Thanks for all the advice, guys, good stuff. I think I will end up doing a combination of the suggestions here, as some of you put up some things that tie in well with other elements of my ongoing campaign. I think what I am going to do will look something like this:
-PCs arrive in Winterhaven, meet locals, investigate caravan problems (the hook that brings them there from Fallcrest) and learn of Irongut and the kobolds, who are working for the Night Fist, an enemy mercenary company of the PCs, and of course, have the links to Kalarel.
1. Irongut and the kobolds
This leads the PCs to the Dragon Graveyard, as the Archchancellor suggests, where they attempt to stop Kalarels agents from digging something up. Whether or not they succeed, they learn that Kalarel is up to some heavy nasty in the Keep.
2. Dragon Graveyard
So they investigate some more in town, likely, and are possibly led astray by Kalarels spy. I am thinking of presenting two approaches to the Keep. One path is the tougher one and its the one the PCs are led to if they listen to Ninaran. This path leads to the graveyard, an ambush by undead forces, and a tough skill challenge to figure out how to open the secret passage inside the masoleum that leads up to the lower level of the Keep.
3a. Ambush
3b. Skill Challenge
3c. Passage guardian (likely the gelatinuous cube, I love cubes, slimes, and jellies)
The somewhat easier path would be to apprach the Keep directly, which isn't as well guarded, as they know the villagers won't go anywhere near it. Still, with warning from Ninaran, the guards are ready. But the PCs have a chance to be ready, as well, and to take tactical advantage.
3. Fight at the entrance against select members of Kalarels people
Either path leads to:
4. Sir Keegan
5. Kalarel
I like keeping most of the adventure out of the dungeon, as when they finally get there, it's the dramatic setting of the Cathedral and the Shadowrift. I think that will be fun.
Thanks again all.
