Sword Coast Rambling

Sildar ponders for a moment, "Hmm.... Never heard of a King Grol. Sounds like some sort of a goblin from the name maybe? Or a Bugbear perhaps. Not too many castles around here either.... let me see." Heading over to the old bookcase, Sildar pulls a roll of old parchment from the shelf. With great care the veteran unrolls it carefully across the desk and blows away the loose dust. An ancient map of the Sword Coast. While the mountains are the same, Neverwinter Wood ends much farther north to the north side of the Neverwinter River.  Deep in concentration, he runs a finger across the mountains where Phandalin should be, tracing a line north. "Where we are now used to be the ancient kingdom of Phalorm before it fell to the Horde of the Wastes. Lets see here.... AH! A few castles north of here. Can't guarantee they're still standing but it'll narrow your search somewhat. Bruckstone Keep - about 60 miles north of here along the High Road just south of Helms Hold, Barnsil Castle - 35 miles east along the Triboar, likely hidden in the southern side of Neverwinter wood nowadays.... and Galadhor Castle is about 40 miles north of here.... again probably taken over by the forest. If what you say is true, perhaps the Cragmaws have taken one of those and simply renamed it? If thats the case then Gundren is surely there."

Zyltris:

Kai asks, "Are any of them in rough country?  Crag might indicate a rock or bluff, and maw an opening.  Like to a cavern system."

Taking his time with the map, Sildar looks for any signs of rough ground, "Not that I can see Syna. The land tends to flatten north of the Sword Mountains until it reaches Neverwinter River. Theres occasional hills scattered on the map through the wood but they are unlikely to be very accurate. There's certainly nothing here to signify and rough ground near any of the three castles I've just mentioned. Again, these locations are merely a hunch. Perhaps the castle you seek is south.... closer to the sword mountains than we have been led to believe...?"

"It is possible the goblins were lying, I mean they are goblins, but I do not think they were." Beetle interrupts..."but all they said was it was north of where we were and that was about it.  If I had to venture a guess I would say it is in some of those heavily wooded areas to the north because it would have to be pretty well hidden away if no one has seen or noticed it yet."

Serak: Taking note of the locations Sildar mentioned on the map, Serak says, "Thank you, Sir. That narrows our search area enough that we should finally be able to find these Cragmaw."

Turning to the cowering halfling, the bard studies him for a moment and says, "So, Harbin... You seem even more skittish than usual. Do we make you nervous?"

Serak stares down the Town Master, attempting to discern why he is so afraid. 

Insight: 16

Cowering behind his book, Harbin let’s loose a little squeal and tightens his grip. Visibly shaking, he peeks over the cover revealing his red sweaty forehead. The townmaster answers weakly, “n... no no Mr Serak n... not at all. Just the whole sub... situation.” He slides the coin purse already on the table closer to the bard, “Phandalin thanks you for your services.” 

Sildar speaks up for the pathetic townmaster, “The sooner this is all over the better. Eh Harbin? You have my thanks gentlemen. With luck Gundren will be a free dwarf again soon. If I can be of more assistance you know where I’ll be.”

OOC: There was 100gp given earlier for the orcs. 20gp each - coin totals are updated in the campaign notes 

OOC: Yeah, I remembered after I posted. I updated it with an Insight check instead, which is lower than Serak's Passive Insight, so likely no new info. lol

To the old elf, “What is your take on this Lords Alliance? Awful gruff with us when we met them. And to think we are the reason they have gained a foothold here...”

Zyltris:

 OOC: Missed that Serak! But you’re right, there’s no new info from Harbin

Serak: Bowing quickly toward Harbin, Serak's hand darts out and the coins seem to vanish in his palm. Turning to exit, he shakes Sildar's hand and says, "Thank you for the iinformation. This is likely to be my last night in civilization for awhile, so I plan on getting piss drunk tonight! Join us if you'd like, Sildar. We'll find this Black Spider and bring him to justice in no time! Now my friends, let us head to the Temple of Tymora to give the Priestess the good news, and then to the tavern! I have stories to tell and drinks to drink, long into the morning!"

Deception: 18

Satisfied his lies are convincing, Serak begins to plot and plan his true activities for this evening.

With a cheery wave Sildar sees the party back outside into the slowly emptying square. Stonehill Inn heaves with soldiers pushing through the doorway. Slumped against the wall, Gildas chuckles drunkenly to himself while the young flag bearer before him throws up the venison from the night before into the street.

Looking on with disgust from across the square, Sister Garaele tried to busy herself scrubbing away at a small trinket of some sort. It’s been a while since the town was this busy, and like the majority of the townsfolk, she’s not quite sure what to make of the chaos. 

Serak: Smiling cheerfully, Serak approaches Sister Garaele and bows low. Examining the trinket, Serak says, "Hello, my dear Sister Garaele. We come with good news! We found Agatha and presented her with the comb. She said she traded Bowgentle's Spellbook to an Necromancer named Tsernoth one hundred years ago. He took it somewhere called Iriaebor and that is all she knew."

Looking down at the trinket once more, he says, "What have you there? Anything I can help you with? Also, what can you tell us about these Coins of Tymora?"

"Good to see you again Sister...." Beetle says..."As my companion Serak here has said we did take care of your task so you can report back to your elders that you have completed your task with success. I also must say that Agatha was not very talkative, if it weren't for your gift for her I do not think she would have spoken a single word."

“Oh good evening sirs,” Sister Garaele says distractedly before registering who has approached her, “OH! Oh dear I am so sorry. That is great news! You know, Agatha caused me some trouble when I sought her out myself but this.... this will help my superior sisters greatly! I had heard that the comb was in fact hers in life, you might say it was lucky you had it with you.” A knowing look flashes in her eyes. “Thank you so much for undertaking this task. You’ve been most helpful.” She returns the smile to Serak before beaming at the others individually to show her appreciation. “And of course, reward for a job well done. Though I have not much to offer you I’m afraid. Let this heal your woes in your journey.” With a free hand the priestess draws a healing potion from an inside pocket and offers it to the party.

Turning her attention back to her cleaning, Sister Garaele relaxes slightly. The trinket in her hands, a small golden statue of Tymora. The beautiful goddess surrounded by countless swirling shamrocks which have collected dust during the recent high winds. “Why Mr Serak, this is Our Lady of Luck. I’m sure you’ve been acquainted by now, she has surely answered my prayers and blessed you all. But alas she is covered in filth and so I am duty bound to give her a spritzing up.” With a little giggle she continues to scrub at a particularly dirty shamrock with her cloak. Seeing the coins that Serak holds before her her scrubbing suddenly stops. Her eyes widen as she examines each of them in turn. “In fact, those coins you hold are signs of the Ladies presence and blessing. You have been truly blessed my dears. It is said that ‘Fortune Favours the Brave’ and in the case of Our Lady that is to be taken literally. Faith in Tymora is a powerful thing, a sign like these are not to be taken lightly. It is also sometimes said, that passing a coin on to one who needs it most will please the goddess further.”

Serak: Serak flips the coins back to Beetle and Syna and says, "Thank you, Sister. We are most grateful for the information and we humbly accept this potion. If you ever have any further need of our assistance, seek us out. Good day, M'lady."

With five total potions now, Serak hands one potion to each party member and says, "Best if each of us has a potion on hand for emergencies. Now, I've some business to tend to this evening, gentlemen. Loose ends to tie up before we leave Phandalin... I don't trust this Town Master Harbin. We need to also check on the Manor and pay Linene a visit to pay her. Shall we depart for our next journey at dawn then?

As the men turn away from the shrine, a meek voice calls them back. “Um... actually Mr Serak if I could have a word in private?” Begging her pardon from the others for her rude interruption, Sister Garaele pulls the bard to one side, away from prying ears.

Serak:

"I am going to stay for a bit and offer my prayers to Tyr." Beetle says.."If that is ok with you Sister."  With that said Beetle moves to a quiet spot near the shrine and prepares his daily prayers.

“You’re more than welcome Beetle.” Sister Garaele says, gesturing an open arm at the shrine once she finished talking to Serak. “Be sure to say a quick prayer for Tymora too! She will be most appreciative.”

Jelenneth too makes herself comfy in the shrine. “If it’s ok with the two of you... I’d like to sit a while too. I have much to be thankful for this night.” With a smile the Druid begins to draw a symbol onto her forehead before closing her eyes and falling into deep concentration.

Serak: 

Serak: