In chatting with Sister Garaele and Reidoth, the druid does confirm a lot of strange activity in the area, including greatly increased spider activity along with raids along the roads by goblins and hobgoblins, all things the party is well aware of. He does mention a few specific locals who have gone missing, including some elves of the region, but despite being a bit more specific none of this really changes things for the party.
It seems to Tarja that Gundren is as physically fit for the upcoming adventure as he'd ever be, but that isn't saying much. He's not really the adventuring type, seemingly possessing little in the way of combat or other skills or even overall strength and fortitude. He seems much more suited for dealing with people and conducting business, although he's pretty loose lipped regarding the latter. He also seems to be somewhat oblivious to danger and the realities of the situation, preferring to assume that everything will work out and he's always just one day away from his big financial windfall, something he seems to think his brothers may have their hands on already.
Despite multiple flying scouts around Phandalin now, the evening is quiet and soon the town is settling in for a night's rest.
As Zeke took off in flight, violet eyes would watch for some time. Fae shook her head lightly with a small smile resting on her face. She was unsurprised that he insisted she rest instead of take a shift for watch. The scholar would listen to his care and would retire early to rest for the evening, but not before she paid a visit to the Dendrar family.
Fae would offer a warm smile to the young ones as they immediately gather to ask about Zeke. “Our hero is preparing.” She’d start gently, her eyes softening but her smile not wavering. “His mind is heavy with worry.” She’d begin to explain, taking a seat on the floor where she stood. The scholar would pat the ground beside her to encourage the children to join as she’d pull out her journal and open on her lap. She’d flip through the pages until she landed on the same image she shared at Garaele’s. “Our friend was taken somewhere, and we have to find him.” With animated violet eyes, she’d turn her book to lift it, showing the children the picture of Zeke next to Arvel as they addressed Venomfang. “Maybe even save him from a spider, or a dragon.” And as the kids admired and poured over the image of their hero, her face would soften with warmth once again. She’d lean in, eyes glancing around as if she were about to tell them a secret. “And he needs your help.” She’d speak lowly before flashing them a wink. “Our protector needs you watch over your mom. Help her when you can. Make sure she’s smiling and laughing a little more each day.” Fae’s own smile would rest, showing a hint of her dimple. “Be brave, but stay smart, keeping yourselves and her safe okay?” She’d pause with a playful raised brow, waiting for them to promise her they won’t take any dangerous risks. Then she’d be sure to add. “And if you see or hear anything that you think Hero Zeke needs to know, you tell your mom, Sister Garaele or my friend Edgar here.” The wizard would hold out her elbow and the raven would walk down her shoulder to her arm. “They’ll make sure he gets the message.” She’d glance over her shoulder to the mother, nodding encouragingly with a soft dimpled smile before looking back to the children. “Do you think you can do that for him?”
Zeke. Hero Zeke! Zeke! Edgar would mimic for the kids.
Fae would instruct Edgar to stay behind once again to keep an eye on Phandalin while they were gone.
Once her visit was over, the wizard would make her way back to the Inn. She’d collect a small plate of food and a drink, bringing it to her seat at the table. Fae would dedicate some time to tracing the map Ethan temporarily copied onto her page.
The children are eager to see the pictures of Zeke, and are amazed that he might take on a dragon next. The promise to be both brave and smart and watch over their mother. They also ask if they can pet Edgar!
Fae smiled encouragingly, allowing the children to take turns petting Edgar. She'd share that he likes shiny things to play with. If one of them were curious to hold him, she'd guide them to hold their arm out so he could walk from hers to theirs. The wizard would explain that he likes to flutter about occasionally, so not to get too surprised when he does. After they'd begin to settle down from all the excitement, Fae would take her leave, giving them her word to share more stories another day.
