”I must admit, Quelline, many things about today have not gone as anticipated. Your help this morning was very useful and I wanted to thank you for giving your time under your circumstances. I can only imagine your hardships. It is a surprise to see you again, but a pleasant one.
I am hoping we are a little bit closer to seeing the safety of the kind folk, such as yourself and your family, but we may still see troubles in Phandalin yet.
I for one hope to seek out the Druid you mentioned, however I seek the complete safety of Phandalin and its people first. We aren’t quite celebrating yet.
Have you and your family experienced any other worries in this town besides the Redbrands? Have you heard of, or encountered, trouble with Orcs, for instance?”
Qelline's eyes smile along with her face. The halfling is genuinely pleased to be engaging further in conversation with you."Oh, aye, the possibility of orcs is a grave concern - what, with the little protection we have around here. Though for myself I've only heard rumour of orcs rather than see them meself. Most travellers coming here by Wyvern Tor speak of them. And frankly, given the history of this place, I can't see them staying clear for long. If yer of a mind, speak with Harbin, as I heard he's offered a little gold for anyone willing to deal with them.
Other than that, we could most handle ourselves if only we could get to it. If the Redbrand problem is put to rest, and orcs won't be breathing down our necks... well, this little piece of the world would be just lovely!"
Another loud crack of thunder shakes the buildings and you realise it must have struck fairly close by.
"It's a shame Reidoth left when he did. The druid knows much and would likely have enjoyed restoring some balance to this area. Will you all seek him out after settling Phandalin, you and your fellow adventurers?"
Swift reaches out and grasps Candle Khan's hand in a firm clasp. “Well met, “ she responds.
Swift then replies to Tolben with a touch of humour..: “Clearly the timing of Master Khan's arrival is good. Waiting out the storm with my usual companions was threatening to be a bit tedious, having spent the best part of the morning in their company. A fresh face is a rich prize! “. She continues on in a more serious manner: “‘tis kind of you to provide the first drink freely, master Tolben. We are very grateful for such largesse. A meal for us both would be most welcome.” Swift reaches into the folds of her vestments to retrieve the coin for both meals.
“Will you accept my offer of a shared meal Master Khan? Come. Let's retire to the fire. I will introduce you to Naivara and Quelline. I can expand on our adventurers so far while we wait for ale and a meal. I''m sure Naivara will fill in the bits I miss. Quelline also may be interested in the recap of our adventures. We may be lucky. She may be able to shed some light on aspects of our mornings experiences.
Naivara is one of our party. The others are around somewhere, though Virran, another member, has gone on ahead, back to the manor. Our party will join him later, once the storm passes.”
Swift turns and heads towards Naivara, glancing over her shoulder to see if Candle Khan follows.
“Ahhh, lady by name only, master khan. My father felt we should be part of the nobility, so named me lady and my brother lord. I’m sure he would have continued the tradition if the town council had not persuaded him to use other names. Perhaps i would have a sister called baroness... another brother called baron. I dont think he would have quite stretched to naming his offspring prince or princess.
So, just call me Swift, short for SwiftArrow - a last name of uncertain origins. I dont think my father ever held a bow, let alone shoot an arrow. He was a glass blower by trade, but i never saw him practice glass blowing. He preferred to work with words to influence the elders of our town. “
Swift continues speaking as they move the short distance to the fire. “True, we have not been idle, though our foray into Tresendar Manor was somewhat brief. Among our party, some of us are swifter in actions than others. Take virran, gone back into action already while we hide here from the storm.”
As Swift arrives at the fire she places herself near Naivara and Quelline. “Naivara, Quelline, pardon the interruption.”She pauses briefly for them to finish their conversation. “This is master Candle Khan, recently arrived and somewhat rain battered. We’ve come to share the fire so master Khan can dry out his clothes and sundry items. I’m sure drying will ward off a chill that can sometimes follows standing around wet. Master khan is interested in our morning’s adventure and news of recent events in Phandalin”
Upon their return to the inn Stig excused himself and went to his room where he changed out of his blood soaked clothes, cleaned his weapons and equipment, and gave a short prayer to Marthammor Duin.
He then re-entered the common room where he spied his party, and others, at a table near the fire. Just as a particularly bright flash lit up the world outside, Stig waved to attract the attention of Tolben and signaled for an ale and a meal.
Walking across the room he joined his companions. "Well that feels better. Quite a spectacular light show going on outside." He said with a smile to no one in particular as he took a seat.
