Lost Mine of Phandelver - Gundren's Ward

[Infernally Clay]

Sigrún Bonegrinder Goliath Barbarian 1 HP: 10/15, AC: 15 Conditions: None Rages: 0/2 Stone's Endurance: 1/1

"We should probably go to Phandalin first," Sigrún suggests, "Then Sildar here can get some rest while we update Gundren's brothers on the situation - assuming they're still waiting for us in Phandalin, as Gundren was meant to."

[onlie2005]

"Sildar its me Maria.", Maria says walking over to him and making sure he was all right, "We came here to rescue you and Gundrenn after we heard you and him were kidnapped by raiders. What happened?"

[Luccan]

"We were hired by Gundren to escort some stuff to the mines. But then stuff went bad, and now we're here to save the day!" Lonnie tells him. "We found out that Gundren is being held captive by King Grol, and we've got a vague idea of where he is. We're probably gonna go there next to save him too. Also I'm Lonnie-what's your name?"

Damn, that means they have the map. He gives Lonnie a nod Sildar Hallwinter

"More importantly.... Aparantly there was a prize on your heads. What is it that you guys are involved in that someone would pay good cash to kidnap and murder?"

Gundren and his brothers found Wave Echo Cave. It's where the map leads He looks between all of you and explains for those unfamiliar with the name the significance: Over half a millennia ago, dwarves and gnomes who lived in this part of the world made the Phandelver Pact, an agreement to share the rich mines of Wave Echo Cave. Supposed to have not only contained countless previous metals, but also great magical power. Spellcasters came and allied with the Phandelver Pact to create The Spell Forge. So potent was the magic in the cave a regular craftsman using the Spell Forge could create magic items. In the hands of real mage who understood it, it could create wonders. Sildar sighs But you know how such stories end. A hoard of orcs and evil wizards came and the two groups, the dwarves and gnomes and their allies and the orcs and their dark magic patrons, slaughtered each other. Wave Echo Cave, as well as the mines, were lost. People have been searching the hills around here for it since. And now an unknown force behind these goblins, someone I heard them call The Black Spider, has the map to it in the goblin fortress.

Sigrún Bonegrinder Goliath Barbarian 1 HP: 10/15, AC: 15 Conditions: None Rages: 0/2 Stone's Endurance: 1/1

"We should probably go to Phandalin first," Sigrún suggests, "Then Sildar here can get some rest while we update Gundren's brothers on the situation - assuming they're still waiting for us in Phandalin, as Gundren was meant to."

Sildar nods I was only Gundren's escort to town anyway. I wanted to make sure he got there safe, lot of good that did, but I need to find my contact. He again looks between all of you, this time sizing you up I don't want to delay you, but I could use your help once we're in town. You'd have the gratitude of the Lords' Alliance. And someone else in town might have an idea of where the Cragmaws are keeping Gundren and the map.

"Sildar its me Maria.", Maria says walking over to him and making sure he was all right, "We came here to rescue you and Gundrenn after we heard you and him were kidnapped by raiders. What happened?"

Maria? Gundren's ward? I'm sorry, lass. I pray he can be found before the worst happens. I at least know they took us both alive, so it must be important they can talk to him.

[Lentrax]

At the mention of lords. And alliances, which means nothing to the tiefling woman, Netish goes back to looking down and trying to not draw attention to herself. She willingly follows along beside the group, keeping her head down and watching the ground beneath her feet so she doesn’t trip and fall.

[Phyzor]

Soooooo, there is a long forgotten place that you had a map off. Which is now lost and in hands of the spider king. It sounds like we need to get that map back guys, it must be worth quite a lot. Let's make our way to Phandalin, get rationed up and get that map back. Smelkie looks around the group to get a sense if everybody agrees.

[JNAProductions]

Lonnie nods. "Do we get paid extra for this?"

[Infernally Clay]

Sigrún Bonegrinder Goliath Barbarian 1 HP: 10/15, AC: 15 Conditions: None Rages: 0/2 Stone's Endurance: 1/1

"The favour of the Lord's Alliance is worth more than some extra coin," Sigrún says to Lonnie, "but I'm sure Gundren and his brothers will show their appreciation in another way."

She then turns to Smelkie, "That does sound like a good idea. Sildar can fill us in on what he knows about this Black Spider on the way. Netish and I will take point, if you're up for that," she finishes, looking to Netish, "Don't want to get ambushed by goblins again."

