Toblen absently rubs the back of his neck. "Way I figure it, them goblins was keepin' folks from comin' into Phandalin from the west. Neverwinter has been takin' a pretty keen interest out this way in hopes the town will get back on its feet. Now that the Triboar is open again, more trade will come back and forth. That means talk about what these bastards are doin' here and a greater chance someone with some power can kick them out."
"So the less new folks that make it to Phandalin, the easier pickins for these Redbrands? And the more likely they can keep their shady business under wraps..."
Puck looks around at his companions, confident they would share his desire to eliminate the Redbrand problem.
"Well then maybe there's no better way to draw them out than to make sure the story of our recent victory over the goblins spreads through Phandalin like wildfire."
Puck pulls out a blank piece of parchment and beings scribbling while he dictates aloud.
"Heroes from Neverwinter save Phandalin resident, thwart goblin threat along road to Neverwinter..."
He continues to jot down some details about the party's recent adventures, and then begins work duplicating the missive on a few additional pieces of parchment, intent on passing them out to passersby as the group explores the rest of the town.
“And ‘kick them out,’ we shall,” asserts Zanigur, belatedly looking sidelong at his companions for their approval. He smirks and shakes his head slightly when he sees Nene talking to the child.
He looks as if he’s about to ask Toblen something, but then thinks better of it.
"Brigands at the manor you say," Kara notes outloud. She does more listening than speaking, but follows the group out agreeing that something would be done to bring justice for the family. With luck the humans that were captured are still alive... Kara could only pray that the rogues hadn't done anything to harm the innocent people. Their penitence would be harrowing if they continued to soak their hands in blood.
"We have quite the list of tasks on our hands. I believe the issue with the manor requires our immediate attention given its a potential hostage situation, but I will admit I am biased toward it. What say you all?" Kara addresses her allies. She seems eager to face the Redbrands.
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DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
Zanigur agrees. “I agree, but we should gather information first. We don’t have any idea of numbers, let alone what kind of pull these criminals have here in Phandalin.”
"A well informed unit is a successful one," nods Grimm.
"Let's see what we can learn from the townspeople about both these Redbrands and the Black Spider. Probably best if Zanigur and Puck run point on this mission objective."
Pip giggles as he playfully bats at Nene’s bushy tail. “Mornin’ Miss Nene!” He nods vigorously as he puts a and to his chest like a performer might. He then leans in close to share a secret. “I know everything! I heard mama cryin’ this mornin’ to da about some people goin’ missin’! She’s scared the bad men that took them are gonna come for us next, but I ain’t scare of them. I know where my daddy keeps his axe and I’ll hack them to bits!”
"I thought you would, you look like a very attentive young fellow! People went missing? That sounds terrible! Do you know anything about those bad men? Maybe my friends and I can help!"
Pip bites his lower lip. "I don't know as much about them, but Carp did tell me that he found a secret tunnel out in the forest! He thinks that's where them Redbrands are hiding, because he almost got caught!" He nods vigorously with his eyes wide.
Nene looks impressed: "That's great information, it will be very useful! Did Carp tell you how to find the tunnel?"
Pip shakes his head. “Nah, but he said he’d show me sometime. I bet he could tell you!”
"I will ask him, thank you so much! You might have just helped save your town!" She grins at him and turns to head to the others - then spins on her heel, rubbing her ear in embarrassment. "Uh, where do I find Carp?"
"He lives with his mom and dad on their farm! Easy to find."
Nene pats Pip on the shoulder and thanks him. She returns to the others, listening carefully to what they tell her of the Redbrands. Then she catches them up on the information she got from Pip. "I agree that we should ask around a little more, but I'm not sure if we should be too obvious about it. If they know we're coming, they can prepare. If that tunnel really leads to where they are hiding, that big house, then we could surprise them. You gotta catch them when they don't think you're after them, mama always said, when we had to get chickens for dinner!"
She waits to see what Puck thinks of the idea, looking at him expectantly.
Zanigur leans in towards Puck with a wry smile. “Seems like she got more information from the kid than we would have asking all around town. Why didn’t you ask her to join us earlier?”
“We can get more done by splitting up,” suggests Zanigur. “Perhaps you and Nene can go to talk with Carp, Kara?
“I can go and find Sildar, if one of you would like to come with me?
“And someone else can go to talk with Barthen? Remember, we need to talk about the stolen goods in the goblin cave, as well as see what information he has on Mr. Rockseeker. At this point, any lead could be useful, but I’m not holding out any hope that he’s alive.”
"I'll come with you, Z. We likely have a similar interest in local lore."
Puck turns towards his gruff, stalwart half-orc companion.
"Grimm, wouldn't want to leave ya on your own--unless that's your preference of course. Do you want to come with us as well? Tag along with the ladies? Either way, may make sense for us to check these two tasks off first, and then regroup in town to share what we've learned, before heading to see Barthen and update the trading company--since that will all happen in roughly the same area."
Grimm pats Puck on the shoulder and says with a wry grin, "You don't listen much to what others say, do you?"
"Very well," continues Grimm, "it seems the two gents want alone time with their 'similar interests in local lore.' We, three, let's be off to visit Carp and his family."
Grimm moves towards the door out, asking Toblen for directions to Carp's farm, as well as the his family's names.
Nene lifts her finger, about to explain to Zanigur why Puck didn't ask her, but after a moment, she understands it was a joke. She grins and nods, accepting the compliment.
"We're like a girls club, haha!" Nene seems excited by the idea. "Are you feeling rested this morning? We didn't have much of a chance to get to chat last night. You did great in that fight!" She does her best "Grimm the scary goblin fighter" impression.
"I am quite shocked that the goblins did not readily submit!" Kara adds to the praise pile as she follows Nene and Grimm. "Were I a goblin, I think I would have rightfully thought Grimm was my new leader. Especially once I learned of her service to the gods..." The tiefling grinned knowing her own biases. She seemed to figure they would follow her in any life.
"Nene, I just wanted to say, I think finding out about this potential lead was quite fantastic of you. I hope we do find this tunnel..."
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DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
"Well, thank you both for the compliments, I suppose," replies Grimm. "Let's get going to this farm and see what we can learn about this hidden path of Carp's."
Nene beams: "Thank you! Back home, kids always knew best where to find anything, especially in the forest. I figured it would be the same here. If Carp can show us, I'm sure we won't miss it." She leans in a little closer and whispers. "You're right about those goblins. To be honest, Grimm is a little scary. She doesn't talk much, does she? You say she works for gods? Is she a holy noblewoman like you?" Nene eyes Grimm discreetly, an equal mixture of awe and fear.
"Yes, she is, though I forget which god she serves... and at this point I am too afraid to ask," Kara nods toward Grimm who is probably making the most intimidating face in the world at that same moment. "I think her thing is she only talks when it's necessary. I mostly talk when I feel like it. Hah!"
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DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd[Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player] Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale Ru's Current Status
Toblen absently rubs the back of his neck. "Way I figure it, them goblins was keepin' folks from comin' into Phandalin from the west. Neverwinter has been takin' a pretty keen interest out this way in hopes the town will get back on its feet. Now that the Triboar is open again, more trade will come back and forth. That means talk about what these bastards are doin' here and a greater chance someone with some power can kick them out."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"So the less new folks that make it to Phandalin, the easier pickins for these Redbrands? And the more likely they can keep their shady business under wraps..."
Puck looks around at his companions, confident they would share his desire to eliminate the Redbrand problem.
"Well then maybe there's no better way to draw them out than to make sure the story of our recent victory over the goblins spreads through Phandalin like wildfire."
Puck pulls out a blank piece of parchment and beings scribbling while he dictates aloud.
"Heroes from Neverwinter save Phandalin resident, thwart goblin threat along road to Neverwinter..."
He continues to jot down some details about the party's recent adventures, and then begins work duplicating the missive on a few additional pieces of parchment, intent on passing them out to passersby as the group explores the rest of the town.
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
“And ‘kick them out,’ we shall,” asserts Zanigur, belatedly looking sidelong at his companions for their approval. He smirks and shakes his head slightly when he sees Nene talking to the child.
He looks as if he’s about to ask Toblen something, but then thinks better of it.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
As soon as we are outside in town, Zanigur will keep his eyes out for his old nemesis, Strabos.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Brigands at the manor you say," Kara notes outloud. She does more listening than speaking, but follows the group out agreeing that something would be done to bring justice for the family. With luck the humans that were captured are still alive... Kara could only pray that the rogues hadn't done anything to harm the innocent people. Their penitence would be harrowing if they continued to soak their hands in blood.
"We have quite the list of tasks on our hands. I believe the issue with the manor requires our immediate attention given its a potential hostage situation, but I will admit I am biased toward it. What say you all?" Kara addresses her allies. She seems eager to face the Redbrands.
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Zanigur agrees. “I agree, but we should gather information first. We don’t have any idea of numbers, let alone what kind of pull these criminals have here in Phandalin.”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"A well informed unit is a successful one," nods Grimm.
"Let's see what we can learn from the townspeople about both these Redbrands and the Black Spider. Probably best if Zanigur and Puck run point on this mission objective."
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
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The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'
Pip giggles as he playfully bats at Nene’s bushy tail. “Mornin’ Miss Nene!” He nods vigorously as he puts a and to his chest like a performer might. He then leans in close to share a secret. “I know everything! I heard mama cryin’ this mornin’ to da about some people goin’ missin’! She’s scared the bad men that took them are gonna come for us next, but I ain’t scare of them. I know where my daddy keeps his axe and I’ll hack them to bits!”
"I thought you would, you look like a very attentive young fellow! People went missing? That sounds terrible! Do you know anything about those bad men? Maybe my friends and I can help!"
Pip bites his lower lip. "I don't know as much about them, but Carp did tell me that he found a secret tunnel out in the forest! He thinks that's where them Redbrands are hiding, because he almost got caught!" He nods vigorously with his eyes wide.
Nene looks impressed: "That's great information, it will be very useful! Did Carp tell you how to find the tunnel?"
Pip shakes his head. “Nah, but he said he’d show me sometime. I bet he could tell you!”
"I will ask him, thank you so much! You might have just helped save your town!" She grins at him and turns to head to the others - then spins on her heel, rubbing her ear in embarrassment. "Uh, where do I find Carp?"
"He lives with his mom and dad on their farm! Easy to find."
Nene pats Pip on the shoulder and thanks him. She returns to the others, listening carefully to what they tell her of the Redbrands. Then she catches them up on the information she got from Pip. "I agree that we should ask around a little more, but I'm not sure if we should be too obvious about it. If they know we're coming, they can prepare. If that tunnel really leads to where they are hiding, that big house, then we could surprise them. You gotta catch them when they don't think you're after them, mama always said, when we had to get chickens for dinner!"
She waits to see what Puck thinks of the idea, looking at him expectantly.
Zanigur leans in towards Puck with a wry smile. “Seems like she got more information from the kid than we would have asking all around town. Why didn’t you ask her to join us earlier?”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Puck nods--impressed. Then he folds the pieces of parchment up and places them in his satchel just in case the need presents itself.
"Alright then--should we head out? Seems like we have a few things to look into. Divide and conquer or stick together?"
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
“We can get more done by splitting up,” suggests Zanigur. “Perhaps you and Nene can go to talk with Carp, Kara?
“I can go and find Sildar, if one of you would like to come with me?
“And someone else can go to talk with Barthen? Remember, we need to talk about the stolen goods in the goblin cave, as well as see what information he has on Mr. Rockseeker. At this point, any lead could be useful, but I’m not holding out any hope that he’s alive.”
Zanigur looks a little antsy to get going.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"I'll come with you, Z. We likely have a similar interest in local lore."
Puck turns towards his gruff, stalwart half-orc companion.
"Grimm, wouldn't want to leave ya on your own--unless that's your preference of course. Do you want to come with us as well? Tag along with the ladies? Either way, may make sense for us to check these two tasks off first, and then regroup in town to share what we've learned, before heading to see Barthen and update the trading company--since that will all happen in roughly the same area."
Long live the PCs of the Past:
Puck of the Shivering Summit -- Tabaxi Bard, College of Lore -- Lyrel's Lost Mines of Phandelver
Alus -- High Elf Cleric of Valkur, Tempest Domain -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Ah'brasar -- Aarakocra Druid, Circle of Wildfire -- Yet Another Storm King's Thunder
Furlong J. Rosewood -- Human Monk, Way of the Open Hand -- The Exploits of Misfit Company
Grimm pats Puck on the shoulder and says with a wry grin, "You don't listen much to what others say, do you?"
"Very well," continues Grimm, "it seems the two gents want alone time with their 'similar interests in local lore.' We, three, let's be off to visit Carp and his family."
Grimm moves towards the door out, asking Toblen for directions to Carp's farm, as well as the his family's names.
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
Core City: APbPA - Ormond, Human Twilight Cleric
The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'
Nene lifts her finger, about to explain to Zanigur why Puck didn't ask her, but after a moment, she understands it was a joke. She grins and nods, accepting the compliment.
"We're like a girls club, haha!" Nene seems excited by the idea. "Are you feeling rested this morning? We didn't have much of a chance to get to chat last night. You did great in that fight!" She does her best "Grimm the scary goblin fighter" impression.
"I am quite shocked that the goblins did not readily submit!" Kara adds to the praise pile as she follows Nene and Grimm. "Were I a goblin, I think I would have rightfully thought Grimm was my new leader. Especially once I learned of her service to the gods..." The tiefling grinned knowing her own biases. She seemed to figure they would follow her in any life.
"Nene, I just wanted to say, I think finding out about this potential lead was quite fantastic of you. I hope we do find this tunnel..."
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Zanigur goes with Puck to find Sildar, inquiring as to his findings and any possible leads with the goblins or Gundren.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Well, thank you both for the compliments, I suppose," replies Grimm. "Let's get going to this farm and see what we can learn about this hidden path of Carp's."
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
Core City: APbPA - Ormond, Human Twilight Cleric
The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'
Nene beams: "Thank you! Back home, kids always knew best where to find anything, especially in the forest. I figured it would be the same here. If Carp can show us, I'm sure we won't miss it." She leans in a little closer and whispers. "You're right about those goblins. To be honest, Grimm is a little scary. She doesn't talk much, does she? You say she works for gods? Is she a holy noblewoman like you?" Nene eyes Grimm discreetly, an equal mixture of awe and fear.
"Yes, she is, though I forget which god she serves... and at this point I am too afraid to ask," Kara nods toward Grimm who is probably making the most intimidating face in the world at that same moment. "I think her thing is she only talks when it's necessary. I mostly talk when I feel like it. Hah!"
DM: Adventures in Phandalin [Khessa], The Dread of Strahd [Darya], Dragons of Stormwreck Isle [Rook], Baldur's Gate Mysteries [4-Player]
Player: Oona in MO's Icewind Dale
Ru's Current Status
Grimm's face remains as it is most of the time... Calm... Stoic... Like the death mask of a veteran soldier.
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
Core City: APbPA - Ormond, Human Twilight Cleric
The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'