[D&D] The Lost Mines of Phandelver

[Scepticalscribe]

In the deep, inner recesses of my mind, I am shaking my head at the sheer lack of - any degree of apparent civilisation let alone signs of advanced cultural development - in this place. This could not be classed as a salubrious spot.

It is clear that we are far from the Elven Halls of Learning, or, indeed, the Much Vaunted Rooms of Quiet Counsel, Copious Consumption - um, of Books, and Parchment Scrolls - my Grandsire had said, coughing, in answer to a query of mine - while - on recollection, it appeared that he had been nursing a large goblet of Exceedingly Aged Elven Amber Wine.

Murmur in reply to Claus: Yes, I shall join you, and let us together approach the gentleman seated at the table.

 

[Plutonius]

Quietly reply to Syllin: I apologize for us having to come here. Let's get the information we need then get out of here.

@ravenvii, Syllin and I approach the single person drinking and quietly introduce ourselves.

 

[ravenvii]

In the deep, inner recesses of my mind, I am shaking my head at the sheer lack of - any degree of apparent civilisation let alone signs of advanced cultural development - in this place. This could not be classed as a salubrious spot.

It is clear that we are far from the Elven Halls of Learning, or, indeed, the Much Vaunted Rooms of Quiet Counsel, Copious Consumption - um, of Books, and Parchment Scrolls - my Grandsire had said, coughing, in answer to a query of mine - while - on recollection, it appeared that he had been nursing a large goblet of Exceedingly Aged Elven Amber Wine.

Murmur in reply to Claus: Yes, I shall join you, and let us together approach the gentleman seated at the table.

As you and Claus approach the lone man, the group at the other table stands up. One of them spits on the ground.

"Well, well," the thug snarls. "Here's a whole pack of little puppies. What do you want, puppies? Come here to bark at us?"

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A warm welcome of the disquieting sort, I murmur to myself, warmer by far than the Exceedingly Aged Elven 40 Year Old Whisky distilled by the Mages of Melamine that is better known by its colloquial name 'Mindaltering Moonstruck Mood' that my Grandsire was so partial to.

 

[Plutonius]

As you and Claus approach the lone man, the group at the other table stands up. One of them spits on the ground.

"Well, well," the thug snarls. "Here's a whole pack of little puppies. What do you want, puppies? Come here to bark at us?"

Ignore them and approach the lone man.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ignore them and approach the lone man.

Then, that is what we shall proceed to do.

(And thank you for recognising that this Elf may have spent a little too much time sequestered in the Halls of Learning to feel entirely comfortable in complete dives, which is what this place clearly is).

 

[ravenvii]

Then, that is what we shall proceed to do.

The man wavered on his seat as he looks up at you. "Go away," he slurred.

The thugs -- you count three in total -- start to swagger towards you. "Ignoring us?" one of the thugs spat. "You newcomers? Give us your money and we'll let you leave alive, yeah?"

 

[Huntn]

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!! Upon seeing this strange group of travelers, the unknown dwarf immediately slides off the side of his stool, takes two steps forward and falls on his face, jumps up exclaiming, "I'm all right, I'm allll right!". He staggers over to the group and begs, "Can I come? Can I come, Pleeassseeee! Then belches noxious fumes all over them before passing out.

Draft No.2
Banging on the table,
To self-> Damnation this bartender is slow and not too friendly, especially since I'm a cleric, sorely in need of ale. But what is this putrid concoction I'm being served? It's not ale! More like low grade fermented horse piss, as compared to high grade stuff which can be quite lovely. Hopefully I won't end up on my hands and knees in the alley retching like a dog. Though, I should bring a skin of this along with me, to clean my axes.

I've spoken to Daran Edermath about Redbrands in this town, and although I can hold my own, there seems to be more than I alone can handle. These bastards travel in packs. I'm brave, but no fool, and wondering what I can accomplish here without having the life snuffed out of me? Then there is that matter of locating my Uncle who's on some expedition, but first things first.

Experiencing a slight gag reflex as I swallow the last drops of this alcoholic putrescence, the entrance of an unusual group of travelers does not go unnoticed by myself nor most of the drunken idiots who populate this establishment, when the apparent loud mouthed human of the group makes a public announcement about being taken advantage of, har. Interesting two humans, an elf, a small, but dangerous looking halfling, and one who looks not only dwarf, but cleric too, by Marthammor Duin's hammer! Although his beard is not nearly as grand as mine...

