Later, the same day that Sister Garaele come with good news about Kiselina and Daphyra (that a double funeral will not be necessary after all), Marten, Vidruth, Berry, and Nosam are sitting alone in the common room at the Stonehill Inn, and the topic which has flowed under the water's surface these last five days now comes up for air. Gundren. Cragmaw Castle.
You've only just gotten started discussing possible plans when there is a soft knock at the Inn’s front door, and you hear Trilena Stonehill open the door and welcome someone inside. There is a quiet exchange of words between women, and soon, the halfling farmer, Qelline Alderleaf, stands at the entrance to the common room. She nods with a genuine smile to each of you, especially Berry, and then launches into what she came to tell you.
“I know you’re trying to find the castle of those terrible Cragmaw goblins. Sildar mentioned it when he came for tea. The thing is… I think I can help. Or not me, but on old friend of mine, a naturalist called Reidoth. It started with me thinking, ‘Who could follow the trail of the goblins who fled, a trail days old by now, and those goblins like shadows in the woods.’ And I started thinking of him. And then I realized he probably wouldn’t even need to track them. He could just tell you where to go. He has wandered every mile of the Triboar area, you see, staying ahead of goblins, orcs, and whatever else is out there. He’ll know where it is.”
As [Marten] begins to learn the names of the people who frequent Stonehill's, he starts to engage more with them, though he still doesn't talk much.
Most of the residents are likewise prone to being quiet. They are content to match Marten's pace. Perhaps trust will grow in time. The exception is of course Elsa, who is happy to sit with Marten when she has a free moment, and (over-)share at length her thoughts about her current reading endeavors.
This suits Marten fine. A friendly, "Good morning," seems like sufficient conversation if he doesn't have any business to discuss.
Marten is surprised to find that he enjoys Elsa's company. She's pretty enough to make him a little nervous and jumpy, but perhaps it's just that when he's with someone as talkative as Elsa, she carries the whole conversation and doesn't expect him to say much.
“I know you’re trying to find the castle of those terrible Cragmaw goblins. Sildar mentioned it when he came for tea. The thing is… I think I can help. Or not me, but on old friend of mine, a naturalist called Reidoth. It started with me thinking, ‘Who could follow the trail of the goblins who fled, a trail days old by now, and those goblins like shadows in the woods.’ And I started thinking of him. And then I realized he probably wouldn’t even need to track them. He could just tell you where to go. He has wandered every mile of the Triboar area, you see, staying ahead of goblins, orcs, and whatever else is out there. He’ll know where it is.”
Marten asks Mrs. Alderleaf how they can find this Reidoth.
Once the halfling leaves, Marten asks his companions what they should tackle first:
They had agreed to fetch Lionshield Coster supplies from the Cragmaw Caves.
There is a bounty on the orcs that were first mentioned by Harbin Wester.
But all signs are pointing to Cragmaw Castle if they want to rescue Gundren.
Marten feels bad about not doing the job that they agreed to do for Linene Graywind, but after having waited so long in Phandalin now, he's feeling some urgency to find Gundren as soon as possible.
Berry is relieved that his former companions are on the road to recovery. He hopes there won't be any lingering injuries. They've been so close to death's door, it is a miracle that they've survived. Certainly another testimony that Nature's odours can bind people to this world.
Later, the same day that Sister Garaele come with good news about Kiselina and Daphyra (that a double funeral will not be necessary after all), Marten, Vidruth, Berry, and Nosam are sitting alone in the common room at the Stonehill Inn, and the topic which has flowed under the water's surface these last five days now comes up for air. Gundren. Cragmaw Castle.
Berry is relieved that his former companions are on the road to recovery. He hopes there won't be any lingering injuries. They've been so close to death's door, it is a miracle that they've survived. Certainly another testimony that Nature's odours can bind people to this world. Berry stomach churns every time the name Gundren comes up. He feels that he had failed his former employer by not acting faster. After so long, Gundren's fate is anyone's guess, and Berry feels that he is expected to feel more responsible.
