<Sildar did mention it along with a map taken with Gundren. The goblins confirmed they were after both as well.>

Jeb produces the contract <I don't believe we established who was carrying it.> and presents it to Barthen. He notes the admendment for Sharloon replacing Berdach lost at the bridge ambush.

Jeb says to Barthen, "We drove out the goblins that have been plaguing the trail coming from Doveheart. In doing so we noticed they had quite a bit of stores set about. Perhaps you are missing some supplies. We were unable to collect them. We found two abused mules after the oxen team were killed; but the poor weakened beasts were barely able to pull this load of goods. There was no way to get the rest." 

Jeb looks at his comrades as he says, "I believe it is best to rejoin Sildar to see what we can do for our former employer. Perhaps he has learned more at the Townhall. Plus perhaps we could make arrangements to secure a building for our use there as well."

"I think Jeb is right.", Arikon agreed. "Talking to Sildar seems most prudent. After all he already indicated that there would be more work for us, if we are interested."

The young sorcerer was also intrigued by his proposition to establish a base of operation while they were working out of Phandalin. For all he knew they would be here for a little while, and a place to stay aside from the local inn sounded rather pleasent.

Payment

Barthen grimaces. "Yes, business has been hard lately. The Redbrands have..." his eyes narrow. "Hm, this isn't something I should be talking to you about."

Meanwhile, the Sharloon has stepped outside, looking for the woodworker. Down the street, past the town square is a building with a sign that proclaims, "Daran Woodworking." However, while the other businesses seem to be open, the windows to this one have been been boarded up and no one seems to be inside.

(No monasteries in Athetome).

Barthen replies to Jeb. "I've been hit pretty hard by bandits, but down the street Linane owns the Lionshield Coster. She's had it much worse. She's lost a recent shipment- that may be the one you are talking about. I know she would pay good money to have it brought back."

He finishes reading the contract. He hands seven gold to Zee, Jeb, Arikon, and Murmen, as they were paid in advance. Sharloon receives ten gold, but John receives none. Afterwards, he returns to the backroom and secures his money.

"That should be it. Otherwise, I have nothing to offer to you than my wares. I sell most everything except for weapons, that's Linane's job. I will have to caution you, business has been hard and things may be more expensive than you are used to."

(You can purchase adventuring gear that have a base price of below 25 gp, though there is a 20% markup). 

Map Repost: 

Jeb looks at the merchant as he starts and stops about business being difficult and mentions Redbrands before changing topics. Jeb says, "We will check in on Linane on her goods. Perhaps we can strike a deal to reclaim her goods for her. It seems we will be staying about town for at least a few days, should you need further assistance. Otherwise it's been a pleasure good sir. May Lady Luck look kindly upon you and your store."

Jeb moves to exit the store less anyone stops him or engages him in conversation. He'll make his way to the Townhall to see if he can catch up with Sildar.

Zee Smiles as he casts Guidance on himself. He then approaches the counter and nods hello at the bald man. "I could use some ball bearings if you have any. Just one pouch is all I need. How about a normal price for new friends and allies who routed those goblins and see to stop them from ever taking any of this towns goods again?"

Persuasion: 9 + Guidance 2

Once bought he waves to the bald man as he exits, fully willing to pay the marked up price upon a failure of persuasion. "Hope business starts to boom friend!" he says as he leaves. 

Zee and John walk beside Jeb as they make their way to Linane's.

"This town seems to really need some help eh fellas? I'm sure we'll be a lot of help." Zee says to the duo with a wink.

Arikon thanked Barthen for their payment. At the moment he couldn't think of anything particular he wanted to buy and thus he followed Jeb out the store. "If you don't mind I'll join you at the Townhall.", he said to Jeb, giving him a pat the back. "Let's hear what Sildar is up to."

Jeb nods with a smile at the young sorcerer as they make their way to the Townhall. Jeb says, "Don't mind at all, Arikon. Let's see if Sildar has learned anything of Grunden." Jeb looks over at Zee and John as they walk. Jeb says, "I believe we will be busy for quite some time my friends. Although the town has already been more welcoming then the official welcome we received at Doveheart."

Murmen joins the group going to the town hall.

Seeing Murmen heading off...Sharloon picks up his pace to follow the group as they head to meet back up with Sildar.  

"I know, I know..." he mutters to unseen spirits around him.  "I'm not lollygagging...I thought maybe I might find something worth using as a poultice or for a healing elixir," he grumbles.  

Quote from OculisAlbumCorvum >>

"I could use some ball bearings if you have any. Just one pouch is all I need. How about a normal price for new friends and allies who routed those goblins and see to stop them from ever taking any of this towns goods again?"

 Barthen thinks for a moment. "Okay, if you promise to help find Gundren, I can take the price down for you. After all, I wasn't going to sell these anyways."

