Darron raises one eyebrow and half-turns from his frothy ale as the loquacious Xenophon approaches. All the talk about noble rescues and service causes him to drop his head to his ale once more, muttering about 'only doing his duty', but when the dragonborn finishes with offering to pay for dinner, the head pops up once more and looks directly at the barkeeper. Toblen! he almost shouts. Hold off on the bread and dripping. I'll have that side of lamb tonight I think. And the veggies. And some of that pudding with the sweet sauce.

Then, turning to Xenophon with a crusty smile (and a brief glance at the handful of coins), and as the room grows gradually darker, he speaks with an air of mystery...

The tale eh? Have you heard the tales around here lately? The ones the speak of the Great Buck? Different names I've heard. Angel Antlers, Spirit Stag... I figured it was all poppycock, until - not quite a tenday hence - I was patrolling the southern borders and I saw them... tracks like none I've seen before. A long stride and broad hoof like a real large elk, but as soft on the ground as to barely leave a mark, like it was hardly touching the ground as it went. And what was curious was it was joined by the tracks of another - a human traveler by the look. Followed them with great interest, I did. Sometimes the human marks disappeared, like the fellow was riding, but the beast made no more indentation in the soil than before.

For five days I weaved my way through the wilderness, following the tracks into areas I've not traversed before, and those are few enough. Up through the foothills and past the tree line, my curiosity mastering my caution as I crossed the slopes of Icespire Peak, risking the attention of the white dragon. Stranger and stranger grew the trail, with neither beast nor man leaving any of the usual signs of an extended respite that beast and man leave, if you know my meaning. And then one day... they vanished! The tracks were there and then... they weren't. And it's not like they were just plucked off the earth by some great winged monstrosity - no, that would have left it's own tells - I say they just disappeared into thin air!

Here Darron pauses to take a long swig of his ale, peeking out from behind the mug to gauge just how long of a dramatic pause was required before continuing...

Well, I searched around some more, and even camped there two nights to explore a bit deeper. Then on the dawn of the eighth day, I woke to the sound of that poor chap rustling in the bushes, much as you saw him when I dragged him in. The gods only know how he got there, or where he went in between, only I swear on Silvanus's shiny stern I didn't leave no stone unturned. Rambling he was, about the stag of course, but other strange talk too - about pixies and the Seelie Court and other such nonsense. As much as I'd have liked to track that stag a bit more, I couldn't leave him there in that state, so we headed straight back. By the end of the day there was no more pixie talk, but then he wouldn't shut up about his twelve-step skin care routine. I'm glad to see he at least remembered his name just now, but doubt he'll remember any of the rest of his venture.

Darron's stops then as the food has arrived, and he begins shoveling roasted vegetables into his mouth. Then, with his meal yet un-swallowed, he asks Xenophon: So how do you know him, then?

Miner’s Exchange

The woman quirks her brow at the mans exclamation and ramblings. Eventually her face would settle and a playful smirk would dance upon her lips. “Hmm…” She muses as she places the scrolls upon the desk. “Well, just recently a little birdy mentioned something about crows stealing things.” She winks.

The blonde then walks out from around the counter and rests a hand upon her hip, drumming her fingers as she thinks. “Rumours have it, a motley crew of men challenged the white dragon and drove it off to the mountains, only for it to return with a vengeance.” She watches the man before her as she speaks, “There are whispers of evil growing in numbers in the Neverwinter Woods and a great treasure sought.” She pauses briefly, her eyes look him up and down, inspecting him. “Many people need help.” Reaching into her dress, she pulls free a few cards and then presents them to Mr. Dark, fanned between two fingers.

Inside Stonehill Inn

Auric, the golden Dragonborn’s offer to pay for dinner, is accepted with much enthusiasm by Darron. Toblen almost jumps at the sudden recall. He then smiles widely at the hearty change in order. With an enthusiastic nod and friendly salute, the man rushes off to the back to place the order with the chef before any take backs could be made. 

The room increasingly falls silent as Darron tells his tale with an air of mystery. Having been there during Hansel’s meeting of the elk, the battle fought along side it, and the clerics parting of their group with the magnificent beast, both Auric (golden Dragonborn) and Xeno (Topaz Dragonborn), could at least verify that that part of Darron’s story wasn’t an exaggeration. They both knew Hansel, even if for a short time. 

Mr. Dark and Auric
(DM Delay Correction: I’ve since remembered Auric had stopped at the board before coming in and would have had access to these quest cards that I forgot to provide you)

Mr.Dark, looking a little baffled, reaches tentatively out and taps one of the cards in her hand, not pulling it, but choosing one....before checking behind him and then glancing about the room nervously....."I mean, what one person calls 'challenging a dragon' another might call 'avoiding being killed by a dragon'.....right?"

Auric:

"Hansel the normally primped and coiffured speaketh truly about the Great Stag, though I know not thy references to the seelie court," says Auric.  "Once he recovereth himself, perchance we might consider renewing our adventurous ways," he adds, laying down the three cards he retrieved from the job board earlier (see the spoiler).

Darron glances at the cards for a few moments, raising one eyebrow as he looks back up at the dragonborn: Well, a bit of extra help out there wouldn't go astray, I'll admit. Just don't go getting yourselves lost. Or killed. Wiping his mouth on his sleeve, he adds cryptically with another glance at the cards: And mind who you trust. Then the wanderer rises from his chair, gives a salutary wave to Auric and Xeno and says: I hope your friend recovers quickly. My thanks for the meal. Best of luck to you.

And with a nod to Toblen, the ranger disappears out the door and into the evening...

Miner’s Exchange

Mr. Dark plucks one of three cards from Halia's hand.

Card: 1
1 = Axeholm, 2 = Dragon Barrow, 3 = Woodland Manse

Inside Stonehill Inn

The redheaded bartender returns to the common area shaking their head to themselves. That man has a very strict regiment.... She checks on the other patrons while making their way back through the room. Unable to ignore the two beautifully coloured dragonborn by the bar, the barmaiden meanders over. Popping up on their toes, she looks over Auric's shoulders at the cards. "Hmm... That's interesting." Their head tilts. After a pause, she reaches up to rub the scar on their head then gives their head a little shake. The redhead shrugs.

"So what kind of adventurer's are you?" She prompts. "Assist the citizens? Seek a dragon slaying weapon? Or destroy another threat lurking in the woods?" She muses.

Auric:

Considering carefully, Auric says, "Swords giveth me not an advantage against evil chromatic foe, though the more martially inclined amongst us may find such an item of use.  Securing a secure redoubt where the good folk of Phandalin may take shelter against the wyrm's wrath seemeth born of wisdom, though perhaps more urgent may be the evil spellcasters and their orcish minions.  My counsel is that those of good intent and firm determination join me at Falcon’s Hunting Lodge as soon as may be.  What thinkest thee? And whom among us might be prevailed upon to join our intrepid crew?"

I shall join you, Auric! a high-pitched male voice calls from down the short hallway. It seems like barely a quarter hour has passed since the disheveled delinquent had been led down the hallway for a bath, but sure enough the figure that now appears in the doorway is none other than Hansel Moonflower, clean and shaven, and wearing a fresh (albeit rather uncomfortably short) tunic. He strides confidently forward, flashing a toothy smile that almost seems to reflect the firelight.

I shall join you once again, he repeats, if you'll have me, for so Sune has charged me. I had feared just now that the favor of Lady Firehair might have departed from me forever. But I uttered a prayer of penance just before entering the warm soapy water, and her blessing came upon me, cleansing me of the filth and blemish that had afflicted me. At the same moment, I heard a voice in my mind exhorting me to resume the task from which I had been diverted. A great ugliness is destined to plague these lands should the tyranny of the white dragon not be thwarted, and I would aid thee in this venture. And you too, good-though-slightly-less-lovely Xenophon.

At Hansel's announcement and re entrance into the common area, the redheaded waitress exhales in slight relief. As does Toblen from behind the bar. The cleric's high expectations and luxurious taste in amenities are standards that are difficult for this rural establishment to meet. It was obvious lady luck was on their side. Sir Moonflower's time out in the wilderness, or wherever he may have gone, might have humbled him enough for now and Stonehill Inn would happily take his current satisfaction.

However, there was something about Auric's speech that roused something within the redhead. She'd become a bit restless, well, more restless than their usual self. She'd rock on the balls of their feet, wiggle their nose a little, and eventually exchange a glance with Toblen. The establishment owner's body language would look slightly relieved before adjusting to one of slightly feigned disappointment. He'd jut his chin, as if encouraging them. 

The redhead would shimmy up, wedging themself between the two pretty dragonborn. With a rock of their hips, she'd hip bump Xenophon then reach their arms around his and Auric's waists to give a little squeeze. Big brown eyes look up to the topaz dragonborn, "What d'ya say big guy? Wanna smash some orcs?" She'd flutter their lashes and flash their dimpled smile.