You've only just gotten started discussing possible plans when there is a soft knock at the Inn’s front door, and you hear Trilena Stonehill open the door and welcome someone inside. There is a quiet exchange of words between women, and soon, the halfling farmer, Qelline Alderleaf, stands at the entrance to the common room. She nods with a genuine smile to each of you, especially Berry, and then launches into what she came to tell you.
Berry lights up at the sight of Qelline and welcomes the change of conversation that must follow. Only that did not happen.
“I know you’re trying to find the castle of those terrible Cragmaw goblins. Sildar mentioned it when he came for tea. The thing is… I think I can help. Or not me, but on old friend of mine, a naturalist called Reidoth. It started with me thinking, ‘Who could follow the trail of the goblins who fled, a trail days old by now, and those goblins like shadows in the woods.’ And I started thinking of him. And then I realized he probably wouldn’t even need to track them. He could just tell you where to go. He has wandered every mile of the Triboar area, you see, staying ahead of goblins, orcs, and whatever else is out there. He’ll know where it is.”
"I'd say the castle can wait a day or so longer," Berry opines. "We should be able to recover the goods from the goblin cave quickly and then we can forget about that."Berry sits back and crosses his arms, "But the orcs, honestly, I care nothing about them. I haven't seen an Orc here ever." He steals a glance towards Vidruth just now realising that he's Half-Orc, too, and might not like his tone. "Ah- ahem, an un- unfriendly one, I- I mean," he adds stammering. Then, he catches his demeanour and finishes, "Well, what I mean is that they don't seem to be an imminent threat around here and having had that old goon of former town master advertise the job just makes it less appealing to me. I'd go for the castle after the goblin cave."
“I know you’re trying to find the castle of those terrible Cragmaw goblins. Sildar mentioned it when he came for tea. The thing is… I think I can help. Or not me, but on old friend of mine, a naturalist called Reidoth. It started with me thinking, ‘Who could follow the trail of the goblins who fled, a trail days old by now, and those goblins like shadows in the woods.’ And I started thinking of him. And then I realized he probably wouldn’t even need to track them. He could just tell you where to go. He has wandered every mile of the Triboar area, you see, staying ahead of goblins, orcs, and whatever else is out there. He’ll know where it is.”
"I'd say the castle can wait a day or so longer," Berry opines. "We should be able to recover the goods from the goblin cave quickly and then we can forget about that."Berry sits back and crosses his arms, "But the orcs, honestly, I care nothing about them. I haven't seen an Orc here ever." He steals a glance towards Vidruth just now realising that he's Half-Orc, too, and might not like his tone. "Ah- ahem, an un- unfriendly one, I- I mean," he adds stammering. Then, he catches his demeanour and finishes, "Well, what I mean is that they don't seem to be an imminent threat around here and having had that old goon of former town master advertise the job just makes it less appealing to me. I'd go for the castle after the goblin cave."
Nosam listens intently to his colleagues taking note of their current situation. "I must say I tend to lean toward Mister Berry's thoughts here. The cave should be a relatively brief task and if we don't knock it out now there is no tellin' when or if we'll get to it. Once it's done, head off to the castle. Regardless of the decision, I will go along with whatever we decide 100%"
"ha! im no offended berry, or particularly friendly for that matter, speak your mind. especially as it wouldnt be anyone i know" he considers the options and agrees with nosam and berry
"yes, i feel recovering the goods would be fairly quick, an afternoon maybe, and after we can set off after the castle, after all its been several days, one more wont change much, although i dont like the idea of gundren being stuck wherever he is longer, if hes even alive"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
Marten concedes, and once a plan of action is chosen, he doesn't like to be idle. He offers to run down to Barthen's to ask about hiring the wagon and to get his men to hitch up the oxen to the wagon again. Hopefully, they could be on their way while the day is still early.
Marten reminds Barthen of their agreement to fetch Linene Graywind's stolen goods from the goblin cave last week. He asks Barthen whether they could hire the wagon and oxen for a day, returning before night or possibly the next morning. He asks whether there is also a draft horse available, from him or any of the villagers nearby. He explains: "I don't think that we can get the wagon all the way to the cave, but we could take a horse there. That would help us move the goods from the cave to the wagon faster."
