[ I immediately asked Doc about the portal and he warned me about the time limit.
I decided, however, to roleplay correctly and stay there:
1- Loradan couldn't have known about the closing portal (it was easily reachable btw).
2- he followed the party to protect them. It wouldn't have made sense for him to suddenly abandon them. ]

[ That's unrelated IMO, because Doc didn't choose who went through the portal.
(Unless he's making stuff along the way, but I doubt it) ]

[ 1- for the roleplaying reason above: Loradan had no idea what happened to you, nor how far the cave was from the central chamber. What if he got lost in a maze of pathways? What about possible traps or monsters left behind?
He didn't even have time to observe the central room properly at the start, so how could he identify the "western" tunnel?
2- due to.. the few turns left lol. The ship seems our only hope now. ]

(Yes, I was assuming Loradan stayed because of the roleplaying reasons. :-) -Sometimes I think Tanea will do one thing, and then I start writing her thoughts/view and she does something else because it makes more sense for her. Could have been, that something like that could have been possible for Loradan, I wouldn't know. But when he stayed, I figured that it probably would have been difficult, considering all of you ended amidst "the enemy", or rather right at his gigantic feet. ;-) -
And I meant he could have gone back through the portal -when it was still open- not through halls he had no way of knowing where they would lead. I didn't expect him to decide wandering "aimlessly" and all on his own. Cassandra seemed to be non-theatening from the start -even before we actually met face to face- = invited us to come, so we "somewhat" knew what maybe to expect. Although that could have been a trap.

I also think, Doc layed out the tunnels and -potential- encounters once he knew who would go where. It just struck me as odd that everyone capable of sensing was gone, which I only realized after Green_Hilltop pointed out what class would generally be able to sense such a thing. But I suspected it most likely would have been coincidence. It definetely kept me guessing about Cassandra though.)

(I keep my fingers crossed for Loradan and his merry band of sailors. :-D)

Captain's Log Stardate 73372.4
The Hag may have been down but she still had a few tricks up her sleeve. I moved to protect Tanea with my life then suddenly Gertrude shot a bolt of lightning toward her. I dashed to block it and absorbed the full blast of the bolt at point blank range. My shield shattered; I was sent careening into a tree. Motionless, I laid there helpless, life draining from my body. All I could think of in that moment was if Tanea would be safe before darkness washed over me. The next thing I remember is Cassandra standing over me smiling and the sound of children playing. I wondered for a moment if I had died until I lifted my head and saw my companions Yeenwi, Strigon, Roy, and even Shins off in the forest. But where was Tanea? I searched through the sea of halfling children and then I saw her standing next to the now dead Hag. My first reaction was to rush straight to Tanea....

I thank Cassandra for healing me and search the crowd for Tanea. I rush to her and hug her. I speak, "Tanea! I thought I'd lost you. Thank goodness you're all right." I confess my love for the young halfling shaman and wait to see if she says the same. If she does, I give her a passionate Captain's kiss.

(Umm, ignore the end of that video I linked. I'm trying to go for the paramour achievement. Not knock her out. ;-) ).

If she doesn't then this is going to be awkward >_> ; I would then say, "I understand. Friends then. I'm just relieved you're alright.". Regardless of how the love confession goes, I turn to Cassandra and speak, "I'm glad we were able to help you defeat your sister and free these kids from that rat curse. I suppose that shaft of light is the way out of this dungeon? Or was there some other method of leaving this place?" After Cassandra answers me, I turn back to Tanea and speak, "You know, Starfleet could use someone with your talents out there exploring the galaxy. You could come with me. There are many wonders of the universe waiting to be discovered. What do you think? Want to go on another adventure of a lifetime?" I respect any decision she makes. If she wants to give me back the Tricorder, I tell her, "You can keep it as a reminder of our adventure in this dungeon together." Wherever Cassandra directed us to go to leave the the dungeon, I head for that direction and bid farewell to all my fellow adventurers before walking through the portal.

(I assume Tanea's Ice Elemental will take care of Shins and makes sure he gets home safely.)

(Well, now I feel used. ;-) )
--------------------
Tanea, Halfling Shaman (female)
As I make my way over to Gertrude (from her right side, because her damaged right arm might prevent her from tearing me to shreds), I talk to the spirits and ask Yondalla for guidance and courage, because I'm a little lost here. I'm clutching the bone dagger awkwardly with a wildly beating heart and cling to that coldness deep in my bones like it is a lifeline. - And maybe it is. Reminding me, that there are mysteries ... and bonds connecting you to others, that you never get to see, only feel - if you pay attention. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention to them before.
I want to spare Gertrude anymore pain by casting Sleep on her, even more so, when Strigon keeps attacking her. I'm grateful for Strigon's assistance. He is attacking and distracting her with spells and the Bone Knight he sommoned. And I'm scared. Gertrude is laughing! Why is she laughing?! Doesn't that hurt? Doesn't she feel pain? It doesn't seem like it. She kills Strigon's Bone Knight, which gets blown apart and the pieces sent Strigon's way. Strigon almost gets decapitated by the Knight's sword. Now I just want her to sleep so she doesn't kill me. Both spells fail, but now she noticed me and her lips start moving. I should have tried sneaking, not trying my weak magic skills on such a powerful foe. I will die now. There is movement next to me and then BenKii gets hit point blank by the lightening bolt meant for me. His shield gets blown apart and he flies backwards. The smell of scorched flesh in my nostrils and a horrified squeal leaving my lips I rush forward and slide the bone dagger into Gertrude's chest. ... And it is over. For a long moment I am still while a crackling energy can be felt. I look for BenKii, noticing a shaft of light touching the ground just behind the cauldron ... and where the rats once stood, are now eight Halfling children. My mouth drops open. When I tried Dispel Magic on one of them, nothing happened! When my eyes finally find BenKii, Cassandra is already with him. He is surrounded by a glow and I just know, that he will be okay. A little brown-haired girl wraps her arms around my leg and I look at her in wonder. How did they end up here? Then I notice a dark-haired boy poking the dead Hag with a stick. What to do now?

Tanea, Halfling Shaman (female)
--------------------
58 - FlockeSchnee - Tanea - Halfling Shaman
1. Tanea gets into "protective mother goose mode":
She will stay alert to any possible danger, especially but not exclusively towards the kids, and use her spells "Sleep" and "Entangle" and "Dispel Magic" (depending on potential threats) as needed.
Protection priority: a) Kids b) Cassandra (because she can heal and stuff but maybe isn't all that good to defend herself?) c) BenKii / Roy / Strigon / Yeenwi d) Herself
2. Tanea says to Strigon and BenKii with a wide, warm smile and a little bow to each: "Thank you, Strigon." "Thank you, BenKii."
3. Tanea shooes the kids away from the dead Hag and if noone else makes sure Gertrude stays dead, Tanea will try her best with the knowledge she has (biology and anatomy) to sever Gertrude's head with the bone dagger while making a disgusted face (mutilating the dead isn't something she thought she would ever do), because she doesn't want to have her kill anyone ever again.
4. Tanea gathers the kids and asks them their names and where they live and what happened to them.
5. Tanea asks the Ice Elemental to return with Shins and the painting into the clearing as it seems to be save now. Should that change at any point, she will let the Ice Elemental know so it can/will remain hidden/retreat between the trees again.
6. Tanea asks Cassandra: "Why didn't you just tell us about the children? How did any of you end up in here? Surely you are powerful too. What do you know about these paintings (showing her the one tattooed on her arm now -and if he is already there, the one the Ice Elemental is holding too)? And do you know anything about this necklace (pointing to the one she is wearing)? Where does this shaft of light lead? Is it safe for all of us to use?"
(EDIT to 6.) "Where are your other sisters?"
7. If at any time BenKii confesses his feelings and/or invites Tanea to join his travels:
"I thought the worst when that lightning bolt hit you ... I'm glad Cassandra was there, otherwise ... You are okay, that is all that matters now." Smiling brightly. "I'm very glad to have met you. But ... you and Cassandra talking about the stars in this strange way ..." Pulling that thing out (that was supposed to make some noise) and looking at it again: "You are from very far away, aren't you? What I'm feeling, isn't that kind of love. We know very little about each other - and each others world, I assume. All I know right now, is that I need to go home ... and you will go somewhere else. I don't know what this galaxy and universe are, you keep talking about, but I think one must be as brave as you to travel them, which I'm not. My place is here." Laughing a little: "I barely know my own world. Maybe I should try get to know it better ... and maybe we will meet again. I wonder who we will be then." Indicating "that thing" to BenKii: "Do you need ... this back? What is it? Is it dangerous? How does it work?" (If he doesn't need/want it back and it's not dangerous, Tanea will gladly keep it as a reminder for bravery and courage ... and unexpected journeys and encounters.
--------------------
Starting equipment: Staff, 2x heal potion; 1 potion used.
SINCE TURN 10:
19 spell casts available; 6 spell casts used, 13 remaining;
new equipment: bone dagger
Summoned Ice Elemental on Turn 16

(And: Nothing awkward about this. I always find it weird when people expect their counterpart to be a mind-/heartreader so the counterpart will confess their love to them, even though they themselves aren't mind-/heartreaders. So why would their counterpart be? Of course that takes courage, because the reaction could be heartbreaking. But I can't help wonder: Is "eternal uncertainty/hoping/fearing" really "better/kinder"?)

Action Summary moved to post 702

I Strigon, drow necromancer, says "you are welcome" to Tanea.

I am still very careful about my surrounding area and the unknown forest. I don't think we are clear from danger just yet.
I tell all my teammates to be super vigilant.
We are not sure if any other hag or monster shows up just yet.

( Haha. Nah, not really. I don't really think Doc even considered that as a possible achievement. I thought it would make sense for my roleplay of a Kirk-like captain. Got to always kiss the alien before the end of the episode. ;-) )

74 - Yeenwi - Drow Necromancer -- (Death Armour) (NOT levitating right now)

After looking for something helpful for the fight with the Hag, but finding gold and silver instead, Yeenwi offers some to his companions. Then, slowly and with a smile to avoid frightening them, turns to each Halfling child and offers them a trinket or two as well. Finally, he turns to Cassandra and offers her some as well, saying to her:

"Please accept this as a token of remembrance of our victory over your evil sister. Now that she is defeated, do you mind answering a few questions about the paintings: the one with the Golden Dragon someone burned, the one now on Tanea's arm and the other with the Elemental? What was the prophecy exactly and how is Tanea's necklace connected to it?"

"Most importantly, what is this shaft of light? Where did it come from and where does it lead? Is it safe to go through and do we have to do something special before entering? Is it the exit from this madness?"

Actions added to Summary

Well hopefully, the portal leads Benkii back to his home.

Roy is still going to keep an eye around the area, above, below, and to the sides. Speaking to Cassandra, "What will you now do elf?"

Current Situation:

3 TURNS LEFT TO ESCAPE

Cassandra's Throne Room:
Gertrude lays in the grass, black blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. She starts laughing. Tanea's sleep spell fails to connect twice. Gertrude fires a lightning bolt toward her but is intercepted by BenKii saving her life. BenKii is critically wounded. Tanea stabs the Hag and kills her for good. A crackling energy fills the glade and a shaft of light reaches down to hit the ground just behind the cauldron. Where before stood 8 giant rats are now 8 wide-eyed Halfling children. Cassandra walks to BenKii and heals him to full health. The battle is won. The way out awaits the adventurers.

Current Actions Summary:

25 - BenKii - BenKii - Human Warrior
I thank Cassandra for healing me and search the crowd for Tanea. I rush to her and hug her. I speak, "Tanea! I thought I'd lost you. Thank goodness you're all right." I confess my love for the young halfling shaman and wait to see if she says the same. If she does, I give her a passionate Captain's kiss.
If she doesn't then this is going to be awkward >_> ; I would then say, "I understand. Friends then. I'm just relieved you're alright.". Regardless of how the love confession goes, I turn to Cassandra and speak, "I'm glad we were able to help you defeat your sister and free these kids from that rat curse. I suppose that shaft of light is the way out of this dungeon? Or was there some other method of leaving this place?" After Cassandra answers me, I turn back to Tanea and speak, "You know, Starfleet could use someone with your talents out there exploring the galaxy. You could come with me. There are many wonders of the universe waiting to be discovered. What do you think? Want to go on another adventure of a lifetime?" I respect any decision she makes. If she wants to give me back the Tricorder, I tell her, "You can keep it as a reminder of our adventure in this dungeon together." Wherever Cassandra directed us to go to leave the the dungeon, I head for that direction and bid farewell to all my fellow adventurers before walking through the portal.

58 - FlockeSchnee - Tanea - Halfling Shaman -- ( Summoned Ice Elemental )
1. Tanea gets into "protective mother goose mode":
She will stay alert to any possible danger, especially but not exclusively towards the kids, and use her spells "Sleep" and "Entangle" and "Dispel Magic" (depending on potential threats) as needed.
Protection priority: a) Kids b) Cassandra (because she can heal and stuff but maybe isn't all that good to defend herself?) c) BenKii / Roy / Strigon / Yeenwi d) Herself
2. Tanea says to Strigon and BenKii with a wide, warm smile and a little bow to each: "Thank you, Strigon." "Thank you, BenKii."
3. Tanea shooes the kids away from the dead Hag and if noone else makes sure Gertrude stays dead, Tanea will try her best with the knowledge she has (biology and anatomy) to sever Gertrude's head with the bone dagger while making a disgusted face (mutilating the dead isn't something she thought she would ever do), because she doesn't want to have her kill anyone ever again.
4. Tanea gathers the kids and asks them their names and where they live and what happened to them.
5. Tanea asks the Ice Elemental to return with Shins and the painting into the clearing as it seems to be save now. Should that change at any point, she will let the Ice Elemental know so it can/will remain hidden/retreat between the trees again.
6. Tanea asks Cassandra: "Why didn't you just tell us about the children? How did any of you end up in here? Surely you are powerful too. What do you know about these paintings (showing her the one tattooed on her arm now -and if he is already there, the one the Ice Elemental is holding too)? And do you know anything about this necklace (pointing to the one she is wearing)? Where does this shaft of light lead? Is it safe for all of us to use?"
(EDIT to 6.) "Where are your other sisters?"
7. If at any time BenKii confesses his feelings and/or invites Tanea to join his travels:
"I thought the worst when that lightning bolt hit you ... I'm glad Cassandra was there, otherwise ... You are okay, that is all that matters now." Smiling brightly. "I'm very glad to have met you. But ... you and Cassandra talking about the stars in this strange way ..." Pulling that thing out (that was supposed to make some noise) and looking at it again: "You are from very far away, aren't you? What I'm feeling, isn't that kind of love. We know very little about each other - and each others world, I assume. All I know right now, is that I need to go home ... and you will go somewhere else. I don't know what this galaxy and universe are, you keep talking about, but I think one must be as brave as you to travel them, which I'm not. My place is here." Laughing a little: "I barely know my own world. Maybe I should try get to know it better ... and maybe we will meet again. I wonder who we will be then." Indicating "that thing" to BenKii: "Do you need ... this back? What is it? Is it dangerous? How does it work?" (If he doesn't need/want it back and it's not dangerous, Tanea will gladly keep it as a reminder for bravery and courage ... and unexpected journeys and encounters.

4 - sasuke12 - Strigon - Drow Necromancer -- (Protection from Acid, Death Armour, Levitate)
I Strigon, drow necromancer, says "you are welcome" to Tanea.
I am still very careful about my surrounding area and the unknown forest. I don't think we are clear from danger just yet.
I tell all my teammates to be super vigilant.
We are not sure if any other hag or monster shows up just yet.

74 - runnerex - Yeenwi - Drow Necromancer -- ( Death Armour, Levitate[not levitating right now] )
After looking for something helpful for the fight with the Hag, but finding gold and silver instead, Yeenwi offers some to his companions. Then, slowly and with a smile to avoid frightening them, turns to each Halfling child and offers them a trinket or two as well. Finally, he turns to Cassandra and offers her some as well, saying to her:
"Please accept this as a token of remembrance of our victory over your evil sister. Now that she is defeated, do you mind answering a few questions about the paintings: the one with the Golden Dragon someone burned, the one now on Tanea's arm and the other with the Elemental? What was the prophecy exactly and how is Tanea's necklace connected to it?"
"Most importantly, what is this shaft of light? Where did it come from and where does it lead? Is it safe to go through and do we have to do something special before entering? Is it the exit from this madness?"

38 - ZyloxDragon - Roy Jenks - Half-Orc Battemage -- ( Protection from Elements, Magic Shield, Reflect Spells )
Roy is still going to keep an eye around the area, above, below, and to the sides. Speaking to Cassandra, "What will you now do elf?"

Haven't taken turn yet:
76 - Lemon_Curry - Shins A'Hoy - Halfling Thief

I forgot a question for Cassandra:

58 - FlockeSchnee - Tanea - Halfling Shaman
(EDIT to 6.)
"Where are your other sisters?"

