Assuming Pax translate for us, in whispering tone but loud enough people could hear normally to Pax, "If you can tell them about those items we obtained from a rough group of cutthroats, who attempted to rob us as well but were dealt with swiftly. These items which may bear some importance to the Drow that we would be willing to trade back to them?"

Pax translates for everyone, then glances about unsure how to proceed, and then stands up straight and as authoritatively as she can says, "My name is Paxsenarrion Dorthansdotter. I am a surface dweller traveling the underdark. We have experienced significant ... influence.... by several demon lords in the underdark and wish to discuss with your leadership. We believe there is an imminent threat to your clan, already within your walls. What is your name and what position do you hold?"

She glances back uncertainly towards Kaylyn.

Greetings Paxsenarrion and companions. I am called Zilchyn K'leptin. So you're not traders? The truth is, neither am I, and hold no position here. I was recently obligated to depart Menzoberranzan, and in my haste I mislaid my spellbook, shortly after which I had an altercation with an unusually truculent pudding, (he points to the heavy scarring on the left side of his face) so have taken refuge here to heal and to scribe a new book (he points to the book in which he has been writing). A rather painstaking task. I don't suppose any of you have any spells you wish to share? Anyway, I am curious about this danger of which you speak. I have heard of one demon lord at large in the Underdark, but nothing more. I am also curious, if you are not traders, then for what purpose do you travel? I have heard rumors of a small contingent of truant slaves that have become an irksome nuisance for one rather ambitious priestess of House Mizzrym...

Pax examines his face closely, then puts her hand on the rod in her belt, "I hope you aren't friends. Turns out ambition is a dangerous thing. We seek to reach the surface and depart the underdark. No simple task it seems."  She looks thoughtful for a moment, glancing back at the others who seem largely silent and willing to let her talk for the moment.  "I may have a spellbook I'm willing to trade, but...we need assistance with a couple of matters in the drow section of this place. If you'll agree to help us navigate your people and resolve these things, I will give you the spellbook." 

On the walk over Kaylyn uses her rod to regain a pact slot for the spell she cast.

Kaylyn gives Pax a reassuring nod when she looks back at her.  Pax seems to have things under control.  No one seems to be drawing blades or trying to kill them at the moment.

Zilchyn chuckles softly at Pax's first comment. No, not friends of mine. I have no personal interest in the matter. However, House Baenre controls the flow of merchandise here, and they are allied with House Mizzrym. The chief negotiator, Sirek Mazelor, will probably not attempt to capture you here in Mantol-Derith, but may send word to your pursuers.

Zilchyn's eyes widen as Pax offers to trade an entire spellbook for assistance. A most generous offer! You have engaged my services, Paxsenarrion. Perhaps you might explain what it is you wish to discuss with them, that I might ascertain how best to assist you.

(Passive Insight: The general feeling you get from this drow is that he is the kind of person that likes to know things, and enjoys the sense of power he feels from doling out information. But he isn't the sort to get involved in conflict if he can help it.)

Pax smiles at him, "You have agreed. Excellent. Pact made. You may have wished you asked more questions first. There are three issues. They may all be entangled. The first and most important is that there is a large half-fist sized gem inside. It drives those who look into it insane and attempts to influence them. We must recover it so it can do no more harm. Second, there is a gnome apprentice here, likely driven mad by the stone. We must rescue her. Finally, and really least important....sorry Pebbles...and only to be completed after all else, is this gnome here wants to find the Beholder. For what reason I do not know. I may be a mating ritual. So...how do we begin?" 

She smiles once more at the drow. 

Zilchyn listens carefully and with a keen sparkle behind his eyes as Pax outlines the three objectives. He ponders for a few moments after the final question, glancing briefly at Pebbles, then leans forward before answering with a voice barely louder than a whisper...

So, it was a gem, was it? How curious. I have one question for you, Paxsenarrion, but first I will answer yours. The gem you seek is not inside this compound. It was taken by force from the gnome that carried it by one of the gargoyles that guards this place. Second, the gnome you seek is not inside either. He is hiding just at the edge of the grove, cleverly concealed beside a stone column. As for the beholder, my understanding is that the surfacer-dwellers to the south have such a being to guard their warehouse, although I have not seen it myself. I suggest you begin by attempting to speak to the gnome, although he seems reluctant to reveal himself.

Zilchyn then leans back and with a normal voice adds: I trust this is sufficient an answer. Now, for my question. What do you know of the demon lord Fraz-Urb'luu?

Rhayna has been busy updating her Journal until the mention of the name Fraz-Urb’luu. She closes her Journal, for she knows there is no entry for it, and she searches her memory for information. (History: 26)

Rhayna:

"Oh yes, right of course." The information she was looking for comes to the Cleric. "Sorry guys, coming through." Rhayna makes her way to Zilchyn. "Hello there, my name is Rhayna Nursk. Nice to meet you. Yes, I am fairly familiar with the name, and some other facts regarding demon, as a matter of fact." Then she goes into her "nerdy" mode. "Fraz-Urb’luu, aka, the Prince of Deception and the Demon Lord of Illusions." She goes through the speil. "Hummm... Do you think the gem is related to this demon lord at all??"

