[5e] Lost Mine of Phandelver (IC)

[Uitgartai]

"Caravan guards required to transport wagonload of goods.
5 gold pieces to the right applicants.
More work available to those who perform well.
Inquire at the home of Gundren Rockseeker, Dwarven quarter,
Marak Lane, 9th bell Harbright, 15 Mirtul"

Artan, Immeral, Xunlan, & XullraeYou found this note, written by an obviously dwarven hand, posted on the notice board in the marketplace.

Artan & ImmeralThis is a stroke of luck. You had been looking for Gundren, and by coincidence, you have found a notice telling you exactly where you can find him.

Although the pay is not much, it could be a chance to begin making your name, and gain much-needed experience, should the caravan come under attack. So on the day mentioned in the note, you make your way to the dwarven quarter.

RolenBy chance, one day in the marketplace, you bumped into your old friend Gundren. It had been some time since you had seen him, but you were aware he had been working on some sort of project with his brothers, Nundro and Tharden, who you had met once or twice. Smiling pleasantly, he enquires after your health, before showing you a handwritten note as he nails it to the notice board. "So, lad, as you can see, I have a little work going. I can't think of anyone I'd trust more than you for this. Why don't you come by my place and talk about it? I don't think I've had the pleasure of your company at my little house yet, have I?"

Before you have a chance to answer, he slaps you on the back with a powerful hand, and booms, "Good, good, then it's settled. I'll see you then," before making his way back through the crowd. Having nothing better to do on the day in question, and perhaps curious to see where Gundren lives, you make your way to his house.

Fortunately the streets are all neatly labelled, unlike the more chaotic human sections of the city, but as you walk through the quarter, the buildings seem to hunch more and more over the street, until you feel almost like you are walking through a cavern rather than the open air. Marak Lane turns out to be a short street off a busy road, and you quickly find a sign with a shingle, "Gundren Rockseeker", above a small house in the dwarven style typical for the area.

After knocking, you are ushered inside by a tall, gaunt, mustachioed man, with a military air, who raises an eyebrow at your appearance, but introduces himself politely as Sildar Hallwinter. You find yourself in a room furnished mostly with dwarven furniture, including a heavy stone desk scattered with papers marked with the dwarven script. The room is otherwise furnished rather plainly, though a couple of human-sized benches have been hastily shoved into the room.

Behind the desk sits a older dwarf, Gundren of course, who wears a unadorned guildsman's robe, though his body is still powerful, and his hands calloused and blackened from hard work. He begins to rise to his feet as you enter, but suddenly gasps and clutches at his chest as he spots the drow entering the room. After a moment, he gathers his wits, mopping at his brow, and mutters, "My apologies, gentle folk, I sometimes forget the new times we live in."

Taking a deep breath, he continues more brightly, "Now then, I assume you're all here regarding the job? Good, good. I am, of course, Gundren, and this fellow here is Sildar, a good friend and associate of mine. You'll no doubt be seeing more of him, should you take the job." At this, Sildar gives you a friendly nod, and then offering each of you a choice of coffee or water, moves into another room.

"Now, before we get down to business, I'll just let you know what the job involves. Tonight, Sildar and I will be heading south to a little town called Phandalin. Now, confidentially, I suspect I might know the location of a vein of iron, and I'm looking to stake my claim. Should be quite profitable in a few years time. As the notice mentioned, I'm offering 5 gold for each of you, and I may have more work coming your way as well. You'll be moving a wagon with a few supplies there starting tomorrow. It's nothing special, just some mining supplies, but there's been a few bandits around. They're a pretty scrawny bunch, really," he hastily adds, "but just a little tougher than the usual caravaneers are used to dealing with. No problem for you lot, I'd say, though."

"What do you think? Got any questions?"

[Inevitability]

Immeral is pleased to meet with his mentor's brother: the semblance is indeed remarkable. Just as he'd been told, Rockseeker had some work. Immeral was more than happy to take it: the matter of the bandits alone was enough to merit action.

...Of course, his near-empty pockets needed filling too.

"Could we get some more information about those bandits? Have they struck before? Have others tried to get rid of them?"

[AvatarVecna]

"Caravan guards required to transport wagonload of goods.
5 gold pieces to the right applicants.
More work available to those who perform well.
Inquire at the home of Gundren Rockseeker, Dwarven quarter,
Marak Lane, 9th bell Harbright, 15 Mirtul"

Xullrae beamed at the notice--an opportunity to exercise her abilities, and for money to boot--and promptly set off for the Dwarven quarter with a spring in her step.


Fortunately the streets are all neatly labelled, unlike the more chaotic human sections of the city, but as you walk through the quarter, the buildings seem to hunch more and more over the street, until you feel almost like you are walking through a cavern rather than the open air. Marak Lane turns out to be a short street off a busy road, and you quickly find a sign with a shingle, "Gundren Rockseeker", above a small house in the dwarven style typical for the area.

After knocking, you are ushered inside by a tall, gaunt, mustachioed man, with a military air, who raises an eyebrow at your appearance, but introduces himself politely as Sildar Hallwinter. You find yourself in a room furnished mostly with dwarven furniture, including a heavy stone desk scattered with papers marked with the dwarven script. The room is otherwise furnished rather plainly, though a couple of human-sized benches have been hastily shoved into the room.

"Greetings, Mr. Hallwinter! My name's Xullrae Kilval," she exclaimed by way of greeting, giving a quick curtsy (causing her red/orange/yellow layered dress, already reminiscent of flames, to ripple in the light) and sticking out a hand to shake his. Regardless of how he responds, she treats him to a wide grin and follows along, admiring the decor along the way.


Behind the desk sits a older dwarf, Gundren of course, who wears a unadorned guildsman's robe, though his body is still powerful, and his hands calloused and blackened from hard work. He begins to rise to his feet as you enter, but suddenly gasps and clutches at his chest as he spots the drow entering the room. After a moment, he gathers his wits, mopping at his brow, and mutters, "My apologies, gentle folk, I sometimes forget the new times we live in."

The chipper drow maiden waves off the apology. "No worries, Mr Rockseeker, happens all the time."


Taking a deep breath, he continues more brightly, "Now then, I assume you're all here regarding the job? Good, good. I am, of course, Gundren, and this fellow here is Sildar, a good friend and associate of mine. You'll no doubt be seeing more of him, should you take the job." At this, Sildar gives you a friendly nod, and then offering each of you a choice of coffee or water, moves into another room.

"Now, before we get down to business, I'll just let you know what the job involves. Tonight, Sildar and I will be heading south to a little town called Phandalin. Now, confidentially, I suspect I might know the location of a vein of iron, and I'm looking to stake my claim. Should be quite profitable in a few years time. As the notice mentioned, I'm offering 5 gold for each of you, and I may have more work coming your way as well. You'll be moving a wagon with a few supplies there starting tomorrow. It's nothing special, just some mining supplies, but there's been a few bandits around. They're a pretty scrawny bunch, really," he hastily adds, "but just a little tougher than the usual caravaneers are used to dealing with. No problem for you lot, I'd say, though."

"What do you think? Got any questions?"

Xullrae listens to his speech with rapt attention. At the request for questions, she pauses to consider, before asking "Any idea how many highwaymen to expect? Do they rob people with physical intimidation and the threat of force, large numbers, skirmishing tactics? Um..." she trails off for a moment, before asking "Any mages among them that you know of?"

[DeltaK]

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Rockseeker" Artan says with a light bow towards the dwarf. "Artan Ize at your service."

Artan thought to himself; What great magical power was he sent out for, and what did this miner have to do with it? He was never one to question the elders at the temple though, so he would follow along with the dwarf's requests until more information revealed itself.

"Your shipment will be thoroughly protected. Have no worry."

