- Hey hey hey, not so fast - Saoirse tells Federico and the rest - Let's wait for Hemlock and Sha to rest and recover. Does any of you have healing magic - appart from the goodberries - that can help with their wounds? As I said, we need to be conservative of our resources before entering the mines. 

When Hemlock's starry form fades and the blood becomes more obvious, the bugbear girl approaches him in shame, avoiding eye contact. She digs into her bag and pulls out a potion of healing, handing it to him. "We have no healing magic, but we did come prepared. I am sorry that you walked into our trap." Hemlock grabs a fallen hemlock branch which is just the right height for him to use it as a walking stick.

She then walks back up to Lam, walking as close to him as she can without touching.

The fairies look with a mix of pride and guilt at Sha,  whose sylvan they can mostly understand, although it isn't how any of them speak day-to-day. "Batedor?" They do understand the compliment though. "Gracías, señor gato. Somos aprendices en la Orden del Puño Alado en Castillo Verde." One of them hands you a potion of healing, "Para sus moretones. Los siento mucho."

 There is the distant sound of an explosion in the direction of the mines, and shortly thereafter you can see dust and smoke rising in that direction. You can take a short rest, but this will of course delay your approach to the mines and whatever is happening there.

Saoirse nods in appreciation towards the bugbear and the fairies. Those potions will certainly help undo a good part of the damage received by her companions. She then hands Hemlock and Sha the five goodberries, so they can use them to recover furthermore.

Upon hearing the explosion, the genasi stands in alert but asks friends how to proceed.

- Do you wish to rest further, or to continue and check what that was about? Whatever option will be fine with me.

Whether they continue or stay for a short rest, Saoirse will ask about what the fairies have just mentioned:

 - ¿Vivís entonces en Castillo Verde? ¿No en el Árbol del Pueblo? Nunca he oido hablar de la Orden del Puño Alado, ¿nos podéis contar más sobre ella?

"Sí, hay muchos persones que vivan en el viejo castillo, y hay nuestra orden. Allí aprendemos artes marciales tradicionales, aunque nos dicen que debemos defender la paz interior y todo eso. Yo soy del Árbol, pero me mude al castilo para entrenar. My amiga es del castilo." He indicates the other fairy.

Hemlock bows his head to the bugbear girl.

"My thanks, it was unfortunate that we walked into your trap, that is true. I will try to be more vigilant next time. What is your name?", he says to her, smiling genuinely now she has acknowledged she did something wrong.

He unstoppers the healing potion and drinks it, instantly feeling better, although keeping hold of the hemlock crutch for the moment. He puts the empty potion bottle into his backpack with his herbalism kit.

He then consumes three of the goodberries Saoirse gives him.

When the explosion occurs, he turns his head towards it, his ears perking up slightly.

"I think time is of the essence", he says to Saoirse. "We should move with haste".

As he starts to move he places a hand on Saoirse' shoulder. "Do not berate yourself for your actions earlier. It is not in my nature to expect trouble like that, and I was caught flat footed. It will take time for us to learn each others ways and to anticipate each others actions, but we will get there. And you have obviously inspired the young folk, which helped to avert a confrontation neither side would have wanted on their conscience".

Healing Potion: 5+2=7
Consumes Goodberries: 3 Hit Points

When the bugbear girl’s tone changes with Lam, first he is confused- and then he realizes, and is uncomfortable. “Oh. Um. Thank you. …It is good to meet you,” he says in response to her saying she trusts him. He does not try to talk to her anymore after that and makes small, awkward movements as everyone debates whether or not to take a short rest.

When Saoirse gives Hemlock and Sha the five goodberries, Lam walks over to add his one that he had saved to the bunch, since that one will surely lose potency if not eaten by sundown- and since he feels his own share of guilt for how the fight went down. In doing so, he is relieved to momentarily put a bit of distance between himself and the fellow bugbear who had been standing just a bit close for his comfort. “I am sorry too. I did not…” he did not understand the nature of the situation until it was too late to help. He had responded instinctively and failed to appraise the situation properly. He should have expected trouble and been prepared. Lam bows his head in shame as he makes sure Hemlock and Sha take the other goodberry.

He does not respond to the question about whether they should rest or continue, instead looking at Hemlock and Sha and expecting it to be their decision.

