Heroes of Murtroth - Hoard of The Crab King

[YossarianLives]

The boat you hired drops anchor just outside a sandy cove on the south side of Crab Island. The sailors wish you luck and lower a rowboat for you to row onto land. They agree to meet you back here in two days. You eventually reach shore and beach the small boat on the white sand. A tall hill at the centre of the island looms above you, it is the only spot on the island with any trees. What looks like a wooden shack of some sort resides on a small cliff overlooking the bay. A small, twisting dirt path winds up the hill toward the shack. On the other side of the bay, a rough pathway has been worn away into the side of the mountain by years of use. Perhaps the island has more inhabitants than is commonly believed. The beach also surrounds the entire island and could, perhaps, be followed. As you climb out of the boat and look around, a strong wind picks up. The gasping of the wind sounds almost like cries for help. A seagull mournfully hops across the sand.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) looks around, making sure the mournful noise he hears is the wind rather than cries for help. He is an unremarkable elf with even less remarkable equipment. His full name is remarkable, but not pronounceable.

"Shall we pay our respects to the locals?" He nods toward the distant shack.

[SilverStar101]

Resere (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=677915) uncomfortably adjusts his armour after stepping off the boat, he flinches from the wind and it's sounds. He orientates himself and, noticing the small shack on the cliff, responds to Beleg.

"I see no reason why not. Let's hope their years on an isolated island haven't affected their hospitality too much."

Looking off to the worn pathway he adds: "It may not be as isolated as people say though."

[magicswordsman]

"And if it does turn out to be deserted, that shack could very well make a good base of operations for the time we're here. We should also think about getting a look at the island from a better vantage point." Eohin (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=680949)gestures toward the path up the mountain.

[YossarianLives]

Your small group makes it's way up the dirt path toward the shack. It is steeper than you had anticipated and by the time you reach the top, those with a weaker fortitude are puffing and out of breath.

Once you reach the top a flat, rocky plain is revealed to you. The only significant rise on the island is the hill near the centre and the cliff that surrounds most of the island. The path you were following continues east toward the hill once it passes the shack.

Turning your eyes to the shack, you notice it is in worse condition than you realized. The wood is rotten and cracking and the roof seems ready to collapse at any moment. Half of the door is missing and the remnants hang open by a single hinge.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Doesn't look like we'll get any news or much of a base. Still, I don't plan on leaving any stone unturned if there might be a copper under it." Beleg peers in through the broken door, looking up as well as down and around. He unslings his 10' pole, intending to probe the floor, and the ceiling, if it looks dangerous to stand under.

[Space Pumpkin]

Algondae will climb up the hill with vigor and poke his head into the door of the shack behind Beleg, his spear at the ready.

[YossarianLives]

The interior of the shack is in even worse condition.

A wooden stool sits on its side in the middle of the room, what looks like half a small bed rests in the corner, and there is a stone fireplace filled with wet goop of some sort. The smell of rotten food lingers in the air.

[Snarkhunter]

While his companions poked around into the rickety shack, Yin keep his attention on the countryside surrounding it. He did not want to be surprised by some threat sneaking up.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) pokes at the goop with the end of his pole.

[YossarianLives]

Beleg prods at the pile with his pole and unearths an old leather sack! Within are 50 shiny gold pieces and a very thick book. From the date on the coins, you can tell they were minted in Senra 20 years ago.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) wishes he could pocket the coins for himself, but unless no-one is in sight of him, he won't try. Better to earn goodwill with his fellow treasure-hunters.

He looks over the book, and tries to see what it's about.

[Space Pumpkin]

"aha, I see that treasure, Beleg! Let it be split among us evenly." Algondae chuckles slightly.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Of course. Goes without saying," he says with a half-hearted smile.

[magicswordsman]

Eohin (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=680949) looks over Beleg's shoulder at the contents of the book, anxious to see what's in it.

[YossarianLives]

The book appears to be the diary of one Aminita Hauls, a monastic hermit of some sort. He seems that he dwelt on this island for more than a decade before leaving. The last entry, dated 9 years ago, speaks of an attack on the island by giant crabs forcing Aminita to flee.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Well, that's something. It fits the dates on the coins. 'Twould be nice if it meant the giant crabs were nine years gone, but more than likely they've had nine years to increase their numbers. Something to watch for."

