"It sounds like you found the 'door handle' to open the door, it is good to know we are not trapped inside. Should we explore this cavern and all of it's intricacies first?"

Nino walked around with Bob Bob, taking in the sights with open mouth in wonder. He saw some of the party point to various locations, but he would only go where Bob Bob went. He held his great axe at the ready as if he was expecting trouble any time.

  "I have no idea what to say about exploring this place. A methodical approach would probably be best. However Tracks would our best asset in keeping us from getting lost. I say we go as far as we feel comfortable down each branch or entrance to get an idea of where and why and what have you. Then return to the central point to rest and go again. At least until we have some basic idea that the immediate area is safe."

Jonathan pauses to pull out five pieces of chalk from his belt pouch  giving one to each of the party members, except Nino who would probably just try to eat it. I agree with you completely Yacob, when mapping any new area it is best to use a systematic approach. I suggest you all take a piece of chalk, to mark out the direction we take each time we explore a new area, as well as to mark areas of specific interest, such as secret entrances, traps, runes. It will allow us to explore faster with less chance of missing anything as we go.

Having passed out the chalk the young cleric picks up his staff and adds, Zell, Yacob you have point lead on.

Seeing that Nino was going to be by Yacob's side, Zell smiled at the big Dwarf and recommended that Rivka and himself take point, as she could look for tracks while Zell looked for traps.

"I think Rivka and I should take the lead. She can look for any tracks while I look for any traps. We still have to figure out what happened here and why, while keeping safe ourselves."

Rivka nodded in agreement
"That works for me"

Rivka thwn began searching the area on the left side of the cave,  though she was very distracted by the sights around her


OOC:

20:13, Today: Rivka rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Listen.

20:13, Today: Rivka rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Spot.

20:13, Today: Rivka rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Search.

I'll be the rear guard unless anyone has a valid objection.

Nym says as he listens and looks around.

21:54, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 13 using 1d20+10.  Search.
21:53, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.
21:53, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Listen.

The dancing lights distract Quinn, but his ears are open, he falls in toward the front.

07:44, Today: Quinn rolled 4 using 1d20. search.
07:44, Today: Quinn rolled 20 using 1d20+1. listen.
07:44, Today: Quinn rolled 4 using 1d20+1. spot.

Tracks took up his spot in the middle of the group, but his attention was on mapping the room more then looking for possible dangers, With his nose buried in his thick journal he wasn't much help at the exploring.






20:16, Today: Jonathan rolled 8 using 1d20+3. search.
20:16, Today: Jonathan rolled 10 using 1d20+3. spot.
20:16, Today: Jonathan rolled 13 using 1d20+3. listen check.

With the decision made, the group decided to explore the main cavern before branching out into the side arms. Within minutes they realize that the cavern they were in was huge....it could easily fit the whole population of silverymoon within it and still have room. Scattered throughout there were natural formations....large pillars and stalactites and stalagmites, but the floor was even and though still natural, lacked the roughness of the previous cave. At each cave entrance, Johnathan scribbled frantically in his journal while other looked around for signs of life or tracks

It took over an hour to explore the cavern, with three sizable caves at the east end leading again north, with two to the south, almost by each other on the eastern end, with two others on the western end near the entrance you came in. Everyone looked for something that would give them clues to a direction, but found nothing.

<OOC: Map is updated. Discuss which direction and tell me which way ou want to go.>

The ranger lokked at the others with a half smile and a shrug
"Well, my friends,  all else being equal,  i say we start with the western most tunnel,  since it's closer to our main campsite.   Any objections?"

Quinn shakes his head no, so far he has detected no evil in the cavern at all so he is feeling a little better.

So we mark the entrance of the western most tunnel as number one, shall we begin?

Nym follows behind everyone else.  Turning around to walk backwards for a few steps every so often to make sure no one is following them.

The western most passage is fine with me.

OOC:  When Nym is walking backwards it is when he can do so in a straight line for about 10 - 20 feet at a time.  It is done at random intervals so if someone is trying to surprise him it makes it harder.

Nino follows along with Bob Bob, occasionally rubbing his hands on the wall to get a feel for the stone. Other than that, he has his hands on his greataxe and is silent.

"That sounds like a good idea to me." Zell said with a smile

Nodding to her companions,  Rivka moved forward into the western passage

OOC:
20:40, Today: Rivka rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Listen.
20:40, Today: Rivka rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Spot.
20:40, Today: Rivka rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Search.
20:40, Today: Rivka rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Tracking

Quinn follows right behind the leader, continuing to intermittently detect evil.

With the decision made, the group decide on the western passages first leading south.  The one on the far eastern side....the larger of the two, opened up into a large passage that turned right and quickly terminated with little of interest in the area. The party quickly backtracked and went down the next, narrower passage.  This one proved a little longer and a little way down, branched off into two other passages. Strangly, the one that led to the right had a faint gold light coming from the distance, though no sound could be heard.

Unless someone objected, Rivka moved down the right passage.

OOC:


02:51, Today: Rivka rolled 21 using 1d20+7.  listen.

02:51, Today: Rivka rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  spot.

02:51, Today: Rivka rolled 18 using 1d20+7.  search.

02:51, Today: Rivka rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  tracking.

Seeing the light, Quinn began to actively detect evil.

Seeing the golden light in the distance Jonathan quickly puts his quill and journal away there will be time to write later. Taking up his staff in both hands he's ready to face what ever awaits ahead.

  Yacob gets fidgety. The light is either good or bad. One thing is for sure nothing will be the same after they see what it is.

Nino saw the light and thought it might have been gold. Nino likes Gold. Gold can buy him food and drink, so he followed Bob Bob to see what it was.

Quinn moves forward detecting evil. Moving slowly with his sword at the ready.

10:29, Today: Quinn rolled 15 using 1d20+1. spot.
10:30, Today: Quinn rolled 12 using 1d20-8.  move silently.