[2D8HP]

Rolen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=982219)
Just say where and when, and I'll be there

[igordragonian]

Xunlan wasn't here for the money. He was here, to get to know the surface more. Xunlan was a slim and short drow, who covered himself in hood. Under the hood, his silvery hair was cutted short, his left side of his face was deeply scarred and his left ear gone missing.

The female drow made him very nervouse- he almost thiught to quit the whole thing- but he found himself nodding silently

[Uitgartai]

"Oh, the bandits? They're a pretty disorganised bunch, really. You know, typical cutthroats, exiled criminals, the like. Desperate men with little to lose. They're likely to kill you if you let your guard down, but if you're carrying so much as a sword and know which is the right end to swing, they'll cut and run before you have a chance to even hit one of the mangy rats."

He snorts, before continuing, "They've no magic to speak of. The occasional natural talent who can barely start a campfire, but even those are pretty rare."

At that, Sildar returns with a tray of coffee mugs and water glasses, setting it down and offering a cup to each of you.

[igordragonian]

Xunlan thanked Sildar with a nod, not breaking eye contact from the female drow. He was sure he is far from being popular among the high elves, but the drow might be a seriouse threat- especialy a female one.

He sipped the cup of water slowly, not making a sound, too afraid to annoy the female drow

[Inevitability]

"Worry not, then: your cargo shall arrive safely. If any of the bandits show up, know it'll be my pleasure to murder all of them."

Immeral quickly drinks his cup of water, then smiles and turns to the other elves.

"With that out of the way: nice to meet you all! I'm Immeral Merilodel: what are your names?"

[2D8HP]

"With that out of the way: nice to meet you all! I'm Immeral Merilodel: what are your names?"

Rolen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=982219)
extends his hand to shake his fellow Wood Elf's hand,

I'm Rolen Liadon of the whatever tribe (Dragons Blood Tree tribe?) from the wherever forest he comes from (sorry I just don't know Faerun!)

[DeltaK]

Artan picks up a cup of water, and nods his thanks to Sidar, "Your hospitality is appreciated."

He takes his cup and nonchalantly meanders over to the darkest (not very dark, since its, you know, daytime) corner of the room, pretending to take in any decorations or designs on the walls. After a brief moment, he turns around, leans again the wall, and begins to observe his new compatriots.


"With that out of the way: nice to meet you all! I'm Immeral Merilodel: what are your names?"
"I'm Rolen Liadon of the X Tribe"



"Greetings friends, the name's Artan Ize" he says, as he presses a fist against his open palm, and gives a respectful bow.

[AvatarVecna]

Xullrae accepts a cup of coffee with a smile and a quick "Thank you." She slowly sips at the drink, immersing herself in the painful feeling of the fiery liquid assaulting her tongue.

"I am called Xullrae Kilval, witch extraordinaire!"

[igordragonian]

Xunlan wishpered
"Xunlan. An Ex-soldier of Menzoberanzen. Now a worshiper of Moradin." with trembling voice.
Xullrae won't dare to attack him next to the others. Right? He.. tried to be brave, and not hide the person he is trying to be.

[Inevitability]

A drow witch, a tribal elf, a drow worshipper of moradin and the elf in the corner, who Immeral noticed was speaking much but telling little. One might call at least half of them suspicious, but the cleric figured he should at least try to understand them before judging.

"As for myself, I'm a simple wandering priest."

Immeral casually walks over to the nearest window and glances outside, then turns back to the group and speaks:

"The one I worship is Bhaal."

Part of Immeral hopes the others' reactions will be shocked: seeing people be shocked was always funny. Another part, however, desires for them to simply accept it. Too often has the elf met people who refuse to look past the distant source of his powers.

[AvatarVecna]

Xullrae's eyes widen...and then squeals and applauds. "Ooh, this might be fun! Nice to meet you, Mr. Merilodel."

[igordragonian]

Xunlan looked disturbed.and horrified
"You won't make human sacrfices.. are you? I think I'll have to stop you, if such things happens" he mambled, staring at the female drow, who have reminded him so much of his homeland.