He moves to what's left of the bed and looks to see if anything is hidden there.

[YossarianLives]

Besides the contents of the fireplace, the house seems empty of all valuables.

[Space Pumpkin]

"most interesting. Where should we head to next? That hill in the distance looks worthy of investigation."

Algondae will step outside of the shack and survey the horizon

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Also the only path in sight. The only other way around is by the beach. Better walking and probably fewer crabs on the path."

[Snarkhunter]

"Yes, the path would indicate much more recent activity. Let's follow it." Yin suggests, then casually falls into step in the middle of the group.

[YossarianLives]

Your little group continues along the path almost an hour before you come to a split in the road. While the main path heads in the direction of the hill, this other, smaller, path veers off south towards the coast.

[GnollOfErathis]

"The hill, first?" asks Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926).

[SilverStar101]

Resere says "I'm curious as to where this other path leads, but getting to the top of that hill seems to be something we should do first. Perhaps we can get a view of the whole island from up there."

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Aye, the path'll still be there when we come back."

[YossarianLives]

You all follow the dirt path. It starts to gently gets steeper and steeper, until you are forced to climb up the hill using your hands. Eventually you reach the top of the hill. A small grove of gnarled, stubby trees dominates the top of the hill. A small stone platform with a wooden trapdoor has been built in the centre of the grove. Another, less steep, pathway leads down the opposite side of the hill.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"If I were hiding a great treasure, I wouldn't leave the entrance out for all and sundry to find. Still, can't hurt to see what's in there." He examines the trap door, looking for a latch or lock, then has a second thought. "Unless they left something behind for the unwary." He looks again for any wires or other traps.

[magicswordsman]

While Beleg examines the door, Eohin will attempt to use this vantage point to get a look at the rest of the island.

[Snarkhunter]

Yin also survey's the island, paying special attention to the area where that other path would lead.

[YossarianLives]

Yin and Eohin survey the island. The other path down the mountain looks like it splits off into two lines that twist between the rocks. One leads back to the cove where you started and the other goes east toward the coast and eventually reaches some sort of town, they can clearly see a sailing ship moored there. The path that split off from the one you followed leads into a small gulch and they cannot see what is within. The remainder of the island seems rocky and barren with nothing of particular interest, except, perhaps, Yin swears he is able to see several creatures moving around on the other path, although it is very difficult to tell from this distance.

The trapdoor seems completely unlocked and un-trapped. It could easily be opened.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) looks up from the door. "It appears safe to open. Shall we go in?" Then he notices that Yin's attention is focused on the path. "Is anything the matter?"

[wkwkwkwk1]

Lantyer (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=696724) finally catches up with the group and sits down on the grass, catching his her breath.

[Snarkhunter]

Pointing in the distance, Yin says "Look there Beleg ... some movement on the path not taken. I'm not sure if they are heading this way, but if we are going to enter, I suggest we do it now rather than waiting for any more arrivals. I suspect they may not be as amiable as our companion, Lantyer."

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"If the door is as easy to enter as it appears, we should try to wedge it shut after we go in, or we may find ourselves between your company and whatever might be down there." He opens the trap door, looking to see if there is a way to bar it behind them.

[YossarianLives]

It looks as if the trapdoor will stay open on it's own. Of course, if you really wanted to be careful, you could put something heavy on top of it.

Within the door, a wooden ladder descends some distance down a dark, stony shaft.

[GnollOfErathis]

I was looking for a way to keep whatever was coming along the road from following us in. Or am I misunderstanding something? I thought we were looking at a trap door leading down into a dungeon or whatever.

[Snarkhunter]

Yin ponder's for a moment, then suggests "You know, Beleg, if you had some rope you could probably secure the door from the inside by tying one end to the trapdoor and one to the ladder. Then when we are ready to exit, we can just untie it ... or cut it if we are in a hurry."

[Space Pumpkin]

Algondae speak up "I think securing the trapdoor is probably a wise plan. Who knows what lurks on this island."

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)


Yin ponder's for a moment, then suggests "You know, Beleg, if you had some rope you could probably secure the door from the inside by tying one end to the trapdoor and one to the ladder. Then when we are ready to exit, we can just untie it ... or cut it if we are in a hurry."

"That's a good idea." Beleg pulls out his coil of rope, fastens the door as suggested, then cuts off and stows the remainder.

[Aaronmoze]

"Ya almost left me up on top of this wee little hill laddies", chuckles Belflinn (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=703190) Stonemark. "I may be short but ya can't miss me lovely personality! Now let's get some light."

Belflinn takes out a torch and lights it. He then peers down the shaft.

[YossarianLives]

The door securely fastened, Belflinn peers down the shaft. The ladder seems to descend for about 40 feet before it reaches level ground in what looks like a narrow stone passageway.

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn descends the ladder and examines the passageway for slanting, traps, or archetectual oddities. [roll0]

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) climbs down and stands beside Belflinn. He had not met many dwarves before, but he appreciates that they know their way around underground.

[SilverStar101]

"I'd recommend caution, this doesn't look like a very safe place." Resere (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=677915) yells down after Belflinn and Beleg

Resere climbs down and his observes his surroundings with the help of Belflinn's torch.

[magicswordsman]

Eohin climbs down and draws bow and arrow, readying for trouble.

[Aaronmoze]

"Ok lads, let's get moving, but be careful mind you" Belflinn says warningly. With that, he raises his torch high, for a dwarf, and starts down the stone passageway, keeping his eye on his surroundings and the youngins' with him.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) Falls in behind Belflinn.

[YossarianLives]

The passage goes both west and south. Belflinn notices that the southern passage is slanted downwards slightly.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

I'm assuming Belflinn told the rest of us that.

"Any preferences? I'd rather check ground level before going below, although I'm not sure how much difference it makes."

[Aaronmoze]

"Looks like we can a'go West er south." Observes Belflinn. "It looks to be dipping slightly in the southern path."

"I'll go west with ya Beleg"

[YossarianLives]

The west passage goes straight for several minutes. Eventually you reach a locked wooden and a very narrow passage that goes north. What looks like a rough drawing of a crab has been scratched into the wood.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Lantyer makes his way down the pit last and draws a dagger, more for psychological comfort that physical safety. She shifts uneasily from foot to foot while the rest of the group figures the door out.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Anyone got a way with locks? Or taking doors apart that won't be heard back in Senra?"

How does one open locks in a game with no thieves or Pick Locks skill? 1 in d6? Copypaste wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_picking)? DM fiat? :smallsmile:

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn moves along the narrow passage north, checking for traps.

[YossarianLives]

No-one sees any signs of immediate danger, but what sounds like voices can be heard through the door.

Indeed. Lockpicking can be resolved by a roll of 1d6, I realize that there aren't any thieves tools on the equipment list, so perhaps a dagger could be used instead. There are actually rules for breaking down doors in the 'Underground and Wilderness Adventures' book. (Basically the dungeon masters guide)

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) listens at the door, trying to make out the voices, if that is what they are. If no-one has a better idea, he may attempt to force the lock with his dagger, if that seems wise.

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn moves back to help support Beleg if needed.

[Space Pumpkin]

Algondae will be on the look-out for any signs of danger.

[YossarianLives]

Though Beleg listens attentively at the door with his keen elven-ears, he cannot quite make out what the voices are saying. They do, however, sound quite high-pitched.

Is Beleg to try and pick the lock?

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) whispers to Belflinn "Squeaky voices - kobolds, maybe? Warn the others. When they're ready, I'll try to open the door."

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn whispers back to Algondea and Lantyer, "Beleg thinks there maybe Kobolds on the other side of the door. Get ready, he is going to try to open the lock."

Belflinn turns back and hefts his axe, ready to charge in.

[GnollOfErathis]

"Here goes," Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) mutters as he attempts to open the door.

[YossarianLives]

Beleg is unsuccessful in picking the lock. Does he want to try breaking it down? You doubt that whatever is on the other side of the door heard you, however.

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn suggests,"let's check down this narrow north passage before we try something else."

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg

"Good idea."

[wkwkwkwk1]

Lantyer nods and backs up, letting the whole party make their way to the north passage before she does.

[YossarianLives]

Your little party follows the northern passage for about a minute before you all hear a blood-chilling screech that seems to come from behind you. Whatever made the sound, it isn't human.

Before you is an even narrower staircase that heads downwards and a passage to the west. It's hard to tell, but you think that you can see some sort of small light far down the western corridor. The stench of the sea wafts up from the staircase, a salty odour that invades your nostrils.

[magicswordsman]

Eohin spins around and aims his bow down the corridor to the rear, looking for the source of the noise.

[Aaronmoze]

"Keep a watch to the rear Eohin",says Belflinn. "I want to check out that light source."

Belflinn cautiously heads down the western passage, checking for traps.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) remains where he is, ready to go to wherever he might be needed.

[Snarkhunter]

"Hey, we need to stay together." Yin warns, "If we're investigating the light, lets all go."

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg falls in with the others, as long as they are going to stay together. It had looked like they were going to split up.

[Aaronmoze]

"Follow me laddies," beckons Belflinn, "I'm checking for any nasty traps in this here hallway. We will reach that strange light shortly. And no dwarf jokes!!"

[YossarianLives]

The passage to the west continues on for several minutes, you're all surprised at all long it is. Eventually the passage widens and comes out into a large, triangular chamber lit with torches. There is a door going west and a door going east. Both appear to be unlocked and are in poor condition - rotting and scratched. A stone statue more than 10 feet tall stands in the centre of the room. It depicts a muscular man with crabclaws instead of hands.

A think black curtain hangs opposite from where you entered concealing a small portion of the room.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Lantyer

"Lit torches? If magic is put aside, then someone has to be keeping them alight."

She inspects the room from the entrance, looking for anything out of place, and then prods the ground in front of her with the 10-foot pole.

[Aaronmoze]

"What do ya see Lantyear?" asks Belflinn.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) keeps an eye on the curtain - no telling what's behind it.

[YossarianLives]

The room seems to have no apparent danger, but is quite clean. It is clearly not abandoned, or is perhaps enchanted to repel dirt.

The curtain rustles slightly.

[wkwkwkwk1]

Lantyer turns to Belflinn and says, "I likely see the same as you do. Torches kept lit by someone, a floor kept clean by someone, and I believe I just saw that curtain rustle. I do not spot any immediate danger, though."

[Aaronmoze]

"Ok, I'm going to head over toward this west door. Keep an eye on that curtain."

Belflinn moves along the wall toward the west door. He listens intently for sounds coming from the door as well as darting a glance toward the curtain.

[Space Pumpkin]

Algondae will nod and inspect the statue for anything of interest

"this all seems rather suspicious. we should be on our guard."

[YossarianLives]

Upon further inspection, Algondae realizes that the statue is covered all over with tiny runes. Unfortunately they are indecipherable to him. He has never seen writing like this before.

Beflinn listens at the west door. He cannot hear anything behind the door, but before he can react, there is a shout and three men wearing wooden masks and swinging exotic curved swords leap out from behind the curtain. They clearly have violent intent.


Enemy #1: Swinging his sword at Algondae will reckless violence. (13, a narrow miss!)
Enemy #2: Hacking at Beflinn (10, miss)
Enemy #3: Attacking Beleg but completely missing.(9, miss)

Oh boy. They win initiative for the first normal round, so here we go. We'll see if your luck holds out for the next round.

Enemy #1: Doing his best to sever Algondae's neck. (1, complete miss)
Enemy #2: Trying to stab at Beflinn (15, hit! 4 damage)
Enemy #3: This time attacking Lantyer, this one clearly has something against elves. (8, miss)

[Snarkhunter]

Gesturing towards one of the assailants, Yinsandoral utters words of arcane power intended to secure control over the thoughts and actions of a person. His spell complete, Yin moves to a more defensive position, drawing his blade and taking a combative stance.

Cast charm person. If it works, command my new ally to defend me and step around to keep my thrall between me and our enemies. If it fails, try to move so that I cannot be flanked (use the statue and/or my allies to guard my side/rear). Draw my sword and prepare to melee next round.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) attacks the elf-hater with his sword.

[roll0]. He'll attack from the flank or rear if he can, since the guy is engaged with someone else.

[Aaronmoze]

Wincing from the wound he just received, Belflinn swings his axe, trying to take down his opponent.

Hit roll
[roll0]

Damage roll
[roll1]

[GnollOfErathis]

D'oh, forgot the damage - [roll0]

[SilverStar101]

Resere (http://http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=677915) stumbles into the room, brushing himself off and stammering "I tripped back there, sorry about the holdu-" but abruptly stops when he looks up and sees what's going on in the room.

Resere grabs for his morningstar hastily and readies his shield.

[magicswordsman]

If there hasn't been any sign of threat to the rear since the screech, Eohin will move into the room and fire his bow at one of the masked men.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[YossarianLives]

The masked man, enthralled by Yin's spell slumps slightly and assumes a defensive position around Yin.

Beleg swings his sword at his assaulter's neck and strikes true! The man collapses to the ground, slain.

Belflinn misses with his axe, but it matters little. Clearly seeing the error of his ways the last foe turns and flees through the west door, just as Eohin's arrow flies over his head.

Congratulations. That went better than I expected.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) wipes his sword before sheathing it. "That went well. Yin, perhaps your new friend can hazard a guess as to whether his old friend will keep running, or come back with help."

Now that he has a chance, Beleg examines the statue to see if he can recognize the runes.

Languages: Common, Elven, Goblin, Orc, Fey

[Snarkhunter]

Turning to his new ally, Yin says "Show me your face and tell me your name, my friend."

"Tell me, what is it you were doing here?"

[wkwkwkwk1]

Before she can react, Lantyer's companions have taken care of the attackers.

"Thank you for the help... Beleg, was it? Allow me to look at that statue as well, I am knowledgeable in several languages, not just of men but of draconic creatures and the residents of the planes."

Common, Elven, Goblin, Orc, Draconic, Infernal

[Aaronmoze]

While the others examine the statue, Belflinn sits down to tend to his wounds. "Do any of ye have some healing for a poor wounded warrior?" he asks.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Sorry, wish I could help."

[YossarianLives]

The man removes his mask. You aren't quite sure what you were expecting, but it certainly wasn't that of a handsome young man with wavy blonde hair. His eyes are glassy and unfocused, likely because of the charm spell. "My name is Lukin. I live here on Crab Island with my family. We are the guardians and servants of The Crab King. My cousin has likely gone to warn the others of your presence. I doubt he will return, for the moment."

Lantyer is able to decipher the words on the statue. It appears to be an ancient dialect of Infernal, the tongue of demons. She is not able to make it all out, but it speaks of an ancient entity that lies under Crab Island and protects the world from harm.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"We had best move on. He might not come back right away, but the others might."

On hearing Lantyer's translation, he says, "Had it been in Fey I would be more inclined to believe it, though their meaning can be subtle. Given the tongue it's written in, I doubt the benevolence of such a protector, should there be one."

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn stands and carefully checks the area behind the curtain.

[YossarianLives]

Belflinn snoops around behind the curtain. He finds a small chamber with a small wood table and four stools. A silver candlestick rests on the table along with a deck of playing cards.

[Aaronmoze]

"This here is a nice candlestick. Maybe we can sell it later", Belflinn mumbles.

He puts the candlestick in his backpack.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg pockets the cards. Never know when there will be time to kill, although probably not right away.

[Aaronmoze]

"Well, should we follow down to the west or check out the east doorway?" asks Belflinn

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926)

"Let's go west if you didn't hear anything before we were interrupted. East is toward the way we came in. We can check that on the way back, provided we aren't being chased by giant crabs and guardian demons."

[Aaronmoze]

"After you Beleg." Says Belflinn

[YossarianLives]

You open the west door revealing a dark hallway covered with beautiful, panoramic paintings of various landscapes. The hall continues forward for maybe 30 feet before reaching yet another locked wooden door.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=685926) listens at the door. No-one came forward the last time he asked for a door-opener, so if he doesn't hear anything, he'll examine the lock for traps, then try to open it.

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn remains silent, for a dwarf, while Beleg listens at the door.


A thought occurs to Belflinn. "Maybe we should ask Yin's companion what is on the other side of this door and if he has a key"

[Snarkhunter]

Giving a slight nod to the dwarf, Yin questions the young man. "Lukin, Tell me about this place. Can you sketch a rough map? Are there any traps or locked areas? Do you have any keys?"

