[Darrim wakes up after taking a little nap]
Mmm... Hello? Anybody around here?
I'm not even sure where I am... Ok, let's wander aimlessly following the path I'm on, some of those weird descriptions may eventually appear, places like this are full of them.
[Darrim starts to walk with a bounce and jump]

You were last seen just outside the central chamber, having followed a narrow corridor from the main tunnel to the smaller side tunnel, and then turning back toward the central chamber, "hearing voices". (You were probably intending to follow the side tunnel party, but the direction you specified was the other way.)

There's also a drow battlemage near you, who has been just as much lost in reverie as you were, for the same amount of time.

You're about three to four turns of regular movement away from the big room from which the main party is currently leaving, though I think Doc allowed Triock to cover most of that same distance in two turns before.

Fine, then I'll go faster trying to catch up with the group.

Triock has actually been moving with the main party most of the time, and it took everyone two turns to reach the hags from the corridor with the trapdoor and four doors. We took one turn moving the ropes raising the portcullis there, so I wouldn't count that when moving, since it's still raised.

If I remember correctly, Doc said Darrim wasn't walking around but he reached the door and stayed in the side tunnel.

In that case it's just two turns to reach the room with the hags from the trapdoor corridor where Darrim is, unless the Doc will add one more turn to return from the side tunnel (or two turns to reach it from the side tunnel, unless your way takes longer). One turn to get to the raised portcullis, and another to reach the circular chamber where we fought the hags.
Add one more turn to go up the stairs as we're doing, so you should be able to reach the landing we're going to in 3 turns (possibly four), while we'll be there in 1 turn. Which is good news for you, it means (esp. if you run and Doc cuts down the time) you can reach the beholder landing on Turn 19 (or earlier, if he allows for you to move faster by running), by which it might be safe and maybe it'll be possible to get out in 1 turn from there. You'll see, it's always worth a try! :)

You can also try running ahead in the side corridor (which joins up with the main tunnel),

Sorry I was a bit busy, yes my Ogre will follow with the torch as instructed, I will pass him what you wrote.
Hopefully I will be able to participate more in the following turns.

He took a side trip to the smaller tunnel at one point, and then had to run to catch back up with the main party, only arriving at a point where he could see the rest of you already in battle with the hags after the second turn. (turns #8 and #9)
No worries. Real life always takes precedence. I'm glad you're still here with us! :)

Part 1

Current Situation:

In the Hag's Lair:
Thras has been revived along with Taz. Before Taz could cast a spell, SmartyFartBlart used his smooth ways of persuasion to distract the evil head. Roosevelt followed up with a nice punch to Taz's face knocking him out.

In the large archway:
Cicatrix summons a Dire Wolf. The figure bobbing up and down stops. It now remains motionless. Cicatrix pushes forward and trips a trap which she narrowly avoids. Og'rialt, Kip, Says Beldarian, Dunward, Max Son of Fulvus, Rudy, and Aslain Melemir arrive at a narrow landing of the large archway. Og'rialt's book flips open showing an illustration of an eyeball shooting a ray of some description at Og'rialt and reflecting it back with his (missing) mirror.

Current Actions Summary

59 - Lemmus - Cicatrix - Drow Ranger -- ( Summoned Dire Wolf )
Cicatrix is momentarily torn between moving with more caution to avoid traps and with more speed to avoid adventurers, but chooses the latter. Her natural agility and luck have served her well this far.
Cicatrix briefly check the floor trap to note its height and style. If it seems appropriate she will levitate forward rather than walking normally. Otherwise she will continue along the side of the room, looking for exits and keeping an eye to the side for an attack.
She hears the adventurers on the landing which, while worrisome that they followed her so quickly, also gives her hope. Clearly stealth is a foreign concept to them so she doesn't need to try to look in three directions at once. Surely she'll hear them coming.
If attacked she'll defend herself with wolf, bow, or blade as appropriate, but she feels a sudden urgency from the gods to escape as soon as possible. There has to be an exit here somewhere.

