RL will run through town as a stag until he can find Augustin then he will drop the wildshape and start talking straight away about what they discovered from Drith.
Augustin is tying down some goods to a cart when he see's RL approach. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, returning his attention back to the cart. He finishes tying them off and gives it two good slaps and a shake for good measure. "That's not going anywhere" he mutters to no one in particular as he watches the cart leave.
Augustin sits down and cracks open a water skin and takes a long drink.
"Good to see you RL." Augustin offers general pleasantries and a brief catch up of what he has been doing: largely nothing but being a strong body to help out where is needed and running errands as required. By all accounts a simple and carefree life compared to the prior 3 months.
Augustin takes another big swig from his water skin. "And what about your RL? I have not seen much of anyone the last month or so, somewhat by my own design. However, I can't help but feel this is not a social visit. What and when do you need me?"
Augustin is tying down some goods to a cart when he see's RL approach. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, returning his attention back to the cart. He finishes tying them off and gives it two good slaps and a shake for good measure. "That's not going anywhere" he mutters to no one in particular as he watches the cart leave.
Augustin sits down and cracks open a water skin and takes a long drink.
"Good to see you RL." Augustin offers general pleasantries and a brief catch up of what he has been doing: largely nothing but being a strong body to help out where is needed and running errands as required. By all accounts a simple and carefree life compared to the prior 3 months.
Augustin takes another big swig from his water skin. "And what about your RL? I have not seen much of anyone the last month or so, somewhat by my own design. However, I can't help but feel this is not a social visit. What and when do you need me?"
RL is just a little bit excited to share the news of what he and Esa have been up to, its a strange sensation to have something to share with friends as he has either been wandering on his own or with the party and everyone has experienced the same things. 'I understand the need for space both physical and mental better than most. These towns still feel very constricting, noisy and busy. I will be glad to get back on the road and into quieter places again. Esa and I went to visit the dragonborn Drith and he has found an ancient site from the Arkhosian Empire, a dragonborn settlement. While exploring he and his bullywug helpers have found many useful items which have included ones that cast restoration magic. He will share those with us if we clear out some undead that are in one of the ruins. Im not so happy with his apparent slavery of the bullywugs but thats something that can be investigated and dealt with at a later date. the Harken Heart druids have also been causing him some issues.'
'By the way, we rescued your family but I dont think we really got introduced to them since they have been back, is that partly due to your desire for space? In the stories I read as a youngster doing deads like we did would end up with us becoming knights, or does the world not work that way?'
*Augustin points around at the rest of the carts that need loading and strapping down* “Behold the glory!”
“The stories hold true RL, in that great honours are placed on those who serve and deeds are recognised. However, what the stories do not tell is the work and lead up that goes into overcoming and addressing the fallout of one’s actions. The townsfolk would likely not be happy with my Uncle should he throw lavish feasts and ceremonies whilst the remains of their homes still smoulder.”
“However, my Uncle has been requesting an audience with us all more recently as some level of normality takes place and we finish taking stock of our losses and what we need to move forward. I will speak to him about organising a dinner for us at the keep the evening prior to us leaving. It should leave us in good stead for whatever lies ahead.”
He stands up and begins strapping down another cart, offering RL the rope to help him. Augustin grimaces as he has to stand on a wheel and stretch to move something into a better position.
”Perhaps we go find this restoration magic. This leg of mine grows tiresome.” He finishes tying down this cart with RL help quite quickly and bushes himself down.
”It is good to see you RL. I’ll go let the baron know to be expecting us.” He gives RL a hearty pat on the back.
'Oh, I almost forgot, Esa is willing to enter the arch mage tower, she things it might be under some sort of time spell and she suggested that we go in both while the light is shining and without, probably without first to get a lay of the interior. I suggested casting Dispel magic on the tower to remove the spell in case it was cast accidentally but will take Esa's suggestion not to. We should see if Vakiel is up for some adventures again? I wont be able to concentrate well until ive rested so would want to wait to go see Drith until healed but I think this upcoming day at the tower where the light will show should be taken advantage of rather than wait another month.'
