Zhi calmly listens to the three (of five) questions, expression slowly twisting into his usual, annoyed sneer. He wasn’t getting many answers he liked. And Zhi didn’t like anything other than the answers he wanted.

“Is there anything else we should know about the Drow?” he asks. And only after the previous question has been answered, he finally says - with a snarl; “Were you this useless when you were alive?” 

Once the five questions have been answered, Zhi lets go of the body and allows it to slump to the ground. He stands and disgustedly looks at the blood coating his gear. A wisp of sparks shower over his blue robes and black scales, leaving it entirely spotless. Zhi didn’t like filth. He was too good for it. It was only then he realized he attracted a small audience. Good. His magic deserved attention. His power deserved recognition. Most of all, he gives a nod in appreciation as - this time, at least - he was allowed to complete the spell without further interruption. He knew Mock was fascinated by some of his magic. If only she was a bit more patient to come about actually reading, Zhi would have perhaps offered to teach her a thing or two about magic. He motions over to another body. The show wasn’t over.

“No, Doc. I was interviewing the head of the dwarves’ assembly.” It’s clear Zhi meant literally, the head, and not the position of leader. Zhi brings out a handful of snakeskin and promptly lights it on fire in his palm as he sets his crystal ball to orbit in the air as a Zone of Truth spell floods the area in a dim, blue light. He then casts another Speak with Dead on the head of K’Chouk, now sure she wasn’t going to lie to him. He leans in close to the spirit of the Drow, blue tendrils tethering her soul to this realm as he whispers- “Are you of, or do you work on behalf of, House Gullion? Where is the safest route for non-Drow to find House Gullion? What noteworthy defenses or guardians does House Gullion contain? When is the most opportune time to attack?”

If K’Chouk doesn’t want to talk, Zhi dominates what remains of her mind with a Suggestion spell, forcing her to fail the save with a 7 Portent (unless she has +8 to Wisdom saves). Zhi is very good at getting answers from people. After all, that was his job in the Orzhov. That and killing people who were…problematic. 

Is there anything else we should know about the Drow?
They have white hair.
Were you this useless when you were alive?
Well, your mother didn't think so.

Are you of, or do you work on behalf of, House Gullion?
Yes.
Where is the safest route for non-Drow to find House Gullion?
Sometimes through The Back Road, but other times through The Long Road.
What noteworthy defenses or guardians does House Gullion contain?
Our sheer numbers and tenacity.
When is the most opportune time to attack?
After we launch our army towards Embla.

Here is the current map of the area of Underworld portion of Aventyr. AREA 7 is Embla, and AREA 13 is the city of Holoth. Looking at the known map, there appears to, really, be only one way to Holoth: south from AREA 7 down the Long Road right into the city. If that's the only path, then the Drow most likely take it too. Could there be another way?

Daewen inscribes in the dirt "I vote we take The Back Road...likely less travelled?  But rest and heal up here first?"

"We should do some research on this 'Back Road' before making a final decision.  Either way though, I agree that we should rest up for a day (and probably two) before moving out; we've been moving nonstop since Rybalka and our bodies and minds could use a rest.  Plus I'll probably need a day to stock up on supplies.  I should also send word back to HQ and attempt to reach..." Doc replied before muttering to himself a long list of tasks that he suddenly needed to accomplish. 

It should be noted that taking The Back Road can only be done by going through AREAs 4, 5, 6, and 12. Not in that order.

OOC: I think the group will rest & heal up for the night, go shopping, and then hit the road....whatever road we decide upon.

Ok. I'm ready to progress whenever someone gives me the word.

OOC: Word

Which path are we taking, then?

Taking The Back Road, you begin marching towards AREA 6. 

The Back Road is a labyrinth of caverns and cliffs. After a number of hours walking, you come across a huge body of water. It's a lake that cuts directly across the massive passageway. The waters of the lake are acrid and milky. Chalky crystals that pool along the lake shore crunch underfoot and echo across the body of water. The water itself does not look like it's fit for drinking. You can hear someone talking to themselves in the center of the lake. In this very center is an enormous stalagmite - it's home(?), where a small creature, a gnome, is having a conversation with itself. A rowboat is attached to the stalagmite.

Daewen, unsure of the sanity of a small creature like this all alone in the underdark and talking to itself, sticks to the shadows and waits for someone in the group to talk to it.

Perception check to look around the area for anyone one / anything else that might be hiding here: 6

Nothing you can see. Just an albino gnome hanging out on a stalagmite in the middle of the lake.

Arora walks up to the edge of the milky water and calls out to the apparent Gnome "Hello?  What's you name kind sir?"

The albino gnome, looking into a mirror, startles upon hearing Arora's voice. He looks in your direction and yells across the lake in a comical voice that sounds like Danny Devito. "Oh! Hello random group! Do you wish to pass across the lake?"

"Yes, we would like to cross the lake... are you able to provide safe passage?" Arora yells back hoping that his twin brother Arnold isn't going to show up...

Neph says “Who are you that lives in this place?  Can you tell us about this water?  Doesn’t look like it is potable, is it good for treatment of any rashes or conditions?  Or will it cause one?”  He asks in his best Graham Chapman voice.

"Yes, we would like to cross the lake... are you able to provide safe passage?" Arora yells back hoping that his twin brother Arnold isn't going to show up...

"I am!" he says, amazed at the fact he can. "For the mere cost of 2 platinum pieces per person, I would be happy to bring my rowboat across and transport you all! Isn't that fantastic?"

Neph says “Who are you that lives in this place?  Can you tell us about this water?  Doesn’t look like it is potable, is it good for treatment of any rashes or conditions?  Or will it cause one?”  He asks in his best Graham Chapman voice.

"Oh, those are good questions! Some I might answer, some I might not! 2 platinum per person! Do we have a deal?" 

Zhi has been, well - for him - unusually reserved and nasty since the conversation with the dead people. He spent the night purchasing a new book and refreshing on spells. Demon-summoning time it is.

2 Platinum pieces per person? In Zhi’s mind, this Gnome has downgraded from a potential ally to a blood bag. He lowers his voice to a low rasp - “Extortion. Clearly. I know Doc has advised against me…negotiating…with the living, so I suggest someone else do the talking while the gnome is still capable of speech.” He shoots a glare at the Gnome and turns his snout up. -2 Persuasion won’t do much to lower the price. 

Portents: 15, 13

Arora looks back at the others "That's a hefty price to cross over, Doc would you mind chatting with him to see if you can persuade him to lower the price or give us some kind of deal/break?"