DM

Having taken care of all foes in the Goblin Caves, the party takes a little bit of time to rest and recover. After a little over an hour (anyone who wishes to use a Healing Die may do so, please specify and record that if you do), Sildar groans and one eye wearily opens. He cracks a small smile seeing your group sitting around him rather than the Goblins he has recently been the guest of.

So, things to begin discussing and/or to do:

1 - Talking to Sildar
2 - Deciding what to do with the supplies the Goblins stole and are in the cave, marked with the Blue Lion symbol
3 - Retrieve your own wagon and oxen
4 - Decide where to go next and when

Luminmorn

The large dragonborn sees the man open an eye and smile. "I am Luminmorn. Don't know if you remember us but my associates and I were hired by Gundren Rockseeker to make sure some supplies made their journey safely. We were ambushed by the now dead goblins and tracked them to here.

"I for one would like to know what happened to you and to our employer?"

He will offer the man some of his water almost as an after thought.

Ryssa


"Careful now," the cleric said as she assisted the man in his efforts to sit up.

"We almost lost you. What happened after you left the inn with Sire Rockseeker?'

As Ryssa was not injured, she had no need for healing die use.

Sildar

The man who sits up is of middle years, hair more gray than black. Even through his clearly battered state you can tell he holds himself with a military bearing.

He takes the water offered by Luminmorn with a nod of thanks and sips at it slowly as he speaks.

"I don't think we were formally introduced the last time we briefly met in Neverwinter. I am Sildar Hallwinter, former officer in the Gryphon Cavalry of Waterdeep. My thanks for the rescue."

He takes another sip, listening to Luminmorn's explanation of events and Ryssa's question.

"Gundren and I met up in Neverwinter and agreed to help each other when we found our travels would take us in the same direction. We were traveling towards Phandalin together, for different reasons, when we were ambushed by Goblins and taken here."

(OOC - You have heard of the Gryphon Cavalry of Waterdeep as it is quite famous and an elite force.)

<Bern>

While the others talk with Sildar, he starts 'sorting' through the stolen goods. Some of them were worth trying to return to their owners ... perhaps for some reward. Other items were not valuable enough to bother taking back. There were a few items in between. He would see how much room they had and go from there.

[[ I don't remember, are we rolling 'hit dice' for recovery or doing a fixed die/2 +1 sort of thing? ]]

OOC - it is your call. You can take the average rounded up plus Con bonus or roll. But if you choose to roll you're committed.

[[ considering the dice roller here ... I'll take the calc <g> Thanks ]]

(OOC - Just so you know, Pande rolled his 2nd level HPs using the dice roller and got a "10" on a d10..... I know, I was shocked too. As much by the fact he chose to roll as the result! )

DM

Bern moves around the cavern complex taking stock as others rest and begin talking to Sildar. Clearly if anyone knows more, about the Golbins and their motives, as well as about Gundren and his mission, not to mention the mission of Sildar's that he hinted at, it is the former Gryphon Rider.

After sorting through the supplies, Bern feels that the wagon has enough room to take on all the supplies marked with the 'Blue Lion' symbol. Some of the rest would need to be left behind, but nothing especially valuable.

The party can restock their supply of arrows with those in the Goblin's quivers, but the Goblins swords, Javelins, and armour is poorly made and has no monetary value.

Luminmorn

[OOC: Yeah I took my chances, and yes I was quite happy with the result. 24 HP at level 2, not too shabby. Oh and thanks for the other clarification, I edited Luminmorn's post above to reflect that he remembered the man even though the player didn't.]

The dragonborn is happy to listen to the tale and let the others do the questioning and try and sort out what they need to do next. He is sure that they will need to find the dwarf the question of course was how to do just that.

Balthazar

"First things first. Do you know what has happened to the dwarf?" he asked, practical as always as he stood next to Ryssa.

Ryssa


Ryssa watched the Gryphon rider closer to make sure his condition was satisfactory while she listened to his responses.

[[ oh contrare! scrap metal is =way= more valuable than unrefined ore <weg> But if we don't have space for it ... well, them's the breaks <chuckle> ]]

<Bern>

While the others chatted with Sildar, he began hauling the items that seem most worth saving down to the mouth of the cave. Chances are that anything left behind would be gone or useless by the time they were able to get back.

Lingo
The halfling was going to let someone else chit-chat with Sildar. He decided to help Bern sort through the supplies and helped get the good stuff out.

Sildar

The man is looking better and better as time passes (i.e. using his own healing dice )

He looks at Balthazar as the Mage speaks, and shrugs a bit uncomfortably. "It's a complicated tale, in order to fully answer. The short answer is that Klarg, the Bugbear I guess you met, had orders from someone named the 'Black Spider' to waylay Gundren and bring him to them. Gundren had a map....."

He pauses.

"Let me back up. Gundren is one of three Rockseeker brothers. Tharden and Nundro are his kin. They had recently discovered an entrance to the long lost Wave Echo Cave. Site of the mines of the 'Phandelver Pact'. You know of the pact? No? Alright."

"More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge called the Forge of Spells where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path."

"A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells and the ensuing battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost."

"Anyway, Gundren had a map showing the location of the cave. He claimed he and his brothers had found it after all these centuries. But the Goblins took the map when they waylaid Gundren and I. I think they sent both Gundren and the map to the Chief of the Gragmaw Tribe at a place I heard them call 'Cragmaw Castle'."

He shrugs once again. "I am sorry, but I do not know where that is. Perhaps someone in Phandalin might know? In fact I was heading there myself to try to find out anything I can about a wizard named Iarno Albreck. He was a companion of mine and he traveled to Phandalin a few months ago to help establish order there. Since Gundren and I were both heading to Phandalin we decided to travel together."

He glances around at all of you.

"Once I rest up a bit I intend to continue on my way to Phandalin. It's the nearest settlement anyway."

He looks at you again consideringly. "You seem to be able to handle yourselves. If you will take me with you to Phandalin I can pay you 50gp. Clearly I don't have it on me, but I can make arrangement to pay you once we arrive."

Luminmorn

He sees the pair beginning to carry things and he stands to join them. At least he is large and strong so it might go a bit faster.

Ryssa


It was all very interesting and, since they were headed to Phandalin anyway, the cleric saw no real reason not to take the man with them. She looked at Balthazar, one eyebrow quirked upward in a questioning manner.

"I see no real reason not to take him up on his offer."

Balthazar

"Since it appears that we are all headed for the same destination, we might as well travel together. I do not believe that they have found your gear. Do you know what they did with it?" he asked the former soldier, indicating his companions searching the room.

Sildar

He glances where Balthazar indicates then shakes his head. "Probably sent along with Gundren and the map. It was of pretty good quality."

He tries to stand, and after a shaky wobble or two he manages it. He is alive, but he could use more rest or healing.

He leans down to one of the dead Goblins in the room and picks up it's scimitar and shield. "I can use this for now. I'll get new equipment once we get to Phandalin."

Balthazar

He reaches into his belt pouch and retrieves some rations and hands them to the man along with his water skin.

"Might as well refresh yourself while we load what we can. We have the wagon nearby."

Sildar

"If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer to watch you load from outside. I've had about enough of these smelly caves."

He stands up, taking the offered rations and water from Balthazar.

"Thank you." He says, and slowly walks back towards the cavern entrance.

Ryssa


Ryssa stood, holding out a hand to help support the man if he appeared to need it, and then followed him toward the entrance... just in case.

Luminmorn

"I consider it a group decision but I could offer some healing if it is necessary. I might save it for emergency situations but I am willing."

Lingo

The halfling emerged from the cave, rolling a barrel out the cave.

"Am I gonna have to do this all myself?" he calls out.

<Bern>

He continued to move crates and barrels out to the wagon and working on arranging them as efficiently as possible in order to maximize what they could carry. He was mostly ignoring the discussions of the others. He figured there would be plenty of time during the trip to catch up on the discussions.

Lingo

He passed Bern on the way back into the cave. "So they make us little folk do all the hard work while they socialize. Just saying....".

Luminmorn

He gets back to using his bulk to help move stuff.

DM

Sildar makes his way out to the cave entrance. He will willingly accept any healing offered from Luminmorn or others. Once outside, he finds a grassy spot near the stream and sits to rest while the wagon is loaded.

After not too long a time the loading is finished. All the crates with the Blue Lion symbol have been added to the wagon. It is now completely filled, meaning there is no room in the back for anyone to ride. The front seat will hold the driver and one other. Everyone else will need to walk.

(OOC - Any last things you want to do at the cave before heading off?)

<Bern>

"I am doing this so I don't =have= to socialize", he told Lingo. "If you want to chat with Sildar, go ahead. I won't be offended."

Ryssa


The cleric thought it more important that she look after Sildar than load the wagon. She squatted at the man's side and pointed toward the wagon.

"Perhaps you should ride with the driver."

Balthazar

He wasn't very strong but he carried what he could to help load the wagon. When they were done, he looked at the others.

"Anyone else want to take a turn driving the wagon?"

<Bern>

"I don't mind walking."

Lingo

"Nah. I don't need to socialize," he responded to Bern quietly. "I haven't made up my mind about this Sildar guy. He got himself caught by goblins and we had to use a potion to heal him already."

He rubbed his whiskers, "I guess giving him the potion was the right thing to do, considering I killed the goblin that held him."

It will become apparent soon, but because of his short legs, the halfling has trouble keeping up with others. "I'll drive, or ride. We can take turns. I wanted to talk to you about that magic you do anyway," he calls up to Balthazar.

Balthazar

"Why don't you drive then. I can walk alongside." he said, his own legs nice and long. Walking was one physical exertion that he could do and was used to.

Luminmorn

He will cast Cure Wounds upon the injured man.

[OOC: Not sure what I roll, go ahead and I will take notes.]

Cure Wounds
Level - 1
School -Evocation
Range - Touch
Casting time - 1 action
Duration - instantaneous
Components - V,S
Heal a target for 1D8 + spellcasting modifier.
Add 1D8 per spell slot lvl.

(OOC - BTW, you didn't use a potion on Sildar, which is why he is still hurt. The Cure Wounds is enough for him to be able to act normally.)

<Bern>

"Well, didn't =we= get caught by the same trap", he asked Lingo. "And they were a smaller group", he said with a shrug.

OOC: So d8+3 (Cha bonus) = 4 ... way to compensate for that 10 on hp.

[[ that is why I prefer the 'calc' vs the 'roll' <wink> ]]

Lingo

"Caught? I wasn't made no prisoner by goblins. We ran into goblins and we killed goblins, but yeah, Grunden and this one were two and we were five - much better odds. If he ain't dead he'll get better with rest so the sooner we get away from danger, the better."

[ooc: Zeim, you're right. Lingo offered it twice but never acted on it. ]

<Bern>

"Well from what I heard, they took Rockseeker with them, so it sounds like they are planning to ransom him. If he was dead, they would not have taken him", he finished with a wink and a grin. "But I think we will continue to be in the cross hairs of ... someone ... until we settle this and it is =not= close to settled", he finished with conviction. There were more goblins to get rid of!

Ryssa


"I enjoy walking," the cleric said, smiling at the others and preparing to leave with them.

Luminmorn

He said nothing. He had walked on the way out and was happy to continue to walk, now.

(OOC - Lingo is driving with Sildar sitting next to him. Everyone else is walking. The wagon is on the road heading towards Phandalin. Was waiting for the other group to catch up and for Nep to post a map )

[[ I had pretty much guessed the waiting part <chuckle> ]]

(Wait, what? Happy to wait. ;))

[ooc: We're almost there. The other group didn't quite take the same approach as this group. They'll need to speak with Sildar and then get going.]

DM

(OOC - OK, slowly ramping up as the other group is almost caught up. Also, while you've picked a faction to belong to, you'll get to role play joining them. So please make sure it is marked on your sheet if you have chosen one, or if not put "Faction: None".)

You are all relieved as there are no more encounters along the route to Phandalin, and you have all had the chance to take a Long Rest so everyone is back to full, with all their Powers.

The rutted track you have been following emerges from a wooded hillside, and you catch your first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins -- crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars -- surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the est side of town.

As you approach, you see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as you approach, but all return to their business as you go by.

Sildar seems much more at ease. "My friends," he says, "let us secure lodgings. I am told the local inn is very quaint."

It is late in the day, the late afternoon sun approaching sunset in less than an hour.

You are entering town from the North (top middle of map) where the label says "To Triboar Trail". The town green is marked as well as the roads and trails into and out of town.

I have removed the map labels and replaced them with numbers for reference. Once Neptune provides a pretty map, which he is much better than I am at, I will likely use his. In the meantime tell me where you would like to go. Sildar has never been here either so other than his comment about hearing a rumour the inn is "quaint" he can't give you any pointers.

<Bern>

"Perhaps we should ask for suggestions on where to stay", he said looking around the town and not seeing an obvious inn.

Luminmorn

The dragonborn nods his agreement. Though he obviously will let someone else do the asking.

Ryssa


"Do you know the name of the inn you mentioned?" she asked Sildar.

"And I wonder if there are any temples or shrines close by."

DM

With no other suggestions offered the group decides to take the wagon along the main road and see what they can see of the town from closer up.

Riding and walking ahead, you see the first large building you come to with a red slate roof has a sign hanging out front with the name "Barthen's Provisions" on it.

Balthazar

His stride carried him alongside the wagon and while he was not tired his feet did hurt and he would be glad to get off of them for the night. He was more used to hunching over a book than walking miles along a dirt road.

"Perhaps one of those larger buildings in the main square ahead?"

<Bern>

"Isn't that where we were supposed to deliver the wagon", he asked pointing to Barthen's. "They might also be able to suggest someplace to stay."

Luminmorn

"We will have taken care of one thing we wanted to as well." He agreed with returning the supplies.

Ryssa


"And perhaps we could sell the items we found in the cave."

DM

Having decided to take care of the job you were hired for first, before looking around any further, you park the wagon outside the building marked "Barthen's Provisions". Across the road you can see smoke and heat from a very hot fire flowing up from a chimney of an "L" shaped building, that you recognize as being typical of a Smithy.

Hopping down (for those riding), you enter the large building. Immediately you can see it is indeed what it's sign proclaims, a Trading Post. The interior is filled with shelves and rows of tables filled with all sorts of mundane items. Rope, backpacks, bedrolls, trail rations, empty waterskins, and any other type of normal supplies you can imagine other than weapons or armour.

Behind a large counter running along the far wall is a lean, balding human male of middle age. As you enter he is just finishing saying something to two young men who look like clerks and pointing with his thumb towards a door that presumably leads to the back of the shop. The men nod their heads and hurry off thru the door.

As he turns back he notices you for the first time. "Welcome to Barthen's Provisions", he says with a smile. "I don't recall seeing you before. You must be new to town. Can I help you?"

Lingo

He hops off the wagon and enters the large building and starts to look around. This place had a lot of things he could use - things he couldn't have afforded before, but now, with some gold in his purse, he has options.

When the man in charge greets the group, Lingo smiles at him to acknowledge him but then glances over to the others, indicating that he is not the spokesperson. Then, to be polite, he says "Nice place you got here. I'm just looking around for now. I'll let you know if I personally need any assistance."

<Bern>

After a brief look around, he smiled at the proprietor's greeting. "Well met, sir. And yes, we are new to town. We have a delivery for you."

Copied from the "N" Game as it is important info:

OOC: Just some more tidbits.

While the last chapter was pretty much hack-n-slash, we shift gears here in town to gather information and roleplay. The module, from this point on, is not linear and I hope to live by that. This group may decide to go to one place after Phandalin and Neptune's group could be going elsewhere. That could be perilous if you end up skipping ahead but death has always been a crucial part of D&D.

Just a reminder that since you went up a level, you are entitled to change your PC if there's something you've learned isn't working for you. According to Adventurer League rules, the ONLY thing you must keep is your name. So, as an example, Lumimorn, the Dragonborn Paladin could now become a female elven sorcerer. Let me know if you decide to make any dramatic changes.

You can also decide to split up here but again, be cautious. There are dangers. If I seem to be gently nudging you in a direction it'll be because I think you're getting into a heap of trouble.

It's time to focus a bit on your associations with factions. Read up on them and take advantage of the opportunities to actually join the factions now. When we started the module these were intentions. Now it's time to develop the relationships that actually make that happen. It may pay to refresh your memory about these factions .

One additional 'limit' on character rebuilding. If you change your 'faction', you lose any 'perks' you have with that faction and potentially gain some 'emnity' with them. 'They' were a bit sketchy on that last bit at GenCon.

Yes, I assume you'd lose all your "Renown Points" and have to start over.

