OOC: There are two inns in the town. The Stonehill Inn is the towns main establishment, it sits at the corner of the town square where the group is standing. I'm assuming this is the Inn that everyone is going to?
The other Inn is far to the east of town at the end of the main street, The Sleeping Giant. It's derelict, unwelcoming and dangerous. Its only patrons thieves and bandits.
If you would like to visit The Sleeping Giant I can run that instead? For now I've run the encounter at The Stonehill.
The company head for the nearest tavern, called The Stonehill Inn. From outside it’s a shining beacon in an otherwise dark town square. A hive of song and activity. Serak pushes open the door and they all step into the loud jovial atmosphere of the bar.
Inside, the inn is rammed full of townsfolk. The main bar runs along the far wall, a barman behind it serves drinks to those standing patiently. Round wooden tables litter the floor, each one full of men and women telling jokes and trading stories. A small dancefloor takes up one end of the room on which a guitarist plays songs and sings, completely lost in himself.
The music and laughter suddenly stops as the heroes step inside. A few chairs scrape along the wooden floor.
The townsfolk inside all turn to look at the strangers who have disturbed their fun. Slowly however they return to their drinks and conversations, this is a town constantly living on edge.
In the corner of one room, Serak spots a quiet card game taking place and heads over. Zyltris makes his way to the bar. Syna turns to Beetle saying “I suppose we should get a table and keep an eye on the others?”
Over at the card table, Serak attempts to introduce himself,
"Greetings friends, my name is Serak the Skald, travelling bard. Could I trouble you in joining your game?" One old man beside an empty chair looks up from his winning hand and says "By all means friend, more money for the pot! It's 10cp to buy in, but don't think we'll go easy on you just because you're not from around here!" He gestures to the seat beside him.
"Names Narth, this cheap old fool is Lanar, that's Freda, she's the town weaver and the Falk here has all of our money so it's his turn at the bar!" The table laughs, Falk stands up miserably and heads to the bar. The game runs well, Serak intentionally losing money, is making friends fast. Falk returns with a tray of drinks, he places one down in front of the half-elf. "A bit of lubrication for you my friend. Now who's money is next for me to rob?"
Building trust with the table Serak has learnt alot about his new friends.
Serak takes a sip of the cider brought over to him and begins to deal out another hand. "So Narth, what business have you in this fine town?". Narth smiles, glad that Serak has asked, "Eighth generation farmer of Phandalin me. Right back to the prosperous times. Oh those were good days. Now though the ground is hard and making a living even harder. Although at least we aren't bothered here by orcs any more!" Lanar then butts in to the conversation "Didn't you hear you old fool? The orcs are back on the mountain, on the east end of the Triboar trail out near Conyberry. The townmaster put a notice up the other day looking for help to run them off before they came westwards". Falk then replies, "Come on Lanar. You know full well that the orcs never come down this far any more. The best raiding is to the north, we have nothing worth stealing anymore! When was the last time you... or any of the miners here found anything worth anything? It's just a shame you can't make a living at the card table" Lanar looks disheartened, he stares sadly down at his miniscule pile of copper coins. Much of his days work, sitting in the larger pile of Falks. "It's those Redbrands we should be worried about though. They hassle every business in town. Sure even this very night they assaulted poor Morthen for protection money! The only one they don't bother is Halia up at the Miners Exchange. What's she got on them that we dont?" Freda exclaims, obviously annoyed.
The conversation continues, Seraks pot grows and shrinks as the night wears on.
At the bar, Zyltris stands patiently waiting for service. The barman obviously too busy with his regular patrons to bother with a traveller.
"Excuse me sir, Can I order a drink?" Zyltris tries in vain to get the barmans attention. Beside him, a fit, silver haired Elf, well over 100 years old laughs. "Haha, You'll never get service like that in here my young one. Oi! Toblen! Stop running your mouth and get my elven friend a drink!"
Toblen is a short, jolly young man who obviously enjoys life on the other side of the bar. He staggers over, drying a glass in his right hand. "Sorry gents, got a bit distracted there talking to Silvio. You know what he's like and his prospecting! What can I get for you?"
"Oh don't you listen to that idiot. He could find gold if it hit him in the face" The elf laughs, he elbows Zyltris hard to encourage him to do the same. "Get me a Cider... and an Ale for my friend here?" He casts a friendly look at Zyltris as he poses the question. Toblen gets to work behind the bar serving the drinks. "Cider made from the finest apples in Phandalin then? Or yours?" Toblen chuckles away to himself and he serves the pair.
Taking a big quaff, "You know rightly there's no better apples in this town than mine Toblen. It's the only orchard in this rock heap!" The elderly elf turns his attention back to Zyltris. "I haven't seen you around here before friend. Are you passing through or is there something in town that interests you?" He eyes Zyltris suspiciously.
Beetle agrees with Syna and they move to an open table the find, “Hope the food here is decent I’m starving” says Beetle, hoping to order food and drink fro Syna and himself soon as a waitress or bar maiden comes around.
Beetle and Syna sit patiently at a table near to the door. Carefully watching over their friends from across the room.
A drunken patron staggers into the table, spilling his drink on the floor "SHO SHORRY! AF HASD OO MASH DER TRINK! HAHA!" He staggers off leaving the floor sticky and wet. A few seconds later a barmaid arrives at the table, a tall beautiful young woman, no older than 24. She smiles a friendly smile and starts mopping the floor and table to clear away the spilt ale.
"Sorry boys, this time of night always gets a bit messy. Poor Lukas works all day and drinks all night, but he's harmless really. What can I get you guys from the bar? We have plenty of ales to choose from, or our own cider brewed from our own local apples? Or is it a meal and a bed your after? To be honest you're more likely to get served here at a table than at the bar! Toblen never stops talking long enough to serve anyone. So what'll it be? The cider? Are you boys staying in the town for long?" The barmaid continues to mop, spotting a few ale drops on Beetles longsword she begins wiping it down as well "This stuff gets everywhere! Excuse me Mr Paladin. Can't have you fighting with a sticky sword can we?"
Believing he has learned enough about the Redbrands to continue his investigation, Serak plays several more hands before excusing himself. "Well... while it has been excellent fun donating to Falk's retirement fund, I must check on my companions and arrange rooms for the night. It was a pleasure meeting you Narth, Lanar, Falk and not least of all Freda. Good eve to you."
Serak: Standing from the card game, the bard sits with Beetle and Syna. He waits until Zyltris returns before relating what he's learned.
"It seems the Redbrands are nothing more than common street toughs running a protection racket. I've learned they shake down every business owner in town, except Halia at the Miners Exchange. Seems a likely next step is to speak to her.
"Also, there is talk of orcs along the road near Conyberry and the town master isrequesting assistance in dealing with them.
"Well I think our 1st priority is to find Gundren since he might be in the most immediate danger," Beetle pauses a moment, "if still alive. Once that is done I think we can definitely look into dealing with the Redbrands and the orcs is they are an issue. Before anything we need a bit of sleep and head out in morning which ever path we are going" Beetle awaits his companions answer/opinion.
“I think getting a good night’s rest and then heading back for Gundren is a good idea. I’ll head up to bed in a bit. I’d like to talk with that elf over at the bar a bit too see what he has to say.”
Zyltris heads back to the bar after catching up with the heroes and asks the elf what his name is and offers to by him a cider.
Beetle decides it's time to get some rest, he gives the bartender some coin for the drink and food, and heads up to get some rest. (Just letme know how much for the food, drink and rooms, I will take care of everyone's tab if I can afford it)
Zyltris heads back to the bar and talks with the elf.
The name is Zyltris. I’d say I’m passing through and the town intrigued me. Tough road up here, what with the goblins attacking me on the way. I’m hoping to get a good night of rest. If possible I’m hoping to re-provision in town, maybe pick up some work and earn a little coin, then be on my way. I don’t like to stay in one place too long these days. What do you know about the area?
Around the table the four adventurers have regrouped. The barmaid takes their orders.