[Lentrax]

Netish looks up at her name, and smiles weakly.

I can. But I will need a rest soon.

[Luccan]

Smelkie's earlier attention when the group was lead to the cave allows him to easily guide you back to the road and your cart. Sildar tells you all he can, but unfortunately it isn't much I never saw them myself. I can guess the Black Spider isn't any sort of goblinoid else they probably would have challenged the Cragmaw's so-called king, not paid him off. Once you're on the road, he tells you more about his own mission he requested help with A wizard named Iarno Albrek was sent to Phandalin by the Alliance two months ago. We haven't heard word of or from him since, which with Gundren's kidnapping suggests a larger force working in the area. Once I've rested a bit, I'll talk to some of the locals. If I can find anything and you're still in town, I'll meet with you back at the inn. And don't worry, there's gold in it for you too, if that's what motivates you. The rest of the trip is fairly short and uneventful. Those of you in need of rest have time for a Short one, as the horses are capable of pulling a few people with the goods. Before long, you're turning south off the Triboar to an even less frequented trail that at last emerges from between the trees.

The rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and you catch your first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins-crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars-surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town. As you approach, you see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as you approach, but all return to their business as you go by.

Sildar nods to a few people from the seat of cart, where he sits alongside whoever is driving the horses Shall we secure lodgings? I'm in need of a hard drink and a soft bed

[Infernally Clay]

Sigrún Bonegrinder Goliath Barbarian 1 HP: 10/15, AC: 15 Conditions: None Rages: 0/2 Stone's Endurance: 1/1

"Go on ahead, but don't drink them dry without us!" Sigrún says to Sildar with a laugh, "We should drop this stuff off to Barthen's Provisions as asked and see if we can't find Gundren's brothers. After that we'll join you."

[onlie2005]

"Our first priority should be to find Gundrenn. He must come first!", Maria says firmly.

[Lentrax]

Smelkie's earlier attention when the group was lead to the cave allows him to easily guide you back to the road and your cart. Sildar tells you all he can, but unfortunately it isn't much I never saw them myself. I can guess the Black Spider isn't any sort of goblinoid else they probably would have challenged the Cragmaw's so-called king, not paid him off. Once you're on the road, he tells you more about his own mission he requested help with A wizard named Iarno Albrek was sent to Phandalin by the Alliance two months ago. We haven't heard word of or from him since, which with Gundren's kidnapping suggests a larger force working in the area. Once I've rested a bit, I'll talk to some of the locals. If I can find anything and you're still in town, I'll meet with you back at the inn. And don't worry, there's gold in it for you too, if that's what motivates you. The rest of the trip is fairly short and uneventful. Those of you in need of rest have time for a Short one, as the horses are capable of pulling a few people with the goods. Before long, you're turning south off the Triboar to an even less frequented trail that at last emerges from between the trees.

The rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and you catch your first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins-crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars-surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town. As you approach, you see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as you approach, but all return to their business as you go by.

Sildar nods to a few people from the seat of cart, where he sits alongside whoever is driving the horses Shall we secure lodgings? I'm in need of a hard drink and a soft bed

Netish gets in the cart. As she rests in the back of the cart, she removes the ruins of her ragged clothes, tears it into strips and uses it to bind the worst of her new wounds. She fingers one, and smiles, knowing it will become a new scar to prove her worth in a fight.

Once she has her wounds bound, she takes the clothes she scavenged from the cave and begins putting them on. It turns out to be a simple, light blue dress. She fastens the waist with the belt she found, but then picks up the boots and looks at them. With a curious look, she tosses them down on the cart beside her, not bothering to put them on.

Spoiler: Short rest

Show

(1d12)[5]

[Phyzor]

In the back of the cart Smelkie is sharpening his set of tableknives thinking they might come in handy at some point as a weapon or a trap.
He looks for Yorrel "Hey Yorrel, thanks for bringing me back up back there. This goblin came at me with red fury in its eyes and I blacked out."

"Why was Iarno sent to Phandalin?" he asks after Sildar tells them about him. If there's a larger force at hand this wizard must play a role as well since he seemingly vanished.

Arriving in Phandalin Smelkie says "I need a drink too, but I agree with Sigrùn, we need to head to Barthen's Provisions first. There's a payment awaiting, then we drink and discuss the Lord's alliance."

[JNAProductions]

Lonnie nods along. She doesn't really know who this Alliance is or why they're so important, but they sound nice at least.

