Berry nods solemnly and disappointed at Marten's comment. Yes, it was too late for games, but hey, tomorrow will be a new day and they probably will need a day or two of preparations before they can leave to that castle.
He follows Marten's suggestions and searches for Linene at the Coster and intends to ask her if they can still bring her the goods at this hour. If so he hastens back to the group, otherwise he first pays a short visit to Daphyra and Kiselina. Berry doesn't mind to spend the night in the barn, to guard the cart in case the others want to sleep in their beds. He doesn't expect any trouble, though, for the redbrands' recent departure.
Kiselina is still unconscious, but Daphyra's lashes flutter when Berry says her name, and she seems to focus on him for a moment and asks, in a weak whisper, "Berry?...," before passing out again. The supplies were immediately taken into the Lionshield Coster, even though Linene and Crissie are both already in their nightshifts. They'll inventory them in the morning, but pay the reward immediately (as outlined in my prior post).
vidruth walks alongside the wagon, eyes on the road, expression grim as he tries to route a path without more losses. he thinks over the information they have, trying to guess their enemies next moves. at one point he speaks up
"berry, how high can you fly?" he asks fairly abruptly "and how accurate of a shot are you?"
he is happy to sleep in the barn if necessary, and adds that he would prefer not to be sleeping where its expected regardless, if they are to be sleeping in their rooms he himself will be moving the bed
Elmar Barthen is overjoyed to see the group, as are Elsa and Trilena and Umberto -- who has a bandage wrapped around his head, but smiles a toothless smile at Vidruth and the others, taking great care to help with their things. They are all effusive in fact, and bring the company a hearty meal, and drinks, and the cook makes a delicious pan of cakes to top it off, Elsa all the while offering cheerful commentary and cooing over the party cheerfully.
Throughout the day Nosam's mind was all over the place and he never fully engaged with the task at hand. Being spaced out and distant wasn't his aim. Getting back into town was no issue and while Nosam was asked to stay with the cart briefly, he offers to stay watch through the night. "Do what you need to do, I'll setup an area here and stay with the goods through the night. Hah, but if you bring me a drink and a snack I wouldn't turn it down."
Linene and Crissie come out in their nightgowns to accept the delivery of their stolen supplies, and accept help from Nosam and Berry to bring them into their store to be inventoried the next day. The party returns to eat and rest at the Stonehill Inn, and as I mentioned in my previous post, the party is given a special VIP treatment, at least for tonight.
You've only just gotten started discussing possible plans when there is a soft knock at the Inn’s front door, and you hear Trilena Stonehill open the door and welcome someone inside. There is a quiet exchange of words between women, and soon, the halfling farmer, Qelline Alderleaf, stands at the entrance to the common room. She nods with a genuine smile to each of you, especially Berry, and then launches into what she came to tell you.
“I know you’re trying to find the castle of those terrible Cragmaw goblins. Sildar mentioned it when he came for tea. The thing is… I think I can help. Or not me, but on old friend of mine, a naturalist called Reidoth. It started with me thinking, ‘Who could follow the trail of the goblins who fled, a trail days old by now, and those goblins like shadows in the woods.’ And I started thinking of him. And then I realized he probably wouldn’t even need to track them. He could just tell you where to go. He has wandered every mile of the Triboar area, you see, staying ahead of goblins, orcs, and whatever else is out there. He’ll know where it is.”
Following the party's return from a long and exhausting day, and a filling feast and desserts, no one has the energy to think or plan for tomorrow. But the next day, the sun rises, and the question of 'What next?' rises too. Possibilities:
* Find the druid Reidoth, who the proper halfling farmer Qelline Alderleaf thinks can point you to the Cragmaw Castle.
* Barthen, the owner of the eponymous Provisions shop to which you delivered Gundren's supplies when you first arrived in Phandalin, mentioned: Gundren Rockseeker's brothers, Nundro and Tharden, are camped somewhere outside town. Barthen hasn’t seen them in a tenday and expected the brothers to return “any day now” to resupply. But they never came.
* The townmaster -- previously Harbin Wester and now Sildar Hallwinter -- is looking for someone to head east on the Triboar Trail, where travelers have reported trouble with a band of orcs near Wyvern Tor. Sildar agrees to honor Harbin's offer of 100 gp to the group if you can take care of the problem.
* Sildar has left you a note at the Inn, to be opened upon your return:
"I would be personally gratified if you would continue your search for Gundren. Please visit me after your return."
