The trio approach, the red-robed mage clearing his throat loudly.
“Greetings and good morning,” the sour faced man begins, his voice suggesting that he does not really think it a good morning at all. “I am Khellek, my companions are Auric and Tirra. We are adventurers from Greyhawk. We are here exploring some of the cairns in the area, searching for archaeological remnants and wall carvings and such. I admit, we have so far had little luck in finding any cairn in the area that has not already been thoroughly explored and documented by others.”
“Yes,” interjects the elf Tirra cheerfully. “the information we had seems to have been slightly off.”
Khellek shoots her a sour look, then continues. “A colleague of mine, a man by the name of Nicolai, arrived here several days ahead of us, following up on a lead he had involving a cairn known as The Whispering Cairn. I believe his plan was to speak to any adventurous locals who might happen to know the location of such a place. Well, hrmm, you have the look of adventurous sorts,” he visually takes note of your weapons, armour, and half healed cuts and bruises. “Perhaps my colleague spoke to you? Or you may have heard tell of the location of this cairn? If so, we would like to invite you to explore it with us. We could agree to an equal share of any valuables that might be found, and credit for archaeological discoveries. We all three are experienced adventurers, and are well versed in facing the dangers sometimes found in these old tombs and cairns – which are obvious significant; deadly traps, guardian constructs, summoned fiends and the like.”
Khellek shoots her a sour look, then continues. “A colleague of mine, a man by the name of Nicolai, arrived here several days ahead of us, following up on a lead he had involving a cairn known as The Whispering Cairn. I believe his plan was to speak to any adventurous locals who might happen to know the location of such a place. Well, hrmm, you have the look of adventurous sorts,” he visually takes note of your weapons, armour, and half healed cuts and bruises. “Perhaps my colleague spoke to you? Or you may have heard tell of the location of this cairn? If so, we would like to invite you to explore it with us. We could agree to an equal share of any valuables that might be found, and credit for archaeological discoveries. We all three are experienced adventurers, and are well versed in facing the dangers sometimes found in these old tombs and cairns – which are obvious significant; deadly traps, guardian constructs, summoned fiends and the like.”
Boland listens interestedly at the mention of Nicolai, but is too timid to speak up, prefering to allow Andolphas or Brashen to field the questions. He does however study Khellek and the others intently, hoping to pick up whether the offer is a genuine one or if they have some other intention.
Khellek looks between Andolphas and Brashen with narrowed eyes for a moment, then snorts. “Very well,” is all he says, before stalking away. Auric follows, with barely a glance in your direction, muttering “I told you so…”
Tirra lingers for a moment more. She looks at Brashen, gives a quick, subtle nod and wink, silently mouths well played, then skips after her companions, leaving you once again to your own devices.
Khellek looks between Andolphas and Brashen with narrowed eyes for a moment, then snorts. “Very well,” is all he says, before stalking away. Auric follows, with barely a glance in your direction, muttering “I told you so…”
Tirra lingers for a moment more. She looks at Brashen, gives a quick, subtle nod and wink, silently mouths well played, then skips after her companions, leaving you once again to your own devices.
As the group stalk away, Boland let's out a breath he hadn't realising he had been holding. The tension of the encounter had been making him nervous.
Once they are out of earshot, he steps from behind Andolphas and Brashen and says quietly "They know, or at least suspect we have the location of the cairn. If we want to keep it from them we will need to tread carefully. I would love to know if they have heard from Nikola though..."
Looking around he adds "Still no sign of Da'gret or Mythalas. Should we seek them out?"
Tirra lingers for a moment more. She looks at Brashen, gives a quick, subtle nod and wink, silently mouths well played, then skips after her companions, leaving you once again to your own devices.
"What do you think Tirra meant? Does she know that we have been to the Whispering Cairn? And should we now keep tabs on their band, or turn our attention elsewhere (such as to the grave robbers), both of which run the risk of allowing them to locate the cairn by their own means...???
"On another note... where did Da'gret and Mythalas spend the night, anyway?"
"What do you think Tirra meant? Does she know that we have been to the Whispering Cairn? And should we now keep tabs on their band, or turn our attention elsewhere (such as to the grave robbers), both of which run the risk of allowing them to locate the cairn by their own means...???
"On another note... where did Da'gret and Mythalas spend the night, anyway?"
"I would assume they suspect we know the location of the Cairn. They know Nikola was approaching various adventuring parties. If they've had their ear to the ground, it would not be hard to find that we have been out of town for the past few days, re-appearing only briefly with signs of injury, and parhaps hints of items found." He motions to Brashen's armour as an example.
"I don't know that it is necessary to keep tabs on them, though I might hazard a guess that they will be watching us, and probably following the next time we leave town."
"If they do happen to find the Cairn on their own, we do have some security in that we carry one of the lanterns. Technically they cannot pass the wind trap without it. I would say we continue on our current course, only heading back to the Cairn when we have laid the boy to rest."
"I don't believe Mythalas mentioned where he was staying, though we might enquire at the hotels in town?" Boland looks to Brashen for any idea on where Da'gret typically stays.
"If they do happen to find the Cairn on their own, we do have some security in that we carry one of the lanterns. Technically they cannot pass the wind trap without it. I would say we continue on our current course, only heading back to the Cairn when we have laid the boy to rest."
"I don't believe Mythalas mentioned where he was staying, though we might enquire at the hotels in town?" Boland looks to Brashen for any idea on where Da'gret typically stays.
"Right... And I guess that they would not be able to gain access to the chamber beyond the one with the spheres, without having put Alastair to rest... That having been said, I hope that he does not open the way for them if they should happen to be in that chamber after we do bury the boy's bones in their grave, and before we've had time to return to the cairn...
"As for our missing companions, let's start with the local hotels, since they're closer than Da'gret's resting place likely is..."
'I agree that we continue with the grave robbers, hopefully they'll get board of watching us. The Cairn wont be easily found, and I doubt to many people know of its where abouts.'
'De'grats as likely to have slept in the forrest as in an inn, probably more so'
Bashad, your supposition on where Da’gret might have spent the night is probably a good one. The young half-orc was very quiet most of the afternoon and all the evening yesterday, and you have a feeling that he will not be meeting with you today. No doubt he misses his swamp (or has some duty to the Bronzewood lodge that prevents him spending more time away). You’re sure that you’ll hear word from him soon … but probably not today.
Mythalas is most likely staying at the coaching inn ... however ...
No sooner has Andolphas mentioned searching the hostels, than the errant elf comes hurrying down the street towards you. He quietly and calmly apologises for being late. "But there is a reason," he adds. "On my way here I noticed Kullen and some of his fellows lounging about in a street not far from here. I watched them for a short while, and it appears they will be staying where they are for at least a while longer. If we hurry - and if you consider it a good idea - we can probably still find them there."
No sooner has Andolphas mentioned searching the hostels, than the errant elf comes hurrying down the street towards you. He quietly and calmly apologises for being late. "But there is a reason," he adds. "On my way here I noticed Kullen and some of his fellows lounging about in a street not far from here. I watched them for a short while, and it appears they will be staying where they are for at least a while longer. If we hurry - and if you consider it a good idea - we can probably still find them there."
Boland becomes suddenly very nervous at the prospect of confronting Kullen and his gang. "Um, perhaps we should make our way over, but cautiously. See what they might be up to.."
'Lets just go and see what can be seen. I dont think where ready to take them on just yet,' Brash puts a hand to one of his many wounds that havn't yet fully healed. 'Though I doubt we four will be able to stay incognito for long.'
Boland nods his ascent. "Might I suggest that you and Mythalas head in together, while Andolphas and I follow a little behind? These pairings are likely to attact much less attention than the 4 of us all together..."
He makes ready to move.
"It's a shame Strevlik has deserted us... he might have made it possible for us to track them from afar. I don't think we all need to walk past them... Boland would probably be the least suspicious or recognizable of our lot, and could walk past them on his way to a shop or watering hole, if only to see if he could pick up a word or two from their conversation..."
"It's a shame Strevlik has deserted us... he might have made it possible for us to track them from afar. I don't think we all need to walk past them... Boland would probably be the least suspicious or recognizable of our lot, and could walk past them on his way to a shop or watering hole, if only to see if he could pick up a word or two from their conversation..."
Boland throws Andolphas a horrified look, mortified by the suggestion that he might have to approach the group alone. However, he reluctantly agrees to do what he must, agreeing that technically there is little risk, and the others will be nearby to intervene if anything goes awry.
Brash agrees to gather what information he can and heads in the direction Mythalas has pointed out.
'Stay close, I certainly dont want a fight but if they move out we may need to follow.'
Boland nods, relieved he will not have to get too close to the intimidating group....yet. He follows with the others some way behind.
Brashen heads down the Vein to check out the group, Mythalas beside him pointing the way, the others a little way behind.
As it heads west, the Vein rises, climbing to the ridge of one of the hills that make of the topography of Diamond Lake. Just before reaching the top of the rise, Mythalas points out a side street that drops steeply back down the hill, heading north. The street is crowded with close packed buildings on both sides, homes and a few businesses.
There, about thirty yards down the street, sit Kullen and some of his gang (of those last night at the Dog, the Bird Man and the gnome are absent), lounging about on some old crates and half barrels stacked against the walls of buildings on both sides of the street. The albino half-orc sits, leaning against the wall, hands behind his head, eyes half closed, his great axe leaning against the wall beside him. Bask sits near him, head buried in a thick book. On the other side of the narrow street, the long haired goon and crew-cut sit rolling knucklebones. It’s unclear whether the group is here just passing time, or whether there is a specific reason why they might be in this location.
Brash, none of Kullen’s gang are talking, so you don’t hear any conversation. They look up as you begin heading down the street, then appear to lose interest when you turn into the bakery.
Within, the halfling proprietor greets you, apparently surprised at having a customer, and invites you to peruse his wares of pebbled scones, rye bread and dog pies.
Brash, none of Kullen’s gang are talking, so you don’t hear any conversation. They look up as you begin heading down the street, then appear to lose interest when you turn into the bakery.
Within, the halfling proprietor greets you, apparently surprised at having a customer, and invites you to peruse his wares of pebbled scones, rye bread and dog pies.
Brash will buy one of the fresher looking breads and wander back outside, walking slowly back up the street and munching on his treat. As he approaches the group again he will have a look at where they are sitting (Is there a business name on display etc.)
"I wonder..." says Andolphas to Boland, as they wait for Brashen to return. "If we really want to know what Kullen and his band are up to, perhaps we should lure them somewhere. I could always bump into them, inquire as to whether they've been honouring the Dark-Eyed Lady, and to suggest that they might wish to reconsider else end up in "fresh unmarked graves such as those we just came across a few hours from the edge of town," their souls doomed to linger in limbo as a result of their lack of devotion. The fresh graves, of course, do not exist (we could fashion some quickly), but by setting things up this way, we might at least get to see whether Kullen and his thugs would be drawn to the graves to dig them up (as we spy on them from cover). I might even be able to get some assistance from my Order in this matter... what do you think?"
"I wonder..." says Andolphas to Boland, as they wait for Brashen to return. "If we really want to know what Kullen and his band are up to, perhaps we should lure them somewhere. I could always bump into them, inquire as to whether they've been honouring the Dark-Eyed Lady, and to suggest that they might wish to reconsider else end up in "fresh unmarked graves such as those we just came across a few hours from the edge of town," their souls doomed to linger in limbo as a result of their lack of devotion. The fresh graves, of course, do not exist (we could fashion some quickly), but by setting things up this way, we might at least get to see whether Kullen and his thugs would be drawn to the graves to dig them up (as we spy on them from cover). I might even be able to get some assistance from my Order in this matter... what do you think?"
