Rhogar closed his eyes and grumbled a little, before then sighing and reluctantly looking to Professor Skant. "Honestly, I am no less reluctant to further engage with them than they are with us... But, for the sake of our mission, Skant, suggest to them that, at minimum, an exchange of information can prove far more efficient use of their time than exploring alone. Hint at us knowing what lies within the tower over yonder, if you think this will entice them further." He conveyed with a touch of divine fervor bolstering the words.   

-Inspired Inspiration: 12. (inspiration deducted)
Plus Guidance: 3. 

Skant conveys the message with calm precision, its ethereal voice cutting through the tense air. The drow’s rigid stance softens, their shoulders lowering slightly, though their sharp gaze remains cautious. Skant turns back, reporting in a measured tone, “They are willing to trade information. This could be an opportunity to learn more if handled carefully.” The tension in the atmosphere ebbs, replaced by a tentative opening for dialogue.

Choose 3 pieces of information you are willing to pass along

"If I were some lout I'd say we should cross off warning them about the 'scrying' device in the tower over yonder -- BUT... But, I think it may go a long way towards a more amicable relationship going forward with them. And easy enough for them to test, if any of them should be brave enough to try it." Rhogar said to the party with a hint of amusement behind his voice. "Then there is warning them against approaching arborteum, least they upset the Nether oak or whatever it was called there. Again, easy enough for them to test out if they should feel brave enough to do so... though I half worry they may try to harm the creature. But for a third piece to share, hmm... We have options, but I'm more curious to hear what the rest of you think before conveying anything further. But do deliberate quickly my friends."

Krom nods in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "I, too, think that we should at least mention the price for using the scrying device within the Tower of Divination. As for the other two pieces of information, beside telling them to avoid the Nether oak, we could tell them about the Magen. They might have faced some already, but perhaps not all their variations." The dwarf pauses "However, I would avoid mentioning where we found Chill's new pet as I fear they might find a way to use that knowledge in an nefarious way."

“Probably not worth mentioning, but we could ask if they are up to combining forces to clear the crawling hands at the Tower of Necromancy.” Kazri says with a shrug.

"We also have information on almost every building and where they are.  We can share that as well.  We know where to go instead of going around blindly."  Chill adds.

"And what info do we want from them?  Hopefully they have found some riddle pieces that can help us along."

"Hmm... All fair considerations, my friends. Unfortunately in regard to, ehh... assisting with the Tower of Necromancy, at best it is a bridge too far and they'll be further disinclined to speak with us. At worse, any dark artifacts yet buried might represent too much of a temptation for them. And we need not another enemy if it can be helped!" Rhogar said with a bit of mirth to his voice.

"As for giving them information about the other buildings, ehh... best we at least limit that a bit to, uhh, one's we visited. And even then, nothing in regards to the 'pet' factory. At least for now for the sake of having more to bargain with. But otherwise, if not information in regards to the proverbial keys to the castle, then at very least if they can tell us about their own general exploration could become a great boon in and of itself!" Rhogar grinned broadly at that.

"So, if none have any objections, let's go with the Tower of Divination, The Magen, and the Netheroak for now. See how they take it." He says, and if all were more or less in agreement, he'd look to professor Skant and give him the go ahead to begin translation. As the group were talking earlier, Gorrah watched the drow closely for any signs of sudden movements out of them. 

"Works for me Rhogar. It's better not to disclose all information at once." Krom replies. "Let's hear what they have to say. Hopefully we will learn something useful from them." Even as he speaks the dwarf's eyes remain fixed on the drow. Though they are not overtly hostile, Krom, knowing all too well their reputation, remains alert and ready to act at the first sign of trouble.

"It works for me Mr. Nimbatuul." Says Kazri as she puts away her sword, but she stays ahead of the group, in case things go south.

Skant speaks to the drow again and a conversation takes place. A short time later their presumed leader, the one with the staff, nods and then seems to bark orders to the other two drow. They then make their way north.

Skant floats back to you. 

"I do not think that they understood the meaning or need of the riddles. They tried to play them off as important but gave up what they knew easy enough. If they understood their true meaning they would, I think, have bargained harder for the information they gave up or would never have told us. In the end I did pass on all the information you were willing to share. They gave me two pieces of information that I believe is helpful to our quest."

