Burgee grips the staff a little tighter as he continues to follow Malman as quietly as possible.

(Stealth: 17)

Stealth: 28

(I'm gonna need Rai to bot for me for a little bit. Sorry!)

Rose's hammer arm is tensed with fury as Malman leads the group northward to the stairs, everyone more or less just trying to pass through the area as swiftly as possible. This time, the group is exceedingly quiet, and they could all hear shuffling from behind them before but it seems to have ceased, as if whatever had been following them or so you all assume, stopped. And as you make your ways to the staircase you no longer hear the noise.

As you make your way up the intricately cut out flight, you notice even the stairs vertical sides possessing carvings of the three races moving up or down the stairs, carrying items that appeared likely magical, and even had an effulgent glow to them, whether by the magical force that seemed to get heavier the deeper within you got, or if the staircase was simply enchanted, it only lent to the mystery of the place. And likely brought thoughts of 'what would this place have looked like if it had never been abandoned?' Gwen was clearly awestruck even as she manages to be quieter than even most of the rest of the group. She wanted to speak about it so much .. but there would be time.. after.

As you all reach the intersection, Malman can see to his right a mostly crumbled hallway. Ahead of him, is a door, and to the left is a hallway leading to another staircase. Choosing to ignore the door in front of him Malman begins to head up towards the next staircase, going ever northward. Cirrus however, looks at the door curiously..... is it possible the spider might just be right there? I  mean, we'll never know.... if we don't look..

Rose stops to look at the door and then back to Malmen. In a whisper she says He does have a point...but I trust your guidance here. If you say we continue forward then let's go. But I can go invisible and check the door real quick, just to be safe. Rose will wait for an answer before doing anything. Should anyone try to open the door she will stop them until there is an agreed upon plan.

In another life and at another time, Malman would stopped to examine the drawings, and sit back to enjoy marveling at the art. That is, if it was dwarven made. Although if not, he would have still spent a good half hour at least casually critique it before moving on to explore the rest of the cave. Instead, his eyes remained set on the path ahead, determined to unravel the spider's plot before it was too late.

At Rose's question Malman furrows his bushy brows enough that his eyes disappears beneath them for a few seconds. After a moment's pause, he simply shakes his head. "Your 'friend' said deepest part, if remember right. We go to deepest part. If not find, way clear enough back so far.  Now let's go. Unless like Underchasm, it cannot be far now." As he presses on to to the intersection at the top of the stairs, he adds ever at a whisper, "Hurry now."

Once he reaches the next intersection, he considers the two, weighing the pros' and cons' of each silently. His dwarven sensibilities kept his gaze going towards the right, as it erred on the side of 'deeper equals more viable veins. More viable veins equals increased odds of reach a focal point.'. But the more cautious side developed from druidic training urged him always almost visibly to the left. By sticking to it, at the very least the rest were liable to get less turned around, as the complex seemed to lead towards an intended expansion there before someone came and ****ed it for the dwarves (and their allies?).

3.

"... This way." He finally relents, waving the others behind to follow as he headed down the left passageway,still as quiet as a church mouse every step of the way. Although when he sees the double doors continuing northward, he visibly cringed and muttered a druidic curse under breath. "... **** it. These ones here. Do so invisibly, and do so quietly. We'll be right around bend." He gestures to the two corners before making his way over to the crumbled side of the passageway.

Visual:

Square=Malman, Circle by Doors=Rose, Other Circles=Everyone else arranged however they see fit, Right Triangle=Yue.

(Malman will be hugging the wall the north of him as well to still be out of sight, though I don't imagine that will be too much an issue. Let me know if you need new stealth rolls as well DM.)

(Odd I hadn't been informed of mehmens reply... in any case, will be posting later.)

Gwen seemed conflicted. Cirrus was right, but at the same time so was Malman. And Burgee hand't chimed in, so ultimately she said That's not a bad suggestion Cirrus, but then I think back to the time with the 'angry weeds' and your lust for gold sacks... So I think we'll follow Malmans nose for now, even if he's not your typical dwarf, he's still a dwarf in a place that looks pretty damned dwarven to me. Cirrus, ultimately relenting without much resistance. The group proceeding up the stairs, and after some significant hesitation on Malmans part, he ultimately goes left, heading towards the door in the corner.

