"I'll go grab it now" Kryinor is careful not to touch the neverwinter sword , he thinks to himself about getting some leather gloves when he gets back to town.
OOC: From what Zaxx has already stated I will go ahead and post the identification details of the items found :)
Magical Item properties:
# The Golden statuette of a Sun elf: Any non-evil creature holding the statuette can ask it one question which will be answered as if casting an augury spell. Once the creatures question is answered it can never activate the statuette again. The statuette communicates telepathically.
# The feather engraved staff: Airy Staff: A fine quarter Staff engraved with stylised feathers. it weighs 1 lb. Value 10 gp.
# King Groll's Club : The Night Stick.: "A spiked club made from ancient weathered ebony wood that seems to smolder, black smoke swirling around its head from the spikes that pierce the haft."
+1 Club, Magical, Evil, Sentient. Bearer may parry up to two successful melee hits per round, decided after the damage is rolled. [Will not block critical hits.] The bearer also sees perfectly in total darkness up to 120 feet. Requires atunement. CHA 13 (+1)
A dark intelligence lives with in the ancient tortured wood. When attuned the club and its bearer can converse in any language the bearer knows. The club will seek to turn any that hold it to murderous paths of conquest and violence. Whispering to them while awake and asleep, eventually turning them into paranoid despots who seek the most violent path in all maters.
Anyone touching the club not of evil alignment is blinded if they fail a Charisma Saving throw DC 13. Blindness lasts for 1 hour after the club is dropped.
# All of the potions are potions of healing [2d4+2]
# There is one scroll of silence and one of revivify.
All other items found, including Sildar's, gear are mundane.
Time passes and all of the gear is readied for and loaded onto the cart for the trip back to Phandalin. Gundren does not have much to tell about he Spider as he overheard little in his time in captivity, and knew nothing of him before that. He spends much of his time riding back to town resting and getting his strength back. When any of the company ask him questions or try to begin a conversation he replies slowly and with little talk, saying that they can have a good catch up when they get back to town and he has had time to rest and get his wind back.
Not far out of the southern fringe of the wood Kryinor picks up the happy thoughts of his new four legged friends, "Welcome back to our hills brother. We are healing well!" come the thoughts of Blaze.
The trip is uneventful and the company spies the growing palisades of the town from the hillside, noting the difference between now and when they first arrived almost a week ago.
Two slight figures shout halloo's from a nearby hill side, one a slender young woman with a bow, the other a young halfling by the looks. It seems that the companies young charges are out practicing their lessons as ordered.
Phandalin no longer looked an easy target, and the party were challenged when they approached the gate and were quickly let by with smiles and cheers and waves from the folk manning the gate and walls nearby. "Hurrah! Hurrah!, Welcome back Captain Tutis! Welcome back heroes of Phandalin!"
Sildar is overjoyed to see them, and relays the goings on of the last day in and around the town, clapping Kryinor on the shoulder and stating his amazement to see him again so soon, and remark on the impressive nature of his travels to the wood and back so many times in two days!
He enthusiastically hugs Gundren and asks the old dwarf to tell him what has happened over the last week, apologising for his inability to save his friend from the goblins.
Gundren tells the old veteran that there is nothing to forgive, and promises to meet with him on the morrow after a good drink and rest. Then the dwarf makes his excuses and heads for the inn still clutching the leather case with his treasured scroll in it in a tight fist.
Then Sildar asks the company to sit with him in his office and breaks out the goblets and strong wine, "So tell me what happened, and what of the fate of King Groll and the minions of Cragmaw Castle?"
"Well met my friend it is indeed good to see you again! Tis a fine looking human settlement that Phandalin is becoming! I shall partake of your wine shortly, first I will see that the stores we have gained are safely stowed"
Titus will then detail the on duty watch to take the goods left in the cart to the armoury after he has removed Sildars, the high value and magical items from the cart. Ensuring their wrapping is all still in place he'll ensure these valuable goods are taken into Sildars office with him.
to the watch : "Take these to the armoury lads and give them a clean and then stow them."
Once back in Sildars office: "My good friend I believe these belong to you? (handling over Sildars gear). What a fine time we've had! We found that Castle - Its old my friend, old. Still being as it is I think it needs to be either fully demolished or garrisoned. Its too much a ripe fruit for attracting vermin. I'll draw you a map of its location so that you can send to Neverwinter for advice. Was a mighty battle, mighty. My companions were the very essence of retribution brought down upon the heads of this bugbear king and his hobgoblin and goblin minions. Most are dead. the last I saw of the remaining few was their tracks heading west at a fast rate. That lot wont be bother for some time I'd hazard. Here take this (handing over a pouch containing 2GP 150 SP 150CP) this should help with the watch expenses. The captured weapons are being cleaned and stowed in the armoury now. No sign of the spider though I'm afraid. We still have work to do here I think. Gundren will be better tomorrow I hope. He seems.....off....somehow......Perhaps you may be able to get more out of him, i'm he has suffered many horrors at the hands of Groll, but..... We need to find this spider and put an end to it. "
OOC: don I assume the Neverwinter sword is Sildars? I did look at it to see if there were any inscriptions
"E'er since I laid eyes on that pile o' rubble, I have been mulling over a thought, and finding the banner of Gǟthǫl Džörn in Groll's chamber has made me sure of it. The Grobbi scum have taken the home of mae clan, some measure of justice for their crimes would be paid if mae clan took the castle from them. If no one has a claim on the ruins, my people could keep the grobbi out of it. I know we can rebuild it better 'an new in a few months, there is good stone there, only the shoddy manling construction caused it to fall. We would be purchasing much food and supplies from Phandalin, so the work would be a boon for yer town. What say ye Sildar?"
Some of the towns people of the current watch rotation take the liberated weapons to the temporary armoury. They make a few jests about turning the goblins weapons back against them, and they inform Titus that they are building a new watch house near the North gate of town.
