This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Callie HP: 3
Out of the corner of her eye, Callie watches Grum go to the wolf and feed it. She says nothing when he returns, content to just keep moving for now. He had mentioned wanting to see the wolves again back at the cave...
Sildar anxiously paces over to you all. "My friends, I am so glad none of you are harmed but-" He notices Iarno, bound and gagged. "This means.. You were working with the criminal Redbrands Iarno!? I shall expect a deep explanation."
Turning back to the rest of you he speaks again. "We have more pertinent issues right now. After I met with the townmaster I noticed people slowly filtering into the hall, including Halia and several of her workers. I thought they might just attack since the law is weak in this Phandalin but it looks like they're waiting for something, and considering that man just waved to you to come inside it might just be all of you that she wants."
Callie gives a small huff, but schools her features in preparation for whatever is going on in the hall. In some ways, being pulled in multiple directions at once reminds her of home, though there were a lot less bugbears and a distinct lack of nothics at the estate... She definitely has the better end of the deal here.
"Where the masters reside, the citizens abide,"Callie murmurs. "And, sorry about Iarno. Finding out that your friend is a traitor can't be easy."
Brandor takes a moment to straighten his outfit, to no avail, and run his fingers through is beard. He puts on what he describes as a charming smile and follows Grum into the Town Hall.
"If this goes south, we can always hide out in the Redbrand hideout for a bit...." The dwarf says lightly from behind his companion.
Inside the town building is a small crowd comprising of maybe 25-30 people of Phandalin. They've formed a crooked line to speak to the townmaster who sits at a longtable at the far end of the hall elevated by a wooden platform. Two guards are stationed at either end of the longtable and in each half of the hall another two stand in the middle. Theres a door that leads to the left and one that leads to the right, and above them are wooden steps that lead to a second floor.
Grum: your insight tells you that most of these folk are riled up and are all looking at the townmaster with a frustrated look.
Currently there is a woman at the front (Which Callie recognizes as the Halfling woman who was repairing her fence near the Sleeping Giant tavern) speaking to him as the scribe to the townmaster's left takes notes.
“… Frankly, they’re just a mercenary guild, and not all that much trouble, really. I cannot do anything about your situation.” “But… sir! My children are now scared to play outside! What will they do? Play in the house? Where I live?” "Again ma'am there's no need for guard to roam near that area. I want to focus protection in the core areas of town.”
Sildar again speaks in hushed tones so that no one around can hear. "They've been talking about Redbrands and the orc raiders for a while now though Halia has not spoken yet. I-" Before he finishes, Halia and Grista approach you all. Sildar detatches and moves about 5 feet away from the group.
"I'm glad you all made it, and with captives too! We shall have to speak of more details later." Shifting her head to the right she calls out "Guards! Look what this group has caught!" As she exclaims this the entire hall turns to look and sees your five captives. the guards in the middle immediately run forward and take the prisoners and lead them to the door to the left as the people of Phandalin watch in shock. You hear some of the whispers among the small crowd as Halia hands you all a purse of coin.
"Woah, seriously?" "Finally, they're taken care of!" "Hold on, who said that's all of them?" "Who's that other prisoner among the Redbrands?"
"What is the meaning of this? Haliia, you do not order my guards to take captive of-"You see the townmaster's expression change as he notices the identity of the prisoners. "My word... then, they're all taken care of?"
Halia addresses the townmaster but extends it to everyone in the hall as they watch the last of the Redbrands get taken to the cells. "Indeed, they have. They have done what you have failed to do for months, Harbin! These six brave warriors have bested the vile Redbrands who have scourged this town for far too long."
The crowd claps, not to a full applause but to some mild celebration before Harbin speaks once again. "Halia, I was dealing with this issue. This could all have gone so terribly! You do not understand!"
"Tell me what I don't understand. You say there was no issue not but one minute ago and now you say that you were dealing with this problem? Do tell me Harbin how sitting around and ordering your guards to do nothing was dealing with this situation? These fine heroes have had to save us!"
The crowd cheers once again a bit louder, They've all taken to Halia's words as she mixes in her jabs at Harbin in with praising the lot of you.
"I was handling this with a bit more finesse, what if this group had gotten killed? What if they failed and the Redbrand's took it out on our town! You've endangered the very lives of these people before us!"
Half the crowed seems almost swayed but still confused and are all listening with intent.
"I was very assured of their skill, Harbin. And in case you forgot, the Redbrands have already taken it out on our town! They've stolen from our businesses, they've murdered our friends!"
"I've had enough of your antics Ms. Thornton, you acted without authority hiring these mercenaries! It just so happens that I myself was waiting for a capable to take care of the situation without revealing my hand. Don't act so high thinking that you've done this town any more justice than I have, the only difference is that you acted without my authority!"
