Wardens of Heroes Gate

Auglathla – The Ghost of Neverwinter Wood

] You four have just passed Barthens Provisionings and plan on traveling North thru the Darkwood Hill and on towards the Neverwinter Woods.  It is early morning – still First Shadow – and only Elmar Barthen is up and about, loading sacks into a covered wagon. You are with Sister Garaelle, L’Khifrey Albrek-Roethorn and Dayni Serpayko. The plan is to travel together until you reach the Triboar Trail and then split. Deynn, Roonoo and Khi-khi will head back to the Cragmaw hideout cave to try to communicate (via magic spell) with the goblins there, to discover where Gundren was taken and hopefully find him in time for a grand rescue. Leely and Ileel will travel East to a town of ruins called Conyberry with Sister Garaelle to “make a trade with a local legend” for some critical information.

] You had several hours of downtime last night… what did you do with them?

Deynn] After Khi-khi identified the Salamander Dagger for me, I spent time attuning to it and absorbing it into my skin. I also shared a meal with Dayni in a quiet corner of the Stonehill Inn. All that was after we briefed Sildar on the Redbrands and strange fact that a shapeshifter chose to look like Iarno Albrek in order to appear as Glasstaff… Is the real Glasstaff actualy Iarno? Or was the doppleganger really Glasstaff all along – but choosing a human form it had recently encountered (or worse… what if Iarno is now dead?). These questions will have to wait until we return safely with Gundren.

Roonoo] After meeting with Sildar at the Townmasters, I went to the Lionshield Coster across the way to pick up my new robes from Freda – the finest weaver this side of Neverwinter. I liked the purchase so much, I paid for an extra to be made… just in case. I spent time getting to know both Freda and Linene Graywind who runs the Lionshield. While I was there, Colt and Darsley returned with the stolen cargo. After hearing the whole story, Linene tried to reward me as well as the Half-elves she originally hired, but I rejected any payment with the understanding that, should I ever need it, I would have the friends discount at the coster. After this, I spent time at the town stables and secured 3 decent riding horses for us – well… 3 at first… then I thought it likely that Dayni would joining us so I paid for a 4th. Nevermind where the coin came from – it was not from the common purse anyway.

Leely] After finding Torbera and returning her Holy Symbol to her, I went back under the manor with her, Llowytt and Audwin to show them where we discovered their gear. They told me the story of how they were captured in a ambush by the Redbrands. One of their friends was killed that day, and another may still lay dying nearby – they intend to go out at first light today to try to find her – a Halfling named Euphma Greenflagon. Afterwards I checked in on Sister Garaelle. She did not wish to speak of her capture or the days that followed but I get the impression the Redbrands showed her the worst disrespect. I began to wonder to myself if mercy was the right approach.

Ileel] I found a quiet place among the older ruins of Phandalin to practice shooting. I remembered the ancient bow I found in the ruins of Conyberry and the curious ring above the riser. I took it to Khi-khi to find out if it was enchanted and what she might be able to learn about it. She told it the bow-ring ornament, Viffo’s Breath she called it, was indeed magically charged and it had quite a story. Viffo was an ranger from centuries ago – a member of the personal guard of the Moonlit King, a fey lord from another time and place. She showed me how to attune to the artifact which allowed me to remove it from the old bow and affix it to mine. Afterwards I went and practiced again – for a short while at least… because soon the target I was using was blown apart by the new enchantment. I spent the rest of the forenight purchasing any supplies we might need for today’s journey to Conyberry. I secured a new riding horse for Sister Garaelle along with a couple of saddle bags for gear (Explorers Pack) and some extra rations and water. I spent 100gp.

Appreciation & Collaboration

Tresendar Manor

] After an encounter with a large group of Redbrands in the center of town, the four of you, along with Dayni and L’Khifrey, are making your way up the slope which leads to Tresendar Manor on the East side of Phandalin. You discovered that Sister Garaelle along with several other villagers, had been captured and taken to the cellars of the manor and are currently locked in cages in the crypt room on the North-Eastern side of the underground complex. You also learned that the Redbrands were being led by a powerful wizard who calls himself Glasstaff.

] Before you left the town center, Qelline Alderleaf had come running with a medical kit to aid anyone who was hurt – Redbrands included. When she learned you were going up against the rest of the Redbrands, she gave you a leather wrap with 5 healing potions within (4d4 +4) worth at least a 100 gp each. When you offered to pay she refused – asking only that you show mercy as much as possible… She knew that the Redbrands had to be disbanded, and that violence was unaviodable, but asked that you spare what lives you could.

] You are currently walking around the lower South side of the Tresendar Manor, following the rock face where Carp said he saw the “red bullies” enter a secret tunnel, although you notice it is not very ‘secret’… there is a well-worn path leading right up to a narrow crevasse in the short cliff. As you approach, you notice a mackerel tabby cat hanging around outside the tunnel entrance. It crouches in some tall grass and eyes you suspiciously before turning and pouncing on something  close-by – presumably lunch.

] Standing immediately outside the tunnel entrance, you feel the cool air within. There is a slight stench – as that of rotting meat. The tunnel appears dark and quiet.

Ileel] “If we want to enter by stealth, allow me to lead.” I use Dark Mantle to shroud myself in darkness and step into the tunnel.

] Dayni “Wow nice trick… You will have to teach me that one…” she follows right behind you

Leely] “Scout ahead Ileel. We will wait here.”

] The tunnel slopes downward into the hillside and opens up to large natural cavern. You hear voices ahead but cannot yet make out any words. The air within is chilled and hangs with the smell of decaying flesh. A crevasse, ranging 5-10 feet wide and 20 feet  deep divides the cavern. Two arched wooden bridges span the chasm. Across the crevasse to your right, a 5-foot wide corrider leads to the East side of the cellars. On your left is a smaller, narrower corridor leading West.

Ileel] I whisper to Dayni. “I hear voices ahead… Go back and tell them to hold a minute longer.”

] From the far end of the cavern, you see three Redbrands, one of which is much larger and taller, likely a Half-orc from what you can tell. They are laughing loudly as they drag an old man to the edge of the crevasse on the North side. You watch as they throw the old man down in. More laughter, almost drunken in their behavior. At first you loud moaning from down in the pit of the crevasse but it turns quickly to a horried scream. Seconds later the old man is silent and you hear the faint sound of teeth ripping flesh from bones. The three Redbrands disappear with a stumle back through a wide doorway far side of the cavern, across from the crevasse.

Ileel] I go back and tell the others what I saw and heard.

Leely] “That is just horrible! We have to stop them and now!”

Roonoo] “Enough waiting and hiding, time for battle!” I strip off my torn robes and leave them outside the tunnel entrance

Deynn] “Agreed. If these ruffians want to be red, let’s make em bright red.”

] As you all enter the cavern, you do not see any Redbrands. Several of you hear a voice saying “Fresh tasties! Yum yum.”. It sounds like it is being whispered in your ear

] Khi-khi spins around, startled “What was that?”

Deynn] “I heard it too, something about fresh tasties.”

] Khi-khi “No… I mean yes.. But it said ‘I hope you are more tasty than your father’. Could the old man you saw have been…” she trembles visibly in the dark. “No, it is a trick. My father lives… I feel it.”

Ileel] “The thing with teeth is down in that crevasse… let none of us fall in.”

Deynn] “We want to get to the other side… but dare we trust these bridges?”