[Inevitability]

Immeral grinned. This was going to be fun.

"Don't worry, don't worry, human sacrifices I won't make. Elvish ones, on the other hand..."

The elf waits for a moment, staring at Xunlan and pretending to be absolutely serious. Then his serious expression gives way to a smile.

"Nah, just kidding. I promise we'll get along."

[igordragonian]

Xunlan gasped, dropping the cup of water, hurrying to pull his rapier, which it's handle were to look like a spider devouring his hand.(Drow art..)
his black face turned grey.
"B..by by Moradin hammer, I won't let you!" he waved the rapier with terror.
he blinked.
He still held the rapier,hoping to keep some of his dignity.
"Clever move! I I... would have sacfriced your heart to Moradin! Or something!" he warned him with a squeak, before putting the rapier back to it's place.

[AvatarVecna]

"Moradin has sacremental rituals too? Wow, I'm learning so much about religion today," Xullrae remarked with a pleased grin. With a wave of her hand, the spilled drink was vanished. A second wave of her hand utterly fails to move the pieces of the fallen mug, which turns her grin to a sheepish pout. "I was so sure that I would be able to do some weak telekinesis, too. Oh well...sorry I couldn't do more," she directed to their host.

[DeltaK]

Artan turned his attention to each elf as they spoke.


Xullrae accepts a cup of coffee with a smile and a quick "Thank you." She slowly sips at the drink, immersing herself in the painful feeling of the fiery liquid assaulting her tongue.

"I am called Xullrae Kilval, witch extraordinaire!"

Artan watched the emotions playing out on the drow's face as they sipped their drink. This one, motivated by pleasure and emotions, could be unpredictable. Dangerous.


Xunlan wishpered
"Xunlan. An Ex-soldier of Menzoberanzen. Now a worshiper of Moradin." with trembling voice.
Xullrae won't dare to attack him next to the others. Right? He.. tried to be brave, and not hide the person he is trying to be.

Artan noticed the fear in Xullrae's eyes. Not wise to have one so skittish when combat approaches. Might not be able to rely on them to watch your back.



"The one I worship is Bhaal."


Artan simply raised his eyebrow at the claim. He had no care for the fickle nature of the Gods and their followers, but it was odd for one to be so open about belief in such a God.


Xullrae's eyes widen...and then squeals and applauds. "Ooh, this might be fun! Nice to meet you, Mr. Merilodel."

Definitely confirming his previous thoughts. He'd have to be careful with this one.


Immeral grinned. This was going to be fun.

"Don't worry, don't worry, human sacrifices I won't make. Elvish ones, on the other hand..."

The elf waits for a moment, staring at Xunlan and pretending to be absolutely serious. Then his serious expression gives way to a smile.

"Nah, just kidding. I promise we'll get along."

Again, quite open with the statements that could get him in deep trouble with the wrong person. One misunderstood joke, spread by wildfire rumors, is all it takes for a violent mob to coalesce.


Xunlan gasped, dropping the cup of water, hurrying to pull his rapier, which it's handle were to look like a spider devouring his hand.(Drow art..)
his black face turned grey.
"B..by by Moradin hammer, I won't let you!" he waved the rapier with terror.
he blinked.
He still held the rapier,hoping to keep some of his dignity.
"Clever move! I I... would have sacfriced your heart to Moradin! Or something!" he warned him with a squeak, before putting the rapier back to it's place.

Artan wasn't sure which was more dangerous. The drow, the death worshiping wood elf, or the terrified one waving a sword around in such as way to hurt themselves more than everyone else in a 5 ft radius.

Artan sighed. These are going to be my brothers in arms? This whole quest must be a joke. Elder Kaia is laughing right now.

[Inevitability]

Artan's raised eyebrow doesn't escape Immeral's keen elvish senses, and the cleric turns towards him.

"What is the matter? Not looking forward towards traveling with a Bhalite?"

