The return to the surface is slow, as the party is aware there is at least one “ghoul kill team” in the vicinity. You finally break out of the tunnels, sunlight never looked so good, even when it’s arcing towards sunset. At Stellas urging, the grate is reinstated, more to protect the unwary than to prevent ghoul outbreaks. As you leave the cave/amphitheater and trudge up the incline, well aware that you’re in a kill box with plenty of ambush hiding trees and ridges, a single diminutive figure meets you at the top of the slope above the sink hole.

Ah! Hail and well met! Success favors the bold, and good news travels fast. While the Darakhul are still numerous, their purpose has been diverted. There are new developments you should be made aware of. Word on the street is that Lady Kiara is holed up in Herr Dugans stronghold. The Zombie Lord she filched from has declared a 10,000 gold bounty for her. 20,000 if she’s alive. He looks Kiara over, as if trying to figure out a puzzle. “The forges are cold at the Kegdrainer Manor. The workers pulled inside for protection, only giving credence to the rumors. I’ve heard whispers that there will be an assault by nightfall.”
This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Sat 09 Jan 2021.

Bohrhorgen gives Kiara a doubting look. "You certainly look like you are here to me.  We should return quickly to lend aid. I would prefer to be alone before we discuss it more."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Mon 11 Jan 2021.

Erh Duggan has been a valued patron let us make haste and rush to his aid.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:39, Mon 11 Jan 2021.

Nic pauses for a moment to feel the waning sun on his face, then squints in the direction of Tymon. "Aye, word travels so fast that one might think the word be ensorcelled."

He looks to the rest of the party, shrugs faintly, and exclaims "I bet the beer is still cold in the forge, provided it hasn't already been drained from the kegs. Sounds like as good as any place to be. I prefer the secrecy of dwarves lately anyhow. They don't mince words, nor do they make them fly with rumorous abandon."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:37, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

Kiara's heart sinks at the thought of Dugan in danger. He had her 6 and its time to repay the favor. Well, If people think I am there, I might as well not disappoint. Lets get going before I lose my last nerve.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:40, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

Stella gazes at the sun, seeing the time until sunset. “No way we’ll make it to town before sunset.” She turns her attention on Tymon, “care to expound  on the timeline and relevant risk to Herr Dugan? There’s always something you’re neglecting to mention.” She turns to look at the rest of you. “And when did you all just decide to complacently accept Tymons’ word on anything? It’s 4 hours from here to Dugans. As much as we all agree that Tymon is promoting his own agenda, including Tymon, he always has good Intel, which we should probably find out what we can, while we can.” She looks around at everyone, a little disappointed.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:56, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

Nic chuckles at Stella with regard to her bemusement and turns his cloak inside out and reclasps it (it looks much nicer), "At no point have I ever given over to the word of the King's bard without the consideration of some sort of omission on his part." Nic turns to Tymon, "No offense Timmy, but I sort of understand what an agenda is and what it means to serve, even if that means serving yourself."

He then turns back to Stella, and glances over the rest of the party continuing to speak, "We must consider this news, however.. ahem, convenient it presents itself, and just why Herr Dugan would be a target, and to whom else might bear him ill will. Is this just about Kiara potentially holing up there? Furthermore, and I say this with the utmost suspicion, why would we put the mouse in the corner when a blind cat does not know it isn't there? I feel that we might just be walking into a situation that isn't warranted for our present company."

Nic looks back to Tymon with a snarky smile, "Though you're more than welcome to check in on Herr Dugan yourself and report back anything you might be able to confirm or deny."

Turning back to the party once more, Nic concludes "Finally, I feel that this present circumstance feels just a bit off if you ask me. Sure, we could stand to use some more information before heading back, but then again, it seems that some little birds are reluctant to sing any further as the night draws closer. I'm not eager to rush into a situation without being prepared, especially if it is merely rumor. I do have concern for our friend Herr Dugan, but if word is true, one would hope he hasn't lived this long by sheer luck alone and without being prepared himself. What do the rest of you think, or does anyone else know how to make a sleepy bird sing more? Talk amongst yourselves, please."