It is evening, but Marten catches Barthen just as he is getting ready to close shop. Barthen agrees to provide a wagon and a Clydesdale. The goblins got the barrels of goods from the Triboar Road to their cave, so it must not be that difficult, except that the goblins were many, while your party is few.
"They'll be ready tomorrow by the time the sun clears the horizon. 8 bells in the morning."
Berry accompanied Marten to Barthen's shop, and has been adding, "And if you could find a few healing potions for us to buy, we'd be grateful. You never know what lurks in the shadows."After he returns to the inn and enjoys another evening in the tavern with good food and lively company before they will embark on a new adventure the next day.
to Barthen's shop...adding, "And if you could find a few healing potions for us to buy, we'd be grateful. You never know what lurks in the shadows."
Marten reminds Berry that if they're able to get the supplies back for the Lionshield Coster, the Graywind woman offered them a 25% discount each (on up to 100 gp in gear). But he doesn't disagree with spending some of their coin on at least a couple of potions. He suggests that they should probably consider healing potions a shared resource and all pitch in together for them.
Even so, Marten asks Barthen, "Could I get a bullseye lantern? Actually, two bullseye lanterns 'n' a couple o' flasks o' oil?" He explains to Berry, "It's silly, but with Kis'lina so close t' dyin', I kept thinkin': I never did repay him for the lantern that the goblin smashed back at the cave."
Sister Garaele may be surprised when Marten arrives that evening. She had told them that the danger was passed but that both patients were still unconscious. Perhaps more strangely, Marten doesn't even ask to see them. He simply holds out a new lantern and says, "I jus' come t' leave this for Kis'lina. If you'd please put it with 'is things." It has a little note tied to the handle that says:
Kiselina, I didn't forget the one that the goblin smashed. May this lantern light your days ahead!
Berry agrees with Marten on the shared healing potions and even argues that other stuff, like the lanterns that Marten is buying, should be considered communal commodities, too.
“I know you’re trying to find the castle of those terrible Cragmaw goblins. Sildar mentioned it when he came for tea. The thing is… I think I can help. Or not me, but on old friend of mine, a naturalist called Reidoth. It started with me thinking, ‘Who could follow the trail of the goblins who fled, a trail days old by now, and those goblins like shadows in the woods.’ And I started thinking of him. And then I realized he probably wouldn’t even need to track them. He could just tell you where to go. He has wandered every mile of the Triboar area, you see, staying ahead of goblins, orcs, and whatever else is out there. He’ll know where it is.”
Marten asks Mrs. Alderleaf how they can find this Reidoth.
The ruddy-faced, prim landowner answers, smiling warmly, “Well, that's the only part that will require some effort. He recently set out on one of his journeys, but I know that he intended to spend a few tendays at the ruins of a town called Thundertree, just west of the Neverwinter Wood. The ruins are about fifty miles northwest of Phandalin, and he’ll be there another tenday, before heading farther north.” She provides directions so you can easily find the place.
Berry accompanied Marten to Barthen's shop, and has been adding, "And if you could find a few healing potions for us to buy, we'd be grateful. You never know what lurks in the shadows."After he returns to the inn and enjoys another evening in the tavern with good food and lively company before they will embark on a new adventure the next day.
Sister Garaele provides the party with four potions of healing. "Take them, as a thank you, for routing those Redbrands from Phandalin. By Tymora's good fortune, I happen to have these on hand, but it takes time to make them. A tenday to make two, with all of my duties to attend to. But as you see...," and she motions to her workroom, where fresh-smelling herbs are bundled and a pot is slowly simmering, "the goddess has given me a head start on the next batch."
Sister Garaele provides the party with four potions of healing.
Marten is surprised by this generosity and can barely find the words to thank her.
(OOC: I assume we'll each take one, and I've add one potion of healing to Marten's sheet.)
Before they go to the Cragmaw Cave and despite what Marten said earlier, he would like to replace his armor, which was cut up during the fights with the Redbrands, with studded leather armor. He inquires with Linene Graywind: "If I purchase it today, does the 25% discount apply? I'd be happy t' pay ye th' full price today, but if we return with y'r supplies in a couple o' days, say, would you give me back th' difference?"
Sister Garaele provides the party with four potions of healing.
Marten is surprised by this generosity and can barely find the words to thank her.
(OOC: I assume we'll each take one, and I've add one potion of healing to Marten's sheet.)
Before they go to the Cragmaw Cave and despite what Marten said earlier, he would like to replace his armor, which was cut up during the fights with the Redbrands, with studded leather armor. He inquires with Linene Graywind: "If I purchase it today, does the 25% discount apply? I'd be happy t' pay ye th' full price today, but if we return with y'r supplies in a couple o' days, say, would you give me back th' difference?"
Crissie huffs and puffs at Marten's "nerve" for even suggesting such a thing. Linene reins her in, but says with a forced smile, "That's just not good business, Mr. Fairview. Look at it realistically. Suppose you die on the job? Well, from what I hear you almost died under Tresendor Manor, Mr. Fairview. It's not completely unlikely for someone who... takes chances?... like you do. I hope that doesn't happen of course. And as soon as you come back with the shipment you say you saw, why, of course from then on, the deal will be in place. I hope you're not disappointed?"
Marten is not one to argue, especially with someone as shrewd as Linene. He shrugs, mumbles something unintelligible, and pays the full price for his new armor. With that, he returns to Stonehill's, eats dinner with his friends, and goes to bed early so that he can be ready to go as soon as the pack animals and wagon are ready in the morning.
Nosam appreciates the Healing Potion and was definitely not expecting it for free. "Thanks Mister Marten for handling all the funds and what have you, it is very much appreciated. Do you want some coin to cover the communal costs?" After his meal he heads to the room to sort through his gear, wash up, and generally prepare for the next day.
Berry agrees with Marten on the shared healing potions and even argues that other stuff, like the lanterns that Marten is buying, should be considered communal commodities, too.
Marten wasn't too worried about the cost of the lantern. He was thinking about more expensive resources that anyone in the party might need to use, like the healing potions or antitoxin. For example, if the party decided to buy a draft horse to carry their extra gear, then they should probably all contribute to that purchase.
Nosam appreciates the Healing Potion and was definitely not expecting it for free. "Thanks Mister Marten for handling all the funds and what have you, it is very much appreciated. Do you want some coin to cover the communal costs?" After his meal he heads to the room to sort through his gear, wash up, and generally prepare for the next day.
(OOC: Heh. I imagined that less as a Marten thing than a @Ben_Evolent thing. I'm good with details. 🙂)
Marten declines Nosam's offer for now, "Since the priestess was kind enough to give us them healing potions, we don' have any communal costs yet. Once we recover the stolen Lionshield Coster supplies, we'll see whether we want t' buy anything else for the group."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before retiring to the tavern for the night, Berry tries to approach Sildar in his new residence. Even though the time is late and he probably would not call on anyone unknown, he feels a certain familiarity and confidence with Sildar that he doesn't worry about the late time. He also doesn't want to waste their time and simply explains an idea he had during the day. "I was thinking, that if we continue to take on tasks for the town, we could do it better with a small base of operations here. A place where we can keep supplies, where we can rest and plan our days. I was wondering about this old Manor House on the hill. Could it be repurposed and made fit for us? I mean, you can tell me if I ask for too much. I just thought, it would help us in helping Phandalin more."
Persuasion in Spoiler just in case:
Persuasion: 17 and in case we have advantage for whatever reason, 10.
vidruth doesnt see the need to buy anything at the moment, but is happy to contribute if others need something. when sister garaele gives them the free potions he thanks her profusely and carefully packs it away where it can be easily accessed .
"you returned the bloody lantern" he comments, half laughing half grieving "hope he finds it useful when hes up and about again"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
Before retiring to the tavern for the night, Berry tries to approach Sildar in his new residence. Even though the time is late and he probably would not call on anyone unknown, he feels a certain familiarity and confidence with Sildar that he doesn't worry about the late time. He also doesn't want to waste their time and simply explains an idea he had during the day. "I was thinking, that if we continue to take on tasks for the town, we could do it better with a small base of operations here. A place where we can keep supplies, where we can rest and plan our days. I was wondering about this old Manor House on the hill. Could it be repurposed and made fit for us? I mean, you can tell me if I ask for too much. I just thought, it would help us in helping Phandalin more."
Berry has found Sildar Hallwinter at the townmaster’s hall in a small office which the retired fighter has made his own. Sildar's good hand slowly rustles the stubble on his chin as he pores over old ledgers.
“I know in my heart that I can bring the people of Phandalin together and see to their safety. But… I have never been one for numbers. The surprises life holds for us.”
He hears out Berry’s thoughts about the old mansion.
“Berry, I don’t think anyone has given the mansion much thought – other than Iarno and his hired band of mercenaries – for fifty years. And that long it has stood there vacant. The Tresendor family’s crypt still lies underneath it, and that one-eyed monster too. It is big, Berry, and big homes bring big expenses. But if you’ve an eye for it, there is nothing stopping you from taking up residence there.”
The interior looks like this as you go to peek inside later that afternoon, except that most of the windows are cracked if not broken:
Later, the same day that Sister Garaele come with good news about Kiselina and Daphyra (that a double funeral will not be necessary after all), Marten, Vidruth, Berry, and Nosam are sitting alone in the common room at the Stonehill Inn, and the topic which has flowed under the water's surface these last five days now comes up for air. Gundren. Cragmaw Castle.
You've only just gotten started discussing possible plans when there is a soft knock at the Inn’s front door, and you hear Trilena Stonehill open the door and welcome someone inside. There is a quiet exchange of words between women, and soon, the halfling farmer, Qelline Alderleaf, stands at the entrance to the common room. She nods with a genuine smile to each of you, especially Berry, and then launches into what she came to tell you.
“I know you’re trying to find the castle of those terrible Cragmaw goblins. Sildar mentioned it when he came for tea. The thing is… I think I can help. Or not me, but on old friend of mine, a naturalist called Reidoth. It started with me thinking, ‘Who could follow the trail of the goblins who fled, a trail days old by now, and those goblins like shadows in the woods.’ And I started thinking of him. And then I realized he probably wouldn’t even need to track them. He could just tell you where to go. He has wandered every mile of the Triboar area, you see, staying ahead of goblins, orcs, and whatever else is out there. He’ll know where it is.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
This suits Marten fine. A friendly, "Good morning," seems like sufficient conversation if he doesn't have any business to discuss.
Marten is surprised to find that he enjoys Elsa's company. She's pretty enough to make him a little nervous and jumpy, but perhaps it's just that when he's with someone as talkative as Elsa, she carries the whole conversation and doesn't expect him to say much.
Marten asks Mrs. Alderleaf how they can find this Reidoth.
Once the halfling leaves, Marten asks his companions what they should tackle first:
Marten feels bad about not doing the job that they agreed to do for Linene Graywind, but after having waited so long in Phandalin now, he's feeling some urgency to find Gundren as soon as possible.
Berry is relieved that his former companions are on the road to recovery. He hopes there won't be any lingering injuries. They've been so close to death's door, it is a miracle that they've survived. Certainly another testimony that Nature's odours can bind people to this world.
Berry is relieved that his former companions are on the road to recovery. He hopes there won't be any lingering injuries. They've been so close to death's door, it is a miracle that they've survived. Certainly another testimony that Nature's odours can bind people to this world. Berry stomach churns every time the name Gundren comes up. He feels that he had failed his former employer by not acting faster. After so long, Gundren's fate is anyone's guess, and Berry feels that he is expected to feel more responsible.
Berry lights up at the sight of Qelline and welcomes the change of conversation that must follow. Only that did not happen.
"I'd say the castle can wait a day or so longer," Berry opines. "We should be able to recover the goods from the goblin cave quickly and then we can forget about that." Berry sits back and crosses his arms, "But the orcs, honestly, I care nothing about them. I haven't seen an Orc here ever." He steals a glance towards Vidruth just now realising that he's Half-Orc, too, and might not like his tone. "Ah- ahem, an un- unfriendly one, I- I mean," he adds stammering. Then, he catches his demeanour and finishes, "Well, what I mean is that they don't seem to be an imminent threat around here and having had that old goon of former town master advertise the job just makes it less appealing to me. I'd go for the castle after the goblin cave."
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Nosam listens intently to his colleagues taking note of their current situation. "I must say I tend to lean toward Mister Berry's thoughts here. The cave should be a relatively brief task and if we don't knock it out now there is no tellin' when or if we'll get to it. Once it's done, head off to the castle. Regardless of the decision, I will go along with whatever we decide 100%"
"ha! im no offended berry, or particularly friendly for that matter, speak your mind. especially as it wouldnt be anyone i know" he considers the options and agrees with nosam and berry
"yes, i feel recovering the goods would be fairly quick, an afternoon maybe, and after we can set off after the castle, after all its been several days, one more wont change much, although i dont like the idea of gundren being stuck wherever he is longer, if hes even alive"
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
Marten concedes, and once a plan of action is chosen, he doesn't like to be idle. He offers to run down to Barthen's to ask about hiring the wagon and to get his men to hitch up the oxen to the wagon again. Hopefully, they could be on their way while the day is still early.
Marten reminds Barthen of their agreement to fetch Linene Graywind's stolen goods from the goblin cave last week. He asks Barthen whether they could hire the wagon and oxen for a day, returning before night or possibly the next morning. He asks whether there is also a draft horse available, from him or any of the villagers nearby. He explains: "I don't think that we can get the wagon all the way to the cave, but we could take a horse there. That would help us move the goods from the cave to the wagon faster."
It is evening, but Marten catches Barthen just as he is getting ready to close shop. Barthen agrees to provide a wagon and a Clydesdale. The goblins got the barrels of goods from the Triboar Road to their cave, so it must not be that difficult, except that the goblins were many, while your party is few.
"They'll be ready tomorrow by the time the sun clears the horizon. 8 bells in the morning."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Berry accompanied Marten to Barthen's shop, and has been adding, "And if you could find a few healing potions for us to buy, we'd be grateful. You never know what lurks in the shadows." After he returns to the inn and enjoys another evening in the tavern with good food and lively company before they will embark on a new adventure the next day.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Marten reminds Berry that if they're able to get the supplies back for the Lionshield Coster, the Graywind woman offered them a 25% discount each (on up to 100 gp in gear). But he doesn't disagree with spending some of their coin on at least a couple of potions. He suggests that they should probably consider healing potions a shared resource and all pitch in together for them.
Even so, Marten asks Barthen, "Could I get a bullseye lantern? Actually, two bullseye lanterns 'n' a couple o' flasks o' oil?" He explains to Berry, "It's silly, but with Kis'lina so close t' dyin', I kept thinkin': I never did repay him for the lantern that the goblin smashed back at the cave."
Sister Garaele may be surprised when Marten arrives that evening. She had told them that the danger was passed but that both patients were still unconscious. Perhaps more strangely, Marten doesn't even ask to see them. He simply holds out a new lantern and says, "I jus' come t' leave this for Kis'lina. If you'd please put it with 'is things." It has a little note tied to the handle that says:
Berry agrees with Marten on the shared healing potions and even argues that other stuff, like the lanterns that Marten is buying, should be considered communal commodities, too.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
The ruddy-faced, prim landowner answers, smiling warmly, “Well, that's the only part that will require some effort. He recently set out on one of his journeys, but I know that he intended to spend a few tendays at the ruins of a town called Thundertree, just west of the Neverwinter Wood. The ruins are about fifty miles northwest of Phandalin, and he’ll be there another tenday, before heading farther north.” She provides directions so you can easily find the place.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Sister Garaele provides the party with four potions of healing. "Take them, as a thank you, for routing those Redbrands from Phandalin. By Tymora's good fortune, I happen to have these on hand, but it takes time to make them. A tenday to make two, with all of my duties to attend to. But as you see...," and she motions to her workroom, where fresh-smelling herbs are bundled and a pot is slowly simmering, "the goddess has given me a head start on the next batch."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Marten is surprised by this generosity and can barely find the words to thank her.