[YossarianLives]

Lukin thinks for a moment. "Only the highest ranking members of our family are allowed to possess keys to the doors, but beyond this door is a hub of sorts with staircases that lead to the major areas of our complex. We don't have any traps beside The Guardian, who is guaranteed not to harm any of us."

Beleg cannot hear anything on the other side of the door and he cannot pick the lock.

[GnollOfErathis]

Beleg asks Lukin, "And the Guardian wouldn't harm friends of yours, either?"

[Aaronmoze]

"Can you describe this guardian? What does it look like? Does it have a name?"

[YossarianLives]

Lukin looks rather confused. "None of us have seen The Guardian, but we know it would never harm us!"

Almost immediately after this, another shriek, similar to the first comes from the room you just left.

[Aaronmoze]

"I don't know what made that scream but I don't want to be trapped against this door if it comes to that. Let me axe try to open it", Belflinn exclaims.

Door Bash roll
[roll0]

i have a strength of 14. Do I have a bonus on strength rolls?

[YossarianLives]

In OD&D d20s are pretty much only used for attack rolls. Opening doors is dealt with on a roll of 1d6. For most characters, 5-6 indicates success.
Belflinn hacks mercilessly at the door with his axe and turns it to splinters. He bursts through the ruined door and finds himself in a large hexagonal chamber lit by several metal braziers placed near the wall. A spiral staircase in the middle of the room leads downward and there is an archway leading to another staircase on each side of the room, other than the one you just entered from. (hereafter referred to as staircase 1, 2, 3 and 4) The ceiling is about 7 metres from the floor and a balcony about 4 metres up hugs the wall.

A monstrous crab the size of a horse devours the corpse of a bony calf in the centre of the room. As Belflinn enters, it drops the calf and begins advancing toward you at the promise of more juicy prey. Behind the crab you can the man who fled earlier dashing down the spiral staircase.

The party won initiative. What will you do?

[wkwkwkwk1]

"Beleg, get Lukin in here!" Lantyer yells, clearly frightened beyond herself.

[Snarkhunter]

"Lukin, is that the Guardian?" Yin asks as he steps to the side of the doorway. "Do you know a way to calm it down so it won't attack us?"

I'm thinking the crab may be too big to move through the doorway. Yin will back up a step and move a bit to the side, hopefully to a place where the crab would not be able to attack from the other side of the open door, draw my sword, and try to take a defensive stance. Keep an eye on the hallway behind us as well.

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn backs up to let Lukin through the door.

I don't have many hp left so someone else will need to take the lead on this one.

[Space Pumpkin]

Algondae will jump in surprise but advance determindly on the crab spear drawn and shouting trying to scare the crab.

Attacking the crab
d20: (1d20)[2]
d6: (1d6)[1]

[YossarianLives]

As you hastily retreat back through the door Lukin scoffs. "That is just one of our drones, the Guardian is much more powerful than that animal."

Algondae misses completely and the crab attacks back with a mighty swing of it's claw, luckily it's claw gets caught on the door frame and Algondae is saved from a grisly fate.

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn takes advantage of the creature's awkward swing. He steps forward and swings his axe.

[roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[wkwkwkwk1]

Lantyer finally manages to regain enough of her composure to begin weaving the threads of magic around the crab.

"Stand back, everyone!"

Casting Sleep

[YossarianLives]

Belflinn's axe bounces off the crab's thick shell leaving a small dent, but after Lantyer's spell, it goes limp and collapses to the ground.

[Aaronmoze]

Belflinn recovers from his swing, rears back and strikes again. "Time for some seafood!"

[roll0]

Damage [roll1]

[YossarianLives]

The crab is totally incapacitated and Belflinn is able to butcher it without much effort.

[Aaronmoze]

You said the staircase In The middle goes down. Can we tell which direction the other staircases go?

[Snarkhunter]

"Lukin, about that scream we heard behind us ... any idea what that might be?" Yin asks, now that the immediate threat of the crab drone has been eliminated.

[YossarianLives]

The other staircases go southeast, southwest, northwest and northeast, respectively. (Sorry, I should have specified.)