Sildar replies, "OldMan and I are setting out to ask around for Iarno and plan to make our way over to the Townmaster's Hall to have a frank conversation with the Townmaster."

"I don't want to speak for Jake but I would be glad to accompany you to Alderleaf Farm to speak with the boy further."

"Yes, let's travel to Alderleaf.  I want to know about these tunnels."

(Jake, Regula, Galben and Bearkiller make their way to the Alderleaf farm. As they apporach they see someone outside working)

(Galben) "Good day, would Queline Alderleaf be at home?"

The woman you approach is a halfling of forty-five. "I am Qelline. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. And who are you fine folk?" She proceeds to shake each person's hand.

(While shaking Qelline's hand) "My name is Galben and these are my traveling companions Jake, Regula, and Bearkiller. We are in town looking for a friend of ours named Gundred Rockseeker who has been taken. It has come to our attention that there is a group called the Redbrand Ruffians that are causing trouble in town and we are asking people around town about them because they may have a connection to the friend we are looking for. Can you tell us anything about the Ruffians or there dealings?"

"I am truly sorry to hear of your friend; however, I find it unlikely that he was taken by the Redbrands. Their exploits are focused much more locally on terrorizing and harassing locals. The Redbrands are a murderous, awful mob who have done so much harm to our village and we would do well to forge our own path forward. Their leader, Glasstaff, has led them in this brutality."

"Do you know where we could find this Glasstaff?"

"No, but as leader of the Redbrands, he'd likely be with them. They drink at the Sleeping Giant but I don't know where they operate out of. Certainly not there."

Regula looks around at the group, "We appreciate the information, but have you ever heard of Cragmaw Castle? That's where we've heard that our friend Gundren is being held."

Qelline thinks for a moment. "Can't say that I have, but a longtime friend of mine is a druid named Reidoth. I'd recommend that you visit him and ask for his help since there’s not an inch of the land he doesn’t know. I understand that Reidoth recently set out for the ruins of a town called Thundertree, just west of the Neverwinter Wood. The ruins are about fifty miles northwest of Phandalin, and I can write down directions so you can easily find the place."

Quest Unlocked: Reidoth the Druid.

(Galben) "That would be wonderful if you could write down the directions for us, we would greatly appreciate it."

(Galben turns to the group)

"We have three quests to go on if we would like, perhaps we should go get Thallan and OldMan and start out on one of those adventures."

We need to still talk to the townmaster.  I think Sildar and OldMan are headed that way.

(Bearkiller) "Thank you Qelline. We appreciated all of your help."

(Turning to the group) "Let's go get Thallan and find OldMan and Sildar"

"Yes, let's meet up and decide which adventure we will undertake."

Sildar and OldMan walk up to to the townmaster's hall.  Based on the stories told OldMan is wary of this Harbin West.  He keeps his wits about him while discussing not only the whereabouts of Iarno Albrek or Gundren Rockseeker but also his possible connection to the Redbrands.

Not sure of the local customs of how to enter a townmaster's hall or greet a city official.  OldMan lets Sildar lead the way and set the tone for the questioning.

(Before the group leaves the Alderleaf farm)

(Galben) "Would your son Carp be around? We met his friend Pip yesterday and we had a question for him about the woods around town since Pip said they play in them quite often."

Sildar and OldMan head toward the Townmaster's Hall. On the way, he shares with OldMan that while we can show some deference to the Townmaster, we should take everything he says with a heaping portion of salted pork. Still, perhaps he can shed some light on Iarno's fate.

As the two approach, you see that the hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: “REWARD—Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within.” The notice bears the town’s seal and an indecipherable signature.

Sildar and OldMan enter and are greated by a bored looking middle-aged human male who appears to be a clerk, who barely looks up from his work. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"My name is Sildar, and this is my companion, OldMan. I'm a member of the Lord's Alliance, and I am searching for a fellow member whom we lost contact with in Phandalin several fortnights ago. We'd like an audience with the Townmaster to discuss the matter."

"Alright, alright," the clerk says. "He's just through those double doors there."

"Thank you," Sildar responds but the clerk has already returned to his work. As Sildar and OldMan enter through the doors, they see a large room with natural daylight spilling in through large windows. Though not ostentatious, it's clear from what you've seen of the village that this is one of the nicer buildings in town.

As you enter the space, you see a male human crouching over a table with several large book registers open. From your conversations with other locals, you can tell immediately that this Harbin Wester—a banker who is also a fat, pompous old fool. Shaking his head at whatever he was working on, he sees the two of enter and awkwardly ambles over to greet you.

"Greetings! I am Harbin, Townmaster of Phandalin. I don't believe I've seen the two of you around these parts before."

