(OOC: Can Balasar tell if the kobolds are being honest?)

Insight.

Kaloruk listens and studies the three kobolds as they share their story. Seeking shelter from a bigger threat made sense.. A mine would be an ideal place to hide in. However there was the matter of the mine belonging to another. Would the mine owner be willing to allow the kobolds to live in the mines? Labor in exchange for shelter? 

"How terrible! You poor lost souls." He said gently, showing them some compassion. He too knew what it was like to be forced to leave home. 

Insight check: 20

Balasar:

Balasar bends down, bringing him a bit closer to the kobolds' level, "Do you know anything about a lost human miner?" he asks.

Hrothbert stands ready with his sword. Not trusting these kobolds yet. “If you help us with the lost miner, fine,  and what were your friends doing to the bridge? If you mean no harm why damage the bridge?”

Balasar's eyes narrowed as he stared at the kobolds.  He remembered how the party tied off the basket earlier to protect their flank from attack and wondered.  "Were you trying to cut down the bridge to protect your people," he asked, "And, from what?"

(OOC: Sorry for the delay!)
The kobold says "Yes! Once everyone fled, we decided to block access to our area to ensure our safety. There is nothing in particular we are barricading from, though. As for your lost miner, I'm afraid I know nothing. We did have poor Mopo go missing 2 days ago. He was last seen to the east of the lift. Perhaps you could look there? I could accompany you to prove my sincerity."

“If you are coming You will be leading the way. And if any of your kin attempts to harm us you will receive tenfold what we do.” Distrustful of the kobold Hrothbert is continuing to watch for any shifty behaviour. “If you help us find this lost miner I will help you to liberate your home as well, but you must accompany me there and leave this mine.”

(OOC: Would that be the direction that we saw the single set of tracks going toward?  I cannot remember offhand)

(OOC: Yes)

The kobold leads you up the slope and past the lift stop to a chamber. A hole in the west side of the chamber opens into the central shaft, letting in the sound of the waterfall. The floor in the north end of the cave is five feet higher than in the south end, with a rocky ridge separating them and a slope on either side leading to the top of the ridge. The walls above the ridge gleam with gem deposits.

(So, what would people like to do?)

"I can see why your people saw this mine as an ideal home. Safe from the cold and I doubt a yeti would fit so easily through some of these tunnels. Steady flow of water by the sound of it. Should we inspect the west side?"  Kaloruk offered. 

“Well kobold, where to now? You were leading this way what do you want to show us?” Sword out Hrothbert points it to the small creature. “And you better no cross me!”

"Sir Hrothbert, really now." The tiefling used his index finger to gently lower the blade but not completely remove it from its warning stance. "Although I would heed his words, my little kobolds. Never wise to cross a paladin. Believe me. I still have nightmares about it." 

The bard gives a little chuckle and a light bend at his wrist to dismiss the statement like he simply stated a silly memory rather then a terrifying one. He then lowers to a knee to be more at eye level, his tail swaying a bit behind him. 

"Now then, be honest and true, which way do we go to find this missing miner?" 

DM:

"This is where Mopo was last seen. I suggest we search the room."

“Well if you feel we should look around you start. I will stay by the entrance, don’t want anything else coming up behind us” Hrothbert moves back to where they entered and watches the tunnel where it enters the room. “Say Thulmar you think you can you look for other entrances?”

Ok. The kobold starts looking around. Anyone who wants to can make a perception check.

(Rolled: 18+2=20 in app)