KD does in fact lean back to nudge the serving girl in return, and reaches up to touch the mug, and creates the same smell as before, only with a bit more ginger. She smiles, and takes a mug, thanking her, eyebrow raised.
Later, when Onu starts talking about quests, she rolls her eyes only a smidgeon. And then raises her eyebrow again, and crooks a hint of a smile.
She raises her mug in a silent, questioning toast to these new people, who seemed entertaining, and might actually be rational...
Melvin accepts the ale from the old timer, but quickly takes a sip so as not to have to speak immediately. As lilly displays the cards, Melvin can barely contain his excitement about the ruins mentioned in one of them or the gnomes in their tunnels: could that be what he had been looking for these last few weeks?
Causually, so as not to evoke suspicion, Melvin turns to the group, before leaning in to the old timer that also seemed to be interested by the sudden giddy display : "I bet there's plenty o' adventure that these bones 've seen, aye?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"There's a good man." Toblen lets out a hearty chuckle giving the old man a clap on the shoulder. "Now. You gunna share a name? Cause I doubt Daran would come for a 'mysterious old man'." He'd wink. Once the message is provided to the proprietor, he'd excuse himself to the back room for a few moments.
During Toblen's brief absence the bartender would sweep back around. With a warm smile and an offtune hum, she'd collect some emty glasses. Brown hues would peer over Lilly as she reached. "What adventure peaks your interest the most Miss Lilly?" She'd blurt with a bounce, rocking up to her tip toes and back down to her heels. Her eyes flickered with an apologetic glance for eavesdropping, but she couldn't help it. The barmaid was a curious one (and maybe a bit of an enabler), wanting to engage the conversation. Besides, the patrons could always tell her to mind her own business. The grumpy ones do.
As if suddenly remembering what she was supposed to be doing (her job), the redhead would sweeten her smile and glance around the table. "Can I assist anyone with anything else?"
"Um... All of them?" Lilly answered before barmaid had a chance to disappear. "No, wait, the last one!" She looked again at the "magic" card and then at Demetrios "Treasure. And the dragon. I mean, I hope the dragon is just an exaggeration, but the treasure sounds great!"As strange is it felt, but it seemed others did want to join. Lilly looked at the people joining the table - and openly declaring the interest! - shrugging away doubts. "What do you say? There is nothing about damsel in the ruins, but the treasure is." Here, in tavern, with the mug of a spiced cider and jolly company around it was much easier to believe in treasure than in dragon.
KD speaks up, after scanning the cards once more with interest. "How far are the mountains to the southeast, where Gnomengarde is? Inventions can be useful, dragon or not. Seems easy enough. And perhaps close enough to accomplish one or two of the tasks on the other cards."She glances at Onu, and then the others.
Onu gives a subtle nod to KD. 'Inventions are always a boon - whether they work or not. But treasure is equally comforting in your pockets.I say we set out post-haste!.'
When Melvin inquires about adventures the old man's bones have seen the white bearded traveler responds by looking down into his cup and saying in a somber tone "far too many, yet none worth speaking of" before taking a drink.
When Daran asks his name the old man perks up again and replies "you tell that elf that a handsome old man is looking for his arse and he'll know!" "Hehe, he's expecting me. For you however, good sirs, the name's Artemis." He nods to both Toblen and Melvin when providing his name. To Toblen he adds "pay me any more kindness and I may just have to let you call me Arty."
Overhearing those nearby mentioning the likelihood of treasure being vastly better than a dragon, or that such ventures should be 'easy enough' Artemis comments quietly to Toblen and Melvin in a good hearted manner "ah, to be young and foolish again." "Luckily few are likely to be as foolish as I! Still, I'd hate to see this be the last time they pass their coin along to my friend Toblen here."
The enthusiasm of people around was a bit overwhelming but only because Lilly was not used to the event itself. She was always curious how exactly those party of adventurers form. It's not like this is a known stable job with taxes and everything. Now she knew and was happy with her discovery.
