You look back at what is the center of town and see locals going about their business, some even take a moment to peak at your group before continuing on. It looks like most of them are trying to quick about whatever their business is for the day or just trying to not be out in the open for too long. You get the sense that the rumors of the dragon have everyone on edge and worried.

Lilniana, your eyes pan around looking for an inn which you spot pretty easily, with Shae's mention that you past one on the way here, across to the north of the Townmaster's Hall. You also you see four armed ruffians watching you. All of them are human and wearing grimy red cloaks, their hands on their weapons; one of the four does seem to stand out from the others. A lanky fellow, that stands around a head taller than the other three, with a head of unkempt, snow-white hair domesticated into a small braid at the back. His fingers are banded and his ears bangled with rings of brass and gold, some encrusted with gems, others plain. He wears a sleeved cotton cloak, once red, faded now to burgundy. One of the thugs spits on the ground. “Well, well,” he snarls. "Looks like we have a few new puppies that forgot to pay respects to the big dogs before sniffing around." He puts some emphasis on the word 'pay'. 

"I'm afraid I haven't seen any dogs around, big or otherwise, but rest assured that we will be sure to let you know if we see any puppies.  Tell me, would you recommend the Stonehill Inn," Shae asks, recognizing the threat but lacking any real social tact?

Gymlynn looks past the figures towards the Inn, not wanting any trouble. She takes a quick step back, a bit nervous and unsure - especially of the one who just spoke. ((Rolled perception check: 2))

Sara, seeing a possible opportunity, speaks up, "It is true we are new in town. You appear to be the opposite of that. I wonder if perhaps an esteemed local... businessman such as yourself might be available as a guide. Which of course would entitle you to monetary compensation from us. I think that would satisfy the desires of both of our groups adequately?

Lilniana half rolled her eyes at the upstart and was about to speak up but then decided to watch and see what this local group was all about.

(Insight 13)

Inside Sara's mind is racing but she ignores the ruffian group as a whole and focuses in on just the leader. He acts confident but Gymlynn looks strong enough to toss him across town. Brass jewelry with some gold and gemstones mixed in. A nice cloak, well worn but not torn. Messy hair but the braid means not neglected. So he has money, or at least he did at some point. But he's not interested in more? Must mean he's desperate for help with this favor. Something too much for the group he already has to handle then? Dangerous. But that's fine, I can work with dangerous and desperate.

The Tiefling looks directly into the eyes of the man and tries to match his easy conversational tone, deliberately not addressing the tension of the situation. "Excellent, we have some grounds on which to build a deal then. Might we know what this favor you require entails before agreeing to any formal compact?"

Lilniana got a faint smirk on her face. Favors were a currency she was well aware of in her lifetime. "A favor hm? I think that will work. What favor would you ask of us?"

"How unsurprising. Why don't you come with us then...and leave your...dogs," she cast a glance at the others, "and see for yourself. Hm."

Gymlynn frowns, unsure if they should trust the new individual or not. What favor could they possible want? From the looks of this new person, she figured it wouldn't be something too easy to accomplish.

Keph, as you dismiss the members of the Redbrands that were with you, a few of them scoff and say to each other, "Can't believe Keph stopped us from collecting again. Damn dragon doesn't help either, making less people come to this town." Their conversation fades as they walk off down the road that leads to the base of a hill with a run down looking building on top. The five of you now stand in the middle of the town square with three notices in hand that could be potential jobs. What would you all like to do?

Lilniana votes for checking out the dwarven dig site first. "Collecting from people? I know that type. Pity you had your lot with them, you seem like a better type. Still, an extra body to join us is not unwelcome. Why don't we get to know each other better on our way down then, hm?"

Gymlynn looks at the rest of the group, now with a new member who she is unsure about in tow.

"We should gather more information and equipment if we can." She suggests. "If we are going into the mountains, we should see if we can get mounts of some kind. Perhaps if we locate the Town Master they have some we can borrow?"

Turning from the newcomer to Gymlynn she says, "That sounds like a reasonable course of action. Trust me, there's nothing I would love more than dashing straight to exploring a dig site but my feet would never forgive me if I passed up a chance for a horse or cart."

"Keph, was it? You wouldn't happen to know exactly where the Town Master is at this time of day would you?" Sara asks their scruffy new companion.

“Oh my gods, yes! Let’s go and sit with a strong ale and discuss our next course of action,” Shae says, turning towards the center of town. “I’m just parched and I’m fairly certain I need to dress two…. no three… blisters. I’m so used to going barefoot, these foot coverings are just brutal.”