Wardens of Heroes Gate

Roonoo in the Towers Stables

] You have just finishing mucking out the fourth stable when a ginger-headed dwarf approaches. He is about your size but much younger. His red beard is braided with smart leather straps with green gems. He is dressed in chain-covered leathers and is carrying a small pack which has a long cylinder-shaped case attached to it. He seems to be taking an interest in a small black mare you have available. She is of Charger blood, but a runt in size. Her mane is jet-black and overlong… just like yours. You recently purchased her while in Helm’s Hold.

] “What a beauty!” The dwarf says in your general direction. “She for sale?” he asks you.

Roonoo] “Good Waking to you ser. This here’s Queen a’ Mine. And aye, she is available – though she has just recently arrived and I cannot tell much about her. She is young still… small even for her age – a perfect fit for folks like us. She seems bright and slow to spook – but as said, we’ve not spent much time together yet.”

] Your prospective buyer has Queen a’ Mines head down and cradled in his hands and he is nuzzling her forehead with his. “I have a good sense about her. Can she be ready to travel tomorrow? I heading out towards the Sword Mountains in the morning.”

Roonoo] “Indeed she can. Will you be needing a saddle and tackle as well?”

] “Yes I will. I’ve got a budget of 100 gold – will that meet your price? ”

Roonoo] “Should do fine. I’ve even got a saddle special made for those of us in lack a’ long legs.”

] “Excellent – fair deal struck then! My name is Gundren by the way, Gundren Rockseeker.” He extends his hand your way.

Roonoo] I greet him in return “I am called Roonoo” I shake his hand and let him know I will have Queen a’ Mine ready for delivery upon the next sunrise. As the gold changes hands, I attempt to stay alert for any onlookers, as is my habit anytime gold changes hands.

1d20 Perception 19 +6 = 25

] You notice two young humans in dirty red cloaks trying not to be obvious in their surveillance of the transaction. After you and Gundren finalize the details, he walks away to the West towards the Blacklake. To your surprise, the two watchers follow him rather than the gold he placed in your hands.

Roonoo] I call to my manager, Braelnys and ask her to secure the gold and mind the shop while I investigate. I follow Gundren and the two red cloaks covertly.

1d20 Stealth 12 +4 = 16 (Success)

] The two humans are not aware that you have followed them. You watch as Gundren stop briefly for some food. He does not seem to be aware of his artless audience. As he continues in the direction of the Blacklake district, the two thugs seem to have decided they see an opportunity for an ambush as they pick up speed.

Roonoo] I hurry to catch up to prevent the ambush.

] As you catch up, you watch them push Gundren into an alley. As you round the corner you witness a head blow knock Gundren to the ground.

Roll for initiative [()]

Roonoo] I yell “Hey! Leave him be!” I use my Aggression Tactics to intimidate them as I yell and perform several air strikes with my staff. (Bonus Action)

] The ambusher (Thug01) is caught off-guard by your intimidation attempt, he stumbles back, visibly shaken (A shaken character takes a penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws equal to your Intimidation Skill bonus. )

Roonoo] I strike at the other punk (Thug02) with my staff

1d20 Attack 19 +7 = 26 (Hit) Dmg 3 +7 = 10

] You make solid contact with side of the thugs torso. An audible cracking of ribs can be heard through the alleyway.

Roonoo] “Avast ye Bully Boy! Cower on home to ye mammy’s paps!”

] [()] The other (Thug01) makes a stalting effort to attack you with a short sword but you easily bat away the blade. The second thug also swings a blade your way but you can see from his movements that damage from your first strike is impeding his swordarm.

Roonoo] “Gods knew it! You should have taken your warning boy.” I strike again at the second enemy. (Thug02)

1d20 Attack 8 +7 = 15 (Hit) Dmg 2 +7 = 9

] You plant your feet and use your torse to energize the blackthorn staff in your hands. The young human takes another blow to his already broken ribcage. The broken bones spear through his internal organs and he collapses, spitting up blood and gasping for a last breath.

Roonoo] Turning to the other (Thug01) I yell “Still here lad? So be it.” I use my Flurry of Blows action to execute two kicks on the first thug.

1d20 Attack 7 +6 = 13 (Miss)

1d20 Attack 15 +6 = 21 (Hit) Dmg 4 +4 = 8

] The first kick misses as the ambusher trips out of the way, but the second lands solid and square in his chest. He staggers backwards but you can see some resolve come across his face. [()] He lunges forward with a spearing strike but you spin around his attack and end up standing behind him. If you strike again, it will be with advantage.

Roonoo] “I’ll be telling yur sweetheart ye died shamefully!”

2d20a Attack 16 +6 = 22 (Hit) Dmg 3 +4 = 7

] The kick lands and sends the boy headlong into a wall. [()] He falls unconscious. Gundren Rockseeker has staggered to his feet but appears a bit dazed still from the head wound. “My thanks” he manages to say. His eyes seem to focus a bit and then he recognizes you. “Roonoo! By the Nine I’m glad for you just now. But how did you…?”

Roonoo] “I saw them surveilling our exchange for the black mare. I expected they would be after me as I had the gold in pocket, but instead they followed you… so I thought I should keep watch. I would not want Queen a’ Mine being orphaned so soon.”

] Gundren looks down at the two humans. “Redbrands! Ugh!” He spits on the corpse of the dead one. “What the shmek are they doing in Neverwinter? Could they have followed me all the way from Phandalin? How can that be?”

Roonoo] “Redbrands?”

