"Ach, a pair o' blatherskite's!! I'll no hear a word agin' Gundren from either of ye, his name has been a word of honor amongst my people for many a long year!! By my beard this will not stand, i'll no rest till I know the truth of the matter, and the answers are not to be found here."
I fix the surrounding soldiers with a steely glare
"And any who would bar mae way, will no live t' regret it!!"
Nars watches Kryinor transform form half elf to all rat uttering a small gasp of wonder. Then stands there awkwardly for a few moments, "Uh...Sorry Master Druid." he apolgised and then moved carefully to open the door. "Good luck Sir!" he finished in a quiet whisper as he closed the door again.
Hugging the eaves of buildings and the shadows Kryinor makes his way to the Lions Shield Coster Warehouse, a few patrols of tired but weary Neverwinter Protectors make their way through Phandalins dark streets but pay him no heed. Approaching the warehouse Kryinor notes two guards on the main doors. He then easily finds a way in to the building with his ratty senses. Following a scent trail form his more genuine brother and sister rodents to a gnawed opening in one of the side walls.
Inside it was easy to find the body of Sildar Hallwinter. The old Knight was laid out on a trestle table under the light of an old lantern, in the middle of the barn, where one of Mistress Linene's wagons would normally be. It was a mournful sight to see such a good hearted old veteran lying there head bloodied and neck at an odd angle.
Kryinor could see that much care had been taken to lay him out respectfully whilst not interfering with any signs of how he died. At first glance it looked as though the old Knight had been beaten to death.
At the Stonehill Tavern...
Lord Beddamere leans back in his chair seemingly at ease and confident that the toy soldiers in his employ could deal with the company. A smile blooms on his fine features.
"My dear Captain, I accept your fealty on behalf of Lord Neverember, and here by reassign you and your company to be my strike force." He looked Titus directly in the eye with a knowing and smug look of thanks. "I need brave, skilled, and fearless 'adventurer's' such as yourselves for the most important tasks relating to the safety and security of this town."
Looking to Breccha, "Master...err...Warrior? I have the testimony of the Townmaster Harbin Wester. He witnessed the entire attack and subsequent arson of the town hall. From under his desk one presumes..." the lords limp laugh follows this witty observation, "and as Master Gundren fled the scene and then the town you will not be able to question him until he has been apprehended, alive if convenient. It's so much more difficult to question the dead, possible, but difficult."
At Titus' mention of Zaxx recording the meeting, "Hmm a fine idea, take out your little book Mageling and make some scribbles for us. I hear the Order of the Flame are experts in the turning and filling of pages." this comment punctuated with another titter of self amusement. "The first thing you may write is your companies new orders. Tomorrow at dawn I wish you to leave and head North. You orders are to find and kill that dragon!"
When Kargan rises and makes his feelings about his good friend Gundren plain for all in the room and then gives the soldiers a gut curdling glare Lord Beddamere waves his hand at them and says, "Yes yes Master Dwarf you may go, get some rest. In fact you are all dismissed. I hear you have accommodation in an old bandit lair, hmm, Sergeant please accompany our new allies to their 'digs' and wish them good night. Then return and report. There's a good man."
The Sergeant stiffens and salutes, "Muh Lord!"
Then looks to Titus, "After you Captain,"and salutes to Titus.
Titus gives a slight nod to Sergeant and returns his salute. As he walk out the tavern he says over his shoulder to Beddamere
"A concord Lord Beddamere is not fealty. I have sworn to protect Phandalin, that you shall have. Your Dragon can wait a day or two. Gundren must be found and questioned. But first I have younglings to find and return."
Titus will then head for the groups digs, while walking he will attempt to engage the sergeant in conversation
"How long have you been in service?
With beddamere?
He's certainly full of himself eh?
where is Sildar's body?
Where there witnesses?
In what direction did Gundred head?
Did anyone talk with him prior to this occurrence happening?
Zaxx is scribbling like a man possessed as he rapidly takes notes in his flowing script. He pauses with a "Huff!" at Lord Beddamere's thinly veiled slight at Zaxx's chosen profession but then continues writing, trying to capture the important points of the verbal duel between his friend and the Lord.
He almost spills is inkpot at the order to find the dragon but breathes a shaky sigh of relief as Titus lays down his own order. At least now Zaxx will have time to speak to Master Tullhocker about what has been going on!
When Lord Beddamere orders the party to be escorted out Zaxx nervously clears his throat.
"My ...my good Lord Beddamere, it would perhaps be prudent if I speak to my Master of the Order with all haste. I mean no disrespect to you or your men."
With that Zaxx will bid his friends a good evening, scoop up an extra snack for later to share with Mr Skittles, and go find his Master.
Breccha casts a suspicious look at Lord Beddamere and his men but leaves silently with Titus. When clear of the building and out of earshot of the sergeants he leans in closer to Titus and whispers, "This all seems very fishy to say the least. We must me careful. "Continuing on with Titus he listens carefully as Titus tries to dig for information.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kryinor will go down to the body, wary of any guards that might be around to try and get a better look at Sildars body to see if there is anything that the soldiers might have missed. He is very aware that any soldier that might see him in this form would not be friendly in the slightest.
Medicine : 18
Perception: 22
If he cannot find anything more after looking over the body till his curiosity is satisfied he will make his way back around town until he finds the others.
Lord Beddamere watches you all leave. When Zaxx makes his request the Lord turns his eyes upon him and replies., "An excellent idea young Theurgist. Inform your Master of what occurred here. Then if you please let him know that portal of his must stay operational for the rest of my men to come through in the morning."
He then turned his keen gaze back on Titus at the Rangers parting remarks, "Let us pray that the Dragon shares your agenda Captain. Please do report to me when you are ready to head North."with that he continued to watch him leave, his expression mix of curiosity and amusement. The Lords' eyes though, betray deeper more serious thoughts.
Heading to the Old Manor...
Passing through the night still streets of the frontier town Titus' attempts to engage the Seargeant bore little fruit. The Veteran seemed loyal and deeply afraid of his commanding Lord. The gentle questioning was met with short cautious answers...
"Since I had a hint of whiskers on my chin..."
"It has been my great pleasure to serve the Lord Neverember under the Lord Beddamere as a protector for the last ten years..."
"My Lord Beddamere is a powerful man with a confident bearing who is sure of his station and his abilities..."
"Lord Hallwinters remains are in the Lionshiled Coster warehouse under guard..."
"It is said that Master Harbin Wester the town master witnessed the whole thing..."
"It is believed that The Dwarf headed out past the brunt farm and into the woods at the southeastern edge of town..."
"Not entirely sure, we will know more come the 'morrow..."
The Sergeant became more uncomfortable after that and only answered questions with references that 'one should seek answer form Lord Beddamere'.
At the Sleeping Giant Inn...
As the strange company passed the Sleeping Giant Inn Zaxx broke off and headed in to speak with the members of his order inside.
As he entered the common room he was greeted with the many faces of armed men wearing the colors of the Protectors of Neverwinter. The initial professional interest, that may have proceeded some kind of violence, was quickly replaced with a kind of dull curiosity and boredom when they realised he was yet another mage of a scholarly order.
Qelline Alderleaf made her way into the room cheeks red and a light sheen of perspiration on her face, "Master Zaxx! Thank the Gods you all have returned to town. Though I dare say you don't recognise it. Its been a trying few days." She navigated the common room full of hungry soldiers with skill and grace, placing a foaming mug of ale or two here, and a steaming plate of food there.
For a former farmer, she seemed like one born to the trade of Tavern keep, with quick answers to impertinent questions and a fast slap for interested hands.
"You say hello to your mother with a mouth like that you braggart..."
"Wash your hands, you sausage fingered oaf!"
"You must have me confused with your kind aunt, Wait your turn!"
Finally, making her way over to Zaxx as he made his way to the stairs she grabbed his arm and with tired worried eyes pleaded, "Tell me you're all going to look for my boy Carp? He ran off with Nilsa on a fool quest, after Master Gundren."
Without really giving Zaxx time to answer she moved off again through the bustling crowd to the kitchen with a quick, "Tell your Master 'T' his dinner will be up in a minute or two!" then under her breath she mumbled,"So much food for a stick of a man, where does he put it all?"
Reachign the next floor Zaxx was quickly ushered in after only two knocks at the door, "Ah Zaxx dear fellow, welcome back, welcome back. Things are all astir as you can see. What brings you here a report perhaps, how did your venture go?"
A loud bang from a room further in trembled the floor and the Crow Master winced. "Hmm, Master Tullhocker is in a bit of a mood. He needs to eat I think. I do hope you have some good news, we need it. Dragons, Soldiers, and now Lord Beddamere. I have no idea which of those is the worst." He closed the door behind Zaxx and gently pushed him further into the Orders quarters whilst tsking under his breath. "It seems that our expedition has been sequestrated by the Protectors of Neverwinter, we have been relegated to the defense and maintenance of the portal for the present."
He shook his bald head, "Not at all good dear fellow..."
At the Lion Sheild Coster Warehouse...
Kryinor's tiny paws made little noise as he crossed the warehouse floor to the table on which Lord Sildar lay. Fortunately, the guards seemed to have no desire to enter the impromptu morgue. Having a closer study of his body his keen rodent senses picked up a strange smell on the corpse, not one he recognised. Upon further study, Kryinor was sure that Sildar had been beaten to death, and that the blows could not have been struck by a Dwarf!
The angles were all wrong. Whatever had dealt these death blows had been taller than he Lord himself...
"Curse the fools! Gundren is no murderer, I would stake my beard on that! That town master Wester dares accuse Gundren does he? Well give me five minutes with him, then I wager we will hear true words!!
Ach, that fool was never to be trusted, he stood by an' let Bandits an' Grobbi scum take the town, we should have dealt with him 'fore this!"
"Mirna my dear what can you tell me about whats been going on? I will head out shortly to find Nilsa and Carp. Yes Kargan it seems incongruous that the Gundren we know would commit such a crime. However he has not been himself lately. That spell forge seems to taint all that seek it. Not saying his guilty mind, just that his actions lately are out of character. I do not trust Beddamere at all, there's a larger game at play here, no doubt also tied to that cursed spell forge. I'm of a mind to think that Beddamere was Larno's master. I wonder where the spider fits into all this? We need everyone back here to plan our next move after I go fetch Nilsa and Carp. Come now Mirna tell me everything you can."
Kryinor leaves Sildar with a heavy heart, both confused and angry. He races off into the shadows looking for the rest of his pack, he will go to the inn first, if they are not there he will make his way back to the hideout.
Once he catches up with the others he will tell them what he has found "Sildar has fallen, but it is not as Harbin says. Sildars body smelt strange and he was beaten to death by blows from a creature taller than he, not someone of Grudrens size. None of this makes sense, none at all. We must find the cubs and once again we must find Gundren. This lord and his dragon can wait."
"Well done laddie, there is the proof of Gundrens innocence for all to see!! Wester, that two faced weasel, will speak truly of what passed here when I get my hands on him, if he values his miserable hide at all! "
Mirna looks to you all, close to tears she relays the events of the previous days to you.
They match well with what you have learned already from other people in the town. Her voice is close to breaking when she tells you she tried her best to stop Nilsa and Carp form going after Gundren but her headstrong daughter would have none of it. Mirna explains that Nilsa had grown very fond of Lord Sildar and she was determined to bring Master Gudnren back to face justice.
She informs you that the young-lings left town via the old burnt out Alderleaf farmstead tot he southeast.
Titus gathers everyone together at the table while they partake of some refreshments.
"Gentlemen, I fear there's some major schemes going on here. I don't trust Beddamere nor his intentions. I wonder if he is tied to Larno and this Spider of which no know very little. It is heartening to hear some evidence that vindicates our friend. We need more to ensure he remains free however. As I see it we need that toad Wester put to the question, Gundren found and hidden until the time is right, the younglings returned and Beddamere delayed as long as possible. Perhaps the course should be the following, Kargan and Breecha abduct that fool Wester gain a confession and secrete him in the cells below. We need to know what he knows - hide the access well mind. I'm sure you, Master Dwarve will be able to stage a rock fall or something that when Beddamere's troops search this place they'll find nothing? I find the Younglings they are my responsibility. Zaxx perhaps your associates will have difficulties keeping the portal open? I'm sure something unexpected and phantasmagorical is about to happen in Phandalin eh? Once the younglings are back, Beddamere's troops are delayed and Wester is secured we can get Gundren back. I may even find the younglings and gundren together, but we'll see. Any other ideas? I plan to go get the younglings after our meal that is the only plan I wont change"
"Aye laddie, that scum Wester will rue the day he dishonoured Gundren's good name! No fear he will be found, Eedim an' I will see t' that, no manling will find the door t' the cells after we are done!"
Zaxx spends some time regaling Master Tullhocker and the rest of the Order about their adventures so far. He focuses particularly on their encounter with the Red Wizard. As he discusses the finer details he pulls out all the notes and writings taken from the Thayan necromancers tent.
After he has brought his master up to date he lets out a long sigh.
"Alas, master! I feel I am no closer to finding the Forge of Spells, and now the Lord Beddamere has requested ... or rather, ordered, us to attend a dragon and mete out justice upon it! Another distraction, I fear."
As he mentions Lord Beddamere, Zaxx remembers the message that the lord asked him to pass on.
"Oh, and Lord Beddamere has requested that you see to maintaining the portal. We seem to be but lackeys to the whims of politics! But for now, I must return to my compatriots. Titus will no doubt have a plan up his sleeve and will be in need of our aid."
[OOC: Apologies for the long delay! Zaxx will listen to whatever advice his master and the order gives him and then return to listen to Titus' plan.]
Master Mage Tullhocker looked back at Zaxx with tired eyes, "Indeed Zaxx we are pawns in the hands of Kings for the moment. I fear we must play along with Lord Beddamere..." did Zaxx detect a hint of scorn or anger in the Master Mages expression? "But I see no reason to stop our important works. We will give this popinjay the pretence of doing his bidding, and perhaps enough rope to hang himself with."
Running long bony fingers through thin grey hair then placing a hand on Zaxx's shoulder, "Continue your work young Mage, great deeds are a long time in the doing, I have faith in you. Keep out of Lord Beddamere's way mind, let me deal with the old Fop. Now if you'll excuse me I have more work to do to stabilise the portal field."
Master Tullhocker moved of towards the rooms further into the pocket dimension with a loud grumpy, "Where's my dinner Master Crow, I don't live on air good sir!"
At the Old Manor...
In the dark early hours of the next morning the you leave the Old Manor and split into two teams.
The first team moves quickly and quietly through the town to the home of Harbin Wester the Townmaster intent on grabbing him from his bed and returning to the Manor to put him to question about the goings on the day before. This you do in the hope of clearing Gundren's good name.
The second group moves out of Phandalin by the old track behind the Alderleaf farm in the hopes of picking up the trail of either Gundren himself or the young-lings who followed him.
OOC:
Can I get everyone who leaves with either group to make perception, and stealth rolls please. If you want to do any other actions you think may be challenging or fail in some important way, let me know what they are and roll for them thank you :)
If anyone wants to do anything between night and morning let me know and we can write it into the narrative :)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
We take a large sack with us, big enough to fit Wester inside, if we are challenged by any guards, i'll say we are collecting supplies for our next trip
"Ach, a pair o' blatherskite's!! I'll no hear a word agin' Gundren from either of ye, his name has been a word of honor amongst my people for many a long year!! By my beard this will not stand, i'll no rest till I know the truth of the matter, and the answers are not to be found here."
I fix the surrounding soldiers with a steely glare
"And any who would bar mae way, will no live t' regret it!!"
I head for the hideout
Across town and at the Costers...
Nars watches Kryinor transform form half elf to all rat uttering a small gasp of wonder. Then stands there awkwardly for a few moments, "Uh...Sorry Master Druid." he apolgised and then moved carefully to open the door. "Good luck Sir!" he finished in a quiet whisper as he closed the door again.
Hugging the eaves of buildings and the shadows Kryinor makes his way to the Lions Shield Coster Warehouse, a few patrols of tired but weary Neverwinter Protectors make their way through Phandalins dark streets but pay him no heed. Approaching the warehouse Kryinor notes two guards on the main doors. He then easily finds a way in to the building with his ratty senses. Following a scent trail form his more genuine brother and sister rodents to a gnawed opening in one of the side walls.
Inside it was easy to find the body of Sildar Hallwinter. The old Knight was laid out on a trestle table under the light of an old lantern, in the middle of the barn, where one of Mistress Linene's wagons would normally be. It was a mournful sight to see such a good hearted old veteran lying there head bloodied and neck at an odd angle.
Kryinor could see that much care had been taken to lay him out respectfully whilst not interfering with any signs of how he died. At first glance it looked as though the old Knight had been beaten to death.
At the Stonehill Tavern...
Lord Beddamere leans back in his chair seemingly at ease and confident that the toy soldiers in his employ could deal with the company. A smile blooms on his fine features.
"My dear Captain, I accept your fealty on behalf of Lord Neverember, and here by reassign you and your company to be my strike force." He looked Titus directly in the eye with a knowing and smug look of thanks. "I need brave, skilled, and fearless 'adventurer's' such as yourselves for the most important tasks relating to the safety and security of this town."
Looking to Breccha, "Master...err...Warrior? I have the testimony of the Townmaster Harbin Wester. He witnessed the entire attack and subsequent arson of the town hall. From under his desk one presumes..." the lords limp laugh follows this witty observation, "and as Master Gundren fled the scene and then the town you will not be able to question him until he has been apprehended, alive if convenient. It's so much more difficult to question the dead, possible, but difficult."
At Titus' mention of Zaxx recording the meeting, "Hmm a fine idea, take out your little book Mageling and make some scribbles for us. I hear the Order of the Flame are experts in the turning and filling of pages." this comment punctuated with another titter of self amusement. "The first thing you may write is your companies new orders. Tomorrow at dawn I wish you to leave and head North. You orders are to find and kill that dragon!"
When Kargan rises and makes his feelings about his good friend Gundren plain for all in the room and then gives the soldiers a gut curdling glare Lord Beddamere waves his hand at them and says, "Yes yes Master Dwarf you may go, get some rest. In fact you are all dismissed. I hear you have accommodation in an old bandit lair, hmm, Sergeant please accompany our new allies to their 'digs' and wish them good night. Then return and report. There's a good man."
The Sergeant stiffens and salutes, "Muh Lord!"
Then looks to Titus, "After you Captain," and salutes to Titus.
Titus gives a slight nod to Sergeant and returns his salute. As he walk out the tavern he says over his shoulder to Beddamere
"A concord Lord Beddamere is not fealty. I have sworn to protect Phandalin, that you shall have. Your Dragon can wait a day or two. Gundren must be found and questioned. But first I have younglings to find and return."
Titus will then head for the groups digs, while walking he will attempt to engage the sergeant in conversation
"How long have you been in service?
With beddamere?
He's certainly full of himself eh?
where is Sildar's body?
Where there witnesses?
In what direction did Gundred head?
Did anyone talk with him prior to this occurrence happening?
Zaxx is scribbling like a man possessed as he rapidly takes notes in his flowing script. He pauses with a "Huff!" at Lord Beddamere's thinly veiled slight at Zaxx's chosen profession but then continues writing, trying to capture the important points of the verbal duel between his friend and the Lord.
He almost spills is inkpot at the order to find the dragon but breathes a shaky sigh of relief as Titus lays down his own order. At least now Zaxx will have time to speak to Master Tullhocker about what has been going on!
When Lord Beddamere orders the party to be escorted out Zaxx nervously clears his throat.
"My ...my good Lord Beddamere, it would perhaps be prudent if I speak to my Master of the Order with all haste. I mean no disrespect to you or your men."
With that Zaxx will bid his friends a good evening, scoop up an extra snack for later to share with Mr Skittles, and go find his Master.
Breccha casts a suspicious look at Lord Beddamere and his men but leaves silently with Titus. When clear of the building and out of earshot of the sergeants he leans in closer to Titus and whispers, "This all seems very fishy to say the least. We must me careful. " Continuing on with Titus he listens carefully as Titus tries to dig for information.
Kryinor will go down to the body, wary of any guards that might be around to try and get a better look at Sildars body to see if there is anything that the soldiers might have missed. He is very aware that any soldier that might see him in this form would not be friendly in the slightest.
Medicine : 18
Perception: 22
If he cannot find anything more after looking over the body till his curiosity is satisfied he will make his way back around town until he finds the others.
Leaving the Stonehill Tavern...
Lord Beddamere watches you all leave. When Zaxx makes his request the Lord turns his eyes upon him and replies., "An excellent idea young Theurgist. Inform your Master of what occurred here. Then if you please let him know that portal of his must stay operational for the rest of my men to come through in the morning."
He then turned his keen gaze back on Titus at the Rangers parting remarks, "Let us pray that the Dragon shares your agenda Captain. Please do report to me when you are ready to head North." with that he continued to watch him leave, his expression mix of curiosity and amusement. The Lords' eyes though, betray deeper more serious thoughts.
Heading to the Old Manor...
Passing through the night still streets of the frontier town Titus' attempts to engage the Seargeant bore little fruit. The Veteran seemed loyal and deeply afraid of his commanding Lord. The gentle questioning was met with short cautious answers...
"Since I had a hint of whiskers on my chin..."
"It has been my great pleasure to serve the Lord Neverember under the Lord Beddamere as a protector for the last ten years..."
"My Lord Beddamere is a powerful man with a confident bearing who is sure of his station and his abilities..."
"Lord Hallwinters remains are in the Lionshiled Coster warehouse under guard..."
"It is said that Master Harbin Wester the town master witnessed the whole thing..."
"It is believed that The Dwarf headed out past the brunt farm and into the woods at the southeastern edge of town..."
"Not entirely sure, we will know more come the 'morrow..."
The Sergeant became more uncomfortable after that and only answered questions with references that 'one should seek answer form Lord Beddamere'.
At the Sleeping Giant Inn...
As the strange company passed the Sleeping Giant Inn Zaxx broke off and headed in to speak with the members of his order inside.
As he entered the common room he was greeted with the many faces of armed men wearing the colors of the Protectors of Neverwinter. The initial professional interest, that may have proceeded some kind of violence, was quickly replaced with a kind of dull curiosity and boredom when they realised he was yet another mage of a scholarly order.
Qelline Alderleaf made her way into the room cheeks red and a light sheen of perspiration on her face, "Master Zaxx! Thank the Gods you all have returned to town. Though I dare say you don't recognise it. Its been a trying few days." She navigated the common room full of hungry soldiers with skill and grace, placing a foaming mug of ale or two here, and a steaming plate of food there.
For a former farmer, she seemed like one born to the trade of Tavern keep, with quick answers to impertinent questions and a fast slap for interested hands.
"You say hello to your mother with a mouth like that you braggart..."
"Wash your hands, you sausage fingered oaf!"
"You must have me confused with your kind aunt, Wait your turn!"
Finally, making her way over to Zaxx as he made his way to the stairs she grabbed his arm and with tired worried eyes pleaded, "Tell me you're all going to look for my boy Carp? He ran off with Nilsa on a fool quest, after Master Gundren."
Without really giving Zaxx time to answer she moved off again through the bustling crowd to the kitchen with a quick, "Tell your Master 'T' his dinner will be up in a minute or two!" then under her breath she mumbled, "So much food for a stick of a man, where does he put it all?"
Reachign the next floor Zaxx was quickly ushered in after only two knocks at the door, "Ah Zaxx dear fellow, welcome back, welcome back. Things are all astir as you can see. What brings you here a report perhaps, how did your venture go?"
A loud bang from a room further in trembled the floor and the Crow Master winced. "Hmm, Master Tullhocker is in a bit of a mood. He needs to eat I think. I do hope you have some good news, we need it. Dragons, Soldiers, and now Lord Beddamere. I have no idea which of those is the worst." He closed the door behind Zaxx and gently pushed him further into the Orders quarters whilst tsking under his breath. "It seems that our expedition has been sequestrated by the Protectors of Neverwinter, we have been relegated to the defense and maintenance of the portal for the present."
He shook his bald head, "Not at all good dear fellow..."
At the Lion Sheild Coster Warehouse...
Kryinor's tiny paws made little noise as he crossed the warehouse floor to the table on which Lord Sildar lay. Fortunately, the guards seemed to have no desire to enter the impromptu morgue. Having a closer study of his body his keen rodent senses picked up a strange smell on the corpse, not one he recognised. Upon further study, Kryinor was sure that Sildar had been beaten to death, and that the blows could not have been struck by a Dwarf!
The angles were all wrong. Whatever had dealt these death blows had been taller than he Lord himself...
after the sergeant leaves, I say to the others
"Curse the fools! Gundren is no murderer, I would stake my beard on that! That town master Wester dares accuse Gundren does he? Well give me five minutes with him, then I wager we will hear true words!!
Ach, that fool was never to be trusted, he stood by an' let Bandits an' Grobbi scum take the town, we should have dealt with him 'fore this!"
once back at the old manor.
"Mirna my dear what can you tell me about whats been going on? I will head out shortly to find Nilsa and Carp. Yes Kargan it seems incongruous that the Gundren we know would commit such a crime. However he has not been himself lately. That spell forge seems to taint all that seek it. Not saying his guilty mind, just that his actions lately are out of character. I do not trust Beddamere at all, there's a larger game at play here, no doubt also tied to that cursed spell forge. I'm of a mind to think that Beddamere was Larno's master. I wonder where the spider fits into all this? We need everyone back here to plan our next move after I go fetch Nilsa and Carp. Come now Mirna tell me everything you can."
Breccha nods in agreement to the dwarf. "Aye; none of this adds up."
Kryinor leaves Sildar with a heavy heart, both confused and angry. He races off into the shadows looking for the rest of his pack, he will go to the inn first, if they are not there he will make his way back to the hideout.
Once he catches up with the others he will tell them what he has found "Sildar has fallen, but it is not as Harbin says. Sildars body smelt strange and he was beaten to death by blows from a creature taller than he, not someone of Grudrens size. None of this makes sense, none at all. We must find the cubs and once again we must find Gundren. This lord and his dragon can wait."
"Well done laddie, there is the proof of Gundrens innocence for all to see!! Wester, that two faced weasel, will speak truly of what passed here when I get my hands on him, if he values his miserable hide at all! "
Mirna looks to you all, close to tears she relays the events of the previous days to you.
They match well with what you have learned already from other people in the town. Her voice is close to breaking when she tells you she tried her best to stop Nilsa and Carp form going after Gundren but her headstrong daughter would have none of it. Mirna explains that Nilsa had grown very fond of Lord Sildar and she was determined to bring Master Gudnren back to face justice.
She informs you that the young-lings left town via the old burnt out Alderleaf farmstead tot he southeast.
Once we are all back at the manor.
Titus gathers everyone together at the table while they partake of some refreshments.
"Gentlemen, I fear there's some major schemes going on here. I don't trust Beddamere nor his intentions. I wonder if he is tied to Larno and this Spider of which no know very little. It is heartening to hear some evidence that vindicates our friend. We need more to ensure he remains free however. As I see it we need that toad Wester put to the question, Gundren found and hidden until the time is right, the younglings returned and Beddamere delayed as long as possible. Perhaps the course should be the following, Kargan and Breecha abduct that fool Wester gain a confession and secrete him in the cells below. We need to know what he knows - hide the access well mind. I'm sure you, Master Dwarve will be able to stage a rock fall or something that when Beddamere's troops search this place they'll find nothing? I find the Younglings they are my responsibility. Zaxx perhaps your associates will have difficulties keeping the portal open? I'm sure something unexpected and phantasmagorical is about to happen in Phandalin eh? Once the younglings are back, Beddamere's troops are delayed and Wester is secured we can get Gundren back. I may even find the younglings and gundren together, but we'll see. Any other ideas? I plan to go get the younglings after our meal that is the only plan I wont change"
"Aye laddie, that scum Wester will rue the day he dishonoured Gundren's good name! No fear he will be found, Eedim an' I will see t' that, no manling will find the door t' the cells after we are done!"
Zaxx spends some time regaling Master Tullhocker and the rest of the Order about their adventures so far. He focuses particularly on their encounter with the Red Wizard. As he discusses the finer details he pulls out all the notes and writings taken from the Thayan necromancers tent.
After he has brought his master up to date he lets out a long sigh.
"Alas, master! I feel I am no closer to finding the Forge of Spells, and now the Lord Beddamere has requested ... or rather, ordered, us to attend a dragon and mete out justice upon it! Another distraction, I fear."
As he mentions Lord Beddamere, Zaxx remembers the message that the lord asked him to pass on.
"Oh, and Lord Beddamere has requested that you see to maintaining the portal. We seem to be but lackeys to the whims of politics! But for now, I must return to my compatriots. Titus will no doubt have a plan up his sleeve and will be in need of our aid."
[OOC: Apologies for the long delay! Zaxx will listen to whatever advice his master and the order gives him and then return to listen to Titus' plan.]
At the Sleeping Giant Inn...
Master Mage Tullhocker looked back at Zaxx with tired eyes, "Indeed Zaxx we are pawns in the hands of Kings for the moment. I fear we must play along with Lord Beddamere..." did Zaxx detect a hint of scorn or anger in the Master Mages expression? "But I see no reason to stop our important works. We will give this popinjay the pretence of doing his bidding, and perhaps enough rope to hang himself with."
Running long bony fingers through thin grey hair then placing a hand on Zaxx's shoulder, "Continue your work young Mage, great deeds are a long time in the doing, I have faith in you. Keep out of Lord Beddamere's way mind, let me deal with the old Fop. Now if you'll excuse me I have more work to do to stabilise the portal field."
Master Tullhocker moved of towards the rooms further into the pocket dimension with a loud grumpy, "Where's my dinner Master Crow, I don't live on air good sir!"
At the Old Manor...
In the dark early hours of the next morning the you leave the Old Manor and split into two teams.
The first team moves quickly and quietly through the town to the home of Harbin Wester the Townmaster intent on grabbing him from his bed and returning to the Manor to put him to question about the goings on the day before. This you do in the hope of clearing Gundren's good name.
The second group moves out of Phandalin by the old track behind the Alderleaf farm in the hopes of picking up the trail of either Gundren himself or the young-lings who followed him.
OOC:
Can I get everyone who leaves with either group to make perception, and stealth rolls please. If you want to do any other actions you think may be challenging or fail in some important way, let me know what they are and roll for them thank you :)
If anyone wants to do anything between night and morning let me know and we can write it into the narrative :)
‘I will help you find our stray cubs Titus, I feel we owe them that much.’ Kryinor will retire and focus his magical energy.
OOC - i will update Kryinors spells for the next day :)
We take a large sack with us, big enough to fit Wester inside, if we are challenged by any guards, i'll say we are collecting supplies for our next trip
perc: 10
stealth: 12
Stealth 26
Perception 20
Titus will wait for Kryinor then head out.