(OOC: Does anyone want to use the mace or breastplate?)

OOC: Mace doesn’t really fit Nemean’s style...

The breastplate wouldn’t give more AC cause he loses Dex bonus, but we don’t know the magical effect of it yet, right?

Also, is Nemean able to enchant both of his scimitars?

OOC: Finna can use breastplate if others don't mind. And am I right thinking forge would not work with crossbows? :)

"Well, should we leave then? Do not know about you, but I am ready to see the sky again."

OOC: Couldn't hurt to try, right? Feel free to list any other items you'd like to place in the brazier and I can resolve it all at once.

OOC: well, we are going back (I think) and there are money for a new crossbow... Finna will try to turn that one into magical!

The flames work their magic on Finna's crossbow as well, strengthening it past the normal bounds of its craftsmanship.

OOC: Updated Finna's inventory with a +1 crossbow.

OOC: Roland will stick his other swords through, if there aren't any objections. Can never have too many magic weapons.

Nemean will insert his other scimitar into the forge. If it’s successful he will also try with his Longbow.

Thulgrim will do the same with his axe. He has no desire to enchant any of his other weapons.

Thulgrim sighs a heavy sigh and then says: Clanggedin's beard, I've nae felt so 'appy to be done with th' fightin', an' yet so sorry to be leavin' none fer me clansmen. Then facing the others he crosses his thick arms across his chest in respectful salute and declares:

I cannae thank ye enough fer what ye've done fer Gundren and his brothers, an' ye've gone far beyond what ye'd been 'ired fer. I know ye've got yer agreed reward, but ye'll be welcome 'ere with the Rockseekers whenever ye chance this way, and 'ave the very best o' dwarven 'ospitality. I'll be sure that our songmakers know all o' what ye've done 'ere, and we'll sing yer praises 'round the forge and tap fer generations to come. Clanggedin's favour be upon ye!

And with that he bows a deep bow, and as he rises you can almost detect the hint of a glistening tear on his eye before he turns away...

Finna returned the salute - universal for anyone, who knows his way around the blades. "Was an honor and a pleasure to fight by your side, Thulgrim Ironhand. Should our paths cross again, you can count on my blade." She smiled, "Crossbow too - especially now." "Live well, friend!"

OOC: Updated Nemean, Roland, and Thulgrim's inventories with their strengthened weapons.

Carry on, will advance once the next action is taken.

Nemean admires the new glint on his old trusted scimitars. He twirls his blades and admires the weight of the weapons before he sheaths them with a flashy flourish. 

He stands wide eyed, as he hears Thulgrim’s words, and he returns the Dwarf’s salute. “A finer warrior, I have never seen. The sight of that bearded ball of fury, bouncing it ways across these mines... SLASHING and CHOPPING everything in its path...“ Nemean here broke his salute and excitedly mimicked Thulgrim and his axes with a violent chopping motion with his hands... “You were a true wonder to behold my friend.” He bowed deep in his own Tabaxi style, and bid farewell to his companion.

Roland returns the bow, with a casual salute. "It has been a pleasure to fight by your side Thulgrim. We took down some mighty foes in our wrath. I wish you the all the best."

Thulgrim will accompany the heroes to the mine entrance and confer with Nundro, whether he wants to reunite with Gundren in Phandalin or remain at the mine and wait for the other dwarves to arrive. He will then bid final farewell (for now) to the others.

OOC: Before we wrap up here, which route are you all taking out of the mine?

Not though the fungus cave, I say.

I’m okay with doubling back a bit to avoid the fungus.

so maybe go back up through the room with the bellows and then head south straight out?

Sounds good to me.

DM Screen:

With new and old companions alike bonded by the liberation of Wave Echo Cave from its former guardians and undead menace, the party ventures back into the smelter cavern, past the bellows and into the great cavern still filled with remnants of the battle with the ghouls. The tunnels in the south part of the mine are equally quiet.

Something seems off in the southern cavern. The bodies of dead bats and stirges that cover the floor still remain in that state, but as you enter the cavern, some of them begin to stir. Four of the stirges are still alive, examining the corpses that have been left here. They take to the air, darting hungrily toward you.

Initiative:

Blood Drain vs. Finna: 13
Blood Drain vs. Nemean: 8
Blood Drain vs. Roland: 20 Damage: 4
Blood Drain vs. Thulgrim: 11

One of the stirges jabs its proboscis into Roland's arm as the rogue brings his sword up to defend himself. The others dart angrily about the rest of the party, searching for an opening to strike.

Round 1 Order:
Stirges
Players <=====

Placement:
One stirge is engaged in melee combat with Finna.
One stirge is engaged in melee combat with Nemean.
One stirge is attached to Roland.
One stirge is engaged in melee combat with Thulgrim.

Tracking:
Roland is badly wounded.
Finna is lightly wounded.
Nemean is lightly wounded.

Cure Wounds 13  on Roland