Berry chimes in, "I thought you said that you promised to release them once they tell us what they know? Shouldn't we be true to our word?
Marten responds, "True. But if we release 'em, won' they just go back to killin' and maimin' merchants and farmers around Phandalin? M'ybe the townmaster Harbin Wester will take 'em off our hands."
(Does Marten know anything about how goblins typically handle prisoners? History15)
(OOC, Marten: Goblins are not known for taking prisoners, period....)
Marten has no love for goblins, and he'll lose no sleep over the ones he killed in the battles over the last two days. On the other hand, something about killing defenseless captives still doesn't feel right to him. But what do they do if the townmaster won't take them?
Marten says to Vidruth (in goblin so that only Vidruth and the goblins understand):
In rough but passable goblin: "Vidruth, if our prisoners cause any trouble, we may need to get rid of them. I hope that the master of the town will jail them for us. If not, the party could find that the goblins escaped their manacles in the night, and we had to kill them. Of course, the prisoners could give us a reason not to kill them if they find ways to continue to be useful..."
Marten says that loudly enough for Vidruth and both of the goblins to hear him. He follows that statement with a look at the goblins and a wry chuckle. (Intimidation: 17 in game log)
Kiselina.....“Master Hallwinter....something else underlying your prolonged and continuous deterioration. I would like to try to help you, if you’ll allow me?”
Marten looks particularly concerned over Sildar's health, but he says nothing. He knows nothing of these matters, and he's just thankful to have companions who can help. Marten focuses on watching the road ahead for danger and getting the group safely to Phandalin.
"so what is the plan for this black spider? i assume we will be doing something about it, what with kiselina here"
"We still owe Gundren," opines Berry with a serious expression. "We may need to investigate Cragmaw Castle first, however. Where it is and if there is any chance for us to rescue him from there. I wager attacking a castle is entirely different from rooting out some goblins from a cave, and we know now that we much underestimated those few goblins. Those in the castle are probably much more organised, with living in a castle and all."
"I say let's see what the locals know about the castle,"
Marten nods, "Yep. I'm with y'all 'til we rescue Gundren. We rushed into the cave to prevent the goblins from killin' Gundren once they got what they wanted. But now we know: it's not just simple bandits who took 'im by chance.
"There's more goin' on here, and it sounds like a better organized enemy. Castles, secret names...but not much to go on. Yeemik is dead. Klarg is dead. Thanks to our prisoners, we know roughly where to find Cragmaw Castle, but we don' know much about it. We don' know nothin' abou' the black spider.
"We need information. I guess we should stick around Phandalin for a day or two 'n' find out more. Of course, Stonehill said something about other problems in Phandalin. I think 'e called 'em Redbrands.
"Sildar, do you know anything about these Redbrands?"
Other than maybe trying to get the stolen goods from the Cragmaw's cave, Marten agrees that they should plan to stay in and around Phandalin for a few days while they try to learn more about the Redbrands, Cragmaw Castle, and the Black Spider. They could make the Stonehill Inn their "base." Marten counts that he has enough coin to stay there a few more days. Maybe they could also go to Gundren's brothers to give them an update and ask for help?
Marten sums up his position like this: "Better to go slow 'n' smart, now, instead of being hasty and dead."
vidruth nods, if marten finds it necessary hes willing to help. better not to offend the rest of the party, but practicality is practicality, and giving them an incentive to be useful is always good
he checks the goblins manacles, both to make a point, and because he was reminded that he hadn't checked them before
"the bracer? go ahead, I certainly don't have much of a use for it, and a trophy that's useful is as it should be. very traditional. ah, but not your traditions are they? regardless, 'm on a tangent, feel free to take it, i have no stake in the matter"
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
"Ah, the bracers. By all means big fella, if you can use 'em, you can have 'em. At least my portion."
(OOC: I missed that one.)
Marten agrees: "Sure, Kis'lina. It's all yours. I don' properly know what ye' mean by shares. Y' mean sharin' it? How do ye ev'n share a bracer?"
Marten is a clearly confused about talk of "shares." He's never been part of an adventuring party: he has spent time either wandering on his own or doing specific jobs for a fixed fee. Other than splitting the coin evenly, it seems normal to him that if they find something useful in the course of their job, whoever can use it best should keep it. He silently ponders whether it was rude of him to gather the goblin arrows for his quiver or to take a dagger from the dead goblins in Klarg's attack party without asking the others about "shares."
Berry chimes in, "I thought you said that you promised to release them once they tell us what they know? Shouldn't we be true to our word?
Marten responds, "True. But if we release 'em, won' they just go back to killin' and maimin' merchants and farmers around Phandalin? M'ybe the townmaster Harbin Wester will take 'em off our hands."
(Does Marten know anything about how goblins typically handle prisoners? History15)
(OOC, Marten: Goblins are not known for taking prisoners, period....)
Marten has no love for goblins, and he'll lose no sleep over the ones he killed in the battles over the last two days. On the other hand, something about killing defenseless captives still doesn't feel right to him. But what do they do if the townmaster won't take them?
Marten says to Vidruth (in goblin so that only Vidruth and the goblins understand):
In rough but passable goblin: "Vidruth, if our prisoners cause any trouble, we may need to get rid of them. I hope that the master of the town will jail them for us. If not, the party could find that the goblins escaped their manacles in the night, and we had to kill them. Of course, the prisoners could give us a reason not to kill them if they find ways to continue to be useful..."
