Legendary - The King Arrives

Monday, June 20, 1066 SE, continued

When they meet for breakfast, Mon, Marigold and Branna go over the loose threads they have accumulated in the last few weeks. First, someone on Katarina is making good quality armor for an unknown purpose. There is an separatist movement on the island that seems determined to break away from the Kingdom of Sezja. When will the King arrive, and what is the true purpose of his visit? What is the Cardinal up to? All of these are good questions they wish they had answers for.

Mon suggests they could make a listening device that could be placed in the Cardinal's office. Marigold agrees it's a good idea, but how would this be placed inside his office? Had Mon not done everything to antagonize the Cardinal these last few months, setting up this listening device would be easier. Mon muses whether Sir Matviy, Sir Gregory's lawyer, could carry the device inside the office, since he's been there before. Marigold slaps him on the head. Sir Matviy would never agree to knowingly commit a crime.

Mon shares with Branna and Marigold that he sent a letter to the Marquess of Sidorov about adopting Dukha. He describes the content of the letter to his friends. Branna voices her concern that Dukha is blindly walking in a situation that will be beyond her control, and she may not know how to behave.

Joseph who was also sitting there, gives Mon credit for setting this plan in motion, and wishes aloud he could also be adopted by someone wealthy so he could quit this job. He sighs, then leaves the breakfast table. Marigold uses this opportunity to grabs some non perishable items from breakfast she can stasch away in case they quickly need to go on the lamb.

The theater's capenter, with a larger than life personality enters the Palace's cafeteria. Mon, Branna, and Marigold are always amazed at the web of relationships Pavel has established with everyone. They are more surprised when they suddenly notice that Zoryany, Sir Paul Stal's assistant, has appeared at their table, taking Joseph's empty seat. None of them noticed her arriving. Marigold, recovering from her surprise, mentions that it's a pretty neat trick to be able to arrive without being seen. Zoryany ignores the comment, and tells them that Sir Stal thought they should plan on being in Low Town Wednesday around noon time, and that they should feel free to pass along this information to any of their friends or associates. She stands and departs the cafeteria under their incredulous faces.

Pavel, who noticed Zoryany, stops by Branna's table and exchanges a few pleasantries, before asking who was just here with them. Mon tells the carpenter about Zoryany, and Pavel is impressed that they met Sir Stal. Mon proceeds to tell him that Zoryany was delivering information that seems to indicate the King would arrive around noontime on Wednesday, two days from now. Surprised, Pavel tells them he will notify Sir Gregory at once. Mon tells him that he will inform Sir Gregory of the date and time of the King's arrival. Pavel thanks Mon for taking care of this.

Returning to her room after breakfast and noticing that her roommate has left, Marigold she places her emergency pack in an inconspicuous place in case she needs to leave. She then heads to work for the rest of the day, joining Branna.

Meanwhile, Mon wonders where he could find information on what happened to Anya. She could have joined Captain Lafoy's pirates, she could have left the island, or something more sinister could have happened to her. Perhaps Captain Popov would have information, or would know who could tell of the movements on the docks. The actor also wonders whether any of the older pages might remember Anya. After all, she moved around the theater quite a bit, so someone must have seen her at some point. The older pages do not remember her, but they agree to be on the lookout for Anya and will report any information they discover. Mon promises them fudge for any important information.

Returning to the Palace with Branna and Marigold after his nightly performance in the play, Mon is informed he has received a letter. It is pink, smells like vanilla, and bears the seal of House Sidorov. They withdraw to the sparsely populated cafeteria for a late snack, and Mon reads the letter from the Marquess to his friends.

Dear Mon,

I write to you with a heart brimming with joy! Lady Sirenko and I had the most delightful encounter with the young lady Dukha. Her spirit is as bright as a summer's day, and her voice filled the room with a melody that warmed my soul.

Dukha possesses a charm and grace that is simply captivating. We conversed for quite some time, and I was deeply impressed by her intelligence and genuine nature, not to say anything about her boundless appetite! There's a spark in her eyes that speaks of a bright future ahead.

I have not yet approached Dukha with the idea of welcoming her into our family, to formally adopt her and provide her with a loving, permanent home. She mentioned several times the unknown fate of her sister Anya, and I worry that she may choose to remain at the Legendary, hoping her sister will return for her.

I plan on meeting with her again, and continue our spirited discussions, and perhaps in time she will come to see the advantages moving to Sidorov Manor would bring, including an education money simply cannot buy. However, I would truly appreciate your help in providing this young girl with the guidance to see the wisdom in making such a monumental decision.

With all my love,

Zoya, Marques of Sidorov

Mon beams with pride. His plan is working!

Tuesday, June 21, 1066 SE

As Branna begins her work at the Legendary, a page boy rushes in with a note in his hand. Reading the note, she sees it is an urgent cry for help from the Marquess, and her carriage awaits the elf outside. Grabbing her tools of the trade, Branna rushes out of the Legendary, thinking that this might be a clothing emergency at Sidorov Manor. When she arrives, she discovers it is much worse.

The amazing emerald green dress she crafted for the Marquess and gave to her only two days ago is missing! In tears, the Marquess reports that she went to try it on again this morning after breakfast, only to notice it was no longer in its protective sleeve inside her wardrobe. Thinking that perhaps Lady Sirenko has tried it on, she went into her friend's room, but it wasn't there either, and Lady Sirenko did not know what had happened to the dress. They searched the manor high and low, and did not find the dress. No other item, nor jewelry, appears to be missing. In between two sobs, the Marquess begs Branna to make her a new dress before the King arrives, and Branna readily agrees. Expressing the worry that it was one of their competing nobles who arranged for the theft, the Marquess promises to crush whomever took the dress. Branna inquires as to who knew the dress was here. Aside from the elf, the Marquess tells her only herself, Lady Sirenko, Dukha, and her faithful butler Olehiv knew the dress was here. She, Lady Sirenko and Dukha even played dress-up with it yesterday, and that was the last time the Marquess saw the dress.

Branna hurries back to the Legendary. She quickly locates Mon and Marigold, and she tells them of the disappearance of the emerald green dress. Marigold wonders if Dukha might have "acquired" the dress, given her penchant for taking pretty things that don't belong to her. The hafling asks Mon if he could find Dukha and ask her about the dress.

Using his shadowstepping, Mon transports himself to the landing outside Dukha's bedroom in the theater's attic. He knocks on the door sofly, and, hearing no answer, he enters the room and looks for the dress. He does not find it anywhere. Examining the room closer, Mon notices that no one slept here last night. Looking at the journal Dukha keeps under her mattress, Mon realizes she has not written anything for Monday. Suspecting she might be hiding in the carriage house at Sidorov Manor with her ill-gotten new acquisition, Mon turns himself invisible and heads to Sidorov Manor to check whether she might be hiding somewhere on the property other than the manor house.