I would say that for this situation, nobody has really picked a faction yet (as the post said, it was an intention and and renown points were earned after the last encounter, simultaneous with this leveling up. I intend to be linient in the N-game.

Absolutely. You'd need to be recruited, and that really shouldn't happen before 1st level. So people can have leanings, but we can roleplay the recruitment.

Right, that is =not= in the D&D rules. But I wanted to be sure that folks knew about that 'special' caveat in case they ever want to play in the RPGA/GenCon/Adventurers League play in the future.

DM

The man's eyebrow rises at Bern's comment. "Oh? Do I know you, or who is the sender?" He wipes his hands on his apron and comes out from behind the counter to approach.

<Bern>

"We were hired by Gundren Rockseeker to deliver some goods."

Ryssa


As Bern was handling the introduction and initial meeting with the proprietor, other than murmuring something along the lines of "Blessings of Lathander to all," Ryssa just looked around the store to see what was available.

Luminmorn

He followed Ryssa's lead and also perused the wares. For now he was little more than hired muscle.

DM

"Ah", he smiles. "Let's go take a look then. Are they outside?"

Just about then the two clerks come back in from the back. One moves behind the counter and the other comes over towards you as you look around. "Anything I can help you with?"

Balthazar

The wizard moved to go along with Bearn and the shop keeper to look at the contents of the wagon. Negotiations might be needed.

<Bern>

"Yes ... in a wagon outside", he said leading the way.

Ryssa


The cleric smiled, but shook her head at the offer.

"Perhaps later, but now I am just looking."

She took another step or two along the counter and then turned back, an idea occurring to her.

"Perhaps something in the way of information," she said to the nearer clerk.

"Is there a shrine or temple nearby? Or any other clerics that you know of?" She gestured toward her icon of Lathander.

DM

The man walks out of the shop with Bern and Balthazar while Lumimorn, Lingo, and Ryssa remain inside.

The man walks around the wagon, examining the crates. His eyebrow rises at the sight of the ones with the Blue Lion symbol on them.

He turns to Bern and Balthazar. "Yes. It looks like what Gundren and I agreed to. I can give you your payment inside. I am Elmar Barthen, by the way. I don't think I caught your names?" He holds out a hand.

He then points at the other crates. "You've got a bit more here though that doesn't belong to me. This other stuff has the sign of the Lionshield Coster on it. If you're looking for Linene's place just go on straight down the street, past the inn. She's across the street from the Townmaster's Hall. You can't miss it", he smiles, "big Blue Lion on the sign out front."

Inside the shop, Lumimorn and Lingo peruse the shelves. One of the clerks stays nearby in case they need any assistance.

The other clerk, near Ryssa, nods at her question. "The Shrine of Luck, yes. Just down the street. Right next to the Town Green. Sister Garaele watches over it."

Balthazar

He takes the man's hand, shaking it. "I am Balthazar. A pleasure to meet you." he said, making note of the name Linene and the Lionshield Coster. "Lets head back inside and settle up then."

<Bern>

Extending his hand, he smiled. "Bern at your service."

When he mentioned the owner of the additional items, he nodded. "We recovered them from some Goblins that, apparently, have been raiding the road for some time. They will not be raiding again", he said with a bit of a wicked grin. "Returning these items to the proper owner is what we had hoped to do. Thank you for that information."

Ryssa


"My thanks for the information," Ryssa said with a smile, turning her head out of long habit so that her right profile was predominately turned toward him.

"I hope to have the time to speak with her."

Luminmorn

He felt out of sorts in such an urban environment. It wasn't that he hadn't spent time in towns, it was more like he didn't like them as much as he did the wild. He watched the others and listened. He still had need of trade and the wares were something to consider, even if his own gear still worked. He remained quiet just waiting for the deal to be done.

DM

Elmar shakes hands with Balthazar and Bern, nodding appreciatively at Bern's news. "That is good news indeed. I bet that will get you a free round of drinks at the inn."

He re-enters the shop and moving behind the counter he bends down behind it for a minute or two. Coming back up he stacks up 10 GP for each of you. He turns to the clerk behind the counter with him, "Thistle, take Ander and go outside and unload the wagon. Leave all the crates for the Coster on it." He turns back to you. "After you drop off the crates at Linene's you can leave the wagon and ox with her. Tell her they're mine and she'll bring them back around for me."

He points at the stacks of coins. "As agreed with Gundren. But tell me, I had expected to see the dwarf. And honestly I'd thought he'd get here before his supply wagon. Where is he?"

Lingo
"Nah. It looks like I got what I need from here. What I need is a drink, some dinner, a bath and a bed. Where can I get that in this town?"

<Bern>

He nods. "We can help with the unload", he offers and grabs a crate.

"We are still looking for Rockseeker", he says as he begins carrying a crate. "He got himself taken by the goblins before we got there. We will begin looking for him as soon as we finish here."

DM

He looks saddened by the news of Gundren. "That is a shame. I had hoped his discovery of the Mine of Phandelver's Pact would help this town grow. Things have been hard on everyone, and not just because of the mining."

He pauses.

"Oh, as I recall Gundren's brothers, Nundro and Tharden are camped somewhere outside town. I expect them to stop back in for supplies any day now. I haven't seen them in a tenday or so."

(OOC - Neptune - Our posts crossed. He mentioned the in above Lingo's post.)

<Bern>

"When you see the brothers, can you tell them that Gundren is missing and that we are going to be trying to track down his kidnapers. If we get him back, perhaps that will get things back on track for you."

Luminmorn

Seeing a crate come in and the gold being stacked up, the dragonborn moves into action. Carrying crates gives him something to do rather than just standing around watching everyone. He offers "I can help unload as well." He does just that.

Balthazar

He lets the muscle bound ones help with the unloading and looks around the shop instead, enjoying a few moments of peaceful contemplation of prices and goods.

[ooc: No prob. Make believe my post came 2 minutes earlier]

DM

Looking around the shop, and talking to the clerks, Balthazar finds the shop contains almost any type of non-weapon and non-armour equipment he can think of, with the exception of items that cost more than 25gp.

Hearing Lingo's question, Elmar points up the road. "The Stonehill Inn is the only place in town for drinks and rooms. Just up the street."

He nods to Bern. "It'd be good to free him if he's been taken. I know his brothers will want to know so I will pass it along to them whenever they come in. However I don't think that will help business. That's not the problem."

<Bern>

He raised an eyebrow. "Then what =is= the problem, if you don't mind my asking."

Elmar

"The Redbrands are making it tough on everyone. They shake down the local businesses, flout the Townmaster's authority. They strut about like they own the place." He shrugs. "I'd love to see this place get back to what it once was long ago, and Gundren's find of the mine was a good start. But with them around who knows what'll happen."

<Bern>

"The 'Redbands'? Who or what is the Redbands", he asked.

Elmar

"A bunch of ruffians. Cause lots of trouble. No one will stand up to them. They hang out at the Sleeping Giant. That's a run down Tap House at the edge of town."

Luminmorn

He frowned at the explanation of The Redbands. He offers an unsolicited opinion "sounds like something I could get behind. Evil can be stopped therefore it should be." He continued carrying crates.

<Bern>

He gives Luminmorn a nod backed up by an evil grin. "Just as soon as we finish here", he says as he hoists another crate onto his shoulder, "and Linene's, we can stop by the Sleeping Giant and see what's what."

(OOC - Anyone have anything else to ask here or are you ready to go to the Lionshield Coster?)

[OOC: Probably something she should've asked but, as I haven't thought of it, we might as well move on.]

[OOC: Fine with moving on. Sooner we do, the sooner Luminmorn gets to get thump bad guys heads. Not normally his only modius operandi, but Redbander's need to be beat down. ]

[[ ready <g> ]]

[ooc: Lingo is tagging along. It's not his place, in this chapter, to be too involved. ]

Just giving Ken a chance to post before moving along.

DM

(OOC - OK, lets move along.)

Taking your coin (10gp each, please add to your sheets), you take your leave of Barthen's Provisions. Elmar, in passing, says, "If there is anything you can do for Gundren, please do so. He's been good for this town." He then waves as you leave.

Walking, and leading the wagon, further down the street you pass the smithy on your right across from a few homes on your left. A bit further along is a newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers. A sign "Stonehill Inn" is out front.

Sildar sighs and says, "I am going to stop here and see about a room. I could use a bit of rest. Then I am going to look for Iarno Albreck. After you're done with the supplies come back and join me for a drink."

He turns and enters the building.

Continuing further on down the street you can see a small Shrine of stones built along the right side of the road, up against the back corner of a pair of homes. It looks well tended, although no one is there at the moment.

There is a small town square that opens on the right hand side of the main road, behind which is the Town Green. Some small boys play with sticks and hoops, running across the grassy field.

On the left, opposite the town square, is a large building with study stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads:

"REWARD--Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within."

Clearly this is the Townmaster's Hall.

Elmar's direction indicated your destination was a bit further along the street, and indeed as you move past the Townmaster's Hall you come upon a building on the right. Hanging above the front door of this modest trading post is a sign shaped like a wooden shield with a blue lion painted on it.

As your wagon pulls up to the front and stops, the door of the building swings open and a middle aged woman in leather breeches and a bright blue shirt steps out. Wiping her hands on a rag, which she stuffs into a pocket she puts her hands on her hips and looks you over for a moment or two. "Well. What have we here?"

Ryssa


Ryssa paused by the shrine but, seeing the woman the store clerk mentioned was not present, made a mental note to check back later and, after clutching her holy icon and murmuring a brief prayer, quickened her steps to catch up with the others.

Getting accustomed to Bern taking the lead in cases like this, she waited for the ranger to respond to the woman in the blue shirt.

<Bern>

The idea of hunting down some orcs was attractive, but he currently ad several items on his plate. Once that was done ... maybe.

He smiled and nodded in greeting to the woman. "We =might= have something that belongs to you, but was apparently ... diverted by some now quite dead goblins. Master Elmar suggested these", he indicated the items in the wagon, "might belong to you."

Luminmorn

The dragonborn stopped and waited for someone else to speak up. He wasn't disliked by most civilized folk, but they weren't always fond of a large creature like himself speaking up, even if it was in turn.

He looked around the street to see what kind of a spectacle they were creating.

Balthazar

He moved up alongside Bern in case he needed some additional support on how they found the items.

DM

The woman pauses a moment, hands still on hips. Her sharp eyes take in the wagon and it's contents. After that moment, she nods quickly.

"Well don't just stand there on the street gawking like that. Come on inside and we can talk like regular folk. You can leave that there. It isn't going anyplace. (indicating the wagon)."

She waves a hand for you to come along and she turns and heads back into the building behind her.

<Bern>

He nods and moves to follow her into the building.

Lingo

The halfling marches into the building right behind Bern.

Luminmorn

He followed as well. His steps are quick almost like he would like to be done with this chore.

Balthazar

He joined his dragon born companion, letting him through the door first since he was so big.

DM

Once you follow her inside you can see the Lionshield Coster is a Trading Post. The interior is appointed much like it's manager, direct and to the point. No frumpery but no clutter either. There is a sitting area with several chairs and a couch, desk with lamps and chair, a counter with various bound books stacked neatly atop it. There is a set of double doors leading towards the rear of the building. As you entered, you spotted a small cottage out behind the Trading Post, most likely the woman's home.

"Have a seat." She offers. "My name is Linene Graywind. Manager of the Lionshield Coster here in Phandalin. We are a branch office for the Lionshields, a merchant company based out of Yartar. We ship and distribute finished goods to small settlements like this all over this region. Might I know your names?"

You know that Yartar is a city over a hundred miles to the east.

Luminmorn

The dragonborn finds a spot to stand rather than sit in the chairs. Being one of the great descended offers many things but sitting in human sized chairs wasn't one that fit well.

"I am called Luminmorn. I am a Paladin of the Great Dragon."

Balthazar

He nods his head to her.

"I am Balthazar, a wizard."

Lingo

"Hi. I am Lingo. I'm please to meet you," he says as he grabs a seat.

<Bern>

He is still taking in the feel if the place to try and gain perspective on their host ad the others begin their introductions.

He turns to face her and offers his hand, "Bern, at your service."

Ryssa


Ryssa smiled and touched her icon of Lathander.

"I am Ryssa, cleric of Lathander the Even Handed."

Linene

"Well met then." She replies. "Might I ask where you found my supplies? I had been expecting this shipment for some time. It is quite late. You mentioned Goblins?"

<Bern>

"Yes, they had set up an ambush along the road. They tried to waylay us, but we managed to beat them back. Then tracked them to their stronghold and, after we 'cleaned' that place, we found what turns out to be those items of yours."

Luminmorn

He stood stock still other than nodding once in agreement with Bern's explanation.

Linene

She takes a moment more to look at each of you closely, her sharp eyes seeming to miss nothing. After that moment she seems to come to some internal decision as her head nods once, briefly.

She rises, saying, "Wait here. I will be right back." She passes through the double doors out of the room and true to her word, in just a minute or so returns.

"Here." She passes a small coin purse to Ryssa. "In appreciation for returning my supplies. I will also make available to you the armor and weapons I keep in storage. You may purchase whatever you might need."

She looks at you again. "Is there anything I can help you with right now?"

(OOC - The purse, upon opening it, contains 50gp)

<Bern>

"Your generosity is not required, but =is= appreciated", he said when she returned with the coin purse. "I do not know what my companions may need, but I could certainly use a few more arrows. Beyond that, we could use some information. Elmar mentioned a group ... the Redbands? ... that had been causing some problems in town. Is there anything you can tell us about them? It sounds like they have been causing problems here."

Luminmorn

The dragonborn unconsciously leaned in to listen more carefully.

Linene

"I have arrows I can sell to you. One gold piece for a quiver of 20 (she can sell you any normal weapon/armor using the standard pricing in the PHB). I don't sell to anyone. Only those I don't think will be a threat to our town. That group you mention, the Redbrands, I won't sell to them."

She looks at you more closely. "They are trouble. I'd stay away from the Sleeping Giant Tap House if you don't want trouble with them. That is their favorite place in town."

<Bern>

He grinned. He liked taking out 'bullies' almost as much as orc and goblins. He turned to his companions and grinned. "Maybe we should see if we can't do for the Redbands what we did for those goblin ambushers. What do you think?"

Lingo

"YEAH! Me too. Let's teach them a lesson ... after we stop by the inn and celebrate our last victory. We just got here and I'm sure the Redbands ain't goin nowhere this second. It might pay off to sit back and observe before we rush in to take them out. For all we know, they're the good guys. Ever think of that? Oh, and let's get rooms at the inn too. And food. And drink.... but I said that already, right? Yeah, let's head for the inn first."

Ryssa


"You are most generous," Ryssa said after looking at the contents of the purse. She took a moment to share out the gold pieces, ten to each of them.

Ryssa grinned at Lingo and Bern.

"It is worth looking into, I think. Both of your ideas have merit in my sight."

She turned back to Linene.

"What else can you tell us about the town of Phandelver?"

Balthazar

"If one of you fighters can use my ten gold for better armor for yourself, I will give it willingly."

Luminmorn

"I have never been one to stray from a battle. But learning the lay of the land would seem reasonable counsel."

Linene

"Phandelver is the name of the old Pact that was forged over the lost Wave Echo Cave mine. The town is called Phandalin. Close, but different." She replies as a clarification.

She then continues, "The current town of Phandalin is built on the ruins of the much older town of the same name. Hundreds of years ago this was a thriving human village that was allied with the dwarves and gnomes in the Phandelver Pact. That was before it was all laid to waste by the orc horde."

"So this place was abandoned for centuries. In the last three or four years some settles from Neverwinter and Waterdeep have started to try to reclaim the town. We're growing, but it is still fragile. We've got mostly farmers, woodcutters, fur traders, and some prospectors."

She frowns. "Unfortunately more than a few brigands and ruffians have come along seeing easy prey. We have no real local authority or lord here to maintain order."

She glances at you. "That is where the Redbrands come in. They're led by a mysterious figure who is known as Glasstaff."

"I keep to myself as much as I can, making sure I only supply those I think I can trust."

"That's about all I can tell you, other than the layout of the town. You've already been to Barthen's and you probably passed Sister Garaele's Shrine of Luck, dedicated to Tymora. Otherwise there's not that much here. The Townmaster's building across the way. Our current Townmaster is named Harbin Wester. The inn back up the street. The Sleeping Giant Tap House I warned you to stay away from."