[2D8HP]

Rolen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=982219)
*Bewildered expression*

City ways still confuse me.

[DeltaK]

Artan's raised eyebrow doesn't escape Immeral's keen elvish senses, and the cleric turns towards him.

"What is the matter? Not looking forward towards traveling with a Bhalite?"

"I have no problem with your choice in deity, and death is a natural thing. I am merely intrigued by your openness. Most would hide or disguise their allegiance to an oft feared god. To prevent frightening some," Artan tilts his head torwards Xunlan, "or invoking the wrath of the 'righteous'."

[Inevitability]

"If the 'righteous' kill me for worshipping a murder god, I hope they can at least appreciate the irony." Immeral remarks dryly.

[igordragonian]

"If the 'righteous' kill me for worshipping a murder god, I hope they can at least appreciate the irony." Immeral remarks dryly.

"T..there are gods... that s..shouldn't be worshipped..." Xunlan attempted to say.

[Inevitability]

"Really? Tell me, say we escort that shipment and get attacked by bandits, or goblins, or marauding orcs. What are you planning on doing then: give them a stern talking-to?"

Immeral unsubtly places his hand on the hilt of his rapier, making clear what he'd be doing to the attackers.

[igordragonian]

"I...I'll kill them, of course" Xunlan mambled

[Inevitability]

"No, you'll murder them. That's what willingly killing a sentient being is called."

Immeral pauses for a moment and takes a sip of water.

"Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. You protected yourself from a wicked being while also preventing it from doing more harm in the future. That's a good thing, right?"

[AvatarVecna]

"No, you'll murder them. That's what willingly killing a sentient being is called."

Immeral pauses for a moment and takes a sip of water.

"Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. You protected yourself from a wicked being while also preventing it from doing more harm in the future. That's a good thing, right?"

Xullrae frowns at this, but doesn't say anything.

[DeltaK]

"No, you'll murder them. That's what willingly killing a sentient being is called."

"I do not believe that is quite right. Murder technically requires premeditation. Defending yourself from attacking bandits is not murder. Otherwise the city guards would be obligated to arrest you after defending yourself from bandits. That is why 'murder' is frowned upon, but the act of 'killing' has many reasons, whether it is self-defense or... religious justice"

Artan notices everyone staring at him.

"It is wise to have thorough knowledge of the law, to better know how to circumvent it" Artan explains, with the tiniest hint of a smile.

[2D8HP]

Rolen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=982219)
*points to Immeral, & Xullrae*
*asks Artan*

I still learnin' city ways. Was that a city courtship dance?

[Inevitability]

"You say it's not murder if it's not illegal, I say only some kinds of murder are illegal. Let's not dwell on t..."

Upon hearing Rolen, Immeral immediately turns toward him.

"It is not courtship! I am not courting anyone!"

[2D8HP]

Rolen (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=982219)

*still speaking to Artan*

Once as is custom, young one went to sing longing song at her choices tent on night of first snow. Sang and shivered all night, and cried frozen tears at daybreak, only to see choice come back from her tent!
How we laughed!

[Inevitability]

A drow who disagreed with his god, a drow who disagreed with his religion, a smartass elf and a rambling elf. This was going to be one fun trip. Immeral turns to their employer.

"So, is there anything else you needed to tell? I'm thinking about heading back to my inn early to get a good night's trance."

[igordragonian]

Xunlan didn't answered the strange priest of Bhaal.
He did have murdered- his own commander.. but for a drow, it was the right thing to do.. back then.
But now he is trying to follow the path of Moradin... wiser elf has already answered.
Xunlan just seemed getting lost in his own thoughts.

[DeltaK]

I still learnin' city ways. Was that a city courtship dance?

"I am not the one to ask about 'city ways'. My experience in humanoid behaviors is very limited. All of your behaviors are..."


Once as is custom, young one went to sing longing song at her choices tent on night of first snow. Sang and shivered all night, and cried frozen tears at daybreak, only to see choice come back from her tent!
How we laughed!


"...fascinating."