A2c. Navigating the Workshop
This scene takes place in the First Floor
As this scene begins:
Flax and Gundren are with the party
The The Rat Pack is hiding in the entry points of the Rat Warrens
While the players explore or search for a way up, Flax perches on the lowest cantilevered stone step and watches patiently from above. If the players dally, Flax anxiously asks what “clues” they’ve found.
If the players closely inspect or attempt to enter one of the holes to the Rat Warrens, a Giant Rat emerges from the hole and hisses in warning, its body tense and teeth bared. It’s soon joined by two additional Rats from the other two holes, which hiss in similar warning. (Big Rat emerges from the debris pile, Notched Ear emerges from behind the barrels, and Redeye emerges from beneath the table.)
If the players linger near or approach the table, barrels, or debris, the rats attack.
If the players attack the rats, the rats fight back, fleeing into the Rat Warrens if clearly outmatched or if any of the rats die.
In combat, Flax fights only if attacked or if the players encourage him and succeed on a DC 5 Charisma (Persuasion) check, succeeding automatically if they remind him that he’s slayed a giant rat before.
Proceed to A2d. Investigating Flax's Lair
Proceed to A2b. Outside the Tower