(OOC - @All: We were told we couldn't go that way by the duergar. Based on previous conversation with the presumed head of the duergar we accidentally met (and never got the name of), it is where they have their main operations done. So, unless the plan is to antagonize the duergar by trying to force our way in there, it seems we've covered everything we can peacefully.)

Three gives Taman a somewhat incredulous look. And yet, she voiced no counter argument about the whole 'friends' thing. At Durlans suggestion, the humanoid chimera scrunched up her face and made a few idle finger gestures, then shook her head. "From what I can remember, we've.... pretty much explored all there is, I think. The only places we ain't been on this level are, uh, occupied by them grey dwarves.. I think? At least, we were told we couldn't go that way, and there were a lot more there than what we saw before, so stands to reason they probably hang out there 'n all that."

"Soooo, uh... after the whole Mar-Mar incident, probably don't wanna bother them... maybe? At least, if we're try'na stay friendly 'n all that." She expressed.

Investigation: 8

Perception: 24

(So, what's happening atm? Are we going somewhere or are people waiting for each other?)

(I think we are waiting to figure out which way we can go, or if we have truly checked everything on this level.)

(Apart from trying to antagonizing some dwarfs trying to explore the area just blow Area 44 of the dwaven ruins, there's the stairways south of area 24 left and seeing what's down river of Area 16. Though, I think we've been to the area south of Area 44 after fighting the giant skelly, as I vaguely remember there being a close call slipping into a more rapid section of river. That, and something else there.)

(So, that just leaves the Area 16's path.)

(OOC: Rivon can do any swim exploration we might need.  I may have forgotten to mention that he swims faster than Michael Phelps, but it's true.)

(The Duergar mentioned the Dragon calls the a lake it's home, best to avoid any excursions in the water until we're ready to deal with that I think. But it actually seems like we probably only have that left to explore. How's everyone doing on spell slots and HP?)

Quote from TigerApricot >>

(The Duergar mentioned the Dragon calls the a lake it's home, best to avoid any excursions in the water until we're ready to deal with that I think. But it actually seems like we probably only have that left to explore. How's everyone doing on spell slots and HP?)

 If the dragon is all that's left I for one want a long rest before we even think about that.

Quote from TigerApricot >>

(The Duergar mentioned the Dragon calls the a lake it's home, best to avoid any excursions in the water until we're ready to deal with that I think. But it actually seems like we probably only have that left to explore. How's everyone doing on spell slots and HP?)

 (Rivon is good to go.  Full HP, no hit die expended and no rechargeable abilities.   That being said, if the casters can get a long rest in, he's all for it.)

So for the current level, you have pretty much fully explored that, except for the part just south of the main hall (and as @Orileo has stated, that was deemed a no-go zone, at least for now, lest you want to incur the wrath of the Duergar. There are some unexplored areas on the level above you (See post #3919) No need to worry about the Northeast part, that's just covering up a compass and names.

"So we either go up, and check out those areas we didn't explore above us, or we head down to see about that dragon." Taman comments. "I'd say head up and retrace our steps back to check out those locations we skipped."

"Agreed, I'm not to worn out for an excursion in those caverns but I do want a nice meal and as much rest as a bedroll will allow before tackling a dragon."

(I believe Rivon already rolled any checks that might be necessary in Post #3924)

Quote from Bierp >>

(OOC: Rivon can do any swim exploration we might need.  I may have forgotten to mention that he swims faster than Michael Phelps, but it's true.)

 (Marius can help, too. He has full hit points and spell slots)

You walk out of the Main Chamber to and go up the stairs to the west, back up to the caverns. You climb the long stairs up to the caverns, passing through the large, heavy double doors and into the main cavern.

Unless Rivon opted to take point for the rest of the trip, Three more than happily did so once the group reached the main chamber. Just because they managed to strike down Skeleton Jack, Bringer of Pain, and Three Headed Terminator of Bones thrice now, it was no absolute guarantee that the fiend yet STILL somehow roamed the cavern like some immortal killing machine.

Or so Three secretly feared enough to keep Tom, her maul, ever brandished while leading the group back to the river found in their first introduction to the cage system(16). Though, if others had other plans or hesitations over the course, she is sure to stop and listen at the very least.

Rivon, confused and more than a little afraid of the Death Skeleton of Death, hides behind Three as she takes point, shortbow at the ready.

Stealth: 26

Perception: 23

Taman settles back towards the rear of the group, his new ability to see in the dark keeping him from needing his light as he had been doing so previously.

Durlan takes a middle position in the group readying his glaive just in case.

Marius goes a bit behind Furlan, eldritch blast at the ready.

Thistle strides in front, because that's what paladins do.