Marten If Toblen is around when Marten is having breakfast, he asks the innkeeper whether Pip has chores to do in the mornings. He says that he wants to ask the boy about something Pip said the previous night.
Toblen is indeed around when Marten is having breakfast. When Marten asks about Pip, the innkeeper replies, “Mmmmm… you’re askin about that story he’s been tellin of a secret tunnel. Pip has schoolin to do now and I wouldn’t cross his mother about that if I were you. If you’re curious, I can tell you what happened. Qelline Alderleaf’s son Carp said he found a secret tunnel in the woods, and the Redbrands scared him away. He’d asked Pip to come with him, but Pip had chores to do after his schoolin. His mother keeps him busy…. well, so Pip says he almost found a secret tunnel even though he wasn’t even there.” This is said in a tone that implies that Toblin does not want Marten or other guests to think that a direct conversation with a child would be proper, outside of the Stonehill dining room where Mr or Mrs Stonehill can keep a close eye.
“Oh, Thel’s shop…,” Toblen sighs deeply and nods sadly when he learns that you know of his passing. “That’s a sad story. Seems we’ve more than our share of em these days. They’ll pass though. Phandalin… things’ll get better. His place is under lock and key now. Westin – the townmaster this year – Westin’s locked it up until they figure out what to do. I think they were sending letters to relatives in Triboar about… about what happened. His place is next to the Townmaster’s Hall” (OOC: marked Woodworker on the map.)
When Berry and Nosam reach Barthen’s Provisions, they find that the cart which his two apprentices had been arguing over the prior evening has been put away. They see Sun and Moon and the wagon they’d escorted down from Neverwinter behind the shop, a tarp over the wagon, Sun and Moon grazing.
Elmar Barthen, from within the shop, squints through the old windows framing the door to his shop as you approach, and looks right up from what he was doing when you enter the shop, a few locs evading the confines of his cap pointing upwards, his eyes hopeful. But seeing only two of you, when before, he’d seen six, his expression pales or quiets a degree, and in his resonant baritone, in a morose tone, bids you good morning, and he stands there, ready for bad news apparently.
"I've been thinking about you all, and about Gundren and Sildar, since you left. Did you...," he trails off.
Addressing Elsa before departing, “Yes my dear Lady Elsa, the Grayscale family hails from Neverwinter. A lovely city indeed. With many an interesting people. I can understand the desire as well as the pleasure one gets, such as yourself. Perhaps when I have more time you could bend my ear about the interesting folks you have spoken with here recently. Alas, time marches on and there is much to do before the day is done.” He then heads out to the smith. Kiselina does a quick assessment of the person he assumes is Al Faina, trying to determine how best to approach the man (Insight: 1). He determines it best to not try and take up any more time than needed of the apparently busy man. “Well met this morning sir, I am looking for Mister Al Faina. I have need of his skill. I am Sir Kiselina of family Greyscale. (Producing the bugbear bracers he continues.) I recently acquired these and was looking to make them more…‘personalized’. Are you him? Might I borrow some of your time to discuss business?”
"Mornin', Mr. Barthen, Sir," Berry starts in his approach. He forgot that Barthen doesn't yet know about the results of their latest trip to the caves. "Well, we have news on that particular subject indeed. More bad than good, I'm afraid," he admits solemnly. "These goblins proved to be a clever bunch and capable fighters, but we learned that they were not acting entirely in their own interests with regards to Gundren." Berry clearly struggles to get all the information together concisely. "They tortured Sildar!" He exclaims and spits into the dirt. "And they cut off his fingers! But at last, they released him to us. Near dead, he was poor soul. Surely dead if it were their way. He's here now with Sister Garaele. She's nursing him back on his feet, or so I hope. It didn't look good when we arrived yesterday but she's telling that he'll see better days again." Berry takes a breath and looks expectantly at Barthen, but then remembers that he forgot to mention Gundren. "Ah, and Gundren. Sildar told us that they were specifically after him and even shipped him off to Cragmaw castle to someone called the Black Spider. No one could tell us yet who that might be, but I fear that Sildar might have been the lucky one in this setup." He shakes his little head for a second contemplating what the goblins, or worse creatures, might be doing with Sildar to get the information they seek. "Well, we don't even know where that castle is, but ..." He considered to mention that they brought back two goblins from the cave who promised to guide them there if they don't slay them but decides against that for now, not least after he learned that the goblins aren't a welcome sight. "But we found that the cave goblins hoarded the goods that they robbed from travellers on the Triboar Trail and we were wondering if you'd be interested in assisting us to retrieve those with Gundren's cart. It could be that some of it was destined for you. Or do you know if there was anyone particularly impacted by the goblin raids?" Berry tips his head to the side and tries to look around Barthen for Sun and Moon and the cart. "How are the oxen? Have they regained their strength? They've been through a lot but to me they look as if they have recovered well."