"Certainly Mr Elf, Our local Pinewood tea is very nice. I'll bring over a selection of meats, cheeses, breads and fruit from the kitchen as well as a couple of glasses of our homemade ale."
She makes her way back to the kitchen when she pauses, "Oh and if you need anything else the names Elsa. If I'm not around Toblen is usually behind the bar or his wife Trilena is in the kitchen. If you're looking for rooms I'll go and organise these now... we have a few free tonight for 5 silver each. Very comfy they are, with a great view of Wyvern Tor. Anyway I'm rambling again, I'll be back shortly." Elsa scuttles away to the kitchen leaving the four adventurers at the table.
Syna surveys the room while the others talk. Nothing seems out of the ordinary in the inn. The card players have all but left, some happier than others. Lanar the unfortunate miner is still betting trying to win back his lost earnings. Falk just laughing and happy to keep winning. At the bar stands the old elf, drinking his cider quietly by himself, occassionally joking with Toblen the bars owner. Many patrons are filtering out slowly. One drunk man lies passed out one the stage, the guitarist trying to help him up.
Elsa returns with room keys and a tray of food. "Mr Paladin I believe this room key is yours, I believe the bill will be 4 gold and 5 silver pieces. You can settle in the morning if you wish. Have a nice night gentlemen, enjoy your stay! Oh come on Lukas time you went home to your wife, she'll have Toblens head for you coming back like this again!" She skips off again, and tries to help the drunk man off the floor.
Beetle takes his key and heads up to his room to rest for the night, while Zyltris heads back to the bar. Syna and Serak sit and have their choice of the food selection brough over to them by the barmaid.
Zyltris approaches the bar again.
The elf turns to face him as he arrives back beside him. "Those your friends? They look a fine bunch, a good set of companions... for any adventurer. You don't have to pretend with me Sir Zyltris, I know an adveturer when I see one, after all I used to be one" The elf smiles a warm smile at the elf, a glint in his old eyes. "Forgive my earlier rudeness but I had to be sure of you. The names Daran, Daran Edermath. I'd been told to expect you one of these days. Those Goblins are an awful bunch, never had the priviledge myself but the traders that come through here are always saying how dangerous it is on the Triboar."
He orders another cider from Toblen. "Just between you and me, goblins are the least of our problems here. I'm sure by now you've run into the Redbrands. They're killing this town and nobody dares say boo. I'm too old now but maybe you and your fellows would be interested in helping us all out a great deal?"
"There's plenty going on around here so if there's something specific you want to know about or you need work then ask away! I always have time for a fellow traveler of the land. What I wouldn't give to be able to do what you're doing again. Back in my prime I was marshal of the dragon coast if you'd believe it. That's long gone now though. Now it's just me and my apples and this quaint little mining town. Ain't that right Toblen?"
Toblen, bust cleaning down the bar for the night doesn't look up, just grunts back with a "Aye, quaint is about right".
He takes another sip of cider, carefully places down his mug and turns in his seat to face Zyltris. Placing a friendly hand on the elfs shoulder he smiles and says "Tell me Zyltris, where might you be passing through to get to? And how might I help you?
Serak: The bard will enjoy a quick meal and then go to his room for the night. His thoughts return often to Gundred Rockseeker, Sildar Haliwinter and the horrors that await them this night. Sleep is difficult, but mercifully it comes. Serak will wake before dawn to prepare for a long day of tracking and slaying Goblins.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Zyltris takes in what Daran is telling him. "We have indeed heard of the Redbrands. At the moment though we are trying to track down our prior employer. A dwarf named Gundren had asked us to bring some supplies to Barthen. That is what we were doing when the goblins attacked. We found what appears to be Gundren's horse, along with that of his travelling companion, just before we were attacked. Barely made it out of that one, we did. There was no sign of the travelers, however. I believe we are going to be heading back to try to track them in the morning.
These Redbrands, are they really all that tough? Seems like people are afraid of them but I've not seen a sign of them in here. This place was pretty busy earlier, seems like a good place for them to have made their presence known. Where might we find the Redbrands, if we choose to take them on?"
