Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver

"We were told to come see you to learn more about the town's problems since the town leader was described as something like a coward." Kayassa says as she steps forward a bit.

 Seeing the group of clear adventurers, Duncan turns to the small Satyr that had walked in and says "Sorry to interrupt ma'am.. would you happen to know a Gundren in town? I'm here looking to help with some problems as well, but just arrived."

"Gundren's a cousin 'a mine. Well, you'd call him a third cousin thrice removed, er somesuch. He had me and this group hauling some of his stuff into town but he seems to have gotten himself taken. Trying to find out where. Anyhow, yes, Halia, you've got quite a reputation, and Toblen said you had a good head on your shoulders. We're lookin' to find Gundren. Have you heard of a Cragmaw Castle? We're also aware the Redbrands have been a recent problem here. Myself, I don't like problems. Most times set my gears to work away at them when I find them. Perhaps you'd have some wisdom to share on either front." Orro, a bald, brown-skinned, white-bearded dwarf wearing a simple symbol of Gond around his neck, tough-looking in scalemail, blinks a few times, looks around at everyone, seemingly realizing he's been talking again. He looks down to the ground.

“Ah...” Duncan says “I was actually sent by a friend of Gundren’s to lend a hand... But if he’s missing I guess I’ll have to find him first... Which way is this Castle you mentioned? I might as well head there.” As he picks up his gear and is ready to head to the castle.

“Hmmm,” she says, thinking deeply. “Cragmaw. Cragmaw... as in the goblin tribe?” Halia then shifts to her other elbow as she stares you down. “Why you askin? Is Gundren missing? I just finished talking’ to this kid about the same thing. I haven’t seen him or his brothers in over a tenday. D’you think them goblins might be the reason for their disappearance?” She asks, obviously interested. 

Halia then shifts again to stand up straight. “As for them Redbrands. Damn right they’re a problem. A problem I’d be willin’ to pay to get rid of. You folks looking to do something?” She says, disgust in her voice.

Daphina tightens her hood around her head. Why do we trust them already? She wonders. “Yes we are going to deal with the Redbrands.” she says as she squints her eyes at the new people. 

Turning back towards Halia, Duncan asks “Do you think the Redbrands might be responsible for Gundren and his brothers going missing? Or have the goblins you mentioned been more active recently?”

“Who knows,” Halia replies to Duncan. “The Cragmaw goblin tribe has been causing the town trouble for some time now because of raids. The Redbrands are a more recent problem. They popped up out of almost nowhere and took over this whole place.” She then nods to Kayassa. “Yer right about the townmaster being an absolute coward though. Drives me crazy!”

Vulmar continues to quietly take in the words being traded.  This new person was decisive.  That was good.  They had spent much time meeting each other, weighing options.

"Then, we cut our teeth on these local thugs before hunting these Cragmaw goblins?  I like that plan."

“If there are no signs of Gundren, finding him should be priority...” Duncan says to Halia “And I’ll not waste my time with this cowardly townmaster you speak of. But until there is word, I may as well be useful.” He then turns to the group at the door to properly introduce himself. Giving a small salute and standing tall he says “My name is Duncan Tabr. If you intend to deal with these thugs, may I join you? Perhaps we will find word of Gundren, and if nothing else, at least we can put some thieves in their place.”

"Alright then let's deal with the Redbrands. Until we know more about Gundren and his brothers that is. Now we need to just pick a place to look for the Redbrands right?" Kayassa asks as she look to everyone else.

"The Redbrands aren't working with the Cragmaw tribe, are they?" Orro says, looking about, checking to see if there is anyone in the room taking any interest in what the party's saying.

Perception: 18

"I'd be interested in hearing more of what these Redbrands are capable of, and what you and others might offer to be rid of them. I want to find Gundren, but I won't turn down a good job, especially if there's a chance it'd lead me closer to his rescue."

Looking to the Satyr and Dwarf that have spoken Duncan clears his throat and says “Sorry to intrude, but...” repeating his earlier question again asks “May I join your group? And have your names? I have come so far and feel we are looking for the same person.”

“You might as well join us we might need help to beat the Redbrands.” Daphina replies bluntly, “And I’m Daphina.” she continues pulling down her hood to reveal face. Daphina is a small gnome with sapphire blue eyes, and short black hair. She is dressed in all black, and a dagger gleams in her boot.

“Now now, kid.” Halia says, snapping in Duncan’s face. “Introductions can be saved for later. As I said earlier, I’m willing to pay for eliminating the Redbrands. I need to know now, can I trust you folks?” She says, making cold eye contact for a second with each of you. 

Duncan stands up tall and says, pointing to the dwarf near the door “I’m with this fellow. If there is a chance it will lead us to Gundren, I will be glad to help deal with some local thugs. Where can they be found? And do you know how many there are?”

"I'm Orro. And I've been told I'm very trustworthy. Are you? We saved Sildar from torture and likely death in a goblin cave back down the road, and charmed a bugbear into telling us where Gundren might be. And we even brought his mining supplies to their destination."

"I would never turn my back on someone who has fought beside me." Duncan says, almost as if his pride was challenged. "I do not know this Sildar, but you seem to be fighting on the side of the people, so I shall put my trust in you, and I ask you do the same for me. Until we have fought together and earned that faith in true." Then responding about the bugbear adds. "Bugbears are interesting creatures! I have experience with orcs, but none of their kind. What did you learn of Gundren?" He then picks up his pack that he'd set on the ground after his long trip here, and begins tightening the straps, ready to march.

"I'm doing this because it isn't boring. But if it helps then I might as well. Now if you can trust me may be a hard thing to answer since I was told most prime people are wary about fey like me." Kayasa says with a shrug as she taps her hooves a bit on the floor.

Orro turns to Kayasa and says out of the side of his mouth, "I'm not wary, but I'm still not sure if you mean prime to be a compliment, an insult, or a generic adjective."