Rose glances over the door, checking for traps (As per discord rolls) and with utter confidence whispers that there are in fact, no traps on the door, which in some ways is odd, but she proceeds just inside the door to look around. Rose notices that there are three massive spiders along the walls, one to each side of the door, and one on the left wall. It doesn't seem as though any of them have noticed her at all. She also hears a voice ahead, six cracked marble pillars line the walls of this hall, at the north end of which stands a nine-foot-tall statue of a dwarf seated on a throne, a mighty stone warhammer across his lap. Large emeralds gleam in the statue’s eyes.

From across the room, she can see two bugbears stand by the table, flanking a dark elf dressed in black leather armor and robes. He clutches a black staff with a carved spider at the top, muttering with controlled frustration I think I've almost figured out how to enter the forge, but there are too many things between here and there hindering our progress. But soon I shall make it to the Forge of Spells and then my grand designs can finally come to fruition..... He doesn't appear to notice Rose, and everyone else is fairly well hidden, and with how small Rose is, the door only needs be opened ever so slightly. The bugbears look bored, but dutiful.

Rose turns to the others, although they can't see her, and whispers as quietly as she can. I think we have our spider. He's got two bugbears with him and 3 real spiders too. Looks like he's got away out to the right. Rose points towards the hallway between the closest and middle pillars to the right before remembering she can't be seen and describing it. If one of you has a spell that can block that entrance off, we can cut the spider off here. We'll be out numbered....but this might be our only chance. Rose will wait for a reply but will keep her eye on the drow. If the drow seems likely to break for the exit Rose will try to summon and spiritual weapon to block the path as best she can knowing it won't likely do more than slow him down.

Rose goes to speak with the others, and informs them of whats going on. Giving them the general layout, and informing them of the potential enemies they faced. Gwen nodded silently where she assumed Rose was, and Cirrus braced himself for the worst, being the worrywart he sometimes was. Burgee clutched his staff and thought about the old woman who had given him his previous one. 

Even as she spoke to the group, she would hear a suave voice echo from inside the room. My dear friend, welcome. I hadn't been expecting a guest, but my friend here says she heard footsteps, just barely pitter-pattering their way into the door, and lo' and behold, the door is ajar! Though I don't see you, I assume you have left in utter befuddlement and perhaps a bit of abashedness. And I know you are not one of my minions for they would not play such games. So tell me, who are you, and what brings you to my humble mine this evening?

Had I been expecting company, I assure you I would have prepared a feast.

Not long after, Cirrus hears a voice coming through the stone Where you? Town under siege. Orcs and ogres. Need help! Cirrus, straining to remain quiet... tells what he heard in case the others didn't....What perfect timing... this couldn't be that group we let pass, could it?

Burgee hears a voice that seems to be talking to Rose. He very carefully peaks around the corner to see if he can see anything through the doors. He thinks he catches a glimpse of a spider, but nothing more. But that voice. It seems strong. Certain. What is here, he wonders to himself. Could the spider uncover the power of flight? He's unnerved by the voice he hears, but somehow pulled towards it. Wondering if this Spider could offer the very thing he seeks.  He looks at Malman, hoping none could know his thoughts. He pulls himself back safely out of view. And waits. 

Malman nearly tugs a chunk out of his beard in idly tugging at it before the big surprise voice. He clenches his tooth, but no accusing staring is thrown Rose's direction. Rather, he rolls his shoulder and appeared very much to be gearing up to go busting through while at least one element of surprise stayed with them. That being that only 'one' for certain had been expected by the 'Spider'. As Malman, for all his wisdom, was not the most insightful of people, glanced Burgee and only smirked, writing off the movement as the crow man's eagerness nearly getting the best of him.

At overhearing the new news, if only just, Malman grinds his teeth and glares at a wall for a heartbeat more before nodding to himself. The waves to the others to make sure he had their attention, makes a throat slitting motion, then gestures towards the double doors. His choice was clear and direction obvious. They would finish the spider before they can concern themselves with a town that was frankly too far away to mount any help. He could only hope the one white-haired lad so busily trying get things back in order with the townmaster's help might yet have been able to recruit at least some other traveling mercs or adventures to recently visit.

He could only hope and silently pray. But both are only given a few heartbeats worth of attention before his body starts to turn sand and indistinct. Without hesitance, he marched forth shifting and changing so rapidly, that by the time both doors or flung open, a great, brown bear was squeezing its way through that last few feet and already charging the most important looking dude's position. What chaos he sowed he could only hope would be enough to allow the others to act with more impunity, or gamble on circling around in time to cut off in side exits there by Rose's reckoning.