"Mornin'!"Nosam makes his greeting as Berry takes the lead providing a recap of the events that transpired. As Barthen listens to the tale, Nosam does his best to watch for a reaction. The back and forth conversation continues and when Nosam has a moment to chime in he politely, but bluntly, asks, "do you know how far the castle is from here? Or know anything about it?"
Perception- Rolled 1, Passive 10 (ooc- my apologies that apparently Nosam is the least observant person ever)
Toblen is indeed around when Marten is having breakfast. When Marten asks about Pip, the innkeeper replies, “Mmmmm… you’re askin about that story he’s been tellin of a secret tunnel...”
....This is said in a tone that implies that Toblin does not want Marten or other guests to think that a direct conversation with a child would be proper, outside of the Stonehill dining room where Mr or Mrs Stonehill can keep a close eye.
"Sure 'n' I wouldn' want t' overstep," Marten says by way of apology. "I should ha' known you'd already be on top o' things when it comes to yer son, Toblen. And that's all I needed to hear. Where would we find Qeline Alderleaf, if y' don' mind me askin'?"
“Oh, Thel’s shop…,” Toblen sighs deeply and nods sadly when he learns that you know of his passing.... (OOC: marked Woodworker on the map.)
"Thank ye', Toblen," Marten says. "It's a sad business, indeed. Seems t' me that Phandalin caught more 'an its share o' trouble. But m'ybe my friends 'n' I can set some o' it to rights! I know we're not from Phandalin, but we have ties here with Gundren Rockseeker. We a'ready cleared out a score o' goblins who were a menace on th' road t' Phandalin, 'n' we brought back Sildar alive." He finishes with a hint of a smile as he gets up, "I've a notion t' find Gundren Rockseeker, alive or dead, 'n' I don' give up a job once I set my mind to it!"
Since his companions have mostly left the inn by this time, Marten starts to walk back to his room to gather his gear. But, thinking about his gear, he remembers another question that he had been meaning to ask ever since they got back to Phandalin. He goes back to the innkeeper and asks in an apologetic tone, "Beg pardon, Toblen. I forgot t' ask... We'll be fightin' who knows what for I don' know how long while we try to find Gundren 'n' bring 'im back. We mi' need t' replace weapons 'n' armor, but I don' think Barthen's Provisions has crossbows or swords 'n' shields. Is there another merchant here in Phandalin who deals in tha' kind o' gear?"
Daphyra nods at Toblin and murmurs her thanks, both for the information and the warning. She touches her amulet and asks for the Goddess's eye upon him (She casts Guidance on him, concentrating on the spell for maybe 5 minutes until she is distracted by something else).
As the small group walks into the smithy, Daphyra brushes her paw on Vidruth's shoulder, giving him a Vigilant Blessing.
While Kiselina speaks to presumably Al Faina, Daphyra looks around the smithy, taking it in. She initially remains quiet, but keeps an eye on the apprentice. (Insight 13)
vidruth feels the effects of the blessing as daphyra brushes against his shoulder, and thanks her for it.
as they approach the smithy he stands back a biit, happy to let kiselina do the discussing, and simply waiting for a convenient opportunity to request a dagger, perhaps after the bracers modification is agreed on
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
Elsa’s doe eyes regard Kiselina’s towering form when he addresses her as “my dear Lady Elsa.” She had corrected him before, but now, it seems, is enjoying the attention. “Oh my, Sir Kiselina, I’m sure none of the other visitors here recently is nearly as interesting as you fellas. Well, except Mr. Edermath – the orchard keeper? He used to go on adventures, but he keeps to himself mostly. I never mind bending anyone’s ear as long as they don’t mind!” At that moment, she is called away, curtsies, a few platinum hairs falling in out of her braid, and she rushes off.
At the smithy, the leather-aproned man answers, “Yes, I am Al Faina, Sir Kiselina. May Tymora’s luck be with you.”
His face contorts in various ways when the dragonborn produces the bracers. Plainly not anything he was expecting to see.
“Erm… wot you get these from, a troll or summat? What do you want done with ‘em?”
He handles the bracers, weighing them in his hands.
Vidruth, meanwhile, may glance around the smithy. He sees no weapons there, except a hunting knife on the waist of the smith himself.
Daphyra notices that the teenager bears a resemblance to Al Faina – either his son, or perhaps a nephew. The pair show little affection for one another, Al Faina is firm, and hasn’t yet addressed the apprentice by name. The latter seems to move with considerable energy. The harengon may notice sounds coming from the smith’s house, where behind curtains, a woman and a child may be seen.
BERRY & NOSAM
Barthen responds to Berry’s words, filling in blanks, exclaiming from time to time.
“They tortured Sildar! His fingers! Oh, oh, oh… that’s terrible to hear.”
“Released?! Oh, thanks be to the Gods!”
“Better days?! Oh my, that is good to hear. But what about Gundren??”
“And the goblins hoarded their booty, eh? Why, sure, sure, Sun and Moon can pull a load, and I’ve a spare wagon for rent. But, Linene Graywind over at the Lionshield Coster needs to know about this! Her last shipment didn’t make it here.”