OOC: Yes the Neverwinter sword is Sildar's blade :) It bears no inscription but has the device of a white crown enameled into an escutcheon where the cross guard meets the hilt. Titus recognises the emblem of the Lords Alliance.
Sildar is very happy to have his sword and armour returned. The old warrior is quiet for a few moments, overcome with emotion, "My thanks one and all, it means a great deal to me to have my kit returned." He takes the gear from Titus with a nod of thanks and turns and lays it on the stand at the rear of the room. Moving to a locked and reinforced cabinet he takes out tow small leather pouches and place them on the table with two audible slinks. "As promised my friends 500 gold pieces for ridding us of that goblin filth!"
Sildar then takes the other pouch placed on the table by Titus and puts in in the cabinet and locks the doors. "Thank you for your generosity, funds are not limitless out here on the fringe. This will make Phandalin a safer, stronger place."
The Veteran listens carefully as Kargan voices his growing thoughts. He nods a few time as the Dwarf warrior lays out his plans and a smile blossoms on his lined face.
"Friend Kargan, having such stout allies as your kin so near to the north, will be a boon indeed. That we can deprive our enemy of a stronghold and house your kin safely in a well defended location only a days march from here will give those greenskins something to think about I'm sure. We can have gear and provisions carted to the site as they arrive from your suppliers. We can also help with cutting a road through to the castle, and housing your kin till the structure is habitable."
"Aye Sildar, I can promise that no grobbi will set foot in the castle while one o' mae kin still draws breath, we will make a fortress that an Army of grobbi cannae take!!"
"We dwarves ne'er forget a friend, or a foe, your generosity has put us in your debt master Sildar, ye can count on us to fight by yer side against any foe!"
"I will send word to my kin to come at once, there is much work to be done but we dwarves were made for hard labor"
"Ha my friend a great thing for you and your clan I'm sure. I would ask one thing of you and yours though. That place is very old. From a distant time and long forgotten from most memories. Hidden within its walls lies a passage to the unknown. I know not what lies beyond at this time other than it dates from very long ago and hints at great magic. I fear that it should not be trifled with at this time. I propose that you make sure none of your clan break the seal until we know more. I ask that I be present when the time comes to investigate the portal. I have much work to do in researching its origins and purpose. I will keep you informed of my findings but it must remain hidden and secret until we are ready to move forward."
After identifying the items and discussing their various powers with the party Zaxx suggests that they get divvied up once the party is back in town. "There are some things I need to check with the chapter of my Order in Phandalin, if that is fitting to you all. I hope you can all feel you can trust me enough, for surely we have seen death together."
As the company returns to Phandalin Zaxx will breathe a long sigh of relief.
"Ah, civilisation at last! I mean, it's no Neverwinter, but it will be good to sleep in a real bed (and a cosy box for Mr Skittles!). And I must spend time on research! Much has been found, and much more needs to be studied, my good friends!"
To Titus: "Good elf-brother, those notes you made of the portal and its ilk, would I perhaps be able to copy those in the comfort of the library? Forgive me, I watched over your shoulder as you were scribing in the castle and I felt that I could not do better at the time, such is the skill of your penmanship."
To the party: "Fellow Vanquishers of Cragmaw! I will be deep in my studies for some days. As promised, after I have consulted with my Order, I suggest we meet in my Order's chamber and plan our next adventure, and of course to distribute our magic items. I may also have more information to share with you."
With that Zaxx will seek out the local head of Order of the Flame's Phandalin chapter to discuss what has been found at Cragmaw, the Forge of Spells, the goblin king, and lastly, the ensorcelled items that were found.
[OOC: Don, I am making a call that there's a small chapter of the Order here as part of their search for the Forge of Spells. Maybe only three or four scholars and mages. The Order keeps a low profile and, while resources are very scant in Phandalin (unlike their chapter at Neverwinter which itself pales compared to the base of operations at Baldur's Gate), they have hired a small house in the trading post to set up a small library/study hall with a few private rooms, a small laboratory, etc.]
Ha Zaxx, there is much to find, much to do and I hazard much to protect. I do not trust that Gundren is of sound mind at the moment, I fear that something is amiss. He is too occupied with the map of the Triboar trail and the location of Wave Echo, unnaturally so, even for a Dwarve I suspect. I would not make it known to him that you and yours are searching for Wave Echo unnecessarily, you might not like his reaction. I have asked Kargan that his clan not do anything with the portal at Cragmaw - I must find its proper Phanlorn name, other than keep it hidden. It needs proper research, before exploration. I trust your intentions are good in this regard, but you will have to forgive me if I require that trust to be verified. I would hope you will keep me appraised of any information you happen into and I will do the same for you. The portal should not opened without consent. I have your and yours word on this?"
"Aye titus, I saw the runes, I am only a young apprentice, not yet of full beard, but I know the signs of old magic when I see 'em. All the more reason for mae kin to hold the castle, we cannae allow the Grobbi to discover that power, they are sure to turn it to evil. I will warn mae kin of the portal, never fear though, we dwarves know to stay out o' the business of cursed dung fumblers. " "Ach, why you elves and manlings wish to dabble with magic is beyond me, there no be a problem which cannae be solved with axe or hammer."
On the way into town responding to Blaze's thoughts "It is good to be back brother, will visit soon after 2 leg business finish."
Kryinor is quiet, happy for Titus to do most of the talking.
Once the meeting is finished he will excuse himself and go into the hills to find the wolf pack and see how there wounds are healing, he will meet back in town just after dusk, checking to see if the magical items stored in his room are still there.
After speaking with Sildar, Titus excuses himself stating that he will see the everyone including he hopes Sildar and Gundren again at dinner at the mansion for a celebration, but until then he needs to see to the town watch and other business.
