You all find the Captain at his tower near the brewery. He's currently giving orders for patrol duty while in the background you can see several of the military guarding the two giants in their pen. The giants seem to be docile for now but who knows when they'll decide they no longer wish to stay. Once finished giving orders Captain Thunblade approaches you all looking none too pleased I know the Abbot said you wanted these giants to lead you to their camp but I want to say right now I think its foolish. These dimwitts aren't like to be of much use and if they decide to break free more people are going to die. Better we kill them now and be done with it.

Narz halfway bows to the Captain. "Greetings again, Captain Thunblade." He starts, ever the stickler for formality. "You will be pleased to know that circumstances have in fact fortunately changed, favoring a similar conclusion. One -- *Ahem*... However, I wish to conduct one last interview with these giants -- but with the added assistance of a spell that I've recently finished a formula for."

"The gods willing, it should allow me to extract what the two fools seem incapable of... let's say process on their own, eh?" He taps the side of his head. "If possible, though perhaps unnecessary to ask, all I would ask is that your security detail be prepared to kill them immediately following the conclusion of the interview, or if they prove too resistant. The rest of my.. comrades will of course make sure said execution goes smoothly in either event."

Torsus had nodded along quietly as decisions had been reached, frankly wanting to get started on anything to take his mind fully off the previous night. The rain had done wonders for him (Is it still raining?) and further distraction would eventually lead his mind to relax to its normal state. Torsus glad he had taken the time to find his trinkets, the only way he could have any true mental peace. Everyone heading to the spot with the two giants, and getting greeted by the apparent captain, and a small contingent of men who had been unlucky enough to assume giant guard duty.

Narz and the captain talking of their plans, and Torsus not feeling the need to say anything.When Narz had finally finished, Torsus shuffled his feet in the dirt or mud before saying Indeed. I shall be at the ready to assist in the last part of this, but let us not delay, we should begin as soon as possible. At which point, Torsus would see if there were any nearby objects that might prove something Torsus could use to trip up the giants with by pushing them back .. such as a log, a bench, an innocent child, and so forth when he hit them with his blasts. He had other spells, of course but that one was his most reliable to cast, and taxed his energies the least, despite it's power.

The Captain shakes his head in frustration. Why in the nine hells you ever tho-wait what? Ah excellent! Well, it seems you've some sense after all. Fine, so be it. Cast your spells and when you're don't just give the word. Me and my men will make it quick for 'em. The Captain stands aside, giving you full access to the giants pen.

Narz answers is only a curt nod before leading the group towards the giant's pen. He idly entertains the thought of precasting his spell as to play off any mental probing later as little more wild imaginings of the giants. Then he sighs and shakes his head, dismissing the idea. "Not the right timing." The hobgoblin mused underbreath just before stepping into view of the giants. 

In spite of lacking empathy for the giants, Narz would greet them nevertheless in the short hand but still traditional words in their ancestral tongue. Any complaints from the giants, be they before or after,  fall on deaf ears when it came to the Hobgoblin though. At best he appears to pretend to listen while rolling a copper piece along his fingers. "So, you two. I have but a few questions. Then, this will be all over. No more imprisonment for you. Sounds good, yes?" He asked in [giant]. 

With or without their compliance at that point, a curt word in goblin completes Narz' spell, leaving his eyes so suffused in magic as to appear to have been replaced by faint blue flames. He starts off first with easier questions such as things they liked about their home to better shape their surface thoughts in that direction. Then he focuses on the one, and knowing how short their patience were, brought up their leader and what they mean to them, their home again, and if they heard anything from other giants. Again, all to shape their focus as he eventually tried to probe deeper with his magic(Wis 14).

 The first giant easily succumbs to the spell. You see images of a giant stronghold with mountains of food piled up  in the middle of the compound. In the center sits an enormous female Hill Giant, larger and fatter than anything you thought possible. You begin you sense a strong sense of fear and awe from the giant whose mind you're probing, as well as a desire to please and bring more food for her to gorge herself with. His thoughts turn back to the compound itself. In the giants mind you see dozens of his kin, all male, paying tribute to the giantess in the center. The compound itself sits atop a set of hills, with a river running through it. A beaver dam comes to mind albeit one scaled to that of giants. Finally when you try to pry for information on the other giants the images go fuzzy and grey, it seems he's not sure and hasn't given it much thought. 

When you decide to move onto the next giant you find the spell begins to fade, somehow the oaf managed to resist the spell. As you come out of the spell you see the two giants sitting there scratching their heads. They don't fully understand what happened yet but it won't be long before they do.

Torsus had already began his preperations, having already used all of his spell energy earlier, he let the words and motions of the spell reach all but their crescendo, waiting for the task to be 'done' - Aiming exclusively for the one on the right once he saw anyone else attack, two blasts of eldritch power would slam into the one he'd chosen. Unlike lastnight though, his face was normal, like it had been during their conversations earlier.

Waiting till someone else attacks, then double slamming the giant on the right with a 'pushy' blast(s).