"It looks like we are really going," she looked at Demetrios again (and, yes, of course she was happy to return the handshake - her tiny palm completely disappearing in the big knight's hand for a moment). She was not sure about post-hast, thouhg, that KD suggested and looked at her thoughtfully. "Well, we all traveling and ready to go, of course. We have a map too. But is that it? Nothing more? Ropes? Torches? what people usually take to the treasure hunt?"
Hearing some of the group pipe in about being interested in going on these adventures bring a soft smile upon the paladins visage. He thought he would need to do some convincing to get a team together to tackle some of the quests on the job board. Thankfully though, he seemed to have stumbled upon a group of people who were just thirsting for adventure. Not to mention the cards seemed to have been picked out specifically for them...
Demetrios brings his gaze from the cards over to Lilly when she looks back up at him after having answered the barmaids question. The magical card did pique his interest, more so the dragon part than the treasure part. However... "We run the risk of running into the dragon at the ruins, so maybe having an invention that could possibly thwart the creature would be beneficial to us. What ever treasure we happen to come across would be useless to us if we're dead."
It was a morbid way of thinking, but it had its truths. "And if we could also knock out some of the other quests on the way... more money in our pockets?" Money had never been something that motivated Demetrios into doing something, but with the talk of treasure and such, he felt as if it did drive some of the people at the table, so he decided to play into it.
At Lilly's word's, he chuckles softly. "It seems so."Sorry Wilfred..."I have a few torches and ropes on me already... Rations would be helpful to us on the journey as well, to keep us fed, along with waterskins for hydration..."The paladin then lists off a few more things that were essential to adventuring (such as bed rolls, transportation, etc).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
'I'm ready to join an epic adventure right this very minute!' cries Onu enthusiastically, catching KD's eye as he does so. They were, in fact, carrying everything they owned between the two of them and were always ready to walk away in 10 seconds flat if they felt the heat coming down anyway.
He hadn't quite worked out the play yet, but even just their fair share of any of those cards the redhead held would be enough to set them back on their feet and give them some breathing room. Of course, that wouldn't stop him from looking to take more than their fair share either, but you had to have a starting point.
The door to the Inn bursts open from a hefty boot to the door. “Who in the hells thinks he’s handsome enough to request hauling my ass away from the orchard?” A fit, silver-haired half-elf well over a hundred years old stomps into the room. Running his fingers through his hair to push it out of his face. A well seasoned warrior stares back at you all, scanning the room until his eyes fall over an old man at the bar.
The barmaid hadn’t left Lilly’s side. Instead she had just fallen silent to listen for any drink orders or additional requests. She couldn’t help but giggle at Onu’s unwavering enthusiasm. At the mention of a map, the redhead would tilt her head in curiosity. “Are any of you navigators?” She’d blurt her new question out loud again. The cards themselves did indicate the general direction of the objectives. Surely the lot of them wouldn’t get lost along the way.
Map/Direction ‘Shopping’! (Presenting you with some options prior to setting out on your way, if you feel so inclined.) (Any CHA proficiency bonus can be used as long as RP suits it. Ie. Persuasion or deception)
1. Sketch and go! Chat up Toblen Stonehill at the counter, the same proprietor you’re renting your room from. He is a friendly fellow and would most likely draw some directions for you on a napkin to get you going.
Cost: Free Roll: CHA DC8 Pass: Toblen sketches out the directions to the dwarven ruins in the mountain southwest of here. Gives bonus to your travel to and fro. +1 Fail: Toblen sketches on a napkin for you, but a mug ring smears it. No bonus. But he signed it for you!
2. Map, supplies and feeds. Head to Barthen’s provisions to purchase a map. It’s a standard map of the area any one can buy. Could be a little outdated and have an inflated price due to demand, but plenty reliable for a starting map.
Cost: 15g Can purchase basic map at this price without a CHA roll. Roll: CHA DC10 for a 5g reduction Pass: You purchase a basic map of the area for 10g. Includes the dwarven ruins. Map gives +2 on your travels Fail: You purchase a basic map of the area for 15g. If you get a 1, the edges are frayed. Map gives +2 on your travels
3. Hail Halia Guild master of the Phandalin Miner’s Exchange, Halia would have access to the most up to date mapping and cartography equipment. She can produce the most accurate and detailed map you’d ever be able to find on the coast. A woman who can appreciate quality and efficiency.
