Nadaar tugs at golden whiskers and feigns thinking over the request, even though his mind had long since been made up. Truthfully, the only thing to really give him pause was Gum-Gum's certainty. It was almost as /if/ she and perhaps her fellow pillagers had already run into them...

Finally he feigns a defeated sigh before saying, "Very well. Half for now. The other half for when we find them." He offers her then a small pouch of ten gold pieces. After mounting up once more following the lowering of the gate, Gum-Gum hardly finishes speaking before the Black Scaled Dragonborn has a hand lowered for her. "Come on then, Lady Gum-Gum. Your ride awaits." He would say. Although the others are free to begin walking out, Nadaar waits until he sees at some of the guard start making their way over. From there he merely gestures up towards the release wench, and then once Rillex is onboard once more, follows after the others.

(Will post tonight! Got some errands to run ~.~ but finally found some time!)

 Zack watches bemusedly at the scene playing out thinking suuuure, totally not charming them into service. but making sure the thought never leaves his lips, as he wasn't trying  to antagonize the man. Riding comfortably on his horse, knowing it would be slower than the other two. Unless otherwise protested, He would take the spot adjacent to the lead horse, which was Likely Nadia's and Gums. Making sure he wouldn't be too far behind should the worst happen.  As they trot past the entry bridge, he would finally speak to both N's. 

Huah..... Well, that certainly wasn't what we expected... Came in for a diplomatic job, and had several fights to the death. We stopped some baddies, and found out that for whatever the **** reason, giants attacked this place for the town monument. If it was just some Obsidian rock, while cool and all, it wouldn't make sense. Those runes though..No one able to figure them out. Kinda curious how the Giants even knew it was here. But in the end that doesn't really matter huh? 

Now we're off to save some townsfolk from either some hideous monster, or the horrors of camping in a cave. *sigh* I never thought I'd feel like I was being swept up in something bigger than myself. At-least not since I left the army that is. And somehow I don't feel this is going to be over after we find them. So... After we get the villagers back, mind if we make a pit stop at Daggerford before we do anything else? I have some business there I should have taken care of long ago and I'd like to make sure it happens... Just in case. That is if you both plan to stick around with me. his voice waxing nostalgic as they pressed on, following gums directions, but Zack, keeping an eye on any trees that might just have moss on them, to make sure they were heading 'north' and not too askew in any other direction.

And uh.. Thanks for your guys help back there. In all those fights. I know you're probably gonna say you did barely anything or that it was 'nothing' or some other modest crap but without you both, I don't think I'd still be standing here right now. As they converse, he passively watches the road around them. Taking in the sights, and the chilled air.

Rillex flys back to Nadaars shoulders you all cross the bridge, behind him two of the guards go up to the tower and close the gate behind you. Rillex growls and hisses at Gum-Gum who is riding with Nadaar, causing Gum-Gum to let out a few cowardly whimpers as the Tressym bares its fangs at her. 

As you all start trotting northward it you hear Gum-Gum occasionally say things like "Not far from here." and "Humans close by." 

The road quickly turns into a game trail as you leave Nightstone behind, and the trees of Ardeep forest creep ever closer to the path.

Zack, you keep an eye on the perimeter, albeit with only a casual glance. The tree line seems quiet, the only sounds being the trees swaying in the wind and the chirps of birds. You do notice however that you are in fact heading north. About a mile ahead you can see a rocky hill topped with pine trees. At the sight Gum-Gum seems to get excited. "Just up head at that hill. Gum-Gum take you to cave entrance and then you give her rest of gold yes? Humans inside with others."

(Assuming everyone will just keep following Gums directions for now. If not let me know and I'll make edits)

As you continue along the path itself eventually is overtaken by grass and dissapeares completely. After about a mile of travel you end up at the foot of the hill. Gum Gum leads you to a slightly overgrown area tucked away behind some rocks all the time saying "Just up ahead, very close now. STOP! We are here." She points to the opening of a cave mouth a few feet ahead.

Remembering only in hindsight about the Goblins and Tressym's previous encounter, Nadaar just chuckles and tries to ease Rillex' tension with a few scritches behind the ears. Even if nipped for it, he chuckles again as he focuses back on following Gum-Gum's direction. The Dragonborn again looks down upon Gum-Gum curiously, but nods in agreement. When the eventually do reach their destination, but before Gum-Gum can disembark, Nadaar speaks up once more. "Indeed? Hm. We will have to step inside to confirm it, but... if true, you our thanks, Gum-Gum, and have earned your coin." He admits in a bright tone before his expression hardens into a more serious one.

"But tell me. How are you certain they are here in particular? And why, if they are, haven't they returned by now? I promise I won't be mad or harm you if its something... bad.. involving your kin. But I do want the truth, my friend. So that everything and one can part in peace." He adds, tone shifting back into a more warm one near the end. And yet for all his calm and pleasantness, he kept a hand free, and was ready to catch her in a headlock to quiet any attempt to yell or run away. Although if things come to that, he gives her a very disappointed look. 

