BEST LAID PLANS (published 01/01/2013)

Calipheros looked around the table in the smoky common room of the inn.  The flames of the hearth that warded against the cold night air of Heliogabalus carved the faces of those around the table in dramatic shadows.  Calipheros saw the faces of the past.  No these were not the Reavers of legend, but the decendants of those infamous heroes and the key to what Calipheros craved most, knowledge.

"I want to thank you all for accepting the challenge I've laid before you," began the old sage of Candle Keep....
"I have secured a writ of passage that will allow us to enter Vaasa throuh Bloodstone Pass and explore freely.  As I have already explained, my research indicates that great power and wealth lies hidden beneath Reaver Hall, but it will not be easily reached.  In order to unlock the secrets of Reaver Hall we require representatives of at least four of the original five bloodlines, but that is not all.  Our path is treacherous and the Hall was left well defended.  In order to access the secret vault we must first gather the five keys, each of which is hidden in the five towers of the Hall and they must be discovered in sequence."  Calipheros paused to let his words sink in, reading the expresions on the faces of heroes who sat before him.  If there was any doubt in those faces Calipheros could not detect it, only cool confidence and something else... yes, greed.
"However, I am getting ahead of myself," continued the the wizened Aasimar.  "Great danger lies between us and our goal.  Adventurers tell of a giant tribe that dwells in the Galenas near the Hall.  My plan is to travel to Reavers Rest, a treacherous journey in itself.  From there we may establish our base of operations and investigate Reaver Hall at our leisure."
"My skills lie in the scholarly realm, so I will be of little use in battling monsters and the like, but I can help with deciphering the riddles of the Hall.  In the pursuit of knowledge and survival I will happily defer to your expertise in the art of war.  Now before we begin are there any questions?"  Calipheros was pleased to see the readiness in the eyes of his troupe and knew his treasure was close at hand!