"Let's see, what else. Oh yes, the biggest farm in town is probably the one run by Qelline Aldrerleaf. That's over on the southeast edge of town. We've got a nice orchard to the west run by Daran Edermath. Other than that, there's a few shops. Only other place of note would be the Miner's Exchange. Halia Thornton runs that. She handles pay-outs to all the prospectors and miners in the area."

She shrugs. "Can't think of much else to tell you. If you want gossip and local news probably best to go to the inn and talk to the townspeople."

Balthazar

"This Glasstaff, what do you know about him? Is he a wizard?"

<Bern>

There wasn't anything that =he= felt he needed to ask, but since some of the others might have their own questions, he was willing to wait.

Linene

She shrugs apologetically. "I don't know anything about him at all. Could even be a she for all I know. Just heard the name once or twice when some of the Redbrands were talking."

<Bern>

"We appreciate your generosity with your time as well as your coin. We would be happy to help you unload the wagon. Elmar said we should just leave it here."

Linene

She waves a hand. "Don't worry. I'll get it done, and send the wagon back to Elmar too. I'd written those supplies off as a loss, so them showing up is reward enough for a little sweat."

She rises and moves over to open the door for you.

(OOC - where to?)

<Bern>

"If you are sure", he said to their host, "we will get out of your way then."

Once outside with his friends, he asks the question. "What next?"

Ryssa


"My thanks and the blessing of Lathander to you," she told Linene with a smile and a nod.

Ryssa followed Bern outside and stood, hands on hips, as she looked around the small town.

"I suppose we should see to our lodgings and then..." she paused and grinned.

"I guess then we could check out that inn we've been warned to avoid."

Luminmorn

"Or the other one, if we wish to keep a lower profile. Depends upon how we wish to gather information, by fist, or listening."

Balthazar

"Using ones ears is always easier than ones fists, at least in the beginning." he said, joining with comrades. "I would wash the dust of travel from myself too."

DM

The decision is made to go find lodgings and drink, and maybe a bath, first, before making any firm decisions. Perhaps talk to some of the locals and see what's happening.

Heading out of the Trading Post you turn back up the street to the building you passed earlier called the "Stonehill Inn". The one Sildar went into. You pass the Townmaster's Hall once more and find yourselves in front of a newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers.

Passing thru the door and inside you can see the a large common room that is filled with locals, it now being a bit after supper and prime drinking time. All of the locals eye you curiously, but none show any apparent concern or extra-ordinary interest.

There are several tables, mostly square or rectangular, of rough cut wood surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs. There is a bar that runs across the rear of the common room with several stools. A set of stairs to the far left of the entry door, and opposite the large fireplace, leads upwards.

A man stands behind the bar. He is short, and on second glance you notice that the bar itself is a bit shorter than typical, perhaps built that way on purpose so the bartender can see over it.

Many of the stools and tables are occupied with townsfolk, but there are still some available, including one table near the door that is empty, perhaps because it is furthest from the fire and will catch the cold breeze from outside.

A slip of a girl flits between the tables like a bee taking orders and delivering drinks. A man at a far table waves at her and calls out "Elsa", to attract her attention, so that must be her name.

A more matronly woman pokes her head out of a door behind the bar and says something to the bartender that you can't hear, then disappears back behind the door once again.

You do not see Sildar anywhere.

<Bern>

A quick look around was enough to convice him that this was just what it appeared, a tavern like so many others he had visited over the years.

The bar was the most interesting thing. He wondered if the place had been built by dwarves for dwarves. Something that he thought might be an interesting story that he should be able to coax out of the bartender.

But that was for later. There was more pressing business. He walked up to the bartender. "Who do we talk to about about rooms for the evening", he asked.

Luminmorn

The dragonborn looks to his companions and nods to the table by the door. He is used to sleeping in the wild so a drafty door doesn't bother him. He will sit where his bulk will not block the door but might offer his companions a small benefit of protection from the wind.

DM

The bartender glances at Bern as he arrives and asks his question.

"That'd be myself." He says with a smile. "Toblen Stonehill. Proprietor of this establishment."

He glances over Bern's shoulder at the others who arrived with him. "It'll be 5sp per day, apiece. I've got just enough rooms for you and your group."

He picks up a mug and starts wiping it to dry it.

"Drinks are 4cp for a mug of ale or 2sp for a pitcher of wine."

He tosses a thumb back over his shoulder. "Dinner's done, but I can have the missus rustle you up something from the left-overs. Be 3sp for some venison stew, or half that if you just want some bread and cheese."

He pauses a moment, then adds, "You and your group new in town? Did you come in with Gundren's friend Sildar?"

<Bern>

With a nod for the bartender, he fished out some coin for his room and a pitcher of wine. "This will take care of mine. Can you hold a couple for my friends? I will send them over. I will check with them about food as well. I think I am fine though."

He nodded, confirming that they were new in town as he took his wine over to his friends.

Toblen

He takes the coin and hands over a key, nodding. "I'll send Elsa over with your wine. Oh, and Sildar said he'd join you in a little while. He's in the back taking a bath." He points to a door next to the stairs.

<Bern>

"A bath sounds wonderful. How late are =those= available?"

Ryssa


She had not been paying close attention to the conversation between the ranger and the innkeeper, but the word bath caught her attention and she turned to them with a smile.

"Yes, I'd like a bath."

Toblen

"We keep water heating in a large kettle in the washroom until a couple of hours after dark. There's a large tub in there. Big enough to fit 2 or 3. You can fill your own tub with the pitchers and wash with soap and towels for 1sp, or I can have one of the kitchen boys fill the tub and wash you for 2sp. Sildar's in there by himself right now, so should be enough room for the two of you." He says, nodding towards Bern and Ryssa,

<Bern>

"I think I can wait until Sildar is done." He admitted. Then with a look over at Ryssa, continued. "I am willing to share ... if you want to save the coin", he said with a nonchalant shrug. "Otherwise, it sounds like two more tubs at least."

Balthazar

"I suspect that our good cleric will wish her own bathtub but I will share one with you Bern. I would wash the dirt of travel from myself as well." he said, bowing his head to Ryssa.

Luminmorn

He made no comment. His armor was encrusted with dirt and his clothing gave off the odor of the road, but it didn't seem to bother the creature that liked to live in the wild. If it bothered others, they would likely have to tell him. Luminmorn understood other's needs for warm baths and such, but a clean river would do just the same for him and make him feel more alive. For now he just remained quiet and watched the room as well as his companions.

Lingo

He waits for a break and then steps in front of the innkeeper and says, "Sir. May I please have a room. Private or a share, I don't care."

Ryssa


"I..." she paused and her mouth slowly closed as she was not sure what she should say. Ryssa took a deep breath, held it a moment and then exhaled and a slow smile returned to her face.

"I can share if needed, but I cannot guarantee I would not blush."

<Bern>

"We can sort that out", he said with a shrug. "Just seems a shame to needlessly waste coin."

Toblen

He glances at Lingo and nods. Handing over a key he holds his hand out for the 5sp. If the halfling wants to share he can work out the payment with his roommate.

DM

Bern, Ryssa, and Balthazar head toward the baths, passing thru a door near the stairs and entering a smallish chamber with a large wooden tub and hooks with towels hanging from them. Water is draining out of the tub from a hole on one side near the bottom into a hole in the floor.

On one side of the room, Sildar apparently had just emerged from the tub and is toweling off. Next to him is a young boy of about 10 or 11 who is holding his clothes. As you enter you can hear the end of a conversation Sildar was having with the boy.

The boy is saying, "...... and my friend Carp, you know, he is Qelline Aldrerleaf's son? Anyway, he said he found a tunnel out in the woods! Imagine that. He said it was a secret tunnel, and that the Redbrands almost caught him but he escaped!"

Sildar looks at the boy kindly, with the smile most adults give to children when they spin fanciful tales. "Yes he did so!" The boy says indignantly when he sees the smile. He then sees you enter, and closes his mouth.

Out in the bar, Lingo got a key to a room from Toblen and he and Luminmorn sit at the table near the door. A barmaid bounces over.

"What can I get for you kind sirs? Oh, I am Elsa", she giggles, "I can take your order." She sort of bounces up and down on her feet as if she has trouble standing still. "You look like adventurers, with all those weapons and armour and such. And I've never met a Dragonborn. Are you adventurers?" He hands clasp together in front of her in excitement. "Daran Eldermath, the orchard keeper, claims to have been an adventurer before he settled here. But he never tells me any good stories. Oh", her eyes open wider, "your order?"

Luminmorn

He briefly considers whether he wants to be called an adventurer. Deciding it doesn't matter what he might want, the townspeople will tell their own tale. "I believe you could call me that. I am called Luminmorn.

"I would like an ale." He looks to his companion to see if he wants some drink to wash the grit from the road down.

Ryssa


The cleric paused just inside the door, intrigued by the boy's tale. When he sees them and clamps shut his mouth, she looked at Bern and Balthazar, eyebrows raised questioningly.

"I think I'd like to meet this Carp."

<Bern>

"Maybe later", he says, not seeming particularly concerned. "At the moment, I am looking forward to that bath.

He looked at the others, "Three might be a bit crowded, but would save the most coin."

Balthazar

"Oh no, Lady Ryssa should have her own bath for modesty sake. I will share the bath with you if coin is a factor." he says, turning bright red at the thought of sharing a bath with their lady cleric.

DM

Sildar dresses and tells you he is going to take a walk around town and see if he can find any news of Iarno. He'll catch back up with you in the morning.

The young boy asks Bern, Balthazar, and Ryssa if they would like him to draw the water for their bath and bathe them or if they want to do it themselves.

Back in the inn, Elsa bounces off after taking Luminomrn's and Lingo's orders and quickly returns with two ales. "That'll be 8 coppers good sirs." She says.

A minute later Sildar enters the main room and passing by the table with Luminmorn and Lingo he tells them he is going to see if he can find any news of Iarno and will meet them in the morning and then takes his leave.

After a few minutes a pair of farmers at a nearby table turn to the Dragonborn and halfling and one of them says, "S'cuse me if'n I am interruptin. I thought I saw you come in with that girl? The one with the armour? She had the look of a priestess about 'er. If'n it aint too much trouble, might you ask her if she can check in with Sister Garaele? The one who looks after our Shrine? I'd heard she left town a couple of days ago and word is she came back all cut up and exhausted. Went into her house there behind the Shrine and hasn't come out since. No one's checked on 'er I know of. Clerical business an such y'know."

Ryssa


Ryssa was not all that body conscious except for the disfiguring scar on her left cheek and, if fact, during her time with her current companions, had come not to think much even about it since her new friends did not seem to pay that much attention to it. Balthazar's reaction obvious discomfiture did amuse her, however.

"You do not have to share a bath with me, Balthazar," she said with a bit of a mischievous smile, "but I was hoping, perhaps, for a back scrub."

"And I can afford to pay my share. Why don't you to men share the first bath and come tell me when you are through and I'll take my turn."

Ryssa gave the two men and the boy a smile and turned to leave the bath area.

Luminmorn

He pays the girl with a silver to cover both drinks. At the farmer's words he nods "I will let her know, and be happy to check on your priestess." He took a sip of his ale to test it before taking a longer fuller drink.

<Bern>

He smiled at Balthazar's sudden shyness as well. With a shrug he tossed the silver to the boy and began to remove his gear. "Don't hesitate to give me a call if you want help getting your back scrubbed Ryssa", he said giving her a wink.

Balthazar

He was red still but he started to take his own gear off and pays his portion of the fee for the bath. Balthazar doesn't seem to have any problem with nudity around Bern or the other men during wash ups at streams and such but if Bern has been watchful, he will notice that Balthazar tends to be a little nervous around Ryssa or other women.

Lingo

The halfling sits at the table with Luminmorn, casually swinging his legs which don't quite reach the floor. After watching the dragonborn sip his ale, Lingo tosses it back and drains it without taking a breath.

"Ahhhhh! I needed that! Can you bring me out some food too? Whatever you got left over will do. I could eat a dragon!" And with that he hands the barmaid several silver. "And I need a refill on this ale. Just bring out a pitcher. Lumi here will help me polish this off."

He turns to the dragonborn, "So, we'll check out that priestess after dinner. Fair?"

Ryssa


"Wine for me if you have it, ale if you do not," she said to the barmaid. "A bite to eat would be welcome, too."

All this was said as she reached the table and sat with Lingo and Luminmorn.

"I think Balthazar is a too shy to have me in the same bathing room," she said with a smile.

"What was that you said about a priestess?"

Luminmorn

"One of the townspeople stopped by for you specifically. He said that their priestess was wounded and has been seen for a bit. He wondered if you would go look in on her. I told him I would as well. Now we have three. But a bit of food wouldn't be remiss, first."

He smiled at her comment. Humans were so weird with their preoccupations.

DM

Elsa nods and giggles as she moves off to fill the new order. She returns in just a few minutes with a pitcher of ale and a glass of wine for Ryssa. She sets down two plates of venison stew that smell quite good in front of Lingo and Ryssa as well.

(Bern and Balthazar are free to return from the bath any time you like.)

<Bern>

Feeling (and looking) much refreshed, he rejoins his friends. "Your turn Ryssa. Definitely worth it", he said with a smile.

Balthazar

He is a few moments later, having stopped and paid for Ryssa's bath for her. His hair was brushed back and still very wet, slowly dripping down his back under the shirt.

"They are putting fresh hot water in the tub for you Ryssa." he told her, smiling faintly.

Ryssa


The cleric frowned and nodded as she ate hurriedly, taking frequent pulls on the ale. Finally she took her bread and sopped up the gravy.

"That was good," she said, looking up just as Bern and Balthazar arrived.

"That sounds good, too, but I think I'd better check on the town's priestess first."

She grinned at the men and got to her feet.

"The bat will have to wait."

Ryssa headed out the door and back toward the shrine.

Luminmorn

He slammed back the rest of his pint of ale as he stood. "Enjoy the rest of the ale, I will accompany Ryssa, if you are willing." The last was directed at her. They didn't know the town nor what might happen with the ruffians called the Red Bands.

<Bern>

"Luminmorn, if you would like to use the bath they are getting ready, I can go with Ryssa."

Luminmorn

"The world provides opportunity enough for that in rivers and streams. Unless I offend, I likely won't take the time nor the coin for such a civilized pursuit." The emphasis on the word civilized made one think that the dragonborn might not think it was very civilized at all.

"Especially when there is someone in need," he added almost under his breath.

<Bern>

He shrugged at Luminmorn's dismissal of the offered bath. "Well I guess we shall just have to pay again when Ryssa returns", he said with an exaggerated sigh, wondering of the dragonborn's target would pick up on the idea.

He took a seat and looked around for the bouncy girl so he could order a drink.

DM

The girl seems busy chatting up a young man at another table, clearly flirting. A middle aged woman comes out of the back wiping her hands on her apron and gives the room a once over. Seeing Bern and Balthazar looking around for service, she first frowns at Elsa, looks at the bartender in annoyance, gives a loud "huff" and moves quickly over to your table.

Ryssa has finished her meal and she and Luminmorn get up to leave. Lingo is still eating his own meal, taking his time rather than the way Ryssa wolfed her's down. There is a pitcher of ale on the table that Lingo ordered.

"Good evening gentlemen. I am Trilena, wife of the lazy bum behind the bar and mother to that flirt of a girl. You seem new here? Can I get you something?"

Ryssa and Luminmorn exit the inn and walk across the street to the Shrine. As before, no one is there and it occurs to both of them that they never actually asked anyone where they might find Sister Garaele.

Taking a quick look at the two or three buildings adjacent to the Shrine and it seems Tymora smiles on them as one of them has a symbol of the Goddes of Luck carved on it's door.

Luminmorn

Seeing the symbol he nods and says "it might be this door, if luck would shine on us. He is merely an escort and though he is willing to do whatever he can for the woman, it is Ryssa who should really say what it is she wishes to say. He is no priest nor priestess though the Great Wyrm has deigned to give the dragonborn a bit of his power in return for faithful service.

<Bern>

"Isn't family great", he said giving the woman a sympathetic nod. "That food smells wonderful ... if there is any left."

Balthazar

"Yes, whatever is left is fine with me. Also our friend will return shortly for her bath if you could tell the boy to keep it for her."

DM

She glances out the door when mention is made of the two who left. "I will tell Pip to keep it warm."

Looking down at Bern and Balthazar she nods. "Yes. Still some stew. I haven't started cleanup in the kitchen yet, and I am suddenly thinking it's a job for someone younger tonight", she glances meaningfully at Elsa.

A old farmer at a nearby table chimes in, saying, "Oh, come on Tri. Let her have her fun. It's not like she has that many suitors to play with here."