Cost: 25g Roll: CHA DC10+ Pass DC10: You’re able to convince Halia to provide you with a beautiful map of the area including where the dwarven ruins are. Map gives +3 on your travels Pass DC15: You’re able to convince Halia to provide you with a beautiful map of the area, including where the dwarven ruins, the gnomish caves, the stone windmill and Conyberry. She’d be willing to update the map for you in the future for a modest price. Map gives +5 on your travels Pass DC20: You’re able to convince Halia to provide you with a beautiful map of the area, including where the dwarven ruins, the gnomish caves, the stone windmill, Conyberry and the trail that leads down to the ruined temple. She’d be willing to update the map for you in the future for free. Map gives +5 on your travels Fail: She scoffs at you and strongly encourages you to get a tourist map from Barthen’s.
Supply Shopping (If there are any supplies you’d like to top off on, you’re welcome to go shop!)
Barthen’s Provisions
The shelves of this general store stock most ordinary goods and supplies, including backpacks, bedrolls, rope, and rations. Barthen’s doesn’t stock weapons or armor, but characters can purchase other adventuring gear here, with the exception of items that cost more than 25 gp.
Lionshield Coster
This building is owned by the Lionshields, a merchant company based in the city of Yartar over a hundred miles to the east. The company ships finished goods to Phandalin and other small settlements throughout the region.
Artemis grins before slowly turning around at the bar to see his friend at the door. "Handsome? Surely that must be me!" The old man feigns confusion for a second but soon starts laughing and stands to give his friend a hug. The old man is thick and broader than the half elf for sure. "How in all nine hells are ya Daran? Looking a bit skinny!"
"Ropes - check, I think I have a tourch or two as well (why did I pack it?), rations (homemade, so you know)..." Lilly stopped mid sentence inventorying her modest possessions to curiously watch the show "the arrival of the elf" - quite flashy even considering dragon talks. But when two old friends retreated to catch up, she returned to tasks at hands.
"Right. The map. No, not a navigator, not me." She looked at others apologetically. "Thought I will travel by the big roads." She glanced at the elf again. "Do you think that man would come with us? If only to show the way? Or we can buy the map, of course. Don't have many coins with me but how much one map can be?"
Should the company willing to purchase a map (actually, should the company be a company and ready to go) Lilly would lead everyone to the shop (as someone who was stuck for some time already in this town and familiar with the shops at least).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
'Yes my dear, a map! A marvelous thing, a map. Shows you where things are and where things might be and what things one might want to avoid. I'm sure someone in this lovely little hamlet has a Map they would be willing to loan us for this endeavor.' turning to the barmaid 'Any idea who might be willing to help us in our noble quest? Anyone with details and directions to share with a brave party of adventurers looking to right some wrongs?'
Onu was laying it on thick to cover his furtive hand signals to KD setting her up to back his play. A map was as good as gold in the hand in parts like this - especially if they could get ahold of a high-quality one from someone who knew the area and not just something scribbled on a scrap of paper. With a good map....well who knows what kind of things they could make happen.
In response, KD briefly flashes Onu some blank, wrinkled parchment that Onu has seen used before:
Magical Tinkering
At 1st level, you learn how to invest a spark of magic into mundane objects. To use this ability, you must have thieves’ tools or artisan’s tools in hand. You then touch a Tiny nonmagical object as an action and give it one of the following magical properties of your choice:
A static visual effect appears on one of the object’s surfaces. This effect can be a picture, up to 25 words of text, lines and shapes, or a mixture of these elements, as you like.
The implication being that if she can get a decent look at a map before buying it, she can essentially photocopy it.
"I've got a good eye for pictures, and a good hand at drawing, so to speak, so even if we don't buy the good map, I should be able to mock up a decent approximation,"KD says to the group. "And we wouldn't even have to buy it, which is nice. I'm in between jobs and low on funds at the moment."
