Aeyd visibly perks up when she sees Claire, immediately heading over in her direction. "Oh! No, no, Dakkurz didn't send for you. I came to get you myself. There's actually a few things we, as a group, need to speak about. A lot of new developments to discuss, possible allies... It would be best we all get on the same page and decide on a course of action. Perhaps you could also throw in helping Dakkurz? Ah, so many things..." She rubs her chin in thought, then shakes her head. "Any who, we're all gathered inside. Um... Does Cauliflower need anything else? I'd be willing to help get your chores done faster if need be. Never... really taken care of a horse before."

Claire gives her horse a pat on the neck.  "Oh, she's all set, thank you though!  I'll keep that in mind for next time."  Claire closes up the stall and follows Aeyd.

To save time:

Claire and Aeyd return shortly and over breakfast you all discuss the various options layer out before you. More broadly you seem to have two possible leads for greater aid against the giants. First is the option proposed by Naxene, seeking out a scholar in the City of Wonders and getting the aid of the Lords Alliance. Narz at least and to some extent Aeyd would know the various city states along the coast, Waterdeep, Daggerford, and Neverwinter to name just a few, are all independent nations in their own right. But in times of great strife the Kings, Lords, Dukes and Duchesses of the coast have pledged their combined resources to combat major threats that affect all of the Coast and the North. More recently their influence was seen in stopping the incursion of the dragon cult in their attempt to summon Tiamat. The Alliance has vast resources and man power but they are often squabbling amongst themselves, with each city trying to strengthen itself. Naxene proposes you use those resources to help find a good dragon and try to convince them to get other good dragons to fight the giants, their mortal enemies. However finding a dragon of suitable power is no easy task, sure to be dangerous and bargaining with a dragon is no easy feat, especially for those who've never seen one up close.

Alternatively there is a route proposed by Lifferlas. Searching along the Dessarin River for Shadowtop Cathedral, following in the path of Aerglas. A powerful druid and former adventurer who had slain many giants in his time. Aerglas is a member of the Emerald Enclave. Though more loosely organized and fewer in number than the Alliance, the Enclave has many powerful druids rangers, and powerful creatures of the natural world to aid them. However Aerglas has not been seen for some time and tracking down a druid in the wild can be quite the challenge.

More locally Dakkurz has requested your aid in tracking down and killing a traitor from her Mercenary band. Though they are offering to pay, having a Mercenary company in your good graces is certainly not a bad thing. Theres also the matter of the Giants. They offered to take you to their leaders hideout but only because they were tricked in thinking It was a good idea. However you've seen they are idiots and they have already admitted they have no idea how to get homes. You could try to follow them, but there's a chance you might simply get lost in the attempt. You've also heard that Zi, Shalvus, Oren and Miros still wish to speak to you, likely with tasks of their own. Its up to you if you wish to hear them out.

On a final note there is there matter of this property you've come to own, gifted to you by Zack and Nadia. An old tower west of Orlbar along the Delimbiyr River. It could become a useful base of operations or a home should you desire it. Perhaps even a strong hold for future allies to meet before any sort of attack. At the very least it could be a place to store your stuff instead of dragging every bit of loot along with you.

Below you can find a base map of the coast and surrounding areas purchased by Narz. Below that I've marked with a red X your current location and with a red circle the location of the tower you own. Waterdeep is just to the south of your current and if you were to follow the Dessarin River you would head upstream and thus head North through Dessarin Valley. The Dessarin flows from the highforest all the way to the coast where it meets the ocean near Waterdeep. All you know is to check along the river. Feel free to explore the map. Areas that are spoilers such as the location of the giants camp for example have been blurred out as have areas that are completely empty as not to completely announce theres something in the blurry bit. You can zoom in real close without loosing picture quality as well. Last this is a croped version of the map, there's a much larger map that we'll get to eventually. 

After all the cards are finally laid out on the table to the full party, the hobgoblin leaned back in his seat, eyes closed while absently brushing his beard in thought. Then in the probable wake of the others making their opions known, Narz would open his eyes and clear his throat a bit to draw attention back to him. "It appears we have a number of choices on our hand, eh? And still more at that, once we speak to the others. Which, we should find time to do so soon."

"As far as the giants though, and given all we learn, I would still like to probe their minds deeper. Perhaps it is they know other things without even realizing it. Remember names to keep in mind going forward that we wouldn't think to ask. But after that, it would best to see to their execution for their assault on Goldenfields, and be done with them.... But, that can come later. As for the keep our predecessors mentioned-" Narz taps the spot on the map left open during the discussion. "-arrangements can be made later to check that out... in time. For now, we have other priorities. The Druid and the Catherdal-" Narz stops, catching himself mid word. "Ahem... Soree bout that. Uh... Let's see what the others have for us as well, and then piece together a plan, ya?"

