A day of going about your usual business has suddenly morphed into something a bit unexpected. Thrane, Protector of Clan Immercleave, has summoned you to a meeting. Rather unceremoniously the messenger uttered the message to you: “The Protector has a matter he wishes to discuss with you over the midday meal. Be punctual.”
Your relationship with Thrane is a good one because you have learned how to navigate his mercurial temperament. You certainly understand him well enough to know that he would not be meeting with you over food and drink if he were using the opportunity to express his displeasure.
“How curious,” you think to yourself. “Maybe the old fellow has some new project in mind. I’m more than happy to listen to his ideas while drinking his ale and eating from his stores.”
Two hours later, you are standing in the waiting room that leads into the Protector’s quarters. Three other members of Clan Immercleave stand with you, each of them summoned separately, just as you were. The four of you are well-acquainted with one another and quickly begin putting forth theories about why such an abrupt gathering has been called.
Soon, the massive door swings open and the venerable Thrane stands before you. He nods in acknowledgement of your presence but says nothing. He then turns around and lumbers down the passageway leading to his dining hall. Assuming you are meant to do likewise, you pass through the door and follow the Protector of Clan Immercleave to a magnificent wooden table laden with food and drink that would satisfy a dozen dwarves.
“Eat and drink, friends. Enjoy,” commands Thrane.
You begin to do so, reservedly at first but eventually with gusto. Nothing on the table disappoints.
As Thrane grasps a flagon and pours himself a second serving of ale, he begins to explain the purpose of your visit. “Elrik’s pallbearers--his sister...his two sons...his nephew--have not returned. Two days ago they should have rejoined the clan. Yes, two days ago. That is certain.”
He speaks slowly, as if he is trying to comprehend the meaning of his own words.
“That is certain,” he repeats mechanically.
Thrane gulps down half his ale, looks at each of you, and says, “Something is amiss. Elrik’s kin must be found. You will do this for me.”
After family and friends pay their respects, deceased members of the clan are transported by four pallbearers (who are typically the closest of kin) and a priest to the burial crypts of Clan Immercleave. The journey to the crypts is a rather long one because ancient tradition states the deceased must visit six important locations along the way. In order, they are as follows:
The Great Hall (where the history and heroes of Clan Immercleave are memorialized in statues and bas relief)
Whispering Cavern (the site of Clan Immercleave’s fiercest and bloodiest battle, the battle against several tanarukk and the cambion who led them)
White Meadow (the site of the final battle between Clan Immercleave and Clan Ardenfrost and the place where Haldarian Immercleave and Kembar Ardenfrost formally declared a truce between the two dwarf clans)
Immercrag (according to legend, the jagged piece of pale granite from which clan founder Haldarian Immercleave was formed)
Feldpool (the pristine mountain lake that not only provides water to the clan but, according to legend, is where Haldarian Immercleave found his maul Icehammer)
Truemetal Vein (the site where Immercleave miners long ago discovered a great supply of mithril that blessed the clan with superior armor and increased wealth)
Typically, two days were needed for the burial party to visit these six locations. A third day was then spent in vigil at the crypt of the deceased. The fourth day was then spent on the return journey.
Elrik’s burial party is two days tardy on returning home; so, the four of you are meeting with Thrane on day six after they began the ceremonial journey detailed above.
Adren 'Copper' Keenanvil puts down his ale and runs a hand through his wavy brown hair and then strokes his braided bear for a moment. Finally his hand goes to he amulet hanging from his neck; the Immercleave emblem prominent in the middle, resting above a silver hammer and anvil. Copper then quickly reaches into his pouch at his side and pulls out a pot of ink, pen, and a small note book.
"Aye, of course, Thrane," Copper says in his booming voice. "I only wish I had known of their late return a day ago. The sooner we act in these matters the better."
He stands and begins to pace, while he opens the book to a blank page.
"Now, I remember them heading off on journey, but is there any word of where they were last seen?" Copper asks with all of his usual earnestness.
He looks around at the other three to include them in the question.
Friar Tuckerman finishes his ale, wipes his mouth and then ponders this situation.
After listening to Adren, Friar agrees. "Aye thane, anything that profanes and interferes with our honoring the dead is an insult to Tempus! We must see to these lost souls and bring justice if anything has befell them!"
Thrane nods at Copper, responding, "A few of our miners passed Elrik's burial party in Whispering Cavern. All was well at that point. No news to report after that."
The protector of the clan swallows a chunk of bread and then looks intently at Friar Tuckerman. "An insult indeed, good cleric, if Elrik's kin have been waylaid. I give the four of you full authority to...handle anyone or anything that may have interfered in the laying to rest of our revered elder."
Thrane then chases down the bread with another gulp of ale. "Take the shortest path to Whispering Cavern, Douth. Begin there. Of course, you know to be watchful when you exit Clan Immercleave's tunnels. Our scouts give report of trolls near White Meadow."
