Surprise, disgust and awe flash across her face in lightning-fast succession as she looks down at the giant blood-crusted hide
"Well... I guess that explains where my caravan went. You all did this? That's good work. Come inside and we'll see what I can scrimp together for you.
Boys, gather up the supplies. Only the ones with our crest on them mind."
"I am Linene. Linene Graywind. Our caravans have been troubled by bandits for a time now. I paid the dispatching merchant extra to have guards travel with the caravan but it looks like he has cheated me. Another job to add to the list.
Well met Linene Graywind. We found your goods in a well hidden cave off the road to the south of here. We noticed that travelers had been attacked by goblins and then we were ambushed when we went to check on the remains. It was a bloody battle, luckily we had the Sun God watching over us and I have companions I can count on. I noticed some tracks from the road into the bushes. We then followed the tracks to the cave and went searching to see if any hostages were alive. We went through great pains and numerous goblins, including the large goblin Yilmek and his boyz, before we could get near the bugbear. Klarg the Warlord, he called himself. I'm sure there must be a bounty on them. We then searched the cave and only found one hostage, unrelated to Lionshield. I'm afraid there were no signs of the delivery boy or a merchant or any bodyguards. Though there was strange meat in the goblins cooking pots.
Brand recounts the adventure, leaving out some details as Linene doesn't need to know.
“so basically there’s a big cave open to new owners, and the goblins will think twice before ambushing travellers on that route. Hopefully that will improve the fortunes for traders in this area”
Linene picks her teeth with a small piece of well smoothed wood as she listens to the tale.
"Well, it doesn't sound like it was your intent but you've helped me a great deal. All I've lost now is time and a witless boy. I've not the means to make you all rich but you're welcome to the coin I set aside to sweeten the clients who wait for these goods. 50 gold pieces is the best I can do for you. And if you're ever in a bind, you can count on my aid. This will let the other Lionshield branches know I owe you a favour."
She puts a small Lionshield crest with a diagonal score through it on the counter
Brand takes the pouch to divide up later and the Lionshield crest and puts them away.
I am glad we can be of service. What wares do you deal in at the Lionshield? We have some scimitars, bows and a trinket to sell as well. IF this isn't your area of expertise, can you point us to a reliable merchant.
”Oh, now we're talking my talk. I have a healthy supply of armour and weapons. I'll trade these spoils against the price. They'll be good for melting down I'm sure.
Where did your brooding friend go? Appointment somewhere else or just not the sociable type?”
Brand take some items from Ollanius and Lucius and goes into his pack and then places 6 x Scimitars, 2 x shortbows, 1 x shortsword, 6 x goblin arrows, 1 x javelin, 3 x golden teeth, 1 x Golden frog trinket on the table in front of Linene.
What would this get us? What do you have for sale gear wise and for how much?
The teeth and the front I'll give you 43 gold for altogether. Don't need to know where the teeth came from. The weapons look like they've had the usual goblin standard of caretaking so I'll be selling those on for parts. Altogether for the weapons...22 gold is fair I say
"I have a lot to do right now but feel free to come visit me later. I'd caution against The Sleeping Giant taphouse. Place attracts ruffians. Like those damned Redbrands. You'd be safer at the Stonehill Inn."
She takes Ollanius' gold and helps him into the new armour
Ol jumps down from the wagon ready to meet the master and take part in any potential negotiation.
’Come let’s get this settled so I can explore this settlement and get some good ale’
The woman pops her head in the back and two burly young men appear. She didn't get this far by being ambushed by strangers...
They all follow you outside
We’ve recovered some items I believe belong to you.
Ol indicates to the wagon. But then abruptly throws the skinned pelt of the bugbear in front of them.
They took some recovering mind.
Surprise, disgust and awe flash across her face in lightning-fast succession as she looks down at the giant blood-crusted hide
"Well... I guess that explains where my caravan went. You all did this? That's good work. Come inside and we'll see what I can scrimp together for you.
Boys, gather up the supplies. Only the ones with our crest on them mind."
She heads back inside and sits behind the counter.
”So what happened? There's a noticeable lack of deliveryboy with you. Got himself eaten, did he?”
Brand stands before the Master of Lionshield with his arms crossed behind his back. Looking her over, he narrows his eyes and smiles again.
Where are my manners? My name is Brand, these are my companions Ollanius, Theqen and Lucius.
Brand nods in the direction of each of his companions as he calls out their names. Brand turns back to the woman.
What is your name?
"I am Linene. Linene Graywind. Our caravans have been troubled by bandits for a time now. I paid the dispatching merchant extra to have guards travel with the caravan but it looks like he has cheated me. Another job to add to the list.
Where did you find my goods?"
Well met Linene Graywind. We found your goods in a well hidden cave off the road to the south of here. We noticed that travelers had been attacked by goblins and then we were ambushed when we went to check on the remains. It was a bloody battle, luckily we had the Sun God watching over us and I have companions I can count on. I noticed some tracks from the road into the bushes. We then followed the tracks to the cave and went searching to see if any hostages were alive. We went through great pains and numerous goblins, including the large goblin Yilmek and his boyz, before we could get near the bugbear. Klarg the Warlord, he called himself. I'm sure there must be a bounty on them. We then searched the cave and only found one hostage, unrelated to Lionshield. I'm afraid there were no signs of the delivery boy or a merchant or any bodyguards. Though there was strange meat in the goblins cooking pots.
Brand recounts the adventure, leaving out some details as Linene doesn't need to know.
Ol chuckles.
“so basically there’s a big cave open to new owners, and the goblins will think twice before ambushing travellers on that route. Hopefully that will improve the fortunes for traders in this area”
Linene picks her teeth with a small piece of well smoothed wood as she listens to the tale.
"Well, it doesn't sound like it was your intent but you've helped me a great deal. All I've lost now is time and a witless boy. I've not the means to make you all rich but you're welcome to the coin I set aside to sweeten the clients who wait for these goods. 50 gold pieces is the best I can do for you. And if you're ever in a bind, you can count on my aid. This will let the other Lionshield branches know I owe you a favour."
She puts a small Lionshield crest with a diagonal score through it on the counter
Brand takes the pouch to divide up later and the Lionshield crest and puts them away.
I am glad we can be of service. What wares do you deal in at the Lionshield? We have some scimitars, bows and a trinket to sell as well. IF this isn't your area of expertise, can you point us to a reliable merchant.
”Oh, now we're talking my talk. I have a healthy supply of armour and weapons. I'll trade these spoils against the price. They'll be good for melting down I'm sure.
Where did your brooding friend go? Appointment somewhere else or just not the sociable type?”
You look to each other in puzzlement and notice Theqen is gone and the door is ajar
Brand take some items from Ollanius and Lucius and goes into his pack and then places 6 x Scimitars, 2 x shortbows, 1 x shortsword, 6 x goblin arrows, 1 x javelin, 3 x golden teeth, 1 x Golden frog trinket on the table in front of Linene.
What would this get us? What do you have for sale gear wise and for how much?
I really could do with some better armour if you have it, and advice on the best dish in the local tavern. Maybe you’d like to join us?
Linene appraises the items one by one.
The teeth and the front I'll give you 43 gold for altogether. Don't need to know where the teeth came from. The weapons look like they've had the usual goblin standard of caretaking so I'll be selling those on for parts. Altogether for the weapons...22 gold is fair I say
She gives Ollanius a wry smile.
"I have a lot to do right now but feel free to come visit me later. I'd caution against The Sleeping Giant taphouse. Place attracts ruffians. Like those damned Redbrands. You'd be safer at the Stonehill Inn."
She takes Ollanius' gold and helps him into the new armour
The group head to Barthen's Provisions, the largest trading post in Phandalin. This is the place you set out from Waterdeep to deliver the wagon to.
Looking around you see backpacks, bedrolls, rope, and various rations. The proprietor is a lean and balding human male shopkeeper of fifty years.
Brand approaches the man.
Greetings shopkeep. I am Brand and these are my companions Ollanius and Lucius. We are here to deliver the wagon.
Ollanius browses the shop contents while listening in for the offer of payment.