What are they up to?

[Phantom Lamb]

Sestra citizens are abuzz with curiosity.

Several weeks ago, the local militia, the Corsairs, set up a barricade between the town and the Slitherscale lizardmen. The caves have been quiet, with no signs of life from the cave entrance. Some townsfolk wondered if the creatures had moved on.

This barricade had remained in-tact until last night, and it has been confirmed the lizardmen are still living in the cave.

Rumors say several treasure hunters went into the caves seeking "magic crystals." The Corsairs claim it was a Skullcleaver endeavor and will ask the mercenary group for more information.

The group's efforts were fruitless, and they were chased out of the caves by giant lizards. The townsfolk fear retribution; few have gone near the cave today.

[DurinRustbeard]

*Kilinar learned of the expedition lead by Rustbeard and was quick to formulate a letter to the Sestra town fathers and provide incentive for the Cleavers to increase patrols in the town to aid in relieving the tension. After rumor spread of their unease*

To Those whom it may concern,

I would like to offer apologies on behalf of the Skullcleavers for any unrest in your city caused by recent activities of the Skullcleavers. A senior member of our brigade had good cause in gaining entry to the caves along with those who accompanied him. I was assured that the crystals being spoken of in rumor are of a true vital importance to the safety of not only Sestra, but that of Sundren as well. It is in the cities best interest to continue to monitor the activity of the Lizardmen in Sestra. In efforts to rectify any unrest caused by our members recent expedition I will be issuing orders to increase the patrols of Sestra by our Brigade to ensure your citizens safety. I will also be willing to meet in person to help relieve any concerns you may harbor.

Best Regards,

Kilinar Klenk
Steward of the Skullcleavers

[Phantom Lamb]

The letter makes its way to the Corsair leadership.

"Hm. They've done some fine work for us in the past. I just hope they ain't exploiting us to get at minerals and metals, or whatever dwarves want. I'm betting there's something in those caves worthwhile.

Victor, send a summons request back to them Skullcleaver boys. I want to know more."

[DurinRustbeard]

Squads of Skullcleavers are seen patrolling the town of Sestra on regular occasion, varying in sizes as small as two and as large as five. They continue to act appropriately and hope to offer a better since of security to the small town. One patrol was enacted after a group of corsairs was met by the Cleavers Captain Gloirin Ironforge, who then gathered a group of five stalwart Dwarves to patrol the town and investigate the caves for recent activities.

The group's patrol went without incident and they continued to the caves and relieved the guards on duty. The group entered the cave network and returned to the surface much later covered in gore. They brought one injured from the patrol to the temple for healing and then concluded the night at the tavern.

((DM only info))
The group managed to fight their way back to a large section of the cave which was littered with crystals seemingly growing from the rock. They hacked off a piece and have yet to reveal to anyone that they obtained a piece of the suspicious stone of which they've heard many things.

But after having Kilinar take a thorough look at the crystal sample they were able to better deduce some things about the stone. Kilinar deduced that it was a stone native to this realm that possessed some magical powers he couldn't quite understand. He also believed it a very rare crystal that may be completely localized to that particular cave structure. Even though he couldn't determine how it may have done as rumors say, and corrupted the naga his dwarven instincts tell him that this crystal is something best kept from the hands of Nagas, Lizardmen, or Yaun-Ti.

[DurinRustbeard]

A letter to the Leadership of Sestra

Squads of Skullcleavers continue to patrol the town with no hostilities, or concerns raised from the lizardmen and Naga. There has been no request for payment for these services it seems that the dwarves are true to their word and are offering a continued measure of safety to Sesta with no request for compensation. A letter arrived at Exarch Keep (or wherever the leader is) baring the Skullcleaver insignia and sealed with a magical resin to prevent tampering and any others opening the letter besides the leadership of Sestra.

Good sir,

I, Kilinar Klenk, of the Skullcleavers and Gloirin Ironforge, our Captain would favor a meeting with you to discuss urgent matters in regards to the safety of Sestra. It has come to my attention that the caves bare a potential danger even greater than the simple lizardmen and Naga that have come to reside there. In our efforts to keep Sestra safe and well guarded we entered the caves with a small squad and were able to collect a sample of something that needs much further examination than I alone can offer. Please have your most trusted and wise mages available at the time of the meeting. And I trust you to keep this meeting a secret so it doesn't garnish the caves of Sestra, or the Skullcleavers unwanted attention from further nefarious intentions.

Best Regards,

Kilinar Klenk
Steward of the Skullcleavers

[Phantom Lamb]

*An officer reads the letter, then almost falls out of his chair laughing*

"MAGES! Hah! What kind of operation does he think we run around here? Hey Johnny, don't you know some fingerwigglin'? I've seen you do some fancy stuff I ain't never seen before. Yeah, we'll set up a meeting. Might have to outsource though."

*he pens back a letter, agreeing to meet with the Skullcleavers at any time they are available, but requests they find a scholar to bring for whatever purpose they want*