RL will spend a little bit of time watching the people of the town working to fix up everything. He is reminded of ants from the forest all working together to build their nests and forage for food for the community, so it must be a good thing seeing the townsfolk doing the same. It certainly seems to have removed any petty disruptions or anger between the people of the town.
Augustin straightens up and seems to stand taller at the mention of the rest of the group. His voice deepens and mannerisms change as something awakens behind his eyes.
”Give me a days notice, and we’ll go and explore this tower. I guess it’s time the pack gets back together”
Augustin straightens up and seems to stand taller at the mention of the rest of the group. His voice deepens and mannerisms change as something awakens behind his eyes.
”Give me a days notice, and we’ll go and explore this tower. I guess it’s time the pack gets back together”
”Tower first, then dinner.”
The dinner wont be too tedious and require fine manners will it? maybe I can just eat in the kitchen with the cooks, that will be more fun.
RL drops off Esa at Tor's Hold, and she flies the rest of the way back to Albridge to continue her lessons, then will come to Harken to meet with the others to do the tower.
RL takes the ferry across the White River (1 iron bit cost) then runs as a stag to Harken (avoiding contact with any hunters) to meet with Augustin.
I'll ensure that the formalities are disregarded in this instance. See what the Baron has to say and then you are free to your own devices. I trust my Uncle would be understanding if you explained to him.
I'll ensure that the formalities are disregarded in this instance. See what the Baron has to say and then you are free to your own devices. I trust my Uncle would be understanding if you explained to him.
You dont have to do that on my count, I am trying to learn how things work but I would like to know what I am supposed to do on such an occasion please.
"Telg, I cannot do this alone, I will need some help from some stealthy companions" Grimbald pauses as the clatter of Augustin comes to mind "I will need to return over the coming months. Can the Orc ghost hear us now? Can I ask about your oath? What happens to you once you no longer have to battle him? Do you long to be released from this bond as a ghost?"
<Grimbald will take his leave after this> and attend the merchants gathering to attempt to broker a trade agreement between the merchants of Nintir Vale and Hammerfest. then he plans to return to his companions.
Telg replies "Kralick is nowhere near here now, he only comes at night. He's wherever orc ghosts gather or living orcs gather. Maybe at The Black Spire with all Gruumsh devotees. Myself - I have no oath, I serve the trees because I want to and they are important to me. If I no longer had to battle Kralick every night I,... I don't actually know. I expect I would explore more, socialise more, but it's like there is a veil drawn across my imagination, I find it hard to visualise. Maybe the limitations of my ghosthood. I look forward to seeing you again, Grimbald Squirrelking. Fear not for me. It may be my unlife's purpose to protect the trees from that ridiculous orc."
Grimbald heads off to the Trade Spire, a majestic stone structure that is the financial, social, and political heart of Hammerfast. A squad of five dwarf guards keeps an eye on the Trade Spire's entrance. They move to intercept Grimbald as he approaches, but back off when he shows his Trade Faction iron bracelet. They still keep an eye on him though.
The ground floor of the Trade Spire features a large, open trade market. Guild members conduct business here with other races, including humans. People are buying and selling goods, giving sales pitches, signing papers. Grimbald earwigs on a representative of the town of Winterhaven supplying stone fruit - peaches, plums, cherries etc - to Hammerfast, delivering a confirmation of delivery and accepting trade bars in payment from Hammerfast merchants. Then the humans move to a different stall and negotiate the same trade bars to pay for metal goods to take back to sell in Winterhaven.
Grimbald moves around, listening in and realises that there are a lot of Nentir Vale communities already represented here. His idea about brokering trade deals with Nentir Vale communities seems to already be an established thing. But is everyone here? He doesn't know enough about the broader Nentir Vale to know who isn't. If he wanted that information he might have to ask someone.
"Well ye are a weird lookin' dwarf," says a ghost, materialising at Grimbald's side. The ghost looks elderly and frail, but has a fierce eye. He introduces himself as Grolin Surespike. His accent is strange, and reminds Grimbald of bards who take on the accent when telling stories of ancient times.
"BLOODY HELL..... my apologies, I was startled. Well met Grolin, I am Grimbald Squirrelking, proud of my looks, please and thank you. Ghosts are common in this town it appears. Are you bound to the Trade Spire? Perhaps you could point me the right direction, what are the local merchants most in demand of? Im looking for an untapped market. You see I am a trade delegate for the Nentir Vale."
