Nyli & Sister Garaele decide that they have done chasing enough for now, and head back to the Inn as fast as they can. It's up to the townsfolk now to deal with the firestarters.
Sister Garaele - full movement + dash
Nyli - move + bonus dash. Take a shot at Black spider: Shortbow to hit 22, Damage 9. Black spider 7/32
Dunkin's second ice knife pierces the fire snake, but the icy shards almost immediately melt and evaporate in the midst of the growing inferno in the taproom. The snake slithers over the bar and strikes at Dunkin, who is able to block or evade its fiery tail and jaw.
Though Chase's spell fails to fell the Black Spider, it earns him another glare from her. She even stops her fleeing momentarily to cast a spell at him, a spell he can immediately recognize as Hold Person. As he hears her incantation, with familiar magic words and phrases mixed with Undercommon variations, Chase can feel a tightness closing in around his body, as if he were trapped in an invisible spider's web.
Stumbling next from the Sleeping Giant is the remnants of the Redbrand Gang, led by Glasstaff. He calls after the Black Spider, "Wait! I can still fix this!" He looks to his right and sees Nyli just as she arrives and nail the Black Spider with an arrow. He casts the very same spell the Black Spider did, this time targeting Nyli.
The bugbears, meanwhile, look left, right, forward, and back, and don't seem to like any of their options. The end up deciding to run after the Black Spider.
A few hundred feet to the northeast, a new glow of flames appears, at Barthen's warehouse.
OOC:
Three would-be arsonists remain at large (one is occupied outside Barthen's Provisions); they are now somewhere in the 4rd circle from the center in the map below:
The Redbrand Ruffians fleeing with the firebombs are worried more about competing their evil mission than fighting. Even though they are not fighting, we will remain in initiative for now. To chase the ruffians down, we will use the following rules:
The Redbrands have a short lead at the moment. Anyone who chooses to pursue them must make a Wisdom (Perception) check (made with advantage if you are proficient in Survival) against their stealth scores listed below. This check represents not losing sight of them as you navigate the streets of Phandalin.
If your Perception roll is higher than any of the Redbrands' Stealth rolls, you can choose one Redbrand to catch. That one will surrender; the others will continue to flee.
Bringing any individual Redbrand below 5 HP will also cause them to surrender.
You can make this check once per round, and you have 3 rounds to make 6 successful checks (one for each fleeing Redbrand). After that time, any remaining ruffians will start burning buildings, starting with targets close to the Sleeping Giant.
Alternatively, you can also go straight to any one building you want to save. If it's one of the Redbrands' targets, you are guaranteed to stop them from burning it. You can't pursue any Redbrands if you do this. Potential targets are the places named on this map:
The red square represents the fire. The Sleeping Giant, like most buildings in Phandalin, is made of wood. The fire will spread until it is put out or it runs out of fuel. Anyone who enters the burning area or starts their turn there takes 5 Fire damage.
The Redbrand Ruffians' tokens on the right represent the ones on the arson mission. Ruffian D has started a fire at their intended target.
Nyli feels the spell hit but manages to shake off the effect. She moves south and launches another arrow at the Black Spider and watches as it hits, releasing a gout of blood. The Black Spider stumbles and collapses.
Sister Garaele catches sight of Glasstaff and tries to hit him with Sacred Flame, but he manages to dodge out of the way.
Nyli
Save against spell 13 - success.
Shortbow to hit 15 Damage 7 - Black Spider 0/32 Dead/unconscious
Sister Garaele
Sacred Flame at Glasstaff for 2 damage. Glasstaff dex save 14 - no damage
Every muscle stiffens and becomes unresponsive, only the heart and lungs continue. Having never been subject to hold person Chase is terrified. In the periphery of his sight he sees Nyli he hears Glasstaff and Chase prays silently she resists!
Nyli’s arrow hits the Black Spider instantly the grip on Chase releases. He bursts toward Glasstaff with murderous intent.
Action attack muscles still tight his swing misses but his deadly intent clear!