The elderly dwarf turns back to Zyltris. The pair are nearly the only ones left in the bar
"Yes I'd heard from Barthen about Gundrens little expedition.Very interesting to say the least. From what you've told me since you sat here it has all the makings of a goblin abduction. In my experience goblins never venture far away from some sort of a cave or hideaway. I guarantee if you head back to where you were ambushed there will be a narrow pathway leading you straight back to their lair.... or at the very least an outpost of theirs." He stares back into his emptying glass, deep in thought, "Although, goblins don't usually take prisoners.... there's something more to this. I'm afraid I can't say what it is without coming with you. Sadly I am too old now so you'll have to continue this quest without me. I have no doubt you and your accomplices will have little trouble rescuing Gundren my boy."
Darans face sharpens, he becomes deadly serious now, "About these Redbrands, I can assure you they are much worse than you're being told. The townsfolk are more scared than they allow themselves to admit, ignorance is bliss as they say. They mainly hang out in the Sleeping Giant Inn on the east side of town. I'm sure you have seen it, it's a big run down old building?" Zyltris shakes his head, he hasn't been that side of Phandalin yet. "Well nevertheless, I wouldn't go near there unless you're looking for trouble. The place is full of bandits, thieves and Redbrands. When they aren't in there they're hiding out in the basement of that derelict old mansion further up the road, Tresendar Manor. Them and their leader, Glasstaff."
"If you really want to know how bad they are you should speak to Morthen. Everybody knows what they've done to him, but nobody wants to admit it."
"Alright men I'll have to ask you to empty you glasses please! We've all our own homes to get back to" Toblen rings his bell signalling the end of the drinking day. Those who have not yet stumbled out already are downing the last dreggs of drink or settling bills.
If all goes well and the get rest without being disturbed in the night......
Beetle comes down in the morning pays the innkeeper 5g to cover their expenses and then sits at a table and waits for his companions. Strange thoughts run through Beetle's mind this early morning remembering a dream, or more of a feeling he had while sleeping, of hexblade forces pulling at his soul, almost as if they were trying to push out the divine energy of Tyr. Beetle says a morning prayer to Tyr, assuring him these dark forces will be controlled and together with Tyr's strength they will bend the dark forces to serve good and justice.
Zyltris comes down from the room visibly shaken. He sits with Beetle and orders a small breakfast. Staring into his tea he shudders again. “I must find a way to escape this nightmare...” he mutters to himself.
Morning breaks much as it always does in the sleepy mining town. The prospectors and hunters head off from the towns square at first light in search of gold and prey. As the sun slowly rises above the Sword Mountains in the east, the air warms. Birdsong fills the air as many of the town open their businesses and prepare for the day ahead. A tired looking Barthen opens his trade post, disheveled from a sleepless night of worry.
In the main hall of Stonehill Inn, Beetle and Zyltris are already awake, long before the sun has cast its warming light inside. Toblen and Elsa are busy cleaning the bar and tables to prepare for another days custom. The stickyness and debris of the night before all but forgotten. Peace reigns in the small town, there is no hint of any trouble bubbling under its surface.
Serak: Arising before the sun, Serak lights his tobacco pipe and ponders what new trials this day may hold. He prepares his gear and equips himself before heading to the common room to greet the others.
"Good morn, my friends! I trust we're all well rested and ready for a goblin hunt? Shall we backtrack to the ambush site and track the goblins from there? Or Syna, perhaps your gift with animals could help us discover the location of the goblin camp? Surely the creatures of the forest would have noticed their presence and avoid them."
Serak sits down to a light breakfast while the group discusses their next move.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Zyltris heads to the bar in search of Daran. He will order an ale and talk up the barkeep to get things rolling.
OOC: There are two inns in the town. The Stonehill Inn is the towns main establishment, it sits at the corner of the town square where the group is standing. I'm assuming this is the Inn that everyone is going to?
