CH. 02 - Phandalin

[Daos]

Fosco and Orianna (Town Entrance)

The rest of the trip down the Triboar Trail was a quiet one, full of melancholy.  After loading up the wagon, they got back on the road.  Eventually night fell, they made camp, and then set out the next morning, bright and early.  At around noon time, the rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and they catch their first glimpse of Phandalin.

The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins--crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars--surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.

As they approach, they see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as they approach, but all return to their business as they go by.

Sildar seems much more at ease now.  "My friends," he says, "let us secure lodgings. I'm told the local inn is very quaint."

Gotrek and Bareris (Town Entrance)

The unusual trio made their way down the Triboar Trail from the east.  They had all met on the road, and as they were traveling in the same direction, decided it was better to be in a group than risk bandits, goblins and whatever else on their own.

First, there was Gotrek, a shield dwarf.  He didn't talk much, especially not about himself or his past.  Then there was Bareris, a human.  If anything, he spoke even less, never using a monosyllabic word when a grunt and gesture would do instead.  Third, there was the other human, Zoya.  It was clear she was a warrior, with that sword on her hip and the chain mail she took the time to clean and shine every evening.  She has dark skin and hair, and her accent suggested she was not from around these parts.  But like the others, she spoke little about herself or her past, which suited them just fine.  None of them were looking to be social at the moment anyway.

At around noon time, the rutted track emerges from a wooded hillside, and they catch their first glimpse of Phandalin.

The town consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings, some built on old fieldstone foundations. More old ruins--crumbling stone walls covered in ivy and briars--surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past. Most of the newer buildings are set on the sides of the cart track, which widens into a muddy main street of sorts as it climbs toward a ruined manor house on a hillside at the east side of town.

As they approach, they see children playing on the town green and townsfolk tending to chores or running errands at shops. Many people look up as they approach, but all return to their business as they go by.

"At least this place looks intact," Zoya notes.  The last place they stopped by, Conyberry, was in ruins, having been destroyed by Uthgardt barbarians a few years past.  "Will be nice to sleep in a bed for a change," she adds.

[Xantin Rahl]

"Beds" ,and although it was only one word one could nearly feel my distaste for the concept.

Getting used to civilization is going to be tough, as well as having people by my side. Also living in houses in such a crampted up manner must be bad for your Ki - I thought to myself.

Looking at Gotrek and Zoya I put out my hand and start putting my gold coins into it one by one. I later make a puzzled look and grunt "work?"

I put the coins back into my pouch and adjust it back at my belt.

Were there are people there are crimes, and I could use some coin while imposing justice. Whith this thought, I stand and wait to hear what the other two have to say about my nearly inarticulated offer.

[HorizonsDream]

"I, personally, would like to deal with this cargo first," Orianna admits to Sildar.

[Lupercal83]

"Aye. I sense this place could offer us some work. I'm going to see about some lodging, some food and mostly importantly some ale. Then I'll have a look around with ye" After that Gotrek begins to search for the local inn. 

[Xantin Rahl]

If Zoya ofers no other ideas I folow Gotrek, a inn seems as good place to start as any.

[GravityEmblem]

"I'd like to at least get rooms, first," Fosco says. "I'm really in need of a good nights sleep in a normal bed."

[Daos]

Fosco and Orianna (Town Entrance)
"As you like," Sildar says to them.  "I will head to the inn now, and perhaps meet you there later when your business is concluded.  Failing that, I'll leave a message with the innkeeper to let you know where I am.  As soon as I have a room, and a good meal and ale in my stomach, I would like to find my contact."

Gotrek and Bareris (Town Entrance)
Zoya nods in agreement with Bareris.  "Indeed, although small, I would be willing to wager that there is work in this place.  Out here on the frontier, away from civilization, they likely need hired warriors.  But I agree with Gotrek.  I wish to acquire lodgings first.  I would like the opportunity to remove the dust from the road, and cool off with a fine ale."

[HorizonsDream]

"It looks like I am outvoted here," Orianna says. "I'll join you all at the inn. Perhaps cleaning up before delivering this stuff is a good idea."

[Xantin Rahl]

While looking for the inn i try to assess if the town was recently attackes. Do the people seem scared, are there aby signs of battle.

The two i met on the road might be worth sticking around. They accept my silance although I would feel safer with at least a few more.

[Daos]

Fosco and Orianna (Stonehill Inn)

With that decided, the party drives the wagon to the center of town.  There stands a large, newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers.  Above the door reads, "Stonehill Inn."

Stepping inside, they find the common room is filled with locals nursing mugs of ale or cider, all of them eyeing the group with curiosity.

A short young human male stands behind the bar, and beckons them forward.  "Welcome, strangers.  Just arrive in town?  Always glad to see new faces.  What can I get you?  Something to eat, to drink?  Got six open rooms available, if you're seeking lodging."

Gotrek and Bareris (Town Entrance)
As the group walks down the street, keeping an eye out for any inns, Bareris scans the area for signs of battle.  He does not spot any thing to suggest the town has been attacked recently.  However, as they are walking, the group does pass a foursome of rather rough looking men and women.  They are armed, with short swords on their belts and decked out in studded leather.  In addition, each of them wear grimy red cloaks.  The other townsfolk give them a wide berth, and there is clearly some tension in the air at the sight of them.  The four watch the party carefully, and as they pass, one of them spits on the ground.  But otherwise, they take no action to stop the party or hinder them.

[HorizonsDream]

Orianna walks over to the bar once beckoned over. The smell of food in the air makes her realize just how hungry she really is as her stomach starts to growl a bit. "I could use a room and a meal," she says.

[Lupercal83]

Gotrek eyes the four men on his way to the inn, hands reaching for his axes unconsciously. He tries to determine if he can tell anything more than meets the eye at first glance. Then he walks with Bareris to the inn. When he arrives he orders some food and ale and finds a table to sit at, preferably in the corner where he can keep an eye on everyone. 

Perception roll: D20+3: ZwZtUiU11d20+31d20+3

[Xantin Rahl]

I try to recal If the men might belonging to any religious organization.

Knowladge Rligion: 5gCHlUUU1d20 +2

Despite the result once i get to the inn I will show my waterskin and simulate drinking, i will also pretendent I am rating. If this dose not get me an order of food and water I will repeat the guestures adding words but I will sound anoyed at not being understood.

Once I get the order I will sit with Gotrek scanning the room for anything unusual. I will also whach for Zoya and guestures her to come sit with us.

Perception: 1d20 +3

Insight: 1d20+3

1d20 +2·1d20 +3·1d20+3

[Daos]

Fosco and Orianna (Stonehill Inn)

The bartender gestures to an empty stool for her to seat, but before he can say anything, a young boy of around 8 years old approaches.  "Oh, wow!  Look, Pa, a demon!  Are you from the Hells or the Abyss?  Can you pick things up with your tail, like an arm?  Do you gots a third eye that you use to suck out peoples souls???" he asks, gesturing wildly with his hands.

"Pip!" the bartender scolds.  "You're being incredibly rude.  Elsa, come keep an eye on him," he calls to a young barmaid in her teens.  Then, turning back to Orianna, he says apologetically, "Please pardon the boy.  He doesn't mean anything by it.  We just never get your kind in these parts, is all.  Let me go over our prices with you."

Price List

Ale (Gallon) 2 SP

Ale (Mug) 4 CP

Bread 2 CP

Cheese 1 SP

Inn Room (Modest) 5 SP/night

Meals (Modest) 3 SP/day

Meat 3 SP

Common Wine (pitcher) 2 SP

Cider (Mug) 2 CP

Just as he finishes, the front door swings open and three more people step inside.  They are clearly not locals, but are dressed as adventurers.  One is an orange-haired, shirtless male dwarf carrying an assortment of axes on his back and belt, and with detailed tattoos on his chest and arms of blue dragons.  The second one is a young, short, bald male human wearing robes.  The third is a dark-skinned human woman in resplendent chain mail, with a long sword on her hip and a shield on her back.  Again, the three draw quite a few looks from the locals.

The three approach the bar, and the bald man pulls out his waterskin and without uncorking it, seems to mime drinking from it.  Then he mimes eating invisible food with an invisible fork.  He and the dwarf then find a table in the corner and sit down, carefully watching everyone.  The woman clears her throat.  "Could we get some service, please?  Thank you."  She then joins the others at the table.

"Elsa, you want to see to them?" the bartender asks the teenage barmaid.  "I'm with a customer right now."

Gotrek and Bareris (Stonehill Inn)

The ruffians pass without incident, but Gotrek eyes them carefully.  He can tell they are skilled warriors by the way they carry themselves.  As far as Bareris knows, they are not part of any religious organization he has ever heard about.

The party makes their way to the center of town. There stands a large, newly built roadhouse of fieldstone and rough-hewn timbers. Above the door reads, "Stonehill Inn."

Stepping inside, they find the common room is filled with locals nursing mugs of ale or cider, all of them eyeing the group with curiosity.

The three approach the bar, and Bareris pulls out his waterskin and without uncorking it, seems to mime drinking from it. Then he mimes eating invisible food with an invisible fork. He and Gotrek then find a table in the corner and sit down, carefully watching everyone. Zoya clears her throat. "Could we get some service, please? Thank you." She then joins the others at the table.

As they wait, Gotrek and Bareris carefully look around the room at the people inside.  There is the bartender behind the bar, a short young human male.  There is a teenage girl, who appears to be a barmaid, and a young boy of around 8 years old, who seems to work here in some capacity.  There are also some locals at various tables--farmers, miners, and craftsmen from the look of them.

The more interesting people, though, are some patrons over by the bar.  They are a motley looking group, and dressed as adventurers.  One is a male halfling in simple, patched clothes and leather armor.  He has a rapier on his belt.  The second is a tiefling woman with red skin, horns and gold eyes.  She's wearing tight fitting leather and loose clothes, and has bow and arrow on her back and a short sword on her hip.  The third is another tiefling woman, adorned from head to toe in jewelry and wearing guilded leather.  The fourth is a red dragonborn, openly scowling at everyone in the room.  The fifth is an older human male, perhaps in his fifties.  He wears simple clothes, but does not wear armor or carry any weapons at all.

The teenage barmaid approaches their table shortly after they sit down.  "Hello, and welcome to the Stonehill Inn.  What can I get you today, strangers?" she asks cordially.  "Let me go over our prices with you."

Price List
Ale (Gallon) 2 SP
Ale (Mug) 4 CP
Bread 2 CP
Cheese 1 SP
Inn Room (Modest) 5 SP/night
Meals (Modest) 3 SP/day
Meat 3 SP
Common Wine (pitcher) 2 SP

Cider (Mug) 2 CP

[Xantin Rahl]

Seeing that my usuall guestures do not do I say "Water gallon, meals for the day, bed for a night, please". I pay1 gold coin

After that I go to the other Group bow deeply and say: "Bareris; are you here for work" after that without waiting for a reply I go back to the table to waiting for the food and drink, If they wants to answers they can always join us at the table.

After such a long spech I do need to sit down