Feeling refreshed from your Long Rest, a new backpack and equipment secure you grab a bite at the canteen and head out of the keep. A great length of rope weighing the paladin down, nearly 300' the armorer was more than pleased to provide such a valuable resource when you described your need. Tying it off at the well, a pair of guards stationed there are will keep it safe and secure for your return. 

Climbing down the rope, a long and arduous task eventually gets you back into the dry river passages below. From here it will only take an hour to hike back towards the excavation sight.

As they begin towards the excavation site, Hilke discusses their plans. "At what point should Zelaerys and I split off from you other two? Probably get as close as you can to the site where you'll still be assured of not being seen."  

"Maybe I sneak down first, using my darkvision to move without a light and get into position. Then the three of you come down, since none of ya are very good at being quiet when you move! I'm just sayin'...cattle are as subtle!" Dav'eed jokes with the others to keep the mood light as they make their plans.

"When you get to a good spot, about 60 feet away and hopefully before you are noticed by the workers, Huttmoff can peel off and be ready to roll in if needed. I will be your ranged support.  Here is the ring that will get two of you out of there if things get a sticky." He hands over the silver band with the magical ability to Zelaerys or Hilke.

"Sounds like a reasonable plan to me," Hilke says. "I just hope we can persuade them to listen to us."

Zelaerys nods at Hilke and Dav'eed's input, accepting the ring from Dav'eed and tries to find a landmark in range and on the escape route that would help to visualise their destination in case they need to teleport out. He gathers his companions close and speaks, his voice filled with conviction, "Remember, we are not just fighting for ourselves but for the countless lives depending on this water. Yondalla's light guides us, and we must strive to bring peace and understanding to this conflict. Our strength lies in our unity and our resolve."

He looks at each of them, his eyes steady. "Let's proceed with the plan. Hilke and I will approach for diplomacy, and you two stay hidden but close, ready to support. We are doing this for the greater good, and I believe we can succeed."

With a final nod, Zelaerys signals for the group to move out, feeling the weight of their mission but also the strength of their purpose.

(Everyone gets 5 temporary HP from the Inspiring Leader feat.)

Dav'eed nods, then does what he loves - prowling through areas, trying to get within range of his bow (inside 80' if possible.) He was reminded of the training he did in the forests and foothills - an intricate combination of strategy and dexterity-based games, like playing chess and hide-and-seek together. He had gotten pretty good, but his master was always better!

Once Dav'eed is in position, Hilke continues with the other two until they get nearer to the encampment. Keeping an eye out that nobody from the camp might notice, she waits for Huttmoff to break off before proceeding with Zelaerys. She mutters a quiet prayer to Lathander as they approach. She makes sure to keep hands away from weapons and to appear non-threatening. 

After his prayer to Lathander, Huttmoff has felt in a daze, a vague uneasiness permeating his thoughts. He is a bit of a zombie through their meeting, but does take a Potion of Hill Giant Strength when offered. 

He follows the rest of the group back down into the caverns, before they go too far, he again invokes his Eyes of Night, granting 300 ft of dark vision for the next hour to Zel and Hilke. 

At the agreed distance, Huttmoff peels off from the others to find a place to stay out of sight, doing his best to stay have an unobstructed path to join the rest. 

(OOC: I'm flyinf out of the country today for work, so will not be able to post for about 48 hours...but I should be able to keep up after!)

(Back up! So, to summarize where we are, Dav'eed and Huttmoff hidden while Hilke and Zelaerys continue into the encampment to talk with them. Right?)

(That sounds right. I know Huttmoff is kind of just readying himself just in case something goes poorly.)

Quote from Rhanloi >>

(Back up! So, to summarize where we are, Dav'eed and Huttmoff hidden while Hilke and Zelaerys continue into the encampment to talk with them. Right?)

(Right. That's what I gather, too.)