"A trade delegate ye say? The Nentir Vale? That's a rather big portfolio. I do believe ye are havin' a lend o' me, sir." Grolin puts his hand on his belly and laughs, but there is no sound. "Hammerfast relies on trade from all of the Nentir Vale, as them do us. Without Hammerfast them would not have steel armour or steel weapons. Technology has been lost amongst the lesser races. Them can make spikes, nails, horseshoes an' the like. But nothing matches dwarf-made goods, as ye well know, sir."
Grolin Surespike looks around at the business going on around them, and then turns back to Grimbald. "If ye were a trade delegate, an official one at least, I would know. I know a lot. I listen. People pay no attention to me, especially when I'm invisible." Grolin turns invisible, just to prove the point, then reappears on Grimbald's other side. "So I hear a lot. If ye wanted to be a new trade delegate ye would need to represent a community that doesn't have one - a community in trouble or who does not send delegates of them own, but waits until dwarf merchant delegations meet them at their location. I can think of one or two, Master Grimbald."
"There are sometimes food shortages in Hammerfast, in winter, when crops are less available and when the impact of the bandits who plague our roads bite hardest," Grolin scowled. "Good, honest dwarves trying to make a living, other races as inferior as they are at least trying to survive. And this scum who prey on all of us. Honestly if you wanted to make a big impact taking out the various groups of bandits would reduce the chances of food shortages significantly. The Trade Road attracts bandits like a lantern attracts moths. Carthain is perhaps the biggest problem for Hammerfast, he and his gang must have spies in Hammerfast as he seems to know which merchants to rob and when, and sometimes even has exact knowledge of their movements or cargo. Also problems are the Blackfang Gnolls who lair in the Old Hills but attack travellers, the Raven Roost bandits who prey on travellers passing to Fallcrest, Hammerfast, Harkenwold, or Thunderspire, and lastly the Wolf Runners who use wolves and dire wolves in their attacks."
Grolin sighed silently. "But you asked about which towns need help and representation. Well Mistwatch comes to mind. Word has it that the Iron Circle have taken over, they've convinced the leader to join them, but something has gone wrong in the village. They had a bit of a skirmish with followers of the Raven Queen, and now those followers are convinced that something bad is happening in Mistwatch and they camp on the road and refuse to let anyone leave Mistwatch. The Raven Queen followers claim some kind of plague is happening there - Moradin protect us if it is the weeping pox. But I don't see how the pox could have gotten all the way up to Mistwatch without infecting every community on the way."
"Another community is Orlane, an agricultural village far to the west. The dwarf merchants who have been there have failed to get much from them and claim some kind of cult has sway there. Even the Iron Circle have had no luck, in fact none of the Iron Circle folk have returned from Orlane. So there's two of the most dire."
'I see I could contribute more to addressing the food shortages by having a bit of an interaction with the bandits. I hope to returns with my friends, but we have some things to attend to. It is a pleasure to have met you Grolin. I look forward to making your acquaintance in the coming months' Grimbald feel a pressing need to return to his companions.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grolin nods and looks a little disappointed. He leans in touches Grimbald's arm. It feels like a cold feather. "If you can help your people, you should, friend Grimbald. I hope to see you in the near future. I will keep my ear out for opportunities for trade, and especially for news of bandits."
Grimbald drifts away from the Trade Spire. He knows Grolin's type - conservative, convinced of the superiority of the race of dwarves. It did not make him evil, but more restricted in his thinking. However because of this, Grolin was always on the lookout for the best interests of dwarves. He had certainly given Grimbald some ideas about what they could do in the wider Nentir Vale, of which Harkenwold was only a small part.
He returned to the Coach and Pony inn and spent some time (and a few iron bits) trying different dwarf-made beer and ales. He talked to some of the visiting merchants and travellers, and spent maybe an hour with Varda Goldspinner. The information he got from these interactions are as follows:
Bandits are a real problem for the Nentir Vale. While some bandits are poor, desperate folk who have no other way of surviving, some are organised crime gangs who are doing well.
