The message works but the stair fails . . Probably you're trying to use the stairway in combat. To get ideas, you really just sit down and think them up. And, if they don't come, there's no dishonor in it. Scenario design may just not be for you.
Some players run single-PC parties, i.e. with only one character.
This, if each of the 6 party members has mage lore of 4, they have to 20 required. However, I must point out that 20 is quite high.