Stonehill Inn
The scholar would complete her copy of the map. Once the map was done, she'd pull out Fablen's spellbook, realizing she hadn't been dedicating much time to studying or copying from it. So, tonight she'd take some time to work on adding to her personal spellbook, keeping in mind who they may be encountering in the next coming days. Again, she thinks she could have organized herself days earlier, but as the fates would have it, tonight was the night she could dedicate her attention and focus.
Fae would copy 2 level 1 spells for total of 4hrs and 100g in components.
- Absorb Elements - Snare
Satisfied with her preparations prior to retiring for the evening, Fae would tidy up her space, returning her dishes to the counter. She'd look around to say her good nights to those around.
Spotting Sildar, she'd thank him for staying behind to keep watch on Phandalin. With a gentle smile, Fae would assure Sildar that all his efforts continue to make a difference and are a great help to them. She felt confident knowing he was here to send word should there be any concern. the wizard shared concern for Gundren being a liability, but regardless of which scenario she considered, she believed the spirited dwarf would not, and could not, take no for an answer. Having him within their sights was perhaps better than having him run wild on his own.
With those matters discussed, Fae believed it was time for her to retire so that she could wake earlier the next morning to complete additional preparations.
The party enjoys an uneventful evening and night's rest, but those still asleep an hour before sunrise are likely woken by the loud clanging of various items in the Stonehill Inn's second floor hallway. Upon any investigation, Gundren is making his way from his room and down the stairs with an oversized pack ladened with lanterns, rope, sifting pans, a cookset, a mining pick, a tent and numerous other items for his search for treasure out there in the mountains. The dwarf can be found in the common room hastily eating a hot breakfast prepared by Toblen Stonehill while also stuffing prepared rations provided by the Inn into his pack.
To anyone awake, or to the first to come down from the second floor after Gundren, the dwarf excitedly asks where everyone else is and how soon they can be ready to go.
Zeke split his rest up so he could take the devil's hour shift and still wake up early enough to walk the perimeter before anyone else was stirring.
He was back in the common room of the Inn eating a generous breakfast when the racket of their benefactor making his way down the stairs drew his attention. Frowning at the oversized pack and the ridiculous collection of accouterment, the barbarian took a deep breath and pushed himself back from the table.
'Good morning Master Gundren. It's good to see you up and looking so hale this morning.' As the dwarf settles in for breakfast, Zeke offers to help redistribute the pack's load a bit 'Our very own Master Artificer has some rather ingenious tricks for making traveling easier and reducing the amount of noise we make on the trail. Perhaps when he joins us this morning he can help us streamline your kit to make the journey as fast as possible. Making eye contact with the dwarf, the tiefling emphasizes the speed issue yet again 'Speed is, of course of the essence. We wouldn't want anything to slow us down on our way to find your brothers and rescue Arvel.'
Quinnsees Zekewhen he gets up for is early morning round and flies down to join him, keeping a little ways back from the large tiefling. When Zekefinishes and enters the inn for breakfast, Quinnfollows, finding a nearby location in a corner to wait and watch. As the noise of Gundren's preparations and decent reaches Quinn, the little homunculus looks alarmed and speeds off up the stairs to Ethan's room, passing the noisy dwarf on the way.
Opening the door, Quinnfinds Ethanlying awake in his bed.
"Hello Quinn, have a good night guarding the town?"
"Το να πετάς ψηλά στον αέρα είναι διασκεδαστικό. Εγώ και αυτός με υπέροχα φτερά, πετάξαμε για λίγο στην αρχή. Στη συνέχεια, όταν έφυγε, πήγα πίσω στον ουρανό για να παρακολουθήσω. Υπάρχουν πολύ μικρά μικροσκοπικά φώτα στοουρανός το βράδυ, είναι καλό να το παρακολουθείς. "
"Flying high in the air is fun. Me and the one with magnificent wings, flew around for a little bit at the beginning. Then when he left, I went back up into the sky to watch. There are very many tiny lights in the sky at night, it is good to watch."
Ethansmiles at Quinn's enthusiasm, getting up and getting his equipment sorted, before heading down to join the others having breakfast.
"It is good to see you looking yourself again Gundren."
Gundren replies to Zeke "yes, yes, most excellent." "Perhaps the talented Mr. Ethan can even devise a way for us to bring even more supplies, and haul back even more treasure!"
Zeke looks up as the little mechanical creation whizzes by in search of it's Master. He enjoyed patroling with Ethan's marvelous creation and had chuckled to himself watching the little creature mimic his posture and vigilance last night. While the actions were amusing, the added set of eyes was a serious help to the party - and he was grateful that the mechanical marvel was alerting the artificer to the challenge in the common room.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fae had woken a little earlier and had decided to remain in her room to study. She’d spend part of her morning reviewing and copying a spell from Fablen’s Spellbook into her own. By the time she was finishing up and collecting her things, she’d hear the clamour of equipment down the hall. At one point it even sounded like a bunch of pots and pans falling down the stairs. Nibbling her lip, she figured it was plenty reason enough for her to finally leave her room for the day.
Once dressed and ready for the day, Fae would collect her things to head out. Peeking out of her doorway, she’d catch Ethan heading downstairs, confirming for her that it was time for final briefing and preparation before leaving. Hugging her spellbook to her chest, Fae would tiptoe down the stairs. Quietly, she’d grab a plate of breakfast and taking a seat to tuck herself in at the table.
Fas would offer a small smile before looking back to her food. She’d remain silent, picking at it as she’d listen to the morning chatter.
Tarjacomes down rested and refreshed, prepared for the journey ahead. They'd be leaving the town today, and who knows what they would find out in the woods - spiders, Spiders, shapeshifters, an ancient lost mine... and hopefully Arvel, recovered safely.
(Updated prepared spells - removed Heat Metal and Hold Person, since those seem to be more useful against humanoids and we're likely to be facing beasties, and added Moonbeam (extra good against shapeshifters!) and Summon Beast).
She hears Gundren before she sees him, and welcomes him down.
Always good to see you back on your feet, Gundren! You look prepared - for the travel, at least. Not sure anyone can rightly prepare for dealing with wizards and the Black Spider. Still, better to face them with a good pack.
We might have to find a way to organize those pans a bit better though! Don't want to disturb the whole forest as we pass by!
Zeke nods Ethan towards Gundren's crazy pack as the artificer enters the room. 'Master Gundren, perhaps you would be so kind as to walk Tarja and I through the map you have? It would be nice to get your help in planning our route.' As he speaks, the tiefling flares his wings ever so slightly to give Ethan cover to begin organizing Gundren's pack out of sight. Guiding the dwarf towards one of the larger tables, the barbarian ropes the druid in to keep their benefactor distracted long enough to get his supplies down to a manageable level for the trip.
"Ol' Gundren isn't afraid of a few spiders, I'll tell you that!" remarks the oblivious dwarf. "As for wizards, that's why I hired fine folk such as yourselves!"
"Of course, of course"Gundren remarks to Zeke, pulling out his little copy of the map. He points to the first statue in the valley where the party found it and says "I think you all have it right here. You have to trust the secret the statue holds over the map." He points to the first line in the verse he was told, then the rest. "After that, we'll have to see!"
Ethan looks at Gundren's overfull pack and comments.
"I could store much of his in my gauntlet if you like, keep you down to just the basics and day to day stuff in your pack. Let me know if that's what you would like."
Quinn hovers next to Ethan, examining the various items bulging out of Gundren's pack or barely hanging onto the outside of it.
"Χμμμ ... ουάου ... λαμπερό ... αυτό έχει πολλά διασκεδαστικά πράγματα, όπως εσείς το κυριαρχείτε. Χρειάζεται να φτιάξει μια θαυμάσια εφεύρεση σαν τη δική σας, για να τα αποθηκεύσει όλα ..."
"Hhmmm...ooww...shiny...this one has many fun things like you master. He needs to build a marvellous invention like yours, to store it all in..."
DM:
To keep things simple, I can create a bundle item that represents any extra items Gundren wants stored, leaving him with the basics, food, bedding, etc. Let me know if Gundren wants that.
Zeke speaks up before the dwarf has a chance to respond making firm eye contact with Ethan 'Yes Master Artificer, that sounds like a marvelous idea. Let's leave our benefactor with a light day pack - some rope, rations and weapons. We'll trust to your marvelous device for all our other needs as we always do'. turning back to the dwarf, the barbarian does his best to distract the attention-challenged Gundren by pointing to spots on the map and asking detailed questions over and over again about trivial matters of elevation, terrain and which paths his brothers may have taken. As he does he looks up pointedly at Tarja, pleading with his eyes for her help in managing the dwarf.
"Oh, well well, yes that would be most excellent, Mr. Ethan. Carrying supplies for your employer is a smart move. You really are a go getter, aren't you? Keep it up and you might just get hired on the next great Rockseeker opportunity! hehe!"
(OOC: Sure, sounds good. No need to be too specific on what Gundren has at the moment. Thanks!)
"Well, shall we? We're running late!"
(It is still dark out in the morning, unless someone specifically slept in longer through some of the noise.)
Tarja helps Zeke and Ethan manage Gundren, looking over the map and helping him unload some of his overstuffed pack into Ethan's gauntlet. Not that Gundren will be that stealthy even without it, but he'll make a bit less of a racket!
Fae had finished reviewing her spells and studies, but was busying herself in her journal to try to hide her enjoyment of the scene unfolding before her. She had actually been sketching. A tender smile of amusement tugged at her lips as the three would work together to wrangle Gundren this morning. Violet eyes would peek up to catch each individuals display of patience and approach to solving the challenge. A little giggle would even escape her at one point. She'd bite her lip to try to stop herself.
When the prompt would come to get going, Fae would be sure to check in with Elra. She'd even bring a light morning snack and some water to offer her if she hadn't tried to ingest something yet this morning. "We're ready when you are." The wizard would give her a warm smile, not intending to add any pressure or to rush her.
As the party prepares to set off for the unknown, you step out into a chilly morning in Phandalin, the skies particularly gloomy despite a rising sun far off in the east. Sister Garaele emerges from the warmth and glow of her small house clutching a thick wool wrapping around her shoulders with one hand. You just barely catch the scent of her fire, mint and baking bread on the air from that direction. "Fae, Tarja" she calls. "It isn't much, but take these, and may Tymora's favor fall upon you." She hands you each one (standard) potion of healing.
Sildar, Daran, the Stonehills and a few others watch as you depart, hopeful for your eventual return.
The party sets off on a familiar route out of town to the east, skirting the farmland and then heading into the hills. It is notably cold in the shadows of the Icespire Peak and its companions further east. The ever enthusiastic Gundren has plenty of energy to keep up a good pace across flat land but slows notably only about ten minutes into the uphill portion of the journey. A light rain picks up around this time as well, making your ascent of the hills during mid morning a damp one.
(Pausing her in case anyone wants to say or do anything, otherwise we can proceed to the first statue if you like.)
Zeke keeps to his customary position covering the party's backtrail, his cloak thrown back and basking in the early morning chill. Eyes sweeping left-right-left his blade extended to it's full length, the butt of the halberd striking the ground with every other step, the tiefling stops every hundred yards or so and carefully checks their back trail, looking for any signs of someone following them.
He's eager to get underway and to get back to the first statue on the trail. He trusts to the wiser members of the team to unravel the riddle, once they get there. If they get there with their proprietor in tow. Looks like the enthusiastic dwarf is flagging already. He's going to be a challenge to manage thinks the long strided barbarian as he slows his pace to keep the dwarf in the middle of the party.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
(Sounds good for Ethan's crafting time.)
In chatting with Sister Garaele and Reidoth, the druid does confirm a lot of strange activity in the area, including greatly increased spider activity along with raids along the roads by goblins and hobgoblins, all things the party is well aware of. He does mention a few specific locals who have gone missing, including some elves of the region, but despite being a bit more specific none of this really changes things for the party.
It seems to Tarja that Gundren is as physically fit for the upcoming adventure as he'd ever be, but that isn't saying much. He's not really the adventuring type, seemingly possessing little in the way of combat or other skills or even overall strength and fortitude. He seems much more suited for dealing with people and conducting business, although he's pretty loose lipped regarding the latter. He also seems to be somewhat oblivious to danger and the realities of the situation, preferring to assume that everything will work out and he's always just one day away from his big financial windfall, something he seems to think his brothers may have their hands on already.
Despite multiple flying scouts around Phandalin now, the evening is quiet and soon the town is settling in for a night's rest.
As Zeke took off in flight, violet eyes would watch for some time. Fae shook her head lightly with a small smile resting on her face. She was unsurprised that he insisted she rest instead of take a shift for watch. The scholar would listen to his care and would retire early to rest for the evening, but not before she paid a visit to the Dendrar family.
Fae would offer a warm smile to the young ones as they immediately gather to ask about Zeke. “Our hero is preparing.” She’d start gently, her eyes softening but her smile not wavering. “His mind is heavy with worry.” She’d begin to explain, taking a seat on the floor where she stood. The scholar would pat the ground beside her to encourage the children to join as she’d pull out her journal and open on her lap. She’d flip through the pages until she landed on the same image she shared at Garaele’s. “Our friend was taken somewhere, and we have to find him.” With animated violet eyes, she’d turn her book to lift it, showing the children the picture of Zeke next to Arvel as they addressed Venomfang. “Maybe even save him from a spider, or a dragon.” And as the kids admired and poured over the image of their hero, her face would soften with warmth once again. She’d lean in, eyes glancing around as if she were about to tell them a secret. “And he needs your help.” She’d speak lowly before flashing them a wink. “Our protector needs you watch over your mom. Help her when you can. Make sure she’s smiling and laughing a little more each day.” Fae’s own smile would rest, showing a hint of her dimple. “Be brave, but stay smart, keeping yourselves and her safe okay?” She’d pause with a playful raised brow, waiting for them to promise her they won’t take any dangerous risks. Then she’d be sure to add. “And if you see or hear anything that you think Hero Zeke needs to know, you tell your mom, Sister Garaele or my friend Edgar here.” The wizard would hold out her elbow and the raven would walk down her shoulder to her arm. “They’ll make sure he gets the message.” She’d glance over her shoulder to the mother, nodding encouragingly with a soft dimpled smile before looking back to the children. “Do you think you can do that for him?”
Zeke. Hero Zeke! Zeke! Edgar would mimic for the kids.
Fae would instruct Edgar to stay behind once again to keep an eye on Phandalin while they were gone.
Once her visit was over, the wizard would make her way back to the Inn. She’d collect a small plate of food and a drink, bringing it to her seat at the table. Fae would dedicate some time to tracing the map Ethan temporarily copied onto her page.
just an unstable unicorn.
The children are eager to see the pictures of Zeke, and are amazed that he might take on a dragon next. The promise to be both brave and smart and watch over their mother. They also ask if they can pet Edgar!
Dendrar's
Fae smiled encouragingly, allowing the children to take turns petting Edgar. She'd share that he likes shiny things to play with. If one of them were curious to hold him, she'd guide them to hold their arm out so he could walk from hers to theirs. The wizard would explain that he likes to flutter about occasionally, so not to get too surprised when he does. After they'd begin to settle down from all the excitement, Fae would take her leave, giving them her word to share more stories another day.
Stonehill Inn
The scholar would complete her copy of the map. Once the map was done, she'd pull out Fablen's spellbook, realizing she hadn't been dedicating much time to studying or copying from it. So, tonight she'd take some time to work on adding to her personal spellbook, keeping in mind who they may be encountering in the next coming days. Again, she thinks she could have organized herself days earlier, but as the fates would have it, tonight was the night she could dedicate her attention and focus.
Fae would copy 2 level 1 spells for total of 4hrs and 100g in components.
- Absorb Elements
- Snare
Satisfied with her preparations prior to retiring for the evening, Fae would tidy up her space, returning her dishes to the counter. She'd look around to say her good nights to those around.
Spotting Sildar, she'd thank him for staying behind to keep watch on Phandalin. With a gentle smile, Fae would assure Sildar that all his efforts continue to make a difference and are a great help to them. She felt confident knowing he was here to send word should there be any concern. the wizard shared concern for Gundren being a liability, but regardless of which scenario she considered, she believed the spirited dwarf would not, and could not, take no for an answer. Having him within their sights was perhaps better than having him run wild on his own.
With those matters discussed, Fae believed it was time for her to retire so that she could wake earlier the next morning to complete additional preparations.
just an unstable unicorn.
The party enjoys an uneventful evening and night's rest, but those still asleep an hour before sunrise are likely woken by the loud clanging of various items in the Stonehill Inn's second floor hallway. Upon any investigation, Gundren is making his way from his room and down the stairs with an oversized pack ladened with lanterns, rope, sifting pans, a cookset, a mining pick, a tent and numerous other items for his search for treasure out there in the mountains. The dwarf can be found in the common room hastily eating a hot breakfast prepared by Toblen Stonehill while also stuffing prepared rations provided by the Inn into his pack.
To anyone awake, or to the first to come down from the second floor after Gundren, the dwarf excitedly asks where everyone else is and how soon they can be ready to go.
Zeke split his rest up so he could take the devil's hour shift and still wake up early enough to walk the perimeter before anyone else was stirring.
He was back in the common room of the Inn eating a generous breakfast when the racket of their benefactor making his way down the stairs drew his attention. Frowning at the oversized pack and the ridiculous collection of accouterment, the barbarian took a deep breath and pushed himself back from the table.
'Good morning Master Gundren. It's good to see you up and looking so hale this morning.' As the dwarf settles in for breakfast, Zeke offers to help redistribute the pack's load a bit 'Our very own Master Artificer has some rather ingenious tricks for making traveling easier and reducing the amount of noise we make on the trail. Perhaps when he joins us this morning he can help us streamline your kit to make the journey as fast as possible. Making eye contact with the dwarf, the tiefling emphasizes the speed issue yet again 'Speed is, of course of the essence. We wouldn't want anything to slow us down on our way to find your brothers and rescue Arvel.'
Quinn sees Zeke when he gets up for is early morning round and flies down to join him, keeping a little ways back from the large tiefling. When Zeke finishes and enters the inn for breakfast, Quinn follows, finding a nearby location in a corner to wait and watch. As the noise of Gundren's preparations and decent reaches Quinn, the little homunculus looks alarmed and speeds off up the stairs to Ethan's room, passing the noisy dwarf on the way.
Opening the door, Quinn finds Ethan lying awake in his bed.
"Hello Quinn, have a good night guarding the town?"
"Το να πετάς ψηλά στον αέρα είναι διασκεδαστικό. Εγώ και αυτός με υπέροχα φτερά, πετάξαμε για λίγο στην αρχή. Στη συνέχεια, όταν έφυγε, πήγα πίσω στον ουρανό για να παρακολουθήσω. Υπάρχουν πολύ μικρά μικροσκοπικά φώτα στο ουρανός το βράδυ, είναι καλό να το παρακολουθείς. "
"Flying high in the air is fun. Me and the one with magnificent wings, flew around for a little bit at the beginning. Then when he left, I went back up into the sky to watch. There are very many tiny lights in the sky at night, it is good to watch."
Ethan smiles at Quinn's enthusiasm, getting up and getting his equipment sorted, before heading down to join the others having breakfast.
"It is good to see you looking yourself again Gundren."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Gundren replies to Zeke "yes, yes, most excellent." "Perhaps the talented Mr. Ethan can even devise a way for us to bring even more supplies, and haul back even more treasure!"
Zeke looks up as the little mechanical creation whizzes by in search of it's Master. He enjoyed patroling with Ethan's marvelous creation and had chuckled to himself watching the little creature mimic his posture and vigilance last night. While the actions were amusing, the added set of eyes was a serious help to the party - and he was grateful that the mechanical marvel was alerting the artificer to the challenge in the common room.
Fae had woken a little earlier and had decided to remain in her room to study. She’d spend part of her morning reviewing and copying a spell from Fablen’s Spellbook into her own. By the time she was finishing up and collecting her things, she’d hear the clamour of equipment down the hall. At one point it even sounded like a bunch of pots and pans falling down the stairs. Nibbling her lip, she figured it was plenty reason enough for her to finally leave her room for the day.
Once dressed and ready for the day, Fae would collect her things to head out. Peeking out of her doorway, she’d catch Ethan heading downstairs, confirming for her that it was time for final briefing and preparation before leaving. Hugging her spellbook to her chest, Fae would tiptoe down the stairs. Quietly, she’d grab a plate of breakfast and taking a seat to tuck herself in at the table.
Fas would offer a small smile before looking back to her food. She’d remain silent, picking at it as she’d listen to the morning chatter.
Portents: 6 | 2
just an unstable unicorn.
(Nice portents! A crit and a low roll!)
Tarja comes down rested and refreshed, prepared for the journey ahead. They'd be leaving the town today, and who knows what they would find out in the woods - spiders, Spiders, shapeshifters, an ancient lost mine... and hopefully Arvel, recovered safely.
(Updated prepared spells - removed Heat Metal and Hold Person, since those seem to be more useful against humanoids and we're likely to be facing beasties, and added Moonbeam (extra good against shapeshifters!) and Summon Beast).
She hears Gundren before she sees him, and welcomes him down.
Always good to see you back on your feet, Gundren! You look prepared - for the travel, at least. Not sure anyone can rightly prepare for dealing with wizards and the Black Spider. Still, better to face them with a good pack.
We might have to find a way to organize those pans a bit better though! Don't want to disturb the whole forest as we pass by!
Zeke nods Ethan towards Gundren's crazy pack as the artificer enters the room. 'Master Gundren, perhaps you would be so kind as to walk Tarja and I through the map you have? It would be nice to get your help in planning our route.' As he speaks, the tiefling flares his wings ever so slightly to give Ethan cover to begin organizing Gundren's pack out of sight. Guiding the dwarf towards one of the larger tables, the barbarian ropes the druid in to keep their benefactor distracted long enough to get his supplies down to a manageable level for the trip.
"Ol' Gundren isn't afraid of a few spiders, I'll tell you that!" remarks the oblivious dwarf. "As for wizards, that's why I hired fine folk such as yourselves!"
"Of course, of course" Gundren remarks to Zeke, pulling out his little copy of the map. He points to the first statue in the valley where the party found it and says "I think you all have it right here. You have to trust the secret the statue holds over the map." He points to the first line in the verse he was told, then the rest. "After that, we'll have to see!"
Ethan looks at Gundren's overfull pack and comments.
"I could store much of his in my gauntlet if you like, keep you down to just the basics and day to day stuff in your pack. Let me know if that's what you would like."
Quinn hovers next to Ethan, examining the various items bulging out of Gundren's pack or barely hanging onto the outside of it.
"Χμμμ ... ουάου ... λαμπερό ... αυτό έχει πολλά διασκεδαστικά πράγματα, όπως εσείς το κυριαρχείτε. Χρειάζεται να φτιάξει μια θαυμάσια εφεύρεση σαν τη δική σας, για να τα αποθηκεύσει όλα ..."
"Hhmmm...ooww...shiny...this one has many fun things like you master. He needs to build a marvellous invention like yours, to store it all in..."
DM:
To keep things simple, I can create a bundle item that represents any extra items Gundren wants stored, leaving him with the basics, food, bedding, etc. Let me know if Gundren wants that.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Zeke speaks up before the dwarf has a chance to respond making firm eye contact with Ethan 'Yes Master Artificer, that sounds like a marvelous idea. Let's leave our benefactor with a light day pack - some rope, rations and weapons. We'll trust to your marvelous device for all our other needs as we always do'. turning back to the dwarf, the barbarian does his best to distract the attention-challenged Gundren by pointing to spots on the map and asking detailed questions over and over again about trivial matters of elevation, terrain and which paths his brothers may have taken. As he does he looks up pointedly at Tarja, pleading with his eyes for her help in managing the dwarf.
"Oh, well well, yes that would be most excellent, Mr. Ethan. Carrying supplies for your employer is a smart move. You really are a go getter, aren't you? Keep it up and you might just get hired on the next great Rockseeker opportunity! hehe!"
(OOC: Sure, sounds good. No need to be too specific on what Gundren has at the moment. Thanks!)
"Well, shall we? We're running late!"
(It is still dark out in the morning, unless someone specifically slept in longer through some of the noise.)
Tarja helps Zeke and Ethan manage Gundren, looking over the map and helping him unload some of his overstuffed pack into Ethan's gauntlet. Not that Gundren will be that stealthy even without it, but he'll make a bit less of a racket!
(Woo! Agree. Great portents :D)
Fae had finished reviewing her spells and studies, but was busying herself in her journal to try to hide her enjoyment of the scene unfolding before her. She had actually been sketching. A tender smile of amusement tugged at her lips as the three would work together to wrangle Gundren this morning. Violet eyes would peek up to catch each individuals display of patience and approach to solving the challenge. A little giggle would even escape her at one point. She'd bite her lip to try to stop herself.
When the prompt would come to get going, Fae would be sure to check in with Elra. She'd even bring a light morning snack and some water to offer her if she hadn't tried to ingest something yet this morning. "We're ready when you are." The wizard would give her a warm smile, not intending to add any pressure or to rush her.
just an unstable unicorn.
As the party prepares to set off for the unknown, you step out into a chilly morning in Phandalin, the skies particularly gloomy despite a rising sun far off in the east. Sister Garaele emerges from the warmth and glow of her small house clutching a thick wool wrapping around her shoulders with one hand. You just barely catch the scent of her fire, mint and baking bread on the air from that direction. "Fae, Tarja" she calls. "It isn't much, but take these, and may Tymora's favor fall upon you." She hands you each one (standard) potion of healing.
Sildar, Daran, the Stonehills and a few others watch as you depart, hopeful for your eventual return.
The party sets off on a familiar route out of town to the east, skirting the farmland and then heading into the hills. It is notably cold in the shadows of the Icespire Peak and its companions further east. The ever enthusiastic Gundren has plenty of energy to keep up a good pace across flat land but slows notably only about ten minutes into the uphill portion of the journey. A light rain picks up around this time as well, making your ascent of the hills during mid morning a damp one.
(Pausing her in case anyone wants to say or do anything, otherwise we can proceed to the first statue if you like.)
Zeke keeps to his customary position covering the party's backtrail, his cloak thrown back and basking in the early morning chill. Eyes sweeping left-right-left his blade extended to it's full length, the butt of the halberd striking the ground with every other step, the tiefling stops every hundred yards or so and carefully checks their back trail, looking for any signs of someone following them.
He's eager to get underway and to get back to the first statue on the trail. He trusts to the wiser members of the team to unravel the riddle, once they get there. If they get there with their proprietor in tow. Looks like the enthusiastic dwarf is flagging already. He's going to be a challenge to manage thinks the long strided barbarian as he slows his pace to keep the dwarf in the middle of the party.