If Rolls are needed:

Persuasion: 12.

Athletics: 25.

Gum-Gum looks pleased at the notion of more coin. Her expression of self satisfaction doesn't change as you ask about the townsfolk. "Humans inside. Make food for ogres and rats. Take you to Hark and Hark can show you!" Gum-Gum starts to make her way in the cave leading the way. (She is not trying to flee or warn anyone from the looks of it but she will be first to enter and doesnt seem like she is going to wait. If you wish you can still headlock her with that 20. I'll leave that up to you)

Zack, as Gum-Gum is mentioning humans making food for ogres, you can't help but be reminded of her comment earlier about feeding you to the ogres. 

From where everyone is you do not have a line of sight to the inside the cave, you are a few feet off to the left of the entrance.

(Note: if/when we start combat I'm going to be experimenting with using maps and such on my phone. Theater of mind worked when everything was in a small enclosed space and everything was one movement away at most. But I figure a map will help keep things organized.)

(I can make a suggestion for a tool but i think it only works for PC's Also will be posting after 3 hour nap.)

Earlier...

Nadaar scoffs, but kept his eyes on the road. "It is hardly modesty if it is the plain truth. But the... 'jab', I believe word be anyways -- ASide, you are welcome." He says as much. "Though frankly, I doubt you would've been so fool hardy as to challenge them all alone without some inkling of it being a bad idea. Or at least, some confidence in a shared belief among us in regards to those ruffians. As for the stone, it is not as if the residents or builders of the town were quiet about it being there, what with town's name being what it is. Or that giants -- there size not withstanding -- would not have the means to keep an ear or eye on the smaller folk. With no doubt some exceptions, they are as intelligent, if not even moreso than the average civilian. And perhaps even far older, or possessed of far greater knowledge and magics compared to most."

He frowns and frees up a hand long enough to tug at his whiskers again. "What is more concerning, or so I would think, is why now of all times? And are the actions of these giants but a prelude to something far worse?" He chuckles. "Certainly a story worth investing in, and gain recognition for.... if one does not mind the risks it will no doubt entail." Aside from one last hearty laugh, Nadaar slips back into comfortable silence during the trip, preferring to quietly consider things for the most part. Although before settling to deep into that line of thought, he finally glances over to Zack and says, "As for your request, I cannot answer that honestly with either a yes or no. It could be that Hlal has yet another jest in store for us. One that would take us -- or at least myself -- far from any paths once tread. But if possible, I do not see why not!"

Later on...

"Now hold, Missy." Nadaar would grab her by the shoulder to at least firmly hold her in place. Although he tries not to make it painful, any struggling from her might change things. "In what way do you mean "making food"? As in gatherers and hunters? And -- AND, this Hark, fellow... just what type of being is he? Personality, wise, I mean. And would he happen to be a Hobgoblin, or... Goblin?" He request. Even if she should answer, he looks to the others to guage their own reaction to it all.

Gum-Gum turns tensed up a bit at being stopped. She tries to move forward but is held in place. She then turns to adress Nadaar. "Humans feed Ogres and Rats when hungry. Hark Goblin, smartest and strongest Goblin around. Keeps us safe and fed. "

Zack and Nadia, you both get the feeling she is not being entirely honest with you all. Specifically like she is avoiding answering the question.

Earlier

True enough. But still, "Nightstone" sounds about as common as say.. an Inn being called the "Hung Dragon" or even a shop Called the Tinkerers Trinkets. It just sounds nice and makes sense. Atleast in my opinion. But eh. And You're right, I wouldn't have challenged them in that way alone, but I would have infiltrated them and offed them one at a time in that case. Despite how I may seem, I'm not entirely dumb! I only charge forward like I did in the city, to make sure I'm  the center of attention. Because it buys you guys time, and costs whatever may be out there to focus on me. I'd do the same if a Torrasque was in the area, or some other similarly  evil creature. I'm not suicidal, nor do I have a deathwish.. I have a dream to fulfill afterall. But, it's my job. And it always has been. But I swear if a Torrasque eats me and you guys didn't start running i'll haunt your asses in whatever realm you go to!

This draws a smirk and a chuckle from the Ex-Soldier. Then, as Nadaar comments about giants being smarter than the average citizen.. holding the reins and carefully guiding the horse around any holes etc Pff haha. Not that I doubt they can be, but it's just hard to imagine. Like, a giant shopkeeper, and a giant tailor.... a giant librarian and so on... the idea just seems hilarious... no matter how true it might be. And yeah I get it. It might not be possible. But I'd like to try. Or at the very least... I'd like to send a message ... his face growing serious with a bit of a clear regret that washes away quickly enough.