The woman whirls on the farmer in anger, her finger stabbing at him with her words. "You mind your own business, Narnth. Do you want her to become like Mrs. Drendar? Do you want Toblen to get the same as Thel? She does it with young Lucas and next you know it'll be a Redbrand. And it is Trilena to you."

She glares at Narnth until the man sheepishly drops his gaze muttering, "Yes mam."

She then marches across the room and grabbing Elsa by her arm she takes the girls forcibly into the back.

Narnth looks at the other men at his table for support and they hold their hands up in surrender. "Don't look at me", one of them says, "you did that to yourself. And she's right too."

(OOC - Ex - I think you missed several posts. You seem to be posting retroactively?)

[OOC: Apparently I never saw your Christmas afternoon post... sorry. I've deleted the 2 posts I made since.]

Ryssa


"I wonder where... oh there," she said, pointing to the symbol of Tymora emblazoned on a door. She gestured for Luminmorn to follow, walked up onto the small porch and knocked on the door.

DM

(Anyone in the inn doing/saying anything?)

Ryssa and Luminmorn knock on the door. After a moment a call is heard, "One moment."

And true to her word, a moment later the door opens. "Yes? May I help you?"

Ryssa and Liminmorn can see in front of the door a young female elf. She has bruises and partially healed cuts on her face and one arm is in a sling.

Ryssa


Concern on her face, Ryssa gestured toward the young female elf's obvious injuries.

"Perhaps we could help you, Priestess." She touched her icon.

"I am Ryssa Noman, cleric of Lathander, and this is my friend and Paladin, Luminmorn."

Luminmorn

He simply nodded in agreement.

DM

The elf woman nods to you. "Be welcome in my home then." She moves aside to allow you to enter.

You can see she maintains a simply appointed home that maintains her elven ancestry. The entryway leads into a living space contains simple furniture of carved wood and woven cushions. The furniture has carvings of leaves, animals, and other nature scenes on it.

She gestures for Ryssa and Luminmorn to take seats and says, "Will you take some tea?"

Luminmorn

He accepts the chair admiring the decor. As a being of nature he appreciates the gifts of The Great Wyrm. "I would love some tea."

Ryssa


"Tea would be appreciated," she said slowly, but with a smile.

"Would you accept the blessings of Lathander to ease your hurts?"

Sister Garaele

She begins to limp from the room, but pauses and smiles softly at Ryssa, shaking her head. "The Blessings of Tymora are not always what we expect, or might wish, but we faithful must bear them. I will be fine. All I need is time." After a second's pause she adds, "I will accept your help with the tea, however. I am not sure I can reach the cabinet with the guest cups", she nods at her arm in the sling.

"Oh, pardon me. You introduced yourselves and I did not. I am Sister Garaele."

Luminmorn

He felt embarrassed he hadn't thought of assisting with the tea. He wanted to ask why she didn't want the healing but the dragonborn felt that during the tea he would learn more. So he kept silent.

Ryssa


"The choice is yours," she murmured as she stood and moved to help the devotee of Tymora with the tea.

"I am honored to meet you, Sister," she said as she retrieved the cups from the cupboard and placed them on the table. She stood alongside Garaele and offered what further assistance she could in the preparation of the beverage.

"Is there anything else we can help you with?"

Luminmorn

"I must confess I am curious how you got injured and why you don't want healing? But I echo my companion's willingness to assist."

DM

Trilena returns with some hot stew for Bern and Balthazar. The hubbub of conversation continues at the tables around them.

Meanwhile, over at Sister Garaele's......

The elf puts a pot of water up to boil, and after thanking Ryssa for getting the cups and saucers down she comes back out to the living area to sit.

She sighs as she sits and looks at the dragonborn. "I will answer the second question first as it is simpler, and leads into the answer to the first and last. Tymora is known most commonly as the Goddess of Luck, however that is not a complete description. She is also Goddess of Fate. One can change one's fate by prayer and offerings to Her, but for her priestesses, once one's fate has occurred it is an insult to Her to not accept it."

"I was given a mission by Her, and I was unable to complete it. Rather say I was fated to not complete it, incurring these injuries during my attempt. It is my fate to bear them, and while I certainly could be healed, were I to accept your kind offer I might be fating another to harm or death by your not having access to that same healing later because it was used on me. I could use Tymora's Blessing and heal myself, but I will not for the same reason."

"Now, was my life in danger...., were we traveling outdoors in dangerous territory, then I would be foolish to not accept that Tymora had caused you to appear at this time to assist me. However I am in my home. As safe as I could be anywhere. I can allow nature to heal my wounds in due time and reflect on why Tymora fated me to endure them, and save my own healing powers and yours for those others in need."

"Now let me answer the first question, which as I said, will lead to the answer to your last. I incurred these wounds on a mission I was unable to complete. I was attacked by orcs in the wild before I could reach my goal. At first I thought I had failed, but I now see it was simply a part of Tymora's plan. For she has brought you to me."

She smiles. "So the answer to how you might be of assistance to me is this; complete my mission."

"You are new to town, and this is a small place and gossip travels fast. I have heard you arrived with 4 or 5 others. A group of that size could reach my goal where I, alone, was not able to."

Ryssa


The smell of the brewing tea reached her along with the elf's tale. She was pleased the priestess' wounds were not more serious since she would not accept healing.

"I understand now your reason for refusing the favors of Lathander," Ryssa said. She leaned forward slightly.

"Tell us more of the mission."

<Bern>

He smiles and nods his thanks when the meal is delivered. It smelled good and he was hungry, so started right in.

Luminmorn

"Thank you for helping me understand. The ways of the gods are often not clear to us mortals. Yet we endeavor to serve as best we can.

"I too would hear more. Orcs are not always evil in the wild but they are usually dangerous."

Sister Garaele

The whistle of the tea kettle sounds and she attempts to get back up, but her arm fails her. She turns to Luminmorn. "Would you mind? The cups and spoons are set out. The tea and honey are in marked containers in the cupboard."

Once Luminmorn returns with the tea, she begins (Note: If you don't want to get the tea let me know and I'll edit).

She blows on the tea to cool it and takes a sip. "My superiors asked me to investigate any information I could find out about the location of a Spellbook belonging to a long dead legendary Mage named Bowgentle. I have discovered that a Banshee named Agatha, who was a diviner in life, may know it's whereabouts or at least information about it."

"I traveled to her lair a week or so ago to try to persuade her to talk to me but I could not get her to appear. My research indicates she was a bit vain in life and I think a male who flattered her might draw her out. It was on the return journey I was waylaid by orcs and wounded."

Ryssa


When the tea kettle sounded, the cleric started to rise but then smiled and gestured for her dragonborn companion. When Luminmorn returned, Ryssa helped him set up the tea service, poured a bit of honey into hers and sat back, waiting for it to cool a bit.

"A male who flattered her?" Ryssa grinned and mouthed Bern toward the Paladin.

"I think we could provide that enticement."

Luminmorn

He sipped his own tea after retrieving it for them. "A banshee. I don't know much about them. But I understand that they can be formidable."

Lingo

The halfling was listening to the back-and-forth banter between the innkeepers wife and the farmer with interest. One always needed to keep an ear open for opportunity.

"So what's the deal with Thel Drendar?"

Balthazar

The young mage shook his head. "It appears to be local trouble of the romantic kind. Best to avoid getting entangled in that." he said, looking around as he ate his steaming stew.

Ryssa


"I wasn't even thinking on that side of the problem," Ryssa responded.

"I know little about banshees. What kind of experience have the people of this area had with her?"

Sister Garaele - with Ryssa and Limunmorn

"They don't." She answers Ryssa. "Agatha's lair is about 50-60 miles from here, and like most Banshee, she is bound to it and can't wander this far."

"And you are right", she answers Luminmorn. "She is formidable, were you to try to fight her. I don't recommend that. All I need is information."

She reaches into her belt pouch and removes a jeweled silver comb. "If you offer her this as a gift, and have a male flatter her vanity a bit, I am hopeful you can get the answer without trouble."

She pauses and looks from Ryssa to Luminmorm. "Will you do it for me? I'd not ask you to do it for nothing", reaching back into her pouch she removes 3 small potion bottles. "These are Potions of Healing. You can have them in return for your help."

The Inn - Balthazar, Bern, and Lingo

Lingo turns and asks a question about the conversation Trilena had with the farmers at the nearby table. The farmer shrugs noncommittally, but the Innkeepers wife turns back to the 3 party members with a sad expression and says quietly.

"Thel Drendar was a local woodcarver. About a tenday ago some Redbrands came into his shop and leered at his wife. He stood up to them and asked them to leave, and they murdered him! Several townsfolk saw it happen." She glances around the room angrily. "The Redbrands grabbed his body and took it away, and now his wife and daughter have gone missing too. No one has seen them in several days."

<Bern>

He listened to the barkeep's story. It was another good reason to look into these Redbands. But not something to discuss with strangers ... and especially when some of their group was missing.

Ryssa


"I will help you if I can, Priestess, but I cannot answer for our entire group. How quickly must this be done?"

She looked at Luminmorn, shrugging slightly.

"What do you think?"

Luminmorn

"I am willing to assist. But like you I am concerned about the local ruffians. I believe we should have a consensus before we deal with a banshee. Though personally I am inclined to help."

Sister Garaele

She returns the items and comb to her pouch. "Fair enough. I will be resting for several days so please talk to your companions and let me know. I will be here."

Ryssa


Ryssa smiled, nodded and stood, glancing at Luminmorn to make sure he was ready to leave.

"Thank you for your hospitality. We will talk to our friends and will let you know."

Unless her dragonborn companion objects, she then returns to the inn.

Luminmorn

The dragonborn stood. He had no objection. He wanted to help the cleric but had to make sure they all agreed.

Ryssa


Ryssa and Luminmorn entered the inn and found seats at their friends' table.

"We have something we need to tell you about," the cleric said and proceeded to tell of the priestess' request.

<Bern>

"As do we", he said with a smile. When Ryssa was done, he relayed the additional information they had gotten about the Redbands.

Luminmorn

"Well sounds like your mission is slightly more urgent than ours," he comments. "Any idea where to start looking other than of course The Sleeping Giant?"

<Bern>

He shrugged. "It doesn't sound like either task is particularly 'urgent'. On the one hand, solving the 'Redhand' problem will help the most people immediately, but the town seems to have been living with the problem for some time. As to the other, the priestess had been willing to wait for her wounds to heal before taking another stab at her problem. So I think we could do them in either order. So we can choose. What does everyone think?"

Balthazar

"I think we should eliminate the problem here in town first. It is likely to be the lesser of the two and gives us time to heal up in a safe place before we see about the good cleric's dilemma."

<Bern>

"I don't mind that plan. Any differing opinions?"

Ryssa


"She seemed willing to wait... or at least I perceived little urgency from her."

Ryssa smiled and shrugged.

"So I agree with Balthazar's plan."

After a brief pause, she continued.

"When are we to begin? Do I have time for my bath?"

<Bern>

"I am thinking you have time for a bath. The real question is do we do some recon tonight or wait to for tomorrow?"

Balthazar

"I am thinking that a look at the enemy while they are relaxing might be a good thing. We can scope out their true numbers and disposition."

<Bern>

He nodded. It sounded reasonable and similar to what he had in mind. "Lets get settled into our rooms. We can wait for your bath if you want to come along Ryssa. But we might have better luck without someone who looks too much like a goodie two shoes", he said with a wink for the cleric.

Ryssa


"Better a goody two shoes than a filthy beast," the cleric replied with a crooked grin. She stood and headed off for her bath which she enjoyed very much.

Once her ablutions had been completed, she came back out into the common room to see if any of her companions were still there.

(OOC1 - Just need a post from everyone if you are going to rest up and do things in the morning or if you're going to do anything tonight. Remember, Sildar said he'd meet you for breakfast.)

(OOC2 - Also, chiming in that there are others in town you have not yet spoken to who might have additional information/requests/quests for you before you make a decision. A list of those you know of but haven't spoken to:

- Quelline Alderleaf - Halfing farmer.
- Carp Alderleaf - Quelline's son. Pip Toblen mentioned he had found a tunnel of some sort.
- Daran Edermath - a former adventurer. Might know things normal townfolk don't.
- Phandalin Miner Exchange - a place where miners gather and resupply. Might be a good source of information about things outside of town.
- Town Master's Hall - Reward posted for dealing with Orc troubles. Could be other info available as well.

So it's up to you whether you want to talk to everyone and get all the info available before making a decision or if you want to tackle one or more items and then ask around about other things.)

[OOC: If the others are going out, checking around, and are not in the common room when Ryssa returns from her bath, she'd probably drop by places like the Town Master's Hall and the Phandalin Miner Exchange... maybe others.]

[[ well partly I have lost track of time. How late in the day is it at the point where Ryssa heads off for her bath? We had talked about hitting the tavern where the redbands hang out 'after dark' to get a sense and see if we could 'overhear' anything useful. If there is time some of us could hit up one or two of the other places. ]]

(OOC - OK, time check. You arrived near sunset. You spent an hour with the Merchant delivering the supplies, then a half hour wandering around town. An hour with the Blue Lion coster and then arriving at the inn well past dinner. You ordered food and drink and took baths (just counting Balthazar and Bern for now), which was another hour. Another hour talking to folks while Ryssa and Luminmorn talked to the priestess.

So, sunset around 6pm, +1 Merchant, +.5 town, +1 Blue Lion, +1 dinner and baths, +1 priestess = around 11pm currently.)

[[ so just about the right time to visit a den of iniquity <weg> ]]

[OOC: So who is calling Luminmorn a filthy beast? Sounds like a fine time to check out the Sleeping Giant. Though obviously the dragonborn isn't a subtle person. He would be willing to offer support as desired. Depending upon the plan that we come up with.

Also seems too late to discuss anything with anyone else. Not like they can go to the town hall to get another opinion of the Red Bands at this hour.]

(OOC - Yes. Main question is do you want to take time to rest up and get a goods night sleep, talk to Sildar and some other townsfolk in the morning, and then make decisions, or do you want to do something now?)

(OOC Luminmorn had suggested gathering information first before busting heads. Sleep is also fine by him. But are the other chars impulsive or willing to wait? As a player I think waiting is good but open to either idea.)

[[ the suggestion had been made earlier to stop by the tavern frequented or owned by the redbands tonight to get some intelligence about the group since ... by now they should be well 'lubricated' and so more likely to 'let slip' with useful information. It sounds like that this would be the time to do that ... the question is who should go. Ryssa seems an obvious one to be 'out of place' there. Not sure about how the locals or the brigands would feel about any 'non-human' folk. That sort of thing might be worth a question to our waitress or another of the locals in here. ]]

[OOC: My inclination is no non-humans, other than what might be represented in the town. As it is, non-locals, ie regulars that show up in the tavern will be suspect, but it depends upon how lubricated they are. So I didn't include Luminmorn in the choice making types, unless they want him lurking in the dark for backup.]

[OOC: As co-GM in a way, I will go with the flow. ]

[[ I am OK with that too ... if everyone else is. ]]

Balthazar is ready to go get drunk, or at least pretend. Of course that might be rather amusing since he never has been drunk

[OOC: She wasn't talking about Luminmorn - it was just about Ryssa going with or without a bath - and also an awkward play on Goody Two Shoes and the Filthy Beast as Leslie Caron and Cary Grant in Father Goose.]

(OOC It was a joke with regard to the bath. Your writing was clear.)

(OOC - So, from what I read, only Bern and Balthazar are going to the Tap House. What are Ryssa, Lingo, and Luminmorn doing?)

Lingo

"I'll keep you guys company at the Tap House."

[OOC: Ryssa is bathing... once she is through with her bath, it depends on who is in the common room when she returns there.]

[ooc: Maybe Lingo needs to run upstairs and check on Ryssa to see if she's ready to get going. Just a small, creepy peek ... <gd&r> ]

(OOC - Can we work this out in character?)

<Bern>

He emptied his mug and stood. "Back in a bit ... I hope."

He looked to Balthazar.

Luminmorn

"Do you wish my company when you go to the other inn? I could wait someplace and come if called. But would that be a problem?"

He watches Bern go wondering what he is up to.

Balthazar

He got to his feet as well, making sure that his bill was paid and sticking a piece of bread in his pocket for later. He was always hungry being tall and lanky but not as much as Lingo was he wagered.

"Coming Bern." he said, glancing at the Halfling to see if he was coming as well.

Lingo

The halfling hops off the chair and tightens his belt. It was time to start bar-hopping.

"Ready when you are!"

<Bern>

"Well ... I won't tell you =not= to come", he told Luminmorn, "but the consensus seemed to be that 'non-humans' were 'a problem' for 'them'."