'Ahhh, an artist in our midst! How fortuitous. Perhaps our host here can point us to a purveyor of surveys and maps and the like. Someone who would know where things of value can found? Something more than a mere tourist map?'
A plan was forming.....and Onu loved it when a plan came together.
“Well trim my ears and call me a human…” Daran would squint. “Issat Arty?” He snorts before letting out a loud guffaw, giving the old man a hearty clap on the shoulder that threatened to knock him off his stool. His face would snap back to an ‘unamused’ expression. “The horseshit I spread around my farm’s doing better.” He’d grumble. “Aye, you’re greyer than me now. And I may be a bit skinny but I can still plough a plenty without breaking a sweat!” A hint of a grin tugged at his lips for maybe a moment. “Now, what do you want?” He’d chuff, grabbing Arty’s mug from the counter and chugging it back with a raised brow.
The barmaid would lean in to whisper to Lilly, “May not be a navigator, but you’ve got spark and intuition. Follow it.” With a warm smile, the woman would press something into the halfling’s palm.
"Oh!” The redhead perked at KDs ingenuity paired with Onu’s follow up questions. “Halia Thornton at the Miner’s Exchange." She chimes in response to his ask. "She's hard one to miss. Tall, short blonde hair. Always finely dressed with well cut jewels." As one could expect from a proprietor dealing with the weighing, measuring and paying out of miner's valuables. Her eyes sparkle with hints of admiration for the woman. "She's a sharp one with a great sense of business." She’d nod, pausing to bite her lip for a moment. “Dexterous hands and nimble fingers with attention to detail. You won’t find any maps of this area more accurate than hers.” The barmaid would assure before pointing out the direction of the establishment for when the group was ready. Having to excuse herself, she’d dip her head before slinking away to tend to the demanding half elf that just bursted through the doors.
For those in the group that’s ready to Map shop with Lilly:
Miner’s Exchange Lilly leads the way to the Miner’s Exchange. Upon first entering the establishment the shop front area would appear empty to the entrants as they walk in. Then at the sound of the door closing, from behind the counter, a maiden in a long dark green gown would stand from reaching for something low. She'd turn around to look at you all with an armful of scrolls held at her hip and glance down at you through elegant reading spectacles. With her free hand she'd pull them free from her face, resting an arm of her glasses against her lip for a moment before hooking them on the front of her vneck. Shop Front
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The compliment made Lilly's cheeks flash red as she smiled and automatically looked at the thing given to her for a few moments not even seeing it. She jumped off the chair, tagged Demetrios' sleeve toward the door (if anyone here was to lead the sudden expedition it sure was not her, and in her eyes knights were precisely made for that role) but addressing everyone. "Let's see this Miner’s Exchange."Lilly saw the place from outside but before id not deem it interesting and never entered. "KD could be the judge if the maps are well made."
With important decision made up, Lilly left the tavern and walked (it was hard not to skip a bit with excitement) at the head of procession to the shop. Aha... Expensive clothes, jewelry, intelligent look, self-worth written all over the face. The woman truly meant business but even that type can be swayed or convinced. The problem is always to find the right words and Lilly tried (hoping the big folk will join if things go south).
Lilly assumed "friendly businessman" face and begun. "Good day, Miss Thornton. We are the group of adventurers trying to help with the problems Phandalin is facing today. However, as new to the place we would need a map. We were told yours are the only worth of note and the best possible for miles."(It was practically what barmadesaid, right? Anyway, a little compliment never hurt no one) "Could you please show us some?" She smiled most friendly. "We hope to buy a map too. Hopefully, for some ... affordable price - we just begun here, after all."The smile became a bit apologetic. "Or may be can arrange some credit? Or renting?"
Persuasion: 18
((Big folk called for urgent help!))
P.S. If "help" from Onu is an option - second Persuasion roll: 23
'A quest? A noble endeavor? Dams and Damsels, to save? Dragons to defeat? Oh ho ho! Count me in my friends. Count me in!'