Later -

The trip had been silent for a while, listening to gum's random ravings with idle passive disinterest until she said humans feed the ogres.. and if not for Nadaar beating him to the punch, he would have asked similarly... and at her reply No.. he means like... Are the humans food for the ogres... or are they getting food for them and feeding them like a servant.... he asks.. eyeing her You owe us that and a bit more... if I hadn't hid you in that cupboard.. you would have been killed by the bad people.... And  (Per: 16)

During their trip to the cave entrance, Nadia had been silent. She had been listening to the two boys converse with one another (and Gum-Gum when she piped in or was asked a question), and had a complacent smile of her face all throughout, even when her mind wandered elsewhere. She had to consider herself lucky that she was able to travel and meet these two, unsure of where she would be now without them. Of course, she was capable of taking care of herself, but travelling alone, no idle chatter or banter between her or between two others... it would have been something that would kill her faster than a beholder could. 

As much as she liked silence and ambient sounds of nature, she liked noise. She liked hearing people talk, even if she had no clue what they were going on about, she enjoyed the company of people, Hells, even Gum-Gum's company was welcome. At most she would chuckle and snort at a few things they would say, even as she was noting down somethings when the goblin had spoken, but she says nothing as most of it was addressed by Nadaar or Zach.

So she listens.

Insight: 18
Perception: 20

Nadia,  you spend the trip listening to the sounds around you. Nadaar and Zack go back forth with each other much as they had since you've met them. Gum-Gum meanwhile leads the charge so to speak. She certainly doesn't seem particularly smart, even by Goblin standards. If she was leading you to a trap you have a feeling you would know it by now. As you listen to the ambient sounds of the nearby forest, you hear birds chirp, the leaves rustle in the wind, movement of what is likely some deer or small animal, all the typical sounds of a forest teeming with life. However it's the call of one bird that draws your attention. The call of an owl. You're pretty sure this is far to early for an owl to be awake and hunting. In fact now that you think about it, you havent seen many birds either, nor have you seen deer or small critters scurrying about. However as you look around, you see nothing out of the ordinary. Before you know it, you're stopped outside of the cave entrance.

Meanwhile...

Gum-Gum looks about nervously at the persistent questioning. Looking for anything that might help. Eventually she looks the large blade o. Zack's back looks down to the ground averting her eyes. "Goblins run out of food. Elves drove us from forest. Hark keeps us fed." she says is a quiet sullen voice. She then looks back up at you all with hopeful eyes. "I take you to Hark now? You can speak to Hark not kill Gum-Gum yes?"

Nadaar does not appear surprised at the indirectly spoken answer. If anything, the expression he wore was disappointment for a while there. Ultimately, he pushes down the feeling, and following a defeated sigh speaks up again. "So long as things stay -- Yes, Gum-Gum. We not kill you still. But we not go in just yet. Need time to prepare self to speak with his most esteemed Hark." He says, correcting himself midway for Gum-Gum's sake. Without letting go of the goblin, he looks to the others, "It is not as if most of us here are the best, uh, infiltration. And if we can avoid having to deal with Ogres of all creatures, all the better, wouldn't you say? In either case, I need... a little over ten minutes before we step inside. There' something I wish to have prepared beforehand just in case, if that's alright with everyone?"

Once he had his answer there, he turns back on Gum-Gum and asks, "Those Ogres you mentioned before, uhm.... Be honest, Miss Gum-Gum. If we have business with Hark, will they be a problem? Or will you be able to... talk them out of being a bother? At least until we've spoken to Hark." He kneels down to ask of her. Whether he receives a favorable answer or not, he finally lets go of Gum-Gum and steps a fair distance further away from the cave to keep his voice from reaching anyone inside to (Ritual)Summon Wonder in peace.

Gum-Gum looks relieved that she wasn't killed outright. When asked about the ogres she looks back towards the cave entrance and says "Could try talk to them. But they do what Hark says. Won't attack of led by Goblin unless Hark says so. They no like Gum-Gum. Hark be mad no bring back food or treasure. But might not be mad if I bring you. Might let Gum-Gum off easy. You should come speak to Hark yes?" the longer she is allowed to go on the more nervous and anxious she seems to get. You also notice her glancing at the cave entrance more and more but she makes no attempt to run off, fearing she'll be cut down. Regardless the next ten minuets pass without interruption as Nadaar summons wonder, though only Rillex sees the Invisible Tabaxi servant.

The call of the owl is what interests her most but before she could really look into it they were at the entrance of the cave. She hops off her horse (who she figured she would give a name to eventually), and hitches her on a nearby tree, hidden behind some brush. While hitching, she takes a look around her surroundings to see if maybe there was an owl nearby, or anything really (PP 15). If nothing piques her interest, she rejoins the others just as Gum-Gum speaks of talking to Hark. She puts a hand to her hip as she notices Gum-Gum beign more twitchy than usual. "What's up with you, chica? Why are you so anxious?"

