“We are ready to go back.” He said to the Aberrant Ambassador as the totality of the group left the chamber of the Undertaker. As the disguised official guide them on the way back, Damien kept his eyes keen, trying to notice something unconventional. Something that could be used to their advantage. A favor to do and earn special help. An object of valor to be hoarded or a the sound of voices, ignorant of company, echoing with information better kept a secret. Those were valuable everywhere, after all. Alas, the only thing he noticed was that Ezra seemed to share his thoughts and tried himself to find something unconventional.

As the clay man asked about darkness the warlock was sure that, much like himself, the stonemason had found nothing noteworthy. So we wait for the Dapper Underworld Boss, he said with the voice of his mind. It was not ideal, after all not even the Undertaker was sure this figure could help with the escape, but it was definitely better than nothing.

“Oh, I have gotten used to the darkness since I came to the Neath.” Damien answered thinking about two years ago he would, to use Ezra’s words, not be able to per through the dark. “Thank you for worrying, big guy, but I can see fine in these conditions.”

OOC: On my part, we are getting back and Damien is happy on taking a long rest.

"GOOD. DO YOU THINK IT WORTH THE RISK TO EXPLORE OUR CELL BLOCK A BIT, OR SHALL I RETURN TO CHIPPING AWAY AT THE FALSE WALL?"

(So... what's the plan?)

He pauses for a moment to consider Ezra’s question. If what the Tomb Colonists and the Undertaker said was true then it was unlikely they would find anything useful to the their escape in their block. At least not useful in comparison to that which they already had. In this sense exploring, even a little, was a risk with diminishing returns. The Aberrant Ambassador had warned them that as common as disappearances were in New Newgate a prolonged absence on their part would draw attention, besides any time spent exploring was time they could employ observing the air, starting to figure the dirigible schedules. There was no assurance that Dapper Underworld Boss would have this information or manage to put them in freedom, after all.

“I don’t think it’s worth the risk, at least not in comparison to the progress we can make by chipping and watching from the window.” The later was unlikely to produce any tangible result for a few days, but still seemed the better option to him. “Besides if we are moved word of our new acquaintance may fail to reach us, so we better lay as low as possible.”

That would be a real problem. Of all the reasons to fail escaping the prison, failing to grasp an opportunity by being on the wrong place had to be one of the more frustrating ones.  

Notes: Apologies for the delay. DDB simply didn't notify me of Spider's answer (not the first time the site bugs like that for me). Returning to his cell Damien would divide his attention between look through his window and the corridor, to see in case any gaoler is approaching.

Ezra will return to his task when the coast is clear.

As you return to your cells, I'd like Ezra to please make me a perception check.

Perception: 7

As he returns to his cell, Ezra notices something odd. There is a clatter as he enters, and a small chunk of stone falls to the ground. Looking up at the hole he made before, he sees the tip of a long, pink tail disappearing into the darkness. The stone that has fallen seems to have been chiseled into the shape of the hole, and there is a thin layer of mortar spread along its edges.

(So... is Ezra investigating? Or ignoring whatever just happened?)

((Oh, shoot, sorry!))

Ezra will get down and peer into the hole, and see if he can get his fingers or tools in there to apply some leverage and try to pry the thinly mortared piece out.

The hole reopens easily enough, and peering into it, Ezra again sees that little pink tail disappearing, this time up.

Not trying to grab the tail, he'll feel around for the size and direction of the passage behind the wall. If he finds his hand and forearm to large, he moves to the bars and gestures for Damien.

Reaching up, Ezra finds that the passage runs nearly vertically, up and down. It's not particularly large, only just barely wide enough for him to squeeze his arm up. As he does, however, he hears a muffled, high-pitched curse, and...

Attack: 16 Damage: 4

feels a small, sharp object, like a needle, scrape off of his thick clay skin.

"OW."

He was able to get his arm fully up there, or he got nipped first? 

Ezra ponders the function of such a shaft, if it was part of the original construction.

INT(Mason's Tools x 2): 12

(He got his arm all the way up, and then as he felt about he was stabbed. Is he retracting his hand or keeping it up there?)

Ezra has the feeling that, whatever this is, it's not supposed to be there.

He'll try to grasp whatever it is that stabbed him, and draw it back out.

Sleight of Hand(?): 22

((If you don't want SoH, it wouldn't be at advantage, and he has a +4 to STR and +2 to DEX, but is proficient in Athletics if that applies instead.))

((I'd thought something with needle sharp teeth bit him! Probably based on what I'd be worried about sticking my arm into an unknown hole in a wall that I just saw something scoot into.))

Ezra's hands wrap around a furry form, and though there is much squirming and writhing, he manages to draw it out of the hole. When he pulls it out, he holds in his hand an unusually large rat, wearing a tiny belt and looking very put out. It holds what looks to be a makeshift sword, made out of a sewing needle, but its arm is currently pinned at its side by Ezra's massive fist.

It struggles futilely against Ezra's hand, as it squeaks "Cor, d__n you, lemme go!"

"I WOULD LIKE TO TALK FIRST. I AM EZRA."

He pauses for the rat to give their name, relaxing his hand enough to make sure not to hurt the little guy, but not allow him to escape, sitting and putting his back against the hole.

"APOLOGIES FOR GRASPING YOU SO, WILL YOU STAY AND LISTEN? I HOPE WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER."

He gauges the response and if he can release the creature without it fleeing.

Insight: 12

"I AM THINKING THAT YOU KNOW MUCH OF THE SECRETS OF THIS PLACE. WE WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO LEARN WHAT YOU CAN TELL US. WHAT CAN WE GIVE YOU IN RETURN?"

By the rattus faber's squirming, Ezra determines that his releasing it will likely result in it either running away or trying to stick something in his eye. Probably best to hold on, for now.

"Yew kin go toss yerself in the Unterzee, is what yew kin do! What would yew give me what I ain't got already?"