Having completed the delivery and caught up with his companions, Berry made his way back to the Stonehills' residence as evening settled in, ready to unwind and let the night fade away. He informs the others with joy that today Daphyra recognised him and generally appears to be on her way to recovery. He also offers his part of the Lionshield's store credit to everyone, "If you need anything, feel free to use my part of the credit. I don't need armor or weapons right now. I've just got this new sword and have everything I need."
The next morning, he will visit Barthen's and stock up a few items that he had used (ball bearings, another pouch, two torches)
"berry, how high can you fly?" he asks fairly abruptly "and how accurate of a shot are you?"
Berry replies, "I can fly as high as the winds let me. I haven't really found any limit yet. And I think I can shoot as good as I can hit with any weapon. The limit is really depending on the weapon. Sure, I'm not nearly as good as Marten, but I think I can handle a bow as good as the next guy. It's just that I personally prefer to get close and personal instead of picking at the foe from far and above." (He has equal Strength and Dexterity)
Marten suggests that he could look into purchasing Nala. She was a sturdy horse for the trip to the Cragmaw Cave. He doesn't think that they'd need a cart, but with some saddlebags, the mare would be useful in carrying rations and water on the way out into the wilderness and then carrying any treasure they find on the way back to Phandalin. In particular, he was going to fit her with a riding saddle in case Gundren isn't in shape to walk back to Phandalin once they rescue him.
(OOC: If they could get the saddle and saddlebags at the Lionshield Coster and the 4 of them split the cost, Nala and her tack should cost them about 15.5 gp each.)
the next day, the sun rises, and the question of 'What next?' rises too. Possibilities:
* Find the druid Reidoth, who the proper halfling farmer Qelline Alderleaf thinks can point you to the Cragmaw Castle.
* Barthen, the owner of the eponymous Provisions shop to which you delivered Gundren's supplies when you first arrived in Phandalin, mentioned: Gundren Rockseeker's brothers, Nundro and Tharden, are camped somewhere outside town. Barthen hasn’t seen them in a tenday and expected the brothers to return “any day now” to resupply. But they never came.
* The townmaster -- previously Harbin Wester and now Sildar Hallwinter -- is looking for someone to head east on the Triboar Trail, where travelers have reported trouble with a band of orcs near Wyvern Tor. Sildar agrees to honor Harbin's offer of 100 gp to the group if you can take care of the problem.
In discussion, Marten prioritizes their options like this:
Find the druid Reidoth Marten seems interested in meeting someone who knows so much about the wilderness in this area. He also clearly has a good opinion of Qelline Alderleaf, saying, "I think we can trust Ms. Alderleaf or any o' her friends. After all, her information about the secret entrance to the Redrands' Base was accur'te."
Look for Gundren's brothers, Nundro and Tharden Marten reminds them, "We were originally thinkin' o' contacting Gundren's brothers to let 'em know that Gundren had been taken by the 'Black Spider'. I don' know. M'ybe we owe it to 'is brothers t' go find 'em now, 'specially if they've gotten into some trouble because we didn' warn 'em earlier."
Clear out the band of orcs near Wyvern Tor Marten is pretty focused on rescuing Gundren, and this chore is not obviously related to him. He reasons, "We're in Sildar's debt: it's true. We wouldn' be here if not for him! But I jus' think that we should find Gundren 'efore we deal with this band of orcs."
* Sildar has left you a note at the Inn, to be opened upon your return:
"I would be personally gratified if you would continue your search for Gundren. Please visit me after your return."
"O' course!", Marten says when one of them reads the letter, "we should see Sildar first 'n' let 'im know where we're goin'."
"Perhaps when we go and search for the druid we can also pass at the campsite of Gundren's brothers just to get a better idea if they left of their own free will or because something has happened to them," Berry suggests as a compromise. He also prefers to look for the druid and get on with the search for Gundren. However, if something ill has befallen Gundren's brothers, he thinks it would be best to re-assess the situation.
Marten suggests that he could look into purchasing Nala. She was a sturdy horse for the trip to the Cragmaw Cave. He doesn't think that they'd need a cart, but with some saddlebags, the mare would be useful in carrying rations and water on the way out into the wilderness and then carrying any treasure they find on the way back to Phandalin. In particular, he was going to fit her with a riding saddle in case Gundren isn't in shape to walk back to Phandalin once they rescue him.
(OOC: If they could get the saddle and saddlebags at the Lionshield Coster and the 4 of them split the cost, Nala and her tack should cost them about 15.5 gp each.)
Nala actually belongs to Elmar Barthen. He is willing to sell her for the same price as Linene Graywind in accordance with the discount she has offered the party. Are the other party members in agreement?
