This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I'll tip the cook and inn keep 1sp and 19cp combined and thank them for their hospitality.
I will do this after returning from a dawn patrol of the outskirts similar to last evening.
Perception: 12
Stealth: 17
Investigation; 22
I want to pay particular attention to to determine if any one has been moving around at night just outside of town and to see if I can ascertain anything more about the ne'er-do-wells in the old mansion.
Once fed I'll wait for the others in the Inn and suggest we all head to the Lion Shield and then on to find the castle.
I pay the bar keep a silver for the meal before i depart. And thank him for the meal.
After inspecting the trees ‘Daran, my friend, i can tell you care for these trees as a mother might tend to her new born baby, not a single tree has an ailment. Quite a feat, you should be proud there roots are deep and strong.’
As the conversion passes over our encounter with the goblins i ask Daran ‘Do you know of this Cragmore Castle that the goblins spoke of? Perhaps that is not its true name, is there knowledge of a castle in that area?’
I would also ask a favor of you Daran, when we defeated the goblins i released a pack of wolves back into the forest, should you come across them in your travels or if they should come here looking for me, i only ask that you give them a chance before you attack them, i made a pact with there alpha. Perhaps mention 2 leg but also 4 leg brother friend’ he will understand’
‘I am curious about what you said last night, something you wanted me and my friends to investigate?’ ‘Our main focus is rescueing gundren but once that is done i would be more than happy to help.’
The faint rose glow of the approaching dawn lies like a blanket on the hills to the east of Phadalin. A figure wrapped in a worn but well maintained traveling cloak moves through the outer streets and around the perimeter of the town. Only the most observant of eyes could have observed his passing; the elf moved like shadow or wisp of fog.
Titus finds no troubling sings of intruders or unwanted nocturnal visors to the town. Moving on towards the ruined manor on the hill he finds the building in a very bad state of repair. It must be hundreds of years old and has continued to decay in all that time.
Upon further exploring the ruins Titus see evidence of a lot of foot traffic around a set of stone steps leading down to what mush be the old cellars. There are many different boot prints, going up and down the stairs, as well a few quite large, non human tracks. You are pretty sure this must be the entrance to the bandits lair.
Daran blushes almost imperceptibly with your praise and says, "Well thank you my friend. I have spent most of the years of my youth bathed in blood and surrounded by death, it is a fine thing to nurture life and keep it growing strong. I fancy sometimes the trees speak to me and I know what they need."He looks out the widow to the orchard, "it is marvelous to labor on their behalf and enjoy the fruits of it...so to speak, hahaha."
As talk turns towards the goblin castle and your present troubles he apolgises and says he knows nothing apart from that a band of well organised goblins ave been raiding the road into town and they were hold up in the forest near by. "But you and your companions have put a stop to that so..."
He marvels at your connection to the wolf Ripper and his pack mates and promises to look out for them and pass on your message. "I will as a matter of course keep my distance from such fierce creatures. I'm not a spry as I once was!"
As you ask him about the matter he wished to discuss he tells you of a band of thieves and toughs who have moved into the area. He thinks they are holed up in the ruined manor on the hill outside of town. "They are lead by a mysterious wizard who calls himself Glassstaff. The cur has a heart coal if you ask me, and he has made life hard for much of the folk in Phadalin. The Townmaster does nothing. If he is afraid of them, or in cahoots, I am not sure. But it's is by far time that some brave capable people stood up to them."
He stops speaking realising that his voice was raised and impassioned, "I am sorry friend Kryinor, were I 20 years younger and had my close companions about me, " He let the thought trail off unfinished.
"Perhaps if you are willing, and your next venture goes well...we can speak of it then if you all are willing."
He shakes your hand ans wishes you well.
You then walk off to the Lion Shield Coster to meet your friends.
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At the Inn Tolben graciously takes your praise and your tips. "Thank you masters one and all. You are always most welcome here at the Stonehill. I wish you good fortune and confoundment to your foes."
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The meeting with Linene Graywind, the proprietor of the outfitters goes as Barthen predicted. Although happy to see her stolen goods returned the lady eyed you with suspicion the whole time. Making many comments about thieving no gooders, nasty greenskin trash, and gauging your reaction. At one point she made an amazed discovery that the local goblins must have acquired a taste for wine, fixing a hard blue eyed gaze on the elves.
But in the end she did thank you all for returning her goods and paid you each 10 gold for your reward.
"Now that's sorted did any of you 'fine gentlemen' need some gear or provisions, we have a limited selection of Armour and weapons, as well as some gear for adventuring and the like?"
Well Linane, I always like to peruse weapons. Perhaps you would could straight swap my fine elvish made longsword here for a fine short sword to complement the one I already have? Perhaps you have some other more exotic wares? You know the type that fine adventurer's always find helpfull?
When we are finished in the Lion Coaster I will wait til the party is together. "my friends I have ascertained that this fair village seems free of green skinned trouble for now. I do think they are being preyed upon by brigands who have set up their lair under the old ruined mansion just outside of the village proper. Seems to me that this town is not free of harassment yet. Perhaps we should call back through here on our return from the Goblin Castle. Or we could just smash these brigands on our way out. It could be good to get some practice in before we try assaulting a castle eh? Haha! What say you friends! Surely squashing some ne'er do wells wouldn't delay us too much?"