Rollo cuts in once again, breaking his usual silence. "On the matter of the keep I was thinking that I would go there and ready it for use. I know enough to know that my temper is more of a liability in negotiations and I find that I am deeply uncomfortable around a city this size, let alone a larger one. I have learned how to repair and ready fortifications and I could have things prepared for us all to use by the time you all are finished gaining allies."

Torsus simply shrugs at Narz obvious attempt to say: The druid thing aint gonna happen, ever, no matter what, so shut the **** up about it. He didn't particularly care either way. Torsus also listening to the others while chiming in when a chance was presented, his posture lazy, and laid back, arms drooping at his sides , even resting his chin on the edge of his shell. There were many options, though each seemed to come with its own size: Large, medium, and small. When finally a break in the conversation happened, he spoke up.. True enough. While personally I prefer a small group, or even a singular powerful entity for aid, I suppose getting a mass of fodder that's easier to find isn't such a bad idea. In fact if we can acquire the aid of this.. alliance, as you call it, perhaps we could have them comb the area for Aerglas in our stead. I only loathe that usually powerful beings hidden away in lost locations tend to have a powerful trinket or two near them - whether they know it or not.

As for the giants, I don't care what happens to them. I did what I thought would help in the moment.  We could atleast ask them before we kill them if their master or mistress is in the mountains, the forests and the like. Then using what side they attacked from, we can get a general idea of where to go when we choose to take up that path. OOC: I believe Urb said al lthe people who had 'other tasks were here with us but not sure. We can also atleast listen to what Miros' and the others have to say, and since some of them, atleast, are here we may as well get that out of the way. the tortles legs swished back and forth like a child in a chair who's feet didn't quite reach the ground when Rollo chimed in about the tower, Torsus nodded a bit reluctantly, his fingers lacing together in front of him, not quite reaching his lap. 

If you so wish,  Rollo. I'm sure you have other reasons for needing to be absent from us as well, but preparing the location ahead of time would be beneficial to all... just in case the giants somehow learn of it and we have to make a final stand of some sort there. With that, Torsus would call over any of the mentioned NPC's that were in the room who wished to speak to them, even if it irked Narz. And win the moments before they arrived, he added in a few final words on the discussion that had happened so far. But to keep clear my intentions, I am fine with dealing with this Alliance, as our primary objective for now.

(I did not.  None of the people who wish to talk to you are at the table though they aren't hard to find)

With everything set out before them, Aeyd needed a minute to go through all their options in her head before voicing any opinions. Then there was some of the others who sought their assistance with other matters... The group was a hot commodity it seemed.

"I also would like to learn more about what those giants know. Any information we can gather could prove to be useful to us later down the line, and... I hold no qualms with whatever is done with them after the probing of their minds." She pauses a moment, then continues. "While I don't like the prospect of... splitting up, seeing as we are getting quite the list of missions, we should definitely see what other tasks are being asked of us, then plan on a course of action. If needing to split up is necessary, then so be it. I would like for it to be known, though, that I would prefer dealing with the Alliance as a priority above all else."

After saying her piece, she gives a curt nod then waits for Zi/Shalvus/Oren/Miros to approach and let them know of what tasks they are requesting of them.

Zi is nearby in the Inn as is Miros but he seems less eager to speak right now. Zi approaches and takes a seat, clearing her throat she says I'm sorry for eavesdropping but its my understanding you all might be heading to Waterdeep yes? And that you intend to fight the giant menace? If so I'd like to help you, but I can't leave Goldenfields. However if you're heading to Waterdeep I might be able to aid you with other means. Zi hands Claire a necklace, a fine piece of black pearls thats clearly worth a small fortune. If you find yourself in Waterdeep, seek out Cauldar Marskyl of House Thann. If you give him this necklace, he'll know what it means and give you each a gift in return. Hopefully whatever he has will prove useful on your adventures.

In spite of a number counter points that brewed at the forefront of Narz' mind, and even the temptation to interrupt in the name of "clarity", the hobgoblin stayed respectfully quiet as Torsus spoke his piece. Just as he had with others. Albeit with Rollo's suggestion, the hobgoblin couldn't help but furrow his brows and appear pensive after for a bit there, before conversations averted course.

In any event, Zi's offering is one that leaves the hogbolin taken aback, if for a second or two. "House Thann? I take it then they are a noble then of some sort?" He asked curiously. But regardless of the answer, he bow his head just a little in gratitude and add, "You would be correct about our intentions. I, at least, see the Giant Threat only escalating with time. And even if not beyond a certain point, the damage done will have long lasting ramifications still. Needless to say, your help, if you can believe, is greatly appreciated."

Torsus smirks just a bit at the 'I can't leave Goldenfields' thinking Typical NPC  Like a bound spirit eh? finding humor in that, though he doubted the others would find it so. A heavy breath escaping the tortles lips as the conversation continued. I agree with the ork-kin. We should seek out the most obvious allies if only to bolster the forces of the weaker areas, like my shell protects me. I also agree that this 'threat' likely won't last overly long before it grows larger. Which means we've little time to waste on too many dalliances. Your aid comes as welcome, if only because it will ease or hasten the process. It also means that we should hurry along.