Nic rests his gaze back in Tymon's direction, "Do you care to elaborate further? You know, rumors, maybe some other facts, or say... any little details that might have slipped your mind for some reason?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:20, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

"True enough.  Where did you get this information bard?  Did you see it with your own eyes?  Why do you think Kiara is with my uncle?"

Nic adds to Bohrhorgen's questioning, "How did you find out about the bounty, and who claimed interest in the task?"

Nic, seeming somewhat frustrated, starts to make his way to the top of the hill and the same level as Tymon, and closer to the bard. Something about sitting/standing below someone while they are speaking down to him makes him uneasy.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:46, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

Rowan just gives Tymon a glare, growls a little bit, and precedes to look at him hungrily while picking meat out of his teeth with a sliver if wood.

This message was deleted by the player at 08:44, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

Tymon backs up a little to give Nic room. "Well, since you ask so nicely, there are always mercenaries in town whose greed overrules their sense. A few are drinking and contemplating how best to breach Herr Dugans estate. A certain bee has been spotted circling his manor. And the Zombie Lord, Sir Brallen he calls himself, plots in darkness that even my little eyes and ears can't penetrate. Which is an indicator in and of itself that there is plans afoot. I understand how you might not believe my motives coincide with yours seamlessly. However, I assure you I bear no love for the eaters of small flesh. The Darakhul are becoming too powerful, and all the living must beware their intentions." He pauses to adjust his lapels, impeccably dressed as he is. Twirls his cane and continues. "The other side of the coin is Herr Dugan has been in Zobeck for many years, before the revolt even. He understands security and most times I would not worry overmuch. But I have wind that there are intangibleundead moving up from below to join the Legions. The ability to move through walls and turn others into their own kind can quickly change the tide of battle." He gives everyone a conspiratorial wink,"I don't relay this information because I love the "biggies" as it were. I realize the Herr Dugan is a noble personality and there may one day be a need for a favor for us "little folk". Not to mention the toll the Darakhul are having on my people. Hard as it may be to believe, I do have things I care about, hence my perilous journey into the wilds to bring you this news. He pauses for a moment as if remembering something. "Oh yes, there is also that large lizard fellow hanging out in the sewers by the doorway. He seems distressed.' With that, Tymon looks at you all, his little eyes button bright. Waiting for your reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Sun 14 Mar 2021.

"We do need to see to our allies and let them know we have succeeded.  Having them with us could be a great help at the moment."

Nic replies in kind to Bohrhorgen's last statement, "I agree with you friend. We should somehow lend aid to your uncle and your kin. We are, in fact, in his debt and I consider him a friend to be sure. We've also had our fair share of dealings with the undead and foes who travel through solid objects. As Stella said though, we won't make it back there by nightfall. We, as well as Herr Dugan, have a problem indeed and need to decide a few things amongst ourselves swiftly, yet cautiously. All information, provided it's valid, is vital in the next few hours."

Nic seems to look beyond Tymon's presence in quiet contemplation of the conversation, when a small and barely evident smile appears at the corner of his lips, which quickly dissipates as he brings his focus back to Tymon. "Tymon, and perhaps Stella might also be able to shed light about this question I have as well. Is there any religious sect that might oppose, or have a certain disdain for this Zombie Lord and his ilk? I ask, as it might be worth conveying this knowledge to someone ambitious of the opportunity in the hopes there is a chance to thwart such an assault on our dwarven allies and diminish some of this Zombie Lord's resources and power at the same time."

Turning his attention downhill, he and looks to Kiara, still on the slope, and then back to the grate that was recently put back into place and finally addresses her, "Furthermore, I don't feel that it would the greatest idea if you were remotely close to Herr Dugan's establishment for the time being. Well, at least not in the physical sense. I have an idea concerning Flak and yourself if you'll hear me out in private at some point. It seems bees and gods know what other manifestations could be listening at this very moment."

Nic then turns sideways, his back to the party and left shoulder towards Tymon, as he obscures his face from Tymon and appears to gaze at the countryside, awaiting any answers to his questions.  Nic's shoulders soften, and he interjects amidst the pause, "Ah, and there is one more thing Tymon. Payment. I believe you owe us the answer to the secret of access to a certain doorway. You remember, the one that opened up to the location that shan't be named? A "smuggle'rs dream" as you so eloquently put it."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Thu 14 Jan 2021.