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Kernodle will wait just a few seconds, long enough for the elf stench to wear off, and follow him as suggested.

Abe will go through the hole when there is room, shuttering the lantern so it doesn't interfere with the dark vision of the elf or the dwarf.

The elf and dwarf disappear through the rubble and explore their respective paths. Abe passes through the rubble as well with his lantern shuttered, and can see the elf disappear down the left branch and the dwarf stop and peer down the right passage once reaching the 'Y' intersection.

Mulvey whispers to the dwarf

Kernodle waits for the others to regroup at the exit of the rubble tunnel.
I see a fork about 20 or so out. So, it sounds like we have three choices. Any one for guessing which is the safest?

"Sorry, I'm just fresh out of premonitions,"Abelard replies dryly. "Do any of the paths go up? Or down? We should consider the former and avoid the latter."

Kernodle shakes his head.
From what I could see, that direction looks fairly level. But, remember I couldnt see beyond the fork.

Mulvey is quick with a response. "I suggest we try the south passage first. That way we're only exposed in one direction. If we run into trouble at the fork Kernodle saw, we could be in trouble from the side and the back."

"We need to establish a marching order - I can take the lead or the last to make best use of elvish dark vision."

"If you think south is safer, then that sounds fine by me," Abelard replies quietly. "I can hold the lantern and take position somewhere in the middle."

With some struggle, Abe shifts his shield back over his shoulder and moves the lantern to his left hand, allowing him to carry his weapon in his right hand.

Then he looks behind him as Kernodle asks about Luken. "He should be right behind me..."

Following Abe through the rubble Luken will look to the left and right at the Y intersection. Either way is fine by me, especially if it starts to move up. I don't mind being in the front, used to actually.

"Well, brave Luken, if you're accustomed to leading I'd suggest the following order in single file: Luken, me, Abe then Kernodle. If we're walking two abreast I suggest Luken and the dwarf lead." Mulvey looks at the dwarf. "Of course, if you're not up for it I can take your place."

Luken nods: Aye, I'll take the front two abreast or single file.... whatever the hall permits.

Kernodle ignores the elf's comment and proceeds to line up in the back, knowing the rear guard is too important to delegate to such a fragile specimen.

Abe nods silently, then shuffles into the third position in line.

The group begins taking the left branch of the 'Y' intersection with Luken in the lead, followed by Mulvey, Abe, then anchored by Kernodle. As Mulvey previously reported, this branch continues southwest for about 20 feet before turning back towards the east. Almost immediately after turning back in your original direction, the passage doubles in width. The group files in just enough to allow for everyone to reshuffle their locations and establish their side-by-side marching order. This new 10 foot wide passage continues due east the full length of illumination provided by Abe's lantern. Just beyond your current location is the first of three alternating juts in the passageway, the first one in the north wall.

A light clicking sound is heard echoing from somewhere further down this passage to the east, but you're unable to pinpoint the origin of the sound from your current position.

"Cover your lantern, Abe" whispers Mulvey. "I want to see a bit further down this passage." If he sees nothing of interest, Mulvey will draw his bow and creep a few feet along the south wall, trying to get a better look at what's in the first wall recess. He will stay at least 7 feet from the southern recess.

He hopes the clicking noise isn't from more beetles.

Abelard shutters his lantern as requested.

The ensuing darkness that envelopes him sends a chill down his spine. "Do hurry," he whispers.

Luken crouches down behind his shield as the lantern is shuttered. He listens intently.

Mulvey creeps from the second rank into the point position once Abe shutters his lantern.

View (Abe & Luken) View (Mulvey & Kernodle) With vision becoming a problem for those without infravision, a dependency on the other senses becomes of paramount importance. The cold, damp air becomes more obvious and an occasional, faint sound of a drop of water splashing into a pool can be heard. The light clicking sound previously heard is still evident, and emanates in an irregular pattern more near your position.