“I’m ready to continue if everyone else is.” Darren says as he checks himself over and bandages one of his more serious looking injuries. (Second wind: 8 hp recovered)

Darren takes the opportunity to poke fun at Rhane, “You aren’t sleepy already are you?”

”I would say to send Brodi to take a look but…” his voice trails as he remembers what happened. “Hey Swin, how much time do you need to bring Brodi back?”

If you don't stop him, the injured and defeated brigand will head to the ladder and up to the surface, while you plan your further exploration of this area.

Rhane:

”You guys do look like you have weathered the fights so far without too much trouble,” says Rhane.  Casting a spell and closing up some more of his wounds, he says, “Let’s move when you are ready.”

Balassar just opens up the last of his health potions and nods "Keep moving it is."

OOC:

7

You assemble at the last remaining closed door, to the ladder that Rhane knows leads down below. It is closed.

Darren keeps an eye behind the group in the direction Sebastian went, not fully trusting that he won’t return and try to stab them in the back. 

Darren keeps a watchful eye and ear; you hear and see nothing to suggest Sebastian has not left, or is returning with allies.

Rhane:

Listening at the door, Rhane opens it if it seems quiet inside (Perception:  23).  He then opens it quietly and heads for the ladder, moving with stealth (Stealth:  23 ).

Balassar waits for Rhane to say it's clear, if it is then he will take the lead going into the room.

It opens; the other side of the door reveals a storeroom - this is where the brigands keep the majority of their food supplies, sealing in barrels and crates. It is quiet, but Rhane, you notice one crate that looks a little different from the others, and is stored by itself in the corner, sealed tight. You enter the room alongside Balassar, making sure you are not heard by anyone waiting below. You do see the ladder down, in another corner of the storeroom.

Rhane:

Holding up a hand for the others to pause, Rhane moves cautiously over to the crate, mindful of tripwires or other traps that might be set up to act as a noisemaker (or something more deadly) to warn those below of intruders.

Of course, it could also be a sealed explosive, which could be very helpful in strategically thinning the ranks of their foes.  No need to think negatively too much.

(Perception again if needed: 17)

He also checks for tracks of the brigands in case they avoid stepping in any particular areas on the floor (Tracking with advantage due to Favored Enemy: 17 )

There's no sign that any part of the floor is to be avoided because of a trap.

The crate is trapped; there's a complex device - a series of linked devices actually - that you think might be partially magical, though you do not understand its nature at first glance.

 Anyone who wants to inspect it can make an investigation check, or an arcana check (but the arcana check only if you have proficiency).

Rhane:

Moving back to the others, Rhane whispers, “It’s trapped—some mixture of mechanical and magical, but I have not the skill with such devices.”

“I’ll take a look at it. Just like old times eh.” Darren says as he moves over to inspect it. (Investigation: 17)

Darren, the mechanism itself is purely mechanical, as far as you can see. Whoever disarms this will need to be very careful, as the devices are linked, you think, by wires that pass through the wood of the crate. You are certain that a physical key is required to open it safely, though whether that's enough, you are not sure. If anyone tampers with this device unsuccessfully, the penalty will be magical in nature you think - though you have no idea what form it would take.

Darren shares his insights about the mechanism(s) with the group. “Should we try and find the key? Or can someone handle it without one?”

Rhane:

Continuing to whisper, Rhane suggests, "If the trap is not connected to the way down, I say we leave if for now.  Maybe we can find the key once we deal with the brigands." 

"I'm sure Wainwright has the key, or one of the guards downstairs." Alton says, "We can always loot the place once we are done."

“I thought perhaps Rhane’s items were in there.” Darren admits. Though he is fine with moving on if that’s what the rest of the group is ready to do. 

Rhane:

”Fair enough,” whispers Rhane in response, “But nothing in my equipment is worth risking such a trap unless we have someone with expertise in disarming such.”

Pausing for a moment to let people speak up if they want to try the chest, Rhane prepares to peek down the ladder while trying to remain stealthy and avoiding the trapped crate.

(Stealth 22, Perception 26)