15 - Lone_Scout - Says Beldarion - Human Warrior
Beldarion looks into Triock's Eyes: -"Unlike the others, you seem to have some guts! Consider yourself accepted (for the moment)"
"One more thing..."-Beldarion quickly unsheathes Waihyra, and takes a look at Riarwirn. Laughs: "Hah, mine is bigger!"
Beldarion continues following Aslain upstairs, alert for dangers and ready for battle.
Meanwhile, he has some words with Og'rialt:-later, he will probably regret having said this- "You know, you did truly well down in that room. You have earned my respect" "If we get out of here alive, I wouldn't mind if you joined my company for a while. There's a huge world out there, outside the taverns and libraries. It's harsh, cruel and unforgiving, but it can also be beautiful and very rewarding, a place full of oportunities for people like us. What do you say, friend?"
II. Upon reaching the archway. Beldarion sheathes his sword, and follows Triock carefully, hiding in the shadows and behind the pillars when possible. He keeps his hand on Waihyra's hilt, though, ready to draw it if an enemy falls upon the group or if Aslain finally catches the slippery drow and needs some reinforcements.

29 - gogtrial34987 - Og'rialt - Dwarf Brigand -- ( Magic Shield )
I welcome Triock, and show my companions the illustration from my book so they'll be prepared for the danger ahead, once again cursing the drow for stealing my mirror. We discuss tactics, and I follow Aslain, Triock and Beldarion into the hall, keeping to the left side where my fingerbone necklace is indicating that the mirror will be, keeping close to the pillars so we can use them as cover if we spot the Beholder. I keep my eyes wide open, hoping to catch a glimpse of the drow, and fearing to catch a glimpse of the Beholder.
If we spot the drow, and it looks like Aslain has a chance of acquiring the mirror from her, I wait with taking actions until that has unfolded. If Aslain successfully steals my mirror from her without her noticing, I hold my fire. If he doesn't, or if it looks like theft won't be an option in the first place, I shoot her with my bow as frequently as I can, being careful to position myself in such a way that I won't risk shooting my fellow party members.
I also make certain I remain aware of the position of my companions behind me, so I can stay out of their line of sight and give them clear shots when needed.
If we encounter the beholder, I immediately seek shelter behind a pillar. If it's noticed anyone in our party, I shoot it with my bow.

35 - jonridan - Aslain Melemir - Elven Thief
1.After the Beholder explanation, and light sources being potentially spotted by it... Aslain simply drops the torch to the ground... But then picks it up for it's companions to see.
"I could throw the torch really far to see if we catch SOME sight of the thing..."
I focus on traps, sounds, monster sighting, everything in me trying to detect the "beholder" (if it truly is one of those) and the damn drow.
If I detect the drow, then I leave my torch with my group and swiftly but quietly move behind her to steal the mirror. If I see the monster in question is near her, I throw my chicken bones towards her to get the attention of the "beholder" towards her. If I see the monster but not the drow, then... well, we'll be in for a tough fight given we don't have the mirror. Maybe someone else can also look for them?
2. "Everyone, quiet... you march as light as an elephant. Remember, the drow is really cunning and hides in the shadows."

70 - Lifthrasil - Thras - Dwarven Mage -- TAZ KNOCKED OUT
1."Thank you!"
With that I, Thras, try to prevent my annoying second head from casting by hitting him over the mouth to prevent him from speaking. Simultaneously I struggle to control the second hand. If that succeeds, I also cover his eyes.
"Quick! Gag and blindfold him!" I beg those around me.
2.If the gagging and blindfolding of Taz works, I, Thras, will follow Roosevelt and the others.

13 - paladin181 - Roosevelt - Human Paladin -- ( Protection Against Evil )
++ROOSEVELT BLINDFOLDS AND GAGS TAZ, THEN ADVISES WE FOLLOW OUR OTHER COMPANIONS. ROOSEVELT WILL MOVE WITH THIS GROUP (IF i DON'T GET BACK BEFORE OTHERS POST ACTIONS AND THE TURN COMMENCES) IF/WHEN THEY MOVE ON++

52 - RedFireGaming - Roark - Elven Druid -- WEREWOLF CALM
1.Roark rushes after the adventurers. As he passes Max, he throws him a sheepish grin.
"No hard feelings from... what happened earlier, right? That looked very, very painful."
2. Roark exits the room with the witches and walks up the stairs.
"Wow, it's dark in here. I can't imagine what navigating this room would be like for a human. I'll help my companions out a bit. DARKNESS, BEGONE!"
If he can make it there in one turn, Roark walks into the dark room a few paces and casts daylight

69 - alexandros050 - Rudy - Human Ranger -- ( Ring of Illumination )
I will wait for Eranear and the rest of the adventurers to climb up the stairs. In the meantime I will scout the area detecting any traps or hidden enemies and I will unequip the ring of ruby for now.Also I would like to stay a few meters away from taz because he always seems to have some crazy ideas.

