Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past.
Phandalin’s residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.
Today, however, is a bit different from the usual days of the town. After sending out a call of aid to the major cities, the town is bustling with life as adventurers fill its streets. In fact, a particular set of newly acquainted adventurers has arrived at the entrance of the town. Whilst the caravan they arrived with heads towards Barthen's Provisions, the group finds themselves with some free time. The Stonehill Inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster’s hall, is a job board for adventurers.
A red-haired half-elf walks through the town, almost with beady-eyed wonder. His green cloak conceals his weapons and armor as he scans the area, taking note of the residents. He strokes the bristles of his chin when he reaches the Stonehill Inn and takes out a pen and quill, searching for the name in the book his parents gave him. "I don't see it here anywhere," he whispers before stepping into the inn.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Vimak looms over the elves around him, like a grey mountain surrounded by a forest. He watches the crowds of adventurers around them, subtly moving between anyone who looks potentially dangerous and the friends he met on the caravan down from Waterdeep.
As he has done for years, that morning he shaved his head and face with one of his hand axes. Each calf has one strapped to it. A worn battle ax and a battered shield are on his back. He is used to seeing the tops of heads and hats and this town is no exception. Vimak looks toward the job board for adventurers and then toward Stonehill Inn. He steps toward the inn, remembering to duck his head on the way in--no reason to knock the building off its foundation.
"A snack after travel is always a good idea," he says.
Hurrying slightly to catch up, and muttering something repeatedly under his breath, a young elven male follows his half-elven companion into the inn. "Hold up there..." he says (a little too loudly) as he enters, and then more quietly: "...do you know this place? Can we rest here? Can we put our things..down at least....?".
Anyone looking over at this less-than-subtle entrance, might notice an elf that is weary from the road, and obviously not used to his heavy travelling gear. He pulls the hood of his cloak back and his long strawberry-blond hair falls around his face. On first glance, he appears to be quite dashing: a slight and youthful frame; pale, slender face; and pointed, pure-blood, ears and nose - possibly reminiscent of some of the nobler bloodlines. However, this perhaps perfect image of a High Elf is somewhat marred by his hands that won't stop fidgeting in mid air, as if playing with some invisible thread, and his constant muttering as if he's desperately trying to memorise a long shopping list before it's lost entirely.
His companion is almost completely forgotten for the time being as he stands staring in to the middle distance. Lips moving silently now. His fingers repeating a complex series of rhythmic flicks as if conducting a tiny invisible orchestra. Then the door to the inn hits him rudely from behind, snapping him out of his distractions for now...
Prosper is a slight figure among the crowds of the streets, taller than average and dressed in an startlingly green and orange tunic, cloak wrapped tightly around her body as protection against the cold. Her blond hair is tied back in a ponytail, strands already struggling to escape. She glances around the town with keen-eyed interest, craning her head up to read each sign as it passes, and the spring in her step makes her seem younger than she is.
Her stride takes her towards the tavern, alongside her companions, occasionally bringing her into the paths of other passersby, most of which she only just manages to avoid, with a muttered apology.
She enters the inn a half-step behind her companions, accidentally shoving a little in her haste. "Phandalin, finally!"She exclaims with good cheer, looking around the tavern for an empty table that could sit all five of them. "Not a bad place, this. You think they sell food? I can go for something to eat, I'm famished." She turns her head to look at Tahnis. "What're you looking for? Have you been here?"
Tahnis nods at the pair of elves, almost taken aback at first as he shows them the book his parents gave them. He smiles at the large stone-like man who he's never seen before. "I think my mother mentioned something about giant people." He turns to the elven woman. "This was a book my mother and father gave me before I left Solace. It has places where I should visit, though they didn't write anything about Phandalin." He turns to the page marked Sword Coast. Some cities are written in smaller handwriting - Smiling Siren written in big letters - and one note was written in large handwriting - "Stay Away From Undermountain."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
As you all enter the inn, a little bell jingles above you. The inn isn't too full, only having a few adventurers sitting at tables with drinks and food in hand. A short male human stands behind the bar, handing out a tankard to patron before turning to your group. "Ah! Welcome! More adventurers, aye? Please, take a seat and I'll be with you in a second."
