"Hmmm," Vor looks around at the local known as Lapo.  "Perhaps Lapo is the name of whoever lives in that there cottage?"  He toes the grass and dirt, "Only other possibility I can fig're is it once was, but ain't no more."

OCC if no one else took the dynamite, Vor would have.

Hallanann nods his head while considering Vor's words. "Perhaps. Considering what we've seen leading up to this, though, I wouldn't be surprised if there were some magic at play one way or another. I think we should head to the cottage and see what they know, if anything."

Hallanann also casts Prestidigitation on himself to clean off any of the dust, debris, and dirt that he would likely have gotten on himself going through Chikra's Pass. 

With the skull-box open before her, and the others still-crossing, Lia recognizes the sticks as a powerful explosive she has heard about. She pulls the three sticks out, and places them in her pack, then turns to check on the other's progress. Seeing that they are crossing just fine, she pushes some of her white hair back behind an ear, her eyes scanning the exits to make sure they don't get surprised at this stage of the crossing.

"Seems like there is but one way..." She says, nodding to the exit. Following after their guide for this tunnel business, she continues onward. She just hopes the town they are seeking has a good bath, since she is now filthy from the cobwebs and dirt of crawling through tunnels.

When they come out the far side of the tunnel, She frowns, no city appearing where they were told one would be, or at least where the map had said one would be. She sees only the single light of a cabin through the trees. With a sigh she dusts some of the cobwebs from her skirts, and then looks to the others. "Do we check out that light through the trees, or does someone have a better suggestion?"

 Is there any sign of the road that people who weren't using the Pass would have taken to get to Lapo? (Perception, if necessary: 21) If yes, Chikra would look for any sign of someone (especially our target) having come through recently. Investigation: 10.

Vor will investigate the area around the tunnel exit to see if he can determine if, and what, might have passed through before; and who or what has been in the vicinity.

Investigation. 13

“I thought there was supposed to be a city here! Why is there only a cottage?” Krusk asks. He will stay perceptive as the group goes along. Perception: 18

Chikra and Vor, through their investigation find that the settlement of Lapo itself is now mostly in ruins, a handful of decaying cottages swallowed by the encroaching wood. Only a few inhabitants now call Lapo home, crofters and hunters in isolated cabins living off the land when they can, journeying to the nearest towns to trade for supplies and food when they can’t.  There are signs of coming and going, but nothing that would indicate who it was in particular.

“Hmmm... why did we come here again?” Krusk asks everyone.

"Well, this is where we thought Maghiel might be headed. But I'm not sure what she'd want here. It's possible it's connected, though; I suppose we should find out."

"Based on what we saw back at the Academy, I would say that this place must have some significance. Let's talk to some of the people that live here and find out what happened." 

The closest sign of life is a single point of light, flickering in the window of a cottage half-hidden behind the trees.

Hallanann walks up and knocks on the door. "Hello?" He calls out.

Krusk is with Hallanann at the door, with hit Pike +1 at the ready. “Just in case of anything,” he tells the group.

Lia hangs back, her heavy crossbow ready as she looks around. She would stay where she would not be visible from the cabin though, not wishing to alarm anyone inside by the readied weapon in her hand.

Chikra will hang back as well, but visible - too many heavies at the door might not be the best idea.

Vor will blend into a shadowy spot and await developments; short sword at the ready.

Stealth   18

When Hallanann raps on the door, a thunderous low barking in heard coming from inside.  It sounds like a large dog charging at the closed door that separates you from it.  "Who's there" the thin voice of an old woman asks through the door.  "It's not Tuesday, so I know you're not my daughter.  What is it you want?  Have you come to tell me another one of my friends has passed away? If you have something to sell, I don't want any."

Newa tries to stay concealed but ready to act with her bow drawn...

stealth: 18

Hallanann, initially surprised by the battling dog, takes a half of a step back. He clears his throat and answers, "No, ma'am. My name is Hallanann, and I was wondering if my friends and I might be able to ask you some questions."

Krusk is silent. He’s more of a listener than a talker, but his grip on the pike on his back relaxes.