Out of the corner of my eye, I observe the esteemed looking human of the group and the calmly elf, (with a very pleasing walk when observed from behind), approach the table with a lone patron, when an undertone of agitation starts humming among the crowd as a group of ruffians stand to challenge them, calling them 'barking puppies'.

Lol, I prayed for guidance and providence intervenes, as I reach down to pick up my shield, leaning against the bar, and unhook Torak Vaari, from my belt, rising as unobtrusively as a chain mail laden cleric can move. But with all attention focused on this brewing eruption, I can move seemingly unnoticed.

To DM: Do you need to know prepared spells, or can I wing it for this fight?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

While I mull over whether a chilling cantrip might be required to calm liquid tempers, concentrate moronic minds, and freeze already awkward limbs.......with a sharp cold blast of something along the lines of Ray of Frost.......but, for now, know that this is but a thought....a tempting one, nevertheless...

 

[Moyank24]

I say very loudly to Portia (@Moyank24) so everyone in the bar hears: Be careful if you decide to gamble here. I have never seen you win at gambling and I have no desire to see others take advantage of you and take all the money you earned from your last job..

*winks*

 

[ravenvii]

An angry female dwarf marches from behind the bar. "You damned ruffians, I told you not to start fights in the tavern! You want to bash heads? Do it outside. Pavir! The dwarf is finished with his drink. Don't linger around, pour him another."

The surly dwarf looks at Claus and Syllin. "You! You barge in here like you own the place. Well you ain't! Leave the man alone and get out, or by Lady Luck, I will make sure you leave upside down!"

One of the thugs steps towards the dwarf as another places his hand on the thug's chest, stopping him. Spitting in the direction of the dwarf, the thug says to the party, "I'll see you puppies outside, then."

They stalk outside, one walking backwards with a threatening stare towards Syllin.

 

[Plutonius]

Apologize to the female dwarf and tell her that we were just planning on joining the man for a drink.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

An angry female dwarf marches from behind the bar. "You damned ruffians, I told you not to start fights in the tavern! You want to bash heads? Do it outside. Pavir! The dwarf is finished with his drink. Don't linger around, pour him another."

The surly dwarf looks at Claus and Syllin. "You! You barge in here like you own the place. Well you ain't! Leave the man alone and get out, or by Lady Luck, I will make sure you leave upside down!"

One of the thugs steps towards the dwarf as another places his hand on the thug's chest, stopping him. Spitting in the direction of the dwarf, the thug says to the party, "I'll see you puppies outside, then."

They stalk outside, one walking backwards with a threatening stare towards Syllin.

Threatening stare towards me?

How uncivil. Discourteous, even.

My hand was not even visible, as, actually, it was covered by the folds of my cloak.

Perhaps it may have been ever so slightly clenched, but there you are.

 

[ravenvii]

Apologize to the female dwarf and tell her that we were just planning on joining the man for a drink.

"Fine. 20 copper pieces! Pavir! Five ales!"

 

[Moyank24]

"Fine. 20 copper pieces! Pavir! Five ales!"

Finally! Been waiting what feels like months for this!

 

[Plutonius]

Approach the table and introduce ourselves.

Good sir, we are not from this town and would like to share some ale with you. What do you do in this town and who were those rude ruffians ?
[doublepost=1469498770][/doublepost]

Finally! Been waiting what feels like months for this!

I'm sorry your marks left .
[doublepost=1469498886][/doublepost]

Threatening stare towards me?

How uncivil. Discourteous, even.

My hand was not even visible, as, actually, it was covered by the folds of my cloak.

Perhaps it may have been ever so slightly clenched, but there you are.

Good thing you are only second level now or this tavern would be a crater .
[doublepost=1469499280][/doublepost]

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!! Upon seeing this strange group of travelers, the unknown dwarf immediately slides off the side of his stool, takes two steps forward and falls on his face, jumps up exclaiming, "I'm all right, I'm allll right!". He staggers over to the group and begs, "Can I come? Can I come, Pleeassseeee! Then belches noxious fumes all over them before passing out.

Draft No.2
View attachment 641815 Banging on the table,
To self-> Damnation this bartender is slow and not too friendly, especially since I'm a cleric, sorely in need of ale. But what is this putrid concoction I'm being served? It's not ale! More like low grade fermented horse piss, as compared to high grade stuff which can be quite lovely. Hopefully I won't end up on my hands and knees in the alley retching like a dog. Though, I should bring a skin of this along with me, to clean my axes.

