Ch. Z : The infinite Tower

Good to meet ya. Now, what exactly does climb the tower actually mean? Like the floors were taken over and we have to secure them. Or is there another challenge or test that we take?

"Sounds good to me," Nash says, scratching the back of his head in thought.

"Is it ok to double up on jobs? The scout camp has a lot to do as well... but there's no reason we can't kill two trolls with one fireball, right? Speaking of the scout camp... you should probably meet the higher-ups. I feel like you all could accomplish a lot of leadering together." Giving a nod, he adds, "Oh! Almost forgot. I'm Nash. Pleasure to meet you, ma'am."

Turning to Dasyra, Nash offers a smile. "Glad to see you made it home safe. I mean, I figured you could, but... it's kinda crazy out there. Lots of unexpected happenings."

"Sounds good. Um... is it possible to enter the tower without going through the tests? I know they'd do fine, it isn't that, it's more... time? You said yourself, some tests can take a while... a few days for survival right? They probably don't want to be away from the camp that long."

Then he laughs a bit and adds, "Keeping all of us in line is a full time job."

After introductions Larynda share her experience shortly
Were you entertained by the Tower magical exercises just like I was? If felt just like a dream but a real one.
I must admit nevertheless it soon became boring - I prefer real world and real people over imaginable ones.

After (assuming) gathering the same info as Nash did
Larynda admit she would like to visit this place for a practice if there is a lazy day or two waiting for other to regains health, like it was yesterday. She questions Elfs if that is fine and if there are any reason to not use tower for training apart from obviously meeting hobgoblins in the area.

You have been here for decades - have You been training all the time? Doesn't look like. Any reason You don't do it? And where does the magic items you mention comes from? Does a tower just create them from nothing?

Jax eventually rejoins the group. He is covered in sweat and in a visibly good mood. Klim, it’s good to see you safe. And good job all of you for completing the trials.

Probably the last to join is Quindon, who seems to have mixed feelings about the Tower, but who also shows his contentment with the presence of the Duergar.

"Good to see you in one piece, master wizard. How did you manage that?"

Quindon also makes acquaintance with the two elves, but doesn’t comment on their efforts to restore the Tower. Yet.

Hak just stands there, looking at first one, then the other whenever they take their turn to speak. He watches the faces of his companions, feeling he understands more of what their silly expressions mean. Even though none of them has a respectable beak, or even crest feathers with which to gesture or indicate moods.

He sees that none of them appear to be very alarmed or intent on killing any one present, so Hak will calm down as well and simply enjoy the ambiance. If there is a window, he will stroll over to see what is outside of it, but he will attempt to pay attention to the rest of the conversation while doing so.

Oh yeah, the hobbies took real good care o’ me. They gave me this whole speech about how they don’t want war with the expedition, that they’ll allow us to do as we want so long as we stay off their turf. Then they went and shot the negotiation in the foot by sending me into the tower as a Guinea Pig. Messed up, really.

"Hell with it, I'm willing. We will be doing a lot of travel, and will absolutely keep on the lookout for these orbs. When we find one..." Nash doesn't say anything but holds up the item Dasyra had given him, giving a knowing nod.

If you tell us the items needed to restore the tower to full functionality, we will see what we can do about procuring them.

Any idea where we can find any of these metals? Or other Orbs?

Quindon listens with mounting surprise how Jax as patrol leader gives his word to work for the two elves. Quindon sees no way to talk to his companions without attracting the attention of the elves. He ponders whether he should speak up. As the conversation turns to ways to practically help the Tower residents, Quindon decides to speak up.

"If I may. I'm not unsupportive of your cause, but isn't there a way to establish a cooperation with the expedition? If you could strike a deal with the expedition leaders, you might have a broader support for you objectives. Of course, you need to consider what you want to give in return."

The halfling strokes his face, messing up his sideburn, considering another idea. "Or, we could work directly for you. I don't know about you," he says to Hak, Jax, Klim, Larynda and Nash, "but, I've only got a contract as a free agent. I suppose we don't have a direct obligation to them. So, if the price is right..."

Quindon is interested in hearing what the elves can offer him. So far, the expedition hasn't been too good to him, as a free agent. They left him stranded on an island & all services they offer are to be payed. And when an expedition member is taken hostage, they barely take action.

He tries to see how the elves react to this offer. Whether they are offended or are interested.

Larynda address Elves: I would like to support Quindon. While I totally support your attempt to prolong Tower conservation, I will not commit to help you at the cost of jeopardizing expedition and hobgoblin relationships without expedition approval.

Then she lower her voice and turn back to Elves, but not enough for Elves to not hear They failed to protect Orbs once. These Elves who were staying out of war and out of world ever since - they legacy of the world, expedition is present.