Ophirinn has a firm grip on the oxen, and you make good progress. The road to Phandalin can barely be called a road; it is an overgrown and underused trail, though it perhaps saw more traffic in the past. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to follow. The path heads up a gentle, winding slope. Ahead of you in the distance you see tall hills give way to snow-tipped mountains; you know that Phandalin is much closer and not too high up, but still the view is impressive and it would be a daunting task to climb to one of those peaks.
The day passes; you've been up since long before dawn, and you are all feeling tired as the road turns to the left as it reaches the top of a short hill, and you see before you the town of Phandalin.
It's a small town, perhaps fifty or so houses. With your keen perception Nate, you are able to see that there are newish stone and wood buildings, but they sit among much older stone ruins. On a small mound to the east side of the town you see a large building which might be a manor house or small keep, but as you get closer it's clearly a ruin. Entering the town, the main road continues south through the town, but you can see up ahead there are other roads leading off to the side. It's late afternoon, but there's no-one on the street - you can't say if that's normal or not, but it does have a slightly eerie effect on your group.
After perhaps two or three buildings only, you notice a building on your left that has a wooden sign hanging on the wall: 'Barthen's Provisions'.
(OOC: There are no really good pictures of Phandalin, but this one is not too bad. Except it's spring for you, not autumn. I've added the map below to the campaign page as well.)
Brom felt a little uneasy with the lack of foot traffic and he lost his main conversation partner when Idalie left so he was prone to long bouts of silence tho he tried not to be gloomy or brooding, this town seems to have that in spades. Brom saw the sign to what could be a general store and decided to go inside to see if he can inquire why the town is so quiet and half of it is in ruin and maybe see if there is anything worth buying.
Brom, you enter the shop marked as Barthen's Provisions. Inside the wooden building is an area with shelves filling the walls; mostly, the shop seems to sell farming and mining implements, but they have various items - ropes, nets, and rations - that would be of interest to an adventurer.
There is a single large counter, and behind it stands a male human, perhaps fifty years old, lean and balding. He leans on the counter, but stands as you enter. Good day, sir. Welcome to Barthen's Provisions, I am the aforementioned Elmar Barthen, how can I help you today?
Nate, Sildar nods in agreement. I will inquire in the inn, when we reach it. I've no idea where Iarno is to be found, but the innkeeper or townmaster should be able to point me in the right direction.
Ophirinn observers the ruins in wonder, before stepping down from the kart to head in the store. When Ophirinn enters the and is greeted with a welcome, he feels a little easier. "Yes, I would like to purchase 3 rations" getting out 2 gold pieces.
(Barthen's provisions can sell you any item on the adventuring gear list in the Player's Handbook worth up to 25 gold pieces, but not items over 25 gold. You can see the full list here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/phb/equipment#OtherAdventuringGear. Barthen's does not sell weapons or armour. Please post in this thread what you have bought and how much you paid for it, but otherwise just go ahead and make the adjustments on your character sheets.)
Greetings, my friend. That will be fifteen silvers. Ophirinn, he takes your two gold, and gives you the rations and 5 silver pieces in change.
(OOC - Is anyone keeping a quest/reward log? You can do so anywhere, but there is an 'Other' section in your character sheet's NOTES tab where you might do this. Currently I believe you have four quests, depending on how you count them. I'm happy to remind you, but only this once!)
Nate scoots into the shop as well behind Brom and Ophirinn. He waves Sildar over as well and enters the shop.
"Hello Mr Barthen sir. My name is Nate and we were all employed by Gundren Rockseeker to bring you this wagon full of supplies(points outside to the wagon).Also I assume you know this man Sildar? Nate is horrible with introductions and social interaction to begin with but is getting better as they go.
"On our way here, we were ambushed by a clan of goblins who we are almost certain also took Gundren. We managed to rescue Sildar and are just getting into town now." Nate recounts the adventure in the cave to Mr. Barthen hoping Sildar will chime in soon.
OOC: What are the current quests? 1. Finding Gundren 2. Finding the Mine? Also Nate will definitely want to buy/sell some stuff in here. Should we split up the pot now from the cave? Let me know and I'll split it and tell you what each person gets.
Gundren? My word, why didn't you say so at first. Welcome, friends.
(Is everyone going into the shop?)
He steps out from behind the counter and takes a look out of the doorway. Yes, yes indeed. He turns, and calls loudly. Thistle! Anders! Come here! Two young men appear from the next room. Go and take delivery of Master Rockseeker's cart and supplies. As the two race through the door to the cart, Elmar Barthen goes back behind his counter, rummages through some boxes, and then hands Nate a coin purse containing 50 gold pieces. Fifty gold, as promised. Is Gundren following on after you?