When Lingo expressed an interest, an idea occurred to him.

"If you and Lingo want to help", he said to Luminorn, this might be an interesting experiment. You and Lingo wait until we have gone in. Once we are 'settled', you two come in and we can watch the reactions and maybe learn something more then we would on out own. Sound like a plan", he asked the others.

Ryssa


Her bath finished, Ryssa toweled off her body and then spent twice that much time briskly toweling her hair. Once it was acceptably almost dry she headed for the common room to see who might still be there.

[OOC: Probably after the guys have left.]

Luminmorn

Sounds like a good way to stir up trouble."

Lingo

"Trouble is my middle name. It usually means fun and excitement." The halfing stands ready to leave. "Lumi here will keep me out of trouble, right pal?"

<Bern>

"Let's do this then", he said with a grin.

DM

It is midnight as the 4 (Luminmorn, Lingo, Bern, and Balthazar) leave the inn. Exiting the front door the group takes a left and then left again onto the side road that leads to the east end of town where you were told the Sleeping Giant Tap Room is.

As you walk you pass a few small homes, now dark and shuttered for the night. The only lights visible come from a ramshackle building near the end of the street. There are two lanterns on a rickety porch and light leaks from under the closed door. The sound of raucous laughter bleeds into the street as the group approaches.

As per plan, Luminmorn and Lingo hang back in the shadows further up the street and allow Bern and Balthazar to go on ahead.

As Bern and Balthazar get closer, they can see a group of about 5 or so humans linger on a covered porch. They are perched on ale barrels or leaning against the wall. They all wear grimy scarlet cloaks.

Spotting your approach, one of the sitting ones stands up and moves to block your path onto the stairs leading up to the porch.

"Well, well," he snarls. "What do we have here? A pair of puppies? What do you want, puppies?"

Back at the Inn, Ryssa finishes drying off and heads back down to a mostly deserted common room. Only a few hard core drinkers remain, most of the townsfolk having gone home to get a good night's sleep before rising to work in the morning. The rest of her group is nowhere to be seen.

<Bern>

Oh, yeah, he thinks when the 'tuffs' start in.

"I guess that makes you lot the runts of the litter", he said with a grin that would worry a goblin, he replies to the group on the porch. He doesn't seem to be slowing down for the 'welcome committee', but continues on towards the door.

Ryssa


After obtaining a glass of wine from the bartender, the cleric made her way to the inn's main entrance and went outside. She stood in the shadows of the planked porch, sipped her wine and looked around at the town, wondering about her companions.

Balthazar

The young man, relatively tall and lanky, followed Bern in, glancing at the "tuffs" with a firm eye and then ignoring them.

DM

The stairs are only wide enough for two and the man steps right into the middle of the landing blocking the way forward. He places a hand on Bern's chest to stop his progress while his companions stand up and move closer, filling in behind him. It is clear you will not be able to enter without these men stepping aside.

"Private club, puppy. You're not welcome." His friends chuckle.

"Oh wait! I'll tell you what. How about if you and your skinny friend there just hand over all of your money and equipment and then we'll let you in?" He grins, showing dirty, broken teeth.

"Or, even better, how about you just hand over your stuff and we'll let you leave?"

The sounds of laughter and raucousness from inside seem more muted suddenly and some loud voices carry to the outside.

"Another round, Grista!" A loud male voice shouts, echoed by more voices of agreement.

"You didn't pay for the last one. You'll get no more until I see some coin!" Comes a gruff reply. It is a deep, but clearly female voice.

"Hey! I think I hear coin arriving outside." Another cries.

<Bern>

He sighed when the pretend tuffs decided to make their entry ... difficult. He turned to his companion. "Do you think the drinks here will be worth the extra effort needed to kick their asses or should we find a place that would be happy to have out coin?"

Balthazar

He looked at the nearest one and shrugged.

"They don't seem very happy for our company."

<Bern>

"THAT is =their= problem", he said indicating the tuffs with a nod of his head. "My question is whether it is worth our time to trash these punks just so we can get a drink. I mean that place back up the road, while boring, would not scoff at our coin."

Balthazar

"Oh fine. More walking but at least I won't have to scrub their blood out of my clothing that way. Do you have any idea how much trouble it is to get blood out of this cloth?"

(OOC - I hate to start this as I am about to head to the airport in a couple of hours for a trip to a family wedding and not sure how much posting I'll be able to get in the next few days, but it is what it is.... )

DM

The Redbrand moves his hand from Bern's chest to grab the Ranger's shoulder. "Maybe you didn't hear me, puppy. You're not going anywhere now without handing over your stuff. So hand it over or we'll take it from you."

The other 4 on the porch put their hands on their weapons and the noise from inside has ceased.

[OOC: I know that Ryssa is a couple of blocks away but can she hear anything from that direction?]

(OOC - No. If she remains outside and combat begins I'll let her make a Perception roll.)

Luminmorn

He watches with interest. As the situation starts to deterioate he unlimbers his weapon. Evidently they were going to gather information the hard way. Hopefully they either didn't make too much noise or they could take the entire inn.

<Bern>

The 'talkative' one did not get to finish his attempted intimidation. As soon as the man's hand left his chest and began to move toward his shoulder, Bern took a half step forward and shoved the man with both hands then reached for his rapier. "I have never been one to suffer fools. How many of you want to die", he asked the others.

(OOC - Everyone roll initiative. We'll try this as "theatre of the mind".)

[[ Bern Init at the Redbands MikeD rolled d20+3 and got 7 ]]

Luminmorn

(OOC Initiative 13)

<Balthazar Initutive 1d20+2 = 22>

Lingo Initiative
Neptune rolled 1d20+3 and got 15


BTW, Nat-20 for KenSeg!

[[ yeah, and a nat 4 for me <sigh> ]]

Exeter - Roll for Ryssa too, please, just in case,

OOC: Balthazar is evidently a fast man. Better watch him Ryssa!

[OOC: She noticed that. ]

Initiative Roll: 1d20+2 = 13

DM

Bern steps back and puts a hand on his weapon. Immediately the closest three of the Redbrands grab at the scimitars they wear at their waists while the two at the back reach down to the floor to pick up crossbows.

Redbrand Initiative
Zeim rolled d20+1 and got 19

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

(Balthazar goes first. Everyone else please wait your turn.)

Balthazar

He will attempt to cast a chromatic orb of fire at one of the men reaching for a crossbow, defensively if needed. His Ward ability will be activated by the spell being cast.

(Attack is 1d20+5 = 9. Damage is 3d8 = 8 Dice rollers hate me)

DM

Balthazar, who was watching closely and waiting strikes first. A few short arcane words and a flash of fire shoots from his hand. Unfortunately it targeted the man's upper body and it strikes just as he bends down to grab up a crossbow from the ground, thus hitting the wall behind him and dissipating harmlessly.

The bandits move into action, the two in the rear firing at Balthazar while the one blocking the stairs strikes at Bern. The two other swordsmen climb over the railing and go after the target they believe to have shown himself to be the bigger threat, the spellcaster, Balthazar.

Bandits attack Balthazar (1) or Bern (2)
Zeim rolled d2,d2,d2,d2,d2 and got 1, 2, 1, 1, 1

The two swordsmen easily climb over the waist-high railing and dropping to the ground close with Balthazar. They strike with their Scimitars, both hitting the mage.

The one blocking the stairs, perhaps because he is facing an armoured foe, swings at Bern and misses.

Finally the two crossbowmen fire at Balthazar. One misses badly, but the other strikes perfectly, embedding it's bolt into Balthazar's chest (Crit!).

Bandits attacks
Zeim rolled d20+3,d20+3,d20+3,d20+3,d20+3 and got 14, 7, 21, 5, 23

Bandit damage on Balthazar = 4+4+10 = 18

Lingo is up. He and Luminmorn are about 30 feet away, hiding behind another building in the shadows. And yes, Lingo is successfully hidden.

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

Lingo

Somehow he knew this was going to happen. He was prepared and fires his short bow at one of the Redbrands adjacent to Balthazar. He then hides.

Lingo Shoots arrow, with advantage, at redbrand
Neptune rolled 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6 and got 19, 18, 7, 4

OOC: I assumed he has advantage (just for the two rolls) but he still gets sneak dice vs foes adjacent to allies. He uses his bonus "cunning action" to do the hide. If he has to move, he will. So, if he hits, he did 11 pts of damage.

DM

Lingo's arrows both hit one of the swordsmen attacking Balthazar, and he drops to the ground dead. There is one swordsman fighting Bern, one swordsman fighting Balthazar and two crossbowmen up on the porch.

(Neptune - If Lingo is going to try to hide after attacking you need to roll a Stealth roll.)

Next up is Luminmorn.....

Sorry about that. I just assumed he would succeed <gd&r>

Lingo Stealth
Neptune rolled 1d20+7 and got 22

OOC: Hey Zeim, no one is "fighting" Balthazar if you check his hit points and the damage that you did

Luminmorn

Things went the direction he had expected. The only real question is all or some.

He tosses one of his javelins before charging forward.

Attack 22, Damage 10. Pandemonium rolled d6+5 and got 10 Pandemonium rolled d20+5 and got 22

Ryssa


Thinking she heard something from down the street or around the corner, Ryssa stepped out into the street and listened carefully.

Perception Roll: 1d20+5 = 20

DM

Pande - Who is he targeting, of the 4 left?

Ken - your Tradition Spell Ability gave you 7 Temporary Hit Points when you cast Chromatic Orb, so Balthazar is still up.

Exeter - Ryssa hears the sounds of combat from far down the street, about 120 feet away. It will take her 2 rounds if she uses Dash to get there, or she can Dash for one round and use some sort of ranged effect with a distance of 30-60 feet for next round.

MikeD - Bern is up.

(OOC Oops sorry. Was thinking a crossbow guy. If none left then one of the extras that jumped over the rail.)

<Bern>

Clearly they were not going to back down, so nothing for it. These sons of orcs were gonna pay!

His rapier was out and he was going to use it. The obvious 'first choice' was the bastard that started it all. Cut off the head and all that.

Bern attack MikeD rolled 1d20+5,1d8+3 and got 15, 7

DM

Luminmorn hurls a javelin as he rushes to close. It strikes true, driving the crossbowmen back a step and staggering him, but he remains standing, although bleeding badly.

Bern takes on the Redbrand in front of him. The instigator of the encounter. His rapier slashes across the mans chest, making a nasty cut, but leaving him still standing as well.

We are back to the top of the order. One of the Redbrands is down and two others are wounded, one badly. Balthazar is up......

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

Balthazar

Still standing thanks to his Ward spell, Balthazar looks to see if there is a path of escape now that men are down. Seeing that he would not be able to get away without one of the swordsman following and attacking, he defensively casts his Mage Armor spell to improve his chance to survive until the rest of his friends arrive and to renew his ward.

(OOC - Ken - You can use the Disengage action to move away from the swordsman without offering him an Opportunity Attack on you. However if you do that it is your action for the turn and you can't cast a spell, other than one that is a 'Bonus' Action. He can then close and attack you on his turn if he chooses. If you want to move away and Cast a spell you have to offer your opponent an Opportunity Attack.

Also note that your Ward is renewed only by casting 1st level spells or higher. Cantrips don't do it.)

DM

Balthazar steps back and casts a spell. A shimmer encompasses his body as a sheet of magical protection covers him.

The Redbrands continue their attacks. The swordsman on Balthazar swings at him and his blow manages to get past the magical protective fields. The swordsman on Bern attacks him again but misses badly. Those who might pay attention to such things note the sounds from inside the Tap House have stopped.

The charging Luminmorn receives the attention of the two crossbowmen, and both fire at him. The badly wounded one misses but the other one hits him.

Redbrands attacks Bal, Bern, Lum, Lum
Zeim rolled d20+3,d20+3,d20+3,d20+3 and got 17, 5, 6, 20

Damage - Balthazar 4, Luminmorn 5

(Note: I messed up with Balthazar's Ward. It should only occur when he casts an Abjuration Spell, and Chromatic Orb is an Evocation. However since it was my fault I will let you keep it. Note that casting Mage Armour, which is an Abjuration, renews the Ward for 2xSpell Level so it absorbs 2 of the 4 points Balthazar just took.)

Lingo is up......

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

Sorry, I missed the edit (new post lights don't go on for changes)...

Lingo

The halfling emerges from hiding, in a place the Redbrands did not expect. With advantage he fires his bow at the sword-wielding thug that's attacking the mage. He then quickly ducks away again.

Lingo vs Redbrand, att w/adv, sword dam, sneak dam, stealth
Neptune rolled 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6,1d20+7 and got 10, 16, 6, 2, 12
again, your decision about advantage...

DM

Lingo steps out from s spot away from where he was before and fires his bow, hitting the swordsman and wounding him, then steps back into hiding further down the street.

Luminmorn, Ryssa, and Bern are up. I presume Ryssa used Dash last turn to run down the street so she is now 60 feet away.

Situation: Balthazar has a wounded swordsman on him. Bern has a wounded swordsman on him. There are two crossbowmen on the porch, one badly wounded the other not hit.

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

Ryssa


Hearing the altercation, the cleric of Lathander dashed down the street, pulling her short bow and an arrow from her back as she ran. Skidding to a stop, she quickly took in the situation and, figuring that Balthazar was in the worse danger, aimed and fired at the swordsman attacking the mage.

Muttering at the miss, she moved toward the group.

Hit Swordsman: 1d20+4 = 11
Damage Swordsman: 1d6+3 = 9
Ryssa moves 30 feet closer to the group

[OOC: If Ryssa dashed 60 feet last turn (I wasn't sure) can she do anything after firing the arrow and, probably, missing?]

<Bern>

There was little reason to change his target ...

Bern continued attack MikeD rolled 1d20+5,1d8+3 and got 19, 4

DM

Ex - Ryssa can still make her normal move of 30 feet if she chooses to attack. If she uses Dash (double move) then she loses her action. So she can close to 30 feet away this turn.

Bern swings at the Redbrand in front of him, the one he hit on his last swing, and he hits him again, dropping him to the ground at the top of the stairs in a pool of blood.

Ryssa fires an arrow at the swordsman fighting Balthazar but misses.

(Just need Luminmorn's action to finish the round).

Luminmorn

He drew his great axe to swing it at the swordsman.

OOC Don't know the rules for drawing a weapon. He threw and then moved. But his hands were clear so could he draw his axe? If so is there a minus or any penalty?
Did the rolls in any case. Attack 15. Dam 10.
Pandemonium rolled d12+3 and got 10
2015-01-15 02:08:58
2 Luminmorn Attack Redband swordsman
Pandemonium rolled d20+5 and got 15

DM

Pande - No penalty. It is a "Free" action in effect. Drawing or sheathing a weapon, taking a potion out of your backpack, opening a door, etc are all things you can do in addition to your move and attack.

The Dragonborn pulls his giant axe from it's sheath on his back as he closes, swinging at the Redbrand fighting Balthazar and chopping him down.

Situation: 2 Crossbowmen on the porch. Unknown number possibly inside the building.

Balthazar is up......

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

Balthazar

On the ragged edge of collapse from his wounds, Balthazar withdraws, trying to find a safe place out of sight of the crossbowmen.

DM

Balthazar moves across the street and takes shelter on the side of one of the houses there (75% cover).

The door to the Tap House opens and 3 more Redbrands rush out, drawing swords. One charges at Bern, swinging wildly while the other two also draw swords, jump over the railing, and move to attack Luminmorn. The two crossbowmen fire as well. They look for the sources of the arrows that came from the shadows and killed their companion, but can't seem to spot Lingo. So instead they fire at the distant targets. One at the newly arriving Ryssa and the other at the mage who moved across the street.

Redbrands Attack
Zeim rolled d20+3 (Bern),d20+3 (Luminmorn),d20+3 (Luminmorn), d20+3 (Ryssa), d20+3 (Balthazar) and got 23, 13, 9, 12, 6

Bern is hit for 4 points of damage but all the other attacks miss.

Situation: 1 fighting Bern. 2 fighting Luminmorn. 2 crossbowmen on porch (1 badly wounded).

Lingo is up.....

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

Lingo

Now outnumbered and with some of his companions wounded, the situation has devolved to the point of grave danger. Lingo didn't feel like he was in trouble personally, but the others may not make it. He took aim at the wounded archer on the porch and when the man looked elsewhere, tried to plunk him with an arrow. He then moved quickly back into the full cover of the shadows and would attack from a new location.

Lingo Redbrand, att w/adv, arrow dam, sneak dam, stealth
Neptune rolled 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6,1d20+7 and got 14, 18, 4, 6, 17

DM

Lingo hits and kills the wounded archer.

