ooc: same goes for Aster actually. Forget the endurance

From a ways behind Tomora and Xianon, Serwa quietly says to Aster, "Does it look like they slowed down?  Think they ran into trouble?  Keep an eye out for those hand signals we all practiced.  Team building exercises might really pay off."  

Tomora has not seen the one eyed creature, but she notices the shift in Xianons posture.  Realizing she can't speak as a spider, she wished she had paid more attention when the group was practicing hand signals...

Xianon Lathalas

The only hand signals Xianon remembers are from his old life and would rather misbecome him as a monk. He doubts Tomora could pass them on in her present condition, anyway.  He inches along the wall, trying to get another glimpse of the creature.

Serwa stops and listens, feeling uneasy about the scout's pause in movement.  "Be ready for trouble," she says quietly to Aster. 

I am always ready. Or at least try to be. Now Aster casts endurance on himself

(OOC: Ok, since some of you are familiar with this module, I have decided to mix it up a bit and have taken quite a lot of liberties reworking the map - hopefully that will add some uncertainty and fun.  I'll try to make some visuals later.  As such, I'm going to back up one step and describe the scene again.)

As you creep northward, the rough passage opens up before you into a large natural cavern.  Roughly fifteen feet in front of you a deep crevasse divides the chamber, running east and west.  Two rough stone columns flank the crevasse - one in front of you, just slightly to the left, and the other on the far side about thirty feet to your right.  Near each column is a narrow wooden bridge, both of which span the crevasse.

In the northeast end of the chamber, you see light coming from a rough opening high up on the wall. The opening appears to be reachable by a slide of rock and debris that lays beneath it.

Xianon - As you enter the chamber you see you see a large looming figure move behind the pillar on the far side, about forty feet to the northeast. It seemed semi-humanoid, but deformed, with large, rocky spikes protruding from its back. The most defining feature you notice, however, was its large, singular, yellow-green eye.

You begin to move cautiously along the south wall watching the pillar intently for any sign of the creature.  The giant spider, Tomora, climbs out of the passage and up the wall a little ways, following you.

Aster and Serwa - with Aster's light you can barley make out the figures of Xianon and Tomora disappear into the cavern.

 What do you do?

 (EDIT: Also, if the party wants to use any of Tomora's skills or have her do anything while exploring - such as detect magic or wild shape - please suggest it.  It would be hard for me to use detect magic for example when I know if there is something magical around)

Serwa maintains the same distance behind Xianon and Tomora, far enough that she judges any noise she makes is not likely to give away their approach - she still makes an effort at stealth but heavy armor makes that a challenge. Thus if she sees them stop ahead, she will also halt and hold her position, waiting for movement from them or some signal. 

Aster moves close to Serwa in the hopes she would stop any threats while he glances back regularly to be aware of the groups rear. He holds his spear in a tight grip, the cord now reattached below the spear tip, not coiled on his wrist, but in a way to easily remove it.

Xianon - Moving along the south wall of the cavern, you draw nearer to the small wooden bridge, but you don't see any signs of the creature in the dim light.  Tomora skitters along the wall above you.

Aster and Serwa - Emerging from the tunnel, Aster's light extends into the dark cavern. In the dim light, you can just make out the shapes of Xianon and Tomora to your right. 

Serwa maintains her position near Aster, and will have them advance when she spots Xianon and Tomora advancing.  The oppressive and heavy silence makes her want to sing a cheerful song to lighten the mood - she thinks the one about waking up covered in spiders would make Xianon happy - but shelves the idea for later, and maintains her stealth.  She seems unsure whether she should be in front of Aster, or behind him, wanting to ensure either way she protects him from wherever they are most likely to face attack.  After consideration she decides to stay in front of him, between Aster and the others, trusting he will warn her of attack from behind, and Tomora or Xianon will warn of attack from ahead.  She keeps a hand near the shaft of her Halberd in case it is needed.  

ooc: little question. I was thinking about swapping Create Bonfire for Mage Hand. I do have DM approval but wanted to ask the group if there are any objections. As far as i can remember aster cast Create Bonfire twice: once to light a bush on fire during a rest and once to deal little damage to a goblin guard.

Xianon Lathalas

The elf frowns, wondering what has happened to the creature.  Seeing only two ways it can get across to him, he moves across the open space.  He approaches the crevasse midway between the two bridges.  If he still doesn't see the creature, he'll take a peek down into the depths.

(OOC: You made good use of it against the Redbrands, too.  But go for it.)

ooc: right if got them some burns. forgot about that.

Xianon - You approach the edge of the crevasse keeping a close eye on the pillar and surrounding dimness, made a little clearer now by Aster's light.  A chill air raises from the depths of the fissure carrying the stench of decay with it.  You peer over the edge cautiously.  The steep, rough slopes of the crevasse drop about twenty feet to a jumble of rock and scattered bones at the bottom.  A corpse lay awkwardly among the rubble. (Perception check (disadvantage due to dim light): 15)...but you see no sign of the creature.

Swera - You ready yourself, and watch as Xianon approaches the edge of the fissure.  You also see Tomora climb higher up the wall and begin making her way across the ceiling among the stalactites (roughly about twenty feet above Xianon).

Aster...

 (OOC: are you ok with me rolling ability checks and saves for you?  I'll only really do this when I need to see what happens to describe the rest of the scene)

OOC: It is absolutely fine with me. Some players prefer you post the rolls visibly - as long as I know you are rolling and/or using passives it is fine by me, personally. 

Aster steps into the cavern slowly and carefull. but with every step he takes he his face takes a worried look. another step and another, as his look gets more concerned. his march gets staggering and after a last one he sinks to his knees and a tear rolls down his cheek.

As she was close by, Serwa notices Aster's behavior, and walks over to him, glancing around to see if he has been physically attacked or wounded.  She finds nothing of that sort, and kneels carefully - so as not to make noise from her armor - and leans in close to whisper, "Aster, what's wrong?  Are you alright?"

 Xianon Lathalas

(OOC: Yeah, I should have realized I'd need that.  I don't mind you rolling a check if I forget, though.  It definitely helps us move along.)

The elf frowns as he peers down into the depths and crinkles his nose at the fetid stench.  There are no apparent threats from below, however, so he returns his attention to the area beyond the gorge, where that odd creature lurks.  He turns to look at Tomora over his shoulder, and is alarmed when he doesn't see her.  He gestures back to the two others to come forward, and becomes even more alarmed when he sees Aster's state.  Wheeling back forward, he quickly scans the area for the threat.  Finally he looks up, and seeing Tomora, his relief is visible.  Still, he's concerned about Aster, but when he looks back again he sees Serwa with him, so he scans again for threats.  Finally, he speaks quietly up to Tomora.  "Tomora, can you see whatever it is that's over there?"  He gestures across the gulf.  "Wave your front legs if you can."

Tomora creeps along the ceiling to the pillar, passing behind it momentarily and reappearing on the other side.  She pauses a moment to cross her front legs in front of her, making an X sign.

Aster...

 Serwa...