Nala actually belongs to Elmar Barthen. He is willing to sell her for the same price as Linene Graywind in accordance with the discount she has offered the party. Are the other party members in agreement?
Marten agrees, of course. 🙂 If the party can also apply the discount to Nala herself, it would be 12.5 gp each:
(OOC: Total = 66 gp - 25% discount = 66 gp - 16.5 gp = 49.5 gp. Let's add 5 sp for feed and other incidentals, to make it an even 50 gp, or 12.5 gp each. We have used 16.5 gp of our total (25 gp each) discount.)
The current plan, if Nosam and Vidruth agree is:
Buy Nala and any other gear the party wants.
Visit Sildar to let him know where we're going.
Then head out of Phandalin
If it's on the way, check in on the Gundren brothers.
Then head out to find Reidoth, hoping to learn the location of the Cragmaw Castle from them.
The next morning, after breaking fast, you seek out Sildar Hallwinter in the Townmaster’s Hall on the Phandalin green and find him in the same small office inside of which Berry spoke to him a few days prior. Sildar's good hand slowly rustles the week-old stubble on his chin as he pores over old ledgers. A middle-aged bespectacled woman is there too, at the fighter’s side, leaning over the books and quietly speaking in a tone of patient instruction.
“That’s right, Mister Hallwinter, the balance is here, in this column, and you must carry the figures over from the prior month here, and then here, the annual sum to-date…”
Sildar looks up when you enter, relief at seeing you evident in his face almost to the same degree as when you rescued him from the goblins.
“I know in my heart,” he says, “that I can bring the people of Phandalin together and see to their safety. But… I have never been one for numbers. The surprises life holds for us.” Berry recalls him having said the exact same thing when he saw him before.
“You’re learning quickly, Mister Hallwinter,” says the woman, whom you recognize from the celebrations following your defeat of the Redbrands. She extends a friendly hand in greeting.
“I haven’t had the pleasure yet. I’m Giselle. Giselle Shalebound, though the man who gave me that name in marriage died in the mines two years back…” Her eyes dart modestly to Sildar, then back to you. Sildar, oblivious, looks up from the ledger, upon which his eyes have continued to dwell, as his head slowly moves back and forth in confusion as he picks up from the woman.
“Giselle is helping me with these numbers. With the harvest festival coming tomorrow, I'm out of my depth…,” Sildar trails off, uncharacteristically, running his good hand absently through his hair. But after a moment, he shakes his head and seems to recover some of his bearing.
“Giselle, would you allow us a moment?”
“I was just about to find a cup of tea.” With a smile and a nod, she departs without another word.
Now alone with you, Sildar points to a few wooden chairs and a bench.
“Make yourselves comfortable.” He comes around and leans back on the heavy old desk which nearly fills one end of the room. With the ledgers now behind him, out of sight, he inhales deeply, and energy seems to come back into his eyes. His glance lingers on each of you in turn as he begins to speak in measured tones.
“I want to make you an offer. You seem to carry Tymora’s luck with you, and you have as much courage as any I have fought beside, including in the griffon cavalry." He pauses, carefully gauging your responses, before continuing. "Have you ever heard the legend of… Wave Echo Cave?”
vidruth narrows his eyes slightly, this is the second time hes heard ofwave echo cave this week, and he didnt like it the first time, now that kiselina, the one to bring it up first, is at deaths door. well, its only worse isnt it? and thats ignoring his hazy memories of tales from his younger days. a very bad business indeed
"the one you would be best suited to speak to of it is indisposed" his answers "but we have heard of it yes"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
Berry can relate to Sildar's burden and keeps his distance to the books as if they were contagious. When prompted to sit down, he does so hesitantly. No one ever asked you to sit down unless there was bad news. Surely Sildar wants them to do his ledgers for him. Berry cursory looks around what would be the quickest exit and will sit more close to the door or window if possible.
"The harvest festival?" Berry's eyes light up and his entire little body seems energised as he moved forth and back nervously. 'Where's the catch? Now he'll surely says that we have to finish the ledgers before we can partake in the festival!'
"A cave? You want us to go to another cave?" Berry remembers that someone explained something about a cave with that name but the details are lost to him. "Are there more goblins in that cave? Or someone had mentioned dwarfs. Weren't there dwarfs in that cave? Are they a problem now?" Then he remembers why they came to Sildar, "Do you think Gundren, or his brothers, went there?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Marten knows Sildar and is comfortable with Sildar, but he's surprised to see a strange woman here. Although he has little "book learning" beyond basic reading and writing, he's not worried about the books. He is worried that he might be left to talk to this woman alone. Marten tries to fade into the background as Sildar greets them and introduces them to Giselle.