Sha accepts the goodberry from Lam and the other 2 from Saoirse, he eats all three pouches the healing potion at a nod from Hemlock, “Danke Lam, ich wusste, dass diese gute Beere in deinen Händen von Nutzen sein würde. Es ist in Ordnung, zuerst an die Sicherheit zu denken, wir haben überlebt und haben jetzt Freunde außerhalb von Coldwater und Village Tree.“ in goblin-

 Sha looks at the girl bugbear and gives Lam a knowing smile.

To Saoirse, “I think me and Hemlock are healthy enough to continue onward to the mines.”

"I'm Lena," the bugbear girl says, "and the punchers are Álvaro and Valeria." She is disappointed by the lack of attention from Lam, but doesn't push the issue or make a big deal out of it. Once people have taken their potions and eaten their berries, the teenagers are ready to lead you towards the explosion and the smoke, although they look pretty nervous themselves. "We're not ready to fight so many of them. It would be a mistake. But we will show you the way."

The two young rangers and the monks-in-training walk with you south towards the mines. Soon, the path leads you to an area with a bunch of HMC people are standing in different clumps and talking to each other, in front of the large opening to the mines. At the opening, four kobolds with spears stand, barring entrance. Near them, one of the HMC wagons is on fire and nearly blown up, as though someone had recently ignited blasting powder on the wagon. Most of the HMC people are ones that you don't recognize, but they fall into the same pattern you've seen before: lots of dwarves who often seem to be more in charge, some groups of random and diverse people who likely were prisoners. Most of them carry a weapon again, but not all. You do recognize two people, standing farthest from the mine and talking loudly, along with two strangers.

"Um, Captain, I think we shouldn't push the workers or our guests to fight these kobolds. They are defending their own territory, and I don't think all of the indentured workers will necessarily stay on our side. This could be as bad as what happened at the prison yesterday. I will follow were you lead, but that's my counsel." Billy Beerbelly looks like he has barely rested since he saw you last, his beard and hair unkempt, but he also looks more willing to take a stand than he was yesterday. Performing last rights for so many fallen... it hardens a person. Enough for him to stand up to the half-giant who he venerates so much.

"No, we must press on, and we can not be deterred by a bunch of unruly lizards. Remember who's paying for your presence here. If Strixwell says reopening this mine is important, then reopening it is important. If you can't handle the locals, we'll send people who can, and you will lose your contract." The human woman speaking to Captain Jonah is wearing an acolyte's robes and holding a book, and stands straight-backed and fearless as she faces the goliath down, demanding he follow her orders. Beside her, a human man in full plate armor stands silent, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"I respect your counsel, Billy, but I can not ignore what we have been contracted to do. I do not like how violent things are turning in this valley, but we must stand firm. As for the indentured servants' morale... They will not be made to fight. Yet they know me, and I do not think they will be as quick to betray us as the violent criminals who murdered Aerar and Grommit yesterday. I will not kill these Kobolds until we attempt to reason with them. Billy, do you know if any of our guests can speak their language?" Jonah is calm, though serious. He seems as unshakeable as stone, and at the same time you can see that he is being pushed to do things he is uncomfortable with. When he mentions all of you, his voice rises in rage and sorrow.

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The human woman speaking to Captain Jonah is wearing an acolyte's robes and holding a book...

Can Sha tell what religion she is associated with?  Or notice any title or clue regarding the book?

Her robes have some iconography indicating Selúne, but anything more specific than that eludes you. The book, you can see, is not a religious text. Rather it is a spellbook, bound and monogrammed in the style of Springdawn Arcane Academy. You remember from your short time in Springdawn that the Arcane academy uses some similar language to religions ranks. An acolyte in the academy is much like a person working on their master's program in a specific field of magical study. Selúne (her light aspect) is the official patron and god in Springdawn, although most other faiths are legally tolerated. It is not surprising that the Academy's robes also play homage to the light face of the goddess.

"Yeah, I think Ahmed - the dragonborn - speaks the same language as the kobolds do. But he is very proud, and though he works hard enough, he's only been here a week and hasn't earned trust enough to have his weapon back. He still makes some racially charged comments about me and the other dwarves. I'm not sure if he's ready to be our translator." Billy is very nervous at the mention of more fighting - he just wants to keep all the people he knows safe.

"Trust and respect beget the same in return, Billy. Remember when I asked you to bless our meal while you were still squinting at the sun and flinching from a friendly hand when you first came to us? This may do the same for Ahmed. Ask him to come and speak to me." Jonah waits until Billy walks out of earshot, then turns to the human woman. "I will not have you threatening me in front of my people. I understand our contract, and will do what needs to be done. Do not undermine my leadership, and do not presume to command me. As for these 'Lizards,' I will kindly ask you to respect that they have a culture and are a people. Violence is the last option, not the first."

"Well, then perhaps we should have hired someone else. I thought we hired a giant-slayer, a breaker of monsters, but apparently we've got a weak-livered negotiator instead, who only looks impressive. Know your place, contractor, and do not presume to question me." The woman did not flinch or break her stance in any way when Jonah approached in anger. Her armored companion, however, has his sword halfway out of the scabbard. This conversation seems to repeat an impasse the two have arrived at before. They fall silent when Billy approaches with the green dragonborn called Ahmed. Ahmed's companions look after him and Billy, trying very unconvincingly to look like they're talking to each other rather than trying to overhear the superior's conversation.

The teenagers are looking very nervous now. "That's the man who captured Cylence," Valeria whispers. "We should get out of here, warn the others," Álvaro adds. Frederico and Lena are more practiced in hiding, and stay perfectly silent and low to the ground, but they look back and nod, clearly thinking the same thing.

Hemlock hunkers down, trying to get his large frame to be as inconspicuous as possible as he listens to the conversation going on. He is surprised by the attitude of Captain Jonah, wanting to protect the Kobolds, and wonders how much he knows of the story of their escape. Of the fact that they were being press ganged to fight weaponless and exposed, and that they tried to leave Aerar and Grommit alive. If only he would listen to the tale, he might not be so angry about it.

He smiles as Billy tries to protect the workers again, glad that he hadn't been blamed for what had happened. He did wonder what Billy had told the Captain though.

Of the pair talking to them, he had no idea at all. The robes mean nothing to him, but the one in armour looks dangerous. He cranes his neck to get a look at the kobolds, again not knowing much beyond what Saoirse had said. The invaders had breached through into their home, no wonder they were angry.

Whatever happens next, this is no place for teenagers whose only experience of fighting has been in the training ground and one fateful ambush attempt.

When Valeria and Álvaro suggest they should leave, he nods, pointing at the teenagers one at a time and then back in the direction of Village Tree. He then points to Saoirse, Sha-Gravis, Lam and finally himself, before putting his index fingers to his eyes then his ears before pointing to the folk by the mine.

He risks a whisper then, as he doesn't know how to convey this thought any other way.

"Remember, we were not asked to fight, just to find out about this place".

Quote from VolcanoLair >>

 As he starts to move he places a hand on Saoirse' shoulder. "Do not berate yourself for your actions earlier. It is not in my nature to expect trouble like that, and I was caught flat footed. It will take time for us to learn each others ways and to anticipate each others actions, but we will get there. And you have obviously inspired the young folk, which helped to avert a confrontation neither side would have wanted on their conscience".

Saoirse had felt relieved when she saw the druid and the cleric's condition improve thanks to the combined effect of the potions and the goodberries, but she felt even more so when Hemlock talked to her. She let out a breath she didn't really know she had been containing, and looked at the firbolg gratefully:

- Thank you, Hemlock. I ... really needed to hear that. I got scared back there. And our attackers were - she lowers her voice, as she doesn't want to offend her new companions -  a group of youngsters! Pretty strong ones, yes, but I fear what will happen the further we get into the HCMs plans, as well organized and equipped as they are. Things are going to get more and more complicated with every step - she breathes deeply and exhales again, tyring to calm herself. She then nods and smiles at him - But you are right: we will keep learning and improving. We will get there.

She too, as Sha, smiles a little when she realizes what's going on with Lena and Lam, and nods when the cleric says he's fit enough to keep walking.

...

As they arrive to the entrance of the mines and sees what's going on there, Saoirse thinks back on what she said to Hemlock just moments ago and curses softly to herself. "This are going to get more and more complicated" . She didn't expect that too happen so soon! Then she crouches, and is about to speak to the teenagers to try to calm them down and remind everybody that they have the means to warn Village Tree without anybody needing to leave, when Hemlock tells them to go away. She's not sure she agrees with that. Eventhough she doesn't want to risk their lives in a potential fight, their sole presence - alongisde with the kobold's and the indenture'd workers, should they be able to convice them to stay on their side - would be an advantage to make Jonah, the woman and her armored companion think twice before attacking anyone. In any case, she doesn't contradict the firbolg because the idea of any of the kids being hurt scares the hell out of her. How would they look in Rhys's eyes if anyone of them got hurt, or worse...?

So for the moment, Saoirse just stays put listening to how everything goes with this Ahmed, and if he's able to speak to the kobolds, thus making the group learn at least what language they speak and what the general reactions are.

- What if they end up attacking the kobolds? We can't just stay put if that happens. We have to count on needing to make an appearance, and when that happens, having the numbers will work to our advantage. We need the kobolds and the indentured workers on our side.

As Lam is listening to the conversation between the HMC folk, he has to start thinking about his own breathing. He does not like the lady at all. She reminds him of those humans who bugbears could get stuck working for. Captain Jonah seems to be a little more reasonable, but he captured Cyclence, and he seems to have no love for the group. Lam feels some type of way about being called a violent criminal for doing something he is actually (mostly) proud of himself for. His fur stands on end as he listens to the two who are calling the shots.

When Hemlock points at the teenagers and suggests they leave to report to Cyclence, Lam nods along. Both Jonah and the woman seem like potential threats, and Lam wants all the teenagers to be very far away from the danger. He thinks about Saoirse’s words about getting the Kobolds and the indentured servants on their side. He doesn’t know how easy that will be- the indentured servants especially might be predisposed against the four of them based on Captain Jonah’s talking. He wonders if there is some way to get Billy alone to talk to him, but he cannot think of anything. So he stays put and listens.

Sha-gravis lays as perfectly still as he can.

Hemlock tries to remain quiet and unseen, focusing himself on the task.

Stealth (with [spell]Guidance[/spell): 20+2+2=24

Saoirse stays quiet as a mouse and as she listens to the conversation of the main group she will also try to focus on the worker's reactions and general behaviour. Do they look as they would not follow Jonah's orders, as Billy implied. Do they seem unconfortable about disturbing the kobolds in their territory? She wonders if they could be potential allies should Jonah and Springdawn envoys decide to attack.

Lam focuses on remaining still and quiet, controlling his breath and his movement.

The teenagers leave, first the fairies and then the young rangers. They make eye contact with each of you on the way, silently wishing you well. Valeria puts a hand on Sha's shoulder which suggests that she is sorry for the injury she caused, and grateful. Lena awkwardly ignores Hemlock, but she does try to linger in her eye contact with Lam. Frederico gives a brief salute to Saoirse, two fingers on the right of his chest and a slight bow. As they leave, the bush you're hiding in rustles slightly. A branch whips back accidentally from one of them and hits Sha-Gravis, who makes a sharp intake of breath, but manages to stay otherwise silent. Two of the indentured servants turn to look in your direction, but thankfully do not come to investigate closer.

Ahmed is brought to Jonah, and asked if he is willing to interpret. The dragonborn stands proud, and answers "I will not be party to a slaughter, nor will I help you to lie to them. Yet if our claim.to this land is just, and it seems.like it may be the only way to avoid bloodshed. I will help. You trust me with this, yet you will not return my sword and crossbow? I assume that one will accompany the other?" The human woman looks furious at the dragonborn's refusal to simply obey orders, and her hand begins to glow with gathering magical energy, but Jonah steps in front of her.

"No need for that, Samantha. Ahmed, you know your worth, and are willing to stand for your beliefs. I believe I will soon be glad and proud to call you friend. I also wish to avoid slaughter, and as for our just claim to this land, I can assure you that this valley and this mine were ceded by the Vuduin high elves to the territory of Springdawn in legally sound and binding terms, and likewise were we contracted to work it. This I swear. I can even show you our copy of the deed when we return to the keep. The Hammerstones would not act on stolen land. Please, accompany me."

Billy gives a little thumbs up to Ahmed, as Jonah puts a giant hand on Ahmed's shoulder and walks with him.towards the Kobolds. Samantha follows a step or two behind, with her armored guardian walking in lockstep beside her.

From where you are currently hidden, you will not be able to overhear their negotiations with the Kobolds.

https://www.owlbear.app/room/5nRs1L_uFdxM/HeavyistheHeadPBP

Sha will stay put but nod at Saoirse’s suggestions, he just doesn’t believe he can stealth anywhere and intends to sit tight unless fighting happens.

Saoirse nods briefly at the teenagers as they leave, hoping they will be okay and that they can all meet in a safer situation in the future. And seeing that they will not able to listen to the negotiations, she asks:

- And what if we create a diversion? This could distract the nearest HCM guards and indentured workers momentarily, and then it should be easier to move to the nearest tree to be able to listen.

She has seen Hemlock and Sha use cantrips that can create sounds, but they reach is limited to 30feet and that wouldn't reach a spot further enough to produce the sound far from them. But what if she used her crossbow to shoot at a far away tree and one of them masked the sound of the bolt being shot?