Murmen is suspicious, but due to his inexperience with human relationships he's unable to come to any conclusions. Dwarf women do not show their affection in that method, that he was sure of. Anyways, Elsa the barmaid is gone and out of sight. 

The bartender grumbles, muttering curses under his breath. "Blasted royals, they always have a stick up their butt." 

Lyre is uncomfortable in the bright inn, but the soothing sound of a lute comes from a fireplace. There an old, toothless woman watches the group with a grin on her withered face while she strums her instrument. She especially takes interest in the out of place kenku, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. 

Eventually, it's late into the night when the bartender says, "Tavern's closed. Your quarters are that away," pointing to a open doorway which leads to a tiled hall. However, at the tavern entrance a familiar face furtively pokes out. It's John Redcorn, and he looks extremely worried. His eyes widen when he spots Jeb, Arikon and Murmen. 

"Where have you been?" he mouths. He then glances at the bartender, who has not yet spotted him. 

Lyre tentatively looks around before unblinkingly staring at the woman with the lute, transfixed by the music. When the bar closes (and the woman presumably leaves), he will begin softly - and flawlessly - repeating the song of the lute. 

Seeing the Human glance into the building, Lyre will fix is stare onto the figure.

Maglath nods to what Lyre says.

"It is settled. We will help you clear out the bandits from this town and rid the area of the other raiders, until we can find Reidoth."

He stands and looks down at the bartender, wondering what agitates him so much when he sees Lyre's gaze move to the doorway and the stranger standing there. Something is wrong he thinks and moves his hand to rest on the handle of his war hammer.

"Is he one of yours?" he asks the trio of new companions.

"Yeah dont worry, he is one of us.", Arikon laughed. "I'm glad you'll join us in this endeavour. My name is Arikon. It's a pleasure to meet you.", he introduced himself. "We already got a few leads on those Redbrands. One is an entrance to some kind of tunnel where bandits had been sighted.", the young sorcerer explained. He paused and weighed his next words carefully, looking if Elsa the barmaid was still in the vicinity, "And call me crazy, I think the barmaid could somhow be involved in all of this. She invited me to the Sleeping Giant Tap House tomorrow night but something was off. Maybe she wanted to lure me there or somthing." Arikon sighed knowing that his theory was a far-fatched one, but the disdain he had seen in her eyes made his skin crawl. "Of course, I could imagine things.", he conceded after some hesitation.

The bartender was minding his own business when he overhears the party's discussion regarding John. 

"Who are you talking about?" he says, as his gaze sweeps over to the tavern entrance. John immediately attempts to duck out of sight before the bartender manages to spot him.

Bartender's Perception: 3 John's Stealth: 9

 All the bartender sees is an empty doorway. He shrugs, and goes back to wiping mugs. "Like I said, tavern's closed. You should go to your quarters."

Maglath listens to Lyre recreate the lute music, impressed as always about his ability to mimic sounds.

"We need to get some rest to recover and let these wounds close up," he says. "We will meet you in the morning, outside in the square."

He turns to go through the doorway where the rooms are but then stops.

"If the Sleeping Giant Tap House is an ambush you are being lured into, you should go," he says. "We can scout ahead and ensure we are there to capture whoever seeks to harm you."

With that he heads to his room, drags the thin mattress off the bed, lays it down in front of the doorway and quickly falls asleep, his large body rolled against the door itself, acting as both lock and alarm.

Murmen shrugs.

"It’s gettin’ a bit late, lads.  I say we turn in an’ finish talking about this tomorrow."

Jeb nods at the plan, thinking about his own date with fate tomorrow evening. He likes his companions; but best to not bring his trouble on to their heads as well.

Jeb moves to join John outside. He nods to the owner and waves a farewell to the barmaid as he departs.

Once outside he spots John and moves to join him. He asks, "John, what is all the hubbub about then? Everything ok at the base?"

The Next Morning

Maglath and Lyre head to the tiled hall to retire to their quarters. The Stonehill Inn has six rooms, but only one seems to be currently occupied. The rooms and beds are of modest quality; nonetheless, it's a welcome relief for the two royal agents who have been trekking through the wilderness for weeks. 

