Moving the provisions and trade goods provides no problems and a little sweat., but it is over and the cart fetched and camp set by nightfall.
You spend a quiet night under the stars and eat and drink well, all thanks to the raided supplies, many of which have a stamp of a blue lion on them. Toasting your anonymous and unfortunate benefactor you enjoy good meal and share stories, some embellished to be sure, Sildar speaks of a few of his many adventures working for the Lords Alliance, and one or two before then when he was a young man in military service.
Watches are set, and you each take your turn sleeping.
Morning finds you packed and accompanying the cart on its bumpy ride to Phandalin. As before Titus scouts ahead along the verge and Eedim follows behind. Kargan and Kryinor are with the Wagon. The Druid seated driving the horse, with Sildar beside him. Kargan clomps along in his heavy boots talking to each of them. The journey is uneventful and as the day wains a welcome sight manifests before you.
The rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and you catch your first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins-crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars-surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.
As you approach, you see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as you approach, but all return to their business as you go by.
Sildar seems much more at ease. "My friends," he says, " let us secure lodgings. I'm told the local inn is very quaint. Tomorrow we can be about our business, but I think we all have earned a night of ease and celebration in comfortable inn. What say you?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Very well my friend. I'm sure the lodgings will be fine. As along as the food is edible and the wine is fine I shall be happy. For now though I will make a tour of the surrounding area."
I will then head off to explore a bit the village looking for the local blacksmith As I need to replenish arrows daggers and see if there's any serviceable shorts swords here. After that I plan on conducting a patrol around the town, going through the forested outside the village fields. I will pay attention to looking for signs of non human incursion and also any handy plant bark etc that might be useful in the future.
‘I shall drop the provisons off to grudens man barthan, secure payment for delivering the goods and see if they can use these extra provisions we found.’
‘We will meet you at the stonehill innTitus although i would rather spend the night on the outskirts of town, i might see if a farmer will let me stay at the edge of there property under the stars. Close enough to be hailed if there is trouble’
Sildar nods, "Fate be with you then, I shall see you at the Stone Hill inn." Then his stomach growls and he laughs, "It seems it's been too long since I had a well cooked meal, my back is looking forward to a nice soft mattress as well!"
Titus walks off into the growing darkness. The small town has no real organised and dependable lighting and the abundant shadows are weakly pushed back by a lantern hanging on the odd door here and there.
Kryinor drives the wagon to Barthan's and just catches the proprietor closing up for the night. His forehead creases as you tell him of Gundren's capture, he shakes his head sadly, "It is as I feared then. Sildar is alive and back in town though, that is good."
He is also very happy that you and your companions put an end to he goblins raiding the Triboar trail. "Fine work that, there are many hereabouts that will treat you as heroes when word gets around."
Finally he looks at the supplies and provisions that the goblins looted and sees the blue lion stamp and says, "Those would be the property of the Lion Shield Coster. Linene will be happy", he hesitates, "well as happy as she ever is, to see that gear. It was supposed to arrive two weeks gone. You might catch her tonight, but I'd recommend going in the morning. Might put her in a bad mood, catching her after closing."
When you ask about any farmers that might put you up or good places to camp around town Barthan mentions Daran Edermath'd orchard on the western edge of town. "He's an old adventurer and would probably let you stay in his barn, and share a tale and a drink or two if you have the time."
"Thank you again Elf, I expect you would be wanting your fee now then eh,"he laughs and counts out 40 gold, 10 for each of you as promised, "There you go, don't spend it all on drink. Even though Tolben would love you for it."
With that he winks, "Well nights getting on if you've nothing else for me?"
As Titus wanders through the rough streets of the frontier town he notes some of the more important buildings. Barthan's provisions, and another outfitter called The Lionsheild Coster. There is also a Miners Exchange. A large poster on the front door proclaims that claims can be processed and bought, gold weighed and paid for, and loans and dispute resolution are available.
The Center of the small town is home to the Townmasters Hall, and the Shrine of Luck. Tot he south are several small farms, to the West is a sizable Orchard.