] “Yes.. petty gang criminals who harass locals in our town. Their red garb is a signature of sorts. Surely it can be no coincidence that they are here following and attacking me. But you sure made quick work of them… not a scratch on you, nor a bead of sweat.“

Roonoo] “They are children playing with swords. I think this one is still alive. We should alert the guard. Then you should get some attention on that head wound, they hit you pretty hard. Wait here while I find a guard.”

] You return with two guards dressed in Neverwinter Gray after just a few minutes. The Redbrand against the wall is stirring and you place a foot on his back to keep him in place. Gundren relays the whole story to them, adding in some flourishes about the brigands harassing his Demure Dwarvishness. Gundren announces his desire to reward your actions and with more flourish, places 10 gold in your hand. The guards do not seem impressed nor concerned. The gather up the one still alive to lock him up. After they leave you and Gundren walk towards the healers guild. “You know…” Gundren starts. “I am suddenly concerned about my travels tomorrow. The Redbrands may be intent on some unknown evil actions. I should rather seek some extra protection for myself and my cargo. ”

Roonoo] “You might want to do just that. Don’t just hire some sword from a tavern though… There are several protection firms here in Neverwinter. Tolva’s Star Guard is reliable hired protection in my experience – although they are usually just protecting horses. Lysra Battlebraid, if she is still in town, would be a good choice. She knows Queen A’Mine – delivered her to me along with several others.”

] Gundren “I appreciate the recommendation. But… Any chance you would join me? Can take a break from the stables to travel with me to Phandalin?”

Roonoo] “I will think it over while we get your head fixed.”

] The two of you visit the healers guild in the Bluelake near Castle Never and shortly Gundren is on the mend. Afterwards, Gundren offers you a pint so you go over to the Driftwood.

Roonoo] I ask Gundren over ales… “Not that it is any of my business, but may I ask why you have Redbrands following you?”

] Gundren “I’ve been asking myself the same question Roonoo. Maybe just a coincendence? Perhaps they just thought I was an easy mark?”

Roonoo] “But they followed you, not your gold. They either wanted something else you have, or they just wanted to harm you. They were not professional killers… that much is for certain. ”

] Gundren “The only thing I have of value right now are my maps. My brothers and I mine the foothills around Phandalin. Halia Thornton would love to get her hands on my maps… perhaps she hired some Redbrands to thieve them away.”

Roonoo] “Who is Halia Thornton?”

] Gundren “She operates the local miners exchange in town. She’s got herself a sneaky-thumb… I’ve never trusted her.”

Roonoo] “Sneaky-thumb?”

] Gundren “Oh… that is just prospector talk for someone who sneaks a thumb on the scales when weighing your dust. Point is, Halia seems more than capable of some underhanded jiggery.”

Roonoo] “Perhaps then… there are more of these Redbrands following you around?” I take a moment and glance around the room for anyone suspicious looking. [Perception Check]

Results Table

1d20 Perception Check 13 +5 = 18

] Aside from a roomful of regulars, you notice a couple of off-duty guards, a small clique of Halflings around a dice game, and several adventurer sorts with big swords and fat axes and full packs, all of which leads you to assume they are planning their next dungeon delve. You also notice a female drow, probably half-drow by the angle of her ears. She is sitting by herself trying hard to not be noticed. If there was a professional killer in the room with you, she would be the most likely candidate in your impression.

Roonoo] “So tell me about Phandalin. How long have you lived there Gundren?”

] Gundren “Just a couple of years now. My brothers and I spend most of our time in the wilderness around Phandalin. It’s generally a nice enough place. 500 years ago it was a thriving settlement until orcs raided it… left the place in ruins for a long time… until 5 years ago when folk started rebuilding. It’s mostly miners and farmers, and good people all. It was only recent that them wretched Redbrands moved in and started troubling everyone, extorting fine folk.” He turns and spits on the ground.

Roonoo] “Don’t you have a guard, any sort of law?”

] Gundren “Not really… not yet… The Lords Alliance is looking to help. Besides supplies, the reason I’m in Neverwinter is to meet with em. It’s a bit of a story… but we had a fellow from the Lords Alliance in town for several months trying to lay the pavers for bringing in protection. He has gone missing so I’m bringing in another to help sort this mess out. Speaking of help… how did you learn to fight so impressing-like?”

Roonoo] “I’ve got many years on me friend… many a’ which I’m trying to forget… but you have to learn a thing or two about fighting when you live dangerously in the Sword Coast.”

] Gundren “Here I mistook you for a simple stable master.”

Roonoo] “That is what I am, and all of what I desire to be… most days… but today, perhaps, I will be supply wagon guard too.”

] Gundren “So you will accompany us to Phandalin then? Great then! I will of course pay you the standard and then some.”

Roonoo] I keep a watch on the drow half-elf while talking.

] You notice that she never looks your way, which makes you think she is avoiding looking your way, which makes you think she is watching you. You or Gundren.

Roonoo] “I have some affairs to order before we travel. Where should I meet you in the morning?”

] Gundren “I’m meeting with the Lords Alliance gentleman at the Flatstone Inn – first light. The provisioner is right across the way and will have everything ready for us.”

Roonoo] “I know the place. Is that where you are staying then? The Flatstone?”

] Gundren “Yes indeed. Nice place… great food.”

Roonoo] “We shall  see each other then. Watch your back friend.” I leave a gold coin on the table and leave. I am curious to discover if the drow will follow myself or Gundren. As I exit the Driftwood, I quickly attempt to hide so I can watch who she follows.

] You duck around the corner of a nearby building and watch. A few minutes after you see Gundren exit and head towards the bridges. You wait and watch nearly ten minutes… the drow does not leave the Driftwood Tavern.

Roonoo] I head back to my stables and ready myself for the journey to Phandalin.