28 - triock - Triock Ulagolor - Elven Paladin -- ( Healing Ring )
"Bigger does not always mean better," says Triock Ulagolor, Elven Paladin, to Beldarion with a stern look, while sheating his flamesword Riarwirn and puting shield on his back. He then turns to Og'rialt: "Wish I had study magic more, I can only cast heal and cure disease if needed. I don't know what's up ahead, but my primary goal is currently that dreaded Drow." and readies his old bow to assist in a Drow hunt.He follows Aslain very closely, making sure to not trigger any traps.

22 - 01kipper - Kip - Halfling Brigand
Kip follows his party into room, attempting to keep very quiet.
If the eye monster spots us, he will duck behind a pillar and launch a shot into one of the far corners ahead, in an attempt to distract it.
If he sees Cicatrix fleeing from Aslain, and Aslain is not in immediate pursuit (ie not close enough to tackle her), he will shoot his sling at her.

9 - MaxFulvus - Max, son of Fulvus - Dwarven Thief
I decide to imitate Beldarion's party by carefully sneaking through shadows and pillars to avoid Beholder attention. If we can pass the Beholder safely and if they encounter and attack the Drow, I will join them, but if the Beholder is awaken I will use my thief skills to remain hidden and disappear from here.

2 - bler144 - SmartyFartBlart - Human Paladin -- ( Reflect Spells, Protective Bubble )
I think the only viable action is to proceed up the stairs with thras, et al.

Part 2

43 - idbeholdME - Svartalf - Dwarven Battlemage -- ( Protection Against Evil, Reflect Spells)
Seems like we are on the last stretch guys. Seeing that Taz has been taken care of and considering that there are no other options, I insist that we all hurry up the stairs and start my own ascent up them.

5 - Sulibor - Dunward - Human Mage -- ( Magic Shield )
1.At my disposal is only the magick shield so I will recast it on both of you (Says Beldarion and Og'rialt) in the next turn.
2.I will do as you wish, I do not have much time at the moment, but I will start with recasting the shield on Beldarion in this turn and you on next. I need to count the spells I casted so far as I do not wish to be left without any in a case of emergency. I do not have objections against the casting Levitate in this or next turn if the need arises (I was also thinking about that) as Beholders have high resistance to magic attacks if I am not mistaken.
3.yes my Ogre will follow with the torch as instructed, I will pass him what you wrote (Og'rialt wrote: Sulibor sends his Ogre with Aslain's lit torch along the right side of the room, and then follows the main party in the back. He will command the Ogre that when it sees a Beholder coming for it, it should take shelter behind the pillars, and then move back, trying to lure the Beholder into following him. If he hasn't been seen by the beholder or isn't being followed by the beholder, but hears an explosion, it should move to the center of the room and then back to the right, in a stronger attempt to draw the Beholder's attention.)

80 - Green_Hilltop - Eranear - Elf Paladin -- ( Protection Against Evil, Reflect Spells, Bless )
Well, now that everything's cleared up and Thras seems to be better, I take the point and lead our party upwards and cast Magic Bubble on myself, to better protect myself against any potential traps.

72 - park_84 - Darrim - Dwarf Warrior
[Darrim wakes up after taking a little nap]
Mmm... Hello? Anybody around here?
I'm not even sure where I am... Ok, let's wander aimlessly following the path I'm on, some of those weird descriptions may eventually appear, places like this are full of them.
[Darrim starts to walk with a bounce and jump]

41 - zlaywal - Zayd ibn Yasin - Human Ranger
Zayd decides to climbing together with Eranear party. AFTER reaching the top of the staircase, he'll decide to scout ahead where the way to go trusting his Ranger Sense

Haven't taken turn yet:
48 - babark - Babargh - Dwarven Cleric -- ( Globe of Protection )
78 - CervelloYM - Cervello - Drow Battlemage

I think I have to paraphrase my action a bit

41 - Zayd ibn Yasin - Human Ranger

Zayd decides to climbing together with Eranear party. AFTER reaching the top of the staircase, he'll decide to scout ahead where the way to go trusting his Ranger Sense

Actions added to the Summary.

(If you need to edit your actions, let me know and I'll update the Action Summary accordingly.)

4 turns left to escape.

** TURN 16 **

59 - Cicatrix - Drow Ranger *rolls dice* you continue along the left side of the room at speed, your Dire Wolf at your side. *rolls dice* You trigger no further traps.
*rolls dice* As you approach the back of the room you make out a portal in the centre. The bobbing shape is nowhere to be seen.
The mirror in your backpack starts vibrating.