Onu's face positively lights up at the prospect of adventure !
KD does in fact lean back to nudge the serving girl in return, and reaches up to touch the mug, and creates the same smell as before, only with a bit more ginger. She smiles, and takes a mug, thanking her, eyebrow raised.
Later, when Onu starts talking about quests, she rolls her eyes only a smidgeon. And then raises her eyebrow again, and crooks a hint of a smile.
She raises her mug in a silent, questioning toast to these new people, who seemed entertaining, and might actually be rational...
Melvin accepts the ale from the old timer, but quickly takes a sip so as not to have to speak immediately. As lilly displays the cards, Melvin can barely contain his excitement about the ruins mentioned in one of them or the gnomes in their tunnels: could that be what he had been looking for these last few weeks?
Causually, so as not to evoke suspicion, Melvin turns to the group, before leaning in to the old timer that also seemed to be interested by the sudden giddy display : "I bet there's plenty o' adventure that these bones 've seen, aye?"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"There's a good man." Toblen lets out a hearty chuckle giving the old man a clap on the shoulder. "Now. You gunna share a name? Cause I doubt Daran would come for a 'mysterious old man'." He'd wink. Once the message is provided to the proprietor, he'd excuse himself to the back room for a few moments.
During Toblen's brief absence the bartender would sweep back around. With a warm smile and an offtune hum, she'd collect some emty glasses. Brown hues would peer over Lilly as she reached. "What adventure peaks your interest the most Miss Lilly?" She'd blurt with a bounce, rocking up to her tip toes and back down to her heels. Her eyes flickered with an apologetic glance for eavesdropping, but she couldn't help it. The barmaid was a curious one (and maybe a bit of an enabler), wanting to engage the conversation. Besides, the patrons could always tell her to mind her own business. The grumpy ones do.
As if suddenly remembering what she was supposed to be doing (her job), the redhead would sweeten her smile and glance around the table. "Can I assist anyone with anything else?"
just an unstable unicorn.
"Um... All of them?" Lilly answered before barmaid had a chance to disappear. "No, wait, the last one!" She looked again at the "magic" card and then at Demetrios "Treasure. And the dragon. I mean, I hope the dragon is just an exaggeration, but the treasure sounds great!" As strange is it felt, but it seemed others did want to join. Lilly looked at the people joining the table - and openly declaring the interest! - shrugging away doubts. "What do you say? There is nothing about damsel in the ruins, but the treasure is." Here, in tavern, with the mug of a spiced cider and jolly company around it was much easier to believe in treasure than in dragon.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
KD speaks up, after scanning the cards once more with interest. "How far are the mountains to the southeast, where Gnomengarde is? Inventions can be useful, dragon or not. Seems easy enough. And perhaps close enough to accomplish one or two of the tasks on the other cards." She glances at Onu, and then the others.
Onu gives a subtle nod to KD. 'Inventions are always a boon - whether they work or not. But treasure is equally comforting in your pockets.I say we set out post-haste!.'
When Melvin inquires about adventures the old man's bones have seen the white bearded traveler responds by looking down into his cup and saying in a somber tone "far too many, yet none worth speaking of" before taking a drink.
When Daran asks his name the old man perks up again and replies "you tell that elf that a handsome old man is looking for his arse and he'll know!" "Hehe, he's expecting me. For you however, good sirs, the name's Artemis." He nods to both Toblen and Melvin when providing his name. To Toblen he adds "pay me any more kindness and I may just have to let you call me Arty."
Overhearing those nearby mentioning the likelihood of treasure being vastly better than a dragon, or that such ventures should be 'easy enough' Artemis comments quietly to Toblen and Melvin in a good hearted manner "ah, to be young and foolish again." "Luckily few are likely to be as foolish as I! Still, I'd hate to see this be the last time they pass their coin along to my friend Toblen here."
The enthusiasm of people around was a bit overwhelming but only because Lilly was not used to the event itself. She was always curious how exactly those party of adventurers form. It's not like this is a known stable job with taxes and everything. Now she knew and was happy with her discovery.
