Option 1 sounds safe. Even if there are gargoyles, they shouldn't bother us so long as we don't touch their hematite, and if they do, the gemfinders can fight them off.
Gemfinders touch the hematite, ensue killing spree.
Again, I don't like option 1, but it appears that's just how it'll be for now, so...
pfft, gemfinders can protect us. I'm of the opinion that we should still go with the gemfinders. I feel like they are kinda slow, and if needed, we can run away, leaving them behind to get eaten or whatever by gargoyles. Anyway, I doubt the gemfinders are going to be dumb enough to touch the hematite if there are a bunch of gargoyles around.
On the other hand, I am perfectly fine going option two. I'm not scared of a hard walk, and we might find something awesome on the way (unexpected certainties doesn't quite mean always something bad).
Finally, if this was in real life, I would probably go with gemfinders, as this is a dangerous route, I might end up dying, and I'm imagining them as like dwarves from lord of the rings, we are all probably going to get drunk and have a blast.
