Fergus:

As he walks by, Fergus suggests to Jurgen that an investigation of the weapons and armor pieces might yield items of use.

Speaking to the goblins, he says, “Boona has helpfully answered the question of helping you reclaim the forge from the undead.  You have seen what we are capable of, and it is time for you to fulfill your side of the bargain.  We will need a brief time to rest, transportation to the lower level, and a way to assure you will not betray us after we have descended.  What do you propose?”

(Fergus would be happy with the goblins being temporarily locked out of the complex, sending a hostage as surety with the PC’s, or having one of the less active PC’s stay up top to keep an eye one them if a PC wishes to volunteer for such.)

Jurgen will take a few pieces so that he can repair (or remake) Draco his Steeldefender. 

Quinn watches Jorzu scale the ladder. 

“Careful up there, Jorzu. What’s in the buckets?

That hole to the east…perhaps it goes down to the mines? If so, maybe the that can be a less direct approach.”

Quinn surveys the room looking for any signs of controls that can operate the conveyor belt. He eventually joins Fergus with the goblins. 

Quinn asks the goblins about the conveyor belt. 

“That conveyor belt up the. Where does it go? Does it transport materials to and from the mine? Does it still work?”

Boona watches the conversation in frustration........they are not currently rescuing people and that is what they are here for..........

Jorzu climbs the stepladder and peers into one of the buckets hanging from the conveyor belt. It's empty, other than a film of dirt, dust, and black grime. Definitely big enough for a gnome to hide comfortably, if one doesn't mind getting their clothes filthy. Big enough for a human to sit in, maybe, although it could make it a little top-heavy.

The goblins are impressed by your might. "We won't tell. Like we said. You can hide here in the forge and rest. We can close the door like it was. We'll keep you secret. I dunno when Ruxithid will come through again, but he won't come in here. Thank you for killing the monsters. You can go down our ropes in the bunks when you want. We won't tell on you. Just don't kill Sawplees."

Jurgen collects some scraps to prepare rebuilding his mechanical defender. (Jurgen: Make a Perception check.)

Quinn examines the conveyor belt. (Quinn: Make an Investigation check.)

"We don't know where that goes," replies the goblin to Quinn's questions. They squint at the hole on the far side of the forge. "Probably the Storage Chamber. Big auger down there. Hot."

Investigation check: 19! (20-1)

Quinn quickly spots the controls to the conveyor system, clearly designed to continuously transfer buckets of ore to the forge from what's probably a mine or mine storage area, below. The conveyor system is currently broken. Its power source appears to be a dull and cracked shard of iridescent crystal that occasionally sparks with magical energy. The broken mechanisms appear to be arcane, and that is where Quinn's savvy comprehension of the problem ends. Perhaps somebody better attuned to arcana could glean more.

Jurgen may still make that perception check as he gathers materials for Draco II.

What next? Everyone may act.

Jurgen 

Perc: 13

Jurgen finds plenty of material to make a new defender with. He just needs to find some uninterrupted time to work on it. He also finds something else – a set of delicate silver archers' bracers that look untarnished after all these years in this filthy, abandoned forge.

(I believe Jorzu is advocating for a short rest here, which could mean trusting the goblins. Boona seems to want to move on. Fergus seems skeptical of the goblins and wants an insurance policy. How do the rest of you feel?)

What next?

Bryony briefly admires the view of the blue lava through the windows. She's never seen anything quite like it before. But even its beauty is not enough to distract her for long.

"My family is down there. Who knows what Ruxithid has done to them already?" she worries. "I don't want to stop and rest. What if something happens to them while we're waiting here? I'd never forgive myself!"

She looks to Boona for support and then eyes the exit back to the other chamber where the lift is located. "Boona, will you come with me?" 

"I'm sorry. I can't stop and rest," Bryony says, giving the others a torn expression. It's clear she's afraid of what lies below but still determined to press on even without the support of the full party.

((Out of character, I as a player agree with a short rest. In character, I don't think there's any way Bryony will sit to rest while she's worried for her Aunt Qelline and Carp.))

Quinn stands in quiet contemplation considering the options and eyeing the condition of the group. Against his better judgment, Quinn steps forward and stands in support of Bryony.

"I'm with you little one. There's no rest for the weary. Who else is with us?

If anyone needs me to bandage your wounds, best speak up now."