DM PC

Auric:

”Thine aspect is much improved, Hansel, pray join us also for thy repast and regale us with thy tale!” says Auric, smiling.  At the barmaid’s declaration, Auric’s smile widens and he almost speaks…But he notes her question is not to him, so he remains silent and listens.

Mr. Dark briefly glances at the card, glancing up at the woman a couple of times. Then with a shrug turns and walks from the Miner's Exchange. Once outside, he peers around for a crow, and then glances down and reads the card in detail. 

Xenophon lets out a smile at Hansel offers his services in his own special way. "Sure thing, buddy. The more the merrier." And then he turns his attention towards the cute redhead that just bumped into him. "Yep. Smashin' orcs sounds like a real good time, miss."

Miner’s Exchange

Halia’s green eyes watch the man closely. A wry smile plays at the corner of her lips. “May the odds be in your favour for ‘avoiding being killed by…’ orcs, Mr. Dark.” She tucks her cards back into her dress. With a few wiggles of her fingers, she waves him goodbye as he walks out. 

Outside at first glance Mr. Dark doesn’t spot the crow, so he looks to his card.

Woodland Manse Quest.

Perception Check
Roll Call: Mr. Dark

Inside Stonehill Inn

The redhead would bob with glee when the topaz Dragonborn would finally break his stoic silence. Her face would animate with surprise and excitement. Her brown eyes would turn to meet Auric’s. “He said yes!” She’d smile. “Will you take me too?” Her head would tilt slightly with the ask.

“Name’s Stacey.” She’d eventually let go of the Dragonborn’s waists and offer her hand for a formal handshake. 

Auric:

Standing and bowing formally, Auric intones, "But of course, Mistress Stacey, thou wouldst be most welcome in our intrepid company," as he makes a flourish with his hand and offers her a sparkling red rose that bursts into sparks as soon as she touches it.

Perception check: 16

Hansel beams widely at his two former and one new companion - not only for the reunion and promise of adventure, but for the open displays of affection that he beholds. He had passed through several small towns since leaving Waterdeep, but in none had he seen such allure, and indeed, forwardness in the womenfolk than here in Phandelin. Truly the goddess Sune had blessed these lands...

Miner’s Exchange

Far off in the distance, passed the Lionshield Coster and beyond the Townmanster's hall a glint catches Mr. Dark's eyes. And as Lady Luck would have it, it came from the direction of the Shrine.

Inside Stonehill Inn

Stacey's eyes open wide in whimsy and wonder from Auric's magical displays as if seeing such vibrant displays of magic for the first time. With a wider smile and a hum, she eventually blinks out of it and bobs. "Well gentlemen, who knows the way?" She looks at them expectantly.

Auric:

Having kept the group’s map they paid for those few weeks ago, Auric pulls it out and lays it on the table.  Flipping the three cards up as well, he tries to make sense of the locations described, reconciling them to the map.

Investigation:  11 plus the map bonus

Mr. Dark takes a deep breath, looks up in the sky as if he's being watched from above, and then shrugs, and strolls his way through the streets back towards the shrine.  He makes a motion to flip his lucky coin, but absently realizes he doesn't have it, and shoves his hand into his pocket with a frown.

Town Square

With a resting face of disappointment, Mr. Dark meanders his way through the town square towards the shrine. The sun breaks through the passing melancholy clouds to cast vibrant pillars of light down upon the area. Once again, another bright glint flashes, almost blinding from this close. Looking over, Mr. Dark’s eyes would have to adjust a moment and when they do, he was greeted with a familiar sight. 

A cow. Wearing a golden bell around its neck, and a crown of flowers on its head, the bovine lifts to look his direction. Dark lazy eyes peer through him as they chew, slowly and methodically, on some grass. Perched atop it’s head, sits the crow. “Mooooo.” Was that the cow, or the crow?

 Inside Stonehill Inn

While Auric doesn’t have the pinpointed locations indicated on his map, he’s spent enough time studying it, and the area as of late, to guesstimate where they would need to go for each job. He could of course always return to Miss Halia at the Minor’s Exchange to confirm his assumptions. However, the scholar had firm confidence that he was plenty accurate and able to lead them to each destination. With the map marked, the way forward would be clear.

[Placeholder: Map to be updated and provided over the weekend to include all 3 quest locations]