The party moves slowly past the first set of alcoves, and comes upon a second identical set some forty feet later.  A sudden sound comes from behind, echoing eerily: the door has shut behind you, as if spring loaded.  (No one detected the spring.  FYI: I have you moving about 60' per round, if not a bit less, as I'm assuming you're making a rough map, or at least marking the way, as well as searching for traps/concealed doors and such).

The darkness looms ahead, past the lantern light.  After the echo of the door dies, an uncomfortable silence settles.

ooc: actions?

Uthecar shrugs it was only a door closing.  He is happy to continue on cautiously unless someone else has cause for concern.

Myrrick will keep pace a bit ahead of Uthecar, checking extremely carefully for traps, doors or anything that seems out of place.

Bruno also moves along and when the door springs shut behind them he says aloud, "Did somebody expect that, because I didn't.

"Magic, I suppose. If it was not magic, we ought to expect trouble ahead and soon."

Uthecar enters the second set of alcoves to the left.  Myrrick to the right.

Myrrick holds up a hand, indicating they should halt. "Secret door, gents. I'll give it a look for traps. Weasel, care to help?" Myrrick will give the door a once over for traps.

The door closing behind them didn't help Kullonar's nerves. But he says nothing, clenches his teeth, and moves forward with the rest.

PM

"We are vigilant and ready," Uthecar confirms to Bruno's concern as Myrrick discovers the secret door.  "When you have finished checking there, there's also a hidden way in this alcove." He waits, ax in hand, standing ready facing into the alcove in case something should try to come through as the other alcove is searched.

"Perhaps it was the intent of the engineers to lure invaders deeper with easy access, before coming at them from behind." he states to no one in particular as he still reflects on the last door opening inwards.


OOC:  Woke up this morning to news of an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude 800km's away down country, along with aftershocks around 6.2 magnitude.  Wouldn't concern me normally, except 2 weeks ago we bought a house 650km's closer to the epicentre of the first quake.  Currently Wellington (to be my new city from 9th December) is experiencing aftershocks around 3.8 magnitude.

Fun times ahead, or maybe not.

ooc: Okay folks, you have two alcoves, two secret doors.  Actions...

Myrrick will check the door for traps, then attempts to pick any locks that are in place

22:19, Today: Myrrick rolled 82 using 1d100.  open locks.(miserable failure)

22:19, Today: Myrrick rolled 6 using 1d100.  find traps.(tremendous success)

Zan will give a hand with checking out the door with Myrrick and Weasel.  "I'd like to have a look as well"

10:11, Today: Zan rolled 55 using 1d100.  open .      (fail)
10:11, Today: Zan rolled 10 using 1d100.  find trap.  (success)

"Step aside,  gents.  You need a real street urchin to show you how to wiggle a nimble."

Weasel sets his wooden birch wand in his left hand and a bent piece of wire in his right against the inside of the lock and makes slow, small movements - his eyes are closed and he's doing this mostly by touch and - a little - hearing.


17:29, Today: Weasel rolled 39 using 1d100 ((39))

He starts muttering under his breath.  After a few more attempts, Weasel stands.  "Me and my big mouth."

Myrrick, Zan and Weasel give the doors their best efforts - to the best of their knowledge, neither locks nor traps were found.

Around you, the small, ambient sounds and smells grow more noticeable.  Not by much, but enough to make all of you take note.  A slow drip echoes from somewhere, though muffled so that you don't know which direction it's coming from.

Actions!

Uthecar asks whoever is holding light to shine it around so the ceiling is well checked by everyone.  He considers the door before offering "Shall I smash it?" with a hint of enthusiasm.

Myrrick steps back and shrugs to his dwarven companion, his senses now on over drive, listening, looking... for anything giving away the presence of some vile monster, or demon.

Bruno sighs, "Would somebody just open the damned door? It's a formerly 'secret' door? It's got no locks? No traps?

"Otherwise, I'll move up to the front...."

Zan steps back as well.

Weasel bows.  "Uthecar?  This door stands betwixt us and glory.  Make it go away, please."

Uthecar walks over, addresses the door, and if he can see no obvious way to open it, uses his shoulder to barge it in.


04:35, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 8 using 1d8.  door opener . Ha ha hah ha ha ha ha.  Oh love it.  He needed a 7 in 8, so he got an 8.

Uthecar leans against the door inset in the wall of the left alcove.  He notes a catch - i.e. the door sticks against a jam or lever.  This he easily slides upward, after which the door opens quietly into a second alcove that opens to a passage that seems to go left and right.  The smell of flora is stronger here, an earthy, nearly pungent smell, although surrounding you are solid stone walls.

Party's actions, please.

Myrrick will, as his usual, take the front and check for traps all around them as they move cautiously along. His sword ready, as always.

Zan will take a few moments to look around before following along after the others.

Bruno also follows the party forward as they move he attempts to determine whether or not there is a slope to the hall.

OOC: 75% to Detect Grade or Slope -- Bruno Rhunthane rolled 66 using 1d100.  Detecting Grade or Slope.

The party notes no flora present, either on the floor, the walls or the ceiling above.  The dwarves, Bruno in particular, note no grades upward or downward,