Working together as the machine descends, after 2 rounds the group manages to pull the hatch 18 inches open, the entire structure resisting mightily.  Above, the cracked rock began to destabilize and quake; reams of dirt and stone falling to form a small layer on the ground.  Like a score of plates in the hands of an unbalanced dishwasher, the entire mouth of the tunnel seemed to sway and make ready to fall.<br/><br/>(Getting in through an 18 inch hole is a DC 25 escape artist check for a medium character.)<br/>