25 Patchwall, YR 1 of The Seer's New Greyhawk Orthodox Calendar.  Time: approximately 0730 in the morning on the revised 24 hour-segment clock.

Weasel's efforts successful, the party reenters Quesqueton. It is quiet, the same quiet as you found the prior day. Morning light floods into the passage, providing useful illumination for about 40 feet before tapering off. Vaguely you can see the door ahead, the first defensive break - it is closed.

Party's actions, please: I'll assume the same order as before.

"Same order as before," the dwarf voices gruffly. "Stick together and be prepared, we know we can be flanked beyond the door."  He looks to both Zan and Weasel as they approach the second door thinking it might be trapped this time, but letting those that might really know do their bit.

Bruno grunts in agreement with Uthecar, "Right. Hold, though... Are we returning to where we were or going to try this differently.

"Let's keep in mind that they're probably going to come at us a bit differently. It seems there's a greater intelligence working here than we might've first thought."

Myrrick shrugged, "Perhaps we should take this slowly, stay together, and move as a group. Let's move down the main hall and see what's what."

Kullonar nods as he grips his morningstar tightly. "Lead on."

"Recall the booming mouth spell," Weasel offers. "Can't think of a better alarm if I tried."

"Move slowly and stick together..., Uthecar nods in agreement, ".. but I do not like the middle path.  We get deep quickly, but scum can flank us from all sides and we might become trapped deep in the bowels if faced with stiff opposition.  I think better to pick a side and systematically sweep it out.  That way if we are faced with overwhelming opposition we're not too far from the exit for strategic withdrawal.  The sides might also skirt the alarm.  Below ground not the same as scrub fighting," he continues this time more respectfully looking to Myrrick to see if he follows his train of thought.

As the group entered the entrance once more Ginger flew down and joined the group landing on Zan shoulder.  "I like the side approach as well.  If you're invited you come through the front door.  I don't recall receiving an invitation."

"We can even set a few traps of our own to help if they do decide to try and flank us."  Zan looked to Weasel for assistance.

OOC: So review the map for the current situation:

Bruno's lantern offers a ghostly light as the party reenters and makes its slow way up the passage to the closed door.

Weasel examines the door then listens closely, looks at the others and whispers, "Don't see or hear nothin'."

His grin indicates that he's put the past behind him.

Current situation:

Currently in the entryway, sixty feet into Quesqueton on the 2nd day. You know beyond the door are three alcoves: In the first, the alcoves appear to be just what they are. In the second set of alcoves you found secret doors left and right. In the third was the alarm system, a magic mouth issuing dire warnings of impending doom to all who enter. The three alcoves are nearly, but not quite, equidistant. At the end of that central passageway is where you found the scene of battle. It was not recent, the bodies dessicated, stripped of most of the valuables that they had in life.

The corridor continues forward, left and right; of course, Zan and Weasel found that the corridor looped around to the top of the main corridor, something all of you figured out when taking on the ghoul. On the other side, where Uthecar and Myrrick made a fine stand against the goblins, the corridor appears to do the same.

In the alcove w/ the secret doors: to the right, the corridor turns right or stays straight (as well as going the way Zan/Weasel took toward the encounter w/ the ghoul). This corridor is silent.

to the left: Uthecar/Myrrick's path leads to the ghoul encounter - turning left from the secret door, the corridor retreats into darkness.

I've updated pretty thoroughly - there are some hints here about each section - good luck - looking forward to moving things along - My next post will be Thursday or Friday.

"Don't mean there ain't nothing there," Uthecar grunts.  "Open it and let's get it done."  He checks cautiously with Brother Bruno, as he twirls his battle axe, the only sign of possible nerves.  "Best you have your oil and holy water at the ready priest."

Without further direction, Uthecar will go the way he has already been, keeping to the left.  He will make progress a little slow and painfully maybe, but he will use the brief familiarity of the stone he's already traveled over given that it provides one less element of uncertainty that he needs to think about.  He is hair trigger.  If anything moves, his axe is the right solution.

Bruno nods with a grin, "I'm always ready with oil and holy water...

"And a hammer.

"As you said, let's get this done."

Myrrick follows on Uthecars heels, his sword at the ready, "We are better prepared now, but we must remain vigilant..."

With the certainty of youth, Weasel reaches out and opens the door. Then he ducks and covers.

Kullonar tenses as Weasel opens the door...ready for whatever may come charging through from the other side.

Weasel opens the door, but nothing immediately happens. The light from Bruno's lantern extends up the corridor, illuminating the first set of alcoves(see Game Map). Silence and darkness beyond the reach of lantern light greets you.

Without further comment the dwarf begins trudging inside, his axe held before him as if itching to be used.  He will follow a path that thoroughly explores the left hand side of the complex.

OOC:  Travelling over the weekend and mostly posting through phone.  Shouldn't be a problem, but if it is you have the reason why.

Bruno says nothing, but agrees with the path Uthecar starts them on. His loaded crossbow is at hand and having been through here before he is as ready as he may be for ambush.

Looking left, Kullonar brings up the rear, hoping for no surprises.