With a plan set into motion, the group started moving the crates to best utilize space. Solgren and Allura found within the chamber a stash of half cooked meat that was neither wolf or goblin. The two went below and with some coaxing, calmed the wolves enough to release them one by one, keeping them distracted with the meat. The wolves, with less hunger, were calmer, and once released, disappeared into the forest without incident.

The next stage saw the group move the crates from the cave end to the entrance. By this time, darkness was aproaching and the group decided to take the evening there within the shelter of the cave. Though dank, with a fire, the group, with Sildar managed to have a pleasant night, giving Osmon time to memorize the spell while gundren's companion spoke of times the two adventured together.

Night fell, and with rations, the group took turns in watching, sildar included <OOC: You can now have the benefit of a long rest>. Morning dawned with a light mist, the sounds of wolves howling in the distance. A light warm breakfast was had before Osmon cast his spell, and the group loaded what they could on the disk, the rest being carried with some difficulty. The trip back, though not as slow while coming, was not as fast as it could be, and by the time you found the wagon, it was mid morning. Luckily, the ox were in the same place, a little wet, but still eating grass.

The wagon was unloaded of the original items, and then packed with the bigger things in first and the smaller items around them. Though a tight squeeze, the gear fitted in, and though the ox grumbled at the added weight, it was highsun when you set off for your original destination

Phandelvin

---

It was late afternoon when the rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and you catch your first glimpse of Phandalin. The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins—crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars—surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.

As you approach, you see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as you approach, but all return to their business as you go by.

Sildar, seeming much more at ease arriving in the town, smiled. “My friends,” he says, “let us secure lodgings. I’m told the local inn is very quaint.”

---

OOC: Welcome to Phandelvin and chapter two people.

You have a choice of what you want to do.
- Deliever the goods of Gundren to Barthen’s Provisions
- deliever the goods from the cave to the lionshield coaster
- Go to the local inn, known as the stonehill inn
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:15, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

With the added weight in the cart, everybody walked, even Yulin, and it was with relief that the town appeared in sight. Having seen better days, there was still life there and Amalia smiled when she saw the children, not a lot younger than she was. But while she had left the shipwreck site a young pup, the days spend with this group had made her grow in ways she couldn't have imagined. Blessing Selune for the journey, she heard Sildar's words and pondered.

I agree that some accommodations would be nice and it is getting late. But should we not deliver the goods? I would not like for someone to steal both our shipments and deny us the satisfaction, and compensation, for having completed the task. I suggest that Yulin could go secure rooms for us while the rest of us goes to deliver the goods. Do you know both locations, Sildar?

She stretched her arms over her head. Her suggestion would mean more work today, but she was ready to give a last effort to get those deliveries out of her hands.

"I completely agree with Amalia, let's finish our task and turn the goods in, see to getting these other things to that other company while you and Yulin get us lodgings. I could get you some coins for me and my sister."

Sildar smiled as Amalia spoke. "I don't know exactly, but do know the inn is in the center of town. I was told that Barthen’s Provisions is a little past it on the same road. The lionshield coaster i know not, but they should have a sign, like their symbol" He pointed to the painted insignia a shield with a blue lion in the middle

He looked at Yulin and nodded. "We can secure rooms for us all if you want to finish up."

Ever the pessimist,  Yana had been honestly surprised that the wagon and ox had rekained where they'd left them, especially overnight.  Leaving the animal alone with wolves on the loose, even recently fed ones, seemed like a disaster waiting to happen.
However,  the city girl had to admit that the plan worked, and she had taken the reins to drive the wagon towards town.

During the discussions in town, Yana nodded in agreement
"Yes, let's take care of business before seeing to our lodgings. No sense hauling things around longer than we need to."

Allura was happy to have more time with her sister and walked along with her as they brought Gundren's items to their destination and looked for signs bearing the Shield and Lion.

At the first sign of passerby on the road in Phandalin, Malice casually walked up to them. "Excuse me, sorry to bother you, do you happen to know where the Lionshield Coaster is located?"

---

21:26, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Persuasion. (Because I'm a drow. If it's not necessary, then ignore it.)

Whistling softly to get Edgar's attention I point at the symbol of the Lionshield Coaster before launching him from my arm. Hopefully he will find it quickly.

Edgar Perception: 15

As the group approached, they found a boy in a field of sheep. He was staring at the group, mouth open. He had never seen a gnome, much less a drow, yuan ti or a tiefling…..and to have them ask a question, he was wide eyed. He pointed over his shoulder. “Main road…..on the left…..if you reach th, th pe square, you’ve gone too far.”

The group couldn’t help but be amused, until he spoke again “Your not here with the read cloaks, are ya?” He had a tinge of worry and fear in his voice at the question

"Who are the red ? cloaks."

Allura said lowering herself to look at the boy.

"Thank you kindly, young man. What is your name?" Malice paused long enough for him to answer before continuing, "My name is Malice. It's a pleasure to meet you. Do not fear, we are not here with the red cloaks. Have they done something to you or someone you know?"

---

OOC: 22:58, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Insight.

Yana wanted to mind her own business, but couldn't help but speak up.
"A word of advice,  young man... in the future , you might want to be more subtle,  when asking about Red Cloaks.  We aren't with them, but if you were talking  to actual Red Cloaks,  they might be offended by your attitude.  Bullies look for fear, so try not to show it, if you can help it"

Solgran smiled at the lad's reactions. He remembered the the first time he had seen people who weren't simple human commoners, too. The world was full of wonders for those who'd never stepped far outside the family farm. His smile faded when the boy asked about the Red Cloaks, and the mood made an obvious shift.

To feel the boy's mood and how genuine the info is that he gives us about these red cloaks.
01:23, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Insight.

Turns to regard her sister a moment before turning back to the boy.

Seeing the unease the boy showed, realizing she was probably the closest in age with him, she quickly called on Selune to help her and  she squatted near him.

Please do not be alarmed, as you can see, we are not from around here. We are not aware of the Red Cloaks, what can you tell us about them? If they bother you, maybe we can help?

13:39, Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 6 using 1d20+1.  Amalia persuasion.

13:38, Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 2 using 1d4.  Amalia Guidance.

Nope.... why is the cleric the party face? lol

Snoric had been busy with his tinkering the whole trip and mostly kept to himself.  He spent a lot of time playing with his pistol, adding new features, coupled with arcane chants that made little sense, even to those practiced in the arcane.  Whatever he was doing the gnome finally seemed happy and stopped adding to his pistol, instead performing similar 'upgrades' on his armour.

Determined to be able to better defend himself, Snoric had acquire one of the short swords and a shield from the goblin hoard.  He begged the more martial types to help him train with the blade and shield whenever they rested.

Upon reaching town, knowing the others had the cargo delivery well in hand, Snoric gathered up all the junk he had collected from the goblin cave, old rusty blades, nails, anything metal and of no real use and headed off into town, agreeing to meet them at the inn later.



OOC: Given I may be out of commission for a few days I've got Snoric working on a new project.  His pistol now sports some sort of longer attachment on its barrel (almost looks like a silencer for ooc purposes) and he's added strange metal attachments to his studded leather that makes no practical sense.

Anyone who helps trains him in swords will find he's not great.  He's fairly dextrous but lacks proficiency.

AO will handle Snoric if any big adventure hooks occur and I'm not available.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

The young man looked at the group as they spoke. When Yana warned him, he looked a bit sheepish, and looked around. Then he spoke softly. “They came about a month or so back, and cause trouble for the town. Bullies the lot of them”

He looked back towards the town, then the party. “You’ll see what I mean soon enough.”

He then went about tending the sheep, occasionally looking back towards the group.

As the wagon moved into town, the group looked out for the lionshield coaster. Before long you come up the road, and see hanging above the front door of this modest trading post is a sign shaped like a wooden shield with a blue lion painted on it.

Allura lets the group move on for a bit staying behind with the boy.

"Want to see some magic ?" She smiles.

She holds up her hand and like a puppet makes it open like a beak having the caw of a crow burst forth.

Then she causes tremors in the ground around them and changes the glow of her eyes to different colors.

"Alright I better catch up with the others." She caused a clap of thunder.

She then turned, "You have a good day."

She headed back to join the cart and her companions.


Various uses of Thaumaturgy

Yana thanked the boy for his help, working to remember his face.  Normally, she'd be too focused on her job to worry about some random townie, but if there was some kind of town wide confrontation gearing up, it was good to know whom to trust.

She gave a half smile at her sister's magic act.  It was something she'd seen many times, but still never failed to pique her interest.  She was looking into studying magic herself one day, after seeing how useful it was to Allura, though she might prefer to do it the old fashioned way, with books and practice.

Taking the reins, she helped get the cart to where it needed to go.

The boy watched the group leave, seeing allura remain behind, he watched as she used magic. The boy jumped and looked horrified as she used it, walking away quickly, allura smiling all the while.

As the group made their way to the merchant house, parking within the entrance with the wagon, and entered, Yulin and Sildar volunteering to watch the cart. You enter and see a room, separated with a back door. In it were shelves of gear from weapons, armor and goods. Amendg them is a woman, arranging what stock she had mumbling, as she hears you, she turns around. The woman, in her mid thirties, had brown hair tied back, with dark blue eyes. Her clothes, breeches, a tunic and boots, were more for practical use.

She frowned at the group, noting the various races. “Can I help you?”

Allura was surprised that the boy was horrified by the brief magic show she put on just for him. Her eyes returning to normal. She trailed along after the group letting them travel ahead she pushed her old self back behind the façade again.

She was silent as she walked perhaps she was better off joining these Red Cloaks after all.

Yana gave her best smile, fake though it was, to the woman and nodded.
"Good day, ma'am.  My friends and I had a run in with some goblin thieves out in the woods, and after we dealt with them we happened upon a large pile of ill gotten merchandise.  I have been told that it might have come from here.  Are you missing anything?  Perhaps something lost on the road from Neverwinter?"

The woman’s eyes lit up as yana spoke, the woman going from distant to almost excited. “You’ve got some goods….does it have the logo of this place…” She pointed to a sign in a desk, the shield with the lion.

“We’ve all lost supplies here from neverwinter….I was waiting on a shipment that was due last week. I figured it gone.” She came over, looking at you all, and held her hand out to yana. “Name’s Linene Graywind, master of the Phandevin post. If ut’s my gear, I will gladly reward you…can you show me?”

"Certainly, Linene. My name is Solgran, and these are my companions..." Solgran made introductions for all, and helped the merchant to see the various goods that had been recovered.

Yana nodded with a friendly smile.
"Yes, ma'am, those are indeed the symbols on the crates we recovered.  If you'll follow me, we'll take you right to them.  Right outside in our wagon."
The locksmith led the merchant to the merchandise outside.

Amalia had stayed with the wagon when Yana and Solgran went inside to talk to the shopkeeper. While they were talking, she approached Osmon and told him.

That little boy was terrified of the Red Cloak, what are your thoughts about it? This place has seen better days, should we get involved, after rescuing Gundren? I for one would like to know more about this group. I don't like bullies, I guess it runs in the family.

Waiting for the tall mage to answer, she saw the other two humans of the group come out with a brown haired woman to inspect the content of the chariot.

Malice wasn't much welcomed in polite society due to her drow heritage, especially in smaller towns and villages. As such, she too stayed outside with those who guarded the wagon. She didn't want to ruin their negotiations by being present.

I pause a moment to consider before answering Amalia, taking in the mix of old and new buildings and those that combine the two. "The desire to help is admirable but it can cause much hardship for you and those you are trying to help. We do not know enough about this town or its people; any action we take could hurt them more in the long term. For instance, the boy is afraid of the Red Cloaks but we do not know why. Maybe they disciplined him for bad behavior or he is responding to rumours or conjecture amongst the village children. You could be right and they are bullies; however, they may be the only armed force protecting the town from outside threats. I am not saying we cannot do anything to help these people I just think we need to understand the situation better first."

Oh.... I hadn't thought of if that way.

Amalia fell silent for a while, thinking about what Osmon said. She had to admit that he was right, and she silently blessed him to stop her going into a situation she might not have had all the details to properly judge. Even when he was studying with her brother, Osmon always had been the most logical of the two and she saw now why Elliot was hanging out with the tall lanky man. And why she enjoyed pranking them to disturb their thought process. She did a private smile at the memories, then fingered her holy symbol to ground herself again.

Now was not the time to start a commotion, as funny as it could be, as the ecstatic brown haired woman was looking over the goods recovered from the goblin cave and was certainly going to give them something in return.

The young woman came outside to the rest of the group, nodding to them as she quickly examined the wagon. Her face cracked into a smile as she looked at it. “A fair chunk of this is mine….some isn’t, but those marking mine are.” As that happened, she looked up the street, and something she saw darkened her mood instantly.

The group look up and see three figures walking up, seemingly without a care in the world, but you notice the reactions of others aren’t positive. The three humans are armed, one with a bow and quiver of arrows, and the other two short swords. The humans had ragged but well worn leather armor and (most notability) red hooded cloaks with a small emblem on it.

The leader of the three looked at the caravan and Linene and smiled as they approached. “Well Linene…looks like your complaint about us was false.” The man sneered and his two companions chuckled. Linene Just glared at them. “My comment stands Darwin….you and your men are noth’ but thieves, thugs and bullies!”

The men became serious, and the leader narrowed his eyes at her. “Careful…accidents have been happening all over town, and we may not be there to help you.” The woman clenched her fists and pointed at him. “Is that a threat? If so, step up! Maybe William wants another try.” She looked at the one on Darwin’s right, noticeably shifting and now able to see, having a black eye.

The human snorted. “That’s no threat Linene….just a promise.” The three men went on, as they did looking over their shoulder and speaking to themselves. Linene spits on the ground as she looks after them. “Bloody crimson bastards….they’ll get what’s coming to them.” She snorts and looks at the wagon again. “As a thanks, I’ll give ye some gold for returning my stock, as well as my promise that anything you need, I have, and I’ll give you a fair price.”

---

OOC: I need a perception check from everyone please.

Snoric watched the strangers' interaction with Linene with curiosity.  When they were gone, he looked at the woman.

"They’re all a long way from home.  What brings Red Wizards to this town?"  Snoric's tone is curious which indeed he is.  He had read about the wizards of Thay in his studies at Candlkeep.  He rested his hand casually on his belt. close to his pistol but making no threatening moves towards it.  The shield on his arm he was still getting used to.



OOC: Snoric isn't planning to start a fight, but many of the books he read did not associate Red Wizards with 'goodly folk'.

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:05, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

Yana nodded to Linene.  She'd tried to avoid eye contact with the red cloaked thugs, not wanting to be memorable to them, in case she needed to skulk around later
Unfortunately,  this backfired and meant she didn't notice much


OOC:
05:21, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Perception

Amalia was still engrossed in her reflection when the red cloaked men came by and she frowned at the exchange between them and the shopkeeper. As they were leaving, she said to Osmon.

If those are city guards, this city is in worst shape than I thought.

Going to the shopkeeper, she picked a crested crate she could lift in the wagon and brought it to her.

Where do you want these, Ma'am? And who were those men? They didn't seem too friendly, what promise did they make?

Amalia Firnam rolled 22 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  Ophelia perception check (advantage). –

05:33, Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Amalia perception . –

Malice had no notion of who the Red Wizards that Snoric mentioned were, nor did she care to after the way they had spoken to Linene. She spent the majority of the time they were around circling the wagon to remain unnoticed. They were not likely to treat her with any more kindness than the townsfolk.

---

OOC: 07:00, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 4 using 1d20.  Perception.

The woman looked as the party offered to help as she went to the door, and yelled out. “BAIN….BAIN, IF YOUR SLEEP SO HELP ME GODS I’LL KICK YOUR ASS!”  The calling of a male comes out. “I’m commin’”

She turns and looks at the cleric. “They’re no guards. They arrived a few months back and took over. Any people that stand in their way and they take care of them.” She looked at snoric. Who are the red wizards? Never heard of them. Never seen a spellcaster, only those thugs and thieves.” She spat in the ground.

06:40, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 16 using 1d20.  Perception.


Allura after the little trade of barbs the men and Linene. She glares not at the men nor Linene but at her own party after all the last time she slaughtered a man illusion or no in the middle of town they got so upset and this was a situation she felt called for it all over again.

"What was the reason again, that I shouldn't slay these three and leave their cooling corpses for the crows ?"

"You may find that harder than you think and the rest of us would have no grounds to come to your aid. An opportunity may come for you to do so but it is not now."

"I didn't ask for it Osmon. You can cower if you want."

Follows after these red cloaks.

Gundren made a mistake hiring this lunatic. Reaching out with a thought, I re-direct Edgar, having him trail the men from high overhead.

Summary
Edgar is trailing the three Red Cloaks from outside bowshot (i.e > 600ft)

Yana spoke quietly but clearly
"Allura!  Bide a moment, if you please...."
She gave her sister a significant look, meant to imply that the hot tempered woman was being too impulsive again.

Allura hearing her sister turned eyes narrowed a moment but she waited to see if her sister would join her or what she had to say to her.

Yana cocked an eyebrow.
"We shouldn't start a fight we don't know we can win, Sister.   We need a plan,  and an idea of exactly what we're dealing with.  We have an excellent opportunity with Gundren, hopefully,  and I'd hate to throw that away on the off chance that some of those thugs are tougher than they look"
Because the merchant woman was within hearing distance,  she didn't add the obvious,  that just because they were mean to an old lady didn't necessarily mean that the red cloaks were the bad guys.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

Allura rolled her eyes and headed to her sister speaking low only to her, "What do you think, I don't know how our father died ? These lot seem like the guild, I was going to find out more, perhaps discover what were dealing with. Lost opportunities. Though I hate their ilk the same type that left our own..." She turned looking to see if these Red cloaks were still in sight.

Yana nodded,  giving a half smile
"Yes,  but let's not mindlessly lash out at anyone who reminds us of The Guild.  The red cloaks aren't going anywhere, so there's time to check them out later, without needing to split up the group.  Let's take care of our immediate business,  and then we'll go play with your new friends.   Sound good?"

Allura gave a low growl nodding slowly.

"You know there sort, though as I am now I fit among there lot more then most."
Remained with her sister though not looking too happy about things.

Yana chuckled wryly
'Don't worry,  Sister,  you and I can both be 'thugs' and help the common folk, if need be "

"Your the only one that truly understands, I'll hug you when we don't have so many eyes on us." Allura's shoulders release their orbit from around her neck as she relaxes.

Solgran watched the exchange. He had a face for potential enemies now, which thankfully wore bright red cloaks to distinguish themselves easily. As he had shown now more than once, he was not one for killing simply to prevent the potential for future harm. If these red cloaks, Thayan or otherwise, chose to start trouble, he would be happy to finish it for them. Or to finish them, for it. Either way.

As no harm was done just yet, Solgran focused on helping to sort and unload the goods.

Snoric watched on with concern. His simple interest in seeing the mark of the Red Wizards of Thay on these men turned to confusion and worry as Allura seemed to react so aggressively.  The gnome was more than fimiliar with the desire for revenge, personally so but he didn't want to get dragged into more trouble he didn't understand.

Insteaad he stayed with Solgran, moving smaller boxes and tracking inventory.

Amalia also kept an eye on her most volatile companion as she was unloading the wagon, and sighed of relief when Yana was able to calm her down. With this potential crisis adverted, she turned to other subjects of discussion, there was more happening here than met the eye.

Linene, are you saying that those men just took over the town? Wasn't there a mayor or lord to defend it from this take over? What happened? And what about their crest, I didn't recognize it, anyone did?

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Amalia insight. Ok that one did not go well...

The woman looked around and indicated the party follow, taking stock with her. As she started, a man, maybe 20 came out with shaggy brown hair. “About bloody time. Get unloading before it gets taken. These fine people found our shipment.” The man sighed, but done as he was told.

As the group made their way in, she loaded the crates on the floor near the back. She turned and sighed. “For the last few months, these jokers have been flaunting their power. Came maybe 4 months ago in small numbers and grew. About 2 months ago the problems started. The read cloaks started shaking down businesses. Even the townmaster, Harbin, has tried to get control, but they flaunt his authority.”

She crosses her arms. “They’re nothing but thieves, thugs and bullies, but we don’t have the power to stop them. Most people cower…those who stand against them know about it.”

She goes behind a desk and crouches, then pulls out a small sack, handing it over. “For your troubles….and if ya need any gear, let me know and I’ll help you.”

---

OOC: party now has 50 gold

Yana took the gold, nodding to the woman.
"Thank you,  ma'am.  Glad to be of service."
She glanced over in the direction of the Red Cloaks.
"These Rd Cloaks....why do they say they're here?  And you say they're extorting protection money from the local businesses?"

Solgran shook his head at Amalia's question. He'd seen it, but he knew nothing about what it meant.

Hearing Linene speak about the red cloaked people gave him more concern. The boy's opinion could have been exaggerated in the style of childish fantasies, but hearing it from a second source was confirmation enough. People being mean was one thing, but stealing was another. And, the fact that the people did not have the means to fight back? Things were almost certainly going to get heated in this town.

For now, there was work to be done, goods that needed to be delivered and people who needed those goods. Not to mention, they still needed to find Gundren. Gundren was one man compared to dozens, or maybe hundreds, of people living in this town, so priorities were needed, ~If it is only oppression they face, and some theft, then Gundren's life takes priority. If the people here are being harmed...aye, Gundren will have to wait.~

Solgran let the woman answer the questions of the others before he asked his own, "They've not harmed anyone in town, though? Not physically, I mean." His body language indicating that it was asked for clarification of severity, not as an attempt to dismiss the threat they might pose.

The woman looked at them all. “They extort most people here. I don’t take their crap and I don’t think they push it because of the contacts the lionshield has elsewhere. The only other place they leave is the miners exchange. Between me and Halia Thornton, they’re usually not too rough. But….”

She pauses as she sighs. “…the local woodcarver and his family have been missing for a while. Rumours are they were killed by them.”

She shrugged as she began unpacking the crates. “My advice, get that stock where it needs to before they come along, then get to the inn. You want work, see Harbin at the town masters hall….he’s the acting mayor”

Yana nodded, pursing her lips in thought.
"Well, I appreciate the advice.  We'll get moving as soon as we can.  "

Nodding her thanks to Linene, Malice turned to the rest of the group. "Perhaps when our business is concluded we can pay a visit to the woodcarver's home. There might be some clues to their whereabouts."

Dropping her last box in the pile, Amalia looked at the young man that had the rest of the shipment well in hand and rejoined her companions in time to hear the conversation. Fingering her holy symbol, she nodded at Malice suggestion.

I agree, let us finish delivering the shipment, then I think Selune will bless us with a much needed rest. I would be curious to see this woodcarver's home also, as well as talk to the mayor, but that can wait tomorrow.

Let us not forget that Gundren is still missing and might be in mortal danger, we need to go rescue him, he's our friend.

And family.

Thank you for the gold and informations, Linene. May Selune bless you and Bain, to protect you for the evil brought by Shar and her ilk.

Doing the ritual gestures of the blessing, she smiled and move toward the wagon, ready to go to their next destination.

Allura remained silent deathly so simply turning and leaving when it seemed others were heading out.

Yana  left with the others to their next destination,  to drop off the rest of the trade goods.

With business wrapped up at the Coster, Solgran went with the others to deliver the rest to Barthen's as intended. Hopefully, the owner would already have people lined up to take care of the loading for them since this delivery had already been planned. Solgran felt like he may have one more decent fight left in him, but even though many goblin lives had been spared, it really was a fairly exhausting day over all, with multiple battles fought on top of multiple days of travel, loading and now unloading a wagon once. Sleep sounded rather amazing, actually.

"It's been a long day. Gundren, and these Thayans, will have to wait for tomorrow."

With gold exchanged, the group said there farewell, snoric remaining behind to discuss something and returning out with a small steel shield. The group went on there way to barthen’s supplies. As you went, you pass the Mai square and see the inn, a newly built roadhouse of stone and timber. Sildar and Yulin seperate, going to the in to organise rooms as the rest of you follow the road up. As spoken about, Barthen’s provisions was no more that five hundred meters up from the inn.

As you pull up a lean and balding human comes out with a smile. “I thought you all been caught by the goblins….I’m glad you made it. Elnar Barthen. These are the supplies sent by Gundren, I’m guessing.” He looks around the group. “Where is Gundren?”

---

OOC: everyone make a perception check please

Yana sighed with resignation and gave a tired smile
"It was a near thing with those goblins,  and their bugbear overlord, but we prevailed.  Unfortunately,  we still don't know what happened to Gundren.  We're not going to give up, though.   We'll find him."

OOC:  18:24, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Perception

This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Sat 11 Sept 2021.

Snoric rushed to catch up with the group having fallen behind.  While no speedster, he found it not to difficult to catch up with the wagon.  As he rushed towards them, he busily fiddled with the new shield he'd purchased.  Unlike the goblin shields he'd tried it was well made, forged from metal and more suited for his size.

As he caught up with the others he was still putting the shield through several swings and moves, getting comfortable.  He casually move up beside the others and muttered.

"Lots of those red cloaks about." He notes, nodding to a pair wearing the traditional garb nearby, just generally loitering.  "Doesn't seem they're in a hurry to go anywhere."

Elnar smiled at Yana with an impressed look, but then one of sorrow at the news of Gundren. The man whistles, and two young boys come out. Elnar looks at them. “I’ll pray to the gods you find him well. As agreed, 10 gold apiece. If that is all of you, that’s 70 gold. We will take the wagon out back and begin unloading, so any gear you want to take you may. Anything that you want to sell or trade, I will help with as well.”

At sniric’s comment, eldar gets a little nervous but goes about his work. “Ander, Thistle, take the wagon around back please.”

Yana nodded to the merchant
'Sounds good,  friend, we appreciate it. "

As Elnar moved to the back, Yana spoke quietly to her Traveling Companions.
"......two groups of redcloaks on the street, including the trio from the other store....."

She nodded to Allura, passing on  information in the special language as only twins did.

Allura nods, "Ahhh my pay, this little venture is done."

She listened to the spoken and unspoken words of her sister and gave a smaller nod.

"Two across the street, and three more trailing along behind us."

Solgran took a look around, taking note of the buildings and different lines of sight. If there was going to be a confrontation with the Thayans right now, it would be better to do it in an alley or empty street than near the town square. "Let's take it on around back then, and get started, shall we?"

Yana gave the big man a nod and a smirk
"I suppose it would be rude to make our new friends wait."

Snoric sighed.  He was starting worry about the bloodlust of those around him.  Some seemed eager to start fights with anybody around them.  Still he'd heard storied about the Red Wizards of Thay and if the they were true they were not nice people.

"Are we sure they are looking for trouble?  Could they merely be curious about the armed band that just walked into town loaded with goods?  Could it be simple interest and not trouble?"

Snoric considered the upgrades he'd made to his gear and the shield now strapped to his wrist.  He was still not as comfortable with combat as those around in him but if battle did occur he was determined to be an asset to the team.

Yana shrugged
"I'm not saying we rush out to attack,  but if we happen to wander into a side alley, where we would be vulnerable to an ambush by a group of cowardly bullies.....well, who knows what might happen?"

"I have no trouble turning the tables on bullies.  I've always hated bullies." Snoric had certainly had his share of those growing up.  "As long as we let them make the first move."

Amalia barely registered the conversation and totally missed the two groups of red cloaked men that were now watching their progress. All she wanted was to get a meal, her still adolescent body clamoring for food and to find a place where she could do her prayers, she felt like she needed to feel the presence of Selune, to talk to her goddess.

And it had been a long day.

But the mention of turning the tables on bullies caught her attention... and she finally looked at her surrounding, seeing the pointed groups. But something was off in Yana's calculation.

I see five of them and seven of us, well armed and armored. In my experience with bullies, they harass and attack those they are certain to be able to beat, I'd say the odds are not in their favor if they are thinking that. My guess is that they are planning to steal what we brought the moment we are gone. Looking vulnerable in an alley, I'm  not so sure they would take that bait.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:32, Sun 12 Sept 2021.

Yana nodded in acknowledgement of Amalia's words, but shrugged.
"Well, I'm not saying you're wrong, my friend,  but I'll add that it all depends on what kind of bullies these guys are.   They might be cocky and arrogant enough that they think that their "5 beefy fighting men" might be more than a match for our "ragtag bunch of mercenaries, many of whom are delicate looking girls".
She smiled ironically at the idea of her or Amalia were really 'delicate girls'.
"They might be wary of our big barbarian friend here,  or they might think that once they threaten his smaller friends, that Solgran will back off.  It's all depending on them."

Allura remained silent she waited for the welcoming committee to show up.

The second they did she pre-empted any speech they had with one of her own.

"Ahhh the welcoming committee, how nice after a long day of slaughter and gore, walking through pools of blood of my enemies it's nice to have people show up to offer to buy us drinks." She let her hand fall to the goblin head still hanging on her belt.

"You Red Cloaks look like the types who can appreciate people who make their lives through the ending of others. Let's share a drink at the tavern aye ?"

Fully prepared to ram an eldritch blast down the throat of any giving her lip. Allura makes her intentions known as a cold blooded killer. That has no qualms putting them down, and not some kind hearted adventurer who will back down to threats they might bring to bear against her or her team.

If the Red Cloaks never come then she will of course save her speech.

As the wagon goes around the corner, The group wait for the men.  The three look you over, but collect the other two and keep walking, north towards the outskirts of town, no words. They hesitate with Allura speaking, pausing to look at her as she offers drinks. The leader (Darwin) snorts. "Find your own fun demon - we're not interest. We've got things to do."

The red cloaks continue walking without any instigation. You get the feeling that with larger numbers, the group were hesitant to confront you....the odds' were in your favor

"At least they didn't want to fight." Malice let out the breath she didn't realize she had been holding as the group passed them by. Now, they could focus on the rest of their business for the evening and get some rest.

