(041) The Fireplace Subterrane

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
(1d6)

Distant echoes of a curious "clicking" sound reach Olaf's ears, perhaps from this tunnel, or that. But by the time he has a chance to turn his attention to it, the sound has already vanished...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Upstairs

Desmond/Mondes reaches Deiter's room where he grabs the grappling and rope. Mondes is still muttering complaints as they look out the window down into the back garden.

The grass is somewhat overgrown across the entire grounds, but there is no indication that it is anything other than an ordinary hillside.

The neighboring properties are perhaps 30 or 40 yards to either side, and positioned such that they have no casual sight into the garden. A nosy neighbour would have to be specifically looking in order to catch sight of anything going on in the back garden...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Desmond/Mondes returns to the cellar to assist Gustave in his attempt to abseil down the side of the pit...

[waysoftheearth]

coffee wrote:
Dieter will follow Gustave down into the pit (after Desmond/Mondes, if they like).

It'd be good to have another sword down there, for protection.

[waysoftheearth]

doctorx wrote:
While the others are engaged in lowering Gustave and Dieter into the pit, Josiane will keep a close watch on the tunnel mouths/walls/ceiling, listening anxiously for the return of any clicking sounds...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
The Pit

Gustave drops the last two feet and lands in a crouch position with a satisfying crunch of solid armour plate. The small cloud of dust raised by his sudden arrival settles gradually, the tiny specks and motes visible in the warbling shards of lantern light cast over the lip of the pit by Highbough's lantern, above.

When nothing stirs after a moment he signals those above, and Desmond/Mondes begins to make the descent while Dorgan anchors the rope at the pedestal.

The wall at his back is a semi-circular column rising up to the level above -- the old ladder running down its center.

Although the pit is dark and still, Gustave has the distinct feeling that he is on the brink of a much larger space. He is standing on a solid wooden dias, perhaps 15ft across. There are half a dozen or so crates, similar to those above, stacked haphazardly on the platform, but they appear to have been gathering dust for some time.

Nothing much can be seen beyond for lack of light...

[waysoftheearth]

danhem wrote:
"Not much to learn here," Ulric says after looking over more of the crates contents.

"I'll join the others below after Olaf. There might be something more obvious down there. It might be easier to tie the lantern to the end of the rope and lower it down first. Why don't we do that before Olaf descends."

[waysoftheearth]

ehiker133 wrote:
If it needs to be said, Desmond/Mondes definitely follow The Gustave down the rabbit hole...

At the bottom, he readies his sword and shield once again, making sure to not step outside the lit area for fear of falling into the unknown...

[waysoftheearth]

tonneau wrote:
"Hmm..." says Gustave helpfully.

He shuffles cautiously to the edge of the possible dias to see if the lantern will illuminate anything beyond then, failing that, will kneel to examine the side of the dias itself and assess if there is a floor beyond.

[waysoftheearth]

eris wrote:

"Not much to learn here," Ulric says after looking over more of the crates contents.

"I'll join the others below after Olaf. There might be something more obvious down there. It might be easier to tie the lantern to the end of the rope and lower it down first. Why don't we do that before Olaf descends."

"You're in a hurry to get down there Ulric, go right ahead." Olaf says, "I'm still of the opinion we should block the pit off and come back to it latter."