*Only in D&D would I have to role play someone being self-conscious of the size of their feet.*

Sildar proceeds to inform Griska of the disposal of Harbin and that he had assumed authority over the town. He also proceeded to lay down the law informing Griska that all violence was to cease, and furthermore that Sildar had retrieved and destroyed the deed to the Tresander Manor.

*Everyone in this room suspects that Griska was behind the night raid on the Miner’s Exchange and had tried to kill Hallia. *

Griska wasn’t too happy to hear this news, but to his credit he agreed with Sildar’s request. He also divulged some new information to the new “sheriff” that the Redbrands had appointed a new leader who was incredibly angry with the events of the last couple of weeks. When pressed he revealed that they had a camp located somewhere to the NE.

Before leaving, Griska requested a private word with Wendel and everyone leaves the room, including all Griska’s guards. Merric attempts to listen through the door, but Gregor is having none of it.

Inside Griska informs Wendel about the presence of a bounty on his head which had to do with the death of a person known as Shadowmaul. When pressed he only informs Wendel that it was a private bounty that was not being made by the authorities and that it requested Wendel to be alive or information to his whereabouts. Griska lets Wendel know he will keep it to himself but he would like a future favour from Wendel in return. Wendel says nothing and simply leaves.

*Wendel isn’t as innocent as some of his party members seem to believe. I like adding little tidbits from players’ backstory. Allows for more opportunity to use these story elements later.*

Leaving the Craven Dragon, Sildar informs the party this has bought them at most 2 weeks and that that they need to find Gundred, find Wave Echo Cave and return within this timeframe before all hell breaks loose. The scout Lesri will be waiting for them at their inn to show them Cragmaw Castle, the suspected location of Gundren.

*Phew. No more distractions for the players. Go save Gundred already! I don’t like railroading, but Sildar had to act with the information he was presented. Locking up the players wasn’t really going to help his situation. Buying them time would. *

Before heading back to the inn, Aurelia organises with Sister Garaele for tutoring of refugee children and donates some gold for this cause. The whore Meredith catches Aurelia leaving the orphanage, informs her that Griska is furious and is worried. Aurelia comforts her and informs her that Sildar is in charge of the town. Meredith isn’t convinced.

Across from the Stonehill Inn lay a dwarf Greycloak with legs sprayed out into the street who was using a live bear as a pillow. Both snoring loudly. Passers-by gave her a wide birth. A strong smell of alcohol wafted from her direction. The party was curious but for now left her alone.

Most of the party sat down for dinner, while Aurelia ran off to the Orchard to inform the refugees about the children’s’ schooling she had arranged. When she returned to the inn, she used her Awakened Mind ability to inform the bard Falros that she’d leave her bedroom unlocked.

Awakening in the morning the party realised that the dwarf and bear were still asleep beside the road. The realisation that this was their guide didn’t fill them with confidence. Aurelia wasn’t to be deterred, proceeding to wake up and invite the dwarf in for breakfast. The dwarf introduces herself as Lesri and her companion is Meadhead, a bear, she informed them, who couldn’t handle his liquor.

*Lesri is loosely based on Calamity Jane from Deadwood, a very drunk, not caring what people think, scout. I’ve based a couple of things in Phandelin from the Deadwood series, it just didn’t feel right without some form of Calamity Jane.*

Lesri informs the party that Cragmaw Castle was located 1 day north of Phandelin and without any incidents, Lesri escorts them there. In front of the party stands a derelict structure that’s made up of 7 towers. Lesri bids them good luck and wanders off into the wilderness.

Finally, we are at Cragmaw Castle, which seemed like a good spot to end the session. Next session we find out what has befallen poor Gundred during this time.