Allura considered further dialogue especially when they called her a demon a misidentification that was a grave insult to a devil. Still she had made her point and if anything they looked like they were running to mommy or home base or wherever this lot would go to complain about the new gang in town. Possibly to gather more members.

She watched them walk off, "Can we get and keep an eye on them ?" She said silently to the others. Her eyes now narrowed as she watched the back of the retreating red cloaks.

Then to Malice, "Malice, it is because like most bullies they go after easy targets and right now, our gathering does not come across as weak." her words said silently just to her group.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Tue 14 Sept 2021.

Malice nodded in accent to the words Allura had spoken. "I wholeheartedly agree. I do believe though, with a group such as theirs, perhaps it would be best to send one of the birds to keep an eye on them? We do not want them to start something if they spot one of us on our lonesome following them."

Malice turned to briefly look at the receding figures of the red cloaks, hoping to put an end to their injustice once Gundren was safely located.

Allura nods to Malice suggestion.

Solgran watched them walk away, "They'll get what's coming to them soon enough. Let them enjoy their little insult for a while. It will make victory all the sweeter when they cross that line later."

Allura's eyes flickered to Solgran ever so briefly.
She looked down for a few moments after that but kept pace with the rest of the team. A nod given to acknowledge she heard and possibly agreed with the statement. She seemed if anything oddly thoughtful at the moment.

With a mental order, Ophelia took flight from her perch on a rooftop and started following the troop of red cloaks at a distance of a quarter mile. Amalia looked at her owl and smiled at her companions once it was out of sight.

I've told Ophelia to follow them until she finds where their hideout is, maybe we can give them a courtesy visit after, if they are they are too much of a nuisance. Hopefully they won't be but it's better to be prepared.

Left to it's own devices too long, her stomach emitted a low rumbling and she blushed.

I'm sorry but can we now go eat? I'm famished!

Yana watched the Red Cloaks depart with a calm face but the eyes of a predator.   When they seemed to be gone, she muttered to herself
"..well, what do you know.....they're smarter than they look..."

She looked at Amalia with a smile.
"A hearty meal sounds lovely.   Good idea, Amalia.  I think we're done here, so let's depart"

Malice nodded in agreement. "Let's make our way to the inn, see about the rooms the others have procured for us and what sort of meal accommodations they have. We can plan our next move while we eat." She began walking back toward the inn, anxious to put food in her belly.

"Wouldn't hurt to get some more information and perspectives on the red cloaks, either. We might even stumble onto rumors that will lead us toward Gundren," Solgran looked a bit more agitated than he had in a while. Most likely on account of the red cloaks, or perhaps because of Gundren; maybe both.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Tue 14 Sept 2021.

"Let's meet their mayor or leader they spoke of, see if he knows about this Cragmaw place. If not him we look for what serves as a sage or perhaps gossip for the same information. It's the one solid lead we have." Allura offered since everyone seemed to still be set on finding and rescuing Gundren.

Yana nodded, thoughtfully
"That sounds like a good plan.  Gundren seems to be the key to some big secret, so it's definitely in our best interest to get him next, regardless of anything else.  "

Snoric, having seen the 'welcome' that may have awaited them decided not to rush off to his own errands for now.  The Red Cloaks may have been unwilling to handle the group as a whole but a single gnome by himself may prove a tempting target.  Instead Snoric fell remained quietly with the group as they headed towards the inn.

With the stock from the lionshield coaster and Barthew’s finally delivered, the group decided that a nice drink and meal was in order, coin purse  full, the group made their way back to the stone hill in.

The building, though modest, it was spacious and clean. The group entered seeing several tables varied in sizes, some occupied. One of the larger tables had Sildar and Yulin sitting already, sildar looking around and the yuan to sizing up the Potential of the inn. Sildar had a nearly empty mug of ale, while Yulin had a glass of wine, barely emptied. Sildar smiled as the group approached. “So how did you go?”

As you were about to speak, a young human came over with shoulder length hair, tied up, and brown eyes. “Welcome to the stone hill. My name is Toblen Stonehill - anything you need, just ask.” Sildar smiled, indicating his ale mug, and Toblen Nodded. “Another…no problem. As I told your friends, dinner serving won’t be for another hour yet. We have a whole boar roasting on a spit with seasoned vegetables and a choice of a home style gravy or a apple purée..we also have a trout poached with lemon and herbs, or for those who don’t eat meat, a vegetable and egg flan. All meals are served with a drink of choice. If your after aco oration, I only have 4 rooms left, each can sleep two people.”

Yana inhaled, amused that she had missed the scents of civilization.  She nodded to the innkeeper.
"I suspect we'll need all four rooms, Goodman.  As far as a meal, I'll have the boar with vegetables and apple puree, with a mug of ale to start now, and wine with dinner."
She nodded to their companions at the table as she moved to join them

"I'll have the same as my sister." Then after probably a moment of confusion, "The same as her." Allura said indicating Yana.

"Thank you."

Yana chuckled softly  and grinned wryly at her sister.   This was obviously a running joke of sorts with them

Amalia was distraught to hear the meal would not be served for another hour but she mentally sighed and decided to ask her grumbling stomach for a bit more patience. That roasted boar really smelled delicious and she wanted in!

Master Stonehill, well met and may the blessings of Selune be on you and your fine establishment. Your roasted boar is really tempting, I will have it with the vegetables and gravy. An ale for appetizer and some wine with the meal, please.

When the accommodations were presented and that the sisters, obviously, chose to be together, Amalia had a choice between the bard and the drow fighter as female company. Yulin had been strangely withdrawn since the start of the goblin cave adventure and, while fascinating, she did leave the young human a little uneasy.

Which left Malice. Turning to her, she asked,

Malice, would you mind sharing a room with me? I promise I'll do my best not to wake you up once my prayers are done, I do them outside with the moon.

She smiled, knowing full well that she was not very stealthy... but she would try!

Solgran took a look at his options then turned to Yulin, "I think the two of us are mature enough to share a room. What do you say?"

Yulin looked at Solgren, an almost hungry look in her eyes. “Oh yes, we are human, but alas I am promised to another. But it doesn’t mean I can’t admire the scenery.” She sat and looked at him with a tilted head, a slight smile on her face

Walking into the inn, the smell wavering in the air made Malice's mouth water. After listening to the options listed by the innkeeper, Malice spoke her preference. "Ah, Mister Stonehill, the tantalizing scent of the boar is making my mouth water, I will take mine with the vegetables and gravy and a glass of wine."

Once everyone had given their supper requests, Amalia turned to her and asked to share a room. "I would be delighted to share a room with you. I am not a particularly heavy sleeper, but I don't foresee it being an issue. I'm used to various comings and goings throughout the night back home."

Malice sat down at the table near the Yuan-ti and Sildar. "Our business was successful Sildar, we were able to return the goods to the Lionshield Coaster and got a bit of coin for our troubles. The goods from Gundren have also been delivered. We did happen to have an unfortunate run-in with the Red Cloaks staying in town. There's something about their presence here that rubs me the wrong way and we may have to deal with them in the future." Turning to address the party as a whole, "We have some downtime before supper, would anyone care for a game of chess while we wait?"

Yana nodded to the dark elf
"I haven't played chess in years, but I'm up for a game"

A genuine smile crossed Malice's lips. "Wonderful! I'll set it up. I'm not as good as others I've played against, but I enjoy the game."

Out of her pack, Malice pulls the traveling size version of the game she carried for such an occasion.

"I never was much good at chess, my preference was for dice." He shrugged, "I could handle a game later, though."

Malice nodded to Solgran. "I could play dice with you later if you prefer? I believe more people are able to enjoy that game at a time, anyway."

"I will play a game with you Malice." Allura moved over to the Drow woman.

"I learned from my mother for fun and a bit more at school."

Looking between the two sisters, "Which of you would like to play first?"

In reply to Allura Whitlock (msg # 101):

Yana looked at Allura with a wry smile.
"It's funny...i learned to play from Father.  I wonder if Mother taught him as well"

"Why don't you play first Yana, I think she did but I am not sure we will ever know." Allura sat back to watch the first game.

Yana made her opening moves
OOC:  19:55, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Chess, Intelligence check

Why are they ordering food, it will not be ready for hours? As the others discussed a game of chess I go upstairs to one of the rooms and layout my things. The room is not bad for a small town but it could use a little additional cleaning. Laying out the necessary tools I take out my book mark out a small circle in front of me with a long piece of string  and begin the summoning.

This form of the spell takes a lot longer to coax the spirit into this plane with the small trickle of power rather than abruptly pulling it through but I have the time and I think the spirit appreciates this gentler method. A soft rustling sound and the brush of cold air across my face signals that the summoning is complete. "Good afternoon Simon; thank you for coming. Please do what you can to clean up this room and if you have the time see what you can do with my gear." I tell the spirit as I shrug out of my coat and running my fingers over the hole left by a Goblin arrow. "It suffered rougher treatment than I had hoped."

That done, I sit down to jot a few notes in my book; some ideas came to me during the monotonous hours walking behind the wagon. I can test a few of them here in the Inn but some of them would be best tested somewhere a little less flammable. I am sure I can make that one more efficient; I do not want to use more mana but if I tighten the focus a little maybe I can make it hotter.

With some time still left before dinner. I go outside and putting my fingers to my lips and release a loud, piercing whistle, calling Edgar back to me. When he is within communication range I focus on his memories of the town and draw a rough sketch, making note of any locations he had seen the Red Cloaks. Maybe if we keep an eye on them we can figure out what they are doing here.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Wed 22 Sept 2021.

Snoric let the others choose their rooms without comment.  Having grown up sharing servant's quarters with at least ten other people, he didn't care who he shared with.  He was bemused at the idea of 'boy's rooms' and 'girl's rooms' as some seemed to want.  The idea was quaint to the gnome.

"If it's all the same, I'll order when its actually lunchtime.  If we're staying here for a few hours I have some work i'd like to do."

Rising from the table, Snoric approached Toblen.  "Excuse me sir.  I am looking for a workspace where I can spread out a little.  Would you have a long table or even a stable where I could spread out with my tools?"


OOC: Snoric shares whichever room has a bed free.  He doesn't care who it's with.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Yana's first moves were stronger than Malice had been anticipating, she had to go on the defense sooner than she thought. Admittedly, she had never been a very strong player of the game, and it showed in her response. "That was a good first play."

---

18:29, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Chess, Intelligence.

In reply to Malice Baenrret (msg # 108):

Yana nodded,  smiling almost shyly at the compliment
"Thank you.   My father was a skilled player, and we played many games, though he preferred more raucous games that were more suitable to large crowds of drunken men betting."
She gave the drow a bit of a grin.
"Now....just have to make sure that's not my only good move....."
She cocked her head, looking up a bit, remembering something,  and then smiled.
"Ah, that's right....i have just the thing...."
The raven haired locksmith made her next move.

OOC:  18:55, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Chess, Intelligence check

Yana made her next move and luckily for Malice, she remembered learning the combination she was trying to use and the exact counter to it. She smiled at Yana sitting across from her, "That was a good move. I have been beaten by that exact thing on more than one occasion, but it will not be how you beat me today."

Malice moved her piece into position and sat back to see what the human would try next.

---

OOC: 11:55, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Chess, Intelligence.

Yana chuckled ruefully.  She'd been feeling somewhat proud of that move,  so it probably served her right for getting overconfident.
It was something her father had told her, years ago,  a saying warning against getting too proud and cocky.
"No matter how big you are, how strong you are,  or how good you are,  there's always gonna be someone Bigger,  Stronger,  and Better.  And the louder you talk, the faster they're gonna find you."

She was distracted,  thinking about her long lost father, when she made her next move, so it was too late to realize she'd made a mistake


OOC:  16:22, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Chess, Intelligence check

Amalia looked at the chess game but quickly lost interest. She had played a few times with Elliot, who had patiently taught her the rules, but she had never really understood the strategies involved. Bored, she moved to a side table and got her flute out. She played a few mesures but quickly realized that the bone instrument was cracked. Sighing, she casted her repairing spell, like she had done half a dozen times already on the gift from her father. That task completed, she tried to play again but did not feel like it anymore.

Where is that food?!?

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Amalia performance with flute.

Malice caught the mistake right away. While she never really enjoyed boasting when she was succeeding at something, she still felt good when she did something well. So far, this game was going in her favor. She made the next move in the combo she was aiming for and said a small prayer to Torm under her breath for luck.

---

OOC:19:34, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Chess, Intelligence.

Yana pursed her lips in thought.  The game wasn't looking good for her.  But there was no need to concede yet.  It was a long shot, but she tried a few daring moves.

OOC:
19:50, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Intelligence, Chess .

Time passed slowly, with Osmon retreating upstairs to his room, while the others sat and relaxed in the inn. Both Malice and Yana played chess, the others looking on. The first game went by relatively quickly, with yana's skill surpassing Malice's. The second game was not so quick, with the drow woman picking up on some of her moves, the second was more challenging, especially with Amalia growing impatient for the food.

Then when the time came closer to serving the meal, people began coming in, sitting at the tables for drinks and food. More than one look went to the unusual group, in particular the half drow, the tiefling and the yuan-ti.

not long after, Toblen came out with the first of the meals, a young woman and man following with meals and drinks for all. Toblen smiled as people came in, calling people by name. "Greetings Narth, your usual....Freda, It's roasted boar tonight....Pip, leave Lanar alone for gods sake, he's been in the mining all day." One of the last peple to come in is a fat, elderly man. "Harbin, we haven't seen you here in a few days.  Have a seat. TRILENA! HARBIN IS HERE."

A woman poked her head out of the kitchen with a smile. "Harbin....take a seat dear, i'll bring your usual wine." The man smiled as he lowered himself to a table on his own. "Thank you Trilena.  Tolben...you look well. Your boy is growing so big." He ruffled the boy that Tolben called 'pip', who tried to swat the hand away in irritation.

Tolben smiled at the group, and looked at Snoric as he asked his question. “I have a barn, but it’s pretty open with hay around. If you want a workplace, maybe ask Brannan at the smithy - his area is open and he’s usually friendly with fellow craftsmen. Being a blacksmith though, he’s pretty protective of his tools. You have your own, and he’ll have an area for ya.”

As Tolben left, Sildar leaned in and whispered to the group. "Thats Harbin.....acting mayor of the place. He's a banker, but since the last mayor up and left, it's fallen to him....Poor fool's in over his head."

The woman named Trilena came out with a glass of wine and a small plate of what looked like fish stew and bread. The man smiled, thanking her as she came to the table with a smile. "Is everything to your liking?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:08, Sun 19 Sept 2021.

Yana smiled her thanks at the food, and quickly dug into her roast boar, veggies and applesauce.  The apples she was particularly looking forward to,  as she'd always had a fondness for the fruit, since childhood.
The locals started chatting amongst themselves, in the way that small town yokels did.  Yana didn't particularly care about their lives,  but she paid attention, listening intently as she pretended  to be totally engrossed in her meal and the next game, just in case there was any useful information,  or even gossip,  spilled among the chaff of idle small talk.
It seemed to pay off,  a little at least,  as she learned who thr mayor was, though she filed the other nhi nonsense away for use later.