"That's correct, sir" Sildar responds. "We only just arrived in Phandalin yesterday. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Sildar Hallwinter, a member of the Lord's Alliance, dispatched to this village to ascertain the whereabout of my colleague, Iarno Albrek, a short, dark-bearded human wizard in his thirties who the Alliance has lost contact with. We are here to inquire after him and to ascertain any information you might have on the matter. This is my traveling companion, OldMan."

Harbin considers the query a moment before responding, "Albrek, you say? I recognize the name. From what I understand, he disappeared about two months ago while exploring the area around Tresendar Manor up the hill, shortly after he arrived in town."

"That's a promising lead." Turning toward OldMan, "Perhaps you and the others can investigate the manor more thoroughly when you have time."

"I'm sorry I can't be of more help," Harbin replies. "Could certainly use the presence of the Lord's Alliance in these parts, what with the Orc trouble we've been having on the Trail. Nasty brutes. Harassing our local villagers and other travelers. In fact, I've put a bounty out for anyone who can dispose of the beasts. You would be doing the town of Phandalin a great service were you to take up your sword in this way."

Quest Unlocked: Orc Trouble. Harbin is looking for someone to head east on the Triboar Trail, where travelers have reported trouble with a band of orcs near Wyvern Tor. He offers 100 gp to any group that can take care of the problem.

"That sounds like a worthy pursuit," Sildar responds. "However, my orders are to remain in Phandalin until Iarno has been found. Perhaps you might know of a location I could establish something of an office to investigate the matter further?"

"Well, there's plenty of space here - plenty of extra closets and such that you could establish a base of operations. For a member of the Alliance, it's the least I could do." Harbin appears to turn his attention back to his work.

Turning back to OldMan in hushed tones, "By the looks and sounds of things, this town could use someone to help reestablish law and order. I will remain here and continue my investigation. I would encourage you and the others to pursue two leads: finding Gundren at Cragmaw Castle and finding Iarno and bring him back. We need to keep up the pressure on the Cragmaw goblins and I would gladly pay you all 600 gold as a reward if you can locate the Castle and defeat or drive off the tribe's chieftain. You all might find the castle by searching the lands around the Triboar Trail for more raiding parties."

Quest unlocked: Finding Cragmaw Castle.

"Townmaster Harbin? One last question: we have heard talk of a local group of thugs terrorizing the locals, the Redbrand Ruffians. What do you know of them?"

Harbin quickly spins back around to face the two of you, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Hmph. They're just a mercenary guild. Every town has one. They're not all that much trouble, really." Harbin returns to his work.

Whispering back to OldMan, "This whole situation stinks to high heaven and its clear Harbin needs a shove in the right direction to take action on these matters. When you search Tresendar Manor, if you cannot find Iarno alive, it would be helpful for my report to my superiors to know the fate of him, or what's left of him, if he has been killed. I deeply suspect foul play is afoot, and these Redbrands seem to be likely suspects. For ascertaining his fate and dispatching of the Redbrand scourge, I would pay an additional 200 gold as a reward."

Quest unlocked: Find Iarno & Eliminate the Redbrand Threat.

 

Just before entering the double doors, OldMan slips his familiar weasel onto the ground and mentally tells it to sneak along the wall in the townmasters room and search for clues and information.  While Sildar speaks to Harbin OldMan uses his ability to see from the eyes of the weasel.  Is there anything special the rodent can ascertain while Harden and Sildar speak?

OldMan agrees with Sildar and thinks the townmaster is not much help to the people of the town but maybe if our band can slowly knock off a few of the pressures on the townfolk then they can fend for themselves.  OldMan bows to the townmaster and prepares to leave with Sildar.  Having his weasel slip out with them as they exit.  Or out an open window if that is easier.

To Sildar after they have left.  "I will happily pass along this information to our group.  As anxious as I am to find a fellow wizard I am sure my group would be very interested in the opportunity to earn 600 gp looking for our common friend Gundren and ridding the world of some more goblins."

The weasel slinks along the side walls, slipping past Harbin, Sildar, and OldMan in their discussions, and finds a staircase leading down to what appears to be a cellar. Aside from your run-of-the-mill supplies stored here, OldMan, through the eyes of the weasel, sees a small but serviceable jail, consisting of two cells. The cells are empty but could be used to temporarily hold any prisoners that may be captured. Seeing nothing else of note, the weasel returns back to the main audience hall and OldMan (through weasel eyes) notices that Harbin carries two large skeleton keys on an iron ring around the waist of his robes, which you deduce are the keys to the jail cells.

Sildar, responding to OldMan, "I think it sounds a worthy pursuit, OldMan. Once Gundren is returned, we can continue our search for Wave Echo Cave and help the Rockseeker brothers put it back into production. I think the prosperity derived from the mine could bring prosperity to the region and help civilize the town. Now, why don't you hurry off and meet up with the others, and I will remain here at the Townmaster's Hall to set up my office. I bid you safe travels in whatever leads you pursue; I certainly think we shall meet again soon!"

At that, Sildar turns on his heels and heads back into the Hall.