He pauses for a moment. 

"They said they have been in two other towers to the east of here. They refer to the Tower of Transmutation and the Tower of Illusion if I am not mistaken. They found words written inside both and say they were

Eighth, stand firm in thy circle of death and consume poison

Sixth, hide thyself behind a mask

They then left and warned us not to follow them."

After the drow are out of earshot, Krom chuckles. "That was easier that I thought. We backtracked to this tower, but in the end, we gained two important pieces for our quest."
The dwarf places a hand on the head of his warhammer, "If they are not after the riddles, we may not cross path with them again."
Adjusting the straps on his shield, Krom looks to his companions "Ready to visit the Tower of Abjuration?"

"Indeed, Master Krom! I most unexpected windfall and one we should certainly capitalize on!" Rhogar admits, before then turning to Chill and with a hand placed on his chest, bowed partway at the waist to the tabaxi. "And to you friend Chill, I do sincerely apologize. It shames me to admit it, but... even as we made our way over I harbored doubts about this engaging the drow." He confessed before coming out of the bow with a toothy grin. "More the fool will I be to ever let such doubt cloud my vision in the future. And pray thee forgive such foolishness this time around."

Gorrah side-eyed Rhogar with a flat look, before sending an image to everyone but Rhogar that of a cartoonish lizard pouring buckets of honey upon an annoyed cat with a king's hat. Just what such an image meant was anyone's guess, but soon after she's shaking her head as she turned to climb into Rhogar's backpack for rest and warmth.

Chill laughed.  "Yes, it worked out in our favor and it was your skill in determining what information they may seek that aided us the most I think.  We are two steps closer to our goal.  Though we have other foes about that we may need to face.  Let us head to the next tower."

Kazri eases her posture as the Drow make their way north. "Now, that was easy." Kazri suspiciously keep an eye on the other group leaves. Just to make sure they are not playing any tricks. "Very well Master Krom. Let us visit this Tower of Abjuration."

You make your way towards the Tower of Abjuration.  Fortunately it is in the opposite direction that the drow go. There is little chance they will think you are following them.

This tower reaches upward like a talon, its stonework studded in chiseled runes. Runes cover every inch of this tower’s exterior. A blue light shines from its highest window.

Krom gestures towards the runes covering the whole whole tower. "Considering what we have faced so far, it's fair to assume that the tower is  magically protected." The dwarf scans the runes before turning towards Rhogar. "Rhogar, can you detect if there is magic on the main door? I have prepared an hymn that might be able to dispel it, should we need to." Krom's right hand rests on the handle of his warhammer as he speaks.

"For what it's worth I hope it doesn't come to that, Master Krom. As I very much doubt that, even weakened, any wards on this particular tower is bound to be exceptional." Rhogar conveyed as slipped out a familiar bulb tipped wand, flicked the wrist, and uttered a curt word of power. And though it need not truly be done, if he had detected anything from the runes upon stepping close to the tower (at least within 10 ft), he'd focus for a moment just to try and glean insight apart of their nature.

-Spending Charge from Wand of Detect Magic, and an additional action to confirm the school.

-Further examining the runes covering the tower exterior to try and discern their function(if any): Arcana: 17.(23)

Chill watches as Rhogar examines the runes. He's encountered many runes in his time as a treasure hunter.  He also steps up and takes a look at the runes.

Investigation 14

"These have to have some meaning.   They can't just be for decoration."

Not an expert in the arcane, Kazri leave the investigations to her more capable colleagues. She instructs Oli to stay outside and watch out for trouble when we do get inside.

Rhogar and Chill examine the runes etched into the stone. Chill, unable to discern anything useful, shrugs, while Rhogar carefully inspects them. With a flick of his wand, he reveals an aura of abjuration magic—indicative of a protective enchantment. As he scrutinizes further, Rhogar spots a hidden glyph: A glyph for the symbol  spell is hidden among them. a dangerous arcane mark that could trigger harmful effects like pain or fear.

He turns to Chill, his voice serious. "These runes are more than they seem. There's a symbol  spell glyph hidden here, likely a trap or ward, protected by abjuration magic. We need to be careful—disturbing it could trigger a catastrophic effect. But what is the trigger I wonder?"