Chapter 1 - The Beginning

Xadria:
Looking past the elf you are the first to see that the earthen tunnel seems to open up just ahead into what looks like a very large open cave chamber. It looks as though this tunnel cut into a much larger cave system that must run partially under this town. You also notice, as the elf glances back every once in a while to check on you, that he has a small hole in the front of his black robe near his chest.

Ütés:
After a few minutes of coming down this tunnel you are quite sure you are not being followed. You do notice, here and there, small compartments dug into the side of this wall. Most have small mundane items. Compass, torches, rope, backpack. It seems as though this was a tunnel made for a quick exit if one was needed. You have a feeling the owner of the tavern never got the chance to use it. You do also find a small, almost hidden compartment that has a sack with 10 gold and a small golden soldier figure (worth maybe 5 gold)

Crolwell:
You are fairly certain you've never seen any of these people before. You have temporarily forgotten what is even happening right now. Also, for the official record, when people look at you, clutching this fluba, what do they see you holding? What does a fluba look like?

Aelar:
You see ahead to the entrance to the cave, as well as the sack of gold and the golden soldier figure that Ütés decided to leave behind.

The elf is about to turn and address Xadirs when suddenly a yell bursts out in the dark tunnel. Crolwell makes a break past the group, suddenly terrified of what is around them.

Both Aelar and Xadirs reach out to stop the suddenly spooked old man. Aelar just barely misses Crolwell as he scurries past, but Xadirs snatches his arm firmly, halting his dash.

The elf clamps a had over Crolwell's mouth and whispers to him, "Easy old timer, we are all friends here. Shhhhh." He strokes what little is left of Crolwell's hair.

"Please, once we reach the caves ahead we shall speak. There is much to discuss", he looks to Ütés, "your prince", he looks to Aelar, "and your troupe included."

For a moment he stops to see if the sound has alerted anyone to your presence. He gestures you further down the tunnel. You all now see it opens up in another 20 feet into a large cave.

Crolwell's jaw drops open as he sees Xadira (it's difficult to see this through the mass of beard). He takes Xadira's hand and does a little bow.
"The name's Crolwell, but you can call me Crolly. Most call me 'Old Man', but I ain't sure why." He says, giving Xadira a toothless grin.

I'll say the elf clamps a hand over Crolwell's mouth just after this brief exchange.

Ütés:
As the group enters the area that opens up into the large cavern you think you are safe.

The slightly cramped tunnel breaks into a stone cave floor and the roof arches up high above. From where you stand you see a large underground waterfall that leads into a small underground lake. The elf in the robes points across the underground lake, he informs you that your destination is just across there. You can see daylight across the expanse. It seems to be the exit to this cave.

A small trail leads around the edge of the lake and out to this exit. "I am sorry for the haste, but as you may have come to understand, your situation is very dire. We may either try and rest here for a bit and discuss what I know, or we can try and leave the caves and make our way to Neverwinter now."

Suddenly you hear a grating little voice in the shadows and turn to see four goblins, two carry primitive javelins, two have small short swords in hand. One steps forward. "What are you doing in our caves? Have you come to take our treasures? I will kill you either way so tell me the truth!", his manners are obviously lacking.

"Yeah, kill you. HAHAH.", one of the javelin carrying one cackles.

[ GM: This has not officially started a combat, but you are being confronted. ]

The goblins quickly become enraged at being talked down to quickly, then they just as quickly become confused by this elderly man and his instrument. The noise is not exactly grating, but is more just a single note played out loud and repeated in a mock melody.

As Aelar tries to regain control of the situation the lead goblin takes a moment to consider his words. "Give us your weapons and gold, and we will let you pass. I will have the old man's instrument as well. Give us that, and you will be on your way with all of your pieces intact", he sweeps his sword forward, gesturing at the whole group of adventurers.

The goblins do not seem to notice Ütés moving for her sword.