Marten says that loudly enough for Vidruth and both of the goblins to hear him. He follows that statement with a look at the goblins and a wry chuckle. (Intimidation: 17 in game log)
To Marten’s statement, the goblins recoil in fear. Threats and intimidation: this they understand. Indeed they seem now to look at you in a slightly different way, granting you some degree of credibility. They exchange glances, though they are silent at first. They whisper between themselves a bit as the day progresses. Then they fall into sullen silence, and their eyes are daggers for an hour, but when you turn off of the Triboar Trail toward Phandalin, the first goblin turns to Vidruth and Marten and speaks, in the goblin tongue.
“All right, we get the picture. You’re bringing us to a jailer who won’t want us in his jail. A human. That’s no good for us. We both escaped capture before, but seen many goblins ain’t. Many goblins die trying. Bad odds. Worse than grease on yer bone dice.”
“And we got a reason why you don’t want to kill us,” chimes in the other goblin, which then turns to the first goblin. “Ain’t that right Snik?”
“Yeah, Scab,” answers the first, “‘cuz we know where Cragmaw Castle is.” It turns to Vidruk.
“You want to go there? We know the way.”
“Yeah. Only thing is, we each only remember half the way.”
“Yeah. Half the way.”
“Keep us both alive, an that gets you all the way to the castle.”
“Cragmaw Castle.”
“We been there before.”
(DM rolls dice)
Your insight seems to indicate that they are telling the truth about knowing the way.
After the skirmish with the Stirges, Kiselina asks Nosam and Daphyra if either need any assistance. The damage done from such horrid creatures looks painful and he wishes to stave off any lingering effects such as disease that the tiny beasts might have transmitted. (Medicine check: 21)
(OOC: No disease from the Stirges. However, with this roll Kiselina notices that Sildar is definitely suffering from an unnamed blight (I.e., disease) which is sucking away his energy (and HP) daily. He needs an experienced healer or he is doomed.)
Kiselina, though no experienced healer, has noticed like Daphyra that something drastic has happened to Sildar. He ponders the situation as they walk along. After some time he speaks of Sildar, “Master Hallwinter, I thought your spirit might have been bruised during your detention by the goblins, and (as delicately as he can put the torture by their hands) their treatment. But I can’t help but notice that there appears to be something else underlying your prolonged and continuous deterioration. I would like to try to help you, if you’ll allow me?”
Kiselina will attempt to Lay on Hands, but not with the intention of restoring HP, but rather to cure disease/poison. [You have a pool of healing power that can restore 10 HP per long rest. As an action, you can touch a creature to restore any number of HP remaining in the pool, or 5 HP to either cure a disease or neutralize a poison affecting the creature.]
If Sildar is not receptive to Kiselina’s attempts, or if the attempt fails, Kiselina will try to persuade him to seek treatment in Phandalin. “Perhaps there is someone in Phandalin you trust better than I. Please allow me to escort you to them, as a friend who is concerned with your health. I’ve grown to admire your resiliency, I would like to see you prosper and returned to greatness.”
Sildar sets his jaw. "I'm... fine." You both know he is not, and a shared look communicates this fact clearly. But he continues.
"Save your healing for now, paladin. Though I am grateful for your kindness. But later... if we make it safely to Phandalin and do not run afoul of more beasts or other surprises, I would be grateful to be relieved of this affliction. Perhaps the grace of Bahamut will lead me from this darkness," if then you are still willing.
"Keep it, Kiselina, no need to pay me out. You've earned it," says Berry when Kiselina asks about the shielding bracers.
When he notices that something is wrong with Sildar, Berry begins to worry about their state and shots them glances every now and then.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Kiselina walks along with the others in silence for a while. He says no more about Sildar’s condition. He trusts to Bahamut’s plan, though he feels that this won’t be the end of it. His outward concern concealed by his inner hope to see Sildar restored to full health. As for the bracers, he secures them from whomever has them and stores the bugbear’s armbands away for now. He takes out a ration and begins to eat as they walk. Perhaps at a later time he will speak with Marten about ‘shares’, and Vidruth’s traditions concerning ‘trophies’. For the time being, he simply focuses on plans of an emblem for the platinum dragon etched into the bracers, perhaps inlaid with a precious metal later when he has the funds. He even considers some sort of symbol to represent the group, his first adventuring party, to add to the retooled bracers later. He’ll dwell on it for sometime, no rush for now. The Paladin wonders what was said to Scab and Snik, but understands enough to know when not to get involved. They appear to have been persuaded to help, and the group isn’t openly seeking to slaughter them…to his knowledge. If Harbin won’t hold them while the group is in town, he will honor the promise and allow the goblins to be set ‘free’. The Paladin ‘accidentally’ drops parts of a second ration as he walks in front of the two prisoners (if their hands are shackled in front) so they can get some substance. “Whoops, so difficult to eat while carrying this polearm!” “Lots to accomplish in town.” The knight comments a bit later. “I agree, staying at the Stonewall Inn is a good plan till we accomplish everything we need. It will be late by the time we reach town.” The Dragonborn wonders to himself how best to achieve everything he (and the group) plans.
Marten hopes that they can get to the Stonehill Inn in Phandalin safely before nightfall.
If they get to Phandalin early enough, Marten will stop briefly at Barthen's to ask how much it would cost them to hire the cart and a team of oxen or draft horses for a day.
If they cannot talk to the townmaster today, they'll have to find a place for the captive goblins to sleep overnight where they won't be able to escape or cause any other harm.
On the road to Phandalin, Marten is a little more talkative with the group than he was the first day, but his talk is mostly just recounting their encounters: what he thought worked well, what he wishes had gone differently, etc. For example:
"Did you see that shot against Klarg?! Right past the armor! I was sure it would drop 'im! Tough fighters, them bugbears."
"How 'bout that javelin throw by Kis'lina? I've ne'er seen nothin' like it! What was it? 50 ft? And through dense undergrowth! Yer god must truly favor you, Kis'lina!"
"I didn't know that ye' could just put people to sleep, Mistress Daphyra. That's quite a power! Great way to even the odds, and an easy way to capture the enemy."
"It's too bad that we didn't catch Klarg off-guard yesterday, but it was a great idea to ride that flood out o' the cave, Berry! A little bit of a bumpy ride, but that's the fastest exit I've ever made a tricky situation."
Marten is also interested in hearing the other exploits of the party members since he wasn't always in a position to see how they fared. He again remarks on how critical it was to have Healers in the group: "We wouldn't all be here today without ye' both!"
(OOC: repeating this part in case it was missed among everything else.)
If Sildar seems well enough to talk more, Marten asks, "Sildar, Stonehill warned us against goin' out after dark in Phandaline on account o' the' Redbrands. Do you know anythin' about 'em?"
Other than that, Marten focuses on watching the road ahead for danger and getting the group safely to Phandalin.
(OOC: repeating this part in case it was missed among everything else.)
If Sildar seems well enough to talk more, Marten asks, "Sildar, Stonehill warned us against goin' out after dark in Phandaline on account o' the' Redbrands. Do you know anythin' about 'em?"
Sildar shakes his head.
"No. I have spent time in Phandalin in recent years, and indeed have business there after we arrive, but I have not heard of Redbrands before."
Once again the sun throws its last rays of daylight from the western horizon before sinking out of sight to cross eastward again through the underworld, as the fifth day of your sojourn from Neverwinter comes to an end. And once again, the now somewhat familiar signs of civilization, as it were, begin to appear around you as you walk, as they did when you first reached Phandalin two nights ago.
The rutted road you now traverse, which broke off from the Triboar Trail several miles behind you, passes small farms, a mill, five cottages in a row along a bubbling brook, and a small cemetery beside a much older cemetery, before the road emerges from a wooded hillside which you now recognize as the last landmark before, yes! there it is. Phandalin comes into view before you.
Forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. Crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars surround recently built houses and shops. Newer buildings set on the sides of the rutted road, which widens into the muddy central lane before it climbs up a hill toward the ruined manor house at the east side of town.
As you approach, you once again hear music, coming from the Stonehill Inn, you predict, and see several townsfolk pulling laundry down from lines and finishing other chores and errands before sunset. Again, a handful of older residents simply sit on wooden chairs beside their doors and turn to sleepily take in the details of your now-expanded group as you enter the town. Unlike last time, however, upon the approach of your group, their eyes widen, and two of them reach around behind them or go indoors and come back with crossbows, which they wind and load then rest in their lap. Their full attention is on your group. One of them, a very round older woman, stands up, holding her crossbow rested on the top of her belly, thus pointing downward at an angle as she frowns deeply in your direction.
Outside of the first building on the left as you approach, Barthen’s Provisions, you see two young people arguing about how best to unhitch a mule from a little cart. Across the street, you see a man in a heavy leather apron — a smith, you would think — putting things away in front of a small forge before disappearing into the house next to the forge, where voices – his family, presumably – can be heard.
“In thanks for seeing me safely to Phandalin, allow me to cover your lodgings – for the time being,” Sildar says, stumbling a bit. “I will speak with Toblen Stonehill first of all, for he knows me, to make arrangements. Then I must seek Sister Garaele before the night grows old.”
As a reminder, what you know so far about Phandalin:
(OOC: I have added this map to the campaign notes)
"thanks sildar, but perhaps you should see the sister before you try to secure lodgings? sometimes these injuries can be rather time sensitive, especially if its infected or something of the like"
vidruth watches the crossbows warily, hand wavering slightly over his chest, perhaps its stress, or perhaps some kind of ward, it is difficult to tell
"i should buy some components if I can find the money as well, if i find the right ones i can summon a creature. a bat perhaps, or a bird, to serve as my familiar. very useful those are. the dagger is my first stop though. does anyone remember if barthen sold them?" he leaves it up to the others where to head first, more than willing to follow behind
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
Daphyra offers to accompany Sildar to the shrine. "I will need to stop in and see the good Sister this evening in any case," she tells Sildar, forestalling any protest.
She looks tired from their day's adventures, and is keen to seek her bed before too long.
Berry jumps in and also wants to go to the shrine first, "I wish to pay respects to Lady Luck before anything else. If you don't mind, I'd accompany you there, too."
He squints at the old woman with a crossbow and says to the group, "I don't know, but were they so hostile the last time we were here. Not that I remember. But now they seem to be extremely wary of us, I don't know if it is because of these goblins that are with us, or something else? Have we done anything wrong?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
"They sure know how to make a guy feel welcome. These looks we're gettin' seem like we may of misread our welcome." Nosam banters a bit with Berry as they head off towards the shrine. "If you have Slidar handled for the moment I can go secure the rooms... I'll butter 'em up for when you come join me, ha maybe they'll put the weapons up too." Nosam wishes the others luck as he makes his way towards the Stonehill Inn for the rooms.
Berry offers (to the group and) them to lead them to Tymora’s shrine, “Perhaps, the Lady will return the favor and smile upon you,”he says along the lines.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
(Ooc: I was just getting to posting and was going to mention this…)
Kiselina follows the group into town. He wasn’t expecting such a negative reception from the folks, but he completely understands it. Here are a group of strangers, parading into a civil community on the edge of chaos…and they bring the chaos into town. The Paladin wanted to keep a watch on Sildar, incase the fighter went sideways before the stop at the shrine. But it became clear to the knight that he would have to let Sildar handle the Stonehill Inn business without his oversight. The Dragonborn waits outside with the group’s captives, a watchful eye on the goblins, until arrangements are made with Harbin to detain them in the town’s jail.
(OOC: You recall that Barthen’s Provisions is open from sunrise until sundown. The sun has just set. The two lads arguing over the mule cart are Barthen’s apprentices. They tell you Barthen has closed shop for the day, and that the shop does not carry daggers.)
SILDAR, VIDRUTH, MARTEN
Sildar, despite his obvious ill-health, insists on seeing to lodgings first of all. Down the main road you head and in no more than a few minutes, you reach the center of town, and there, the large, newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers with an “ALE & LODGINGS” sign hanging over its door. The music you heard from afar, a pair of viols and a drum, syncopates merrily within.
Toblen Stonehill is at the narrow hotel counter at this moment, with a plate of barley stew in front of him, one heaping spoonful of which he is on the verge of plummeting into his mouth when you enter. Toblen: burly human male, bald, with one large golden earring and a freckled light brown complexion, a man who seems to constantly complain but never directs his complaints at you.
The spoon halts mid-motion, and the innkeeper reluctantly replaces it on his plate, though a wide smile belies any ill will as a result.
“Well, if it isn’t Sildar Hallwinter!! Why has it been so long since I last seen ye? It’ll be them goblins makin the road a terror, and the weather makin the heavens a terror too, I wager! What, rooms for seven…?” He scratches his head. Aye, we’ll find room for ye. Does anyone mind doublin up? ELSA!!!,” he yells, without skipping a beat.
Elsa, the young woman with platinum blond hair, dressed this evening in an ivory cotton blouse off the shoulders and an apron over a royal blue skirt, comes at a run from the back room, skidding to a halt mere inches in front of Toblen. “Wot!!,” she asks, annoyed.
“Guests, Elsa. Wot else??,” he says in a softer voice but once again catching your glance long enough to visibly sigh and roll his eyes. She looks at you and her expression turns in a flash from annoyance to a welcoming smile. She cranes her neck, looking perhaps for one of your party who hasn’t yet entered the inn.
“Not just any guests! Nice ta see you again! Come on in!”
Toblen sends a wiry old man to heat bathwater for you.
“It’ll be a minute, Toblen,” Sildar says. “I’ll be seeking Sister Garaele’s healing arts now. But the rooms are on me. You know I’m good for it.”
“Aye,” Toblen replies with a knowing look, “I do. Tonight and many nights to come if you wish.”
NOSAM, KISELINA, BERRY, DAPHYRA, SNIK & SCAB
You walk toward the Shrine, and in a moment, you are at the porch of, and face-to-face with, the large woman with the crossbow. She raises her weapon, pointing it at the goblins which sneer and glower at her. Her voice, a full-bodied contralto, carries across the green.
“These evil greenies been makin life hard fer us and takin what they want on the Triboar and that includes my man Hal. You all stand back and let me make em pay for what they done!”
After a moment of silence, from across the street, one of the old men shouts back.
“Hal done left cuz he got tired o bein yelled at, Missus Chrissie!”
He turns to Kiselina. “But we don’t want em here anyhows!” and he raises his crossbow, pointing it at Snik. “Like the lady said. Get em outta here!”
A few other townsfolk look on from points around the green.
You walk toward the Shrine, and in a moment, you are at the porch of, and face-to-face with, the large woman with the crossbow. She raises her weapon, pointing it at the goblins which sneer and glower at her. Her voice, a full-bodied contralto, carries across the green.
“These evil greenies been makin life hard fer us and takin what they want on the Triboar and that includes my man Hal. You all stand back and let me make em pay for what they done!”
After a moment of silence, from across the street, one of the old men shouts back.
“Hal done left cuz he got tired o bein yelled at, Missus Chrissie!”
He turns to Kiselina. “But we don’t want em here anyhows!” and he raises his crossbow, pointing it at Snik. “Like the lady said. Get em outta here!”
A few other townsfolk look on from points around the green.
Kiselina moves to the front and positions himself as best he can between the crossbows and the goblins.
He gives a quick look over his shoulder to Daphyra, hoping for some guidance, then the other side to Nosam and Berry expecting some assistance and help in dissuading the forming mob before he begins to address their concerns.
It’s not a position he wanted to be in, but that matters not now. This is where they are.
With a deep breath, he begins in the calmest voice he can muster, almost a bit sing-song. “Evening and well met.I am Sir Kiselina, may I call you Misses Chrissie my lady? And I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name sir” (addressing the gentleman).
“I can sympathize with your loss, my condolences. The goblins along the Triboar trail have taken someone from us as well, Gundren Rockseeker. Perhaps you know of the Rockseeker brothers and understand their importance to the area better than we.”
“If you do, then allow me to explain these two (gestures to Snik and Scab) and the roll they currently serve for us.”
“I began with the statement that the goblins have taken Gundren from us, but I do not mean that they have killed him, as they appear to have done to your Hal. These goblins have information of where Master Gundren currently is being held and have agreed to show us the way…(looks back at the goblins) without any mischief.”
“We are only planning on being in town long enough to resupply before heading out to attempt to rescue Gundren from the Cragmaw Castle. At such time we will be departing with them in tow so they may direct us to the proper location. Without their assistance, I fear a delay would put Master Gundren in deeper danger.”
“I can empathize with you about the need for justice for your collective losses. My god Bahamut demands justice and the correcting of wrongs. I assure you as a knight of his, we (motioning to the party members present) have served much justice to the Cragmaw clan. We have seen their latest leader slain and helped rescue Master Hallwinter. He can attest to our statement and should be along shortly. He mentioned needing to see Sister Garaele at the shrine.”
(Here Kiselina raises his voice a little louder, not to a shout but more for anyone on the periphery that was listening could better hear.) “So, gentlefolk, I beseech you. Allow us to speak with the town master Harbin about our needs. Please indulge us in our request to detain these two accomplices with the goal of finding Master Gundren and returning him alive to Phandalin, Neverwinter, and helping to secure the area.”
(Dropping his voice again, he address Misses Chrissie directly.) “I am sorry for your loss, My Lady. How long has your Hal been gone now? What did he do in life for a living? Was he on the Triboar trail when he sacrificed his life to the raiders? I know our actions against the goblins doesn’t satiate your desire for vengeance, but killing our prisoners right now might harm our chances to reunite the Rockseeker brothers with their kin.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Marten responds, "True. But if we release 'em, won' they just go back to killin' and maimin' merchants and farmers around Phandalin? M'ybe the townmaster Harbin Wester will take 'em off our hands."
Marten has no love for goblins, and he'll lose no sleep over the ones he killed in the battles over the last two days. On the other hand, something about killing defenseless captives still doesn't feel right to him. But what do they do if the townmaster won't take them?
Marten says to Vidruth (in goblin so that only Vidruth and the goblins understand):
In rough but passable goblin: "Vidruth, if our prisoners cause any trouble, we may need to get rid of them. I hope that the master of the town will jail them for us. If not, the party could find that the goblins escaped their manacles in the night, and we had to kill them. Of course, the prisoners could give us a reason not to kill them if they find ways to continue to be useful..."
Marten says that loudly enough for Vidruth and both of the goblins to hear him. He follows that statement with a look at the goblins and a wry chuckle. (Intimidation: 17 in game log)
Marten looks particularly concerned over Sildar's health, but he says nothing. He knows nothing of these matters, and he's just thankful to have companions who can help. Marten focuses on watching the road ahead for danger and getting the group safely to Phandalin.
Marten nods, "Yep. I'm with y'all 'til we rescue Gundren. We rushed into the cave to prevent the goblins from killin' Gundren once they got what they wanted. But now we know: it's not just simple bandits who took 'im by chance.
"There's more goin' on here, and it sounds like a better organized enemy. Castles, secret names...but not much to go on. Yeemik is dead. Klarg is dead. Thanks to our prisoners, we know roughly where to find Cragmaw Castle, but we don' know much about it. We don' know nothin' abou' the black spider.
"We need information. I guess we should stick around Phandalin for a day or two 'n' find out more. Of course, Stonehill said something about other problems in Phandalin. I think 'e called 'em Redbrands.
"Sildar, do you know anything about these Redbrands?"
Other than maybe trying to get the stolen goods from the Cragmaw's cave, Marten agrees that they should plan to stay in and around Phandalin for a few days while they try to learn more about the Redbrands, Cragmaw Castle, and the Black Spider. They could make the Stonehill Inn their "base." Marten counts that he has enough coin to stay there a few more days. Maybe they could also go to Gundren's brothers to give them an update and ask for help?
Marten sums up his position like this: "Better to go slow 'n' smart, now, instead of being hasty and dead."
vidruth nods, if marten finds it necessary hes willing to help. better not to offend the rest of the party, but practicality is practicality, and giving them an incentive to be useful is always good
he checks the goblins manacles, both to make a point, and because he was reminded that he hadn't checked them before
"the bracer? go ahead, I certainly don't have much of a use for it, and a trophy that's useful is as it should be. very traditional. ah, but not your traditions are they? regardless, 'm on a tangent, feel free to take it, i have no stake in the matter"
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
(OOC: I missed that one.)
Marten agrees: "Sure, Kis'lina. It's all yours. I don' properly know what ye' mean by shares. Y' mean sharin' it? How do ye ev'n share a bracer?"
Marten is a clearly confused about talk of "shares." He's never been part of an adventuring party: he has spent time either wandering on his own or doing specific jobs for a fixed fee. Other than splitting the coin evenly, it seems normal to him that if they find something useful in the course of their job, whoever can use it best should keep it. He silently ponders whether it was rude of him to gather the goblin arrows for his quiver or to take a dagger from the dead goblins in Klarg's attack party without asking the others about "shares."
To Marten’s statement, the goblins recoil in fear. Threats and intimidation: this they understand. Indeed they seem now to look at you in a slightly different way, granting you some degree of credibility. They exchange glances, though they are silent at first. They whisper between themselves a bit as the day progresses. Then they fall into sullen silence, and their eyes are daggers for an hour, but when you turn off of the Triboar Trail toward Phandalin, the first goblin turns to Vidruth and Marten and speaks, in the goblin tongue.
“All right, we get the picture. You’re bringing us to a jailer who won’t want us in his jail. A human. That’s no good for us. We both escaped capture before, but seen many goblins ain’t. Many goblins die trying. Bad odds. Worse than grease on yer bone dice.”
“And we got a reason why you don’t want to kill us,” chimes in the other goblin, which then turns to the first goblin. “Ain’t that right Snik?”
“Yeah, Scab,” answers the first, “‘cuz we know where Cragmaw Castle is.” It turns to Vidruk.
“You want to go there? We know the way.”
“Yeah. Only thing is, we each only remember half the way.”
“Yeah. Half the way.”
“Keep us both alive, an that gets you all the way to the castle.”
“Cragmaw Castle.”
“We been there before.”
(DM rolls dice)
Your insight seems to indicate that they are telling the truth about knowing the way.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Sildar sets his jaw. "I'm... fine." You both know he is not, and a shared look communicates this fact clearly. But he continues.
"Save your healing for now, paladin. Though I am grateful for your kindness. But later... if we make it safely to Phandalin and do not run afoul of more beasts or other surprises, I would be grateful to be relieved of this affliction. Perhaps the grace of Bahamut will lead me from this darkness," if then you are still willing.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Keep it, Kiselina, no need to pay me out. You've earned it," says Berry when Kiselina asks about the shielding bracers.
When he notices that something is wrong with Sildar, Berry begins to worry about their state and shots them glances every now and then.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Kiselina walks along with the others in silence for a while. He says no more about Sildar’s condition. He trusts to Bahamut’s plan, though he feels that this won’t be the end of it. His outward concern concealed by his inner hope to see Sildar restored to full health.
As for the bracers, he secures them from whomever has them and stores the bugbear’s armbands away for now. He takes out a ration and begins to eat as they walk. Perhaps at a later time he will speak with Marten about ‘shares’, and Vidruth’s traditions concerning ‘trophies’. For the time being, he simply focuses on plans of an emblem for the platinum dragon etched into the bracers, perhaps inlaid with a precious metal later when he has the funds. He even considers some sort of symbol to represent the group, his first adventuring party, to add to the retooled bracers later. He’ll dwell on it for sometime, no rush for now.
The Paladin wonders what was said to Scab and Snik, but understands enough to know when not to get involved. They appear to have been persuaded to help, and the group isn’t openly seeking to slaughter them…to his knowledge. If Harbin won’t hold them while the group is in town, he will honor the promise and allow the goblins to be set ‘free’. The Paladin ‘accidentally’ drops parts of a second ration as he walks in front of the two prisoners (if their hands are shackled in front) so they can get some substance. “Whoops, so difficult to eat while carrying this polearm!”
“Lots to accomplish in town.” The knight comments a bit later. “I agree, staying at the Stonewall Inn is a good plan till we accomplish everything we need. It will be late by the time we reach town.” The Dragonborn wonders to himself how best to achieve everything he (and the group) plans.
Marten hopes that they can get to the Stonehill Inn in Phandalin safely before nightfall.
If they get to Phandalin early enough, Marten will stop briefly at Barthen's to ask how much it would cost them to hire the cart and a team of oxen or draft horses for a day.
If they cannot talk to the townmaster today, they'll have to find a place for the captive goblins to sleep overnight where they won't be able to escape or cause any other harm.
On the road to Phandalin, Marten is a little more talkative with the group than he was the first day, but his talk is mostly just recounting their encounters: what he thought worked well, what he wishes had gone differently, etc. For example:
Marten is also interested in hearing the other exploits of the party members since he wasn't always in a position to see how they fared. He again remarks on how critical it was to have Healers in the group: "We wouldn't all be here today without ye' both!"
(OOC: repeating this part in case it was missed among everything else.)
If Sildar seems well enough to talk more, Marten asks, "Sildar, Stonehill warned us against goin' out after dark in Phandaline on account o' the' Redbrands. Do you know anythin' about 'em?"
Other than that, Marten focuses on watching the road ahead for danger and getting the group safely to Phandalin.
Sildar shakes his head.
"No. I have spent time in Phandalin in recent years, and indeed have business there after we arrive, but I have not heard of Redbrands before."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Chapter 4 - Phandalin Revisited
Once again the sun throws its last rays of daylight from the western horizon before sinking out of sight to cross eastward again through the underworld, as the fifth day of your sojourn from Neverwinter comes to an end. And once again, the now somewhat familiar signs of civilization, as it were, begin to appear around you as you walk, as they did when you first reached Phandalin two nights ago.
The rutted road you now traverse, which broke off from the Triboar Trail several miles behind you, passes small farms, a mill, five cottages in a row along a bubbling brook, and a small cemetery beside a much older cemetery, before the road emerges from a wooded hillside which you now recognize as the last landmark before, yes! there it is. Phandalin comes into view before you.
Forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. Crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars surround recently built houses and shops. Newer buildings set on the sides of the rutted road, which widens into the muddy central lane before it climbs up a hill toward the ruined manor house at the east side of town.
As you approach, you once again hear music, coming from the Stonehill Inn, you predict, and see several townsfolk pulling laundry down from lines and finishing other chores and errands before sunset. Again, a handful of older residents simply sit on wooden chairs beside their doors and turn to sleepily take in the details of your now-expanded group as you enter the town. Unlike last time, however, upon the approach of your group, their eyes widen, and two of them reach around behind them or go indoors and come back with crossbows, which they wind and load then rest in their lap. Their full attention is on your group. One of them, a very round older woman, stands up, holding her crossbow rested on the top of her belly, thus pointing downward at an angle as she frowns deeply in your direction.
Outside of the first building on the left as you approach, Barthen’s Provisions, you see two young people arguing about how best to unhitch a mule from a little cart. Across the street, you see a man in a heavy leather apron — a smith, you would think — putting things away in front of a small forge before disappearing into the house next to the forge, where voices – his family, presumably – can be heard.
“In thanks for seeing me safely to Phandalin, allow me to cover your lodgings – for the time being,” Sildar says, stumbling a bit. “I will speak with Toblen Stonehill first of all, for he knows me, to make arrangements. Then I must seek Sister Garaele before the night grows old.”
As a reminder, what you know so far about Phandalin:
(OOC: I have added this map to the campaign notes)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"thanks sildar, but perhaps you should see the sister before you try to secure lodgings? sometimes these injuries can be rather time sensitive, especially if its infected or something of the like"
vidruth watches the crossbows warily, hand wavering slightly over his chest, perhaps its stress, or perhaps some kind of ward, it is difficult to tell
"i should buy some components if I can find the money as well, if i find the right ones i can summon a creature. a bat perhaps, or a bird, to serve as my familiar. very useful those are. the dagger is my first stop though. does anyone remember if barthen sold them?" he leaves it up to the others where to head first, more than willing to follow behind
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
Daphyra offers to accompany Sildar to the shrine. "I will need to stop in and see the good Sister this evening in any case," she tells Sildar, forestalling any protest.
She looks tired from their day's adventures, and is keen to seek her bed before too long.
Past characters:
Cariadne - Forest of Celador
Daphyra Fuffletail - The City of Cats
DM - Geek Legends - Wild beyond the Witchlight
Leela Steadystone - Adventures in the Sands
Mirri Goldenhorn - Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Lola Smythe-Whyte - Larkin Expedition
Daphyra - Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Vanja - Binder's Hold and the Problem with the Mine
Berry jumps in and also wants to go to the shrine first, "I wish to pay respects to Lady Luck before anything else. If you don't mind, I'd accompany you there, too."
He squints at the old woman with a crossbow and says to the group, "I don't know, but were they so hostile the last time we were here. Not that I remember. But now they seem to be extremely wary of us, I don't know if it is because of these goblins that are with us, or something else? Have we done anything wrong?"
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
"They sure know how to make a guy feel welcome. These looks we're gettin' seem like we may of misread our welcome." Nosam banters a bit with Berry as they head off towards the shrine. "If you have Slidar handled for the moment I can go secure the rooms... I'll butter 'em up for when you come join me, ha maybe they'll put the weapons up too." Nosam wishes the others luck as he makes his way towards the Stonehill Inn for the rooms.
Perception- 3 (Passive 10)
(OOC: Who exactly is leading Snik and Scab?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Berry offers (to the group and) them to lead them to Tymora’s shrine, “Perhaps, the Lady will return the favor and smile upon you,” he says along the lines.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
(Ooc: I was just getting to posting and was going to mention this…)
Kiselina follows the group into town. He wasn’t expecting such a negative reception from the folks, but he completely understands it. Here are a group of strangers, parading into a civil community on the edge of chaos…and they bring the chaos into town.
The Paladin wanted to keep a watch on Sildar, incase the fighter went sideways before the stop at the shrine. But it became clear to the knight that he would have to let Sildar handle the Stonehill Inn business without his oversight.
The Dragonborn waits outside with the group’s captives, a watchful eye on the goblins, until arrangements are made with Harbin to detain them in the town’s jail.
(OOC: You recall that Barthen’s Provisions is open from sunrise until sundown. The sun has just set. The two lads arguing over the mule cart are Barthen’s apprentices. They tell you Barthen has closed shop for the day, and that the shop does not carry daggers.)
SILDAR, VIDRUTH, MARTEN
Sildar, despite his obvious ill-health, insists on seeing to lodgings first of all. Down the main road you head and in no more than a few minutes, you reach the center of town, and there, the large, newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers with an “ALE & LODGINGS” sign hanging over its door. The music you heard from afar, a pair of viols and a drum, syncopates merrily within.
Toblen Stonehill is at the narrow hotel counter at this moment, with a plate of barley stew in front of him, one heaping spoonful of which he is on the verge of plummeting into his mouth when you enter. Toblen: burly human male, bald, with one large golden earring and a freckled light brown complexion, a man who seems to constantly complain but never directs his complaints at you.
The spoon halts mid-motion, and the innkeeper reluctantly replaces it on his plate, though a wide smile belies any ill will as a result.
“Well, if it isn’t Sildar Hallwinter!! Why has it been so long since I last seen ye? It’ll be them goblins makin the road a terror, and the weather makin the heavens a terror too, I wager! What, rooms for seven…?” He scratches his head. Aye, we’ll find room for ye. Does anyone mind doublin up? ELSA!!!,” he yells, without skipping a beat.
Elsa, the young woman with platinum blond hair, dressed this evening in an ivory cotton blouse off the shoulders and an apron over a royal blue skirt, comes at a run from the back room, skidding to a halt mere inches in front of Toblen. “Wot!!,” she asks, annoyed.
“Guests, Elsa. Wot else??,” he says in a softer voice but once again catching your glance long enough to visibly sigh and roll his eyes. She looks at you and her expression turns in a flash from annoyance to a welcoming smile. She cranes her neck, looking perhaps for one of your party who hasn’t yet entered the inn.
“Not just any guests! Nice ta see you again! Come on in!”
Toblen sends a wiry old man to heat bathwater for you.
“It’ll be a minute, Toblen,” Sildar says. “I’ll be seeking Sister Garaele’s healing arts now. But the rooms are on me. You know I’m good for it.”
“Aye,” Toblen replies with a knowing look, “I do. Tonight and many nights to come if you wish.”
NOSAM, KISELINA, BERRY, DAPHYRA, SNIK & SCAB
You walk toward the Shrine, and in a moment, you are at the porch of, and face-to-face with, the large woman with the crossbow. She raises her weapon, pointing it at the goblins which sneer and glower at her. Her voice, a full-bodied contralto, carries across the green.
“These evil greenies been makin life hard fer us and takin what they want on the Triboar and that includes my man Hal. You all stand back and let me make em pay for what they done!”
After a moment of silence, from across the street, one of the old men shouts back.
“Hal done left cuz he got tired o bein yelled at, Missus Chrissie!”
He turns to Kiselina. “But we don’t want em here anyhows!” and he raises his crossbow, pointing it at Snik. “Like the lady said. Get em outta here!”
A few other townsfolk look on from points around the green.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Kiselina moves to the front and positions himself as best he can between the crossbows and the goblins.
He gives a quick look over his shoulder to Daphyra, hoping for some guidance, then the other side to Nosam and Berry expecting some assistance and help in dissuading the forming mob before he begins to address their concerns.
It’s not a position he wanted to be in, but that matters not now. This is where they are.
With a deep breath, he begins in the calmest voice he can muster, almost a bit sing-song. “Evening and well met. I am Sir Kiselina, may I call you Misses Chrissie my lady? And I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name sir” (addressing the gentleman).
“I can sympathize with your loss, my condolences. The goblins along the Triboar trail have taken someone from us as well, Gundren Rockseeker. Perhaps you know of the Rockseeker brothers and understand their importance to the area better than we.”
“If you do, then allow me to explain these two (gestures to Snik and Scab) and the roll they currently serve for us.”
“I began with the statement that the goblins have taken Gundren from us, but I do not mean that they have killed him, as they appear to have done to your Hal. These goblins have information of where Master Gundren currently is being held and have agreed to show us the way…(looks back at the goblins) without any mischief.”
“We are only planning on being in town long enough to resupply before heading out to attempt to rescue Gundren from the Cragmaw Castle. At such time we will be departing with them in tow so they may direct us to the proper location. Without their assistance, I fear a delay would put Master Gundren in deeper danger.”
“I can empathize with you about the need for justice for your collective losses. My god Bahamut demands justice and the correcting of wrongs. I assure you as a knight of his, we (motioning to the party members present) have served much justice to the Cragmaw clan. We have seen their latest leader slain and helped rescue Master Hallwinter. He can attest to our statement and should be along shortly. He mentioned needing to see Sister Garaele at the shrine.”
(Here Kiselina raises his voice a little louder, not to a shout but more for anyone on the periphery that was listening could better hear.) “So, gentlefolk, I beseech you. Allow us to speak with the town master Harbin about our needs. Please indulge us in our request to detain these two accomplices with the goal of finding Master Gundren and returning him alive to Phandalin, Neverwinter, and helping to secure the area.”
(Dropping his voice again, he address Misses Chrissie directly.) “I am sorry for your loss, My Lady. How long has your Hal been gone now? What did he do in life for a living? Was he on the Triboar trail when he sacrificed his life to the raiders? I know our actions against the goblins doesn’t satiate your desire for vengeance, but killing our prisoners right now might harm our chances to reunite the Rockseeker brothers with their kin.”