Not in the mood for a heavy meal in the middle of the day, Snoric opted for the vegetarian option.  As he ate he considered what the innkeep had told him.

"So what's the plan?" he queried between bites.  "At some stage I'd like to spend a few days working on some projects I have planned.  Not urgent of course, we should conclude our business first."

Allura takes particular note of the chess games as she waits for the meal.

When it arrives, Allura inhales the scent of the nicely cooked meal.
"Thank you." She says to the server.

She was very silent and subdued at the start of the meal but took note of Harbin when he was mentioned. "Should we, broach the subject of Cragmaw or these Red Cloaks with what serves as the cities political power here ?" She says to those close to her as they enjoy their meal.

Yana nodded to the gnome and her sister for their good questions.
"Yes, we need more I,  but we should be discrete about the Cloaks.  I'm sure the mayor is trying not to antagonize them,  seeing as how he's probably having trouble keeping them at bay as it is.   But we should definitely aask him about the Cragmaw."

Once the food arrived, Malice put the chess board and pieces away for safekeeping. "Thank you for playing with me Yana, I would be glad to be your opponent again in the future."

The roast boar smelled delicious and Malice savored every bite.

Malice took note of all the extra looks she was getting and turned to the group, "Considering all the side-long glances Allura, Yulin, and I have been getting, I believe it would be best for someone else to ask the questions, but that is just my opinion. Some care should definitely be used when wording the questions about the Cloaks."

Yana nodded,  sipping her ale to wash down a mouth full of pork.
"I don't exactly consider myself a people person,  but I'm a bit more bland and unthreatening in appearance than most of you, so i can approach him, unless we have another volunteer"

Snoric looks slightly pale.  "I'm not good at talking to people.  I'm used to doing work behind the scenes, I'm a worker not a talker.  Besides, I find people don't always take my seriously.  I find people tend to look down on me both figuratively and literally."

Yana smirked,  but not unkindly,  and shrugged
"Well, i would point out that, looking more like some merchant's daughter than an Adventurer,  I have a similar problem of being underestimated, when I don't want to be,  but you and I have the advantage,  at least here in this room, of reminding anyone we're talking to that we represent some variously more intimidating looking people,  like a drow, demon-girl, snake lady, and..."
She nodded towards Solgran.
"...that mountain of beef over there.   We're the ones that are easier to chat with.  But if you're not comfortable,  believe me,  i understand.  'People' is a concept not for everyone.   I know that from experience."

"If no one will, I will. Though Snoric I saw you repair your shirt can you do that with armor ? My armor took a beating in that cave and I would like to have it patched up, if you would be amenable."

Allura will slip off to talk to Harbin, "Hello, Master Harbin. I understand you are currently serving as leader of Phandelvin. I know it's a small village so you have probably already heard of us from the merchant houses. If not we have come in just today and brought back some wares that were stolen from the Lion shield merchant house by some goblins. Sadly they took a friend of ours a Dwarve named Gundrin, do you know of him ? We would be thankful if you could help us in finding him. We were told some of them took him to a place called Cragmaw and we hope that you might know of it, do you ?"


19:53, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Persuasion.

Snoric considered.  "It would depend on the damage.  The spell I used is for only very minor repairs, say a few broken links.  If your armour has more damage I could potentially repair it but I lack smithing tools.  I imagine the smith would charge you less to repair your armour then they would charge me to borrow them."

"I do plan to spend some time with the smith if they'll allow me a workspace and use of their tools.  I'm happy to ask them about it for you."

Allura would have thanked Snoric for that.

When the food arrived, the famished teenager ate with gusto, even considering ordering another portion. The roasted boar was cooked to perfection and the vegetables passable.

Then came time for business as the acting mayor walked in. Her mouth still full, she listened to the proposition from the group and internally sighed when Allura offered to go talk with the man.

What she did though, was to keep an eye on that conversation as she tried to judge the man's state of mind.

Amalia insight 11
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Wed 22 Sept 2021.

Harbin looked up from his meal, a slight worry in his face. “Oh dear” He muttered u der us breath, barely audible. He straightened and smiled a weak smile as allura began to speak. “Hello miss. Yes, I have heard a group came into town - unusual group…” He looked at you, Malice and Yulin in particular (who flicked her togune out as he looked with a smile)

He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on the yuan ti before returning to allura. “Er….sorry, where was I. Oh, yes….word has came that you have helped deliver some items for Gundren.” He looked at Sildar, still covered in bruises a d nodded with a smile. “Sildar….you’ve looked better.” The warrior smiled, holding up a flagon of ale. “Could’ve been a lot worse had it not been for them Harbin.” It was clear the two knew each other.

Harbin crossed his arms. “As for Gundren, I know him and his brothers. Good fellows and fair traders all. I haven’t seen Gundren in a few weeks though.” Tolben came over dropping another glass of wine, nodding. “About two weeks ago he was here, excited with his brothers. Gundren went towards neverwinter while his brothers went east. They’ve been back twice since - should be due back any day now.”

Harbin continues. “As for his disappearance, I’m afraid I can’t help you there. I’ve spent most of my life here or in neverwinter. And Cragmaw - I have no idea what that is.” Again Sildar pipes in. “Cragmaw is a clan of orcs that’s been hounding the town Harbin.” The fat man nods his head, realising now what it meant, Tolben raising his eyebrows.

“I’m afraid all I know is the orcs gather east and north of town. There’s a particular group east that have been causing trouble.” Tolben chimes in at this. “You can ask around…they may not know where it is, but may know someone who does.”

The portly man stands after his meal. “You have done this town a great service…,should you require any work, come to the hall - there are tasks people if your skills could help this town with.” He looks at Sildar, nodding. Sildar smiles. “I’ll have a day or two rest, then come into the hall - there is stuff I need to do, so I’ll take Gundren’s seat while he’s gone.” The human nods, and leaves the inn.

Pip, tolben’s son comes over to his father, a smile on his face. “Papa…I didn’t know elves worked in the mines…she looks like she has coal dust all over her.” The boy smiles as he looks at Malice.

Tolben blushes

Solgran watched the games of chess while playing out recent events in his mind. Solgran was not a smart man, but he was wise enough to both see it and admit it.

Pieces slid or hopped around the board, maneuvering and capturing as they went. Goblins ambushing wagons. Three tiers of pieces in a great game. Red-cloaked Thayans haunting the streets. Underground. Gundren and Sildar both attacked, but only Gundren taken away. Aboveground. Orcs harrassing the town from the east. Flying overhead. Their supposed destination a castle whose location was known to no one.

Solgran thought long and hard about all of it, but if there was an answer in there, he was too blind to see, or to dumb to understand. He began to grow frustrated, the flow of the game and movements of its pieces keeping him as calm as he was, until the games came to an end.

He spoke to the group, though mostly to Malice and Yana who were playing nearby in front of him, "We need to get moving. Soon. If the orcs may have the clues to lead us to Cragmaw, then the orcs should be our next target. If Harbin has work for us in the area, it doesn't hurt to know what it is in case we can catch two thieves with one trap. We've had a rest, and some refreshment. Now, I think we need to get back to work."

In reply to Solgran Farnzythe (msg # 130):

Yana sighed heavily, but nodded and smiled at the barbarian.
"You're not wrong, Solgran.  The water clock is dripping, and we need to get a move on.  No rest for the wicked, as they say."

Allura nods, "East and North, that is a start, thank you." Allura offers a smile.
She says, "Well, if you have local work we will certainly visit you but I think were all focused on getting our friend back first."

Malice knew the boy meant no harm but hearing his words hurt nonetheless. She did not wish to cause a scene, especially with the town's mayor in attendance. She looked up at Tolben and gave a half-hearted smile and just shook her head slightly. If he chose to correct the boy in private, that would be his decision.

As Allura came back to the table with news of Gundren's possible location, the chances of getting to sleep in an actual bed that night were getting slimmer by the second. Turning to face Yana and Solgran, "So the plan is what exactly? Go wandering through the woods in the middle of the night to find these orcs? I think this might be a task better suited for the morning after we've slept. It did take us all morning and afternoon to get to town. We have what, two hours max left of sunlight? I'm all for finding Gundren but I personally do not know him and don't plan on exhausting myself to do so."

Sildar looked at the group with a smile. "Sildar is a survivor, and trust me, they took him because they want him alive. Whatever they want, he will keep them guessing for a while....and he's as tough as an old boot, that one."

The human took a drink. "You've earnt your rest tonight, and the elf is right - you have maybe an hour of sunlight left today. You'd best rest up, spend tomorrow stocking up and doing what must be done. And as Harbin said, he may not know, but many here have been here a long time. He nodded at the old farmer.

"Narth over there i met last time i was here. He's been here his whole life. Some of the people have been here just as long....and if they  don't know where it is, they may know who to ask or where to find clues."

Sildar leaned back, with a wince. "...but Gundren, you have a few days at least, if not more. And there's no point walkinig around a forest if you'll get lost and find nothing."

Amalia listened in and sighed in relief when cooler head pointed that there was not a lot of light left and that it would be foolhardy to go after orcs at this hour. Taking a sip of her wine, she recalled what her father was telling her of that race and meeting them was not something she was looking forward to. But if that was the way to rescue Gundren, then that was the way they would be going. But something had bothered her earlier and now was as good a time to address it.

Sildar, could you tell me more about Gundren's brothers? The invitation he sent was for my father, so I don't know him that well and I don't recall him mentioning brothers before. And now that we accomplished what we set up to do, can you tell us more about why Gundren called us together?

While taking another sip of wine, she keep her eyes and ears opened, trying to pick up any underlining meanings to the human's answer

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Amalia insight.

Sildar looked at the cleric with a smile, and looking at her, leaned in. “I’ve known Gundren since I was a kid - helped me become a soldier for neverwinter, then the lords alliance. I’ve met his brothers Nundro and Tharden a few times. Tharden was the creative of the three - oldest of them and a blacksmith and armorer. Gundren was second oldest and Nundro the youngest, a warrior at heart with some skills in tracking.”

He takes a drink and leans in closer so only they hear. “As to why we are here, the dwarves have spent their lives in finding dwarven lore, and a few years ago Gundren came upon mention of a place holy to dwarves. Legend says, according to Gundren’s tale, that the dwarves and gnomes found a unique place well hidden with a great vein of metal as well as magical power. The two races made the Phandelver pact, agreeing to share it, keeping it secret known only as wave eco cave. The channeled the magical into a forge, the forge of spells he called it. The location is how phandelver came to be.”

“Then a powerful force of orc came down, sweeping and destroying like a plague of locus. The battle was ferocious and when the dust settle, the death was great, but the majority of the cave was destroyed. It’s location lost to lore, and forgotten by all but the dwarves and gnomes. Gundren came upon some lore talking of a cave of metal, holding a forge of magic….been his obsession since.“

Snoric listened quietly from the table.  He had to admit he liked the idea of some errands that needed to be run.  He had next to no money to his name and he had projects he wanted to undertake that wouldn't be cheap.  Plus he would need gold to keep moving.  He made a mental note to raise this issue later.

Allura waited for her allies to talk with the locals and each other. She wanted to patch her armor and clean it up. She wanted to sink into a nice hot bath and spoke with the innkeep about such possibilities and if there was extra expense for it.

Amalia listened to Sildar and could see that he, at least, believed in Gundren's tall tale. A lost mine, a magic forge, it certainly could be true. But there was still some holes in that narrative.

And what do Nundro and Tharden think about Gundren obsession? Do they even know about it?

She paused and looked at her erstwhile companions before turning again to the human.

And why us? Granted, most of us here have met Gundren, helped him, like Snoric, or been helped by him, like my father. But why wouldn't he call upon his clan to root out those orcs and reclaim this lost dwarven stronghold? None of us are dwarven. Why would he trust us to do this quest?

She played with her wine goblet, pensive.

Sildar looked at Amalia with a smile. "Your a clever one....To answer the first, this legend is kind of his personal quest more than an obsession. he had family that once was part of the place. And as for the brothers, they are no different than him - they want to find it as much. Sure each has their own reasons, but the goal is the same. His clan had spent decades following leads and decided that anyone who found clues could have it as their quest - its a dwarf thing, something about family honour and their names in the halls of their kin."

The human shrugged. "Now, you all....that I can answer but a little. Gundren always could see potential in people. If he didn't give me a chance, I would have been a thug, drunk or a farmer. Sure I'm usually little more than a soldier, but I have influence in places, like here being part of the lords alliance. That is because of Gundren and his brothers."

The man looked at you all. "He's seen something in all of you, maybe greatness, a destiny or just potential, but I've learnt to trust his instincts. As to why you for THIS mission, you'll need to ask him that."

He took a drink. "...but given you saved my ass, as well as this young lady here..." indicating Malice. "....I believe his instincts for greatness have again proved right. That's why I'm so calm - I've seen you fight, and I know in my heart you'll find that old boot, and the cave."

Amalia did not feel the confidence Sildar seem to have on her abilities and those of the group and keep playing with her cup as she pondered his words. Although she was fully committed to go and rescue the dwarf, the rest of the tale was overwhelming for the apprentice priestess. She would need to pray on this and ask guidance from her goddess.

Taking another sip to assemble her thoughts, she asked.

We had an encounter with a band of red cloaked thugs, Snoric says the crest they sport is from Thay. What do you know about them? They seem feared and reviled here.

Sildar sneered at the mention of the cloaks. “The red cloaks I’ve not had much dealing with….last time I was here there was mention of some troublemakers. As for Thay, I know a little, of what The rockseeker brothers told me. Bastard wizards were dark, messing in dark stuff. Necromancy, demons, slavery and torture…..I don’t know how true it was, but I know the brothers had a grudge against the red cloaks.”

Solgran's eyebrows drew together at the man's words, and he voiced a question for clarity, "You mention the Red Cloaks and Thay as two separate groups; are the men with the red cloaks here not Thayans, then? We were under the impression that they are."

Finishing taking notes from Edgar's observations, I pause a moment to fix the composite image in my head before softly whispering a short phrase, causing a three dimensional image of the town only a few centimeters tall to appear on the ground in front of him.

"Is this right" I murmur as he perched on my arm and looked down at the image. The owl cocked his head to the side before hopping down to the ground to look at it from multiple angles. A few images come back to me over the link and I dutifully adjust the image a further three times before he is satisfied.

"Excellent, thank you." I tell him, running my crooked finger gently down his back. "Noe if you will keep an eye out here, I will see what I can find inside for your dinner." As Edgar takes off from the ground and heads for a perch on the inn roof I gather my things and go back inside the inn.

After securing a few raw scraps from the innkeeper and giving them to Edgar, I gather my own dinner and head towards the tables where the others are sitting. "I have only seen five of the Red Cloaks around town, they seem to be gathering in the large building to the east. I am not sure if there are more inside or what the purpose of that building is. For now they do not seem to be an immediate problem but it may be a good idea to find out what they are after in town before we make too many plans."