As Dunkin exits the burning tavern he sees the drow fall to Nyli’s arrow and Glasstaff dodge Sister Garaele’s attack. Reaching into his pouch Dunkin finds a ready supply of large steel sling bullets. His sling is soon spinning a deadly arc aimed at the fumbling wizard. He smiles in satisfaction as his first shot connects and Glasstaff drops dead. “It’s about time!” he thinks.
OOC:
Cast magic stone on 3 bullets. Launch an attack at Glasstaff. 24 to hit, 9 damage. Dead.
Nyli breaks through the constricting grasp of Glasstaff's Hold Person spell and sends an arrow straight through the heart of the Black Spider. As she stumbles and falls dead, Chase feels the spider webs fade away.
Free to move again, Chase charges at Glasstaff, but he raises an arcane shield and blocks Chase's hammer. The moment the wizard blocks Chase's attack, a magic bullet from Dunkin slips through his defenses and knocks Glasstaff dead. As he falls, he drops his eponymous glass staff, which clatters but does not shatter when it hits the dirt. Glasstaff's blowing horn, inscribed with arcane symbols, remains strapped to his person.
Once the two enemy spellcasters fall, the fire snake suddenly begins to flicker and shake unnaturally. From within the inferno inside the taphouse, a portal to the Elemental Plane of Fire opens up and pulls the snake away.
The three bugbears, now leaderless, look to each other. They seem to make a decision, and one of them picks up the Black Spider's body, heaves it over its shoulder, and joins the other two heading east out of town.
Four Redbrand Ruffians remain at large, three of which are still intent on burning down one building each if they aren't called off. Unfortunately, they may be too far away now to catch. Is it too late to save the town?
OOC:
Combat is finally done! I wanted to try a larger-scale battle that wasn't just a fight to the death.
We are no longer in initiative, but things are still happening in Phandalin. If you want to try to stop the Redbrands from burning any more buildings, please describe how you try to do that. The ruffians have enough of a lead that simply running to catch up will be difficult (but possible). Their Stealth scores for the purposes of chasing them are 10, 14, and 22.
Also, go ahead and advance to level 4! As we decided earlier, PCs should take an ASI and a Feat at this level (unless they're multi-classing).
Loot:
Black Spider: None, unless you chase down the bugbears
As Glasstaff falls Dunkin looks at his friends. “Those arsonists are almost out of our reach! Sister Garaele, is there a way to raise the town alarm? A bell perhaps?”
"They've already fired this place, so I expect the alarm will soon be raised." She looks at Sister Garaele "Given your past history with the Redbrands I suspect the Shrine will be a target. I think we two should head for there as fast as we can. The coster and townhall are also likely targets, can you three cover them?"
Nyli and Sister Garaele will head for the shrine. If a redbrand shows up Nyli will use her bow and Sister Garaele will cast sacred flame.
Nyli - Shortbow 23 damage 5
Sister Garaele - Sacred flame for 3 damage. Redbrand saves for 0 damage.
"There's a bell tower in the Townmaster's Hall! I will go there," Sildar answers Dunkins's question as all five of of our heroes race down the road toward the center of town.
Chase and Sildar stop at the Townmaster's Hall. There they find Ruffian I. Sildar's crossbow bolt misses them and thunks into the wooden building. Just as the ruffian tries to light their firebomb, Chase casts his spell and the muted ringing of a bell can be heard around them. The ruffian falls to their knees clutching their head. Unless Chase does it first, Sildar would head straight inside the hall to ring the bell.
Nyli and Sister Garaele head for the Shrine of Luck. Ruffian H appears, just as expected. Nyli hits them with an arrow, but the ruffian does not slow down. Ducking past Sister Garaele's sacred flames, the ruffian shouts, "This one's for all us Redbrands you two killed today!" Nyli and Garaele can see genuine hatred directed at both of them in the ruffians eyes. Their firebomb sails straight through one of the shrine's windows and erupts into flame. Luckily, the Shrine of Luck is made of stone, but Sister Garaele all the furniture and other personalty within will soon be burned up.