In an unusual moment of candidness, Thrane adds, "My dreams. Troubled they are. May Moradin shield you."
Friar Tuckerman rises from his chair, salutes his Thrane with fist to chest. "Aye, so shall it be! I must see to my devotions and preparations." Friar looks to the party, "When do we depart?"
"Many fell in battle there, and I hope it is many years before I have to bear family along that path," Copper looks thoughtful for a moment while he speaks, "but we must get there quickly. I am ready to leave when all of you are. Does any one need to fetch anything before we go?"
With the midday meal concluded and the party's task made clear, Thrane stands and says, "I have chosen the four of you, and it is good. May you bring a good report and may it be soon." . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ .__ . __ . __ .
Two hours later the four of you enter Whispering Cavern from the south tunnel. The path leading through this enormous room is well-worn from years of foot traffic and mining carts that ferry rocks and ore to the various locations within the clan. Dozens of oil lanterns illuminate the place, highlighting the many runes carved into the walls to commemorate those brave warriors who perished in the great battle against the tanarukk. Legends say that the spirits of the fallen dwarves will sometimes whisper wise and inspiring words to the living in this place.
The only sound you hear today, however, is the distant clinking of pickaxes and scraping of shovels from the various mining tunnels that exit the cavern. Two hundred feet to the northeast you see the dark opening that marks the tunnel that leads to the outside world, where Elrik's pallbearers would have taken him to visit the White Meadow.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Copper looks around the cavern and closes his eyes, opening himself up to hearing the ghosts of their ancestors who died here. He then pops his eyes open and pays special attention to the pathway that leads to the exit tunnel.
"It's been days since they came through here," Copper says, "but it's possible they dropped something that could give a clue to what has happened to them. Or one of the miners in the side tunnels may have heard or seen something."
Copper looks at their surroundings for anything out of the ordinary, and also to see if there are any side tunnels with mining occurring nearby where someone might have seen the pallbearers.
The cavern itself reveals nothing out of the ordinary. The wide path contains nothing but tiny rocks and debris that typically fall from the small mining carts as they are pushed through the massive room. A pair of mining tunnels, both to the east of you, exit Whispering Cavern. You estimate the miners you can hear are a few hundred feet down the easternmost tunnel.
Copper's voice reverberates along the walls of the passageway. Moments later, you hear a gruff response. "Hullo, hullo. What are you needing?"
Not waiting for a response, the speaker begins to walk toward you. He comes into view a bit later. His name is Arvad, and you're familiar with him; he's one of the leads on the mining crews. He nods, maybe a bit embarrassed by the tone he used in his response.
"Hullo there! I didn't expect to be greeted by such a gathering of important clan members."
"Arvad, we won't keep you long, I know you run a tight crew," Copper beings. "Elrik's pallbearers haven't returned. They should have been back two days ago but there's been no sign of them. They would have passed through here six days ago. Did you or your crew see anything?"
Arvad nods. "Aye, Elrik's burial party passed through the cavern. My crew and I doffed our caps in respect as they passed us by. Nothing unusual at all. I followed them to the Northern Doors, where they exited to the outside. Closed the doors myself after they passed through."
The grizzled dwarf then shakes his head, indicating his concern.
After family and friends pay their respects, deceased members of the clan are transported by four pallbearers (who are typically the closest of kin) and a priest to the burial crypts of Clan Immercleave. The journey to the crypts is a rather long one because ancient tradition states the deceased must visit six important locations along the way. In order, they are as follows:
Typically, two days were needed for the burial party to visit these six locations. A third day was then spent in vigil at the crypt of the deceased. The fourth day was then spent on the return journey.
Elrik’s burial party is two days tardy on returning home; so, the four of you are meeting with Thrane on day six after they began the ceremonial journey detailed above.
Adren 'Copper' Keenanvil puts down his ale and runs a hand through his wavy brown hair and then strokes his braided bear for a moment. Finally his hand goes to he amulet hanging from his neck; the Immercleave emblem prominent in the middle, resting above a silver hammer and anvil. Copper then quickly reaches into his pouch at his side and pulls out a pot of ink, pen, and a small note book.
"Aye, of course, Thrane," Copper says in his booming voice. "I only wish I had known of their late return a day ago. The sooner we act in these matters the better."
He stands and begins to pace, while he opens the book to a blank page.
"Now, I remember them heading off on journey, but is there any word of where they were last seen?" Copper asks with all of his usual earnestness.
He looks around at the other three to include them in the question.
Friar Tuckerman finishes his ale, wipes his mouth and then ponders this situation.
After listening to Adren, Friar agrees. "Aye thane, anything that profanes and interferes with our honoring the dead is an insult to Tempus! We must see to these lost souls and bring justice if anything has befell them!"
