The Forge of Fury

"Owe you?  I am afraid you have the wrong of it friend.  I owe you nothing - for I have nothing.  All I have is Helm's."  Zach says in a matter-of-fact way.

Zach stands up tall, making a show of his size and bulk, "Still... should you be too fearful to cross the bridge mayhaps I could walk ahead." He smirks, "Couldst be that mine courage might inspire you."  He readies himself before stepping on the bridge, "May the Vigilant One guide my steps."

Athletics: 26

Elinar will grab the axes if they're handaxes, but if they're martial weapons he'll leave them.

 "I have a grappling hook and some rope, if you'd like to try and stabilize the bridge before you cross," he offers.

Zach, full of religious fervour, is about to cross the bridge as Elinar's words reach him.  "That would make sense friend!" he called over, "Ready when you are!"  Zach did not let his relief show, his faith would not have to be tested just yet.

Elinar will tie the grappling hook to one end of the rope and toss it out. Ideally it will catch on the bridge, or Zach can catch it and latch it to the bridge. Once they're across Elinar should be able to shake free the grappling hook and retrieve it and his rope.

axe stats?

Lurrinthis looks around at the others and then to the dead orcs- "We should dispose of these bodies. Roll them into the crevasse? Also, I think Richter is right, best to conserve our strength. Elinar, can you scout the next room or two without being seen? An hour of rest would do me and Geist well."

"You are right Lurrinthis", Zach nods in approval, "We must dispose of these foul creatures' corpses."  A look of disdain crosses his face as he looks at the bodies, "Burial would be too good for such as they - those that would prey on the innocent."

Zacharias takes in his surroundings, "Are we sure it is safe to stay in these parts for the next hour, might there not be patrols?  Or other foul creatures looking for their companions?"

Ricther leaves others to roll over the bodies, having done more than his fair share at this point. "That's why I said it'd be easy enough to defend in such an event. Not that ain't a gamble of course, for any that spot us, and are able to rub whatever they have floating about in their skulls together enough to actually have a good idea, will run off for reinforcements. But, at least any that do won't have the easiest time from one side if they don't have any bows."

"And I doubt they'll start looking until its time for a shift change... whenever that is." Richter shrugs and smiles. "Either way, hopefully it'll turn out a moot point once Elinar finishes scouting." He then looks to Elinar. "If you're up for it, of course. Because if so, know that Tymora will have your back." He added with a wink.

(To Spark: Handaxes are simple weapons.)

(Well, I think we're waiting on confirmation that they are handaxes.)

Elinar nods, and slinks into the shadows (stealth: 10). He moves ahead to scout (Investigation: 12). (I'm assuming that tooltip not found is Guidance.)

It sounds like some of the others are planning on taking a short rest, so he'll take his time and be thorough. And on his way back, he'll set up an alarm with the pitons and string he's got in his pack. If someone sets off the makeshift tripwire, it'll ring a small bell he places at the end of the line closest to them.

(Yep, went back and fixed it.)

(meh, already have handaxes.)

"How large do you reckon this place is?"  Zach asks out loud, in attempts to create small talk whilst waiting for Elinar.  "Might take him a while."

"Considering it was built by dwarves, and given that giant sized crevice we just passed? Very." Richter at least replied. "But, I don't expect he'll try to map out the whole area. Just far enough ahead for us to either advance to some place safe-er while we recover, or at least know what'll await us."

"well if there's somewhere where i can patch up, that'd be nice." Geist grumbles to himself.

(honk!)

I'm guessing you're going through the large doors

Well, Elinar is scouting ahead (see rolls above) and we're waiting on the results of that.

((we were discussing the possibility of taking a short rest, and Elinar was kind enough to scout while I bleed out))

Ok, for Elinar:

The walls and floor of this natural cave have been carefully smoothed. You can discern at least four routes heading off into the darkness. Red coals glow from within the south eastern passage way, and a crude wood gate closes of the southern exit. The floor is covered with furs, crates, sacks, and rubbish.

Do any of the crates have loose lids, or a way to identify their contents? What about the sacks?

After seeing if he can tell what's in any of the crates or sacks (and possibly taking some of the contents if they might prove useful), Elinar will head down the northmost tunnel a short way (checking for traps as he goes, investigation if needed: 23). He'll do that for the routes that aren't blocked or have signs of life (ie, the coals) before deciding if he wants to try that route as well.