Dunkin turns left and finds the only remaining ruffian, J, at the Lionshield Coster. Even though his starry wisp fails to stop the ruffian, it does throw them off enough that their firebomb misses the window and shatters on the wooden wall, igniting it. The interior is spared, for now.
Seconds later, the loud ringing of a bell echoes across all of Phandalin. People come out of their homes. They quickly notice the fires and the ruffians scattered throughout the town. Hectic activity emerges as people try to round up the surrendered Redbrands and try to put out or at least contain the fires.
OOC:
You all guessed the targeted locations correctly. Nyli and Sister Garaele had already stopped the ones headed for the Smithy and the Stonehill Inn.
Ruffian H 14/19 HP: 21 to hit window (hit) --> Shrine of Luck interior is burning
Ruffian I 4/13 HP: Surrendered outside Townmaster's Hall
Ruffian J 17/19 HP: 8 to hit window (miss) --> Lionshield Coster exterior wall is burning
The Sleeping Giant Taphouse, Barthen's Provisions warehouse, the Shrine of Luck, and the Lionshield Coster are actively burning. The taphouse and the warehouse are beyond saving, but the other two fires are new. Nyli and Sister Garaele have about 30 seconds save as much as they can from within the shrine, if they choose to. The Lionshield Coster has two minutes before it is too dangerous to enter.
The normally mild-mannered, happy-go-lucky Nyli sees the shrine burst into flame and sees red. Cursing in Gnomish she launches an arrow at the redbrand but misses. She drops her bow and draws her blades, intent on revenge but is held back by Sister Garaele.
As there is no water in sight, Dunkin decides to cast Ice Knife at the coster hoping to stem the flames. He’s relieved when the spell hits and the flames are extinguished.
22 to hit for 13 total damage (ice shard plus cold)
At the Lionshield Coster, Dunkin casts his ice knife at the wall. It shatters upon impact and the shards of ice extinguish most of the flames. With Chase's help, the remaining flames are put out quickly. The building's wall may need a few new planks and a fresh coat of paint, but is otherwise in good shape. The redbrand ruffian who tried to burn it drops to their knees and surrenders, all their efforts having been in vain.
Before long, Linene Graywind comes running around the corner with a bucket of water, followed by a few of her employees. She sees that the fires are out, the ruffian apprehended, and she drops the bucket of river water on ground. "You saved my store, thank you. That's twice now you've helped me," she says to Dunkin and Chase, and adds, "Hold on." She snaps at one of her employees, who follows her into the store. She returns with a paper-wrapped bundle; her associate is lugging a large wooden crate with a blue lion painted on. "Take these," Linene says, offering the smaller package to Dunkin. "They come from the merchandise you saved from this lowlife."—She glances at the Redbrand—"Don't try to pay for them."
Nyli uses a similar tactic at the Shrine of Luck. Her ice knife flies through the window and lands in the center of the flames. It successfully douses them. When the smoke clears out, Nyli and Sister Garaele find that the pews in the middle of the room are burned and shattered beyond repair and ash and smoke have coated just about everything else. There will be some serious cleaning up to do, but at least most of the holy scriptures and relics are safe.
Sister Garaele spends much of the next few hours cleaning and salvaging. When she has a moment alone with Nyli inside the shrine, she says, "Nyli, thank you for ridding Phandalin of those miscreants with me, and for saving this shrine. When I think of how things could have gone, I know Lady Luck is smiling upon us. This whole town, and I in particular, owe you and your friends a debt of gratitude."
She brings out a small wooden box from under the altar and sets it on top. The moment she opens the box, a palpable aura of magical energy rushes over Nyli. Inside the box, resting on a cloth cushion, is a small, silver disk engraved with the face of Tymora surrounded by shamrocks. As she offers this holy symbol to Nyli, Sister Garaele says, "Life is short. Live it as Tymora means it to be lived!"
Nyli has head Sister Garaele say this phrase to worshipers often enough to know the expected response, "Dare all, and trust in the Lady," but can sense from the magical power accumulating in the room that this is no ordinary rite. If Nyli accepts Tymora's symbol and says the right words back, her body will glow silver for a few seconds as Tymora bestows a blessing on her.
