Immersive Ink

"I heard of that before and wanted to bring one," says Robur. "But my father said no. He wanted me to use extra space in my backpack for mead... and those as you guessed all broke." He continues hammering away with his cudgel on a part of the bottom that Beppo is not working on.

Willie keeps his eyes (and ears) on the backtrail. He's worried the sound of breaking into the chest (even given the softness of the wood) will draw unwanted attention.

Dame Simonetta, in a similar manner, keeps her attention focused on the route south.

Bilfur has his new staff ready to use in case there is an ambush

"Actually," Wilbur says, a little shame-faced, "I did bring a crowbar." He takes off his pack and rummages around in it, producing the stubby but sturdy implement.

"Try this," he says, helpfully if a little belatedly.

"Thanks Wilbur!" say Robur putting his cudgel away, and has a go at it with the crowbar.

DM rules that Robur's cudgel would have been sufficient, therefore Wilbur's crowbar is not needed.

Robur smacks his cudgel into the rotted bottom of the chest. This weakens the wood enough that the skeleton inside is able to burst out and land on the floor with a clatter of bones!

Surprise check 1d6=2, no surprise. The skeleton automatically loses initiative due to being prone.

The animated skeleton appears to be the remains of a Hobbet adventurer. It is wearing shredded leather armor and wielding a dagger.

Robur, Bilfur, and Beppo are closest to the skeleton and will act first.

"What is this disgusting thing?" cries Robur as he tries to club its head with his cudgel to try and knock it off the body.

Dame Simonetta hears the clatter and exclamation but does not realise it is a 'living' skeleton! She maintains her watch southward.

bilfu using his new staff will smack it