(wow it didnt notify me of any of these.. will update soon.. ugh )

Zack couldn't help but notice just how jittery Gummy bear was, and he felt something was off. However, Zack wanted to show Nadaar he trusted him, so he kept his thoughts to himself. Perhaps he was overthinking it anyway? Shaking his head with a sigh yeah.. Not too sure. Never fought one before. Not even sure I'm sure what they are but they sound pretty strong.  So... Let me take point just behind our little friend. And hey Nadia, not very talkative? Been quiet this whole time. Too shy to speak now that you've seen me a little weak? he said, both as a self derivative and a joke. In any case... "the boys" need your eyes if this place gets dark inside. So keep an eye out for us will ya? I'm counting on you. he says in all seriousness.

Somethign about the way Gummy said 'If I bring you' after telling us 'We feed humans' didn't sit well with him, and he kept telling himself I wonder if we'll be in time for dinner... And as per usual, Zack takes point, trying his best to be quiet but in his mind he was making (Stealth clank: 17)

Earlier: Nadia, you take a look around but don't notice any owls or any birds for that matter. You get the feeling of being watched but don't see much while you waited for Nadaar to finish his spell. As you head back to talk to Gum, she looks to you and back to the cave with a nervous glanc . "Nothing wrong. Everything great. We go see Hark now yes?" Its painfully obvious to you and anyone listening that something is clearly bothering her and she is eager to get you to Hark, though her exact reasoning is not as clear.

Now: Nadaar lights a torch and gives it to Wonder, to all but Rillex the torch appears to just float along in the air. Additionally, Nadaar takes a moment to summons a mass of light that appears to be vaguely in the shape of a female dragonborn. The figure sheds unfair amount of light in combination with the torch. Once ready, Zack starts heading towards the cave entrance, followed by Nadaar and his spells and (presumably) Nadia. As you approach the front of the cave you hear a shout from inside. It's in Goblin, and only Nadaar can understand. "Who there? Beemot? You back with others?" Gum-Gum steps to the front and replies, also in Goblin. "Gum-Gum return. Bring big folk. Talk to Hark...bring food for tribe." adding the last bit after some hesitation. After a quick confirmation, you are escorted into the cave by Gum.

Beyond the cave mouth is a vast cavern with a forest of stalagmites in its center and 10-foot-high ledges along its walls. The cave is sparsely lit, but you're able to make out some features of the cave with the aid of your own lights. You see two of these ledges on the walls close to you, one on either side you, but you see five of these ledges in total in the cave. On top of each is a Goblin archer, bows drawn though not aimed at you. Also to the left, just below the ledge and level with you, is a large, steaming hot pool of mud. In the pool sits an Ogre, a giant, ugly creature with sharp tusks and large muscles. At approximately 10ft tall, even sitting it seems to tower over the smaller Goblins. Water drips from the stalactite-covered ceiling, which rises to a height of 30 feet in the middle of the cavern. The floor is littered with broken spears, broken shields, and drops of bat guano.

The Goblin closest to you seems to start at the sight of Nadaar, though his fear changes to anger as Nadia enters the cave. You hear shouts of Goblin as bows are drawn and aimed at the ranger. "Idiot Gum-Gum bring evil elf. Try to get tribe killed."  From his mud bath, the Ogre claps excitedly, and shouts in common "Hehehe. Elf Hobs Favorite. Make loud crunch. Can have now?" Gum-Gum quickly interjects, in common to the Ogre and in Goblin to her kin "No! Not for stupid Ogre! Human and elf and dragon for Hark. (In Goblin) And Elf just one elf. No scared of one." 

At being told no, the Ogre starts to look like he is about to cry before his disappointment to anger. He shouts "Me want food!" before the Goblin on the ledge further from you shouts over "We bring you small one this time. Elf speak to Hark." At which point the Ogre seems to calm down, once again looking excited. The closest Goblin speak again to Gum,  "Stupid. You always stupid. Bring elf here. Lead other elves here. Kill us all. Where Beemot? Where rest of tribe?"  "Dead." Gum says flatly. "Told you. Kill us all. Leave you cuz you stupid. Stupid enough to bring here. Go see Hark. Maybe he kill you. Maybe feed you to rats." Gum seems to deflate at the words though to anyone but Nadaar everything except what spoken to the Ogre is not understood. Regardless, a sad looking Gum-Gum beckons you to follow her.

Yellow dots are torches, yellow X is wonder aka floating torch. White X is dancing lights. 

Black X's are Goblins including Gun, purple is the Ogre

Blue is Zack, Grey is Nadaar, Orange Nadia. 

Still messing with my phone editor so may it not be the perfect solution.