Jerd Edthow

Jerd Edthow was found on the steps of a poor tinkerer and locksmith's home in Waterdeep. The man, Daron Edthow, raised the boy and named him after his father. All Jerd had with him besides his basket and clothing was a ring of keys with five keys on it, so Daron thought it was fate that he came to his door. Daron taught Jerd all the ins and outs of locks and explained that the best locks are made to guard some of the greatest treasures. Some of Daron's best locks and tools were bought by a group known as the Zhentarim and when Daron passed away due to failing health, all that was his was taken by the criminal faction. Jerd was left to the dark alleyways and bustling city streets to take what he could like so many other youths. And the Zhentarim tried to recruit him, but he managed to stay untangled.
After gaining a bit of wealth on the streets cutting purses and stealing from the homes of the nobility, Jerd decided to buy enough gear to get him out of the city. His journey led him north to Neverwinter. It was there he met Qhorin Swain and Runt, who he started out with as drinking buddies with. Eventually, they learned a bit about one another and decided to go on some adventures together, protecting caravans and delving into nearby caves filled with goblins and kobolds. A few of these jobs were for a patron named Gundren Rockseeker.
Gundren came to the three fellows again, wanting them to escort a wagon to the town of Phandalin. Gundren has gone ahead with a warrior, Sildar Hallwinter, to attend to business in the town while the follow follow with the supplies. The group is told that they will be paid 10 gp each by the owner of Barthen’s Provisions in Phandalin when the wagon is safely delivered to the trading post.