Narz almost forgets about all else while brushing his beard and slowly process what had been learned over the past minute or so. He is abruptly snapped out of his thoughts by Spaz batting at his ear as it sat on a shoulder. Narz looked back at the beast scowling for a second, only to then nod in reluctant thanks before turning his attention to the captain and the guard. "It's done. They are all yours." He said in [common] as he marched back to the rest, and got into a better position to sling a spell in the event the execution went south.

If all goes well and the giants lay dead, he then turns to the others and say, "So, to the Abbot then. I may have misheard, but I do recall him vaguely mentioning something about a reward. But that said, there is your... assistance on Dakkurz hunt to consider. So, if you Claire and anyone else would wish to part to help with that, then I and everyone else will figure out what else others have for us in the meantime. Just know that if your hunt may take you too far from the settlement itself that it may be wise to send word back or return to us to further discuss how best to tackle that... if there's time. For while having a mercenary group indebted to us can only be a benefit, time is not wholly on our side, eh?"

Rollo moves to the side and prepares to help as well. If things go well and one of the giants is still slightly alive at the end he will step in and put an end to it.

It seems you're assistance with the execution won't be necessary. Once given the word the men make quick work of the pair, brutal and effective. (Where to next? Abbot or Dakkurz?)

"We might as well stick together.  Visit the abbot first and then seek out Dakkurz.  Conversation shouldn't be too long, we can collect our reward and then stick together for the hunt, unless anybody prefers not to come along... which is fine," Claire says.

Aeyd watches Narz intently as he casts the spell, uncertain of what exactly it did, but has high hopes it gives them some useful information down the line. When he was done, she blinks. "That was quick!" She comments, her tone surprised. 

With a shake of her head, she refocuses herself, and casts her gaze away from the slaying of the giants, instead focusing on what Narz and Claire had said. "Yes, let's stick together. Getting our reward from the abbot shouldn't take any time at all, then we all go on this hunt. The more eyes we have, the easier it will be to find this deserter, and after we turn them in we then continue onwards to Waterdeep."

As they had over to the abbot, the monk makes a point to walk beside Narz, leaning over a bit to ask, "What were you able to extract from them? If you don't mind me asking..."

You all talk on your way to the abbey if you like. Otherwise you find the Abbot speaking to some of the farmers, alleviating their fears of another attack. When you finally get a moment he thanks you profusely for your aid before handing over a small pouch of coin to the group. It ain't much but its all we can give right now. Though know of you ever stop by again you'll have free room and board for as long as you'll need it. Dakkurz came by earlier, seems you're to aid her in her hunt? She told me to have you meet her by the gate. I guess some of her scouts picked up the trail. Oh and take some of these for the road. He gestures to a crate of 6 potions of healing. I hope you won't need them but best to be ready for anything these days. Now If you'll excuse me, I need to see Captain Thunderblade about the patrols.

(Pouch contains 100 gold and 200 silver)

Assuming you head right for the gate, you soon find Dakkurz along with her 15 remaining kin, mostly goblins but a couple bugbears seemed to have survived. Shalvus is there as well and seems to be packed to travel. Ah, you're here, good. Gum-Gum talked to some of the guards on the wall. They saw movement last night heading North just before the enemy retreated. Storms letting up but its all snow outside these walls, won't be much to track but hopefully it also meant they didn't get far. Shalvus here will be joining us also. Are you all packed and ready to go? Could be gone a few days.

Rollo nods for himself. "I am more than ready to be outside of these walls again. And do not worry about food for our group. It may not be exciting fare but I have lived long enough in the forests and hills that I can find us provisions no matter the terrain."

Torsus had broken from the group after the exchange with the Abbot. He considered asking the Abbot if he knew where he might find a precious stone  but after thinking about it long enough, he wasn't likely to find one in a farming town. He went to retrieve his DUNKEY, which he then rode roughshod as fast as he could to get to where the others would be, having only put the saddle on, and nothing else. Planning to do so while the group spoke to the others.

Sorry, not much I can post since i basically had to go 'Oh shit my mount, better grab that so we don't have a repeat of nightstone' so I likely came in after the convo was over.

(As a note, everyone can add 20gp + 40 sp and 1 Potion of Healing to their sheet with the exception of Torsus, who can add 2 if everyone is fine with him getting the extra one)

Although a bit disappointed atfirst in the weight of the pouch, Narz took care to not let it show on his face. At the added offer of potions of healing however, now that got a faint smile out of the hobgoblin. "Of course, sir. And may your meeting be a fruitful one." He said to the Abbot and bids him goodbye in a slight nod. In the wake of the man's departure, Narz sees to it that the coin is evenly split even if some take some convincing due to personal outlook in regards to coin. As for the potions of healing, all were of course to take one each. But as for the 6th one, he'd suggest it go to either Torsus or Ayed, as the pair were the most mobile of the group in a pinch.

