"I agree with you Iago. I am sorry that you thought I was speaking about you Roth..it is the evil of the goblins and bandits that I wish to remove from this place. Let us go and replenish our supplies, then head off to this Cragmaw Csstle"
With about an hours work you add the stolen goods in Klarg's cave to Gundren's supplies in the wagon. Sildar even recognises the trade mark on most of the goods as belonging to the Lionsshield Coster, a merchant company that actually has an outpost in Phandalin.
You travel on for the remainder of the day turning south as the sun is approaching the horizon. About an hour after the sun has set 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 a few townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many of them look up as you approach, looking a little shocked by your goblin prisoners but all return to their business as you go by.
Sildar takes custody of the unnamed surly goblin.
" I'll take this one to the Townmaster's hall to be locked up, if that's ok with you? Then I'll secure us lodgings at the Stonehill Inn. That's Barthen's Provisions on the left there. Meet me at the Inn when you've finished delivering the goods and I should be able to pay you that reward. "
A lamp burns over the door to Barthen's Provisions and when you knock on the door a lean and balding human male shopkeeper of around fifty years answers it.
" Good evening, can I help you? I'm afraid I was just shutting up the shop for the night. "
And we apologize for dropping in so close to you closing. We have a shipment for you, from Gundren Rockseeker. We were a little waylaid by Grak here, and his companions. Felicia says with a chipper tone and a nod to the goblin.
"Indeed, we're all road sore and destined for a beer and a hot meal at the Inn. Shall we finish this business tonight or come back in the morning?" The big cleric is thinking of creature comforts now, a big meal and bed
" Ah yes, Gundren's supplies... " he says, starting a little at the sight of the bound goblin. " No, no, we can take care of it tonight, I'll just find Ander and Thistle... You know, I'm a little worried about Gundren, especially as you've run into goblins on the road. I was expecting him to arrive yesterday, or even the day before... " Barthen says as his two young shop clerks hurry out the front to the wagon.
The two clerks start unloading the wagon, coming back into the shop with some of the supplies. " Er, some of that stuff has the Lionshield trademark on it? Is that Gundren's stuff too? Or do you need to take it over to the Lionshield Coster? "
Yes, he was beset and drug off by some goblins. We've got some ideas about where he is. Once we re-provision and rest, we're setting out for him. We will find him. Felicia says firmly. At a mention of the Lionshield, she speaks up again. Yes, it would be good to take it over to the Lionshield. We recovered it from the greenskins. With a glare at Grak, Felicia speaks into his mind.
Grak, apologize to this man for delaying his shipment. Even if it wasn't all you, apologize for your clan. Humans, and other good people, like being apologized to.
"Yes we intend to track Gundren and his captors and woe shall befall any who have mistreated him." says Iago in earnest
Iago realises how strong Felicia's personality is. She makes quite a good spokesperson for the group. Having spent so much time travelling alone, the cleric realises it is nice not to have to be his own front man all the time. He looks on the half-elf woman with renewed respect and appreciation
Grak grovels and squirms a bit on the end of his rope but doesn't really say anything.
" Oh no! Waylaid and carried off by goblins. Gundren was a good man, and a good customer, if there's anything I can do to help, any piece of equipment you need? Well come back in the morning and I'll do what I can to help. "
By the time your finished at Barthen's Provisions and get over to the Lionshield Coster you find it's closed. Back at the Stonehill Inn, a large newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers, you meet Sildar in the common room looking a little better after a wash and some new cloths. Farmers, minors and other locals sit about, drinking and gossiping after a hard days labour they eye you all with curiosity as you enter, especially Grak. Sildar waves you over to his table.
" Well, I've rented rooms for everyone for the night and as promised I've been able to secure a line of credit and I have your reward for saving me form that goblin den... " he says putting a heavy looking pouch down on the table.
"If somebody buys me a cold mug of ale, I'll take the first watch over our friend here." Ràghnall volunteers with a bit of a smile.
So long as he's alive when I take the second watch, Ràghnall, consider the ale yours Felicia says with a smile as she flags down a serving person. Now then, as to the provisioner. Is there any equipment you believe we should have for our upcoming - ahem - excitement? she says as she leans in conspiratorially.
Ràghnall whispers to Felicia, "Suggest that studded leather would be nice."
"I'll take the third watch which should bring us to dawn. The only thing I'd exchange from my gear is my armor. One day I'd love to have a suit of platemail but these are worth a King's ransom!"