John takes a few steps away from the tavern before speaking frantically. "It's Sharloon and Zee! They've just left. Sharloon said he couldn't stay because the "Higher Purpose" required him to be present somewhere else. Zee however, claimed that he heard "singing" from the forest, and that he needed to see "her." He must've gotten mad! Now they're gone, what are we supposed to do about the hobgoblins? We did clear out that goblin cave, but the stories say the hobgoblins are merciless conquerors; we could not survive an assault!" 

As he walks, John leads Murmen, Arikon, and Jeb back to the base. Phandalin's streets are barren, though you occasionally catch townsfolk peeking at you through the curtains of their home. It must be a restless night for them. 

The ruined building is not too much different then when they had left it. The dust and cobwebs are cleared while candles have been lit inside. The building is empty of any furnishings, though John has set up bedrolls for everyone inside. Three spacious rooms, which along with the sturdy walls, suggest this building was once the home of a wealthier family. The old oak door's lock has rusted too much to function, so for now the front entrance will have to remain unlocked. John has also covered up the windows with canvas, providing some shelter from the elements. Tonight, the four sleep on the cold stone floor, concluding their first day in Phandalin.

The party is woken the next morning by the tolling of a bell. A gray overcast is in the sky today as they can see townsfolk shuffling in the streets towards the town square. They overhear whispers and rumors regarding the bell, adding to the air of confusion: 

"Why are we going to the town square?" 

"You think our mayor Harbin Wester has called a meeting?"

"This must be about those hobgoblins! There's no way we can fend them off. How does that elf glutton plan to help us?" 

What do you do?

Lyre jumps awake, staring at the contraption of ball bearings from the door and windowsill he uses to wake himself in the case of an intruder. Realizing the sound was just a bell, he sinks back and stares at the ceiling, nervously repeating the sound of the bell over and over to himself. 

He routinely checks his equipment, trilling more tunes that he has heard over is life. Sleeping soundly had been difficult, and he was thankful for the chance to do so. Keeping to the shadows of the inn and alleyways, he will observe the behavior and noises of the townspeople outside. Can't be too careful - superstition ran high in difficult times, and people might look for scapegoats such as Maglath and himself. Making his way back to the tavern, he will head to Maglath's room and repeat the things he has heard about the Town Square, Mayor, and meeting that has pierced the cloudy morning.

Murmen harumphs grumpily, and clatters out of bed.  He stares groggily at the procession, then begins to follow them.

Magath hears the bell tolling but instead of jumping up he lies still, calming his mind and focusing on his memories of his clan; a ritual he repeats every morning when possible. Besides, he knows that Lyre will already be out watching the townspeople and listening to their conversations.

He stands, stretches, puts his armor on, and drags the mattress back onto the bed. And as if on cue, that's when Lyre sticks his head into the room.

Maglath listens, stuffing trail rations into his mouth at the same time, to what Lyre has found out so far. He nods when Lyre is done.

"Better go see what is happening," Maglath says. "Stick to the shadows and see what else you hear."

He reaches down and grabs his pack and weapons, thinking it is unlikely he will get a second night in the inn. Then he follows Lyre out into the hallway and out into the town square.

Jeb rises and rouses anyone else not awakened by the tolling of the bell. Once all are awakened, Jeb moves to follow the others to the village green. He waves in passing as he sees Carp and Quellin.

As he draws near the crowd, he looks for either the Mayor or Sildar. If he sees either, he makes for their location.

Arikon slowly woke and only because of Jeb's inistence. He hadn't heard the bell and truth be told he wasn't a fan of the early hours of the morning. "What's going on?", Arikon asked as he readied himself to follow the others to the town square. He would also approach Sildar and the Mayor if he saw them

Announcement

(Lyre, Stealth check please)

The party follows the crowd to the town square, where a small wooden platform is placed in the center. On the platform, the fat elf mayor Harbin Wester stands with a paper in hand, while Sildar is nowhere in sight. The man is trembling in fear, and you can see why.

