Tresvar makes herself useful in packing up the camp and loading everything.  She seems excited to be heading out on an important rescue mission.    

Quote from Bartjeebus >>

(Is it possible for Banjo to take a stroll into the city, either in the evening or in the morning before they leave, and spend his 50gp on purchasing some of the special inks necessary for copying spells?)

 ((It might be possible.

1 -Does Banjo ask his hostess for advice on where to purchase said inks, etc or does he just set off for himself?

2 - Roll an Investigation check.

3 -Then tell me whether he goes at night or morning.))

"Pardon me, Lady Kerowyn.  I wouldn't think to bother you with this but for our tight schedule.  You see, as a mage, there are certain materials I require in order to maximize my effectiveness and ability to keep and prepare spells.  The coin from our caravan work has given me the necessary funds to purchase some of those materials, but I have never been to the city of Neverwinter and have no basis on which to guess where the shops might be that would cater to wizards such as myself.  Is it possible that you know, or could find out, where such shops are located so I can make a quick sojourn into town and gather supplies?"

"As an alternative, if you know of such a shop in Oakhurst, well then that would eliminate the need for me to visit Neverwinter at all.  I could just do my shopping when we arrive.  I would be most grateful for any guidance you could offer."

Investigation: 15

I would prefer to have gone that evening, but I am not clear on exactly what time we wrapped up the introductions to Lady Kerowyn/goodbyes to Sneeze.  If there is still daylight remaining he would head out right then.  If it is already close to nightfall, he would wait until morning.

Banjo has 60gp to his name.  His shopping list is:

• 50gp worth of special inks.
• Pipe and small amount of tobacco

(Assuming he goes) -Tresvar will offer to escort Banjo if he would like.  “I’ve never been to this place, but we made a good team against that Boggart or whatever that was.  And maybe I’ll discourage trouble makers.”

As Livia approaches Lady Kerowyn about the letter to her parents, Serena nods approvingly and smiles to Livia. She briefly considers writing a letter of her own but decides it can wait to another day. Perception to notice mentioning of the name Nei:6 Knowledge to identify name as Waterdhavian noble:9

Serena is both a bit surprised and moved by Banjo´s empathic pledge to Lady Kerowyn. Unless Banjo get´s the help he needs in finding his supplies, Serena offers to give directions to a supplier in Neverwinter.

During the night Serena sleeps well, dreaming of adventures in The Sunless Citadel, her old friend Flappy the magic fey dragon turning up to rescue her at the end of the dream.

After breakfast Serena diligently helps out with preparations for moving on to Oakhurst, still staying close to Livia during their journey there, telling her, and anyone else who cares to listen, about Neverwinter, her poor farmer family and the not so liked Lord Protector Dagult Neverember. Perception not notice threats during trip to Oakhurst:19

"I'm also unfamiliar with Neverwinter.  I doubt any armed escort is necessary, but I will welcome the fine company, Tresvar," Banjo says with a kind smile.

He is likewise appreciative of any additional directions Serena can provide.

Serena notices Livia mentioning her family name, but has no associations with the name.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Lady Kerowyn replies to Banjo's inquiry that it being late, most stores are closed. As for a pipe and tobacco, she has some among the goods she is carrying - pipe 5cp, 1 lb tobacco 5sp.

She recalls a few of the finer magic supply stores her own daughter would frequent when accompanying her to Neverwinter. With her suggestions, Banjo easily finds the components and inks ((assuming you are purchasing for scribing/learning a spell - 50gp ink and components otherwise, ink is only 10gp per 1 ounce bottle)) he seeks in the morning and is back just as the last items are being loaded onto the wagon. 

Lady Kerowyn is eager to get travelling. She says that while Oakhurst is only a days travel from Neverwinter, she does not want to arrive too late. It is good that the days are getting longer as well. This should get them in before nightfall. She comments that there have been attacks by something or things lately on livestock and travelers at night near Oakhurst.

The trip itself is pleasant, being close enough to a major city's influence and several smaller settlements - much different than the harrowing travel along the High Road.

The wagon rolls north toward the later part of the afternoon. Lady Kerowyn points out the town of Oakhurst as it comes to view on the right. The road being travel on approaches at an odd angle and Serena mentions this. Kerowyn comments that yes, this is the New Road, which was made after the geologic upheavals of the Mt. Hotenow erruption made passage along the Old Road less convenient. Drawing closer the New Road comes to a sharp three way intersection, the road to the east continuing toward Oakhurst and the road to the north-west being the Old Road. She says that the Old Road leads to the ruins of The Sunless Citadel.

