"With captives being taken and us attempting to get them back i would say the fastest route would be best"

Lets say you could reach it either route in about a day, but it would be afternoon the Witchcross route while it would be evening when you arrive the Elsircross route.

"There's not a great difference between the two distances, but Witchcross is the faster route. I agree we should hurry." 

OOC To keep this brief as everyone seems ready to leave.  Galorash has always had a knack for gathering info from people but generally through cards.  The card house seemed perfect.  I'm good with just summarizing.  He plays conservatively so even if lucky he won't allow himself to win too much during discussions.  He does have his usual bad habits tho as I mentioned to you (Joan).  He may also have made use of his deception or sleight of hand skills during these games.  Let me know if you need rolls. 

Galorash will make haste back to the original tavern unless they discussed another place, even a slight jog to is as he senses the urgency of the group through chatter among the townspeople.  "I'll be coming too if you'll have me" He'll shout ahead to them as he gets near.  OOC Im anticipating arriving just as they are leaving.  

"Like hell we'd ditch our guide!" Mikhael calls, "We're heading for an old castle called Rivenroar. The Hob-Gob said it was an hour's march from Red Rock. If we move quickly we can get there within a day or two!" 

Kalman suggests, "Time is of the essence.  If we can track at all, I'd follow the tracks the hobgoblins made if the route is even more direct than the Witchcross road.  If we can't track, then take the road via Witchcross."

"Witchcross then?  I heard you all discussing as I was coming down the road.  Makes good sense to me."  He sorts through his gear briefly which seems to be scattered all about his person in pockets and pouches and pack.  It would be easy to observe he has more pockets than a sorcerer would tend to and stops at one point and looks at an item like someone appraising something for the first time.  With a quick shrug he drops it back into his pocked and looks back to the group. "Ready to go!" 

"What sort of sorcerer are ya Mikhael?"

(If you want to track the hobgoblins' path back you can make a survival check.)

(Can we all roll, or do we have to assign someone to track and roll just once - maybe with assistance for advantage?)

Edit: My survival is just a +1.

I'll take a look around and see if i can pick up a track.  No particular skill in it but their Hobgoblins so can't be too hard.  Survival roll 14

Galorash notices the tracks heading out of the town across the bridge the hobgoblins fled across; others can roll to try to follow the trail.

Kalman survival check to track: 9

((and I'm off to bed, back in the morning))

Kalman follows the trail for a while before losing it.

I will try again to pick it up Survival check : 5 (night Kerrec!)

((Jakob will try after the gnome 15))

((Was undead, fey, or fiend mentioned being at the castle? If so, should I roll again with advantage due to the Hunters Bane?))

Try as he might, Galorash fails to find where the trail picks back up.

Jakob, however, manages to find tracks and flattened grass heading north! You're back on their trail!

Mikhael shows his draconic arm and indicates the scales on his face. "The Kind with dragon blood. Thought the scales and eyes would have clued you in. Specifically, one of my ancestors was a Silver Dragon, so most of my spells are ice-based. Affinity with the element I guess. Magic isn't all I have. These scales-" He indicates his arm. "cover my entire chest and abdomen, and they're tough as armor. I've had the eyes since I was born but the scales and the claw are more recent. Makes me wonder if I have any other draconic traits lying dormant. How about you? What sort of jobs do you do?"

Jakob chuckles from the front as he leads the others, "Some say dragons are immortal. Maybe you are too?"

"I've learned not to assume but yes it did occur to me.  I've never seen a Draconic Sorcerer up close.  Quite impressive and effective i'd imagine."  Galorash squints a little at the scales trying to determine if they are in fact scaly or an appearance of the skin. 

"Interesting point Jakob, I don't see anything hurting him anytime soon though. "

"Maybe, but i'm not invincible. I learned that the hard way." He says and just for a moment there's pain in his voice. "I've never seen anyone fight like you do, Jakob. How did you cause your sword to ignite? An enchantment? A magic spell? Pure rage?"