At this point, Nate continues his story, and Elmar Barthen looks horrified as the details come. Oh my. Goblins, is it? They're a nuisance, or at least they were, but trade has dried up recently, and we know there are some troubles with orcs and goblins too. Dear me, poor Gundren. Is it possible he's still alive? I suppose we must hope that the Gods will show him mercy. He looks to Sildar. I'm afraid I don't know the gentleman, but...
Sildar interrupts. No reason why you should, good sir, though Gundren has told me much of the town and mentioned you as a friend. I am looking for a contact of mine, Iarno Albrek. Do you know where I might find him?
Elmar looks even more troubled. Him? Oh, I remember him. Arrived a few months ago, and disappeared shortly afterwards. He was poking around the old manor. I assumed, that is to say, we all assumed he found what he was looking for and left. Either that or some danger lurks beneath the manor and caught him. It's not really a safe place to be.
By my count, current quests are:
Deliver Gundren's cart of supplies to Barthen's Provisions (reward 50 gold pieces, just completed) Escort Sildar to Phandalin (reward 50 gold pieces, though Sildar said it would take him time to get the money to you) Find the origin of the lion-branded crates and barrels in the goblin cave (reward unknown) Find Gundren Rockseeker, and either free him or return his body to his family (reward unknown, though Sildar and his brothers will likely reward you)
"Ah apologies - I'm not sure why I thought you two (Sildar/Barthen) would know each other. It's been a lot to take in. We all were injured quite badly bringing this wagon back. Thank you for the gold and we will do our best to find Gundren. Do you know perhaps what these supplies were for?" Nate playing dumb hoping to see if Mr. Barthen knows about the Lost Mine. Nate really really wants to find out more about this magical relic and feels drawn to it for some reason. If this means finding Gundren in order to find the location of the mine then that would be Nate's primary goal. "Also - we found this in the cave as well. Any chance you have an interest in it, or does it look familiar?"Nate shows Mr. Barthen the jade statuette of a frog with tiny golden orbs for eyes.
Nate then remembers noticing the manor house ruin when they first arrived in the town.
"Once we are done here how about we take a rest and then head over to the Manor to see if we can find any trace of Iarno. Ophirinn, you know the one I mean, right? Sildar - do you need any supplies?"
"Mr. Barthen, can you give us any more information about this Manor? What is it?"
Nate will buy: 4 rations, 1 crowbar - gives 4gp to Mr. Barthen
OOC: I added our quests to my char. sheet. I also still have our total tab for our monies and equipment we found in that cave plus this 50gp we just got, less the stuff I just bought. Ophirinn we can use the 2gp for your rations as well from the pot so just put those back in your wallet!
Well, grins Elmar, I hear tell they found the Lost Mine. Gundren wouldn't confirm or deny, as they say. Still, people are interested. Maybe they found it, maybe they just found another promising mine, who can say. But this is a prospector town, my friend, and lots of folks here make outlandish claims.
He takes the jade frog. Interesting, but I don't know anything special about it. Are you selling? I'll pay thirty gold for it, if you're willing to part with it.
I would...um... avoid going up to the manor these days. Not the safest place to be. His mood seems to change a little. You folks had best stay in the inn tonight and then head out tomorrow, maybe. Best that way, all around.
Sildar seems to notice his change in behaviour. To the inn, as you say. Perhaps that's best. He gives Nate a look, and then heads out of the shop.
"Deal" Nate gives the frog to Mr. Barthen and adds the 30gp to the party's pot.
"Well thanks for the information and we will take you up on your advice!" Nate says as he nods back at Sildar, but waits in the shop until his comrades finish up.
Omnia, you notice that people are a little skittish around you, and are avoiding your gaze. You don't see anything that might explain this behaviour, however.
Actually since Nate is basically up beside the Oxen, here's his Perception check as well: 21
Ophirinn has a firm grip on the oxen, and you make good progress. The road to Phandalin can barely be called a road; it is an overgrown and underused trail, though it perhaps saw more traffic in the past. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to follow. The path heads up a gentle, winding slope. Ahead of you in the distance you see tall hills give way to snow-tipped mountains; you know that Phandalin is much closer and not too high up, but still the view is impressive and it would be a daunting task to climb to one of those peaks.
The day passes; you've been up since long before dawn, and you are all feeling tired as the road turns to the left as it reaches the top of a short hill, and you see before you the town of Phandalin.