There are plenty of tables for the five of you to sit at as well as an empty booth to the side of the room.
Robwin smiles thanks towards the gentleman at the bar and moves towards the nearest seat.
He extends his hand towards the stool, his middle- and ring-fingers making a subtle beckoning gestures. He speaks “thank you” in elvish (to no one in particular) and a faintly shimmering hand appears beside the stool and gently pushes it towards him the last few inches, as he collapses in to it.
"Yup, that’s right. Thank you, we'll seat ourselves."Prosper chirps. She takes the seat closest to her, raising an eyebrow to make sure the rest of her companions are fine with their seating arrangements before pulling a stool towards her, grateful to be resting her feet after a long journey. She shifts her chair slight so she is closer to the hearth (assuming there is one).
When the man comes back, if he does, Prosper will order a mug of ale for herself, and whatever he recommends to eat, and plenty of it. She'd also ask after prices for a night's stay.
Adas is a wood elf with a fit build and neutral colored clothes. He walks with a confident stride through the small town but is head is constantly on a swivel. Not for danger mind you but to take in the land and it's people. He steps in to the inn with the others from his new found companions he had met with the caravan. He lowers his travel hood, revealing spiky disheveled brown hair.
He adjusts the bow holstered at his side as he sits with the group, "Feels good to have reached the town. I ,of course, love being outdoors but a soft bed does wonders. After we have a bite we should see about his call they put out to adventurers."
As you all sit down and make yourselves comfortable, the innkeeper arrives at your table with a bright smile. "Welcome again, adventurers, to the Stonehill Inn! The name's Toblen Stonehill. A pleasure and relief to have you here in our small town. So, what can I get for you all today?" He nods along as you each make your orders, recommending their cheese to Prosper. "It's not much but it's something in a small place like this. A night's stay here will be 5 silver per person. We only got a few rooms available so you'll probably need to have a room with three."
After you all order your food, he hops off to the back of the bar where he starts preparing your meals. It's but a few minutes later that he returns to your table with a variety of meats, cheeses and bread as well as a few mugs of ale.
(OOC: Prices are 1sp for food and 4cp for a mug of ale per person.)
Tucking in to his food, Robwin says to the group “I think at least for tonight, we should take rooms here, before they’re taken by anyone else! I don’t mind sharing. I have all my life... At home... in the college dormitories... I wouldn’t mind a bath though. If... if they have one?”. He looks slightly deflated at the though that they might not, but smiles again in spite of himself.
(he looks out of the window trying to gauge the time of day)
To the barkeep (if he goes by): “Good Toblen?... As you’ve guessed, we’re here to help against the dragon. But we haven’t seen anything of it on the road here. Have you seen the creature?”
Vimak orders five ales, a loaf of bread, two roast chickens, a tomato, and a head of lettuce. Using his hand axes, which are mirror bright with cleanliness, he dices and slices until he has several large sandwiches. "What are all of you eating?" he says.
He sits with his back to the room, in-between it and his friends. "I believe we've all met as we accompanied the caravan? I am Vimak Hellbringer Katho-Laga," he says, "Prosper and I worked the fighting pits together." He puts another sandwich in his mouth and looks up as Robwin addresses the barkeep, curious to know as well how they can help the town.
Hands the coin to Toblen and takes joy in the simple yet nourishing meal. He chuckles when Robwin mentions a bath, "If they have a bath it will be a tub of ice cold water my friend, prepare yourself." Turning to Vimak, "Aye, Vimak I remember you. Fighting pits eh? You did not mention that around the fires. As I said before I am Adas, clergy of the hunt. You can have faith in me that I will cover your back."
(OOC: Holy shit haha. Well, for Vimak, it'll be 3sp instead of just 1.)
