Investigate the mine

"Well, boss?" Beatrice prompts, spinning the haft of her huge axe in one hand. Her other hand hovers over the rusty metal ring handle, fingers twitching with anticipation. You shake your head and place a palm upon Helen's waifish shoulder.

"Next time, Beatrice. For now, I suggest an air of caution," you reply before casting a glance at the curvaceous brunette behind you. "How long has this mine been abandoned?"

"At least a few years now. No more than five," she says before spitting on the dry earth outside the entrance, "that pig of a lord threw himself off his estate roof when the business went under," Rosaria adds. His loss, your benefit. Still, the double doors stood over eight feet tall and equally wide. Easy access for carts and wagons if you ever needed to form a convoy.

"Wonderful. Please lead the way, Helen," you gesture toward the door, "Keep your eyes and ears open. We may not be the first to claim this as our home." You say this last part to each of them, as you knew such a reclusive abode would be tempting for all manner of creature. Particularly one with such a spacious entrance.

Helen draws a dagger, opens the creaky door, and slinks inside. After a beat, the rest of you follow, allowing her some distance for the sake of subtlety. Rosaria sparks up a torch while Beatrice continues twirling her axe, all but chomping at the bit to engage in melee. You suspect the buxom brute has been ready for a fight from the moment they initially ambushed you.

The stale air inside is warm, but darkness bathes everything beyond the meager torchlight.