Kevin's Watch

Xavier walks authoritatively up to the guards stationed outside the other mines.

"Good day sirs," he greets them.

"My companions and I are here at the behest of the Guildmaster, Roland, to seek to clear the silver mine, so that work can begin again. Were any of you part of the squad who investigated it after the...disaster?"

"We've been told to allow you into the silver mine and that you're here to clear it out. Neither me or my colleague were involved in investigating the mine. I wish you luck in sorting out whatever the problem is down there. One of my best friends was killed down there, and I still don't know how."

Irian trailed after Xavier and quietly said, "I am sorry to hear of your friend. Could you tell us the names of any others who may have survived? How are they doing now, and where we might locate them to speak with them on what they experienced?"

"My thanks...and I am sorry to hear of your friend. Do you know if anybody here was involved? We'd really appreciate a little more advance knowledge."

(He spared a slightly annoyed glance for the elven magic user as she mirrored his words.)

"Xavier, perhaps we should just go into the mine. I fear that we are wasting precious time and seem to be getting nowhere."

"Huh...we'll see how you feel when some monster you never knew about is chewing your face off. There's no such thing as too much information."

He shrugged..."But if nobody is available...then we'll have to just go ahead. I suggest you follow the Cleric closely, then Vargon and the elf-maid. I'll bring up the rear."

"I know who were involved, but I also know they've been sworn to secrecy by the guild, so I'm not going to bother giving you their names. Will you need any help getting through the boards covering the mine entrance?"

Shaking his head angrily, Xavier retorted, "I can't see the damn point of forbidding them to talk to us. It's like sending us in blinfolded. Do they want this mine cleared or not?"

He shook his head again, dismissing the irritation that was rapidly building.

"I know it's not your fault...clearly the Guild needs some more practical heads, but that is niether here nor there. We would be most grateful if you'd pry off the boards for us."

One of the guards walks over to the silver mine, yanks out a crowbar and sets to work on the boards. After a few minutes there's nothing but splinters left.

He gives you a nod "Good luck, I don't envy you guys." and resumes his post outside the other mine.

Inside the mine you can see the tracks continue downwards into the darkness.

"Anybody have any trailcraft or tracking skills? I'm a city boy myself..."

[nobody has the track feat, I don't know what trailcraft is, it's not in the 3.5ed rules]

[ooc]It's a generic term for abilities in the wilderness, not a D&D specific term. [/ooc]

"No? Then lets get going I guess...carefully."

Irian heads over and speaks to the guards again, she seems to be explaining something to them, and they appear to see her point of view. [diplomacy skill, improved their attitude towards the party]

"I can light a candle to lead us in, unless someone be able to offer a torch or a lantern."
Looking at the guards, he asks, "Can one of you spare a torch for a battler of Pelor?"

"We don't carry torches I'm afraid. There are lanterns down in the mines though, you'll probably find some down there."

Laying a hand softly on Xavier's arm to still him briefly, Irian turns back to the guard who lost his friend. "This must be difficult for everyone here. We wish to help, but as my friend here said, we feel we are going in blind. If you would reconsider pointing us in the direction of the guards who went into the mine, we would be extremely grateful.

"Their own decision whether to talk to us would be up to them. We only wish for the opportunity to talk to them before entering the mine."

"I understand your point about not wanting to go into the mine unwarned, but I'm not going to put my fellow guards into a position where they could get into trouble. I may not agree with the Merchants' guild's decision to keep this all secret, but they don't pay me to think, so I do what they say. Sorry, but you won't get what you want out of me."

"Give up ElfGirl. If it goes horribly wrong, whoever escapes gets to kill the guildmasters." He grinned ferally.

Who leads? Brother Charn? Or Vargon? As I said, I'll bring up the rear.

He strung his bow rapidly, and nocked an arrow so that he could draw it at a moments notice.

[nodding head slightly in acknowledgment of the guard's words]

"I understand, and I hope we may help bring about an end to any lingering fear and doubt that may pervade your community."

Turning to Brother Charn, she said, "I have a lantern and some oil." Rumaging in her sack, she removes her lantern and oil, fills the lantern, then uses her newly acquired flint and steel to light it. While the flame settles, she follows Xavier's lead, and removes her cross bow and notches it.

Looking at her escort, she says, "I feel the cleric should lead us here, although I can almost feel your anticipation for a fight. Allow the battler for Pelor to guide your actions here...please."

Picking up the lantern, she hands it to Brother Charn. "Do you have any advice on who should follow whom? Both Caamora and I should be able to see a little better, should the lantern be blown out. Would you like one of us near the front with you? And the other towards the rear, to see if anything follows?"

Charn accepts the lantern from Irian, "Many thanks, my lady. I will take the lead, if it be necessary to go one by one. If the mine shaft be wide enough, another fighter in the lead be a cautious move."
"Unless the shaft branches before us, there be little threat of an attack from behind... thus having the brawn in front be the best plan to begin, for my part."
Holding the lantern in front of him, mace in the other hand, Charn steps into the mine entrance.