Trilena sits down, letting out a sigh before answering Iago's questions. Every minute or so she glances at the door to the street.
"The Redbrands? If you could rid us of them we'd be forever in your debt! I think they were originally a mercenary company but I can only say that they are terrible men, bullies, ruffians and murderers! I don't know who their leader is, as to where they live, well you can always find a good number of them hanging out at Sleeping Giant Tavern. I've also heard rumours that they live in the old Tresendar Manor but it always looks abandoned to me."
"Uh, I was wondering, if you're feeling well enough... I'm probably just overly worried but, Tolben went to speak with the Townmaster again this morning and he's been gone for so long I, I think he might be in trouble."
"Tolben eh? What did he go to see the Townsmaster about? We'll check on him directly. I'd like to see this Townsmaster for myself. What kind of man lets the good folk be maltreated by ruffians?"
" About the Redbrands, and the things they took from us. I told him not to, you know what happened to the last man to stand up to them. If Tolben was murdered, I... The Townmaster "
Arvhil will join the search for the missing innkeeper as well...he returns upstairs to retrieve his armor and flail...just in case!
"Please if everyone would accompany me it would be appreciated. We need to stay together as a team with all this talk of murder. I fear some violent challenge today... If only we could complete our rest- I still feel less than would please Amaunator...
I'll don my armour and arms before we depart. I also think we should drop into Barthen's on the way to see what Gundren is up to."
Roth nods. "I'll go as well. No sense in you going all alone!"
Returning from his room armed and armored Arvhil nods to the others.
"Let's get going. I am concerned for the welfare of the Innkeeper!"
Let me get dressed and I'll accompany you gladly. Felicia says, substantially more awake now that she's fed.
Ràghnall Stretches and cracks multiple joints.
"Might as well walk this off. I'll be right behind you."
The town square is very quiet, and the few folk you see as you head down the street to the Townmaster's Hall hurry on their way, minding their own business and giving your group a wide berth as they pass you by.
It doesn't take long to get there and you don't see Tolbin on your way there. The hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common.
REWARD
Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within.”
The notice bears the town’s seal and an indecipherable signature.
As you walk up the stone steps to the door you hear raised voices. One you recognise as Sildar, and the other you don't recognise. As the door swings open Sildar and his portly companion stop their heated discussion and turn towards you.
Sildar smiles. " Ah, good day my friends! I saw Gundren this morning and he told me of your daring rescue. So you managed to get to the Cragmaw Castle. Tell me how overrun was it? "
Next to him the portly old man with a thick grey moustache clears his throat, trying to regain Sildar's attention. Sildar gives the man a slightly withering look but adds " This is the Townmaster of Phandalin, Harbin Wester "
"My good Sildar! I'm glad to see you again and in good health it seems," the big Cleric grasps Sildars hand in an earnest handshake and claps his shoulder with a big hand. For the moment he ignores the Townsmaster
He adds in a more solemn tone, "Cragmaw was badly overrun. We fled with Gundren and our lives having rescued our poor friend. There was a Drow there... What do you know of the Drow in this area..?"
Turning to Harbin Iago says, "I am Iago of Turm, Disciple of Amaunator and these are my talented companions." Extending a hand, he introduces each in turn with a summary of their heroic exploits
"Harbin, I hear your village is beset by brigands. Please tell us of the village's woes..."
"Hmm, I'm glad you managed to rescue Gundren, and that you made it out with your lives... but I can't say I like the idea of the goblins having a stronghold so close to our town here. If you're interested I'm sure I could organise a good sum of gold for the group who cleared out that castle! " He gives Harbin a long look. " Say 500 Pieces Harbin? "
The Townmaster blusters. " 500! Sildar you'll send the town broke! "
" Better broke than overrun by goblins! " Sildar replies " As to Drow in the area, I'm sorry but I can't say I know of any. They're never a welcome sight though, chaos seems to be goal, at least in all the stories I've heard of them... "
Harbin shakes Iago's hand, his hand is soft, pudgy and slightly clammy. " You sound like quite the stalwart heroes. " he says as Iago lists some of the groups exploits. " I'm not sure what you mean by Brigands? The Redbrands? They get into a bit of mischief, so I've heard but I think we'd all be happy for the trouble if the town were ever attacked. Some of their lads are good strong men. "
Sildar cuts in, " Come on Harbin, by all reports they're committing serious crimes against the townsfolk! Robbery, abductions and murder if the rumours are true. You can't just sit by and let them take over the town! They're getting more and more brazen, and what are poor folk like Tolbin meant to do, you can't keep ignoring the complaints of the town! "
" Oh and what should I do? It's not like I have a militia or watchmen that could do anything about them, and without them the town would be completely undefended! I think the orcs camped at Wyvern's Tor are amuch bigger problem for our town! They've been troubling the miners and without the miners bringing in gold our little town wouldn't be here. "
It's clear to Iago that Harbin is frightened of the Redbrands, concerned about the retaliation any confrontation would bring and of loosing his last semblance of control over the town.
"I am willing to go and deal with these goblins in the castle, but I think of a more immediate concern are these Redbrands. You cannot have your town in fear of those who are suppose to protect it. Lets us deal with this first, so we have a town to come back to...not a brigands holt!"
"I agree completely Arvhil," Sildar says, then turns back to Harbin "You can't let them continue to terrorise the townsfolk, I've seen what these stout adventurers can do first hand Harbin. Once the Redbrands are broken we can set about training a militia to keep the town safe and we'll have the weapons confiscated from the Redbrands to arm them."
"Hruph! Your meddling will bring their wrath down on us, Mark my words!" Harbin says grumpily before turning and walking away, stepping through a door to an office and slamming it behind him.
Sildar turns back to your group. " I'm glad to hear the Redbrands will be dealt with, I'll secure a reward for your efforts in this matter as well, no good work to secure civilisation should go unrewarded."
"Members of the gang can always be found at the Sleeping Giant, but I've heard rumours that they stay in the old Tresendar Manor. I've been up there myself but I didn't see anyone living there. I did hear that a young halfling lad from Alderleaf farm nearly had a run in with them when he was playing in the woods near the manor."
" Another thing, a friend of mine, Iarno Albrek went missing while exploring the area around the manor. He's been missing for about two months. If the Redbrands do lair at or near the manor it's possible he was captured by them. I'd like to know what his fate was."
Felicia smiles widely, her teeth gleaming behind blood red lips.
They will rue their poor life decisions. I will see them cringe in horror before the judgement of the beyond. she says, cracking her knuckles.
So friends, shall we set out or do we require another day of rest to better prepare for these brigands and blackguards?
"Let us confront them at this tavern, The Sleeping Giant, and see if we can make them tell us where they lair and what plans they have for this town!"
"I still feel terrible!" says Iago and the others notice he his still limping after the extreme exertion of the previous days "Perhaps one more good rest before we find ourselves in any more trouble. What say you all?"
"I can walk this off or sleep it off. I can tell you my aim doesn't feel true today." Ràghnall adds with a wince.
"I too am still feeling the effects of our forced march. I would hate for something to happen while we wait, but perhaps we need the rest before trying to engage these bandits."
"Sildar did you see Tolbin this morning? He was supposed to be coming to meet with Harbin here but has been gone a long time..." Iago eyes the Townsmaster suspiciously
Sildar frowns,
"Yes, Tolben came by earlier this morning to report the robbery the Redbrands made in his Inn, I don't know if he had any errands to run afterwards... but it's worrying that he didn't make it back to the Inn."
"Good day Harbin" the big cleric says with a curt nod to the Townsmaster
Away from Harbin a little so as to not be overheard "Well Sildar it seems Phandalin and the nearby area have plenty of trouble to keep our band of adventurers busy. We still need to recover from our most recent ordeal so will spend the rest of the day at rest back at the Inn... after we stop in to see Barthen and Gundren... Then it seems the next priority is to seek out Tolben. Will you be staying in Phandalin?"
"Oh yes, I definitely intend to stay, it seems this town needs some proper leadership. I hope you all stick around too. The town needs you just as much as it needs me. Yes I think together we can carve out a very civilised place here, well protected. Unfortunately Harbin was elected by the townsfolk, I believe he'd be a fine Townmaster in a time of "
At Barthen's you find Elmar the proprietor restocking some shelves with his two shop hands Ander and Thistle.
"Ah, welcome! If your looking for Gundren I'm afraid he's already left."
He informs you that Gundren did come by the shop, and took a pony ladened with supplies, heading out to his brothers camp. If you ask he tells you that he doesn't know exactly where the camp is, but it's close to the town and you shouldn't worry over much, Gundren planned to come back tomorrow morning for more supplies.
After visiting Barthen's you limp back to the Inn, Trilena looks up from her seat in the empty common room, wet eyes glistening hopefully but begins sobbing again when you have to inform her that you haven't found her husband yet. She retires to her room, telling you that you're welcome to any food or drink you can find.
You all spend the next few hours resting your exhausted limbs and feel much better for it.
Inspiration :
Arvhil Y
Felicia Y
Iago Y
Ràghnall Y
Rothwillian N
Tracking :
Arvhil: 1 levels of exhaustion:
Iago: 1 levels of exhaustion:
Ràghnall:
Felicia:
Rothwillian:
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Limbs creaking but feeling much better Iago feels ready for action again after another rest. He awakes and quietly prays to Amaunator for a while.
Rousing the others and gathering them together over a pot of tea and whatever they can find to eat he asks what their next move should be.
"As you know I'm not one for sneaking around but I'd like to know more about the Redbrands and their forces." Looking to Roth and Ràghnall he asks, "Could I convince you two to surveil the Tresendar Manor on dusk? Of course I would stay nearby and offer support where I could. I believe it would also be worthwhile to seek out the 'Halfling Lad'. We could maybe go to the Alderleaf Farm afterwards. I wonder if we could find it after nightfall..?"
"We could always just go to the Sleeping Giant and see for ourselves what these brigands are like. If not, then I like your plan Iago...I am not one for sneaking and such either."
"You can leave the sneaking to me and Roth. I'm in for some surveillance."
Roth nods along with Raghnall. "Truth. We can see what's what and report back."
Ràghnall and Rothwillian head off to scout out tresendar manor, by the looks of things the place is completely deserted. The building itself is very run down, with the ceiling collapsed in places and holes in some of the walls, what little furniture and decorations remain are broken and weathered.
Ràghnall does find a booted footprint leading up to the door and a few in the thin layer of dust inside.
Roth finds a torn piece of red material. (The Redbrands you've seen walking about town always wear something red, a sash, a scarf or just a piece of material tied about the arm.)
Ràghnall inspects the footprint carefully.
He follows the tracks and signals Roth, pointing.
"These continue down the stairs."
Felicia opts to seek out the Sleeping Giant for a drink and a chance to pick up any chatter about the Redbrands.
It's tricky for Ràghnall to gauge the age of the prints inside in the dust, but outside in the mud the prints are dry, perhaps a couple of days old. He can also tell their are at least three different people that left these tracks, from the sizes and styles of the boots.
"I have some small powers of divination and my obvious ability to heal, should you get in trouble. Although I will stay well back so as not to interfere with your stealth you can call me up with a prearranged signal and I will lend what assistance I may. Be careful my friends.."
Arvhil follows Felicia as she heads for the tavern.
"I do not think you should go alone..just in cast they attempt anything!"
The company is certainly appreciated Arvhil. Felicia says with a gentle smile.
Not happy being idle Felicia and Arvhil head for the ramshackle taproom known as the Sleeping Giant as the sun is setting. As the two half elves approach two thugs under the covered porch notice you and stand up from the empty ale barrels they were sitting on. One has a scarlet sash around his waist and the other a red armband...
" Oho, these must be some of the people that Inn keeper was bleating about! Ha ha ha " Sash calls laughing with Armband as he points Arvhil and Felicia out. " Finally worked up the guts to come see us huh? " Armband says spitting on the floor.
They each have studded leather armour and a small sword at their waists.
Iago takes time to carefully hide himself in the foliage before settling in to watch his comrades backs
Arvhil looks with disdain at the ruffians. His hand goes to his weapon as he watches to see their reaction.
Iago manages to hide himself deep in the foliage of the overgrown gardens in front of the manor. He keeps a look out for any people approaching the house but doesn't notice anything untoward...
As Arvhil reaches for his weapon, the thugs match his movements, drawing their swords and vaulting over the rail of the porch somewhat clumsily... A couple of nearby townsfolk hurry away!
"Lets go then, come on! " Sash yells.
Ràghnall checks if the door is locked and he readies his bow with a fresh arrow.
Felicia smiles and flicks her fingers toward the closest Redbrand thug. A haze of purple slowly encompasses him, and he's weakened for Strength checks. Next, a quick thrust forward with her crystal and her eldritch energies streak towards him.
You do not know the fury you have brought upon you. My patron will see your soul kept from the elation of the Heavens, thug. her mental voice torments him.
Ràghnall finds the door unlocked, he can hear the soft trickle of water from beyond it but nothing else...
Swinging the door open slowly, with an arrow notched on his bow Ràghnall finds that the door opens onto a five-foot-wide landing fifteen feet above a large cellar, with stone steps descending to the floor in two short flights. Another door stands beneath the stairs to the north. A large stone cistern occupies the western part of the room, whose walls are lined with kegs and barrels. The sound of trickling water comes from a fountain in the cistern. He can just make out a door to the west in the darkness next to the cistern.
Saying a quick prayer to Tyr and spins his flail as he approaches the thug. He calls down the power of Tyr as he swings at the thug with all his might.
Attack:
Damage:
Smite:
Felicia flicks her fingers at Sash and a haze of purple energy settles around him, he looks this way and that as she speaks directly into his mind and then is hit with Eldritch energy knocking him back a step and blackening his leather breastplate!
Arvhil charges in at the Redbrands swinging with all his might and calling on Tyr's power. With a blinding flash of light his flail smashes into the man's head, blood spurts from his ears, nose and mouth as his eyes roll back into his head. His body collapses to the dirt street...
Armband wastes a second staring at the two of you with his mouth agape before he spins on his heels and runs full pelt down the street towards the hill with the Manor House...
Attack:
Damage:
Arvhil's flail catches Armbands leg with a crunch as he moves to run away. The ruffian hobbles down the street favouring his injured leg.
Armband: 10 Dmg
Arvhil Y
Felicia Y
Iago Y
Ràghnall Y
Rothwillian N
Arvhil: 1 levels of exhaustion:
Disadvantage on ability checks (skills)
Iago: 1 levels of exhaustion:
Disadvantage on ability checks (skills)
Ràghnall:
Felicia:
Rothwillian:
Felicia turns and points at Armband. The haze of Hex settles on him as well, just as a blast of energy flies toward his back.
Look for monsters in the cold Dark. They will eat your very being and laugh, criminal. she thinks at him even as sending a lethal bolt at him.
Roth moves cautiously into the room, his rapier out and hanging loose in his hand. He peers around, listening for any sounds.
Ràghnall quietly follows Roth, looking around and listening closely.