Duncan gathers up the items from the monster's lair and heads back up to the others.
"Well I think that's it! Lets leave this place and see how are freed captives are doing. The sheriff should have been informed by now. Come on, lets go."
Duncan begins to retrace their steps out of the dungeon and back into the light.
Happy at having found their stash, Lyle heads out with the group to return to Phandalin.
Duncan will head back to the tavern that he first encountered the red brands
"Well I do not think you will be troubled by those ruffians again. Cleared them out of the old ruin, including their leader and a bunch of bugbears! Lets hope that is the only evil influence here about. Now how about a drink for me and my friends!"
Wearly, Morgran returns to the inn to sleep what little of the night may still remain. Spending the next two days at the forge completing his ax and Duncan's throwing stars
Andrei returns to town after securing the prisioners - those that were captured, and is weary but happy. He visits the town mayor.
That group that was in the old mansion, the group called the Redcloaks, were led by a Man called GlassStaff but they were also involved in Slavery... they had imprisoned a family which we have just set free. I use the past tense because the band has been put to justice - not many survived but I have the remaining band of prisoners outside.
The Town's Mayor Harbin Wester blanches a bit as Andrei tells him about the success. Well, that's good then! I'll have the Sheriff take custody of the Ruffians. I think Halia over at the Miner's Exchange was interested in this "Glasstaff" fella. Might wanna talk to her. he turns and says to the Sheriff Sildar Hallwinter Was there a bounty or reward for the Ruffians? the Sheriff nods in the affirmative and goes to the back. He returns with a bag of coins
The Tavern owner only shrugs Guess that means my business will dry up again then..
"You mean that those thugs actually PAID for drinks? That is surprising. Listen, without them hanging around and scaring off your patrons you should see some more people coming around. Maybe just fix the place up a bit, and purchase a little better ale and beer and you should soon have plenty of customers! No need for this doom and gloom...think positive!"
Duncan looks around the place to see if there might be any other suggestions which might help the owner bring in more customers.
"We're getting a bit of a reputation in town," says Lyle in a conciliatory tone to the tavern owner. "We'll make sure to endorse your place. The mercenaries were driving away your other customers! Of course you weren't getting anyone else. When Duncan here wandered over they tried to kill him."
I think Halia over at the Miner's Exchange was interested in this "Glasstaff" fella. Might wanna talk to her.
We will see her on the morrow - for now I have done my duty in reporting to you. I think a nights rest will be welcome.
Having rested Morgan meets with Mistress Halia briefly before returning to the forge. "Mistress, the mage Glasstaff and the Brigands he led will trouble your guild no more, those that survived now languish in the sheriff's jail cell,....the other are feeding the rats in the cellar of the old mansion. If you'll pardon me I have work to do, before we leave on our next trip." Morgran though gruff, will still wait for his dismissal before returning to his work in the forge.
Halia is almost too happy that Glasstaff has been dealt with
So, you took out the rubbish. Good for you. The Miner's Exchange thanks you and as a reward gives you these.
The barkeep seems like a man always looking at the empty half of the glass. If you say so... he responds and continues to wipe the bar. You get the feeling that the bar wasn't in great shape before the Redbrands made it their hangout.
Delighted by he receipt of the scrolls of identify, Lyle ignores the plight of the bartender, knowing that one less dive bar in the world isn't necessarily a loss.
When he has a moment, Lyle reads one of the scrolls so as to identify the staff.
The Staff is a Staff of Defense
Done with the staff, Lyle moves onto the slippers.
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
While you wear these light shoes, you can move up,
down , and across vertical surfaces and upside down
along ceilings, while leaving your hands free. You have
a climbing speed equal to your walking speed. However the
slippers don't allow you to move this way on a
slippery surface, such as one covered by ice or oil.
Shaking his head at the defeatist attitude of the barman, Duncan leaves with Lyle and returns to the Inn, where he has dinner with his friends.
"How was everyone's day? How goes the forging Morgran? Is the design for the throwing stars I gave you working out? What did you find out from the mayor Andrei? Anything new? So what is our next step?"
We have done well friends. A town saved from unsavory oppressors, a duty done right well and a monster slain. And we have recovered a journal regarding the mines - what does it say Morgran? Do we give it yet to the dwarven brothers Rockseekers?
... AND we have a box. How do we open it?
Duncan will take a look and see.
Lyle shrugs helplessly as he looks over the box.
"No idea how to deal with this myself - perhaps there is someone in town we could hire to open it safely? My typical way of breaking into delicate boxes is to throw them against walls repeatedly."
After spending the day in the forge, Morgran meets back up with the others. After dinner he is reading through the journal, deep in thought and doesn't hear Andrei's question at first. However once it has wormed it's way in to his consciousness, he leans his chair forward from where he had it leaned back against the wall.
"From what I can tell the journal is about the mine the town is using, however it might be a long abandoned part of the mine as it keeps mentioning something called the Forge of Spells and a weapon. I think it is a mace but I'm not completely sure , they've also taken to calling it Lightbringer. Perhaps it once belonged to a cleric and is considered divinely touched, I'm not totally sure, the dialect is just a tad off from the runes I was taught. Although if there is a hidden "Forge of Spells" within the mine it would explain why Glasstaff was experimenting with invisibility potions. That would allow him to search the mine undetected by the miners as he came and went. AND why Guild Mistress Halia would want him out of the guild mining business so much.
Duncan I'll have your.....Stars of night, tomorrow. They will be darkened so as not to reflect light when you use them in ambush, the acid wash takes but a moment to complete, dulls the shine without destroying the integrity of the edges. You design has worked out well. "
All of what I wrote is based on the blurb I wrote after Niles said what was in the jounal. I believe he has edited his post as I couldn't find it again. Niles please correct as necessary.
Morgran nods readiness as he stands shield ready and handaxe held in hand, testing the balance. Offhandedly he mentions ... "The journal is about the mine and noticed something called a forge of spells and Lightbringer. Will tell you more once I've actually read though it."
Hope my memory is correct with what I added.
Pulling out his thieves tools, Duncan take a look at the box before he starts poking at the lock.
Open lock:
Perception:
Morgran is on the right track. The book details the magical nature of the Wave Echo mine that the Rockseekers keep going on about.
Duncan opens the box and inside is the most beautiful sword he has ever seen. It is delicately decorated with eagles claws and the image of an eagle adorns the pommel.
No idea of where this blade came from but its a work of art!, Andrei breathes reverently.
Duncan turns the blade over and gives it a few test swings.
"I have no idea where it comes from either, but it looks pretty fancy!"
Likewise Morgran has no knowledge of the swords history but can admire the workmanship of another bladesmith, a low whistle though being his only sounds as he inspects the work of art.
Morgran nods in agreement with Andrei's earlier proposal, "We should give the journal to Gundrun, it will help him with his brother. As it lends credence to his claims."
The following morning Morgran will take the journal by the shop before going to the forge. "Gundrun, you will want to study this, I think it will help with your claims. I need to finish things up in the forge today and then I'll be ready to go." Spending the remainder of the day in the forge finishing Duncan's shuriken.
"Before you leave Morgran, we should decide what to do with these items we have found. The money is no problem, but what about this staff, slippers and the sword?"
Lyle lets out a long, low whistle as he examines the sword. He frowns as he examines it.
"A sword like this must have a story, but not one I know. I wonder if there's a resident historian in town?" says Lyle thoughtfully as he looks over the weapon.
Lyle will check around in the town to see if he can find somebody who may know the history of the sword.
Andrei grabs the weapon and it veritably hums with power. He's never felt anything like this before...
Gundrun thanks the party for the book and exclaims I knew it! I knew it was there! All we need to do is claim it!
Duncan slips the soft shoes on and walks around in them.
"Hmm..feel comfortable...but what are they suppose to do again Lyle?"
Truly an awesome blade.
Andrei finds a man that knows the blade the man also claims the blade is enchanted and will slay any orc it touches.
Truly a great weapon of war. I will carry it with honour.
Lyle beams delightedly as Andrei relays the tale of Talon.
"A weapon of legend, wielded against the goblinoids. We are indeed fortunate."
In response to Duncan's question, Lyle responds in kind.
"These slippers grant you the powers of the spider - go ahead, place your hand on a wall. You should be able to cling to it, and climb up the wall as if you were an insect. Or a squirrel if you'd prefer a less gruesome image."
Lyle will use the last scroll on Talon to determine its properties. Once that is done -
"I believe we've done our good deed for the day. Shall we rest and then prepare to make for the lost mine?"
Talon is a +1 Longsword
Duncan approaches the wall and attempts to "walk'" up it. Surprised that it actually works, he takes a stroll across the wall and then ceiling of the Inn.
"These are wonderful! I can not believe I can actually walk on the roof!!"
Once he has returned to the floor with the others, he nods his agreement with Lyle.
"Yes, lets go to this lost mine soon! I am sure Gundren will be looking for adventuring types to help him and his brothers!"
Morgran laughes as the monk plays with his new slippers on the ceiling of the inn. "Ready when you guys are"
Lets go see Gundren then.
The party heads towards's Barthen's which is where Gundren has been staying. On the way they are stopped by a fit looking silver haired half-elf
Howdy strangers. I'm Daran Edermath, I've got an apple orchard near here. I've heard tell of the way you handled those Redbrands. Good on ya, they've been needing to go for a while now. I've got a favor for ya. There's been some bad news happening near a place called the Old Owl Well, several of my customers, prospectors and the like, report some undead! It's just a matter of time before something bad happens. Do ya think you ken look into it for me?
"Never had much use for the dead walking, always brings trouble. What'dya say Andrei, detour and lay them back to rest." Morgran ask fingering his new axe.....