The road headed to east leads up a hill past shabby looking tavern with a broken sign over the door showing a giant asleep on the ground surrounded by empty ale kegs. It continues up the hill to a ruined manor that must have been splendid in past days.
You take note of several shady looking men, well armed men, hanging out on the porch of the tavern. They eye you with interest as you make your way past.
You find no blacksmith, but do see a small well used forge outside of what looks like a carpenters or woodsman's hut. It only looks good for shoeing horses and fixing farm tools though.
Skirting the edge of town you see quite a lot of very old stone ruins, Phadalin must have been a large bustling city way back in time, much of it has been scavenged for the foundations of the newer buildings.
You find suitable plants and natural supplies not too far out, and decide it is time to head back tot he inn and get a decent feed and nights rest.
It's about 9 o'clock when you step through the door into the warm, well lit common room.
I'll walk into the tavern and look around for anyone from the party. When I see the dwarve "Haha! My friend, we'll rest well tonight! My good barkeep an ale if you please! Friend Kargan, a game of die perhaps?"
‘We will find gundren dont you worry about that, this pack is small but fierce’ i smirk ‘just like grudren himself’
We are no heroes,, the goblins brought it upon themselves by taking gundren and sildar, had they left them alone we never would have gone hunting them, i find that with most evil, it always seems to coming looking for trouble no matter where it is in the world.
I think we will follow your advise and visit linene in the morning, would it be possible to store the goods here tonight? Under lock and key?
When barthen mentions Daran ‘thankyou ill go and see him now before it gets to dark’
As he hands over the coins ‘i know a certain dwarf that will need this before the night it through and an elf aswell’
I would ask before you go how fares this little town? It seems to be doing well for an outpost this far away from neverwinter but looks can always be deceiving?
Once Barthen has closed i head toward the orchard where the old adveturer lives, to touch base with him and ask his permission to sleep on his property, if it goes well i will head back to the inn to catch up with the others to share the pay.
"Ale and Dice is it Titus, 'ave ye gone aff yer heid? This 'ere ale will curl the hairs o' ye beard, 'cept ye dinnae 'ave one, best leave the strong drinks to those that can handle it"
Kargan enters the common room of the Stonehill Inn and is greeted by a short young human man. "Good evenin' master Dwarf. Tolben is my name and I am your host."
Kargans enthusiastic demands are met with a wide smile, "As you wish sir, that'll be 16 coppers for the stew and two drinks. Will you be staying the night sir, I can fix up a room for you if you have a mind?"
With out waiting for an answer he says, "Muse upon it a bit master Dwarf and I will fetch you your meal..." he then moves off at speed for the kitchen.
Looking around the room you see some locals all staring at you with curiosity. Noting your returned gaze they go back to talking with each other and enjoying their drinks and food. Most appear to be laborers, one or two better dressed must be burgers or farmers. Sildar has set himself up by the hearth in a comfortable chair and is nursing a large mug of what looks like cider. He smiles at you when your eyes meet and motions on of the chairs near him. He looks tired but at ease.
At Barthans...
The older man smiles at you and says, "heroes don't get to decide if they are heroes or not young elf." "You may indeed leave the wagon here. Just drive her over into that barn and tell the boy to feed water and rub done the horse. It will all be waiting for you in the morning."
Barthan walks over with you to the barn and listens to your question. "Well Pahndalin is as Phandalin always is, a town in the middle of nowhere between two frontiers. We see little outside trouble, and what we have of that you and your friends took care of it seems. Locally we have some trouble. Some toughs have moved in and taken it into their heads that this is their town. The usual kinds of bully, some extortion, some stealing, taxes, and thuggery. They are holed up in that old manor on the hill yonder, he points to the east."
"I would avoid them if I were you, no one needs that kind of trouble."
A few moments later and you are headed towards the western edge of the town and the Edermath Orchard.
When you arrive you knock at the door and a silver haired Half Elf, who you'd guess is around 100 years old answers the door. "Good evening young sir how may I help you?"
