Hello, Redcheek, I say, while taking in full details of his armor and stature (admitting I'm distracted by that drop of beer dangling off the longest hair in his beard). I’m Star Sunflower, and I thank you very much for the brew. I’m rather new to this adventuring life, but I’ve taken to it quite keenly.  While Edward’s music skillfully quips about many details of our latest exploits, we did not see the orc you are looking for. Care to share why you’re looking for ‘im? 

Hello Garrum, I appreciate the liquid refreshments. . You obviously have good taste when it comes to drinks and good music. There is something amazing about bringing good songs to great people such as yourself. It seems that you may need some help in tracking down this Grimlog.   I know nothing about Grimlog, but if you say he is up to no good and I will assume your judgement of a person's character is on point with your judgment of music, then I am willing to assist you with your pursuit.

Not being one to accept immediate change, I hesitate while I take in Garrum´s appearence. He seems to be a normal looking dwarf, but there seems to be something he´s not sharing. But, that´s to be a mystery for another day. ¨Hello Garrum Redcheek. I appreciate the refreshments, as I assume you haven´t poisoned them. I am Fawn, no last name, for now. I´ll assist you in this quest, but I´m with Star, I need a little backround information before just jumping into this. Care to give us any?¨ 

“Good to make yer acquaintance. Grimlog you see, our fates tangled the day he set foot in the temple. He was after the offerings. We tried to stop 'im, I tried to stop 'im. One of the orcs knocked me out from behind. When I woke--" My words crash into a mountainside of grief. I stare at the table for what feels like an eternity before wrestling them out. "They were gone and everyone was dead - worshipers, Sonnlinor, and the high priest I was commissioned to protect. I left that very day, vowing to bring Grimlog to justice in the name of Moradin and restore the Redcheek name among the Hammers."

"This quest is mine and mine alone -- that's the way it must be. But I've searched for Grimlog for some time now and I am perilously light on coin. I'm not asking for your help with my holy quest and I'm not asking for your charity. Instead, I offer my hammer and shield in your service that I might replenish my coin pouch for the journey ahead. Might I join you on your next adventure and share in the spoils?"

Garrum that is a sad story and a heavy burden to bear. But, who am I telling, you are the one walking it. Once You have brought Grimlog to justice I would like to write of your saga, but as of now the time is inappropriate.  I would be glad to have the service of your shield and hammer. Currently our struggle is the fact that we are awaiting our next great adventure. For tonight, I say we honor your friends and high priest by sharing a few drinks, food, and tales of days gone by. 

'Tis a sad tale, indeed, Garrum. I, for one, would be willing to welcome another to our party as we venture out again.

Tomorrow, after a fine night’s rest, I’m headed to see the mage, Delfen, to see if he can help make me figure out a puzzle, which may be a clue to our next journey.  How about if we all meet at the Commons when the sun is high in the sky and we can wander there together? What say you, friends?

(Assuming the party gathers in the commons to visit Delfen, the mage of Daggerford, who lives in the tower on the west wall-#8 on the map below)

The main teacher of magic in the area is Delfen Yellowknife, a mage who lives in a small tower on the wall of Daggerford. Delfen takes in apprentices, and generally has three or four at any one time. He is contracted to the town of Daggerford to provide training in magic and to provide special spell casting. Delfen Yellowknife came to Daggerford from the East some ten years ago. He is swarthier and shorter than the usual in the Daggerford area, but has an agreeable and easy manner. There is no sign of age in his features, but everyone knows that some magicians can control the aging process. Delfen never dwells on his past, but is always ready to help his new friends of Daggerford and has an excellent reputation in the town.

The party meets in the Marketplace and walks to the wizard's tower. There is a large wooden door set in the base of the tower, made of a pale wood and carved with the image of an intricate circle with interlocking knots. 

I'm excited to meet Delfen; I've heard so much about him around town. Thank goodness I'm relatively strong so I can pull on this big knocker on the tower door.

I study the carving to see if I know its origin...

Insight:  23

(Nope...you don't know anything about the carving other than it's a nice design!)

While you're standing there looking at the door, you hear a voice from a small window about 15 feet above you call out, "Oh look. Another wanderer here to lick my master's boot. Good job." Looking up you see a middle-aged human man looking down at you (literally and figuratively). It isn't Delfin - perhaps an apprentice? But he seems rather old to be an apprentice mage...

Looking up at the middle aged human I respond, "Good day Sir, we are not seeking to become apprentices. While we do have great respect for the art of using magic, and the desire,  passion, and diligence the apprentices that study under Delfen must exhibit. We have come across an item that we feel Delfen with his extensive knowledge could assist us in identifying. I am hopeful that your would be willing to spend a few of his precious moments assisting us. Making sense of this item has been impossible for us, but we are certain Delfen can discern this for us with ease. 

Persuasion Check 11

I decide that my words in response to this human’s arrogance would only hinder my new companion’s efforts. I squeeze the handle of my hand axe that hangs at my hip and silently stare up at the man. 

The man's face brightens at the bard's smooth words and compliments of his "desire,  passion, and diligence." He makes a flourish with his hand, speaks an arcane word, and the wooden door opens on its own! "Well, it is nice to finally have someone who appreciates the hard work and hours of study and practice required to be a master wizard. Come in and let me see your object. Perhaps I can answer your questions."

Inside the first floor of the tower is a small entry space to meet guests, a kitchen and dining area beyond that occupies most of the space, a couple of small storerooms with doors currently open, and a circular staircase along the outer wall leading to the next level. The apprentice comes down and brings you to the dining table, then says, "I am Hovard. Who are you and what do you need help identifying?"

Hello, Hovard. I am Star Sunflower and I have here a scroll that we found in an old temple with a language unfamiliar to me. Can you spare a moment of your time to look at it and see if you can decipher the message?

Hovard asks you to place your scroll on the clean table, then mutters an arcane phrase. A spectral hand appears and unrolls the scroll, carefully spreading it out for the apprentice to see. He looks it over for a few minutes, the tells you to wait there. He goes upstairs and returns a few minutes later with several books and scrolls tucked under his arm. He consults all of them, comparing fragments of text and the scroll that you found.

After almost an hour, Hovard shakes his head and says, "Well, it's definitely an ancient script - maybe an old form of draconic or maybe celestial. Unfortunately, Delfen  is out of town visiting an old colleague - an ancient elf wizard who lives in a tower in the Laughing Hollow. That's about three days' ride east of here along the Delimbyer River. The Hollow is a place of faeries and fey, though,so when you get there step carefully! If anyone will know about this script, one of those two will!"

I thank Hovard for his time, retrieve the scroll and exit the tower with my friends.

As we stroll towards the marketplace, I ask everyone if they would like to venture on a three-day journey to Laughing Hollow with me.

What say you, friends?

Laughing Hollow it is. Count me in!

Let’s do this thing!!!! I am ready for a three day tour!!!!

To Laughing Hollow, then! The party has a decision to make - how do you want to travel? You can walk along the river - this should take about three full days and is free! You can rent some horses, cutting your time by a day. Or you can book passage on a riverboat heading upstream. This also takes three days but is the safest method. Is there anything the group needs before embarking on this adventure?

Costs:

I say we either walk or get some horses, preferably walking since it's the cheapest method. 

I enjoy the thought of a three day walk along the river. My legs could go for a good stretching. This will also give us a chance to learn about our new friend Garrum, I am fascinated by his tale and want to learn more about the dwarven way of life. I feel this could be an untapped resource in regard to my writing.