With all of the interactions they've had with the people of Phandalin, Marten is getting better at reading people. He silently observes, noticing the odd look the woman give Sildar when talking about her husband. (Can he tell what that look seemed to indicate? Anger are Sildar? Pining for Sildar? Hiding something? Insight18) He lowers his head and looks resolutely at the floor as Giselle passes him on her way out of the room.
The Harvest Festival sounds like another big crowd to Marten. He's relieved that they're planning to leave Phandalin today. He hopes that Berry isn't too disappointed to miss the festival, or they'll probably have to listen to him complain for the rest of the day.
The mention of the Wave Echo Cave focuses Marten's attention. They party had guessed that maybe Gundren found the cave, and that's why the Black Spider was keen to kidnap him and his map. Marten also reminds Vidruth, "There's also the journal, Vidruth: th' one Nosam found in Glasstaff's room. Under th' manor."But what did Sildar say? Something about an offer? That's new.
Marten looks at Sildar and says,"Yep. We've heard somethin' 'bout that legend. What do you know about it? And what's this offer you wanted to make?"
(OOC: Marten thinks Giselle may hold a torch for Sildar.)
[Nossam bot #1]
Sildar answers Marten.
“Did you know that Gundren was… Is… looking for the Wave Echo Cave? That’s partly why I agreed to accompany him from Neverwinter here.” The bodyguard shifts to a more erect position, and in the same measured tone, elaborates.
“I am an agent of the Lords’ Alliance, as you know. It’s a group of allied political powers concerned with mutual security and prosperity. Members of the order ensure the safety of cities and other settlements by proactively eliminating threats by any means, while bringing honor and glory to their leaders and homelands. That’s why I asked you to join. Because you have already done that. And you’re good at it.”
Sildar reflects for a few moments before continuing.
“I met Gundren Rockseeker in Neverwinter and agreed to accompany him back to Phandalin. But not just as his bodyguard. You see, I wanted to investigate the fate of Iarno Albrek, who was – was – a fellow member of the Lords’ Alliance, who had been dispatched two months ago to help set the stage for what Gundren is trying to do. He – Iarno – fell prey to selfishness and instead of carrying out his task, his mission, he agreed to abet the powers of evil in these lands. You already know this.
“But learning what happened to Iarno wasn’t the only reason I came. I am also here to assist Gundren in reopening the old mine in the Wave Echo Cave. That would help restore Phandalin to a civilized center of wealth and prosperity.
“You see, the three Rockseeker brothers – Gundren, Tharden, and Nundro – recently located an entrance to the long-lost Wave Echo Cave, the site of the mines of the Phandelver’s Pact. Gundren carried a map to its entrance with him at all times. Until his capture.
“Klarg, the bugbear who you destroyed, had orders from this… Black Spider… to waylay Gundren. They succeeded. And when they did, they brought him to the Black Spider, the chief of all the Cragmaw goblins, in Cragmaw Castle, wherever that is.
“As an agent of the Lords’ Alliance, my goal is to bring law and order to Phandalin. As such, I want to find the lost mine of Wave Echo Cave and help the Rockseeker brothers put it back into production. I believe that bringing prosperity to the region will help civilize the town.
“So now, my offer. Keep up the pressure on the Cragmaw goblins. If you can locate Cragmaw Castle and defeat or drive off the tribe’s chieftain, this Black Spider, the coffers here hold 500 pieces of gold which I will be glad to offer you as a reward.
“We all want to see our friend Gundren rescued. It is beyond my power to offer more assistance than this. I would just get in the way, and I can help more here on the sidelines. But you. You can find him and save him. And Phandalin will owe you a debt in more ways than one when you do.
Marten nods along to Sildar's explanation, not saying anything beyond, "Oh," or "Uh huh." Everything that Sildar says about the Black Spider and the Wave Echo Cave is something that the party knew or had basically guessed already.
Marten is still a little uncomfortable with Sildar's talk of the Lord's Alliance. He agrees with beating back the goblins and bugbears and even the Redbrands, who make life difficult for the honest people of Phandalin. But talking of "bringing prosperity" or "civilizing the town" makes Marten think of proud lords sitting in their far-away castles and sending out their armies to "enforce the peace." It often ends badly for the farmers and herdsmen in small villages.
The mention of a reward is welcome especially since it's close to what they already were planning to do. Marten had been living job-to-job for years with rarely more than 10 gp in his pouch, and he generally had to spend all of his coin on replacing / upgrading his gear or living expenses while in town between jobs. He's not really sure what he would do with another 125 gp, but it's good to know that defeating the Black Spider would come with a definite reward.
When Sildar finishes, Marten says, "Yep. We'll think on it, Sildar. Do you know where Gundren's brothers were campin'? Elmar Barthen said that he hadn't seen 'em for a tenday, 'n' he was expectin' 'em back already for a resupply. We'd check on 'em, if we knew where to look, t' make sure that nothin' has happened to them too." Since Sildar doesn't seem to know the location of the Cragmaw Castle, the party's plan is still the same: find Reidoth to see whether he knows where the castle is, and try to check on the other Rockseeker brothers on the way there. Once they figure out where the Cragmaw Castle is, they can head there to figure out how to rescue Gundren -- assuming that's where he's being kept.
If no one else has already asked, before the party leaves, Marten will also ask, "Have you learned anything more 'bout this 'Black Spider'? We don' have much beyond th' name."
Sildar's explanation rings a few bells in Berry's memory but he isn't one to keep track of too many things at once really wouldn't know what for. "So you don't want us to go to the cave, after all?" He asks confused. "And you want us to find Gundren for a reward," he concludes, "That's mighty nice of you. We wanted to do that anyway, so, yeah, I think we can agree to that, can't we?" he blurts out and asks the rest for confirmation. "We wanted to check on his brothers, too, because they might have some more insight as to what we're looking for." Berry explains but he refers to insight distantly in such a way that it is clear that he wouldn't be the one to get that information, some important clue about the caves, surely, he thinks.
"We could go and check quickly on the brothers and, perhaps, that druid, and then next week, after the festival, we go out to search for that castle? Probably everything will be closed and preparations difficult until everything is back to normal, right?"
"no amount of money is worth our lives" he says grumpily "but perhaps the Rockseekers are, if berry and marten go, then i will too"
"what are the odds the brothers are at the castle" he asks
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic byVitaly S Alexius
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Kiselina is still unconscious, but Daphyra's lashes flutter when Berry says her name, and she seems to focus on him for a moment and asks, in a weak whisper, "Berry?...," before passing out again. The supplies were immediately taken into the Lionshield Coster, even though Linene and Crissie are both already in their nightshifts. They'll inventory them in the morning, but pay the reward immediately (as outlined in my prior post).
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Elmar Barthen is overjoyed to see the group, as are Elsa and Trilena and Umberto -- who has a bandage wrapped around his head, but smiles a toothless smile at Vidruth and the others, taking great care to help with their things. They are all effusive in fact, and bring the company a hearty meal, and drinks, and the cook makes a delicious pan of cakes to top it off, Elsa all the while offering cheerful commentary and cooing over the party cheerfully.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Linene and Crissie come out in their nightgowns to accept the delivery of their stolen supplies, and accept help from Nosam and Berry to bring them into their store to be inventoried the next day. The party returns to eat and rest at the Stonehill Inn, and as I mentioned in my previous post, the party is given a special VIP treatment, at least for tonight.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Following the party's return from a long and exhausting day, and a filling feast and desserts, no one has the energy to think or plan for tomorrow. But the next day, the sun rises, and the question of 'What next?' rises too. Possibilities:
* Find the druid Reidoth, who the proper halfling farmer Qelline Alderleaf thinks can point you to the Cragmaw Castle.
* Barthen, the owner of the eponymous Provisions shop to which you delivered Gundren's supplies when you first arrived in Phandalin, mentioned: Gundren Rockseeker's brothers, Nundro and Tharden, are camped somewhere outside town. Barthen hasn’t seen them in a tenday and expected the brothers to return “any day now” to resupply. But they never came.
* The townmaster -- previously Harbin Wester and now Sildar Hallwinter -- is looking for someone to head east on the Triboar Trail, where travelers have reported trouble with a band of orcs near Wyvern Tor. Sildar agrees to honor Harbin's offer of 100 gp to the group if you can take care of the problem.
* Sildar has left you a note at the Inn, to be opened upon your return:
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Having completed the delivery and caught up with his companions, Berry made his way back to the Stonehills' residence as evening settled in, ready to unwind and let the night fade away. He informs the others with joy that today Daphyra recognised him and generally appears to be on her way to recovery. He also offers his part of the Lionshield's store credit to everyone, "If you need anything, feel free to use my part of the credit. I don't need armor or weapons right now. I've just got this new sword and have everything I need."
The next morning, he will visit Barthen's and stock up a few items that he had used (ball bearings, another pouch, two torches)
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Berry replies, "I can fly as high as the winds let me. I haven't really found any limit yet. And I think I can shoot as good as I can hit with any weapon. The limit is really depending on the weapon. Sure, I'm not nearly as good as Marten, but I think I can handle a bow as good as the next guy. It's just that I personally prefer to get close and personal instead of picking at the foe from far and above." (He has equal Strength and Dexterity)
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Marten suggests that he could look into purchasing Nala. She was a sturdy horse for the trip to the Cragmaw Cave. He doesn't think that they'd need a cart, but with some saddlebags, the mare would be useful in carrying rations and water on the way out into the wilderness and then carrying any treasure they find on the way back to Phandalin. In particular, he was going to fit her with a riding saddle in case Gundren isn't in shape to walk back to Phandalin once they rescue him.
(OOC: If they could get the saddle and saddlebags at the Lionshield Coster and the 4 of them split the cost, Nala and her tack should cost them about 15.5 gp each.)
In discussion, Marten prioritizes their options like this:
Marten seems interested in meeting someone who knows so much about the wilderness in this area. He also clearly has a good opinion of Qelline Alderleaf, saying, "I think we can trust Ms. Alderleaf or any o' her friends. After all, her information about the secret entrance to the Redrands' Base was accur'te."
Marten reminds them, "We were originally thinkin' o' contacting Gundren's brothers to let 'em know that Gundren had been taken by the 'Black Spider'. I don' know. M'ybe we owe it to 'is brothers t' go find 'em now, 'specially if they've gotten into some trouble because we didn' warn 'em earlier."
Marten is pretty focused on rescuing Gundren, and this chore is not obviously related to him. He reasons, "We're in Sildar's debt: it's true. We wouldn' be here if not for him! But I jus' think that we should find Gundren 'efore we deal with this band of orcs."
"O' course!", Marten says when one of them reads the letter, "we should see Sildar first 'n' let 'im know where we're goin'."
"Perhaps when we go and search for the druid we can also pass at the campsite of Gundren's brothers just to get a better idea if they left of their own free will or because something has happened to them," Berry suggests as a compromise. He also prefers to look for the druid and get on with the search for Gundren. However, if something ill has befallen Gundren's brothers, he thinks it would be best to re-assess the situation.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Nala actually belongs to Elmar Barthen. He is willing to sell her for the same price as Linene Graywind in accordance with the discount she has offered the party. Are the other party members in agreement?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Berry thinks it would be really nice to have a horse to carry stuff. He’s tired of lugging around his heavy backpack, pouches and a sack.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Marten agrees, of course. 🙂 If the party can also apply the discount to Nala herself, it would be 12.5 gp each:
(OOC: Total = 66 gp - 25% discount = 66 gp - 16.5 gp = 49.5 gp. Let's add 5 sp for feed and other incidentals, to make it an even 50 gp, or 12.5 gp each.
We have used 16.5 gp of our total (25 gp each) discount.)
The current plan, if Nosam and Vidruth agree is:
The next morning, after breaking fast, you seek out Sildar Hallwinter in the Townmaster’s Hall on the Phandalin green and find him in the same small office inside of which Berry spoke to him a few days prior. Sildar's good hand slowly rustles the week-old stubble on his chin as he pores over old ledgers. A middle-aged bespectacled woman is there too, at the fighter’s side, leaning over the books and quietly speaking in a tone of patient instruction.
“That’s right, Mister Hallwinter, the balance is here, in this column, and you must carry the figures over from the prior month here, and then here, the annual sum to-date…”
Sildar looks up when you enter, relief at seeing you evident in his face almost to the same degree as when you rescued him from the goblins.
“I know in my heart,” he says, “that I can bring the people of Phandalin together and see to their safety. But… I have never been one for numbers. The surprises life holds for us.” Berry recalls him having said the exact same thing when he saw him before.
“You’re learning quickly, Mister Hallwinter,” says the woman, whom you recognize from the celebrations following your defeat of the Redbrands. She extends a friendly hand in greeting.
“I haven’t had the pleasure yet. I’m Giselle. Giselle Shalebound, though the man who gave me that name in marriage died in the mines two years back…” Her eyes dart modestly to Sildar, then back to you. Sildar, oblivious, looks up from the ledger, upon which his eyes have continued to dwell, as his head slowly moves back and forth in confusion as he picks up from the woman.
“Giselle is helping me with these numbers. With the harvest festival coming tomorrow, I'm out of my depth…,” Sildar trails off, uncharacteristically, running his good hand absently through his hair. But after a moment, he shakes his head and seems to recover some of his bearing.
“Giselle, would you allow us a moment?”
“I was just about to find a cup of tea.” With a smile and a nod, she departs without another word.
Now alone with you, Sildar points to a few wooden chairs and a bench.
“Make yourselves comfortable.” He comes around and leans back on the heavy old desk which nearly fills one end of the room. With the ledgers now behind him, out of sight, he inhales deeply, and energy seems to come back into his eyes. His glance lingers on each of you in turn as he begins to speak in measured tones.
“I want to make you an offer. You seem to carry Tymora’s luck with you, and you have as much courage as any I have fought beside, including in the griffon cavalry." He pauses, carefully gauging your responses, before continuing. "Have you ever heard the legend of… Wave Echo Cave?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
vidruth narrows his eyes slightly, this is the second time hes heard ofwave echo cave this week, and he didnt like it the first time, now that kiselina, the one to bring it up first, is at deaths door. well, its only worse isnt it? and thats ignoring his hazy memories of tales from his younger days. a very bad business indeed
"the one you would be best suited to speak to of it is indisposed" his answers "but we have heard of it yes"
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius
Berry can relate to Sildar's burden and keeps his distance to the books as if they were contagious. When prompted to sit down, he does so hesitantly. No one ever asked you to sit down unless there was bad news. Surely Sildar wants them to do his ledgers for him. Berry cursory looks around what would be the quickest exit and will sit more close to the door or window if possible.
"The harvest festival?" Berry's eyes light up and his entire little body seems energised as he moved forth and back nervously. 'Where's the catch? Now he'll surely says that we have to finish the ledgers before we can partake in the festival!'
"A cave? You want us to go to another cave?" Berry remembers that someone explained something about a cave with that name but the details are lost to him. "Are there more goblins in that cave? Or someone had mentioned dwarfs. Weren't there dwarfs in that cave? Are they a problem now?" Then he remembers why they came to Sildar, "Do you think Gundren, or his brothers, went there?"
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Marten knows Sildar and is comfortable with Sildar, but he's surprised to see a strange woman here. Although he has little "book learning" beyond basic reading and writing, he's not worried about the books. He is worried that he might be left to talk to this woman alone. Marten tries to fade into the background as Sildar greets them and introduces them to Giselle.
With all of the interactions they've had with the people of Phandalin, Marten is getting better at reading people. He silently observes, noticing the odd look the woman give Sildar when talking about her husband. (Can he tell what that look seemed to indicate? Anger are Sildar? Pining for Sildar? Hiding something? Insight 18) He lowers his head and looks resolutely at the floor as Giselle passes him on her way out of the room.
The Harvest Festival sounds like another big crowd to Marten. He's relieved that they're planning to leave Phandalin today. He hopes that Berry isn't too disappointed to miss the festival, or they'll probably have to listen to him complain for the rest of the day.
The mention of the Wave Echo Cave focuses Marten's attention. They party had guessed that maybe Gundren found the cave, and that's why the Black Spider was keen to kidnap him and his map. Marten also reminds Vidruth, "There's also the journal, Vidruth: th' one Nosam found in Glasstaff's room. Under th' manor." But what did Sildar say? Something about an offer? That's new.
Marten looks at Sildar and says, "Yep. We've heard somethin' 'bout that legend. What do you know about it? And what's this offer you wanted to make?"
(OOC: Marten thinks Giselle may hold a torch for Sildar.)
[Nossam bot #1]
Sildar answers Marten.
“Did you know that Gundren was… Is… looking for the Wave Echo Cave? That’s partly why I agreed to accompany him from Neverwinter here.” The bodyguard shifts to a more erect position, and in the same measured tone, elaborates.
“I am an agent of the Lords’ Alliance, as you know. It’s a group of allied political powers concerned with mutual security and prosperity. Members of the order ensure the safety of cities and other settlements by proactively eliminating threats by any means, while bringing honor and glory to their leaders and homelands. That’s why I asked you to join. Because you have already done that. And you’re good at it.”
Sildar reflects for a few moments before continuing.
“I met Gundren Rockseeker in Neverwinter and agreed to accompany him back to Phandalin. But not just as his bodyguard. You see, I wanted to investigate the fate of Iarno Albrek, who was – was – a fellow member of the Lords’ Alliance, who had been dispatched two months ago to help set the stage for what Gundren is trying to do. He – Iarno – fell prey to selfishness and instead of carrying out his task, his mission, he agreed to abet the powers of evil in these lands. You already know this.
“But learning what happened to Iarno wasn’t the only reason I came. I am also here to assist Gundren in reopening the old mine in the Wave Echo Cave. That would help restore Phandalin to a civilized center of wealth and prosperity.
“You see, the three Rockseeker brothers – Gundren, Tharden, and Nundro – recently located an entrance to the long-lost Wave Echo Cave, the site of the mines of the Phandelver’s Pact. Gundren carried a map to its entrance with him at all times. Until his capture.
“Klarg, the bugbear who you destroyed, had orders from this… Black Spider… to waylay Gundren. They succeeded. And when they did, they brought him to the Black Spider, the chief of all the Cragmaw goblins, in Cragmaw Castle, wherever that is.
“As an agent of the Lords’ Alliance, my goal is to bring law and order to Phandalin. As such, I want to find the lost mine of Wave Echo Cave and help the Rockseeker brothers put it back into production. I believe that bringing prosperity to the region will help civilize the town.
“So now, my offer. Keep up the pressure on the Cragmaw goblins. If you can locate Cragmaw Castle and defeat or drive off the tribe’s chieftain, this Black Spider, the coffers here hold 500 pieces of gold which I will be glad to offer you as a reward.
“We all want to see our friend Gundren rescued. It is beyond my power to offer more assistance than this. I would just get in the way, and I can help more here on the sidelines. But you. You can find him and save him. And Phandalin will owe you a debt in more ways than one when you do.
“Five hundred gold. Please think about it.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Marten nods along to Sildar's explanation, not saying anything beyond, "Oh," or "Uh huh." Everything that Sildar says about the Black Spider and the Wave Echo Cave is something that the party knew or had basically guessed already.
Marten is still a little uncomfortable with Sildar's talk of the Lord's Alliance. He agrees with beating back the goblins and bugbears and even the Redbrands, who make life difficult for the honest people of Phandalin. But talking of "bringing prosperity" or "civilizing the town" makes Marten think of proud lords sitting in their far-away castles and sending out their armies to "enforce the peace." It often ends badly for the farmers and herdsmen in small villages.
The mention of a reward is welcome especially since it's close to what they already were planning to do. Marten had been living job-to-job for years with rarely more than 10 gp in his pouch, and he generally had to spend all of his coin on replacing / upgrading his gear or living expenses while in town between jobs. He's not really sure what he would do with another 125 gp, but it's good to know that defeating the Black Spider would come with a definite reward.
When Sildar finishes, Marten says, "Yep. We'll think on it, Sildar. Do you know where Gundren's brothers were campin'? Elmar Barthen said that he hadn't seen 'em for a tenday, 'n' he was expectin' 'em back already for a resupply. We'd check on 'em, if we knew where to look, t' make sure that nothin' has happened to them too." Since Sildar doesn't seem to know the location of the Cragmaw Castle, the party's plan is still the same: find Reidoth to see whether he knows where the castle is, and try to check on the other Rockseeker brothers on the way there. Once they figure out where the Cragmaw Castle is, they can head there to figure out how to rescue Gundren -- assuming that's where he's being kept.
If no one else has already asked, before the party leaves, Marten will also ask, "Have you learned anything more 'bout this 'Black Spider'? We don' have much beyond th' name."
Sildar's explanation rings a few bells in Berry's memory but he isn't one to keep track of too many things at once really wouldn't know what for. "So you don't want us to go to the cave, after all?" He asks confused. "And you want us to find Gundren for a reward," he concludes, "That's mighty nice of you. We wanted to do that anyway, so, yeah, I think we can agree to that, can't we?" he blurts out and asks the rest for confirmation. "We wanted to check on his brothers, too, because they might have some more insight as to what we're looking for." Berry explains but he refers to insight distantly in such a way that it is clear that he wouldn't be the one to get that information, some important clue about the caves, surely, he thinks.
"We could go and check quickly on the brothers and, perhaps, that druid, and then next week, after the festival, we go out to search for that castle? Probably everything will be closed and preparations difficult until everything is back to normal, right?"
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
"no amount of money is worth our lives" he says grumpily "but perhaps the Rockseekers are, if berry and marten go, then i will too"
"what are the odds the brothers are at the castle" he asks
This Mug immediately shared with me a transcendental tale of an Infinite Mug that anchors the Universe and keeps it from folding in on itself. I filed this report under "illogical nonsense" and asked why its sign is in Times New Roman font, when it is basic knowledge that Arial Black is a far superior font. I wondered: How did this mug even get past the assembly line with its theistic beliefs and poor font choices?
quote from Romantically Apocalyptic by Vitaly S Alexius