Carthain is a spy who seems to have good knowledge of which merchants are going where and sometimes what they are carrying.
The Raven's Roost bandits are also organised and sometimes know about merchant caravans leaving Hammerfast. This means they likely have a spy or two here, but their information is not as good as Carthain's gang.
There are some monsters who also prey upon travellers, including the Blackfang Gnolls, and the kobolds of Kobold Hall.
More infrequent are attacks from the Daggerburg Goblins, although that is likely because of distance to the Trade Way.
The Wolf Runners also seem to be more disorganised and mount attacks of opportunity.
Usually only the Blackfang Gnolls will kill people, but recently the Ravens Roost bandits have also become ruthless murderers, around the same time their tactics became much more successful. It is clear someone with some knowledge of warfare is directing the group.
Otherwise Grimbald doesn't note anything unusual from the people he is talking to or his surroundings at the inn. He goes off to bed, tries to sleep and can't. He opens a window and considers climbing on the roof to sleep, but it is raining (again) and there is no shelter on the roof. He decides to sleep under his bed, as if he were in the warm hollow of a tree.
The next day Grimbald attends the funeral of Tholarn Goldspinner. He chants in the appropriate places - every dwarf is taught how to act at a funeral from a young age - and afterwards spends some time with Marsinda and Varda. Marsinda appears to have warmed to Grimbald after coming to the conclusion he does not want anything from her family. She thanks him and gives him a small iron square plate engraved with the dwarven runes for leader, urgent, and the Goldspinner family rune. The iron tablet, about the size of Grimbald's hand, will grant immediate access to Marsinda Goldspinner (or any Goldspinner family member) at any time. But he can only use it the one time.
Grimbald joins a caravan of merchant dwarves heading south to Harkenwold. He decides to sign on as a guard which gives him 1sp and 5 iron bits at the end of his journey. There are no problems and you find the dwarves like coming to Harkenwold as they are less likely to encounter bandits. One of the other guards talks about an encounter with the Raven Roost bandits and mentions a tall, pale elf with multiple piercings. They were organised, she said, with melee troops backed up by snipers. Once the guards were overcome, the Ravens Roost bandits told the survivors to keep their eyes on the ground while they went through the merchant's carts and took what they wanted. Anyone who disobeyed or showed some resistance was butchered. They operate from Ravens Roost Manor - an old manor house of the old Empire - which is well protected with cover and no force coming up the road could surprise them.
After a few days Grimbald is back in Harken village, reunited with his friends and colleagues.
RL will spend time each evening waiting in the tavern knowing that Grimbald will make an appearance at some point there. He will have an item sitting in sacking under the table and every so often reach down to reassure himself that its still there. Each evening that passes his outward displays of impatience manifest, he bounces a foot almost constantly and keeps looking around to see if Grimbald has appeared. If other members of the party are in the tavern RL will try to be good company but will become more and more distracted as time passes.
Each night that Grimbald doesnt appear, RL will grab his package wrapped in cloth and head back to his room and leave the package behind the door for easy access should be need to grab it quickly.
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RL will run through town as a stag until he can find Augustin then he will drop the wildshape and start talking straight away about what they discovered from Drith.
Augustin is tying down some goods to a cart when he see's RL approach. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, returning his attention back to the cart. He finishes tying them off and gives it two good slaps and a shake for good measure. "That's not going anywhere" he mutters to no one in particular as he watches the cart leave.
Augustin sits down and cracks open a water skin and takes a long drink.
"Good to see you RL." Augustin offers general pleasantries and a brief catch up of what he has been doing: largely nothing but being a strong body to help out where is needed and running errands as required. By all accounts a simple and carefree life compared to the prior 3 months.
Augustin takes another big swig from his water skin. "And what about your RL? I have not seen much of anyone the last month or so, somewhat by my own design. However, I can't help but feel this is not a social visit. What and when do you need me?"