(OOC: I assume we'll each take one, and I've add one potion of healing to Marten's sheet.)
Before they go to the Cragmaw Cave and despite what Marten said earlier, he would like to replace his armor, which was cut up during the fights with the Redbrands, with studded leather armor. He inquires with Linene Graywind: "If I purchase it today, does the 25% discount apply? I'd be happy t' pay ye th' full price today, but if we return with y'r supplies in a couple o' days, say, would you give me back th' difference?"
Crissie huffs and puffs at Marten's "nerve" for even suggesting such a thing. Linene reins her in, but says with a forced smile, "That's just not good business, Mr. Fairview. Look at it realistically. Suppose you die on the job? Well, from what I hear you almost died under Tresendor Manor, Mr. Fairview. It's not completely unlikely for someone who... takes chances?... like you do. I hope that doesn't happen of course. And as soon as you come back with the shipment you say you saw, why, of course from then on, the deal will be in place. I hope you're not disappointed?"
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Marten is not one to argue, especially with someone as shrewd as Linene. He shrugs, mumbles something unintelligible, and pays the full price for his new armor. With that, he returns to Stonehill's, eats dinner with his friends, and goes to bed early so that he can be ready to go as soon as the pack animals and wagon are ready in the morning.
Nosam appreciates the Healing Potion and was definitely not expecting it for free. "Thanks Mister Marten for handling all the funds and what have you, it is very much appreciated. Do you want some coin to cover the communal costs?" After his meal he heads to the room to sort through his gear, wash up, and generally prepare for the next day.
Marten wasn't too worried about the cost of the lantern. He was thinking about more expensive resources that anyone in the party might need to use, like the healing potions or antitoxin. For example, if the party decided to buy a draft horse to carry their extra gear, then they should probably all contribute to that purchase.
(OOC: Heh. I imagined that less as a Marten thing than a @Ben_Evolent thing. I'm good with details. 🙂)
Marten declines Nosam's offer for now, "Since the priestess was kind enough to give us them healing potions, we don' have any communal costs yet. Once we recover the stolen Lionshield Coster supplies, we'll see whether we want t' buy anything else for the group."
Before retiring to the tavern for the night, Berry tries to approach Sildar in his new residence. Even though the time is late and he probably would not call on anyone unknown, he feels a certain familiarity and confidence with Sildar that he doesn't worry about the late time. He also doesn't want to waste their time and simply explains an idea he had during the day. "I was thinking, that if we continue to take on tasks for the town, we could do it better with a small base of operations here. A place where we can keep supplies, where we can rest and plan our days. I was wondering about this old Manor House on the hill. Could it be repurposed and made fit for us? I mean, you can tell me if I ask for too much. I just thought, it would help us in helping Phandalin more."
Persuasion in Spoiler just in case:
Persuasion: 17 and in case we have advantage for whatever reason, 10.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
vidruth doesnt see the need to buy anything at the moment, but is happy to contribute if others need something. when sister garaele gives them the free potions he thanks her profusely and carefully packs it away where it can be easily accessed .
"you returned the bloody lantern" he comments, half laughing half grieving "hope he finds it useful when hes up and about again"
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
Berry has found Sildar Hallwinter at the townmaster’s hall in a small office which the retired fighter has made his own. Sildar's good hand slowly rustles the stubble on his chin as he pores over old ledgers.
“I know in my heart that I can bring the people of Phandalin together and see to their safety. But… I have never been one for numbers. The surprises life holds for us.”
He hears out Berry’s thoughts about the old mansion.
“Berry, I don’t think anyone has given the mansion much thought – other than Iarno and his hired band of mercenaries – for fifty years. And that long it has stood there vacant. The Tresendor family’s crypt still lies underneath it, and that one-eyed monster too. It is big, Berry, and big homes bring big expenses. But if you’ve an eye for it, there is nothing stopping you from taking up residence there.”
The interior looks like this as you go to peek inside later that afternoon, except that most of the windows are cracked if not broken:
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer