The Lost Mine - Session 3

-- Tarsakh 23, Morning --

We awoke after an uneventful night at our makeshift camp at the entrance to Cragmaw cave where we had defeated Klarg the day before. Before setting off, Willow introduced us to her new Dire Wolf companion, Luna.

We set out for Phandalin, after walking for many hours until the sun began to set we made camp in a clearing off the main path back to town.

The night passed without incident. Before setting off we discuss the events of the past few days with Sildar who we had rescued from the Goblins of Cragmaw cave.

At first reluctant to discuss the secret reason behind he and Gundren Rockseeker's trip to Phandalin, he quickly realised we could be the only people who can now help with their endeavours and relented…

Legend tells the story of a great battle that took place over 500 years ago. Somewhere in the region surrounding Phandalin there was a cave, known as Wave Echo Cave. This cave held great magical powers, allowing whoever inhabited the cave to craft wondrous magical items. Humans, Gnome and Dwarf clans came together to form the Phandelver Pact, allowing each faction's best spellcaster to share the cave's power. Hearing of the cave and the riches it could provide an Orc army rose up and assaulted the cave, driving out those who intended to share the magic it held. The members of the Phandelver Pact rallied and fought back, many died and, in the raging battle the entrance to the cave was destroyed. War and time have eroded all knowledge of Wave Echo Cave, allowing it to pass from memory to myth. And so, the legend of the Lost Mines of Phandelver was born.

The Rockseeker brothers come across maps and information they believe would lead them to the mine.

Sildar told us that Gundren’s two brothers had been in the area for some time scouting out the region. He was dismayed at the news of the empty map cases found with his and Gundran’s horses which had hoped would lead them to Phandelver. Sildar tells the group of a human wizard by the name of Iarno Albrek who may know something about recent events, he can be found in Phandalin. Seeking their help he promises a % ownership of the mine if they help to find it.

Sildar also mentioned the possible presence at Cragmaw of a Drow by the name of Clark(?) but his memory was unclear due to having been beaten almost to death.

Heading back to Phandalin we come to a bridge blocked by a number Redbrand demanding 10gold to cross. After a short impasse, Willow calls on Luna to help with the “negotiations” and the Redbrands back down, allowing us to pass.

As we reach town Willow call on another new friend, a Giant Elk by the name of Marigold. A large group of Redbrands and waiting in the centre of town but quickly become uneasy and slipped away at the sight of the giant magical creature accompanying the group.

The group head to the Townmaster’s hall to confront Iaron and the Townmaster Harbin Wester. On realising Marigold will not fit through the door Willow, Vergel and Flow take her to the town green where she enjoyed an apple from Daran’s orchard.

Back at the Townmaster’s hall, Herbin tells Sildar he hasn’t seen Iarno in some time, and they begin to argue over recent events. Sildar encourages Herbin to raise a bounty on the Redbrand. We accept the task to take out the Redbrand for 100gold payment on completion.

Sildar promotes Morag to the rank of Redknife. Taking her by the arm pricks her with a small needle imbuing her arm with a dark magical tattoo.

After a short shopping trip, the group hatched a cunning plan… parading Marigold through the streets, the giant elk happily chomped on apples as they wound their way to the ruined walls of Tresendar Manor where the giant magical create proceeds to distract absolutely no one, as the place is abandoned.

Scouting around the team find a cellar door. Taking on spider form Willow slinked through the gaps in the door to investigate what lay beyond. Returning shortly after to report back on the layout and inhabitants of the underground hideout.

Stealthily shouting at the top of their collective voices the group smash their way into the cellar where they quickly dispatched the first group of Redbrands in their makeshift sleeping quarters. Trudging through the stagnant water of an old fountain Morag discovers a hidden stash which Vergel proceeds to get very upset about, but we won’t talk about that.

Despite knowing the exact layout and content of the cellar the group become distracted by a hidden passage and are quickly dragged off course. Finding themselves in a pitch-black cavern of some kind a few members of the group begin to hear voices and commune with unknown forces that warn them to avoid the bridges. The team proceed across the bridge.

In Dire Wolf form Willow finds herself at the bottom of a 50ft chasm which without a doubt definitely, definitely smells of rotten flesh. Throwing a flaming torch down reveals the presence of two Nothics approaching Willow. The group attempts to rescue their fallen ally. Vergel lowers a rope. Rhyf fires Eldritch blasts. Morag, cheered on by Willow proceeds to set the whole chasm ablaze. Vaddix, in a move only he dares devise, dives “bravely” into the fiery pit, barely scratches the enemy and leaps out again. Something about the groups actions causes the Northics to reconsider their life choices and retreat, allowing Willow to climb up out of the burning chasm to safety.

- Sir Vergel von Brey