You all clean and bandage wounds, put out the burning barricade, and search the rest of the cavern and cave complex. It seems most of the loot was in Klarg's hoard, but the goblins in the Boss's cave had a few coins worth 15 silver pieces, and three gold teeth.
You rig up a stretcher for transporting Sildar and rest the night. Much refreshed [All Hp restored, ie long rest!] but still a bit stiff and sore from yesterdays action you wake and ready to leave the cave. At some time in the night Sildar regained consciousness. He thanked you all for saving his life as he was sure he was destined for a goblin or wolf gullet.
SILDAR HALLWINTER
As he talked to you of the events of the last few days he relayed some very useful information;
# The three Rockseeker brothers (Gundren, Tharden, and Nundro) recently located an entrance to the long-lost Wave Echo Cave, site of the mines of the Phandelver's Pact.
"History of Wave Echo Cave":
More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver's Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin (pronounced fan-duh-lin) prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path.
A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost.
# Klarg, the bugbear who leads this goblin band, had orders to waylay Gundren. Sildar heard from the goblins that the Black Spider sent word that the dwarf was to be brought to him. Sildar doesn't know who or what the Black Spider is.
# Gundren had a map showing the secret location of Wave Echo Cave, but the goblins took it when they captured him. Sildar believes that Klarg sent the map and the dwarf to the chief of the Cragmaws at a place called Cragmaw Castle. Sildar doesn't know where that might be, but he suggests someone in Phandalin might know.
# Sildar's contact in Phandalin is a human wizard named Iarno Albrek. The wizard traveled to the town two months ago to establish order there. After the Lords' Alliance received no word from Iarno, Sildar decided to investigate.
"Thank you again my new friends for rescuing me from the Goblin cooking pot," Sildar smiles weakly and looks at you all in turn. "I see greatness in you, and strength and resourcefulness. I see a force for good and heroes who can help me in my mission and bring Gundren back safe to Phadalin to fulfill his destiny."
Graoning as he attempts to sit up further he continues, "Might I ask that you escort me to Phadalin so I can contact my agents in the area and inform them of Gundrens capture and the activities of the Cragmaw goblins in the area. I can pay you 50 gold pieces when we get there, and perhaps provide you more information on this "Cragmaw Castle' through my agents."
"That should give you a better chance of finding our friend. I don't think they will kill him, his knowledge of Wave Echo Cave is far too valuable to them."Then he frowns and thinks for a moment, "Though I think these goblins are far too organised, there is some other factor in play I think. I'll learn more of what's going on when I reach Phandalin. I especially hope to learn more about this 'Black Spider'."
"Its good to see you better Sildar. Well met. Any friend of Gundren is a worthy friend to have. Alas the realms of the lesser folk always seem to teeter on disaster. I cannot speak for others, But I would be honoured to accompany you to Phandalin and further investigate these matters. I have some skill in this. But first we must celebrate the small victories when we achieve them! drink my new found friend and recover your strength."
I will then divide the 15sp between everyone and the gold teeth can goto the cleric if no one has an objection. has he will need to purchase healing kits etc.
I will search for more wine and see of I can find another shortsword and any arrows.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Responding to sildars during the night. 'I feared we were to late to save you my friend, luckily this band is quite resourceful in a pinch . I set out to help Gundren, it seems he needs our help, now more than ever, so i will help in the quest to save him from the goblins and if on the way we rid the land of the unnatural forces that seem to be at work here, so be it"
In the morning i wake early and spend 10 minutes in silent meditation gathering my thoughts preparing myself for the day. I then spend another 10 minutes chanting 'loquuntur cur animalibus' ( Casting the ritual version of speak with animals), then turning to ripper "ripper, how are you feeling this morning? Did you get a good rest?........... We are leaving today, moving onto the next adventure, you are welcome to join my pack if that is your desire. You would always be welcome, but i fear it is a dangerous path i tread and i could not guarantee your safety if you follow me. If you wish to stay here or try and return to your pack you are welcome to do so, i will not stop you"
"do you think we could load these supplies onto our wagon? im sure someone in Phandalin could use them, it seems an awful waste just to leave them here." looking over the supply crates and boxes in the main chamber.
'That reminds me Titus when you have a moment could i borrow those vials you found?, I think i have some spells that could help me indenify the liquid within."
