DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 1 - Highharvestide in Phandelin

DM

Linene, the master of the Phandelin post of the Lionshield Coster trading company takes the broken blade in her hand. She turns it over to see the markings and raises her eyebrows and shows it to Halia Thornton who's reaction is the same.

"This is one of ours. I didn't sell it but I can tell you that it definitely came from our outpost in Triboar. If you want to learn more, you'll need to go there and talk with either Narth Tezrin or Alaestra Ulgar. They run the outpost. I know both of them and they will know more."

Then, interrupting her, Halia says, "Linene, you'll need to give them some sort of letter. I doubt they'll open up their books without one."

"Oh, good idea. Neither of them would talk. It's not good for business to give away information like that," Linene says. "I can write up an introduction letter if you like. Are you intending to look deeper into this? You said it was important. It's a few days travel from here."

Davroar

He looks over the manor as Luminmorn shows them the place and comments that it would be nice to see when it is all completed. In his own room he will wash up and use the new clothes since his almost always has a rip or frayed stitch somewhere. He will leave his fur armour and weapons in his room for now, taking only his heavy cloak that has his new Emerald Enclave pin hidden in the collar and at the last minute plops his wolf fur hat on since his black hair is still somewhat wet.

Stopping with everyone he listens in as Kriv talks with Linene and Halia.

OOC: Here's a case where the character knows more than the player. Triboar is the next town over. You took the "Triboar Trail" to get to Phandelin. Look for it on the north east of this map:

Jaliera

A room of her own and new clothes too! The people around here are so nice. She is glad they were able to help them. She decides to keep the clothes for a more suitable occasion and wanders back out to greet the others, following along.

She listens as Kriv asks the questions.

Zhu

Returning to her room she strips off her clothes and neatly folds and hangs them. Using the basin she washes herself and then examines the clothes critically. With a wave of her hand and a short spoken word the dirt and trail dust falls off of them and the pleats and cuffs take on sharper lines.

She remains unclothed as she moves about the room, comfortable in her own skin and having grown up in a community without any sort of nudity taboo.

Climbing onto the bed, she sits cross-legged and meditates on the events of the day and these new people she may be traveling with.

After a time she rises, dresses, and joins the others to go speak to Mistress Graywind.

She listens intently, simply nodding as it seems obvious they need to follow this lead. She passed thru Triboar on her way to Phandalin, so she knows the way. She didn't spend any time there, wanting to talk to Luminmorn as soon as possible so she isn't familiar with the layout.

Kriv

The noble scholar inclined his head in a human nod in reply to Liene's question, affirming,

"We're going to have to, yes. A letter of introduction would be greatly appreciated and I thank you for the offer. Is there any correspondence we can conduct for you to there in the course of our task, by way of fair recompense for that boon?"

Kriv's approach was very much transactional at its core. The attempted theft and successful misuse of the forge was an attack on both the Rockseeker's assets and their own portion thereof, and given the nature of the doppelganger, one that needed to be concluded lest it be repeated. But whilst they were on good terms with the Coster in Phandelin, that did not carry with it obligations of aid: The help they had provided in restoring their property previously had been suitably rewarded, and this new offer of assistance incurred a debt that in the Dragonborn's eyes needed to be paid off swiftly.

<Bern>

He listened to the discussions, but not having anything to add or dispute, he remained silent. And he had faith in his friends. He =did= continue to listen, though ... just in case things got interesting.

DM

"Why most certainly Master Kriv," Linene responds. "A caravan for Triboar is being prepared this evening for a morning departure tomorrow. It will haul some iron ore extracted from the mines that you escorted here from the caves. I am sure that the wagon drivers would not mind the company of heroes. And I have some other business communications that I need passed on to Alaestra. I'll add your letter of introduction to that. Meet the caravan here in the morning."

There did not seem to be much more to be decided. The caravan was leaving early, just after sunrise, to afford as much light as possible. As that discussion ends, Luminmorn suggests that at some point this evening they should have a conversation about protecting the town and the mines while also pursuing the lead to track down the doppleganger. Some in the group wanted to visit the Inn for some dinner, drinks and relaxation so he offered that they could all gather back at the mansion after that for that discussion.

The dinner was simple but good, the atmosphere was festive as the townsfolk all wanted some time with their heroes. Their need to express their love and admiration for these adventurers underscored Luminmorn's suggestion that the conversations be held in private. So, after a while the group agreed to leave for the manor where they reconvened.

"My friends, it seems we have two needs, a presence here and pursuit of our nemesis. How shall we approach it?"

<Bern>

Again he stayed out of the 'discussions'. But he was happy to enjoy an fine meal and a bit of ale before the 'meeting'.

He really didn't have much of a response to Luminmorn's 'question'. He understood that it was always difficult for those in a 'responsible' role to try and balance differing needs. It was one of the reasons he didn't want to be in a leadership role! Hopefully one of the others would have a reasonable idea.