1. call in to the Mansion and greet Mirna to confirm that indeed the party are back and giving her the 'house funds' ask her to prepare a suitable feast for tonight giving her another 5gp including that he doesn't expect her to do all the work and hire extras as she needs.
2. see Carp and Nilsa and see how they are progressing he will spend an hour or so with them letting them tell their stories and no doubt speaking of the parties travels - making it sound like hard work and not an 'adventure' whilst he he does the rounds of the towns defenses and speaks with various townsfolk and any on watch. ending at the armoury he'll select out the best weapons and suitable armour from the now sizeable stash and give them to Carp and Nilsa so that they have ranged, sword and dagger weapons.
3. go and see Daran (taking a bottle of fine wine purchased from Tolben at the stonehill) and spend some time talking about what's been happening. he'll comment on the wonderful progress the towns making and other general soldier poodle faking, concluding that he should come celebrate tonight.
4. Call into Linene at the Lion Coast Outfitters - alay any concerns about the sudden infux of 'free' weapons and talk about how now that Phandalin is becoming more stable no doubt more folk will settle and more parties will travel through the area no doubt increasing her business. Further he will offer to accompany her to the armoury tomorrow so that she can select a number of items for her store for a fee if she wishes.
5. go see Halia at the miners exchange - the only map he has seen is a general map of the area and give her a prepared rough sketch of triboar without any great details other than already known sites. state that he thinks the 'map' that she is seeking is lost to the greenskins and they are fleeing to the hills.
6. go see Sister Garaele and offer to the Elven Gods. (5gp) further speak to her about what she knows or what library items she might have about this area from the distant past to now. I will copy out random parts the inscription from around the portal onto another piece of paper prior to attending. If she has any books I'll see if any have this writing if not I'll show the paper to her and see if she can read it.
finally after that is accomplished he will head back to the mansion
The meeting with Sildar comes to an end, the Veteran promising to catch up for a meal and drinking later, but having other maters to attend to in the here and now.
Kryinor slips off part way and at the edge of the hills about the town shifts into the form of a huge wolf moving quickly off into the wilds. The thought presences of his new wolf brothers and sisters drawing him like a beacon away from the crowded human settlement. A sense of peace and purpose come over the young druid as he runs through the lightly wooded hills and joins the pack now as familiar to him as his own family was...
Upon finding them he sees that they are well feed, happy, and healing. They warn Kryinor of Orc movements tot he North East further along the human road, and then invite him along for a hunt.
Zaxx and Titus have a private conversation and conclude with a sharing of information and an agreement.
Kargan and Titus also talk. The future Dwarf settlement to the north and the secret it will house within its walls. Kargan's promise, accepting the responsibility of such a potential power and threat is given. Titus is as sure of his friends intentions and integrity, as all know once a Dwarf gives you their word, it is strong as steel and lasts as long as mountains continue to grow.
Zaxx leaves the meeting and searches for his associates of the Order in town. He is soon directed by any burger asked that they have set up in one of the second floor rooms of the Sleeping Giant Inn. Upon arrival he is greeted with some suspicion and carefully offered hospitality, soon realising why as a muffled explosion rocks the foundations of the two story building.
The Halfling proprietress frowns and then sighs, "Is that sort of thing normal for your lot is it?" walking up the stairs ahead of the young mage she continues, "At least they leave off during the night. Though the constant noise is upsetting what little custom comes our way mind. Still they have paid handsomely, in advance, and don't appear to be doing any harm."She takes him down a short corridor to a stout oak door at the end. "I have to say young man, I find it hard to believe that four men can move around in there, let alone make explosions! They have been getting all sorts of furniture carted in over the last day or so, they must be sleeping on tables or in draws if you ask me!"
The door is soon answered by a smooth faced man with very soft skin and coarse brown robes, Zaxx recognises Bambridge the Crow Master, "Ah Mistress Qelline how may I help you?"
Qelline informs Bambridge that another of his order has arrived and is with her. The whole time the Halfling woman is craning her neck to get a look inside the room.
The old scholar peers around the mostly closed door and spies Zaxx, "Well, well young Zaxx! Good to see you come in come in. Thank you Mistress, no need to trouble yourself further we shall be down for supper at the usual time, thank you again..." Bambridge grabs Zaxx and pulls him quickly into the room while, very gently and politely, preventing Qelline form seeing too much or moving through the door.
There is a slight tingling on Zaxx's skin as he enters the room...which seems much much larger than physically possible. The look of surprise on the young mages face draws a laugh from a tall figure entering the room. "Ha ha, I see you noticed my little working young Zaxx," says Mater Mage Geoffrey Tullhocker. Thin as a a blade, sharp of wit, and sporting a long grey beard that reached almost to his knees, Master Mage Tullhocker was a highly ranked veteran in the order and many would consider them selves lucky to be working under him.
He motions the whole room, or suite of rooms in fact, with outstretched arms, "I am quite happy with it. A conjuration, slash, transmutation enchantment I have been working on. Its in more of a testing phase, but I think it should prove safe enough, and it does suit our needs here in this frontier town."
He strokes his beard and proudly says, "I call it Tullhocker's Amazing Reality Displacement In Situ!" Then he looks a bit nervously at Zaxx, "What do you think young man...Too much?"Finishing with a quivering raised eyebrow.
Kryinor's precsence darkens at the thought of orcs so close and unchecked he notes the places the pack have seen them and makes mental notes to take back to the group. He will eagerly join the wolves on there hunt, he will most likely lose track of time if the hunt extends into the night.
When he gets back to town, he will let the rest of the group know about the orcs moving ever closer to Phandalin. "We should rid this area of them before they set there eyes on Phandalin, while the walls will scare off goblins, orcs only see a bigger prize and a better challenge.... "
MIrna and Nars greet Titus with smiles and are glad to see he and the rest of the company are back in Phandalin. Mirna takes the funds and nods at the instructions for a feast and lets Titus know she will indeed hire a few extra hands to help out with the evenings meal and celebration.
