Wardens of Heroes Gate

Deynn and Roonoo in Phandalin

] Nearly three hours ago you took the Trailway towards Phandalin from The Triboar Trail. You are traveling with several new companions; Dayni (whom you rescued from Klarg the Bugbear in the Cragmaw Hideout) and her sister Darsley and her brother-in-law Colt. Darsley and Colt were still searching for Dayni when you reunited them. Sildar (whom you also rescued from the Cragmaws) is also with you and destined to Phandalin. L’Khifrey Albrek-Roethorn had been traveling with you from Neverwinter when you were ambushed. When you went in search of the captive Gundren and Sildar, she went on ahead to Phandalin – anxious to meet with her father.

] The shadows have been stretching for several hours now and you expect you have between 2 and 3 hours of light in the day. The Trailway between Triboar Trail and Phandalin is about 11 miles and the last 9 have traversed largely grassy hills with the occasional copse of trees. Neverwinter Forest can still be seen rising up behind you and the Sword Mountains cover the horizon to the South. The weather has been pleasant and warm – a fitting day for Mirtul. Ahead of you there is a thickly forested hill and the Trailway begins gaining elevation. The smell of decaying timber is particularly strong and you notice that all of the trees on this hill are near ebony in their greenish color – there are no bright greens or reds in view.

] As the Trailway rises, you all hear an animal screech echo through the dark forest. [Nature or Survival Check]

Result Table

Deynn]

(1d20) Survival 8 +5 = 13

] The powerful screeching sound is unreconizable to you but you can tell the beast making it is a long way off in the distance – somewhere in the dark wood to the West

Deynn] “What a terrifying sound. At least is sounds to be a long ways off. You ever heard anything like that Roonoo?

Roonoo]

(1d20) Survival 12 +5 = 17

]  The powerful screeching sound is likely that of an Owlbear hunting prey. You can tell that the Owlbear is about 2-3 miles West of your location. Owlbears, you recall, primarily hunt  at night in the dark.

Roonoo] “Sounds like an Owlbear to me. Terrifying is the appropriate word. It is about 2 or 3 miles in that direction. It must be hungry… as I recall they only hunt at night.”

] Sildar “I’ve never encounted an Owlbear… but from the stories I’ve heard, I never want to. Lets pick up our pace for a while – just to ensure we do not become somethings dinner.”

] As you reach the treeline, the Trailway begins to level off. As you step into the forest, it feels like stepping into a cold night directly from a summers day. The musk of rotting wood and fungus fills your senses. There is another screech to the West – this one sustained.

Deynn] “Need a torch Sildar? It is dark for human eyes in here.”

] Sildar “Appreciate the thought – I will keep one in hand.”

] Dayni “Not only dark, but cold…. Especialy without my clothes… this cloak could be a lot thicker, and maybe a bit longer right now.” She smiles at Deynn as she bundles herself tighter and steps in closer to Deynn, as if for some warmth.

] There is no obvious exit – the Trailway seems to just lead deeper into darkness. You walk as quickly as you can along the cartwheel ruts in the forest floor. About a mile into the Darkwood, you see a creature in the way ahead of you in the path – about the size of a large dog. It seems to be playing… jumping up and pouncing down on some imaginary prey. Before you can get any closer, it whips its head your way, nostrils in the air. It comes bounding playfully towards you. As it gets closer you see it has a thick coat of white feathers and a awkwardly flat face.

Roonoo] “Owlbear! It’s a baby Owlbear! ”

] Darsley “It looks like it wants to play… and it is kind of cute.”

] The baby Owlbear begins exploring your scents, one by one… excitedly working its way through your group.

Deynn] “We don’t want to be anywhere near this cub when Mama comes back.”

] Dayni “What do we do?”

] Colt “Why don’t we just kill it. If we had time, we could carve off a tendays worth of meals judging from the size if him.”

] Darsley “Colt! He is just a baby!”

Deynn] “Colt may be right… but lets just slowly move on… ignore him and maybe he will find a new plaything. Don’t run… it may trigger prey instincts.”

