"Two minds are better than one." says Eima of Tezzy's help.

Thieves' Tools: 13+5+1 (using prior guidance roll) = 19

Eima make a CON save as the pull of death explodes from the box as you open it. (DC 13 or take 7 necrotic damage, half on a success).

Once open though, you find two potions of healing (greater).

Con Save: 11

"Ack!" squeals Eima, jumping back from the necrotic blast with a cough. "That *cough* was not what I *cough cough* was expecting." She wheezes a bit. "But yer cannon is quite nifty, Tezzy. Doesn't feel too bad." She creeps back towards the box and takes out the potions. "Life within death. A tad poetic, no?" She eyes the red liquid with a hint of glee. "I can carry one o' these if ye want. Not sure who'd want the other."

[[ Not sure how we want to distribute them for holding. But open to any ideas. ]]

“I don’t need one. I can take a hit!” Tymm boasts

"Ye are quite hardy." smiles Eima with an agreeing chuckle. "Well it looks like the other corridor is the only direction left to head. Shall we?"

[[ Will add both potions to Eima's inventory since it seems no one else is looking to hold one. Let me know if you'd rather one of your characters take one too. ]]

(You can go back the way you came, or go south through that hallway)

"I wouldn't mind to hold on to one of those [potions], Eima," says Tez, "I'm not cut out for battles."

"And, yeah, sure, let's see what we find the other way. But let's be careful." 

(I suppose that the protector cannon is still active? It lasts one hour. Not sure how much time has passed since the Water Weird fight.)

"Sure thing, lad." says Eima, giving Tezzy one of the potions.

[[ adjusted her inventory accordingly ]]

"If careful is what we need, I can lead." she says. "Though I wouldn't mind having him right behind if things go South." she adds, looking at Tymmy. She tries to head forward silently while keeping her wits about for any presences up ahead.

Stealth: 7+7 = 14
Perception: 15+3 = 18

Cacophonous whispers echo through this expansive cave. An imposing human cultist in a sweeping robe stands against the wall, chanting. His oily hair is slicked back, and his skin is gaunt and gray.

Carved into the floor before him is a runic circle that pulses with sickly green light. Two cultists—one human, one elf—stand inside the circle, heads thrown back and mouths agape. Their leader commands, “Now! Release your secrets unto me! Let the truths hidden in your soul come forth and become stronger!” As if in response, the cultists’ silhouettes warp into two lanky shadowy entities.

As soon as Tez hears noise from whatever Eima found, he reaches out to Tymm, who is directly in front of him, offering magical insight.

Eima looks at the group and silenty gestures. First at her crossbow and then to her lips with a talking sign, all with an inquisitive look. It's as if to ask them, "Fight or Talk?"

She eyes the weird arcane circle the cultists stood upon. Were their separated shadows a result of the circle or the higher cultist's powers?

Arcana: 7+3 = 10
Religion: 14+3 = 17

Quote from VitusW >>

She eyes the weird arcane circle the cultists stood upon. Were their separated shadows a result of the circle or the higher cultist's powers?

Arcana: 7+3 = 10
Religion: 14+3 = 17

 Both possibly.

Tymm thinks about Eima’s question for a moment. He needs to be close to fight effectively. The others would be better off at a distance. With that in mind he points to himself, move his hand in a talking motion, and then points to the cultists. Then he points at each of the others, and points downward to indicate that they stay put. He will then points back at the cultists, makes a punching motion, and points to himself. Then he points at the others and tries to look like he's shooting an arrow. The point he’s trying to get across is, “I’ll go talk to them. If they attack me, you guys can blast them from a distance.” Then he just shrugs, as if to say, “That’s the best I got.”

Sky will move down with the party and keep on eye out.

"Got nothing to blast with but a witty line," replies Tez whispering, "I'll be right behind you with Hope," he points to the spidery construct that sits on his shoulder. He indicates that he is ready to follow Tymm into the room.

Eima nods in agreement with Tymmy and presses herself against the wall to help let him pass. She draws a piece of fleece and holds it in her hand, ready to enhance his words with the cultists. Soft tones of rousing music if he's inspirational. Harsh tones if he's commanding. Even visual effects if appropriate.

Tymm considers the best way to approach. He finally decides to do what he does best, play dumb. With a wink Tez’s way, he grabs his friend’s arm and practically drags poor Tez in a run towards the cultists. As he approaches the circle he shouts. “Zombies!! There are zombies back there!! The two of just barely got away! Can you guys help us?” He gets as close as he can without entering the circle. “Hey, what are you guys doing down here anyway?”

As soon as you all make yourselves known, the leader spins to face you and rages, "Stop them! They cannot interfere with the master's plans!"

(Combat initiated!)

Sky

Zalryr (lead cultist)

Eima

Tymm

Cultist A/B

Shadow A/B

Tez

Well that answers that. Tymm is going to charge the leader, hoping to kill him quick and disrupt whatever is happening. 

Reckless Attack: 11

Damage: 4

Sky will cast produce flame at the leader and then close in.

(22 to hit and 6 damage)