RL is just a little bit excited to share the news of what he and Esa have been up to, its a strange sensation to have something to share with friends as he has either been wandering on his own or with the party and everyone has experienced the same things. 'I understand the need for space both physical and mental better than most. These towns still feel very constricting, noisy and busy. I will be glad to get back on the road and into quieter places again. Esa and I went to visit the dragonborn Drith and he has found an ancient site from the Arkhosian Empire, a dragonborn settlement. While exploring he and his bullywug helpers have found many useful items which have included ones that cast restoration magic. He will share those with us if we clear out some undead that are in one of the ruins. Im not so happy with his apparent slavery of the bullywugs but thats something that can be investigated and dealt with at a later date. the Harken Heart druids have also been causing him some issues.'
'By the way, we rescued your family but I dont think we really got introduced to them since they have been back, is that partly due to your desire for space? In the stories I read as a youngster doing deads like we did would end up with us becoming knights, or does the world not work that way?'
*Augustin points around at the rest of the carts that need loading and strapping down* “Behold the glory!”
“The stories hold true RL, in that great honours are placed on those who serve and deeds are recognised. However, what the stories do not tell is the work and lead up that goes into overcoming and addressing the fallout of one’s actions. The townsfolk would likely not be happy with my Uncle should he throw lavish feasts and ceremonies whilst the remains of their homes still smoulder.”
“However, my Uncle has been requesting an audience with us all more recently as some level of normality takes place and we finish taking stock of our losses and what we need to move forward. I will speak to him about organising a dinner for us at the keep the evening prior to us leaving. It should leave us in good stead for whatever lies ahead.”
He stands up and begins strapping down another cart, offering RL the rope to help him. Augustin grimaces as he has to stand on a wheel and stretch to move something into a better position.
”Perhaps we go find this restoration magic. This leg of mine grows tiresome.” He finishes tying down this cart with RL help quite quickly and bushes himself down.
”It is good to see you RL. I’ll go let the baron know to be expecting us.” He gives RL a hearty pat on the back.
'Oh, I almost forgot, Esa is willing to enter the arch mage tower, she things it might be under some sort of time spell and she suggested that we go in both while the light is shining and without, probably without first to get a lay of the interior. I suggested casting Dispel magic on the tower to remove the spell in case it was cast accidentally but will take Esa's suggestion not to. We should see if Vakiel is up for some adventures again? I wont be able to concentrate well until ive rested so would want to wait to go see Drith until healed but I think this upcoming day at the tower where the light will show should be taken advantage of rather than wait another month.'
RL will spend a little bit of time watching the people of the town working to fix up everything. He is reminded of ants from the forest all working together to build their nests and forage for food for the community, so it must be a good thing seeing the townsfolk doing the same. It certainly seems to have removed any petty disruptions or anger between the people of the town.
Augustin straightens up and seems to stand taller at the mention of the rest of the group. His voice deepens and mannerisms change as something awakens behind his eyes.
”Give me a days notice, and we’ll go and explore this tower. I guess it’s time the pack gets back together”
”Tower first, then dinner.”
The dinner wont be too tedious and require fine manners will it? maybe I can just eat in the kitchen with the cooks, that will be more fun.
DM's Note:
RL drops off Esa at Tor's Hold, and she flies the rest of the way back to Albridge to continue her lessons, then will come to Harken to meet with the others to do the tower.
RL takes the ferry across the White River (1 iron bit cost) then runs as a stag to Harken (avoiding contact with any hunters) to meet with Augustin.
I'll ensure that the formalities are disregarded in this instance. See what the Baron has to say and then you are free to your own devices. I trust my Uncle would be understanding if you explained to him.
You dont have to do that on my count, I am trying to learn how things work but I would like to know what I am supposed to do on such an occasion please.
"Telg, I cannot do this alone, I will need some help from some stealthy companions" Grimbald pauses as the clatter of Augustin comes to mind "I will need to return over the coming months. Can the Orc ghost hear us now? Can I ask about your oath? What happens to you once you no longer have to battle him? Do you long to be released from this bond as a ghost?"
<Grimbald will take his leave after this> and attend the merchants gathering to attempt to broker a trade agreement between the merchants of Nintir Vale and Hammerfest. then he plans to return to his companions.
