Facing another clear morning after having left the Banshee's lair, the party continued on their homeward trek. They went overland to save a few miles even if that increased their chances of a wandering monster or a random encounter. Having almost reached Phandalin after 10 hours of travel, they decided to push on even if that meant receiving a point of exhaustion. Once in Phandalin they brought their prisoner, Nezznar, the Black Spider, to the Town Master's Hall to be locked away until he could be given to the proper authorities. Sildar put an extra guard out, then the party went to bed for a much deserved nights sleep. (After meeting a curious painter in the common room of the Stonehill Inn.) Glanbir enjoyed the company of his serving wench Colette. Bryndon enjoyed his hand. Scarlet enjoyed Marga, the virgin sister of Colette. The next day the local gossip was of an attack of Kobolds during the night. That was quickly disproved though. Now everyone in town is sure that the new companion of the "Heroes" is a Lizardfolk Shaman. (He was handing out religious pamphlets to anyone who could understand his odd accent after all.) Unfortunately, after breakfast Glanbir and Rook accompanied Sildar to the Town Master's Hall to claim the reward for the Orc heads and found one guard dying and the town blacksmith dead. This lead to an old fashioned investigation that pointed toward Halia Thornton and perhaps the involvement of the Zhentarim. Nothing could be proved against her. Though her henchmen was missing. Who knows what the ramifications of this will be. Bryndon relayed the information the party gathered about Bowgentle's spellbook and had a touching moment with the innocent Sister Garaele who invited him to join the Harper's and when he accepted gave him her own Harper pin. This pin works as a Hat of Disguise for any Harper Agent. She also gave him the title of "Watcher" and the rank of Initiate. Glanbir was offered a position with the Lord's Alliance, but was hesitant to accept as he also is considering joining the Order of the Gauntlet. Leaving Phandalin two days after having arrived, because Bryndon spent a day transcribing spells, the party set out early that second morning on their elven horses toward the intersection of the Triboar Trail and the Phandalin road. There they struck out over land skirting the edge of the forest and relying on Glanbir's survival skills to bring them quickly to the abandoned village of Thundertree. They made camp in the open grasslands to the west of the Neverwinter forest. Watches were set, but nothing came from land nor sea to bother our intrepid future dragon slayers. Setting out early the next morning after a quick breakfast the party rode hard all morning and made their way to the outskirts of Thundertree by 4 PM. After taking care of their horses, they investigated an abandoned and ruined house on the Southern edge of town that didn't even have a roof. This ruin turned out to be a haven for Twig Blights, but they were soon handled by our OP adventurers. The sound of battle brought Reidoth out of his hideout. He is a gaunt, white-bearded human who enjoys an interesting turn of phrase. He quickly and quietly drew the party into his home where he explained the following; "When I found out that the green dragon had made it’s lair in the old tower, I knew I was no match for it alone. I returned to the circle where my order’s leaders reside. Only one person was available to help me. Cerdan was a great archer. We hoped to, if not kill the dragon, at least drive it away. My order has a supply of items for just such circumstances as these. Cerdan brought an arrow of Dragon Slaying with him, in addition to the items he already had. Unfortunately, for him, the effects of the dragon had already begun drawing evil creatures towards Thundertree. As we neared this house he was caught in a gossamer web that had not been there when I was last in Thundertree. In an instant we were attacked by Giant spiders from the depths of the forest. It was undoubtedly the presence of the dragon that drew them hence. Alas, there were too many of them and only two of us. He felled one, but restrained by the webs he could not escape the others. I killed one myself and injured another, but had to retreat as I was about to be overrun and surrounded. Cerdan’s shriveled body is surely in there as well as his possessions, unless the spiders already gave them to the Dragon as tribute. I ask your aid now to recover his body and possessions. Killing the spiders is but a beginning at driving the evil out of this forest. We must slay this foul green wyrm, before any real effort can be made to retake Thundertree." Hearing his words the party accepted his aid and went after the Giant Spiders hoping to recover the famed Arrow of Dragon Slaying. After remembering that the webs are immune to bludgeoning damage as his mace "Dawnspeaker" bounced off of them, Glanbir swore under his breath as the skittering sound of arachnid legs scurried over the roof tops to attack the party. After finishing the battle as inconspicuously as possible, taking care not to use powerful magic or create any smoke, the party investigated the web strewn rooms beyond and found the corpse of Cerdan, Reidoth's unfortunate companion who was cocooned in spider silk in the western half of the building. The body was shriveled up and sucked dry, but appeared to have been still alive when dragged in here. The body wore an elven chain shirt and a shortsword in the scabbard at its hip. A careful search also yielded several other useful items for the battle to come. XP: 1600 xp - 8 Giant Spiders 200 xp - 8 Twigblights 1800 xp Total divided by 5 = 360 xp each Loot: Wand of Magic Missiles An Elven chain shirt +1 (Can be worn by anyone. Even under your normal clothing. Think: Frodo) 1 Short Sword 1 Long Bow 3 - Arrows +1 2 - Arrow +2 1 - Arrow of Dragon Slaying 1 - Protection from poison scroll 1 - Potion of healing A belt pouch with 23 gp and 35 sp. Bryndon - Harper Pin. Acts as a Hat of Disguise. Requires Attunement. Can only be attuned to by a Harper Agent. (While wearing this hat, you can use an action to cast the Disguise Self spell from it at will. The spell ends if the hat is removed.)