“I gratefully thank You, O Morning Lord, for restoring the light to my eyes, that I may view your radiant splendor.”
Thanks
Thank you for guiding us safely through danger to see another morning.
Thank you for sending me friends that I can share my adventure with.
Thank you for giving me the power to help those friends when they get hurt.
Blessings
I pray for blessings for my allies, who keep me company on the road.
I pray that the red one can find more books. Her knowledge is important.
I pray for Sonny and his family's continued health. That he may continue to protect and support us. And that he might find some soap soon. Stinky.
I pray for guidance for the green one. That he can keep leading us safely. And that he can stop getting shot with arrows. I would miss him a lot if he died.
I pray for Viola, now my friend! I hope she doesn't get hurt again, either.
And I'll also pray for my enemies, who we felled in battle. I hope they can find peace in the land beyond.
Closing
Thank you Lathander, Inspiration’s Dawn, for all you do. For the warmth and light you wash over us. Till the next dawn comes.
The rutted track emerged from a wooded hillside, and the party caught their first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consisted of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins- crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars- surrounded the newer houses and shops, implying that it had been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings were set on the sides of the cart track, which widened into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbed toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.
As the party approached, they saw children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people looked up as they approached, but all returned to their business as the party passed by.
Sildar, now recovered from the wounds sustained at the Cragmaw lair, seemed much more at ease. “My friends,” he said, “let us secure lodgings. I’m told the local inn is very quaint.”
“Oh, yes please!” Rose gasped. “I would do unspeakable things for a bed and a bath.”
“Shouldn't we drop our stuff off first?” Sonny asked. “We've still got a job to do.”
“That's very dutiful of you, Sonny.” Verne replied. “We'll first head to the Lionshield Coster to drop off the spoils from the goblin hoard, then Barthen’s Provisions to complete Gundren’s request, and after that: straight away to the inn.”
“That's good.” Peri sighed. “Sonny could use a wash.”
“Peri!” Viola hissed. “What's the matter with you?”
Sonny gave a small laugh, “Nah, it's alright,” he said. “S'that why y’all have been so weird with me all day? You know you guys can tell me if I stink.”
“Respectfully, my friend,” Verne offered. “We thought it odd you were not already aware.”
“No, I wouldn't have any way of knowing.” Sonny smiled and pointed to his nose. “She's defective- no sense of smell.”
“How did that happen?” Rose asked. “Seasonal allergies, some kind of sickness?”
“Nah, nothing like that.” Sonny replied. “When I was a kid, I was re-shoeing one of our horses and I guess she didn't like the way I approached ‘cause she kicked me clean in the face. Totally smashed my nose. The local clerics were able to fix the structural damage, but it left me with a bum sniffer.”
“You were kicked in the face by a horse…as a child…and you lived?” Viola asked, dumbfounded.
“Yeah, I guess.” Sonny laughed. “Thankfully it didn't leave me too funny looking- just the right amount.”
The others didn't say anything, but stared with newfound respect for (and possibly fear of) the young warrior as they rode toward the Lionshield Coster.
The party rolled up to the trading post, signified by the blue lion emblazoned on the shield-shaped wooden sign that hung above the door. Sonny heeled the horses, then got to work unloading the bulky supplies with Sildar while the others entered the shop.
The interior of the Lionshield Coster was clean, but modest. Wooden shelves and displays lined the walls, each carrying a selection of armor and weapons. Behind the counter was a dark-haired woman in the customary royal blue uniform of Lionshields employees. “Welcome to the Lionshield Coster,” she said, “how can I help you today?”
“We're actually here to return something of yours.” Verne offered.
“Oh?” The woman raised an eyebrow. “Well that's too bad. See, we've got an ‘all sales are final’ policy here. So unless you plan to buy something, you'd best be on your way.”
“Listen here, elf.” The woman growled, folding her hands on the desk. “I've got enough trouble on my hands without some two-copper punks coming in here trying to make some quick coin with a phony return. Now I'll ask you one more time to please leave.”
Thankfully, at that moment, Sonny stepped through the front door of the coster, bearing a crate on each shoulder. Immediately, the woman straightened up, seeing the blue lion crest on the face of the crate. Sonny, meeting the woman's gaze, flashed a clumsy smile and sidled up to the counter.
“Hey there miss,” the young warrior said, oblivious to the previous tension. “My friends and I recovered some of your stuff and we thought we'd return it to ya. Is there anywhere I should drop it off?”