Vimak's meal comes a little while after due to the sheer amount of food and specific request he makes. As Toblen places down the food, he turns to Robwin. "Nay, can't say I've seen it myself but there's been a lot of word that the dragon's growing bolder and bolder each day, expanding its territory and getting closer to the town. A lot of us are mainly worried 'bout the people outside of town, to be honest. Preparing the town is one thing but the poor folks closer to its territory are in a lot more danger than us."
"Is there someone in town that was responsible for the request for adventurers? Someone we can speak to that can point us in the right direction?" Adas asks the innkeep.
Tahnis nods and makes a note about a dragon. "Who are these people outside of the town? Why are they in danger? Does this dragon just fly around and cause chaos?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Robwin is starting to relax a little now that he’s got a little food inside him (although his free hand still seems preoccupied with scribing various patterns in the air).
He nods too and looks from Tahnis to Toblen, “Surely the town is the safest place to be right now, no? Who would still be venturing beyond its limits? Are there still farmsteads that way? Rangers?”.
And if the conversation progresses to other things: “On a separate note, would you happen to know of any practitioners of the arcane arts in town? Books, scrolls, magics? Anything. If there is anyone... I would dearly like to compare notes, so that we might better prepare for what is to come”.
Prosper orders a simple meal of bread, cheese, and bacon according to the innkeeper's suggestion, nodding at Robwin's suggestion. "We'll take whatever rooms you have then, sir, and sort out rooming arrangements later. I could do with a bath too, truth be told."She'll offer however many coins to Toblen as is necessary to cover the price of the rooms, before leaning back to enjoy the meal.
"Yeah, I worked the fighting pits for some time before this caravan job. It's," She shrugs, "not something I'd advertise? This is a much more cushy arrangement, for me, at least."
She frowns when the innkeeper mentions the encroaching dragon. "People still have to go on with their lives. Farmers can't upend their homes easily. Toblen, do you know someone who might know more about this? We might as well wander about town a little while we're here, see if we can't do something to shore up defenses."
MAP OF PHANDALIN
PLAYERS:
Al_the_bard - Tahnis Grey, Half-Elf Ranger
Ducas - Prosper Anselm, Elf Rogue
Grwobert - Robwin, Elf Wizard
Squaretoes - Vimak Hellbringer Katho-Lago, Goliath Fighter
Whitehart79 - Adas Dizlalin, Elf Cleric
Welcome to Dragon of Icespire Peak! For your first post, why don't you all introduce your characters?
A red-haired half-elf walks through the town, almost with beady-eyed wonder. His green cloak conceals his weapons and armor as he scans the area, taking note of the residents. He strokes the bristles of his chin when he reaches the Stonehill Inn and takes out a pen and quill, searching for the name in the book his parents gave him. "I don't see it here anywhere," he whispers before stepping into the inn.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Vimak looms over the elves around him, like a grey mountain surrounded by a forest. He watches the crowds of adventurers around them, subtly moving between anyone who looks potentially dangerous and the friends he met on the caravan down from Waterdeep.
As he has done for years, that morning he shaved his head and face with one of his hand axes. Each calf has one strapped to it. A worn battle ax and a battered shield are on his back. He is used to seeing the tops of heads and hats and this town is no exception. Vimak looks toward the job board for adventurers and then toward Stonehill Inn. He steps toward the inn, remembering to duck his head on the way in--no reason to knock the building off its foundation.
"A snack after travel is always a good idea," he says.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Hurrying slightly to catch up, and muttering something repeatedly under his breath, a young elven male follows his half-elven companion into the inn. "Hold up there..." he says (a little too loudly) as he enters, and then more quietly: "...do you know this place? Can we rest here? Can we put our things..down at least....?".
Anyone looking over at this less-than-subtle entrance, might notice an elf that is weary from the road, and obviously not used to his heavy travelling gear. He pulls the hood of his cloak back and his long strawberry-blond hair falls around his face. On first glance, he appears to be quite dashing: a slight and youthful frame; pale, slender face; and pointed, pure-blood, ears and nose - possibly reminiscent of some of the nobler bloodlines. However, this perhaps perfect image of a High Elf is somewhat marred by his hands that won't stop fidgeting in mid air, as if playing with some invisible thread, and his constant muttering as if he's desperately trying to memorise a long shopping list before it's lost entirely.
His companion is almost completely forgotten for the time being as he stands staring in to the middle distance. Lips moving silently now. His fingers repeating a complex series of rhythmic flicks as if conducting a tiny invisible orchestra. Then the door to the inn hits him rudely from behind, snapping him out of his distractions for now...
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Prosper is a slight figure among the crowds of the streets, taller than average and dressed in an startlingly green and orange tunic, cloak wrapped tightly around her body as protection against the cold. Her blond hair is tied back in a ponytail, strands already struggling to escape. She glances around the town with keen-eyed interest, craning her head up to read each sign as it passes, and the spring in her step makes her seem younger than she is.
Her stride takes her towards the tavern, alongside her companions, occasionally bringing her into the paths of other passersby, most of which she only just manages to avoid, with a muttered apology.
She enters the inn a half-step behind her companions, accidentally shoving a little in her haste. "Phandalin, finally!" She exclaims with good cheer, looking around the tavern for an empty table that could sit all five of them. "Not a bad place, this. You think they sell food? I can go for something to eat, I'm famished." She turns her head to look at Tahnis. "What're you looking for? Have you been here?"
Tahnis nods at the pair of elves, almost taken aback at first as he shows them the book his parents gave them. He smiles at the large stone-like man who he's never seen before. "I think my mother mentioned something about giant people." He turns to the elven woman. "This was a book my mother and father gave me before I left Solace. It has places where I should visit, though they didn't write anything about Phandalin." He turns to the page marked Sword Coast. Some cities are written in smaller handwriting - Smiling Siren written in big letters - and one note was written in large handwriting - "Stay Away From Undermountain."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
As you all enter the inn, a little bell jingles above you. The inn isn't too full, only having a few adventurers sitting at tables with drinks and food in hand. A short male human stands behind the bar, handing out a tankard to patron before turning to your group. "Ah! Welcome! More adventurers, aye? Please, take a seat and I'll be with you in a second."
There are plenty of tables for the five of you to sit at as well as an empty booth to the side of the room.
Robwin smiles thanks towards the gentleman at the bar and moves towards the nearest seat.
He extends his hand towards the stool, his middle- and ring-fingers making a subtle beckoning gestures. He speaks “thank you” in elvish (to no one in particular) and a faintly shimmering hand appears beside the stool and gently pushes it towards him the last few inches, as he collapses in to it.
casting mage hand cantrip
He removes his heavy travelling cloak and seems to have no visible weapons. He relaxes in to the chair.
(if any of the party engages the barkeep he’ll order something simple like bread and meat but for now he just sits and takes the strain off).
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Tahnis' ears perk up at the stranger as he waits to be addressed. He orders some food while he waits.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"Yup, that’s right. Thank you, we'll seat ourselves." Prosper chirps. She takes the seat closest to her, raising an eyebrow to make sure the rest of her companions are fine with their seating arrangements before pulling a stool towards her, grateful to be resting her feet after a long journey. She shifts her chair slight so she is closer to the hearth (assuming there is one).
When the man comes back, if he does, Prosper will order a mug of ale for herself, and whatever he recommends to eat, and plenty of it. She'd also ask after prices for a night's stay.
Adas is a wood elf with a fit build and neutral colored clothes. He walks with a confident stride through the small town but is head is constantly on a swivel. Not for danger mind you but to take in the land and it's people. He steps in to the inn with the others from his new found companions he had met with the caravan. He lowers his travel hood, revealing spiky disheveled brown hair.
He adjusts the bow holstered at his side as he sits with the group, "Feels good to have reached the town. I ,of course, love being outdoors but a soft bed does wonders. After we have a bite we should see about his call they put out to adventurers."
As you all sit down and make yourselves comfortable, the innkeeper arrives at your table with a bright smile. "Welcome again, adventurers, to the Stonehill Inn! The name's Toblen Stonehill. A pleasure and relief to have you here in our small town. So, what can I get for you all today?" He nods along as you each make your orders, recommending their cheese to Prosper. "It's not much but it's something in a small place like this. A night's stay here will be 5 silver per person. We only got a few rooms available so you'll probably need to have a room with three."
After you all order your food, he hops off to the back of the bar where he starts preparing your meals. It's but a few minutes later that he returns to your table with a variety of meats, cheeses and bread as well as a few mugs of ale.
(OOC: Prices are 1sp for food and 4cp for a mug of ale per person.)
Tucking in to his food, Robwin says to the group “I think at least for tonight, we should take rooms here, before they’re taken by anyone else! I don’t mind sharing. I have all my life... At home... in the college dormitories... I wouldn’t mind a bath though. If... if they have one?”. He looks slightly deflated at the though that they might not, but smiles again in spite of himself.
(he looks out of the window trying to gauge the time of day)
To the barkeep (if he goes by): “Good Toblen?... As you’ve guessed, we’re here to help against the dragon. But we haven’t seen anything of it on the road here. Have you seen the creature?”
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Vimak orders five ales, a loaf of bread, two roast chickens, a tomato, and a head of lettuce. Using his hand axes, which are mirror bright with cleanliness, he dices and slices until he has several large sandwiches. "What are all of you eating?" he says.
He sits with his back to the room, in-between it and his friends. "I believe we've all met as we accompanied the caravan? I am Vimak Hellbringer Katho-Laga," he says, "Prosper and I worked the fighting pits together." He puts another sandwich in his mouth and looks up as Robwin addresses the barkeep, curious to know as well how they can help the town.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Hands the coin to Toblen and takes joy in the simple yet nourishing meal. He chuckles when Robwin mentions a bath, "If they have a bath it will be a tub of ice cold water my friend, prepare yourself." Turning to Vimak, "Aye, Vimak I remember you. Fighting pits eh? You did not mention that around the fires. As I said before I am Adas, clergy of the hunt. You can have faith in me that I will cover your back."
(OOC: Holy shit haha. Well, for Vimak, it'll be 3sp instead of just 1.)
Vimak's meal comes a little while after due to the sheer amount of food and specific request he makes. As Toblen places down the food, he turns to Robwin. "Nay, can't say I've seen it myself but there's been a lot of word that the dragon's growing bolder and bolder each day, expanding its territory and getting closer to the town. A lot of us are mainly worried 'bout the people outside of town, to be honest. Preparing the town is one thing but the poor folks closer to its territory are in a lot more danger than us."
"Is there someone in town that was responsible for the request for adventurers? Someone we can speak to that can point us in the right direction?" Adas asks the innkeep.
Tahnis nods and makes a note about a dragon. "Who are these people outside of the town? Why are they in danger? Does this dragon just fly around and cause chaos?"
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Robwin is starting to relax a little now that he’s got a little food inside him (although his free hand still seems preoccupied with scribing various patterns in the air).
He nods too and looks from Tahnis to Toblen, “Surely the town is the safest place to be right now, no? Who would still be venturing beyond its limits? Are there still farmsteads that way? Rangers?”.
And if the conversation progresses to other things: “On a separate note, would you happen to know of any practitioners of the arcane arts in town? Books, scrolls, magics? Anything. If there is anyone... I would dearly like to compare notes, so that we might better prepare for what is to come”.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Prosper orders a simple meal of bread, cheese, and bacon according to the innkeeper's suggestion, nodding at Robwin's suggestion. "We'll take whatever rooms you have then, sir, and sort out rooming arrangements later. I could do with a bath too, truth be told." She'll offer however many coins to Toblen as is necessary to cover the price of the rooms, before leaning back to enjoy the meal.
"Yeah, I worked the fighting pits for some time before this caravan job. It's," She shrugs, "not something I'd advertise? This is a much more cushy arrangement, for me, at least."
She frowns when the innkeeper mentions the encroaching dragon. "People still have to go on with their lives. Farmers can't upend their homes easily. Toblen, do you know someone who might know more about this? We might as well wander about town a little while we're here, see if we can't do something to shore up defenses."