"Agreed. The carvings are from the ancient Aaqa people. All the cairns in this area are tombs of individuals who fell in battle against "The forces of chaos". Details on this unknown force are scarce, but it's known there was a Darklord called "The Queen of Chaos" under whom they fought. Her actual name has been forgotten by history as the victorious Aaqa spent much of their time erasing her existence from the world. Regardless, she and her most powerful minions were finally defeated on the "volcanic plane of Pesh"; here.
According to the culture of Aaqa, fallen warriors were always to be buried where they died because their souls were supposedly bound to that location. In most cases, this meant simple graves for the dead. However, a large number of the nobility - including several princes, major military leaders, and at least one "Wind Duke" - their most powerful of mages - died here. As such, grand tombs were commissioned; the Cairns.
The carvings in each tomb depict the lives and heroic deeds of these powerful individuals. The Stirgenest Cairn was dedicated to a powerful prince of the empire. The carvings in the tomb have largely been documented or lost, but have lead to most of our understanding of the empire since the heart of the Aaqa empire was consumed by the mists after the death of their own darklord. The new carvings are of a battle against some great monstrous spider. They are of particular interest because it's believed that such a creature was responsible for the death of the aforementioned "Wind Duke" and the shattering of a powerful magical artifact known as the "Rod of Law". Said artifact's remains are of understandable mystical and historic significance. Hence, us."
James took in every piece of information with an uncharacteristic glee. While he didn't show it, James enjoyed learning. Especially because he could remember back when he knew nothing at all, when words were something he knew, but didn't really understand the origin of, and when everything was new. He didn't know too much about what the mage was talking about, but it was simple to understand, and he started putting it together with information he had gotten before.
I wonder what the "Rod of Law" did.
Could the remains be used for alchemy? Before he got the time to ask, the elven woman spoke up, greedily bringing the topic back to what James had said in order to get their interest. The treasure.
"The secret treasure vault however is of more material significance so if you'd be so kind as to start walking..."
Oh, of course. Let's talk about the money.
"Fair enough, there is only so much night to go on," he muttered as a reply, and started walking, though he stopped, slightly. "Actually, you lot should get yourself prepared for this, I have something to pick up. I'll be back before you know it." With that, he went to get his tools. While James doubted he would need all of it, he had a secret hope of being able to make it out of this place and never return, ever again. Besides, the larger coat had many pockets, and his tools didn't take up that much space, not when he took them apart and split them across his pockets.
When he was prepared to leave, rather briefly afterwards, he went to the group again, and started leading the way, though he was careful to let the woman that had mentioned being a local, influence where they went. Of course, he didn't let her lead entirely, what good was his eyes if not for finding the safest route in the increasing darkness?
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James had kept his silence during the walk. Questions had been asked about where they were going, but some of the others had boasted the same knowledge as him, so he left it up to them to answer. Besides, he wasn't exactly in the mood to talk, the group had increased yet again, and it had dawned upon him just how many people there were, many of whom could best him in combat.
It should be safe... I share a common goal with most of them. It would not benefit them to get rid of me.
Of course, ensuring that he didn't give them a reason to do so by speaking, was something he considered a task. James didn't know why, but people never really had much of a fondness for him, even without him trying to be rude or antagonizing. Obviously, that made him realize one thing; there was no reason to try to make them like him, simply to ensure they didn't see him as a liability. While he didn't exactly enjoy not being liked, it was better to keep people away than to risk their anger.
Or so he reasoned, anyhow. After not too long, they got to the Cairn. The tomb was beautiful once, but now it was faded. Eery too, with voices and whispers filling it. Likely the wind, but James took care to keep an eye on the dimly lit halls. Unsure of what to expect, he waits for the others to act, not out of cation, but out of curiosity. Do they find it threatening, or do they simply not worry?