You make your way to the Stonehill Inn to ask Toblen Stonehill what he knows about fortress in the nearby mountains.

Imbert walks up to Toblen Stonehill.  "What do you know about a fortress in the nearby mountains?"  He inquires discretely.

Toblen looks up and says. "Yes I know of an abandoned fortress that is near in the mountains. What of it?"

Zanben sees Imbert speaking to Toblen and heads over to join in on the discrete conversation.  "Ay, we came across a note while clearing out the mines insinuating that you may have information on the Fortress of Sword Mountains.  We have an associate we have been tracking and that seems to be the last known location where he may be residing.  Could you tell us how to get there?  Also any details of the region and fortress that may aid us in our travels would be greatly appreciated."

Imbert nods.

Well he pulls out rough map of the area and denotes an area about 10 miles South. "It is about here. The area is mountainous and the fortress is abanodend yet I think there is a fresh spring in the area. This doesn't have anything to do with that very muscular, odd looking bald man that was in here asking about it?" Toblen says.

"Not sure.  Tell us about him and what he was asking about."  Imbert replies.

"Well he was medium height, bald, he had pointed ears, tan and muscular as hell. He was bundled up like it was winter though. He gave 5 gold for to know where this abandoned fortress in the sword mountains is. I told him what I knew and he went on his way," Toblen says.

"Is there anything you told him that you haven't told us? Also was he by himself?"

Toblin thinks for a moment, "He was alone and asked where this fortress might be. So I told him. That was it."

"Toblin my friend, thank you so much for the info.  I just have one last question, do you recall when you saw this man?"

Toblin thinks for a moment and then says, "It was before the Redbrands moved into town and well before you folks showed up."

Zanben places his arm around Imbert, "I think we should relay this information back to the team." He then turns towards where the rest of the team is sitting and joins them.

He then motions to Toblin, "Round of ale for the table please." then faces the team, "Hey guys, so it appears our friend the Black spider may have been here a while back inquiring about the abandoned fort mentioned in the letter we found.  I wonder if that is where they are posted up.  Lets get some rest tonight and head that way in the morning once we have proper supplies and rest."

"Good plan.  I'll get the horses ready tomorrow to ride out.  For now, I'll head back to the house and get some rest."

A finely polished goblin meets you at the door. It takes you a second to realize this is Droop the change is so dramatic. However as soon as he opens his mouth there is no mistaking it. A high pitched squeaky voice blurts out, "Welcome home. Makes yourselves comfortable. Is there anything I can bring yous guys?"

"No, thank-you.  I'll take care of the horses.  We leave early tomorrow, so maybe a breakfast.  Oh, and these are for the armory."  Imbert says and hands the Goblin his old scale mail, heavy crossbow and longbow.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:29, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

An indeterminate amount of time later, Gwen emerges from her subterranean laboratory. Her hair is disheveled, her leather apron spattered and singed, and her eyes wild and red. "That's it!" she gasps. "I've been through every tome, tried every ritual, and burned out half the ravens in the tower. There's no divination that gets us any closer to the Spider, but I did pry a few secrets from Glasstaff's library. It's now or never! Droopy, bring me three bottles of champagne, a pound cake, and my best hat! Saddle up, lads... the Forge awaits!" She strides purposefully from the main hall, leaving the smell of sulphur and trails of fairy dust in her wake.

"The horses are already saddled." Imbert replies in an inquisitive tone.

You hop on the horses and head out toward the mountains and toward the fortress that lie within.

OOC:To keep up with all that has gone on why not reintroduce yourselves and do a little trail talking so I can organize a bit.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:19, Sat 06 Aug 2022.

Imbert rides in silence, concentrating on the hastily drawn map.

Gwen compensates for Imbert's silence by prattling on incessantly about the time her second cousin Esteban stole the pigskin from the town's annual game of Uppies and Doonies and nearly turned the watermen against the bourgeois for good.

[OoC]: I think Gwen was left at Wiz4 and had been moving in the direction of area affect and battlefield control spells. Her owl familiar was useful for long range recon and her staff enhanced AC and magic missiles (I think). I'll review her sheet ASAP. Good to be back!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Sun 07 Aug 2022.

Jaskier tries to listen intently to Gwyndolyn's musings, seeking out interesting details to be  included in his next opus, but eventually succumbs to the tired yawns and thumping headache caused by the harsh drinks served up on the previous night.  He peers around and quietly ties a lead rope from his horse's bridle to the pack strapped on the back of Imbert's horse, tips his cap low on his brow and allows himself to drift off to a lazy sleep.

While slightly listening to Gwen's story, Zanben began laughing.  "He stole the pigskin? That would have been fun to watch the chaos.  He raises his pouch of wine "This drink is to your cousin Esteban."
A few monents later after quite a few more drinks of his wine, Zanben can be seen passed out in occasionally waking to mumble randome things that make no since to anyone whom may be listening.

Bandalor shakes out of his stupor, coming to in the saddle with a splitting headache.  He looks around for his bearing, and hand checks his weapons while straightening in the saddle.