The lock is stiff, but opens after some work by Thia. The disused tunnel that lies beyond it is choked with webs. It is narrow, and completely dark.

OOC: Thrax and Yevele will need some sort of light source to move any further.

Thoughtless concerning those without darkvision, Rogram draws his sword and progresses into the tunnel (after Smoke if the tabaxi goes first).

Thrax takes out his torch, but does not light it, and looks to Thia and the others knowing this will make it more difficult to move unseen, yet the tunnel didn't seem like it had been used by anyone else in ages. 

"What do you see Rogram?" He says quietly to his companion who was already charging headlong through the darkness. 

What does Rogram see?

The disused tunnel that lies beyond it is choked with webs. It is narrow, and completely dark.

OOC: Tunnel as far as the eye can see right now.

"Nothing as of yet," the half-dwarf calls over his shoulder.

OOC: If the group is content to allow Rogram to venture forth alone, I will go ahead and describe what he sees further in. Otherwise, giving some more time for a light source for Thrax and Yevele or for others to move with Rogram.

"Maybe Thrax and Smoke can explore the tunnel to see if there is anything in there for us to worry about. If there is a door at the far end, we can light a torch so Thrax and I can see to get through. We can extinguish the torch before the door is opened. If there is no door at the end, then maybe Thrax and I could be led through the tunnel by one of you who can see in the dark?"

ooc Sorry for the delay between postings. Work has been wearing me out the last couple days.

Realising some cannot see in the dark Smoke looks at Rogram, who is already moving ahead. Then to Thrax holding a torch but worried it might be to large of a fire. Hold on Smoke says. 

He quickly checks his bags and pulls out a small candle to light. Here, take it. It wont be seen as easily. Smoke will then follow Rogram into the tunnel staying at the edge of the candles light so the others can still see Smoke vaguely and Smoke can remain in partial darkness to still be able to spot Rogram, or other things with his darkvision. 

Rogram waits for the candle to be lit, then continues at a cautious pace once Smoke indicates it's ok to move forward.

Thrax lets his dark vision companions go first, and will take the candle from Smoke, agreeing that it will draw less attention. He makes sure to stay near Yevele so they can both benefit from the light of the small candle. He will stay at least 60feet back from Rogram, hoping the candle is not giving off so much light as to alert anyone to their presence before his allies could spot them. 

"I think that so long as we proceed quietly, we will be safe for the moment, it does not look as if anyone is using these tunnels. We will decide what to do next once we are on the other side, yes?" He involuntarily hisses at the end of his question, his native lizardfolk accent slipping through. 

Quote from Smullzilla >>

 

"I think that so long as we proceed quietly, we will be safe for the moment, it does not look as if anyone is using these tunnels. We will decide what to do next once we are on the other side, yes?" He involuntarily hisses at the end of his question, his native lizardfolk accent slipping through. 

 

 "Yes, I think you are right. Hopefully, once we get out of the tunnel, we will be able to see, however poorly, and the candle won't be necessary."

Thia slips quietly into the tunnel following the dwarf and catman.  She glides easily along, totally at home in the dark, both lose strands of hair currently tucked behind her ears, revealing her upswept lobes as if bragging of her part-elven heritage.  Moving along she follows the leaders close enough to provide instant help if needed, the words to a few spells tumbling through her head.  Thinking back to her apprenticeship with the mighty elven mage Alandriel she calms herself.   Keep clear your young mind, Thia, she tells herself, parroting her master's old adage.

The webs prove to be an annoyance, but not much of a hindrance, as the tunnel winds beneath the Keep, illuminated gently by the glow of the candle. After a short while, a glow alights the end of the tunnel, filtered in past the thick iron grate that blocks the exit to the stream. Even from a distance, a large corroded lock can be seen holding the grate in place.

Rogram halts and waits for the others to catch up. "I don't suppose that key will work in this lock as well."

If the key proves un-useful, Rogram is prepared to attempt to kick the gate open.

Yevele was happy to see the light beyond the grating. She would be able to see okay once they left the tunnel and moved toward the temple. Hopefully, they would be able to get people out of there without having to fight any of the invaders.

Waiting until everyone has arrived at the gate, Thia brandishes the key.  Sticking it into the rusty lock, she takes a deep, calming breath.  Here goes nothing.  She gives the lock and key a sharp, fast twist, hoping that the key works and that the lock is not too rusted shut.

Thrax stands back and takes care that the light from the candle doesn't too brightly illuminate the gate. He keeps watch behind them to ensure they are not caught in an ambush. 

Before Thia can reach the grate, squeaks and screeches alert the party to a sudden presence within the tunnel. The activity within the dusty debris has apparently disturbed a nest of rats, none of which look pleased about it. Swarms of the tiny rodents lash out in feral fashion.

Initiative:

Round 1 Order:
Players <=====
Swarms of Rats

Placement:
The size of the tunnel prevents more than two melee combatants at a time.

Are the rats coming from behind? If so, I suppose it's too tight for Rogram to be one of the two.