“I would like to share an old tradition of mine.” Blake motions for the inn keeper to come over to the table. “When ever you embark on a perilous journey, the group pitches in and buys a keg of the finest ale. Now mind you this ale is not to be drunk tonight, it is to celebrate our success when we return. I figure a gold piece from everyone should cover it. What do ya say”? Blake slaps down two Daggerdale gold coins and looks expectantly toward everyone.

Jacosa smiles again and draws two gold pieces from her pouch and lays it onthe table, her hand overtop them as she replies, her eyes adance with mischeif, "Sounds like a fine carrot before the mule, Blake. And I shall enjoy showing you gents what it is to party when we return, especially if any of you have a mind for a good game of cards with their ale..."

"I would suggest that's a far better carrot than the ale," Blake says with a wink in Jacosa direction.

"Tis sounding like a fine tradition my friend." Myrage throws two coins onto the table, "Though, if we're to be returning from THIS quest, me thinks we'll need more than one keg."

Myrage sits back for a moment, then, as if suddenly remembering his manners, throws another coin to the table, "And THAT is for Az's wine."

"Aye, a ranger after my own heart. That's one gold piece for Az." Blake throws another gold piece into the growing pile and say's "That one's for Jornath we wont want him to miss out on ale and Joacosa's tutelage when we get back." You get the impression that Blake has not had this much fun in years.

She sits back again and looks from one to the other in the group and asks, "So what thinks each of you on what will acheive our goals ahead? I am fair at turn of sabre... and have no doubt you each have your skills and abilities too...but we are not apt to succeed a direct assault by any stretch of the imagination. I have spent a good number years serving as guard so have had little practice in <looks around the room then leans forward and whispers conspiratorially> espionage." then smiles slightly as she sits back.

"I'm to being a man o' the woods, and me and Az' here could find a trail that will get us close. Perhaps we could find a way into the tower at night , but I'm warnin' ye, if I'm seeing an Orc, I'm cuttin' it's throat where it lies."

Myrage looked almost apologetically at the rest of the party, his hatred of the Goblinoids obvious.

The ranger smirks at Jacosa, before re-addressing the others, "Mayhaps Elminster may be of assistance. His lore is said to be unending, and mayhap he could conjur some gate that could get us through the horde unscathed."

"I agree friend, orcs ain't got no right walking these lands or any other lands for that matter. You might not get the chance to slit a throat I might be beating you to it. If anybody had to go through what I've been through I be thinkin you'd be feeling the same."

Belak drops his gold coins onto the pile as well.

"That ale will be tastin' mighty fine when we get back...And don't let me catch anybody thinkin like wise. We will get back."

As the coinage fills the table, the barkeep walks over. To everyone's surprise, and to most's delight, the barkeep is a very comely human woman of middle age, with long, silvery hair. "Jhaele Silvermane, the proprietor of this fine establishment," she introduces herself. "I couldn't help but overhear part of your conversation. I am glad to see there are still youngsters with adventuring hearts. I can not tell you of what you go to see, but I can tell you that because of the rumors that have come my way, you are right in assuming that if you foolishly rush headlong into this adventure, it will be a short adventure indeed." She waves her hand, to stifle any questions the party might have. "Other than that, I dare not say anything, for fear of leading you down a road where death waits at the end. i can say that Lord Morngrym has sent rangers to scout out the area, and they are long overdue." She looks down at the pile of coins, then scoops them into her hand. "I will hold a keg of ale upon your return, and to give you more of an incentive, when the ENTIRE party returns, I will throw in a keg of our finest spiced elven wine." With that, she smiles over the party, catching the eye of every single member, and says "I will anxiously await your return." With that, if the party has no comments or questions, she will move back to the bar, going about her usual chores.

The forming of a plan