(OOC: My daughter always asks my wife. Why does Daddy keeps going into nerdy mode?? Children nowadays...)

Pax nods to Kaylyn, "Sounds like the gem may be his receptacle." 

She glances over at Zilchyn, "Why would a Drow gargoyle steal the gem and bring it to the gnome?  I suppose the demon just wants to infect as many as he can. I guess that leads us to the grove. Though our deal was for access to the Drow, it seems as if your answers have made that unnecessary. Once we retrieve the gem I will bring you the book. Sound reasonable?" 

"Gargoyle did not bring it to the gnome," corrected Sekkar Paxsenarrion  - Undercommon can be confusing, "gargoyle stole it from the gnome and now hanging up there. The gnome can point out which one was it. If he still has half his mind, of course."

Other than that the lizardman did not interfere. Not even to raise a non-existent brow to the open declaration of the group's ex-slave status and murdering a few high ranking drow, while standing in the middle of the drow compound.

Kaylyn nods at Pax in agreement and then looks up trying to see which Gargoyle may have taken the gem. As she does so she again casts Detect Magic hoping to the gem is within range.

Again she sighs.  "I suppose we must warn the drow of the danger of this stone and the havoc it is causing here in the trading post."

She then looks around, "So where is Flink?  We must start with him."

Looking in the direction the drow indicated she calls out "Flink, show yourself, we know you are there.  Yantha sent us looking for you."

Pax flushes embarrassed, "Oh.  Yes. I see. My mistake."  

When Kaylyn yells for Flink, Pax mutters, "He's probably insane. We'll have to pry him out of his hiding spot to fetch him." 

Like Kaylyn, Pax looks up at the Gargoyles, trying to look for a clue that might indicate which one has it...such as a single closed fist. 

Meanwhile, Rhayna studies Zilchyn’s scars, and tries to determine if there is anything that she can do to help. (Medicine: 15.)

Kastix watches Zilchyn the entire time, looking for possible lies and deception of the information to best of his ability.

Insight: 9

Zilchyn replies to Pax: If I recall, the deal was to help you resolve your concerns. I am intrigued with the matter, and will continue to assist to its conclusion. Zilchyn shows none of the classic giveaway signs of lying, and Kastix decides that he is either telling the truth or is an excellent liar. Of course with the current state of things and the idea that those who have touched the gem might be somehow influenced by Fraz-Urb'luu, it's possible that anyone could be telling lies but actually believe them to be true. Rhayna examines his scars the best she can without getting uncomfortably close, and determines they are several weeks old now, and are probably beyond the benefit of any normal healing, although her most powerful prayer bead might be strong enough to reverse some of the effects.

Kaylyn counts six gargoyles, but can detect no magical aura near any of them, although she does recall that Pensive spotted a seventh gargoyle near the Zhentarim enclave. Likewise, to Pax's eyes the gargoyles don't appear to be holding anything, and in fact they all appear to be gripping their respective ledges as they look down, completely motionless.

As Flink's name is called out, there is a slight reflexive movement that gives away his position, cleverly camouflaged against the dark stone. He doesn't approach however, until Mipry repeats the call, beckoning him to come forward to see her, but not mentioning Yantha's name. Finally, the squat little gnome waddles quickly over to Mipry, grabs one of her hands, and then starts babbling away:

OhMipryisitreallyyouIhavehadtheworsttimetherewasthisduergarandhehadthisgemandhebroughtittoYanthaandIdontknowwhybutshedidn'twanttogiveitbackandinsteadofferedhimsomegoldandhegotangryandthenshegaveittomeandIjustknewshewantedmetocomehereandtradeitforaneyelashencasedingumsoshecouldcastinvisibilityandhidebutwhenIgotheretheythoughtImightbeathiefandthisgargoyleflewdownandtookthegemandnowI'mspyingonthemtofindtheonethattookitbutitisn'tanyofthoseonesandIhavetogetitbackorYanthawillbereallyangryandIdon'twanttodisappointherbutI'mscaredofwhatshewilldotomeifIdon'tcomebackwiththeeyelash...

Flink's eyes roll back in his head and he looks about to pass out when he finally takes a long deep breath. His breathing after that is quick and shallow and he can't seem to manage anything more than just whimpering and repeating whatdoIdowhatdoIdowhatdoIdo...

"I am not going to even try to decipher that," Kastix whispers, a headache from it coming he can feel.

Pensive flashes as image to Kaylyn of another gargoyle.   This is is near the Zhentarim enclave.

"I do not see that any of these gargoyles have the gem.  There is another near the Zhentarim doors.  I will see if Pensive can see if that one has the gem."

She then,  telepathically,  asks Pensive to scout out the area near the south-west corner. 

Please go scout the south-west corner.   There should be a gargoyle.  See if it has anything in its hands.  We are looking for a dark gem.

Pensive then heads that way.

Perception 21