The group takes one last look at the Ruin of Cragmaw Castle with the pyre of burning goblinoids outside the front gate. They then turn toward the forest and head off for the edge near the road. The trek through the woods is uneventful and you soon find your yourself close to the intersection of the high road and the Triboar trail. As you get your things together to make camp and hunt for food you look South and can see a small plume of smoke as that of a chimney past the Triboar trail and definitely along the High Road.

"Travelers? Or trouble..." says Gwen, gazing at the plume of smoke. "Either way, I'd rather make camp and have a nap before we check it out."

[OoC]: Gwen takes a Short Rest... should okay for a brief encounter at that point.

[OOC] Bando will offer healing to any and all who need it.

Imbert looks at the plume and shrugs.  Drops his pack, pulls out his weapons and starts cleaning them.  "I'll take watch while you nap.  I was lucky today and didn't end up on the wrong side of too many goblin scimitars."

OoC;  A short rest doesn't do anything for me.  I'm out of spells, but we can do a short encounter.

You finish out your short rest on the northern side of the Triboar Trail. You then make your way across the road and into the woods to sneak upon the smoke column. After a short while you approach an oddly shaped building sits at the juncture of the Triboar Trail and the High Road. Two entrances into the building are apparent: a smaller one at the northern corner, and a larger one, suitable for beasts of burden and wagons, near the first. This would be the Wayside Inn and possible resting point.

Jaskier dusts himself off and straightens his shirt in a vain attempt to remove signs that his only activities in the last few days had been travelling on horseback and slaying goblins.  He says aloud "Right then time to find a proper resting spot.  Zanben, perhaps you can find out if there are any villainous foes or tricky traps about the place while I inquire about some lodgings" and then walks into the strange building.

Investigation Check 1d20 + 2 = 19

Imbert gathers the horses and takes them to whatever looks the most like a stable.

After doing some recon and detective work Jaskier concludes that the Wayside Inn is in fact an inn and tavern on the high road situated nead the junction point of the TriBaor trail. As he is relaying this information to his compatriots he sees Imbert leading the horses to what could only be a stable. Figuring things are safe enough the group emerges from the woods from wence they were survailing. Just as Gwen steps out of the wood a paper bird strikes her in the chest and falls to the ground.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:05, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

Gwen scoops the folded paper from the ground and looks around to see if any other travelers are around before reading it. "I guess a good night's sleep can wait a bit," she says. "Now who's buying the first round?"

Gwen glances about and then looks down at the paper.


You then head into the Wayside Inn. Heads turn to your direction for a moment and then go back to their assorted business. There are a few travelers sitting about drinking, eating and reveling. You see a man behind the bar, you hear pots from the back and see a woman in the corner pouring over receipts and documents.

The man behind the bar lifts a hand and says, "Ho travelers. Please come sit what would you have? What is word on the road I am sure all are interested. Direction you are heading and where you've come."

Imbert remains with the horses, removing and storing the sables, brushing them down, checking their hooves, and making sure they have water and food.

Jaskier maintains a steely gaze as he scans the room and when he doesn't find any fearsome beasts to slay, he relaxes his stance a bit and lets out a deep sigh of relief.
"Oh dear inkeeper, you are indeed a sight to behold.  We require lodgings for the night and a stiff drink if you've got it.  Perhaps some bandages as well, a few of us need to lick our wounds"

The barkeep looks at your group and says, "Lets say 2 gold for the lot of you lodgings for you and your animals and these six ales." He then places six warm Ale mugs up on the bar for you. The ale is delicious after all you have been through in the last few days. Gundren's eyes light up and says, "Well I guess we don't have to get to Phandalin tonight exactly. Tomorrow will do just fine." He grabs the Ale and pours it into his waiting mouth. Ale dribbles out the sides of his mouth and runs into his beard. He does not stop until the mug has been drained. He slams down the mug on the counter and says, "Cousin, friends let us drink and eat tonight. Tomorrow I shall speak to Sildar."


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

Jaskier replies to Gundren "Gundren, good man, my thoughts exactly.  So how did you end up in such terrible company at Cragmaw Castle?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:34, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

Gundren accepts another Ale from the barkeep Backes Dunfield, a human with a scarred face and a crooked smile. He then gazes down into his mug and says, "Sildar and I set out from Waterdeep for Phandalin where I was to meet up with my brothers. Shortly after we turned onto the Triboar trail we were set upon by dozens and dozens of goblins. They were too much for Sildar and I to over come. We were knocked unconscious and brought to some cave system. Shortly after some hobgoblins came and they took me to that castle where that fiend abused me and asked about Wave Echo Cave. Apparently some thing called the Black Spider had learned we had found that place and wanted to make sure no one else would happen upon it and I and the map were to be destroyed. That is when you found me. I did not know what had happened to Sildar until I learned from you all he is safe and now marshaling in Phandalin. Tell though what word is there of my brothers?"

Gwen sloppily slams her tankard into Gundren's. "I don't know that we've heard from your brothers... Sildar may know. As for the Spider, we should all keep an eye out for his agents. Once he learns that both you and the map have survived, there'll be a price on all our heads."

She takes a long draw of her ale and wipes the froth on her sleeve. "What preparations need to be made in Phandalin before setting out for your mine? Weve been preparing to winter there, but if you and Sildar intend to go sooner rather than later, we may need to organize supplies."

Gundren says, "Sounds like Sildar is comfortable where he is. I would like to head off for the mine before too long getting into Phandalin. Wave Echo Cave tis not far a journey. My brothers and I were going to use Phandalin as the distribution point for the goods. Mayhaps you would join me in heading to the mine as a precaution. Could cut you in for a percentage."

Imbert returns from the stable and seats himself as Gundren makes his reply. ”I’m of the opinion that those of us that can fight off goblins should go investigate the cave and those that can’t remain in Phandalin so they are not a liability.”  Imbert states matter of factly.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Sun 20 Sept 2020.

Gwen cocks an eyebrow at Imbert's bold proclamation. "I haven't seen any man here step aside from a challenge. As long as there's treasure to plunder, wrongs to be righted, vengeance to be wrought, and ballads to be written, I suspect this party will follow the trail to the end," she says. "So off we go!"

She leans close. "But when you say percentage... you surely mean share? As in an equal share for each of us, earned when we set both dwarf and map back upon the road to everlasting fame and fortune? Because Phandalin will serve as base of operations mostly because we reclaimed it from a gang of brigands and a traitorous wizard. The road to the cave and the mine will be safer because we have cleansed the area of threats... we traveled as far as Wyvern Tor to root out zombies and orcs. Our supply lines to Neverwinter are more secure because we brought down a dragon who stalked these woods, all while Sildar recovered from his captivity. I don't know where your brothers are, Gundren, but your partners are right here." She raises a mug to the group.

Gwen remains at the table until the group retires, fiddling with the paper bird. Then she takes a private room and heads upstairs.

[OoC]: Ready to move on once we've healed (and leveled up!).

The night passes with great cheer especially feom Gundren whom seems glad to be alive but still his eyes relay trouble. Drinks go on it the night. Those of you that mind to do so are treated to wam baths here at the way side and retire with your bellies full and spirits lifted.

Zanben after eating and a quick bath headed to his room with a large pitcher of ale early, eager to figure out what this shiny sun-elf statue can do.

After entering his chambers, Zanben pulls out the statue and unwraps the crimson cloth around it saying, "I knows it's more than just a gold statue, I just knows it.  It is far too shiny to not have some arcane spell upon it."  After a couple hours of looking over every inch of it, studying it as though the answer will jump out at him, he thinks to himself, "Hmm, I bet Gwen could figure it out, she is quite crafty with the arcane arts."

Zanben not too sure the time being so preoccupied in his research as well as a bit drunk at this point, he meanders to Gwen's chambers to see if her expertise can help figure out why this statue seems to gleam so unnaturally.

Based on the silence throughout the Inn, Zanben guesses that it is well into the night and so he subtly knocks on Gwen's door and whispers through the door audible enough for someone who is awake on the other side of the door to hear, but silent enough not to rouse other patrons, "Gwen, Gwen are you there.  I need that beautiful little mind of yours. Gwen, you have to see this."

Imbert sleeps soundly dreaming of crossbows.

Gwen, bare-legged in her nightshirt and groggy with sleep and wine, opens the door and sees Zanben and his figurine. Behind her, the room smells of sulphur and incense. Candles and magical trinkets are strewn about, there's an obvious summoning circle inscribed on the floor, and someone with horns, red skin, and fabulous curves is snoring softly on the rumpled bed. Gwen yawns, scratches her ass, and says, "This better be good, Z..."

"Apologies for disturbing you, but check this out." Zanben pulls out the sun elf statue, "Do you have any idea what this thing can do?  I have been trying to figure out all night why it's so shiny and can not seem to figure it out."

OOC: Gwen give me an Arcana check.

Gwen takes the figure, instantly interested. "Neat," she says. "Lemme have a look..."

OoC: Has Gwen had enough sleep to make the check with her new Int score?

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.