While Branna immediately gets back to work to craft a new dress in a hurry, Marigold visits the city's three second hand shops looking for the dress. There is no trace of the dress at either the Driftwood Den or at the Second Wind, where neither the dress nor Dukha or her boy alterego were seen, but at the Shimmering Second Hand, Marigold discovers an emerald dress that looks almost exactly like the garment she is looking for. But then she takes a second look, and it turns out that it's just a regular green dress, and it doesn't resemble Branna's creation at all. Marigold questions the proprietress, who informs her that she has not seen anyone who matches Dukha's description, in either gender.

While working on the Marquess's new dress, it occurs to Branna that, if it was in fact stolen by another noble, the Marquess could find herself in the unenviable situation of wearing exactly the same dress as someone else at a party the King could be attending. She therefore dispatches a letter to the Marquess asking her whether she should modify the dress in case someone else shows up at one the balls with it. The Marquess replies that, given the circumstances, this would probably be for the best, though she really loved the emerald dress as it was. Branna  comes up with minor alterations, which she thinks improve this new version of the dress. She also plans to fit the Marquess at the last possible minute to avoid the dress being stolen again. 

Marigold returns from her visits to the second-hand shops, and finds Branna working hard on the Marquess's new dress. Sitting next to her friend, Marigold wonders whether someone was standing outside and saw Dukha wearing the emerald green dress when she was playing dress up with the Marquess and Lady Sirenko, and could have decided this child was worth kidnapping. Marigold further muses that perhaps Lady Sirenko herself is involved in Dukha's disappearance. Marigold remembers the flash of jealousy that had crossed Lady Sirenko's face when she first saw the Marquess wearing the emerald dress, and, coupled that her and the Marquess might be more than friends, it is possible that she might be worried about losing part or all of the Marquess's financial support if Dukha were to be adopted and become heiress to the Sidorov's name and fortune.

Meanwhile, Mon arrives at Sidorov Manor and searches the carriage house, but find not evidence that Dukha or the emerald green dress have been here. Examining the grounds, he notices the footsteps of a child in the grass, which treaded away from the Manor back to the main road. Of course Dukha wouldn't have walked where she was supposed to! Perhaps Dukha was so full after eating so much, as the Marquess mentioned in her letter, that she felt the need to take a nap. Maybe she laid herself down somewhere along the way back to the Legendary. Mon's worries increase as he wonders who might have stumbled upon a sleeping child with a green dress.

Following the road back to Katarina, Mon comes to a lovely pond just outside the town limits. The pond is on the west side of the road, and is often used to freshen up horses coming into town or leaving. There is a small meadow on the other side of the pond, and a creek hidden by trees. This would make a perfect spot to take a nap. Sure enough, Mon finds signs that a child walked through here, but there is also evidence that two adults also followed the child's steps. By the creek, Mon finds Dukha's beret, as well as evidence of a struggle. Two obviously male sets of footsteps head down the creek, towards Katarina. Dukha was either taken by the city guard for vagrancy or by the Cardinal's men, for more sinister purposes. Leaving the hat right where he found it, he runs back to town.

Looking for Dima, the Captain of the guard in Katarina, Mon locates him in Low Town, where he and the rest of the city guard are rehearsing maneuvers and crowd control. Mon tells him about Dukha's abduction, and explains who the child is and what she was doing, telling the Captain that the Marquess is seriously considering adopting her and anointing Dukha her heir, making her a valuable victim.  Dima confirm his worst fears that the city guard did not arrest the child. Mon convinces Dima to come with him and explore the site where she was taken. Dima and two guards travel with Mon to the pond, where, after careful examination, Dima informs Mon that she was most likely seized by the Cardinal's men, and based on the description Mon provided, if she was indeed asleep wearing boys clothes and in possession of a stolen dress, she would have been arrested for violating the morals of the Church by cross-dressing and for being in possession of stolen property.

Mon rushes to Katarina, hoping to catch Sir Matviy, Sir Gregory's lawyer, before he goes home. Fortunately, the man himself is locking the front door that leads to his second level office when Mon reaches him.  Understanding the urgency of the situation, Sir Matviy welcomes the actor inside, and Mon presents the information he has collected so far. Sir Matviy agrees to go to the Cathedral and determine whether Dukha was in fact arrested or not, and, if she was, under what charges. The lawyer departs for the Cathedral, while Mon returns to the Legendary just in time for that evening's performance.

Following an uneventful performance, Mon returns to his dressing room and discovers a note from Sir Matviy that Dukha was indeed arrested for cross dressing and for being in possession of stolen goods. She is to be tried at a special religious court session tomorrow, which is highly unusual since the religious court usually meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon, following the noon service. Returning to the Palace, Mon meets up with Marigold and Branna and tells them what he discovers and what he plans to do. Tomorrow morning, he will be ad the Drowned Sailor's Stiches, waiting for Orest, the owner, to open. He will get that listening item commissioned, so that they can spy on the Cardinal. Branna suggests that a note be sent to Sir Matviy letting him know that the stolen goods could be the emerald green dress of the Marquess, and that her butler, Olehiv, could certainly identify it as such. A letter is soon penned and sent, and the three friends withdraw for the night.

Wednesday, June 22, 1066 SE

At 6 am, Mon departs the Palace and heads to Low Town, so that he can be at the Drowned Sailor's Stiches as soon as it opens. Reaching the Hill Road that heads from the Heights to Low Town, Mon notices that three large ships flying the colors of the Royal Navy are on the north side of Spokoya Bay. Taking a closer look, Mon realizes two of these ships are warships of the line, while the third is the royal yacht. The King and his entourage are already here, and must have arrived during the night. Mon hurries down Hill Road and arrives at the Drowned Sailor's Stiches, but the store is currently closed. In a bold decision, Mon knocks on the door anyway, in case the dwarf Orest is already here.

At first, no one answers the door, but after an additional series of knocks, the shutters on the second floor window opens, and Orest pokes his head out. Mon apologizes to the dwarf for this early visit, but it is somewhat of an emergency, and he would like to meet with the enchanter now. A few minutes later, Orest opens the shop's door, and lets Mon inside. The actor then describes to Orest that time is of the essence. He mentions that Sir Gregory would like to purchase two brooches that would allow for communication, and he describes them and their capabilities to the enchanter. Mon then comes to the purpose of his visit.

He describes to Orest a set of listening devices that would allow someone to holding the receiver piece to eavesdrop on the broadcasting piece. He would like the broadcaster to look like an ear, and the receiver to look like a mouth, and he would like these done before noon if that is feasible. Orest tells Mon that it can be done, but it would cost 700 gold pieces. A less rushed job would be substantially less pricey. After some negotiations, Mon agrees to pay 200 gold pieces, and to turn over four of his expensive bottles of wine. Orest tells the actor to return at noon to collect his items, and that he would have a price for the other devices for Sir Gregory.

Branna wakes up early as well, and heads to the costumes department to continue working on the Marquess' new dress. She should be done in the next few hours.

Having concluded his business with Orest, Mon heads to the Anchor's Luck, hoping to find Captain Popov there. This early in the morning, the tavern looks even dirtier than it usually does. From here, Mon has a good view of the ships in the bay, and he can tell there is some activity occurring on the warships. Inside the tavern, Mon finds Ivan behind the bar, stocking bottles. Mon inquires if Popov is here, and the bartender points to the Captain's usual seat by the fireplace. Popov is snoring softly under a blanket. Mon wakes him gently, and once Popov has had something to drink, the actor tells him about the ships in the bay, and asks him to send out feelers about Anya. Perhaps someone on the docks saw her board a ship in the last 18 months. 

Popov and Mon step outside, and Popov wonders where the other ships are, as he's under the impression that seven ships departed Sezja to come to Katarina. Mon speculates that perhaps they are outside the fjord. Seeing that a crowd has already assembled this early in the morning, Mon rents Ivan's balcony on the second floor of the Anchor's Luck, and he sends page boys to deliver messages to Branna and Marigold at the Legendary that the King has now arrived. He will land at noon, and Mon has reserved space on the balcony of the Anchor's Luck.

In the next few hours, several town criers pass by the Anchor's Luck, announcing that the King will land at the docks at noon. Around 10, Mon and Popov, who have been sitting on Ivan's porch, notice a boat launching from one of the warships, and soon a slew of reporters from the mainland disembark, ready to cover the meeting. Mon recognizes one of the men accompanying the reporters. Sir Sergeii is back on Katarina.

Both Branna and Marigold received Mon's message. When Branna finishes the Marquess's dress, she locks it up in a safe place, then her and her halfling friend head to Low Town. The streets are packed all the way from the Archduke's Palace to the docks, and it looks like half of the Island's population has come to the city for this momentous occasion. Even the Legendary's house orchestra is participating, setting up by Svetlozar Plaza. Eventually, both Branna and Marigold meet Mon and Popov on the Anchor's Luck's balcony. The crowds are thick here, with the city guard, the Cardinal's men, and people from all social classes, though Branna notices that no nobles are present in Low Town, aside from the Archduke himself, who is not accompanied by his wife and daughters, and the Cardinal, who stands on the opposite side of the dock, awaiting the King's arrival.

At 11:30, a skiff launches from the royal yatch, and it flies the royal banner. The King is on his way, and the crowd starts to cheer. The Starlight's house orchestra begins playing patriotic music. Mon absents himself, and shadowsteps into Orest's shop. As promised, the dwarf enchanter has the two listening bauble Mon requested. Mon thanks Orest profusely, and he shadowsteps back onto the balcony, telling Branna and Marigold that, with the Cardinal here, this is the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the Cathedral and place the listening device in the Cardinal's office. Shadowstepping once more, Mon transports himself to the cliffs, turns himself invisible, and begins climbing the cliff to emerge near Svetozar Plaza. 

As the King's launch nears the dock, Branna notices that the Archduke and the Cardinal are now whispering angry words to each other. But as the launch docks, a plank is lowered, a red carpet is unfurled, and King Stanislas Rurik II lands in Katarina, to thunderous cheers and applause, and to the music of the Sezjan and Katarina anthems. The King warmly embraces the Archduke, before shaking the Cardinal's hand. Marigold does not fail to notice that this interaction is much colder.

 Greeting the people of Katarina, the King stands on a dais prepared for the occasion. Popov tells Branna and Marigold that the King is either foolish or supremely confident, for aside from the city guard and the Cardinal's men, there appear to be no other soldiers on the docks, and the crowd, if so inclined, could easily reach the King. Waving once more at the crowd, the King moves his hands up and down, requesting silence. The crowd complies, and a hush falls on Low Town. 

In a clear voice heard by all and obviously magical, the King makes a speech without any notes:

People of Katarina! People of Sezja!

I stand before you today not only as the King of Sezja, and not as the great moral leader of our most esteemed Church, but also as a devoted father who loves all his children. And make no mistake, the people of Katarina, a cultural and economic jewel in the crown of Sezja, are as much a part of Sezja as the waves are part of the ocean.

We are Sezja, a tapestry woven from threads of different colors and textures, each thread vital to the beauty of the whole. We are stronger together, our shared history a foundation upon which we can build a brighter future for all!

Have we not faced challenges together? Remember the triumphs we have shared, the laughter that has echoed through our streets! Katarina's spirit, its resilience, its unwavering optimism, its distinguished culture – these are threads that enrich the tapestry of Sezja! And together, let us weave a new chapter in this tapestry, a chapter rich with mutual respect and shared prosperity. Let us choose unity, for in unity lies our greatest strength.

Thank you. I am eager to meeting all of you, learning more about your culture and your customs. I look forward to enjoy all of the beauty and entertainment that Katarina has to offer during my stay here. May Katarina and Sezja forever walk hand in hand....

Popov looks at Branna and Marigold, and tells them that this seems like a pretty clear message from Sezja to the people of Katarina ...

Phandelver - Episode 008

 Wednesday, March 23, 1491, continued

Following their looting of the four sarcophagi, Kyrdean, Kaine, Kite, and Emmy find themselves in a dead end. More careful exploration of the room reveals a secret passage that leads to a natural cavern with a large fissure crossing the room from north to south. Two rickety wooden bridges cross the fissure. After carefully examining the structures, Kaine determines they are safe to cross, and they make it across to the west side.

Kaine heads down the southern tunnel, discovering a second entrance into the Redbrands' lair. He returns to the cavern. Exploring Kaine finds the bugbear

Kaine gets the bugbear to go across the hallway. Kyrdean hears sounds of fists hitting flesh coming from the door he's listening to, then only whimpering. 

The Redbrand challenges the Tabaxis, telling them Iarno would never let folks like them in the Redbrands. Fugnar and Kaine, who had come in through the southern door, pretend they are here to assist.

Emmy pockets all of the gold and a garnet on the floor while pretending to help one of the Redbrands

One of the Redbrands lands a hit on Kyrdean

They deal with the Redbrands, killing them 

Searching the room, they pick up plenty of copper and silver pieces.

Emmy ties up the last remaining Redbrand, and attempts to wake him up by splashing him with ale, but the Bugbear knocked him out so cold he doesn't react.

Fugnar also drinks the ale. He then spikes the door, in case the Bugbear returns

The surviving Redbrand, in his stupor, tells them that Iarno won't be happy about three of his underlings having been killed by Nosk, the Bugbear. He tells them that Iarno is usually in his lab, which is north of this room. He then lets them know that Nosk was sent by the Spider to help Iarno, but the leader of the Redbrand was none too pleased.

Emmy and Kyrdean pile the bodies in front of the door to the Bugbears' room. 

They lead the remaining Redbrand to the north door, and Fugnar knocks. There is no answer, so Kaine opens the door, revealing an alchemist's lab. Searching the shelves, they find several potions.

Kyrdean knocks on the east door and is zapped by an electric current.