As the conversation shifts towards Gundren and his brothers and their ambitions in the area I have to admit my interest was peaked. Rediscovering a true place of magical power would be exciting and if the brothers could get the forge working again it would be a great boon to the entire area. Unless of course fighting over it breaks out again; if they want to rebuild it the brothers better make sure they can secure it first.

Gundren. The man helped me before but I am not sure how much more he can call on that marker. As for him seeing greatness in us, that is just ridiculous. More likely we already owed him favours and were cheap. Still I do not just want to leave him in the clutches of whomever has him now.

"Regarding this Orc tribe, a large group operating in an area for an extended period are going to need supplies unless they have a substantial supply train, which would be noticeable, so they are either living off the land or their loot. Given that, if we can speak to people who are knowledgeable about the area and analyzing their patterns we may be able to narrow the search area."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:07, Sun 03 Oct 2021.

Sildar sits comfortably as Osmon comes down to hear Solgren’s question and adds his own comments. He looks at the warrior. “They may be thayian or not, I don’t know, but I doubt their part of the red wizards. That group is very selective and the likes of thugs….no, I think if there is a Thayian, it’s their leader and their just his cronies. None of them seem to have magic in them, so I think their just bandits, thieves and thugs the boss has found, and promised them riches or power. The red wizards however wouldn’t let just anyone use their symbol, so there has to be at least one of ‘em.”

As Osmon speaks, Tolben comes over, dropping another ale for Sildar, who smiles and thanks him. The innkeeper hears the mention of the red cloaks and the building east. “I’m betting that’s the sleeping giant - a tap house up the street. A rough place that even before they came. Now they claim that and visit often. My advice…unless you want to fight, stay away from there.”

Sildar nods and answers Osmon. “As for the orcs, their hunting skills are good, I’ll give ‘em that. They could live off the land alone if need be. But with captured supplies, even more so.”

Allura wasn't used to being ignored even before she had become the monster she was now.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.

She tilted her head, "Inkeep, about the baths ?" She restrained herself from theatrics and smiled sweetly though felt the anger in her rise.

Tolben smiled as he finished speaking. “Sorry ma’am….that’s the other reason I came over other than for sildar’s drink. Your baths  are drawn and cooling now. I added a little extra hot water so by the time you get to them it should be cool enough. The bath house is out the back - three seperate baths in separated rooms for anyone who wants them.”

Yana nodded to the innkeeper
"Thank you,  sir.  Your service is much appreciated "
She moved to head to the baths

"That is wonderful, thank you Sir." As if all things are forgiven she heads out after leaving coin to pay for her meal.

Heading for the bath house to relax, see how damaged her armor might be and wash away the labors and combats of the day.

Calling up her laborer she has it clean and polish her armor and tend to her things while she enjoys the heat of the bath sinking into it happily.

At some point Allura will visit the smith to see to whatever minor repairs her armor might need from the combats she had been in. She would have purchased a simple but nice dress to wear around town from one of the trading posts hopefully the one we helped for a discount.

As she shops and talks with people she tries to find more about these Red Cloaks.

04:45, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Investigation into Red Cloaks.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:47, Fri 08 Oct 2021.

Amalia had a lot to digest and, while the bath was tempting, she needed to pray first. Asking the innkeeper for an access to the roof, the surprised man looked at the young cleric without understanding, until she explained that she prayed Selune and that the prayers were more effective under the light of the White Lady. Have received her answer, she found the ladder in the barn and brought it to the side of the building. Finding a spot where she could kneel, the purple haired lass called to Selune, asking for guidance and wisdom.

An hour later, she was putting the ladder back where she had found it. Going to where the bath house was located, it was without surprises that she found the water cold. But she could remedy that and using her spells, she slowly got the water at a warm temperature. It might have been faster to add boiling water, but seeing how busy the inn was, she didn't want to disturb the innkeeper and his staff.

And beside, casting wizard spells was fun.

Soaking in her bath, she concentrated and recalled Ophelia to her, the snow owl delivering basically the same report as Edgar. After petting the familiar, she washed the last few days grime and it's a fresh looking and smelling young woman that returned to the inn, her clothing and armor magically cleaned. As a night owl, she was not ready yet to go to bed, despite the day's walk.

Mingling with the crowd, she started to inquire about who could help her carve a new flute, as the bone one she possessed started to show it's age.

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 9 using 1d20.  Amalia investigation

With plans set into motion - everyone divides for the evening doing their own thing. Amalia speaks with the innkeeper and disappears for a few hours, some to an unknown location by others, the rest in the bathhouse. Yana and Allura spent time soaking in the bath house, and when allura got out, Malice had a turn after her.

Snoric disappeared to the blacksmith up the road, introducing himself to one of the few non human residents, a half orc named Karg, the blacksmith of the town. Despite the differences, within an hour, the two were talking about smithing techniques, various metals and such like old friends. Allura came in to them discussing the merits of iron vs steel in strength when tempered a certain way.

Osmon spent his time in his room, reading, studying and researching. Solgren, the nosiest of the lot, found a few friends in the miners and farmers, and found some drinking buddies. After Allura saw to her armor, leaving it in the hands of the blacksmith overnight, the woman came back and joined Solgren in making new friends.

---

Morning dawned bright and clear, and though cool air assaulted you, the weather hinted at a mild, but sunny day. Before long the group made their way downstairs for breakfast, where Trielia worked at making breakfast
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:48, Sat 09 Oct 2021.

Once well rested she will tell the others she would like to speak with them. She gathered a lot about what is going on in town she just wants to pick up her armor at the smiths. If anyone wishes to come with her she is open to it.

Snoric, his brain still on 'baking hours' is up about an hour before the sun.  He takes the time to clean his weapons, make his bed and leave his room tidy.  When Allura says she wishes to travel to the smiths, Snoric asks to join her.  He has many plans, one big one, he hopes to work on while in town and he hoped to have the time to do so.  Snoric had liked Karg, especially his openess to some of the gnome's more 'outlandish' ideas.

"You know the wood carver, was indeed taken by these red cloaks and after hearing why, I am even more concerned as to his wife." She says to Snoric as they walk along to the Smiths.

Snoric looked to the tiefling, a somber expression on his face.  "If this family has been taken by these people, they won't live long.  If these people are anything like I've read they'll be killed quickly. . .or worse." Snoric couldn't help but shudder.

"Do we have any idea where these ruffians keep their prisoners?  It seems what passes for law here won't help.  Surely there is something we can do?"

The talk of such dire occurances pushed design plans right out of Snoric's mind.

"Well, we know what we were told about where they congregate but I doubt that is where they keep their prisoners. We might have to persuade them to tell us where that might be." Allura smiled.

Snoric shared Allura's smile.  It was not like him to want to take the fight to others, but in this case he would make an exception.

"I would like that.  These people have been harrassing these poor people for too long.  It would be nice to see the bullies get a taste of their own medicine."

Solgran could fall asleep within thirty seconds of settling in to do so, and he slept heavily. He dug into breakfast quickly and with intent, leaving barely a trace of food remaining on the plate when he was finished with it. "What is this about a wood carver? I heard tale of the priestess being attacked or otherwise injured during a recent trip out of town, and one potential authority here in town that the Thayans do stay clear of, but I heard nothing of a wood carver nor his family."

"The head of the red cloaks, apparently more then favored the wood carvers wife, the wood carver was not keen on that and made it known. One of the locals saw the red cloaks beat him and take him off because of it, Solgran."

Over breakfast I tried to think over what I had learned the night before but nothing seemed relevant to our next course of action. We need more information, and while people were not my forte I do have other means. Gathering my dishes I stood up to return them to the innkeeper and headed upstairs.

Once back in the room I shared with Snoric, I opened my bag and remove a few carefully wrapped items. I unfold a cloth stitched with arcane symbols and place it on the floor and place a small hand-polished bronze brazier squarely in the centre. Placing a carefully premeasured bundle of incense along with a small piece of charcoal. That prepared, a call to Edgar and he appeared in his usual place on my right arm.

"I want to send you to get some information for us and you cannot be seen doing it."

The owls large eyes meet mine and he flutters his wings.

"I am afraid an owl would be too conspicuous." I tell him with a soft smile.

His eyes look down and his whole body slouches.

"I know this is your favourite form but this will only be for a short time. See here," I tell him holding up another bundle of incense, "I already have what I need to change you back. You can be flying again by this afternoon."

With a quiet, resigned screech Edgar jumps down taking position across the brazier from me.

"Thank you." I say and kneel down, beginning to mark the variables into the cloth with chalk and light the brazier.

The ritual was long, taking more than an hour, and all through out the smoke from the burning incense swirled around the two of us, creating a bubble of sweet smelling smoke that slowly drew power from me as I breathed it in and out while I softly chanted until it reached a critical mass and the smoke swirled into a vortex and and was sucked into Edgar leaving a small spider in his place.

Suppressing a shudder and biting back a scream I reached out my right hand and he climbed up onto my palm, up my arm to my shoulder where one of his legs brushed against the side of my neck. My breaths were short and fast, sweat beaded my brow, colours swirled at the edge of my vision, and my breakfast threatened to make a return but I forced it back, focusing on getting my breathing back under control. She would probably find this hilarious.

No, I cannot think about that; I have things to do!

Getting out the string and laying out the circle I once more go through the motions of calling Simon until the familiar rustle reaches my ears and the soft gust of cold air blows in my face. "Simon, thank you for coming. I may need your help creating a distraction."

With Simon in tow I headed out of the inn into the early morning streets and cutting between the buildings I paused long enough to whisper a quick illusion and with my disguise in place went to get a closer look at this tap-house.

Summary
Ritually cast Find Familiar and Unseen Servant.
Cast Disguise Self.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Tue 12 Oct 2021.

This message was deleted by the player at 22:50, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

All the morning activity occurred without a certain night owl cleric, as the young woman was not a morning person. She still got disturbed in her sleep by Ophelia, much more annoying than any mechanical trinket Snoric could envision. The two fought their usual morning duel and it was only at the end of the breakfast period that the blurry eyed youth slowly got down in the common room, yawning and stretching. She grabbed a hardening piece of bread, casted a spell on it to warm it up and started munching on it, too tired to really pay attention on what was been said. None of her companion were in the common room so she ate and go out, squinting in the harsh sunlight.

Where to go now? She wanted to go to the wood woodcarver's house but it might not be a good idea to go there alone.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:09, Tue 12 Oct 2021.

By the time Malice awoke in the morning and went downstairs with the thought of breakfast, the common room was devoid of any familiar faces. She beseeched Tolben for some bread and possibly an apple, if he still had one after the apple dessert from the night before, and the whereabouts of her companions.

Amalia had apparently just left right before Malice came down and if she hurried, could possibly catch up to her on the street. After thanking Tolben, Malice opened the door to the inn and scanned her surroundings for the purple hair of her roommate from the night before.

---

OOC: 08:31, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 17 using 1d20.  Perception.

"I thought they were just a threatening presence putting people on edge. If they've taken to beating people, that's a wyrm of a different color. They will need to be dealt with sooner rather than later." Solgran seemed to get a bit lost in thought for a bit as he weighed the risks to Gundren vs those of the local citizens.

With the coming dawn, each person woke at different times, but despite the early rise, Trilena was there with the sounds coming from the kitchen and a warm smile for all. As Tolben was the later staying up of the two, it was obvious the woman took it on herself to organise the mornings at a salon and leisurely pace.

Allura was the first to emerge, the innkeepers wife greeting her and offering her a breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms, with freshly squeezed orange juice. Snoric came down as the woman ordered and Solgren shortly after. The three wolfed down their meals, delicious despite it’s simplicity….the key was the fresh products.

The three left shortly after, thanking trilena for the meal, making their way to the smith. As they did the trio discussed the information gathered by each. The information revolving around the red cloaks particularly disturbing.

Before they knew it, they were at the smith. Despite the early hour, the door was ajar and the sound of hammering could be heard, and snoric leading the way, entered to see the burly half orc, Klarg hammering away at what looked like an old plot blade. The half orc paused, seeing the movement and smiled. “Snoric….back already. Ye be a smith at heart. Let me finish this and I’ll be right with ye.”

He finished hammering the blade and then put his hammer down. “What can I do for ye?”

---

The next person to arise found the common room devoid of the party, though a halfling traveler sat eating a arm breakfast. Osmon, after changing his familiar to a spider (much to his distress), came dow later in the morning, having heard snoric leave, he allowed the time alone to alter his familiars form in peace.

By the time he had started breakfast, a bleary eyed Amalia emerged, half asleep. trilena relished the opertunity to mother the woman, and bringing her breakfast, commented on her drowsiness with many affections of ‘dear’. Osmon, knowing the woman had always been a late riser, just smiled and ate his breakfast in silence.

The woman ate slowly and offered Osmon to come to the wood carvers, but refused, having something brewing in his mind. The woman left, and not a minute after, the newest member of the group, Malice came downstairs. When she asked the wizard the location of the others, he stated that Amalia just left to go to the wood carvers…the others he didn’t know.

Malice, looking at the empty plate, decided to forgo the meal and raced after the priest. Leaving the door, she saw the woman walking up the street, noticing that two red cloaked figures showed particular interest in the half asleep woman.

---

Osmon, seeing Amalia, then malice leave, decided to go through with his plan, and casting a quick spell, altered his form to that of an elderly man, dressed like a farmer. With that he stood (Trilena looking at him in wonder having seen the magic), and exited the inn, seeing malice go after the retreating Amalia, and turned east towards the tap house.

---

LOCATION: Smithy
ALERT: Snoric, Allura, Solgren

With Klarg now free of work, the already dirty smith came over, looking at each. “As agreed snoric, I’ve cleared a section of the smith for ye work….” He indicated to the far left where there was a second anvil cleaned away of debris that was there yesterday, as well as a sturdy bench. “…ye show me ye designs, and I can help with the metal plating when I’m not working in other stuff.”

He cleaned his hands on a rag, retrieving Allura’s armor. He handed it over. “Your armor miss….it wasn’t too damaged - I had to replace a leather strap on the shoulder as it was fraying. Would have lasted a while longer, but I’m a stickler for safety in these things. Most of the scuffs and nicks cleaned out well” Indeed the scale armor looked cleaned and the metal plates that were dinted or scratched were polished. “There wasn’t much damage, two plates need straightening, and some shine. Since your a friend of snoric, you buy me an ale later, and we call it even.” The half orc winked at her.

---

LOCATION: Streets of Phandevin
ALERT: Amalia and Malice

Malice caught up just as the two heard the laughter and turned to see the two men in red cloaks. “Well, what do we have here….two ladies that look like they need company. You girls look a long way from home” Their smiled indicated they were not entirely sincere.

---

LOCATION: The Sleeping Giant Taphouse
ALERT: Osmon

Preoccupied with his plan, the wizard went to the taphouse east of the inn, finding the stout one story building. It’s walls were made of a dark wood and outside a sign, worn with age, had a figure curled up asleep with miniature images of people and wagons around it….the sleeping giant.

The place looked closed.

---

OOC: I have yet had a post from Yana so she has yet to emerge from her room. Osmon is at the taphouse, disguised as just another farmer.

Allura, snoric and Solgren are at the smith, so anything you want repaired can be as long as it’s metal. You know that to purchase things you need to go to the lionshield coaster for weapons and armor, and Barthen’s for general supplies.

Malice and Amalia, your being pestered by two red cloaks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:33, Thu 14 Oct 2021.

"You got it good Smith, a nice stout ale for you. Thank you for looking after my armor." Allura smiled as she looked at her armor.

Allura watched as Snoric chatted with the smith. After a bit she looked for a place where she could change back into her armor. She liked it looking clean and polished certainly worth more then an ale.

Allura wondered if her sister was awake yet.

"Solgran, Snoric, I want to check on Yana. I am sure I will see you both back at the inn."

Yana enjoyed a luxurious snooze amd came down to break her fast

Snoric raised a hand to Allura.  "Wait one minute.  I'll come too."

The gnome then pulled a scroll case off his back and pulled out several plans he had worked on the previous night.  Putting two on the table he began discussing the armour plating he'd designed with Klarg.  The back and forth between the smith and artificer became quite engaged as they spoke of metal alloys and dimensions.  The one thing Snoric kept avoiding was explaining the purpose of the pieces, just saying.  "Just an idea."

The 'one minute' dragged more into ten to fifteen but finally the two seperated.

OOC:  If the others are still there he joins them in heading back.  If they've left Snoric grumbles about impatient people who can't wait a single minute, then heads back alone.

Allura had proved to be able to handle herself well enough, so Solgran let the woman head off on her own while he waited with Snoric. The barbarian had no earthly idea what the artificer and smith were talking about, which left him time to consider the Thayans and how to proceed with them. There were options, but a lack of information meant many of them were a gamble. Either way, he wouldn't be putting any of those potential plans into motion while he was just himself and Snoric together. Well, not unless they were pressed to, of course.

Once Snoric had finished up his business, Solgran would accompany the small fellow back to the others.

Malice put a hand protectively on the forearm of Amalia, begging her silently to leave the talking to her for now. Noticing the men had their hands precariously near to the daggers they carried on their waists, Malice was in no mood to be friends with the red cloaks.

"Gentlemen, is the middle of the street really the appropriate place to be drawing blades on two innocent ladies? You claim us to be frail and in need of protection, but it seems the people we need protecting from are you. Now if you will excuse us, we have places to be." Malice looks the red cloaks directly in the eyes as she's speaking to them, a hardness to her expression that has not yet seeped into her voice.

---

OOC:07:26, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Persuasion.

As they walked back Snoric spoke in quiet, almost reverant tones to Solgran.  "Do you think we could do it?  Help these people?  I'm wondering if the mayor would deputise us or something.  He might even pay us to help clean up the town, though I'd do it for nothing personally."

LOCATION: Blacksmith
ALERT: Snoric, Solgren

As Snoric and Klar spoke about the planbs, Allura left quietly, determined to wake her sister, leavin Solgren Standing around, waitin paitently. So engrosed was Snoric in his 'plans' with Klarg (Equally excited by thenm as snoric), he didn't even notice her leave

---

LOCATION: Town Streets
ALERT: Amalia, Malice, Allura

Amalia and Malice faced off agqainst the two men, both with an almost evil lint in their eye. As the half drow spoke of drawing blades openly, one looked nervous, while the otehr frowned. The pause was enough for Malice to grasp amalia's arm and move on. Both looked back to see them speak then start to follow, but stopped after a few short steps, a worried look, they turned with a baleful look and left towards the inn and east. As the two turned, you now realise why....Allura, fully armored was laring at them as she came up to you both.

---

LOCATION: Inn
ALERT: Yana

Yana opened her eyes with a yawn and looked around, realising the room was empty, then lookin outside, she cursed, realisin how late in teh morning it was.

She overslept

Getting into her gear, she went downstairs and was perplexed, seein no one, her sister includes in the common room.

---

LOCATION: Sleeping Giant Tap room
ALERT: Osmon

Disguised as a farmer, Osmon released his familiar, now in the form of a spider on the wall.

As he turned, he saw two men in the telltale red cloaks walking towards him. The wizard looked down, the two men barely even noticing him. As they passed, he overheard them speaking.

"...i et that dark skin elf bitch alone and i'll ut her like a fish."

"Calm down Terek....That demon woman came up behind them, and she looked damn scary." The first man snorted as they walked past him. "I just wish the boss let us have our fun. I don't want ter watch the newcommers. Theirs some...."

As they went out of rane, he struggled to hear any more.

Chuckles as she catches up to her companions.

"I guess, they didn't put me into the little ladies that need protection category ?" She rested one arm on her companions shoulders and smiled.

"They are going to be a problem, I was talking with the others about them earlier."

Still blurry eyed, the youth had completely missed that she had been tagged by the red cloak thugs and it took Malice's way with words and Allura's menacing presence to get them to find easier prey. Allura put her arm around her shoulder and she smiled.

My thanks to you both, it could have been messy... for them. I didn't want to go alone but since you are here, I'd like to go check out the wood carver's house, to see if we could find some clues to determine if the red cloaks are responsible for the disappearance of that family. Care to join me?

"Oh they are responsible, someone witnessed them dragging the woodcarver away and I fear for what may have happened to his wife, so I will go with you. We should gather my sister maybe so all us little flowers are together."

Malice nodded at Allura's insistence on gathering Yana before paying a visit to the woodcarver's residence. "I did skip breakfast in my haste to catch up to Amalia. While we get Yana, would it be okay if I grab something to eat quickly before we head out?"

"Certainly, I have no problem with that." Allura said to Malice.

She then looked to Amalia, "You still seem asleep, perhaps you should get something to wake you up a bit more."

Allura heads to find her sister Yana to gather for the investigation into the wood carvers.

Solgran cleared his throat, "Snoric? I know this is all very interesting, but...we've more important matters at hand just now, I believe."

Snoric frowned.  He hardly considered people being attacked, bullied and murdered as 'interesting'.  But he did not press the issue at this time.  He walked in silence the rest of the way to the inn.

Grabbing something quick to eat, like perhaps a biscuit or piece of fruit, and headed out to find her sister and the rest of her friends.

"Hi sleepy head." Allura says to her sister with a smile.

"Did you sleep well ?" She looks her sister over to see if she is ok.

Allura left to go fetch her sister before Amalia had time to process her jab about her being still asleep, so she said to Malice.

I am an acolyte of the White Lady, what did she expect? Most of my prayers and activities are at night.

Yawning, she stretched her arms over her head and arched her back, to try to wake up a little more. Seeing the sisters joining them, she smiled.

It seems I'm not the only one sleeping late. With the fragile flowers all together, shall we go?

Following the instructions she had received the evening before, she started to walk towards the wood carver's house.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:24, Sun 17 Oct 2021.

"I am ready, has everyone gotten something to eat ?"

Allura seemed in good spirits this morning.

Yana looked suspiciously at her twin sister, almost sure that shenanigans had been had by the other woman.  But she shrugged and shook her head.
"I was grabbing a snack, to tide me over until I saw what you lot were up to, I hadn't realized everyone was going to be so restless and bursting with energy this morning, rather than take advantage of our comfortable accommodations while we could.  We can have a proper sit down meal, if you're feeling up to it, while you tell me what's been going on?"

Allura will sit down with her sister and tell her about the wood carver, "How the head of the red cloaks had the man beaten and dragged off because he had eyes for the wood carvers wife. Already this morning These other two were accosted by red cloaks though they thought better of it and moved off. We want to check out the wood carvers home. Try and see if we can learn what we can and see if there is anyone that might be." She gets a conspiratorial look, "Rescued."

Yana raised an eyebrow, but nodded.
"Sounds like fun.  I'm in.  Let me have a proper meal first, and we'll gather the troops."

When Solgran and Snoric make it back to the inn, the gnome makes a beeline for Yana and Allura's table.  Having skipped breakfast this morning he orders a bowl of porridge and begins digging in wholeheartedly.  He listens to the sisters' conversation with interest.

<OOC: for the sake of moving along, I’ll get everyone (except Osmon) together in the inn>

With the excitement of the red cloaks, the girls made their way back and entered just as Yana emerged from the stairs, unaware of what had happened. Not too long after, snoric and Solgren returned, the barbarian had an almost bored look in his face.

The group sat down, malice and yana eating while the group discussed their next plan, realising Osmon was missing.

<OOC: you can discuss what you all found here and what you want to do before I repost>

"It seems the redcloaks are more of a threat than we were lead to believe. We need to find Gundren, but we have little to go on concerning finding his location. Was anyone able to find any other information or rumors that may help with resolving either of those problems?"

I resting a hand on the wall of the taphouse, leaning down as if to check my shoe for an irritating stone, allowing Edgar the opportunity to scuttle from his arm to the wall and inside through an improperly secured shutter. Standing back up, I continued down the street a ways before moving off the street. A shudder runs up my spine, Edgar may be gone but unfortunately the formication would likely be with me the rest of the day.

Settling in for the next 30 minutes, flitting between Edgar's senses and my own while Simon kept watch on the street; unfortunately, there was not much there to see. With the business closed none of the Red Cloaks were in residence and they could not find anything like an office they could search. This line of investigation has turned up empty, at least for now.

I need you to stay there for now. The red cloaks may stop by later and I want you to keep an eye on what they are up to.

A sense of resentment and mild betrayal came back to me and I had to hold back a sigh It will just be for the day, if there is no sign of them by dinner time I will change you back. As promised, you can be flying again by this evening but I need you to do this for me.

All I received back was silence but I am pretty sure he would do as asked. There was only so much he could do to show his displeasure since he needs me to alter his form. Still I will have to think of something nice to do for him once this is over.

I take a quick walk through the town, trying to keep a surreptitious eye out for Red Cloak activity. While there was time remaining on my other spells. With the hour almost up, I move off the streets and when the coast is clear thank Simon for his time and allow the illusion wrapped around me to dissipate. I might as well head back to the inn to see if the others morning had been more productive than mine.

Entering the main room I see several party members huddled around a table talking quietly but urgently and I walk forward, pull up a chair, and sit down with them.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Mon 25 Oct 2021.

A little disappointed to have to go back to the inn, Amalia took the time to order a real meal, instead of her hard half bread she had to start this day. After all, if Malice and Yana needed to eat, might as well join them. Between bites, she gave what she had gathered.

The woodcarver's wife attracted the attention of the redcloaks and her husband faced them. They disappeared soon after, that was ten days ago. That is all I could gather. Has anyone seen Osmon this morning?

"He was still in the room we share when I left this morning."

His face was one of concern when he listened to the story of the woodcutters.  "Someone should deal with these people." His tone suggested exactly who he thought that 'someone' should be.

Allura gives the group a rather flat look when it is suggested someone should do something about the red cloaks when she was ready to do that and the group all was vocal she was on her own and they would let her swing in the wind on her own.

Snoric sits quietly at the table, waiting for others to speak.  Several times now he's raised his desire to deal with these red cloaks but nobody else seemed interested.  He couldn't do it alone so he waited to see what others said.

"There was never a question of facing the redcloaks or not, only the timing of it. Now that we know they are more than just thugs here to intimidate people, that instead we have townsfolk going missing - possibly worse - their time has come sooner. We need to find Gundren, but he's a tough of dwarf, and we'll need to hope that he can take care of himself for a while. Protecting a town full of innocents is more important."

"I also heard that the local priestess at the Shrine of Luck left town for a while and came back much worse for wear, but no one was sure why. They didn't say it was redcloaks who had done it, but at this rate it wouldn't surprise me."

"The one person that I've heard of, that they refuse to cross, is Halia Thornton who runs the Phandelvin Miners Exchange. I don't know what power it is she holds over them - fear, money, authority."

"We could take that information and ask some more questions, or we can make the round through town and pick them off as we see them."

"There's a shrine to Tymora here?" Snoric jumped in.  He wondered when all these people had learned so much.  Hadn't they just arrived yesterday? "I would like to visit there so would be happy to talk to the priestess."

"Do we know where these redcloaks are based?  Don't see a point hitting random ones in the street.  We'd have to find where their base is."  The gnome wouldn't be surprised if the group knew this already, given how much everyone seemed to know.

"I'd have no problems picking them off in the street. Show them the same respect they were showing Malice and Amalia this morning."

"The priestess should be talked too yes."

Maybe I should go talk to the priestess, Tymora and Selune, while not friends, are not in opposition.

Her breakfast done, she pushed the empty plate away from her.

And I agree, if you say Gundren can fend for himself for a few more days, I would not be against taking those redcloaks down a peg or two. I don't like bullies.

"I will go with you Amalia."

"It might be best for all of us to stick together so long as the redcloaks have a presence here."

"No way you're going without me."  Snoric added quickly.

"Not sure we all need to go but moving in a couple of large groups certainly seems smart.  Maybe half of us could go to the shrine and the others could speak to this Halia Thornton?  I doubt the redcloaks would take on three or four of us together.  Not without planning."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Sat 23 Oct 2021.

Yana finished up her meal, and smiled.
"Well, you people will get into all kinds of mischief if I'm not there, so I'll join you."

Snoric smiled at Yana.  He would welcome her company regardless.  "I guess we could all do both.  I just wasn't sure everyone would want to visit the shrine.  It's been a little while since I've been able to visit a holy side to the Lady so I'd like to spend a little time there as well as speak to the priestess if possible."

"Of course I'd not want to delay our more. . .important business.  I can say a prayer there at a quieter time."

The talk of the red cloaks had started to make Malice's blood boil yet again. "If we meet the two we saw earlier, I make no promises about not cutting them down right then and there. Amalia is barely out of childhood. The way they treated her as if she was a piece of meat to consume at their pleasure, makes me sick. I'm sure they aren't the biggest fans of me, either." Taking a sip of her tea, she continued, "I'm sure the tale of what happened this morning is already being passed around to the other red cloaks. We may be able to take advantage of this for when we want to confront them."

As the group talk, a figure walks in, drawing attention from you all. The familiar figure had no doubt who it was….Osmon

…the group was back together.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:31, Tue 26 Oct 2021.

Snoric stared in surprise for a moment when the old farmer suddenly became a young wizrd.  He quickly recovered.

"Welcome back.  We're just planning how we'll spend our day.  Hope you're not too tired from a morning in the fields."

The gnome grinned and dug back into his porridge.  He wanted to be ready when the team moved out.

Allura glanced at the farmer with a well what do YOU want look then seeing him change to Osmon her eyes widened slightly.

Snoric finished his meal and pushed the bowl away.  He looked around the surprisingly quiet team.  "So are we heading to the shrine?  Or perhaps to see this Thornton person?  Both?  Something else?"

He looked to Osmon.  "Did you find out anything new?  I'm assuming you didn't look like that because you had an urge to milk some cows."

"Shrine, let's go."

Yana finished her meal, and stood up
"Yes, let's head out "

Amalia smiled when she saw the farmer transform into Osmon. Now the group was complete and it reminded her of the tricks her brother played on her with that spell. She was not without fault and she was always getting him afterward, so it was a interesting sibling war.

But that was the past and it would never happen again. Eliot was lost at sea and she didn't expect to see him until she crossed on the other side. Closing her eyes, she quickly wiped her nascent tears and got up with the rest of them.

The shrine it is, let's go.

Going out the inn, she mentally called to Ophelia, that came and perch herself on the shoulder of the priestess. Looking left and right, she suddenly blushed.

Ummmmm do you know where that shrine is? I don't.

As discussions came to a close and the time to act was at hand, Solgran made for the innkeeper, "Can you direct us toward the Shrine? We'd like to check in on the Sister."

Snoric dallied at the table a little longer as others rose his eyes on Osmon.  He hoped the wizard might have something useful to share.  Either way he was eager to visit the shrine and say a prayer to his deity so he rose to remain with the group when they prepared to leave.

”I am afraid my efforts yielded little results; however, I am hopeful it will prove useful later.” Turning towards Malice I continue, ”Yours seem to have had a greater impact. I overheard one of the thugs singling you out for some manner of retribution. Perhaps we can use that.”

As the group started to stand, they made their way outside. Across the square, the small dwelling was easily recognisable as a shrine, the only figure there was a diminutive elven woman. As you approach, she turns, and you can see that she is healing from several wounds in her arms and face, including bruises and cuts.

The woman smiled and nodded. “Welcome friends, to the shrine of Luck, dedicated to mistress tymora. My name is sister Garaele ….how can I be of service?” She bows a little stiffly, wincing, but makes no complaint

"Are you alright ? You seem to be hurt." Looks a bit concerned.

Looks to her companions then back to the priestess.

"We heard you'd left town not long ago, and came back wounded. We've seen some of the dangers that lurk around here, and are working to remedy those we can. Was it the redcloaks who accosted you as well, or something different?"

Malice turned to Osmon as he addressed her, "I was saying just the same before you arrived. Perhaps when we go to take them down, I can be bait to draw them out. It's something to think about and flesh out how exactly we would execute it."

Snoric rushes forward concerned.  "Do you need healing sister?  I have some simple healing magics and am a devotee to our smiling lady though I am no priest."

It occured to the gnome that the sister could likely heal herself but perhaps she had expended all her spells.

The woman smiled, holding up her hand, though her gaze went around with caution. “I am fine and thank you for your concern. Master gnome…it warms my heart to see a follower of the fatespinner - you and your friends are most welcome.”

She jesters you into a small courtyard that houses the shrine, holding some seats, and indicates you to sit, the woman sitting slowly. “Though I am injured, it was not by any hand within town, though I know of the danger you speak.” Her tone was lower as she said the last. “Rest assured my wounds are healing and it looks worse than it did. My wounds were from another source.”

The elf took a hopeful look. Lyon might be able to help me with my task….my superiors have asked me to retrieve a book of magic. It’s location is yet unknown, but there is one who may know where it is. There is a entity known as Agatha, a banshee who is known to answer a single question should she be in the mood.”

The elf shifted. “She would not appear for me, perhaps because of my faith, but I was attacked that night, that is where I gained my wounds. If you could see fit to help me, I could reward you…I have several patio s that can heal a person of injury.” She reaches into a pouch and pulls out a silver comb, encrusted with pearls. “This was to be an offering in exchange for the information of the book. If you could go there and ask the question, gifting the comb, she may give you the answers I seek. You do that, the potions are yours.”

Snoric looked at the potions with mild disinterest.  "Your offer is generous, but I would help you for no payment.  All I would ask is a blessing in the name of the Lady."

The woman smiled at snoric. For a follower of the lady of luck, I would offer a blessing freely anytime”

Yana frowned at the genomes words, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "You don't necessarily speak for the rest of us, Snoric. I pride myself on getting paid for my efforts. "
The raven haired locksmith looked at the elven priestess.
"Where is this banshee, m'lady, and what happens when she's...well, not in the mood?"

"I never claimed I spoke for anyone else.  I do not expect others to follow my example."

The cleric smiled at the human and nodded. “Despite master gnome’s words, my offer still stands….I have 4 healing potions that will come upon your return.” She sighed as she looked at them. “Agatha has never attacked any people to my knowledge in her centuries of being there. When she is displeased, she disappears or just doesn’t show.”

She looked at them. “North east of here is an abandoned town…conyberry. Not far from town north is Agatha’s lair, in the edge of the neverwinter woods.”

The young cleric listened at the conversation between the followers of the Lady of Luck and smiled when the gnome said he would do the deed the elf asked of them freely. But she was not convinced, yet.

Sister Garaele, pleased to meet you, I am Amalia and I follow the White Lady. I wonder, what is so important about this book that you risk death to get it? And what attacked you?

Looking over the elf, she tried to determine what could have caused those injuries.



Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Amalia medecine

Allura folded her arms hearing blah blah blah not killing red cloaks blah blah healing potions blah blah banshee.

She turned when her sister spoke eyes widening slightly.

Others had asked the questions that needed asking, so Solgran stood in wait of answers. Knowing that she was not attacked by the redcloaks was good, but perhaps her attacker was instead aligned with the goblins who'd taken Gundren.

The priestess nodded at Amalia with a smile. "The sisters of the stars are always welcome - Selune has liong been a friend to Tymora. The boodk belonged to a magician, a necromancer whom my order does not want his evil within the world again. There is magical properties to it - it is a spellbook and nothing more."

A spellbook, interesting. I wonder what this person learned that has this woman so concerned? Necromancy is not my preferred school of magic but to reject it in its entirety because you dislike some of its applications is ignorant. True there are few times where creating an Undead is a good idea if done carefully and surreptitiously it can be rather useful.

It is an old problem. No knowledge is dangerous in itself only how it is put to use; however, some are more prone to abuse and corruption than others. There are things the mortal races would be better off forgetting, if only to prevent it inspiring some to pursue it. Is this one of those or something lesser exaggerated by the superstitious fears of the religiously inclined? I will not know until I read it.

"Sounds reasonable enough. A book is important, but we have more pressing matters at the moment. The murderous redcloaks to start, but one of our friends was also taken captive and moved to a place called 'Cragmaw'. We need to find out where it is and save him before the goblinoids kill him. Do you know of this Cragmaw, or of anyone who might? This banshee perhaps, if she is willing to talk as you say."

The priestess looks at the barbarian and shakes her head. “I’ve never heard of Cragmaw, but I do know their is a large number of orcs between here and the village. Agatha may know where it is, but beware, she will only answer one question per group, so unless you seperate, you can’t ask that and the whereabouts of the book.”

She taps her cheek. “I do know that Qelline Alderleaf knows most people around here…if anyone knows where this place is, she would know who it is. She owns a farm southeast of here….south of the old manor.”

I agree with Solgran, the book is important, but if a banshee is guarding it, it will still be there after we deal with the redcloaks. I still want to go see the woodcarver's place and determine what really happened there. If this Qelline can give us more information, it would also be a worthwhile stop to go to.

She bowed to the priestess of Tymora, smiling.

Thank you for your advice, may the light of the White Lady guide your path in darkness, Sister Garaele

The priestess smiles at the clerics wisdom. “The task, if you choose to attempt to find it, is no rush….if you have more urgent business, and if you are looking at the red cloaks that plague the town, then it can wait a few days. As for if Agatha has the book, I don’t know - she may have traded it. You may not fi d the actual book, I just seek her answer where she saw it last.”

She stood up, again wincing. “If any if you would like a blessing of luck, please come see me. Until then, may tymora smile on you, and lady Amalia, may selune’s light shine in you.”

As the others ask their final questions, Snoric says a small prayer at the shrine.  He knew they'd be rushing off shortly so he took his moment while he could.

Snoric finished his prayer and then returned to the others.  He was disappointed the priestess kept offering blessings but didn't actually bless him, despite him asking.

"So, off to the woodcarvers then to visit Qelline Alderleaf?"

Yana nodded,  though she seemed distracted.
"Sounds like a plan "

Allura was up and ready to go at the first hints of moving on.

Solgran nodded his agreement, ready to set off in search of more information.

Amalia had asked where the wood carver's place was when she had "subtly" inquired where she could get a new flute and took the lead to guide her companion to the house. Not knowing what she would find there, she quietly prayed to Selune, and was almost hoping for redcloaks to interfere, and prove that they were doing the right thing by getting them out of town.

The group made the short trip to the woodcarvers home. The simple brick dwelling was much lime any other house, with what looked like a workshop as well. You entered the house (oddly open) and see a simple open planned workshop with lots of woodcarving tools. The area looked simple, but there was signs of a struggle with stools and a table knocked over, tools on the ground.

Snoric moved in and began searching the house for any clues that might offer them an insight to what happened here.  He smiled as he methodically begun his work.  He always enjoyed untangling a problem.



Investigation: 18

Yana also moved forward,  looking around.   Somewhat of an expert on tools and craftsmanship, the locksmith looked around the area for clues.  She was a bit too focused on her task, but that was her way

OOC:
21:52, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Investigation .
21:52, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Perception

Allura kept watch outside for anyone who might be observing them.


06:21, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 14 using 1d20.  Perception Roll.

Solgran did his best to look for tracks. They would be old, and possibly destroyed if others had come looking for them as well, but he put his skills to use while others did the same.

11:22, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Survival.

Here we are.

The house was pretty much the same as most in town, with a attached workshop. The young priestess tried to make herself useful and looked for clues, but she was distracted by her own imagination, wanting too much to pin the disappearance of the family on the red cloak and not finding anything.

Amalia Firnam rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Amalia perception

Solgren and malice remaining outside looking for tracks, the rest went in and checked the area. The warriors searched, but with the hardened road and high traffic area, it was hard to discern anything. The others looked around the woodcarvers home. Snoric, a man of order noted that where the tools were well cared for and some had hooks that held tools, the mess of others show that whatever happened here was surprised to the organised owner. Yana’s keen eyes found something equally disturbing - several small drops of dried blood

Snoric sighed and looked to Yana.  "Nothing of use here.  Signs the woodcarver was disturbed at work but we already knew that.  You find anything of use?  Or should we head to see this Alderleaf lady?"

Yana nodded grimly
"He was definitely 'disturbed', already.   I found blood.  Not a fatal amount, I'm guessing,  but it's definitely not a good sign "

"We already suspected as much.  I guess it was a long shot, hoping to find something here.  But worth the attempt."

Having explored as much as he could, Snoric moved outside to join those who were looking for tracks.

"We lucked out inside.  You guys do any better?  Or should we move on to our next stop?"

He'd really hoped they'd find a clue, any clue, but the pragmatist in him knew it had likely been too long ago.  The Redcloaks were behind this, and they should pay.

Yana shrugged and looked around to her Traveling Companions.
"It seems the Redcloaks have overstayed their welcome in this town.   What say we give them a chance to move on to greener pastures?"

Allura looked at the group a very long drawn out look since she had been there since they had arrived. She all but rolled her eyes at her sister.

"I should spite you all and say, but WHY ?" Shrugs.

"Yes, lets."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Sun 21 Nov 2021.

All right then, I expected more from this place. This is not productive.

Amalia scratched her head and sent Ophelia flying, to determine if there was some redcloaks around them. She then nodded to the sisters.

If Ophelia finds some of those thugs around, we can have a little conversation with them, and if they are smart, persuade them to leave this place.

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 10 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 7,6.  Ophelia perception check (advantage).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Sun 21 Nov 2021.

"As we have no authority in this town, I expect them to deny our request to leave." Solgran then glanced up at Allura, "It will be such a pity when they say no."

Allura nods.

Her mind goes back to the thugs that murdered Yana and her father and her eyes narrowed a bit. She glanced briefly to Yana.

"Yes, so let's go then. To the dwarven woman, or to the bar they frequent, or where ?"

There was no one in charge of the group after the disappointment of not finding anything substantial at the woodcarver's house, so the teenager sighed and raised her head.

By the Tears of Selune, we won't go anywhere if we just dabble around! If we want to do something lets do it. Osmon, you say you left Edgar at the bar they use, so we can get some scouting from there, but it is early in the day, I don't think there will be much now. Let us see what that farmer can tell us.

With a decided stride, the teen started towards the south, going to the Alderleaf farm.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:09, Wed 24 Nov 2021.

"Fine by me." Follows Amalia.

Snoric watched in confusion as several of the group started to squabble over plans.  Their current plans had been laid out several times, he'd even spoken them a few times, trying to keep the group focused.  Still, they seemed to be heading in the right direction again, towards the Alderleafs, so the gnome kept his thoughts quiet.  He found they were often ignored anyway.  Probably a gnome thing.  If you had to look down to talk to someone, often people saw you as 'lesser' anyway.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Wed 24 Nov 2021.

Yana followed on the way

The group, despite their indecision, moves on towards the east side of town and the farm, Osmon stopping briefly to check on his familiar, which told him that nothing had changed other than the short two legged moving stuff around - Osmon assumed it was still a bit early for drinks.

The move throughout town, having the group looking for red cloaked people proved fruitless, so they made their way to the farm. The farm itself is a simple one, with various vegetables, a few cows, chickens, pigs and some wheat in the fields. You come along seeing several humanoid figures, several humans, and one halfling female, who when she see's you, stops her working in the garden and comes over.

The female halfling appears in her mid forties, with nut brown hair platted down her side. Her skin is aged by the sun and dirt, signs of a hard working woman. In the distance, the whop of a child brings your attention of a young halfling lad, maybe 10 years old making his way over, holing a stick. "MAMA, MAMA....thats them, the heroes!" The woman frowns at the boy. "Shush Carp, let your mother speak." The woman wipes her dirty hands on her apron and smiles at you all. "Welcome to Alderleaf farm masters and misses - My name is Qelline...How can i be of service? I have some fresh vegetables if your looking for food."

Snoric stepped forward.  "Well met to you.  We come not for produce but for information.  Sister Garaele spoke quite highly of you.  We seek information about the Redcloaks. . .and the Cragmaw."

Allowing the halfling a moment to absorb the information, Snoric turns to Carp and gestures to his stick.  "That looks a mighty weapon my lord.  How many dragons have you slain with it?"

Allura smiled very slightly at Snoric talking with the child.

Yana looked at the child silently,  perhaps remembering her own childhood, one that was both enjoyable but swiftly and painfully ended
She tried to stay unobtrusive while gnome spoke

The boy looked at the gnome with a smile and nodded his head. "This sword protects me from teh naught men in town - their so mean to people" the halfling child frowned and crinkled his nose. "Me and Pip were playing near the old manor when we found a secret tunnel. We were going to explore when some of the big ugly bandits came out. They didn't see us, but they walked right by us - it's lucky we can hide good."

The halfling frowned at Carp. "Hush carp - don't bother the man." She looked at Snoric, the one doing the talking. "Excuse my son - when he heard his uncle was a adventurer, he's had it in his head to be one." She smiled at the boy, then back at the group.

"Garaele is a deer girl - she was wounded a few days ago, the poor deer. Going to speak to Aggy. Unpredictable that one." She shakes her head then focuses on the question at hand. "I don't know of Cragmaw, but if anyone does here, its Reidoth, a druid that lives in the ruins of thundertree. There's not an inch of this land he doesn't know....you need to find this cragmaw, he'd know."

She sighed and looked north towards a hill with a big house on it. "If your looking for the redcloaks, then i can suggest two places - The sleeping giant is where they tend to gather and drink when not harassing townspeople. The other is that people have seen them on the road towards Tresendar manor - they've shown some interest in the place.....and when Carp tells he saw them near there, i believe him. He's a fanciful boy, but tells no lies."

Solgran looked down at the boy, and knelt down to be on his level. "A secret tunnel, you say? Do you remember where you saw it? Well enough to take us back there and show us where it is, perhaps?" A back door into the redcloaks' hideout was a great way to strike an unexpected blow.

Snoric looked to Carp with exaggerated surprise.  "A dragon slayer, master scout AND secret tunnel finder?  You must be a Harper with those amazing skills.  I would be honoured if you would teach me your skills Master Harper."

The gnome took a moment to smile at the older halfling.  He was a little frustrated with the answers but it wasn't her fault.  Everyone they spoke to had suggested they speak to someone else, only to get to that person and have them turn around and tell them to speak to someone else.  Would anyone be able to help them?  Likely this Reidoth person would again point them to someone else.

"I used to spend a lot of time around children in my master's keep.  They would help out in the kitchens with simple tasks.  Some would apprentice.  I've always enjoyed having them around.  They were often the only people who didn't treat me like a child.  Taller races can be a little 'sizeist' at times.  I'm sure you can relate."

He straightened and looked towards Carp, filling his voice with an important air.  "Now if you think Master Harper Carp here would be willing to let us simple fledgling adventurers learn from his skill and show us where he hid from Redcloaks and located secret tunnels I would be most honoured."

Snoric looked over his shoulder at the others given his best "I can handle this" look he could mention.  He imagined Carp wanted to show him some abandoned wolf's den or other hole in the ground.  But it couldn't hurt to look.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

With Snoric taking charge of the conversation, Amalia listened at what the halfling farmer and her son were saying. So those redcloaks had a secret hideout? Not so secret now, and she nodded when the artificer suggested that they were showed where the tunnel entrance was. Any advantage was good to get.

The halfling looked at snoric, a look of worry on her face, but the boy jumped for joy. "Do you know the harpers? My uncle spoke of them - the best heroes in teh realms.....so strong and fearless." He looked at his mother. "I can show them mama - i can protect them as they look inside."

The woman shook her head. "NO. You can show them the entrance, and them come straight home." She looked at Snoric, a look of determination and pleading on her face. "He can show you, but don't put him in danger...please. He's all the family i have left."

The boy, preoccupied with searching through a old pack, muttered to himself. "I'll need some water...and shield - where did i put that?"

The woman came close to the group. "I expect you've been told the same thing - ask this person just to ask another. But do not lose hope. I know all in the area, and none here know the land better than the druid. If this cragmaw is here, he will know where it is." She looks at her son again. "Please send him back home to me again."

This must be the friend Pip spoke of, it seems we will be investigating his tunnel after all. I do not like involving a child in this matter; from what we have learned of these Red Cloaks they are unlikely to take it kindly if they find out he helped us. We will have to mitigate that risk somehow.

"Oh we could not ask you to protect us Master Harper.  It is your duty to protect your mother and your farm is it not?  No, the unimportant job of exploring a tunnel should fall to your lessers.  Those of us who haven't even been looked at by the Harpers.  We will do the scout work while you protect your home."

He threw a look to the others.  "What do you think?  Send a couple of the sneakier of our group to see this tunnel?  Not sure we'd want to attract attention straight away."  He gestured to the very enthusiastic halfling child.

Allura would make sure the boy headed home she pouted slightly thinking of putting the child in danger at all. Folding her arms.

"We will send him back home." She assures his mother.

Yana shrugged and nodded.
"I can try to scout a bit."

Seeing nobody else wanting to talk he looked again to Carp.  "Well Master Harper, lets see this tunnel of yours."  He gestures to Yana.  "This is Yana, one of our best scouts.  Why don't you lead off with her and take us to your tunnel.  The rest of us will follow a bit further back so we don't spoil your scouting with our noise."

He gave Yana a nod, suggesting she move of with Carp.  Once they were out of earshot, he placed a hand on Quellian's shoulder.  When he spoke, his tone was more serious.  "You have my word I will protect your boy's life with my own.  We will ensure he returns unharmed."

Allowing the 'scout group' to get a good hundred feet ahead, Snoric then moved out.

"I can scout forward in the tunnel, see what dangers might await us before we get too invested."

Looks a bit relieved Yana won't be going ahead alone.

The course of action decided, the cleric followed the group near the tunnel, then approached the chosen scouts... two humans that could not see in the dark. She smiled to them and gave them Selune's blessing, granting them a better eye sight for a little while.

Go in the light of Selune my friends. Ophelia will accompany you and can report back if you tell her to come to me.

Give Solgran and Yana Eyes of night, 300 feet night vision for 1 hour.

With an excited boy in lead and a nervous but accepting mother behind, Carp leads you to the northern edge of the farm, which gives way to a forest. Even though reasonably thick, a clearing can be seen of a large building on an upraised hill. The building looks more like a castle than a manor house from the tree line, the trees long since cleared for the property. While still in the edge of the forest, Carp leads you around the north east area of the hill. He takes you in, pointing out a home made lean to he calls his ‘fortress’, and takes you a few hundred meters in where he stops.

“The entrance is there….just in the side of that hill covered by the trees.” Yana squints and smiles nodding, her keen eyes seeing some form of entrance. Carp jumps up and down excitedly. “I can stay here - guard you backs!”

---

<Yana, your passive investigation has seen the entrance covered by foliage.

I want people to make a perception check please and if searching for signs of passing, survival or investigation (whichever is higher)>

Snoric looks around quickly before turning his attention to the boy.  "Guarding the rear is far below your station Master Harper.  No, your job is to safely escort your mother home and protect the farm.  I promise I will return with a report when I can."

Once Carp and his mother are safely on their way, Snoric joins in the more thorough investigation of the area.

Perception: 17
Investigation: 10
This message was last edited by the player at 09:12, Sun 05 Dec 2021.

07:22, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 13 using 1d20.  Perception.

07:23, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Investigation.

Worried about the security of the little halfling, the cleric did not show enough attention to her surroundings and did not notice anything.

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1.  Amalia perception. F%#$% fumble

Yana blinked in surprise at the effect of the night vision spell, still not accustomed to it.
She nodded to the cleric with a wry smile of thanks.
"This magic stuff," she mused silently to herself, "is definitely worth a second look.   I was originally okay with Allura being the magic one in the family,  but perhaps it's time to expand my horizons"
The locksmith moved forward quietly and smoothly, fully in "the zone" for her investigation

OOC : 18:07, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Investigation

Solgran kept his eyes and ears peeled for any signs of trouble, and signs of traffic that might indication how frequently this secret passage was used (and by whom).

18:34, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Survival.

18:34, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

As a pouting Carp leaves the place, his mother leading him with a nod of thanks, the grouyp goes about searching the area. The cave was big enough that two could walk abreast, and was natural in nature, though it's covering was placed there, it was well done to make it look like it was a natural shrub.

the area had signs of humanoid footprints, both Solgran and yana confirming as recently as a few days ago, and it was traveled fairly often.

---

<OOC: If you are entering, i will need a walking order please and a perception check for in the cave. Anyone without darkvision or a source of light will be at disadvantage (though if Amalia used her cleric gift, then this can cancel that)

This message was deleted by the player at 00:40, Wed 08 Dec 2021.

"Let's join the others, it's much bigger then a wolfs den entrance."

"I'll take the rear." Snoric chipped in.  Realising that sounded cowardly, he elaborated.  "I'm best at range.  Also if this tunnel is well travelled then its possible someone could come from behind us.  I at least have some armour to protect me until our frontline people can intervene.  That way we can put our spellcasters in the middle, safe from both sides."

OOC: Being no tactician, Snoric will accept whatever position he's assigned.

Yana will go first, provided her muscular friend Solgran will be by her side

"I will go in behind Solgran and my sister should they need back up I want to be there quickly. Sis remember to keep an eye open for traps these red cloaks seem to be the type."


16:26, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 5 using 1d4+4.  Fiendish Vigor.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Wed 08 Dec 2021.

"If we're all to go in together, let us have Malice and Yanna lead the way, Allura and I will follow, then Amalia and Snoric, with Osmon behind our artificer so that he has as clear a view as we can manage. I expect any resistance we face will come from those we stumble onto, rather than anyone coming from behind. Osmon's magic has proven useful in quieting a pack of foes before, and may serve us well again if someone does come from behind. Long enough for us to change direction and confront them, at least."

Snoric quickly checked his gear as they prepared to move.  Ultio on his left hip, short sword on the right.  His shield was strapped to his back for now, instead his crossbow was nestled in his arms.  In his mind this was currently a stealth mission, a chance for the scouts to determine what was happening.  But if this turned into a fight, he was determined to be ready.

I feel we are rushing into this without taking the time to understand the situation or the consequences of our actions. Unfortunately, that is something that is happening far to regularly since I was forced to leave home. In the lab there was time to consider, variables could be carefully managed, and the scope of failure was so much smaller; the, "real world," was much less forgiving and at times it was overwhelming and could so easily lead to decision paralysis.

I stand up taller, letting my shoulders relax and pushing them back as I carefully check the pockets of my jacket to make sure I have everything I will need. With my focus ready to hand I am ready for the group to move forward. I am a Mambetov. I will adapt to and overcome whatever challenges are thrown my way and I will return to my family with fresh insights and the skills needed to help reclaim and restore our home.

With an order established the group start to make their way in, Yana and Mslice leading the way, both quiet and cautious, with the others less quiet.

It is quickly realised that the cave is less a den and more a tunnel, with yana's eyes (even in the dim light) picking up signs of passing.

Within time, the cave opens up to a cavern, separated by a chasm that holds a blue glow. The room is natural, cold and carries with it the faint scent of decaying flesh. The crevasse divides the cavern and is flanked by two rough stone columns that support the twenty-foot-high ceiling. Two arched wooden bridges span the chasm.

---

<OOC: I will need a perception check from all people please, and let me know if you intend to continue in or go back to rest/plan now you know the cave leads....somewhere>

Solgran took in the new surroundings.

12:45, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Snoric looked around in amazement from a shadowy corner.  He was determined to remain away from the scout and unseen.  Even if this cave proved to be something important, they didn't want to commit to battle if they didn't have to.  At least not yet

Snoric was so determined not to be spotted he only took furtive glances arond the room, trusting the scouts to be their eyes.

Stealth: (Dirty) 20
Perception: 5
This message was last updated by the player at 22:29, Fri 10 Dec 2021.

Though she was still a bit thrown off by her new dark vision,  Yana moved forward

OOC:
17:45, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Perception .
17:45, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Stealth

Amalia sent Ophelia ahead to scout, but the familiar caught sight of a fascinating piece of stalactite and decided to investigate it at length. The cleric, following her companions, tried to take advantage of her superior night vision to see as far as she could but ended up looking at the same stalactite as Ophelia.

Amalia Firnam rolled 7 using 1d20+5 ((2)). Perception
Amalia Firnam rolled 6 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 3,1.  Ophelia perception check (advantage)

Yananwaved for.the others to come forward

Comes forward.

Seeing Yana waving for them to come forward, Snoric tentatively comes out of his shadowy alcove.  He assumed it was safe if the scouts were calling the group together but his finger reflexively flicked from the trigger to the guard and back while his eyes flicked around.  His darkvision meant he could see comfortably and he'd spotted nothing out of the ordinary, but he was still on edge.

Having received no promptings to have in do otherwise, Solgran moved forward with the group as well. Now that they were getting into more than just a long, dark tunnel, Solgran brought his large sword to a more ready position. Not knowing what the forward scouts had seen yet, he kept his mouth shut and waited for their report once everyone had reached them.

Letting the stealthier members of the party go ahead, Amalia, with her heavy chain mail, decided to play rear guard to the line. She was confident she could take a hit if someone sneaked up on them, her trusty shield having served her well so far. And if a fight was breaking up in front, her spells had the range to be able to contribute. Finding nothing unusual about the stalactite, she continued on, trying to do as little noise as possible, while mentally praying Selune to protect them.

The group moves forward slowly, mostly quietly to come to the two forward scouts. Yana watches as Malice whispers. "The cavern has several exits and has seen travel, though it's hard to tell how recently."


The half drow looked at you all. "Do we move on or backtrack and prepare for a fight, because I'm sure the red cloaks come here at the very least"

Snoric looked surprised and increasingly interested at Malice's mention of Redcloaks.  So far he'd seen no sign of them except for the word of a child.  Where they finally on track?

The gnome spoke quietly.  "While there are some things I could do if we waited another day or two, I'm happy to move on.  I have started constructing something that might be very useful in battle.  But if nobody wants to wait, I am more than ready to move forward and exact a little revenge on these bullies.  They've terrorised this town long enough."


As if to enhance that, Snoric began checking his weapons were loose in their holsters and his shield was loose on his back should he need it.  His crossbow was loaded and held ready.  While he'd use Ultio in serious battle, for now he would stick with his quiet options.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:22, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

With everyone at the edge of the chasm, Amalia approached and looked down at the blue light. A visible chill passed through her entire body as she grasped her holy symbol tightly.

There is evil down there, I fell necromantic magical energies.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, remembering her incomplete lessons on the undead, she mostly remembered that she had a duty to destroy them whenever she could.

They need to be destroyed, Selune demands it.

Snoric shivered at the mention of necromancy.  He had read about such dark practices in his studies but too hear about them in reality was a different experience.  He looked at his weapons.  Would they stop such horrors?  He was glad Amalia seemed familiar with how to deal with such evil.

Allura perks up and moves over to Amalia, "You think we have to head down then ?"
She goes to draw her sword but there is a swirling in the air near her hand and she stops looking at her hand.

She reaches down and draws her sword.

"I'm with you."

Yana nodded
"let's prepare ourselves here, then, if you feel that's the best strategy "

"Do you see signs of undead below? Necromancy has other uses than just creating undead."

Nodding grimly, the cleric reviewed her spells while looking around. She looked at Snonic and shook her head.

That I cannot say Snoric, I only feel that necromancy is involved. We need to find a way down there and stop whatever is being done. Yana, Malice, do you see a route?

Making sure her shield was well in hand, holy symbol in her other and a spell ready to be casted, she looked for a path to the blue light.

'We found several routes, but Malice was thinking that the set up an ambush here, where they all converge"

Snoric looked from Yana to Malice.  "Are there recent tracks?  Enough to suggest they pass this was regularly?  No point setting up an ambush unless they come through here regularly.  If not, I feel we should keep moving."

"So who brought rope ?"

Looks into the chasm.

Snoric sighed, thinking of his pack, safe at the inn.  "Got fifty feet or so as well as some pitons, but I left it in my pack at the inn.  Wasn't exactly planning to go spleunking today."

He spoken again to Malice and Yana.  "I'm all for setting up an ambush here like you suggested but only if you think this area is trafficked enough for that.  Otherwise I'm for moving on or heading back to the inn to rest and gather equipment."