] You all begin walking without giving the baby Owlbear any attention, but it seems fascinated with you and follows you like a puppy. You then hear another screech – this one much closer, much louder. It rings your ears.

Roonoo] “That would be mama… Ready yourselves!”

[()]

] The Large Monstrosity is upon you in under a second. It leaps down upon Roonoo, slashing vicious claws across your back. [()] (Roonoo takes 18 Dmg)

Initiative

] Colt attacks the giant beast from a blindspot on its hind [()] and Sildar steps to the other side, Longsword poised [()]

] Darsley pulls her unarmed and unarmored sister back from the combat and casts Sanctuary over her

Roonoo] The pain of my wound convinces me this needs to end quickly. I attack the Owlbear with my Blackthorn and then Flurry of Blows

(1d20) Attack 17 +7 = 24 [Hit] Dmg 7 +7 = 14

(1d20) Attack (Flurry 1) 14 +6 = 20 [Hit] (1d4) Dmg 2 +4 = 6

(1d20) Attack (Flurry 2) 11 +6 = 17 [Hit] (1d4) Dmg 3 +4 = 7 +6 +14 = 27 total

] The Owlbear lets out a screech sound more ear shattering than the previous as you batter it with blows. Feathers fly as it screams.

Deynn] I dislike having to do this, but I’ve got to get the Mama’s attention away from the others… “Hey Mama! Over here! Come save your baby!” I attack the baby Owlbear and then take Patient Defense – hoping to draw the mama to attack me

(1d20) Attack 19 + 6 = 25 [Hit] (1d4) Dmg 3 +4 = 7

] The baby Owlbear, as you turn towards it, appears confused about what is happening. When you leap towards it and strike it in the face with your fist, it lets out a loud yelp and turns and runs into the forest.

] Does the tactic work? Does mama Owlbear turn her attention to you?

([]) No

] The Owlbear is fiercely focused on Roonoo and attempts a bite attack [()] which Roonoo successfully dodges. It once again swipes with a massive claw of talons [(0] but misses.

] Colt and Sildar attack again from flank positions. [()] Their blades find vulnerable targets on the massive creature. It attempts to leap forward away from the pain of the rear attacks but it faulters and falls in the Trailway. As the last feather floats to the ground, you all hear another screeching somewhere deep in the Darkwood to the West.

Roonoo] “That would be Papa… I might guess. We should be hurrying away from here.”

] Darsley “Hold still one moment Roonoo… allow me to heal that gash on your back.” (1d8 +4) “Sorry I cannot do anything about your shredded clothing.”

Roonoo] “I will need a new robe… it happens more than you might think… Thank you.”

] As you continue through the Darkwood towards Phandalin, you hear the other Owlbear just once more but never see it. About two miles into the forest you see a bridge which crosses a chasm in the earth of the hill. It appears from above that the hillside was split apart. You can hear the sound of streaming water in the dark below and judge the distance to be at least 100 foot down – and probably more.

] Colt “This rip in the earth extends for miles in both directions. This is the only crossing. I have heard several stories about the Rent in Darkwood Hill. Some say it was a natural occurance. Others say it was not here when Phandalin was raided by the orcs over 500 years ago – that some powerful magic split the hill in order to protect against the onslaught. Still others say that the Darkwood Hill was once home to a great evil mage who summoned creatures from the shadow planes – up from the depths of the Rent. There are similar stories which try to explain when the forest here is so dark.”

Deynn] “It is quite amazing isn’t it. The bridge seems quite sturdy, but I would not want to linger over that fall for long…”

Roonoo] “Afraid of heights there Deynn?”

Deynn] I smile at Roonoo in the dark “It would seem so friend… heights and depths…”

Roonoo] “Then let us be moving on.”

] As you finish crossing the bridge, your Blackthorn staff happens to catch something on the ground as you walk. It skitters across the ground in front of you Roonoo.

Roonoo] “What?” I take a look

] You see a smooth round stone attached to a leather cord. There is an emblem carved into – a clover with four leaves.

Roonoo] “Curious thing this. Take a look Deynn. Think someone lost a good-luck charm?.” I hand the necklace to Deynn

Deynn] “I’ve not seen this emblem before. Whoever lost it would probably like to have it back I would think… We should take it to the townmaster when we get a chance.”