"It looks like we are really going," she looked at Demetrios again (and, yes, of course she was happy to return the handshake - her tiny palm completely disappearing in the big knight's hand for a moment). She was not sure about post-hast, thouhg, that KD suggested and looked at her thoughtfully. "Well, we all traveling and ready to go, of course. We have a map too. But is that it? Nothing more? Ropes? Torches? what people usually take to the treasure hunt?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(Do we have any sense of where geographically any of these places are, including the orchard?)
Hearing some of the group pipe in about being interested in going on these adventures bring a soft smile upon the paladins visage. He thought he would need to do some convincing to get a team together to tackle some of the quests on the job board. Thankfully though, he seemed to have stumbled upon a group of people who were just thirsting for adventure. Not to mention the cards seemed to have been picked out specifically for them...
Demetrios brings his gaze from the cards over to Lilly when she looks back up at him after having answered the barmaids question. The magical card did pique his interest, more so the dragon part than the treasure part. However... "We run the risk of running into the dragon at the ruins, so maybe having an invention that could possibly thwart the creature would be beneficial to us. What ever treasure we happen to come across would be useless to us if we're dead."
It was a morbid way of thinking, but it had its truths. "And if we could also knock out some of the other quests on the way... more money in our pockets?" Money had never been something that motivated Demetrios into doing something, but with the talk of treasure and such, he felt as if it did drive some of the people at the table, so he decided to play into it.
At Lilly's word's, he chuckles softly. "It seems so." Sorry Wilfred... "I have a few torches and ropes on me already... Rations would be helpful to us on the journey as well, to keep us fed, along with waterskins for hydration..." The paladin then lists off a few more things that were essential to adventuring (such as bed rolls, transportation, etc).
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
'I'm ready to join an epic adventure right this very minute!' cries Onu enthusiastically, catching KD's eye as he does so. They were, in fact, carrying everything they owned between the two of them and were always ready to walk away in 10 seconds flat if they felt the heat coming down anyway.
He hadn't quite worked out the play yet, but even just their fair share of any of those cards the redhead held would be enough to set them back on their feet and give them some breathing room. Of course, that wouldn't stop him from looking to take more than their fair share either, but you had to have a starting point.
The door to the Inn bursts open from a hefty boot to the door. “Who in the hells thinks he’s handsome enough to request hauling my ass away from the orchard?” A fit, silver-haired half-elf well over a hundred years old stomps into the room. Running his fingers through his hair to push it out of his face. A well seasoned warrior stares back at you all, scanning the room until his eyes fall over an old man at the bar.
The barmaid hadn’t left Lilly’s side. Instead she had just fallen silent to listen for any drink orders or additional requests. She couldn’t help but giggle at Onu’s unwavering enthusiasm. At the mention of a map, the redhead would tilt her head in curiosity. “Are any of you navigators?” She’d blurt her new question out loud again. The cards themselves did indicate the general direction of the objectives. Surely the lot of them wouldn’t get lost along the way.
Map/Direction ‘Shopping’!
(Presenting you with some options prior to setting out on your way, if you feel so inclined.)
(Any CHA proficiency bonus can be used as long as RP suits it. Ie. Persuasion or deception)
1. Sketch and go!
Chat up Toblen Stonehill at the counter, the same proprietor you’re renting your room from. He is a friendly fellow and would most likely draw some directions for you on a napkin to get you going.
Cost: Free
Roll: CHA DC8
Pass: Toblen sketches out the directions to the dwarven ruins in the mountain southwest of here. Gives bonus to your travel to and fro. +1
Fail: Toblen sketches on a napkin for you, but a mug ring smears it. No bonus. But he signed it for you!
2. Map, supplies and feeds.
Head to Barthen’s provisions to purchase a map. It’s a standard map of the area any one can buy. Could be a little outdated and have an inflated price due to demand, but plenty reliable for a starting map.
Cost: 15g
Can purchase basic map at this price without a CHA roll.