"I will stand watch with you friend Iago, if you do not mind. I am use to rising early for my morning devotions."
Iago responds to Arvhil, "No I don't mind my friend. To have someone of faith to talk to for the watch will be good. We shall watch the rising sun and witness the virtue of the new day. I feel that we have exciting times ahead of us."
As an aside Iago adds, "Although I don't intend to treat the goblin unnecessarily harshly, I advise to keep his hands tied to a hard point in our lodgings in the Inn. They have a reputation for escape and stealth I believe. However I have confidence that Ràghnall will be an excellent officer of the watch..."
Roth yawns. "I'll watch wherever you stick me, eh. But food and a warm bed? That's magic!"
A few townsfolk in the common room come over to introduce themselves. Including the Inns proprietor Toblen Stonehill, a friendly looking young man (Human) and his young son Pip.
Also Lanar, a grisled old Minor comes over to your table, and commenting that you look like the sort that can handle it, mentions that there's been Orc raiders out to the east along the triboar trail and the Townmaster is offering a reward to anyone that could run them off.
You overhear two women discussing "The Redbrands", who they say have been terrorising businesses and townsfolk alike. One of the women, who turns out to be Toblen's wife, Trilena, speaks about a man, a local woodcarver, who stood up to the "Redbrands", now he and his wife and kids haven't been seen in almost a Tenday...
The nights rest goes smoothly, the Stonehill Inns rooms are comfortable enough and Grak doesn't give you any trouble, though he does glare at Ràghnall all through the ranger's watch and only falls asleep out of exhaustion some time in the early morning just after Iago and Arvhil begin their watch.
Everyone awakes to the early dawn light streaming in through the window and the sounds of activity coming from the kitchen below.
Iago watches the sun crest the horizon, prays to Amaunator and focuses his mind. He meditates for awhile before bringing himself, Arvhil and Grak downstairs for breakfast. After they break the fast he meets all with good humour and gusto
"What is the name of this woodcarver my good ladies? Who are these 'Redbrands'? Bandits? Or worse? Ten days you say? Has no-one from the village searched for them..? If these Redbrands are bullies should we not teach them a lesson? Arvhil? Roth? Ràghnall? Felicia?"
"Lanar my good man. What's That? Orc Raiders? Who is the Townmaster, we must speak with him..." and casts a sidelong glance at Ràghnall. "Could this have something to do with King Grol..?"
"Well met Mr Stonehill. You have a fine looking son, I'm sure he'll make you proud..."
Iago will carefully listen and feed the information back to the other party members. He will ensure Grak eats and will pay a little extra to the Innkeep for their lodgings
He'll then return to the task at hand with his team
One of the women introduces herself as Trilena, Tolben's wife, and replies,
" Thel Dendrar is his name. The Redbrands, well, they're thugs. They've overrun the whole town and no one will stand up to them, not even the Townmaster. Well it's easy to see why, look what happened to Thel... "
" The Townmaster can be found at the town hall down the road. His name's Harbin. "
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The next morning after an early breakfast the group heads across the town square to the Lionshield Coster where you're greeted by Linene Graywind. She is very happy to see her missing goods returned.
" Ah, excellent, excellent. Taught some bandits the error of their ways... excellent. " She says. Linene opens a strong box and counts out some gold. " Here, you must take this reward. " handing a bag of 50gp to Iago. [B]" If you need to replace any armour, or weapons we have some in stock here.
Linene will also purchase the Jade Statuette, if you're willing to part with it for another 40gp.
"Thank you Linene I'm glad we have helped you. I'm not in need of any equipment at this stage but I believe my companions might be... tell me... do you know anything of these 'Redbrands'?"
As an aside to the party Iago asks, "Who would be in favour of delaying our rescue of Gundren to speak with the Townsmaster regarding the Redbrands and this Thel Dendrar? I'm loathe to delay our quest but surely if these thugs are making people disappear we owe it to them... it may be within our power to help them. Please, tell me which path you prefer."
I'm set for equipment, however, if you have some studded leather, I think one of our troupe would be very happy to speak with you! Felicia says with a smile.
Iago, I'm sure this Redbrand threat is grave. Personally, we face two great theats: one to a specific known individual and one to countless unnamed individuals. Each could use our help. That said, there is no harm in speaking with the Townsmaster regarding the Redbrands and then setting off to rescue Gundren and taking the Redbrands as we are able. Consider that if they are so well organized as to cause the family of a, let's call him a dissenter, to disappear over night, our help may not be strong enough yet. Perhaps some more experience with the world, and practice working with one another, would behoove us? Felicia says quietly.
Arvhil looks torn when the story of the Redbrands is told. When Felicia speaks her mind, Arvhil cannot help but agree.
"As much as I want to help this town and deal with these thugs, we still have poor Gundren to rescue, and perhaps a little more 'seasoning' for our group will allow us to assist the townsfolk better."
"I'll take a suit of studded leather if you have it." Ràghnall chimes in to Linene, while counting out coins.
He nods to both Felicia and Arvhil.
"As far as our next moves, I agree with Felicia and Arvhil. We should help here when we can, but right now we're not going to do much good. The situation sounds like we could get in over our heads quickly."
"Thank you Linene I'm glad we have helped you. I'm not in need of any equipment at this stage but I believe my companions might be... tell me... do you know anything of these 'Redbrands'?"
Linene moves to the door and looks out, up and down the street before closing the door and answering Iago. " The Redbrands? I think they started out as a mercenary company but now they've set themselves up in our town and are running around like a gang of brigands. They come past every week demanding protection money and I've heard they cause trouble for those that can't pay. Other than that they're generally obnoxious and rude and they've basically taken over the Sleeping Giant tap house. "
" There's not much anyone can do about it. We don't have much of a militia and the Townmaster seems reluctant to do anything about it... I guess he's worried about retribution. "
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"I'll take a suit of studded leather if you have it." Ràghnall chimes in to Linene, while counting out coins.
" Yes of course, I think I have a set that would do for you nicely, the leather is dark brown and the studs have been burnished so they won't shine in the light. "
She fetches a set from a back room and takes Ràghnall's coin.
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After making some preparations the party sets out on this slightly chilly spring day. Grak informs Felicia that the trek to Cragmaw Castle will take the whole day, and possibly longer.
Grak leads the party out into the wilderness almost directly north. A little after highsun the party crosses the Triboar trail running west to east, after a break for lunch the party marches on with Grak beginning to complain. As the sun dips towards the horizon the party makes the tree line of Neverwinter Wood. Grak tells you that the castle is about two hours walk into the forest (you guess about 5 miles) either way you guess it will be dark when you arrive.
"That is terrible that strangers can come in and take over the town. Mercenaries you say Linene?" Iago stores this information away thinking that something should soon be done about these thugs. So far the cleric has seen nothing that would indicate the townsfolk deserve this treatment
"That's very generous of you my good Barthen. Could I take that small bell and a ball of string or thread? I'll use it to set a tripwire when we're camping in the wild, to warn us if anything comes past..."
As for the Neverwinter Wood... "I would reckon as greenskins aren't so good in the sunlight (and much better than me in the dark), he indicates Grak, "that we camp and wait for sunrise before we march. What say you my brave companions?" Iago is in a fine mood, excited by the promise of more adventure on the morn. His eyes twinkle with mirth in the dusk
"They've take over a BAR?!?" Roth pulls himself up to his full height and looks indignant. "THOSE MONSTERS!"
"Truly we must right the unjust occupation of a bar." Ràghnall jokes.
I agree, let us rest out here for the evening. It will give me a chance to track the stars and read their portents for the morning. Felicia says as Iago goes about setting up his bell alarm.
You have done well Grak. I will not kill you tonight. I'm not sure how the others feel, but I, for one, am glad I didn't need to sear the flesh from your tiny body. I don't believe you are all as evil as they say. Some may do wicked things if they are not taught a way other than wickedness. Sleep well tonight, for tomorrow you may be the new boss of the entire Cragmaw clan. Especially if you help us eliminate this king. She sends into his mind before getting ready to retire for the night.
I will take one of the watches, if you would like friends.
"I agree, a daylight attack would be much to our advantage, but this close to the castle, we will need to be very careful tonight that one of their patrols does not find us!"
The night passes without incident. Grak, chained up sits apart from the rest of the group as far as he can, muttering to himself in goblin. Clouds begin to gather over head and in the early hours of the morning rain begins sprinkling down, though under the trees you aren't to disturbed.
After everyone is prepared for the day Grak begins grudgingly leading you through the forest.
Eventually Grak slows to a stop as he comes across another small trail. " Cragmaw Castle just up ahead in clearing. " he says pointing right along the trail.
You can just make out the form of a crumbling castle through the trees, it seems to consist of seven towers all of various different heights though the upper stories have clearly collapsed in on themselves...
"Excuse me Felicia but I'm wondering if you might ask Grak two things. One; if there is a hidden entrance to the keep that we may slip in unseen, and two; are there any traps at the entrances or hidden guards posted? I'm sure they have decent defences here and it'd be nice to gain an upper hand through the greenskins' knowledge..."
Ràghnall notices Gray keeps looking down the path strangely and questions him in Goblin.
"What's out there? What do you keep looking at?"
Roth follows along, keeping his bow in hand just in case something large decides to leap from the woods and devour them.
Arvhil stays to the ront of the group, sword and shield out and ready.
Felicia nods at Iago's questions.
Ràghnall, if you could please ask Grak Iago's questions? Communicating in Goblin might allow more accurate answers to the subject? She says calmly, looking at Grak.
[Spoiler= Gm rolls ] [spoiler=
Grak spins about jumping slightly as Ràghnall questions him.
" uh, Its very dangerous in the woods... Wolves and uh even Owlbears. "
Grak replies to Iago in goblin, looking to Ràghnall to translate.
" There's two ways in, The main front doors and a hidden back entrance on the north side. There are normally lookouts guarding the front entrance from behind arrow slits in the wall, but chances are they aren't watching properly. The north entrance is normally unguarded, because it's hidden... Oh and there is a small door on the southern side. We never use it though because no one has ever been able to unlock it. "
" The northern entrance is closest to King Grol's chambers... "
Ràghnall asks Grak Iago's questions and translates in return.
As an aside to the party, whispering,
"Let's be careful. The way this wretch is looking around, I'm pretty sure he's expecting friends of his."
When Grak finishes answering, Ràghnall pulls a rag from his backpack and uses it to gag the goblin.
"I'll take this off when we need him to speak, but I don't want him calling out to any patrols and giving away our position."
“Well my friends I suggest a popular vote as to which entrance we should take. I believe that to kill the snake it’s best to chop of its head. For this reason I will vote to keep in the forest, skirt the keep to the north side and go through the secret entrance, closest to King Grol. We must be quick though as a patrol might discover us and then we’ll have lost the advantage of surprise. What say you my comrades..? The big cleric checks the straps on his shield and hefts his mace in anticipation
"The forest is fine by me, Iago."
Ràghnall points at his eyes and then to Grak.
"I agree. Let's keep to the forest and arrive at this secret door."
You skirt around the clearing under the cover of the trees, doing your best to stay quiet. Grak points out the secret entrance and you can make out a slightly worn path leading to a dusty sheet of rough canvas in amongst the rubble of the partially collapsed castle wall that must be the entrance Grak mentioned. Grak makes some muffled noises through his gag and waves his rope pointing at a tree. Perhaps hoping you'll tie him here instead of dragging him int the castle.
There isn't much in the way of cover between the tree line and the canvas sheet but the distance isn't far and it seems it would be easy enough to dash across the clearling and though the canvas sheet without being seen.
"I think it would be good if someone small and quiet went to check for danger before we all run across..." Iago's opinion trails off and a slight smirk forms on his face. He avoids eye contact with Rothwillian
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Ràghnall quietly whistles feigning ignorance to what Iago could mean.
Rothwillian ducks across the open ground and carefully lifts a comer of the canvas to look inside, finding the room beyond devoid of any guards as Grak promised.
The walls of this tower have almost completely collapsed, although the ground floor still has a little open space. Sunlight seeps through cracks in the walls and the roof dimly lighting rotting crates and ancient barrels. A heavy curtain blocks a crumbling area to the south, and an intact door leads east.
After Roth reports his findings everyone slips inside moving as stealthfully as possible.
Roth slips to the door and checks it for traps.
"Well done my brave halfling friend," Iago says to Roth
To the assembled companions he whispers, "I sense that grave danger is nearby, Grak has forewarned us. It's best that we're of one mind and spirit in the coming rescue. Are you ready?" The Turami motions towards the curtain and the door, "Which direction do you choose?"
Arvhil moves up and follows Roth and Iago, keeping behind the halfling as he checks the way ahead.
Roth slips up to the door and carefully inspects it for any sign of traps but finds nothing. He can hear the murmur of voices speaking goblin, not directly beyond the door but somewhere beyond.
Roth turns away from the door. "Goblin voices beyond. Who wants to say hi to the nice goblins?"