28 - Triock Ulagolor - Elven Paladin you ready your bow and follow Aslain, keeping to the left of the room.

15 - Says Beldarion - Human Warrior you compare sizes with Triock and boast that yours is bigger.
Reaching the archway, you sheath your sword and follow Triock, hiding behind the pillars when possible to the left of the room.

29 - Og'rialt - Dwarf Brigand you welcome Triock and show your companions the illustration in your book. Your fingerbone necklace points to the left side of the room and that is the direction you and your companions take.

35 - Aslain Melemir - Elven Thief *rolls dice* you move ahead of the group looking for the Drow. You come across a triggered trap *rolls dice* and see movement in the shadows up ahead. You move ahead.

5 - Dunward - Human Mage casts Magic Shield on both Says Beldarion and Og'rialt. You go with your group while sending your Ogre down the right side of the room with a torch in its hand.

13 - Roosevelt - Human Paladin blindfolds and gags the unconscious Taz then moves with the group up the stairs at the back of the room, coming out onto a narrow landing.

70 - Thras - Dwarven Mage you have complete control of your body due to Taz being unconscious. You follow the others up stairs onto a narrow landing, a large archway ahead of you.

52 - Roark - Elven Druid you rush up the stairs onto a narrow landing. A large Archway is ahead of you and a very dark room beyond. To help your human companions see you step through the archway and cast Daylight.
Bright light illuminates the room in a cone ahead of you *rolls dice* the adventurers from the side tunnel are visible halfway down the room on the left. They look shocked at being lit up.
Your spell shows many bones impaled on spikes through the middle of the room. You think to yourself that it is very lucky none of your companions took that route.

69 - Rudy - Human Ranger you wait for your companions to join you at the top of the stairs, taking of your ruby ring for now. Seeing Thras approach you move a little further long the landing, wary of his extra head.

22 - Kip - Halfling Brigand you move with your companions down the left of the room alternatively looking for the Drow and the suspected Beholder.

9 - Max, son of Fulvus - Dwarven Thief you stick to the shadows following the group on the left side of the room. You stay vigilant for any sign of the Beholder.

2 - SmartyFartBlart - Human Paladin you move with the secondary group up the stairs onto the narrow landing. The room beyond has been greatly brightened by a spell.

43 - Svartalf - Dwarven Battlemage you hurry up the stairs and are forced to shield your eyes momentarily when you reach the top.

80 - Eranear - Elf Paladin you cast Magic Bubble on yourself then take the lead and race up the stairs to the narrow landing. Ahead the treacherous centre of the room is clear for all to see.

41 - Zayd ibn Yasin - Human Ranger you go up the stairs with the secondary party. As you reach the top, the werewolf casts a spell brightening the way. You get an uneasy feeling.

72 - Darrim - Dwarf Warrior yawning, you stretch the aches out of your muscles. You look around to see everyone has left while you had a nap. You head up the tunnel, bouncing along merrily. (Going to assume you are a quick walker) You come to a room littered with corpses, Orcs (you spit on the ground), decapitated Hags and one of your companions has been lain out on his back, arms folded across his chest.
You try to recall his name, Kyp?
You see an open door at the back of the room.

*rolls dice*
The front party moving along the side wall are suddenly illuminated by the spell cast further back *rolls dice* except for Aslain who moved a bit further forward. Og'rialt curses.

*rolls dice*
59 - Cicatrix - Drow Ranger you pause as you feel a presence bearing down on you from above. Your Dire Wolf lets out a low growl and prepares to pounce. The room behind you has been illuminated.
*rolls dice*
The presence moves off, you let out a sigh of relief.

*rolls dice*
29 - Og'rialt - Dwarf Brigand you turn to berate Roark when you notice the large spherical shadow gliding down the centre of the room.
*rolls dice*
The Beholder turns one of its eye stalks to shoot *rolls dice* Disintegration Ray at *rolls dice* Roark *rolls dice* who crumbles into a pile of ash without even the chance to scream.

*rolls dice* Kip fires his sling at the Beholder *rolls dice* the shot exploding against its chitinous armour.

*rolls dice* Dunward mentally commands his Ogre to attack from the right *rolls dice* The Ogre rushes in to the centre of the room to swing at the Beholder *rolls dice* triggering a trap, a spike shoots up from the ground through its left foot and into its leg. The Ogre howls in pain.