“Oh, right there is just fine.” The woman said, gesturing to a space next to the counter. Sonny obliged, gently setting down his load as Sildar walked in with the rest of the recovered goods.
“So that's what you meant.” The woman said, her face awash with embarrassment. “I'm sorry, folks. We've had so many problems with bandits and troublemakers lately that I've been a bit on edge. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Pay it no mind.” Verne smiled kindly. “Caution is a wise practice when you're in the business of weaponry. My name is Verne, and these are my friends Peri, Rose, Sildar, Sonny and Viola. It is nice to meet you.”
“The name's Linene, and I appreciate that, but still,” she replied. “You've done me a service and I'd like to show you my gratitude.” She reached into a pouch beneath the counter and pulled out fifty gold pieces that she distributed between them.
“You mentioned something about bandits?” Rose asked, pulling her satchel close. “Are they a common nuisance around here?”
“‘Fraid so.” Linene replied grimly. “Especially lately. Phandalin has always been a bit ‘rough and tumble’- comes with the territory of being a frontier town. But lately we've had trouble with a bunch of crooks who call themselves the Redbrands.”
“The Redbrands?” Rose pulled out a journal and began scrawling out notes. “What are they like?”
“They're a bunch of thieves and bullies,” Linene growled, “who like to throw their weight around and hassle the townsfolk. They mostly hang around the Sleeping Giant Taphouse, get drunk and beat up anyone who looks at them funny. You'd best avoid them if you can.”
“We will keep that in mind, thank you,” said Verne.
“While you're here, can I interest you in any weapons or armor?” Linene asked.
“I could use some sturdier armor.” Viola piped up. “Ideally something with better coverage.” The halfling gestured to where she'd been shot earlier.
“Sure thing.” Linene replied. She turned into the back and retrieved a set of studded leathers that she held down for Viola to feel.
“Ooh, that's very nice!” Viola cooed, tapping her finger on one of the studs. “I'll take it.”
“Great! We'll need to size that down for you, but since I owe you a favor I can waive the tailoring fee. Without that, the total will be forty five gold pieces.”
Viola quickly withdrew her hand and stepped back, her face scandalized. “That can't be right,” she gasped. “I said I wanted the armor, not your whole shop!”
“Armor is an investment, ma'am.” Linene replied, a hint of irritation in her voice. “You need to consider the materials, cost of labor to make it, and how valuable it is.”
“Hmm.” Viola stroked her chin in mock contemplation. “Well, now I've considered it, and it's still way too much!”
“Viola…” Verne warned. But the halfling remained obstinate. She folded her arms and locked eyes with the saleswoman, who similarly didn't seem ready to back down. But eventually, Linene sighed and said, “Alright, miss. Tell you what. You've all done me a favor, and I'd like to recognize that. If you want, I'll let you trade in your current armor and knock ten gold pieces off the final price.”
Viola opened her mouth, seemingly to argue further, but a look from Verne made her reconsider. “Fine. Thirty gold pieces it is.”
“I think you mean thirty-five, little lady.” Linene said, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, that's right.” Viola laughed. “How silly of me.”
Linene frowned, but didn't belabor the point any further. “Like I said, we'll need to re-size the armor for you, which should take about two days. So if you'd like, you could put twenty gold down today and pay the rest when it's finished.”
“Sure, sounds great.” Viola grumbled as she fished out her newly acquired gold. “Like slowly ripping off a bandage.”
“Viola, please.” Verne sighed. “If it isn't too much trouble, I would like to partake in this deal as well. As you can see, it would do me some good.” The ranger gestured to the many holes that now dotted his leathers.
“Oh my,” the clerk replied. “Yes, let's get you into something sturdier.”
Verne and Viola each placed twenty gold on the counter, which Linene carefully placed into a pouch. Verne also picked up a bundle of arrows for an additional gold piece. Rose had no need for weapons or armor, and Peri's and Sonny's equipment already met what the store could provide, so they held onto their coin. Then, with their business completed, the party took their leave of the Lionshield Coster.
When they got outside, Sildar said, “Go ahead to Barthen's Provisions. I'll head to the Stonehill Inn and secure us lodging for the night. Meet me there when you're finished.” The party agreed, and Sonny drove the wagon down the road.
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LMoP - Interlude: Arrival (Peri)
16 Tarsakh
Prayer
“I gratefully thank You, O Morning Lord, for restoring the light to my eyes, that I may view your radiant splendor.”
Thanks
Thank you for guiding us safely through danger to see another morning.
Thank you for sending me friends that I can share my adventure with.
Thank you for giving me the power to help those friends when they get hurt.
Blessings
I pray for blessings for my allies, who keep me company on the road.
I pray that the red one can find more books. Her knowledge is important.
I pray for Sonny and his family's continued health. That he may continue to protect and support us. And that he might find some soap soon. Stinky.
I pray for guidance for the green one. That he can keep leading us safely. And that he can stop getting shot with arrows. I would miss him a lot if he died.
I pray for Viola, now my friend! I hope she doesn't get hurt again, either.
And I'll also pray for my enemies, who we felled in battle. I hope they can find peace in the land beyond.
Closing
Thank you Lathander, Inspiration’s Dawn, for all you do. For the warmth and light you wash over us. Till the next dawn comes.
Amen.
LMoP - Interlude: Arrival (Viola)
Viola's To-Do List for Phandalin
Count out my GOLD
Buy some NEW CLOTHES
Buy some tasty FOOD
Buy some SOAP for whoever's stinking up the cart
Chapter 3.1: Into Phandalin
The rutted track emerged from a wooded hillside, and the party caught their first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consisted of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins- crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars- surrounded the newer houses and shops, implying that it had been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings were set on the sides of the cart track, which widened into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbed toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.
As the party approached, they saw children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people looked up as they approached, but all returned to their business as the party passed by.
Sildar, now recovered from the wounds sustained at the Cragmaw lair, seemed much more at ease. “My friends,” he said, “let us secure lodgings. I’m told the local inn is very quaint.”
“Oh, yes please!” Rose gasped. “I would do unspeakable things for a bed and a bath.”
“Shouldn't we drop our stuff off first?” Sonny asked. “We've still got a job to do.”
“That's very dutiful of you, Sonny.” Verne replied. “We'll first head to the Lionshield Coster to drop off the spoils from the goblin hoard, then Barthen’s Provisions to complete Gundren’s request, and after that: straight away to the inn.”
“That's good.” Peri sighed. “Sonny could use a wash.”
“Peri!” Viola hissed. “What's the matter with you?”
Sonny gave a small laugh, “Nah, it's alright,” he said. “S'that why y’all have been so weird with me all day? You know you guys can tell me if I stink.”
“Respectfully, my friend,” Verne offered. “We thought it odd you were not already aware.”
“No, I wouldn't have any way of knowing.” Sonny smiled and pointed to his nose. “She's defective- no sense of smell.”
“How did that happen?” Rose asked. “Seasonal allergies, some kind of sickness?”
“Nah, nothing like that.” Sonny replied. “When I was a kid, I was re-shoeing one of our horses and I guess she didn't like the way I approached ‘cause she kicked me clean in the face. Totally smashed my nose. The local clerics were able to fix the structural damage, but it left me with a bum sniffer.”
“You were kicked in the face by a horse…as a child…and you lived?” Viola asked, dumbfounded.
“Yeah, I guess.” Sonny laughed. “Thankfully it didn't leave me too funny looking- just the right amount.”
The others didn't say anything, but stared with newfound respect for (and possibly fear of) the young warrior as they rode toward the Lionshield Coster.
Chapter 3.2: The Lionshield Coster
The party rolled up to the trading post, signified by the blue lion emblazoned on the shield-shaped wooden sign that hung above the door. Sonny heeled the horses, then got to work unloading the bulky supplies with Sildar while the others entered the shop.
The interior of the Lionshield Coster was clean, but modest. Wooden shelves and displays lined the walls, each carrying a selection of armor and weapons. Behind the counter was a dark-haired woman in the customary royal blue uniform of Lionshields employees. “Welcome to the Lionshield Coster,” she said, “how can I help you today?”
“We're actually here to return something of yours.” Verne offered.
“Oh?” The woman raised an eyebrow. “Well that's too bad. See, we've got an ‘all sales are final’ policy here. So unless you plan to buy something, you'd best be on your way.”
“No, madam,” Verne laughed. “You misunderstand me, I-”
“Listen here, elf.” The woman growled, folding her hands on the desk. “I've got enough trouble on my hands without some two-copper punks coming in here trying to make some quick coin with a phony return. Now I'll ask you one more time to please leave.”
Thankfully, at that moment, Sonny stepped through the front door of the coster, bearing a crate on each shoulder. Immediately, the woman straightened up, seeing the blue lion crest on the face of the crate. Sonny, meeting the woman's gaze, flashed a clumsy smile and sidled up to the counter.