Ileel] “I can easily jump across right here. Let me take a look.” I run and jump across right beside where the closest bridge is.

] The 5-foot expanse is a simple leap with a running start.

Ileel] I look to see if there are any traps on the bridge [Investigation Check]

(1d20) Investigation 13 +5 = 18 [Success]

] You see a mechanism that appears to trigger a full collapse of the bridge if weight is placed on it

Ileel] “Don’t cross!” I whisper “It is trapped. Just jump across – it is not difficult.” I ready an arrow and watch the pit for monsters

Roonoo] “Here goes.” I run and jump

] You clear the crevasse with a foot to spare.

Deynn] “You go next Khi-khi. Here – let me hold your bag, I will throw it to you.”

[()]

] L’Khifrey runs and leaps across. It is close but Roonoo is able to grab her arm and help her. She also successfully catches her bag when you throw it. Just as Dayni is stepping back to get a running start, you hear a cackling whisper in your head. “They come to feed me tasties.”   There are footsteps in the narrow corridor on the West side of the cavern and 4 Redbrands emerge.

Leely] Hearing the attackers behind me and realizing some light might be helpful, I draw my sword and use Light Mantle and brighten up the dank cavern. “There… still smells bad… but I feel better about the place already.”

Ileel] I loose a ready arrow at the lead Redbrand (Rb01)

(2d20a Attack 19 +7 = 26 [Hit] Dmg 7 +5 = 12

] The Redbrand staggers as an arrow seems to come out of nowhere and strike him in [()] his sword arm (disadvange on attacks)

Roonoo] “You all couldn’t have come out from this side eh?” I use my movement and action to jump back across the crevasse.

] You make the leap succesfully again. Khi-khi casts Magic Missile on one of the incoming attackers (Rb03)

Leely]  I charge, out of habit, the same fellow Ileel just marked.

(1d20) Attack 9 +7 = 16 [Hit] Dmg 4 +5 = 9

(1d20) Kick 18 +6 = 24 [Hit] Dmg 2 +4 = 6

] Dayni fiercely brings her blades to another attacker (Rb04) [()]

Ileel] I target the last of the 4 (Rb02) and attack

(2d20a) Attack 14 +7 = 21 [Hit] Dmg 8 +5 = 13

Deynn] I help Dayni and flank the Redbrand she just engaged

(2d20a) Attack 13 +6 = 19 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9

(2d20a) Attack 16 +6 = 22 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10

] You bring fists of iron to the skull of the Redbrand, dropping him to the ground but still barely breathing.

Deynn] “Stay down and you will live!” I say to him

] A Redbrand (Rb03) attacks Dayni [()] successfully. The fallen fellow heeds Deynn and stays down. Another (Rb01) has an arrow in his sword arm… He looks around at the odds and retreats into the corridor [Opportunity attack for Leely]

Leely] “Where are you going?” I leap and try to jam an elbow into the back of his head as he runs

(1d20) Unarmed 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 1 +4 = 5

] You successfully stop the Redbrands retreat with a solid blow. He falls face-forward and slams into the rock wall of the cavern. The second Redbrand (Rb02) also realizes the outcome and yells into the cavern loudly… “We need reinforcements! Intruders!” then he strikes at [()] Deynn and does 5 dmg.

Roonoo] I see Deynn take a hit and step into to flank

(2d20a) Attack 20 [Crit] Dmg 6 +8 +7 = 21

] Your Blackthorn swings and does critical damage to the ribcage of the Redbrand. Broken rib bones rattle through his insides and we spews blood and falls.

Roonoo] I use my staff to catapult me towards the remaining Redbrand (Rb03) and attack with a kick

(1d20) Kick 10 +6 = 16 [Hit] Dmg 2 +4 = 6

] Khi-khi readys another spell to release if any more Redbrands enter the cavern.

Leely] “You stand alone little boy. Drop your blade and we will let you return to your mother’s boob.” I ready an attack should he not drop his sword in 3 seconds. “3… 2…”

] The Redbrand looks suddenly panic’d. He does indeed drop his sword and runs out through the tunnel. As he does, you hear the hiss and shriek of a cat.

Deynn] “Be ready for more of them.”

] At your feet, two of the Redbrands lie quite apparently dead. A third still moves but barely.

Leely] “I have an idea about the monster. We draw it out with these two corpses… then we ensure we need not fear falling prey to it ourselves.”

] Even as you are speaking the words, a cackle sounds as if right behind your ear. “Tricksy little girly. More clever than she looks.”

Leely] “Nevermind… it heard me… but I think it is afraid of us. We should get to Sister Garaelle.” I run and jump across the crevasse.

] Everyone makes it across successfully.

Roonoo] I use my staff to pry the trapped bridge and collapse it into the pit below. “There… trap averted.”

Ileel] “I say we follow where I saw the Redbrands return after killing that poor old man. It seems likely that he was in the same cage as Garaelle. This way… keep an eye for whatever lives in the hole down there.”

] You (Ileel) hear a whisper. “I can’t see you tasty… why can’t I see you?”

Ileel] “Because I plan on killing you!” I yell a little too loudly. “Oh… sorry… that thing is in my head.”

] Dayni says “Mine too. I wish it would stop calling me ‘tasty'”

Roonoo] “It calls me the same… but I doubt it would think me tasty face-to-face.”

] You walk along the East side of the crevasse, watching for whatever it is down in the hole. There is a wide opening into what appears to be a storage room. It has been, long ago, finished with dressed stone block walls and a flagstone floor. Several barrels and crates are stored along the walls here. Some contain tools – hammers & nails, pry bars, pick axes. There is also a bale of straw. You see also a stack of beaver pelts and some basic provisions. There is an open doorway on the far right side which leads into a short corridor.

Ileel] “They went this way. Shall I scout ahead again?” I whisper. I assume the answer and enter the corridor – arrow notched.

] There is a door on the East corner of the corridor, which extends South to another door.

Ileel] I test the East door, quietly, to see if it is locked

] It is locked.

Ileel] I walk down the corridor and test the South door.

] It is unlocked.

Ileel] I listen at the door before actualy opening it.

] You hear nothing.

Ileel] I open the South door, slowly, quietly.

] Beyond the South door is a large crypt. There are three large stone sarcophagi covered in dust. False columns along the walls are carved with the images of spreading oak trees. There are two other exits from the crypt. A single door on the East wall near you and double doors on the far side of the East wall – sheathed in tarnished copper plate.

Ileel] I go back and lead the others into the crypt.

] You all notice the cackly voice seems to have been silenced once beyond the cavern. As you all enter into the crypt room, you hear loud, obnoxious laughter coming from the door on the North side of the East wall. There are slurred words, something about a donkey… or a dragon… or a donkey and a dragon… and a cask of wine. You can make out 3 distinct voices

Ileel] I whisper “That sounds like the half-orc I saw.”

Deynn] “They sound drunk… ”

Roonoo] “I wonder how drunk? Maybe we can play a little game?”

Ileel] “I love it… and I think I know just the game… lets back up.” I whisper… “but not so far the crevasse monster can hear us.” We go back into the corridor. “Here is my idea… I will hide two of you in the cavern behind my mantle. We have to go into the cavern hidden else the beast below see us and alert the others. Leely will barge into the room, feign a big mistake and run away… back to the cavern. When the Redbrands follow her, she will hide behind my mantle and we will push them into the crevasse…. Deynn – you get the big guy eh? Lets just hope there are only 3 of them.”

