No Rest for the Dead in Avlor

This is an arcane device called the Mabaran Resonator. It is constructed using crystals from the plane of Mabar, which channel dark energy from that plane to cause strange magical effects in the device's vicinity. When someone links their mind with the device by performing a special ritual, any humanoid that dies in a two mile radius is reanimated as a zombie under the control of the creature linked to the resonator.

How fragile/smashable does it look?

It looks pretty solid. The crystals are large and thick spikes, sort of like black quartz, and the base seems to be metal. But there's only one way to find out for sure! 

Does it look like it’s functional currently? Would I know said ritual? 

     "Is that the thing our aarakocra friend was looking for?" Shale is kneeling near the opening left behind from the chest. Looking down into the hole, "What do know?! I was half serious about a way out through one of these chests. Anyone else have another rope," he asks the group as he takes his from his pack and begins to uncoil it. "I don't think one is going to quite get it done here. Too bad that little slow fall trinket of yours only had one use."

Flynt walks over and hands him his rope. "I have some." 

Jarl prowls over to look through the hole. In this form, is he too large to fit through?

Celric: you wouldn't have any way of knowing the ritual, no. I guess you would still have detect magic up, so you can see that it has a necromantic aura.

Jarl: you'd have to squeeze as a large creature, but you can fit. (It's only the opening itself that would require squeezing. It goes to a larger chamber, not a shaft.)

Squiggles is still fiddling with the resonator, and looking over the diagrams and such about it on the table, trying to figure out how it works

Best you can figure out from the lines and arrows on the diagram, the crystals act as the power source, drawing dark energy from Mabar. The metal base seems to focus that energy and produce the actual resonance, serving as a transmitter.

Balian

"So... so we're done then?  Off back to the Aarakocra and then we get paid?"  Balian starts to dance a little jig until he remembers the circle of teleportation was one-way.  

"Ah... bollocks."

If you are going to hang a rope down and climb it, let me know what order you go in (and which two characters get guidance, since I'm assuming the clerics will use it).

To be transparent about how I will handle the climbing mechanics in case it affects your marching order:

Balian

"I propose we send one of our dragonborn friends first.  They're nice and meaty, so any horrible creature down there will eat them and be far more full than if they ate someone smaller... like me."

Would Jarl be able to jump down in Crag Cat form, or does he need to transform back?

Sure, you could jump down. You would take 6d6 damage in crag cat from the 60' fall.

OOC - With a -1 to Athletics, I'll definitely take you upon the offer of advantage!

Squiggles being not so Athletic will go near the front

Balian

Nobody reacts to the half-elf’s comment. Slightly dejected at the lack of attention, Balian shrugs and begins to climb down the rope (assuming it’s been tied to something).

Athletics: 13

OOC - Well that sucks! I suppose it’s good though as I won’t hit anyone. Take it I can’t roll for an acrobatics save to re-grab the rope, since I fell when I was only 10 ft down the rope? :)

Damage taken: 18

Oof, and with advantage too!

(Shale would have been their ready to put guidance on Bailan as he goes through...)

    Shale chuckles as Bailan slips from the rope. "Ouch, that's going to hurt." He looks to the the rest of the group. "Who's next," he says rubbing his hands together, ready to provide some of the Huntress' aid.