Dekhan, Oggor asks you for more information about the townsfolk - he seems to be trying to get a feel for the politics of the town, though from his questions you suspect he's got a good understanding of it already.
You all make your way back to the Stonehill Inn and rest for the night. In the morning, you gather for breakfast, and Sildar Hallwinter and Daran Edermath, the retired elf warrior, greet you and make ready to set off to where Daran found the remains of the Rockseeker brothers' camp.
(If there's anything you want to buy or sell in the town before you go, let me know.)
Deckhand considers Oggor’s question. I trust sister Garaele and Sildar implicitly, Nilsa and children are the best kind of people, The children’s father, Nilsa’s husband was killed by the man who had taken control of the town because he would not bow to them, that same strength is in his wife and children. They’re learning Orc so they can make you feel at home here. Steer clear of the town master as you can, that Halfling is blinded by greed. Do what you know is right and all will be well. Dekhan grasps Oggor by the forearm in a warriors farewell and heads out with Strix
Vaz will inform the group that he has laden Soodi with enough supplies to last them a week should the trail lead them further afield.
Sorry Mr Sildar I was doing the math in my head for five. Do you have some rations as well? Or will the local wildlife be your larder?Vaz smiles. He finds himself quite chipper when his hangover is minimal. He clambers up onto Soodi.
I have some rations I can share with you, says Daran. Though I do not plan to go with you beyond the camp site. My fighting days are done, and you have your own tracker, so...
Thank you for your aid in this, my friend, says Sildar. The two wait for the party to indicate readiness to go.
Ach! What a feckin night. Never did find that yellow skinned hin what didn't pay his fee fer solvin' his orc problem heheh! Probably spent the night avoiding us.
Well the shite ain't shitting itself eh?
Scupper takes a brief constitutional and returns packed and ready to travel.
Feck me. I jest realized whilst I was eh tinkin' and uh, if we keep makin' friends with every greenskin and boggle we come across...no offense Oggor, there's gonna be nothin to do round here. Sure you lads don't wanna take up a sailor's life? I'm starting te miss the sea.
Dekhan looks at Scupper and says I’ve always dreamt of sailing, Scup, perhaps when we’ve finished this Black Spider business and rescued those who need rescuing we could take a little voyage somewhere!
To everyone I’m as ready as I’ll ever be! Dekhan has left 4 letters, on each for Nilsa and the children, and one for Sister Garaele, with the innkeep to be delivered in the event that he doesn’t return to Phandin within 1 months time.
Dekhan, Tolben takes your letters unhappily. You make sure you come back now, Sir Dekhan. Or write at least.
And so, about a half hour after dawn, the party sets out, with Daran Edermath leading the way, and Sildar Hallwinter bring up the rear, and in the middle, a sorcerer, a rogue and a monk with an employer to find, a paladin with an oath to fulfill, and a warlock bard following a star. Several townsfolk wave you goodbye as you head east, past the ruins of the manor, and you pass in front of Fekar and Vroh as they are out on patrol; the orcs are taking their duties seriously and both signal a greeting but get on with their business.
Neither Daran nor Sildar seem in the mood to talk, and the journey goes quickly. It's past midday when you come upon a gentle stream flowing north, and Daran signals for you to turn and follow it. Not more than five minutes later, you come upon the Rockseekers' camp. There are two tents, with the remains of a campfire and some pieces of equipment, picks and couple of staffs strewn about. Flies and other insects cover what must be the remains of a meal, though larger creatures have been there first.
Daran looks at the camp, and shakes his head. I want to have hope, Sildar, but they fought, and there's blood. Dwarven and goblin both. No sign of bodies, from what I could see. Perhaps you all could see something I missed.
Strix, the tents have been trampled, perhaps in a fight or by an animal, you're not sure. As you are expecting and looking specifically for goblin tracks and drag marks, you do find both. There's a trail - hard to follow but there - leading north towards the Neverwinter Wood, perhaps a day away.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
To Tolben: Of course, Tolben, I have every intention to. These letters are just a... precaution. I'm sure we'll be back in no time. Keep some seats waiting for us. He smiles and salutes the inkeeper before leaving.
At the campsite: Dekhan surveys the wreckage of the site and attempts to piece together the events with the guidance of the ancients. Survival 12
Dekhan, you're not able to see more than Strix did. Signs of a battle, goblin tracks, and something being dragged north. It will be hard to follow the trail, but should be possible.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Incantis steps aimlessly into the scene, careful through his meanderings not to trod on anything that might yield tracks. He pauses, rummaging through the wreckages of the tents.