Fugnar shoves the Redbrand against the door, triggering the trap again. The shock kills him.

Find the dead goblins, 

Explore the rest of the dungeon

Fugnar pours oil under the door, then lights it on fire. 

Bugbear combat

Purple cloud spreads

Bugbear Morningstar collected by Fugnar.

Fugnar abandons the dead boy's head, and instead takes Nosk's head.

Emerging from the complex, they head back to Phandalin.

Droop was looking for his cousin Blonk. Emmy slits his throat.

 

Phandelver - Prisoners and sarcophagi

Wednesday, March 23, 1491

Following their encounter with the skeletons, the group elects to shelter in place for a few moment as they recuperate. After patching up their wounds, Kaine enters the eastern door, discovering a prison. Two women are chained to the east wall in the southern cell, while a boy is chained to the west wall in the northern cell. Kite approaches them, and, through the iron bars, attempts to convince them they are not members of the Redbrands. Unfortunately, the prisoners refuse to make eye contact, and keep their eyes on the ground. Kite removes her cloak, and tells the prisoners that they are here to destroy the Redbrands and free them.

Infused with hope, the woman reveals her name is Mirna Dendrar and she has been imprisoned with her two children, her boy Nars and her girl Nilsa. Her family was attacked at their homestead by the Redbrands, and her husband was violently murdered by the thugs. She and her children were captured and brought here. The Redbrand's leader suggested they would be sacrificed. However, when she mentioned to him that her wealthy family in Neverwinter would gladly pay a hefty ransom if they were returned to them safe and alive, he changed his mind. They've been imprisoned ever since, as the Redbrands await a ransom that will never come, as her family is actually not wealthy.

Not finding the key to unlock the padlock, Fugnar uses his warhammer to destroy the offending device that held the chain around the women's cell, before doing the same to the boy's cell. Emmy and Kyrdean unlock their manacles, releasing the prisoners. Kite tends to their wounds and offers them day old rolls and water. Mirna and her children are thankful for the food, as they have not been fed for at least two days. As thanks, Mirna mentions the emerald her family owned and kept in their herb and alchemy shop in the southeast corner of the village of Thundertree before they had to flee an undead invasion, and offers it to them if they ever head to that cursed village.

Kritza agrees to escort Mirna, Nars and Nilsa back to Phandalin so they can seek healing and to notify the authority of the attack on their homestead. The four of them depart the underground complex, carefully making their way back to town.

With the prisoners now gone, Fugnar, Kaine, Kyrdean, Emmy and Kite pursue their exploration of the Redbrands' underground lair. Kaine opens the one remaining door, and inside he finds the Redbrands' armory. They examine the weapons, and find a few decent ones. They replenish their supply of arrows, before returning to the sarcophagus room. Kaine searches three of the four sarcophagi. Two of them contains the earthly remains of women, while the third was that of an elderly man. Seeing no reaction from the bodies, Kaine carefully removes their jewelry and carefully places the items in his backpack.

Kyrdean carefully moves the lid of the fourth sarcophagus, discovering inside the body of a young boy. When he sees the boy's face muscles twitch, Kyrdean closes the sarcophagus. He calls Fugnar over, and tells the barbarian that he's not strong enough to remove the lid. Fugnar pushes the lid off. Noticing an alexandrite next to the boy's body, he carelessly chops off his head, before taking the stone. Underneath the now headless body, Kyrdean finds a pair of silver tourmaline earrings. The monk then pierces his ears and proudly wears his newfound items. Could they be infected with tomb rot?

Phandelver - You really shouldn't touch those skeletons!

Tuesday, March 22, 1491, continued

With the fight against the Scarlet Cloaks at the Sleeping Giant now concluded, Fugnar and Kite talked with Greska, the owner of the Sleeping Giant, and when asked where the remaining Scarlet Cloaks were, he mentioned they should check the second bathroom stall. Taking a closer look, they discovered that this bathroom stall has a toilet assembly that lifts up, revealing a hole and a ladder descending into a dark, dank, and smelly tunnel.

Carefully descending, Fugnar is followed by Kite, and the two of them reach a corner twenty feet away. Kyrdean joins them as they turned left. In another thirty feet or so they reach a wooden staircase leading to a trapdoor. Lifting the trapdoor, Fugnar finds himself in a carriage house. A few crates are against the north wall, while an old open wooden wagon with the words Sleeping Giant written on both sides. Garden implements are hooked next to a small closed door in the south wall, while the west gate is also closed. The trap door itself is covered with a pile of hay conveniently affixed to provide coverage to hide the contraption when closed.

While waiting for her partners to return, Emmy and Kaine are surprised to see the entrance to the Sleeping Giant open, and a short Kritza standing there. Finally feeling well enough to rejoin the group, Kritza tracked them to the Stonewall Inn, and after hearing they were going to take the fight to the Scarlet Cloaks, deduced they would come here next.

Meanwhile, opening the carriage house's door, Kite realizes they are inside the grounds of the Sleeping Giant, and this carriage house stands to the northwest corner of the property, with a fallowed garden between the inn and its carriage house. A wooden fence surrounds the property. Kyrdean exits the garden and walks back to the front of the tavern, while Kite and Fugnar returns to the common room through the tunnel.

Reunited with Kritza, they fill the dwarf on their adventures during the last few weeks, then start discussing what their next steps should be to track the remaining Scarlet Cloaks. After several ideas are floated on what to do with the prisoners, the group agrees to go with Kritza's idea of waking up both ruffians, and taking one in a separate room to interrogate him, before playing prisoner's dilemma with both of them. Kritza sets up the kitchen to make it look like they will summon a demon. He places several candles inside an arcane symbol he draws on the floor in chalk. Meanwhile, Fugnar will speak with the other prisoner and intimate that their companion is at that very moment revealing everything under torture. Either way, they should get plenty of information.

During the discussion, Kite heads to Townmaster's Hall and she locates Harbin Wester, the town master. She updates him on what has just happened at the Sleeping Giant, and Harbin looks both thrilled that the Scarlet Cloaks have been dealt with, and thoroughly horrified that not all of them have been captured. He follows Kite back to the tavern, where he observes the scene of destruction, with three dead bodies, two humans and one goblin, and two prisoners. Harbin asks them if they will complete their pursuit of the Scarlet Cloaks, as the death of a few of their members could bring swift retribution to Phaladin. Fugnar informs the town master that indeed they were just about to interrogate their two prisoners to discover the location of their hideout. Harbin agrees to house the two prisoners after they are interrogated, but he will only hold them for two days before he sends them away to Neverwinter under guard. He also agrees to find some strong lads to remove and bury the bodies of the dead.

Kite, Fugnar and Kaine offer Greska compensation for the destruction they wrought on his establishment during their recent fight. Greska gratefully accepts, and thanks them for removing their unwanted presence from his establishment. Kite asks him if the Scarlet Cloaks were good customers, and Greska replies that they were rude, didn't pay their bill, and scared most of his clientele away. He's glad they are gone, and he hopes Kite and his friends will see this business to the end.

