"Thanks" Grum says, making a note to share it the payment when they leave the store. "What was that about Redbrands? We're new in town, as you can probably tell. Who are they? They're causing trouble?" 

His eyes flash the slightest bit of grief and anger, then subside. “They are this group of ruffians. They shake down local businesses and flaunt the town master’s authority. Just last week they threatened and robbed poor Thistle. Couldn’t do a damned thing.”

"And the town master does nothing about it?  Do they have a leader, these ruffians?"

(How much is in the pouch Elmar gave to Grum?)

Elmar eyes the group as if inspecting each one, thinking for a moment. “Harbin Wester, the town master, claims that they're not an issue but these ruffians have been terrorizing almost everyone in this town.. I don’t know about any leader and I personally doubt that spineless Harbin is the big boss, but it’s best if you keep a low profile. If you are planning something however, the Redbrands frequent the Sleeping Giant tap house. But ya didn’t hear it from me.”

(There's 50 gold in the pouch. Sildar had been paid by Gundren himself so he's set, although he did just get all his things taken)

"Many thanks for the gold and the information."  Grum turns to Sildar, "Do you know where to find your Lionshield contact?"

"I don't know them personally but they should have a post in this town." He turns to Elmar. "Elmar, would you happen to know where the Lionshield trading post is?"

"Oh of course! They're just down the road straight ahead from here, opposite the town hall. Linene runs the place, and she sells some good quality weapons and armour. For other adventuring needs, you can find them here in my store!"

Grum opens the pouch and shares out the gold among the party members - 10gp each.

(I'll leave it at this point for anyone else to post questions or interactions with Elmar)

Brandor seems a bit excited at the prospect of running into ruffians at a tavern. "These Redbrands got a leader? If not, I say we go give them the boot. If they do, well we might have to get more information before getting in over our heads. I've... seen how these groups work, if there is a level of organization then thumping some street bruisers is just going to stir the nest."

<Squelch> pockets the delivery money. <Brandor's voice>  "Redbrands...I say we go give them the boot."

(OOC: are we down to 4 now?)

(The other guy might be busy-- I'll give him a chance but if he doesn't reply within say 24 hours I'll consider him dropped out of the campaign like the fighter and recruit another player)

"Sildar, what is your next priority? Are you with us until we find Gundren, or do you have other things you need to do now?

The logical next steps for us seem like the Lionshields would be our immediate next move, see if there's any reward for recovering their supplies, then to the Inn to find lodgings and any more information - I hear taverns are good places for picking up gossip, although I've tended to avoid them myself for a number of years." At this point, Grum's expression grows darker momentarily, before he snaps himself out of it, "But I hear they're the places to make friends and find useful information. Do you think we should tackle some Redbrands tonight, or wait until tomorrow? " 

"I would join your quest in rescuing our friend Gundren, but unfortunately in my condition I fear I may be more of a liability. I will stay in town at the local inn and gather information on Gundren, The Black Spider, these Redbrands and hopefully find my contact, Iarno Albrek here in Phandalin. Hopefully in a few days I will be recovered enough to join you all." He looks resigned and genuinely disappointed at himself for his condition, but remains resolute. "If I can be of service to you in any way while I'm in town just name your request."

Though lost in thought for a time, Callie snaps back to the present. "I'm all for dealing with these Redbrands, but we shouldn't go stumbling into them blindly. This is their home, and while I doubt they'll have pet wolves ready for us, they do have at least that advantage."

<Squelch> nods after Callie's remark. <Sildar's voice> "gather information on... these Redbrands" <Callie's voice> "we shouldn't go stumbling into them blindly."

"I can secure lodgings for us, however..." He looks at the ground anxiously, gently kicking his leg like a child about to tell their parents that they broke that expensive new vase. "I don't have any money on me sooooo..."

Grum realises that some of the coins they found at Klarg's cave was probably Sildar's. After an awkward pause, he says, "Don't worry, I'm sure the Lionshields can do something about that. If not, I'll cover our lodgings."

With one final nod to Elmar, who's been standing watching this entire conversation, Grum leaves the shop and follows Elmar's directions to the Lionshields trading post.

"Sildar, you mentioned contacts with the Lionshields. Have you met Linene before?"

"I don't personally have any contacts with the Lionshields, but the Lord's Alliance favours their trade. I do not know of this Linene but the other shopkeeper seemed to be fond of her."

Further along the road maybe about 200ft, you bring the cart over towards the trading post, Ander and Elmar giving a wave goodbye. Hanging above the front door of this modest trading post is a sign shaped like a wooden shield with a blue lion painted on it. As the group enters an elder woman in her mid sixties smiles kindly, but a sign above her head reads: ‘THIEVES WILL BE PUNISHED!' in what could possibly be blood (or at least made to look like it).

“How can I help you youngsters this day?” She eyes the group cautiously, taking an extra look at Grum and Squelch. “You ain’t working for those Redbrand fellas are you?” She whips a cane out from underneath the counter and points it at the sign. “Redbrands get the same punishment as thieves!”

At the extra attention given by the woman, which he takes to be judgement of his appearance, Grum flinches, almost imperceptibly, and without really appearing to move, you find he's no longer at the front of the group, but has shrunk back to stand behind Callie. 

Callie momentarily panics at suddenly becoming the first in line to meet the elderly lady brandishing a cane, and completely loses track of Grum in the process. "Ah- Thieves? No no no, we aren't thieves! Or Redbrands! As it happens," she straightens up and tries to look a little more dignified, "we are new in town. Are you Linene?"

Callie looks around for Grum, then jumps when she finds him right behind her.

Grum nods encouragingly at Callie,and mutters quietly into her ear, "Some people don't take too well to my kind. Best you do the talking."