Virran tries to hear what the argument is. If he is un able to make out the words he would like to move closer to the source
Listening intently, you hear several voices heatedly talking back and forth. By the guttural sounds and garbled language, at least one part of the conversation is humanoid, yet not human, and not visible from your current position. You hear snippets about 'Glasstaff' - 'work for' - 'where'. The conversation ends abruptly with a deep, loud growl and a shout. Moments later, a large creature you recognise as a bugbear comes stalking out of the corridor, followed by two more. They move with purpose toward the cavern entry and are gone just as quickly.
Not moving, you avoid their detection. You are still hidden when four humans exit the same corridor as the bugbears and stop. The lead ruffian rubs his face where a deep bruise is already beginning to show.
"Feckin' beasts. If they come back 'ere, we're gonna kill em! Was them that probably killed the eye-monster and the others." With that, they all cast their eyes around the cavern where the Nothic recently lived (Perception Check7). They do not appear to have seen you and after a moment longer scanning the room, begin moving again; but not the way the bugbears went, but toward the still-standing bridge and closer to your position.
Naivara meets Candle’s eyes, sharing a solemn look. “Virran is a wanderer. Yes, he is a concern. He is often a concern.. and I for one do fear that one day he will find himself in danger.
“I was just telling Quelline, here, that we faired well today. We are closer to ensuring the safety of this town. But I fear that within the manor there are at least two bugbears and goodness knows how many humans remaining.. and they may be angered to see the mess we left behind.
”I wish to see the safety of this town. When this storm clears, I wish to see the manor cleared. There shan’t be a single Redbrand bring harm to this town again. When the manor is cleared, then I wish to accept Harbin’s offer of gold to take care of the Orcs causing some trouble outside of the town. I would then like to explore further to discover if the Rockseeker brothers have, as claimed today, been murdered. And, yes Quelline, I do wish to seek out Reidoth. It does sound like he can offer much wisdom on our plight to find Gundren.
”I have truly learnt today and in the past couple of weeks the value of a team. We have lost and we have gained. To have fighters, to have Magics, to have friends behind you when you lose patience or fall... it truly is priceless.
“Candle, if you believe in our cause, help us clear out the manor. Help us ensure the safety of our wayward friend... it won’t be the last time we follow him simply to ensure his safety... that seems to be just what we do.
“Quelline, it has been a pleasure to see you again under slightly better circumstances. It is people such as yourself that remind me of the goodness that can be found in others. The very reason a town is worth saving. Can you tell me, are there others that you think may seek to bring this town harm? The lady owner of the tavern that the Redbrands would frequent, perhaps?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
@ Virran
The men move across the wooden bridge and turn, rather than into the storage room, toward you and the passage way that leads to the cistern. They approach the pillar by which you are concealed in a short time (perception check, as they are almost upon you: 14) and you quietly move around the pillar whilst sticking to the shadows.
"We'll find out what's happening when we get to town," the lead Redbrand mutters.
"And what of Glasstaff? He'll be pissed if this is all for nothing and screws with his plans..." come the reply, a little nervously.
"Glasstaff'll thank us. Those bloody bugbears've bloody left us now to wherever they bloody well like, so it's just us now. We'll go ruffle some feathers and crack a few fingers."
They continue on past you and then turn along the corridor that will ultimately bring them out in the ruins atop the hill.
.
(OOC - don't forget to reply in a spoiler - others are talking about things they shouldn't know of (such as the bugbears) because it's in the main thread.)
Qelline looks around the new group before speaking, as if collecting her thoughts before speaking. "Oh aye, Naivara. Phandalin has been a mystery long forgotten and recently 'found'. While the town itself has been home to several people before now, it has only recently began to become something more. To any place outside the safety of Neverwinter and the like, harm comes in many forms!" She pauses for a drink before continuing. "To that does not really answer your question now, does it? No. I've heard tell of the orcs in the area, like ye mentioned, and there's always sightings of goblins or wolves in the woods long the roadways - but none harass us here. Then there's always the odd sighting of owlbears - but that's likely just the foolish wandering where they shouldn't or the very, very unlucky! And still, at least we don't have dragon problems - that would be of harm for sure!
From Phandalin's view, the Redbrands and the orcs are the most pressing matters for the town. Most other things keep their distance." Finishing her drink, she places it on the low table to the side and reaches her fingers out towards the flames; an afternoon of rest must be a welcome blessing to those who toil the land every day. “As for Grista... that surly dwarf simply has more bark than is good for anyone - certainly more than your regular dwarf!” She winks at Stig as she says this. “Every town must have its warts... ours is Grista... but she is one of us all the same, even if one could wish her more... community minded?”
At hearing this, a loud snort, followed by some coughing, comes toward you in the form of Elsa, the barmaid. “I’ve heard Grista spoken of in many ways, but that’s the bestie so far! I’ll be sure to keep that one in mind next time she comes ‘round.”
”Now you mind what ye say - we all have to live with her and I don’t want any trouble.”
”Ok, ok!” Elsa turns to Naivara. “Qelline might think she knows everything around here, but Eldath, down at the orchard, used to be an adventurer like yerselves. Bet he knows some things that might interest you.” You watch Qelline’s reaction at this comment, yet she doesn’t seem particularly upset by the banter.
Assuming the worst that the remaining redbrands are going to attack the town and try and free glasstaf virran dashes towards the forest exit and runs back to town (remembering to jump the tripwire).
Once in town first stop is the townhall where glasstaf and (forgotten the name but the guy we handed him over too) to warn them there.
After that he heads to stone hill inn to find the rest of the party and relate the possible pending attack.
Qelline leans forward in her seat, the chuckles quietly. "You mistake me, Master... Candle, wasn't it? For I am not the innkeep despite my extensive time spent before this fine fire. My son Carp and I toil an honest living down the ways," she loosely waves her hand over her shoulder as if that should explain the location of her farm, "except when trouble comes a-calling.
"I imagine my experiences quite similar to your own - if you don't mind me hypothesising a little - and a lot more like this here storm. I have often found that one tends to arrive with a storm at their back - roiling trouble and fierce worry. Yet even in a darkest of storms, one finds a warm hearth and kind hearts. Is that not so for yourself, Master Candle? At some stage this storm will pass. And between it and the next, there must be something to make you smile... to make you breathe... to make you notice of the good. And when that happens, the next storm is easier to handle and passes more quickly.
Qelline pauses to let her words sink in, yet continues to stare kindly at the monk. "It is Phandalin that is my place between storms, as it is for others. Some of us openly share how we came to be here, others guard it more closely, yet still we have come together to smile and become like a family.
She laughs suddenly and the mood shifts significantly. "But don't get me wrong - everyone here still needs to make a living, it's just that not all of us are after the gold. I could live in the very heart of Neverwinter or Waterdeep and wake to a dagger being plunged into my breast - danger exists everywhere men go.
"We've just chosen a place where we can see a future. If the lost mine of Wave Echo Cave has truly been found, then this small town will likely grow - and rapidly. If that is the case, then the troubles from the outside will find it all the harder, even if troubles within will likely grow. These adventurers, " she indicates Naivara, Swift, Night Hawke and Stig, "are also a part of this process. If they have the skills to deal with these problems and are willing, then they too become a part of Phandalin. They will stay or go as they need - I know at least a couple of them have business elsewhere.
"Master Candle - you might find, similar to us, that strength does not come from one alone. It is a community - friendship - that creates creates and maintains this strength. Phandalin is strong through that, and we grow stronger with those who join us.
You race from the underground cavern and pause, briefly, at the end of the tunnel opening. The bugbears are nowhere to be seen and with your mind on other things, you don't take the time to check carefully. You make your way at a run and leap the stone wall that rings the edge of town and Alderleaf Farm, making a direct line for the Townmaster's Hall. Rain soaks you through in a matter of minutes before you rush in and alert Sildar of the potential trouble.
Sildar, looking worried, moves into action immediately and issues orders to the the few people around. He waves you off to find your comrades, then secures the door behind you.
As you make your way to the inn, you slow for a move and peer around the corner and the road that comes from the manor. Between the rain and the darkness of the storm, it is hard to see but you think you see several figures nearing the Sleeping Giant. The flashes of lightning offers little assistance, yet the timing is right.
A particularly loud boom of thunder announces your arrival at the Stonehill Inn doorway as you stand on the threshold looking around.
As if to belie her words, a violent flash of lightning and thunderous boom causes the room to jump and a large, threatening figure is silhouetted in the doorway. Chairs scrap backwards as the townsfolk rush to their feet, putting whatever furniture they can between themselves and whoever blocks the inn's entrance.
"Now there's a man who knows how to make an entrance." Stig exclaims upon seeing Virran silhouetted in the doorway. "His demeanour suggests he may have news of some import."
13 stealth
Virran tries to hear what the argument is. If he is un able to make out the words he would like to move closer to the source
(OOC: Welcome Wendigos)
”I must admit, Quelline, many things about today have not gone as anticipated. Your help this morning was very useful and I wanted to thank you for giving your time under your circumstances. I can only imagine your hardships. It is a surprise to see you again, but a pleasant one.
I am hoping we are a little bit closer to seeing the safety of the kind folk, such as yourself and your family, but we may still see troubles in Phandalin yet.
I for one hope to seek out the Druid you mentioned, however I seek the complete safety of Phandalin and its people first. We aren’t quite celebrating yet.
Have you and your family experienced any other worries in this town besides the Redbrands? Have you heard of, or encountered, trouble with Orcs, for instance?”
Qelline's eyes smile along with her face. The halfling is genuinely pleased to be engaging further in conversation with you. "Oh, aye, the possibility of orcs is a grave concern - what, with the little protection we have around here. Though for myself I've only heard rumour of orcs rather than see them meself. Most travellers coming here by Wyvern Tor speak of them. And frankly, given the history of this place, I can't see them staying clear for long. If yer of a mind, speak with Harbin, as I heard he's offered a little gold for anyone willing to deal with them.
Other than that, we could most handle ourselves if only we could get to it. If the Redbrand problem is put to rest, and orcs won't be breathing down our necks... well, this little piece of the world would be just lovely!"
Another loud crack of thunder shakes the buildings and you realise it must have struck fairly close by.
"It's a shame Reidoth left when he did. The druid knows much and would likely have enjoyed restoring some balance to this area. Will you all seek him out after settling Phandalin, you and your fellow adventurers?"
Swift reaches out and grasps Candle Khan's hand in a firm clasp. “Well met, “ she responds.
Swift then replies to Tolben with a touch of humour..: “Clearly the timing of Master Khan's arrival is good. Waiting out the storm with my usual companions was threatening to be a bit tedious, having spent the best part of the morning in their company. A fresh face is a rich prize! “. She continues on in a more serious manner: “‘tis kind of you to provide the first drink freely, master Tolben. We are very grateful for such largesse. A meal for us both would be most welcome.” Swift reaches into the folds of her vestments to retrieve the coin for both meals.
“Will you accept my offer of a shared meal Master Khan? Come. Let's retire to the fire. I will introduce you to Naivara and Quelline. I can expand on our adventurers so far while we wait for ale and a meal. I''m sure Naivara will fill in the bits I miss. Quelline also may be interested in the recap of our adventures. We may be lucky. She may be able to shed some light on aspects of our mornings experiences.
Naivara is one of our party. The others are around somewhere, though Virran, another member, has gone on ahead, back to the manor. Our party will join him later, once the storm passes.”
Swift turns and heads towards Naivara, glancing over her shoulder to see if Candle Khan follows.
“Ahhh, lady by name only, master khan. My father felt we should be part of the nobility, so named me lady and my brother lord. I’m sure he would have continued the tradition if the town council had not persuaded him to use other names. Perhaps i would have a sister called baroness... another brother called baron. I dont think he would have quite stretched to naming his offspring prince or princess.
So, just call me Swift, short for SwiftArrow - a last name of uncertain origins. I dont think my father ever held a bow, let alone shoot an arrow. He was a glass blower by trade, but i never saw him practice glass blowing. He preferred to work with words to influence the elders of our town. “
Swift continues speaking as they move the short distance to the fire. “True, we have not been idle, though our foray into Tresendar Manor was somewhat brief. Among our party, some of us are swifter in actions than others. Take virran, gone back into action already while we hide here from the storm.”
As Swift arrives at the fire she places herself near Naivara and Quelline. “Naivara, Quelline, pardon the interruption.” She pauses briefly for them to finish their conversation. “This is master Candle Khan, recently arrived and somewhat rain battered. We’ve come to share the fire so master Khan can dry out his clothes and sundry items. I’m sure drying will ward off a chill that can sometimes follows standing around wet. Master khan is interested in our morning’s adventure and news of recent events in Phandalin”
Upon their return to the inn Stig excused himself and went to his room where he changed out of his blood soaked clothes, cleaned his weapons and equipment, and gave a short prayer to Marthammor Duin.
He then re-entered the common room where he spied his party, and others, at a table near the fire. Just as a particularly bright flash lit up the world outside, Stig waved to attract the attention of Tolben and signaled for an ale and a meal.
Walking across the room he joined his companions. "Well that feels better. Quite a spectacular light show going on outside." He said with a smile to no one in particular as he took a seat.
Listening intently, you hear several voices heatedly talking back and forth. By the guttural sounds and garbled language, at least one part of the conversation is humanoid, yet not human, and not visible from your current position. You hear snippets about 'Glasstaff' - 'work for' - 'where'. The conversation ends abruptly with a deep, loud growl and a shout. Moments later, a large creature you recognise as a bugbear comes stalking out of the corridor, followed by two more. They move with purpose toward the cavern entry and are gone just as quickly.
Not moving, you avoid their detection. You are still hidden when four humans exit the same corridor as the bugbears and stop. The lead ruffian rubs his face where a deep bruise is already beginning to show.
"Feckin' beasts. If they come back 'ere, we're gonna kill em! Was them that probably killed the eye-monster and the others." With that, they all cast their eyes around the cavern where the Nothic recently lived (Perception Check7). They do not appear to have seen you and after a moment longer scanning the room, begin moving again; but not the way the bugbears went, but toward the still-standing bridge and closer to your position.
Virran stays as hidden as possible but still ready to move if he thinks he has been spotted.
Ooc just to confirm the bugbear were moving towards the entrance we first came in and the humans the ruins way?
Naivara meets Candle’s eyes, sharing a solemn look.
“Virran is a wanderer. Yes, he is a concern. He is often a concern.. and I for one do fear that one day he will find himself in danger.
“I was just telling Quelline, here, that we faired well today. We are closer to ensuring the safety of this town. But I fear that within the manor there are at least two bugbears and goodness knows how many humans remaining.. and they may be angered to see the mess we left behind.
”I wish to see the safety of this town. When this storm clears, I wish to see the manor cleared. There shan’t be a single Redbrand bring harm to this town again. When the manor is cleared, then I wish to accept Harbin’s offer of gold to take care of the Orcs causing some trouble outside of the town. I would then like to explore further to discover if the Rockseeker brothers have, as claimed today, been murdered. And, yes Quelline, I do wish to seek out Reidoth. It does sound like he can offer much wisdom on our plight to find Gundren.
”I have truly learnt today and in the past couple of weeks the value of a team. We have lost and we have gained. To have fighters, to have Magics, to have friends behind you when you lose patience or fall... it truly is priceless.
“Candle, if you believe in our cause, help us clear out the manor. Help us ensure the safety of our wayward friend... it won’t be the last time we follow him simply to ensure his safety... that seems to be just what we do.
“Quelline, it has been a pleasure to see you again under slightly better circumstances. It is people such as yourself that remind me of the goodness that can be found in others. The very reason a town is worth saving. Can you tell me, are there others that you think may seek to bring this town harm? The lady owner of the tavern that the Redbrands would frequent, perhaps?”
@ Virran
The men move across the wooden bridge and turn, rather than into the storage room, toward you and the passage way that leads to the cistern. They approach the pillar by which you are concealed in a short time (perception check, as they are almost upon you: 14) and you quietly move around the pillar whilst sticking to the shadows.
"We'll find out what's happening when we get to town," the lead Redbrand mutters.
"And what of Glasstaff? He'll be pissed if this is all for nothing and screws with his plans..." come the reply, a little nervously.
"Glasstaff'll thank us. Those bloody bugbears've bloody left us now to wherever they bloody well like, so it's just us now. We'll go ruffle some feathers and crack a few fingers."
They continue on past you and then turn along the corridor that will ultimately bring them out in the ruins atop the hill.
.
(OOC - don't forget to reply in a spoiler - others are talking about things they shouldn't know of (such as the bugbears) because it's in the main thread.)
Qelline looks around the new group before speaking, as if collecting her thoughts before speaking. "Oh aye, Naivara. Phandalin has been a mystery long forgotten and recently 'found'. While the town itself has been home to several people before now, it has only recently began to become something more. To any place outside the safety of Neverwinter and the like, harm comes in many forms!" She pauses for a drink before continuing. "To that does not really answer your question now, does it? No. I've heard tell of the orcs in the area, like ye mentioned, and there's always sightings of goblins or wolves in the woods long the roadways - but none harass us here. Then there's always the odd sighting of owlbears - but that's likely just the foolish wandering where they shouldn't or the very, very unlucky! And still, at least we don't have dragon problems - that would be of harm for sure!
From Phandalin's view, the Redbrands and the orcs are the most pressing matters for the town. Most other things keep their distance." Finishing her drink, she places it on the low table to the side and reaches her fingers out towards the flames; an afternoon of rest must be a welcome blessing to those who toil the land every day. “As for Grista... that surly dwarf simply has more bark than is good for anyone - certainly more than your regular dwarf!” She winks at Stig as she says this. “Every town must have its warts... ours is Grista... but she is one of us all the same, even if one could wish her more... community minded?”
At hearing this, a loud snort, followed by some coughing, comes toward you in the form of Elsa, the barmaid. “I’ve heard Grista spoken of in many ways, but that’s the bestie so far! I’ll be sure to keep that one in mind next time she comes ‘round.”
”Now you mind what ye say - we all have to live with her and I don’t want any trouble.”
”Ok, ok!” Elsa turns to Naivara. “Qelline might think she knows everything around here, but Eldath, down at the orchard, used to be an adventurer like yerselves. Bet he knows some things that might interest you.” You watch Qelline’s reaction at this comment, yet she doesn’t seem particularly upset by the banter.
Assuming the worst that the remaining redbrands are going to attack the town and try and free glasstaf virran dashes towards the forest exit and runs back to town (remembering to jump the tripwire).
Once in town first stop is the townhall where glasstaf and (forgotten the name but the guy we handed him over too) to warn them there.
After that he heads to stone hill inn to find the rest of the party and relate the possible pending attack.
Qelline leans forward in her seat, the chuckles quietly. "You mistake me, Master... Candle, wasn't it? For I am not the innkeep despite my extensive time spent before this fine fire. My son Carp and I toil an honest living down the ways," she loosely waves her hand over her shoulder as if that should explain the location of her farm, "except when trouble comes a-calling.
"I imagine my experiences quite similar to your own - if you don't mind me hypothesising a little - and a lot more like this here storm. I have often found that one tends to arrive with a storm at their back - roiling trouble and fierce worry. Yet even in a darkest of storms, one finds a warm hearth and kind hearts. Is that not so for yourself, Master Candle? At some stage this storm will pass. And between it and the next, there must be something to make you smile... to make you breathe... to make you notice of the good. And when that happens, the next storm is easier to handle and passes more quickly.
Qelline pauses to let her words sink in, yet continues to stare kindly at the monk. "It is Phandalin that is my place between storms, as it is for others. Some of us openly share how we came to be here, others guard it more closely, yet still we have come together to smile and become like a family.
She laughs suddenly and the mood shifts significantly. "But don't get me wrong - everyone here still needs to make a living, it's just that not all of us are after the gold. I could live in the very heart of Neverwinter or Waterdeep and wake to a dagger being plunged into my breast - danger exists everywhere men go.
"We've just chosen a place where we can see a future. If the lost mine of Wave Echo Cave has truly been found, then this small town will likely grow - and rapidly. If that is the case, then the troubles from the outside will find it all the harder, even if troubles within will likely grow. These adventurers, " she indicates Naivara, Swift, Night Hawke and Stig, "are also a part of this process. If they have the skills to deal with these problems and are willing, then they too become a part of Phandalin. They will stay or go as they need - I know at least a couple of them have business elsewhere.
"Master Candle - you might find, similar to us, that strength does not come from one alone. It is a community - friendship - that creates creates and maintains this strength. Phandalin is strong through that, and we grow stronger with those who join us.
"Is this not already the case, Naivara? Swift?"
@Virran
You race from the underground cavern and pause, briefly, at the end of the tunnel opening. The bugbears are nowhere to be seen and with your mind on other things, you don't take the time to check carefully. You make your way at a run and leap the stone wall that rings the edge of town and Alderleaf Farm, making a direct line for the Townmaster's Hall. Rain soaks you through in a matter of minutes before you rush in and alert Sildar of the potential trouble.
Sildar, looking worried, moves into action immediately and issues orders to the the few people around. He waves you off to find your comrades, then secures the door behind you.
As you make your way to the inn, you slow for a move and peer around the corner and the road that comes from the manor. Between the rain and the darkness of the storm, it is hard to see but you think you see several figures nearing the Sleeping Giant. The flashes of lightning offers little assistance, yet the timing is right.
A particularly loud boom of thunder announces your arrival at the Stonehill Inn doorway as you stand on the threshold looking around.
As if to belie her words, a violent flash of lightning and thunderous boom causes the room to jump and a large, threatening figure is silhouetted in the doorway. Chairs scrap backwards as the townsfolk rush to their feet, putting whatever furniture they can between themselves and whoever blocks the inn's entrance.
"Now there's a man who knows how to make an entrance." Stig exclaims upon seeing Virran silhouetted in the doorway. "His demeanour suggests he may have news of some import."