Added to Summary

(Doc should be updating the Northern and Western Tunnels in a few hours from now.)

2 turns to escape.

** TURN 18 **

Western tunnel:

25 - BenKii - Human Warrior you thank Cassandra for her healing and rush to Tanea's side, confessing your love for her and ask her to join you on your travels through the stars.
She smiles but gently rejects your advances explaining that her place is at home, on this planet.
You turn to Cassandra and ask her if the shaft of light is the way out of this dungeon? She replies "That is my way home, for the rest of you I will create portals to where you wish to go."
You tell Tanea to keep the Tricorder as a memento.

58 - Tanea - Halfling Shaman you thank BenKii and Strigon. Sighing that no-one else has done the deed of making sure that the Hag is definitely dead (surely a job for Drow or a Half Orc?) you use your bone dagger to sever the head.
You gather the kids around you, which takes a few minutes, and as they stand there fidgeting you ask them their names.
With beaming smiles they reply in turn, the three girls first - Cora, Portia, Amaryllis, Cade, Kepli, Mungo, Filibert and Hob.
When you ask them where they live they look around with blank expressions.
Your Ice Elemental returns with Shin's and the painting.
You turn to Cassandra and question her about the children and the paintings.
Cassandra responds "The Hag you killed had a burning hatred for Halflings. Eighty years ago she and her two sisters, my sisters, attacked a Halfling village on the surface not far from here. I watched the horror unfold while scrying their actions, unable to stop the slaughter.
The children had been hidden in a basement at the back of the village. As the Hags approached sniffing the air I desperately sought a way to save them. Running out of time I changed them into Giant Rats, you can imagine the surprise on my sisters faces when they yanked the basement door open licking their lips only to have eight rats run past them instead.
Next I needed a safe place knowing that Gertrude would never stop looking for them. I created a safe haven inside a painting with trees, wild grass and plenty of fruit. I also amended the spell that kept them as rats so that their true forms would remain hidden for so long as Gertrude lived.
The painting was hidden in the room with two others, sorry I do not know the significance of them, but when you and the wild Halfling entered the tunnel the rats, children, were compelled out of the painting to go find you. Before I could summon them back to safety you had charmed their rat forms, you cannot imagine my relief that you stopped any of your companions from harming them.
I never expected the painting to turn into a tattoo on your arm but I see it as a sign. These children belong with their own kind, not an Elven Witch who lives alone in a secluded forest. I can return you to your home but ask that you take the little ones with you to keep them safe and to raise them in the Halfling ways.
What say you?"

74 - Yeenwi - Drow Necromancer you offer some of your new found treasure to your companions. Smiling you gift each child a shiny trinket which they take nervously. When you look back to your treasure pots you notice that they have filled themselves back to the top with treasure.
You ask Cassandra about the paintings and Tanea's necklace.
She replies "The one that is now a tattoo I have just explained. Regarding the other two paintings, I simply don't know. I feel the one with the mountain pass may show what is happening there but do not know how to enter it. I would guess that a password or key of some type may be needed.
Regarding the painting that was burned, I have observed it several times and seen a majestic Golden Dragon battling an ancient Black Dragon but other then that I know little about it.
The necklace that Tanea wears unlocks the door to my sanctuary here. Without it opening the door would have led to a grisly end for all of you.
Please, keep the treasure pots. They will never empty and guarantee you a life of wealth and luxury. I have more pots for all of you to keep."

4 - Strigon - Drow Necromancer says "you are welcome" to Tanea. You still feel uneasy in the forest, an unnatural habitat for a Drow to be in.
Two earthenware pots of treasure appear by your feet.

38 - Roy Jenks - Half-Orc Battemage keeping a wary eye on your surroundings you ask Cassandra what she plans to do now?
Cassandra replies "I wish nothing more than to go home, something I intend to do the moment I have returned you all to where you wish to be." You notice two earthenware pots of treasure by your feet.

25 - BenKii - Human Warrior with a pot of treasure under each arm you feel the familiar tingle of a transporter beam. You look to Tanea and mouth goodbye moments before arriving by the Captains chair on your Starship, your crews surprised expressions all around.

Cassandra looks around the remaining companions and asks "So, where would you like me to send you?"

25 - BenKii - Human Warrior earns the achievement *DMs Little Helper* for making my life as lot easier with his updates.