The other Inn is far to the east of town at the end of the main street, The Sleeping Giant. It's derelict, unwelcoming and dangerous. Its only patrons thieves and bandits.
If you would like to visit The Sleeping Giant I can run that instead? For now I've run the encounter at The Stonehill.
The company head for the nearest tavern, called The Stonehill Inn. From outside it’s a shining beacon in an otherwise dark town square. A hive of song and activity. Serak pushes open the door and they all step into the loud jovial atmosphere of the bar.
Inside, the inn is rammed full of townsfolk. The main bar runs along the far wall, a barman behind it serves drinks to those standing patiently. Round wooden tables litter the floor, each one full of men and women telling jokes and trading stories. A small dancefloor takes up one end of the room on which a guitarist plays songs and sings, completely lost in himself.
The music and laughter suddenly stops as the heroes step inside. A few chairs scrape along the wooden floor.
The townsfolk inside all turn to look at the strangers who have disturbed their fun. Slowly however they return to their drinks and conversations, this is a town constantly living on edge.
In the corner of one room, Serak spots a quiet card game taking place and heads over. Zyltris makes his way to the bar. Syna turns to Beetle saying “I suppose we should get a table and keep an eye on the others?”
Over at the card table, Serak attempts to introduce himself,
"Greetings friends, my name is Serak the Skald, travelling bard. Could I trouble you in joining your game?" One old man beside an empty chair looks up from his winning hand and says "By all means friend, more money for the pot! It's 10cp to buy in, but don't think we'll go easy on you just because you're not from around here!" He gestures to the seat beside him.
"Names Narth, this cheap old fool is Lanar, that's Freda, she's the town weaver and the Falk here has all of our money so it's his turn at the bar!" The table laughs, Falk stands up miserably and heads to the bar. The game runs well, Serak intentionally losing money, is making friends fast. Falk returns with a tray of drinks, he places one down in front of the half-elf. "A bit of lubrication for you my friend. Now who's money is next for me to rob?"
Building trust with the table Serak has learnt alot about his new friends.
Serak takes a sip of the cider brought over to him and begins to deal out another hand. "So Narth, what business have you in this fine town?". Narth smiles, glad that Serak has asked, "Eighth generation farmer of Phandalin me. Right back to the prosperous times. Oh those were good days. Now though the ground is hard and making a living even harder. Although at least we aren't bothered here by orcs any more!"
Lanar then butts in to the conversation "Didn't you hear you old fool? The orcs are back on the mountain, on the east end of the Triboar trail out near Conyberry. The townmaster put a notice up the other day looking for help to run them off before they came westwards".
Falk then replies, "Come on Lanar. You know full well that the orcs never come down this far any more. The best raiding is to the north, we have nothing worth stealing anymore! When was the last time you... or any of the miners here found anything worth anything? It's just a shame you can't make a living at the card table" Lanar looks disheartened, he stares sadly down at his miniscule pile of copper coins. Much of his days work, sitting in the larger pile of Falks.
"It's those Redbrands we should be worried about though. They hassle every business in town. Sure even this very night they assaulted poor Morthen for protection money! The only one they don't bother is Halia up at the Miners Exchange. What's she got on them that we dont?" Freda exclaims, obviously annoyed.
The conversation continues, Seraks pot grows and shrinks as the night wears on.
At the bar, Zyltris stands patiently waiting for service. The barman obviously too busy with his regular patrons to bother with a traveller.
"Excuse me sir, Can I order a drink?" Zyltris tries in vain to get the barmans attention. Beside him, a fit, silver haired Elf, well over 100 years old laughs. "Haha, You'll never get service like that in here my young one. Oi! Toblen! Stop running your mouth and get my elven friend a drink!"
Toblen is a short, jolly young man who obviously enjoys life on the other side of the bar. He staggers over, drying a glass in his right hand. "Sorry gents, got a bit distracted there talking to Silvio. You know what he's like and his prospecting! What can I get for you?"
"Oh don't you listen to that idiot. He could find gold if it hit him in the face" The elf laughs, he elbows Zyltris hard to encourage him to do the same. "Get me a Cider... and an Ale for my friend here?" He casts a friendly look at Zyltris as he poses the question. Toblen gets to work behind the bar serving the drinks. "Cider made from the finest apples in Phandalin then? Or yours?" Toblen chuckles away to himself and he serves the pair.
Taking a big quaff, "You know rightly there's no better apples in this town than mine Toblen. It's the only orchard in this rock heap!" The elderly elf turns his attention back to Zyltris. "I haven't seen you around here before friend. Are you passing through or is there something in town that interests you?" He eyes Zyltris suspiciously.
Beetle agrees with Syna and they move to an open table the find, “Hope the food here is decent I’m starving” says Beetle, hoping to order food and drink fro Syna and himself soon as a waitress or bar maiden comes around.
Beetle and Syna sit patiently at a table near to the door. Carefully watching over their friends from across the room.
A drunken patron staggers into the table, spilling his drink on the floor "SHO SHORRY! AF HASD OO MASH DER TRINK! HAHA!" He staggers off leaving the floor sticky and wet. A few seconds later a barmaid arrives at the table, a tall beautiful young woman, no older than 24. She smiles a friendly smile and starts mopping the floor and table to clear away the spilt ale.
"Sorry boys, this time of night always gets a bit messy. Poor Lukas works all day and drinks all night, but he's harmless really. What can I get you guys from the bar? We have plenty of ales to choose from, or our own cider brewed from our own local apples? Or is it a meal and a bed your after? To be honest you're more likely to get served here at a table than at the bar! Toblen never stops talking long enough to serve anyone. So what'll it be? The cider? Are you boys staying in the town for long?" The barmaid continues to mop, spotting a few ale drops on Beetles longsword she begins wiping it down as well "This stuff gets everywhere! Excuse me Mr Paladin. Can't have you fighting with a sticky sword can we?"
Believing he has learned enough about the Redbrands to continue his investigation, Serak plays several more hands before excusing himself. "Well... while it has been excellent fun donating to Falk's retirement fund, I must check on my companions and arrange rooms for the night. It was a pleasure meeting you Narth, Lanar, Falk and not least of all Freda. Good eve to you."
Serak: Standing from the card game, the bard sits with Beetle and Syna. He waits until Zyltris returns before relating what he's learned.
"It seems the Redbrands are nothing more than common street toughs running a protection racket. I've learned they shake down every business owner in town, except Halia at the Miners Exchange. Seems a likely next step is to speak to her.
"Also, there is talk of orcs along the road near Conyberry and the town master is requesting assistance in dealing with them.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
"Well I think our 1st priority is to find Gundren since he might be in the most immediate danger," Beetle pauses a moment, "if still alive. Once that is done I think we can definitely look into dealing with the Redbrands and the orcs is they are an issue. Before anything we need a bit of sleep and head out in morning which ever path we are going" Beetle awaits his companions answer/opinion.
“I think getting a good night’s rest and then heading back for Gundren is a good idea. I’ll head up to bed in a bit. I’d like to talk with that elf over at the bar a bit too see what he has to say.”
Zyltris heads back to the bar after catching up with the heroes and asks the elf what his name is and offers to by him a cider.
Beetle decides it's time to get some rest, he gives the bartender some coin for the drink and food, and heads up to get some rest. (Just letme know how much for the food, drink and rooms, I will take care of everyone's tab if I can afford it)
Syna to the Barmaid:
"Hot tea if you have it," he says inclining his head in a small bow and a smile. "Bread, cheese, any fruits would be most welcome."
Kain glances around the room, "Surely it is not only you to serve this crowd"
While he waits for her answer, his eyes scan the crowd slowly.
Perception:18
"ALWAYS GIVE A MONSTER AN EVEN BREAK!"
1st Edition DMG
Zyltris heads back to the bar and talks with the elf.
The name is Zyltris. I’d say I’m passing through and the town intrigued me. Tough road up here, what with the goblins attacking me on the way. I’m hoping to get a good night of rest. If possible I’m hoping to re-provision in town, maybe pick up some work and earn a little coin, then be on my way. I don’t like to stay in one place too long these days. What do you know about the area?
Around the table the four adventurers have regrouped. The barmaid takes their orders.
"Certainly Mr Elf, Our local Pinewood tea is very nice. I'll bring over a selection of meats, cheeses, breads and fruit from the kitchen as well as a couple of glasses of our homemade ale."
She makes her way back to the kitchen when she pauses, "Oh and if you need anything else the names Elsa. If I'm not around Toblen is usually behind the bar or his wife Trilena is in the kitchen. If you're looking for rooms I'll go and organise these now... we have a few free tonight for 5 silver each. Very comfy they are, with a great view of Wyvern Tor. Anyway I'm rambling again, I'll be back shortly." Elsa scuttles away to the kitchen leaving the four adventurers at the table.
Syna surveys the room while the others talk. Nothing seems out of the ordinary in the inn. The card players have all but left, some happier than others. Lanar the unfortunate miner is still betting trying to win back his lost earnings. Falk just laughing and happy to keep winning. At the bar stands the old elf, drinking his cider quietly by himself, occassionally joking with Toblen the bars owner. Many patrons are filtering out slowly. One drunk man lies passed out one the stage, the guitarist trying to help him up.
Elsa returns with room keys and a tray of food. "Mr Paladin I believe this room key is yours, I believe the bill will be 4 gold and 5 silver pieces. You can settle in the morning if you wish. Have a nice night gentlemen, enjoy your stay! Oh come on Lukas time you went home to your wife, she'll have Toblens head for you coming back like this again!" She skips off again, and tries to help the drunk man off the floor.
Beetle takes his key and heads up to his room to rest for the night, while Zyltris heads back to the bar. Syna and Serak sit and have their choice of the food selection brough over to them by the barmaid.
Zyltris approaches the bar again.
The elf turns to face him as he arrives back beside him. "Those your friends? They look a fine bunch, a good set of companions... for any adventurer. You don't have to pretend with me Sir Zyltris, I know an adveturer when I see one, after all I used to be one" The elf smiles a warm smile at the elf, a glint in his old eyes. "Forgive my earlier rudeness but I had to be sure of you. The names Daran, Daran Edermath. I'd been told to expect you one of these days. Those Goblins are an awful bunch, never had the priviledge myself but the traders that come through here are always saying how dangerous it is on the Triboar."
He orders another cider from Toblen. "Just between you and me, goblins are the least of our problems here. I'm sure by now you've run into the Redbrands. They're killing this town and nobody dares say boo. I'm too old now but maybe you and your fellows would be interested in helping us all out a great deal?"
"There's plenty going on around here so if there's something specific you want to know about or you need work then ask away! I always have time for a fellow traveler of the land. What I wouldn't give to be able to do what you're doing again. Back in my prime I was marshal of the dragon coast if you'd believe it. That's long gone now though. Now it's just me and my apples and this quaint little mining town. Ain't that right Toblen?"
Toblen, bust cleaning down the bar for the night doesn't look up, just grunts back with a "Aye, quaint is about right".
He takes another sip of cider, carefully places down his mug and turns in his seat to face Zyltris. Placing a friendly hand on the elfs shoulder he smiles and says "Tell me Zyltris, where might you be passing through to get to? And how might I help you?
Serak: The bard will enjoy a quick meal and then go to his room for the night. His thoughts return often to Gundred Rockseeker, Sildar Haliwinter and the horrors that await them this night. Sleep is difficult, but mercifully it comes. Serak will wake before dawn to prepare for a long day of tracking and slaying Goblins.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Zyltris takes in what Daran is telling him. "We have indeed heard of the Redbrands. At the moment though we are trying to track down our prior employer. A dwarf named Gundren had asked us to bring some supplies to Barthen. That is what we were doing when the goblins attacked. We found what appears to be Gundren's horse, along with that of his travelling companion, just before we were attacked. Barely made it out of that one, we did. There was no sign of the travelers, however. I believe we are going to be heading back to try to track them in the morning.
These Redbrands, are they really all that tough? Seems like people are afraid of them but I've not seen a sign of them in here. This place was pretty busy earlier, seems like a good place for them to have made their presence known. Where might we find the Redbrands, if we choose to take them on?"
The elderly dwarf turns back to Zyltris. The pair are nearly the only ones left in the bar
"Yes I'd heard from Barthen about Gundrens little expedition.Very interesting to say the least. From what you've told me since you sat here it has all the makings of a goblin abduction. In my experience goblins never venture far away from some sort of a cave or hideaway. I guarantee if you head back to where you were ambushed there will be a narrow pathway leading you straight back to their lair.... or at the very least an outpost of theirs." He stares back into his emptying glass, deep in thought, "Although, goblins don't usually take prisoners.... there's something more to this. I'm afraid I can't say what it is without coming with you. Sadly I am too old now so you'll have to continue this quest without me. I have no doubt you and your accomplices will have little trouble rescuing Gundren my boy."
Darans face sharpens, he becomes deadly serious now, "About these Redbrands, I can assure you they are much worse than you're being told. The townsfolk are more scared than they allow themselves to admit, ignorance is bliss as they say. They mainly hang out in the Sleeping Giant Inn on the east side of town. I'm sure you have seen it, it's a big run down old building?" Zyltris shakes his head, he hasn't been that side of Phandalin yet. "Well nevertheless, I wouldn't go near there unless you're looking for trouble. The place is full of bandits, thieves and Redbrands. When they aren't in there they're hiding out in the basement of that derelict old mansion further up the road, Tresendar Manor. Them and their leader, Glasstaff."
"If you really want to know how bad they are you should speak to Morthen. Everybody knows what they've done to him, but nobody wants to admit it."
"Alright men I'll have to ask you to empty you glasses please! We've all our own homes to get back to" Toblen rings his bell signalling the end of the drinking day. Those who have not yet stumbled out already are downing the last dreggs of drink or settling bills.
Zyltris thanks the elf and Toblen, heading up to his room as he does.
If all goes well and the get rest without being disturbed in the night......
Beetle comes down in the morning pays the innkeeper 5g to cover their expenses and then sits at a table and waits for his companions. Strange thoughts run through Beetle's mind this early morning remembering a dream, or more of a feeling he had while sleeping, of hexblade forces pulling at his soul, almost as if they were trying to push out the divine energy of Tyr. Beetle says a morning prayer to Tyr, assuring him these dark forces will be controlled and together with Tyr's strength they will bend the dark forces to serve good and justice.
Zyltris comes down from the room visibly shaken. He sits with Beetle and orders a small breakfast. Staring into his tea he shudders again. “I must find a way to escape this nightmare...” he mutters to himself.
"I am sorry to hear that my friend, if I can help...." Beetle ponders a moment but decides maybe best to leave it at that.
Morning breaks much as it always does in the sleepy mining town. The prospectors and hunters head off from the towns square at first light in search of gold and prey. As the sun slowly rises above the Sword Mountains in the east, the air warms. Birdsong fills the air as many of the town open their businesses and prepare for the day ahead. A tired looking Barthen opens his trade post, disheveled from a sleepless night of worry.
In the main hall of Stonehill Inn, Beetle and Zyltris are already awake, long before the sun has cast its warming light inside. Toblen and Elsa are busy cleaning the bar and tables to prepare for another days custom. The stickyness and debris of the night before all but forgotten. Peace reigns in the small town, there is no hint of any trouble bubbling under its surface.
Serak: Arising before the sun, Serak lights his tobacco pipe and ponders what new trials this day may hold. He prepares his gear and equips himself before heading to the common room to greet the others.
"Good morn, my friends! I trust we're all well rested and ready for a goblin hunt? Shall we backtrack to the ambush site and track the goblins from there? Or Syna, perhaps your gift with animals could help us discover the location of the goblin camp? Surely the creatures of the forest would have noticed their presence and avoid them."
Serak sits down to a light breakfast while the group discusses their next move.
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien