dantiesilva
It has been four hours  of easy travel since the lot of you left your home of Idar Hole. The sun is high in the sky as a gentle breeze blows a nice cool wind keeping the dry summer heat at bay. When the call went out from Roland Idar, the towns elected leader and founder of the small hamlet, a few people seemed interested including a stranger from down south as well as one of the an older gnome a few of you knew from around town. In the end though it was only the three of you, all who grew up more or less together, who stayed and actually took on Roland's little job to explore the strange ruins that had appeared in one of the grain fields on his land and determine if it was a threat to the town.  "Don't forget,"  Roland stressed to the three of you, his age showing in his weathered features,  "your task is to determine if this ruin poses a potential threat to us, not for you to go and fight whatever might be inside. If anything goes after you three flee and report to me. I will go to handle it."  Roland told you, and while anyone else in the village making such a claim may have caused you three to laugh Roland was one of the few people to have survived the war. The Halberd that hangs over his mantle piece may be the only reminder of such days for most in the village, however something in his eyes always seemed off to those who spent to much time with Roland, as if he had seen horrors that no one should. This look often emerged during autumn when goblin attacks on the village were most common.

Walking through the grain field you notice the closer you get to your destination the quieter the typical sounds of nature become. Climbing over a  small rock wall  you look down to your left and notice that something has broken part of the wall. A path of stones can be seen strewn about from the wall leaving a clear path down the middle for something to walk through.

 
 Spoiler: Should you choose to investigate 
 As the group gets closer to the area imprints in the soft ground of cow hooves can be seen in the earth. Looking at the tracks you doubt it was more than one, however for it to ram into a stone wall with enough force to knock a section of it down makes you wonder. What was it trying to escape?
 
Aegis013
Crouching down to investigate the damaged wall, signs of distress, and the tracks, Venator observes   "Somethin' sure did cause a ruckus here. What d'ya say we see where these here tracks go?"  

While his friendly demeanor and intonation seem to indicate a chipper curiosity, the act of licking his tongue with his lips seems to indicate that Venator is really thinking about the possibility of having steak for dinner this evening. After all, why shouldn't this brave band of three enjoy a hearty meal during their task?
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  

Shae crouches down to examine the tracks.

 "Roland asked us to investigate the ruins, not to chase down cows."  Shae chides in what she hopes is a playful manner. This is her first real...mission, adventure? Outside of her father's watchful eye, and she wanted to make both Roland and him happy, and to be honest just get the hell out of the house and see what was out there. Still, the unnatural action of the herd makes Shae uneasy and tense. If beasts had the good sense to flee the area...what sense were they making?

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
I assume the break pattern in the wall is fleeing the direction of the ruins?
 
Yas392
Chaz raise a hand to salute Roland.

  "Got it, bossman."  

After the group scales the grain field and stumbles upon a small rock wall with a large chunk of it chipped on the side with cow tracks, the farmer magician chuckles at the banter between Venator and Shae.

  "It looks like a job for our ranger friend, eh, eh?"  

Chaz playfully elbows Shae before he picks up a hewn stone.

  "I don't mind chasing a cow if they help us learn something about this ruin. The last time we helped you chase and catch something meaty, Ven, you end up cooking up something too excessive. I am not putting ideas in your head."  

He shudders at the drooling meat merchant before he shuts his eyes to concentrate on the scene.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Detect Magic.
 
dantiesilva
Given you are on Roland's land you doubt the forgiving man would take to fondly to the group killing one of his livestock, however the option is there, after all how would he know you did it?

Chaz as you use your powers to detect magic you do not seem to notice anything that would indicate something of a magical nature causing the lone animal to crash into the wall until it fell down enough for it to part through it.

Shae as you examine the tracks, and with your extensive knowledge of the area around the town it looks like the cow/bull is heading towards a local watering hole if it were to continue its path after having broken through the wall and veering to the left.

So the question remains, go find the animal, or continue along to the ruins?
Yas392
  "My mage senses pick up nil magic."   

Chaz heaves his backpack strap that has loosened to the wayside back to its original position, bouncing his backpack.

  "I have no experience in animal husbandry or herding. I am all for checking the ruin."  
Aegis013
  "I just figured that if somethin' spooked 'em bad enough to smash up this wall maybe it came from that there dungeon. And if'n it kills one cow, it might do more damage if it's not stopped."   Venator muses   "But I ain't go nothing to prove it's from the dungeon. Just seems strange."  

Venator stands up   "Plus, if'n it already done killed the cow, then best not to waste, right?"   again alluding to the idea of a steak dinner. After a deep breath and an exaggerated shrug, Venator continues,   "If'n there is a cow-slaying critter, it's not our official job I suppose. Hope nothin' bad comes of leavin' it be."   indicating a willingness to proceed to the dungeon.
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  

Shae rubbed her chin thoughtfully. It was for lack of a better word,  unnatural , a right minded animal would go around a stone wall, not through it. And there was the matter of whether the poor thing had injured itself or not. It was not the arrow straight path to their target, but it might be the truer one, the beast might yield some clue or warning as to what they were facing.

 "Strange indeed. I have never heard of an animal domestic or wild doing such a thing. It looks like the beast is headed to water, there is a spring not too far from here. Perhaps it is best to see if we can find it there and refresh our water supplies before we head into the ruin." 
Yas392
Chaz gestures the opposite direction.

  "So, are you two going to the spring then?"  
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  

Shae chews her lip a bit, it would delay the mission, but it was odd enough that it should be investigated.

 "Yes, I think so. My gut tells me that this rogue cow bears further investigation, it may give us valuable insight into what is ahead. The ruins will still be there. And if not, we will have fresh water..."  Shae shrugs at Venator,  "...possibly beef."  Though what they would do with a couple of hundred pounds of it was beyond her.
Yas392
  "Troublesome. Fine. I know when I am outvoted and beaten."  

Chaz shrugs as he follows his group.

  "I might as well create a little fun."  

He purses his lips though not too taut when he glances sideways at Venator.

  "Though not the beef variant."  
Aegis013
With the decision made Venator says   "Well then, lessee where these tracks go."   and begins to follow the trail.

 
 Spoiler: Survival 
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 
dantiesilva
Following the trail doesn't prove difficult for your group as you make your way to the stream and see a  large white brahman bull . As you observe the large white brahman drinking from the crystal clear stream before the creature, it seems to sense something as it turns to look at the three of you. A gash upon its head is covered in dried blood, no doubt from where it crashed into the wall, however nothing else seems to be amiss from looking at it from this distance. Getting closer could prove more useful, however if the large bull will allow you to get any closer is unclear. After all it ramming into a wall was unusual.
Ancient
 
 Originally Posted by Aegis013 
 With the decision made Venator says   "Well then, lessee where these tracks go."   and begins to follow the trail.

 
 Spoiler: Survival 
 (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 
 
 

  Shae Le Fey  

Initially, Shae was taken aback when Venator took the lead on tracking the bull down, that was usually her job, but he seemed enthusiastic, and seemed to do a decent job of it, so she decided instead to be happy for him.

 "Good Job, Ven."  Shae said approvingly.


 
 Originally Posted by dantiesilva 
 Following the trail doesn't prove difficult for your group as you make your way to the stream and see a  large white brahman bull . As you observe the large white brahman drinking from the crystal clear stream before the creature, it seems to sense something as it turns to look at the three of you. A gash upon its head is covered in dried blood, no doubt from where it crashed into the wall, however nothing else seems to be amiss from looking at it from this distance. Getting closer could prove more useful, however if the large bull will allow you to get any closer is unclear. After all it ramming into a wall was unusual. 
 

Motioning for the group to hang back, Shae approaches the bull cautiously, using gentle gestures and soothing soothing sounds.  You must be calm , her master had told her,  do not insult the animal's spirit with fear.  She hoped she was brave enough, that thing probably weighed over 2000lbs and had made short work of a stone wall.
 "Nice bull, good bull." 
 
 Spoiler: Wild Empathy 
Wild Empathy Check:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 
Aegis013
Venator smiles at the affirmation and when Shae starts to approach he whispers   "What a big 'un. That wound on its face looks bad, but it ain't too likely to die from it."  

After a few steps Venator falls silent and becomes vigilant not to make any sudden movements. His hands go to his shield and cleaver as he watches the bull closely for any hostile action.
Yas392
Chaz steps back to lower the guard of the bull to allow Shae to approach the bull to pacify it.

  "Looks one of Roland's cattle is alive with a flesh wound. Let's hope Shae can talk bull convincingly to persuade this albino to follow us back to Roland so we can skip to the ruin."  

He yawns as he scans the scene for traces of magic. His following actions in the absence of incoming threat is to turn his back to cast prestidigitation, make fragile counterfeit items he can crush into dust and find big leaves he can stuff the dust into and craft into small packages.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Craft (Package)  -  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
 
dantiesilva
 
 Spoiler: Chaz and Venator 
 The two of you watch from a safe distance as Shae approaches the large brahman bull cautiously. It is unclear what Shae is fully doing from your angle however the large white brahman seems to notice as it turns its bulk towards her and begins flicking its tail back and forth, its back hoof stomping slightly at the ground behind it as if it is preparing to charge or intimidate Shae.
 

 
 Spoiler: Shae 
Looking back on your training you approach the creature before you with the respect it deserves, however as you move forward you hear a twig snap beneath your feet, barely audible but enough to cause the brahman to fully shift to look at you as its tail flicks back and forth in and its back hoof begins to stomp the ground beneath it. Clearly the noble creature is spoked by you, however at the moment it only seems to be showing that it doesn't want to be bothered and is not openly hostile. How long this last though is unclear. What is odd however is that this is a domestic animal, it should have a more friendly attitude towards people yet the look in its large black eyes are that of fear and uncertainty not calmness.
 
Ancient
 
 Originally Posted by dantiesilva 
  
 Spoiler: Shae 
Looking back on your training you approach the creature before you with the respect it deserves, however as you move forward you hear a twig snap beneath your feet, barely audible but enough to cause the brahman to fully shift to look at you as its tail flicks back and forth in and its back hoof begins to stomp the ground beneath it. Clearly the noble creature is spoked by you, however at the moment it only seems to be showing that it doesn't want to be bothered and is not openly hostile. How long this last though is unclear. What is odd however is that this is a domestic animal, it should have a more friendly attitude towards people yet the look in its large black eyes are that of fear and uncertainty not calmness.
 
 
 

  Shae Le Fey  

At the snap of the twig and the turning of the bull, Shae lets out a quiet but quite unladylike curse. She halts her progress and respects the animals boundary, and especially that back hoof.  I get you, don't come any closer  , Shae thinks, trying to keep her posture as non=threatening as possible. Having the animal's gaze, she tries again to establish some sort of empathic link with the animal, but at the same time, the look in the animal's eyes seems...odd, almost like a more intelligent response.

 
 Spoiler: What is going on with you Mr. Cow? 

Wild Empathy:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Sense Motive:  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
 
dantiesilva
Shae and Venator you both notice the almost intelligent like behavior in the animal, its not much, however that look of uncertainty is not exactly animal. Once again trying to calm the bull you watch as Shae makes a small amount of progress as the bull seems to calm enough to not see her as a threat to itself. Studying the creature closer with magic Chaz notices the smallests of magical aura's seemingly coming off of the creature, not as if it belonged to it, but as if it came into contact with something. The power is so small however that if you were not this close you would not have even noticed the faintest of fluctuation coming from it like a smoke blown away in a strong wind, gone before you would notice if you were not looking. It is very clear that IT does not belong to the bull and that the bull is a normal bull. No doubt whatever left this barely noticeable aura is what the creature was fleeing from as Chaz determines, after a good minute given how small the magic is, from the necromatic school of magic.
Yas392
Chaz's hand almost drops what he is holding.

  "Ooh, I traced magic. Necromantic. Likely a fear spell. Keep calming him, Shae. He is a normal albino."  

Chaz looks back to his work and knots his package.
dantiesilva
Chaz as you work your package it does begin to take shape, it will take time, but you have no doubt that before the week is through it will be complete and available to sell for a small profit.
Yas392
Chaz finishes his work as he keeps vigil at the ranger and the bison.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 The number of packages:   (1d3+1)[ 4 ] 
 
Aegis013
Venator remains at the ready. Animals like these can be a bit unpredictable but says   "We've confirmed the safety of the livestock, that seems sufficient to me. Shae, I'll leave it to you if you think we can guide it back to its pasture or if we should just head to the dungeon."  
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  
 "Phew, for a second there, I almost thought the bull might be intelligent. You aren't intelligent are you Mr. Bull, and you can't understand me, right?"  Shae feels ridiculous, but not as ridiculous as getting trampled on her first mission. She had heard tales that wizards could snatch a persons soul and but it in "other" vessels. She checks the bull over for any brands or markings to identify the owner.

 
 Spoiler: Where you from, stranger? 
Perception:  (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
 
dantiesilva
At Shae's question the brahman bull moves before turning back to the stream to drink some more water, as it does so a brand of Roland's house becomes apparent showing that it is one of his herd. But where is the rest of the herd, and why did only this one try to escape from the pasture the dungeon was located in? You could try guiding it back to where it came from, thus returning it to where it belongs for Roland however there's nothing that would stop it from simply leaving again at its own pleasure, nor any proof for you to be certain it wouldn't act strangely again as it did to break the wall to get away. The choice to go on back to the Dungeon alone or with the bull is yours.

 
 Spoiler: If you choose to take the bull 
As you begin making your way away from the stream the large brahman doesn't seem to fight you much as it simply follows your lead with ease. However as you grow closer to the stone wall it begins to become nervous once more.
 

 
 Spoiler: If you choose to leave the bull 
Deciding it best not to take the chance to upset the animal again the three of you make your way back to the hole in the stone wall and walk through it. The sun is straight overhead by now, midday, and the tempature is only starting to climb as you finally come to what you can easily guess to be the strange ruins. A large sinkhole big enough for the three of you to walk side by side goes down at a steep slope leading to some stone door with some writing on it. However given how dark it is down the whole vs where you are now, and the distance it is unclear what the writing says upon the door.

 
 Spoiler: Chaz 
As you near the location your eyes begin to detect magic coming from the sinkhole. Focusing further you can see the sickly redish black aura coming off the door, a clear sign of necromancy, and while the strength seems to be faint, the fact it scared the bull means it should not be underestimated.
 

 
 Spoiler: @Everyone  
DC 8 Will save vs a fear "like" effect. It is not fear, but bonuses vs fear do count.
 

 
Yas392
Chaz drinks from the stream and fills his waterskin. He awaits Shae's decision to whether lead the bull back or leave it.
Aegis013
After the decision to leave the bull alone for now and reaching the sink hole, Venator gauges the situation briefly.

  "Somethin's written on that door down there. I'll go look."   Venator says, confidently making his way down the slope towards the stone door.

 
 Spoiler: Will vs Fear 
 Will Save here 
 
Yas392
Leaving the bull behind and skipping straight to the dungeon, Chaz shudders.

  "So, this is the necromantic source..."  
 
 Spoiler: Will Save 
 Will Save:   (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  

Shae pulls herself out of her bad mood at wasting time chasing the cow. It didn't pan out, and wasted valuable time. She would have to do better in the future. She peers into the darkness, her keen eyes trying to penetrate the murk.

 "Sure looks ominous." 
 
 Spoiler: Peers into the darkness. 
Looking into the darkness, low-light vision. PERCEPTION:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
 
Yas392
  "Very ominous."  

Chaz yawns. He sweeps a rock up from the ground and cast light on it, illuminating the writing for him to survey.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not sure if we can Take 20 (Are we threatened by the uneasy emanation once we saved?). If can, he will do it. If not, his roll is below.

 Perception:   (1d20+1)[ 16 ] 
 
dantiesilva
The time spent on the bull proved not to be as useful as the group previously thought it may be however they did learn whatever was at the ruin's had something to do with necromancy. Not in and of itself a large clue, but a clue none the less.

As you arrive at the hole in the ground and look into the necromatic aura tries to scare you all away however you were prepared for this as the group steels their wills and ignores the effect. Making your way down the slope, the ancient writing becomes more clear as what appears to be an ancient form of elven script is written upon a stone door. Though a door may be an overstatement as their is no keyhole, nor nob to turn. Pushing against the door seems to have little effect even with your combined strength. There is however a hole in the floor, barely big enough for a rock to fit through. No air circulation seems to come out of it.

After twenty minutes Shae and Chaz agree on the translation of the ancient script to more modern terms and read aloud as follows.

"Those who wish to disturb this curse
Must first give what came first.
Man and beast both do have it,
And to open it must give to the pit."
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  
 "Ooh, a riddle,"  Shae said nervously, more to break the tension than anything else.  "I'm not very good at riddles."  She chewed her lip a bit, having a think on it.

 "Blood maybe? It seems like the thing a creepy scary door would like, and both man and beast have it. Should we pour some blood in the hole?" 

She was sure who's blood it need be, perhaps she could shoot a rabbit for the evening meal and feed the hole its blood.
Aegis013
  "First thing living critters do is breathe right? Maybe it means breath."   Venator crouches down and tries blowing into the hole, looking like an utter fool.

When that inevitably doesn't work, he stands up, scratches his head and says   "I reckon your idea is likely better, Shae."  
Yas392
  "It could be a babe. The hole is small enough to fit that through. We will need to hunt an animal newborn and sacrifice it to the hole if blood or the air we breathe does not suffice."  

Chaz smiles in amusement, watching Venator blows into the hole.
dantiesilva
As the group determines that the riddle must be referring to blood, Venator blows air into the hole and nothing happens as he suspected it wouldn't. The easiest solution to open the door would be for one, or all of you, to bleed into the hole, however that could leave you weakened. It would take more time in the long run to track down an animal, unless you used that bull you found, bring it here, and bleed it over the hole. Followed of course by having a good meal, after all no point in wasting a good meal if it worked to open the door, before entering. The quest of course was simply to determine if this ruins was a danger to the town, it remains sealed and seems to require blood to open however. In theory whatever is locked behind that door could not leave if unopened thus proving that this ruin is not a threat. But then what mystery would be left unsolved? Besides why is elven writing on the door, as elves have not lived here as long as any of you can remember, well besides Shae, and shes a half-elf who was abandoned here.
Aegis013
Venator thinks for a few minutes   "If we leave without thoroughly checking on things, it'll stay in the back of my head forever. Let's find supper and use it to try your idea, Shae. If it happens to be veal of some kind, we can try your idea too, Chaz."  

If the others are in agreement with finding food and camping here before investigating further, Venator will do what he can to hunt something down with his shortbow.

 
 Spoiler: Survival 
 (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
 
Ancient
 
 Originally Posted by dantiesilva 
  "Don't forget,"  Roland stressed to the three of you, his age showing in his weathered features,  "your task is to determine if this ruin poses a potential threat to us, not for you to go and fight whatever might be inside. If anything goes after you three flee and report to me. I will go to handle it."  
 

  Shae Le Fey  

Shae is curious as to what secrets the door holds, but she remembers Roland's words, and how wasteful it was to not listen and chase the cow earlier. Also, though she wasn't shy about blood or bloodshed, a blood sacrifice seemed a bit of a dark act to her, troubling her somewhat.

 "Best to let sleeping curses lie, I say. Roland just asked us to assess the situation, not take action unless needed. It seems to pose no immediate threat. I suggest we at least report what we have discovered and receive further instructions. 

Besides, it would be a shame if they entered the tomb and all died before they could at least report back, she thought somewhat darkly.
Yas392
Chaz does not smile instead frowns in solemnity.

  A few drops of blood is fine. If this riddle requests a large sacrifice of blood as in entire person's worth, I'm out. I am heeding Roland's words. Let's report back to him just to be on the safe side and then we can have fun hunting for your veal, Ven."  

The farmer-turned sorcerer walks out of the dungeon, back to Roland to report back the curse and his stray bull.
Aegis013
Venator trusts his companions.   "If y'all think telling Roland what little we found here is best, we'll do that. My brain ain't fixing to stop worrying about it, though."   he says, satisfied that he's said his peace about the extremely nebulous concern he has about the strange place with Elven runes, necromancy auras, and potentially ritual-sacrifice requirements for entry that simply appeared on the lands.
dantiesilva
The long walk back among the dry summer heat seems to take longer than four hours in your head as the gentle breeze that accompanied you on your way seems to have vanished. Looking to the sky and judging by the sun you suspect Roland is no doubt finishing up whatever he is in the fields before dinner and so you head to where Chaz, with his unique insight, believes you will best find Roland. And as you arrive at the large wooden barn you can hear Roland inside bucking hay bales. It appears he doesn't seem to notice the three of you as you walk in, letting you take a quick look around. Nothing about the place stands out as unusual at first glance, the loft he is bucking hay bales looks mostly empty, with a few crates laying around, possibly full. To the left of the door is a small worktable and a stool. Two stalls line behind the work station on both sides of the barn, with another (closed) barn door. And to the right of the door you are all standing in is a banner of your local lord hanging on the wall, as well as a stuffed, what you would assume to be, training dummy, poorly disguised as a scarecrow.

As for Roland, he wears a simple straw hat, it seems older than the man, and fraying at the ends. His gloves seem to be of a fine cow leather, as he wears a red tunic and blue trousers that are held up by some strange straps that go over his shoulders. An odd color combination, as well as attire for anyone, then again Roland was never fully there after the war most people said.  "Hope those kids are doing okay, maybe when I'm done here I'll saddle up  Jigsy  (name of his horse, something your characters would know) and go and check on them."  you here Roland say to himself as he bucks one of two remaining bales up to the loft above.
Aegis013
Venator moseys up to Roland and reports   "Howdy. We took a gander at that dungeon over there and seems it's locked up tighter than a drawer full of valuables. Gotta solve some puzzle in elven to make the doors even open. Seems like it scared one of your bulls from his pasture, though."  

Feeling like the report is light on details and scarce on important answers Ven scratches his head and looks sheepishly at the others to see if they want to contribute any other findings or if that really covers all that was discovered of relevance.
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  

Shae crosses her arms and listens to Ven's report.

 "Yes, that's about the full of it. We wanted to investigate further, but based on your orders, thought it best to report back first. Your bull seems slightly injured when it broke through the wall, but otherwise intact." 
Yas392
Chaz scratches his head and stays silent as if waiting for Roland's response.
dantiesilva
Roland listens to the report intently, taking out a red handkerchief and wiping away the sweat from his brow after removing his gloves.  "A puzzle in elven, odd I haven't heard of any elves being here as long as I have been alive, and my parents never said anything about any either."  he says looking over to Shae,  "Truth be told your the first person with elven blood I have seen in this town minus a trader passing through every decade or so." 
 "As for my bull, you said this puzzle scared it? I don't believe I understand, is it some kind of riddle thats read aloud when someone goes near it? And to scare it so much that it would break through the wall is even odder. If you tell me where he is I will take him back here to examine him more closely and make sure there is no lasting damage. If there is, perhaps I can count on your family Venator to butcher the bull and we can work out some fair split."  Roland asks as he wasn't there.

 "I want to say thank you for doing this simple task, knowing that this place seems to be locked behind a riddle makes me think perhaps I should just try and cover it back up. However first your reward for your aid."  he says walking over to one of the stalls and reaching to a haversack hanging on the wall.  The item seems well made, of finely tanned leather, with brass hardware to keep it secure. "This should do nicely."  he says before walking back to the three of you.  "This here is a simple magic item from back in my younger days, I have no need of it anymore."  he says opening it up and pulling out three glass bottles with a red liquid inside.  "This haversack can hold a great deal more then one at first would believe. If you three are serious about wishing to explore the unknown around here I suspect it will help you greatly. And these are potions, that should heal your wounds. They are old however so I cannot promise how effective they still are."  Roland warns.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Pausing it there to see if any of your characters have any response to his idea of trying to simply just rebury it, or have any other ideas before moving on as I don't want to simply take away the player agency and move you to three other quests you could do.
 
Yas392
  "Oh, he is staying at a stream where his tracks lead to."  

Chaz gives Roland directions to his bull as he accepts the rewards on behalf of his companions. He then smiles at Venator.