[Luccan]

Sigrún Bonegrinder Goliath Barbarian 1 HP: 10/15, AC: 15 Conditions: None Rages: 0/2 Stone's Endurance: 1/1

"Go on ahead, but don't drink them dry without us!" Sigrún says to Sildar with a laugh, "We should drop this stuff off to Barthen's Provisions as asked and see if we can't find Gundren's brothers. After that we'll join you."

It takes little time to find the largest trading post in Phandalin, stocked with whatever a prospector or adventurer could need on the road. In addition to the two young store clerks who begin unloading the wagon once you arrive, Barthen himself is sitting at the counter, a balding man with a kindly smile. I appreciate you bringing the shipment in. Linene at the Lionshield Coster and I have both been losing wagons lately. He hands out 10 gold apiece to each of you, then seems to reconsider from your battered looks and give you each another 5 gold Hazard pay. After a moment he seems to recognize Maria Ah, last time he was in town Gundren mentioned he'd be sending his charge out here soon. I'm sad to say he hasn't stopped by, must've gone straight to his brothers' camp

In the back of the cart Smelkie is sharpening his set of tableknives thinking they might come in handy at some point as a weapon or a trap.
He looks for Yorrel "Hey Yorrel, thanks for bringing me back up back there. This goblin came at me with red fury in its eyes and I blacked out."

Yorrel smiles Any time. Glad we all made it out mostly intact.

"Why was Iarno sent to Phandalin?" he asks after Sildar tells them about him. If there's a larger force at hand this wizard must play a role as well since he seemingly vanished.

Arriving in Phandalin Smelkie says "I need a drink too, but I agree with Sigrùn, we need to head to Barthen's Provisions first. There's a payment awaiting, then we drink and discuss the Lord's alliance."

Sildar answers He was supposed to be establishing some rule of law in the area. With the merchant caravans and travelers being attacked, he gestures to you all and himself, we knew banditry had become a problem, but Iarno wasn't supposed to trouble any rough looking locals, just push the townmaster into forming a guard or militia.

"Our first priority should be to find Gundrenn. He must come first!", Maria says firmly.

Sildar nods I pray you find him quickly, lass. He points just past Barthen's provisions, to the town green which among other buildings has a small stone shrine There's a shrine to Tymora if you're looking to ask for luck of your own. As he departs he tells you I'll be at the Stonehill Inn. Can't miss it. Even if you're going straight after Gundren, you should get some rest there first.

Netish gets in the cart. As she rests in the back of the cart, she removes the ruins of her ragged clothes, tears it into strips and uses it to bind the worst of her new wounds. She fingers one, and smiles, knowing it will become a new scar to prove her worth in a fight.

Once she has her wounds bound, she takes the clothes she scavenged from the cave and begins putting them on. It turns out to be a simple, light blue dress. She fastens the waist with the belt she found, but then picks up the boots and looks at them. With a curious look, she tosses them down on the cart beside her, not bothering to put them on.

Spoiler: Short rest

Show

[roll0]

The boots are well made, but not particularly impressive. The dress is comfortable and surprisingly clean.

Lonnie nods along. She doesn't really know who this Alliance is or why they're so important, but they sound nice at least.

Myrus speaks up at the mention of the Lord's Alliance Defenders of the free cities of the Sword Coast and some of their allies. A worthy company, though they don't march to war as a group often. Tempus knows their battles and desire for victory over their foes.

[JNAProductions]

"They sound like city folk," Lonnie says. "Which, I guess is okay. Some of the city folk are nice."

She makes her way to the shrine of Tymora, and looks it over. "Um... Hello?" she says to the shrine. "Ms. Tymora? I don't think we've ever talked before. But, um, there's this dwarven guy who's in trouble. He's Maria's parental figure, and if you're there, can you make sure he's doing okay? Maria's a pretty nice girl, and she deserves to have a good family. And, if you're willing, could you check on my parent too? I know that they're doing fine-but maybe let them know I'm okay? I know Velguardr's gonna worry about me."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Lonnie does not know how shrines or prayers work. :P

[Lentrax]

Netish finishes the ride in the back of the cart.

When they arrive at the trading post, she picks up her weapons (having figured out how to strap the two scimitars to her waist). Her greatswird, she slings over her shoulder, letting its weight hang comfortably on her back. She doesn’t have much else in the way of belongings, so she has little else to burden herself with as she steps down, leaving the boots behind.

Then it becomes quickly apparent to almost everyone that she is undure of what to do with herself now. Especially with more people about.

[onlie2005]

Maria is upset that they did not go rescue Gundrenn first. But now that she has had time to think about it she realized that the party is tired and needed rest and healing. including her. So she heads to the inn.

[Infernally Clay]

Sigrún Bonegrinder Goliath Barbarian 1 HP: 10/15, AC: 15 Conditions: None Rages: 0/2 Stone's Endurance: 1/1

"The roads are growing ever more dangerous," Sigrún ponders, "Goblins and bandits spring up like weeds. Once our duty is concluded here, making the roads safer is something I intend to do."

After a moment she continues, "Can you point us in the direction of this camp?" she says to Barthen, "We need to talk to Gundren's brothers."

Afterwards, while the group does its own thing, Sigrún heads to the Smithy to enquire about their weapons. She is looking for a maul, in particular.

[Luccan]

"They sound like city folk," Lonnie says. "Which, I guess is okay. Some of the city folk are nice."

She makes her way to the shrine of Tymora, and looks it over. "Um... Hello?" she says to the shrine. "Ms. Tymora? I don't think we've ever talked before. But, um, there's this dwarven guy who's in trouble. He's Maria's parental figure, and if you're there, can you make sure he's doing okay? Maria's a pretty nice girl, and she deserves to have a good family. And, if you're willing, could you check on my parent too? I know that they're doing fine-but maybe let them know I'm okay? I know Velguardr's gonna worry about me."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Lonnie does not know how shrines or prayers work. :P

The shrine is a small stone structure open to the elements. An altar, on which a small donation bowl is placed, is flanked by standing stones.

As you finish your improvised prayer, a woman's voice responds with a chuckle Tymora hears your prayer, sister, as she does all those who ask for her blessing. An elven woman steps from behind one of the shrine's standing stones, holding a clay jug in one hand. Her other arm is in a sling and a number of small cuts and bruises are visible on her hands and face. Despite this she smiles and motions to the table. She sits and pours you both some water into the cups at the table Apologies for the interruption but my lady and I don't get many visitors from out of town. Except the miners but they always ask to become wealthy. Gets a bit old. But you're not like most visitors we get. What brings you to Phandalin? She sips her water then speaks again Ah, I am quite rude today. I am Sister Garaele. I care for the shrine in the name of Lady Tymora

Netish finishes the ride in the back of the cart.

When they arrive at the trading post, she picks up her weapons (having figured out how to strap the two scimitars to her waist). Her greatswird, she slings over her shoulder, letting its weight hang comfortably on her back. She doesn’t have much else in the way of belongings, so she has little else to burden herself with as she steps down, leaving the boots behind.

Then it becomes quickly apparent to almost everyone that she is undure of what to do with herself now. Especially with more people about.

Most folk are headed home as the evening encroaches and you get a few odd looks, but for the most part folks just give you a nod and continue on. You get the sense the oddity here is mostly that they do not know you, not that you are a tiefling. They give your companions much the same look. As you try to decide what to do next, Myrus joins you We haven't had a chance to talk since the cave. You fought well, Tempus was honored by the battle.

Maria is upset that they did not go rescue Gundrenn first. But now that she has had time to think about it she realized that the party is tired and needed rest and healing. including her. So she heads to the inn.

The Stonehill Inn is a newer building, built from rough-hewn timber and fieldstones. As you enter the common room you see that number of locals have already filled most of the tables, but a busy looking barmaid calls out Be with you in a moment, dear! You see Sildar deep in conversation with an older patron and what seems to be the matron of the inn.

"The roads are growing ever more dangerous," Sigrún ponders, "Goblins and bandits spring up like weeds. Once our duty is concluded here, making the roads safer is something I intend to do."

After a moment she continues, "Can you point us in the direction of this camp?" she says to Barthen, "We need to talk to Gundren's brothers."

Afterwards, while the group does its own thing, Sigrún heads to the Smithy to enquire about their weapons. She is looking for a maul, in particular.

Barthen ponders for a moment and says You know, I don't think they've ever told me where they were camping. Most of the miners around these parts are secretive, paranoid about claim jumping. It took the three of them being drunk all night at the Stonehill Inn before they told anyone they found Wave Echo Cave. Probably the most exciting mining news the town has had in years. If you mention the Smithy, Barthen will point you elsewhere Smiths in town only work on mining tools and farm equipment. Lionshield Coster is where you want to go for a weapon, Linene always keeps a few things in stock for the odd mercenary or adventurer that wanders through.