Now set up in the kitchen, Kyrdean, Kaine and Kritza return to the common room, where they wake up both prisoners. Berok the Scarlet Cloak is escorted to the kitchen, where he is tied to a chair. Kritza sprinkles some salt all around, creating a very intimidating scene. Berok soils himself due to fear, and when Kaine asks him where the location of the Scarlet Cloaks' hideout is, Berok reveals that it is located underneath Tresendar Manor. Kritza asks him what password the guards use, and Berok reveals that today's password is "sunshine." When asked how many people are in the Scarlet Cloaks, Berok replies that there are at least a dozen of them in their lair at all times. Their leader, Glassstaff, is building some sort of army of ne'er-do-wells from up and down the Sword Coast, but he doesn't know their purpose. Kaine gags Berko.

At the same time, Fugnar, Emmy, Kyrdean and Kite interrogate the second prisoner. Fugnar unties his bindings, and gives him a tankard of ale. He then tells the ruffian that his friend is currently being questioned in the next room through devious arcane means, and that he most likely will reveal everything they want to know. Fugnar then points out that they will kill the last man who reveals information, so he better start talking. Kosi the Scarlet Cloak replies that he's willing to reveal everything, as he doesn't care to lose his life for a lousy reason. He essentially reveals the same information Berok told the others. 

Harbin Wester returns with a few strong lads, and they escort Kosi and Berok to the Townmaster's Hall to lock them up, each in their own cell. Meanwhile, Fugnar, Emmy, Kyrdean, Kite, Kaine, and Kritza discuss their options.

Fugnar questions Greska on what he knows of Tresendar Manor. The barman tells them that Tresendar Manor used to be the largest building in Phandalin when it was first built in the 900s. Home of the Tresendar noble family, the Manor was owned by Aldith Tresendar who was known widely as the Black Hawk. A great knight who participated in many wars up and down the Sword Coast, Sir Tresendar led the forces that unsuccessfully defended Phandalin against the assault of the orc realm Uruth Ukrypt in 951 DR. Sir Tresendar perished defending the manor house, and his magical blade, with a hilt shaped like a majestic bird's outstretched wings, was never found.

Greska adds that Phandalin, which had been founded as a mining town a century earlier but which had grown by 950 DR as a prosperous farming community was devastated by the orc rampage, and the residents fled, abandoning the town. It wasn't until 1360 DR that the town was once again settled by humans. In the century since, the town has rebuilt its center, and four generations have now plowed the fields and restarted some of the mines.

Armed with this information, the group decides to wait until after nightfall to head to Tresendar Manor. The dim lights of lanterns should hide most of their features, and with everyone wearing a red cloak, they should be able to fool the guard and infiltrate the Scarlet Cloaks' complex.

Later on that evening, with most of Phandalin's inhabitants safely inside their houses, the group, cloaked in red, exits the Sleeping Giant and heads out southeast. After about ten minutes of walking, they come upon the ruins of Tresendar Manor. Creeping on the manor's grounds, they notice two figures talking by a bulkhead heading into the ruined building's basement. Though it is dark, both of them are outside smoking a pipe, and the ember gives enough light to see they are both wearing red cloaks.

After a few minutes of observing, one of the guards disappears down the bulkhead, while the other remains, leaning against the wall. Emmy takes aim and the remaining guard. Her aim is true. The bandit collapses to the ground. Fugnar takes the cloak and drags the body away, while Kite impersonates the guard. After about 2 hours, Kite hears steps coming from the bulkhead, and another guard appears. The guard seems tired, and after a password exchange, Kite heads down. The rest of the group quickly dispatches the second guard, and join the Tabaxi. After a short tunnel, they come to a corner and another tunnel that veers away from the manor itself. At the end of that tunnel a guard is sitting on a stool, evidently dozing.

Kite and Emmy fire an arrow each, only to realize that it is in fact an illusion created to pretend someone was guarding the entrance. Carefully opening the door, they enter a large room that contains a cistern. Kritza notices that the stonework is decent, but not of dwarven origin. Stacks of alcohol, foodstuffs, and exploding wine are piled around the room, evidently the results of caravan looting. Opening the western door, they come upon three sleeping guards that are quickly disabled before being hogtied and left in the room.

Kite opens the northern door and finds herself in a large corridor. Kaine, who joins her, almost falls in a trap in the floor. Seeing a lever on the other side, Kite attempts the jump, but fails and is saved by her cousin Emmy, who yanks her back. Kritza uses mage handto activate the lever that secures the trap.

Carefully opening the next door, Emmy notices that the room is a crypt. Several armed skeletons draped in red cloaks stand next to stone sarcophagi. Kritza recognizes the Tresendar coat of arms on all sarcophagi. Kaine and Kritza slowly walk by the skeletons, but none of them react. Then Kritza wonders aloud what would happen if he removed one of the red cloaks, which he promptly does. The skeletons attack, and within a few blows Kritza goes down, followed by Fugnar and Kyrdean. Emmy casts heal on Fugnar, and the barbarian rejoins the fight. Soon, all eight skeletons are dead. Fugnar searches the skeletons' bodies and he discovers one of them wore a gold bracelet ...

Gold bracelet

Phandelver - Defeating Klarg and the Scarlet Cloaks

 Monday, March 21, 1491

 a

Fugnar interrogates  Sildar, and Sildar explains about Spider 

Emerge from the cave, Emmy hit by a large trun, and Fugnar receives a volley of arrows

Kaine throws his lantern which shatters on the ground, scaring the goblins out of the wood.

Klarg comes out of the woods.

Fugnar takes lots of damage.

Kyrdean is down

Sildar is down

Emmy is down

Kite lands the killing blow against Klarg. Seeing their boss while Kaine eliminates the last remaining goblin.

Looting the bugbear king, 

Fugnar saws Klarg's head and carries it with him. He also collects the heads of the twelve dead goblins.

Fugnar sells Klarg's axe, and Toblen also tells the barbarian he will purchase the bugbear's skull when it is clean. 

Kite release

Fugnar tells the oxen he will give them a bushel of apples if they lead him to the dwarven mine. They seem to understand the word apple, but

Gwyn Oresong returns to the Stonehill Inn 

 

Tuesday, March 22, 1491

Sildar is recuperating from the battle in the inn.

Drake Ablemoff, enchanter who lives in Neverwinter. 

She tells Kyrdean of the story of Cragmaw Castle

Twiggleleaf

 Oxen provide directions to the mine.

Twiggleleaf tells them the oxen felt danger in the mine.

She tells them of the spirit in the basement, which seeks to open a portal to summon

Sister Garaele

Kite explains she was not a member of the red cloaks.

Red cloaks mentions the name Iarno

Emmy secures them with their belts. and moves them out of sight.