Situation: 1 fighting Bern. 2 fighting Luminmorn. 1 crossbowmen on porch.

Luminmorn is up, then Ryssa and Bern.

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

<Bern>

He was =almost= worried when the first guy folded, but he was quickly replaced by another low life scum.

Bern fresh meat! MikeD rolled 1d20+5,1d8+3 and got 25, 11
Bern crit xtra damage MikeD rolled 1d8 and got 4 Dam total = 15

Luminmorn

"It really is a shame that you thugs felt this was an appropriate way to share a drinking house," he comments as he swings his large axe. He shifts his position so that he can line up with the door. Should the situation get worse he might have to use his gift from The Great Dragon.

Attack 15, Damage 10 against a swordsman on him.
Pandemonium rolled d12+3 and got 10
Pandemonium rolled d20+5 and got 15

(OOC - Just waiting on Ryssa....)

Ryssa


Seeing that Balthazar had moved back out of danger for the moment, Ryssa nocked another arrow to her short bow and fired at the remaining crossbowman.

Seeing her arrow miss, the cleric muttered something under her breath and moved toward the shadows into which she'd seen the mage disappear.

Damage Crossbowman: 1d20+4 = 11

DM

Bern attacks the Redbrand in front of him and one of his ripostes stabs the man right thru the heart, dropping him instantly. Luminmorn swings his great axe and chops deeply into the side of one of the two fighting him, wounding it badly. Ryssa, continuing to approach fires her bow and barely misses once again. She continues on towards where Balthazar is taking cover.

Situation - Luminmorn has two Redbrands on him, one of which is badly wounded. There is one crossbowman on the porch and no more swordsmen between him and Bern any more.

We are back to the top and Balthazar goes......

Initiative order:

Balthazar - 22
Redbrands - 19
Lingo - 15
Luminmorn - 13
Ryssa - 13
Bern - 7

Balthazar

From his position of cover, Balthazar sends a firebolt blazing across the distance to try and take out the wounded man facing the paladin so that he would not be outnumbered.


Firebolt 1d20+5 = 19, Damage 1d10 = 8

DM

Balthazar's Firebolt strikes the wounded man and with a scream of agony he drops to the ground, dead.

The remaining two Redbrands look at the situation, and the fact they are suddenly outnumbered and have lost 6 of their comrades while none of their opponents have dropped, and they turn and flee.

The crossbowman drops his crossbow and runs into the Tap House, slamming the door closed behind him. The swordsman facing Luminmorn drops his sword, turns around, and starts to run away.

(Pande - Luminmorn can get an opportunity attack on him as he tries to flee. If he survives I will tell you where he runs to.)

Luminmorn

He watched the man run. For now getting out of there seemed like the best choice. He won't abandon his friends so he won't retreat till they do. But he is ready to go. He feels no need to clean the corpses.

DM

Luminmorn declines the opportunity to stab the man in the back as he flees. He turns down the first alley he comes to, running as fast as he can go, and disappears into the darkness of the night.

So, what are you doing now?

[ooc: Can Lingo chase? You know his speed.]

He can try, but he'll never catch up.

<Bern>

He turned to his friends. "Well that isn't what we planned", he began with a sigh. "So the question is do we walk away now or do we finish the job of eliminating this problem now while we are are on it and they are in disarray?"

Balthazar

Covered in blood and sliding down the wall, he looks up at Bern.

"Are....are you kidding?" he coughed, spitting up some blood.

Lingo

He approaches the rest of the group and hands Balthazar a hanky from his pocket. It's been used but Lingo is not someone who focuses on hygiene. "Here, wipe that blood" he says.

"Maybe we should tell the others about this before we walk into a hornets nest at half power."

<Bern>

"It was just a question", he said with a shrug for Balthazar. "Who knows, maybe they won't mind so much and decide =not= to attack us in our sleep."

Luminmorn

"A good point about picking the time and place for the confrontation. We can heal and attack but they are likely ready for a battle. We also have no idea how many there are. On the other hand this may dissuade them from even coming after us. I personally doubt it but one can hope for their sakes." He shrugged and laid his large claw upon his wounded companion. Glowing light of healing infused him.

OOC How many points do you want? The paladin can heal up to 10. You pick.

[[ I think balthazar is the one most in need <g> ]]

[OOC: Can we get a hit point update so Ryssa can decide whether to heal Balthazar or allow the Paladin to do his thing?]

OOC: Balthazar is a 3 out of 16, thanks to his wards or he would likely be dead.

Ryssa


Arriving on the scene, the cleric, upon seeing the extent of his wounds, Ryssa kneeled at the mage's side, placed a hand on his shoulder, grasped her icon with her other hand and murmured a short invocation to her deity. A small green glow formed around the wounds and they partially healed.

Cast Cure Wounds: 1d8+6 = 7

(OOC Heal till healed or one spell per hit? I use lay on hands to top off?)

Ryssa


Looking around, she spotted Luminmorn and gestured to him.

"My spell of healing... faltered. It helped him but only partially. Perhaps you could try?"

Luminmorn

"Yes. I would be happy to heal." He will help his companion by,using his god's gift.

Lay on Hands till healed.

DM

OK, so now what? It is about 1am. It has been a long day. No one is about. The street is strewn with bodies and blood. You thought you might have seen people peeking out their windows during the fight but the drapes closed just as quickly as they opened as if no one wants to risk getting involved. One Redbrand ran off into the darkness. One ran into the Tap House.

Where next? Back to the inn to get some rest? Explore? If explore, where to?

Luminmorn

"I am ready to let things lie for this night." He will support the group's decision but rest is high on his list.

Ryssa


Noting that Balthazar seemed fully healed, Ryssa smiled at him and at the dragonborn Paladin, stood and looked around at her companions.

"That makes sense to me, but who started all this... whatever this was?"

<Bern>

With a shrug, he accepts that the majority wants to pack it in now.

Balthazar

Getting to his feet, he bowed slightly to the cleric and paladin.

"My thanks for your aid. That situation got out of hand rapidly. I am afraid that I am going to need another bath or at least a wash up." he said, looking down at his robe covered in his own blood.

Luminmorn

He told the cleric how they had intended on visiting the tavern and learning more. Yet before they could even get in the door the thugs tried to rob them. Though he would rather explain while they walked.

Ryssa


"So... do you want we should follow up with the thugs or get a night's rest and set out early in the morning?"

<Bern>

"I would rather not give them a chance to regroup, but I seem to be in the minority on that point."

Lingo

"Yep. You're in the minority. I am sure there's more to find out before we jump in head first. Before we go crashing their party, I think we should do some more investigation and talk to more people. It may just save our lives. And it's late now. A nightcap and a good night's rest is what I want."

DM

With three of the group voting to get some rest for the night, Bern's desire to go after the Redbrands right away is the minority opinion. So the group heads back to the inn. It is very late now and no one is up. Balthazar can wash up in back, but if he wants hot water he will need to build the fire and heat it himself, which will take time. Otherwise he can wash with cold water out of the well.

......<moving things along. If anyone has anything special they wanted to do during the night let me know>........

Morning comes. A late rising at that, considering the time the group finally went to bed. You come down from your rooms to find that breakfast has already been served and the worker's and tradesmen of Phandalin are already at their businesses. It is close to 10am.

As you come down to the common room, Trilena greets you with a nod and a smile and disappears into the kitchen. She returns a minute or two later with plates of steaming hot pancakes and honey, bisquits, sausages, assorted fruit and kaffe and fresh goat's milk.

"Good morning." She says. "I figured you'd be getting up a bit late so I saved breakfast for you."

"Your friend, Sildar, waited for you for a while but then left. He said he was going on ahead to the Townmaster's Hall to talk to Harbin and you could catch up with him there."

(Note: I have marked with red stars on the map the places of interest that you have heard about but have not yet visited. You may want to review the Notes Sticky for a summary refresher.)

<Bern>

The late night had led to a late morning. He had been worried that they would be waiting for the afternoon meal before there would be anything to eat, but the wench had surprised him. He gave her a big smile. He would be sure that her forethought was well rewarded.

He didn't waste any time or words, but began collecting food and eating.

Ryssa


Ryssa was normally not one to eat a large breakfast but the enticing smells which assaulted her nose as she came down stairs triggered a much stronger than normal appetite. She grinned at Bern and fixed a plate of fruit, honey and biscuits, and sausage along with kaffe with a dash of goats milk.

"I'll have to eat light the rest of the day or my hips will pay for this," she said as she sat at a table across from the ranger.

Trilena

The innkeepers wife fusses over you as you sit to make sure you have what you want. "And don't you worry none about paying for this meal either. I heard what you did last night. Heck, it's all over town."

Lingo

The halfling lumbers down the steps to the dining hall and saddles up near Ryssa who is filling her plate with all kinds of stuff.

"Are you kidding me? You're too good looking right now. Everyone looks in your direction, which isn't good for me when I'm traveling with you. I try to stay subtle, if you get my meaning. You glow like the sun!"

He grabs a plate and slides the food closest to him onto the plate and immediately shovels a heaping forkful into his mouth.

"So Bern. What's the plan for today? I'm thinking we do some more 'vestigating before we kill stuff. Whatcha think?"

<Bern>

"Well why doesn't everyone else decide", he said between bites.

Balthazar

The lean mage came down the stairs wearing his other set of clothing and looked around at his gathered comrades and the offered food. His stomach rumbled embarrassingly and he went to sit at the table with Lingo and Ryssa, setting into a large plate of hot cakes, sausages and biscuits with honey. He drank milk.

"I definitely think we need to find out what has happened. After last night if there are more Redbands, they are going to be on alert. No one should go off by themselves."

[[ just to clarify, Bern is sitting there as well <g> ]]

Ryssa


She smiled, coloring prettily and, instinctively reached up to make sure her hair was covering the scar on her left cheek.

"Thank you, Lingo, for your gallant remarks," she said and reached out to briefly touch his cheek.

She looked up to the innkeepers wife, smiled and thanked her.

"But why would they attack my friends like that? Without provocation as far as I know."

<Bern>

"Just toughs trying to prove how tough they are to each other, when in fact none of them were particularly tough. Unfortunately they were not smart enough to know when they were outclassed", he said with a wink and a grin.

Luminmorn

The large dragonborn came down all teeth. For humans that might be considered a smile for him it was a showing of his hunger.

At the serving woman's words he nodded and tipped her a silver immediately. He also filled a heaping plate of steaming food Before settling down at the same table as his companions or nearby.

"How about the town hall to start," he offered around bite fulls of food.

DM

Once you finish up your brunch, and with no other protests, you get up and stroll down the street to the Townmaster's Hall. This building has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower towards the back. The board offering a reward to take care of the Orcs near Wyvern Tor is still out front.

The inside of the townmaster's hall is dominated by a large desk, with a disorganized stack of papers and ledgers on one side and a flickering oil lamp on the other. Behind the desk a very large, old man sits penning something into a notebook. Sildar is there, sitting in another chair near a small table looking over some papers. He nods in greeting as you enter, offering, "I heard you were out late last night. Thought you might get here a bit late so I went on ahead."

The old man looks up in surprise. "You startled me! My heart isn't what it was in my youth. What can I do for you?"

Luminmorn

The large dragonborn stood with his companions but a bit towards the back. He kept quiet as others were better at the intracies of human bureaucracy.

Ryssa


"I am Ryssa Noman, cleric of Lathander, and these are my friends," she said with a smile to the elderly man.

"We are new to the town and would like to learn the news of the region."

Lingo

He was not the spokesperson for the team so he hung back and kept an eye open, seeming to not pay attention to what was going on.

(OOC - Just giving Balthazar and Bern a chance to post.)

Balthazar

He was content for Ryssa to act as spokeswoman for the group. As a cleric she engendered a degree of respect that the others might not and he found her well spoken as well.

DM

The man sits back in his chair, which creaks loudly from his weight. "I am Harbin Wester, Townmaster of Phandalin. I am not sure what you mean by 'news of the region'? We are a growing town, becoming more prosperous all the time. We do have some issues with local Orc bandits. Have you come to inquire about the reward?"

<Bern>

The others had wanted to come here. So while he listened, he was content to remain in the background ... for now, at least.

Ryssa


"Orc bandits?"

Ryssa glanced at her companions and then back to the Townmaster.

"Tell us of your... issues and yes, tell us about the reward."

Luminmorn

He was more interested in the troubles at the moment but in the long run he wanted to know about both. She was doing well as a spokeswoman as far as the dragonborn was concerned.

DM

Harbin has been looking a bit uncomfortable to start with, but he answers Ryssa's question. "We've gotten a number of reports from travelers that they've been accosted by Orcs in the area of Wyvern Tor. Here, hold on...."

Reaching into his desk he pulls out a large sheet of parchment and spreads it out on his desk. It is a map of the area and he points out the location he is talking about.

"We are on the main trade route between Neverwinter and Luskan, and Mithril Hall and Silvermoon. Without taking the trail that passes between Neverwinter Wood and the Sword Mountains you have to travel all the way down to Waterdeep, adding days of travel and fees. But that is only true if that route doesn't become too dangerous."

He points to the location labeled 'Wyvern Tor' on the map. "This area seem to be the most trouble. If you are willing to tackle the Orc problem we have the town can pay you 100gp."

Sildar, still sitting on the other side of the room chimes in. "I'd suggest you go talk to Halia Thornton at the Phandalin Miner's Exchange. If there's any news from outside her miners would hear of it first."

He glances at the Townmaster for a second, then continues. "I've got some other offers for you too, if you're interested? I know you still want to find out what happened to Gundren and so do I. Now that I am settled in here I can offer you 500gp if you can find Cragmaw Castle and defeat the residents who occupy it. It's possible", he glances again at Harbin, "that the Orcs who roam the wilderness know something about it."

He stands up.

"Oh, and remember I told you I was looking for Iarno Albreck? Well I heard he'd disappeared right after arriving here about 2 months ago. Supposedly he was exploring the area around Tresendar Manor. If you are willing to explore the area around the Manor and see if you can find signs of Iarno, or even return him to town if alive, I can add a 200gp reward. He is a short, dark-bearded human wizard in his thirties....."

Harbin, who had looked happy when the talk was focused on the Orcs at Wyvern Tor has looked more and more unhappy as the talk turns to explorations nearer the town. He interrupts Sildar saying to your group, "Harrumph! I heard about your escapade last night. I have decided not to punish you for it, because Sildar spoke up for you, but I warn you not to cause more trouble in town!" He wags a finger in your direction.

Ryssa


"I understand your concern, Townmaster, but I do not agree that we caused trouble," Ryssa said, glancing around briefly at her companions.

"My companions were merely reacting to an unprovoked and undeserved attack."

She smiled and made a noncommittal gesture, trying to soften the tone of her reply.

"But as to the rest... we would need to determine which missions to accept and in what order we should attempt them."

<Bern>

"We were not the instigators in that altercation", he began seriously, then smiled in a manner that might worry any sane man. "Maybe =you= would be so kind as to go over to the Sleeping Giant and talk to the Redbrands for us so that there won't be any more 'misunderstandings'. If they do not attack us without provocation", he told Harbin, "we won't have to defend ourselves."

DM

The Townmaster looks a bit nervous, but rallies. "They are a simple Mercenary Guild. Not much trouble at all really. As long as you leave them alone. What possessed you to go the sleeping Giant in the first place? That was what stirred up the trouble. I understand you have rooms at the Stonehill Inn. If you're in town I'd suggest you steer clear of the Redbrands and there won't be trouble."

<Bern>

"I had been led to believe that the Stone Giant was a public drinking establishment. There was no sign saying otherwise and the ... so called ... 'gentlemen' lounging by the door did not say otherwise either. They simply attempted to rob us. Doesn't much sound like a Mercenary Guild to me ... sounds like thugs. But it =is= your town and if =YOU= like to have them here, that =is= your choice. We will do our best to ignore them going forward. Oh and we will be sure to explain your position to the other townspeople, that you endorse their presence here so that they don't get the wrong idea either."

Luminmorn

He can't help himself and asks "are they threating the town? At who's behest are they here? A mercenary company gets paid after all."

DM

He shrugs at Bern's overt threat as if he really doesn't care what the man says to the townspeople. Glancing at Luminmorn he says, "No. As I said, they are really little trouble. As for who they work for, it is none of my business. They don't work for me. But I can say that they don't leave pools of blood and hacked up bodies scattered all across the streets of this town for women and children to find like you did. So as far as I can see, you are the troublemakers here. I am giving you a break because of Sildar. If you want to take care of the Orcs and get the commission, it would help your position."

<Bern>

"Your town, your call", he said with a shrug.

Turning to his companions, he continued. "Perhaps we should deal with the orcs before deciding what is next. Since it was orcs who last had Gundren, that might also get us closer to finding him."

(OOC - Actually it was Goblins. Close, but different.)

[[ they are all vermin and all vermin look alike, yeah, that's it <weg> ]]

Ryssa


"We do have to keep Gundren in mind. So what is next? Go check out the miner's exchange and then head out?"

<Bern>

"We can check with the other townsfolk when we get back. I think the Orcs and Gundren are the more immediate problem."

Ryssa


She frowned and glanced at Sildar whom she was pretty sure had been the one to recommend they consult with someone at the miner's exchange.

Luminmorn

He wanted to push the Redbands issue clearly something was being ignored given the disparity between the Townmaster's lack of concern and the plight of the townspeople. Yet he didn't. Instead he suggested "lets follow Sildar's advice and see what information we can get from the miner's exchange."

[OOC: Edited to correct information. Thanks.]

(OOC - No, you spoke to Linene, the proprietress of the Lionshield Coster. If you look at the map of Phandalin you will see the Phandalin Miner's Exchange (as well as the proprietress, Halia Thornton's, home) at the southern end of town.)

DM

The party takes their leave of Harbin Wester, a bit puzzled by his seeming lack of concern about the Redbrand issue, considering the complaints they have heard from all the other townspeople as well as the encounter last evening. Any of them who consider, might be forced to agree that leaving blood and bodies strewn across the streets of the town was probably not the best thing to do, though. Especially if they wanted to be viewed positively by the Town Leadership.

So the group moves across the streets towards the Miner's Exchange. It's a small building in the southwest corner of the town. They walk down the street between the townmaster's hall on their left and the Lionshield Coster on their right before arriving at their destination.

As they walk, some of you may consider the other issues and offers you've received since arriving.

See bottom of this post for Quests & Rewards

The miner's exchange is a trading post where local miners have their valuable finds weighed, measured and paid out. Sitting behind the counter is a human woman. She looks up from some paperwork she was reading when you walk in. "Good morning," she says as she looks you up and down. "You do not look like miners to me. How can I help you?"

<Bern>

back outside, he was ready to speak.

"Once we get other things sorted, I am thinking that we should have a talk with the towns folk about replacing their Townmaster. He is either 'out of touch' at best, or 'on the take' at worst."

Ryssa


"That makes sense... or maybe those Redbrands have... something on him? And are blackmailing him?"

As they walked down the street toward the Miner's Exchange, Ryssa thought about Sister Garaele.

"I do hope we will be able to help Sister Garaele while we're around. She seemed like a good person and priest."

Luminmorn

"Might be a bribe issue as well. Frankly I don't care the reason on the results. But we have work to do in and around town to make the place better. Not overly fond of towns but I would work for this one."

<Bern>

He nodded. "First things first", he agreed.

Ryssa


"How do we decide which one's first?"

Lingo

"Why does it matter?" he asks Ryssa. "I would rather do one thing at a time rather. That's what matters. Every time we split up we end up facing more trouble than we can handle. As long as we stick together, like real friends do, then we're doing the right thing...unless you don't consider me a friend. I hope that you're my friend!" the halfling exclaims.

<Bern>

"So them ... lets go kill some orcs. Nothing makes =me= fell better than that ... unless it is killing goblins", he said spitting on the ground then grinning.

Ryssa


She cocked her head slightly to one side and, for a moment, her eyes lost there focus as if an idea had just occurred to her. Then she blinked several times and smiled.

"You are all my friends. Let us go kill some orcs."

Balthazar

He smiled shyly at Ryssa and nodded, looking over at Bern and Lingo and the others.

"I am ready to go with my new friends and deal with this." he said, spells all memorized.



OOC: Of course Ken now needs to go look and see if he needs to change his spell line up

Lingo
"Yeah. Good idea. Kill orcs. Take all the stuff they took from someone else and get paid to do it too. Works for me."

DM

(OOC - Since you retro posted on me, I am reposting my earlier message. We can pick up from here......)

The party moves across the street towards the Miner's Exchange. It's a small building in the southwest corner of the town. They walk down the street between the townmaster's hall on their left and the Lionshield Coster on their right before arriving at their destination.

The miner's exchange is a trading post where local miners have their valuable finds weighed, measured and paid out. Sitting behind the counter is a human woman. She looks up from some paperwork she was reading when you walk in. "Good morning," she says as she looks you up and down. "You do not look like miners to me. How can I help you?"

[[ you were the one that said "As they walk, some of you may consider the other issues and offers you've received since arriving." <chuckle> ]]

Luminmorn

"We are wondering what news you might have heard regarding orcs and the troubles they are causing outside of town." He tried his hand at opening the discussion and though he tries to use the same language as the cleric did, he obviously has some linguistic challenges.

ooc: This is an interesting part of the game. Either Zeim or I can explain. There are things we can do in town, where separating is fine and probably more productive. A lot of the queries can get done like that. There are other things that are more dangerous in town. Anthing that might be considered a "mission" should be tackled as a team.

As an example, visiting that bar and encountering the Redbrands at less than full strength was probably not prudent. Similarly, taking on the orcs requires a day and a half to just get there.

Visiting the miner's exchange is part of the investigation. We just decided to go tackle the orcs as our first mission. So when Lingo was talking before, he was agreeing to go on that mission first as he walked up to the miner's exchange and continue the investigation.

Make sense?

DM

It was late morning and miners typically return from their labors as night falls. The group sees several scales, large and small, and other measuring devices on the counter. The woman behind the counter gathers the paperwork and places it under the counter.

"Orcs? Are you going after Harbin's reward then?"

She pulls over a high stool and sits down. "Miners run into them now and again. We've even lost one or two. Just never showed up one evening, without explanation. Usually happens in the direction of Wyvern Tor. Most of the miners stick to the west and south side of town now. Very few head east looking for nuggets."

She pauses and looks at you calculatingly. "I heard about some trouble last night near the Sleeping Giant Tap House. Was that you?"

Ryssa


"I am Ryssa, Cleric of Lathander," she said with a smile, touching her icon as she spoke.

"My friends here did not start the trouble at the tap house but..." she paused and her smiled widened somewhat.

"They did finish it."

Luminmorn

He nodded his agreement. "We don't take well to a group of ruffians trying to rob and kill us."

DM

She pauses a moment, then nods. "Halia Thornton. Proprietress of the Phandalin Miner's Exchange. Well met indeed."

She looks around your group. "How dead set are you on these Orcs? I might be able to match Harbin's offer for something closer to town. Something you've already made a good start with."

<Bern>

He was happy to let the more civil in the lot handle things. The more he thought on their discussion with the mayor, the more his opinion of the town had been deteriorated since =they= put up with him. Besides, they were wasting time they could be spending getting to those damned orcs.

[[ no, it makes sense to the player. =But= of course Bern doesn't care a wit for this town at the moment, so would have been fine with leaving to kill the orcs now ... fun before the drudge work <chuckle> ]]

Ryssa


The cleric glanced around at her friends, shrugged and turned back to the woman.

"We would at least be pleased to listen. The more we know the more informed a decision we will be able to make."

Luminmorn

He nodded his agreement with interest in learning of her offer.

DM

She leans forward once she hears agreement to listen (OOC - Nep - Make an Insight Roll for Lingo).

"Before I start, might I ask what brought you to Phandalin in the first place? We're just getting started trying to rebuild and we don't get that much traffic yet."

Luminmorn

"My friends and I were escorting some supplies to the town for Gundren. He went ahead and went missing on the road. We discovered some goblins that conducted the ambush. We rescued Sildar and brought some found supplies on to the town to return them to their rightful owners. We also want to locate Gundren and help him. Coming into town we discovered things and then ran into the Redbands. You know the story of that." The dragonborn stopped almost as if out of breath so much having been said by the terse creature.

Halia

She blinks at the deluge of words and activities compressed so close together. "Gundren? Rockseeker?" She nods. "I know he and his brothers have been around town recently, though haven't seen them lately. Any idea where Gundren's gotten off to?"

Her eyes twitch at mention of the Redbrands.

"Don't know any Sildar. Unless he's that older soldier-type I've seen around Harbin's office today?"

Luminmorn

He nodded agreeing with both her questions to answer them seemingly unable to speak more at the moment.

(OOC - Waiting on the rest to post, and for someone to answer her question about where Gundren might be.)

Ryssa


The woman's question remaining unanswered, Ryssa grimaced, shrugged slightly and spoke up.

"We do not know for sure where Gundren Rockseeker is. He was kidnapped by the goblins we ran across. Most of them are dead - the goblins I mean."

Her expression grew serious.

"We are still looking for Sire Gundren and hope that Sildar can help us find him."

Lingo

"And we're hoping that when we find him, he'll be alive and grateful to us for us rescuing him," he added, sounding very serious.

(OOC - Nep - Still need that Insight Roll for Lingo)

DM

"Goblins, huh? Well if you agree to help me, I can tell you where you might find a Goblin. Perhaps he might know where Gundren was taken to?"

Ryssa


She glanced instinctively toward the ranger and the paladin, the ones she trusted in tactical matters.

<Bern>

A goblin to question sounded like a good lead for finding their boss.

He smiled and nodded.

Sorry about that.
Lingo Insight
Neptune rolled 1d20+2 and got 22

Can't do better than that

GM

"So, you'll take it on? The Orcs aren't going anywhere. I am sure if you go after them in a couple of days they'll still be there."

She leans back. "As I said, I heard about your encounter with the Redbrands at the Sleeping Giant last night. From what I was told you taught them a good lesson."

"However, they are a thorn in the side of this town. I want to bring order here as with it will come prosperity. That quivering buffoon Harbin is afraid of his own shadow. He won't move on them for fear of retribution."

"So, I'd like you to take care of the problem more...., permanently. If you understand me? No need to eliminate every minion. That'd be wasteful. Cut off the head of the snake and the body dies, right?"

Lingo

"Yeah. I get it. The buffoon thinks he's smart but we could tell he's a coward."

He never really answered her request. He didn't feel like he could speak for his companions but it made sense to him. What he did notice is how eager she was for this task to be done. That was an opportunity.

"So what's in it for us?"

DM

"Well, you already know they hang out at the Sleeping Giant. Let me tell you what else I know. They have a base of some sort under the ruins of Tresendar Manor, up there on the hill to the east. Their leader goes by the name 'Glasstaff'. If you eliminate him and bring me back any correspondence or papers you might find in their base I can pay you 100gp."

She pauses. "I also know they have a Goblin in their employ. Perhaps he can give you information about Goblin bases in the area that might lead to Gundren?"

Luminmorn

"I for one am interested." He looks to see if his companions agree. He didn't mention that whatever they found they would examine it first. There was more to what she wanted than some old papers for the gold. Especially in light of Gundren and the story of the mines.

Ryssa


The cleric nodded, frowning.

"I think our first priority should be whatever has the best chance of helping our employer."

She would not think her - if not their - responsibility to Gundren would end until he was back safe and away from his captors.

<Bern>

"It would be a shame if we had to go through =all= of those thugs to get the chance to talk with the goblin ... before we put it out of it's misery", he said smiling in a way that seemed to indicate he was looking forward to the idea.

DM

She smiles at Bern. "That's up to you. All I want is this Glasstaff guy removed and his papers brought to me. You can do it however you prefer."

She glances at Lingo as her hands move to roll up the map.

She stops a moment, tilting her head to one side. "You know, now that I think about it, the Innkeeper's son, Pip, was chattering on about his friend and some sort of tunnel or something. I wasn't really paying attention. Could be nothing."

(OOC - OK, guys, where to?)

[[ I was wondering the same thing. But seeing as the slaughtering of goblins had been voted down, Bern is waiting to see as well <weg> ]]

(OOC Inn keeper's son?)

(OOC - See December 21st @ 11:12am post in this thread, as well as a DM summary on January 4th @ 10:40am. Some of you heard this information indirectly and know who to follow up with. Need one of those to take the leap and connect what Halia just told you to what you heard.)

[[ while =I= might get that reference, Bern is still fuming about not going to kill goblins ... do we see a theme emerging here? <weg> ]]

(OOC Just for ease. I have quoted the part above that we haven't explored.)

Luminmorn

" I for one would like to talk to Pip about the tunnel. Or maybe we can talk to Daran Edermath a former adventurer next. Let's learn what we can to do more harm to the Redbands."

(OOC - Bless you. You now have an Inspiration Point. )

Ryssa


She smiled at the dragonborn paladin and nodded.

"I agree... that sounds like a good idea."

<Bern>

He sighed at the delay, but shrugged acceptance.

Lingo

"Pip's friend (Carp) is a kid. Daran might be an experienced adventurer. It might be a flip of the coin, but why not talk to the adult first? Adults are more likely to offer us a reward for a job well done. It seems there's no shortage of bounties to go around."

Lingo leaves no doubt where his priorities lie.

<Bern>

"But you are more likely to get a more honest report from the boy", he suggested with a shrug.

Ryssa


"Why not both? It would save us time, perhaps, to split forces and talk to both at the same time."

Luminmorn

"Sure. And larger groups can be more intimidating," he agreed. "I stand ready to serve. Whichever group desires me. I will accompany."

Lingo

"I hear that Carp's mother is not spoken for. Maybe I should tag along with that group - as long as you seal a deal with the other guy."

Balthazar

He looked back and forth between his companions, not really having a preference of which destination he went to. He was willing to go where needed as long as it wasn't another ambush like last night.


OOC: Split us up as you guys like and put me in either group.

<Bern>

"I don't have a preference either."

DM

With the decision being made to take on Halia's quest versus the Redbrands first, the group splits up and heads off in opposite directions. One group, Luminmorn and Ryssa, go to talk to the retired adventurer who now runs the Town Orchard, Daran Edermath. The other group, Lingo, Balthazar, and Bern, head off to talk to Carp Alderleaf.

(Since most of you didn't care I split you up. Please put your location at the top of your posts so there's no confusion about who is involved in the conversations)

Ryssa and Luminmorn at Daran Edermath's

Walking back towards the center of town, Ryssa and Luminmorn take a left at the Townmaster's Hall and cross the Town Green to a tidy little house by a small apple orchard. The door to the house is closed, and glancing into the orchard the two can see a man with a wheelbarrow moving among the rows of trees.

Lingo, Bern, and Balthazar at Quelline Alderleaf's

Moving back towards the Townmaster's hall, they take their leave of the others and turn to the right. They pass a few homes and farms before reaching their destination. The farm is behind a small house and as they approach they see a middle aged halfling woman working the land in back of the home.

Luminmorn at The Orchard

He waves to the man as they approach a distinctly human motion intended for a human audience. He made his way through the trees to the old adventurer.

Ryssa at The Orchard


"It smells nice and fresh here, doesn't it?" she said to Luminmorn as they entered the orchard. Then she saw the dragonborn wave and spotted the man herself and waved, too, as they approached him.

"I am Ryssa, cleric of Lathander. Could we have a moment of your time, sir?"

Lingo at Quelline Alderleaf

"Not a bad view," the halfling says in a lascivious tone to his two companions as they all spot the halfling woman, whose back was to them, working the farm. "I didn't hear about any Mister Alderleaf, did you?"

Lingo picks up his pace and from a distance, so as to not startle the woman, calls out, "Hello, and good day to you fair lady."

<Bern>

He shrugged and followed Lingo as he approached and hailed the woman.

Balthazar

He followed his two companions to the farm, trailing them a bit and keeping an eye behind them. Since they had killed off some of the Redbands, he was expecting retaliation at some point.

Daran Edermath w/Ryssa and Luminmorn

The silver-haired man straightens up, releasing the handles of the wheelbarrow and turns to face you at Ryssa's greeting and Luminmorn's wave. Now that you can see his face you can tell he is a half-elf.

He stretches his back, and nods towards you. "Certainly. I am Daran Edermath. How might I help you?"

Quelline Alderleaf w/Lingo, Bern, and Balthazar

The halfling woman turns as you approach and appraises you. She offers Lingo a hard glare, as if she knows what he is thinking, and then a small smile to Bern and Balthazar. "Was wondering when you'd get out this way." She replies in way of greeting.

Ryssa at the orchard


"You have a lovely orchard," Ryssa said, smiling at the half-elf.

"Not many noted adventurers also have such a touch with fruit trees and... would you call it gardening when it is trees rather than small plants being tended?"

<Bern>

Clearly news travels fast =here=, he thought, but remained silent ... at least for now.

Lingo

"I hope that we didn't keep you waiting too long. We had some trouble to get into first," he said. "I'm Lingo and these fine gentlemen are Bern and Balthazar. We were looking for Carp. Is he around?"

Daran Edermath - w/Ryssa and Luminmorn

"Yes." He replies. His martial bearing, even in advanced years, is still clearly visible. "For lack of anything else." He reaches into his wheelbarrow and removes a pair of apples from a basket and tosses them, one to each of you. "Try some. They are quite good. A bit early, but that just gives them a bit of tartness." He looks at both of you again. "So, what can an old, retired, soldier of fortune do for you?"

Quelline Alderleaf

"Quelline Alderleaf." She says, then puts her hands on her hips and shouts, "Carp! Come here!"

She turns back to you. "What trouble did he get into now?"

<Bern>

He nodded acknowledging the introduction.

Luminmorn At the Orchard

"We are recently arrived in town. We are trying to learn more about what goes on. In particular we are interested in the Redbands and what a retired adventurer like yourself might know or notice that normal townfolk don't."

Ryssa


The cleric nodded in agreement with what Luminmorn asked. She had intended to circle in on the same tack, but sometimes the dragonborn's directness was more appropriate and efficient, she thought.

Daran Edermath w/Ryssa and Liminmorn

"So, it was you and your friends. eh?" He chuckles. "It's a small town. People waking up to bodies strewn across the street tend to gossip about it."

"Why don't you come inside. Have some juice." He turns and heads for his cottage nearby.

Quelline Alderleaf

(OOC - Need Balthazar and Lingo to post.)

Lingo

"Why, he's been no trouble at all Miss Alderleaf. We just want to talk to your brother because we heard that he has information that might help us restore some safety to this town."

There was no way this woman was young Carp's sister, but Lingo was trying to develop goodwill for later.

Luminmorn At the Orchard

He continued to enjoy the apple that he caught earlier. He nodded his agreement and followed the retired adventurer to the house and inside. If the juice was as good as the apple he would enjoy it.

Ryssa


"Your hospitality is appreciated," Ryssa said as she entered with the paladin.

Dara Edermath w/Ryssa and Luminmorn

Entering, you see a tidy cottage. Several pieces of sturdy, functional furniture adorn the main room. There are a few martial items prominently displayed on the wall, including a banner, in a central position hanging over the fireplace. It shows an upright sword clenched in a fist, done in gray.

Order of the Gauntlet Banner

Daran offers you chairs and enters a small kitchen returning a few moments later with a pitcher of cold apple juice and a couple of mismatched glasses.

"So, the Redbrands", his expression changes to a frown. "A bunch of thugs and gangsters. They make the shop owners pay for 'protection' and they do whatever they want. No one will stand up to them. Until you and your friends did last night", he raises his glass towards you.

"I heard lately they'd killed the Woodcarver and taken off with his family. It is far past time they and their leader, this 'Glasstaff' were taught a lesson."

Quelline Alderleaf w/Lingo, Bern, and Balthazar

Her glare at Lingo, if anything, gets deeper and she utters a "Harrumph."

"Safety? What does my son have to do with safety for this town?"

Just then a young halfling, perhaps 10 years old, comes from around the other side of the cottage. Seeing the group, a big smile crosses his face and he comes running up. "Hello! Are you adventurers? That's what I want to be!"

Her glare turns on the boy, and his smile falters for a moment. "You've got chores to do. No more of this adventurer talk now."

She looks at Bern and Balthazar. "So, how does my son factor in to the safety of Phandalin?"

<Bern>

He smiled at that boy's enthusiasm. He had been luckier, he had started out following in his father's footsteps. It sounded like Carp would not have as much support at home.

He responded to her 'look' with silence. Lingo is their designated spokesperson.

OOC: I agree, Lingo gets to talk. I am trying to keep up with my GM duties while dealing with the funeral stuff and backed up work. So consider Balthazar a pretty adornment for now

[[ weeellll ... an adornment anyway <weg> Good luck with getting it all sorted! ]]

Ryssa


For a long moment, her attention was drawn to the banner; it reminded her of something she'd heard from an older cleric in the monastery of Lathander. When the elder adventurer spoke, she had to force her attention back to his words.

"Killed the woodcarver and made off with his family?" Her expression was one of barely controlled outrage.

"Why would he do such a foul deed?" She looked at Luminmorn and shook her hand. Then she turned back to Dara Edermath and raised her glass to return his salute.

"And where would we be able to find him?"

Luminmorn At the Orchard

"They asked for what they got last night. They tried strong arm tactics to rob a few friends. When we stood up to them they threatened violence and death. We gave them what they asked for." The dragonborn didn't show any remorse for his actions.

"Who or what is this Glasstaff? We know some are at the tavern we met them at last night. But we know very little."

Daran Edermath w/Ryssa and Luminmorn

He shrugs. "Who knows why they did it. Rumour is a group of them were making inappropriate advance on the man's wife and he objected. They killed him for it. Maybe they took the family to try to keep it quiet. Stupid if you ask me, but I don't know."

He takes a sip of his juice. "I'd stand up to them myself, were it 30 or 40 years ago. Now, well, I'd probably just get myself killed. But you could do it. You showed that last night."

He glances back and forth between them.

"Seems you know they hang out at the Sleeping Giant Tap House. But you may not know that they have a base at Tresendar Manor, those ruins on the hill to the east of town."

He pauses a moment. "By the way. What brings you to Phandalin? You didn't come all this way just to fight our Redbrands."

Quelline Alderleaf

(OOC - OK, I will need Lingo to lead the conversation then.)

Luminmorn

"We were escorting some supplies for Gundren Rockseer. We were ambushed by goblins. We tracked them and eradicated their lair. In the process we learned Gundren had been captured and sent somewhere. We rescued his man Sildar and escorted him here to learn more. In the process we have returned some lost supplies and stumbled into the stuff here. We seek to find him. If in the process we can right some wrongs then by all means let us get to it."

Ryssa


Ryssa made a mental note of the Redbrand base but, as Luminmorn explained their presence here, she found her eyes drawn back to the banner. She pointed to it.

"Is that the banner of the Order of the Gauntlet?"

OOC: Wasn't my plan, as a co-DM, to lead any conversation. I just tried to add some color.

Lingo

"My friends are the strong and silent type. I'm the mouth," he said, noticing that his friends were intimidated by the woman.

"Carp hasn't gotten into any troubles. We just heard that he found something that can help the town out. Do you mind if we just ask him a few questions?"

[[ 's wha-cha git fer hangin' with social misfits <wink> If it makes you feel better ... I can try to put words in your mouth <weg> ]]

Daran Edermath w/Ryssa and Liminmorn

He glances at the banner over the fireplace then back to Ryssa with a considering expression on his face. "Why, yes, it is", he says simply. "Why do you ask?"

Quelline Alderleaf w/Bern, Balthazar, and Lingo

She pauses for a moment, then nods. "Alright."

Turning to her son, she reaches out and protectively drapes an arm across his shoulders. "Let these people know what they need to, son."

ooc: This scene is pretty straight forward, so it doesn't matter that much, but (by definition) we're all social misfits. So searching for anonymity could be a futile effort

Lingo - Aderleaf farm

"Hi there," Lingo says to the youngster. He has put on his serious face now. "My name is Lingo and we are, indeed adventurers. This here's Balthazar, an extraordinary wizard and this is Bern Orcslayer, the bane of orcs and goblins from here to Cormyr. Trouble's afoot and you might be able to do this town a great service, by helping us take care of it. We were talking to Pip, you know him, right? He's the son of the Toblin and Trilena Stonehill. According to him, you found something in the woods...something important. Can you tell us what happened and what you found?"

<Bern>

He did his best to suppress the smile that attempted to erupt on his face at Lingo's 'extravagant introduction' of him. But if it helped. And that =was= why he was the spokesperson.

Luminmorn At the Orchard

He remained silent and observed.

Quelline Alderleaf w/ Bern, Balthazar, and Lingo

The boy beams with pride at being addressed by 'Real Adventurers', and tries to shrug off the protective arm his mother has on his shoulder, but she just hold on tighter.

"Sure. I was playing in the woods near Tresandar Manor. You know that place just over there." He points north east. "I was by myself, which was good because my friends don't know how to be quiet like me. Anyway, I found a secret tunnel in the thickets and went looking for a big stick to help me open it. I guess I'm not strong enough to lift the door yet, and that was lucky because not more than a minute later I saw a couple of big ugly bandits came out of the tunnel. I hid in a bush. It was close and I got lucky again because a rabbit came running out of the bush when I jumped in and even though one of the big guys looked my way he saw the rabbit and made nothin of it. So I sat there, quiet as I could be, not twitching at all."

"Those guys waited there for a bit and then I saw two more men. I recognized them. They were members of the Redbrands. I've seen them before. Nobody saw me, but it was a close call! Fortunately I'm very skilled at some things, like hiding."

As he said the last piece he puffed out his chest pridefully.

"If you ask me, they have a hideout there - some sort of secret lair that's under the manor. If you want, I can show you where it is and we can sneak in and take them all out!"

At that suggestion his mother steps in. "There'll be no going with these fine people anywhere. You have chores to do. You can give them directions and then I need you to help with the tilling and weeding."

She turns to her guests, "You mentioned a few other things, like orcs. And I heard you were asking some questions about places outside of town. I might know someone that you should talk to. He's a druid and knows every inch of this area. His name is Reidoth."

"He recently set out for the ruins of a town called Thundertree, just west of the Neverwinter Wood. It's about 50 miles to the northwest. I can give you directions so that you can find the place easily."

<Bern>

He smiled.

For one thing, the 'secret tunnel' into the Redbrand stronghold would be very useful. But there was no denying that the boy had been bitten by the 'adventurer bug'. He doubted that his mother would be able to hold him back for long. He made a note to have a word with her at some point when the boy was not around.

His attention went back to the woman when she mentioned a druid. He could very well have some useful information ... about the area as well as on the Redbrands. It seemed worth the time to see if he could be found.

Lingo - Aderleaf farm

"Well that is quite a story. It sounds a lot like me when I was about your age, but chores come first. And I'll add that being able to hide is a really good skill for adventurers. It's always best if your enemies don't see you. By hiding from those Redbrands you've already done your part. If we manage to succeed, I'll stop by and give you some tips on that. And I'll make sure everyone knows you were a hero!"

He turns his attention back to the woman, "That is, if you don't mind another visit from me and me giving the lad some lessons on how to hide. Perhaps then we can have some tea and you can tell me all about yourself."

Ryssa at the orchard


"Athelor... an elderly priest of Lathander... one of those who raised - and trained - me in my calling."

She pointed again toward the banner, a rather nostalgic smile on her face.

"He spoke to me of it."

Daran Edermath w/Ryssa and Liminmorn

He glances at the banner again, a considering expression on his face.

"I will tell you what. If you are up to it, I have a favour to ask. A couple of days travel to the northeast is an area of ruins known as the 'Old Owl Well'. It is actually an old watchtower of an ancient magical empire known as 'The Netheril Empire'. They were destroyed, or some say destroyed themselves, a long time ago. Who knows what dangerous magic might be buried there?"

"In any case, several prospectors have reported being chased from the area by undead. Can you take a trip up there and find out what is going on? Who is there and what they're up to? I'd appreciate it."

He pauses. "When you get back, I can talk to you more about the Order."

Quelline Alderleaf w/Bern, Balthazar, and Lingo

The boy beams with pride at the compliments. He proceeds to give you directions to where the tunnel comes out.

The mother snorts at Lingo's final comments. "He knows how to hide from his chores well enough. If he learns any better I'll never get him to do his work."

She pauses, then adds. "You are welcome for tea, if you tell me what you find and do in there. But", her finger wags at him, "don't think I don't know what you're up to young man. I was not born yesterday."

Lingo

He smiles sheepishly but it doesn't paralyze his tongue.

"Of course you do. I was not trying to hide my intent. Take it as a compliment and I'll be sure to visit, chat and enjoy tea when we accomplish our goal."

He turns to his pals.

"I think it's time we get back with the others."

<Bain>

With a nod, he turned to leave.

Balthazar

He also nods to Lingo and moves to go with his friends but he pauses and chants softly, holding up a hand as a shower of sparks rises from his hand to delight the young boy.

Balthazar grins and closes his hand, winking at the lad and turns to follow his friends.

Luminmorn At the Orchard

He looked up at their host at the mention of undead. "Their foulness can not be allowed to trouble the land," he added almost as an after thought "or the people."

He grew silent again his normal terse self. He was content to let the Cleric of Lathandar lead the discussion where it might go.

Ryssa


She nodded, both in agreement with the paladin's sentiment and the old adventurer's offer of a quest.

"We will do this for you and for the good of the people of this town and the surrounding countryside."

Ryssa glanced at Luminmorn and then back to Doran Edermath.

"Is there anything else you can tell us before we take leave of your company and your hospitality?"

GM

Daran shakes his head and bids you a good day, thanking you for agreeing to look into the undead problem.

Both groups meet up near the middle of town, by the Townmaster's Hall just in time to see Harbin Wester come scurrying out of the building, a large stack of papers under one arm. He doesn't even glance in your direction, but instead hurries off towards a small home nearby.

Luminmorn

Luminmorn met with his traveling companions and nodded a hello. But as he sees the man moving quickly the large dragonborn bears his teeth. "That doesn't look right," he indicated the hurrying town master. He had been supicious of the man because of his apparent lack of concern for the townspeople. It could be nothing or normal but he didn't think so.

<Bern>

"Nothing about that man is right", he says and spits on the ground. "But I have not seen or heard anything to suggest he is forcing these folks. So isn't that for the town's residents to address?"

Ryssa


"I suppose it is, but don't you want to follow him and see what he's up to?"

<Bern>

He got a far away look in his eye for a moment, then focused back on Ryssa. "To be honest, it is a toss up as to whether I would rather be slaying those orcs or ridding this town of a useless bureaucrat", he said with a wicked grin.

Ryssa


"I've got a coin if you want me to toss it," she said with a crooked little smile.

<Bern>

"It sounds like the best plan I have heard today."

(OOC - I can flip the coin, but you have other info to share and decision to make in the meanwhile I think.)

Ryssa


Splitting her attention between her companions and the small home into which Harbin Wester had disappeared, she remembered what the retired adventurer had told her and the paladin.

"By the way, Luminmorn and I have received word of another possible mission of good we can undertake."

Ryssa went on to tell all she had been told about the undead problem.

<Bern>

"Godz! This place is a mess", he said suddenly feeling a bit overwhelmed. "We get hired to guard a delivery and now look ..."

Lingo

He just smiles and listens to the big(ger) folk debate what to do next. To him the choice is obvious. The town master left his office unattended. Who knows what goodies he forgot or could not carry. There was an opportunity to be had. Of course, he wasn't going to say a word to them and would go with them. But if the opportunity arose to peel off from the others, the halfling was salivating at the idea of checking the place out.

"So, what are our choices? I know we can kill orcs or follow fatso there who offered to pay us to kill those orcs. Or, we can chase undead at the Old Owl Well. Is that all? What about those Redbrands? We heard about a secret tunnel that they appeared at. And where's Sildar? Am I missing something? This is too much for my brain to handle before lunch. I agree with you Bernie. This place needs our tender touch."

Ryssa


"We need to keep in mind the priestess of the shrine and her request."

(OOC - Not to point out the ADD of this group, which is partially my fault for throwing new shiny missions out all the time but I'll refer you back to the sequence of posts you made around February 13th. At that time you'd made the decision to deal with the Redbrands first as none of the other missions seems as time-critical, plus it had the advantage of potentially giving you a clue to finding Gundren as you'd been told there was at least one Goblin in their employ. You had decided to go talk to Daran and Carp just to see if they had any info before you tackled the Redbrand hideout.)

[[ so we got heads on the coin toss? <weg> ]]

Lingo

"Yeah, her too. Sure. Why don't we go see what Sildar thinks. Last we saw him, he was in there", he points to the Townmaster's Hall.

"Then maybe lunch?" It didn't matter if the halfling had an entire roast boar twenty minutes earlier. He's always hungry.

<Bern>

It seemed that they were =never= going to get out of this town, he thought with a sigh.

Balthazar

He just watched and waited to see what his companions decided, then he would figure out his own desires.

But lunch did sound good.

Luminmorn

"So do we care about the town master? Or just let him do whatever he is doing? I am not one to turn down a meal. Also I want to clear out the Redbands. There are other things to do. Just trying to figure out priorities."

Ryssa


"Come to think of it, did we not agree to go after the Redbrands first since that looked to be out best chance to find out something about Gundren through that goblin?"