Surrounding him are six sullen figures in grimy scarlet cloaks, bearing an assortment of weaponry. In the bell tower of the Town Hall, two more of them can be seen with crossbows, sweeping the square with their weapons. They are mostly humans, both male and female, but the party can also see tieflings and half-orcs among them. They prevent anyone in the crowd from getting too close to the platform. These must be the Redbrands. Arikon, Murmen, and Jeb suddenly realize they've seen someone wearing that iconic scarlet cloak before...

A hush overcomes the crowd as they see the Redbrands; they grow silent and afraid. The mayor glances around before nervously clearing his throat and reading the paper. 

"I, Harbin Wester, Mayor of Phandalin, have an announcement to make. Last night, news of a hobgoblin attack came to this town. Unfortunately, the Crown has not granted me sufficient resources to fulfill my duty of protecting this town. However, the "mercernary guild" named the Redbrands has generously offered to defend Phandalin from the goblinoids. So, I must resign from my position of mayor. The leader of the Redbrands, the mage Glasstaff, shall replace me. Thank you." 

The mayor is escorted off the platform by two Redbrands. Suddenly, a booming, distorted voice emanates from the empty platform. The male voice is condescending and haughty, containing an air of nobility despite the distortion. 

"I am Glasstaff, leader of the Redbrands and new mayor of Phandalin! To better prepare our gracious town against this threat, I must lay down three laws. One: there will be no one leaving or entering the town unless granted explicit permission. Two: a curfew will be established; all people should in their homes before night falls. Three: Redbrands of the scarlet cloak have the authority to grant orders; their word must be followed at all times. Those who break these laws will be brought to a swift justice. With your support, I will keep Phandalin safe." 

Stealth for Lyre: 9

Lyre is surprisingly interested in the Redbrands. Tieflings and Half-Orcs seemed to be accepted into the group as highly ranked guards; maybe they will treat Kenkus with more respect. Anyhow, he observes and is glad to have heard a significant portion of this figure Glasstaff’s monologue. He could construe various messages from the announcement and use it for all kinds of mischief.

Still, he stays with Maglath in eyeshot - he doesn’t want to be stranded alone.

Maglath works his way to the front of the crowd near the platform where the mayor speaks, scanning the crowd to see if he can spot Lyre while he moves.

At the mayor's mention of 'mercenary guild', a growl rumbles in Maglath's throat. Mercenaries were not going to do to this town what they did to his clan. His hand moves to the small leather pouch around his neck, his reliquary. He closes his eyes for the briefest moment. Then a barely perceptible shimmering field surrounds his body (Bonus Action: shield of faith ).

As the mayor is hustled away and Glasstaff's voice booms out of nowhere, Maglath loosens the warhammer at his waist.

He steps forward towards the platform, his shield sliding off his back and on to his arm and shouts at the Redbrands and the empty platform.

"No. This will not stand. These are the orders of a warlord not a protector."

He turns on the two Redbrands escorting the mayor away.

"Let the mayor go," he says, all of his muscles tense and ready to go.

Lyre quietly sighs. Maglath seems to not have learned of his flaws - being a distraction in the center of conflict and drawing attention instead of waiting for an opportune moment had nearly gotten them killed. Alas, Maglath was right, and Maglath was his friend, so Lyre begins to knock an arrow on his bow and Ready a shot if anyone begins to attack Maglath.

He will additionally make the sound of a cawing crow, a signal he and Maglath used to convey their presence when inconspicuous activity was required.

Jeb pushes through the crowd to the forefront to stand besides the Goliath. As he does so, he keeps his hands clear of the rapier hanging comfortably at his belt. He chuckles before saying, "What my large friend means is, if the local mercenary band is capable of defending the town was a bill posted for dealing with an Orc threat?! And why was the trail from Doveheart being raided by goblins?! And I wonder what Thel Dendrar would say of your would be protectors?! You all remember your neighbor Thel?! Which of you will be the next Thel?! These men are bandits, cowards, cutthroat's, and thieves. If you wish your town back, you must cast them out or one by one join Thel." 

Persuasion: 18

Murmen spits viciously into the dirt.

"Funny how yer friend was with that band o' goblins we cleared out.  Ye got anything ta say befor' we split yer head open, ye orc-lovin' bastard?"