Back at Stonehill Inn;
Sildar talks quietly and is obviously tired and worn out from his recent days of torture and captivity, "Well Kargan my friend it is time for me to retire. Enjoy your drinks and food, and I will see you and your frineds in the morning no doubt. I will contact my agents here in Phandalin ans we can formulate a plan to deal with the various situations we have before us."
He then stands and moves close to you. Putting his large calloused hand on your shoulder in a low voice full of gratitude and relief he says, "Thank you again, you and your friends are surely the reason I am here alive tonight. I had given up hope. A debt is owed friend Dwarf, one that will be repaid. Good night."
An hour or so later a Tall dark haired elf comes in through the door, stomping the dew off his boots he looks around the common room and his eyes land on you. Titus has returned form his dusk excursion. He hails you with mirth and enthusiasm and shouts some friendly demands to Tolben behind the bar. The young Inn keeper waves smiles and nods heading for the kitchen.
A few moments more and you are both enjoying a well earned rest and sharing jibes, jokes, and laughter over drinks and dice.
‘Good evening kind sir, my name is Kyinor willowbark i have just arrived in town with a group of adventurers. The rest of my friends are staying at the stonehill inn tonight but i have always preferred to sleep under the stars when possible, the good man barthen said that you may be willing to let me camp on your property for a night or two, if you do not wish for me to stay, just tell me plainly and i will take no offence and look elsewhere.
I plan to head back into town to meet up with my friends to recount our recent adventures and to make plans for our next move before i made camp for the night, however i wished to ask your permission to stay before you went to sleep for the night’
’if you wish too, you could join us at the inn, barthen said that you used to be an adventurer yourself. Perhaps we could share a story or two?’
The silver haired elf nods and smiles. "Well met Kryinor Willowbark, I am Daran Edermath." He looks you up and down and in that moment you feel yourself measured and weighed by his pale green eyes.
"It would be an honour for a Druid to tend my grove, " He bows. "Please Friend Kryinor stay as long as you like."
You hear the fire crackle in the hearth behind him. "Thank you for your kind invitation, but I have settled in for the night and do not often stir after dark these days. You are welcome to return when you wish, and there will be breakfast to share in the morning if you are so inclined."
He smiles shakes your hand and then rises one eyebrow, "When you and your companions have finished with your immediate business here in Phandalin, there is a matter concerning the town that I think you may be able to help me with. But it will keep till you have the time."
I smile at Daran's intuition and bow as confirmation. " Thankyou friend Daran, I will indeed look over your grove while i am here."
"Breakfast would be very welcome, perhaps we could discuss your concern while we eating?
I head back to the Stonehill Inn, taking note of the wildlife and town life as i go. When i arrive i go to the bar and ask for a meal and water. then i seek out the others. When i see them playing dice i ask"So who is winning? ....I have your payment here 10 each as agreed, Barthen seems to be a good enough fellow, I have also spoken to Barthen about the supplies we found in the goblin cave, I have left them with him tonight and arranged to pick them up in the morning to deliver them to there rightful owner, they belong to a local business owner, Linese, at the lionshield coaster. Where is Sildar?"
'Haha! Well met friend! It's not about the winning but the story! Our sour dwarve here is a talkative fellow once his pipes are lubricated with ale! Come! Sit down and join us! TOLBEN! Another round! Three this time my good man! ' Ill place the die in front of Kryinor 'You're up!'
'So I was telling Kargan here about the shady mansion on the hill and the riff raff that inhabit it. Shifty looking lot. Pack wolves, pardon the pun my druidic companion. This place seems to have come down in the world a far bit from its heyday. I scouted outside to town - looks clear. Not too many establishments befitting a trifles worth here either. except maybe this Lionshield Coaster place you mention. Look like it might be the only place worth looking at for gear. There is a gold exchange. I find that curious. anyone know of any gold mines in the area?"
" No drink for me thank you friend, i like to keep my mind clear, especially in a new environment, perhaps we could share one in a few days when our business is all sorted and i know the lay of the land abit better. I do not drink often and i fear the effects will be much greater on me than they will on the two of you." Looking pointedly at Kargan and Titus " However i will certainly play dice with you, can you teach me the rules? we did not play in the woods and it has been along time since i lived anywhere that did play dice."I eagerly take the dice and roll them on the table while listening to Titus.
"They must be the same riff raff that Barthen mentioned, he said that a group of thugs had moved to town recently and were causing trouble. Im not aware of any active mines but we could always go and check out the exchange tomorrow and ask the question."
" I'll be camping in the orchard on the western side of town, if any of you need me during the night, i dont expect trouble but it dosen't hurt to keep eye out for it."
"Pah, these manling squabbles are no concern to us, rescuing Gundren from the green scum is our only goal, that an killin as many greenskin as we can along the way! In the morn, we'll try that trader fur the way to Cragmore castle, they always know the lay of the land"
Your right Kargan our focus must be rescueing gundren, tomorrow we should put all our efforts into finding the location of cragmore castle, if we cant find out any information about the castle by tomorrow evening i say we strike out and follow the directions the goblin gave us, 20 miles north east of the cave between the two rangers and myself we should have little trouble locating a large castle.
Eedim spends much of his time in civilisation in a bottle and in a room. the past weeks adventures brought up many memories of the wars and faces lost during those wars haunt his dreams.Eventually he seeks out the rest of the party worse for wear and still red eyed
Well we have a full day ahead of us tomorrow I will see you all in the morning, I will be at Barthens provisions an hour after sunrise. With that I take my leave and go set up camp at Daran's orchard
In the morning at first light I will prepare my spells for the day and the cast detect disease and poison in the ritual fashion and go around and inspect the trees for and diseases they might have, after repeating this process twice (approx 40mins) I will go and see if Daran's is awake yet.
OOC: Sorry for the delay, had a rough couple of days.
-----------------------------------
The day ends, and after much drink [for some], and talk, and a fair quantity of food you make your good nights and head of to your beds.
OOC: A meal is 8 coppers, drinks are 4 copper a piece for ale, or 1 silver for wine pitcher. Room for the night is 5 silver if you're staying at the inn.
Staying at Daran's Orchard is free, esp. as you tend his crop.
-------------------------------------
Kriynor you wake as the sun rises and find Daran moving about in his house, the hearth is ablaze and lanterns lit. It seems that he has been up for a few hours. The smells of a very inviting breakfast seep through the windows and start your stomach rumbling.
As the sun rises higher you go through the orchard and commune with the trees, inspecting each one for sickness, rot, or ailments less natural. You are pleased to find that the grove is in good health, well tended, and quite productive.
Daran comes out of his cottage and quietly watches you preform you Druidic ritual. He maintains a respectful distance and seems to watch in joyful wonder.
It is an unfamiliar, yet pleasant experience, to have someone pleased to see you, and watch you do your thing.
When you finish he walks over and greets you, "Good morning friend. Thank your blessing and car of my orchard. I have made a meal for us to break our fast. It would be my honour if you would join me."
He leads you to the cottage and inside is a marvelous spread of food, elven, human, and martial in flavor and manufacture.
Over breakfast you share stories of your travels. Daran was a soldier of some rank many years ago way down south on the Dragon Coast. He had many adventures, victories, and defeats. He returned to the Neverwinter region and became a farmer in his retirement.
Stories told and meal done, you part with a strong handshake and set off for the Lion Shield Coster to meet up with your friends...
----------------------------------------
The Stonehill Inn wakes early with banging and clanging of pots in the kitchen. Inviting smells wake its patrons and you all move downstairs bleary eyed and in need of good food and drink.
Tolben and a woman of similar age, you assume is his wife, greet you with smile and plates of food, hot herbal teas, and warm spiced grogg. [breakfast etc is 7 coppers]
About an hour after sun up you finish your meals and make ready to start out in to Phadalin for your day.
OOC: Let me know if you want to do anything or speak to any one before meeting with Kriynor at the Lion Shield Coster.
Also feel free to talk to each other of course and make plans etc.
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I help move the supply crates outside with Kargan and when it is time to move cart to phandalin i will drive again if no one has any objections.
Moving the provisions and trade goods provides no problems and a little sweat., but it is over and the cart fetched and camp set by nightfall.
You spend a quiet night under the stars and eat and drink well, all thanks to the raided supplies, many of which have a stamp of a blue lion on them. Toasting your anonymous and unfortunate benefactor you enjoy good meal and share stories, some embellished to be sure, Sildar speaks of a few of his many adventures working for the Lords Alliance, and one or two before then when he was a young man in military service.
Watches are set, and you each take your turn sleeping.
Morning finds you packed and accompanying the cart on its bumpy ride to Phandalin. As before Titus scouts ahead along the verge and Eedim follows behind. Kargan and Kryinor are with the Wagon. The Druid seated driving the horse, with Sildar beside him. Kargan clomps along in his heavy boots talking to each of them. The journey is uneventful and as the day wains a welcome sight manifests before you.
The rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and you catch your first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins-crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars-surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.
As you approach, you see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as you approach, but all return to their business as you go by.
Sildar seems much more at ease. "My friends," he says, " let us secure lodgings. I'm told the local inn is very quaint. Tomorrow we can be about our business, but I think we all have earned a night of ease and celebration in comfortable inn. What say you?"
"Very well my friend. I'm sure the lodgings will be fine. As along as the food is edible and the wine is fine I shall be happy. For now though I will make a tour of the surrounding area."
I will then head off to explore a bit the village looking for the local blacksmith As I need to replenish arrows daggers and see if there's any serviceable shorts swords here. After that I plan on conducting a patrol around the town, going through the forested outside the village fields. I will pay attention to looking for signs of non human incursion and also any handy plant bark etc that might be useful in the future.
Perception roll: 7
Nature Roll: 18
Investigation roll: 7
Stealth roll: 25
‘I shall drop the provisons off to grudens man barthan, secure payment for delivering the goods and see if they can use these extra provisions we found.’
‘We will meet you at the stonehill innTitus although i would rather spend the night on the outskirts of town, i might see if a farmer will let me stay at the edge of there property under the stars. Close enough to be hailed if there is trouble’
Sildar nods, "Fate be with you then, I shall see you at the Stone Hill inn." Then his stomach growls and he laughs, "It seems it's been too long since I had a well cooked meal, my back is looking forward to a nice soft mattress as well!"
Titus walks off into the growing darkness. The small town has no real organised and dependable lighting and the abundant shadows are weakly pushed back by a lantern hanging on the odd door here and there.
Kryinor drives the wagon to Barthan's and just catches the proprietor closing up for the night. His forehead creases as you tell him of Gundren's capture, he shakes his head sadly, "It is as I feared then. Sildar is alive and back in town though, that is good."
He is also very happy that you and your companions put an end to he goblins raiding the Triboar trail. "Fine work that, there are many hereabouts that will treat you as heroes when word gets around."
Finally he looks at the supplies and provisions that the goblins looted and sees the blue lion stamp and says, "Those would be the property of the Lion Shield Coster. Linene will be happy", he hesitates, "well as happy as she ever is, to see that gear. It was supposed to arrive two weeks gone. You might catch her tonight, but I'd recommend going in the morning. Might put her in a bad mood, catching her after closing."
When you ask about any farmers that might put you up or good places to camp around town Barthan mentions Daran Edermath'd orchard on the western edge of town. "He's an old adventurer and would probably let you stay in his barn, and share a tale and a drink or two if you have the time."
"Thank you again Elf, I expect you would be wanting your fee now then eh," he laughs and counts out 40 gold, 10 for each of you as promised, "There you go, don't spend it all on drink. Even though Tolben would love you for it."
With that he winks, "Well nights getting on if you've nothing else for me?"
As Titus wanders through the rough streets of the frontier town he notes some of the more important buildings. Barthan's provisions, and another outfitter called The Lionsheild Coster. There is also a Miners Exchange. A large poster on the front door proclaims that claims can be processed and bought, gold weighed and paid for, and loans and dispute resolution are available.
The Center of the small town is home to the Townmasters Hall, and the Shrine of Luck. Tot he south are several small farms, to the West is a sizable Orchard.
The road headed to east leads up a hill past shabby looking tavern with a broken sign over the door showing a giant asleep on the ground surrounded by empty ale kegs. It continues up the hill to a ruined manor that must have been splendid in past days.
You take note of several shady looking men, well armed men, hanging out on the porch of the tavern. They eye you with interest as you make your way past.
You find no blacksmith, but do see a small well used forge outside of what looks like a carpenters or woodsman's hut. It only looks good for shoeing horses and fixing farm tools though.
Skirting the edge of town you see quite a lot of very old stone ruins, Phadalin must have been a large bustling city way back in time, much of it has been scavenged for the foundations of the newer buildings.
You find suitable plants and natural supplies not too far out, and decide it is time to head back tot he inn and get a decent feed and nights rest.
It's about 9 o'clock when you step through the door into the warm, well lit common room.
"Barkeep, yer strongest Ale an a plate o' ye stew if ye please, I ha'e a pound o' stour tae wash down"
I'll walk into the tavern and look around for anyone from the party. When I see the dwarve "Haha! My friend, we'll rest well tonight! My good barkeep an ale if you please! Friend Kargan, a game of die perhaps?"
‘We will find gundren dont you worry about that, this pack is small but fierce’ i smirk ‘just like grudren himself’
We are no heroes,, the goblins brought it upon themselves by taking gundren and sildar, had they left them alone we never would have gone hunting them, i find that with most evil, it always seems to coming looking for trouble no matter where it is in the world.
I think we will follow your advise and visit linene in the morning, would it be possible to store the goods here tonight? Under lock and key?
When barthen mentions Daran ‘thankyou ill go and see him now before it gets to dark’
As he hands over the coins ‘i know a certain dwarf that will need this before the night it through and an elf aswell’
I would ask before you go how fares this little town? It seems to be doing well for an outpost this far away from neverwinter but looks can always be deceiving?
Once Barthen has closed i head toward the orchard where the old adveturer lives, to touch base with him and ask his permission to sleep on his property, if it goes well i will head back to the inn to catch up with the others to share the pay.
"Ale and Dice is it Titus, 'ave ye gone aff yer heid? This 'ere ale will curl the hairs o' ye beard, 'cept ye dinnae 'ave one, best leave the strong drinks to those that can handle it"
Kargan enters the common room of the Stonehill Inn and is greeted by a short young human man. "Good evenin' master Dwarf. Tolben is my name and I am your host."
Kargans enthusiastic demands are met with a wide smile, "As you wish sir, that'll be 16 coppers for the stew and two drinks. Will you be staying the night sir, I can fix up a room for you if you have a mind?"
With out waiting for an answer he says, "Muse upon it a bit master Dwarf and I will fetch you your meal..." he then moves off at speed for the kitchen.
Looking around the room you see some locals all staring at you with curiosity. Noting your returned gaze they go back to talking with each other and enjoying their drinks and food. Most appear to be laborers, one or two better dressed must be burgers or farmers. Sildar has set himself up by the hearth in a comfortable chair and is nursing a large mug of what looks like cider. He smiles at you when your eyes meet and motions on of the chairs near him. He looks tired but at ease.
At Barthans...
The older man smiles at you and says, "heroes don't get to decide if they are heroes or not young elf." "You may indeed leave the wagon here. Just drive her over into that barn and tell the boy to feed water and rub done the horse. It will all be waiting for you in the morning."
Barthan walks over with you to the barn and listens to your question. "Well Pahndalin is as Phandalin always is, a town in the middle of nowhere between two frontiers. We see little outside trouble, and what we have of that you and your friends took care of it seems. Locally we have some trouble. Some toughs have moved in and taken it into their heads that this is their town. The usual kinds of bully, some extortion, some stealing, taxes, and thuggery. They are holed up in that old manor on the hill yonder, he points to the east."
"I would avoid them if I were you, no one needs that kind of trouble."
A few moments later and you are headed towards the western edge of the town and the Edermath Orchard.
When you arrive you knock at the door and a silver haired Half Elf, who you'd guess is around 100 years old answers the door. "Good evening young sir how may I help you?"
Back at Stonehill Inn;
Sildar talks quietly and is obviously tired and worn out from his recent days of torture and captivity, "Well Kargan my friend it is time for me to retire. Enjoy your drinks and food, and I will see you and your frineds in the morning no doubt. I will contact my agents here in Phandalin ans we can formulate a plan to deal with the various situations we have before us."
He then stands and moves close to you. Putting his large calloused hand on your shoulder in a low voice full of gratitude and relief he says, "Thank you again, you and your friends are surely the reason I am here alive tonight. I had given up hope. A debt is owed friend Dwarf, one that will be repaid. Good night."
An hour or so later a Tall dark haired elf comes in through the door, stomping the dew off his boots he looks around the common room and his eyes land on you. Titus has returned form his dusk excursion. He hails you with mirth and enthusiasm and shouts some friendly demands to Tolben behind the bar. The young Inn keeper waves smiles and nods heading for the kitchen.
A few moments more and you are both enjoying a well earned rest and sharing jibes, jokes, and laughter over drinks and dice.
‘Good evening kind sir, my name is Kyinor willowbark i have just arrived in town with a group of adventurers. The rest of my friends are staying at the stonehill inn tonight but i have always preferred to sleep under the stars when possible, the good man barthen said that you may be willing to let me camp on your property for a night or two, if you do not wish for me to stay, just tell me plainly and i will take no offence and look elsewhere.
I plan to head back into town to meet up with my friends to recount our recent adventures and to make plans for our next move before i made camp for the night, however i wished to ask your permission to stay before you went to sleep for the night’
’if you wish too, you could join us at the inn, barthen said that you used to be an adventurer yourself. Perhaps we could share a story or two?’
The silver haired elf nods and smiles. "Well met Kryinor Willowbark, I am Daran Edermath." He looks you up and down and in that moment you feel yourself measured and weighed by his pale green eyes.
"It would be an honour for a Druid to tend my grove, " He bows. "Please Friend Kryinor stay as long as you like."
You hear the fire crackle in the hearth behind him. "Thank you for your kind invitation, but I have settled in for the night and do not often stir after dark these days. You are welcome to return when you wish, and there will be breakfast to share in the morning if you are so inclined."
He smiles shakes your hand and then rises one eyebrow, "When you and your companions have finished with your immediate business here in Phandalin, there is a matter concerning the town that I think you may be able to help me with. But it will keep till you have the time."
I smile at Daran's intuition and bow as confirmation. " Thankyou friend Daran, I will indeed look over your grove while i am here."
"Breakfast would be very welcome, perhaps we could discuss your concern while we eating?
I head back to the Stonehill Inn, taking note of the wildlife and town life as i go. When i arrive i go to the bar and ask for a meal and water. then i seek out the others. When i see them playing dice i ask "So who is winning? ....I have your payment here 10 each as agreed, Barthen seems to be a good enough fellow, I have also spoken to Barthen about the supplies we found in the goblin cave, I have left them with him tonight and arranged to pick them up in the morning to deliver them to there rightful owner, they belong to a local business owner, Linese, at the lionshield coaster. Where is Sildar?"
'Haha! Well met friend! It's not about the winning but the story! Our sour dwarve here is a talkative fellow once his pipes are lubricated with ale! Come! Sit down and join us! TOLBEN! Another round! Three this time my good man! ' Ill place the die in front of Kryinor 'You're up!'
'So I was telling Kargan here about the shady mansion on the hill and the riff raff that inhabit it. Shifty looking lot. Pack wolves, pardon the pun my druidic companion. This place seems to have come down in the world a far bit from its heyday. I scouted outside to town - looks clear. Not too many establishments befitting a trifles worth here either. except maybe this Lionshield Coaster place you mention. Look like it might be the only place worth looking at for gear. There is a gold exchange. I find that curious. anyone know of any gold mines in the area?"
" No drink for me thank you friend, i like to keep my mind clear, especially in a new environment, perhaps we could share one in a few days when our business is all sorted and i know the lay of the land abit better. I do not drink often and i fear the effects will be much greater on me than they will on the two of you." Looking pointedly at Kargan and Titus " However i will certainly play dice with you, can you teach me the rules? we did not play in the woods and it has been along time since i lived anywhere that did play dice." I eagerly take the dice and roll them on the table while listening to Titus.
"They must be the same riff raff that Barthen mentioned, he said that a group of thugs had moved to town recently and were causing trouble. Im not aware of any active mines but we could always go and check out the exchange tomorrow and ask the question."
" I'll be camping in the orchard on the western side of town, if any of you need me during the night, i dont expect trouble but it dosen't hurt to keep eye out for it."
"Pah, these manling squabbles are no concern to us, rescuing Gundren from the green scum is our only goal, that an killin as many greenskin as we can along the way! In the morn, we'll try that trader fur the way to Cragmore castle, they always know the lay of the land"
Your right Kargan our focus must be rescueing gundren, tomorrow we should put all our efforts into finding the location of cragmore castle, if we cant find out any information about the castle by tomorrow evening i say we strike out and follow the directions the goblin gave us, 20 miles north east of the cave between the two rangers and myself we should have little trouble locating a large castle.
Eedim spends much of his time in civilisation in a bottle and in a room. the past weeks adventures brought up many memories of the wars and faces lost during those wars haunt his dreams.Eventually he seeks out the rest of the party worse for wear and still red eyed
Well we have a full day ahead of us tomorrow I will see you all in the morning, I will be at Barthens provisions an hour after sunrise. With that I take my leave and go set up camp at Daran's orchard
In the morning at first light I will prepare my spells for the day and the cast detect disease and poison in the ritual fashion and go around and inspect the trees for and diseases they might have, after repeating this process twice (approx 40mins) I will go and see if Daran's is awake yet.
OOC: Sorry for the delay, had a rough couple of days.
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The day ends, and after much drink [for some], and talk, and a fair quantity of food you make your good nights and head of to your beds.
OOC: A meal is 8 coppers, drinks are 4 copper a piece for ale, or 1 silver for wine pitcher. Room for the night is 5 silver if you're staying at the inn.
Staying at Daran's Orchard is free, esp. as you tend his crop.
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Kriynor you wake as the sun rises and find Daran moving about in his house, the hearth is ablaze and lanterns lit. It seems that he has been up for a few hours. The smells of a very inviting breakfast seep through the windows and start your stomach rumbling.
As the sun rises higher you go through the orchard and commune with the trees, inspecting each one for sickness, rot, or ailments less natural. You are pleased to find that the grove is in good health, well tended, and quite productive.
Daran comes out of his cottage and quietly watches you preform you Druidic ritual. He maintains a respectful distance and seems to watch in joyful wonder.
It is an unfamiliar, yet pleasant experience, to have someone pleased to see you, and watch you do your thing.
When you finish he walks over and greets you, "Good morning friend. Thank your blessing and car of my orchard. I have made a meal for us to break our fast. It would be my honour if you would join me."
He leads you to the cottage and inside is a marvelous spread of food, elven, human, and martial in flavor and manufacture.
Over breakfast you share stories of your travels. Daran was a soldier of some rank many years ago way down south on the Dragon Coast. He had many adventures, victories, and defeats. He returned to the Neverwinter region and became a farmer in his retirement.
Stories told and meal done, you part with a strong handshake and set off for the Lion Shield Coster to meet up with your friends...
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The Stonehill Inn wakes early with banging and clanging of pots in the kitchen. Inviting smells wake its patrons and you all move downstairs bleary eyed and in need of good food and drink.
Tolben and a woman of similar age, you assume is his wife, greet you with smile and plates of food, hot herbal teas, and warm spiced grogg. [breakfast etc is 7 coppers]
About an hour after sun up you finish your meals and make ready to start out in to Phadalin for your day.
OOC: Let me know if you want to do anything or speak to any one before meeting with Kriynor at the Lion Shield Coster.
Also feel free to talk to each other of course and make plans etc.