Grimbald's Story
Telg replies "Kralick is nowhere near here now, he only comes at night. He's wherever orc ghosts gather or living orcs gather. Maybe at The Black Spire with all Gruumsh devotees. Myself - I have no oath, I serve the trees because I want to and they are important to me. If I no longer had to battle Kralick every night I,... I don't actually know. I expect I would explore more, socialise more, but it's like there is a veil drawn across my imagination, I find it hard to visualise. Maybe the limitations of my ghosthood. I look forward to seeing you again, Grimbald Squirrelking. Fear not for me. It may be my unlife's purpose to protect the trees from that ridiculous orc."
Grimbald heads off to the Trade Spire, a majestic stone structure that is the financial, social, and political heart of Hammerfast. A squad of five dwarf guards keeps an eye on the Trade Spire's entrance. They move to intercept Grimbald as he approaches, but back off when he shows his Trade Faction iron bracelet. They still keep an eye on him though.
The ground floor of the Trade Spire features a large, open trade market. Guild members conduct business here with other races, including humans. People are buying and selling goods, giving sales pitches, signing papers. Grimbald earwigs on a representative of the town of Winterhaven supplying stone fruit - peaches, plums, cherries etc - to Hammerfast, delivering a confirmation of delivery and accepting trade bars in payment from Hammerfast merchants. Then the humans move to a different stall and negotiate the same trade bars to pay for metal goods to take back to sell in Winterhaven.
Grimbald moves around, listening in and realises that there are a lot of Nentir Vale communities already represented here. His idea about brokering trade deals with Nentir Vale communities seems to already be an established thing. But is everyone here? He doesn't know enough about the broader Nentir Vale to know who isn't. If he wanted that information he might have to ask someone.
"Well ye are a weird lookin' dwarf," says a ghost, materialising at Grimbald's side. The ghost looks elderly and frail, but has a fierce eye. He introduces himself as Grolin Surespike. His accent is strange, and reminds Grimbald of bards who take on the accent when telling stories of ancient times.
"BLOODY HELL..... my apologies, I was startled. Well met Grolin, I am Grimbald Squirrelking, proud of my looks, please and thank you. Ghosts are common in this town it appears. Are you bound to the Trade Spire? Perhaps you could point me the right direction, what are the local merchants most in demand of? Im looking for an untapped market. You see I am a trade delegate for the Nentir Vale."
"A trade delegate ye say? The Nentir Vale? That's a rather big portfolio. I do believe ye are havin' a lend o' me, sir." Grolin puts his hand on his belly and laughs, but there is no sound. "Hammerfast relies on trade from all of the Nentir Vale, as them do us. Without Hammerfast them would not have steel armour or steel weapons. Technology has been lost amongst the lesser races. Them can make spikes, nails, horseshoes an' the like. But nothing matches dwarf-made goods, as ye well know, sir."
Grolin Surespike looks around at the business going on around them, and then turns back to Grimbald. "If ye were a trade delegate, an official one at least, I would know. I know a lot. I listen. People pay no attention to me, especially when I'm invisible." Grolin turns invisible, just to prove the point, then reappears on Grimbald's other side. "So I hear a lot. If ye wanted to be a new trade delegate ye would need to represent a community that doesn't have one - a community in trouble or who does not send delegates of them own, but waits until dwarf merchant delegations meet them at their location. I can think of one or two, Master Grimbald."
"yes, a new opportunity, I hear there are food shortages in Hammerfest. which towns are you thinking of?"
"There are sometimes food shortages in Hammerfast, in winter, when crops are less available and when the impact of the bandits who plague our roads bite hardest," Grolin scowled. "Good, honest dwarves trying to make a living, other races as inferior as they are at least trying to survive. And this scum who prey on all of us. Honestly if you wanted to make a big impact taking out the various groups of bandits would reduce the chances of food shortages significantly. The Trade Road attracts bandits like a lantern attracts moths. Carthain is perhaps the biggest problem for Hammerfast, he and his gang must have spies in Hammerfast as he seems to know which merchants to rob and when, and sometimes even has exact knowledge of their movements or cargo. Also problems are the Blackfang Gnolls who lair in the Old Hills but attack travellers, the Raven Roost bandits who prey on travellers passing to Fallcrest, Hammerfast, Harkenwold, or Thunderspire, and lastly the Wolf Runners who use wolves and dire wolves in their attacks."
