Barthen's Provisions is likely the largest trading post in Phandalin from the looks of things, and two young clerks proceed a lean and balding man of about fifty years that boasts a kind and friendly demeanor as the three exit the building. Elmar Barthen smiles as he exits the establishment, "Greetings! You must be delivering the supplies from Gundren? Please, Ander and Thistle can take that if you'll all come in to settle your payment." He beckons you to head on inside as he explains that any adventuring gear may be purchased at Barthen's besides weapons (anything valued 25gp or less).

“Not to be rude but we need to leave pretty soon, we can collect our reward later, we believe Gundrun and Sildar have been ambushed by goblins.”

Zero will head in and quickly check if there are any provisions that could be useful to the rescue operation.

Quote from BlackBear_ >>

“Not to be rude but we need to leave pretty soon, we can collect our reward later, we believe your brother and his escort have been ambushed by goblins.”

Should Aldri also make a perception check to see if he can catch the kobold escaping?

 

 "Oh, you must mean Gundren...and his brothers? Gundren is a dear friend and we were very excited to hear that he'd found the possible site of the lost mine of the Phandelver Pact! Last I'd heard Nundro and Tharden, Gundren's brothers were camped somewhere out of town. You haven't seen old Gundren have you? I'd thought he may arrive before the provisions you brought. You say he's been waylaid on the road?"

If Zero heads in, he would see there is any adventuring gear one may want for sale (up to 25gp and no weapons).

Zero enters the story but remembers he hasnt been paid for the job yer, he turns and walks back out the store.

Im going to go searching for them, is anyone else coming along?

Barthen offers to both pay each of you the 10 gp agreed upon for the delivery and quickly outfit you with any goods you'd like. "I pray the dwarf is still alive...."

Zero speaks to Barthen about the Ink he sells.

Would you be willing to drop the price on this. I want to take parchment and ink in case we need to go into the cave. Making a map could certainly help.

Kath wanders the shop, picking up a few canvas sacks, a small knife, a piece of chalk and 50' hemp rope. Settles up and heads back to grab my gear from the wagon. Finds a place in the shade and sort my gear.

Quote from Bedlymn >>

Barthen offers to both pay each of you the 10 gp agreed upon for the delivery and quickly outfit you with any goods you'd like. "I pray the dwarf is still alive...."

 “Well you can always help us out with maybe a guide, they’d know the area around here better than most of us and could help us find Gundrun.”

Barthen frowns, "Can't say as I've got a guide for you out there, but sounds like you've got a good lead on where they may've been taken. Sorry but times are a bit tough with those Redbrands in town. I won't be able to offer any deals I'm afraid."

Zero grabs a grappling hook, a length of string and 5 pieces of chalk. Zero gives Barthen 2 Gold Pieces 1 Silver Piece and 1 Copper Piece.

I will take these. Thank you.

Zero stores what he bought and waits outside for the others.

Silk is outside taking in the view and surrounding people/activity.  
“are we walking back to the ambush site or going somewhere else? “

aye, as soon as the others are ready. Looks like it'll be dark by time we get there. Hopefully Zero can follow that trail in the dark. We'll need to keep an eye out for wolves and what-not as we get close enough to those dead horses. That's a free meal that they'll likely fight for.

The party decides it may be in at least Gundren's best interest to return to the site of the ambush along the Triboar Trail. You make decent time and it is late afternoon when you return on foot this time around. The flies buzz around the carcasses of the dead horses and goblins, but otherwise it doesn't seem there has been any further disturbance since you've left the scene. You easily locate the trail in the thickets north of the road along with the drag marks and goblin boot prints The narrow trail snakes through the brush and is only wide enough to traverse single file. In what order does your party march along the trail?

Zero will take the lead, Keeping to the shadows and scouting ahead to prevent any more ambushes.

I'll bring up the rear, can't have anyone sneaking up on our caster.

Aldri can go anywhere he’s needed, probably towards the front in case of an ambush and because he doesn’t have ranged attacks so he’d need to be able to get into the action.

Quote from BlackBear_ >>

Aldri can go anywhere he’s needed, probably towards the front in case of an ambush and because he doesn’t have ranged attacks so he’d need to be able to get into the action.

Am I allowed to use the ready action in case we see more goblins. If so then the trigger will just be, if Aldri sees goblins or gets attacked, charge the attacker and if he can’t reach it then get behind cover.

 

silk can take the second to last spot. 

The party makes its way down the narrow and winding trail for about 15 minutes. The trilling of insects begins to swell as the sun grows low in the west. Zero let's see how good of a frontline man you are. Please give us a perception check.