] Dayni, who has been standing close by you Deynn, “That looks like Garaelle’s necklace. Can I see it?” Without hesitation she says “I am certain it is Garaelles… How could she have left it behind? And out here? Sister Garaelle is a friend of ours. I will see that it is returned to her.” She reties the broken leather cord and drapes it around her neck and then closes the cloak back up around her body.

] A short distance from the bridge, the Darkwood forest begins to thin and the light of the late day warms you. The trailway begins sloping down right at the treeline. Below you catch your first glimpe of the village of Phandalin nestled in small valley. The town consists of about forty simple log buildings, some of these built upon the old fieldstone foundations of the Old Phandalin. You see, scattered around the living town, old ruins of ancient homes and buildings. There are crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars all around the outside edges of the village. On the far side you see larges fields of grain and other crops and on the North-West edge of town there is a large orchard that appears well-kept. The town itself divides along the trailway you have been following and widens into main street of sorts which winds through the town and climbs up a hill to the East where you seen the ruins of a grand manor house on a hillside.

] Sildar “My friends, let us secure lodgings. I’m told the Stonehill Inn is quaint and comfortable… and honestly, I am eager for some comfort just now.”

] You walk down the hill and enter into the village. To your right, you hear the unmistable racket of a hammer on anvil and assume it the building must hold a blacksmith. On your left you see a building with a sign reading “Barthens Provisioning”. You notice a familiar cart and a pair of oxen behind the building and you think you catch a glimpse of Belteb sleeping in the back of the now-empty wagon. In front of the provisions shop, you see a man with an impressive red-winged falcom perched on his forearm, talking to two boys. One looks to be a teenaged human and the other a young halfling of maybe ten years. They are both both fascinated with the falcon and appear to be riddling the falconer with questions about it.

] Colt, who is walking ahead of everyone, waves at the falconer. “Hiya Sy. These boys giving you the troubles?”

] Sy “Hey Colt! Darsley… Where’s…” he spots Dayni who is walking close beside you Deynn “Oh… there you are. Hi Dayni! How are you?” You get the impression from the way that his face lights up that he has an thing brewing in his chest for Half Elf you rescued from the clutches of Klarg.

] Dayni “Hi Syrinx. I’ve been better, but really glad to be home. I will tell you about it later. How is Rosefire today?” she says looking at the falcon on Sy’s arm.

] Sy “She is getting hungry. I need to go feed her soon… but I am waiting to deliver a very important message.” He sort of looks around as if to imply a secret… “We have a High Priestess coming… can you believe it!?! A High Priestess of Selune visiting Phandalin! I wonder if it has ever happened before. I’ve been waiting here all forenight to greet and welcome her and her acolytes.”

Colt] “A High Priestess? What would she want with Phandalin?”

Sy] “No idea. Most of the message is written in symbols I’ve never seen before… must be secrets of the moon temple eh?… I just know it is important she receives it immediately.”

Colt] Turning around to you two and Sildar says “Well you three better get yourselves a room right away, who knows if there will be any rooms left after the big wig priestess arrives in town.”

Roonoo] I say to the boys and the falconer… “That cart back there… it arrived a while ago with supplies for Gundren Rockseeker. Any chance Gundren has been here to take possession?”

Teenage boy] “I’ve not seen Gundren for some time now. Belteb helped me unload and went down for a nap. Oh, there was a lady… arrived with him. I pointed her to the Stonehill.”

Deynn] “Could you point us as well?”

] As he starts to turn and raise a pointer, a lean and balding shopkeeper steps out of the trading post “Thistle… I could use your help with… Oh hiya Carp. Hows that beautiful mother of yours?” he says to the young Halfling

] Carp “She’s good Mr. Elmar. She was angry this morning though, boy ever!”

] Elmar “Getting in trouble again lad? What did you do this time Carp? ”

] Carp  “Oh, it wasn’t me ser. It was Arlonel… He left mama’s farm to join up with them bully buys at the Sleeping Giant.”

] Elmar “He joined the Redbrands?!? Dretchhole Dogs! They have taken all our coin and now they are taking our kids? Someone has to put them down! ”

] Sy “Oh! Hey Colt… will you tell Wahler I have a message for him? When you see him? He’s been invited to play a Summer Festival in Leilon.”

] Colt turns back to Syrinx. “Wahler has been lost Sy. We will need a wagon and some help to recover his body tomorrow.”

Deynn] “We would help… we will help if possible.”

Roonoo] “Agreed. But now for cups. I was ready for cups at the last turn. Are ye with me boys? And gurls – you lot are welcomed too.”

] Darsley “Perhaps some time later, we need some rest.” The three of them continued on ahead, past the Stonehill Inn and beyond the Center Well shrine.

] An hour later you were checked in with two rooms at the Stonehill Inn, sitting a nice cozy palor eating stew and drinking ales together with L’Khifrey Albrek-Roethorn. Sildar made all the arrangements and paid all the costs. You met the innkeepers wife, Trilena Stonehill. Her husband Toblen and their son Pip, she said, were on a errand and should be back soon. Inside the common area there are several other small groups of folk drinking and talking and eating. Trilena is the keep here as well. Khi-khi is explaining what she has learned to Sildar.

] Khi-khi “Father was here for several months, staying at the Townmaster Hall just two doors down from the Stonehill Inn.”

] Sildar “I shall begin my investigation there. Have you already met with this townmaster?”

] Khi-khi goes on to explain that she had met Harbin Wester only briefly. She learned from him only that her father was interested in the Tresendar Manor on the hill to the East. It was shortly that when he disappeared.  “Mister Wester also said father was last seen the day before the mercenary group began to arrive in town – as though a day would prove the Redbrands had nothing to do with  it. He is afraid of them and I doubt he will be much help.”

] Sildar “Still, he is the only sort of government this frontier village has. He’s already made some agreements with the Lords Alliance to help bring law and order to Phandalin. Did you notice there is not even a single guard in town?”

] The barkeep Trilena replenishes your drinks and clears some bowls from your table.

Deynn] “It sounds to me like these Redbrands are the only law right now.”

] Trilena “Thel stood up to them. Nearly took his woodcarving axe to one of their skulls… we were so proud of him that day. But then they started harrassing Mirna at their shop, leering at her and making all kinds of vulgar and nasty threats. They must of packed up and left in the middle of the night – we haven’t seen them or their children for nearly a tenday now. Those Redbrands may run us all out of town before long.”

] A young lady wearing a colorful quality dress is sitting at the table next to you with an older woman. “The Redbrands hassle everyone in town and extort coin from us. I’m thinking of leaving too but I don’t know where we will go or how we will get there. The Redbrands have made it impossible to stay and difficult to leave.”

Roonoo] “Once we find Gundren, perhaps we can do something about these dirty punks.”

Deynn] “Agreed. Sildar… We should find out what their real numbers are in town and who the head of the snake might be so we can cut it off.”

] The lady sitting close by overhears this and says “You know there is one person these Redbrands don’t hassle or extort… I can’t say that Hallia is the snakes head, but there must be some reason they don’t give her trouble right?”

Deynn] “Who is this Hallia?” I ask

] “Hallia Thornton – she runs the Miners Exchange. Cold-hearted that one… prettiest woman in town but every man in town knows not to step beyond business with her.”

Roonoo] “Speaking of pretty, that is a fine weave you are are wearing. As you can see, I’ll be in need of new garments. Does this town have a good weaver needing to earn some coin?” I turn to show her the shredded robe on my back.

] Freda “That would be me. My name is Freda and this is my mother Marbelan. I don’t know that we have much on the shelf for you right now, but I can start on something for you first thing tomorrow. Come by the Coster and I’ll get your measurements. Oh… wait…” She fished through an inside pocket and pulls out a measuring tape. “If you want, I can save you the trip and gather numbers here and now.”

Roonoo] I stand up and hold my arms out. “What service! Thank you.” After she measures me, I get my coin bag out. “Never had a custom-made robe before…” I fish out a platinum coin and hand it to Freda. “Will that pay the cost?”