Once we are ready to leave the main chamber i will wander over to the hole that leads down to the warg lair to see if i can hear any noises coming from down there
Thankyou, this shouldnt take too long’ i move away slightly, sit down and begin to chant ‘venenum deprehendere morbus ac’ ( using ritual casting to cast detect poison and disease’ then chanting ‘magicae deprehendere’ (ritual casting of detect magic)
‘Thats a good idea, ill be sure to do that’ when casting i increase my search area to incorporate the frog and the supplies. For both detecting magic and detecting poison and disease.
Sildar gratefully and enthusiastically accepts any and all food and drink offered.
"Those blasted greeskins only gave me rotten scraps, I think the wolves ate better than I did." he followed his observation with a rueful laugh.
"Friend elf your company and help will be truly appreciated, I know Gundren will certainly be glad to see you when you come for him." He smiled at Kryinor.
Sildar laughs at Kargan's comment, wincing in pain as it stirs some unseen injury, "Are you sure you're not related to Gundren, I am sure I heard him speaking in stead of you just then. Ever the pragmatists you dwarves, it will be good to have one of the mountain folk by our sides, that is the truth!"
Ripper comes to you and listens to your words and he replies with the thought speech of the wolf kind.
Friend two leg, I good, better, FREE!
Your pack strong.
My pack prisoners.
Help make free...
You all search the rest of the cave and find nothing new of value. Titus is able to recover his spilled arrows, all but one survived the fight.
Kryinor preforms his ritual and discovers that the two vials of fluid are magical, there is a strong sense of health and renewal, as well as some necromanticenergy about them. Preforming the identify ritual he discovers that they are vials of Healing [2d4+2 HP]
Sildar slowly and carefully helps you in your search, keeping a watchful eye on Ripper the whole time. Finally sighing in disappointment, he says, "It is as I feared. Those blasted grrenskins took my gear away with Gundren and his map to that castle their king is hold up in. Oh well, must make the best of the situation." He then loots a scimitar and short bow and arrows form the goblins. "This should do till I get to Phandalin to re-equip. Tis a shame that armour was gifted to me by the Lords Alliance."
You figure you can all get the provisions, looted trade goods and anything else of value [already accounted for in treasure do far :)] outside the cave by noon and then take the rest of the afternoon to return to the place you hid the horse and cart and loaded by nightfall.
Then travel to Phandalin the next day.
OOC: Yep Dave you can use your detect magic, after your long rest all of your old and new abilities etc are refreshed and ready to go. It will use a 1st level spell slot, rangers don't get ritual casting ability unfortunately :( Kryinor can cast it as a ritual and that does not expend a spell slot. so he might be best to do all of your identifying and detecting stuff, if he is amenable of course :) and you have the time [10 mins] that is need to preform the ritual.
Talking to ripper ‘ are they close? Show me where they are and i will help you free them if i can.’
Talking to the rest of the group. ‘It seens the rest of rippers pack has been taken prisoner, im going to help him find them, if im not back by noon i will catch up with you all in Phandalin. I had never mastered the art of shapechanging under my old masters guidance but to help ripper i will give it another try.
With that as the warning i shapehange into a dire wolf and ask ripper to show me the way.
Watching sildars reservation about ripper ‘dont worry sildar ripper is quite friendly as long as you dont try and strike him.’
‘Titus, it seems we are in luck, these are both healing potions, they could be quite useful in a tight situation. Kargan should probably have one of these atleast, just incase he finds himself isolated from the rest of us. Although im not sure if he will break them when he fights his next enemy....’
Ripper's mouth widens in into what looks like a smile,
Pack mates close,
In cave near running water at hole in cliff,
Can you not smell them?
Not far I show now!
As you shift into Dire wolf form he stops, a look of alarm and surprise on his face. Then he cocks his head and you feel a laughing thought in your head.
Two leg is also four leg,
Come Big Brother
We free pack and run under the sun again!
With that he moves off quickly, back towards the bridge and down the stairs beside the rock pools to the cave at the entrance to the complex where you all had suspected wargs laird.
As the two of you climb the stairs you see three more wolves. All are chained and show signs of long term mistreatment. Their hackles raise and they growl and bare their teeth.
‘’Ahh one of my friends mistook there scent for wargs, it must have been the goblin filth that masked there scent, that and he in a two leg with poor sense of smell. I didnt venture close enough to realise, i dont like wargs but they are fierce when my pack is small’
I sniff the air ‘ your right i can smell them! Lets go get them’
When we reach the cave ‘ easy my brothers, ripper and i are here to set you free once again, we have killed the goblins that imprisoned you. My friends can release you if you are kind and do not attack them.’
If they calm down i motion to kargan to remove the chains and collars by scratching at them gently with one of my paws.
If they do not calm down at my words i will take a different approach.
The other wolves slowly calm, with the aid of your reassurances and the familiar comforting presence of their alpha.
With a small amount of growling and one or two reflexive snaps Kargan is able to remove the chains and collars.
The wolves gather around Ripper who stands a good half a shoulder higher than they, they sniff and lick and shew each others fur, ears, and tails in a joyful, haunted reunion.
Ripper turns to you in your Dire wolf form and says,
Brothers and I go now to run under the sun and find clean food and water,
We have had enough of two legs for now,
You are welcome, we have touched minds and are now family.
If you go with two legs then be well.
If you need us just think of me and pack will come to help.
‘I go to find another lost member of my pack who has been taken prisoner also, i will come back and visit after my friend is free, to run with you and your pack.
Go now and enjoy the freedom you all deserve.
I touch heads with ripper before sitting back on my hainches.
Ripper's thoughts bloom in your mind. You head is filled with the smell of a forest fire and you see tongues of flame licking up a stand of trees on a hill.
My true name brother.
He says.
Then then wolves as one all hold their heads high and howl. The noise is chilling and fills the caves drowning out the sound of the stream. Sorrow and happiness are mixed in the sound.
They all turn and run for the exit and into the woods outside. After a few moments you hear a very faint voice in your head say,
You all clean and bandage wounds, put out the burning barricade, and search the rest of the cavern and cave complex. It seems most of the loot was in Klarg's hoard, but the goblins in the Boss's cave had a few coins worth 15 silver pieces, and three gold teeth.
You rig up a stretcher for transporting Sildar and rest the night. Much refreshed [All Hp restored, ie long rest!] but still a bit stiff and sore from yesterdays action you wake and ready to leave the cave. At some time in the night Sildar regained consciousness. He thanked you all for saving his life as he was sure he was destined for a goblin or wolf gullet.
SILDAR HALLWINTER
As he talked to you of the events of the last few days he relayed some very useful information;
# The three Rockseeker brothers (Gundren, Tharden, and Nundro) recently located an entrance to the long-lost Wave Echo Cave, site of the mines of the Phandelver's Pact.
"History of Wave Echo Cave":
More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver's Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves
and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin (pronounced fan-duh-lin) prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path.
A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost.
# Klarg, the bugbear who leads this goblin band, had orders to waylay Gundren. Sildar heard from the goblins that the Black Spider sent word that the dwarf was to be brought to him. Sildar doesn't know who or what the Black Spider is.
# Gundren had a map showing the secret location of Wave Echo Cave, but the goblins took it when they captured him. Sildar believes that Klarg sent the map and the dwarf to the chief of the Cragmaws at a place called Cragmaw Castle. Sildar doesn't know where that might be, but he suggests someone in Phandalin might know.
# Sildar's contact in Phandalin is a human wizard named Iarno Albrek. The wizard traveled to the town two months ago to establish order there. After the Lords' Alliance received no word from Iarno, Sildar decided to investigate.
"Thank you again my new friends for rescuing me from the Goblin cooking pot," Sildar smiles weakly and looks at you all in turn. "I see greatness in you, and strength and resourcefulness. I see a force for good and heroes who can help me in my mission and bring Gundren back safe to Phadalin to fulfill his destiny."
Graoning as he attempts to sit up further he continues, "Might I ask that you escort me to Phadalin so I can contact my agents in the area and inform them of Gundrens capture and the activities of the Cragmaw goblins in the area. I can pay you 50 gold pieces when we get there, and perhaps provide you more information on this "Cragmaw Castle' through my agents."
"That should give you a better chance of finding our friend. I don't think they will kill him, his knowledge of Wave Echo Cave is far too valuable to them." Then he frowns and thinks for a moment, "Though I think these goblins are far too organised, there is some other factor in play I think. I'll learn more of what's going on when I reach Phandalin. I especially hope to learn more about this 'Black Spider'."