Leely] “Let’s do it!”

Deynn] “Brilliant notion… if they are drunk enough, it is probably fool-proof. I’m in. Dayni, Khiki… you hide behind the crypts while we draw them out. If things go badly, you will probably hear it.”

Leely] “I will give you three a moment to get set up in the cavern.” I go back into the crypt room and, after waiting, I barge into the room with the laughter.

] You see a small table with dice and drinks on it. Around the table are three Redbrands – two of which are young human males and the third an oversized Half-Orc. On either side of them there are cages with people in them but you don’t have time to look.

Leely] I feign a surprised look “Oh muck-bucket! Son of a Sea Hag!” and I turn and run back towards the cavern.

[()]

] All three of the Redbrands leap to their feet and chase after you.

Leely] I duck behind Ileel as soon as I enter.

] You hear the now familiar crackle behind your ears… “Back for more little tasty?”. Just a second later all three come running into the cavern.

Deynn] I shove the Half-Orc into the crevasse

(2d20a) Shove 19 +4 = 23 vs (2d20d) 12 +6 = 18 [Success]

Roonoo] I shove the Redbrand closest to me (Rb01)

(2d20a) Shove 10 +0 = 10 vs (2d20d) 1 +4 = 5 [Success]

Ileel] I shove the other (Rb02)

(2d20a) Shove 7 +0 = 7 vs (2d20d) 4 +4 = 8 [Fail]

] You successfully push the Half-orc and one of the humans into the crevasse. The third manages to resist Ileels shove and turns to see Deynn and Roonoo. He yells something and swings at [()] Roonoo – wildly… he misses entirely.

Deynn] I attempt to grapple the fellow

(2d20a) Grapple 11 +4 = 15  vs (2d20d) 7 +4 = 11 [Success]

] The Redbrand is restrained. The sounds of a terrifying struggle between the crevasse monster and the two fallen Redbrands is disturbing to you all.

Roonoo] I disarm the ruffian. “Should we throw you down with your friends? Or do you want to run home and never wear red again?”

[()]

] The drunken Redbrand begins blathering… “home… home… never red…”

Leely] I reach behind his ear and jab a fingernail into his skin. “I’ve just marked you with magic. Come anywhere near Phandalin again and we will know.” [Deception]

(1d20) Deception 17 +3 = 20 vs 9 +2 = 11 [Success]

] “Yes… of course… never again… promise…” he barely staggers breathlessly as you all hear the screams from below echoing thru the cavern.

Deynn] I let him go. “Run! Run like you don’t want to die!”

] The Redbrand does exactly that – he runs across the bridge and towards the tunnel entrance. He even yanks the red cloak off and drops it. There are more sounds of struggle in the crevasse below. Looking down you can see one bloody corpse in a Red cloak but the struggle appears to now be further underground in a cave.

Ileel] “The Half-Orc just might win… who knows. Let’s not count him out eh?”

Roonoo] “Right! Back to the crypt…”

] When you return to the crypt room and enter into the slave pens, Dayni has already picked one cage door open and is working on the other. In the open case there is a human woman and two children. In the other, there are two young human men and a female dwarf.

Leely] “Are you Sister Garaelle?” I say to the human woman

] Mirna “No, I am Mirna Dendrar and these are my children. Thank you so much for saving us! I don’t know how I could ever reward you!”

Leely] “Where is Sister Garaelle?”

] Mirna “She was here with us until just an hour ago but they took her away, and they took Narth just a few minutes ago.”

Ileel] “Narth was an older man?”

] Mirna “Yes. There were others too, strangers to us. I don’t know what they do with them, what they were going to do with us. They never come back… except for Sister Garaelle.. They have taken her away several times and brought her back hours later. Poor thing looks like a wrung-rag when they do.”

Deynn] “There is hope she is alive then. You three, do you know the way out of here? Can you get Mirna and her children to safety?”

] Llowytt “Yes. They brought us in through a tunnel on the south side. I can get us all out. I am Llowytt Corlinn and my companions are Audwin and Torbera. We are grateful for the release as well. ”

Roonoo] “Well met. Let us save formalties for the tavern. We have a Priestess to save and a Wizard to kill.”

Torbera] “About the Priestess… I don’t know where you might find her… but one of the bandits… one they call ‘Kid’, seemed… how to say it… he seemed taken with her. You should know, he is a big fellow… I don’t know how you dealt with Tokorn so quickly, but this Kid looks to be a professional killer… not like most of the bandits who are mostly just children with rusty swords.”

Deynn] “Thank you for the heads up. We will approch him with caution.”

Torbera] “They stripped us of everything… my feather amulet… a spellcasting foci, was taken from me. I could help if I had it back.”

Roonoo] “Our intent is to clear this place of all the dretch-holes… you can safely return for your things later – assuming of course…”

Leely] “I will keep a lookout for your gear. We must go now. Get these to safety – we will meet you in town shortly.”

Deynn] I exit the cell room back into the crypt. “I say we start here with the double doors. It likely wraps around to where we first entered.” I quietly open the brass-covered door.

] You see a long corridor. Thick dust covers the flagstones of thie somber hallway. The walls are decorated with faux columns ever ten feet. About ten feet into the corridor there is an open pit in the floor about 10 feet across. The pit is about 15 deep. You see debris at the bottom, and it reaks like a privy. A rope hangs from a makeshift swing – a long crowbar shoved in between bricks. If you test the strength of it, it seems to reasonably hold your weight.

Roonoo] “Ahck! What foul air! Looks like we found their shitter. I really don’t want to fall in there.”

Result Table (Athletics )

Deynn] 9 + 4 = 13

Roonoo] 11 +0 = 11

Leely] 5 +0 = 5

Ileel] 18 +0

] You all manage to cross the stink hole safely. At the end of the corridor, another 15 feet to the East, you see an exit on the South wall.

Ileel] I scout ahead again – through the door at the end of the hall. I signal the others to hold back.

] The door enters a large cellar area. A short flight of stairs on the left lead up to small landing another door on the East wall and a short flight of stairs on your right lead down to a large area with crates of supplies. There is a large (10×15 ft) cistern on the West side of the room, full of water. You can hear a slow trickle as some unseen source of empties into the cistern. Beside the cistern there is a closed door. You do not see any other exits from the room.

Ileel] I go down and check the closed door – very quietly.

] The door is locked. [()] You think you hear movement behind it.

Ileel] I sneak back to the others. “This looks to be the original cellar area of the manor. There is a locked room with someone inside it, I think… could have been rats I heard. Lets confirm what is there.” I look to Dayni. “Got your lockpicks handy?” We all enter the cellar area – quietly.

] As Dayni begins working on the lock you hear a female voice “Hello? Who’s there?”

Leely] “Sister Garaelle? Is that you?”

] Garaelle “Yes. I am Garaelle. You do not sound like a Redbrand.”

[()]

] Dayni cusses to herself as she fumbles the picks and the clatter lightly on the ground. Above you there is the sound of several sets of boots on a wooden floor. They are heading across the cellar ceiling towards the landing on the East side of the room.

] Garaelle “He is back! Oh please hurry!”

Deynn] “Ready yourselves.” I find cover behind some barrels

Ileel] I go to the South West side of the room and hide in the shadows of the back corner. I notch my bow.