*rolls dice* The Beholder turns an eye stalk towards the Ogre *rolls dice* and shoots it with its Death Ray. The Ogre drops heavily to the ground, silent.

52 - Roark - Elven Druid is dead.

I believe the appropriate phrase now is:

*gulp*

Also, poor Roark. No good deed goes unpunished here. (Maybe I should have explicitly told him to save the daylight spell for attempting to blind the beholder, and not cast it at the first opportunity, but, eh...)

Anyway, there's five of us halfway down the hall (three with magic shields), and eight at the landing (with a lot more defensive spells, right?), plus Aslain and Cicatrix up ahead. "We basically have the beholder right where we want it, stuck between our groups, with nowhere to run!" (He says while cowering behind a pillar.)
The beholder attacked two targets, which fits with the 1-3 targets description I found (even if it was one beam fewer than the expected three). I'd suggest that everyone who can summon monsters / familiars / holy guardians / etc does so, to soak up some gaze attacks.
Kip's attack doesn't seem to have noticeably damaged the beholder, but if we attack en masse, we might give it pause?

Meanwhile, up ahead, Aslain is our best hope of actually defeating the beholder by getting hold of the mirror. He's very capable, but I don't know if I give him good odds by himself against a drow and dire wolf. Maybe 2-3 of our group can rush after him to help him, while another 2-3 will try to hamper the beholder? Or should all of us go help him to give that the highest chance of succeeding? Would the beholder focus on us, or on the group at the entrance? (Probably decided by dice roll...) Would a Magic Shield be enough to stop a death or disintegration ray? Anyone wanting to volunteer to find out? :) (We shouldn't count on magical protections too much though, given the anti magic cone from the central eye. *reads up on that* Note that summoned creatures will disappear in that cone, and magic weapons will function like regular ones.)

The antimagic cone isn't currently there yet, so the first mage to target the beholder with a really damaging spell (hey Thras, third time's the charm with your lightning?) might do some good. The good thing about being targetted by the antimagic cone will be that you'll be protected against the gaze attacks.

Given the "cone" of daylight, I wonder if the party at the entrance to the room could split up left and right without being illuminated? I also wonder if my party could move just a bit ahead and enter darkness, and actually benefit from that?

Much to ponder...

As I mentioned before, surrounding a Beholder is not a very good idea (although that will allow some of our spellcasters to avoid its central eye's antimagic field, it will be able to use a higher number of eyes against all of us). Our best chance of defeating it is in Cicatrix' backpack and our best chance of surviving is by rushing ahead, now that its attention is focused on the opposite side of the room. So...

As the Beholder seems to be watching the other side of the chamber, Beldarion takes a deep breath, trusting the Magic Shield in case he is noticed (he is not particularly stealthy, but apart from his heavy chain mail is not encumbered and is only carrying a single weapon, so he might have some chances of keeping a low profile), and continues dashing from behind a pillar to the next, following Triock and Aslain and hopefully leaving the monster behind.

I. Should the Beholder notice our group, or seem to be searching for us in our direction, he will send one of his potions (a random one, the one he grabs first) rolling to the other side of the room, trying to distract the Beholder and make it look down to the flask, turning its only blind side (the lower part) towards our party.
II. If the Beholder isn't distracted and nevertheless advances towards the party, Beldarion will unsheath Waihyra but remain concealed until it is close enough. Then, he will try to slide behind the monster and attack it from the opposite side, turning its attention away from the rest of the party members.

III. If our small vanguard team finally reaches Cicatrix and Aslain is in need of help, Beldarion will lose no time with subterfuge or diplomacy, drawing his sword and charging against the drow or whatever reinforcements she might have.

Daylight floods the room, and Roark catches sight of the beholder.
"Oh Fu..." he says to himself. He quickly pulls a journal out of his cloak and throws it to the ground, mere moments before being disintegrated.

At least maybe the rest of you won't die by spikes now. Clear this dungeon for me.

59 - Cicatrix - Drow Ranger

With the presence moving off and the adventurers behind her sounding distracted, Cicatrix sheathes her weapons and grasps the mirror instead. If she has time she'll pull it out to see if the reason for the vibration is obvious, but her priority is still escape.

Cicatrix heads for the portal at the back of the room checking the area around it for traps. If it appears magical she'll try throwing in a pebble to see what happens, but if it's just a doorway she'll go on through.

If anyone closes to within grabbing distance she'll use wolf and her hidden trick to defend herself.