(Markup lowered to 10%. Cost: 1gp, 1 sp)

Quote from BizarreBalthazar >>

Jeb looks at the merchant as he starts and stops about business being difficult and mentions Redbrands before changing topics. Jeb says, "We will check in on Linane on her goods. Perhaps we can strike a deal to reclaim her goods for her. It seems we will be staying about town for at least a few days, should you need further assistance. Otherwise it's been a pleasure good sir. May Lady Luck look kindly upon you and your store."

 As Jeb exits the store, Barthen says one more thing. "You are planning to stay for a few days?" A worried expression comes over his face. "Just...be careful. Please."

Exiting the store, the party heads towards the Town Hall. They pass a shrine of stones, which Jeb immediately recognizes as dedicated to Norebo, a lesser god of Luck(and also Gambling).Zee splits off and heads inside the Lionshield Coster with John, while the rest of the party continues to the hall to meet with Sildar. 

On the way, Sharloon keeps an eye out for plants with medicinal properties. However, he immediately sees what a difficult task this is. A large variety of colorful flowers, herbs, and shrubs grow around the crumbling ruins around town. Even so, most of them are unfamiliar to Sharloon, as these plants are native to Athetome. He's still sure though that a more detailed sweep could yield better results.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party approaches the town hall, which has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: “REWARD—Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within.” The notice bears the town’s seal and an indecipherable signature.

Inside, you can hear two people shouting. One of them seems to be Sildar. 

Murmen looks at the rest of the party, then back at the door.  He shrugs, then walks right in.

Jeb makes note of the posted sign for an Orc problem. A possible job later after seeing to their employer's safety. Jeb sighs as the clamor of the argument becomes even louder as Murmen opens the door to enter. Jeb follows after the stout cleric as he shares a curious look with Arikon and Sharloon.

Jeb enters the Townhall and immediately steps to the left to clear an entry for the others. He also pushes his cloak back and away from the hilt of his rapier, should the situation escalate.

He pauses to take in the chaos of the situation.

Town Hall

Inside, the hall contains a small guard post with two empty cells. Of the two doors here, one leads upstairs to the bell tower, while the other has a name engraved on it: "Harbin Wester"

Jeb flashes a rakish smile at his comrades as he moves towards Sildar and the elf. As he approaches Jeb catches Sildar's eye with his own eyebrow raised in a questioning arc as a silent question as to the reason of this confrontation.

Jeb nods to the official with an easy friendly smile on his face. "Mayor Wester, I presume? My comrades and I are new to town. We were hired by Sir Sildar to safe guard a load of goods for Barthen's Provisions. We dealt with the goblins that have been harrassing the trail from Doveheart. Hopefully it will make it easier to move supplies out. We are looking to linger in town for a bit to see other adventure can be found. Now I'm sure the Stonehill Inn is a fine establishment; but we'd like to discuss using one of the abandoned buildings as a resting area between our ventures in the surrounding area. Are you the man we need to see or is there a clerk we need to speak with? I don't mean to bother such an important figure unduly."

Persuasion (for smooth talking): 16

Insight (to see what all the fuss was about): 14

Arikon stood beside Jeb as he adressed the mayor. The exchange they had heard before entering had been rather tense. It looked like Sildar and the mayor didn't see eye to eye on a number of things concerning Phandalin. The fat man didn't inspire much confidence, Arikon had to admit. He was curious if they would be able to use one of the town's buildings as base of operation. After Jeb finished, he added, "We would also like to discuss if the town has need of a capable group like ourselves."

(If needed: Persuasion 21)

Zee nudges John to stand strong tall and heroic, fully equipped and looking stronger than he ever has before. He then uses Minor Illusion to create a faint mystical musical female vocal. Trying to make it seem if the gods above have sent down an answer to all troubles and angels were singing the arrival. He also creates a soft glow around the group, giving them a benevolent, ethereal , and other worldly feel.  

Murmen scratches his beard in faint confusion, then belches.

Jeb smiles at the opulent mayor and says, "I'm sorry your honor; but we plan to be around for a few weeks. A daily rental will not be conducive to what we need. Perhaps we could secure the building you mentioned for a fortnight at 10 gold pieces. You aren't really losing anything on this deal, other then some children will need to play elsewhere. Where as you gain the income to the town coffers for us renting the building and the added benefit of a capable group of adventurers being close at hand, should something unpleasant fall the town. While we most definitely won't be the town guard, we will defend ourselves and our possesions in the event something befell the town. You could even spin it as such to those you serve as an appointed official.'

Persuasion: 18

Sharloon moved forward slightly from the wall where he'd been listening to the exchange between the mayor and Jeb. 

"Gentlemen, I can appreciate the desire to help the town and create some space for ourselves in this area.  And yet, what of Gundren?  At this point we know only that he was taken and that he may be in the clutches of someone or something called 'The Spider.'  Unless the town is facing an immediate threat or battle it seems as though Gundren should be rescued or recovered first?  It seems to me that our honor and contract calls for some obligation to him first...and I certainly would like to find out who took him, and for what purpose..."

After speaking more words out loud to a group than he had for several years, Sharloon bowed, "...I say this only with respect and fervent hope that we will soon be made welcome members of this town at some point soon, mayor."