Probably only wounded. He has good potential for plot immunity as the boyfriend, and our barbarian missing suggests another rescue mission, which requires a live victim. Now each plot element needs reversing at time just to keep us on our toes, but the odds favor his wounds being survivable, right now.
But looking at the picture of the area, I see a dozen of what could be additional "stone snakes", which could make this a very serious fight [or just a lot of rocks]. So this could be where the party learns to work together [or learns they should have]
So how many turns of battle will it take the arguing party members to realize the fight is on?
I bet they all missed out on their rolling for initiative.
Oh that is terrifying. And that cave and sword were very effective distractions. What are their chances of not getting surrounded or, worse, separated?
never considered that he might be the one to get whacked first
I suspect that he is "merely" badly injured.
But looking at the picture of the area, I see a dozen of what could be additional "stone snakes", which could make this a very serious fight [or just a lot of rocks]. So this could be where the party learns to work together [or learns they should have]
YOU WERE THE ONLY SMART ONE!
I bet they all missed out on their rolling for initiative.
If he survives, Ox is a strong nominee for MVP of the dungeon run and an extra share of the loot.