Blonk

With the fight against the Scarlet Cloaks at the Sleeping Giant now concluded, Fugnar and Kite discovered a secret tunnel in the 2nd bathroom stall.

Phandelver - Cragmaw Hideout

Friday March 18, 1491

Missing Gundred and Sildar, who were ambushed and abducted, the caravan and its guardians finally arrives in Phandalin. After parking the wagons at Barthen's Provisions and securing Bling, the goblin they captured earlier, Dori gathers Kite, Kyrdean, Fugnar and Emmy. Under the circumstances, with their employer missing, Dori considers that they have fulfilled their part of the contract. Due to Gundred's sudden absence, the caravan will not travel back to Neverwinter for a while while Dori and Dunleaf look for their dwarf friend. She takes out her purse and pays them their full wages, even though they will not complete the return trip. Dori, for her part, plans on mounting an expedition to Cragmaw Hideout after she notifies Gundred's kin at the mine.

Kite informs the oxen that their duties are done, and they will be able to depart in the morning. She just needs to remind Dori that their muscle is returning to be with Twiggleleaf and the stickbugs in the Fae world.

The group heads back to the Stonehill Inn, so they can spend the night and check on Kaine and Kritza. Kaine finally started feeling better yesterday, and though he has not completely recuperated, he is ready to adventure. Awaiting his colleagues in the common room of the Stonehill Inn, he is surprised to see them enter without Gundred or Sildar. Questioning them has to what happened in the last week, Kaine learns that while he was incapacitated, their oxen were stolen, they fought a green dragon and rescued a griffon, and they were challenged by a burglar and a ghost. Furthermore, their employer has been captured by an unknown force, which also acquired the map Gundred's kin had sent him. Inquiring about Kritza, Kaine tells them that Toblen Stonehill, the inn's owner, found him lodging with farmer Alderleaf, because he was afraid the man might be contagious. Kaine has not received any news from him in the last few days.

Facing multiple challenges, from the presence of the scarlet-cloaked ruffians to that of a juvenile green dragon, from goblin activity to the kidnapping of Gundred, the party has plenty of loose ends to tie before they can be on their way. Discussing late into the night, they agree that their first order of business should be to head to Cragmaw Hideout and see if Gundred and Sildar are there.

Saturday, March 19, 1491

After a hearty breakfast  in an otherwise deserted common room, the group rehash their plans. Dori and Dunleaf will head to the dwarven mine to notify Gundred's kin of the current situation. Kite, Kaine, Kyrdean, Emma and Fugnar will collect their goblin and head to the bridge to track the goblins and find the location of Cragmaw Hideout. With any chance, Gundred and Sildar will still be there alive.

Before leaving, Emmy finds Toblen Stonehill and she leaves a message for Gundred in case he returns while they are out. Emmy and Toblen talk about the green dragon and the griffon, and Emmy mentions that the bridge has been destroyed. Toblen will notify Town Master Harbin Wester that the bridge is out, and perhaps they can assemble a crew to go fix it.

Returning to Barthen's Provisions, Fugnar knocks Bling out after tying a rope through his mouth to shut him up. He then strings a rope around him, effectively turning the goblin into a sausage, and throws him on his shoulder before rejoining the party.

They follow the goblins' tracks to the base of a cliff about two hours northwest of Phandalin, where a shallow stream emerge from the mouth of a cave. The goblin tracks cross the river and follow a skinny path inside the cave.

Fugnar moves closer, and as he stands next to the cave's entrance, he hears the vicious sounds of dogs barking. He returns to his group and inform them of what he heard. Kaine takes the lead and fords the creek, followed by Kyrdean, Fugnar, Kite and Emmy. With the stink of animals and the snarls coming from the tunnel on the right, Kaine carefully peaks in. Three dire dogs are straining at their chains, trying to get to Kaine and his friends. The loud barking seems not to have attracted attention, so they cautiously proceed ahead.

The path follows the creek and steadily climbs. Fugnar notice a cave opening about 15 feet off the floor of the creek on the other side of the path. They then pass underneath a crumbling bridge about 10 feet high from them, but not seeing anyone, they continue the ascend and reach a series of pools held by a series of boulders. Next to the pools, three goblins are playing with three dire dogs, throwing bones and hitting the dogs with sticks. Kaine shoot one of the goblins, while Kyrdean uses his martial skills to land behind the dogs and strikes one of them. The rest of the group joins the fight, and the goblins are swiftly defeated. Fugnar keeps one of the goblins alive, and after solidly tying him to the other, they leave them behind.

Faced with an opening in the south wall of this large cave and one in the west wall, they elect to go west and find themselves at the edge of the bridge, with a goblin sentry on the other side. Kaine shoots his crossbow and wounds the goblin, while Fugnar sprints across, and despite its ruined looks, the barbarian arrives on the other side without breaking the structure, and strikes the goblin dead. Searching the goblin, he fins a piece of white fabric, most likely from a wedding dress, along with three wooden six-sided dice which always land on one. 

The rest of the party soon follows across the bridge, only to find another stinking room. They have located the goblins' residential quarters, and they have surprised nearly a dozen goblins. Fugnar rages and charges one of the goblins, while everyone else joins the fray. But these goblins are led by two captains, and the battle is more dangerous than they would have expected. Fugnar is the first to go down, followed by Kaine. Kyrdean is injured, and both Emmy and Kite suffer damage, but eventually they triumph over their enemies. 

At the back of the room they find a pit about twelve feet deep, and a ladder. Inside the pit is Gundred's companion, Sildar. Sildar has been bound and gagged, but is otherwise uninjured. Kyrdean puts the ladder in the pit and frees Sildar. Sildar inquires after Gundred, and Kyrdean has to inform him they have not yet located the dwarf. The two climb back out of the pit. Meanwhile, Emmy bandages Fugnar and Kaine, stopping their slow bleeding. With everyone wounded, they decide to rest here, despite the stink, as this room is easily guarded.

Searching the dead goblins, they find jewelry and other evidence that suggests the goblins attacked a wedding party. They find a pair of earring, a garter belt, more pieces of a wedding dress, and other trinkets.

During their rest, Sildar explains what happened to Gundred and himself. They were traveling back from Neverwinter three days ago when something spook the horses by the bridge, and both riders were thrown off their horses. Gundred has never been a very good horse rider, but Sildar considers himself skilled, and it would have been something very scary that spooked the horses enough to throw the fighter off his horse. Once on the ground, the two of them were attacked and captured by goblins. Once tied, they were escorted to Cragmaw Hideout, and that's the last time Sildar saw Gundred. 

Fugnar questions Sildar on what Gundred and his kin discovered. Sildar explains that the Gundred and his brothers had just located an important section of the mine of the Phandelver Pact. Sildar is not sure what that is, but Gundred was excited beyond belief at that news. When asked about the map Gundred had received, Sildar replies that it showed the location of the mine and its network of tunnels, including the big find that had Gundred so excited. Kyrdean informs Sildar that the map is now missing, as it was not found in Gundred's personal effects left at the ambush site.

