1 - 005 - A Raid Too Far

[Wicksy]

You all agree a late breakfast is in order after a mornings worth of fruitless tracking. At Tender's bequest, fresh bread and honey are provided as well as smoked bacon and eggs. With your appetite sated, you take your horses and ride the road to Daggerfalls. By now, the sun is getting high in the sky, around mid morning. The town of Daggerfalls is about 20 miles from the inn. You expect you will make it by mid afternoon The weather is warm still, but the breeze brings an unwelcome chill. You know evening will soon be upon you but progress is swift and you cross the river and enter the town.

You travel to Morn's hall where you are greeted by soldiers. Explaining who you are, the gares swing open and you enter inside. A large man dressed in a fine tunic - sullen by a days work directs the efforts of a group of masons repairing the stone war. Much is still to be done after the war with the Zhents. Even now re-building continues. He turns to face you, smiles and storms over. Clasping his hands in yours, he beckons you inside the keep. Sitting in the dining room, he explains his dilemma.

"I thank you for coming so quickly," he begins "I'd heard your company was passing through the area, and you have a reputation as courageous problem solvers. Well, i have a problem that needs solving"

His face grows stern "Seven days ago, a band of Drow raided several farms and freeholds about 10 miles south of here. A number of people were killed, and the marauders caused much damage. Local militia have tracked the Drow band to the vicinity of an old set of crypts on the western edge of the Dagger Hills. Rumour has it that those crypts conceal and entrance to the underdark." He shifts again in his seat, watching your faces "Three nights ago, the Drow raiders returned and caused even more damage. I think the time has come for some experienced and capable adventurers to put a stop tothese raids. We havent had trouble with Drow in Daggerdale for years, and I have no idea what has stirred them up now. Can you help me?"

[Fangor the Fierce]

Mal takes his seat at the table, listening to what the man has to say. Yes, war was always followed by yet another war. Yes, time's of peace were often found, yet not lasting long enough. It seems as though the Drow are striking out, yet for some unknown reason. There would be hell to pay should they think they can go about these raids without recourse. Yes, there will be hell to pay... and it will be paid in blood...

"Your finding of the ruins will greatly increase our chances of success. Should the Drow be intent on striking, then it is our turn to strike back. These lands have been good to us, and I would not have them fall into the Drow hands so easily. We will head there post haste. Since it seems they come out at night, let us make our way there this evening, make camp, and watch who exits the crypts. We can set our own trap to catch them and if caught alive, interrogation can then proceed." Mal turns to the bear warrior, knowing that his tactics have proven useful in the past...

"Rest assured, that the you will have our aid..."

[Japic]

The lord seemed arawe of some going ons, but certainly not all. Coppertop addresses the man as Mal drops off.

"We shoudl indeed proceed to the ruins; however I must ask something of you sir. Were you aware that there was a Drow attack as recent as last night? The homes razed were not near to this place, but rather close to the Inn. Where are these ruins you speak of; for I fear that there may be more than one group of the dark savages. If you've got a map handy, we can compare what you know to what we have seen and where we have been."

"No matter the source; no Drow incursion should go unchecked. I will do all in my power to assist."

[Wicksy]

Randal Morn stands, a look of shock on his face. "I did not know of this latest attack. By the Tyrell Keep inn you say...show me". He stands and leads you all to a study lined with shelves full of books. One table has a large map of the Dalelands.

You point out the Inn and where the attacks took place. It is clear that the attacks in the recent week have all taken place within a 10 mile radius of the crypts. As you analyse the map further, Morn commandeers a servant and orders soldiers to the farmsteads remaining. They should arrive by late even. Hopefully the Drow will not be inclined to attack this evening.

[Althael]

Akatas and Lusione stay silent, analysing the situation without a sign of expression.

(Knowledge Religion +2, if there is anything Akatas know about these crypts. Bardic knowledge +8 if there is anything Lusione know about this place. And if applicable, Knowledge (local) +9, if there is any legends or something similar attached to it.)

[Lin]

Looking at the map, Ewan finds the location of the crypts that were mentioned. He taps his claws over it. "The crack in the ice," he notes in an obvious manner. "We must attempt to seize this position now. Stage the area. Leave them in the open. Then, we can track them or sink our claws deep down past the blubber and into the meat."

[spiral]

"Crypts!" muses Tender, leaning back in his chair, "I'm not sure I was aware of any near here. It's a surprise, for sure. I'd like a good look in there, though I doubt there'll be anything left of interest if the Drow have been moving through it for very long.."

Tender looks over to Randal, and as politely as possible, poses "Now we are well known, I assume we're expected to risk our lives for nothing..?"

He raises one eyebrow, and meets the big man's gaze.

[Japic]

Giving the rogue his best evil eye Coppertop holds back a scowl. They'd been over this a hundred times; but the rogue was was he was, there was no changing him now. He's not interested in working just for gold, but rewards did fuel their progress so that they could continue the fight ageinst evil. It was not a priority for the Cleric, but it would be necessary in the long run.

"Lets get to the crypts; there's much to be done."