  "If the bull's going to be chopped up, that will save us a chase for a meat in the wilds."  
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  

The mystery pulls at Shae. No elves here...She had spent so much time amongst humans being raised by them, the elven side of her heritage had seldom come up, as if it had an opportunity to. Shyly, Shae stepped forward.

 "We could...try to investigate further... 
Aegis013
Ven smiles at the mention of his family getting work, but happily adds   "Something magical about the place spooked the bull, I reckon, but he seemed physically fine other than a small head wound and a bit of skittishness around us strangers to him. I figure he'll still be a good stud for your cows for some years yet."  

Then thinking about the idea of burying it Venator adds   "I figure if we bury it again, it'll pop up again just like a gopher. I don't know enough about magic to be sure or nothing, though."  
dantiesilva
As Roland hears where his bull is and from Venator, a cow rancher himself, that his bull seemed in good health he smiled in thanks.  "I'm glad to hear I won't have to put him down, he is still young and was hoping he would last until the end of winter at the least."  Roland explains.

Noticing Shae's shyness as well as Venators suggestion that burying it may not be enough Roland shrugs.  "If the three of you feel confident in solving the puzzle and begin able to braze these ruins I will not stop you. And I am sure if you mention the ruins to Ebis he may offer you some kind of reward for any kind of magical trinkets or artifacts of the past you may find within. Just be careful, I know the pull of mystery may be strong at times, but one must know when to value their life more then the adventure. I have been blessed to see you all grow up into fine young adults, and I am sure you will use your best judgement. You have my blessing to investigate the ruins on my land still though if that is your wish."  Roland says looking up at the sky as he holds up four fingers underneath the sun to where it meets the ground as if measuring the time of daylight left.  "If you are lucky you have two to three hours of sunlight remaining, if this is a magical ruin with a riddle as you have suggested I do not believe it wise to go to it tonight. I am about to saddle up Jigsy, was going to anyway to go looking for you anyways, to go and get my bull and bring him back here for the night. So if you don't have anything else to ask if you will excuse me so I'm not out to late." 
Aegis013
After Roland's goodbye, Venator looks at the other two.   "What now? Buy a baby chicken or something and go back in the morning to see if we can open those doors? Or mayhaps we oughta speak with Ebis and see if we can wrangle up some info?"   He tosses out a couple ideas and waits for the other two to weigh in.
Ancient
  Shae Le Fey  
 "The pull of mystery..."  That seemed to sum up Shae's feelings quite succinctly. Life was a little boring, and something about this enigma called to her. Still, best not to go off half-cocked.

 "Talking to Elbis now, costs us nothing, and may help us finance this and future expeditions. We could buy a chicken and drain the blood, saving it for tomorrow, or take our chances hunting on the road for something fresh. Still, roast chicken is never a bad thing."  Shae said, her stomach rumbling somewhat. The oat and figs she had been eating had been sufficient, but all of Ven's talk of steak had definitely whetted her appetite.
Yas392
  "Nope. I think getting the bull back is a good time right now. We need some time to ourselves."  

After Roland departed, leaving the group in the room, Chaz listens to the others.

  "I am leaning towards hunting today and tomorrow. Buying meat is boring, I rather touch grass. Let's get the Ebis business over with first."  

He begins to walk to where Ebis is located.

  "Hello Ebis, our merry band unearthed some ruins that might be of interest to you."  
Aegis013
Venator nods in agreement since it seems the group has agreed to see what information Ebis can provide and accompanies Chaz and Shae to make the visit.
Yas392
Chaz discloses all the group knows of the ruins.
dantiesilva
Leaving Rolands farm you make your way to the outskirts of town where the a great stone door is built into what was no doubt at one point a cave entrance. Built atop the mountain stands a large stone tower made from slate that seems to absorb the dying light of the day. As your group approaches the great stone door carvings of two dwarven defenders with halberds crossed as if locking the door seem to stare at you with unmoving and lifeless eyes.  "Ruins, here, prosperous. Who is at my door?"  One of the engravings replies, though it seems whomever is speaking seems to have forgotten their spell as they begin rambling.  "Ruins here, that would make them at least five centuries old...." 