While in the goblins' captivity, Sildar heard the following information. The goblins' king, a bugbear named Klarg, is responsible for the capture of a human wizard named Iarno Albrek, but this happened several months ago and the goblins didn't know what had happened to the wizard. Sildar also heard that Klarg works for someone called the Spider. It is the Spider that ordered the ambush on the trail, and the Spider seemed to know that Gundred would be on the road back to Phandalin. Klarg was ordered to capture Gundred and send him to Cragmaw Castle. Sildar doesn't know where Cragmaw Castle is located. He also mentions that when he and Gundred were escorted back to Cragmaw Hideout, his captors were intercepted by three other goblins with oblong heads that glowed faintly. His captors did not seem to know these particular goblins, and there was animosity between the two groups. They almost came to blows, but the strange goblins, after examining Gundred they told his captors that the dwarf was to go with them, as he was the one Ruxithid was looking for. They showed the goblins a token Sildar did not see, but this was apparently enough to convince the captors to give Gundred to this new group of goblins. That's the last time he saw Gundred.

Sunday, March 20, 1491

After a long rest that came with no challenge from the inhabitants of Cragmaw Hideout, the party heads back to the bridge. A goblin is standing guard there, and as soon as he sees Fugnar he fires an arrow before running away. Wise to the possibility of a trap, Fugnar jumps down the bridge and lands in the creek, followed by Kyrdean and Kaine. Fugnar rounds the corner back into the large cave just as the goblin emerges from the tunnel, and the barbarian does quick work, ending the goblin's life.

After jumping off the bridge, Kyrdean lowers himself in the river by the dam, with only his nose, eyes and ears sticking out. Kaine stands near Kyrdean. Another goblin standing on the bridge releases the rope holding the dam's keystone in place. This releases the dam, and the rushing waters transport Kyrdean and Kaine back to the mouth of the cave. While Emmy, Fugnar and Kite enters the cave to the south, Kyrdean runs back and chases the goblin across the bridge, avoiding the bridge trap. Cornering the goblin, Kyrdean defeats him, the looks for a secret door. He does not find one.

Map of Cragmaw Hideout

 In the main cave that looks like a poor version of a throne room, they discover several crates, many of them marked with a blue lion's head. They defeat the largest dire dog they have ever seen. The inhabitants of the cave seem to have left, however. Searching for a secret door here, Kyrdean finds one. In a small room, they discover 900 gold pieces in a wooden chest, two potions, and two strange magical items. Cragmaw Hideout is theirs!

Phandelver - Of dragons, griffons, and ghosts

Saturday, March 12, 1491

Having recuperated from the food poisoning he was afflicted by the day before, Kyrdean wakes up still feeling slightly ill, but at least with a now settled stomach. Not sure what happened yesterday, the Tabaxi makes plan to eat a quick breakfast in the Stonehill Inn's common room, then head back on the trail towards Neverwinter to catch up to the caravan. Fortunately, when he enters the common room, Kyrdean finds Fugnar and Kite eating a copious breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, freshly baked bread, and cheese, and Kite informs him that the caravan was delayed yesterday due to missing oxen, but that everything was resolved and Gundred determined they would leave this morning. Being done with breakfast, Fugnar returns upstairs and knock on Kaine and Kritza's doors, but both of them still groan in pain, and they tell the barbarian they will not be joining the caravan today. With breakfast consumed, they head out to Barthen's Provisions, where they will meet Gundred and Sildar.

Meanwhile, when Emmy wakes up from her magically induced sleep, she experiences a massive headache pounding behind her temples. Climbing out of the wagon she slept in, her body feels sore, her mouth is dry, and she feels dizzy, but a few steps take the feelings away. When she is joined by Fugnar, Kyrdean, and Kite at Barthen's Provisions, she inquires what she missed. Fugnar tells her they met faeries, goblins and oxen, and life is good. Gundred and Sildar arrive, and Gundred is thrilled his team is here and ready to go. Fugnar tells him that both Kaine and Kritza are still sick, and will try to catch up with them when they recuperate. Dori and a heavily laden Dunleaf finally return to their wagons.

After completing their preparations, the caravan leaves the village of Phandalin and takes the road back to Neverwinter. Gundred inquires about Kaine and Kritza, and both of them are still sick. Driving their wagons pulled by their four oxen, Dori and Dunleaf begin the slow trek back to Neverwinter. Fugnar comments that he's hoping the bridge has been fixed. But by the time the caravan nears the river, it is clear that the bridge has been destroyed, and the bodies of the nymphs Fugnar had strung under the bridge have been removed. Fugnar suspects that friends of the nymphs destroyed the bridge to avenge their friends.

Gundred consults with Sildar on what the caravan should do. Sildar considers that rebuilding the bridge so it could handle the weight of the oxen and wagons would take about two days, and they are better off to head south to the next ford in the river instead, as this will only take a few hours. Gundred agrees, and the caravan follows the east bank of the river until it crosses over to the other side. Heading back north, they soon rejoin the road. Several times over the day, Kite cheers the oxen, and Fugnar provides them sweet grasses to munch on as they walk on the path.

Later in the afternoon, an injured griffon flies low above the caravan as it is being chased by a juvenile green dragon, which releases a jet of boiling acid. Dori leads her wagon under the closest tree, closely followed by Dunleaf. The griffon crashes to the ground about 100 feet away from the path, while the dragon gracefully lands between the caravan and the griffon, with its back to them. Kyrdean immediately jumps off the wagon, and begins crawling towards the dragon. Seeing this, both Emmy and Kite take out their bows and ready an attack. Gundred whispers to them that they are crazy if they think they can take on a dragon, but Fugnar only grins at him before jumping off the wagon and loudly charging the dragon. Dori also pulls out her axe, but Dunleaf hanks her back.

Surprised, the dragon pivots. Emmy's arrow is true and hits the dragon, while Fugnar's battle hammer strikes the dragon on its side, causing significant damage. Kyrdean jumps into the fray, but Kite's arrow narrowly misses. With the dragon distracted, the griffon also strikes back against the dragon. This significant damage from multiple sources is enough for the dragon, which springs upwards and flies away in the general direction of Phandalin. Emmy slowly steps closer to the now quivering griffon. Using her skills, she approaches the griffon, and, taking out her salves and bandages, she cleans the beast's wounds as best she can, and the griffon remains stoically immobile throughout the operation. Once Emmy is done, the griffon gracefully bows its head, before heading into the woods. Emmy bows back and thanks the griffon for allowing her to care for it.

Gundred is pleased with this battle, but he suggests the caravan should not tarry. They head back on the road, and by night fall they pitch camp in a secluded grove.

Sunday, March 13, 1491

With empty wagons, the caravan makes good time and reaches Neverwinter before the gates are closed at night. Reporting to Bran & Sons's Warehouse, Gundred shakes hands with Bran, and tells everyone the caravan will depart Tuesday morning. However, they can all get a couple gold pieces tomorrow if they wish by helping to load new cargo back on the wagons. Everyone agrees they will help. Gundred suggests they return tomorrow morning around 8. After the oxen are placed in their pen, Kite thanks them for their hard work, and gives them each a carrot.

 

Monday, March 14, 1491

In the morning, Emmy walks to Neverwinter's guard headquarters and reports the presence of a greed dragon in the area. The captain of the guard tells her they will investigate, and he will also notify other towns and villages to be on the lookout. If the dragon proves to be active in this area, a party will be assembled and a reward will be given for its killing. She then heads to the local alchemist, the Alembic Apothecary, where she purchases a jar of nightshade poison she can coat her arrows or her weapons with.

Promptly at 8, Fugnar, Kyrdean, Emmy, and Kite return to Bran & Sons' Warehouse, where they meet Gundred and Sildar. The warehouse is filled with boxes, and Bran, owner of the warehouse, shows them which boxes to load. While Bran and Sildar take the inventory of what is being loaded, Gundred and Dori make some repairs to the wagons. Dunleaf prepares lunch, and soon the caravan's crew and all of the employees of Bran & Sons partake of another lovely meal.

As the wagons become progressively fuller, Fugnar expresses the concern that the oxen will need to work harder than the last trip, and the barbarian tells Gundred he will need to convince the oxen to complete this ultimate trip. Flummoxed, Gundred asks Fugnar to intercedes, and the barbarian agrees for 5 gold pieces, which Gundred gladly hands over.

Fugnar tells Gundred he must convince the oxen they Gundred gives Fugnar 5 gold pieces, and the barbarian makes a show of consulting and cajoling the oxen, before claiming that everything is good, they've agreed to pull the heavy wagons.

Early in the afternoon, a rider delivers an important message to Gundred. Emmy and Kite see him read it, then they hear him exclaim to Sildar "They think they found it!" Making hasty plans, Gundred informs Fugnar he's now in charge of making sure the caravan arrives in Phandalin, as he needs to ride out right away. Soon, both Gundred and Sildar ride out of Neverwinter.

Continuing to supervise the loading, Fugnar catches Bran trying to sell them goods that do not match the description on Gundred's list. Bran apologizes profusely and blames his underlings for the mix up. With the wagons fully loaded early in the evening, Fugnar, Emmy, Kite and Kyrdean discuss whether they would be better off departing immediately instead of leaving the wagons in the warehouse one more night. The absence of their teamsters, who have already withdrawn for the night, convinces them they must stay here until morning. But they determine to sleep in the warehouse. Bran lends them a key to lock and unlock the warehouse gate, and he returns home for the evening.

Looking around for vulnerabilities, Kyrdean builds an elaborate alarm using pots and pans. If the main door or the loading gates are opened, the pots and pans will make a racket, alerting everyone. Emmy places a heavy crate on top of the trapdoor that leads to the sewer, ensuring that no one will be able to climb through that space.

Warehouse in Neverwinter

Tuesday, March 15, 1491

Fugnar sleeps on the bench of the first wagon, while he waits to take the last watch. Emmy takes the first watch, and patrols through the building. Two hours later, she wakes Kyrdean up, and he begins his own patrol as she heads to bed. Halfway through his shift, the temperature in the warehouse drops precipitously. Noticing a faint light in the front office, Kyrdean positions himself stealthily, before opening the door and jumping on the person on the other side. The noise wakes everyone up.

Kyrdean has captured a burglar named Thrumbone, who claims he is here to search the office and retrieve a metal box that belongs to his patron. Kyrdean finds the story hard to believe, but Thrumbone describes part of the contents of the box, including a child's drawing of a unicorn, and what the box itself looks like. While Thrumbone is guarded by Fugnar, Kyrdean searches the office and soon discovers said box underneath a bunch of boxes and piles of paper. Carefully unlocking and opening the box, Kyrdean indeed discovers the drawing of the unicorn. 

Thrumbone attempts to convince them to let him go with the box, but when Kyrdean refuses, a ghostly apparition floats down from the ceiling and threatens everyone with bodily harm. Some quick thinking on Kyrdean's part disarms the situation as he reveals the location of the child the ghost is looking for with her agent Thrumbone. Now aware of the address, the ghostly apparition rushes through the wall, leaving Thrumbone behind.

Kite heads out of the warehouse to alert Bran an intruder was here. Bran returns to the warehouse with Kite, and he alerts the guard. Kyrdean purchases the metal box for 7 gold pieces. Aside from the child's drawing, the box contains what appears to be a contract signed with an arcane symbol, perhaps a debt that binds the family; a collection of foreign coins and trinkets worth 21 gold pieces; a handwritten will amended multiple times: a collection of coded ciphers; a collection of love letters filled with passion, betrayal, and a forbidden romance; a court document with a broken wax seal revealing a past trial, and a hidden crime, as well as the location and new parents of a child; and a leather-bound journal with coded entries filled with what appears to be scientific observations of magic and alchemical formulas.

The city guard finally arrives and hauls Thrumbone away to jail for breaking and entering. Though they promise they will look for the ghostly apparition, everyone knows those are empty promises.

Following the sunrise, Dori and Dunleaf return to Bran & Sons' Warehouse. After being appraised of the events of the previous night, the dwarves retrieve the oxen from their pens, and the caravan departs Neverwinter. On the road, Kite makes flower crowns for the oxen, which they happily munch on.

 

Friday March 18, 1491

As they near the fork that will take them either to the broken bridge or to ford the river, a discussion occurs between Dori and Fugnar. The wagons are very heavy with all of this material, and crossing the river risks being harder than when they traveled back to the city. But the bridge is most likely still out of commission. Kite rides to the bridge, only to discover that Gundred and Sildar's horses are standing on the western shores, and their leads have been staked to the ground. Suspecting an ambush, Kite returns to the caravan to report.

Ambush at the broken bridge

The caravan approaches cautiously. Fugnar and Kyrdean examine the ground, and find goblin prints. Fugnar loudly voices his desire to pay his goblin friend Blonk. Snickers can be heard from the woods near the horses. Fugnar again offers money for the goblins to come out, but the goblins reply that they might as well attack and take all of the gold instead of some of the gold, and they charge. Combat is short, and all but one goblins are quickly dispatched. Fugnar interrogates the last remaining goblin,

Searching the area near the horses, Kite finds Gundred's horse, and his traveling kit, including the letter he received a few days ago. Reading through it, Fugnar, who can read dwarf, notices a reference to a map, but no map is found.  

Returning to the wagons, Emmy asks Dori if there are objects that either Gundred or Sildar carry with them at all times that could identify they were here. Dori replies that Sildar eats sunflower seeds, and Gundred always carries feathers in his pockets because he enjoys the feeling. Kite recalls seeing the dwarf with his hands in his pockets more times than she cares to remember. With that, the caravan heads to the ford to cross the river and reach Phandalin ...