Qelline to Galben, "Of course. Let me fetch Carp." She hurries off toward the homestead as the party follows and exits a moment later with her son, Carp, a spirited and precocious halfling lad of ten years. "Carp, these nice men have a couple of questions for you about the forest that you and Pip play in."

(Galben to Carp)

" Hi Carp, we met your friend Pip last night at the Stonehill Inn. He said that when you were playing in the woods a day or two a go you stumbled upon a tunnel. Do you happen to remember where it was located or could you take us to it?"

"Are you guys real-life adventurers?" Carp says excitedly. "I want to be an adventurer so bad, but mother won't let me." Carp looks sheepishly at Qelline who simply smiles and shrugs. Speaking quickly, Carp says, "I know exactly where the tunnel is at - it's a place I've played many times before but this time, a couple of big ugly bandits came out of the tunnel and met with a pair of Redbrands. I know they were Redbrands because of their dirty, red cloaks. I kept real quiet like and they didn't see me, but boy, was it close! I had to hide behind a log and everything. It was so exciting! I think the bandits must have a secret lair under the old manor house or something. I can certainly show you the way if you want."

 

(Galben) "How about you meet us at the Stonehill Inn tomorrow morning and we will let you know when we would like you to go to the tunnel. How does that sound?

"Don't worry Qelline if we go into the woods we would keep good watch over Carp."

"I'd be happy to bring Carp by tomorrow morning; just keep him out of trouble and bring him home before pursuing any combatants. If you need a place to stay while in the area, I'm happy to offer up the hay loft in the barn. It's not much, but it's dry and free. Least I can do for you all in helping to rid us of the Redbrands."

(Galben)

"Wonderful, we will see you tomorrow morning"

(Galben looks at the group) "We have one more stop to make before we head back to the Inn since it is only early afternoon. Let's go to the Miner's exchange and speak with Halia Thorton. Then we can go back to the Stonehill Inn and tell the others of our news and decide or plan for tomorrow."

As OldMan leaves the townmasters hall and heads toward the miners exchange hoping to connect with the rest of the company.

(Galben, Regula, Jake, Bearkiller arrive at the miners exchange. They walk in.)

As the party approaches the Miner's Exchange, they see OldMan coming around the bend from the Townmaster's Hall. The party enters the exchange and is greeted by a young woman sitting at what appears a reception desk. Hearing Galben call out for Halia, she respond, "Um, good afternoon. Can I help you? Do you have an appointment to meet with Guildmaster Thornton? If you're selling any found valuables, I can assist with that."

OldMan greets the woman.  "Good Madam we don't have an appointment but we do have somewhat urgent business.  We have been crisscrossing this fine town inquiring to any information on our missing friend Gundren Rockseeker.  We believe he is being held against his will and are planning a rescue.  Also information on another missing person Iarno Albrek would be appreciated.  We also have heard of the struggles the town has had with the thugs the Redbrands.  This fine establishment seems to have been able to avoid troubles such as these and we wondered if we might inquire how and why?  We are a misfit band of adventurers but we have lately been looking to continue our run of luck ridding the world of evil."

When you mention the Redbrands, you see her eyebrows raise slightly, as shes eyes the group, "Very well. One moment please." She disappears through a large oak door in the portico and returns a few moments later. "Guildmaster Thornton will receive you. This way please." She leads you through the door and down a short corridor to a large, stately office. As you enter, a human woman sits behind a large desk, scales and coins organized neatly aside several large stacks of accounting ledgers.

"Please, come in. My assistant tells me you have some intriguing questions, and I find myself curious as to your intentions in Phandalin. I am Halia Thornton, guildmaster of the Miner's Exchange. How can I be of assistance?"

OldMan bows slightly as a sign of respect. "Good afternoon madam.  I assure you out intentions in Phandalin are of the utmost positive nature.  We have had some short adventure rescuing Sildar Hallwinter from a band of goblins on our way to deliver some merchandise.  In the process we learned our friend Gundren Rockseeker as also been kidnapped.  We believe he is being held against his will and are planning a rescue.  Also information on another missing person Iarno Albrek would be appreciated.  We also have heard of the struggles the town has had with the thugs the Redbrands.   As I told your assistant, we are a misfit band of adventurers but we have lately been looking to continue our run of luck ridding the world of evil.  Any information or help you can give us would be appreciated."

Halia sizes up the group before standing, leaning forward on her desk and proceeding, "Very interesting indeed. Interesting in that you would mention that this Sildar was rescued from a band of goblins. It's my understanding that the Redbrands, in fact, have a goblin minion serving them. If you suspect the one you're still looking for is being held by goblins, it might do you well to see what information can be gleaned from that creature. It would seem that we have a mutual interest in ridding this town of the Redbrands, then. The ruffians loiter around the Sleeping Giant tap house and have a base under Tresendar Manor, on the east edge of town. I would gladly part with 100 gp were you to eliminate the Redbrand leader and rid the town of the ruffians. Their leader is an outlaw who called Glasstaff. Bring me any correspondence found in the leader's quarters so I may better assess their means and methods, their network and contacts. It is imperative that we end their terror once and for all."

Quest Unlocked: Halia's Job Offer.

"I am disliking these Redbrands more and more with each person we talk to. We must act decisively.  Tomorrow,  when we meet with Carp, we should be prepared to take action against whoever or whatever are in the tunnels.  I have a feeling it might be Ruffians."

"I agree, Jake. It would seem that the only way out is through - the Redbrands that is. It would certainly do the town of Phandalin well to have the thugs eliminated. Guildmaster Thornton, you wouldn't know the location of Cragmaw Castle perchance? We have been led to believe that Gundren may be held captive there."

"I've heard of the castle but as to its exact whereabouts I am unfortunately in the dark. If the goblins you spoke of are in charge, your best bet will be to secure additional intel from a goblin or to search the countryside for roving bands. They have a tendency to frequently hide along the main trails."

"I do not have the desire to wander the countryside aimlessly, hoping to stumble into a goblin ambush. I say we find the Redbrands, find their goblin cohort, and extract the information we need from them.  By force if necessary.  May the wisdom of Ilmater guide us."

(Bearkiller)

"Thank you for the information, we know your time is valuable and we appreciate."

(Looking at the group)

"Should we go back to the StoneInn and chat awhile to figure out our options?"

OldMan speaks up.  "Thank you so much for your help and offer of future financial support as we hope to be able to reduce some of the lawlessness in the area.  This Glasstaff you spoke of.  Could you tell us what to expect out of him?  Does he wield magic as well as brawn?  Is he a cunning fighter or a mere brute?  Also, I wondered if you knew the number of ruffians in the Redbrands.  We are a mere 6 although the goblins we met probably died feeling like we were thrice that number.  Again we know you have much business to attend to but we would be more likely to succeed if we know all that we can."

"It's no trouble, particularly for those who would take on such a worthy quest. The Redbrands have kept their cards to close to their chest so it is difficult to know their true numbers. Perhaps 15-20 strong? That's mere conjecture, however. Glasstaff has never been seen in public so no one has any idea what specialties he might wield. I understand this is less than ideal intelligence; however, I do think you all seem more than capable, particularly given how well you dispatched the goblins by your own word. Any other questions I can answer?"