Walking through the streets and alleys, Dori would hope to spot the skewered dragon from a well placed sign. Of course Pimrick had said they knew the way, but the goliath was feeling rather useless and losing interest fast. 

Coming across a single shop untouched by the damage that has befallen the rest of the area did seem a bit curious to Dori though and they did have a sign out front. 

"Do we ask for directions? Or maybe they saw the Floon"

Would Gargan know anything about the guilds in the city, such as the Xanathar’s guild?

Roll a history check.

history:16

You haven't been here that long, but you're aware that there are several factions or guilds in the city (well in the entire region, really) some official, some not.  The Xanathar Guild is an underground (literally, they tend to hideout in the Underdark under the city) criminal organization led by a Beholder named Xanathar.  The Zhentarim is also basically a criminal organization, but are a much more prominent, well established in the city and well organized.  They have a large operation, many members and hired guns (like Yagra), they own many businesses and properties (One of which is the Skewered Dragon).  Based on what you've heard and what you've seen transpire over the last hour, it seems as though these are opposing factions, and their conflict is escalating somewhat.

Gargan

Gargan shakes his head at the toys in the window, in particular the irony of the beholder, before he turns to Dori and replies “From what I understand the Skewered Dragon is owned by the Zhentarim so we should be cautious there. They may well have grabbed Floon here before he was taken to whatever hideout they’ve used.”

"Perhaps Ol Xoblob over there saw Floon then." 

(Just to clarify - it's just a toy beholder in the window, lined up among dozens of other toys, knick-knacks and curious items.  You see no other indications of the Xanathar symbol, plus as I said the Xanathar operate under the city.  This would be an unlikely location for a hideout.  Also the Zhentarim do own the Skewered Dragon but that also doesn't mean it's a hideout - they own hundreds of buildings and businesses throughout the city.  They're basically the mob.  I'm not saying you have to go in, I just wanted you to have the correct context).

(Thanks, if it’s okay I can edit my post to make more sense now I get the context!)

(Yep)

(Hopefully that’s better!)

 Dori's eye twitched slightly, "Xoblob shall tell us what he knows. " The goliath pushing open the door and walking into the store. Looking around for the owner, peering over shelves if they don't reach the ceiling

A cloud of lavender-scented purple smoke trails out of the shop’s door as you peer inside. Every wall is painted purple, and every dusty knickknack on the shelves is dyed a deep violet. The hairless old gnome sitting cross-legged on the counter wears plum-colored robes. His cheeks are decorated with nine purple face-painted eyes.  This is .. a very strange place.  Dori tromps in, head clearing all of the shelves.

The gnome lowers a pipe and exhales a cloud of lavender smoke before raising a hand. “Hail and well met! Come browse the shelves of the most curious curiosity shop in the world!  Name's Xoblob - no relation to the eye tyrant hanging in the window.  I'm quite sure I've got something you will need!  You're quite the interesting bunch - what brings you to this part of town today?"

Dori would give a quick glance at the trinkets on the shelves, though nothing immediately catching his eye.  As he moved through the purple smoke, a hand would wave away what he could until reaching the gnome. A curious look given to Xoblob, "What is it that I need strange one."

The gnome gently tilts his head to the side and waves his arm out, gesturing to the shelves "I do not pretend to know your desires, large one.  I am here only to help charge you for them when you find what you're looking for!"  He chuckles gleefully.  "We have curious items gather from around the world - surely something will be of interest to you!"

Dori would turn from the gnome, taking another look at the shelves. 

Sariel Phyll

Following behind the group. Sariel focuses on the surrounding area. He takes out his viol and plays a slow melodic song just outside of the door of the shop. "I think the tavern is around the corner."

He continues to walk towards the tavern.

(OCC: Sorry guys. I had to do a project and study for midterms. Should be back to posting regularly after Tuesday. I'll try to post more today and tomorrow.)

The shelves are littered with various items that mostly look like trinkets and collectibles.  You see a small cloth doll with about 5 needles skewered through it.  You pick up what looks like a treasure map, but the writing is completely indecipherable and the geography doesn't look familiar to you.  There is a small sketched portrait of a rather unattractive goblin girl hanging on the wall.  Beneath the picture you find a large red candle and a notebook with a dark, worn leather binding.  As you pick up the book, the old gnome scampers over to you with an ink pen and another piece of parchment.  "Oooh that's particularly interesting piece!  It's magical, and no matter what I've tried I can't get any ink or chalk or anything to stick to it!  You see?"  He takes his quill and parchment and writes his name on it as if to demonstrate the pen actually works, and then opens the book up to a random page and starts to write.  His writing shows up briefly but as he holds the book up vertical it literally drips right down and off the page.  "Just 6 dragons for this one!" He chirps.  "I can wrap it for 1 extra if you like."  He looks you up and down "Don't see many of your size around here very often.  What brings you here?"  Without waiting for an answer he starts shuffling back to his counter with the book and starts to gift wrap it for you.

(So right now we've got Dori inside, Sariel heading for the tavern and Cloudfur, Gargan and Pimrick outside.  For now I'll assume Pimrick just follows Gargan around and doesn't say much).

Dori stared in disbelief at the book, jaw dropped. He clearly had no need for such an item nor the understandings of it, but it was intriguing enough that he couldn't pass it up. It was obviously very valuable. Six dragons was a steal. 

"I will take the useless book"  The goliath following Xoblob back to the counter and emptying his coin purse onto the table. 10 dragons would spill out and he'd scoop four back up. "I am looking for the beautiful, red haired man named Floon. If he is at the skewered dragon, then I will destroy it.

"Yes yes, a lovely item which I'm sure will be incredibly useful!  Somehow .. yes.  Oh .. Who is Floon?  Why are you looking for him?  Is he lost?  Best not to get lost in this part of town I think .. but I don't pay much attention if they don't come in here so I'm sure I wouldn't know where to find him.  Lots of people can get lost here ...."  He's kind of rambling on now and is hurriedly finishing the wrapping as if he suddenly wants you out of his shop as quickly as he can.