"Times a wasting Captain Titus, feel free to look around and let my young Nars know if anything needs changing. I'll pop into town and get whats needed for tonight."
A quick look around the old bandit base shows clean stone work , not trace of its former inhabitants, and everything orderly and neat. Mirna appears to be doing a very good job keeping order and restoring the underground halls to something resembling their former glory. Repairs to the stone work indicate she has been using the funds supplied to hire local craftsmen to improve the base.
Carp and Nilsa are also happy to see Titus and exchange stories of adventures with their mentor. Even though Titus does his best to make the last expedition sound like work carps eyes grow wider as the story unfolds, and, it is plain that his love of the excrement and danger of the adventuring life is growing with each word leaving the rangers lips. Nilsa listens carefully asking questions now and then to better understand why they did what they did and nods at the answers. When asked about their time practicing and learning woods craft they tell Titus of groups of greenskins moving around the village and how they carefully kept an eye on them from afar. Nilsa shows Titus a string of rabbit skins that show her growing prowess with the bow. Titus also notices a leather cord around her neck that is tucked into her shirt but still shows the tip of a goblin ear.
Nilsa and Carp both thank Titus for their new weapons and armour and promise to take good care of them and practice as instructed.
Daran happily takes time out of his day to share some fine wine with Titus and agrees with the young ranger that the town is coming along nicely and all the safer for it! He agrees to come to dinner. He also asks when Titus and his companions have time if they could investigate some rumors he has heard from prospectors coming into town.
The stories from the prospectors in the hills northeast of Phandalin say that someone is digging around in the ruins known as Old Owl Well. More disturbingly, several prospectors have reported being chased from the area by undead. He asks the characters to visit the ruins, a couple days march northeast of Phandalin, and find out who's there and what they're up to. Daran knows that the ruins are an old watchtower of an ancient magical empire known as Netheril, and he worries that dangerous magic might be dormant there.
Linene welcomes Titus and agrees that the recent changes to the town have improved her business. She thanks Titus and assures him she is doing fine and needs no other encouragement or rewards for her part in the goings on. "Safety, surety, and stability are reward enough young elf."
Halia is greatfull for the small amount of information that Titus is able to update on her map. She seems dubious with his explanation of the unknown fate of the map, but as he has been straight with her in past dealings she takes him at his word. The news of the greenskins routing cheers her up though and she congratulates him and his companions on their success and how they have made people safer.
Sister Garaele thanks Titus for his donation and apologises for the small collection of books she has in her possession. She suggests that Neverwitner would be a much better place to do some research. The cleric looks at the copy of the inscriptions and again is sorry to be of no help. They are like nothing she has dealt with before.
As they are about to part Sister Garaele asks Titus to stay a moment. She goes to another room and comes back leafing through a journal. My last errand for the church sent me to see after a troubled spirit nearby. The creature, who's name is Agatha knows of the location of a magical tome from a mage of ages past. "It did not go well for me and I was forced to run with my tail between my legs,"she admits red faced.
"If you are willing perhaps you and your companions could succeed where I failed. It might be that this mages tome could contain information useful to your inquiries into that magical portal?"
Titus to Nilsa - "I commend your training young one. But we should never take score in taking an enemies life for who are we to celebrate the numbers of the dead? That is the realm of the gods. We celebrate our victories in surviving ones battles, in protecting our brothers and sisters, it is about us not the enemy. I will slay an orc wherever I find one for they are an abomination and thank my gods as i do. I do not however take pride in the killing, nor take trophies for that leads down a dark path."
I will fill the others in when we meet up again about the issues outside town
I wil also speak with Zaxx about Sister Garaele and her spirit. Perhaps we should investigate this spirit and gain this book?
"Yes, Orc hunting sound good to me also", says Breccha breaking his long silence. Before dinner when he has time Breccha will head out in to the town to replace any lost equipment and have repaired anything broken. He will also change the rigging on his weapon belt to allow for the new long sword and sling the short sword at the back of the belt (ooc-a bit like how a main gauche would sit but facing the other way). He will also spend some time getting used to the sword and then join the others for dinner.
Zaxx can barely contain both his wonderment at the amazing reality-distorting spell and his pride at being part of this esoteric order.
He bows slightly.
"Master Mage Tullhocker, I can only hope to reach such ability as to forge the arcane in such a way! This is truly astounding. Please, may I enter as we have much to discuss?"
Once Zaxx settles in (with a cup of tea, and a biscuit for Mr Skittles) he proceeds to give a detailed account of the events starting with his unfortunate capture by the hobgoblins. He'll describe each member of the rescuing party and their abilities, as Zaxx perceived them. He'll make special mention of Titus but also the druid and his wolf entourage. Zaxx will speak of the owlbear (a sure sign of twisted arcana) and then of the magical items that he found. At this point he'll take a moment show the items that he has on him (including any loaned to him by the other party members so that they could be studied).
"I would appreciate it if we could perhaps study these items more closely, as time permits. However there is one more vital thing I must discuss."
The last and most important topic will be information on the Forge of Spells. Zaxx will produce the copy of the details about the portal the party found at Cragmaw (Zaxx makes a point of complimenting Titus).
"We wish to return to Cragmaw, once we have recovered somewhat, and enter this portal. However a true translation or divination of the writing around the portal and perhaps it's purpose would be ... beneficial. I would hope together we could spend time on this and discover what secrets we can.
Also, would everyone be ok if I invited some friends around?"
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"I'll go grab it now" Kryinor is careful not to touch the neverwinter sword , he thinks to himself about getting some leather gloves when he gets back to town.
Kryinor will make his way back to the oxen, as stealthily as possible.
Stealth : 11
Perception : 8
And will lead the oxen back to the castle.
Animal Handling : 17
OOC: From what Zaxx has already stated I will go ahead and post the identification details of the items found :)
Magical Item properties:
# The Golden statuette of a Sun elf: Any non-evil creature holding the statuette can ask it one question which will be answered as if casting an augury spell. Once the creatures question is answered it can never activate the statuette again. The statuette communicates telepathically.
# The feather engraved staff: Airy Staff: A fine quarter Staff engraved with stylised feathers. it weighs 1 lb. Value 10 gp.
# King Groll's Club : The Night Stick.: "A spiked club made from ancient weathered ebony wood that seems to smolder, black smoke swirling around its head from the spikes that pierce the haft."
+1 Club, Magical, Evil, Sentient. Bearer may parry up to two successful melee hits per round, decided after the damage is rolled. [Will not block critical hits.] The bearer also sees perfectly in total darkness up to 120 feet. Requires atunement. CHA 13 (+1)
A dark intelligence lives with in the ancient tortured wood. When attuned the club and its bearer can converse in any language the bearer knows. The club will seek to turn any that hold it to murderous paths of conquest and violence. Whispering to them while awake and asleep, eventually turning them into paranoid despots who seek the most violent path in all maters.
Anyone touching the club not of evil alignment is blinded if they fail a Charisma Saving throw DC 13. Blindness lasts for 1 hour after the club is dropped.
# All of the potions are potions of healing [2d4+2]
# There is one scroll of silence and one of revivify.
All other items found, including Sildar's, gear are mundane.
Time passes and all of the gear is readied for and loaded onto the cart for the trip back to Phandalin. Gundren does not have much to tell about he Spider as he overheard little in his time in captivity, and knew nothing of him before that. He spends much of his time riding back to town resting and getting his strength back. When any of the company ask him questions or try to begin a conversation he replies slowly and with little talk, saying that they can have a good catch up when they get back to town and he has had time to rest and get his wind back.
Not far out of the southern fringe of the wood Kryinor picks up the happy thoughts of his new four legged friends, "Welcome back to our hills brother. We are healing well!" come the thoughts of Blaze.
The trip is uneventful and the company spies the growing palisades of the town from the hillside, noting the difference between now and when they first arrived almost a week ago.
Two slight figures shout halloo's from a nearby hill side, one a slender young woman with a bow, the other a young halfling by the looks. It seems that the companies young charges are out practicing their lessons as ordered.
Phandalin no longer looked an easy target, and the party were challenged when they approached the gate and were quickly let by with smiles and cheers and waves from the folk manning the gate and walls nearby. "Hurrah! Hurrah!, Welcome back Captain Tutis! Welcome back heroes of Phandalin!"
Sildar is overjoyed to see them, and relays the goings on of the last day in and around the town, clapping Kryinor on the shoulder and stating his amazement to see him again so soon, and remark on the impressive nature of his travels to the wood and back so many times in two days!
He enthusiastically hugs Gundren and asks the old dwarf to tell him what has happened over the last week, apologising for his inability to save his friend from the goblins.
Gundren tells the old veteran that there is nothing to forgive, and promises to meet with him on the morrow after a good drink and rest. Then the dwarf makes his excuses and heads for the inn still clutching the leather case with his treasured scroll in it in a tight fist.
Then Sildar asks the company to sit with him in his office and breaks out the goblets and strong wine, "So tell me what happened, and what of the fate of King Groll and the minions of Cragmaw Castle?"
"Well met my friend it is indeed good to see you again! Tis a fine looking human settlement that Phandalin is becoming! I shall partake of your wine shortly, first I will see that the stores we have gained are safely stowed"
Titus will then detail the on duty watch to take the goods left in the cart to the armoury after he has removed Sildars, the high value and magical items from the cart. Ensuring their wrapping is all still in place he'll ensure these valuable goods are taken into Sildars office with him.
to the watch : "Take these to the armoury lads and give them a clean and then stow them."
Once back in Sildars office: "My good friend I believe these belong to you? (handling over Sildars gear). What a fine time we've had! We found that Castle - Its old my friend, old. Still being as it is I think it needs to be either fully demolished or garrisoned. Its too much a ripe fruit for attracting vermin. I'll draw you a map of its location so that you can send to Neverwinter for advice. Was a mighty battle, mighty. My companions were the very essence of retribution brought down upon the heads of this bugbear king and his hobgoblin and goblin minions. Most are dead. the last I saw of the remaining few was their tracks heading west at a fast rate. That lot wont be bother for some time I'd hazard. Here take this (handing over a pouch containing 2GP 150 SP 150CP) this should help with the watch expenses. The captured weapons are being cleaned and stowed in the armoury now. No sign of the spider though I'm afraid. We still have work to do here I think. Gundren will be better tomorrow I hope. He seems.....off....somehow......Perhaps you may be able to get more out of him, i'm he has suffered many horrors at the hands of Groll, but..... We need to find this spider and put an end to it. "
OOC: don I assume the Neverwinter sword is Sildars? I did look at it to see if there were any inscriptions
"E'er since I laid eyes on that pile o' rubble, I have been mulling over a thought, and finding the banner of Gǟthǫl Džörn in Groll's chamber has made me sure of it.
The Grobbi scum have taken the home of mae clan, some measure of justice for their crimes would be paid if mae clan took the castle from them.
If no one has a claim on the ruins, my people could keep the grobbi out of it. I know we can rebuild it better 'an new in a few months, there is good stone there, only the shoddy manling construction caused it to fall.
We would be purchasing much food and supplies from Phandalin, so the work would be a boon for yer town. What say ye Sildar?"
Some of the towns people of the current watch rotation take the liberated weapons to the temporary armoury. They make a few jests about turning the goblins weapons back against them, and they inform Titus that they are building a new watch house near the North gate of town.
OOC: Yes the Neverwinter sword is Sildar's blade :) It bears no inscription but has the device of a white crown enameled into an escutcheon where the cross guard meets the hilt. Titus recognises the emblem of the Lords Alliance.
Sildar is very happy to have his sword and armour returned. The old warrior is quiet for a few moments, overcome with emotion, "My thanks one and all, it means a great deal to me to have my kit returned." He takes the gear from Titus with a nod of thanks and turns and lays it on the stand at the rear of the room. Moving to a locked and reinforced cabinet he takes out tow small leather pouches and place them on the table with two audible slinks. "As promised my friends 500 gold pieces for ridding us of that goblin filth!"
Sildar then takes the other pouch placed on the table by Titus and puts in in the cabinet and locks the doors. "Thank you for your generosity, funds are not limitless out here on the fringe. This will make Phandalin a safer, stronger place."
The Veteran listens carefully as Kargan voices his growing thoughts. He nods a few time as the Dwarf warrior lays out his plans and a smile blossoms on his lined face.
"Friend Kargan, having such stout allies as your kin so near to the north, will be a boon indeed. That we can deprive our enemy of a stronghold and house your kin safely in a well defended location only a days march from here will give those greenskins something to think about I'm sure. We can have gear and provisions carted to the site as they arrive from your suppliers. We can also help with cutting a road through to the castle, and housing your kin till the structure is habitable."
"Aye Sildar, I can promise that no grobbi will set foot in the castle while one o' mae kin still draws breath, we will make a fortress that an Army of grobbi cannae take!!"
"We dwarves ne'er forget a friend, or a foe, your generosity has put us in your debt master Sildar, ye can count on us to fight by yer side against any foe!"
"I will send word to my kin to come at once, there is much work to be done but we dwarves were made for hard labor"
for Kargan: when we are able to talk alone.
"Ha my friend a great thing for you and your clan I'm sure. I would ask one thing of you and yours though. That place is very old. From a distant time and long forgotten from most memories. Hidden within its walls lies a passage to the unknown. I know not what lies beyond at this time other than it dates from very long ago and hints at great magic. I fear that it should not be trifled with at this time. I propose that you make sure none of your clan break the seal until we know more. I ask that I be present when the time comes to investigate the portal. I have much work to do in researching its origins and purpose. I will keep you informed of my findings but it must remain hidden and secret until we are ready to move forward."
After identifying the items and discussing their various powers with the party Zaxx suggests that they get divvied up once the party is back in town. "There are some things I need to check with the chapter of my Order in Phandalin, if that is fitting to you all. I hope you can all feel you can trust me enough, for surely we have seen death together."
As the company returns to Phandalin Zaxx will breathe a long sigh of relief.
"Ah, civilisation at last! I mean, it's no Neverwinter, but it will be good to sleep in a real bed (and a cosy box for Mr Skittles!). And I must spend time on research! Much has been found, and much more needs to be studied, my good friends!"
To Titus: "Good elf-brother, those notes you made of the portal and its ilk, would I perhaps be able to copy those in the comfort of the library? Forgive me, I watched over your shoulder as you were scribing in the castle and I felt that I could not do better at the time, such is the skill of your penmanship."
To the party: "Fellow Vanquishers of Cragmaw! I will be deep in my studies for some days. As promised, after I have consulted with my Order, I suggest we meet in my Order's chamber and plan our next adventure, and of course to distribute our magic items. I may also have more information to share with you."
With that Zaxx will seek out the local head of Order of the Flame's Phandalin chapter to discuss what has been found at Cragmaw, the Forge of Spells, the goblin king, and lastly, the ensorcelled items that were found.
[OOC: Don, I am making a call that there's a small chapter of the Order here as part of their search for the Forge of Spells. Maybe only three or four scholars and mages. The Order keeps a low profile and, while resources are very scant in Phandalin (unlike their chapter at Neverwinter which itself pales compared to the base of operations at Baldur's Gate), they have hired a small house in the trading post to set up a small library/study hall with a few private rooms, a small laboratory, etc.]
For Zaxx:
Ha Zaxx, there is much to find, much to do and I hazard much to protect. I do not trust that Gundren is of sound mind at the moment, I fear that something is amiss. He is too occupied with the map of the Triboar trail and the location of Wave Echo, unnaturally so, even for a Dwarve I suspect. I would not make it known to him that you and yours are searching for Wave Echo unnecessarily, you might not like his reaction. I have asked Kargan that his clan not do anything with the portal at Cragmaw - I must find its proper Phanlorn name, other than keep it hidden. It needs proper research, before exploration. I trust your intentions are good in this regard, but you will have to forgive me if I require that trust to be verified. I would hope you will keep me appraised of any information you happen into and I will do the same for you. The portal should not opened without consent. I have your and yours word on this?"
for titus when no-one else is around
"Aye titus, I saw the runes, I am only a young apprentice, not yet of full beard, but I know the signs of old magic when I see 'em. All the more reason for mae kin to hold the castle, we cannae allow the Grobbi to discover that power, they are sure to turn it to evil. I will warn mae kin of the portal, never fear though, we dwarves know to stay out o' the business of cursed dung fumblers. "
"Ach, why you elves and manlings wish to dabble with magic is beyond me, there no be a problem which cannae be solved with axe or hammer."
On the way into town responding to Blaze's thoughts "It is good to be back brother, will visit soon after 2 leg business finish."
Kryinor is quiet, happy for Titus to do most of the talking.
Once the meeting is finished he will excuse himself and go into the hills to find the wolf pack and see how there wounds are healing, he will meet back in town just after dusk, checking to see if the magical items stored in his room are still there.
After speaking with Sildar, Titus excuses himself stating that he will see the everyone including he hopes Sildar and Gundren again at dinner at the mansion for a celebration, but until then he needs to see to the town watch and other business.
1. call in to the Mansion and greet Mirna to confirm that indeed the party are back and giving her the 'house funds' ask her to prepare a suitable feast for tonight giving her another 5gp including that he doesn't expect her to do all the work and hire extras as she needs.
2. see Carp and Nilsa and see how they are progressing he will spend an hour or so with them letting them tell their stories and no doubt speaking of the parties travels - making it sound like hard work and not an 'adventure' whilst he he does the rounds of the towns defenses and speaks with various townsfolk and any on watch. ending at the armoury he'll select out the best weapons and suitable armour from the now sizeable stash and give them to Carp and Nilsa so that they have ranged, sword and dagger weapons.
3. go and see Daran (taking a bottle of fine wine purchased from Tolben at the stonehill) and spend some time talking about what's been happening. he'll comment on the wonderful progress the towns making and other general soldier poodle faking, concluding that he should come celebrate tonight.
4. Call into Linene at the Lion Coast Outfitters - alay any concerns about the sudden infux of 'free' weapons and talk about how now that Phandalin is becoming more stable no doubt more folk will settle and more parties will travel through the area no doubt increasing her business. Further he will offer to accompany her to the armoury tomorrow so that she can select a number of items for her store for a fee if she wishes.
5. go see Halia at the miners exchange - the only map he has seen is a general map of the area and give her a prepared rough sketch of triboar without any great details other than already known sites. state that he thinks the 'map' that she is seeking is lost to the greenskins and they are fleeing to the hills.
6. go see Sister Garaele and offer to the Elven Gods. (5gp) further speak to her about what she knows or what library items she might have about this area from the distant past to now. I will copy out random parts the inscription from around the portal onto another piece of paper prior to attending. If she has any books I'll see if any have this writing if not I'll show the paper to her and see if she can read it.
finally after that is accomplished he will head back to the mansion
The meeting with Sildar comes to an end, the Veteran promising to catch up for a meal and drinking later, but having other maters to attend to in the here and now.
Kryinor slips off part way and at the edge of the hills about the town shifts into the form of a huge wolf moving quickly off into the wilds. The thought presences of his new wolf brothers and sisters drawing him like a beacon away from the crowded human settlement. A sense of peace and purpose come over the young druid as he runs through the lightly wooded hills and joins the pack now as familiar to him as his own family was...
Upon finding them he sees that they are well feed, happy, and healing. They warn Kryinor of Orc movements tot he North East further along the human road, and then invite him along for a hunt.
Zaxx and Titus have a private conversation and conclude with a sharing of information and an agreement.
Kargan and Titus also talk. The future Dwarf settlement to the north and the secret it will house within its walls. Kargan's promise, accepting the responsibility of such a potential power and threat is given. Titus is as sure of his friends intentions and integrity, as all know once a Dwarf gives you their word, it is strong as steel and lasts as long as mountains continue to grow.
Zaxx leaves the meeting and searches for his associates of the Order in town. He is soon directed by any burger asked that they have set up in one of the second floor rooms of the Sleeping Giant Inn. Upon arrival he is greeted with some suspicion and carefully offered hospitality, soon realising why as a muffled explosion rocks the foundations of the two story building.
The Halfling proprietress frowns and then sighs, "Is that sort of thing normal for your lot is it?" walking up the stairs ahead of the young mage she continues, "At least they leave off during the night. Though the constant noise is upsetting what little custom comes our way mind. Still they have paid handsomely, in advance, and don't appear to be doing any harm." She takes him down a short corridor to a stout oak door at the end. "I have to say young man, I find it hard to believe that four men can move around in there, let alone make explosions! They have been getting all sorts of furniture carted in over the last day or so, they must be sleeping on tables or in draws if you ask me!"
The door is soon answered by a smooth faced man with very soft skin and coarse brown robes, Zaxx recognises Bambridge the Crow Master, "Ah Mistress Qelline how may I help you?"
Qelline informs Bambridge that another of his order has arrived and is with her. The whole time the Halfling woman is craning her neck to get a look inside the room.
The old scholar peers around the mostly closed door and spies Zaxx, "Well, well young Zaxx! Good to see you come in come in. Thank you Mistress, no need to trouble yourself further we shall be down for supper at the usual time, thank you again..." Bambridge grabs Zaxx and pulls him quickly into the room while, very gently and politely, preventing Qelline form seeing too much or moving through the door.
There is a slight tingling on Zaxx's skin as he enters the room...which seems much much larger than physically possible. The look of surprise on the young mages face draws a laugh from a tall figure entering the room. "Ha ha, I see you noticed my little working young Zaxx," says Mater Mage Geoffrey Tullhocker. Thin as a a blade, sharp of wit, and sporting a long grey beard that reached almost to his knees, Master Mage Tullhocker was a highly ranked veteran in the order and many would consider them selves lucky to be working under him.
He motions the whole room, or suite of rooms in fact, with outstretched arms, "I am quite happy with it. A conjuration, slash, transmutation enchantment I have been working on. Its in more of a testing phase, but I think it should prove safe enough, and it does suit our needs here in this frontier town."
He strokes his beard and proudly says, "I call it Tullhocker's Amazing Reality Displacement In Situ!" Then he looks a bit nervously at Zaxx, "What do you think young man...Too much?" Finishing with a quivering raised eyebrow.
Kryinor's precsence darkens at the thought of orcs so close and unchecked he notes the places the pack have seen them and makes mental notes to take back to the group. He will eagerly join the wolves on there hunt, he will most likely lose track of time if the hunt extends into the night.