“Hey there miss,” the young warrior said, oblivious to the previous tension. “My friends and I recovered some of your stuff and we thought we'd return it to ya. Is there anywhere I should drop it off?”
“Oh, right there is just fine.” The woman said, gesturing to a space next to the counter. Sonny obliged, gently setting down his load as Sildar walked in with the rest of the recovered goods.
“So that's what you meant.” The woman said, her face awash with embarrassment. “I'm sorry, folks. We've had so many problems with bandits and troublemakers lately that I've been a bit on edge. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Pay it no mind.” Verne smiled kindly. “Caution is a wise practice when you're in the business of weaponry. My name is Verne, and these are my friends Peri, Rose, Sildar, Sonny and Viola. It is nice to meet you.”
“The name's Linene, and I appreciate that, but still,” she replied. “You've done me a service and I'd like to show you my gratitude.” She reached into a pouch beneath the counter and pulled out fifty gold pieces that she distributed between them.
“You mentioned something about bandits?” Rose asked, pulling her satchel close. “Are they a common nuisance around here?”
“‘Fraid so.” Linene replied grimly. “Especially lately. Phandalin has always been a bit ‘rough and tumble’- comes with the territory of being a frontier town. But lately we've had trouble with a bunch of crooks who call themselves the Redbrands.”
“The Redbrands?” Rose pulled out a journal and began scrawling out notes. “What are they like?”
“They're a bunch of thieves and bullies,” Linene growled, “who like to throw their weight around and hassle the townsfolk. They mostly hang around the Sleeping Giant Taphouse, get drunk and beat up anyone who looks at them funny. You'd best avoid them if you can.”
“We will keep that in mind, thank you,” said Verne.
“While you're here, can I interest you in any weapons or armor?” Linene asked.
“I could use some sturdier armor.” Viola piped up. “Ideally something with better coverage.” The halfling gestured to where she'd been shot earlier.
“Sure thing.” Linene replied. She turned into the back and retrieved a set of studded leathers that she held down for Viola to feel.
“Ooh, that's very nice!” Viola cooed, tapping her finger on one of the studs. “I'll take it.”
“Great! We'll need to size that down for you, but since I owe you a favor I can waive the tailoring fee. Without that, the total will be forty five gold pieces.”
Viola quickly withdrew her hand and stepped back, her face scandalized. “That can't be right,” she gasped. “I said I wanted the armor, not your whole shop!”
“Armor is an investment, ma'am.” Linene replied, a hint of irritation in her voice. “You need to consider the materials, cost of labor to make it, and how valuable it is.”
“Hmm.” Viola stroked her chin in mock contemplation. “Well, now I've considered it, and it's still way too much!”
“Viola…” Verne warned. But the halfling remained obstinate. She folded her arms and locked eyes with the saleswoman, who similarly didn't seem ready to back down. But eventually, Linene sighed and said, “Alright, miss. Tell you what. You've all done me a favor, and I'd like to recognize that. If you want, I'll let you trade in your current armor and knock ten gold pieces off the final price.”
Viola opened her mouth, seemingly to argue further, but a look from Verne made her reconsider. “Fine. Thirty gold pieces it is.”
“I think you mean thirty-five, little lady.” Linene said, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, that's right.” Viola laughed. “How silly of me.”
Linene frowned, but didn't belabor the point any further. “Like I said, we'll need to re-size the armor for you, which should take about two days. So if you'd like, you could put twenty gold down today and pay the rest when it's finished.”
“Sure, sounds great.” Viola grumbled as she fished out her newly acquired gold. “Like slowly ripping off a bandage.”
“Viola, please.” Verne sighed. “If it isn't too much trouble, I would like to partake in this deal as well. As you can see, it would do me some good.” The ranger gestured to the many holes that now dotted his leathers.
“Oh my,” the clerk replied. “Yes, let's get you into something sturdier.”
Verne and Viola each placed twenty gold on the counter, which Linene carefully placed into a pouch. Verne also picked up a bundle of arrows for an additional gold piece. Rose had no need for weapons or armor, and Peri's and Sonny's equipment already met what the store could provide, so they held onto their coin. Then, with their business completed, the party took their leave of the Lionshield Coster.
When they got outside, Sildar said, “Go ahead to Barthen's Provisions. I'll head to the Stonehill Inn and secure us lodging for the night. Meet me there when you're finished.” The party agreed, and Sonny drove the wagon down the road.