] Freda “Oh my… ten times over. A single gold coin will suffice.”

Roonoo] “No it won’t – not when I’m feeling appreciative. And judging from your own wearings, you are a highly skilled weaver and I should expect to pay more for your services.”

] Freda “You are too kind friend. I will have a new robe ready for you by Forenight tomorrow. I have a stall inside the Lionshield Coster.”

Deynn] “Lionshield Coster… is not that the name on the stolen cargo Dayni was looking for?”

] Freda “Linene has had 2 shipments of inventory disappear. I told her it had to be them Redbrands. She was offering a reward for their return but I don’t know how she was going to pay it.”

Roonoo] “Goblins have those shipments. They ambushed us too, and took our friend. Colt and Darsley and Dayni lost a friend today too… killed by Goblins.”

] Freda’s face is changed with concern and worry “This friend of Colt’s, it wasn’t Wahler… please say it wasn’t?”

Deynn] “Yes, I am sorry to tell it was. They are planning to take a wagon out tomorrow to retrieve him.”

] Freda begins to weep and the look of concern turns to expressions of grief. She excuses herself and leaves the inn, face in hands.

Deynn] “Perhaps we should allow Wahlers friends to be the ones to share news of his loss. Freda was obviously close to Wahler – she should not have heard of his death from a stranger.”

] Sildar “Wise insight Deynn. We have, it seems, shared all the news that is fit to share tonight, and then some. I shall find my way to a bunk. Good rest to you all.” He gets up from the table and climbs the stairs up the rooms. L’Khifrey also excuses herself for the night.

Deynn] We do the same

Roonoo] After finishing what ale stands on the table… I do the same.

] The night goes by peacefully and you awake refreshed. The two of you return to the common area for a morning meal. It is quite loud with many conversations. You notice that most of the folk filling the common room are likely locals. Sildar and Khi-khi are already at a table and wave you over.

] Sildar “From here, I go to find the Townmaster and find out what I can about these Redbrands. What will you do Deynn? Roonoo?”

Deynn] “I was considering next steps… and it seems our greatest priority right now remains finding Gundren.”

] Sildar “I would agree. There remains details which I am unable to share… but I can affirm that finding Gundren and his maps is a very high priority for all of us – likely for all of Phandalin.”

Roonoo] “The unfortnate bit is… our highest priority has no real leads. We don’t even know where to look for Gundren!”

Deynn] “I was thinking about that too… Sildar… you said that the female Drow said something about a king?”

] Sildar “Yes. I have no idea what she meant, but she said “I have a date with a king” after removing my bindings. What do you think it might mean?”

Roonoo] “We questioned a goblin who could speak common – in fact it is how we found you… but it said something about a king too. Do you remember Deynn?”

Deynn] “You are right! I had forgotten… it was a king something or other which told Klarg to capture Gundren!”

Roonoo] “And his maps… the goblin said the king ‘ told Klarg to capture the Dwarf named Rockseeker and that they must get his maps.’ What was the kings name? Blast! I cannot remember.”

Deynn] “If a king is ordering Cragmaw Chief – Klarg – around… maybe it is as simple as “the King of the Cragmaws”? If so… then the cave where we found Klarg is probably not their main base.”

] Sildar “It was still morning when a large group of the Cragmaws took Gundren away yesterday. It is reasonable to assume he was taken to this other base – to see this Cragmaw King.”

Roonoo] “That could be anywhere – only the Goblins might know. ”

Deynn] “Brilliant Roonoo! You just gave us a next step…. We need a translator to join us on a trip back to the Cragmaw case – someone who can speak Goblin. While we are there, we can help Dayni and her crew retrieve the Lionshield Coster shipments and help bring back the body of Wahler for ceremony.”

Roonoo] “Good plan then. Where do we find someone who speaks Goblin?”

Deynn] “We just start asking around….” I wave Trilena over to our table. “Good morning Mrs Stonehill. We find ourselves in need of someone who might know how to speak with Goblins… can you point us in some direction?”

] Trilena “Certainly not myself friend! But let me think… we don’t have any of the erudite types around here. Daran, I understand… used to be quite the adventurer of the Realms… could be he knows something helpful.” She looks around the room. “Haven’t seen him yet today but I expect we will before long. You can also ask my husband, Toblen, if he has any ideas.” She points to the male human behind the Innkeeper desk.

Deynn] I go ask Toblen.

] Toblen “Goblin-speak eh? I didn’t know Goblins had a language all their own… shows what I know! But… Reidoth would know that. In fact, I dare say he knows all what there is to know around these parts. And you are in luck! He is in town – or he was… I just saw him last night over at the Alderleaf’s farm. It seems he never hangs around for long visits, but you might catch him having morning meal with Qelline if you’re lucky.” Toblen then gives you easy instructions for reaching the Alderleaf farm.

Deynn] “Thank you Toblen. We shall make our way with haste.”

] As you exit the Stonehill Inn, you notice Syrinx running up the street towards Barthens Provisioning. You hear his Falcon Rosefire cry from above as it circles Phandalin. You walk South past the Center Well Shrine and notice it is actually called the Shrine of Luck.

Roonoo] “Say… I think this day could use a little luck… can we spare a second to ask a blessing?”

Deynn] “Not sure I know how to address Tymora for a blessing. I hestitate to offend. I wonder if Dayni ever returned the necklace to the Tymora Priestess… maybe she can help us.”

Roonoo] “Later. For now, just do what I do.” I go to the well and drop to a knee. “Goddess Tymora, our Lady of Luck. We have friends depending on us today – we could use a blessing from your hand.”

] You hear a bubbling of water down within the well and then a small splash as a large silver coin flies straight up into the air above the well.

Roonoo] “Quick – catch it before it falls back in!” [Sleight of Hand Check]

Result Table

Deynn]

(1d20) Sleight of Hand 16 +4 = 20

] The coin spins high in the air. It seems to float for the briefest moment and then drops back down right into your waiting hand. As you catch it, you hear more bubbling and another coin flies straight upwards out of the well.

Roonoo] “I’ve got it!

(1d20 Sleight of Hand 2 +4 = 6

]  The coin spins high in the air. It seems to float for the briefest moment and then drops back down into the well with a splash. Your hands swipe at it on its way but miss.

Roonoo] “Or not! Let us have a looksee?”

] The large silver coin has an image of a beautiful smiling lady on one side and a clover with four leaves on the other.

Deynn] “This side is just like the stone you stumbled on in the forest yesterday… look!”

Roonoo] “So it is… I’ve heard of Tymora’s coins before… no idea how to use it though.”

Deynn] “Seems pretty straight forward… when we need some luck we flip the coin to see if we are granted some? Could it be that easy?”

Roonoo] “But which side is good luck… and what is the other side going to do to us.”

Deynn] “Good questions both… maybe one side is just ‘good’ luck and the other is ‘really good’ luck? Is that too much to wish for?”

Roonoo] “I suppose we will find out when we do… eh Deynn?”

] On your left as you continue towards the Alderleaf farm, you see the Townmaster Hall across from a trading post with the now familiar emblem of the Lionshield Coster. It is a quiet morning in Phandalin. You notice a few folk out of doors and you receive a friendly nod or two as you pass. At the end of the lane, you see a large farm on the right, flowing up into the surrounding South-Eastern hills. There is a small farm house in front and several sheds scattered around the property. You see just a few workers out tending the fields in the hillside.  As you approach, a familiar young Halfling boy comes running out of the house to meet you.

] Carp “Good Waking!” he says to you brightly

Deynn] “Good Waking Carp.”

] Carp “You are the ones from last night yea? Came in with Colt?”

Roonoo] “That be us. We come here this morning looking for a man name of Reidoth. Is he still around by luck?”

] Carp “No. He was here last night but he must’ve left while I was asleep. Mother might know where.”

Deynn] “Great, we will ask her. Is she in?”

] Carp “Mother is working the land. We have short hands right now…  Arlonel left us so mother had to wake up extra early today.” He turns and looks into the fields and points out the figure of a small woman working a row of greens about 300 steps away. “There she is. This way!” and he begins running up the slopes ahead of you.”

] When you catch up to him he is already telling his mother about you. She is an attractive Halfling woman with long reddish hair in a thick braid. She is wearing a green dress with a dirt colored apron. Her strong hands are covered in dirt that she wipes on to her apron as you approach.

] Qelline “Good Waking friends.” She says to you. “Carp tells me you are looking for our favorite Druid? I can’t say for certain, but I expected to see him return by now.”

Roonoo] “We would seek him out… where might we look though?”

] Qelline “He was helping me with…” she takes another look at the both of you. “you got nothing do with them Redbrands do you?”

Deynn] “No, not a chance of it. I am Deynn and this is Roonoo. We are here from Neverwinter trying to help our friend Gundren.”

] Qelline “Oh, Gundren! My very favorite He-Dwarf.” she pauses and looks to Roonoo and gives you a slightly wily smile “Not that I cannot have another mind you… How is Gundren?”

Roonoo] “Not in good places to tell it. He is captive to a gang of goblins… and we were hoping your druid friend Reidoth would be able to help us find him and bring him home.”

] Qelline “Oh my! Dire news! Well I will tell you what I know… Reidoth was passing through yesterday on his way back to Thundertree. Over a forenight meal I got to pissying about losing another one of our boys to them Redbrands that have the town hostage. He started asking me things like ‘How many are they?’, ‘Who leads them?’, ‘Where do they stay?’. I couldn’t answer any of his questions” Carp cuts in

] Carp “I know! I know!”

] Qelline “Mind yourself Carp. Allow me my words.” she looks back to you. “Sorry… well… Reidoth said he would try to help if he could. It was Last Shadow when he left. I made a room up for him thinking he would be back but no sign.”

Deynn] “Funny… just last night I was asking the same questions about the Redbrands as we were having our evening meal. Carp, you said you know something about all this?”

] Carp “I know where the red bullies stay! I can show you!”

] Qelline “Oh no you won’t! Not in a nargazing Carp. Just tell Deynn and Roonoo what you know.”

] Carp “Most everyone knows to stay away from the Sleeping Giant these days… unless they want trouble with the bullies. I saw them at the manor on the hill too though – a bunch of red bullies went in.”

] Qelline “That place has been a dust pile for years Carp – not even a roof on the place any more.”

] Carp “No no… not the part above ground… the part below. They went in through a tunnel. There” he points North and East towards the manor up on the hill. “See that rock wall below the manor? They went in through – into a tunnel that goes under the manor.”

Deynn] “Thank you Carp – that is very helpful. These red bullies sound very dangerous so please mind your mothers concern and stay far away from them and this manor until something can be done to make Phandalin safe again.”

] Qelline “We all want that Deynn. Some of these Redbrands though… some are just boys looking for excitement… I hope that they don’t have to pay too high a price for their misdeeds… if you understand my meaning.”

Deynn] “I think do, and I share the hope with you. We will help if we can, but I promise it will not be a slaughterfest if I can at all prevent it.”

Roonoo] “This one is telling true… why he spared even Goblins their lives… healed one up even… never thought I would see that follow on.”

Deynn] “Our thanks you to Qelline… and to you Carp. We must show haste now. Good grace to you both.”

] Qelline “Sun and Moon light your way.” and she returns back to working the ground. As you are walking away you hear her say to Carp “Back to your books now kiddo.” and the young Halfling races past you towards the house. He waves “See you later friends!”

Deynn] “Well I had thought the issue with the Redbrands would hold until we found Gundren, but we may have to act on their threat sooner than later. I say we go the Townmaster Hall and find Sildar, let him know what we learned and that we go to investigate what is under the manor on the hill.”

Roonoo] “Good plan.”

] You walk back up the lane towards where Sildar should be meeting with the Townmaster. As the Center Well Shrine comes into view ahead, you see a large group of men dressed in shabby red cloaks circling around what appears to be two small young girls, one dressed in a bright flowing white dress and the other in a similar dress of black silken material. One of the Redbrands grabs to pull the white dress up – as if to look under – the girl answers with warning kick and then leaping fist into the face of the rude boy.

Appreciation & Collaboration