence DC10: Seraphina 11-1 Success]

Seraphina determines that the shifting runes on the mural are not part of a cipher or hidden message. Instead, they are purely decorative and serve an inspirational purpose. The runes are meant to convey the beauty and wonder of magic, emphasizing the gathering of magical practitioners and the exchange of their arcane knowledge as an awe-inspiring and wondrous act.

[Oracle "Is there anything else that is noteworthy?" Most likely +6: Nat20]

Lorett approaches the altar in the center of the room, his gaze shifting from the murals to the stone structure. As he examines the altar, his fingers trace its surface, searching for any hidden compartments or clues.

[Perception DC12: Lorett 19+6 Success]

After a thorough inspection, his hand brushes against something unexpected—a small, folded parchment hidden in a crevice near the base of the altar. It appears to have been overlooked for ages and is covered in dead insects and slime.

Curiosity piqued, Lorett carefully retrieves the parchment, cautious not to touch the disgusting mess clinging to it. He gingerly unfolds the aged document, revealing the dwarvish script inscribed upon it. Some parts of the parchment are stained and faded, but most remain legible.

Lorett turns to Seraphina, extending the parchment toward her, and asks, "Seraphina, can you read this? It looks like it's written in dwarvish."

Seraphina takes the parchment, her curiosity evident. She delicately brushes off the remnants of insects and slime, revealing the script more clearly. With a careful gaze, she begins to read aloud.

"It appears to be an ancient prayer or invocation," Seraphina says. "It mentions Moradin, the Dwarven god of creation and craftsmanship. It's a plea for guidance, protection, and blessings in the pursuit of knowledge and craftsmanship. It's quite poetic, really."

Lorett nods, his interest clearly piqued. "Do you think it has any significance beyond that, or is it just a religious passage?"

[Oracle "Are there answers to the mystery of the attack on the quarry?" Most likely +6: 13 Yes]
[Purpose of the attack prompt: abuse contribute surge]

Seraphina studies the parchment intently, her eyes tracing over the dwarvish script. As she continues to read, the meaning of the ancient prayer becomes clearer, revealing a deeper layer of significance.

With a frown, Seraphina says, "Wait. This passage speaks of the abuse of knowledge and the consequences of contributing to dark and forbidden arts. It mentions a surge of power and the consequences it can bring."

She pauses, her voice taking on a more serious tone as she delves further into the text.

"It seems that the dwarves who once dwelled here may have delved too deeply into arcane secrets, seeking to harness a power beyond their understanding," Seraphina continues. "This surge of forbidden knowledge likely attracted the attention of malevolent beings, such as the Neogi and the Corvuses."

Lorett and Nida listen intently, absorbing the implications of this revelation. It suggests a link between the dwarves' pursuit of forbidden knowledge and the incursions by the monstrous creatures that have plagued these tunnels.

"So," Nida says, "the dwarves' thirst for power and secrets may have inadvertently caused all this chaos?"

Seraphina nods solemnly. "It seems that way. The consequences of their actions may have set off a chain of events, attracting these malevolent creatures to the temple and the surrounding areas."

Lorett adds, "We should be cautious as we continue exploring these chambers. Whatever secrets lie within could be dangerous for us and anyone who seeks to abuse them."

As Nida ponders the distant chanting echoing through the tunnels, she raises an intriguing possibility.

With a thoughtful expression, she turns to her companions and says, "I can't help but wonder if the chanting we hear might be some kind of ritual or rite taking place in the room ahead. The echoes are getting clearer as we approach, and it's possible that we might stumble upon something significant."

Lorett nods in agreement, his curiosity piqued. "It's certainly a possibility," he remarks.

[Seraphina adds "Dwarven parchment" to her inventory.]

As the party ascends the stairs and returns to the main tunnel, they decide to explore the surrounding passages before returning to the door where the chanting emanates. With their belongings in tow, they proceed with cautious determination.

[TSAT "Passage table": 5 "Passage turns right 90 degrees."]
[TSAT "Passage contents table": 18 "Empty"]

Ever the cautious scout, Lorett proceeds ahead of the group with stealthy intent. As the tunnel bends sharply to the right, he positions himself against the cold stone wall and carefully peers around the corner, his keen eyes scanning for any signs of what lies beyond.

[Perception DC10: Lorett Nat 1, Fail]

However, just as he's about to gather crucial information, a sudden cough from Nida startles him, causing him to swiftly withdraw his head and retreat to the safety of the corridor. Frustration flashes across his face, and he glances at Nida, who apologetically smiles. The quiet tension of the moment hangs in the air.