"You are welcome manling, I care not what plots are afoot here, only that there are greenskins to kill, the more's the better for me!"
we'll search the rest of the cave before we leave
"Its good to see you better Sildar. Well met. Any friend of Gundren is a worthy friend to have. Alas the realms of the lesser folk always seem to teeter on disaster. I cannot speak for others, But I would be honoured to accompany you to Phandalin and further investigate these matters. I have some skill in this. But first we must celebrate the small victories when we achieve them! drink my new found friend and recover your strength."
I will then divide the 15sp between everyone and the gold teeth can goto the cleric if no one has an objection. has he will need to purchase healing kits etc.
I will search for more wine and see of I can find another shortsword and any arrows.
Responding to sildars during the night. 'I feared we were to late to save you my friend, luckily this band is quite resourceful in a pinch . I set out to help Gundren, it seems he needs our help, now more than ever, so i will help in the quest to save him from the goblins and if on the way we rid the land of the unnatural forces that seem to be at work here, so be it"
In the morning i wake early and spend 10 minutes in silent meditation gathering my thoughts preparing myself for the day. I then spend another 10 minutes chanting 'loquuntur cur animalibus' ( Casting the ritual version of speak with animals), then turning to ripper "ripper, how are you feeling this morning? Did you get a good rest?........... We are leaving today, moving onto the next adventure, you are welcome to join my pack if that is your desire. You would always be welcome, but i fear it is a dangerous path i tread and i could not guarantee your safety if you follow me. If you wish to stay here or try and return to your pack you are welcome to do so, i will not stop you"
"do you think we could load these supplies onto our wagon? im sure someone in Phandalin could use them, it seems an awful waste just to leave them here." looking over the supply crates and boxes in the main chamber.
'That reminds me Titus when you have a moment could i borrow those vials you found?, I think i have some spells that could help me indenify the liquid within."
Once we are ready to leave the main chamber i will wander over to the hole that leads down to the warg lair to see if i can hear any noises coming from down there
Perception 18
" Sure my friend."
(did we detect magic on the frog statue?) if not now that I'm level 2 can I don?)
Thankyou, this shouldnt take too long’ i move away slightly, sit down and begin to chant ‘venenum deprehendere morbus ac’ ( using ritual casting to cast detect poison and disease’ then chanting ‘magicae deprehendere’ (ritual casting of detect magic)
I'll place the frog down as well.
" whilst you're doing that you should cast your eyes over the pile of stuff as well"
‘Thats a good idea, ill be sure to do that’ when casting i increase my search area to incorporate the frog and the supplies. For both detecting magic and detecting poison and disease.
Sildar gratefully and enthusiastically accepts any and all food and drink offered.
"Those blasted greeskins only gave me rotten scraps, I think the wolves ate better than I did." he followed his observation with a rueful laugh.
"Friend elf your company and help will be truly appreciated, I know Gundren will certainly be glad to see you when you come for him." He smiled at Kryinor.
Sildar laughs at Kargan's comment, wincing in pain as it stirs some unseen injury, "Are you sure you're not related to Gundren, I am sure I heard him speaking in stead of you just then. Ever the pragmatists you dwarves, it will be good to have one of the mountain folk by our sides, that is the truth!"
Ripper comes to you and listens to your words and he replies with the thought speech of the wolf kind.
Friend two leg, I good, better, FREE!
Your pack strong.
My pack prisoners.
Help make free...
You all search the rest of the cave and find nothing new of value. Titus is able to recover his spilled arrows, all but one survived the fight.
Kryinor preforms his ritual and discovers that the two vials of fluid are magical, there is a strong sense of health and renewal, as well as some necromanticenergy about them. Preforming the identify ritual he discovers that they are vials of Healing [2d4+2 HP]
Sildar slowly and carefully helps you in your search, keeping a watchful eye on Ripper the whole time. Finally sighing in disappointment, he says, "It is as I feared. Those blasted grrenskins took my gear away with Gundren and his map to that castle their king is hold up in. Oh well, must make the best of the situation." He then loots a scimitar and short bow and arrows form the goblins. "This should do till I get to Phandalin to re-equip. Tis a shame that armour was gifted to me by the Lords Alliance."
You figure you can all get the provisions, looted trade goods and anything else of value [already accounted for in treasure do far :)] outside the cave by noon and then take the rest of the afternoon to return to the place you hid the horse and cart and loaded by nightfall.
Then travel to Phandalin the next day.
OOC: Yep Dave you can use your detect magic, after your long rest all of your old and new abilities etc are refreshed and ready to go. It will use a 1st level spell slot, rangers don't get ritual casting ability unfortunately :( Kryinor can cast it as a ritual and that does not expend a spell slot. so he might be best to do all of your identifying and detecting stuff, if he is amenable of course :) and you have the time [10 mins] that is need to preform the ritual.
I'll check the section of cave we havnt been in yet, where we thought there were wargs caged
Talking to ripper ‘ are they close? Show me where they are and i will help you free them if i can.’
Talking to the rest of the group. ‘It seens the rest of rippers pack has been taken prisoner, im going to help him find them, if im not back by noon i will catch up with you all in Phandalin. I had never mastered the art of shapechanging under my old masters guidance but to help ripper i will give it another try.
With that as the warning i shapehange into a dire wolf and ask ripper to show me the way.
Watching sildars reservation about ripper ‘dont worry sildar ripper is quite friendly as long as you dont try and strike him.’
‘Titus, it seems we are in luck, these are both healing potions, they could be quite useful in a tight situation. Kargan should probably have one of these atleast, just incase he finds himself isolated from the rest of us. Although im not sure if he will break them when he fights his next enemy....’
Ripper's mouth widens in into what looks like a smile,
Pack mates close,
In cave near running water at hole in cliff,
Can you not smell them?
Not far I show now!
As you shift into Dire wolf form he stops, a look of alarm and surprise on his face. Then he cocks his head and you feel a laughing thought in your head.
Two leg is also four leg,
Come Big Brother
We free pack and run under the sun again!
With that he moves off quickly, back towards the bridge and down the stairs beside the rock pools to the cave at the entrance to the complex where you all had suspected wargs laird.
As the two of you climb the stairs you see three more wolves. All are chained and show signs of long term mistreatment. Their hackles raise and they growl and bare their teeth.
‘’Ahh one of my friends mistook there scent for wargs, it must have been the goblin filth that masked there scent, that and he in a two leg with poor sense of smell. I didnt venture close enough to realise, i dont like wargs but they are fierce when my pack is small’
I sniff the air ‘ your right i can smell them! Lets go get them’
When we reach the cave ‘ easy my brothers, ripper and i are here to set you free once again, we have killed the goblins that imprisoned you. My friends can release you if you are kind and do not attack them.’
If they calm down i motion to kargan to remove the chains and collars by scratching at them gently with one of my paws.
If they do not calm down at my words i will take a different approach.
The other wolves slowly calm, with the aid of your reassurances and the familiar comforting presence of their alpha.
With a small amount of growling and one or two reflexive snaps Kargan is able to remove the chains and collars.
The wolves gather around Ripper who stands a good half a shoulder higher than they, they sniff and lick and shew each others fur, ears, and tails in a joyful, haunted reunion.
Ripper turns to you in your Dire wolf form and says,
Brothers and I go now to run under the sun and find clean food and water,
We have had enough of two legs for now,
You are welcome, we have touched minds and are now family.
If you go with two legs then be well.
If you need us just think of me and pack will come to help.
Thank you big brother two-four leg.
‘I go to find another lost member of my pack who has been taken prisoner also, i will come back and visit after my friend is free, to run with you and your pack.
Go now and enjoy the freedom you all deserve.
I touch heads with ripper before sitting back on my hainches.
Ripper's thoughts bloom in your mind. You head is filled with the smell of a forest fire and you see tongues of flame licking up a stand of trees on a hill.
My true name brother.
He says.
Then then wolves as one all hold their heads high and howl. The noise is chilling and fills the caves drowning out the sound of the stream. Sorrow and happiness are mixed in the sound.
They all turn and run for the exit and into the woods outside. After a few moments you hear a very faint voice in your head say,
Thank you big brother.
After the wolves have left i shift back into my human form and rejoin the others in the cave content and with a smile on my face.
Speaking quietly to Kargan ‘ thankyou for helping me release the wolves, i will not forget nor will they i suspect.’
"A'right laddies, lets shift these supplies down to the cart, put yer backs into it"
I'll start packing up the wines/spirits and take them to cart. after that I'll take anything else Sildar wants transported to Phandalin.