"I don't require much gold," N'ruel quietly comments when the topic of compensation arises. He signals a waitress over and asks for another pot of tea. Rising from his seat, he steps over to the table with the all the food. "May I," he asks Raster while picking up a bowl of the broth.

Darastrag stands up and goes to look out the window at the wild, blowing snow.

"In terms of compensation, I imagine that whatever you feel is appropriate will be more than sufficient, if, of course, paired with full return on traveling expenses, such as lodging, food, ammunition, and other sundries."

Says Tovar, gesturing towards the Elderman with a leg of roast rabbit in hand. Taking a large bite, he continues,

"One thing I am not clear on, however, is just what service you would wish to procure from a band such as ourselves. Would we be tracking down the missing livestock and persons? Or perhaps we shall be responsible to reestablish communication with the goblins whose suspect 'deal' seems to be at the root of these disturbances. Or maybe you wish us to resolve the questions surrounding the missing magical apple seeds, and their unusual effects. All would be reasonable requests, for a reasonable price, given that we had some means of sustenance during the course of the resolution of the matter."

Tovar grins broadly, his face brightened by the possibility of both adventure and business.

Raster motions for the drow to help himself to whatever food he would like.

Turning to the others, "Like I said we don't have much 'n ta way of coin ta offer but we can give ya what we can afford ta part wit. We can also provide y'all wit free rooms, food 'n some supplies while y'all are here in Oakhurst. Our main concern is findin' our missin' people, Jon 'n Benjen, but we'd also be grateful to have ta mystery of what been killin' our livestock solved as well."

Slurping on some of the steaming bone broth the Elderman brow wrinkles in concentration. "Oakhurst can pay y'all a total of 250 shields (sp) now 'n 'dditional 300 shields for ta safe return of our people. We also will hold no claims to whatever treasure's y'all may find while in our employee. I know that ain't much but we are desperate 'n would be in your debt if ya were to be so kind as to accept our humble offer."

The monk scoops up some vegetables and places them in his bowl. Tearing off some meat from one of the roast rabbits and adding it to his bowl, he seems satisfied with his impromptu stew. "Descriptions, please," he asks the elderman before returning to his seat. He thanks the serving girl having recieved his pot of tea.

Swallowing her last bite of rabbit meat, Aerin savored the taste of something more substantial than the previously offered cabbage.  Being offered room and board relieved most of her worries for the immediate future.  Her companions so far seemed content with the offer.  Besides, wasn't it customary that adventurers were allowed to keep anything they found on such trips?

"That sounds like fair compensation to me, Elderman.  I think N'ruel is right that we need descriptions of the hunters and perhaps the dwarf?  Any information on the area would also be most appreciated.  Is there any site in particular you would suggest we try looking?"

- Esvele -

Looking at the Elderman straight in the eye, Esvele states, very clearly and soberly, "Two things you need to know now: firstly, you never would have had claim to anything we find out there - none of you own the lands beyond the town and even if you did, it's salvagers rules - you keep what you find... Hard to lay claim on something you don't even know exists, given you aren't leaving your town. Secondly, we are not in your employ - we are establishing a contract: we will attempt, in goodwill, to resolve these issues of yours and we will receive compensation for it, do not think that you own us in any way."

She continues, pragmatically, "Now, from a practical standpoint you're offering us each about a tendays worth of living expenses. Given that there's magic involved, goblins, the disappearing and the dying... It's not much in the ways of profit. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if this takes us at least a tenday to resolve. Seems we'd be risking a lot for little."

Then, her face softens and she takes a swig, "However, generally speaking, I'd like to help because it just seems like the right thing to do and as I said my lady put me here... and I'm tired of being in this inn. So, anyone else in this town know more about what's going on - or perhaps supply us with kits and potions?"

N'ruel sits back quietly eating his stew, listening as Esvele essentially puts Raster in his place. He nods along, impressed by her negotiation skills. 

Raster's face grows red as he listens to the cleric. "Now no need to be testy as I meant no disrespect to ya 'n your companions. I don't hold much power 'n this world but I am ta Elderman here 'n this village 'n I expect to be treated wit respect while ya stay witin our walls 'n not talked down to like a child," he says with frustration on his face.

Taking a deep breath as he calms himself he continues, "We don't get many of ta adventuring types 'round here so I was just wantin' to make it clear that we wasn't tryin' to play any tricks on y'all by claimin' somethin' ya might find to be our property. Alls we want is for our village to be safe 'n our people to be returned home if possible. Were not out to be gainin' anythin' other than that. As I already said we don't have much in ta way of coin. Most of ta extra we had was used ta pay the goblins for them apples so they'd leave us be. My offer of the silver is ta most we can afford to part wit."

Turning to N'Ruel and Aerin, "Jon 'n Benjen is related, uncle 'n nephew. Benjen be ta oldest 'bout five 'n thirty, Jon's just a youngin' still seein' a little over a dozen winters. They both have dark black hair, Benjen's long past his shoulders while Jon's is short 'n curly. They both got brown eyes. Benjen has a scar across his left check 'n Jon's got a patch and gray scaly skin along ta back of his neck from a affliction was he was just a babe. Ta dwarf's name was Barakor Bloodbarrow. Don't know much 'bout him as he was just passin' through. He's stocky 'n broad shouldered wit a long braided reddish brown beard 'n hazel eyes. He was a paladin of Skurge 'n had ta sigil of a shadowy golden mask affixed to his shield."

"I'd say ta best place to start lookin' would be ta sunken citadel deep witin ta Whisperin' Wood. Folks 'round here call it ta Sunless Citadel on account it fell down inta a deep ravine 'n it stays covered 'n shadows. Ta goblins make their home down witin its halls. In ta morning I can have ta village apothecary meet ya at ta gates to ta village wit a map of how to get to ta citadel 'n give ya some supplies for ur journey."

"I truly 'ppreciate your willingness to help us 'n our time of need 'n I wish I could offer y'all more than I have. 

- Esvele - 

Still smiling, Esvele replies, "Oh, I've no complaints regarding the pay. Like I said, happy to help, but I just wanted you to know that we knew you're getting a cut rate deal." 

"Thanks regarding the apothecary. By any chance, anyone in your town know a bit more about this Sunless Citadel?" 

"Tell ya true not much be known 'bout that place but most will tell ya it be haunted. Some say ta ravine were always there 'n ta citadel were built by dwarves as 'n surface outpost, maybe even Azmaran himself helped build it. Others heard stories past down through ta generations 'bout a great cataclysm happen' which split ta earth 'n swallowed ta citadel down inta ta depths. Whatever happened it be a place people don't visit, goblins 'n ta like call it home now. When I was a boy me 'n my friends would venture out there 'n through a rope down inta ta ravine 'n dare each other to see who was ta bravest to climb all ta way down to ta bottom, none of us ever did make it all ta way down though," Raster says with a small chuckle as he reminisces about times long past.

"Thank you for telling us what you know, Elderman," Aerin replied.  "May I assume we all agree to investigate this Citadel?"

It was a pity that so little was known and it stirred her curiosity even more.  Such a site would take months of careful work to explore fully and document its history.  Alas, the village needed help immediately and they weren't really equipped for that at all.  At least they could act as scouts for those that might come later.  Even that would require careful preparation.

"If we are resolved to go then we should consider what we might need.  Rope, at least, we know to take from Elderman Raster.  Perhaps torches and a healing kit or two?"

- Esvele - 

"So resolved," Esvele says as she takes a gulp from the mug given to her. "Yes, rope and torches and healer's kits, perhaps some climber's kits, rations, 'dungeoneer's tools,' grappling hooks, ammunition for our bows and crossbows, and, if we get really lucky, healing potions."

//  I'm literally using air quotes when I say dungeoneer's tools in the hopes someone understands it as meaning thieves tools - although, I don't know if anyone can actually use them, I just figure they'd be useful in the dungeon. //

Hearing Aerin rundown the list of possible supplies, N'ruel replies, "This will help with the light." He says a few words in elvish, and with a wave of his hand he produces four globes of light. (Dancing lights)

"Most useful indeed, N'Ruel.  I believe I have some rope with me, along with pitons and a lantern.  I, ah, liberated a standard equipment pack from the family stores before leaving."

Darastrag calls over from the window, "This child of the Khecuala has rope and rations, can hunt and track and stalk without fear, and wishes to bite the goblins that harass this village." Then his head snaps around and he walks over to stare down at Elderman Raster, his frill stiff with excitement.

"Is this...? Err... Am I the first of my kind to come to this place?"

"In all fairness, the goblins themselves may be in trouble. They had a peaceful, albeit extortionate, relationship with this town for some time and they've suddenly disappeared. It could be that whatever is affecting the town got to the goblins first," Esvele replies. 

Ruins could be home to all kinds of monsters, she knew well.  Something powerful enough to possibly overthrow goblins and menace the town could not be taken casually.

"You make a good point, Esvele.  At this point we don't even know how large the ruin is.  We will need to be cautious.  Does anyone else have any suggestions on how to approach this?"

Esvele asks around the tavern to see if anyone else has any knowledge about the Sunless Citadel before calling it a night.   ( Investigation (CHA?) 1 ) 

The monk finishes his bowl of food, taking note of all that is discussed and planned, however does not have anything else to contribute. He gets up from the table and then returns to his chair near the fireplace. Taking out his shawm again, he begins playing a soft, relaxing melody while he watches the snow fall outside. (Performance 3). He hopes they will have some reprieve from the storm when they begin their journey in the morning. 

N'ruel retires along with whomever of the group is the last to return to their room. He bids them a quiet "Goodnight," and enters his room. To prepare for their upcoming trek, he ensures that all is in order in his traveling supplies. From his bag, he pulls out a strap of leather that has ten regularly-space loops; within each loop he secures one of his throwing darts. He hangs the bandolier on top of his quarterstaff, leaning against the wall in the corner.

While going through his pack, he had forgot about having his woodcarver's kit. He removes the small knife within, passes it over a whetstone a few times and uses it the shave off the stubble on his head. Satisfied with his preparations, he unfurls his bedroll in the middle of the room, and lies down. He goes into his meditative trance, common to all elves, to mentally prepare for what is to come.