Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh

Just a rainwater puddle.  As soon as Seri’s weight crosses the wet section of balcony a seven foot section of the balcony collapses to the main floor, creating a huge crash and a dust storm.

Dex save DC 12 or fall 10’ taking 5 bludgeoning damage and land prone.

Seri's DC 12 DEX Save:  21 (success)

With an undignified yelp hardly befitting a devotee of the Wave Father, Seri leaps back away from the collapsing balcony to avoid falling to the floor below.

"Ned?" She looks sternly at the messenger.  "Here is the plan.  From now on, WARN ME if I am about to tread somewhere you do not think is safe."

Esme would eventually collect herself enough to stand again, giving Darixa a quick embrace of gratitude, then being ready to follow along as the team resume the investigation of the house, although she is more quiet than earlier, only hoping to return to town as soon as the mission is completed. 

     Cook whirls at the sound of splintering wood and crashing debris. For one terrible instant his heart leaps into his throat.

     “Seri!”

     Without thinking, he lunges forward. The reaction is immediate. Instinctive. Pack first. Always.

     He covers several strides before the rest of his mind catches up with what his eyes are seeing. Seri isn't falling. She's moving but not falling - springing backward with a grace Cook envied, landing clear of the collapsing floor before it can claim her.

     Cook slows to a stop, the surge of alarm draining away almost as quickly as it came. Mostly. He lets out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Then he catches Seri turning her irritation toward Ned.

     A small smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. Attagirl, he thinks to himself.

     “Perhaps Dan can lead the way?” Cook suggests, gesturing toward the prisoner. “Seems only fair, it is his home…”

     His grin widens slightly. “Then the rest of us can be careful to step exactly where he does.”

“If you want me to guide you safely we need to return the way we came through the kitchen to the stairs and avoid this balcony.”  Ned looks at Cook for the okay to lead the way.

Darixa finally managed to catch up just about the time the portion of the balcony collapsed beneath Seri. Although not close, she still backs up a bit in surprise at the sudden event.

She glances from the elf to Cook. "You alright?" she asks first. She follows it with, "Why did you two just go charging on ahead? Ned's been telling you to go the other way. I think we should listen. Let him lead!"