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[Perfect, Kriv can read Dwarven!]

Kriv

"Fascinating. This axe is ensorcelled to be exceedingly effective against all manner of plants and plant creatures. Let me just translate this rune, then we'll see who wants it."

(Kriv passes on the axe, and will stick with his maul, having gone for the feat which works with it but not this axe. Perhaps Jaliera, with Kriv retaining the staff?)

[OOC: Can Jaliera use an axe? And she speaks Dwarven too ]

(OOC - AJ - Make a history check. with advantage. DC 12.)

Checking the D&D 5e SRD, it appears that rogues are not proficient in axes (martial weapons). In fact, we're a little light of PCs with martial weapon proficiency. Afaik, they are:

Bern
Kriv
Luminmorm

Bern could use the axe, but he's focused in archery, so probably won't. He could always break it out if we get attacked by a treant or particularly stupid ogre, or if we need the +1 magic to beat damage reduction.

I have to say that Bern would see =that= weapon as sort of 'evil' since it was focused on destroying 'plants'. But he would be tempered by the knowledge that even plants have been co-opted by evil on occasion :-/

(OOC - To add to Neil's comment, there are two other rules involved. First, you can attack with a weapon with which you are not proficient, however if you do so you do not get to add your Proficiency Bonus to the attack roll. Second, there are some Feats you can take that will give you additional weapon proficiencies. Otherwise, it does come down to Bern, Luminmorn, or Kriv, and Bern, being an archer, is unlikely to use it often. Also, Luminmorn has Talon, a +1 Long Sword. So it would most likely be Kriv, if he wants another option than the Maul.)

DM

Kriv studies the rune and translates it into the word Hew. That name tickles a memory and he recalls an old story about a dwarven smith who had a running feud with some Dryads of a forest where he cut firewood for his forge and who made a special axe to assist him.

(OOC: Can Rogues use long swords? We could have a round of musical weapons if so, Luminmorn upgrading to the axe, Jaliera getting the enchanted blade. )

Kriv

Ever the scholar, Kriv relayed the half-remembered snippet of lore.

"Ah, yes. The rune translates to Hew, eminently sensible all things considered. I suspect this was the work of a dryad-hating Dwarven smith, reputed to have made such a weapon as this to press his side of a feud with the tree-kin, as he cut their wood for his forge. Any of us favour axes? I much prefer weapons designed to use the strength of both arms."

He looked across at those he did not yet know.

Ryssa


The cleric of Lathander smiled faintly but shook her head in response to the newly met dragonborn.

"Afraid not."

[OOC: If we want to trade the sword to the rogue and the axe to Luminmorn, that is fine by me.]

(OOC - Rogues are Proficient in Simple Weapons, Hand Crossbows (which, by the way, Favric had if Jaliera wants it), Longswords, Rapiers, and Shortswords. So yes, Jaliera could use Talon. However I think she is much like Bern, preferring missiles. Still, might be the best way to use everything, unless Bern wants it for those times he is forced to fight HTH.)

[[ Well Bern would rather someone who would be using it on regular basis get it, but if no one else can use it, he will take it ... he =does= get 'up close and personal' from time to time <wink> ]]

[OOC Jaliera would happily accept an upgrade on her longsword, which she does (and has) used. Great way to cement bonds in the new party too! ]

Well, work it out in character then.......and don't forget about the Hand Crossbow, unless you don't want it.

[OOC Too used to her bow to change. And I figure Jaliera isn't present yet as she was searching the tower ]

I believe almost anyone can use a crossbow. That is why they were so popular 'in the day' <g>

A "Light Crossbow", yes. This is a "Hand Crossbow" and requires the "Martial Ranged Weapons" proficiency or to be a Rogue.

Ahh ... thanks for the correction.

Davroar

His disgust is easily seen by any looking at him when he hears that the hatred for all trees is bound into the single rune on the axe Kriv so easily offers to any that want to use it.

Turning away, he will not begrudge the one that will take ownership of the axe, but for Davroar it is a vile weapon that should be cast back into the forge that it came from.

Walking away from the group he uses his druidcraft to see what the weather may hold for them. When the dragon comes back, rain might be the only way to cover their scent, and if there is none then he will suggest that they leave as soon as possible to get as far away as possible from here.

Chandan

Having been related the story of the axe, Chandan comments that it must have been created by an avid dwarven gardener. Certainly it would be superb for pruning apple trees!

With the weaponary redistributed, the newly formed party of seven are surely ready for the next leg of their journey.

Direct to Cragmaw Castle seems to be the wisest choice, since Phandalin is far out of their way and can offer little more support in their quest. Should the party need resupply, the great city of Neverwinter is much closer.

Once they have cover from the forest canopy, they can take a short rest and decide, and it's then that the wizened monk suggests, "We go Cragmaw Castle then, save Gundren the Dwarf?"

Ryssa


The cleric smiled and nodded to the elderly looking monk.

"That would serve our ultimate goal best, I think, sir monk."

Jaliera

She rejoins their new group, pleased to see that all are still together. She is sad Kallista is not there to see this. She would have enjoyed new people to converse with.

"Nothing else in the tower. Have you had the discussion about the treasure we found? Oh and I should mention that I have a familiar - Whisper. She's an owl. I'll call her in now."

She sends out a mental summons for Whisper to join her.

<Bern>

"Seems the right thing to me", he said simply.

Kriv

It had been his hope to steal a march on their enemies and claim the service of the dragon for themselves, but instead Kallista had paid for this detour from their vital mission with her life. On the other hand, they had gained two humans and a Dragonborn, all of whom seemed competent and effective.

On the whole, that was enough to have made this a profitable and useful sojourn.

"Straight to Cragmaw Castle it shall be. We can trade information about what we have learned of our mutual foe as we go."