Mr. Barthen calls one of his apprentices and sends him running down Main Street to fetch Ms. Graywind.
At Nosam’s question, Barthen stops what he was saying, his interest in numbers perhaps intrigued by the question.
“Well, Mr. Lightfound, that’d be hard to say. You see, there are quite a few castles perched upon the hills, and I, when I leave town, which isn’t often, I mostly stick to the main roads. I been to Triboar, and to Neverwinter, you see. But in these parts, there are quite a few castles, some occupied, some abandoned a long time ago by the look of em. I just don’t know if one of em’s Cragmaw Castle or not.
MARTEN
“Qelline Alderleaf?,” Toblen answers, “Her farm is on the southern edge of town. Follow the road past the town master’s house and hang a left and you’ll see it.”
“A notion to find Gundren, eh?,” the innkeeper says. He’s silent for a moment, a sad smile on his face. “It’s none o my business. He’s a good one, Gundren Rockseeker. But… I’ve seen more than one person with high hopes set off to slay dragons and come back missing limbs.” He sets his gaze on yours for a moment. He doesn’t say “be careful,” or anything more, but that is the message he seems to convey. “Well, I’d better look to getting water boilin for sheets,” he says and takes his leave. On the way out the door, he replies.
“Weapons and armor?” He points through the front door, open to let in fresh air, and his finger directs Marten’s gaze to a building on the far side of the Town Green (the Town Green, Marten has learned, encompasses both the plaza and adjacent small meadow).
“The Lionshield Coster. Speak to Linene Graywind. She’ll set you up.” As he walks away, Toblen starts singing a song from the hills about a lad who thought his luck would never run out.
At the smithy, the leather-aproned man answers, “Yes, I am Al Faina, Sir Kiselina. May Tymora’s luck be with you.”
His face contorts in various ways when the dragonborn produces the bracers. Plainly not anything he was expecting to see.
“Erm… wot you get these from, a troll or summat? What do you want done with ‘em?”
He handles the bracers, weighing them in his hands.
“Yes, something like that. Our group took them off of a bugbear that was leading the Cragmaw Goblins who were attacking travelers on the Triboar trail. Its name was Klarg, though I imagine that matters not. The bracers seemed to be effective as an additional defensive armor for the creature and I was hoping I might employ them in a similar manner. Although, I care not for the ascetics the goblinoid employed in their creation. I was hoping to have the roughness of them removed and replaced possibly with some etchings more appropriate to my stature with Bahamut.”
He pulls out a piece of scrap paper and produces a drawing of what he’d like. (ooc: will try to drop the pic in the chat channel.)
“And perhaps this symbol of the other bracer…to mark the occasion of working with folks I’ve grown fond of.”
”Of course, I’m open to discuss compensation for your time. Do you believe you can assist me in this manner?”
Daphyra waits a moment or two, then walks slowly and unthreateningly over to the house. She knocks on the door.
If the family opens the door, Daphyra greets them. "Hello, I'm Daphyra, a priestess of Bastet. I have recently joined Sister Garaele at the Shrine of Tymora."
If they do not open the door, Daphyra waves to them behind the curtain and returns to the smithy.
Marten thanks Toblen, gathers all of his gear, and then heads out to join Berry and Nosam at Barthen's. He'd like to see whether they were able to hire the wagon and team for the trip back to the Cragmaw's cave.
If Marten finds them there, he'll let them know that there's another merchant, the Lionshield Coster, across the square from their inn. He had planned to suggest that they ask there, too, If if Barthen didn't have any caravans go missing lately. (Of course, Berry and Nosam have already learned as much from Barthen.)
“And the goblins hoarded their booty, eh? Why, sure, sure, Sun and Moon can pull a load, and I’ve a spare wagon for rent. But, Linene Graywind over at the Lionshield Coster needs to know about this! Her last shipment didn’t make it here.”
Mr. Barthen calls one of his apprentices and sends him running down Main Street to fetch Ms. Graywind.
At Nosam’s question, Barthen stops what he was saying, his interest in numbers perhaps intrigued by the question.
“Well, Mr. Lightfound, that’d be hard to say. You see, there are quite a few castles perched upon the hills, and I, when I leave town, which isn’t often, I mostly stick to the main roads. I been to Triboar, and to Neverwinter, you see. But in these parts, there are quite a few castles, some occupied, some abandoned a long time ago by the look of em. I just don’t know if one of em’s Cragmaw Castle or not.
"We've still got a few errands in town and after that, I'm sure we can try to secure what is left in the goblin cave. I can't make promises, though. We haven't checked what exactly was still there," explains Berry while they wait for Ms. Graywind. "I guess we were curious if any of these castles was known to be a threat. Anyway we've heard that another organisation, the Redbrands, became prominent and perhaps even more of a sore than what the goblins had been. Do they claim to protect only from goblins or do they claim that there are also the threats?"
vidruth sighs slightly at the lack of weaponry, it seems this town is rather peaceable, crossbows notwithstanding, no matter, he is sure he will find one on one of his foes, a redbrand perhaps, daggers are common among criminals, most of them seem to believe they are intimidating.
when he sees daphyra going over to the house he winces, and takes a few steps back to where he can keep both her and kiselina in sight, as well as the other people near them.
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
Nosam listens to Berry's questions and decides to let him continue the conversation and just follow his lead. Originally he thought he could gain some information for the group, however in the current situation he feels like not much help at all.
The longer they're here the "to do" list is getting longer. As the conversation winds down, Nosam asks Berry, "Mister Berry, you think it best we gather up with the others and determine where we're headed? Or you need anything from me at the moment?"
The smith continues to weigh the bracers in his hands as Kiselina speaks, squinting closely at the metal with one eye closed. He pulls out a small hammer and gives a couple of experimental taps, frowns appreciatively. He then looks at Kiselina’s sketches and his eyebrows fly high up on his forehead. He brings his hand up, seemingly to keep his brows from rising straight off from his face, though perhaps just to keep the sun from shining in his eye as he looks up to Kiselina.
“It’ll take time. Two weeks. 100 gold.”
Al Faina is easily bartered down to 50 gold and one week, but to barter the cost down to 35 gold will require a successful DC15 persuasion roll.
DAPHYRA
The smith looks around when Daphyra knocks on the door, stopping what he was saying. A woman opens the door, and a girl of perhaps six summers, sucking her thumb, rushes up to stand behind the woman, almost entirely hidden behind her skirts and the doorframe. Al Faina and the woman exchange a look as Daphyra introduces herself. Al Faina instantly loses interest and continues the exchange with Kiselina.
“Bastet…?,” the woman asks. “Do you bring a message from Sister Garaele? Mebbe if you are helping her, then she can teach Sadia with Pip? Or… maybe you can teach her?”
BERRY & NOSAM
“The Redbrands,” Barthern snorts reflexively, immediately glancing all around to determine who heard him. He continues under his breath. “Now… now, Mr. Berry, you don’t want to be getting mixed up with them. The Redbrands are making it hard on everyone, shaking down local businesses and flouting the town master’s authority.” He seems on the verge of continuing, but he seems to notice something behind Berry, and peers once again through the window beside the shop’s door.
“Why, there she is. The one and only…”
At that moment, the door opens, and in comes the apprentice, who ducks behind the counter with an anxious glance at Barthen and disappears into the stockroom, pronto. Immediately behind him, a woman comes in who doesn’t wait to pass the threshold before she begins addressing Barthen with a piercing tongue.
“What’s this, Elmar, what’s this sending for me first thing in the morning when you know this is the time I handle inventory and messages and try to get things done? Not that there’s anything to do, what with my latest shipment from the Triboar gone missing and those jackal goblins responsible and those toads the Redbrands so utterly incompetent – unlike that useless overcompensating lamebrained goon of a weakling we managed to elect as town master – not with my help mind you, I know my vote matters and won’t throw it away on swine – Harbin Wester, who if you ask me, has done nothing, even with the help of those fool Redbrands, to keep our town safe from banditry!”
MARTEN
As Marten heads up the street to Barthen’s Provisions, he sees someone else just ahead of him rushing in the same direction. Two people actually. A woman, mid-thirties, wearing trousers and a blouse tied above the elbows. Her arms make a bow shape, and as she quickly walks, she mutters under her breath, a sound which seems to make the young man ahead of her, whom you recognize as one of Barthen’s apprentices, cringe. Marten enters the store immediately on their heels and hears, or is subject to, the woman’s scathing morning greeting.
VIDRUTH, KISELINA, DAPHYRA
Being only a dozen yards from Barthen’s shop, and given that the smith is taking a break from hammering, Vidruth, Kiselina and Daphyra see the woman enter Barthen’s Provisions, and although heard through the store’s walls and windows, make out at least half of what she says. For her voice penetrates the air, the wooden walls, and the glass windows with such vigor – creating, indeed a rain of dust falling from the store’s eaves – it is like smelling salts to the nose, red-hot spices to the tongue, a lightning flash inches before one’s eyes. Such is your first impression of Linene Graywind.
Daphyra smiles. "I bring no message, I'm afraid. I was just taking the opportunity to introduce myself since my associates are in the area. Who are Sadia and Pip, and what do they want to learn? I am no teacher, I'm afraid, more of a healer and peace-bringer..."
As the conversation is interrupted by Linene's outburst in the shop, Daphyra half-turns to watch Barthen's to see if anyone exits quickly to avoid the tirade.
"Have you or your family seen much of these Redbrands?"
Berry ducks under the nearest shelf or table to avoid reprimand from this woman for having sent for her. From down there, he pulls slightly on Nosam's pants and indicates that he can have a go with the woman. Berry himself tries to change position and sneaks a few feet away to under a different table (Stealth: 12) so that it is less likely that Linene would find him.
Kiselina was hoping for a lower price and after some discussion back and forth an agreement is reached. (Persuasion: 21)
“I can pay you 15 Gold now, the rest when completed. (Slightly distracted with Al Faina as he observes Daphyra’s interaction. He resumes shortly after.) If that’s not acceptable, I’ll leave you 10 gold and the bracers to hold for the agreed upon price. I thank you for the consideration.”
“Who might that be?” Gesturing towards the commotion at Barthen’s with Linene Graywind. “Any idea what she’s going off about? I can’t quite make sense of it all.” He inquires with Al Faina.
vidruth hears the voice, and narrows his eyes, first checking to see that the two over there are alright, then stepping slightly closer to kiselina, he wants nothing to do with that.
"best not to get involved" vidruth comments to kiselina "we arent needed there, better not to get yelled at at any rate"
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.
MARTEN
Toblen is indeed around when Marten is having breakfast. When Marten asks about Pip, the innkeeper replies, “Mmmmm… you’re askin about that story he’s been tellin of a secret tunnel. Pip has schoolin to do now and I wouldn’t cross his mother about that if I were you. If you’re curious, I can tell you what happened. Qelline Alderleaf’s son Carp said he found a secret tunnel in the woods, and the Redbrands scared him away. He’d asked Pip to come with him, but Pip had chores to do after his schoolin. His mother keeps him busy…. well, so Pip says he almost found a secret tunnel even though he wasn’t even there.” This is said in a tone that implies that Toblin does not want Marten or other guests to think that a direct conversation with a child would be proper, outside of the Stonehill dining room where Mr or Mrs Stonehill can keep a close eye.
“Oh, Thel’s shop…,” Toblen sighs deeply and nods sadly when he learns that you know of his passing. “That’s a sad story. Seems we’ve more than our share of em these days. They’ll pass though. Phandalin… things’ll get better. His place is under lock and key now. Westin – the townmaster this year – Westin’s locked it up until they figure out what to do. I think they were sending letters to relatives in Triboar about… about what happened. His place is next to the Townmaster’s Hall” (OOC: marked Woodworker on the map.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
BERRY (& Bot#1 Nosam)
When Berry and Nosam reach Barthen’s Provisions, they find that the cart which his two apprentices had been arguing over the prior evening has been put away. They see Sun and Moon and the wagon they’d escorted down from Neverwinter behind the shop, a tarp over the wagon, Sun and Moon grazing.
Elmar Barthen, from within the shop, squints through the old windows framing the door to his shop as you approach, and looks right up from what he was doing when you enter the shop, a few locs evading the confines of his cap pointing upwards, his eyes hopeful. But seeing only two of you, when before, he’d seen six, his expression pales or quiets a degree, and in his resonant baritone, in a morose tone, bids you good morning, and he stands there, ready for bad news apparently.
"I've been thinking about you all, and about Gundren and Sildar, since you left. Did you...," he trails off.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Addressing Elsa before departing, “Yes my dear Lady Elsa, the Grayscale family hails from Neverwinter. A lovely city indeed. With many an interesting people. I can understand the desire as well as the pleasure one gets, such as yourself. Perhaps when I have more time you could bend my ear about the interesting folks you have spoken with here recently. Alas, time marches on and there is much to do before the day is done.” He then heads out to the smith.
Kiselina does a quick assessment of the person he assumes is Al Faina, trying to determine how best to approach the man (Insight: 1).
He determines it best to not try and take up any more time than needed of the apparently busy man.
“Well met this morning sir, I am looking for Mister Al Faina. I have need of his skill. I am Sir Kiselina of family Greyscale. (Producing the bugbear bracers he continues.) I recently acquired these and was looking to make them more…‘personalized’. Are you him? Might I borrow some of your time to discuss business?”
"Mornin', Mr. Barthen, Sir," Berry starts in his approach. He forgot that Barthen doesn't yet know about the results of their latest trip to the caves. "Well, we have news on that particular subject indeed. More bad than good, I'm afraid," he admits solemnly. "These goblins proved to be a clever bunch and capable fighters, but we learned that they were not acting entirely in their own interests with regards to Gundren." Berry clearly struggles to get all the information together concisely. "They tortured Sildar!" He exclaims and spits into the dirt. "And they cut off his fingers! But at last, they released him to us. Near dead, he was poor soul. Surely dead if it were their way. He's here now with Sister Garaele. She's nursing him back on his feet, or so I hope. It didn't look good when we arrived yesterday but she's telling that he'll see better days again." Berry takes a breath and looks expectantly at Barthen, but then remembers that he forgot to mention Gundren. "Ah, and Gundren. Sildar told us that they were specifically after him and even shipped him off to Cragmaw castle to someone called the Black Spider. No one could tell us yet who that might be, but I fear that Sildar might have been the lucky one in this setup." He shakes his little head for a second contemplating what the goblins, or worse creatures, might be doing with Sildar to get the information they seek. "Well, we don't even know where that castle is, but ..." He considered to mention that they brought back two goblins from the cave who promised to guide them there if they don't slay them but decides against that for now, not least after he learned that the goblins aren't a welcome sight. "But we found that the cave goblins hoarded the goods that they robbed from travellers on the Triboar Trail and we were wondering if you'd be interested in assisting us to retrieve those with Gundren's cart. It could be that some of it was destined for you. Or do you know if there was anyone particularly impacted by the goblin raids?" Berry tips his head to the side and tries to look around Barthen for Sun and Moon and the cart. "How are the oxen? Have they regained their strength? They've been through a lot but to me they look as if they have recovered well."
|| 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 ||
"Mornin'!" Nosam makes his greeting as Berry takes the lead providing a recap of the events that transpired. As Barthen listens to the tale, Nosam does his best to watch for a reaction. The back and forth conversation continues and when Nosam has a moment to chime in he politely, but bluntly, asks, "do you know how far the castle is from here? Or know anything about it?"
Perception- Rolled 1, Passive 10 (ooc- my apologies that apparently Nosam is the least observant person ever)
"Sure 'n' I wouldn' want t' overstep," Marten says by way of apology. "I should ha' known you'd already be on top o' things when it comes to yer son, Toblen. And that's all I needed to hear. Where would we find Qeline Alderleaf, if y' don' mind me askin'?"
"Thank ye', Toblen," Marten says. "It's a sad business, indeed. Seems t' me that Phandalin caught more 'an its share o' trouble. But m'ybe my friends 'n' I can set some o' it to rights! I know we're not from Phandalin, but we have ties here with Gundren Rockseeker. We a'ready cleared out a score o' goblins who were a menace on th' road t' Phandalin, 'n' we brought back Sildar alive." He finishes with a hint of a smile as he gets up, "I've a notion t' find Gundren Rockseeker, alive or dead, 'n' I don' give up a job once I set my mind to it!"
Since his companions have mostly left the inn by this time, Marten starts to walk back to his room to gather his gear. But, thinking about his gear, he remembers another question that he had been meaning to ask ever since they got back to Phandalin. He goes back to the innkeeper and asks in an apologetic tone, "Beg pardon, Toblen. I forgot t' ask... We'll be fightin' who knows what for I don' know how long while we try to find Gundren 'n' bring 'im back. We mi' need t' replace weapons 'n' armor, but I don' think Barthen's Provisions has crossbows or swords 'n' shields. Is there another merchant here in Phandalin who deals in tha' kind o' gear?"
Daphyra nods at Toblin and murmurs her thanks, both for the information and the warning. She touches her amulet and asks for the Goddess's eye upon him (She casts Guidance on him, concentrating on the spell for maybe 5 minutes until she is distracted by something else).
As the small group walks into the smithy, Daphyra brushes her paw on Vidruth's shoulder, giving him a Vigilant Blessing.
While Kiselina speaks to presumably Al Faina, Daphyra looks around the smithy, taking it in. She initially remains quiet, but keeps an eye on the apprentice. (Insight 13)
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
vidruth feels the effects of the blessing as daphyra brushes against his shoulder, and thanks her for it.
as they approach the smithy he stands back a biit, happy to let kiselina do the discussing, and simply waiting for a convenient opportunity to request a dagger, perhaps after the bracers modification is agreed on
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
KISELINA, VIDRUTH & DAPHYRA
Elsa’s doe eyes regard Kiselina’s towering form when he addresses her as “my dear Lady Elsa.” She had corrected him before, but now, it seems, is enjoying the attention. “Oh my, Sir Kiselina, I’m sure none of the other visitors here recently is nearly as interesting as you fellas. Well, except Mr. Edermath – the orchard keeper? He used to go on adventures, but he keeps to himself mostly. I never mind bending anyone’s ear as long as they don’t mind!” At that moment, she is called away, curtsies, a few platinum hairs falling in out of her braid, and she rushes off.
At the smithy, the leather-aproned man answers, “Yes, I am Al Faina, Sir Kiselina. May Tymora’s luck be with you.”
His face contorts in various ways when the dragonborn produces the bracers. Plainly not anything he was expecting to see.
“Erm… wot you get these from, a troll or summat? What do you want done with ‘em?”
He handles the bracers, weighing them in his hands.
Vidruth, meanwhile, may glance around the smithy. He sees no weapons there, except a hunting knife on the waist of the smith himself.
Daphyra notices that the teenager bears a resemblance to Al Faina – either his son, or perhaps a nephew. The pair show little affection for one another, Al Faina is firm, and hasn’t yet addressed the apprentice by name. The latter seems to move with considerable energy. The harengon may notice sounds coming from the smith’s house, where behind curtains, a woman and a child may be seen.
BERRY & NOSAM
Barthen responds to Berry’s words, filling in blanks, exclaiming from time to time.
“They tortured Sildar! His fingers! Oh, oh, oh… that’s terrible to hear.”
“Released?! Oh, thanks be to the Gods!”
“Better days?! Oh my, that is good to hear. But what about Gundren??”
“No! Shipped off?? Crag-what? Cragmaw Castle? Black Spider? Oh, my, oh my. Cragmaw castle?”
“And the goblins hoarded their booty, eh? Why, sure, sure, Sun and Moon can pull a load, and I’ve a spare wagon for rent. But, Linene Graywind over at the Lionshield Coster needs to know about this! Her last shipment didn’t make it here.”
Mr. Barthen calls one of his apprentices and sends him running down Main Street to fetch Ms. Graywind.
At Nosam’s question, Barthen stops what he was saying, his interest in numbers perhaps intrigued by the question.
“Well, Mr. Lightfound, that’d be hard to say. You see, there are quite a few castles perched upon the hills, and I, when I leave town, which isn’t often, I mostly stick to the main roads. I been to Triboar, and to Neverwinter, you see. But in these parts, there are quite a few castles, some occupied, some abandoned a long time ago by the look of em. I just don’t know if one of em’s Cragmaw Castle or not.
MARTEN
“Qelline Alderleaf?,” Toblen answers, “Her farm is on the southern edge of town. Follow the road past the town master’s house and hang a left and you’ll see it.”
“A notion to find Gundren, eh?,” the innkeeper says. He’s silent for a moment, a sad smile on his face. “It’s none o my business. He’s a good one, Gundren Rockseeker. But… I’ve seen more than one person with high hopes set off to slay dragons and come back missing limbs.” He sets his gaze on yours for a moment. He doesn’t say “be careful,” or anything more, but that is the message he seems to convey. “Well, I’d better look to getting water boilin for sheets,” he says and takes his leave. On the way out the door, he replies.
“Weapons and armor?” He points through the front door, open to let in fresh air, and his finger directs Marten’s gaze to a building on the far side of the Town Green (the Town Green, Marten has learned, encompasses both the plaza and adjacent small meadow).
“The Lionshield Coster. Speak to Linene Graywind. She’ll set you up.” As he walks away, Toblen starts singing a song from the hills about a lad who thought his luck would never run out.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
“Yes, something like that. Our group took them off of a bugbear that was leading the Cragmaw Goblins who were attacking travelers on the Triboar trail. Its name was Klarg, though I imagine that matters not. The bracers seemed to be effective as an additional defensive armor for the creature and I was hoping I might employ them in a similar manner. Although, I care not for the ascetics the goblinoid employed in their creation. I was hoping to have the roughness of them removed and replaced possibly with some etchings more appropriate to my stature with Bahamut.”
He pulls out a piece of scrap paper and produces a drawing of what he’d like. (ooc: will try to drop the pic in the chat channel.)
“And perhaps this symbol of the other bracer…to mark the occasion of working with folks I’ve grown fond of.”
”Of course, I’m open to discuss compensation for your time. Do you believe you can assist me in this manner?”
Daphyra waits a moment or two, then walks slowly and unthreateningly over to the house. She knocks on the door.
If the family opens the door, Daphyra greets them. "Hello, I'm Daphyra, a priestess of Bastet. I have recently joined Sister Garaele at the Shrine of Tymora."
If they do not open the door, Daphyra waves to them behind the curtain and returns to the smithy.
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
Marten thanks Toblen, gathers all of his gear, and then heads out to join Berry and Nosam at Barthen's. He'd like to see whether they were able to hire the wagon and team for the trip back to the Cragmaw's cave.
If Marten finds them there, he'll let them know that there's another merchant, the Lionshield Coster, across the square from their inn. He had planned to suggest that they ask there, too, If if Barthen didn't have any caravans go missing lately. (Of course, Berry and Nosam have already learned as much from Barthen.)
"We've still got a few errands in town and after that, I'm sure we can try to secure what is left in the goblin cave. I can't make promises, though. We haven't checked what exactly was still there," explains Berry while they wait for Ms. Graywind. "I guess we were curious if any of these castles was known to be a threat. Anyway we've heard that another organisation, the Redbrands, became prominent and perhaps even more of a sore than what the goblins had been. Do they claim to protect only from goblins or do they claim that there are also the threats?"
|| 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 ||
vidruth sighs slightly at the lack of weaponry, it seems this town is rather peaceable, crossbows notwithstanding, no matter, he is sure he will find one on one of his foes, a redbrand perhaps, daggers are common among criminals, most of them seem to believe they are intimidating.
when he sees daphyra going over to the house he winces, and takes a few steps back to where he can keep both her and kiselina in sight, as well as the other people near them.
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
Nosam listens to Berry's questions and decides to let him continue the conversation and just follow his lead. Originally he thought he could gain some information for the group, however in the current situation he feels like not much help at all.
The longer they're here the "to do" list is getting longer. As the conversation winds down, Nosam asks Berry, "Mister Berry, you think it best we gather up with the others and determine where we're headed? Or you need anything from me at the moment?"
KISELINA
The smith continues to weigh the bracers in his hands as Kiselina speaks, squinting closely at the metal with one eye closed. He pulls out a small hammer and gives a couple of experimental taps, frowns appreciatively. He then looks at Kiselina’s sketches and his eyebrows fly high up on his forehead. He brings his hand up, seemingly to keep his brows from rising straight off from his face, though perhaps just to keep the sun from shining in his eye as he looks up to Kiselina.
“It’ll take time. Two weeks. 100 gold.”
Al Faina is easily bartered down to 50 gold and one week, but to barter the cost down to 35 gold will require a successful DC15 persuasion roll.
DAPHYRA
The smith looks around when Daphyra knocks on the door, stopping what he was saying. A woman opens the door, and a girl of perhaps six summers, sucking her thumb, rushes up to stand behind the woman, almost entirely hidden behind her skirts and the doorframe. Al Faina and the woman exchange a look as Daphyra introduces herself. Al Faina instantly loses interest and continues the exchange with Kiselina.
“Bastet…?,” the woman asks. “Do you bring a message from Sister Garaele? Mebbe if you are helping her, then she can teach Sadia with Pip? Or… maybe you can teach her?”
BERRY & NOSAM
“The Redbrands,” Barthern snorts reflexively, immediately glancing all around to determine who heard him. He continues under his breath. “Now… now, Mr. Berry, you don’t want to be getting mixed up with them. The Redbrands are making it hard on everyone, shaking down local businesses and flouting the town master’s authority.” He seems on the verge of continuing, but he seems to notice something behind Berry, and peers once again through the window beside the shop’s door.
“Why, there she is. The one and only…”
At that moment, the door opens, and in comes the apprentice, who ducks behind the counter with an anxious glance at Barthen and disappears into the stockroom, pronto. Immediately behind him, a woman comes in who doesn’t wait to pass the threshold before she begins addressing Barthen with a piercing tongue.
“What’s this, Elmar, what’s this sending for me first thing in the morning when you know this is the time I handle inventory and messages and try to get things done? Not that there’s anything to do, what with my latest shipment from the Triboar gone missing and those jackal goblins responsible and those toads the Redbrands so utterly incompetent – unlike that useless overcompensating lamebrained goon of a weakling we managed to elect as town master – not with my help mind you, I know my vote matters and won’t throw it away on swine – Harbin Wester, who if you ask me, has done nothing, even with the help of those fool Redbrands, to keep our town safe from banditry!”
MARTEN
As Marten heads up the street to Barthen’s Provisions, he sees someone else just ahead of him rushing in the same direction. Two people actually. A woman, mid-thirties, wearing trousers and a blouse tied above the elbows. Her arms make a bow shape, and as she quickly walks, she mutters under her breath, a sound which seems to make the young man ahead of her, whom you recognize as one of Barthen’s apprentices, cringe. Marten enters the store immediately on their heels and hears, or is subject to, the woman’s scathing morning greeting.
VIDRUTH, KISELINA, DAPHYRA
Being only a dozen yards from Barthen’s shop, and given that the smith is taking a break from hammering, Vidruth, Kiselina and Daphyra see the woman enter Barthen’s Provisions, and although heard through the store’s walls and windows, make out at least half of what she says. For her voice penetrates the air, the wooden walls, and the glass windows with such vigor – creating, indeed a rain of dust falling from the store’s eaves – it is like smelling salts to the nose, red-hot spices to the tongue, a lightning flash inches before one’s eyes. Such is your first impression of Linene Graywind.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Daphyra smiles. "I bring no message, I'm afraid. I was just taking the opportunity to introduce myself since my associates are in the area. Who are Sadia and Pip, and what do they want to learn? I am no teacher, I'm afraid, more of a healer and peace-bringer..."
As the conversation is interrupted by Linene's outburst in the shop, Daphyra half-turns to watch Barthen's to see if anyone exits quickly to avoid the tirade.
"Have you or your family seen much of these Redbrands?"
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 ducks under the nearest shelf or table to avoid reprimand from this woman for having sent for her. From down there, he pulls slightly on Nosam's pants and indicates that he can have a go with the woman. Berry himself tries to change position and sneaks a few feet away to under a different table (Stealth: 12) so that it is less likely that Linene would find him.
|| 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 ||
Kiselina was hoping for a lower price and after some discussion back and forth an agreement is reached. (Persuasion: 21)
“I can pay you 15 Gold now, the rest when completed. (Slightly distracted with Al Faina as he observes Daphyra’s interaction. He resumes shortly after.) If that’s not acceptable, I’ll leave you 10 gold and the bracers to hold for the agreed upon price. I thank you for the consideration.”
“Who might that be?” Gesturing towards the commotion at Barthen’s with Linene Graywind. “Any idea what she’s going off about? I can’t quite make sense of it all.” He inquires with Al Faina.
vidruth hears the voice, and narrows his eyes, first checking to see that the two over there are alright, then stepping slightly closer to kiselina, he wants nothing to do with that.
"best not to get involved" vidruth comments to kiselina "we arent needed there, better not to get yelled at at any rate"
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