Grolin sighed silently. "But you asked about which towns need help and representation. Well Mistwatch comes to mind. Word has it that the Iron Circle have taken over, they've convinced the leader to join them, but something has gone wrong in the village. They had a bit of a skirmish with followers of the Raven Queen, and now those followers are convinced that something bad is happening in Mistwatch and they camp on the road and refuse to let anyone leave Mistwatch. The Raven Queen followers claim some kind of plague is happening there - Moradin protect us if it is the weeping pox. But I don't see how the pox could have gotten all the way up to Mistwatch without infecting every community on the way."
"Another community is Orlane, an agricultural village far to the west. The dwarf merchants who have been there have failed to get much from them and claim some kind of cult has sway there. Even the Iron Circle have had no luck, in fact none of the Iron Circle folk have returned from Orlane. So there's two of the most dire."
'I see I could contribute more to addressing the food shortages by having a bit of an interaction with the bandits. I hope to returns with my friends, but we have some things to attend to. It is a pleasure to have met you Grolin. I look forward to making your acquaintance in the coming months' Grimbald feel a pressing need to return to his companions.
Grolin nods and looks a little disappointed. He leans in touches Grimbald's arm. It feels like a cold feather. "If you can help your people, you should, friend Grimbald. I hope to see you in the near future. I will keep my ear out for opportunities for trade, and especially for news of bandits."
Grimbald drifts away from the Trade Spire. He knows Grolin's type - conservative, convinced of the superiority of the race of dwarves. It did not make him evil, but more restricted in his thinking. However because of this, Grolin was always on the lookout for the best interests of dwarves. He had certainly given Grimbald some ideas about what they could do in the wider Nentir Vale, of which Harkenwold was only a small part.
He returned to the Coach and Pony inn and spent some time (and a few iron bits) trying different dwarf-made beer and ales. He talked to some of the visiting merchants and travellers, and spent maybe an hour with Varda Goldspinner. The information he got from these interactions are as follows:
Insight Check for Grimbald - 19.
Otherwise Grimbald doesn't note anything unusual from the people he is talking to or his surroundings at the inn. He goes off to bed, tries to sleep and can't. He opens a window and considers climbing on the roof to sleep, but it is raining (again) and there is no shelter on the roof. He decides to sleep under his bed, as if he were in the warm hollow of a tree.
The next day Grimbald attends the funeral of Tholarn Goldspinner. He chants in the appropriate places - every dwarf is taught how to act at a funeral from a young age - and afterwards spends some time with Marsinda and Varda. Marsinda appears to have warmed to Grimbald after coming to the conclusion he does not want anything from her family. She thanks him and gives him a small iron square plate engraved with the dwarven runes for leader, urgent, and the Goldspinner family rune. The iron tablet, about the size of Grimbald's hand, will grant immediate access to Marsinda Goldspinner (or any Goldspinner family member) at any time. But he can only use it the one time.
Grimbald joins a caravan of merchant dwarves heading south to Harkenwold. He decides to sign on as a guard which gives him 1sp and 5 iron bits at the end of his journey. There are no problems and you find the dwarves like coming to Harkenwold as they are less likely to encounter bandits. One of the other guards talks about an encounter with the Raven Roost bandits and mentions a tall, pale elf with multiple piercings. They were organised, she said, with melee troops backed up by snipers. Once the guards were overcome, the Ravens Roost bandits told the survivors to keep their eyes on the ground while they went through the merchant's carts and took what they wanted. Anyone who disobeyed or showed some resistance was butchered. They operate from Ravens Roost Manor - an old manor house of the old Empire - which is well protected with cover and no force coming up the road could surprise them.
After a few days Grimbald is back in Harken village, reunited with his friends and colleagues.
RL will spend time each evening waiting in the tavern knowing that Grimbald will make an appearance at some point there. He will have an item sitting in sacking under the table and every so often reach down to reassure himself that its still there. Each evening that passes his outward displays of impatience manifest, he bounces a foot almost constantly and keeps looking around to see if Grimbald has appeared. If other members of the party are in the tavern RL will try to be good company but will become more and more distracted as time passes.
Each night that Grimbald doesnt appear, RL will grab his package wrapped in cloth and head back to his room and leave the package behind the door for easy access should be need to grab it quickly.