Not having any funds to his name Bazavur simply sits and observes his surroundings as best as he can. Paying particular attention to things people mention as odd or unusual in recent days. Otherwise he enjoys the company of his new companions and tries to get to know more about them, if they are amiable about such things.

perception 13

charisma: 19

Aiwin, you find such a group; two middle-aged humans and an elderly half-elf, seated together and talking. It's hard to see if they were hunters, but they are certainly accustomed - judging by their faces - to an outdoor lifestyle. They nod as you approach and sit down.

Soar, there is no communal room, you can get food and a bed for seven silver total. You hear people talking about farming, news from far lands - including the Cult - and a few speculating about the goings-on in the Tower, though with no sense of urgency; you get the sense that these people have lived a long time with the tower and find it interesting, but are not afraid of it - as they don't go near it, and don't expect anything to come out of it.

(From what you've seen of the tower from afar, you suspect you are within 1,000 feet of it. It's hard to be sure though, and probably borderline. You can't really say how far the edge of the maze is from the tower. It's an odd perspective - judging distances seems difficult, and sometimes the tower appears taller or nearer than others.

Bazavur, you hear much the same things as the others. Aiwin and Varan, what do you talk with Bazavur about?

Varan takes a seat across from Bazavur saying to their server, "Some food and drink for me as well." He turns to Bazavur noticing they didn't order anything and adds, "and the same for my friend here too." 

Bazavur gives Varan a nod, “Thanks. After our. That is to say Soar and my last encounter with the cult I lost a fair amount a gold and some useful magical items I had grown quite fond of.” Bazavur notices Aiwin sitting with a group of locals, “How did the two of you meet?” He inquires as he gestures towards Aiwin. 

Varan gives Bazavur a smile, "Welcome, and I'm sure we'll find plenty of gold and magic items in that tower that will need a new home." He glances over at Aiwin and looks back to Bazavur, "Oh, Aiwin and I grew up in the same area of The Great Forest, we were practically neighbors. Not to mention we've been our fair share of adventures together. How about you? What's the story behind you and your little trio?" 

Soar, uncharacteristically quiet and terse, eyes looking around the room, and also oddly looking like a dragonborn farmer rather than a half-elven hexadin, answers quickly. "I got mixed up in all of this what feels like years ago, but is probably more like a year, when a... let's say an angry, dangerous steer fell into my path when I was keeping a trader safe. A long, long journey later, among a group of people trying to mess with the... steer's friends, I met B here, who wanted to help. And T joined a bit more recently. He seems to know a heck of a lot. There have been aa lot of people along the way, and these gents have been the ones still committed to finishing the job."

She gives them a slightly confused look, unsure if anyone picked up on her terrible code, then goes back to her food.

"Do we want to sleep here, or try our luck under cover of night?"

Aiwin just looks at a seat "Mind if I sit down? Listen to some stories and ask some questions, I'll buy the next round for the table." he asks the group of men holding his mug of ale.

Tobin:

”I am tired, but not overly so.  Perhaps given the urgency of our mission an exterior investigation and a small foray into the maze to get an idea of what we are dealing with would be wise tonight,” says Tobin, “but we did ride a dragon all day…”

Aiwin, the men variously nod and grunt and generally invite you to join them without saying much. 

"I would be game for a foray tonight, if the rest of you are," Soar says.

Bazavur opens his mouth to answer Varan’s questions a bit unsure where to begin, but snaps it shut as Soar begins talking. He nods in affirmation as she continues speaking. Adding, “I’ve previously only been motivated by gold. But dying trying to save the world seems all right to me.” 

To answer Soar’s question, “I don’t see all that well at night. But if everyone else is ready I don’t want to hold us up.”

Varan nods along with what Soar says, only raising an eyebrow at the emphasized word. "Quite the jump from guardin' a merchant to this adventure. Also, gold isn't such a bad motivation for adventurin'; you can buy all types of goods, services, and luxuries if you have enough." He pulls out a set of dice from a pouch and begins casually rolling them on the table as he waits for his food and drink to arrive, "If we're set on this foray into the maze, I won't hold us back. I'm all for leavin' things up to a party vote, and it seems like it would be three to two at least. However, I'm worried that once we walk in, we won't be walkin' out until we make it or get kicked out." 

Tobin:

"I can conjure my spirit guide to explore the entry to the maze without us actually going in, if that is a concern," suggests Tobin. (Manifest Mind can get 300 feet from Tobin and he can telepathically connect with it and cast spells through it).

Aiwin just looks at the men as he takes a seat "Was wondering if you all had any stories about that maze?"

Aiwin, one of the men responds: "Stories? Plenty, I suppose. Tis a dangerous place, and no mistake. Not that I've ever set foot inside, though I've looked - most kids round here have. It's weird, that much I do know. Hard to say where the tower is, or how big it is, one day from the next. I heard tell there's dragons, and strange ooze creatures that suck your bones out from your living flesh, and cat people. You ever heard of cat people? Not tabaxi or the like, I mean regular house cats, living in little houses and farming and all that."

Another man says: "Kid's tales. Sometimes I think people who come out of the maze don't remember half of what went on inside. Some magic, I reckon. I heard old Xonthal was trying to find the secret of eternal life, or make himself into a God, or something like that. You know, there's other gods that used to be mortals, or so the priests say. I heard someone say that the maze is feeding him, draining the blood of adventurers and sustaining his undeath. Because he's a zombie, or a lich, or somesuch, that's how he stays alive. Or unalive or whatever."

The third man, the elderly half-elf, says: "Horseshit! No-one knows a damn things about the maze or the tower, except don't go there and if you do, don't expect to come out again. Even the birds and the other creatures keep a distance. You look like a young lad with a bright future. Be smart."

As Varan pulls out the dice Bazavur adds, “Money was the only reason I joined up with Soar and Jalt. You met Jalt briefly before we departed the council of metallic dragons.” Bazavur sighs heavily, followed by a long pull of ale. “But now I’ve nearly died more times than I can remember and I figure I’ll either live to save the world or die trying. No sense to be collecting what I’m owed if the world could end if I don’t continue.” Bazavur finishes his brew and looks at Varan. “Just thought you should know that… Both you Aiwin really. But he’s over there making friends.”

Aiwin nods as the men talk "Appreciate it, I am indeed young for an elf. This Xonthal, what else do they say about him in this town?"

"He never had all that much to do with the town. Kept himself to himself. Still, back in the old days - this is over a hundred years ago mind - there were folks living in and working in the tower, and they'd come out for supplies or to visit the tavern from time to time. Used to be a good trade, or so they say. Then, one day, he kicks everyone out, and then nothing. No more apprentices, no more trade. It all goes quiet, you see."

"Undead", says one of the others. "Or some magic gone wrong. Like in the stories. Some magic broom he's brought to life and it's drowned him. Or one of the genies got out and killed him."

"No shortage of tall tales, youngster", says the eldest. "Not much in the way of facts, but folk like to talk, no mistake about that. I don't know if there's much anyone could tell you that would help you, if you're trying to find your way in. Other than, you know, don't."

Tobin:

The gnome continues to sit and eat/drink, listening in to conversations and savoring the calm before the next trial.

Aiwin just nods as he sips listening to the stories of the tower "I appreciate your time friends. Hopefully we will meet again and I can tell you what really went on." he just stands up looking at a nearby server "Their next two rounds are on me." he says as he just nods to the men and then walks back to his group sitting down and thinking about the information he gathered.