Roll: CHA DC10 for a 5g reduction
Pass: You purchase a basic map of the area for 10g. Includes the dwarven ruins. Map gives +2 on your travels
Fail: You purchase a basic map of the area for 15g. If you get a 1, the edges are frayed. Map gives +2 on your travels
3. Hail Halia
Guild master of the Phandalin Miner’s Exchange, Halia would have access to the most up to date mapping and cartography equipment. She can produce the most accurate and detailed map you’d ever be able to find on the coast. A woman who can appreciate quality and efficiency.
Cost: 25g
Roll: CHA DC10+
Pass DC10: You’re able to convince Halia to provide you with a beautiful map of the area including where the dwarven ruins are. Map gives +3 on your travels
Pass DC15: You’re able to convince Halia to provide you with a beautiful map of the area, including where the dwarven ruins, the gnomish caves, the stone windmill and Conyberry. She’d be willing to update the map for you in the future for a modest price. Map gives +5 on your travels
Pass DC20: You’re able to convince Halia to provide you with a beautiful map of the area, including where the dwarven ruins, the gnomish caves, the stone windmill, Conyberry and the trail that leads down to the ruined temple. She’d be willing to update the map for you in the future for free. Map gives +5 on your travels
Fail: She scoffs at you and strongly encourages you to get a tourist map from Barthen’s.
Supply Shopping
(If there are any supplies you’d like to top off on, you’re welcome to go shop!)
Barthen’s Provisions
The shelves of this general store stock most ordinary goods and supplies, including backpacks, bedrolls, rope, and rations. Barthen’s doesn’t stock weapons or armor, but characters can purchase other adventuring gear here, with the exception of items that cost more than 25 gp.
Lionshield Coster
This building is owned by the Lionshields, a merchant company based in the city of Yartar over a hundred miles to the east. The company ships finished goods to Phandalin and other small settlements throughout the region.
just an unstable unicorn.
Artemis grins before slowly turning around at the bar to see his friend at the door. "Handsome? Surely that must be me!" The old man feigns confusion for a second but soon starts laughing and stands to give his friend a hug. The old man is thick and broader than the half elf for sure. "How in all nine hells are ya Daran? Looking a bit skinny!"
"Ropes - check, I think I have a tourch or two as well (why did I pack it?), rations (homemade, so you know)..." Lilly stopped mid sentence inventorying her modest possessions to curiously watch the show "the arrival of the elf" - quite flashy even considering dragon talks. But when two old friends retreated to catch up, she returned to tasks at hands.
"Right. The map. No, not a navigator, not me." She looked at others apologetically. "Thought I will travel by the big roads." She glanced at the elf again. "Do you think that man would come with us? If only to show the way? Or we can buy the map, of course. Don't have many coins with me but how much one map can be?"
Should the company willing to purchase a map (actually, should the company be a company and ready to go) Lilly would lead everyone to the shop (as someone who was stuck for some time already in this town and familiar with the shops at least).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
'Yes my dear, a map! A marvelous thing, a map. Shows you where things are and where things might be and what things one might want to avoid. I'm sure someone in this lovely little hamlet has a Map they would be willing to loan us for this endeavor.' turning to the barmaid 'Any idea who might be willing to help us in our noble quest? Anyone with details and directions to share with a brave party of adventurers looking to right some wrongs?'
Onu was laying it on thick to cover his furtive hand signals to KD setting her up to back his play. A map was as good as gold in the hand in parts like this - especially if they could get ahold of a high-quality one from someone who knew the area and not just something scribbled on a scrap of paper. With a good map....well who knows what kind of things they could make happen.
Slight of hand to signal KD unnoticed 18
In response, KD briefly flashes Onu some blank, wrinkled parchment that Onu has seen used before:
At 1st level, you learn how to invest a spark of magic into mundane objects. To use this ability, you must have thieves’ tools or artisan’s tools in hand. You then touch a Tiny nonmagical object as an action and give it one of the following magical properties of your choice:
The implication being that if she can get a decent look at a map before buying it, she can essentially photocopy it.
