The beginning of the truck towards the east was relativly peaceful, with the sharp eyes and nature skills of both Thum and Naeldil complimenting each other (much to the elf’s dismay). The elven hunter found that the barbaric orc blood had some skills in tracking. Along the road east it was relatively hard picking up a specific trail, but once the trail turned north, both found a trail little more that an animal path leading east around a small outcropping of rocks. There they found a obvious trail leading into the mountains.

From there the group traveled up and down the mountainous trails and find a well used camp, protected in a cave with a natural chimney. The sight looks to have been used as recently as a week ago, though no signs since can be seen.

With guards posted and a fire out of sight, the group have a comfortable night and set off early.

The second day see’s Naeldil’s skills tested as well as help from the sharp eyes of peregren. The strain, hard to find amongst the rocks, was spotted several times by the sharp halfling eyes.

It was getting onto a few hours past noon when an obvious trail was found leading up. The trail leads into an ever-narrowing defile between bluffs of wind-sculpted sandstone. Eventually the walls draw in so closely that you can reach out and touch either side, but then the narrow space opens into a hidden canyon in the heart of the hills. A sprawling monastery with dark, narrow windows and red tile rooftops stands in the middle of this natural amphitheater, ringed by sandstone cliffs all around.

Ahead, a weathered flight of stone steps leads up to the closed monastery door

Sister Tanique was in good spirits,  despite her normal disdain for sleeping outside.   As they approached the door, she asked cheekily
"I suspect,  after what happened to most of us last time we came to a structure out in the middle of nowhere,  perhaps we shouldn't knock this time?"

Thum scratched his beard. "Do we know for sure who lives in that stone building? Can we just break in and start killing everybody?"

Praelia eyed the building curiously.  "Unless this place is abandoned or its inhabitants are fools they have known of our approach for some time.  We made no efforts to conceal ourselves and this monastery seems well positioned to observe the going-ons around it's border."

"While some of our sneakier members may try to hide, I see little point in trying to enter unannounced.  If their intentions are peaceful I would not disturb them, if they are hostile then they have already prepared for our arrival."

She looks around for tactical options.  Any potential cover, especially that obscures sight lines.  She also looked to see if there were any windows, arrow slits or any other kind of defensive advantage offered to the occupants of the monastery.

"We could back away a little and let those who feel they may stealth inside do their work, though I feel we have given up any chance of that.  I do not feel obliged to storm a building when we do not know the intent of the occupants.  I suggest Thum and I approach the door and knock.  Others could stay under cover with ranged weaponry and spells prepared should trouble occur."

Thum smiles. "Sure, I will go. Everybody that meets me loves me. We can even tell them about your god if you like. I could play the flute for them. I can be very disarming." He gives a toothy grin.

"It would seem prudent to observe the place for a while," Peregrin offers. Even when in charge, he's rarely demanding, and being such a newcomer to this group, he lets the big warriors in charge do the planning.

The monastery is a squat building with window slits in the wall. Behind the wall the building with windows and dark stone. The only seemingly entrance a solid looking oak door.

"Among my people, there is a legend of a group of isolated monks that keep to themselves in the area around these lands. They are said to be reclusive and don’t like strangers. The legend doesn't say if they are elemental cultists or not. Maybe have Tanique go up with us. Somebody who can sniff out evilness. Of course, that will tell them we are here. But you said that doesn't matter any more."

Tanique smiled at the half orc
"I, too, have heard of these monks, though they kept to themselves enough that i also hadn't heard details about their nature.   But i can cert go up and say hello, as a fellow traveler seeking religous and spiritual fulfillment. "

"I don't think there is any taking his place by assault, barring some powerful magics or engines. And we do not know who dwell within... I will have to agree with this course of action, just knock on the door and come forward with our purpose here. I will not partake in another filthy deceit, given the direction the last one took. With some luck these Hermits will be able to help us our point us in the right direction. If these strange cultist roam the area, we can depend on the zealots to make themselves a nuisance to the these monks as well."

Peregrin's head swivels back and forth as the group discusses their plan. Knocking always seems the most polite way to introduce oneself. Any proper Halfling would never attack someone friendly enough to knock, even if they were an enemy.

"Seems we have a plan."  Praelia agreed.  "Let's have Tanique serve as a spokesperson.  Thum and I can serve as her bodyguards.  The rest of you hold back ready to join at a moment's notice."

Unless anyone had an objection,  Tanique nodded in agreement with the Praelia and went to knock on the door

Praelia fell into step slightly behind and to the left of Tanique.

Tanique, flanked by Praelia and thum, walk slowly up the path while the others stay out of sight. The tree move up slowly, both thum and Praelia focused and serious (though thum had a slight smile on his orcish face). The others wait what seems an eternity as they made their way up.

The Assimar stepped up, knocking on the wooden gate with a pounding sound. Seconds go by, when a slit in the gate opened, showing a pair of brown eyes. “Yes....what do you want?”The voice is a male, gruff and serious.

With her friendliest smile on her face, Tanique spoke.
"My apologies for the disturbance, brothers, but my party and I were hoping for information about this area.  We're looking for an Ancient Bridge, built by the dwarves of old, and looking for a possible elemental cult that is causing problems for the nearby towns.   I know that your group likes to keep your yourselves, but I was hoping that you might have some information for us."

OOC: 01:27, Today: Sister Tanique rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Persuasion 

The eyes narrowed. “Sorry...we can’t help you.” The slide showing the eyes slid shut.

Tanique blinked in surprise, then frowned in annoyance and knocked on the door more insistently.
"Hey!!!  Hold on there, now!  Do you KNOW how far we've traveled?? The least you can do is talk with us for five minutes!!"

The slot opened again and looked at you. “We have no concern of the outside world...we live our life here. “ The eyes narrowed, “We own you nothing...so be on your way”

Sister Tanique was NOT used to being told NO, and tried to understand the situation this time.

OOC:01:55, Today: Sister Tanique rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  insight.