Jordek catches the now stone clawed hand, studies it for a moment and with a heavy sigh accompanied by a slow head shake, deftly tucks it in a pouch. "I will stay in front of the clanging elf. I don't see so well in the dark and don't want to impede the frontline."
To Chitt he whispers "Stay close, stay safe. If danger you hide."

Linar nocks an arrow and follows Katten, maintaining a 5'-10' distance behind her right shoulder*.

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*passage width dependent but potentially allowing a V formation with Katten at the point..

Katten strides forward confidently, Dran heeling her right side. The ground slopes gently at first towards the chasm. Nearing the edge, the others find the ground here mainly loose, crumbling stone that begins to slope much more steeply downward before it reaches the final drop. A few small, granite outcroppings stand, but fist sized stones and smaller gravel coat the rest of the slope; promising unsteady footing and a long plummet for those who move too quickly or without caution.

As they reach the slope, Katten slows to keep from sliding. Indendien and Dellinanth move to the sides of the group, prepared to help the others if needed. The group spots a short ledge about 10 feet from the brink of the slope. The overhang is just enough to conceal what might be a passage beneath. Here near the edge the wind in the canyon howls like a constant, dull rush.

As they reach the overhang, they see that there is a tunnel-like depression naturally covered from view that goes into the earth. It sprawls much wider than it first appears; even large enough for a brown bear to climb inside. The passage is wide enough for two at a time. Dellinanth says to the group, just a whisper over the wind.



===
The final slope is only visible within 20 yds of the edge and basically isn’t treacherous at half speed for someone paying attention. For the unsteady, very distracted or running it can become much more dangerous.
It is steep and un-stable footing (loose gravel and rocks), but moving carefully (1/2 movement rate) will be safe enough. Any faster requires a dex check.

The small ledge is 10 feet from the utter brink, and looks as if it may have a tunnel beneath. Picture viewing a bear den from the side and you'll get the idea.

"Take path slow." Katten replies turning back for a brief moment before taking a slow path towards the entrance, making sure Dran is safe she draws her bow and notches an arrow.. "Stay behind, I take point."

Nocturno follows pace.

Feeling the mood of the group shift toward a more bloodthirsty bent he feels a sense of relief. It would seem the plan wasn't to try to talk the goblins into releasing the captives after all he thinks to himself as he moves to keep with the group. Despite the gravity of the situation he cannot help but grin as his step lightens. Perhaps they wouldn't all die after all he thinks as he checks his daggers.

Linar does as requested, slow, silent advance at Katten's right shoulder.
With each step, glancing at the footing on the ground, he pauses briefly to peer ahead, and then continues.

Katten moves ahead quietly with Dran; Linar and the wild-elf man Dellinanth close behind to either side. Indendien follows shortly after, the rest of the group filtering in behind; with Elden feeling his way along the walls next to Nocturno.

Once in the darkness of the cave, eyes gradually adjust to reveal the passage moves downward at a steep grade rather quickly; before an apparent dead-end. Approximately 40 feet in those in the front ranks see that, rather than ending, the tunnel turns very steeply upward for 15 feet; then back down out of sight. Small handholds and footholds in the wall use to ascend.


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‘very steeply upward’ is about 60 degree incline in this case; so 1 hand will be needed for climbing. Dran will be helped along by one of the elves.

Nocturno will watch the entrance as others enter, and watches as everyone climbs. Offering help to anyone who will need help to start the climb.

Having had a good listen, Linar will follow Katten's lead. If she wants to go first, fine, if she wants him to then he will.
Unless he's first to climb the dark elf will cover the climber with his bow (to pot any foes appearing from above.)

Jordek waits until his turn comes and then proceeds to climb swiftly up the incline. He will follow the others down the other side if they have proceeded.

"Watch your selves. Nesserr hide close." She warns before placing her fingers to her lips, sheaves her bow and draws the axe that hangs at her belt, climbing with one hand. "I go first, you follow."

Miove Silently. [1d100] = 52

If anything appears she hurls the handaxe at the closest and draws either her bow or sword.

(If you havent guessed Katten is angry about Dillosell)

OOC - I think we kinda picked up on that anger, at least Jordek did, hence his apparent relaxation. (i know it appears as an odd reaction to whomever picks up on it)

Taking the the furred lady's words to heart, Jordek tries to match her stealthy movements

Nocturno makes sure to give the quieter folk a healthy lead.

Those in the front near the base of the incline hear scraping and movement abive, coming from just over the crest.