"Lager, please."

"Buttered bread, beef stew, and a nice brown ale for each hand," says Gwen. "Spellcraft really takes it out of you."

She puts her feet up on the table and leans back. "Sounds like Jaskier's been building up our legendary status. Maybe they'll give us a parade when we ride out tomorrow? Say, you all look a little on guard for a bunch of drunk celebrities... what's going on?"

[OoC]: Do we have reason to think someone's watching/following us, or just the normal adventurer paranoia?

The Kobold looks to each of you and shakes his head up and down," those will be right up he says. He then takes a swig feom a hip flask and leans on tour table and he continues to listen to Jaskier.

"I thought the part about you creating an army of animated spears to rebuild the manor with a snap of your wizardly fingers was a bit over the top, but he knows how to play a crowd.  I'm no more on guard than typical.  Cities put me on edge." Imbert replies to Gwen.

The Kobold snaps his fingers, your drinks and food come floating over to the table. They set down and it looks so delicious. The Kobold says, "So how is Phandalin?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:55, Mon 18 May 2020.

"Better than we found it.  But still small and not very important in the grand scheme of things.  Nice hat."  Imbert replies to the Kobold.

The Kobold replies, "Small indeed. Been through there on occasion always wondering what i could vring to that region. I am more vu8sness man now more than anything. Yes this helm cane in handy for many moons until i learn to speak common again. I was not always a kobold you know. My associates and I use to be just like you. Running around building our reputations collecting gold. Nowadays that gold is being spent on making more gold and giving peo0le things they need. Like ale. Peiple always need Ale. Say if you are ever in Waterdeep you should stop by a tavern there my associated and I own it as well. Cant miss it has a huge oak tree growing up out the middle of it."

Jaskier comments to the Kobold
"If we indeed ever find ourselves in Waterdeep, we shall definitely make it a point of visiting you and your associate's tavern, especially if it's anything like his fine establishment.  However, during our introduction you said the brigands might 'possibly[be] headed by one of our own Neverember's agents gone rogue', can you shed some light on your theory?"

The Kobold replies, "I am sure that Sildar has told you that Ibrano was of the Lord's Alliance. Both of them were from right here in Neverwinter. Being agents of our own Lord Dagult Neverember former Open Lord of Waterdeep. He is exiled now of course because he has taken Lordship over this sprawling metropolis. He hopes to do good here. You know I heard rumors of a group having pursued some fabled riches left behind by him. Not sure but I think they have headed into Undermountain."

OOC: I am taking two groups that most of you are familiar with one of and integrating them into the backdrop.

"Well, it has been a great evening, but I'm for sleep.  Thank-you for your hospitality, I didn't catch your name."  Imbert says as he stands to leave.

[OOC] During all the commotion Zanben snuck out to acquire some intel on the location of a valuable book using his criminal network.

"location of the legendary mage Bowgentle's spellbook? Last known owner of book was a necromancer named Tsernoth from the city of Iriaebor, but that 100 years ago."

What kind of checks do I have to make here?

"Jaskier, that was a hell of a ballad. If our legend spreads far and wide, it will be in your words." Gwen sits back and enjoys the atmosphere and the accolades, but eventually begins dozing into her second pint.

[OoC]: Other than Zanben's investigations, I think we're ready to go? Horses, new spells, curatives, provisions, and hyping our brand... anything else before we head out?

The Kobold bows and says,"Sum Yung Guy at your service. If there is anything else you need please let some of the staff know." He bows and then scurries off.

Zanben can find nothing about the magic users but learns that the city of a thousand spires lies Out East of Baulders Gate toward the Sunset Mountains.

Drinks continue to come to the table especially to the Bard who at this point is no longer looking sober.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:09, Tue 19 May 2020.

OoC;  I think we are good to head out in the morning.

The party scuffles off to bed knowing that tomorrow they will be back in the saddle and heading off to Thundertree to meet with the Druid Reidoth.

You all dream of what you think the ruins look like. Blasted landscapes, crumbled buildings, vegetation pushing in and the dead burned and disfigured walking around the ruins in search of prey.

Your nightmares come to an end as the smells from the morning fires permeate into your senses. You head downstairs to find an incredible spread of items you did not think would be available locally.

