(012) Beneath the Gatehouse

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
Ulric moves forward with the group. Once he reaches the antechamber, he moves to the archway leading to the left. He shines his lantern down the passage to get a better look at the door on the other end. He looks at it intently to see if it is old and rotting or looks as if it is solid and in use.

"The last time we turned our back on a closed door, we were assailed by the living dead," he says to those at the rear of the column.

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

Caine speaks "I think we should head back and go up the staircase to the left. I like to secure the higher ground."

If Olaf hears, he will agree, "Let's clear above before we worry about below."

OOC: As the line has moved forward, does this leave Olaf now leading if we move back to go up the stairway? If so, then let's do it!

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
When Ulric enters the ante he casts his lantern light and piercing gaze upon the door at the far end of the left passage. Like the right-passage, the left-passage is grimy, uneven and littered with stones that have apparently fallen from the walls. It all appears old and still but the door itself is at the farthest reach of Ulric's lantern light, and it is impossible to be sure.

As he passes through the ante, Gustave's sensitive nose detects a faint but unpleasant pong on the air, not entirely unlike rotten meat.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:

OOC: As the line has moved forward, does this leave Olaf now leading if we move back to go up the stairway? If so, then let's do it!

Yes. If you wish to head up the stair you can simply about face and the marching order will be reversed. Olaf, Gustave and Anwyn will have the lead, with Ulric's lantern illuminating the way...

[waysoftheearth]

mushgnome wrote:
Michele continues to guard the party's right flank until a consensus to move on has been reached.

[waysoftheearth]

verhaden wrote:
Mads the Fair

Mads slowly puts away his bow and draws his cold-iron axe.

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
With his survey of the left passage complete, Ulric indicates that he is ready to light the way if Olaf chooses to mount the stairs to the upper level. Ulric first moves toward the stairs in order to examine them for signs of wear and recent use.

"Perhaps we should leave a rear guard of two warriors to block these stairs when we ascend?"

OOC: How wide are the stairs? Could they be blocked by one individual or would it take two?

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:
"I'm ready to check up the up stairs, but let's not split up." Olaf says, "If we're going, let's all go the same direction."

[waysoftheearth]

mushgnome wrote:
"Caine, my stealthy friend, please allow me to bear your torch as we ascend the stairs."

Michele does not relish the thought of being left behind; safety in numbers and all that. Unless instructed otherwise by Olaf, he will fall into the marching order in optimum position for his torchlight to supplement Ulric's so that the entire party is well-lit.

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:
"Don't split the party," Dieter growls. "How can we shoot each other if we're separated?"