Immersive Ink

"Maybe the ape was guarding treasure!" Franklin joins the party.

"An excellent idea!" Rhod says. "Let's check."

You traipse back to the room with the statues. The ape came out of the southern-most of the two eastern doors. You open that door to see 20 feet of corridor before it expands into a bigger room. Steamy hot air, like a sauna, starts to waft towards the party

Franklin takes the strip of cloth he had previously used as an ape blindfold and wraps it around his head, covering his nose and mouth so he is not overcome by the vapors. "Maybe you guys should wait here while I scout ahead." He keeps a close eye on Sconces; if the dog looks sick or short of breath, both of them will immediately retreat to fresh air.

Wiglaff, now armoured up and no longer suited for scouting, has his torch-bearer Edgar hand Franklin a torch if the halfling needs one.

"Be careful, Franklin," he mutters, then adds, "Be careful, Sconces."

Does the steamy air have any effect on the torches? Do they burn with a differently tinged light, for instance?

It is simply normal steam from something very hot. Probably torches would sputter a bit, I would think, but the radius is about 10' due to the thick air

Franklin will explore a short distance to see if he can identify the source of the heat and steam. He would turn back immediately if the temperature becomes dangerous. He is carrying the torch given by Edgar.

Aldbane stands ready at the door, waiting for word from Franklin.

If he follows the left wall, he comes across a second passage that links up with the other door in the statue room. Just to his right starts a large pool (maybe 20' around?) of boiling water