Unlike Underdark Slaves, failing a skill check won't kill villagers and you can try many times. The first group of villagers can be rescued with Use Magic Device (DC: ♠29 Elite.

If you go this route, there won't be any hunters (or optional XP). Alternatively, you can just attack the Matriarch and then kill all the other griffons.Kill them all (you cannot target the griffons at this point). Optional (+10% XP): After you heal her, a group of goblin and bugbear hunters will burst in from the northwest.This can be done using the Heal, Spot, or Spellcraft (DC: Elite ≤ ♠29 Elite) checks. In order to get rid of the griffons, you have to tend the Matriarch Griffon's wounds, found at the east end of this area.This quest can be done with minimal combat, with some skill & luck (although you do have to kill the Fomorians and their minions in the village).(Optional) Inform the Sommelier about the Ice Wine.(Optional) Find and take the treasure hidden in the bandit caves.(Optional) Defeat the hunters chasing the Griffons.(Optional) Tend to the Griffon Matriarch's wounds.Liberate the village taken hostage by Fomorians.Deal with the Griffons inside the amphitheater.Speak with the Prince of Frost to call in your favor.Spoiler Warning: Spoiler material below this point!

Quip pro quo