‘My axe serves me well enough but i am looking for something abit more sturdy than this learher im currently wearing, those goblins did a good job finding the gaps in my defence.’ My hand instinctively clutches at my side as if remebering the pain ‘Although it cannot be made of metal, perhaps some hide if you have any? also if you have any healers kit or medical supplies I have a feeling we will be needing them before long."
When titus updates us on the status of the town. ‘Gundren is our top priority, but im starting to get suspicious of these bandits, i was talking to Daran this morning about them he says they are lead by a wizard named Glassstaff. Now we know that gundren was taken on the orders of an individual known as the black spider to the goblins, what if glasstaff is actually the black spider and we are being lead away from gundren, if we go searching for him in the wilderness only to find out he was under our feet the whole time we will truely look the fools and to gundren’s detrament.’
‘I think we should ask a few more questions of the towns folk today and see if they know anymore about this castle or about the bandits.’
"Aye, 'tis true a Grobbi cannae say a true word, even under pain o' death, so Castle Cragmore may no' even exist, curse the green scum!! If these thugs are in league with the Grobbi, then there will be a reckoning with ma' Axe!!"
It's like Sildar said, these goblins are way too organised, but a wizard with dark ambitions can be far more cunning, who should we talk to? I know you mentioned the miners exchange titus, maybe we should try there to see if they know about a castle and then talk to the farmers that border the old mansion surely they would see the coming and goings of the bandits?'
"I agree. I shall out and a fireside chat with some locals."
I'll then head out into the village and start attending any businesses and whilst "shopping" I'll engage in some banter in an effort to find out about the mansion and its denizens. I'll casually drop into conversations things like"that must have been a magnificent mansion in its day - What Happened to it - looks like it has a fine tale to tell - Who owns it now - Is anyone living there - What does the town think about it standing as a ruin - perhaps it should be knocked down - I though I saw strange lights up there last night what's with that! - My friend is looking at purchasing property and I think that place would be great how do I see about acquiring it?" all things like that. Any answers alluding to its current ownership or inhabitants will be explored with further questions like wow really? that must be hard for you townsfolk - why doesn't the village council kick them out - how many are there - how long have they been there - anyone tried to kick them out before? - a necromancer? - where did they come from? - they ever come into town? how do they come and go?"
"The lassie Linene is sure to know the going's on in these parts."
"If ye please Linene, what can ye tell us 'bout a Castle Cragmore, an' the band o' ruffians holed up at the ol' mansion? Have ye heard tell they are in league with the Grobbi scum?"
After expressing you interest in here wares, the Linene takes you to a reinforced and locked room to one side of the warehouse. "This is where I keep my more dangerous goods." She casts another wise and sharp glace over you all and continues, "If you didn't have the look of decent folk then you'd never see the inside of this room. I wont sell to them's that's going to cause trouble. If you know what I mean."
She takes out a heavy ring of keys and places a stout iron one into the heavy padlock on a sliding bold an the heavily reinforced door. With a good shove from her right shoulder the door swings in on well oiled hinges. You all see a room stocked with weapons, armour, and stout adventuring gear. It is by no means an exhaustive inventory, but impressive for a frontier town like Phandalin.
Linene happily trades a good sharp short sword for Titus' Elven blade.
Shortsword 1d6 piercing 2 lb. Finesse, light
She apologies to Kargan having nothing to replace or upgrade his kit, "We don't get many stout warriors such as yerself."
And to Krynor she suggests a set of thick hide armour that was left here in trade for food and tools by a party of barbarian wanderers last winter. "Might be a bit hot in warm weather, but 'tis thicker than what your wearing for sure."
Hide 12 + Dex modifier (max 2) — — 12 lb.
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Titus and Kryinor then set off around the town to see if they can discover more about the goblin castle or the bandits that seem to hold Phandalin in their fists.
Kargan and the bleary eyed quiet Eedim stay with Linene and talk further.
Linene advises you that the thugs go by the name of 'Redbrands', that you would do well to stay away from teh Sleeping Giant Taphouse. "It's where those louts drink, and all of the trouble here in Phandalin spills out of the place."
When she is asked about their number and possible hideout at the ruined mansion she says there are never more than half a dozen or so in town, and she has heard they move about the old place on the hill, though she has not seen them herself.
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Kryinor heads towards the towns edge and the farms that border the grounds of the old mansion. He meets a kind a wise middle aged halfling woman called Qelline Alderleaf. She invites you into the house and makes you nice cup of tea and a offers you some pie and delicious home cooked biscuits. She seems to know almost everything that is going on in town an tells you that the 'Redbrands' hassle everyone in town and demand protection money, and tributes of food and drink. All those that resist are given a beating or threatened with worse violence until they comply. She tells you she is unaware of the goblin castle, but she is friends with a local Druid Reidoth who knows the land well, and is sure to have heard of or seen Cragmaw Castle.
She then calls her son Carp over, who this whole time has been watching wide eyed for the back door, "Tell the nice elf what you saw in the woods a few days ago dear..."
Carp walks over and looks up at you, "Are...are you...are you an adventurer..."
The young lad looks ready to burst with excitement, "Oh boy! I want to be an adventurer." He then grabs a big spoon off the table and holds it out like a sword and begins to fight imaginary goblins right there in the kitchen in form of you both.
"Tell the nice Elf your story my dear," Qelline reminds her son.
The young halfling lad then recounts his time in the forest a few says ago where he observed some rough looking men emerge form a secret tunnel in the side of the hill.