[JNAProductions]

The shrine is a small stone structure open to the elements. An altar, on which a small donation bowl is placed, is flanked by standing stones.

As you finish your improvised prayer, a woman's voice responds with a chuckle Tymora hears your prayer, sister, as she does all those who ask for her blessing. An elven woman steps from behind one of the shrine's standing stones, holding a clay jug in one hand. Her other arm is in a sling and a number of small cuts and bruises are visible on her hands and face. Despite this she smiles and motions to the table. She sits and pours you both some water into the cups at the table Apologies for the interruption but my lady and I don't get many visitors from out of town. Except the miners but they always ask to become wealthy. Gets a bit old. But you're not like most visitors we get. What brings you to Phandalin? She sips her water then speaks again Ah, I am quite rude today. I am Sister Garaele. I care for the shrine in the name of Lady Tymora

Lonnie looks over to the woman, and shakes her head. "You're not being rude! I'm Lonnie. And I'm here because my parent wanted me to have a chance to get acquainted with people. They're a druid, see, and kinda a hermit too. But, you know, not everyone likes the quiet life, and it's really all I've known, so they wanted me to get a little more experience before I really chart my life's path. And... Do they know Gundren? I don't actually know-I think Velguardr just keeps tabs on things and when they heard that Gundren was being a parental stand-in, they figured that'd be a good way to get used to people."

"But, it looks like you're doing a good job with the shrine! Nice and neat and tidy," she continues. "The bowl is for money, right? I should probably hold onto some of mine, but I'm sure Ms. Tymora would appreciate a bit."

She fishes a gold piece from her pockets and drops it in the bowl. It makes a pleasant ringing as it spins and settles in, eliciting a little laugh from Lonnie.

[Lentrax]

Most folk are headed home as the evening encroaches and you get a few odd looks, but for the most part folks just give you a nod and continue on. You get the sense the oddity here is mostly that they do not know you, not that you are a tiefling. They give your companions much the same look. As you try to decide what to do next, Myrus joins you We haven't had a chance to talk since the cave. You fought well, Tempus was honored by the battle.

I don’t know what that means. All I know how to do is fight.

[Phyzor]

With a nod of appreciation Smelkie takes the gold. "Looks like we're heading off to the Stonehill Inn as well, there's information to gather over there" he says to Sigrùn.

He turns to Barthen "Where can we find general traveling provisions, is that Lionshield Coster as well? Lets go over before ending up in the Inn, I'm sure that once we're there we wont be leaving that place till he had a nights sleep"

[onlie2005]

Maria needs to cool down and collect herself. So she heads to the nearest table and sits down. She looks around and observes her surroundings, listening to any gossip or tales that might be interesting or of relevant value. She also orders some tea and a beef stew.

[Lentrax]

Completely unsure of herself, Netish walks into the inn, having been led there, more or less, by Myrus.

But now that she is standing in the doorway, she seems at a complete loss as to what to do.

[JNAProductions]

"I should probably check on the others-you have yourself a wonderful day, miss!" Lonnie says, and moves off.

Completely unsure of herself, Netish walks into the inn, having been led there, more or less, by Myrus.

But now that she is standing in the doorway, she seems at a complete loss as to what to do.

Lonnie is looking at the sky as she approaches the inn, and turns her head down in time to avoid walking into a wall. She does not, however, do it in time to avoid bumping into Netish. "Sorry! Sorry-oh hi Netish! I sent a prayer for good fortune at a little shrine. Maybe it'll help us!"

[Lentrax]

She feels the bump, and turns to see Lonnie as the one who did it. The gladiator seems very different from the one who very confidently taunted goblins before charging recklessly into battle. If anything, the tiefling seems absolutely terrified at something.

Maybe. Netish says in a hoarse whisper in response.

[JNAProductions]

"You okay?" she asks, concern in her voice. "Do you need a hug? I give really good hugs!" she adds, smiling.

[Lentrax]

I don't... she starts.

What do I do?

Yup.

Terrified.

[JNAProductions]

Lonnie looks at Netish. "Hey-it's gonna be okay! The people here are nice, and if any of them are mean, we'll make sure they know you don't deserve that!" She takes the tiefling's hand and walks into the inn, pulling her along with without too much force. "Come on! I bet they've got some tasty stuff to chow on."