One eyebrow rises at Davroar's comment. "Surely that won't be necessary? I expect the Forge will be a solid source of revenue for the mine in many ways."
Indeed, not simply as a means of making weapons temporarily magical, but she is certain that Mages and Sages from far and wide will be eager to come and study it. The Rockseekers could sell tickets just for that and make a tidy amount of money.
Luminmorn "We have had this discussion here in town, but of course we should have it once again. But a brick wall will not go up while we stand here and we were hoping get back to Phandelin before nightfall. I assume we are going to talk to m'lady Linene Graywind of the Lionshield Coster about that dagger. So what temporary security measures should we employ?"
He gives an slight embarrassed look to Zhuirentel and says to her, "Oh. Didn't think of that."
Following Jaliera's suggestion then he adds, "Get some guard dogs too. Train them closely with the guards, and they might be able to detect if the doppleganger tries to impersonate one."
"Well, if you intend to try to track down the Doppelganger I'd suggest we talk to Mistress Graywind as quickly as possible. No need to let it get an even larger lead. Shall we go?"
Gundren steps forward while Nundro closes and locks the doors that lead into the area that needs to be secured.
"We'll get this place nailed down. Nobody's gonna fool us. About a dozen of the miners we hired through the Miner's Exchange have battle experience and we can add guard dogs. I like that idea," he adds with a nod towards Davroar. "That should do for now. Nundro and me need to be gettin' the mine running and we can do that as soon as we can shoo you guys away. This room will be the busiest as it's where we are going to clean the ore."
The dwarf went on to explain the process of mining iron. Mined right out of the ground, raw ore is mix of ore proper and loose earth called gangue. The ore proper can usually be separated by crushing the raw ore and simply washing away the lighter soil. That is what will be done in this chamber. The ore will still need to be smelted to remove the impurities from it but that will be done elsewhere.
"We'll get double locks put on right away and make a rule that nobody gets into the forge without two of us, Nundro, me, any of you, but two of us together. Only we will know where the keys are and what the password is. I don't think the doppleganger can be two people at once."
"The men don't want to go in there anyway. They helped barricade the other entrances to the forge. These men know that Luminmorn battled some foul spirit there. They saw the bodies of the undead that you had slain. I think the only reason they let the doppleganger in is that it made them think it was one of you, I don't think they would've let anyone else in. It won't happen again."
It sounded almost defensive. Gundren had faith in these men, it seemed. Although there were some doubters amongst those discussing the matter of security, the dwarves offered to let everyone find out about his men themselves. Sildar led everyon out of the mines and when you were all back at the base camp, Nundro gathered a handful of the men that were eager to earn extra coin in exchange for doing guard duty. They were interviewed, questioned about their battle experiences and tested with sword and bow. It was apparent they were sufficiently qualified for the task.
Any last moment suggestions are entertained but it was now time to head back to town. The mining operation had already begun unofficially a few days early. The sounds of steel on stone now echoed on top of the echos of the crashing waves that gave the caves their name. In the short while that they had been inside the caves, several wagons filled with iron ore previously mined and cleaned had been prepared for transport. They were waiting to head to the Miner's Exchange and the wagon drivers were eager to have the heroes of Phandelin escort them back.
OOC: I've attached a full map of the mines with some major modifications to the Wave Echo Cave since you were here. Also reveals all areas you bypassed exploring.
She is relieved that her offer to stay to guard has proven unnecessary. She nods along to the suggested preparations and heads out with the others, Whisper on her shoulder.
An attempted theft of the forge downgraded into their foes enchanting their weapons was not as bad as it could have been, the Dragonborn supposed. His staff still lit, he took position to the fore for the return journey, wary nonetheless.
It sounds like the mine will be well looked after by the dwarven brothers. Happy to see that their good work is paying off in giving Phandelin a viable mining operation, Davroar is ready to head back to town.
The trip back to Phandelin was uneventful. Remaining at the mines were the two dwarfs but everyone else returned less than an hour before the sun would set. On the way, Luminmorn suggested that the "visitors" all stay at the newly renovated Tresender Manor. The inn would be at capacity because of the Highharvestide Festivities and in any case, the manor was their's now.
Aside from the doppleganger's visit, there were no other major problems that needed solving but even though it had departed, there was a general feeling that it was going to be trouble. The only clue that they had was the broken dagger. The markings indicated that the dagger was a Lionshield Coster dagger.
As they pulled into town, the wagons with the ore went directly to the miner's exchange where the carts would be greeted by Halia Thornton. Sildar made his way to his office at the town hall and Sister Garaele returned to the Shrine of Luck.
She rides back to town quietly, considering what they've learned. Upon arriving at the Manor and Bern's question, she speaks up. "Well, Luminmorn has chosen to stay here in Phandelin. If you have no objections, I find myself intrigued by events, and I would offer to take his place and travel with you."
As she waits for an answer to her offer, she adds. "I suppose first step would be to inquire about the dagger with Mistress Graywind."
"I agree that we should follow up on the dagger straight away. And it seems sensible to make use of the manor's facilities, thank you Luminmorn. That said, I think we should set guards over night, with a doppleganger around we should take no chances. He may well feel vengeful towards us."
She smiles again at the female elf.
"Zhu isn't it? Perhaps you could tell us more about yourself and your capabilities?"
Arriving at the manor, he remembers only a little of it as they had chased the gangsters out. The manor is big enough to house half his clan back home, so he asks Luminmorn, "If we're going to be taking turns as guards, can you show us around?"
Knowing all of the ways in and out of this place, and if there is any weak spots would be helpful in keeping everyone safe.
"Zhuirentel", she starts, still unused to the human predilection for informality. After a brief pause, she nods. "Zhu will be fine. I kind of like it." She smiles at Jaliera, making the Rogue wonder why Zhu doesn't do it more as her face lights up like the sun.
"Your request is certainly reasonable. If we are to work together as a team you should know what role I can play."
She pauses a moment, then continues. "I will not be able to fill the role Luminmorn played in your group. Fighting with weapons is something I can do, at need, but is not something I specialize in."
"So, let's see. As I mentioned during our earlier conversations I am originally from the Feywild and have spent a number of years since emerging in this world in the Spellguard of Silverymoon. I am a caster of magic. Fire and Mystic energies to cause my foes damage and other magics to entrap and enfeeble them."
"My Elven heritage provides me the ability to see in Darkness as well as briefly pass thru the Feywild to move from one place to another. I would also be willing to take any, or all, night watches as I have no need for sleep."
She looks closely at Jaliera. "Might I ask what role you play in the group?"
Of course Luminmorn briefed her on everyone but she'd rather hear directly from each person.
"I am an explorer, mainly to recover artifacts. I can use some magic and as you have seen Whisper is an excellent scout enabling me to see in the dark also. Whisper can easily share watches too. I am a good scout, good with a bow, can hold my own with a sword too. And I can detect and disarm traps and open locks.. assuming they are not too difficult."
She smiles.
"And nice to get to know you Zhu."
Jaliera would never describe herself as a thief, because she is not.
Luminmorn suggested that everyone get settled in the manor and then head over to see what they can learn at the Lionshield Coster.
As the group headed up the hill where the manor stood, the can see that the structure is under repair. There are large portions of the outer walls that are collapsed and other portions where the color of the wood and stone is different than the base. Men are working and seem to notice them but continue with what they are doing. Once inside, you see that much work had been done to repair the old structure. It had been cleaned out and gutted. Walls have been rebuilt. Supporting structures have been fortified. It has not yet been painted. Much work was still needed but it was now a quite livable area and Luminmorn walked everyone to their private rooms and in each there was a wash basin and some clean clothing that, according to him, were gifts from thankful residents.
They did not linger long. After washing up they all gathered to take the stroll over to the Lionshield Coster. Linene was quite busy as the wagonsthat they had escorted from the mines. Halia Thornton was there with her and they were both taking inventory. When she sees the group approach, Halia looks up with a curious look, wondering why they were approaching.
He followed the group, noticing that work in progress. Clearly the town felt the need to 'repay' what had been done for them. He had seen it before and understood it.
Once in 'his' room, he took a moment to 'freshen up', mostly wanting to show his appreciation of 'their' efforts by changing into the clothes that he had been 'gifted'.
He was looking forward to the 'visit' to the bar. He could use a decent pint.
The Dragonborn noble inclined his head to the two Coster authorities, and presented the broken dagger to them, one part in each hand. By way of explanation, he commented,
"Doyenne Graywind, Madam Thornton. Whilst I realise and acknowledge this may not be the best of times, a matter of potentially serious importance has arisen. This blade bears the hallmarks of sale from your Coster, and the means to which it was put were nefarious and troublesome. Would it be possible to further discern its origin, or perhaps to whom it was sold?"
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