Your perception roll matches your intuition from your passive perception; you suspect he is an honest, respectable business man.

" I have no problem leaving those supplies here for tonight." (Looks to the rest of the group) "What do you all think?"

"Barthen, Would you have any interest in these two saddles that we have? If so, what would you offer?"

"Hmm." Barthen inspects the saddles. "These appear to be well-used riding saddles. I think 14 gp for the pair is a fair price."

(Galben thinks about the offer for a minute doing some math in his head)

"That sounds fair. We'll accept that offer." 

"Is there a shop in town that we could sellor trade these extra weapons we have?" 

"Galben, I do believe those saddles were on the slain mounts of Sildar and Gundren.  Perhaps we should return them? As for the liberated provisions, I have no problem leaving them in Barthen's care for the night."

"Good Barthen, you run a general store, don't you?  Do you know where we may procure weapons? I seem to have made kindling from my quarterstaff."

"That is true Jake. We'll leave them here for them. (Giving a nod to Barthen)

"Barthen, it appears the Gundren has been taken prisoner.  I am not familiar with his captors, but they are within a days ride. I think we plan to investigate tomorrow."

Barthen's shoulders slump at the news of Gundren. "Oh dear, that is indeed sad news. Gundren is such a good friend, and while I am too old for battle, I do hope that you will investigate his capture at some point. It might be helpful for you to know that two more Rockseeker brothers, Nundro and Tharden, are camped somewhere outside town. I haven't seen them in a tenday but I expect the brothers to return any day now to resupply.

As to your other inquiry, there are many excellent businesses here in Phandalin that can outfit all your needs, and it would not surprise me if you were to also stumble upon additional work to be done, should you desire it. You are quite right about my inventory, though: my supplies can provision the saavy adventurer for many a journey; however, for weapons and armor, Linene at the Lionshield Coaster can provide what you're looking for. I will send young Ander here over first thing in the morning to let her know that you will be paying a visit to discuss the recaptured stores, and I will certainly put in a good word for you all as well.

But now, at the risk of sounding rude, the hour is getting quite late, and while Phandalin is by and large a safe village, we have had our share of trouble recently, so I wouldn't suggest reconnoitering past dark unless necessary. I am happy to supply whatever adventuring needs you might need tomorrow, though, so please do come back to visit me again."

Motions for his two clerks to take lead of the oxen in order to securely stow the provisions for the evening.

"Oh, and lest I forget!" You see Barthen rummaging around in the folds of his robes. "Ah, here it is. Myself and several other local merchants commissioned this handy map of our little hamlet. It might be helpful to you as you peruse the many wares that Phandalin has to offer."

As you bid good night to Barthen and make your way just down the road toward the Stonehill Inn, you get the sense that the town seems very quiet. Where people once strolled and played, the village is now empty as it has gotten dark. 

Making your way toward the center of town, you come upon a large, newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers. The common room is filled with locals nursing mugs of ale or cider, all of them eyeing you with curiosity. When you enter, you see Sildar sitting at a large table motioning you over.

"Welcome friends! As promised I have secured us food, drink, and lodging for the evening." Motions toward the innkeeper, a short, friendly looking young human male.

"Good evening, weary travellers, and welcome to my establishment. My name is Toblen Stonehill, and Sildar here told me a great tale of your bravery. Sit, sit, please. You all must be tired and hungry."

Sildar replies, "Yes, thank you Toblen. I think 7 portions of the evening meal would do us well, and the same number of flaggons of ale."

"Very good, sir." You see Toblen scurry off toward the kitchen.

"And, most importantly, I am a man of my word." places a coin purse on the table. "There is 10 gold for each of you in there!"

You see a barmaid filling your flaggons of ale before delicately balancing all of them on the way to the table. "'Evenin'. Here's the ales yous ordered. Names Elsa. Give me a shout if you need anythin'."

"Thank you, Elsa." Raising his mug to the group, Sildar toasts, "Here's to you - erm, what should I call your group anyway?" 