Leely] I stop my Light Mantle and draw my sword

Roonoo] I duck under the landing thinking maybe I can stay hidden long enough to trip them coming down the stairs [Stealth Check]

(1d20) Stealth 12 +4 = 16 [Success]

] You make it to a hidden spot under the landing before the door opens. Dayni has also found a dark corner and seems to have disappeared. Khi-khi stands behind Deynn, readying a spell.

] The door opens and on the landing walks a large human – nearly 7 foot tall and wide as a brick wall. Behind him are two other Redbrands – young human boys like the others you have seen.

Ileel] I release with a necro charge – targeting the big guy

(2d20a) Attack 19 +7 [Hit] Dmg 8 +7 = 15 +7necrotic = 22

] The big fellow yips in surprise as your arrow sinks through his armor and burns his flesh with death energy. He grabs one of the other Redbrands and holds him like a shield and starts running down the stairs on his right towards the door to the crypts.

Roonoo] I attempt to trip him with my Blackthorn as he is going down the stairs. [Ath vs Dex]

(2d20a) Athletics 20 vs Dex Save 7 +1 = 8 [Success]

] The large human falls head-forward down the remaining steps and pulling the Redbrand (Rb01) down with him. Both lie prone on the lower landing near the door to the crypts.

Roonoo] I use my movement to circle around – up the stairs on the South side to block the other Redbrand from coming down

Deynn] I close in to attack the prone big guy

(2d20a) Attack 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9

(2d20a) Attack 20 +6 = 26 [Crit] Dmg 3 +4 +6 = 13 +9 = 22

] You kick Kid Kaito upside the head with your barefeet, rattling his brains inside his skull.

Ileel] I fire on the Redbrand still by the door

(2d20a) Attack 5 +7 = 12 [Miss]

] Dayni is suddenly on top of Kid Kaito and about to plunge her daggers into him [()] She screams wildly as she stabs into the beast of man. Blood sprays from the violence. Meanwhile Khikhi has positioned herself by the door which holds Garaelle. “We will have you out in a minute friend. Fear not.”

Leely] I turn Light Mantle back on – full strength. I point my sword at the standing Redbrand. “If you are not ready to die, I suggest you run! Run all the way to Sea of Swords and then start swimming!” [Persuasion Check]

(1d20) Persuasion 17 +5 = 22 [Success]

] The young human looks around, sees Kid Kaito nearly defeated and little hope of prevailing alone. He drops his sword and runs back out the door on the East wall.

] Kid Kaito releases an angry growl and erupts to his feet, flinging Dayni off. His rage bolsters his constitution. He attacks Deynn [()] and does 10 dmg with single blow of his hammer. He grabs the other Redbrand (Rb01) to his feet and yells “Go hit that girl!” and shoves him towards Dayni. He panics and lurches with blade [()] but misses.

Roonoo] I attack from behind the Redbrand going after Dayni

(2d20a) Attack 12 +7 = 19 [Hit] Dmg 3 +7 = 10

(2d20a) Kick 19 +7 = 26 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10

Deynn] I attempt to return some pain

(1d20) Attack 11 +6 = 17 [Hit] Dmg 1 +6 = 7

(1d20) Attack 7 +6 = 13 [Miss]

Ileel] I target the backside of the big guy from the shadows

(2d20a) Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 6 +5 = 11

] Your arrow slides in between the shoulder blades of Kid Kaito, spliting his spinal cord. His hulking body goes immediately limp and he falls down and over the landing to the cellar floor.

Leely] I step towards the remaining Redbrand. “We will give you the same choices boy… die horribly or run until you reach the other side of the world!”

] The boy throws his sword and raises both hands “I choose run! Please let me live?!”

Roonoo] I guide the boy to the door with my Blackthorn “Off with ye you scrotelick.”

Deynn] “Everyone okay?” I kick the corpse of Kid Kaito – hard.  “Mighty wallop this guy had… nice shot from the shadows Ileel!”

Leely] I run to the door “Sister Garaelle? We are gonna to get you out of there, hang on.”

] Dayni is digging through the pockets of the large dead Redbrand. “Be… right…. there…. Aha!” She holds a key. “I figured he had it on him.” As she walks over to the door she tosses a Deynn a large coin pouch. “That might be helpful too.”

Deynn] I catch the coin pouch and look inside.

] You see mostly gold and platinum coins – you estimate nearly 400gp.

Deynn] “Probably extortion money from Redbrand victims… Khi-khi. Could I ask you to take this to Sildar? See if it can be returned to the village?”

] She agrees. Meanwhile Dayni has opened the door with the key found on Kid Kaito. Garaelle steps out and looks at all of  you.

]Dayni gives her a big hug. “I’m so glad you are okay!”

] Garaelle says “Mirna! And her children… Nasher! We must free them! This way…”

Deynn] “They are already on their way home Sister.”

] Dayni looks saddened “Except for Nasher, I did not see him in the cages. I am afraid the Redbrands likley killed him.”

Roonoo] “We are going to do our best to make sure they don’t kill anyone again. What can you tell us of this wizard Glasstaff that leads them?”

] Garaelle “Not much. As far as I know, I’ve never seen him. I overheard one of them say he has become deranged in these last few days. Everyone was avoiding him. And… I know his quarters are somewhere on the far Northern side of the cellars – past the Nothic.”

Leely] “Nothic?”

] Garaelle “A horrible, otherworldly creature. It can speak right into your head and has nothing good to say.”

Ileel] “Ah… yes… we had the unpleasant experience.”

] Garaelle looks at Dayni and then others “You have been injured. If only I had not lost my glyph, I would strengthen you before you go to meet Glasstaff.”

] Dayni “Oh! Yeah! I believe you refer to this necklace?” She pulls the stone from around her neck and hands it to Garaelle. “Roonoo here found it while we were crossing the Darkwood Hill.”

] Garaelle expresses her delight and gratitude and then she holds the stone to her chest and begins a whispering prayer. Each recv 4d4 +4 healing and 1 Inspiration.

Ileel] “Our thanks Garaelle.  My sister and I came to find you when you did not meet us at Conyberry.”

] Garaelle “Oh? Are you with Adalissi? Is she here?”

Leely] “She was called away to Triboar but will return when she can. She told us to find you protect you while you finish the task at Conyberry. We have the item she was brining to you.”

] Garaelle “I see. Well yes of course – that remains a priority for me as well.”

Ileel] “You look like you need rest. We will help finish the task at hand first. Then at first light we will make our way to Conyberry.”

] Garaelle says she will remain with you to help if she can – to finish this ugly Redbrand menace. As you enter back into the cavern, the mackerel tabby cat you noticed outside is now standing on the bridge over the crevasse, looking down into the black pit, its tail tall in a slow wag. It turns as looks at you and releases a soft meow and then wanders over the West side of the cavern and into a corridor directly across from the bridge.

Leely] “I think it wants us to follow it?”

] The corridor turns North then West where there is a dark flight of stairs leading down. The cat has already disappeared down to the lower level.

Deynn] I whisper “Quietly now…” we head downstairs. [Stealth Check]

Result Table

Deynn] 15

Roonoo] 23

Ileel] 13

Leely] 15

] Dayni 22

] Khi-khi 14

] Garaelle 4

] As you nearing the bottom of the stairs, behind you Garaelle misteps on the stone steps and tumbles with a surprised yelp. There are two doors at the bottom of the stairs, the one on the South side opens. A Redbrand sees you all and yells out “Tresspassers!” as he starts to draw a shortsword from his belt.

Deynn] I dive into the Redbrand to grapple him.

(2d20a) Grapple 8 +4 = 12 vs 5 +2 = 7 [Success]

] You successfully restrain the young human with a grappling hold. Inside the room there are two other Redbrands. The room appears to be a makeshift barracks with a dozen or so cots lining the room. There are a couple of candles burning on the table in the center of the room where it looks like some sort of gambling game was being played. There are several small piles of coins at the table.

Deynn] “Do yourself a favor and toss your blades down. The Redbrands are finished, but you don’t have to be dead.” [Persuasion check]

Result Table

(1d20) Persuasion 14 +0 = 14

] The Redbrands are quiet for a moment, as though trying to decide if your threat has any weight. One of them drops his blade and says “Free drinks aint’ worth dying fer!” And then runs out thru a door on the other side of the barracks. The other draws his sword and stands firm. “Let Arlonel go, or you’ll bleed.

Deynn] “Or will Arlonel bleed.” I push him closer, holding him between me and the short sword.

Roonoo] I enter the room and laugh. “Boy, you should have taken the offer to run… there are four more behind me.” I spin my Blackthorn to show off the years of practice I have with it. “I don’t mind killing senseless ogrebells such as yerself… but maybe you jes did not hear my friend too well. Run or die!” [Intimidation Check]

Result Table

Roonoo]

(1d20) Intimidation 15+3 = 18

] You hear a slight trickle and stench of urine fills the room. The boy breaks down in tears and starts pleading for his life.

Roonoo] “Quit yer sobbin and go learn how to be something ‘sides a bully-boy. Now git! And you…” I turn to the boy in Deynn’s chokehold. “Yer name sounds familiar. Are you one of the boys from the Alderleaf farm?”

] The Redbrand stutters out an affirmation. You notice the tabby-cat has jumped up onto the table and circling the dancing candles.

Roonoo] “Well I have to tell… you upset Qelline some. She cares about you boy… and joining up with these rags was… well… it was dumb of ya.”

Deynn] “What my friend here is trying to say… it seems you got some recompense to pay out.”

Roonoo] “Recompense indeed! Now do you want us to treat you like a friend of Qelline Alderleaf, or a bully-boy in a shabby red cloak.” I jab my Blackthorn into his nose.

] Arlonel concedes and promises to make things right with Qelline.

Ileel] “Tell us this wizard Glasstaff.”

] Arlonel “I do not know much. He is through those doors though.” He says pointing toward the corridor you just came from. “Ain’t come out of there in days. Talk is that is he running on the mad-side.

Roonoo] I take the red cloak from the boys neck. “The Redbrands are finished… do you hear?”

] Both boys scramble out of the South exit of the room.

Leely] “How many of these Redbrands are just untempered boys playing dress-up. We were right to spare their lives… but I don’t feel much like sparing the one who started all this.”

Deynn] “I suppose we are about to find out just how powerful this Glasstaff is.”

] Khi-khi “He will be easier to defeat without his muscle around him. We wizards are famously squishy… too many years spent in libraries and laboratories. Still… best be quick about dealing out damage – a Wizard needs time.”

Deynn] “Ready?” I go back into the corridor and, checking if everyone is set, I open the door across from the barracks room.

] It is locked.

Deynn] Does the door appear strong or weak?

] The door appears very old and likely weak.

Deynn] I step back and kick the door.

] The door jamb splinters and the door flies open. The large room has shelves of books and bottles and many oddities lining the most of the walls. In the center is a large worktable set up with alembics, retorts, distillation coils, and other alchemical devices, all stewing and bubbling away. On the East wall there is an open door. Lying in the doorway you see a young human dressed in the now familiar red armor and cloack.

[()]

] Deynn – you feel suspicious about what you see. Something, your gut tells you, not right about this.

Roonoo] “Glasstaff! Come out and meet the end of your ways!”

] You hear only the bubbling of colored liquids over flame.

Leely] “Is he… dead?”

] Taking a closer look, it appears the young man was severly beaten. His face is blooded and grotesquely swollen. He lies quite still – if breathing you cannot tell.

Deynn] “Hold back!” I say to Leely. “I sense things are other than they appear.”

] The tabby-cat is suddenly at your feet. It walks a circle and drags its tail around your legs as though trying to ensure it has your attention. Then it darts over to the bloodied Redband and pounces on its face – claws out. The body startles and then leaps up. The Redbrand throws something to the ground and there is a puff of grey smoke.

] “Damn cat” you hear him say within the veil. “Fine – violence it is then.”  He walks out from the small cloud towards one of the shelves on the North wall. It is no longer a boy dressed in Redbrand garb but an older human with grey and black hair dressed in expensive robes.

] “Father!” Khi-khi cries out from the other doorway. “You are this… this… evil Glasstaff?!” She appears locked in time, unable to run in and embrace her father and also unable to confront him.

] The man in the robes pulls a cage of rats from the shelves. He turns and looks at Khi-khi as he opened the cage. “Yes dear, Iarno Albrek is indeed Glasstaff, but I’m afraid I cannot let you live now.” As he sets the cage on the ground, dumping out several rats to the ground, you notice a wand in this hand. A quick twist and the rats begin to grow unnaturally into Giant Rats.

Roonoo] “We gave the wizard time…”

Initiative

Leely] The Giant Rats remind me of when Aylan first appeared to me and I have an idea. I call Aylan to leap ferociously ahead of my attack, intimidating the rats. I attack the closest ones. (GRat05, GRat06) [()]

(2d20a) Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 8 +5 = 13

(2d20a) Kick 20 [Crit] Dmg 4 +2 +4 = 10

] Your incorporeal White Dire Wolf seems to leap right out of your chest as you charge the closest Giant Rats. The intimidation ploy works and you easily take out two of them, your sword snaking down the throat of one while you crush the skull of another with your heel.

Roonoo] “I’ll bash rats – the rest of you… get the wizard!” I attack the closest Giant Rats (GRat03, GRat02, GRat04 )

(1d20) Attack 5 +7 = 12 [Hit] Dmg 7 +7 = 14

(1d20) Flurry1 14 +6 = 20 [Hit] Dmg 3 +4 = 7 [Massive Dmg 3 Fall Prone]

(1d20) Flurry2 20 [Crit] Dmg 2 +4 +4 = 10

Deynn] I leap over a fallen rat to attack the wizard directly

(1d20) Attack 17 +6 = 23 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9

(1d20) Attack 8 + 6 = 14 [Hit] Dmg 1 +6 = 7 +9 = 16

] You successfully land a couple of unarmored blows against the wizard. You are surprised by how solid he feels as your fists make contact – not a squishy librarian at all. He returns your attacks with his own fists [()] You feel just how powerful the old man is he connects with your jaw (10hp dmg)

Deynn] “Yeoww!”

] The wizard kicks over a glass terrarium of several small lizards. [()] You happen to catch sight of the cat leaping in and attacking the lizards. Khi-khi, meanwhile, is unable to attack her father and sends magic missles against the last rat standing (GRat01)

Ileel] I attack Glasstaff from the shadows of the corridor

(2d20a) Attack 16 +7 = 23 [Hit] Dmg 8 +5 = 13 +6(necro) = 19

] Dayni circles the combat and steps in quietly behind Glasstaff for an attack [()] her daggers cut through robes to draw blood.

Leely] I confront the old guy and attack before he can release Giant Lizards on us all. I charge my blade with radiant damage

(1d20) Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 6 +5 +5(radiant) = 16

(1d20) Flurry1 20 [Crit] Dmg 1 +4 +4 = 9 +16 = 25

(1d20) Flurry2 14 [Hit] Dmg 3 +4 = 7

] Your blade becomes as white fire, lightening the entire room until it finds a soft space in the ribcage of the wizard. The radiant energy releases into his body and he convulses. You withdraw your serpier and deliver a sideheel kick in the open wound, crushing his ribcage into internal organs. You finish with a leaping spin kick that connects directly into his face. The overall damage is brutal and Glasstaff falls backward to the ground.

] “No!” right out Khi-khi “No! You can’t kill him!” and runs over to his fallen body. Deynn – your magically enhanced insight is tingling.

Deynn] “Wait! There is something… I don’t know… I feel like… something is strange still…”

] You all watch as the body on the ground begins to shift and change. What remains is not human at all, but a featureless creature with dark grey skin that sags heavy over the body. Its blood seeps grey out of its side.

Deynn] “That is not your father Khi-khi.”

Leely] “What is it?”

] Khi-khi “I have read of beings called shapeshifters that are able to appear, nearly perfectly, as someone else.”

Leely] “Even the red blood on my blade was a ruse… look – it is now greyish… but it was red like ours.”

] Behind you there is another voice… “It is called a Doppleganger.” You turn to see an elderly human male with long white hair and a robe of green leather swatches. He pulls a lizards tail out of his mouth. “They are usually quite formidable in conflict… you did well. I was afraid you would fall for its clever deception at first.”

Roonoo] “And who are you?” I turn and raise my Blackthorn.

Deynn] “Stand down Roonoo… This, I believe, is the traveling friend which Qelline told us about. He is also the coy little kitty that has been following us around… unless I’m mistaken?”

] Reidoth “You are not mistaken. I am Reidoth. It would seem that you too are friends of Qelline. She will be pleased to see Arlonel alive and come to his senses. She will want to express her gratitude with a fine meal… do not miss out on Qelline’s cooking whatever you do… better reward than all that coin on the table back there… if you ask me.”

] Khi-khi “But…. But why was this ‘doppleganger’ mimicing my father?”

] Reidoth “I cannot answer that. I did notice that I do not see a actual glass staff anywhere around here, but there could be many reasons for that. You might want to secure that wand however…” He points to the plain-looking branch lying beside the featureless corpse. “We don’t want that in wrong hands.” He starts out the door… then turns back… “Oh… you should know this… I watched a small group of Redbrands head into the hills early this morning – carrying full packs of gear. I don’t know where they were were heading exactly or what they were going to do… but you should know they may return to find you wiped out their little gang. I almost wish I could be the one to tell them…” He starts out again and pauses again, without turning around. “I find I am in need of a good bard… someone to carry this story out of here… if you know of any…”

] Dayni “My friend Wahler was going to be a good bard, a famous and great bard…  but goblins killed him.”

] Reidoth does turn back and with a look shares the sadness in Dayni’s voice… “We shall add his name to the story then. Good day friends.” He leaves.

] Khi-khi begins looking through the room at the books and scrolls and vials on the shelves. She finds one sealed Potion of Invisibility. You also find, in the adjoining room, a wooden chest at the foot of an unmade bed. Within it is 350 gold, a silk pouch containing 32 carnelian gems (10gp each). There is an ornate dagger with a red reptile with black spots engraved into the handle (Salamander Dagger).

Leely] “Before we leave, I think we should sweep the entire place – verify the job done.”

Deynn] “Agreed. We should also confirm that head-speaker creature can bring no more woe from the crevasse.”

] Dayni accompanies Sister Garaelle back to her home while you make a careful search of the cellars beneath Tresendar Manor. In total you recover 950g in coins which Khi-khi will take to Sildar for redistribution back into the village. You locate two locked storage rooms – one a full armory with many kinds of weapons and dozens more of the red-dyed cloaks. Another room has more weapons and gear but also provisions and mining gear and various oddments – likely a stash of things bandited from the roadway captives. With this room you find a small box of jewerly and gems, including an amulet in the shape of a feather (which you assume belongs to the Cleric Torbera).

] Down in the crevasse, within the Nothics cave, you find the corpse of it – a strange clawed beast with spikes along its spine and single giant eye for a face. You do not find the Half-Orc Tokorn but are able to trace a dragging trail of blood out of the crevasse and into the tunnel leading outside. You discover no more living creatures within the cellars.

Deynn] “It must be forenight by now. We should get back to town and tell Sildar what we discovered here.”

Roonoo] “I’ve been thinking about that meal with Qelline Alderleaf.” I say with a smile

Leely] “I will take Torbera’s amulet back to her and tell them where the rest of their gear is.”

Ileel] “I will start getting things ready for our return to Conyberry.”

Appreciation & Collaboration

Leely and Ileel in Phandalin

] The two of you, along with Adalissi, have traveled through two nights since leaving Conyberry, stopping only for brief rests. As First Shadow arrived, you turned off of the Triboar Trail and onto thin wagon trail leading to Phandalin. You have just exited a forest that felt sickly to you…. Dark and cold and set up upon a wide hill. As you exit you see the town of Phandalin below in a small green valley. As you step out from the treeline, the ill feeling you had in the forest is gone, as if crossing from one world into another. You see farms and an orchard surround the village of Phandalin and notice that the town appears to be built in the center and on top of the ruins of much larger town. Stone foundations long abandoned homes dot the valley.

Leely] “Ugh, am I ever cheered to be on the other side of that! What a Darkwood!”

Ileel] “I feel the same. I just want to dive into a lake and wash that feeling off of my skin.”

] Adalissi “I too am relieved to be out from it… but I get the feeling the two of you are far more sensitive to it than most. Do you feel your forest at home in a good way?”

Leely] “Oh yes! And now that you say it… I feel a thirst for it.”

Ileel] “I thought being out of High Forest felt hard simply because everything was so different… but you are right Leely – I sense a thirst, or a hunger of some sort… for our home. That place… that ‘Darkwood’ as you called it… it is such a contrast of sensation to our own experience of forested lands.”

] You continue down the hill towards the entrance of the town. On your left you see a trading post with a sign that read Barthens Provisioning. On top of the sign you notice a large Falcon with deep red feathers watching you. Suddenly it makes a sound like squeeky chant.. ‘ee-chup… ee-chup… ee-chup…’ followed a short wail. A male human, sitting on a long bench in front of the trading post, leaps up as if out of sleep at the sound of the bird over head. “What it is Rosefire?” He then turns and sees you and hurries to greet you.

] Human “Good waking friends. Which one… I mean… who… that is..” He looks at each of you and then behind you up the hill. “Any chance you are attending a High Priestess of Selune?”

] Adalissi “What business would you have with a High Priestess ser?”

] Human “A message.. That is… I have an important message I must deliver to the High Priestess of Selune when she arrives – and not a second later. I am… I mean to say… my name is Syrinx. I keep the messenger birds of this valley.”

] Adalissi “Good waking to you Syrinx. I am Adalissi, High Priestess of the temple to Selune in Silverymoon. What is this message you bear?”