Ryssa

"I for one would like to stay here in Phandelin. I'm growing weary of the travel and need to settle down and establish a parish to spread the word of Lathandar. The Morning Lord will help protect this town and the mines."

Jaliera

"Are we suggesting a 50/50 split? If that is so, and including Luminmorn and Zhu, that makes 7 of us. So if Ryssa & Luminmorn stay, do we look for another 1 or 2 to stay with them?"

She pauses before adding..

"We all have different skills. Perhaps we should each say where we think those skills best place us. For me and Whisper, think we would be better travelling because of the scouting skills."

She looks around the others.

<Bern>

"This has always been a 'voluntary' group. If anyone wants to stay here, that is their choice. But I have not been the 'settling' sort, so I do not plan to stay here."

He looked to the others to see how they felt about it all.

DM

"Do not forget that Sildar, Daren, Sister Garaele and Halia can all take care of themselves," Luminmorn said. And Reidoth is never too far away."

Ryssa then added, "This where I belong. Besides, while Luminmorn has done a great job with the manor, it could use a lady's touch. But the wagons need an escort. The Triboar Trail is not safe. We know that from experience."

Davroar

Like Bern he is more comfortable in the outdoors and says, "I'm with Jaliera and Bern, and help escort."

As Luminmorn stated there is a good core of people here to protect the small town.

Luminmorn

"I do not see much disagreement. Kriv, Bern, Jaliera and Davroar will go. Zhu, you were recently there. You know the way and I think the caravan can use your unique skills more than we could here. Would you please go with them in my stead?"

Zhu

"Certainly", she responds to the Dragonborn Paladin. Besides, she has no ties to Phandalin like the others, and she is intrigued by what the Doppelganger may be up to.

DM
There was agreement about what to do and now that everything was settled the group had time to relax before settling in for the night at the manor. It was just after dusk and dinner time.

It being just a scant few days after Highharvestide, the town was still swollen with visitors. Even had there not have been a festival, the influx of miners and merchants was evident. The inn was going to be busy.

But folks might have other folks to see and talk to. What do you do?

OOC: You are not tied to the hip. Some of you may want to slip away and ... whatever. I'm going to send out some PMs to each of you get your more private thoughts. If you haven't removed yourselves from the older PMs, I'll use those threads.

Also, I updated both Zhu and Arus's sheets. I'll look at the others soon. If you don't see today's date at the top of the sheet 12/19/2019 (remember US format for me), you need to do a ctrl-F5 to force a page refresh. Some people don't know that little trick.

Jaliera

She had though about going to chat to one or two folk.. but honestly, if they are on their way tomorrow, getting some sleep would be a good option. Besides she would rather stay with Davroar.

She moves across to sit beside him.

"All ready for leaving tomorrow?"

<Bern>

He was not ... if he could help it ... a socializer. And since there didn't seem to be any need, he was quite happy to enjoy a quiet pint and then turn in for the evening. There was a good possibility that there would be challenges ahead on the morrow and he wanted to be rested and ready for them.

Davroar

He has worked up a good appetite walking out to the mines and back. Reaching the busy inn he he feels a little bit uncomfortable in the crowded common room. He just wants a good meal first and then retire for the night. Sitting down with Jaliera he gives her a grateful smile for her company and answers, "I will be. A good meal and sleep tonight, and I'll be ready first light."

Leaning a bit back in his chair Davroar whispers a short spell and produces a clear globe in his left palm as he rests it in his lap. He gives it a brief look then it disappears as quickly as it appeared. "Weather should be good tomorrow too."

"And you? Ready for another adventure?"

Jaliera

"Is that new?"

She looks at the globe with interest as he puts it away.

"Is it for weather or does it do other things too?"

"And yes. I think I might be a little odd but I love adventuring. It's as though it brings me alive. Guess maybe I have found my niche."

She smiles happily.

Zhu

With no real attachments she simply follows the crowd and heads for the inn with the others. Finding a spot to sit is a bit of an adventure, but eventually she manages to find a chair not too far from the fireplace and orders some wine and a bit of bread and cheese.

DM

Indeed the inn is crowded. Finding seats is a challenge but there was no official business going on. Jaliera and Davroar paired off and started talking. Bern went to get some beer and while he was gone, he spots the elder druid, Reidoth, who pulls him aside for a chat. As they talk, Jaliera spots Halia Thornton at the bar. They make eye contact and Jaliera realizes that the woman in charge of the miner's exchange was interested in talking to her.

Kriv doesn't go directly to the inn. After asking around, he finds Sildar but it's at his office.

Zhu sits down in the tavern. Luminmorn spots her and makes his way over to where she's sitting.

Jaliera

She spots Halia but really would rather sit with Davroar. Maybe she can make this quick?

"Davroar, I think Halia wants a quick word with me. Would you excuse me? I'll be back in just a moment."