The following morning, Grista returns to town with the Dendrars and Sildar calls a town meeting, where he explains to the people what happened with the Redbrand gang and how he, Nyli, Chase, Dunkin, and Sister Garaele stopped them. He awards each of you a medal of commendation and invites everyone to a feast in the Townmaster's Hall. He tells everyone to be party loudly and with joy, so that the surviving Redbrands can hear from the jail cells in the basement.
After the ceremony, Gundren waves you down, hoping to know when you will be ready to retake his mine.
OOC:
The crate from the Lionshield Coster contains Plate; the bundle contains Hide, +1.
Sister Garaele is offering Nyli a serious blessing of luck from Tymora for saving the shrine. It comes in the form of the Lucky (2024) origin feat and lasts as long as Nyli 1) uses it at least once a tenday, and 2) lives according to Tymora's teachings, which boil down to Be bold and trust one's own luck. These two conditions are just for RP reasons and I doubt either would ever come up.
This is in addition to the rewards for stopping the Redbrands in the previous post.
Nyli bows deeply to Sister Garaele "This wasn't needed my friend, but I am grateful and will try my best to be worthy of the Lady's Blessing." She looks around, "It's just a pity we couldn't stop them sooner. Once we've finished clearing Gudrun's mine you should have plenty to help rebuild with." She grins "In the meantime, I believe I have an appointment with a banshee. I'll go and find Chase, and I'll see if Dunkin wants to join us." She bows again "Lady's blessings to you Sister".
Dunkin is grateful for the new, slightly thicker armor. “Thanks, Ms. Graywind.” Even as he dons it the fatigue of the last few days begins to hit. “Chase, Nyli! That shady tree and a nap are calling my name. See you at the feast, and then we can clean out Nyli’s banshee and Gundren’s mine.”
The feast passes with much bittersweet rejoicing from the people of Phandalin. Though at long last free from the terror of the Rebrand Gang, victory was not without its costs. The rebuilding will take time, and the lives lost will be missed forever. But it is a day of joy and celebration the the town's saviors.
With Nyli, Chase, and Dunkin all in agreement (I assume) that Agatha the Banshee and Gundren's mine at Wave Echo Cave both need to be dealt with, the road lies open before them, Agatha to the north near Conyberry, and Wave Echo Cave to the east up in the hills.
OOC:
Not much of an update this time. Please let me know which way you choose to go. You are also welcome to take as much time to get ready as you need, but know that the enemy may also use this time to prepare for your arrival.
Sister Garaele asks that you go to Conyberry without her, stating Agatha's animosity toward her would make her presence counterproductive. She and Sildar are willing to provide backup at the entrance of Wave Echo Cave, but they won't go inside unless there's an emergency.
Sister Garaele reminds Nyli more time before leaving to ask Agatha about the location of Bowgentle’s spellbook, if possible.
Our heroes find no trouble on the way to Conyberry. They camp out one night on the Triboar Trail and arrive at Conyberry Town at dusk on the second day of travel.
What was once a vibrant halfling town was sacked by barbarians years ago and now lies in ruins. Following Sister Garaele's directions, you find an old trail leading northwest from the ruins of Conyberry into Neverwinter Wood.
The forest grows dark and still as the trail winds deeper into the trees. Heavy vines and thick layers of moss drape the branches, and the air is noticeably colder than it was in the ruined village. Rounding a bend in the trail, you see a screen made from the warped branches of trees standing close together, woven into a domelike shelter in the shadows. A low doorway leads inside.
This picture isn't a prefect representation of the current situation, but it's close. The differences: 1) You can't actually see Agatha yet and 2) none of you is a samurai.
OOC:
Do you take the wagon on this trip? If you do, you can find a suitable place to leave it in Conyberry.
Nyli & Sister Garaele decide that they have done chasing enough for now, and head back to the Inn as fast as they can. It's up to the townsfolk now to deal with the firestarters.
Sister Garaele - full movement + dash
Nyli - move + bonus dash. Take a shot at Black spider: Shortbow to hit 22, Damage 9. Black spider 7/32
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Monsters Round 6:
Dunkin's second ice knife pierces the fire snake, but the icy shards almost immediately melt and evaporate in the midst of the growing inferno in the taproom. The snake slithers over the bar and strikes at Dunkin, who is able to block or evade its fiery tail and jaw.
Though Chase's spell fails to fell the Black Spider, it earns him another glare from her. She even stops her fleeing momentarily to cast a spell at him, a spell he can immediately recognize as Hold Person. As he hears her incantation, with familiar magic words and phrases mixed with Undercommon variations, Chase can feel a tightness closing in around his body, as if he were trapped in an invisible spider's web.
Stumbling next from the Sleeping Giant is the remnants of the Redbrand Gang, led by Glasstaff. He calls after the Black Spider, "Wait! I can still fix this!" He looks to his right and sees Nyli just as she arrives and nail the Black Spider with an arrow. He casts the very same spell the Black Spider did, this time targeting Nyli.
The bugbears, meanwhile, look left, right, forward, and back, and don't seem to like any of their options. The end up deciding to run after the Black Spider.
A few hundred feet to the northeast, a new glow of flames appears, at Barthen's warehouse.
OOC:
Three would-be arsonists remain at large (one is occupied outside Barthen's Provisions); they are now somewhere in the 4rd circle from the center in the map below:
The Redbrand Ruffians fleeing with the firebombs are worried more about competing their evil mission than fighting. Even though they are not fighting, we will remain in initiative for now. To chase the ruffians down, we will use the following rules:
Monsters:
Redbrand Ruffian A (Redbrand Ruffian) 18/18 HP: GoneRedbrand Ruffian B (Redbrand Ruffian) 14/14 HP: GoneRedbrand Ruffian C/Carla (Redbrand Ruffian) 3/16 HP: SurrenderedRedbrand Ruffian E (Redbrand Ruffian) 3/19 HP: SurrenderedRedbrand Ruffian F (Redbrand Ruffian) 0/21 HP: DeadRedbrand Ruffian K/Karl (Redbrand Ruffian) 0/12 HP: DeadAllies:
Map:
The red square represents the fire. The Sleeping Giant, like most buildings in Phandalin, is made of wood. The fire will spread until it is put out or it runs out of fuel. Anyone who enters the burning area or starts their turn there takes 5 Fire damage.
The Redbrand Ruffians' tokens on the right represent the ones on the arson mission. Ruffian D has started a fire at their intended target.
Nyli feels the spell hit but manages to shake off the effect. She moves south and launches another arrow at the Black Spider and watches as it hits, releasing a gout of blood. The Black Spider stumbles and collapses.
Sister Garaele catches sight of Glasstaff and tries to hit him with Sacred Flame, but he manages to dodge out of the way.
Nyli
Save against spell 13 - success.
Shortbow to hit 15 Damage 7 - Black Spider 0/32 Dead/unconscious
Sister Garaele
Sacred Flame at Glasstaff for 2 damage. Glasstaff dex save 14 - no damage
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Chases wisdom save 10
Every muscle stiffens and becomes unresponsive, only the heart and lungs continue. Having never been subject to hold person Chase is terrified. In the periphery of his sight he sees Nyli he hears Glasstaff and Chase prays silently she resists!
Nyli’s arrow hits the Black Spider instantly the grip on Chase releases. He bursts toward Glasstaff with murderous intent.
Action attack muscles still tight his swing misses but his deadly intent clear!
As Dunkin exits the burning tavern he sees the drow fall to Nyli’s arrow and Glasstaff dodge Sister Garaele’s attack. Reaching into his pouch Dunkin finds a ready supply of large steel sling bullets. His sling is soon spinning a deadly arc aimed at the fumbling wizard. He smiles in satisfaction as his first shot connects and Glasstaff drops dead. “It’s about time!” he thinks.
OOC:
Cast magic stone on 3 bullets. Launch an attack at Glasstaff. 24 to hit, 9 damage. Dead.
