Joshua looks at the well, judging whether it is large enough for him to fit down...

(assuming it is)

"I'll climb down and search for them if you like" he offers, thinking that once he is underground he can take bat form neatly avoding traps and having enhanced hearing to listen for trapped explorers,

"how long ago was the earthquake?"

Morlock takes a look down the well, then says to Joe:

"I agree, you have the best chance to effect a quick rescue. If you run into trouble though, take this ring, so that you might alert Dunn that you need help."

Morlock gives Joe his twin-ring.

"Before you go, though, I think now might be a good time to part those mists I spoke of earlier. If you would be so kind..."

Morlock and Joe approach Nortis in a nonchalant manner, then Morlock will grab him and hold him, gently but firmly, while Joe cures his insanity for a while.

Joe slips the ring on, trying to remember how it works. Then following Morlock he touches his tattoo and then touches Nortis on the head. His tattoo fades slightly.

"you had a little something on your head," he explains, "now wait here while I check what's happening down there"

and he heads over to climb down the well.

The woman, Cora, says the last earthquake was a few days ago.

When Nortis' madness is dispelled, he suddenly appears both ashamed and confused. He looks to Morlan for some explanation when Joshua turns away and heads over to the well.

The wooden brace built over the hole is obviously new, and Joshua can easily climb down on the chain. His infravision extends to the surface of still water in a cistern some thirty feet below. Upon reaching the cistern, he can see that two tunnels branch off (one east and one south). Cora shouts down that they went south, but doesn't know any more than that. The water is waist deep.

With Nortis's madness temporarily dispelled, Morlock releases him and says:

"Nortis, this is Cora. She and her boys are just prospectors the same as you and me. They are not trying to steal from you, any more than I am. Come, say hello."

To Cora he explains (and also for Nortis' benefit):

"Nortis has been suffering from an affliction of the mind, that has caused him to see you as a threat. My friend Joe has cured him for a short time, so that he might realise you are not the monster his madness suggests."

"Nortis, I am sorry, but this cure will only last for an hour or so. After that time you will revert to your former state of mind. Remember this time well, though. Cling to it, for what you perceive now is the truth, and it may give you strength and wisdom when things again look dark and fearful."

Morlock calls down to Joe:

"Joe, take a quick look around and then come back. If they are trapped, chances are that it'll take more than just you to free them. I'll come with you now if you like, but I cannot keep up with you."

Joe takes bat form to speed his search.

Nortis appears troubled by this information.

"I have to find a priest," he says softly, after apologizing to Cora. "I must've encountered some sort of magical trap at the old academy."

He thanks Morlan and the others, then says, "If, as you say, I only have so long then I must hurry."

Down in the cistern, Joshua turns south and races swiftly through the darkness. The tunnels look to have been carved by magical means, leaving seamless stone for walls. The southern passage branches in three directions (southwest, south, southeast) after about 80'. The south passage is blocked by a recent collapse. The southwest passage has an X drawn in chalk upon the wall.

"We have priests among us who might be able to help you." says Morlock, "Mel here is one. If you are right and it was a magical trap that caused your madness, maybe it can be dispelled permanently."

"You mentioned the academy. Have you been exploring it? Can you show us where it lies? That is one of the places we are most keen to investigate, and we have the means to find and disarm any traps that remain."