It's a small town, perhaps fifty or so houses. With your keen perception Nate, you are able to see that there are newish stone and wood buildings, but they sit among much older stone ruins. On a small mound to the east side of the town you see a large building which might be a manor house or small keep, but as you get closer it's clearly a ruin. Entering the town, the main road continues south through the town, but you can see up ahead there are other roads leading off to the side. It's late afternoon, but there's no-one on the street - you can't say if that's normal or not, but it does have a slightly eerie effect on your group.
After perhaps two or three buildings only, you notice a building on your left that has a wooden sign hanging on the wall: 'Barthen's Provisions'.
What would you like to do?
(OOC: There are no really good pictures of Phandalin, but this one is not too bad. Except it's spring for you, not autumn. I've added the map below to the campaign page as well.)
Brom felt a little uneasy with the lack of foot traffic and he lost his main conversation partner when Idalie left so he was prone to long bouts of silence tho he tried not to be gloomy or brooding, this town seems to have that in spades. Brom saw the sign to what could be a general store and decided to go inside to see if he can inquire why the town is so quiet and half of it is in ruin and maybe see if there is anything worth buying.
Bromduhr, Goliath Fighter.
Nate yawns a few times when they arrive in the town of Phandalin due to the fatigue from the long journey they just had.
"Seems spooky... something doesn't feel right here. Well, shall we get this wagon to Barthen's Provisions and then Sildar we can bring you to Iarno?
Brom, you enter the shop marked as Barthen's Provisions. Inside the wooden building is an area with shelves filling the walls; mostly, the shop seems to sell farming and mining implements, but they have various items - ropes, nets, and rations - that would be of interest to an adventurer.
There is a single large counter, and behind it stands a male human, perhaps fifty years old, lean and balding. He leans on the counter, but stands as you enter. Good day, sir. Welcome to Barthen's Provisions, I am the aforementioned Elmar Barthen, how can I help you today?
Nate, Sildar nods in agreement. I will inquire in the inn, when we reach it. I've no idea where Iarno is to be found, but the innkeeper or townmaster should be able to point me in the right direction.
Ophirinn observers the ruins in wonder, before stepping down from the kart to head in the store. When Ophirinn enters the and is greeted with a welcome, he feels a little easier. "Yes, I would like to purchase 3 rations" getting out 2 gold pieces.
(Barthen's provisions can sell you any item on the adventuring gear list in the Player's Handbook worth up to 25 gold pieces, but not items over 25 gold. You can see the full list here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/phb/equipment#OtherAdventuringGear. Barthen's does not sell weapons or armour. Please post in this thread what you have bought and how much you paid for it, but otherwise just go ahead and make the adjustments on your character sheets.)
Greetings, my friend. That will be fifteen silvers. Ophirinn, he takes your two gold, and gives you the rations and 5 silver pieces in change.
(OOC - Is anyone keeping a quest/reward log? You can do so anywhere, but there is an 'Other' section in your character sheet's NOTES tab where you might do this. Currently I believe you have four quests, depending on how you count them. I'm happy to remind you, but only this once!)
Nate scoots into the shop as well behind Brom and Ophirinn. He waves Sildar over as well and enters the shop.
"Hello Mr Barthen sir. My name is Nate and we were all employed by Gundren Rockseeker to bring you this wagon full of supplies (points outside to the wagon). Also I assume you know this man Sildar? Nate is horrible with introductions and social interaction to begin with but is getting better as they go.
"On our way here, we were ambushed by a clan of goblins who we are almost certain also took Gundren. We managed to rescue Sildar and are just getting into town now." Nate recounts the adventure in the cave to Mr. Barthen hoping Sildar will chime in soon.
OOC: What are the current quests? 1. Finding Gundren 2. Finding the Mine? Also Nate will definitely want to buy/sell some stuff in here. Should we split up the pot now from the cave? Let me know and I'll split it and tell you what each person gets.
Gundren? My word, why didn't you say so at first. Welcome, friends.
(Is everyone going into the shop?)
He steps out from behind the counter and takes a look out of the doorway. Yes, yes indeed. He turns, and calls loudly. Thistle! Anders! Come here! Two young men appear from the next room. Go and take delivery of Master Rockseeker's cart and supplies. As the two race through the door to the cart, Elmar Barthen goes back behind his counter, rummages through some boxes, and then hands Nate a coin purse containing 50 gold pieces. Fifty gold, as promised. Is Gundren following on after you?