] Syrinx fishes into a pocket and pulls out a very small narrow slip of paper “I don’t exactly know… here… I hope you can understand it.”

] She reads the tiny slip and her face is suddenly drowned with fear and worry. “Thank you Syrinx. You have finished your very important task for me. Leely, might you reward him with some coin?”

Leely] “Glad to!” I pull out the large bag of gems and start digging through. “This one is nice… no wait.. This one… or maybe this red one. It looks a bit like the color of your beautiful falcon. Yes!” I hand a large red gem to Syrinx “Your reward good ser.”

] The gem was a large redspinel worth approx 200pg. Syrinx does not appear to know how extravagent the reward was, he simply accepts it and offers thanks. “Come on Rosefire! Lets get you a meal.” and he walks towards the center of town.

] Adalissi “I am sorry friends… as important as our mission is, one far more important has just been delivered to me. I must return back to Triboar at once. You must find Sister Garaelle and take this to Agatha with her. ” She hands you a small black pouch with a single pearl inside. “You must succeed! As I must also succeed… thousands of lives may be lost if either of us fail.”

Leely] “You are going back? Alone? Can we not spare the time to at least hire a guard?”

Adalissi] “I will not be taking the trail. I must go now – and I will be in Triboar a moment after I am gone. I will return here as soon as possible.” She opens the slip of paper again with one hand and places the other hand up under her tunic. She looks to you both and offers you a difficult smile “The Lady shine upon you.” You then here her say several words, or sounds really… from deep down below her throat the words come. A strand of silver light spins around her head and begins spiraling down her body, then another and another, engulfing her. The light fades and Adalissi is gone.

Ileel] “That was… unexpected…”

Leely] “Wow! Adalissi has great power! More than she told.”

Ileel] “And she has entrusted us. We dare not fail her.”

Leely] “We dare not! Let’s go find Sister Garelle and get back to Agatha.”

] As you turn towards town, you notice that Syrinx was watching Adalissi magically depart.

Leely] “Hey! Syrinx!” I run up to him. “We need to find Sister Garaelle. Can you point us the direction?”

] Syrinx “I don’t think she is back yet… but she lives just there, to the right of the center well shrine. Lets go knock.”

] You stand outside the house of Garaelle but there is no answer.

Ileel] “Do you know where she went? When did you last see her?”

] Syrinx “Something about a Temple errand she said. It was a few days ago, maybe more, she headed out of town with just a few days supply. Dayni was looking for her too.. Wait here a moment, I will go ask Dayni if she ever found her.” and he runs behind Sister Garelles house.

] While you are waiting, a group of 7 young men dressed in tattered red cloaks approach you from the East. They start whistling and making lewd remarks at you. Seconds later they have formed a circle around you.

Leely] “Leave us alone! We have no time for your games.”

] One of them tries to lift you robes Leely “What’s under here I wonder?”

Leely] I react with a kick

(1d20) Attack 2 +6 = 8 [Miss]

] “Oh ho! The elfy-girl’s got some spunk!”

Leely] I answer with a fist (Redbrand07)

(1d20) Attack 20 +6 = 26 [Crit] Dmg 3 +4 +4 = 11

] You drive your knuckles into the mouth of the punk, knocking teeth back into his throat – he starts to choke. The others in the circle all act alarmed and draw swords on you. [Roll for Initiative]

] You are suddenly overwhelmed with attackers [()] A blade comes at each you, one as a thrust of a short sword and the other slashing from overhead. Ileel turns slightly, grabbing an arrow while the attacker bites air. Leely steps inside the overhead attack, making it feeble. [Radiant Reaction available]

Leely] I use my reaction to attempt to blind the attacking punk

(1d8) Radiant 6

([])

] Your  Reaction attack does Radiant damage directly to the eyes of the Redbrand (03) mercenary, blinding him for 6 min

Ileel] I turn and release an arrow one of the attackers behind me (Redbrand06)

(1d20) Attack 1 [Crit fail]

] Your arrow is ducked by the Redbrand. It continues and embeds into the front door of Sister Garaelles home, nearly hitting Syrinx who has returned running with another – a female half elf with long blond hair and black leather armor.

Ileel] Seeing Leely to her blinding thing, I decide to take advantage of the easy target (Redbrand03) and maybe intimidate the others a bit…. Unlikely, I know, seeing how I just shot a house…

(2d20a) Flurry Attack 15 +6 = 21 [Hit] Dmg 2 +4 = 6

(2d20a) Flurry Attack 17 +6 = 23 [Hit] Dmg 4 +4 +6 = 14 Total

] You perform a set of spinning kicks against the blinded Redbrand. He staggers backward with the blows.

Leely] I circle as well, to try to keep from being completely flanked and attack the nearest fool (Redbrand02)

(1d20) Attack 14 +7 = 21 [Hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10

(1d20) Attack Kick 20 [Crit] Dmg 4 +3 +4 = 11 +10 = 21 [Massive Damage Roll= 2]

] You snake your blade beneath the shitty leather armor being worn by the Redbrand and as you yank it out, you step and turn and leap to deliver a roundhouse kick the skull of the ruffian. He nearly cartwheels to the ground and falls still. You see from the East, two others running towards the scene of your combat. One is a sturdy built half elf with brown skin wearing cloth leggings and an open vest. The other is a stout Dwarf with black hair – so black it almost shimmers blue like a Raven in the sun. He carries a black quarterstaff. As he runs towards the fray, you notice he has stripped his clothing and dropped them in the cartway. His long black hair extends over his entire body, like a wolly bull.

] A Redbrand (01)  flanks Leely [()] and lands a critical blow to your left shoulder blade. (Dmg 11). The female Half Elf with bright blonde hair and olive skin has slipped quietly in behind the Redbrand (02)  and with a dagger in each hand [()] draws blood as recompense. Redbrand (07) targets Leely as the most injured [()] but his slashing sword falls short of contact.

Deynn] I run into the fray and start with a leaping kick to the spine of an unaware bandit (Redbrand05)

(2d20a) Attack 19 + 7 = 26 [Hit] Dmg 2 +8 = 10

Deynn] I try to grapple him and then turn him so Roonoo can take an easy hit on him

(2d20a) Grapple 18 +2 = 20 vs 3 +1 = 4

] You successfully restrain Redbrand05. He struggles to free himself from your lock

(2d20a) Grapple Hold 20 +2 = 22 vs 15 +1 = 16  [Redbrand05 Fails]

] Redbrand (06) realizes that the town has suddenly decided to stand up to them and he runs towards the Sleeping Giant to gather reinforcements.

Roonoo] I see that Deynn has lined up a great shot for me.

(2d20a) Attack 16 +7 = 23 [Hit] Dmg 8 +7 = 15

Roonoo] Then I step closer into the other attackers and use Knuckle Buster to attack a sword hand of one of the Redbrands (04)

[()]

] The opponent drops his sword as your Blackthorn crunches the back of his hand. He fumbles ti pick the sword back up with his off-hand [()] and succeeds. The blinded Redbrand (03) begins to run [()] but trips and falls over the unconscious body of his mate. His sword clatters across the ground. Redbrand04 attacks Roonoo with is off-handed sword [()] but is far to awkward to even get close.

Roonoo] “You couldn’t hit a sleeping cow… ballbreath!”