Investigation: 16
"Sildar, how long ago would you say this happened?" The half-elf is thinking back to his recent trackings of the heavens.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
Incantis, you search around the camp, taking care not to disturb it too much. You find lots of mundane items like cutlery and some dwarf-size underclothes, but nothing of value. It's possible the owners were poor, but you get the sense rather that the camp was carefully searched during or after the struggle, and the kidnappers also stole their victims' wealth. As for timing, you confirm what Sildar told you in Phandalin - it's been a week or more - but you can't be more precise than that. Daran answers your question: A week or a little more, in my view. Given that they were expected back in town shortly after you all arrived for the first time, that means they were already running late.
At this point, Daran Edermath makes his apologies; It looks like you all have this in hand. I'll head back to town and my orchard. Strix (with the highest passive perception) you've noticed that Daran has looked more and more uncomfortable the further you got from town, and he looks very relieved now to be returning. May the Gods you worship watch over you. He shakes Sildar's hand warmly, and then turns west and walks away.
Scupper, you move stealthily northwards, following the faint tracks with surprising ease. You get the sense that there were perhaps a dozen goblins, and two bodies (alive or dead) being dragged. Incantis, if you are joining Scupper in the lead, please make a stealth check. The rest of the group follows at a short distance, close enough for Incantis to speak to you telepathically if needed.
You are moving through countryside which is now becoming very familiar. There are hills, becoming gentler as you head north; there are clumps of trees and almost small woods, becoming more frequent as you get closer to the great Neverwinter Woods. The train follows the small stream for about an hour, but when the stream turns and heads off in a more north-westerly direction, the trail continues resolutely northwards.
Scupper (and Incantis if you are also scouting ahead), please make Perception checks.
Dekhan, Oggor asks you for more information about the townsfolk - he seems to be trying to get a feel for the politics of the town, though from his questions you suspect he's got a good understanding of it already.
You all make your way back to the Stonehill Inn and rest for the night. In the morning, you gather for breakfast, and Sildar Hallwinter and Daran Edermath, the retired elf warrior, greet you and make ready to set off to where Daran found the remains of the Rockseeker brothers' camp.
(If there's anything you want to buy or sell in the town before you go, let me know.)
Deckhand considers Oggor’s question. I trust sister Garaele and Sildar implicitly, Nilsa and children are the best kind of people, The children’s father, Nilsa’s husband was killed by the man who had taken control of the town because he would not bow to them, that same strength is in his wife and children. They’re learning Orc so they can make you feel at home here. Steer clear of the town master as you can, that Halfling is blinded by greed. Do what you know is right and all will be well. Dekhan grasps Oggor by the forearm in a warriors farewell and heads out with Strix
Vaz will inform the group that he has laden Soodi with enough supplies to last them a week should the trail lead them further afield.
Sorry Mr Sildar I was doing the math in my head for five. Do you have some rations as well? Or will the local wildlife be your larder? Vaz smiles. He finds himself quite chipper when his hangover is minimal. He clambers up onto Soodi.
I have some rations I can share with you, says Daran. Though I do not plan to go with you beyond the camp site. My fighting days are done, and you have your own tracker, so...
Thank you for your aid in this, my friend, says Sildar. The two wait for the party to indicate readiness to go.
Ach! What a feckin night. Never did find that yellow skinned hin what didn't pay his fee fer solvin' his orc problem heheh! Probably spent the night avoiding us.
Well the shite ain't shitting itself eh?
Scupper takes a brief constitutional and returns packed and ready to travel.
Feck me. I jest realized whilst I was eh tinkin' and uh, if we keep makin' friends with every greenskin and boggle we come across...no offense Oggor, there's gonna be nothin to do round here. Sure you lads don't wanna take up a sailor's life? I'm starting te miss the sea.
Tracker? Strix looks around for Dario. Or mistweaver? No? *Gulp*
Strix hoists the rope he calls a belt, swallows his disappointment that the nose fairy didn't visit him and shoulders his pack.
"Sailors? Sailors.... Strix not swim... But not fall in, be fine!"
Strix, Shifter Shadow Monk in Lost Mines of Phandelver ¦ Sihegiall Human Soulknife Rogue in In Search of Molly McGuffin
Strix, Daran was definitely looking at you when he said 'tracker'.
Let me know when you're ready to head out, Daran says.
Dekhan looks at Scupper and says I’ve always dreamt of sailing, Scup, perhaps when we’ve finished this Black Spider business and rescued those who need rescuing we could take a little voyage somewhere!
To everyone I’m as ready as I’ll ever be! Dekhan has left 4 letters, on each for Nilsa and the children, and one for Sister Garaele, with the innkeep to be delivered in the event that he doesn’t return to Phandin within 1 months time.
Dekhan, Tolben takes your letters unhappily. You make sure you come back now, Sir Dekhan. Or write at least.
And so, about a half hour after dawn, the party sets out, with Daran Edermath leading the way, and Sildar Hallwinter bring up the rear, and in the middle, a sorcerer, a rogue and a monk with an employer to find, a paladin with an oath to fulfill, and a warlock bard following a star. Several townsfolk wave you goodbye as you head east, past the ruins of the manor, and you pass in front of Fekar and Vroh as they are out on patrol; the orcs are taking their duties seriously and both signal a greeting but get on with their business.
Neither Daran nor Sildar seem in the mood to talk, and the journey goes quickly. It's past midday when you come upon a gentle stream flowing north, and Daran signals for you to turn and follow it. Not more than five minutes later, you come upon the Rockseekers' camp. There are two tents, with the remains of a campfire and some pieces of equipment, picks and couple of staffs strewn about. Flies and other insects cover what must be the remains of a meal, though larger creatures have been there first.
Daran looks at the camp, and shakes his head. I want to have hope, Sildar, but they fought, and there's blood. Dwarven and goblin both. No sign of bodies, from what I could see. Perhaps you all could see something I missed.
Strix checks the ground around the edges for signs of goblinesque tracks and or drag marks.
12 (perception / survival. Knock 6 off that for investigation or nature)
Are the tents in disarray?
Strix, Shifter Shadow Monk in Lost Mines of Phandelver ¦ Sihegiall Human Soulknife Rogue in In Search of Molly McGuffin
Strix, the tents have been trampled, perhaps in a fight or by an animal, you're not sure. As you are expecting and looking specifically for goblin tracks and drag marks, you do find both. There's a trail - hard to follow but there - leading north towards the Neverwinter Wood, perhaps a day away.
To Tolben: Of course, Tolben, I have every intention to. These letters are just a... precaution. I'm sure we'll be back in no time. Keep some seats waiting for us. He smiles and salutes the inkeeper before leaving.
At the campsite: Dekhan surveys the wreckage of the site and attempts to piece together the events with the guidance of the ancients. Survival 12
Dekhan, you're not able to see more than Strix did. Signs of a battle, goblin tracks, and something being dragged north. It will be hard to follow the trail, but should be possible.
Vaz and Soodi will keep back so as not to disturb anything.
Do we have an idea of where to go next?
Looks like north to me, Vaz... but how should we proceed? Would someone stealthy care to scout ahead?
Incantis steps aimlessly into the scene, careful through his meanderings not to trod on anything that might yield tracks. He pauses, rummaging through the wreckages of the tents.
Investigation: 16
"Sildar, how long ago would you say this happened?" The half-elf is thinking back to his recent trackings of the heavens.
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
"North..." the telepath muses to himself.
"I am happy to help scout, I am stealthful but not the best tracker. More to the point I might inspire my fellow."
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
Oh sure and send the wee feckin' hin ahead cause he's sneaky. Only if ye can show me the trick te keeping up with the tracks.
Turning to Incantus.
Right, lad, let's disappear
Survival to understand the tracks shown to him 11
Stealth as he moves ahead. 20
Incantis, you search around the camp, taking care not to disturb it too much. You find lots of mundane items like cutlery and some dwarf-size underclothes, but nothing of value. It's possible the owners were poor, but you get the sense rather that the camp was carefully searched during or after the struggle, and the kidnappers also stole their victims' wealth. As for timing, you confirm what Sildar told you in Phandalin - it's been a week or more - but you can't be more precise than that. Daran answers your question: A week or a little more, in my view. Given that they were expected back in town shortly after you all arrived for the first time, that means they were already running late.
At this point, Daran Edermath makes his apologies; It looks like you all have this in hand. I'll head back to town and my orchard. Strix (with the highest passive perception) you've noticed that Daran has looked more and more uncomfortable the further you got from town, and he looks very relieved now to be returning. May the Gods you worship watch over you. He shakes Sildar's hand warmly, and then turns west and walks away.
Scupper, you move stealthily northwards, following the faint tracks with surprising ease. You get the sense that there were perhaps a dozen goblins, and two bodies (alive or dead) being dragged. Incantis, if you are joining Scupper in the lead, please make a stealth check. The rest of the group follows at a short distance, close enough for Incantis to speak to you telepathically if needed.
You are moving through countryside which is now becoming very familiar. There are hills, becoming gentler as you head north; there are clumps of trees and almost small woods, becoming more frequent as you get closer to the great Neverwinter Woods. The train follows the small stream for about an hour, but when the stream turns and heads off in a more north-westerly direction, the trail continues resolutely northwards.
Scupper (and Incantis if you are also scouting ahead), please make Perception checks.
"Into the shadows," Incantis replies, following the halfling as he tracks the footprints.
Stealth: 23
Perception: 14
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3