At this point, Nate continues his story, and Elmar Barthen looks horrified as the details come. Oh my. Goblins, is it? They're a nuisance, or at least they were, but trade has dried up recently, and we know there are some troubles with orcs and goblins too. Dear me, poor Gundren. Is it possible he's still alive? I suppose we must hope that the Gods will show him mercy. He looks to Sildar. I'm afraid I don't know the gentleman, but...
Sildar interrupts. No reason why you should, good sir, though Gundren has told me much of the town and mentioned you as a friend. I am looking for a contact of mine, Iarno Albrek. Do you know where I might find him?
Elmar looks even more troubled. Him? Oh, I remember him. Arrived a few months ago, and disappeared shortly afterwards. He was poking around the old manor. I assumed, that is to say, we all assumed he found what he was looking for and left. Either that or some danger lurks beneath the manor and caught him. It's not really a safe place to be.
By my count, current quests are:
Deliver Gundren's cart of supplies to Barthen's Provisions (reward 50 gold pieces, just completed)
Escort Sildar to Phandalin (reward 50 gold pieces, though Sildar said it would take him time to get the money to you)
Find the origin of the lion-branded crates and barrels in the goblin cave (reward unknown)
Find Gundren Rockseeker, and either free him or return his body to his family (reward unknown, though Sildar and his brothers will likely reward you)
Nate is relieved once Mr. Barthen welcomes us.
"Ah apologies - I'm not sure why I thought you two (Sildar/Barthen) would know each other. It's been a lot to take in. We all were injured quite badly bringing this wagon back. Thank you for the gold and we will do our best to find Gundren. Do you know perhaps what these supplies were for?" Nate playing dumb hoping to see if Mr. Barthen knows about the Lost Mine. Nate really really wants to find out more about this magical relic and feels drawn to it for some reason. If this means finding Gundren in order to find the location of the mine then that would be Nate's primary goal. "Also - we found this in the cave as well. Any chance you have an interest in it, or does it look familiar?" Nate shows Mr. Barthen the jade statuette of a frog with tiny golden orbs for eyes.
Nate then remembers noticing the manor house ruin when they first arrived in the town.
"Once we are done here how about we take a rest and then head over to the Manor to see if we can find any trace of Iarno. Ophirinn, you know the one I mean, right? Sildar - do you need any supplies?"
"Mr. Barthen, can you give us any more information about this Manor? What is it?"
Nate will buy: 4 rations, 1 crowbar - gives 4gp to Mr. Barthen
OOC: I added our quests to my char. sheet. I also still have our total tab for our monies and equipment we found in that cave plus this 50gp we just got, less the stuff I just bought. Ophirinn we can use the 2gp for your rations as well from the pot so just put those back in your wallet!
Well, grins Elmar, I hear tell they found the Lost Mine. Gundren wouldn't confirm or deny, as they say. Still, people are interested. Maybe they found it, maybe they just found another promising mine, who can say. But this is a prospector town, my friend, and lots of folks here make outlandish claims.
He takes the jade frog. Interesting, but I don't know anything special about it. Are you selling? I'll pay thirty gold for it, if you're willing to part with it.
I would...um... avoid going up to the manor these days. Not the safest place to be. His mood seems to change a little. You folks had best stay in the inn tonight and then head out tomorrow, maybe. Best that way, all around.
Sildar seems to notice his change in behaviour. To the inn, as you say. Perhaps that's best. He gives Nate a look, and then heads out of the shop.
Omnia during this has remained outside making observations of comings and goings and generally people watching
Omnia - Human Rogue Female (2) - LMoP
DM - The Pursuit of Knowledge - One Shot
"Deal" Nate gives the frog to Mr. Barthen and adds the 30gp to the party's pot.
"Well thanks for the information and we will take you up on your advice!" Nate says as he nods back at Sildar, but waits in the shop until his comrades finish up.
Omnia, make a Perception check as you observe the very few people who pass by or watch you from a distance.
Perception: 21
Omnia - Human Rogue Female (2) - LMoP
DM - The Pursuit of Knowledge - One Shot
Omnia, you notice that people are a little skittish around you, and are avoiding your gaze. You don't see anything that might explain this behaviour, however.
Nate is getting a bit claustrophobic in the store. Especially with Brom and Ophirinn in there it's getting a bit crammed :)
Nate asks one last question to Mr. Barthen before he steps out and meets back up with Sildar and Omnia:
"Would you be able to tell us where the inn is? Town looks small enough but may as well ask. Also - what's with the lack of people out and about?"
Nate, make a Persuasion check.