The bartender is there and winks at you and then throws an arm out as if he just now conjured the food before you and motions for you to sit.

You shake off the last of your dreams and ingest some of the best food you have ever possibly had in your life.

You collect your things and pack your bags for the trail. You head to Costal Stables and pick up your mounts. You ensure you have enough rations for a week but only plan to be away from Neverwinter for a few days. You head out of the South Eastern Gate and swing off the road and follow the wall until you meet Neverwinter River.

You follow the River East and head in the direction of Neverwinter Wood following an old abandoned trail. You travel most of the day taking lunch in the saddle and then near the place where the Neverwinter River emerges from Neverwinter Wood stands the abandoned village of Thundertree. Once, this was a prosperous community on the outskirts of the forest, wealthy from the work of its woodcutters and trappers. Then thirty years ago, the eruption of Mount Hotenow to the north devastated Thundertree. In the wake of the natural disaster, a plague of strange zombies swept over the area, killing or driving off those who survived the eruption.

Gradually, the trail becomes an old, overgrown lane winding between dilapidated buildings choked in vines and brush. Ahead of you, in the middle of the settlement, rises a steep hill, upon which stands a stone tower with a partially collapsed roof and an adjoining cottage. A dirt road hugs the base of the hill and wends its way between old stone houses, many of which are roofless ruins with interiors open to the weather. Other buildings appear more or less intact. The whole place is eerily silent.

A wooden sign is nailed to a post nearby. It reads: "DANGER! Plant monsters AND zombies! Turn back now!"

OOC: Please don't Retcon Actions in this this thread for continuity reasons PM me and will resolve there.


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:50, Tue 19 May 2020.

[OoC]: Is there also a sinister figure with a sword glaring at me from the ruins?

OOC: No that can be a member of your party looking into the ruins...

"Plant monsters and zombies.  Why have just one, when you can have both?  What a great combination."  Imbert mutters quietly as he readies his crossbow and looks for tracks.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+4:  10,+4  Total:14 - Survival.  Plant Monsters

Roll(1d20)+4:  19,+4  Total:23 - Survival.  Zombies (advantage)
Roll(1d20)+4:  1,+4 Total:5
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:14, Tue 19 May 2020.

Jaskier whistles aloud and then says,
"Monsters and Zombies, eh?  Well best not to keep them waiting."
He strides over to the building just south of the group and tries to figure out if anything is alive or dangerous in the building without stepping over the threshold of the doorway.

Perception roll 1d20+0=1 [OOC] Yikes, critical 1

Gwen spots Jaskier critically silhouetted in the doorway of a ruin and jumps back. "Dammit, Jaskier, you scared the shit out of me!" she whispers. She turns to soothe her pony, Dimple, who hates the scent of Thundertree but loves the matching ribbons Gwen has braided into both their manes. Leaving the animal some distance away with a nosebag of oats and carrots, she hefts her staff and positions herself to cover the party's advance.

[OoC]: Cast Mage Armor from the staff; ready Shield as a reaction. Put Gwen at H14 for now. Does anything look out of place in the ruins, evidence of recent use, changes among the ruins or vegetation? Also, where did Mirna Dendrar bury her necklace?

Investigation check:

15:40, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 25 using 1d20+6 ((19)).

Imbert dismounts and moves to the middle of the road he inspects the area but can not detect any signs of animals, undead or otherwise passing through here.

Gwen dismounts and moves to the corner of one of the nearby buildings and scans the area covering her compatriots.

Jaskier dismounts and moves over to a cottage that has seen better days. At first he sticks his face right against the wall mistaking a shadow as a hole in the ruined wall. Realizing his error he moves to an actual opening and looks in. Cowering in the shadow of an old tree is a crumbled stone cottage with no roof. Weeds are rampant here.

Jaskier pulls his face away from the wall, rubs a red spot on his nose, and meekly says
"Guys I think I may still be drunk.  Anyways, nothing in this cottage but weeds.  Whatchu looking at Gwen?"

Imbert shrugs after finding nothing of interest and moves to the other building next to the cottage Jaskier investigated.  He gestures towards the entrance with is crossbow.

OoC;  Move to M11

Jaskier readies his crossbow and follows Imbert.

Bandalor also carries his crossbow at the ready, keeping mindful of when a bless may be of use to the party.