The party once again climbs the crumbling remains of the ancient statue. What once was a sandaled foot still functions as a staircase leading up to the now-severed ankle, where a spiraling staircase leads up to nowhere and down into the rooms below and the catacombs beneath that.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Brodd lit his torch as he descended into the dark. He stayed close to Alietra and Pock, his closest friends. The whole party was his friends now after all they had been through together. He hoped the chasm where the fire beetles were was dark and quiet.

Sticking close to Brother Brodd, Alietra focuses on trying to hear what might be ahead, as the darkness was impenetrable to her human eyes.

Durek advances...a little ahead of those with torches...using his infravision. As they come nearer to the fire beetles' lair, the dwarf looks for any signs of life...hoping that it remains lightless and empty.

Lady Starshell dismounts and whispers in Trixy's ear. The warhorse slowly trots away and the Lady says a brief prayer for his safety. "Gods' speed, old friend." She then descends with the others.

"I'll take the rearguard for now," says Starshell. She regrets not bringing a lantern, or at least some torches, as the darkness quickly closes in behind the party.