With all of that settled and presuming there was no other outstanding business in town to consider, Narz at least would suggest stopping by Miros/Yeti's Inn again to pick up their mounts, seeing as there wasn't gonna be much left for the group after the previous two bit of business. At least... as far as he could remember at the time. During this time, he would also explain to his group his findings, and at least softly suggest they dodged a bullet attempting to head their as they were, as as facing a squad of giants with their group alone may have been... difficult, to say the least. By the time he have started to suggest a larger force in the event they /had/ to assault the compound, the group have arrived at the gate.

In any event, once told that the trip would take a few days, Narz almost couldn't help but sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose. Almost. But then he got a thoughtful look on his face, and after letting his eyes flit back and forth as if reading something while also making a few off-handed gestures like someone pantomiming using an abacus, he slowly nodded and muttered, "This could work to our favor." He then looks to the party, "Well, it seems we may be killing two birds with one stone, eh? Assuming the course keeps us by the river, or in the general area of it northward, we could see about that Druid sooner than later after all... Torsus. Once, of course, we've seen to this traitor, though. But, uh, is there are any other outstanding business left? Worst case, we'll be back this way regardless, but best to have what we can finished done with before we go."

(Below will be Prior to meeting with Dakkurz.  also just want to get at least one more go ahead from the remaining party, so either Aeyd or Claire, before we start this track)

As you all get your mounts ready Miros steps outside to bid you all farewell. Rillex sits perched on his shoulders and flys up to Narz to give him a few head rubs before returning to Miros. Little guy wanted to say farewell, as did I. Thanks again for bringing him to me, I'll have to take time this spring to visit Nightstone, see me parents graves. But let's not dwell on sad things like that. Thanks again for helping the town and good luck on the path. Oh, and a bit of advise before you go. Should you, either on your waynti or from Waterdeep end up in the town of Ampahil, give my regards to Arleosa Starhenge. She runs the Stag-Horned Flagon there and is an old friend of mine. If you get to know her she might be able to help you out a little. Anyway, safe travels friends.

(Below as mentioned in discord, summarizedfor brevity. )

Torsus returns the ring he found in the gardens to Sevembra Tumbleleaf, the halfing druid who runs the gift shop near the gate. She thanks you profusely and gives you one of her cornucopias as a gift. You may add 10 days rations to your inventory.

Aeyd bows her respectfully towards the abbot after having been given their reward. She could have done without the coin (as the town probably needed it more than she did), but the healing potions were very much appreciated. "Thank you, sir. Good luck with everything moving forward, and if any help is needed for the future, do not hesitate in reaching out."

The monk falls silent as the group made their way to the Yeti's in, listening intently to Narz as he shares his findings with them, agreeing wholeheartedly they they truly did dodge a bullet. For right now, going to the compound would have to be saved for a much later time.

At Narz question, Aeyd taps her chin in thought. "I don't believe so... I think we've done all that can be done here for now." She takes a quick look around the group that would be aiding in the hunt. After a moment, a look of confidence comes across her face. "Let's catch ourselves a deserter."

Claire thanks the abbot without much fanfare and goes along with the group.  Saddled up on Cauliflower, she waves to Dakkurz as they approach.  "Yes I believe we are ready to head out.  I've no more business here at least.  Let me know when you're ready for me to cast my locating spell, though I can only do it once a day."

To Narz's comment.  "I assure you that wasn't on purpose.  I didn't know how long it would take or in which direction it would take us, but if we are able to... uh, murder the birds twice with this development, I agree we should take the opportunity."  She nods confidently.

Dakkurz nods and climbs her mount, a mare as black as coal. She whistles and the others of her band start marching, Shalvus walling along side but keeping a healthy distance from the goblinoids. We shall march North until Goldenfields is out of sight. The snow isn't deep but it will have covered any tracks. With luck however Snigbat and his traitors will have been forced to make camp or otherwise seek shelter. Bargewright Inn is about a days travel along the river, though given the snow I'd say its more of a day and a halfs march. If we are lucky he won't make it that far. If we aren't, we'll hopefully the locals will point us in the right direction. Eitherway Shalvus here is paying me to take him there so thats our destination, but Snigbat comes first if we pick up the trail. Claire, I'll let you know when to cast the spell, in the meantime I'll have Gum-Gum scouting ahead. Now, no more waiting around, let's go! 

Dakkurz gives her horse a slight kick and follows her band. You all head North up the snowy hills with the Dessarin River to your right. The pace is slow, party due to the snow and partly due to the occasional stops when reaching the crest of a hill where Dakkurz can get a good look of the surrounding valleys. You travel like this for nearly 5 hours before Dakkurz calls for a complete halt. Moving up to her at the head of the band you can see she's talking to Gum-Gum and a pair of scouts. I see. Perfect. Just what I was hoping for. Should one of you approach she says Gum-Gum found a small cave up ahead. Looks like Snig and his traitors took shelter from the storm there. Cave doesn't go deep, so they would have had to go on land, which according to Gum they did given the tracks. Camps about an hour North, let's pick up the pace!

(will stop here in case people whish to interact, otherwise will pick up at the camp within 24 hours.)