 

 

"Thank you Sildar, we appreciate all you have done. We left your saddle with Barthen so you can pick it up when you'd like."

(Looking at the group) I never really thought about a name, what do you all think?

Jake ponders for a moment. "I think it's a bit premature.  I just met all of you. I am interested in the release of Gundren, and I would like to band together with you to that end.  After that, who knows?"

"That is fair even that famous bard group Derek and the Dragonborns didn't become an official group until years after they had been performing together."

(Galben looks around at the group as he finishes a drink of ale)

"I was thinking we would spend a couple days in town a chance for us to get a run of the land and resupply, what do you all think of that?"

"Well, no rush on the name," Sildar says. "I just thought I should know how to address you all as I avail your tales to others." Turning to Galben, "There is certainly plenty to see and do in Phandalin, and I think you will find many a lead around town. Take this inn, for instance. Look around at all these people here; each has a story that you might find interesting if you simply ask."

Toblen returns with several plates of food, along with another woman carrying equal portions. "Here you go, dinner is served. This is my wife, Trilena, by the way. Don't hesitate to let either of us know if you need anything at all."

"I think a couple days in town would be a good idea. I have some provisions to purchase.  My robes are so thin it recently felt as if I wasn't wearing any.  We also have many questions to get answers to but we shouldn't waste time since we know Gundren is in need of our rescue.  With this task under our belts we could probably come back to this village as heroes and be well cared for. Shall we plan on pressing on together at dawn two mornings after tomorrow?  Silden will you be joining us?"

"Forgive him Sildar when he (OldMan) drinks he apparently forgets names, haha. (Turning to Oldman) Two dawns should be enough time I hope".

(Galben looks at Tolben and Trilena). "Has anyone unusual come through town lately? Besides us of course. Also, do you know the history of this town?"

"I think this sounds like a good course of action," Regula says between bites of food. "I would like to see what types of weapons are available at the Lionshield Coaster, and it would do my soul good to visit the shrine as well."

"No offense taken as we have only just met in any event!" Sildar says. "Well, OldMan, did I hear that name correctly? My chief concern at this moment is ascertaining the fate of my contact, Iarno Albrek. It is unlike him to go without a report this long, and I fear something has happened to him here in Phandalin. I plan to ask around tomorrow to see if I can gather more information on his whereabouts. Once I've secured an understanding of the facts on the ground, who can say what my next steps may be? A day at a time, I think, for me - at least for now."

Hearing Galben's question, Toblen pulls up a chair. "Well, let me tell you, I have been in Phandalin many a year now. Originally, my plans were to prospect in the hills, but I soon realized that I knew a lot more about running an inn than I did about mining. I think you'd find many a folk in this here village in similar straits. Phandalin offered Trilena and me a good opportunity to become established, but I'll level with you: recent times have been tough, on all of us. A group of thugs called the Redbrand Ruffians have been allowed to terrorize this town. It's outrageous, I say! Harbin West, our townmaster, has barely lifted a finger to try to curtail their influence. But, you know, I'm just a humble innkeeper; I try to steer clear of trouble and political matters. And I certainly wouldn't want the Redbrands to retaliate against my wife and children." Motions to Trilena, who has been listening intently to the conversation.

"That's right!" Trilena says. "Why I heard that Thel Dendrar, a local woodcarver, stood up to the Redbrands just a tenday ago when they came by his shop and leered at his lovely wife. The ruffians murdered him in cold blood! Can you imagine? Several townsfolk saw it happen. The Redbrands grabbed his body, and now his wife, daughter, and son have gone missing too. To think what they must be going through right now!” Trilena's voice catches in her throat a bit as she says the words. She sighs, releasing the tension, "But, you know, we just have to do our best to make it through the day." She looks lovingly at her husband and puts her arms around his shoulders.

Patting his wife's hands, Toblen replies, "That we do, my love. That we do."