Boland watches Brashen's progress nervously. He listens to Andolphas' suggestion and gives it some thought. "It could work - being a clergyman they are not too likely to view your approach as suspicious, nor your knoweldge of graves and things concerning the dead. And assuming they are the ones who we're looking for, it seems likely they check out the possiblity of fresh graves."
He considers the plan a moment longer while Brashen makes his way slowly back up the road. "We'd have to pick our place carefully" he adds. "Somewhere that it is plausible you would have come across them in your day-to-day travels but not so common as to attract too much traffic. It should also be somewhere where we can set up under cover to watch and be ready if they do approach."
Brashen, you don’t notice any sign on the door of the building that Kullen and his boys seem to be waiting outside. It appears to be a private residence.
Boland, any of the streets that run directly off the Vein might fit this bill – they’re reasonably well traveled but not near so busy as the Vein itself, and there are numerous smaller streets and alleys branching off them. However, you’re not really sure enough of the typical movements of Kullen and his gang to know exactly which street would be best … perhaps the one that runs along the side of the Feral Dog.
Brashen, you don’t notice any sign on the door of the building that Kullen and his boys seem to be waiting outside. It appears to be a private residence.
Boland, any of the streets that run directly off the Vein might fit this bill – they’re reasonably well traveled but not near so busy as the Vein itself, and there are numerous smaller streets and alleys branching off them. However, you’re not really sure enough of the typical movements of Kullen and his gang to know exactly which street would be best … perhaps the one that runs along the side of the Feral Dog.
He considers the plan a moment longer while Brashen makes his way slowly back up the road. "We'd have to pick our place carefully" he adds. "Somewhere that it is plausible you would have come across them in your day-to-day travels but not so common as to attract too much traffic. It should also be somewhere where we can set up under cover to watch and be ready if they do approach."
"Brashen should be back any moment now... let's see if has anything further to offer, or if we should proceed with our plan..."
Brash reaches the group just as Andolphas makes his comment. 'I didn't see much, most of the group was there from the Dog, they were just sitting outside what looked like a private residence.' When told about the plan Brash agrees that it sounds good, but again brings up the point of not being on full health.
Brash reaches the group just as Andolphas makes his comment. 'I didn't see much, most of the group was there from the Dog, they were just sitting outside what looked like a private residence.' When told about the plan Brash agrees that it sounds good, but again brings up the point of not being on full health.
Boland nods his ascent. Feeling particularly adventrous, he suggests an alternate option.
"Um, perhaps we will find some more clues in this house they are stationed at? They seem to be regulars at the Feral Dog - maybe we can rest for the day and once they head to the Dog tonight come back her and pay a visit to the house? If that turns up nothing we can always proceed with Andolphas' plan the next morning, when we are better rested and prepared?"
He looks at the others to guage their reactions at his suggestion of breaking and entering. Lowering his voice he adds "I don't like the thought of leaving the Cairn this whole time, but we could use the rest..."
Boland nods his ascent. Feeling particularly adventrous, he suggests an alternate option.
"Um, perhaps we will find some more clues in this house they are stationed at? They seem to be regulars at the Feral Dog - maybe we can rest for the day and once they head to the Dog tonight come back her and pay a visit to the house? If that turns up nothing we can always proceed with Andolphas' plan the next morning, when we are better rested and prepared?"
He looks at the others to guage their reactions at his suggestion of breaking and entering. Lowering his voice he adds "I don't like the thought of leaving the Cairn this whole time, but we could use the rest..."
"Yes, this would seem to be a wise plan... I could also see if my Order would be able to lend a hand, if we should try to lay a trap..."