When he gets back to town, he will let the rest of the group know about the orcs moving ever closer to Phandalin. "We should rid this area of them before they set there eyes on Phandalin, while the walls will scare off goblins, orcs only see a bigger prize and a better challenge.... "
MIrna and Nars greet Titus with smiles and are glad to see he and the rest of the company are back in Phandalin. Mirna takes the funds and nods at the instructions for a feast and lets Titus know she will indeed hire a few extra hands to help out with the evenings meal and celebration.
"Times a wasting Captain Titus, feel free to look around and let my young Nars know if anything needs changing. I'll pop into town and get whats needed for tonight."
A quick look around the old bandit base shows clean stone work , not trace of its former inhabitants, and everything orderly and neat. Mirna appears to be doing a very good job keeping order and restoring the underground halls to something resembling their former glory. Repairs to the stone work indicate she has been using the funds supplied to hire local craftsmen to improve the base.
Carp and Nilsa are also happy to see Titus and exchange stories of adventures with their mentor. Even though Titus does his best to make the last expedition sound like work carps eyes grow wider as the story unfolds, and, it is plain that his love of the excrement and danger of the adventuring life is growing with each word leaving the rangers lips. Nilsa listens carefully asking questions now and then to better understand why they did what they did and nods at the answers. When asked about their time practicing and learning woods craft they tell Titus of groups of greenskins moving around the village and how they carefully kept an eye on them from afar. Nilsa shows Titus a string of rabbit skins that show her growing prowess with the bow. Titus also notices a leather cord around her neck that is tucked into her shirt but still shows the tip of a goblin ear.
Nilsa and Carp both thank Titus for their new weapons and armour and promise to take good care of them and practice as instructed.
Daran happily takes time out of his day to share some fine wine with Titus and agrees with the young ranger that the town is coming along nicely and all the safer for it! He agrees to come to dinner. He also asks when Titus and his companions have time if they could investigate some rumors he has heard from prospectors coming into town.
The stories from the prospectors in the hills northeast of Phandalin say that someone is digging around in the ruins known as Old Owl Well. More disturbingly, several prospectors have reported being chased from the area by undead. He asks the characters to visit the ruins, a couple days march northeast of Phandalin, and find out who's there and what they're up to. Daran knows that the ruins are an old watchtower of an ancient magical empire known as Netheril, and he worries that dangerous magic might be dormant there.
Linene welcomes Titus and agrees that the recent changes to the town have improved her business. She thanks Titus and assures him she is doing fine and needs no other encouragement or rewards for her part in the goings on. "Safety, surety, and stability are reward enough young elf."
Halia is greatfull for the small amount of information that Titus is able to update on her map. She seems dubious with his explanation of the unknown fate of the map, but as he has been straight with her in past dealings she takes him at his word. The news of the greenskins routing cheers her up though and she congratulates him and his companions on their success and how they have made people safer.
Sister Garaele thanks Titus for his donation and apologises for the small collection of books she has in her possession. She suggests that Neverwitner would be a much better place to do some research. The cleric looks at the copy of the inscriptions and again is sorry to be of no help. They are like nothing she has dealt with before.
As they are about to part Sister Garaele asks Titus to stay a moment. She goes to another room and comes back leafing through a journal. My last errand for the church sent me to see after a troubled spirit nearby. The creature, who's name is Agatha knows of the location of a magical tome from a mage of ages past. "It did not go well for me and I was forced to run with my tail between my legs," she admits red faced.
"If you are willing perhaps you and your companions could succeed where I failed. It might be that this mages tome could contain information useful to your inquiries into that magical portal?"
Titus to Nilsa - "I commend your training young one. But we should never take score in taking an enemies life for who are we to celebrate the numbers of the dead? That is the realm of the gods. We celebrate our victories in surviving ones battles, in protecting our brothers and sisters, it is about us not the enemy. I will slay an orc wherever I find one for they are an abomination and thank my gods as i do. I do not however take pride in the killing, nor take trophies for that leads down a dark path."
I will fill the others in when we meet up again about the issues outside town
I wil also speak with Zaxx about Sister Garaele and her spirit. Perhaps we should investigate this spirit and gain this book?
We could kill some greenskins on the way.
"Orcs nearby ye say? Just give me a moment to sharpen mae axe, then take me there!!"
"Yes, Orc hunting sound good to me also", says Breccha breaking his long silence. Before dinner when he has time Breccha will head out in to the town to replace any lost equipment and have repaired anything broken. He will also change the rigging on his weapon belt to allow for the new long sword and sling the short sword at the back of the belt (ooc-a bit like how a main gauche would sit but facing the other way). He will also spend some time getting used to the sword and then join the others for dinner.
Zaxx can barely contain both his wonderment at the amazing reality-distorting spell and his pride at being part of this esoteric order.
He bows slightly.
"Master Mage Tullhocker, I can only hope to reach such ability as to forge the arcane in such a way! This is truly astounding. Please, may I enter as we have much to discuss?"
Once Zaxx settles in (with a cup of tea, and a biscuit for Mr Skittles) he proceeds to give a detailed account of the events starting with his unfortunate capture by the hobgoblins. He'll describe each member of the rescuing party and their abilities, as Zaxx perceived them. He'll make special mention of Titus but also the druid and his wolf entourage. Zaxx will speak of the owlbear (a sure sign of twisted arcana) and then of the magical items that he found. At this point he'll take a moment show the items that he has on him (including any loaned to him by the other party members so that they could be studied).
"I would appreciate it if we could perhaps study these items more closely, as time permits. However there is one more vital thing I must discuss."
The last and most important topic will be information on the Forge of Spells. Zaxx will produce the copy of the details about the portal the party found at Cragmaw (Zaxx makes a point of complimenting Titus).
"We wish to return to Cragmaw, once we have recovered somewhat, and enter this portal. However a true translation or divination of the writing around the portal and perhaps it's purpose would be ... beneficial. I would hope together we could spend time on this and discover what secrets we can.
Also, would everyone be ok if I invited some friends around?"