"They didn't see me sir, but I saw them. It was a near thing too!." He says he can lead you back to it if you want to surprise them.
Titus arrives at the MIners Exchange. The place is open and a few rough looking miners and other frontier types come and go. The Proprietor is a woman called Halia Thornton. The building itself is very impressive. One of very few two story buildings in town. It looks well built, well enough to withstand a siege seemingly.
Halia is a very confident, wise and shrewd person. You sense that she is a person used to getting what they want and being obeyed. She explains to you her attempts to get the town organised and bring it forward to its true potential. She has arranged to have the Exchange hold the important records of miners claims, property deeds, and most other official documents, as the local infrastructures is not suitable.
When you mention the thugs and the goblin castle your looking for she raises her eyebrows and says she has heard that the Wizard Balackstaff has a goblin servant. Maybe the goblin knows where the castle is.
She considers you a moment, "You look like you can handle yourself, and as you say, you have friends in town.Would you be interested in helping Phandalin?"
She puts her hands on her hips, "If you were to eliminate this wizard and break the Redbrand hold on the town, I would happily reward your group with eighty gold pieces."
Then hesitating a moment she adds, "I will add a further 20 gold if you can secure any correspondence he has and bring it to me."
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Other things you all learn on your reconnaissance though the town;
Narth, an old farmer says: "Sister Garaele, who oversees the Shrine of Luck, recently left town for a few days, then returned wounded and exhausted."
Elsa, a gossipy barmaid says : "Daran Edermath, the orchard keeper, is a former adventurer."
Lanar, a miner: "Orc raiders have been seen on the east end of Triboar Trail. The town master is looking for someone to run them off."
Trilena, the innkeeper's wife: "Thel Dendrar, a local woodcarver, stood up to the Redbrands a ten day ago when they came by his shop and leered at his wife. The ruffians murdered him. Several townsfolk saw it happen. The Redbrands grabbed his body, and now his wife, daughter, and son have gone missing too."
Freda, a weaver tells you: "The Redbrands hassle every business in town, except for the Phandalin Miner's Exchange. They don't want trouble with Halia Thornton, who runs it."
Eventually you make your way to the Townmasters Hall.
The townmaster's hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: "REWARD-Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within."The notice bears the town's seal and an indecipherable signature.
Phandalin has no functioning government, but the townsfolk elect someone to serve as town master each year. The townmaster serves as a judge in minor disputes and keeps any records that need to be kept. The current town master is a male human banker named Harbin Wester-a fat, pompous old fool. He seems completely intimidated by the Redbrands, and he claims that they're "just a mercenary guild, and not all that much trouble, really."
"By Clanggedin's giant golden balls, this so-called wizard Glassstaff has a Grobbi servant!?! Jus' wait while I sharpen ma Axe, then we must pay the fine gentleman a visit!!"
At the miners exchange - Thank for you hospitality good woman Halia. I shall consult with my brothers regards your fine offer."
After getting the info about the Shrine of Luck I shall pay a quick visit to the Sister to see how her health travels and make an offering (10cp). I shall enquire as to how she was injured and where as it is both unfortunate and intolerable that a lady of the cloth should be molested on road or anywhere.
To the group: "with what info we have at hand I feel that this redbrand business is directly associated with the Goblin Castle. I think that we should eliminate these devils, capture the goblin and that we will find more info on the castle that will help us when the time comes to assault it."
I will let everyone else know what info I have uncovered at the miner exchange etc.
'Thank you linene I don't mind the discomfort if it means I get to live another day,' I hand her my leather armour with a smile.
I accept the food and drink offered and listen closely to what she has to say 'A Druid, yes I imagine he will know if this castle is real or not, do you know where I might find him?' I ponder and smile at Carp 'Ha, I hadn't really considered myself an adventurer but I guess your right, I am on an adventure to find my friend, I would be grateful if you could show me this secret entrance but only with your mothers permission.' I look back to Quelline ' I will make sure he is safe'.
If Quelline does not object I will follow Carp to just within sight of the entrance but no closer as I do not want to put him in unnessasry danger, if she does object I ask that he tells me how to get to the location and then go by myself again not getting to close while I am by myself.
Stealth : 21
Once I know the location of the secret entrance I will endeavour to find the others. When I hear about the sister I too will check in on her to see if I can offer her aid, and find out who attacked her and why.
I tell the others of the Druid who will know if this goblin castle is real and where it is and i also tell them of the secret entrance to the cave that could help us infiltrate the redbrands hideout.
When I walk past the sign that warns of orcs I pause for a long moment, scenes of horror flashing before my eyes. A sense of rage filling my stomach and chest. I set my jaw and clench my fists before walking through the doors.
I will approach harbin ’Tell me sir where is wyven tor? I will deal with this orc menace when we have found Gundren and rescued him, have they threatened the town yet or are they just harrassing travellers until now?’
I turn to the rest of the party ‘in my experience there is only one thing as destructive and unnatural as the undead. ORCS, hell bent on causing trouble, i have only ever met one, maybe two orcs in my life that were friendly, these were certainly the exception and had abandoned there clans brutish ways. If it werent for gundrens i would leave immediately to put a stop to these orcs, before they get bold enough to attack a town and slaughter its people.’ I pause again as if lost in thought before clenching my fists again, before taking a deep breath and calming myself again.’
Linene looks happy to hear Kargan's fervent, yet expletive laden suggestion about the ruffians under the ruined manor. She says that the people of Phadalin would all celebrate them being brought low, and would no doubt be very grateful of you all if you survived.
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AT THE MINERS EXCHANGE
"Thank you Sir for taking this to your companions," she says smiling at you as you leave. Just as you are about to close the door behind you she calls out, "Remember the extra gold if you bring any correspondence you find in Galsstaffs possession to me!"
AT THE TEMPLE OF LUCK
You then head to the shrine of luck. The shrine is built from the stones of the ruined buildings the surround the town, a gold plaque with four leaf clovers surrounding the friendly face of a woman of indeterminate age sits at the top of the main pillar.
Sister Garaele is a young evlen woman, who is tending the shrine as you approach. She thanks you for the donation and upon question of her misfortune she smiles.
"Word gets around fast in a small town such as Phandalin." She tell you she was on the business of her organisation, a body of good people who seek to thwart the abuse of power in all of its forms, and was sadly totally unprepared for the events which transpired in the doing of it.
Her face reddens as she admits she was careless and did not heed the warnings from her superiors, so she had in turn gotten way out of her depth and needed to turn tail and run.
"But mistakes are always an opportunity to learn aren't they. I have had time to think and may know a way to turn this failure into a boon. Though I may need some help."
You also learn that she is sick with worry for the future of the town with the threat of the Redbrands hanging over them.
Queleine ascents to letting Carp show you the 'entrance in the woods' after much pleading and cajoling by the young lad. Carp looks almost ready to burst from pride and excitement as you head for the door, "Oh boy my first real adventure!"
The young halfling boy leads you along east along the northern edge of the field and over an old ruined stone wall that may have been part of the original defense of the town that stood here in past ages. From there you both move into the wood along a trail no doubt worn by young hairy feet to an older section. There he points out the newish rough track hacked out of the brush and smaller shrubs and trees.
"Just follow that trail for about 30 yards and you'll find a small cave in the side of the hill. I didn't get too close in case they saw me," he winked.
You both stay to observe for a while and it is not long till you hear someone moving through the woods, in a reasonably stealthy manner. A rough looking man armed with a big spiked club and covered mostly in a drab, reddish brown, dirty cloak seems to be patrolling this part of the woods. He seems oblivious to you and Carp hiding nearby.
It seems the Redbrands are smart enough to post a rear guard.
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AT THE TOWN MASTERS HALL
The Town Master informs you that the Orcs have been reading small farms and travelers to the east along the Triboar trail.
Harbin also tells you that the reward for successful defeat or moving on of the Orcs is one hundred gold pieces.
As you leave the hall, you see SIldar walking up the street towards you.
"Good day Friend Kryinor! Its a fine thing to see one of my saviors."
He tells you that he is well on the mend and has sent a messenger back to Neverwinter to tell his masters of what has transpired thus far. "I will also be setting up in the Town Hall yonder. I intend to find out what happened to my agent Inaro the wizard, and find some way to deal with these ruffians threatening the peace of Phandalin."
He is much pleased when you relate the intelligence you have gathered thus far and offers you a 200 gold piece reward for dealing with them, and learning the fate of his agent Inaro who was seen investigation the Manor some few moths ago.
He is also glad you intend on finding Cragmaw Castle and rescuing Gundren. "If you can bring that canny old dwarf back alive and deal with this 'Goblin King' I am sure I can convince the Lords Alliance that you are indeed worthy fellows and should be reward handsomely, say for five hundred gold pieces?"
He suggests looking for raiding parties up and down the Triboar Trail and following them to find the Castle.
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Later you all gather together and exchange all of what you have found this day, and begin to formulate a plan....
Whilst with the sister at the temple I will inquire as to her "idea" and what she intends to do? Perhaps I may be a slight assistance?
When we are all back together again:
"I really feel that we need to eliminate these redbrands first and thusly ensure the town is a safer place. We will most likely need to to come back here, I feel a lot safer if we knew that we are heading back towards safety and not into another fight, particularity if we are wounded as we will most likely be when heading back from the goblin king. It seems to me that with the increasing deprivations going on here its only a small amount of time before major trouble hits and we lose a potential safe base. I know my old commander First Captain Trivanus Lightblade always made sure we had safe echelons behind us. We can do real good here friends. A couple of days at most delay won't effect Grunden, he's either already dead which I think is not likely given the effort taken to capture him, and alive he's not going to suddenly lose his usefulness to the Goblin King. Beside we all know that he's tougher than birchwhistle root in evenspring and stronger than a gnomish three keyed chest lock. He will be there waiting for us, driving his gobby tormentors to distraction. I can already see he's probably worn out and been the demise of at least a dozen goblin guards already! - I say friends we deal with these redbrands tonight. Lets go capture that tough at the rear entrance - great work there Kryinor! Get some info and sneak into the manor via that entrance. Eliminate the brigands - No Mercy for that type of scum! Halia at the miners exchange is not trustworthy in my opinion. She wants the wizards papers, to me it seems Halia is only one in town not effected by the brigands. I say we make a show of playing up that we still resting up and sneak out of town to meet up at the entrance we don't want to tip allies or spies off. Once the redbrands are settled we should investigate the Triboar area and following the orcs, provided we don't something useful from the redbrands that leads us to Gundren."
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I'll tip the cook and inn keep 1sp and 19cp combined and thank them for their hospitality.
I will do this after returning from a dawn patrol of the outskirts similar to last evening.
Perception: 12
Stealth: 17
Investigation; 22
I want to pay particular attention to to determine if any one has been moving around at night just outside of town and to see if I can ascertain anything more about the ne'er-do-wells in the old mansion.
Once fed I'll wait for the others in the Inn and suggest we all head to the Lion Shield and then on to find the castle.
"Aye, ma compliments to the scullery, a fair meal and drink it must be said"
I will also tip Tolben 1sp extra
I pay the bar keep a silver for the meal before i depart. And thank him for the meal.
After inspecting the trees ‘Daran, my friend, i can tell you care for these trees as a mother might tend to her new born baby, not a single tree has an ailment. Quite a feat, you should be proud there roots are deep and strong.’
As the conversion passes over our encounter with the goblins i ask Daran ‘Do you know of this Cragmore Castle that the goblins spoke of? Perhaps that is not its true name, is there knowledge of a castle in that area?’
I would also ask a favor of you Daran, when we defeated the goblins i released a pack of wolves back into the forest, should you come across them in your travels or if they should come here looking for me, i only ask that you give them a chance before you attack them, i made a pact with there alpha. Perhaps mention 2 leg but also 4 leg brother friend’ he will understand’
‘I am curious about what you said last night, something you wanted me and my friends to investigate?’ ‘Our main focus is rescueing gundren but once that is done i would be more than happy to help.’
The faint rose glow of the approaching dawn lies like a blanket on the hills to the east of Phadalin. A figure wrapped in a worn but well maintained traveling cloak moves through the outer streets and around the perimeter of the town. Only the most observant of eyes could have observed his passing; the elf moved like shadow or wisp of fog.
Titus finds no troubling sings of intruders or unwanted nocturnal visors to the town. Moving on towards the ruined manor on the hill he finds the building in a very bad state of repair. It must be hundreds of years old and has continued to decay in all that time.
Upon further exploring the ruins Titus see evidence of a lot of foot traffic around a set of stone steps leading down to what mush be the old cellars. There are many different boot prints, going up and down the stairs, as well a few quite large, non human tracks. You are pretty sure this must be the entrance to the bandits lair.
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Daran blushes almost imperceptibly with your praise and says, "Well thank you my friend. I have spent most of the years of my youth bathed in blood and surrounded by death, it is a fine thing to nurture life and keep it growing strong. I fancy sometimes the trees speak to me and I know what they need." He looks out the widow to the orchard, "it is marvelous to labor on their behalf and enjoy the fruits of it...so to speak, hahaha."
As talk turns towards the goblin castle and your present troubles he apolgises and says he knows nothing apart from that a band of well organised goblins ave been raiding the road into town and they were hold up in the forest near by. "But you and your companions have put a stop to that so..."
He marvels at your connection to the wolf Ripper and his pack mates and promises to look out for them and pass on your message. "I will as a matter of course keep my distance from such fierce creatures. I'm not a spry as I once was!"
As you ask him about the matter he wished to discuss he tells you of a band of thieves and toughs who have moved into the area. He thinks they are holed up in the ruined manor on the hill outside of town. "They are lead by a mysterious wizard who calls himself Glassstaff. The cur has a heart coal if you ask me, and he has made life hard for much of the folk in Phadalin. The Townmaster does nothing. If he is afraid of them, or in cahoots, I am not sure. But it's is by far time that some brave capable people stood up to them."
He stops speaking realising that his voice was raised and impassioned, "I am sorry friend Kryinor, were I 20 years younger and had my close companions about me, " He let the thought trail off unfinished.
"Perhaps if you are willing, and your next venture goes well...we can speak of it then if you all are willing."
He shakes your hand ans wishes you well.
You then walk off to the Lion Shield Coster to meet your friends.
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At the Inn Tolben graciously takes your praise and your tips. "Thank you masters one and all. You are always most welcome here at the Stonehill. I wish you good fortune and confoundment to your foes."
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The meeting with Linene Graywind, the proprietor of the outfitters goes as Barthen predicted. Although happy to see her stolen goods returned the lady eyed you with suspicion the whole time. Making many comments about thieving no gooders, nasty greenskin trash, and gauging your reaction. At one point she made an amazed discovery that the local goblins must have acquired a taste for wine, fixing a hard blue eyed gaze on the elves.
But in the end she did thank you all for returning her goods and paid you each 10 gold for your reward.
"Now that's sorted did any of you 'fine gentlemen' need some gear or provisions, we have a limited selection of Armour and weapons, as well as some gear for adventuring and the like?"
"Aye lassie, we are headed for the Goblin's haud to do battle agin, would ye have any Heavy Armor to fit a dwarf? Ma Chainmail has seen better days!"
Well Linane, I always like to peruse weapons. Perhaps you would could straight swap my fine elvish made longsword here for a fine short sword to complement the one I already have? Perhaps you have some other more exotic wares? You know the type that fine adventurer's always find helpfull?
When we are finished in the Lion Coaster I will wait til the party is together. "my friends I have ascertained that this fair village seems free of green skinned trouble for now. I do think they are being preyed upon by brigands who have set up their lair under the old ruined mansion just outside of the village proper. Seems to me that this town is not free of harassment yet. Perhaps we should call back through here on our return from the Goblin Castle. Or we could just smash these brigands on our way out. It could be good to get some practice in before we try assaulting a castle eh? Haha! What say you friends! Surely squashing some ne'er do wells wouldn't delay us too much?"
‘My axe serves me well enough but i am looking for something abit more sturdy than this learher im currently wearing, those goblins did a good job finding the gaps in my defence.’ My hand instinctively clutches at my side as if remebering the pain ‘Although it cannot be made of metal, perhaps some hide if you have any? also if you have any healers kit or medical supplies I have a feeling we will be needing them before long."
When titus updates us on the status of the town. ‘Gundren is our top priority, but im starting to get suspicious of these bandits, i was talking to Daran this morning about them he says they are lead by a wizard named Glassstaff. Now we know that gundren was taken on the orders of an individual known as the black spider to the goblins, what if glasstaff is actually the black spider and we are being lead away from gundren, if we go searching for him in the wilderness only to find out he was under our feet the whole time we will truely look the fools and to gundren’s detrament.’
‘I think we should ask a few more questions of the towns folk today and see if they know anymore about this castle or about the bandits.’
"I think that's a sterling idea!"
"Aye, 'tis true a Grobbi cannae say a true word, even under pain o' death, so Castle Cragmore may no' even exist, curse the green scum!! If these thugs are in league with the Grobbi, then there will be a reckoning with ma' Axe!!"
It's like Sildar said, these goblins are way too organised, but a wizard with dark ambitions can be far more cunning, who should we talk to? I know you mentioned the miners exchange titus, maybe we should try there to see if they know about a castle and then talk to the farmers that border the old mansion surely they would see the coming and goings of the bandits?'
"I agree. I shall out and a fireside chat with some locals."
I'll then head out into the village and start attending any businesses and whilst "shopping" I'll engage in some banter in an effort to find out about the mansion and its denizens. I'll casually drop into conversations things like"that must have been a magnificent mansion in its day - What Happened to it - looks like it has a fine tale to tell - Who owns it now - Is anyone living there - What does the town think about it standing as a ruin - perhaps it should be knocked down - I though I saw strange lights up there last night what's with that! - My friend is looking at purchasing property and I think that place would be great how do I see about acquiring it?" all things like that. Any answers alluding to its current ownership or inhabitants will be explored with further questions like wow really? that must be hard for you townsfolk - why doesn't the village council kick them out - how many are there - how long have they been there - anyone tried to kick them out before? - a necromancer? - where did they come from? - they ever come into town? how do they come and go?"
"The lassie Linene is sure to know the going's on in these parts."
"If ye please Linene, what can ye tell us 'bout a Castle Cragmore, an' the band o' ruffians holed up at the ol' mansion? Have ye heard tell they are in league with the Grobbi scum?"
After expressing you interest in here wares, the Linene takes you to a reinforced and locked room to one side of the warehouse. "This is where I keep my more dangerous goods." She casts another wise and sharp glace over you all and continues, "If you didn't have the look of decent folk then you'd never see the inside of this room. I wont sell to them's that's going to cause trouble. If you know what I mean."
She takes out a heavy ring of keys and places a stout iron one into the heavy padlock on a sliding bold an the heavily reinforced door. With a good shove from her right shoulder the door swings in on well oiled hinges. You all see a room stocked with weapons, armour, and stout adventuring gear. It is by no means an exhaustive inventory, but impressive for a frontier town like Phandalin.
Linene happily trades a good sharp short sword for Titus' Elven blade.
Shortsword 1d6 piercing 2 lb. Finesse, light
She apologies to Kargan having nothing to replace or upgrade his kit, "We don't get many stout warriors such as yerself."
And to Krynor she suggests a set of thick hide armour that was left here in trade for food and tools by a party of barbarian wanderers last winter. "Might be a bit hot in warm weather, but 'tis thicker than what your wearing for sure."
Hide 12 + Dex modifier (max 2) — — 12 lb.
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Titus and Kryinor then set off around the town to see if they can discover more about the goblin castle or the bandits that seem to hold Phandalin in their fists.
Kargan and the bleary eyed quiet Eedim stay with Linene and talk further.
Linene advises you that the thugs go by the name of 'Redbrands', that you would do well to stay away from teh Sleeping Giant Taphouse. "It's where those louts drink, and all of the trouble here in Phandalin spills out of the place."
When she is asked about their number and possible hideout at the ruined mansion she says there are never more than half a dozen or so in town, and she has heard they move about the old place on the hill, though she has not seen them herself.
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Kryinor heads towards the towns edge and the farms that border the grounds of the old mansion. He meets a kind a wise middle aged halfling woman called Qelline Alderleaf. She invites you into the house and makes you nice cup of tea and a offers you some pie and delicious home cooked biscuits. She seems to know almost everything that is going on in town an tells you that the 'Redbrands' hassle everyone in town and demand protection money, and tributes of food and drink. All those that resist are given a beating or threatened with worse violence until they comply. She tells you she is unaware of the goblin castle, but she is friends with a local Druid Reidoth who knows the land well, and is sure to have heard of or seen Cragmaw Castle.
She then calls her son Carp over, who this whole time has been watching wide eyed for the back door, "Tell the nice elf what you saw in the woods a few days ago dear..."
Carp walks over and looks up at you, "Are...are you...are you an adventurer..."
The young lad looks ready to burst with excitement, "Oh boy! I want to be an adventurer." He then grabs a big spoon off the table and holds it out like a sword and begins to fight imaginary goblins right there in the kitchen in form of you both.
"Tell the nice Elf your story my dear," Qelline reminds her son.
The young halfling lad then recounts his time in the forest a few says ago where he observed some rough looking men emerge form a secret tunnel in the side of the hill.
"They didn't see me sir, but I saw them. It was a near thing too!." He says he can lead you back to it if you want to surprise them.
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Titus arrives at the MIners Exchange. The place is open and a few rough looking miners and other frontier types come and go. The Proprietor is a woman called Halia Thornton. The building itself is very impressive. One of very few two story buildings in town. It looks well built, well enough to withstand a siege seemingly.
Halia is a very confident, wise and shrewd person. You sense that she is a person used to getting what they want and being obeyed. She explains to you her attempts to get the town organised and bring it forward to its true potential. She has arranged to have the Exchange hold the important records of miners claims, property deeds, and most other official documents, as the local infrastructures is not suitable.
When you mention the thugs and the goblin castle your looking for she raises her eyebrows and says she has heard that the Wizard Balackstaff has a goblin servant. Maybe the goblin knows where the castle is.
She considers you a moment, "You look like you can handle yourself, and as you say, you have friends in town.Would you be interested in helping Phandalin?"
She puts her hands on her hips, "If you were to eliminate this wizard and break the Redbrand hold on the town, I would happily reward your group with eighty gold pieces."
Then hesitating a moment she adds, "I will add a further 20 gold if you can secure any correspondence he has and bring it to me."
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Other things you all learn on your reconnaissance though the town;
Narth, an old farmer says: "Sister Garaele, who oversees the Shrine of Luck, recently left town for a few days, then returned wounded and exhausted."
Elsa, a gossipy barmaid says : "Daran Edermath, the orchard keeper, is a former adventurer."
Lanar, a miner: "Orc raiders have been seen on the east end of Triboar Trail. The town master is looking for someone to run them off."
Trilena, the innkeeper's wife: "Thel Dendrar, a local woodcarver, stood up to the Redbrands a ten day ago when they came by his shop and leered at his wife. The
ruffians murdered him. Several townsfolk saw it happen. The Redbrands grabbed his body, and now his wife, daughter, and son have gone missing too."
Freda, a weaver tells you: "The Redbrands hassle every business in town, except for the Phandalin Miner's Exchange. They don't want trouble with Halia Thornton, who runs it."
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Eventually you make your way to the Townmasters Hall.
The townmaster's hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: "REWARD-Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within." The notice bears the
town's seal and an indecipherable signature.
Phandalin has no functioning government, but the townsfolk elect someone to serve as town master each year. The townmaster serves as a judge in minor disputes and keeps any records that need to be kept. The current town master is a male human banker named Harbin Wester-a fat, pompous old fool. He seems completely intimidated by the Redbrands, and he claims that they're "just a mercenary guild, and not all that much trouble, really."
"By Clanggedin's giant golden balls, this so-called wizard Glassstaff has a Grobbi servant!?! Jus' wait while I sharpen ma Axe, then we must pay the fine gentleman a visit!!"
At the miners exchange - Thank for you hospitality good woman Halia. I shall consult with my brothers regards your fine offer."
After getting the info about the Shrine of Luck I shall pay a quick visit to the Sister to see how her health travels and make an offering (10cp). I shall enquire as to how she was injured and where as it is both unfortunate and intolerable that a lady of the cloth should be molested on road or anywhere.
To the group: "with what info we have at hand I feel that this redbrand business is directly associated with the Goblin Castle. I think that we should eliminate these devils, capture the goblin and that we will find more info on the castle that will help us when the time comes to assault it."
I will let everyone else know what info I have uncovered at the miner exchange etc.
'Thank you linene I don't mind the discomfort if it means I get to live another day,' I hand her my leather armour with a smile.
I accept the food and drink offered and listen closely to what she has to say 'A Druid, yes I imagine he will know if this castle is real or not, do you know where I might find him?' I ponder and smile at Carp 'Ha, I hadn't really considered myself an adventurer but I guess your right, I am on an adventure to find my friend, I would be grateful if you could show me this secret entrance but only with your mothers permission.' I look back to Quelline ' I will make sure he is safe'.
If Quelline does not object I will follow Carp to just within sight of the entrance but no closer as I do not want to put him in unnessasry danger, if she does object I ask that he tells me how to get to the location and then go by myself again not getting to close while I am by myself.
Stealth : 21
Once I know the location of the secret entrance I will endeavour to find the others. When I hear about the sister I too will check in on her to see if I can offer her aid, and find out who attacked her and why.
I tell the others of the Druid who will know if this goblin castle is real and where it is and i also tell them of the secret entrance to the cave that could help us infiltrate the redbrands hideout.
When I walk past the sign that warns of orcs I pause for a long moment, scenes of horror flashing before my eyes. A sense of rage filling my stomach and chest. I set my jaw and clench my fists before walking through the doors.
I will approach harbin ’Tell me sir where is wyven tor? I will deal with this orc menace when we have found Gundren and rescued him, have they threatened the town yet or are they just harrassing travellers until now?’
I turn to the rest of the party ‘in my experience there is only one thing as destructive and unnatural as the undead. ORCS, hell bent on causing trouble, i have only ever met one, maybe two orcs in my life that were friendly, these were certainly the exception and had abandoned there clans brutish ways. If it werent for gundrens i would leave immediately to put a stop to these orcs, before they get bold enough to attack a town and slaughter its people.’ I pause again as if lost in thought before clenching my fists again, before taking a deep breath and calming myself again.’
AT THE COSTER
Linene looks happy to hear Kargan's fervent, yet expletive laden suggestion about the ruffians under the ruined manor. She says that the people of Phadalin would all celebrate them being brought low, and would no doubt be very grateful of you all if you survived.
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AT THE MINERS EXCHANGE
"Thank you Sir for taking this to your companions," she says smiling at you as you leave. Just as you are about to close the door behind you she calls out, "Remember the extra gold if you bring any correspondence you find in Galsstaffs possession to me!"
AT THE TEMPLE OF LUCK
You then head to the shrine of luck. The shrine is built from the stones of the ruined buildings the surround the town, a gold plaque with four leaf clovers surrounding the friendly face of a woman of indeterminate age sits at the top of the main pillar.
Sister Garaele is a young evlen woman, who is tending the shrine as you approach. She thanks you for the donation and upon question of her misfortune she smiles.
"Word gets around fast in a small town such as Phandalin." She tell you she was on the business of her organisation, a body of good people who seek to thwart the abuse of power in all of its forms, and was sadly totally unprepared for the events which transpired in the doing of it.
Her face reddens as she admits she was careless and did not heed the warnings from her superiors, so she had in turn gotten way out of her depth and needed to turn tail and run.
"But mistakes are always an opportunity to learn aren't they. I have had time to think and may know a way to turn this failure into a boon. Though I may need some help."
You also learn that she is sick with worry for the future of the town with the threat of the Redbrands hanging over them.
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AT THE ALDERLEAF FARM
Queleine ascents to letting Carp show you the 'entrance in the woods' after much pleading and cajoling by the young lad. Carp looks almost ready to burst from pride and excitement as you head for the door, "Oh boy my first real adventure!"
The young halfling boy leads you along east along the northern edge of the field and over an old ruined stone wall that may have been part of the original defense of the town that stood here in past ages. From there you both move into the wood along a trail no doubt worn by young hairy feet to an older section. There he points out the newish rough track hacked out of the brush and smaller shrubs and trees.
"Just follow that trail for about 30 yards and you'll find a small cave in the side of the hill. I didn't get too close in case they saw me," he winked.
You both stay to observe for a while and it is not long till you hear someone moving through the woods, in a reasonably stealthy manner. A rough looking man armed with a big spiked club and covered mostly in a drab, reddish brown, dirty cloak seems to be patrolling this part of the woods. He seems oblivious to you and Carp hiding nearby.
It seems the Redbrands are smart enough to post a rear guard.
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AT THE TOWN MASTERS HALL
The Town Master informs you that the Orcs have been reading small farms and travelers to the east along the Triboar trail.
Harbin also tells you that the reward for successful defeat or moving on of the Orcs is one hundred gold pieces.
As you leave the hall, you see SIldar walking up the street towards you.
"Good day Friend Kryinor! Its a fine thing to see one of my saviors."
He tells you that he is well on the mend and has sent a messenger back to Neverwinter to tell his masters of what has transpired thus far. "I will also be setting up in the Town Hall yonder. I intend to find out what happened to my agent Inaro the wizard, and find some way to deal with these ruffians threatening the peace of Phandalin."
He is much pleased when you relate the intelligence you have gathered thus far and offers you a 200 gold piece reward for dealing with them, and learning the fate of his agent Inaro who was seen investigation the Manor some few moths ago.
He is also glad you intend on finding Cragmaw Castle and rescuing Gundren. "If you can bring that canny old dwarf back alive and deal with this 'Goblin King' I am sure I can convince the Lords Alliance that you are indeed worthy fellows and should be reward handsomely, say for five hundred gold pieces?"
He suggests looking for raiding parties up and down the Triboar Trail and following them to find the Castle.
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Later you all gather together and exchange all of what you have found this day, and begin to formulate a plan....
Whilst with the sister at the temple I will inquire as to her "idea" and what she intends to do? Perhaps I may be a slight assistance?
When we are all back together again:
"I really feel that we need to eliminate these redbrands first and thusly ensure the town is a safer place. We will most likely need to to come back here, I feel a lot safer if we knew that we are heading back towards safety and not into another fight, particularity if we are wounded as we will most likely be when heading back from the goblin king. It seems to me that with the increasing deprivations going on here its only a small amount of time before major trouble hits and we lose a potential safe base. I know my old commander First Captain Trivanus Lightblade always made sure we had safe echelons behind us. We can do real good here friends. A couple of days at most delay won't effect Grunden, he's either already dead which I think is not likely given the effort taken to capture him, and alive he's not going to suddenly lose his usefulness to the Goblin King. Beside we all know that he's tougher than birchwhistle root in evenspring and stronger than a gnomish three keyed chest lock. He will be there waiting for us, driving his gobby tormentors to distraction. I can already see he's probably worn out and been the demise of at least a dozen goblin guards already! - I say friends we deal with these redbrands tonight. Lets go capture that tough at the rear entrance - great work there Kryinor! Get some info and sneak into the manor via that entrance. Eliminate the brigands - No Mercy for that type of scum! Halia at the miners exchange is not trustworthy in my opinion. She wants the wizards papers, to me it seems Halia is only one in town not effected by the brigands. I say we make a show of playing up that we still resting up and sneak out of town to meet up at the entrance we don't want to tip allies or spies off. Once the redbrands are settled we should investigate the Triboar area and following the orcs, provided we don't something useful from the redbrands that leads us to Gundren."