Varan gives the man a nod, "That's right good sir, and thank you. What's the news around town? We've just arrived and are lookin' to gain some information." 

"Well, there's some new folks around the tower this year gone," he replies. "You're interested in the tower, right? Why else would adventurers be in Xonthal's Tower?" 

A woman passing by stops, and chimes in: "Did I hear right? You headed into the tower?"

Soar speaks up. "That's as may be! This town seems a beautiful place, very impressive. What usually happens when adventurers head into the tower?"

Aiwin just remains quiet as the others speak to the townsfolk. His eyes just looking around as he takes in the villagers currently talking to them and looks for anyone else who maybe giving them a little to much intention.

OOC:
Perception check: 20 (rolled in game log)
Insight check: 20 (rolled in game log)

Bazavur zeros in on the phrase “there's some new folks around the tower this year gone” believing it to mean that people have been disappearing near the tower this year. But he waits for the others to have their questions answered before inquiring on it. While he waits for his turn he casually leans on his new glaive with one hand. Like how one might lean on a walking stick. 

The man replies, "They don't reach the tower, for the most part. Tis the maze, you see. Full o' wondrous and magical traps and the like. Most who venture in don't make it out, and those that do, well, they just want to leave quick as they can, like. The ones who are in the tower, well, who knows how they get in and out..."

"On the back of that dragon, I reckon," the woman interjects.

Aiwin, there are a few more folk passing; they appear interested a little in the new arrivals (you), but not enough to stop and join in the conversation. Definitely no-one is spying on you, at least from nearby. You do have a clear line of sight to the top of the tower; you don't see movement there, not at the moment, but you are close enough that you would probably see someone there. Or are you? It's a bit hard to judge exactly how far the top of the tower is from you. It seems to peek out above the top of the maze wall, but somehow it didn't seem all that tall when you saw it from the air. You turn your attention back to the two conversing in front of you; they seem to be old acquaintances, perhaps not quite friends. They seem to like talking about the tower, you would say.

The man retorts "That dragon that only you and Covv claim to have seen. And in the middle of the night too." The woman rolls her eyes.

"Was this town here before the tower? Seems a nice place even without it, so perhaps so. I don't know much about farming, perhaps the planting's good here. And I'll bet the people who come to check out the tower have some gold to spend and things to trade," disguised Soar says. "Heard a lot of talk about dragons lately. The colorful ones, and their followers. Making all sorts of trouble."

"Oh no," the woman says. "The tower came first, and then the maze of course, and then the village grew up around the maze. The village shares the same name as the tower, you see. Xonthal's Tower. Though not a soul living in this village has ever stepped foot within that strange place.  And dragons! Yes, I saw one myself, less than a year gone by. A great thing perched on the side of the tower, no mistake. Blue, I think. Or maybe dark green. It's hard to see at night you see, but no mistaking the shape."

"So, you're heading into the tower then?" the man asks.

Tobin:

“Quite likely,” responds Tobin, “though I am curious about this maze first.  Those who made it back out—what did they see?  Moving walls, traps, creatures?  Is there anyone we could talk to who has braved the maze?”

"No-one in this village, my friend," the man says. "Some kids went in, when my ma was a young lass, and never came out. That's when they build the fence," he gestures at the wooden fence that you saw earlier, that blocks easy access to the maze entrance. "People who want to go in can go, of course, none of our business, except... well, we don't want anyone stirring up trouble, getting whoever's in there all riled up and then they take it out on us for helping, if you see what I mean."

"A few people survived and came out," the woman says. "Adventurous types. Didn't say much, except that it's all weird and you can't get where you want. I don't see how that's different to any other maze, but there you have it."

Aiwin just sits back and listens as the man talk about all those who have gotten lost in the maze "Do you have someone who sell scrap metal for cheap?"

Soar's eyes go to Aiwin when scrap metal is mentioned.

(She's ready to go in now, but is fine with more info-gathering if that is what the party wants)

Bazavur glances between the entrance to the maze and the town. Torn between his desire to reach the potentially defecting cultist and a hot meal and a good nights sleep. (I’m good with either choice)

Aiwin, the man scratches behind his ear for a moment. "I suppose - the smith might have some scrap metal to sell. Don't know as it's cheap or not. Never had much call for it. What do you use scrap metal for, if you don't mind me asking."

Bazavur quirks an eyebrow at the question curious as to the answer as well. Though given the context of the conversation believes he knows why his new companion is asking it. 

Aiwin nods “Appreciate it.” He just looks at his companions “Figured it be good for leaving a trail and tracing our way back if needed. Better then trying to leave breadcrumbs or something.”

Varan nods, "Good thinkin' there. Animals are less likely to pick up bits of metal. I'll go with you to the blacksmith, there is something I want to see about pickin' up or havin' made." He turns to the two people they were talking to, "Thank you both for the information." He will hand them a silver coin each, "If anythin' else comes to mind about the tower or maze, we'll be at the tavern for the night." 

Bazavur gives a curt nod and (assuming we can get directions to or surmise the direction of the blacksmith between the five of us) will follow Varan and Aiwin to the blacksmith. For he is curious about the orange metal with the new glaive and perhaps the smith will know something about its origin. 

The two nod, take the silver and smile, and say their farewells.

You can make your way easily to the little blacksmith's, a small shop with an equally small outdoor workshop attached. The shop has a few weapons, and a lot more tools and horseshoes, on display. The blacksmith herself is a youngish halfling; it's getting late in the day, and she seems to be clearing up, but she greets you all with a friendly nod. "Evening folks. Not much left to the day, but I'm always happy to help. You travelling through? Not on your way to the tower I hope."

“I’m afraid that’s exactly what we were planning. My friend here,” Bazavur gestures to Aiwin, “has a request for you. I am curious if you know anything about the tower or the maze that might help us.”