Eating a simple, but hot and nutritious breakfast, Harukai listens intently to the conversation with the young farmer boy, chiming in when needed.  If his story sounds the least bit fishy, hopefully Harukai will pick up on it...

Insight:  18

Qelline says "Go on Carp, tell these men what you saw."

Carp looks nervous and says "well, about a week ago I was exploring the woods at the old manor on the hill when I saw a tunnel in the side of the hill. I wanted to explore it and as I was walking down it, there were four of those guys in the red cloaks coming out followed by about six goblins and two big ugly guys. I was able to hide around a little corner and they didn't see me. I stayed hid for a bit and the guys in the red coats came back through, going back toward the manor. Once they were gone I ran as fast as I could out of the tunnel. I can take you there if you want. I would love to help some explorers."

Qelline says "Carp likes to explore, but I hope it doesn't get him into trouble. I can only imagine what would have happened to him if those scoundrels had caught him in there."

Their story seems legit. 

GREYSTONE

"Hmm...I suppose we could use a guide. But how old are you, boy?" Jackson says while eating a similar breakfast to Harukai's.

"Ten, but I will be 11 in a few months. I want to be an explorer when I grow up and want to learn from adventurers. Can I hang out with you guys? I won't be a bother and can help out with any work you need done."

Nephrius will speak to Harukai pulling him aside from Jackson. “I do not wish to get many people involved with us, help is good but kids and elderly may cause problem... especially if they get hurt. You are smart and I trust your mind you think we should use this kid?” 

Nephrius seems genuinely worried for the younger kid as she speaks she keeps looking back at them speak.

Harukai looks over the youngster, saying with a serious voice, “You have taken quite a risk so far.  If you can be our guide now to show us the tunnel, then go home and protect your mother, that will be the bravest thing you can do!”  Reaching over to the wall where his primary weapon leans, he adds, “This staff has killed several goblins already, just yesterday.” Handing it to the lad, he says, “Use it well.”

Turning to the mom, Harukai attempts to have a discreet conversation.  “This young man has a great future.  His actions may help us to relieve much suffering.”  Handing her 10 gp from his special pouch, he adds, “take care of him as he grows.”

She accepts the gold and is extremely grateful. "Thank you, thank you. Carp is a good boy, I want him to have a good life. I hope his curiosity doesn't get him into trouble. If you go to that place, please deal with those redbrands. They treat our town awful and we could grow without people like them around. Carp, take these men to where the tunnel begins and come back. Sildar, please make sure he doesn't follow you in."

Carp leads the group to the wooded area to the south of the manor and finds the secret tunnel entrance easily enough. He promises the group he won't follow and will go home.

GREYSTONE

"We appreciate your help, young Carp. Now back home with you! We will take care of these ne'er-do-wells and be back to town soon." Jackson gives the boy a pat on the head and waits to watch the boy move out of sight before addressing the group.

"Okay -- how do you all think we should proceed?"

Nephrius will keep a watchful eye on the boy as he walks back to make sure he really does leave safely.

”I guess there will be a lot of people yes? Sneaking might not last as long as we think it will.” Nephrius looks between the members of the group.

Harukai watches the boy leave, bearing his newly-acquired quarterstaff proudly.  He turns and answers Nephrius, “The sword I just purchased should provide us a rather subtle light, but you will still want to stealth ahead.  I can be in the middle of the group again.”

Harukai draws his sword, shedding pale moonlight into the darkness of the cave. 

The group sneaks down the tunnel, being lit by the sword. At the end of the tunnel is a staircase leading up. At the top of the staircase is a small room. No obvious doors are in the room, but there appears to be door shaped outline on the right wall. 

GREYSTONE

Jackson will very carefully approach the outline of the wall and attempt to discern whether people can safely traverse through it. 

Investigation: 13

You investigate the crack in the wall and use a dagger to gently pry the gap. After a few moments, a soft click is heard and the door cracks open slightly in your direction. 

Harukai will ensure that Jackson has good light to do his investigation, keeping his eyes open for any problems...

Perception:  22

You can see lamp light spilling through the crack in the door but must open the door further to see any details. 

Make a stealth check please. 

Harukai Stealth Check:  6

Nephrius will keep low and against the wall.

Stealth: 13

She will draw both her short swords listening for any motions.

The door chracks open and there is a bed and small desk. At the deak is a human male with a large glass staff leaning next to it. He is writing and is unaware of your presence at this moment. 

OOC:  can you describe the man?  Does he look to be wearing some kind of Redbrand regalia?  And the staff made of glass—does it appear to be magical or something?  A large quarterstaff made of glass seems like a very bad idea otherwise...