Lucia looks around and says, "Well, if we don't climb those stairs, then I think we're out of options."

Very well. Any way we can secure some ropes to make the journey safer?

Kate says, "I think if we tie our ropes together we can get up to 200ft. We just need a place to anchor the rope." She looks around and says, "That pillar over there will work."

Sounds good. We will combine our ropes to help secure our way up and down the stairs.

Lucia says, "This slime is slippery. We should tie knots along the rope to make climbing back out much easier." Lucia begins tying all the rope together and also tying knots. This is going to take some time.

While the group waits, Kate asks Priya, "So, you're a mercenary too right? I'm in the same line of work and I didn't see or hear of you before. Are you new here? Where do you usually stay while you look for potential employers?" "Yes, I am new to this business. I was the personal secretary to a retailer of Golem Gear. After I lost my job, my husband divorced me and took my house and my daughter. So, I used the amount of money I won in the split to buy a few things and then came here for mercenary work. You can usually find me at The Blue Lotus." "Blue Lotus huh? I've never heard of the place." "It's a new tavern that opened up in the Diurnal District. Right now, I'm the only merc there but I'm sure more will come eventually."

That seems harsh, to divorce you because you lost your job. What did Golem Gear sell and why did you lose your job there?

Priya turns to Tomoe and says, "Golem Gear is a relatively new invention. When I was a little girl, we didn't have Golem Gear. The boss got bored of me and got a new secretary. Don't worry about the divorce though. Life was getting a bit too slow and boring for my liking so it's for the best. I can now go on thrilling adventures thanks to the new job. I don't have to worry about my ex-husband or my kid anymore."

Well, I guess as long as you are happy. Tomoe gives Kate a sideways look as if to say, this woman is a bit off in the head.

Kate returns the look. She isn't sure what to think of their new companion and her... eccentricities. It must be the Golem Gear. There's a rumor that Golem Gear messes with your mental state.

So Priya, what skill set do you posses that aids your adventuring? 

"Well, I can't battle things by myself but I am good at misdirection and support spells. I know spells like Hold Person and Faerie Fire. I'm thinking of picking up more combat spells when I get a chance because most of my skill set was geared to my old job more than my new one."

Interesting. Priya, if you would give me and my companions a moment. Tomoe brings Kate over to Lucia and discusses in whispers so the elf cant hear. What do you think of her? She seems to poses skills we need and is fairly new to this game? do we offer her to be part of our group? 

Kate says, "I don't know. She seems a bit... off? Honestly I don't know what to think. Maybe?" Lucia says, "She... seems a bit too happy to have lost her husband and her children. I don't think she's bad per se, but she might be very very selfish."

Much the same are my thoughts. Let us survive this mission before we make decisions yes ?

Lucia and Kate both nod in agreement. Lucia then says, "Rope's done! Climb on down." Priya steps forward and turns to the party, "Did any of you want to go first or should I?"

If Kate is feeling sturdy after our tumble i would suggest she lead, otherwise be our guest. 

Kate says, "Well, if I'm going first..." She drinks a potion. She has 3 left now. 7

Then she begins descending.

After the whole party descends, you find yourself in a cavernous maze-like structure. There is a path going east and one going west. Which way do you go?

East. Actively looking for slimes to try to prevent any ambushes .

The party walks east. The whole cave floor is slippery and mushy, making it hard to move in. This effectively cuts everyone's movement speed in half (This whole dungeon is difficult terrain). Going east, you encounter 3 oozes. They attack.

Initiative: -1

Tomoe's turn.

Tomoe fires her crossbow at the first ooze.

Attack: 8 Damage: 7