 In the quietest manner possible, Cirrus will respond to Dahlia:

Busy with Spider, can't guarantee I will live. We're several days away from Phandalin. Stay Strong. If we survive, we won't reach you in time. 

 Cirrus quickly hops in after Malman and pulls out his spell scroll. He then points at one of the bugbears, shouting "If you get your friend out of here, we won't attack you! We're only here for the drow!" The bugbear must make a DC 13 Wis Save (Technically we haven't attacked it, so it shouldn't have advantage). Maybe if we're lucky the two bugbears will just leave. Then I guess he's gonna run in and see if he can block that escape route.

(Will be posting in one hour. with whatever is here)

(Enemies will be first, after resolving pre-combat actions.)

Malman charges in, not even attempting to bother with negotiations or talks. Even as he does he transforms into a bear, that form giving him more than enough speed to make it to the Spiders position. I shall take that as a no! Ah and to think how we could both have profited from a joint effort... he said as the bear charged forth.

Cirrus using the spellscroll, attempts to ensorcle one of the bugbears, and succeeds quite astoundingly. Though it looks at him confusedly Why friend attack me if no make brother leave? it asks in the direction of the voice, since it doesn't yet see who is speaking. However the bugbear seems docile and passive in its confusion.

Rose, hesitates for a moment, considering talking to the man before charging in herself, Hammer raised and ready to fall nd just barely able to get in range of the Spider. Her hammer falls, dealing a tremendous amount of damage  and caving the spiders knee in reverse, causing him to fall to his buttox, prone.

G-G-G-GRUUUAHHH!! You insolent little iblith whore! My leg! AHHHHHHH!!!!! GET THEM YOU DOLTS! the charmed bugbear looks in its masters direction, but the effects of the charm make it hesitate.

Burgee isn't sure if he wants to help.. what if this man can actually bring flight back to his people?

Gwen sets herself up behind the door so she can shoot but isn't quite able to yet.

Screaming with pain and a backwards leg, The Spider points in the direction of the two known intruders, and the spiders on the wall move with lightning speed. One web flying at the bear, another flying at Rose, and a third flying at Cirrus who was just inside the doors of the room. 

 Rose is the only one who fails to get webbed, Both Cirrus and Malbear becoming trapped within the sticky confines. The fourth spider slinks down from the wall, as do the other three. The one who had not yet webbed anyone, targets the bear, considering it to be the larger threat, and attempts to take a bite out of it. 

 The uncharmed bugbear ignores his brothers stupor, listening to their master, and a massive club begins to fall on Malman. since he's closer.

Shouting can be heard down the hall, where the group had came from, though they sounded distant enough to not be an immediate threat.

Just as it seemed things couldn't get any worse, a massive block of Darkness appears, and the vision of the area is completely blotted out to everyone except Rose, who can still see just fine. the spider begins attempting to shuffle atleast out of reach of the two who are directly next to him.

Party is up. Malman and Cirrus are stuck in spider goo, and must make the saves to break out, or attack at disadvantage. Map INC.

The "Darkness" is covering effectively the entire room, except the tiles closest to Cirrus, but the darkness is right in front of his face. Also the spider should be 1 kitty-corner tile up and to the left, but I forgot when I was makign the map so assume he's above B1 assuming he doesn't die.

Cirrus is still trying to get these bugbears to leave the fight, “You guys need to get out of this cave before you get hurt by this bear. Or even worse, this crazy halfling who just broke that guy’s leg! You don’t want to be in the middle of that, do you? You better get goin’ while the gettin’s good!”

If they look like they need further convincing, Cirrus will take a gamble, “You guys get out of here, I’ll help protect our boss.”

In either case, if they do decide to leave and pass by me, I will say “While you’re here, could you help me out of this web?” Then after, “Alright thanks, now hurry, run! Get out of here!”

Regardless of the effectiveness of my charm, Cirrus is going to cast Mage Hand, give his bag of caltrops to the hand, move the hand to E4, and dump the caltrops out on the ground.

Burgee moves into the room (B6) but cant see anything. He speaks out then in a new voice, some words sounding more like the spider than others. The words though were a very good impression of the spider to all but the most trained ear. "No! This is a joint effort. Leave them alone you insolent DOLTS!"  Burgee reproduces the voice as best as he can to persuade the bugbears and spiders to stop their attacks. (Inspired Persuasion: 8)