Chapter One, Part One: Fires over Brinestump

[Lotofsnow]

"Why must we return? We came here to determine the nature of the drag marks. We have done so. The skeleton was here to guard the chest, that is the reason for the presence of a single skeleton."

[Phil]

"Perhaps a compromise?   Faraway, if you were to venture ahead a bit along the side paths...  Just enough to determine the occupancy of the chambers. Your natural ability to sooth beasts, if startled, could be used to avoid a confrontation that neither party would benefit from."

"I can hang back a bit, and likewise use my goddess given ability to detect evil auras to discover any unnatural enemies that may be lurking."

[Lotofsnow]

"I will examine whatever tracks lie at the mouth of each tunnel. If I determine a threat or if the tracks are unclear, we can proceed as a group down that divergence."

[SteveRogers]

S'Vith chuckles bitterly, "Well spoken, Your Majesty."

[SpamHead]

"Agreed."

Horcrust does not say, but he wonders how much weight Faraway would put to any treasure he found. Surely if the paladin found any treasure he would not think it important and hopes the druid does not think similarly.

[Porteiro]

"I agree.  Surely there must be something else for us to find here."

"It appears you are correct, Jeddy.  I suppose I should not be surprised at a little prescience from an oracle."

"You may call me that if you wish, but it is not something I would call myself.  Perhaps in time..."Jeddy says, his voice trailing off pensively.

"My main goal here, honestly, is to sate my curiosity.  Right now, that means finding out what this note says.  However, I will not stand in the way of anybody's curiosity to find out what else is in these caves.  I will accompany you, and we'll see what we can find."

[TheTick]

"I will examine whatever tracks lie at the mouth of each tunnel. If I determine a threat or if the tracks are unclear, we can proceed as a group down that divergence."

There are two paths you have not tread as of yet - passing the first, deeper in the cavern, Faraway can make out no animal tracks (or humanoid tracks for that matter), only an odd slime on the ground.  He can see a glowing crystal surrounded by a pool of water at the far end of that tunnel.  The second tunnel is perhaps more worrisome; there are recent tracks of a multi-legged creature heading in, a big one.  Perhaps the most tell-tale sign is one anyone can spot:  bits of silk snagged on a few jagged rocks leading deeper down that tunnel.

(let me know if either are worth exploring)

[Lotofsnow]

Faraway examines the slime, attempting to determine if it is the product of any natural creature he's heard of. He attempts the same on the multi-legged footprints.

Know Nature Slime 1d20+7 : 18 + 7, total 25
Know Nature Tracks 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11

[TheTick]

Faraway ponders for a bit, and decides the slimy trail could be from something in the ooze family - perhaps a giant amoeba, but it's tough to say.

The other tracks are less helpful.  It's some kind of arachnid, he'd wager, thanks to the bits of silk, but the outer tunnels are well-trafficked, and the tracks are partially obscured.

[Lotofsnow]

Faraway reports his findings to the party.

Am I aware of any types of oozes using glowing lights to lure prey?

[Porteiro]

"That glowing crystal sounds interesting.  I'd like to examine it myself." Jeddy says.

[SpamHead]

"I wonder if the slime on the floor of that cave burns."

[TheTick]

Faraway reports his findings to the party.

Am I aware of any types of oozes using glowing lights to lure prey?

Nothing you are aware of.

"I wonder if the slime on the floor of that cave burns."

Attempts to set it ablaze fail.

[Phil]

"I see no reason for us to disturb the spider.  However, I simply cannot envision us leaving these caverns without first investigating the crystal."  To Faraway he adds.  "I doubt you will lose any sleep over the fate of a mindless ooze, will you friend?"

Assuming nobody strenuously objects, Owen has no problems leading the way.  He's pretty ignorant about the dangers, and is feeling pretty confident after the last two fights.  But if S'vith or Faraway wish to go first, that's fine too.

[Lotofsnow]

"I agree that the crystal is intriguing. However, it isn't our harm to the ooze that concerns me. It is its harm to us. But I will follow where you lead, Owen."

Faraway does as he says, keeping just a step behind Owen, his club, now turned back to a normal, mundane practice club, ready in his hand. Assuming Owen is scouting the ground in front, Faraway scans the walls and ceilings for danger.

Perception 1d20+6 : 17 + 6, total 23