Ileel] I draw another arrow and target the coward who just sliced open my sisters back. (Redbrand01) I taint the arrow with necrotic magic.

(1d20) Attack 10 +7 = 17 [Hit] Dmg 7 +5 = 12 +8 (Necro) = 20

Ileel] I follow up with a front kick, aiming for the would I just opened up in his chest

(1d20) Attack 20 [Crit] Dmg 1 +4 +4 = 9

] You successfully kick the arrow, jamming it through his body. A spurt of blood flies from his back and he falls dead.

Ileel] “I hope your ancestors shame you for eternity Swinesack!”

Leely] “Thank you all for the help!” I yell to those who have just joined the fight against the red-clad bandits. I look for an advantage (Redbrand05) and attack.

(2d20a) Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 7 +5 = 12

] You pierce the ribcage of the red punk being grappled

Leely] I circle and deliver a foot between his legs, careful not to also hit the handsome Half Elf who raced in to our rescue

(2d20a) Attack 19 +6 = 25 [Hit] 1 +4 = 5

Leely] I look to the grappler after delivering my kick – “Hiya my fine new friend!”

Deynn] I smile back at the little girl in white. “Glad we could… Duck!”

] Dayni choosen a new target (Redbrand07) which Leely has just turned her back to. [()] Her daggers strike rib bones but not in time to prevent the attack on Leely. [()] Redbrand07 misses Leely who ducks suddenly. The blade is now inches away from the chest of the grappled Redbrand (05).

Deynn] Seeing the enemy blade in such an opportune location, I release the bandit and push him forward onto the blade [Strength Athletics check]

(2d20a) Strength Athletics 11 +2 [Success]

] The young man cries out as is pushed forward and his mates sword stabs into his belly.

Roonoo] I attack the rebrand with the busted knuckles (04)

(1d20) Attack 8 +7 = 15 [Hit] Dmg 7 +7 = 14

] You hear someone yelling “Stop! Stop this now!” You see an older human running your way from the Townmaster Hall. Sildar is behind him, drawing his Longsword. L’Khifrey stands watching from the front of the Townmaster Hall.

] Harbin Wester yells “We will all suffer for this! Let them go!” Roonoo – you notice that Redbrand04 turned his attention away from you and to the yelling Townmaster

Roonoo] I sidestep and punch Redbrand04 as covertly as possible

(1d20) Attack 18 +6 = 24 [Hit] Dmg 4 +4 = 8

Deynn] “Hold! Lets hear the man!” I yell

] The Redbrand with the busted hand (04) drops his sword and begins nursing the main hand.

Ileel] I step back away from the combatants and find some cover over by Syrinx – then I notch an arrow and watch. (Ready Action – shoot any Redbrand who shows further aggression)

Leely] I sheathe my sword but keep it ready. I position myself so that no one is behind me and I can see all. (Ready Action – Attack any Rebrand who shows further aggression)

] Dayni notices that one of the prone Redbrands (02) is still breathing but apparently unconscious. She positions herself to attack his should he prove to be faking

] One of the Redbrands (07) – the one who started the confrontation by pulling up Leely’s robes – is still choking on the teeth that flew back into his throat. He drops to his knees as if trying to puke.

Deynn] “This gang in red cloaks…” I say loudly to the Townmaster as he gets closer “invited trouble by assaulting a young girl. We could not stand by and watch them outnumber an innocent.”

] Harbin Wester “They will retaliate – and it be against townsfolk who cannot defend themselves.”

] Sildar “Such lawlessness must be put down. No town should be held hostage in this way.”

Roonoo] I place the butt-end of my staff to the skull of Redbrand04. “Who leads your sorry little band of puke buckets?” I jab  at his head “Who?”

] The Redbrand looks down and slowly answers “Glasstaff.”

Roonoo] “Glass staff he says. Does this mean anything to you Sildar?”

] Before any more words can be spoken, you hear yelling and look up to a see another group of Redbrands – 5 more – running down the cartway at you, swords drawn for conflict. Sildar steps directly into the path and with sword and shield ready, he yells “Relent you fools! Or die!”

] They seem frenzied and perhaps drunk – with one exception.  But will they relent? [()] No. Success is not in the cards for them but they charge into the town center yelling.

Result Table (each)

Ileel] 19

Leely] 5 – Dmg 4

Deynn] 16

Roonoo] 18

] Three Redbrands lie still as death. The other 7 are injured beyond any further resistance.

Roonoo] “Alright you dretchholes!” I say to the remaining punks. “Who wants to live another day? You will answer us or I’ll void yer veins. Who is the Glass Staff?”

] One of them says “A powerful wizard. He pays us to cause trouble in Phandalin.”

Roonoo] “Where is this wizard now?”

] The boy points towards the manor on the hill. “In our hideout, under that ruin up there.”

Deynn] “How many miscreants are in this Red cloak clan of yours?”

] Another Redbrand who is down on one knee holding his guts in, spits blood at you and says “Wouldn’t you like to know!” Dayni leaps on the rebel and plunges both of her daggers down into his back, behind his shoulder blades. His screams are surely heard throughout the valley. The sound of muscle and tendon ripping is surprisingly loud as she yanks back on her blades like levers. The contentious fool falls face down, blood quickly pools around him.

Deynn] “I promised someone this would not be a slaughter. Please…” I say to everyone… “no more blood today.”

Roonoo] I jab again at the back of the Redbrand who was speaking. “How many more of you?”

] He answers quickly… “About 30 total. The rest are in the hideout with Glasstaff – probably sleeping still.” The Redbrand gives you a basic idea of the layout of the hideout. The

Deynn] “Who is this Glass Staff?”

] “I don’t know… that is what we call him. I don’t know any other name for him. He also has a boss though. Calls him ‘The Black Spider’… we ain’t met the spider

] Dayni wipes her blade on the face of the boy. “What Sister Garaelle? Did you hurt her? Where is she?” She places the tip of a blade at throat and applies a slight pressure

] “Yes… the priestess of Tymora… she is in the crypt with the others. Kid Kaito said she was causing us trouble… had us take her to him. She is… she was with the others in the crypt beneath the manor.”

Roonoo] “You kidnapped a priestess of Tymora? What fools! How many lifetimes of bad luck might that bring!?! I don’t know Deynn… maybe they should all die.”

Deynn] “Perhaps they should. What others have been captured? How many are being held in this crypt?”

] He tells you there are 6-7 still alive. A mother and her two children – the father was already feed to the monster. The rest will be too… except the priestess – he thought that Kid Kaito wanted to keep her. He explained further about the one-eyed monster – it hides in a tunnel down inside the crevasse. Only a few of them have ever actually seen it but they are all afraid of it. It speaks inside their heads sometimes – taunts them with their own dreams.

Deynn] “What say you Townmaster? What should be done with boys so evil?”

] Harbin Wester “We will lock them. The hall has a couple of cells, we lock them up there… for now. But you have to stop this Glasstaff and prevent a retaliation for today.”

Leely] “We must hurry and save Sister Garaelle.” I call Aylan and leap onto his back. “Ileel! We know where Garaelle is now!” I yell back to my sister.

Deynn] “Hold up! We will join you, help you… but first allow me to heal your wounds as much as I can. You are in no shape to take on a powerful mage and 20 others.” I play my willow flute. 4d4 to all who can hear the music – including the Redbrands who yet live.

Appreciation & Collaboration

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