Thrane nods at Copper, responding, "A few of our miners passed Elrik's burial party in Whispering Cavern. All was well at that point. No news to report after that."
The protector of the clan swallows a chunk of bread and then looks intently at Friar Tuckerman. "An insult indeed, good cleric, if Elrik's kin have been waylaid. I give the four of you full authority to...handle anyone or anything that may have interfered in the laying to rest of our revered elder."
Thrane then chases down the bread with another gulp of ale. "Take the shortest path to Whispering Cavern, Douth. Begin there. Of course, you know to be watchful when you exit Clan Immercleave's tunnels. Our scouts give report of trolls near White Meadow."
In an unusual moment of candidness, Thrane adds, "My dreams. Troubled they are. May Moradin shield you."
Friar Tuckerman rises from his chair, salutes his Thrane with fist to chest. "Aye, so shall it be! I must see to my devotions and preparations." Friar looks to the party, "When do we depart?"
Copper reaches down and finishes his ale then looks over to Friar.
”The sooner the better. Time is always in short supply when it comes to finding a missing person. We should be on our way within the hour.”
Copper gives Thane a quick nod of the head, then gathers his book, pen and ink and heads towards the doors.
Copper looks over at Douth and nods.
"Many fell in battle there, and I hope it is many years before I have to bear family along that path," Copper looks thoughtful for a moment while he speaks, "but we must get there quickly. I am ready to leave when all of you are. Does any one need to fetch anything before we go?"
With the midday meal concluded and the party's task made clear, Thrane stands and says, "I have chosen the four of you, and it is good. May you bring a good report and may it be soon."
. __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ .__ . __ . __ .
Two hours later the four of you enter Whispering Cavern from the south tunnel. The path leading through this enormous room is well-worn from years of foot traffic and mining carts that ferry rocks and ore to the various locations within the clan. Dozens of oil lanterns illuminate the place, highlighting the many runes carved into the walls to commemorate those brave warriors who perished in the great battle against the tanarukk. Legends say that the spirits of the fallen dwarves will sometimes whisper wise and inspiring words to the living in this place.
The only sound you hear today, however, is the distant clinking of pickaxes and scraping of shovels from the various mining tunnels that exit the cavern. Two hundred feet to the northeast you see the dark opening that marks the tunnel that leads to the outside world, where Elrik's pallbearers would have taken him to visit the White Meadow.
Copper looks around the cavern and closes his eyes, opening himself up to hearing the ghosts of their ancestors who died here. He then pops his eyes open and pays special attention to the pathway that leads to the exit tunnel.
"It's been days since they came through here," Copper says, "but it's possible they dropped something that could give a clue to what has happened to them. Or one of the miners in the side tunnels may have heard or seen something."
Copper looks at their surroundings for anything out of the ordinary, and also to see if there are any side tunnels with mining occurring nearby where someone might have seen the pallbearers.
Perception: 8
Kathra looks around as well, searching for clues.
Perception: 26
As she does so, she nervously runs her red hair and beard, “I’m worried about ‘em. What do you think could’ve happened?”
The cavern itself reveals nothing out of the ordinary. The wide path contains nothing but tiny rocks and debris that typically fall from the small mining carts as they are pushed through the massive room. A pair of mining tunnels, both to the east of you, exit Whispering Cavern. You estimate the miners you can hear are a few hundred feet down the easternmost tunnel.
Copper looks up when Kathra raises the question about what could have happened to the pallbearers.
"Poor weather could have made them hold where they are," Copper begins. "An injury. Or bandits. Or trolls."
He then nods over to the mining tunnels.
"I think it's worth spending a moment to see if any of the miners saw them pass by and if they noticed anything unusual."
Copper heads to the entrance to the nearest mining tunnel and calls down.
"Hello in the tunnel," Copper shouts as greeting as he take several steps in.
Copper's voice reverberates along the walls of the passageway. Moments later, you hear a gruff response. "Hullo, hullo. What are you needing?"
Not waiting for a response, the speaker begins to walk toward you. He comes into view a bit later. His name is Arvad, and you're familiar with him; he's one of the leads on the mining crews. He nods, maybe a bit embarrassed by the tone he used in his response.
"Hullo there! I didn't expect to be greeted by such a gathering of important clan members."
Copper holds out a hand in greeting to Arvad.
"Arvad, we won't keep you long, I know you run a tight crew," Copper beings. "Elrik's pallbearers haven't returned. They should have been back two days ago but there's been no sign of them. They would have passed through here six days ago. Did you or your crew see anything?"
Friar observes and listens to what he miners say
Arvad nods. "Aye, Elrik's burial party passed through the cavern. My crew and I doffed our caps in respect as they passed us by. Nothing unusual at all. I followed them to the Northern Doors, where they exited to the outside. Closed the doors myself after they passed through."
The grizzled dwarf then shakes his head, indicating his concern.
"Outside then? Maybe something happened there?"