9th of January, 8 am

The backroom of Progress Coffee & Print is hot and dry from the brick oven in constant use, but the smell of wet coffee grounds is also very strong as they are loaded into a press, similar to the printing press beside it. An employee rotates the bars around a screw to squeeze the remainder of the dark fluid from the used beans, after which it is simmered down into a paste that barely passes for printers ink.

The printing press is run by a crank, lifting blank paper and clamping down to imprint it with fresh, dark brown newsprint, then sliding the new page into a rising stack of narrow shelves to let it dry.

The rope previously mentioned is tied to the base of this large iron monstrosity. The rope leads to the space at the base of the brick oven  where enough bricks have been removed to allow a man and his backpack to rappel downwards.

The manager, Miss Beanz, passes the designated leader the metal container of fresh coffee, enough for ten cups. With the store logo is emblazoned across the can.

A photographer has been brought in to record the start of the expedition. As he sets up the tripod he assembles you all (including Joseph and Bernard) close together, holding up the coffee canister proudly. He hides his head under the cloth and holds the flashpowder high. You all say “COFFEE!” and you’re momentarily blinded.

The formality done with, Joseph takes the lead, with the dog secured in a burlap coffee sack strapped to his back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:18, Sat 07 Jan 2023.

Litton falls in step at the middle of the pack, a strange anticipation welling in his gut. The mosaic of adventurers (and that talking dog) heighten the feeling. In his pocket, his lost eye rattles around. He hopes soon to give it something worth seeing.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Tue 10 Jan 2023.

As he'd stated, Thomas wasn't particular about his position in the group. He chose to forego carrying a lantern so that he'd have both hands free to use his gun, although he wasn't especially eager to do so. There was much to be said for taking the prudent approach in a place like this.

Striding out in front behind Joseph is Haf. He has his lantern gripped tightly in his hand. He occasionally plays around with the light and its shadows. Haf places the lantern beneath his chin, illuminating his face in an unusually sinister pattern. "There be monsters here," Haf says jokingly and in a low growl, "careful or they'll rip yer legs off!"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:19, Sun 08 Jan 2023.

Taking a few moments to adjust his eyes after being blinded he fell in line behind the others preparing to head down. Wary of the strength of the rope he was quite anxious.

Although Haf was joking, Gunnar was quite concerned about the monsters or being they may be facing down in that forsaken hole. He checks his pistol and supply of ammunition. His other possessions were relatively unremarkable so he was very grateful for the expedition supplies.

Charlie joined the others in heading down, though stuck towards the rear of the group with his pistol at the ready. Though Haf seemed to be in a good mood, the threat of "monsters" was far too real to be dismissed. Charlie checks that his sword is ready in case the pistol proves to not be enough for whatever lies below.

Kostya takes the next position rappelling down the shaft, followed lastly by Marion, with his canary tweeting in its cage.