Is the branch hot t the touch?  Kondor checks *carefully*. Maybe it's lodged in there to hold the crack open? If it won't slam the crack closed, he's going to try to move or even lever it open to get a look.
"This is interesting. Maybe the mountain has a heart of fire. The beast men will come back here for warmth and to sleep. Not much in the way of weapons or gear, though. Maybe in the other cave. If this is the only room here, we might want to check the other entrance. Was that Igrest's backpack? Might have Emral's journal in there."

The branch is warmed by the heat, but not hot to the touch. The branch is lodged in the opening fairly well. If Kondor wants to dislodge it, make an Extraordinary Feat of STR roll.

Kondor struggles with the branch but it doesn't yield.

fireinthedust wrote:

ooc: sorry, busy with procrastination.  I've got a game tomorrow night, if either of you are available for Roll20 at 7pm EST?

Oof, I'm wall to wall North Texas games all week! Rain check!

Eirvit wrote:

Ooc: Unfortunately my local D&D (I run Swords & Wizardry but we’re likely crunching up a little to Castles & Crusades) made the pandemic move to online Wednesdays. I also play Conan 2d20 on Sundays, and I don’t think I should (in good conscience for my family) do much more. Sounds like you’re looking for players. Out of curiosity, what are you running?

“Then bring the light nearer, Kondor. The heat in this room exhausts me. But if you retreat with me to cooler climes, together we can examine these documents. You can tell me what you know.”

My own!  Currently I am working on the magic system so it’s not vancian but also not the current form of “cast this right or you’ll get squid arms”.
It seemed like a good idea at the time but it takes up too much space and I don’t know if it’s fun all the time.

Kondor's lantern's flame shines bright upon the unravelled parchments in Gundrabu's hands.  Each has been emblazoned with a blood red stamp of the recognized symbol of Helios.

And beneath , the raised milky clear substance casts shadows which form letters.

Prayers to the god Helios in Common

Cure Deafness, Neutralize Poison, Cure Critical Wounds, Blade Barrier

[1800 XP, let me know any divisions]

 

Eirvit wrote:

[I say we split it evenly! So this is why the Ref was so keen on Gundrabu looking at this.]

“This should be of some use, Kondor. Tell me, do you intend to wait here to ambush those Beastmen you expect to descend from that sky house and enter herein? Or do you wish to scout the other cave opening, since there is no outlet to it from here?”

Secretly Gundrabu is seeking a reason to get back out into the cold air.

He rolls up the scrolls and keeps them near him, within an inner pocket of his fur coat.

Kondor senses the esquimaux is anxious to go back out, and nods in agreement.

“Aye, we need to check the other cave if we can, in case there is a better place for the ambush. We’ll hide the flame and go to the other cave, keeping an eye out for their return. If they are drowsy upon arrival we’ll have the advantage despite their numbers. The smell of brimstone should mask our scent.  I expect this might be our best chance for survival and to avenge their devouring Igrest!”

Don;t forget Eirvit's 10% bonus. Let me know your new Hd roll and prayers.

Eirvit wrote:

HP (1d8) 8 +4 + 5- 17

Spells: 1 Bless Oil and Water, Cure Lt Wds, Omen, Bless, Cold Resistance, Detect Magic, Command

2 Word of Recall, Speak with Animals, Darkness

Word of Recall is a 6th level prayer subplanted by the Kraken, it doesn't count toward your spell limits, but do have a quick look at it before final choices.

Totally up to you, just wanted to make sure you had a good look at it.