Pressure Sluice
Trap
Pressure Sluice
A brass plate in the sluice hall triggers when weight crosses the central channel without first turning the maintenance wheel. The trap is meant to flush debris, not kill intruders, but years of neglect have made it dangerous.
TriggerA creature steps on the central plate or forces the valve door.
EffectA surge of water knocks creatures toward the lower channel and extinguishes exposed flames.
ClueScrape marks on the floor curve around the pressure plate, not across it.
BypassTurn the maintenance wheel, wedge the plate, or open the side drain first.
Skill Challenge: Read the Sluice
CheckPerception to spot the plate, Thievery to wedge it, Crafting/Engineering to understand the valve, or Acrobatics to cross without pressure.
SuccessPC 1 notices the safe path follows old scrape marks along the wall, letting the party bypass or disable the hazard before it fires.
CriticalPC 1 also learns the side drain can be opened to lower water in the final chamber, giving a later advantage at the lantern.
FailureThe trap remains dangerous, but foreshadow it with a groan, shifting water, or a lantern flame guttering before it triggers.