Badger glares condescendingly at Grenk (which is difficult with the size difference), offended at his flippant comment. Yes, they are all this easy ... if you have the brains to solve them. How many keys would you have tried?

Silas will cast spare the dying if they're down for the count and spend some time casting Prayer of Healing at least.

Healing 11 to up to 5 people (Silas is healing himself)

"We should proably search the shrine in the alcove west of us," 

Which shrine do you mean?

Cubes collected from 1 and 2, none in 3, and just got one from 4. Now checking the pillar in the lava lake. Is that right?

Grenk gave a slight laugh and gave Badger a rough pat on the back.  "Fire and iron I sense in you.  I like that, not that you want my approval," he says while laughing again and moving about the chamber looking for anything more of interest before joining the others.  

If Grenk can get in on that prayer of healing he'd be back to full but if others need it more they should take it.

Sickle Dex Save: 18

Sickle is kicking around the shrine, feeling a bit useless and wondering if he should go the she to study the vine covered keys when he hears the faint *clunk* *click* of the tumblers, and a sharp intake of air by Mal. He barely had time to dive for cover when the dazzling, searing light flashes around the room.

(OOC: wow, seems like we had hit more of these... Lava I guess?]

The group emerges from the shrine, all but untouched by it's dangers after Silas heals himself. Leaving it behind they are about to emerge from the shrine's walled yard when they hear noise and shrink back. Glancing carefully out of the shrine you notice, about 100 feet away, moving down the main boulevard toward the east is a group. You see two people with bodies of snakes, and a torso with arms, slithering forward, as well as four bare chested warriors with human bodies but serpent necks and heads. In addition there are six...mostly...humanoids with the odd tell tale sign of serpent influence in their bodies. They are escorting a group of two prisoners. A man with a black robe and a shaved head, with tattoo's covering his head and face, as well as a dark skinned man wearing worn black leather armor, tall and lean with smooth dark skin.  Mal, you immediately recognize the Thayan wizard Dyrax, and one fo the Chultan guides, a seasoned jungle denizen named Marchant. 

?

Quote from Bduds2006 >>

If Uragum can get in on that prayer of healing he'd be back to full but if others need it more they should take it.

 LOL. Grenk has a split personality.

Can we see what weapons the serpent-people are carrying?

Seeing the red wizard captured, Badger would say 'good riddance', except that perhaps he possesses the missing cube. But can we defeat 12 snake-men?

ooc, force of habit, uragum is a goliath wizard in a game that ive played in for a number of months now.

Grenk peers overs the others.  "Looks like the snake people I saw earlier and warned ya about but I don't recognize the prisoners.  I'll follow your leads on this but we may have to deal with them sooner or later."

Mal whispers to the group, "That is one of the Red Wizards that employed my services before and one of the guides that I worked with, good enough fellow and he deserves better than this but such is his luck. They might have a cube with them and I am not sure if we can handle 12 snakes, but I would assume if the Red Wizards sees me they might help in the battle. Not sure what will happen afterwards, but if say the Red Wizard has an accident after the fact, I would not shed a tear. If they do have a cube, it might be easier to grab it from 12 snake people than where ever they seem to be headed. At least from the start we would get the element of surprise, especially if luck is with me and I am able to strike first. Or we just hunker down and let them pass as we continue our searching and then decided what to do after we get the rest of the cubes."

The 12 snake people have bows and swords and wear bits of jewelry and scant other clothes. They appear to be roughly outfitted similar to the last group you fought. The wizard looks like his hands are bound, as is the other fellow. Two of the snake people are carrying backpacks that clearly belong to the wizard and guide.  They are travelling fairly slowly down the main boulevard, if you tried to go back into the forested part of the ruins and get ahead of them, you might be able to lay an ambush if you wanted.  They are currently 80 feet away and moving away from you.

"I always vote to exterminate monsters.  If they are allied with this Soul Monger, then they are monsters in my book.  Ambush?  Flanking? Hit and run?"

Looking up at Grenk, Badger wryly mutters: Yes, and you look like you could pass for one yourself! Then turning back to the situation he rubs his nose as he ponders in an audible whisper: We don't know for sure if they have a cube, but if the snakes are hunting the wizards then logic suggests they will be hunting us too. Perhaps it is better to get the drop on them if we have the opportunity. Then turning to the others Badger sighs and says: I believe we are doomed to failure, but if that is our fate, then let us not delay it further.

(OOC: sure am glad I traded protection from poison and lesser restoration for water walk and tidal wave... *sigh*)

Sickle’s frío on his staff tightens as he thinks about their earlier battle.  “Watch for their bows. Remember, posion arrows.  We should do our best not to get flanked ourselves.  I can attempt to hit them hard immediately with a Tidal Wave of water, which could knock several of them prone, but I may simply go with Lightning....or perhaps....,” Sickle trails off running the icy ring thoughtfully.  He shakes himself from his thoughts and continues, “You will probably see me change forms as well as soon as I can to try to ensure I can stay in the fight as long as possible.  Boris and the others could be handy now, but we should be able to handle them...I think. If we can get the drop on a number of them it would be best.”

You guys manage to get ahead of the group and find a good ambush location.  Everyone roll Stealth, and roll initiative.

Let me know if you're happy with your position or would prefer somewhere else. 

Mal Initiative: 21

Mal Stealth: 28

Silas Initiaitve: 4

Stealth: 7

Badger Initiative: 8, Stealth: 5

If its an ambush then I'm hoping for a little prep.. Such as in the position, Grenk would have his sword and shield out and have his crimson rite, lighting, activated before we rush.  Also do any of the snake people look like they may be a mage?

Rite damage to self 3

Stealth 19

Initiative 17

The group lies in wait, managing to have found good spots from which to hide. Grenk prepares his lightning rite, while they examine the Yuan-ti group. If any are magicians, it's impossible for you to tell from their equipment or dress.  It could be that some of the jewellery signifies that, but no other hints are available, such as robes, staffs, or pointy hats. 

Mal gives Silas a few points as they prepare the ambush.  The group is just passing between the party and is totally unaware of your presence. As like a silent strike of a viper, the battle begins before the Yuan-ti are aware of it. 

Yuan-ti group initiative:  5

Thay Wizard / Guide initiative: 5

Since the group successfully surprised them with a group stealth check, and you all beat their initiative, they are unaware of all of you for your first turn. You all get your first turn please. Then, the snake people are unable to act this turn as they are surprised. So, next round, you'll all get another action, before they can act, but for that one they'll be aware of you.  But one at a time so.....

Everyone take your first turns.