Both of you are startled  by the fact there is now a very nude ans very red woman standing behind Gwen. "Exciting must be magical," Mizer says.

OOC:Gwen now has advatage on her new int arcana check.

Gwen explores the object, turning it over in her hands near a cluster of candles...

[OoC]: Arcana with Advantage: 22.

06:31, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 10,22 using 1d20+7,1d20+7 ((3,15)).

Gwen looks at Mizer and says, " Any non-evil creature grasping the statue can ask it a question and receive a telepathic response, as though it had cast augury. Once a creature has asked its question and received a response, it can never activate the statuette again."

Mizer replies, "What a fun little trinket. Sounds very helpful in the right circumstance."

Zanben reaches down and lifts Gwen up in a big bear hug saying "Thank you, thank you, thank you, you are the best, smartest little gnome I have ever met." He then turns towards Mizer in his excitement to give her a hug forgetting she's naked.  Instantly realizing the inappropriateness of the act, he swiftly pulls back into a bows, "Thank you for your assistance as well.  This thing can be really useful if used for the right question.  I'll hold on to this for now."  Zanben wraps the crimson cloth around the statue and heads back to his quarters to try and get some shut eye.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Tue 22 Sept 2020.

In the morning, Gwen appears looking rested and refreshed, despite a night that was exciting in more ways than one. Her room, when she leaves it, is neat and tidy, with no sign of any other occupants. She demolishes a pile of buttered rolls and pot of strong tea, then looks to the party. "So it's off to Phandalin today to be briefed by Gundren and Sildar, and then on to--" she looks around the common room for overlarge ears-- "our next destination?"

As Gwen gathers her belongings there is no sign of Mizer. In her bag is another ritual and this one lets her know this should be done in a more permanent location once she reaches whatever she calls home. Downstairs she is greeted by Bandalor coming in from outside finishing up his morning prayer to the sun. He grabs some steamed mead and some meat and joins her at a table. "The Lords Light greets us." He says.

Zanben, exits his room looking well rested and at peace.  He walks downstairs to join the rest of the team and grab some morning sustenance.  He grabs a plate with bacon, eggs and fruit to fill his belly with and a pint of mead to wash it down.  "Good morning", Zanben says to the party as he sits down to eat his breakfast.

Zanben looks over at Gwen with a slight smirk on his face and says, "Had a good night last night eh?" He then caries on scarfing down his breakfast as if he hadn't eaten in ages, spite the feast he had last night.  "Off to Phandalin than?"

Imbert comes in from preparing the horses.  "You're all awake, great.  Let's leave soon so we have some daylight left when we get to town."

You saddle up your horses with Gundren riding with Badalaor in uncomfortable silence. You all head out toward Phandalin. The day passes uneventful. You get to Phandalin with day light to spare. You are greeted by waves from the locals and look up to see Tresendar Manor completed and ready for occupation. You hitch your horses outside the townmasters hall. Gundren unloads Sildars belongings and slings the under his arm. He then heads in. You all follow and find him immediately engaged in conversation with Sildar. There is an exchange of equipment and clasping of hands. Words are exchanged and glances and smiles given in your direction.

Gundren turns and says, "Sounds like yer fellers have done lots of good in these parts. Sildar says there has been no contact with my brothers and I fear what that means. I say we draw up provisions that we need and head out in the morning if possible. I am anxious to learn the fate of my fellows. I appreciate all that you have done and see that Phandalin is now available to be the distribution point of the wares that will come out of the mine. In time I see Phandalin growing as those who are looking for employ learn of the mine." With that Gundren heads in the direction of Barthen's provisions.

Imbert turns to Banalor.  "Your cousin seems very optimistic about this mine, so far it seems to me to have been nothing but trouble.  Are you sure we want to bring him with us and not scout the mine ourselves first?  After all that has happened since we first met, I find it unlikely we just find it empty and take ownership."

He seemed to stay out of our way in the fight for Cragmaw. I don't see why it would be any different at this Mine.

Gwen tags along after Gundren, engaging the services of a porter and wheelbarrow along the way. She keeps one eye on the dwarf, but otherwise tours the warehouse and emerges with coils of rope, block and tackle, hand tools, torches and candles, lanterns and oil, a small pavillion, wicker chaise, feather bedding, a charcoal brazier, a writing journal, casks of water, flasks of wine, hard cheeses, loaves of crusty bread, and a smoked ham. She pauses, selects a ten foot pole from a barrel near the door, and settles her debts. By the time she leaves, everything has disappeared impossibly into her satchel, and she strolls up the hill toward Tresendar Manor, greeting townfolk along the way.

Imbert shrugs at Bandalor's response and heads off.  He buys some crossbow bolts and then returns to the manor.  He sets up his room and then organizes the extra weapons in the armory.

You spend some coin at Barthens Provisions and he is very happy for the visit and the coin being spent. You then make your way to the manor. Upon arriving you find a shield made of green dragon scale and adorned with the symbols of Lathander sitting in the entry way. There is even a band along the top that you think would be the right size and shape for a torch to be placed into. Bandalor picks it up and feels weight. he puts a torch into the band and it does indeed hold fast. He says, "Not sure how it got her but I am glad it is." He then pulls his older shield off his back and tosses it to Imbert. "If you are headed to the armory can you find a place of honor for it?"


Upon entering the manor you are taken aback by the beauty and simplicity of completed home. It is elegant but at the same time has an earthen and almost tavern feel to it. Perfect for a band of adventurers. Droopy rushes in dressed in a small butler's suit. "The Masters arrive," he says in his squeaky and shrill voice. "May I see to your things."

"Droopy! I'm more glad to see you than I ever thought possible. We'll need the table set in the great hall, but not for dinner. Bring candles, parchment, and my writing tools, and water the wine a bit... we have a long night of planning ahead. Send for Sildar and Gundren, then see yourself out with an extra sausage from the larder. There's a good lad!"

[OoC]: Can we get a briefing on what Gundren knows now that the game is afoot?

The goblin hurry's off and you hear him rummaging around in different rooms running up and down stairs and then starts to arrive an armful at a time with the items that were requested. Gwen starts to set things out and asks to collect the group in the main hall to put together a game plan.

Gundren says, "Well my brothers and I had been looking around the library in Waterdeep and we found some clues that pointed us in the direction to Wave Echo Cave. He headed out to Phandalin. From here we started exploring the surrounding area. Finally after weeks of searching and maybe about fifteen miles East of here in the deep vales of the Sword Mountains we found it the Entrance. We excavated what we could and had a number of setbacks but cleared away the opening. It was decided then that I should go to Neverwinter and purchase supplies. That is where I ran into Sildar. Sildar listened to my story and my destitnation and decided that he must accompany me since one of his number had stopped sending communication to more senior members. So we put together our supplies and that is when I asked my cousin and you good people if you could see them transported here to Phandalin. He and I set out before you and were ambushed on the road. We ended up in that cave where we were separated. I kept on hearing about this Black Spider that was interested in Wave Echo Cave. A transcription of our map to the entrance was made and a messenger left. It was at that time I was transported to that castle where I was held captive by that Hobgoblin and his minions. From what I could tell I was to be eliminated and my copy of the map destroyed so that no others could follow to the cave. That is when you found and rescued me. I am hoping that at first light we can set I am concerned about the well being of my brothers as I am sure this Black Spider has made his way there."

Zanben enters the manner and sees Droopy scurrying about, "Droopy good friend, good to see you.  We should catch up when your done with the chores."  Zanben then walks towards the main hall where he saw Drooping scurrying from with such determination.  Upon seeing Gwen setting things out, asks "Can I offer a hand Gwen?"

After hearing Gundren explain what happened, "Hey, the doppelganger I beheaded mentioned something about the Black Spider as well, but offered no information about it.  Did you learn anything about this "Black Spider" beyond that it supposedly exists and is interested in the Wave Echo Cave?"  Zanben using air quotes as to insinuate that he doesn't believe this black spider exist.

Gundren says, "Well there is some force from what I can tell backing a move in this region. What with the Redbrands having help from goblinoid groups, Orcs moving in and the change of allegiance from a member of the Order of the Gauntlet. What makes you doubt the existence of such a villain?"

"Either way there is enough evidence to suggest your brothers have encountered some manner of villain who used the copy of your map to find the cave.  We should prepare quickly and set out with all haste."  Imbert states after Gundren replies.

"I agree. We may have to face the foot soldiers of the Black Spider as well as the hazards of the cave if we wait too long."

"Gundren, if there are any particular hazards or obstacles you're aware of, my ally in Neverwinter may yet be able to provide us with last minute materials. I suspect she'll be making a quick visit before we depart if there are any tools or scrolls we might wish. And will you and Sildar be hoisting the first torch in the darkness? It would be nice to have some more shields on the front line, although Bandalor's is looking very capable these days..."

Gundren replies,"i kbow not what awaits us in the cave as I have not ventured far inside. I believe that Sildar is uneasy in leaving his post here in Phandalin given the most recent of events. I will of course be accompanying you to the cave but I myself am no warrior I am a miner. I will of course do what I can especially where my brothers are involved."

"Gundren, the only intel in relation to the existence of a Black Spider came from a doppelganger in the form of a Drow.  I don't trust doppelgangers, and being in form of a drow seems like a rouse to me.  But, if there truly is a Black Spider, we should be prepared to be fighting real Drow at some point."

Zanben glances over to Gwen, "I think the endurance I built up in the fight for Cragmaw Castle will help me not get hit as often, as well as I feel slightly hardier.  So with the addition of Bandalores new shield and my gained speed and endurance I think we should be ok."

”Well, I guess we’ll have someone to look after the horses.“  Imbert replies.

After the council of war disperses for the evening, Gwen retires to her chambers. She completes Mizer's replacement ritual and spends the evening in arcane study and close companionship. Come morning, the room is empty again and Gwen descends the main stair dressed for adventure in boots, breeches, and her favorite purple velvet doublet. Droopy trots after her with her satchel, cloak, and plumed hat.

[OoC]: Ready to move on... I'll level Gwen and send a new sheet in the next couple days.

Imbert readies the horses and consults the map to plan the route to the cave. He paces around while everyone gets ready for the extended excursion and leads them from the manor towards their next destination.