"I've got a good eye for pictures, and a good hand at drawing, so to speak, so even if we don't buy the good map, I should be able to mock up a decent approximation," KD says to the group. "And we wouldn't even have to buy it, which is nice. I'm in between jobs and low on funds at the moment."
'Ahhh, an artist in our midst! How fortuitous. Perhaps our host here can point us to a purveyor of surveys and maps and the like. Someone who would know where things of value can found? Something more than a mere tourist map?'
A plan was forming.....and Onu loved it when a plan came together.
“Well trim my ears and call me a human…” Daran would squint. “Issat Arty?” He snorts before letting out a loud guffaw, giving the old man a hearty clap on the shoulder that threatened to knock him off his stool. His face would snap back to an ‘unamused’ expression. “The horseshit I spread around my farm’s doing better.” He’d grumble. “Aye, you’re greyer than me now. And I may be a bit skinny but I can still plough a plenty without breaking a sweat!” A hint of a grin tugged at his lips for maybe a moment. “Now, what do you want?” He’d chuff, grabbing Arty’s mug from the counter and chugging it back with a raised brow.
The barmaid would lean in to whisper to Lilly, “May not be a navigator, but you’ve got spark and intuition. Follow it.” With a warm smile, the woman would press something into the halfling’s palm.
"Oh!” The redhead perked at KDs ingenuity paired with Onu’s follow up questions. “Halia Thornton at the Miner’s Exchange." She chimes in response to his ask. "She's hard one to miss. Tall, short blonde hair. Always finely dressed with well cut jewels." As one could expect from a proprietor dealing with the weighing, measuring and paying out of miner's valuables. Her eyes sparkle with hints of admiration for the woman. "She's a sharp one with a great sense of business." She’d nod, pausing to bite her lip for a moment. “Dexterous hands and nimble fingers with attention to detail. You won’t find any maps of this area more accurate than hers.” The barmaid would assure before pointing out the direction of the establishment for when the group was ready. Having to excuse herself, she’d dip her head before slinking away to tend to the demanding half elf that just bursted through the doors.
For those in the group that’s ready to Map shop with Lilly:
Miner’s Exchange
Lilly leads the way to the Miner’s Exchange. Upon first entering the establishment the shop front area would appear empty to the entrants as they walk in. Then at the sound of the door closing, from behind the counter, a maiden in a long dark green gown would stand from reaching for something low. She'd turn around to look at you all with an armful of scrolls held at her hip and glance down at you through elegant reading spectacles. With her free hand she'd pull them free from her face, resting an arm of her glasses against her lip for a moment before hooking them on the front of her vneck.
Shop Front
Halia Thornton
just an unstable unicorn.
The compliment made Lilly's cheeks flash red as she smiled and automatically looked at the thing given to her for a few moments not even seeing it. She jumped off the chair, tagged Demetrios' sleeve toward the door (if anyone here was to lead the sudden expedition it sure was not her, and in her eyes knights were precisely made for that role) but addressing everyone. "Let's see this Miner’s Exchange." Lilly saw the place from outside but before id not deem it interesting and never entered. "KD could be the judge if the maps are well made."
With important decision made up, Lilly left the tavern and walked (it was hard not to skip a bit with excitement) at the head of procession to the shop. Aha... Expensive clothes, jewelry, intelligent look, self-worth written all over the face. The woman truly meant business but even that type can be swayed or convinced. The problem is always to find the right words and Lilly tried (hoping the big folk will join if things go south).
Lilly assumed "friendly businessman" face and begun. "Good day, Miss Thornton. We are the group of adventurers trying to help with the problems Phandalin is facing today. However, as new to the place we would need a map. We were told yours are the only worth of note and the best possible for miles." (It was practically what barmadesaid, right? Anyway, a little compliment never hurt no one) "Could you please show us some?" She smiled most friendly. "We hope to buy a map too. Hopefully, for some ... affordable price - we just begun here, after all." The smile became a bit apologetic. "Or may be can arrange some credit? Or renting?"
Persuasion: 18
((Big folk called for urgent help!))
P.S. If "help" from Onu is an option - second Persuasion roll: 23
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice