" You want me to tell bugbears to leave? Or we hire them? Bugbear not cheap though.....too smart...", Boona ventured.

Ruven nods thoughtfully at Bryony. I would say in general principle it is sagacious to attend to any of an adversarial nature before moving forward, especially considering that these as yet remain unaware of our impingement. He considers Boona for a moment, and nods. Oftentimes the simplest route is the most apt for the situation. Perhaps with knowledge of their fallen comrades, they would, in fact, reconsider a contentious encounter. Very well, then. Shall we confront these bellicose bugbears whilst we have the element of surprise?

Quinn rejoins with the group and considers the plan. He smirks at Boona as he listens to her plan. He would've thought she, of all people, would prefer the more direct approach.

"Sounds like a plan. Let's get movin'"

The party's plans begin to coalesce around some sort of confrontation with the bugbears in W18 (perhaps in surprise?)

Which way? Route 1? (Red) Or 2? (Blue) Or 3? (Other)

What is the party order? Are you attempting to use stealth to surprise them in an attack? (And presumably keep the torch-bearers in back and the dark-vision folks in the lead?) Or are you marching in openly to speak with them? Or something else?

Any other preparation or initial plans?

I'd say Red and Jurgen will take lead or 2nd position. 

Red makes sense as it's the shortest route. Quinn will be near the back. I believe we're going to roll in and try to convince/intimidate the bugbears to get out? If things go south we fight.

Boona will back up whoever is doing the talking.....stand there and look menacing is within her wheelhouse.

"Belli-what now?" says Bryony. "I think I only understand half of what you just said, Ruven, and I read a lot of books too. Mostly adventure stories though."

Shaking her head, Bryony tags along behind Boona. "If anyone can make them stand down, it's Boona," she says confidently.

Not to worry, young halfling. I simply stated it is in our best interest to waylay these truculent, pugnacious ruffians before they cognize our assembly. With this, Ruven steps forward and follows Jurgen down the red path.

The party makes its way north, climbing up a set of stairs, through the barricaded room full of dead bugbears, and then up another flight of steps. Jurgen leads.

You can hear the low roar of falling water in the chamber ahead. Over the din, you also hear a drow voice barking orders in Goblin.

For those of you who speak Goblin:

Boona waits intending to enter third in line behind the designated speakers.....although if words don't work she has no problem with splattering.

"What are they saying?" Bryony whispers.

The party queues up just out of view of whoever is in the cavern. Who enters first? 

Quinn steps forward a few steps and motions for Bryony and Ruven to come in close. He whispers to them what he hears. 

"Someone, maybe the drow, is bossing another group around. Maybe the drow is in charge of the bugbears."

He pauses for a bit and pulls Bryony in close.

"Close your eyes, focus on the voice of that drow. Does their voice sound familiar? Is this the drow that you Kimberly dealt with back at Cragmaw?"

Bryony and Quinn pause to listen to the drow voice barking orders. The drow at Cragmaw Castle was female. This one – based on its voice – sounds more male. (Roll an Investigation or Perception check to determine anything further.)

The party gathers outside the unexplored cavern, just out of sight, listening to the voice of the drow barking orders in Goblin inside. A few minutes ago, Ruven's lizard had spotted two bugbear guards and a drow supervisor at the edge of a rift (locations on map based on last-recalled positions.)

Who's going in first? Or are you making any other preparations? Or a new plan?

Quinn reaches up and grabs Boona by the shoulder and motions with a head nod for her and for anyone else interested to follow him. Quinn stands up tall and walks confidently around the corner. He quickly scans the scene before speaking. 

Perception check: 6

Quinn stops at the top of the steps and barks out. “Well dammit, I thought we cleared out the lot of you. Put your tools down and get out. Our quarrel isn’t with you hairy bastards.”

Quinn switches to goblin. “Leave!..Now! Whatever they’re paying you isn’t worth it.”

Boona nods and grins over Quinns shoulder.

Intimidation- 8

Intimidation: 2(nat 1 +1)

Boona is still grinning as she follows Quinn down the short stairway and into the cavern. Quinn looks around uncertainly as he fumbles his introduction.

A wide rift fills the eastern half of this cavern. A stream pours from the west wall before tumbling into the rift. Secured to iron stakes along on the edge of the rift are several ropes leading down into the chasm. The drow supervisor turns and glares at you from the edge of the rift near the iron stakes, while the two other bugbears stand guard not far from the stairs.

The drow breaks into laughter. "Why, hello there!" he responds in heavily-accented Common, and whistles loudly into the pit. "...And who are you with?"

(Might be best that we roll initiative in case this turns into a fight...)
  Drow: 19
  Bugbears: 21