[Oracle "Is there something behind the corner?" Most likely +6: 19 Yes]
[TSAT "Passage contents table" +70 (reroll 99+): 85 "Empty apart from corpse. Clue on body 20%." 50, no clue]

[Stealth DC15: Lorett 3+5 Failure]
[Oracle "Does something see or hear Lorett?": Nat 1 No]
[Oracle "Is the corpse a corvus?": 13 Yes]

Not easily deterred, Lorett decides to take another cautious look around the corner. This time, his sharp eyes discern a figure lying on the ground. He glances back at his companions and, with subtle hand signals, communicates his intention to investigate the discovery. The party silently acknowledges his plan, and Lorett carefully steps closer to the lifeless form.

As he gets closer, he recognizes the fallen figure as that of a corvus, similar to the ones they've encountered before. Taking extra precautions, Lorett scans his surroundings, ensuring no immediate threats are nearby. Satisfied, he gestures for the rest of the group to join him, beckoning them forward with a hushed tone.

[Medicine DC12: Lorett 7+2 Fail]

Lorett carefully examines the lifeless corvus, searching for any clues that might shed light on what caused its death. He inspects the body closely, checking for wounds, signs of struggle, or any other suspicious markings. However, despite his thorough examination, there are no apparent indications of what might have led to the corvus's demise.

Nida's voice a mere whisper, breaks the silence, her eyes fixed on the motionless corvus. "What do you think happened to this corvus? It doesn't look like it was attacked."

Speaking in a low, Lorett thoughtful tone, examines the body closely. "I couldn't find any obvious wounds or signs of a struggle. It's as if it just... dropped dead."

Seraphina, her words barely audible, offers a theory, her gaze shifting from the corpse to her companions. "Could it be some kind of illness or poison? Maybe it was something in the air."

[Oracle "Is there something in the air?" Likely no -2: 12 Maybe]
[Oracle "Is it poisonous?" Very likely not -4: 4 No]
[Decision check: Nida 4, Lorett 4, Seraphina 4]

Nida, nodding in agreement, acknowledges the uncertainty of their situation. "That's possible, but we should stay alert and keep moving. We need to find out what's down this tunnel. It might be connected to the chanting we heard earlier."

Lorett, his caution evident in his voice, adds his agreement. "Agreed. Let's proceed, but stay vigilant. We don't know what we might encounter further ahead."

[Nature DC12: Nida 19+1 Success]

Ever vigilant Lorett notices Nida's reaction and asks in a hushed tone, "What is it, Nida? Do you smell something?"

Nida on high alert, replies softly, "Yes, there's a strange smell in the air, something... unpleasant. I can't quite place it, but it's definitely not poisonous."

[Stealth DC10 Group: Nida 18+2, Lorett 10+5, Seraphina 18+0, success]

[TSAT "Passage table": 10 "Passage continues d6 x 10 ft and then you see a side passage leading off to the right." 6]
[TSAT "Passage contents table": 59 "Empty"]
[TSAT "Passage table": 2 "Passage goes 15 ft and ends at door. Go to Door Table."]
[TSAT "Door table": 66 "Roll d6. 1-2: Wooden door. 3-4: Stone door. 5-6: Iron door.": 3 Stone door]
[TSAT "Door table": 66 "Roll d6. 1-3: locked, 4-6 unlocked.": 5 Unlocked]
[TSAT "Door table": 66 "Roll d6. 1: trapped, 2-6 untrapped.": 1 Trapped]

[TSAT "Trap table" (most appropriate for a door): 62/38/13/44, 62 "Magic missile spell", Notice DC14, DEX save DC15, 3d6 Force damage]

As the party cautiously proceeds down the tunnel, they reach an intersection where they must decide on which path to follow. One tunnel stretches ahead, disappearing into the darkness, while the other veers to the right and terminates at a closed door.

Lorett, always alert, whispers to his companions, "We've got a choice to make here. What do you all think? Do we continue down the main tunnel or investigate the door on the right?"

[Decision check: Nida 5, Lorett 3, Seraphina 3]

Considering their options, Nida chimes in, "Given what we've encountered so far, that door might lead to something significant. It could be worth checking out."

Seraphina, sensing a potential opportunity, adds, "Agreed. It might also provide a hiding spot or an alternative route if things get dicey ahead."

[Perception DC14: Lorett 18+6 Success]

The group reaches a consensus, deciding to explore the door on the right. They take a few steps, and Lorett suddenly stops them. He can spot something on the door. Something shimmers in the middle of the door, indicating that there might be a trap.

Lorett examines the door carefully and then turns to the others, whispering, "I think there's a trap on this door. It might be best to avoid it, but if we want to proceed this way, we could try to trigger the trap from a safe distance. The problem is, we don't have any tools to disarm it."

Seraphina ponders for a moment before suggesting, "Could we have something in our backpacks that we could use?"

Lorett nods in agreement with Seraphina's suggestion. "That's a good point," he whispers. "Let's check our backpacks and see if we have anything we can use to trigger the trap without putting ourselves at risk."

Nida suggests, "Why don't I just throw my javelin at the door and check if something happens? It's a safe distance, and we can see if there's a trap triggered without getting too close." The rest of the party nods in agreement with the idea.

With caution, Nida carefully aims at the shimmering spot on the door, her arm poised to throw the javelin. She calculates the angle and distance, aiming to hit the potential trap trigger. Once she feels confident, she releases the javelin, sending it flying toward the door.

[Hit hit: Javelin (thrown) 13+4 vs. Door AC 15: Success]
[Oracle "Does the javelin trigger the trap?" Most likely +6: 25 Yes]

The party watches with bated breath as the javelin strikes the door. As soon as it hits, a bolt of magical energy is released from the center of the door. The bolt crackles with energy and strikes the javelin, disintegrating it into ashes before reaching the shimmering spot.

[Nida loses Javelin from her inventory.]

[DEX save DC15 ADV (prepared to dodge): 5/6+2 Fail]
[Damage: 3+2+3 Force]

After the javelin was destroyed, the magical bolt surged forward, catching Nida in the side before she could jump out of harm's way. She cries out in pain as the bolt strikes her, causing her to stumble backward. The bolt dissipates into the air, leaving Nida with a painful burn on her side.

The rest of the party rushes to her side to check on her well-being, concerned for her injuries. Nida grits her teeth and tries to reassure them that she's alright, although the burn on her side looks painful.

[Seraphina casts Detect Magic.]

Seraphina focuses on the door, detecting the faint remnants of an evocation energy attached to it. She carefully examines the door's surface, then turns to the others with a concerned expression.

"I believe the trap has been sprung," Seraphina states, her voice tinged with caution, "and the magical energy is fading. However, we can't be certain if it won't reset itself later. We should proceed with caution."

Nida nods in agreement, still nursing the burn from the magical bolt on her side. Her eyes reflect a mix of determination and concern.

"Agreed," Nida says, her voice steady, "let's keep moving."

[Investigation DC10: Lorett 10+0 Success]

Lorett approaches the ornate stone door, his eyes scrutinizing every inch of its surface for any sign of a shimmer or residual magic. He runs his fingers along the stone, feeling for any hidden triggers or mechanisms that might activate another trap.

After a thorough examination, Lorett cautiously reaches for the brass handle, his hand poised to pull away at the slightest hint of danger. As he gently pushes down on the handle, he feels the door give way, confirming it's unlocked.

He turns back to his companions, a sense of relief in his eyes. "The door isn't trapped," Lorett reports in a hushed tone. "It seems to be unlocked. Shall we proceed?"

[TSAT "Room table": 15 "Triangular, d6x10 down one side, other sides whatever shape fits best, d4 exits", 20' each side, 3 (all exits are door)]
[TSAT "Room content table": 65 "Level appropriate Medium Encounter. Loot 30%, SD 20%, Clue 30%", 1 Loot, 29 No SD, 67 No clue]
[Encounter conversion: "3 PCs, L2 Medium > 1 PC, L5 Easy"]
[TSAT "Level 3 Solo PC Encounter Calculator: Deadly" d6: 1 "1 CR ½ + 2 CR ⅛ monsters"]
[TSAT "Dungeon/Underdark tables, CR½" d20: 7 "Hobgoblin"]
[TSAT "Dungeon/Underdark tables, CR⅛" d20: 4 "Kobold"]

[Stealth DC17: Lorett 9+6 Fail]

Lorett cautiously peeks his head into the triangular chamber, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger. The flickering torchlight reveals the room's contents. In the center, an overturned wooden table and a single chair occupy the space. Intricate tapestries adorned with depictions of Moradin, the Dwarven deity, adorn the walls, giving the room an aura of reverence.

His attention then shifts to a set of three manacles hanging ominously from the wall, raising questions about the purpose of this chamber. As he continues to survey the room, he notices four figures on the far side.

One of the larger creatures sits against the wall, while another, also larger, holds a longsword pointed directly at Lorett. Two smaller figures, wielding daggers, attempt to conceal themselves behind the larger beings. It's a tense moment, with an air of uncertainty hanging in the room.

The larger creature standing takes charge, addressing Lorett in common, a command issued in a stern tone. "Stay back!"

As Lorett stands there, facing the unexpected figures in this chamber filled with tapestries and manacles, he can't help but feel a sense of bewilderment wash over him. His thoughts race, and he silently wonders, "By the gods, what is going on here?" The mysteries of this place seem to deepen with each passing moment, leaving him with more questions than answers. The unfamiliar surroundings, the cryptic figures, and the potential dangers make it clear that their journey through these ancient tunnels is far from over, and the unknown awaits them at every turn.