With their enemies vanquished, their employers rescued, everyone healed up as best they could manage, and the castle grounds thoroughly looted, the group set out on their journey back toward Phandalin.

The journey started a bit slow, while Gundren worked the soreness out of his battered body enough to get it moving the way he wanted it to. After about ten minutes, he'd got his blood flowing enough to flush the acid build-up in his muscles and move as normal. Half an hour into the trip, the group finds themselves in a small clearing, where they spot a lone boar. The boar seems...strange, but no one can pinpoint exactly why that would be. Some question whether or not they should try to kill it, but the boar backed up into the trees, then turned and fled before any decision could be made.
18:10, Today: Psynister rolled 19 using 1d20.  Random Encounter.

Another couple of hours passed with nothing but a few random birds or rabbits showing themselves here and there. Then at last, the group came out onto the road on the outskirts of the town of Phandalin.
18:10, Today: Psynister rolled 9 using 1d20.  Random Encounter.
18:11, Today: Psynister rolled 13 using 1d20.  Dragon's Location.

Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this much have been a much larger town in centuries past.

Phandalin's residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.

Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share. The Stonehill Inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster's hall, is a job board for adventurers.

Among said visitors, you see a number of men and a few women who look as though they fit the part of the miners that Gundren said had been invited to come. You also notice a fairly large number of armed men wearing red cloaks walking through the streets, often in groups of 2-4, and you notice that everyone else in town gives them a wide berth and avoid even looking at them when possible.

Anyone with a Passive Insight of 13+ notices that Gundren's brows furrow when he sees all the red cloaks, as though he's not sure who they are or why they're here. He doesn't seem pleased by their presence.

Anyone with a Passive Religion or History of 14+ recognizes a symbol on the red-cloaked men as the symbol of The Red Wizards.

"Gun, how 'bout you head on over to Stonehill and have a seat. I'll take this bunch over to Barthen's to check on the supplies and get the rest of their payment."

Gundren agrees and heads for the inn. Barthen's Provisions is one of the first buildings in town, and confirmation of the delivery takes only a moment. Don-Jon and Elmar Barthen speak for just a few moments before Elmar pulls out the gold for the goods. "If you need to resupply, I've got plenty of stock. For the time being, anyway." (Barthen's sells anything you want from the Adventuring Gear section on pg 150 of the PHB, except for healing potions.) "If you're looking to buy or sell weapons and armor, head over to the Lionshield Coster. If you've got regular gear you're looking to sell, I can help you there."
Akyra +25g, Pavel +25g, Bharkel +50g

"Sakamoto and Ariadne, we'll get you two sorted out back at the inn."
Sakamoto & Ariadne +50g

You can sell any items you do not want for 1/2 their listed price in the PHB. If you make a Charisma (Persuasion) check (per store you sell at) you can sell things for 60% value instead. Barthen's is for equipment, Coster is for weapons/armor.

"Excuse me, Mr. Barthen, is there a temple or religious building in town? Some of us need to talk to a priest." Pavel says.

OOC: both trying to secure a source of holy water and I have pre-rolled a variant human paladin. I rolled him when things were looking dicey in the castle.

"Yes, sir, there certainly is. It ain't very big, mind you, but we have a temple of Lady Tymora, Fortune guide us. It's on the north side of the town square, just across the street from Stonehill Inn. The priestess, Sister Garaele, may not be back in town yet, but she has an acolyte there who may be able to help, or may have better information on when she'll be back."