I've spoken to Daran Edermath about Redbrands in this town, and although I can hold my own, there seems to be more than I alone can handle. These bastards travel in packs. I'm brave, but no fool, and wondering what I can accomplish here without having the life snuffed out of me? Then there is that matter of locating my Uncle who's on some expedition, but first things first.

Experiencing a slight gag reflex as I swallow the last drops of this alcoholic putrescence, the entrance of an unusual group of travelers does not go unnoticed by myself nor most of the drunken idiots who populate this establishment, when the apparent loud mouthed human of the group makes a public announcement about being taken advantage of, har. Interesting two humans, an elf, a small, but dangerous looking halfling, and one who looks not only dwarf, but cleric too, by Marthammor Duin's hammer! Although his beard is not nearly as grand as mine...

Out of the corner of my eye, I observe the esteemed looking human of the group and the calmly elf, (with a very pleasing walk when observed from behind), approach the table with a lone patron, when an undertone of agitation starts humming among the crowd as a group of ruffians stand to challenge them, calling them 'barking puppies'.

Lol, I prayed for guidance and providence intervenes, as I reach down to pick up my shield, leaning against the bar, and unhook Torak Vaari, from my belt, rising as unobtrusively as a chain mail laden cleric can move. But with all attention focused on this brewing eruption, I can move seemingly unnoticed.

To DM: Do you need to know prepared spells, or can I wing it for this fight?

Great write up but you had months to work on it .

I think Veit (@twietee) is in awe of you and your beard and he is thinking of an appropriate response .

 

[twietee]

Great write up but you had months to work on it .

Maybe you forgot, but in mid-April Veit Frostbeard was held back by you guys, specifically Claus:

After combing my beard for a considerable time span observing the people at the inn, I will have a hot mug with my friends and then go on a stroll myself. I will check the barn where our stuff is kept whether it is save and sturdy locked and then am loosely heading towards the Sleeping Giant to search for other adventurers , interesting gossip and better beer.

---

I'm scratching my head while curiously checking out the drunk cleric, that futilely tried to approach our party in an earnest but ultimately staggering way and smells like he was housing inside of a beer keg for far too long, from head to toe:

"What happened?"

 

[Huntn]

Approach the table and introduce ourselves.

Good sir, we are not from this town and would like to share some ale with you. What do you do in this town and who were those rude ruffians ?
[doublepost=1469498770][/doublepost]

I'm sorry your marks left .
[doublepost=1469498886][/doublepost]

Good thing you are only second level now or this tavern would be a crater .
[doublepost=1469499280][/doublepost]


Great write up but you had months to work on it .

I think Veit (@twietee) is in awe of you and your beard and he is thinking of an appropriate response .

The circumstances of this long anticipated meeting was unknown to me. Saw my name invoked, and quickly penned my actions. Thanks.

Maybe you forgot, but in mid-April Veit Frostbeard was held back by you guys, specifically Claus:





---

I'm scratching my head while curiously checking out the drunk cleric, that futilely tried to approach our party in an earnest but ultimately staggering way and smells like he was housing inside of a beer keg for far too long, from head to toe:

"What happened?"

Lol, that's one way to describe it.

 

[Plutonius]

I'm scratching my head while curiously checking out the drunk cleric, that futilely tried to approach our party in an earnest but ultimately staggering way and smells like he was housing inside of a beer keg for far too long, from head to toe:

"What happened?"

Talk to the dwarf. I don't think he bites .

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And do we commence a conversation with the gentleman sitting alone at the table, too?

 

[Plutonius]

And do we commence a conversation with the gentleman sitting alone at the table, too?

I introduced us and we are waiting on the reply from @ravenvii. I wasn't sure what to ask him. I'm hoping he is the person that the Knight wants us to find.

While we are waiting: Do the elven lands have an establishment like this ?

 

[Huntn]

An angry female dwarf marches from behind the bar. "You damned ruffians, I told you not to start fights in the tavern! You want to bash heads? Do it outside. Pavir! The dwarf is finished with his drink. Don't linger around, pour him another."

The surly dwarf looks at Claus and Syllin. "You! You barge in here like you own the place. Well you ain't! Leave the man alone and get out, or by Lady Luck, I will make sure you leave upside down!"

One of the thugs steps towards the dwarf as another places his hand on the thug's chest, stopping him. Spitting in the direction of the dwarf, the thug says to the party, "I'll see you puppies outside, then."

They stalk outside, one walking backwards with a threatening stare towards Syllin.

Maybe you forgot, but in mid-April Veit Frostbeard was held back by you guys, specifically Claus:





---

I'm scratching my head while curiously checking out the drunk cleric, that futilely tried to approach our party in an earnest but ultimately staggering way and smells like he was housing inside of a beer keg for far too long, from head to toe:

"What happened?"

To self-> Now that's what I call very appealing, a take charge sister dwarf. Her leg hair braiding is very becoming. I wonder if she is spoken for?

Dalo, stay focused. This encounter did not develop the way I imagined it might, but a clear threat was implied from the ruffians' leader as they walked out the door. Using my cat like moves, I'll reconnoiter outside and find an unobtrusive, advantageous location to render assistance, if physical assistance becomes necessary. <not yet out the side door>

Normally I'd inject myself into such a conflict to seek a peaceful resolution, but the involved party already has a cleric, so I'll rely on his good judgement. The problem is I've seen these types of thugs before. They rarely respond well to logic that gives them less than what they think they can take by force. I'm here to help no matter which way the conflict goes.

I see I was noticed by the party, and I'm wondering why I'm getting the evil eye from a brother cleric instead of a smile and a wave? Hopefully, I'll have a good opportunity soon to introduce myself. <slightly trips over a floorboard>. They really need to nail that down.

 

[twietee]

*slight correction: no evil eye - just curious and scartching my head!

"Hello young fella, you look somewhat familiar I have to say...well...anyway, I hope eve..OOPs, be careful there!..rything is ok? We were told there might be a dwarf lurking around these parts that may be exactly of the kind that we were searching to accompany us. Us - that are these other four fine looking specimen *I will introduce each and everyone of them* and me, Veit Frostbeard. We were on our trip to this town when we got ambushed and learned about the vanishing of my cousin, Gundren Rockseeker.

But hey, let's sit down comfortably and have a mug of...water? something strong before we continue to talk!"

 

[Huntn]

*slight correction: no evil eye - just curious and scartching my head!

"Hello young fella, you look somewhat familiar I have to say...well...anyway, I hope eve..OOPs, be careful there!..rything is ok? We were told there might be a dwarf lurking around these parts that may be exactly of the kind that we were searching to accompany us. Us - that are these other four fine looking specimen *I will introduce each and everyone of them* and me, Veit Frostbeard. We were on our trip to this town when we got ambushed and learned about the vanishing of my cousin, Gundren Rockseeker.

But hey, let's sit down comfortably and have a mug of...water? something strong before we continue to talk!"

* Looks can be misinterpreted.

<If I may take some liberties with linage... if not please stop me and I'll correct the narrative>
<Unclear if I am addressing Veit Frostbeard or the group.>

Glad you caught me before I got out the door! Wha, wait, Gundren Rockseeker? He's my Uncle through marriage. I'm in town because <looking both ways, speaking softly> my Uncle Tharden Rockseeker, half brother of Gundren are on a grand adventure and urged me to lend a hand, but when I arrived in town, Uncle Gundren had all ready left. I stopped at Barthen's Provisions, but they don't know the whereabouts of his destination.

There also seems to be this local thug problem and I was all prepared to help you <said with a big smile>.

<Feeling sober> Allow me to introduce myself, Dalovraeg Whulgerlug Battlehammer <said, with a deep bow>. I'm glad to make your acquaintance. Let me see, if you are Gundren's Cousin, would that make you my second cousin? <With a wrinkled brow> I'm not too good with linage. <Eyeing your garb and weaponry> You too are a cleric?

 

[twietee]

"Yes, indeed. There is plenty of work to be done for a competent cleric when running around with those fellas.*nods into the direction of the party*

But what a coincidence! And what luck in these dark times?!"

"Bartender, bring us a few, will ya - we have to celebrate!"

To Dalovraeg: "Please excuse, but may I call you Dalo? More convenient - and quite possibly needed when in serious need of a quick helping hand in times of danger and hardships..

*lowering voice*..because, what we do know is that Gundren is in mighty trouble. He got ambushed as well, likely by the same gang of goblins we found and punished later, and deported to a place called Cragmaw Castle. Unfortunately the only person around here who might know about that location is missing as well - and whose disappearence somewhat seems to be connected to the infamous Redbrands. So we are partly here in this tavern because of you, partly because we were thirsty after hard negotiations that felt like they took us months and not mere hours, partly to play cards and partly to investigate the local thugster scenery."