Steering the wagon to Oakhurst, the travelers arrive in Oakhurst.

As she drives the wagon through its streets to her manor and General Store, Kerowyn paints a charming picture of the town. Most of its 900 residents (including outlying farms) are human, with a sizable minority of halflings and a scattering of other races. She points out a few of places of interest along the way:

1. Village Hall
2. General Store (Owned by the Hercule family)
3. The Shrine of Pelor
4. Town Jail
5. The Blacksmith shop
6. Ol' Boar Inn and Tavern
7. Old Road
8. New Road

Banjo remembers to take note of the magic shop he and Tresvar visit... their selection, posted hours of operation, pricing, and customer service.  All this information he will record per Volo's review instructions.

Not needing to be constantly on guard, Banjo will enjoy the trip to Oakhurst, watching out for any scenic or interesting views or locations (Perception 6) and making small talk with his companions.

"No Serena, I'm afraid - or perhaps, happy - to say it doesn't appear my cousin had any encounters with any dragon cults.  Or didn't write about it if she did, though that would be grossly out of character.  No I'm afraid that is an unfamiliar subject for me.  Have any of you heard of any dragon cults?  I presume this refers to humanoids who worship dragons... not dragons engaging in their own cultish religious exercise?"

Since the team is heading into a dangerous ruin Serena would like to, if given the chance, trade in her leather armor for a studded ditto.

Quote from Oberon99 >>

Since the team is heading into a dangerous ruin Serena would like to, if given the chance, trade in her leather armor for a studded ditto.

 Kerowyn, mentions that the blacksmith makes and sells simple armors and likely could outfit Serena, or anyone else looking for a little better armor.

Other shops are also available within the town. ((Let me know what else your characters may want to shop for and I shall let you know what you can find))

As they arrive at the General Store Serena helps out with unpacking the wagon. "Lady Kerowyn, tomorrow morning we shall enter The Sunless Citadel in search for your lost children. Tymora willing we will return with them within long." Serena says to their client with a deep bow as they are ready to leave.

She then turns to Tresvar, Livia and Banjo. "What do you say, let´s explore this quaint little town this afternoon, making notes for Volo as we go along, before having dinner and a good nights sleep at the Ol´Boar Inn, and tomorrow we will enter those ruins fully prepared." She says with a wide smile and her hands at her hips.

(OOC: Serena would at least like to go by the blacksmith before dinner. :-)

Lady Kerowyn thanks Serena for her prayer. When she hears her mention the Inn however, she starts, "Oh. I thought you would stay at my manor, we have a couple extra rooms and I should think it at least a bit nicer than the inn. You may wish to grab a drink and a bite there, for certain. Of course, perhaps traveling adventurers prefer those sorts of establishments... I should certainly hope someone would have offered my children better accommodations." Then she sighs, "I am sorry, please do not let me impose. Have a look at the inn and decide for yourselves. Should you wish to spend the night here, however, you are always welcome."

--------------------------------------------------------------

When ready, the party heads first to the blacksmith. There they find a male dwarf, Rurik Lutgehr, hard at work. He takes a look at Serena's armor and considers her request and her proportions. "Hmmm. I don't have anything ready that would fit you as well as your current armor and making some new would take at least a week. However, if you would like to leave your armor here, I could reinforce it with metal studding and a liner for ... " He pauses as he looks over your armor and calculates, "38 gp - to have it ready by morning. Perhaps your companions wish some better equipment as well? Take a look around."

In the smithy are hung, from pegs along the wooden beams and pillars, arms and armor of simple but functional make:

Armor:

• Chain Shirt
• Breast plate
• Ring mail

Shields

• Bucklers
• Shields  

Weapons:

• Daggers
• Handaxe
• Javelin
• Light hammer
• Sickle
• Spear
• Dart
• Longsword
• Shortsword
• Warhammer
• Crossbow bolts
• A case for crossbow bolts

Assorted Adventuring Gear and Tools

• Block and tackle
• chain (10 feet)
• Hammer
• sledge hammer
• Whetstone
• smith's tools

Anything else would be special order.

"That´s most gracious of you Lady Kerowen. I can of course only speak for myself, but after a tour of your lovely town and dinner at the Inn I will gratefully accept your invitation to spend the night at your marvelous manor." Serena says smiling and bowing again before joining the others.

"38 pieces of gold, well that´s a lot of gold Mr. Lutgehr. What if I would pay you 25 pieces of gold and I would also make sure people in this town would know what good services you provided for the brave adventurers that were about to rescue Lady Kerowens lost children from the dreadful ruins of The Sunless Citadel?" Serena answers the blacksmith.
Persuasion to haggle down price:11 unless the blacksmith seems to take offense.

Banjo is happy to take a tour of the town with the others.  It may be an excellent opportunity to gather intelligence on this 'Sunless Citadel'.  He likewise agrees with staying at the manor.  It would be terribly bad form to turn down such a gracious offer.  

At the blacksmith:  "Mr. Lutgehr, as she indicates, we plan to plumb the depth of this Sunless Citadel and recover the missing youths.  As the local smith, I'd imagine you've outfitted scores of adventurers over the years.  Have you heard any of the stories about these ruins?  We are interested to hear what may await us when we enter..."

Tresvar says that she would be honored to accept Lady Kerowyn‘s  hospitality.

 From the smith or elsewhere in town, she would would like to purchase a lantern and some oil, and ask the blacksmith to mount a  hook onto her shield to hang the lantern from.  She says someone from the night watch in waterdeep gave her the idea, freeing up her sword arm for fighting.    She’s also interested in buying the warhammer, as a backup for her sword,  thinking also it might be useful for opening doors.   

Replying to Serena's attempt to haggle, the smith looks blankly at Serena. The a low rumble emerges from deep in his belly. It emerges in a deep chuckle then a full-throated laugh. "You are very funny. Perhaps you would like to pay more? I believe you can get a new studded leather armor from Stagglow's hunting and leatherwork for 45gp. As it is, I have the prtective lining needed and studs, but not the leather. To upgrade your armor while maintaining its fit and form, takes skill. I think you will appreciate it."

"You think it over, in the meantime, how may I help your friends?" Lutgehr takes Tresvar's shield and looks it over. "Sure, I could attach a hook here". indicating a point near the top of her shield, that would be 1 sp. I can do it now if you can wait. As for the lantern, if you are in a hurry, I would check at Hercule's General Store. The Warhammer is 15gp.

((assuming that Tresvar is okay with the cost of 1sp))

Lutgehr begins to work a piece of iron into a sturdy hook and attach it to her shield. While he works he banters with Banjo regarding the adventuring parties that have gone to the ruins. He recounts that a dragon cult that valued privacy and defense built the Sunless Citadel on the surface long ago. All record of the cult’s name has vanished, though various sources believe that it was associated with the dragon Ashardalon. He muses whether there is any relation to the Ashen Plain which the Old Road skirts, a barren area attributed to the long-ago rampage of Ashardalon. As for past adventurers, he just mentions that many have gone into the sunken fortress over the years. It must be habitable, however, he mutters, due to the goblins which 'infest' it. He spits in disgust onto the hot metal and the spittle sizzles away. He finds it a shame about the Hercule youth who caught the fever to adventure from a pair of adventurers who had come into town looking for others to join them in their foolhardy quest, a ranger and a paladin. He does not remember much more about the adventures, except the longsword the paladin had, very beautiful, certainly enchanted ~ had the name Shatterspike engraved upon it.

He finishes the hook and looks at it with admiration... "An excellent idea, they do this in Waterdeep you say? Hmmm, maybe I should start making it a regular option." 

"No harm in trying, huh?" Serena says and shrugs as Lutgehr laughs at her attempt to haggle a bit. "Fine, here´s your gold master dwarf." She says with a smile and counts up 38 pieces of gold for him. She then unabashedly undresses enough in the smithy to remove her leather armor, probably showing a bit more soft and fair skin than the dwarf is used to see in there, and then she swiftly dresses again. "Where do you want it master dwarf?" She asks with a smile and a wink holding the armor in front of her.

Serena listens attentively as Lutgehr tells them about the Sunless Citadel. History to recognize the name Ashardalon:21

Tresvar says “Thank you, very nice work.  And a good warhammer.  The gods be willing, we will be back to spend more money   Yes-  some on the waterdeep night watch have been doing this” 

(Took the money off my inventory and adding  the hammer).  She will go to the other store to purchase a lamp and a few flasks of oil. )

(ooc-  shield mounted lanterns were actually a real world thing, they even tried to design them so you could night-blind your opponents with them,  not sure how well that worked).