As The group explains who they are Ebis stops speaking and the doors swing open.  "Byron will escort you upstairs to the waiting area."  The voice calls out as a  badger  stands before you all inside the cave entrance. It takes a long time as the badger seems to twist and turn through the natural caverns that are barely tall enough for a human to walk through, no doubt a defense of the tower, before you are brought to a spiraling staircase that leads up to a cozy looking sitting room set with a pot of steaming tea, four cups, and some small pastries on a plate. Sitting in a goofy looking chair that has more cushions then it seems to have practical use. A sofa sits opposite of it as well as a simple wooden stool for a third person.  "Please all of you take and explain what you found more." 

Ebis sits patiently in his chair, sipping his tea, after pouring you all a cup, as his pet badger seems to eat one of the pastries. He listens intently as you explain what you find, and while it does not take long for you to explain what you found and observed it takes a good amount of time for Ebis to speak, stroking his red beard as he does so.  " Hmm interesting, it is clearly some necromantic magic as you no doubt summerized guarding the entrance. And from the riddle you said was on the door I have no doubt you are correct, or at least partially. If these are elven ruins and they didn't want anyone unsealing it, the blood of just anyone might not do it. After all why would an elf want say a human or dwarf entering something they sealed? As to why they sealed it, I cannot say. Elves are a long lived race, and if it was locked up it could be a prison of some kind. Leaving a key could mean that at one point they perhaps thought the prisoner or prisoners would one day be able to return to society. However why would they leave the prisoner there for so long and let it get buried?"  he says thinking.  "So why come here, I am more then welcome to paying you for any relics you find within of course, but you have not been inside as of yet. Do you seek some form of magical aid?" 
Aegis013
  "Well, we were hopin' you could give your thoughts on that riddle on the doors that Chaz told you about. Or if you've heard of anything like it. We just wanna be as ready as can be for whatevers inside if you have any guesses as to what that might be."   Ven says sheepishly.
dantiesilva
 
 Originally Posted by Aegis013 
   "Well, we were hopin' you could give your thoughts on that riddle on the doors that Chaz told you about. Or if you've heard of anything like it. We just wanna be as ready as can be for whatevers inside if you have any guesses as to what that might be."   Ven says sheepishly. 
 

 "I see, well in that case I would have Shae be the one who donates her blood if it is an elven ruin and written in elven, though I suspect you are correct any may work."  the gruff dwarf says in his voice that sounds like loose gravel.  "As for having heard of something like this before, the elves used to live upon much of these lands, though elves may be the incorrect term for those who called these lands home before as they were more akin to fey then the elves we know of today. It is said that these elves lived more in tune with nature and thus were against anything unnatural. So a curse to them may have something to do with undeath, a plague, something that effects the seasons or crops. When it comes to the undead I could offer you a crossbow to use that is infused with magical properties that are stronger against the undead. However if it is something to do with plague or the weather being kept within I would have nothing of use. That won't account for any guardian or traps they may have left behind however...hmmm."  Ebis thinks for a few moments.  "I could sell you a scroll that will allow you to speak any language and read it. In return I would ask that you bring me all written records found within the ruins, magical or otherwise. If they are worth more then the scroll and the use of my crossbow I will pay you the difference in gold. What say you? 
Aegis013
Looking to the others Venator simply says   "It sounds like a good deal to me. What do y'all think?"  
Yas392
  "It seems fair."  

Chaz turns to Shae.

  "Are we going to extract your blood to a container tomorrow in town? We have people who can heal here so we best do it in town before we depart to the ruins."  
dantiesilva
 "Excellent, in that case."  Ebis pulls a bag from under his table and reaches inside, a moment later a darkwood crossbow with bronze inlays and hardware is placed upon the table inbetween all of you. Next he grabs a scroll case and reaches within, his entire arm seeming to disappear for a few moments before at last he pulls out a scroll and places it upon the table.  "Is there anything else I can help you with?" 
Aegis013
Ven collects the crossbow and then passes the scroll to Chaz, who may actually be able to make use of it.   "Could you spare an empty vial or some such? For the blood?"   he asks, realizing how strange the words coming out of his mouth are only after they've passed his lips.

  "Oh, got any bolts for this thing? I ain't got much at the moment, but I'll pay for 'em."   he adds, rummaging in his coat and producing four silver coins.