My personal suggestion, if only to create a queue.... Let us interrogate the idiots now, and dispatch them when done. Then we should prepare to head to Waterdeep no later than tomorrow. This will allow us to speak with some of those whom we've become familiar and see if we can gain any other insights before we depart. After that, we will have to reconvene on how to proceed, based on how things go in watersdeep.

Does this seem a favorable itinerary?

To be clear, without all the fluff words, basically 1) interrogate/kill. 2) prepare to head to waterdeep and with one days time, we can speak to the other 'npc's just in case a ''side quest'' catches our attention, 3) Heaad to  waterdeep.

Zi nods to Narz's suggestion. Yes, House Thann is one of Waterdeeps leading vintners. My parents were fairly wealthy traders in Baulders Gate but had shops in Waterdeep as well. We had a close relationship with house than. Cauldar is the head butler but greatly respected. He'll know what the necklace means and can provide you with some assistance, though minor. But if you are already there I figured it won't hurt for you to stop in. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go see the Abbot.

Zi stands and takes her leave. If you wish to get right to talking to the giants you may go see the Captain.

Narz visibly bristles at being called 'ork-kin'. But with gritted teeth behind tightly sealed lips, he held his tongue again. Self-Displine would not allow him to cut in immediately in outrage. And again, he mentally needed to remind himself that this was not hobgoblin force, nor was he some commanding officer, least he be well within his right to do more than just admonish the tortle with words. Taking a deep, slow breath in through the nose and focuses his gaze elsewhere, he would calm again, choosing for the moment to assume the word to be but a slip of the tongue or an old Tortle's ignorance.

Narz remained mindful enough all the same to nod as Zi parted, bidding goodbye, before taking in the suggestion. "Favorable enough.It should only take a couple minutes at best, as words shouldn't be necessary by much, eh? It's only the dispatching after that they may take umbrage with that will be the concern for the rest of you to assist in putting them down. However, before we move on though-" Narz looks to Rollo.

"You said before you were kind uncomfortable in these settings. And I, in a way, understand where you're coming from. That said, things will only get more uncomfortable as time goes on, and simply stepping away to the -- how do you humans put it? The arse end of the sword coast?" He shrugs before promptly continuing on, "Won't always be viable... May not even be so now -- BUT, that's an issue for later.  If you... require some help figuring better methods to cope in these settings, then that can be discussed. Or-" He quickly raises his hands in surrender. "You can figure at your own pace. Just... think on that until its about time we depart the Goldenfields is all what's being asked, Rollo." He said, then turned to address everyone else. "Now to the captain, eh? Or you think the proprietor might have something for us as well before we go?"

(Just waiting on someone to respond to Narz and make choice.)

When Zi sits down to give the group her 'sidequest', Aeyd listens intently and eyes the black pearl necklace when handed over to Claire. Must mean something important if it garners us possible useful gifts... She thinks.  It wouldn't take much of their time away from their main mission, so it was worth a shot. The monk turns to Zi with a soft smile. "We appreciate this greatly. Thank you."

Aeys then turns to Torsus who suggests a course of action, one that makes sense in her eyes. "I like what Torsus has laid out for us, but if there are any other suggestions, please share." Had no one piped up to voice another option and after Narz words, she begins to get up from her seat. "Yes, to the captain. Time is of the essence."

Claire accepts the necklace from Zi.  "I shall take good care of it until we reach waterdeep," she says with a nod and a smile before turning to the others.  "Speaking of which, it sounds like you're pretty set on seeking the lords alliance first.  I would worry that such a con... coglom... colg... conglomerate of people may take longer than desired to decide on a course of action, but I'm willing to go along.  Before we leave, however, I have promised to help Dakkurz seek out one of her deserters.  If any of you would like to help, I'm sure she'd be willing to pay.  We are to set out today for that errand."

Rollo shrugs at Narz's comments. "I managed to avoid everyone for twenty years and I could have continued to if Tyr had not called me here. But if you all want me along then fine, I will go. I just expect you all to help me with the apology when I snap and punch someone in the street."

Narz nods curtly Ayed, but would furrow his brows at Claire's declaration. "You..." He started to speak, yet caught the rest before it could be shared. With Rollo's words spoken soon after, a faint smile tugs at the edge of Narz' lips for a second there. Yet his attention is soon turned back to Claire. "Verrily well, then. As far as your concerns about the alliance, know its not unshared. However, if we can secure the connection and far better supplies -- potions, magical gear, contacts in other settlements, ecetera -- within the first meeting, which should be more than possible, it would still be the lesser gamble then some other options. And like.. Torsus said, any other agents they can spare would only help to at least narrow down locations for future points of interest, eh?" He expressed.

"Now then. Let's be off for the captain. After which, if time yet proves pressing Claire regarding the hunt, tending to it then would be more than understandable."