Nyli breaks through the constricting grasp of Glasstaff's Hold Person spell and sends an arrow straight through the heart of the Black Spider. As she stumbles and falls dead, Chase feels the spider webs fade away.
Free to move again, Chase charges at Glasstaff, but he raises an arcane shield and blocks Chase's hammer. The moment the wizard blocks Chase's attack, a magic bullet from Dunkin slips through his defenses and knocks Glasstaff dead. As he falls, he drops his eponymous glass staff, which clatters but does not shatter when it hits the dirt. Glasstaff's blowing horn, inscribed with arcane symbols, remains strapped to his person.
Once the two enemy spellcasters fall, the fire snake suddenly begins to flicker and shake unnaturally. From within the inferno inside the taphouse, a portal to the Elemental Plane of Fire opens up and pulls the snake away.
The three bugbears, now leaderless, look to each other. They seem to make a decision, and one of them picks up the Black Spider's body, heaves it over its shoulder, and joins the other two heading east out of town.
Four Redbrand Ruffians remain at large, three of which are still intent on burning down one building each if they aren't called off. Unfortunately, they may be too far away now to catch. Is it too late to save the town?
OOC:
Combat is finally done! I wanted to try a larger-scale battle that wasn't just a fight to the death.
We are no longer in initiative, but things are still happening in Phandalin. If you want to try to stop the Redbrands from burning any more buildings, please describe how you try to do that. The ruffians have enough of a lead that simply running to catch up will be difficult (but possible). Their Stealth scores for the purposes of chasing them are 10, 14, and 22.
Also, go ahead and advance to level 4! As we decided earlier, PCs should take an ASI and a Feat at this level (unless they're multi-classing).
Loot:
Black Spider: None, unless you chase down the bugbears
Glasstaff:
Redbrands: 132 gp, 180 sp, 75 Cp, a pair of gold earrings set with rubies (worth 30 Gp as a set), and a Shortsword, +1*
*I said it was a longsword before but it's a shortsword. It's also still inside the taphouse, so you can't get to it until the fire is out.
As Glasstaff falls Dunkin looks at his friends. “Those arsonists are almost out of our reach! Sister Garaele, is there a way to raise the town alarm? A bell perhaps?”
To his friends, “Should we split up?”
"They've already fired this place, so I expect the alarm will soon be raised." She looks at Sister Garaele "Given your past history with the Redbrands I suspect the Shrine will be a target. I think we two should head for there as fast as we can. The coster and townhall are also likely targets, can you three cover them?"
Nyli and Sister Garaele will head for the shrine. If a redbrand shows up Nyli will use her bow and Sister Garaele will cast sacred flame.
Nyli - Shortbow 23 damage 5
Sister Garaele - Sacred flame for 3 damage. Redbrand saves for 0 damage.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Chase will head to the town hall as will Sildar, maybe Dunkin too.
Chase will use toll the dead 8 necrotic if uninjured 3 if injured save DC 13.
Sildar will use a ranged attack heavy crossbow
10 for 4 damage. If a crit add 7.
Dunkin will follow Chase and Sildar but continue on past the town hall to the coster.
Perception 21
Cast Starry Wisp 15 for 2 damage
"There's a bell tower in the Townmaster's Hall! I will go there," Sildar answers Dunkins's question as all five of of our heroes race down the road toward the center of town.
Chase and Sildar stop at the Townmaster's Hall. There they find Ruffian I. Sildar's crossbow bolt misses them and thunks into the wooden building. Just as the ruffian tries to light their firebomb, Chase casts his spell and the muted ringing of a bell can be heard around them. The ruffian falls to their knees clutching their head. Unless Chase does it first, Sildar would head straight inside the hall to ring the bell.
Nyli and Sister Garaele head for the Shrine of Luck. Ruffian H appears, just as expected. Nyli hits them with an arrow, but the ruffian does not slow down. Ducking past Sister Garaele's sacred flames, the ruffian shouts, "This one's for all us Redbrands you two killed today!" Nyli and Garaele can see genuine hatred directed at both of them in the ruffians eyes. Their firebomb sails straight through one of the shrine's windows and erupts into flame. Luckily, the Shrine of Luck is made of stone, but Sister Garaele all the furniture and other personalty within will soon be burned up.
Dunkin turns left and finds the only remaining ruffian, J, at the Lionshield Coster. Even though his starry wisp fails to stop the ruffian, it does throw them off enough that their firebomb misses the window and shatters on the wooden wall, igniting it. The interior is spared, for now.
Seconds later, the loud ringing of a bell echoes across all of Phandalin. People come out of their homes. They quickly notice the fires and the ruffians scattered throughout the town. Hectic activity emerges as people try to round up the surrendered Redbrands and try to put out or at least contain the fires.
OOC:
You all guessed the targeted locations correctly. Nyli and Sister Garaele had already stopped the ones headed for the Smithy and the Stonehill Inn.
The Sleeping Giant Taphouse, Barthen's Provisions warehouse, the Shrine of Luck, and the Lionshield Coster are actively burning. The taphouse and the warehouse are beyond saving, but the other two fires are new. Nyli and Sister Garaele have about 30 seconds save as much as they can from within the shrine, if they choose to. The Lionshield Coster has two minutes before it is too dangerous to enter.
The normally mild-mannered, happy-go-lucky Nyli sees the shrine burst into flame and sees red. Cursing in Gnomish she launches an arrow at the redbrand but misses. She drops her bow and draws her blades, intent on revenge but is held back by Sister Garaele.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
If possible Chase will try to help at the Lionshield Coaster (guidance to use athletics to act as a volunteer firefighter…)
Athletics 19
Still trembling with rage Nyli turns back to the shrine. Not expecting it to work, but as a last resort she casts Ice knife into the fire.
Ice Knife hit 18 damage 3 + 7 Cold
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
As there is no water in sight, Dunkin decides to cast Ice Knife at the coster hoping to stem the flames. He’s relieved when the spell hits and the flames are extinguished.
22 to hit for 13 total damage (ice shard plus cold)
At the Lionshield Coster, Dunkin casts his ice knife at the wall. It shatters upon impact and the shards of ice extinguish most of the flames. With Chase's help, the remaining flames are put out quickly. The building's wall may need a few new planks and a fresh coat of paint, but is otherwise in good shape. The redbrand ruffian who tried to burn it drops to their knees and surrenders, all their efforts having been in vain.
Before long, Linene Graywind comes running around the corner with a bucket of water, followed by a few of her employees. She sees that the fires are out, the ruffian apprehended, and she drops the bucket of river water on ground. "You saved my store, thank you. That's twice now you've helped me," she says to Dunkin and Chase, and adds, "Hold on." She snaps at one of her employees, who follows her into the store. She returns with a paper-wrapped bundle; her associate is lugging a large wooden crate with a blue lion painted on. "Take these," Linene says, offering the smaller package to Dunkin. "They come from the merchandise you saved from this lowlife."—She glances at the Redbrand—"Don't try to pay for them."
Nyli uses a similar tactic at the Shrine of Luck. Her ice knife flies through the window and lands in the center of the flames. It successfully douses them. When the smoke clears out, Nyli and Sister Garaele find that the pews in the middle of the room are burned and shattered beyond repair and ash and smoke have coated just about everything else. There will be some serious cleaning up to do, but at least most of the holy scriptures and relics are safe.
Sister Garaele spends much of the next few hours cleaning and salvaging. When she has a moment alone with Nyli inside the shrine, she says, "Nyli, thank you for ridding Phandalin of those miscreants with me, and for saving this shrine. When I think of how things could have gone, I know Lady Luck is smiling upon us. This whole town, and I in particular, owe you and your friends a debt of gratitude."
She brings out a small wooden box from under the altar and sets it on top. The moment she opens the box, a palpable aura of magical energy rushes over Nyli. Inside the box, resting on a cloth cushion, is a small, silver disk engraved with the face of Tymora surrounded by shamrocks. As she offers this holy symbol to Nyli, Sister Garaele says, "Life is short. Live it as Tymora means it to be lived!"
Nyli has head Sister Garaele say this phrase to worshipers often enough to know the expected response, "Dare all, and trust in the Lady," but can sense from the magical power accumulating in the room that this is no ordinary rite. If Nyli accepts Tymora's symbol and says the right words back, her body will glow silver for a few seconds as Tymora bestows a blessing on her.
The following morning, Grista returns to town with the Dendrars and Sildar calls a town meeting, where he explains to the people what happened with the Redbrand gang and how he, Nyli, Chase, Dunkin, and Sister Garaele stopped them. He awards each of you a medal of commendation and invites everyone to a feast in the Townmaster's Hall. He tells everyone to be party loudly and with joy, so that the surviving Redbrands can hear from the jail cells in the basement.
After the ceremony, Gundren waves you down, hoping to know when you will be ready to retake his mine.
OOC:
The crate from the Lionshield Coster contains Plate; the bundle contains Hide, +1.
Sister Garaele is offering Nyli a serious blessing of luck from Tymora for saving the shrine. It comes in the form of the Lucky (2024) origin feat and lasts as long as Nyli 1) uses it at least once a tenday, and 2) lives according to Tymora's teachings, which boil down to Be bold and trust one's own luck. These two conditions are just for RP reasons and I doubt either would ever come up.
This is in addition to the rewards for stopping the Redbrands in the previous post.
Nyli bows deeply to Sister Garaele "This wasn't needed my friend, but I am grateful and will try my best to be worthy of the Lady's Blessing." She looks around, "It's just a pity we couldn't stop them sooner. Once we've finished clearing Gudrun's mine you should have plenty to help rebuild with." She grins "In the meantime, I believe I have an appointment with a banshee. I'll go and find Chase, and I'll see if Dunkin wants to join us." She bows again "Lady's blessings to you Sister".
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Kyreth 'Guile' Rolthar - Tiefling Monk
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Dunkin is grateful for the new, slightly thicker armor. “Thanks, Ms. Graywind.” Even as he dons it the fatigue of the last few days begins to hit. “Chase, Nyli! That shady tree and a nap are calling my name. See you at the feast, and then we can clean out Nyli’s banshee and Gundren’s mine.”
The feast passes with much bittersweet rejoicing from the people of Phandalin. Though at long last free from the terror of the Rebrand Gang, victory was not without its costs. The rebuilding will take time, and the lives lost will be missed forever. But it is a day of joy and celebration the the town's saviors.
With Nyli, Chase, and Dunkin all in agreement (I assume) that Agatha the Banshee and Gundren's mine at Wave Echo Cave both need to be dealt with, the road lies open before them, Agatha to the north near Conyberry, and Wave Echo Cave to the east up in the hills.
OOC:
Not much of an update this time. Please let me know which way you choose to go. You are also welcome to take as much time to get ready as you need, but know that the enemy may also use this time to prepare for your arrival.
Sister Garaele asks that you go to Conyberry without her, stating Agatha's animosity toward her would make her presence counterproductive. She and Sildar are willing to provide backup at the entrance of Wave Echo Cave, but they won't go inside unless there's an emergency.
Sister Garaele reminds Nyli more time before leaving to ask Agatha about the location of Bowgentle’s spellbook, if possible.
Our heroes find no trouble on the way to Conyberry. They camp out one night on the Triboar Trail and arrive at Conyberry Town at dusk on the second day of travel.
What was once a vibrant halfling town was sacked by barbarians years ago and now lies in ruins. Following Sister Garaele's directions, you find an old trail leading northwest from the ruins of Conyberry into Neverwinter Wood.
The forest grows dark and still as the trail winds deeper into the trees. Heavy vines and thick layers of moss drape the branches, and the air is noticeably colder than it was in the ruined village. Rounding a bend in the trail, you see a screen made from the warped branches of trees standing close together, woven into a domelike shelter in the shadows. A low doorway leads inside.
This picture isn't a prefect representation of the current situation, but it's close. The differences: 1) You can't actually see Agatha yet and 2) none of you is a samurai.
OOC:
Do you take the wagon on this trip? If you do, you can find a suitable place to leave it in Conyberry.