"That's your excuse? You were waiting for someone to rescue this town randomly? Many travelers come to this town from afar and I have never seen you approach any of them for aid. With your position you could have sent a letter requesting forces from Neverwinter, and yet you say that you were doing the same? If I were in your shoes townmaster, I would have dealt with this immediately."
The room falls silent for a while, the crowd digesting the reality of their Redbrand problem being over and what the next steps are.
"So that's what this is about... You want my job? You sneaky... Whatever. Guards, take her to the cells among the Redbrands!"
The guards look at each other, and you can feel the anxiousness in their gaze. Two step forward towards Halia but the other two do not move. Halia's workers get in front of her as the guards raise their spears.
"The people here know of your cowardice. You've made this town suffer for too long and now it's time for a change. There will be no need for violence, let us have the people vote on this issue."
The townmaster is stunned that his guards have not listened to his orders, and realises that he has no choice. "Fine. But know that your manipulations have not reached all the ears in this hall. I know who you are and I know that there are those in this town who see it too. Let us see where this leads."
The scribe speaks up. "Okay so, all in favour of Harbin continuing to lead this town to my left and those who support Halia to my right."
The townsfolk slowly filter towards either side, and even with Halia's workers it's almost a 50/50.While they still move, Sildar pulls you all aside and speaks quietly. “This 'election' came way too fast and the whole town isn't even present for it, although without it there may be bloodshed. If I can be candid with you all… I don’t trust Halia. The townmaster might have been a spineless fool who allowed criminal scum to run amok but we cannot upset the natural order. If we allow those such as Halia to overthrow a townmaster who knows what will come next? Another small revolution to take her place? Violence to take leadership? There is a way these things should happen and I don’t believe we should hand Halia the town hall just like that. I can contact the Lord’s Alliance and they will send an emmisary to mediate a fair and balanced election based on official criteria and rules. If you are steadfast in supporting Halia I will not stop you, however know that order will cease in this small town." Sildar then takes position on Harbin's side of the hall.
Counting them out, most of them are on Halia's side who is winning by 4 people. The guards have abstained and the rest of the hall is looking at the group. Cutting the silence, Harbin and Halia both speak to you.
"We may not have met yet, but I can tell that you all have a sense of order and justice. Know that this town has ran functionally and thrived with me in this chair, and that Halia is a wicked stranger who cannot be trusted. I have sat in this chair for years and the only real trouble we've had is the Redbrands, which I was trying to deal with quietly. I trust that your hearts will vote true this night."
"Do not listen to this old fool. The town has suffered under his leadership and will continue to do so if something is not done. We need to act on issues rather than avoiding them, and we need to be prepared for any future trouble. Harbin is complacent in his position and has not done anything noticable for the town in so long. We need more guards, we need to promote business and we need to protect Phandalin at all costs. Please don't allow it to suffer under Harbin for any longer."
Grum turns to the group, "We are brand new to the town, so I don't feel we should be the ones to cast the deciding vote - particularly if there are other townsfolk who aren't here to vote for themselves.
But, if they look to us for help with this decision, I would say this... In my experience, all problems with people in power arise from too few people having too much power. Halia, in her role at the Miner's Exchange, already has significant influence in town. Whilst she has shown herself to be possibly a stronger, more decisive leader in the short time we've been in town, my opinion would be that power should always be shared. If this vote is the only option available, I would vote to keep Harbin as Townmaster. Not because I believe he's a better leader, but because we've already seen Hakia's commitment to holding him to account. Who would hold Halia accountable if she had sole authority here?
However, I would put forward another alternative. My suggestion would be a ruling Council, including both of them and maybe 1-3 others who equally represent the different interests of the people. How about Linene also? A more balanced split of power always leads to better things, in my opinion."
(Sorry, I posted that before reading the PM about discussing options quietly. Can we assume I said that to the group first? I'll edit the wording to make sense in that context. Then if we collectively decide to propose that to the town, could the group maybe help with the persuasion check? After the fight at the Sleeping Giant, Grum would be learning to consider the others before speaking!)
<Squelch> hp: 5
Callie HP: 3
Out of the corner of her eye, Callie watches Grum go to the wolf and feed it. She says nothing when he returns, content to just keep moving for now. He had mentioned wanting to see the wolves again back at the cave...
Callie HP Re-Roll: 6
Callie HP Re-Roll 2: Electric Boogaloo: 4
Having descended into some kind of dark fugue, Malth returns to the present with a start. She nods with approval to the group and bows deeply.
"Please forgive my momentary absence. I.... am fine now."
((First HP roll was a 1 for a total of 2))
Malth revised HP: 6 (5+1)
Malth would like to spend some more time getting attuned to this glass staff, as the group's travels allow.
Brandor HP nowhammies: 2
Sildar anxiously paces over to you all. "My friends, I am so glad none of you are harmed but-" He notices Iarno, bound and gagged. "This means.. You were working with the criminal Redbrands Iarno!? I shall expect a deep explanation."
Turning back to the rest of you he speaks again. "We have more pertinent issues right now. After I met with the townmaster I noticed people slowly filtering into the hall, including Halia and several of her workers. I thought they might just attack since the law is weak in this Phandalin but it looks like they're waiting for something, and considering that man just waved to you to come inside it might just be all of you that she wants."
"We had hoped for some rest, but it seems this will not wait."
(Did we bring the letter to Iarno from the Black Spider? I don't know who found it but presumably they still have it. Sildar should probably read it.)
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilation(Yes, it would be on Squelch's person)
<Squelch> hands over the letter. <Grum's voice> "We had hoped for some rest."
Callie gives a small huff, but schools her features in preparation for whatever is going on in the hall. In some ways, being pulled in multiple directions at once reminds her of home, though there were a lot less bugbears and a distinct lack of nothics at the estate... She definitely has the better end of the deal here.
"Where the masters reside, the citizens abide," Callie murmurs. "And, sorry about Iarno. Finding out that your friend is a traitor can't be easy."
"I don't believe we've met. I'm Garr. Sorry about your friend." Garr says while shaking his hand.
"I think we should check in on them. Might be awkward if we rest now."
Grum leads the way into the Townmaster's Hall, motioning to the group to bring Glasstaff and the captured Redbrands too.
"Let's see how this goes, shall we?"
As he enters Grum looks out for Halia firstly, but also will scan the others in the room to try to discern the atmosphere of the crowd.
(Insight, I guess? Or if Perception is enough then add +2: 20
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationBrandor takes a moment to straighten his outfit, to no avail, and run his fingers through is beard. He puts on what he describes as a charming smile and follows Grum into the Town Hall.
"If this goes south, we can always hide out in the Redbrand hideout for a bit...." The dwarf says lightly from behind his companion.
Inside the town building is a small crowd comprising of maybe 25-30 people of Phandalin. They've formed a crooked line to speak to the townmaster who sits at a longtable at the far end of the hall elevated by a wooden platform. Two guards are stationed at either end of the longtable and in each half of the hall another two stand in the middle. Theres a door that leads to the left and one that leads to the right, and above them are wooden steps that lead to a second floor.
Grum: your insight tells you that most of these folk are riled up and are all looking at the townmaster with a frustrated look.
Currently there is a woman at the front (Which Callie recognizes as the Halfling woman who was repairing her fence near the Sleeping Giant tavern) speaking to him as the scribe to the townmaster's left takes notes.
“… Frankly, they’re just a mercenary guild, and not all that much trouble, really. I cannot do anything about your situation.”
“But… sir! My children are now scared to play outside! What will they do? Play in the house? Where I live?”
"Again ma'am there's no need for guard to roam near that area. I want to focus protection in the core areas of town.”
Sildar again speaks in hushed tones so that no one around can hear. "They've been talking about Redbrands and the orc raiders for a while now though Halia has not spoken yet. I-" Before he finishes, Halia and Grista approach you all. Sildar detatches and moves about 5 feet away from the group.
"I'm glad you all made it, and with captives too! We shall have to speak of more details later." Shifting her head to the right she calls out "Guards! Look what this group has caught!" As she exclaims this the entire hall turns to look and sees your five captives. the guards in the middle immediately run forward and take the prisoners and lead them to the door to the left as the people of Phandalin watch in shock. You hear some of the whispers among the small crowd as Halia hands you all a purse of coin.
"Woah, seriously?"
"Finally, they're taken care of!"
"Hold on, who said that's all of them?"
"Who's that other prisoner among the Redbrands?"
"What is the meaning of this? Haliia, you do not order my guards to take captive of-" You see the townmaster's expression change as he notices the identity of the prisoners. "My word... then, they're all taken care of?"
Halia addresses the townmaster but extends it to everyone in the hall as they watch the last of the Redbrands get taken to the cells. "Indeed, they have. They have done what you have failed to do for months, Harbin! These six brave warriors have bested the vile Redbrands who have scourged this town for far too long."
The crowd claps, not to a full applause but to some mild celebration before Harbin speaks once again. "Halia, I was dealing with this issue. This could all have gone so terribly! You do not understand!"
"Tell me what I don't understand. You say there was no issue not but one minute ago and now you say that you were dealing with this problem? Do tell me Harbin how sitting around and ordering your guards to do nothing was dealing with this situation? These fine heroes have had to save us!"
The crowd cheers once again a bit louder, They've all taken to Halia's words as she mixes in her jabs at Harbin in with praising the lot of you.
"I was handling this with a bit more finesse, what if this group had gotten killed? What if they failed and the Redbrand's took it out on our town! You've endangered the very lives of these people before us!"
Half the crowed seems almost swayed but still confused and are all listening with intent.
"I was very assured of their skill, Harbin. And in case you forgot, the Redbrands have already taken it out on our town! They've stolen from our businesses, they've murdered our friends!"
"I've had enough of your antics Ms. Thornton, you acted without authority hiring these mercenaries! It just so happens that I myself was waiting for a capable to take care of the situation without revealing my hand. Don't act so high thinking that you've done this town any more justice than I have, the only difference is that you acted without my authority!"
"That's your excuse? You were waiting for someone to rescue this town randomly? Many travelers come to this town from afar and I have never seen you approach any of them for aid. With your position you could have sent a letter requesting forces from Neverwinter, and yet you say that you were doing the same? If I were in your shoes townmaster, I would have dealt with this immediately."
The room falls silent for a while, the crowd digesting the reality of their Redbrand problem being over and what the next steps are.
"So that's what this is about... You want my job? You sneaky... Whatever. Guards, take her to the cells among the Redbrands!"
The guards look at each other, and you can feel the anxiousness in their gaze. Two step forward towards Halia but the other two do not move. Halia's workers get in front of her as the guards raise their spears.
"The people here know of your cowardice. You've made this town suffer for too long and now it's time for a change. There will be no need for violence, let us have the people vote on this issue."
The townmaster is stunned that his guards have not listened to his orders, and realises that he has no choice. "Fine. But know that your manipulations have not reached all the ears in this hall. I know who you are and I know that there are those in this town who see it too. Let us see where this leads."
The scribe speaks up. "Okay so, all in favour of Harbin continuing to lead this town to my left and those who support Halia to my right."
The townsfolk slowly filter towards either side, and even with Halia's workers it's almost a 50/50.While they still move, Sildar pulls you all aside and speaks quietly. “This 'election' came way too fast and the whole town isn't even present for it, although without it there may be bloodshed. If I can be candid with you all… I don’t trust Halia. The townmaster might have been a spineless fool who allowed criminal scum to run amok but we cannot upset the natural order. If we allow those such as Halia to overthrow a townmaster who knows what will come next? Another small revolution to take her place? Violence to take leadership? There is a way these things should happen and I don’t believe we should hand Halia the town hall just like that. I can contact the Lord’s Alliance and they will send an emmisary to mediate a fair and balanced election based on official criteria and rules. If you are steadfast in supporting Halia I will not stop you, however know that order will cease in this small town." Sildar then takes position on Harbin's side of the hall.
Counting them out, most of them are on Halia's side who is winning by 4 people. The guards have abstained and the rest of the hall is looking at the group. Cutting the silence, Harbin and Halia both speak to you.
"We may not have met yet, but I can tell that you all have a sense of order and justice. Know that this town has ran functionally and thrived with me in this chair, and that Halia is a wicked stranger who cannot be trusted. I have sat in this chair for years and the only real trouble we've had is the Redbrands, which I was trying to deal with quietly. I trust that your hearts will vote true this night."
"Do not listen to this old fool. The town has suffered under his leadership and will continue to do so if something is not done. We need to act on issues rather than avoiding them, and we need to be prepared for any future trouble. Harbin is complacent in his position and has not done anything noticable for the town in so long. We need more guards, we need to promote business and we need to protect Phandalin at all costs. Please don't allow it to suffer under Harbin for any longer."
Grum turns to the group, "We are brand new to the town, so I don't feel we should be the ones to cast the deciding vote - particularly if there are other townsfolk who aren't here to vote for themselves.
But, if they look to us for help with this decision, I would say this... In my experience, all problems with people in power arise from too few people having too much power. Halia, in her role at the Miner's Exchange, already has significant influence in town. Whilst she has shown herself to be possibly a stronger, more decisive leader in the short time we've been in town, my opinion would be that power should always be shared. If this vote is the only option available, I would vote to keep Harbin as Townmaster. Not because I believe he's a better leader, but because we've already seen Hakia's commitment to holding him to account. Who would hold Halia accountable if she had sole authority here?
However, I would put forward another alternative. My suggestion would be a ruling Council, including both of them and maybe 1-3 others who equally represent the different interests of the people. How about Linene also? A more balanced split of power always leads to better things, in my opinion."
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilationMake a Persuasion check(Sorry, I posted that before reading the PM about discussing options quietly. Can we assume I said that to the group first? I'll edit the wording to make sense in that context. Then if we collectively decide to propose that to the town, could the group maybe help with the persuasion check? After the fight at the Sleeping Giant, Grum would be learning to consider the others before speaking!)
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilation