Ch. 2: The Adventurers meet their friend Sildar at the Driftwood Inn and Get a Job Offer from Gundren

Opening Scene: The Driftwood Tavern: An inn and tavern that caters mainly to longtime locals, the Driftwood Tavern takes pride in having kept its doors open since before the Spellplague. When the cataclysm struck, innkeeper Madame Rosene, a serious woman now in her late fifties, sheltered refugees within her walls. The Driftwood offered people a makeshift city hall and gathering place during the troubled years. Madame Rosene and her regulars have filled the inside of the tavern with bric-a-brac, curios, and relics of Neverwinter before its fall. The statue from a favorite fountain stands in a corner. A wine seller’s planter boxes, filled with flowers, brighten tile walls. Knobs and knockers from a noble’s estate are attached to the front doors. Ornate doors pulled from the wreckage make fine tables, and unbroken panes of stained glass hang overhead as chandeliers, lit by hundreds of carefully placed candles. Though the decorations have been salvaged from all over the city, the tavern does not feel junky, and no one thinks Madame Rosene is taking advantage of Neverwinter’s fall. Quite the opposite-the Driftwood is considered a monument to old Neverwinter, like a dusty painting of a beautiful girl hanging above the deathbed of an aged noblewoman. Prices for room and board at the tavern are high. The atmosphere is one of quiet reflection, rather than boisterous merriment. The Mintarn mercenaries stay away, preferring to eat and drink at the Moonstone Mask or sorne other cheaper place. Visitors to the city stop at the Driftwood to marvel at the museum of objects, or to learn about old Neverwinter from Madame Rosene for the (expensive) price of a drink and a meal. Only longtime customers and old friends come to the Driftwood regularly. 

Dungeon Master (GM): Ok, well now, as you can see this is a map based in the city of NeverWinter, showing an area of docks where the Driftwood Tavern sits.   You all enter the tavern to get your usual breakfast and meet your friend Sildar Hallwinter, a fighter type of fellow. As you enter everyone removes their weapon and places them in the foyer off to the side.   You spot Sildar Hallwinter sitting in one corner with a dwarf fellow none of you have see before and Sildar is Waving you all to come on over! i just pinged Sildar   Arnie is a short halfling with a bow which is almost as big as her body. She's mostly unnoticeable due to her height, so she's somewhat cool with being behind people. The girl then place her bow onto a slot, though not entirely remove her quivers because it's strapped around her.   Arnie:  "Hello!"  she says towards the waving dwarf as she waved back.   Dungeon Master (GM): as you walk in you are greeted by the barmaid Shandra Brennick   Vin is in the form of a bronze-hued dragonborn with a bruiser's build.   Vin gives Shandra a huge dopey grin.   Shandra Brennick Says: "Good Morning Folks! Nice to see you all today!"   Vin: says,  "It is! It's an absolutely lovely morning!"   Vin turns to wave at Sildar.   Shandra Brennick Says: "Oh, Yes indeed it is."   Arnie: says,  "Good morning."   Arnie then walks around to get closer to the dwarf.   Shandra Brennick Says: "I Think Sildar wants you to go over and meet a dwarf friend of his."   Shandra Brennick: Madame Rosene nods and acknowledgement to the party as they pass by, as she serves other customers   Vin claps a huge scaly hand on the dwarf's shoulder and gives him a smile.   Gerjio Stands 5'6" and is relatively reserved, but just wide eyed most of the time. Always taking in the sights. A bow hooked around part of his awkward shell. Quiver strapped to his side. Dirt Brown rough skin.   Vin: says,  "It's a pleasure! And who might you be?"   Sildar Hallwinter: says, “ Greetings, Arnie, Gerjio and Vin! I'd like you all to meet an associate of mine, this here fellow is Gundren Rockseeker.”   Arnie: says,  "Hello. Nice to meet you, I'm Arnie!"   Gerjio nods at both Sildar and Gundren   Gundren Rockseeker: says, “ Good Morning to all of you!”   Vin: says,  "Well then. It's a pleasure to see an old friend and meet a new one. But I get the sense this isn't just a social visit?"   Arnie looks at Vin and nods solemnly.   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Good Guess Vin! Gundren does in fact have a job offer for you all!"   Gerjio stands up from his chair. Turns it around and straddles it. Saying under his breath, "Seems these aren't made for those with a shell" and he chuckles to himself. Then goes back to listening.   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "Oh, yes indeed I do, have an offer!"   Vin: says,  "Oho? Well, don't be shy then, good Gundren."   Arnie:   says, "I am listening!"   Gundren Rockseeker says, “I have a wagon of goods i need to have transported down to the town of Phandalin and Sildar here recommend you all to me.”   Vin: says,  "And what goods are those?"   Arnie: says,  "Oooh, delivery! Sounds good!"   Gerjio:   says, “I could do with getting out of this city. It's so large." (Do we know where Phandalin is?)   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "It just some basic supplies I need for when I go scouting for a good source of metals to mine, really."   Arnie: says,  "Mine? I never heard Phandalin having a good vein to mine on!"   Dungeon Master (GM): (Yes, you folks do know the way, it's quite simple to get to really only requiring you to stay on two main roads to get there)   Vin: says,  "Sounds a bit tame for several well-armed guards. You'll have to be upfront with us if there's anything... under the table."   Vin smiles widely.   Gerjio the Tortle Ranger, Raises his eye up questioningly at vin.   Vin waggles their eyebrows back.   Arnie: says,  " Well, that's not exactly our business, Vin!"   Vin: says,  "Surely you would want to know about any complications that might arise?"   Gerjio the Tortle Ranger Says: "So, what are we talkin here? A couple days journey? a week? a month?"   Arnie: says,  "True... hmm, if it's for mining operation, I've heard that the Phandalin doesn't have any big ore vein that would be worth unraveling."   Gundren Rockseeker the Says: "I offer each of you 10 gold coins apiece to get the wagon down to Phandalin, if you would like to take the job, and I would like to see Sildar here take you all outside and test your combat skills and i will make a final judgement on if i deem you all capable of the task."   Arnie blinks to Gerijo.   Arnie: says,  " Phandalin is a few days away from Neverwinter. Have you never been there before?"   Gundren Rockseeker: says, “ Phandalin is just a couple days travel from Neverwinter.”   Gerjio: says,  "No never "   Arnie: says,  "You're not missing anything but a hub to some merchants!" "Or some hunters, if you prefer the wild."   Vin: says,  "Well. That is enough coin that I will have to quiet my mouth! I am for it." "Test us as you like!"

Gerjio: says,  "I've never been to a 'hub to some merchants' "   Arnie: says,  "That's why you're not missing anything, Gerjio."   Arnie then turns his attention to Gundren.   Arnie: says,  "Sure thing, 10 gp is worth the hassle for a few days trip!"   Sildar Hallwinter: says ,   “Ok, so when you are ready, let's all head outside for a bit and you each can have it at me one at a time as Gundren & I observe how well you do.”   Arnie grabbed her bow and shortsword back and is ready to be tested!   Vin stands up and stretches, then follows after Sildar.   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Ok, then follow me outside folks"   Vin waves politely at Shandra.   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Ok, who would like to go first?"   Arnie: says,  "I will."   Arnie steps forward.   Gerjio nods   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Ok, Arnie now, this is just a mock combat, no need for anyone to draw blood here, each of you gets to go first."   Arnie: says,  "So.. "   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Go Ahead Arnie let's see what you can do"   Arnie draws her bow and then suddenly moves away a few paces back!   Arnie then takes a shot at Sildar.   Arnie: 8     14 150/600 Longbow   (+6)   Sildar Hallwinter: ok roll on it   Arnie then throws an axe flying at the man almost at the same time.   Arnie:   rolling 1d20+6( 19 )+6 = 25   Sildar Hallwinter: with advantage of course and it hits his shield and is knocked away   Arnie: (oops remove the plus 6)   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Good shot Arnie!"   Arnie: 19 a hit right?)   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Now let's see how well you defend"   Arnie:   rolling 1d6( 4 ) = 4 Says, "Give it all you got then!"   Arnie grin and walks closer.   Sildar Hallwinter: 23     12 Great Club   (+4)   Arnie: thats a hit ofc)   Sildar Hallwinter, swings his great club at Arnie but pulls back the blow when he sees it would strike!   Arnie almost gets hit when she tries to duck the blow.   Arnie: "Geez okay!"   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Ok who's next?"   Arnie steps back.   Vin stretches as they rest a hand on the tortle's shoulder.   Vin: says,  "Soften him up for me?" they say with a gleam in their eye.”   Gerjio sighs, shrugs, and stands up.   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Ok, Gergio, let's see what you got, then."   Gerjio Reaches for his bow, then changes his mind and decides to pull out his short sword.   Gerjio: 12     11 Shortsword   (+5)   Sildar Hallwinter, Takes a defensive stance, and lets the sword strike hit his shield   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Good, good"   Sildar Hallwinter: 8     13 Long Sword   (+4)   Gerjio Quickly turns to the side and the long sword is deflected off his shell.   Sildar Hallwinter, takes a swing at Gerjio and sees him dodge the blow nicely!   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Good move Gerjio"   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Ok, Vin show us what you got"   Gerjio: says,  "There you go vin."

Vin steps forward, shifting from their dragonborn form into that of a tall female elf with large curly white hair. They beam stunningly at Gerjio.   Vin: Tides Of Chaos Class: Wild Magic Starting at 1st level, you can manipulate the forces of chance and chaos to gain advantage on one attack roll, ability check, or saving throw. Once you do so, you must finish a long rest before you can use this feature again. Any time before you regain the use of this feature, the DM can have you roll on the Wild Magic Surge table immediately after you cast a sorcerer spell of 1st level or higher. You then regain the use of this feature.   Vin seems to blur as magical energies circle them.   Vin: 11     11 120 feet Chaos Bolt   (+6) You hurl an undulating, warbling mass of chaotic energy at one creature in range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 damage. Choose one of the d8s. The number it rolled determines the type of damage, as shown below. 1 Acid 2 Cold 3 Fire 4 Force 5 Lightning 6 Poison 7 Psychic 8 Thunder If you roll the same number on both d8s, the chaotic energy leaps from the target to a different creature of your choice within 30 feet of it. Make a new attack roll against the new target, and make a new damage roll, which could cause the chaotic energy to leap again. A creature can be targeted only once by this mass of chaotic energy. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, each target takes extra damage of the type rolled. The extra damage equals 1d6 for each slot level above 1st. 8  chaos   Gerjio Murmurs "What a bunch we are"   Vin channels it into a wobbly mess that forms into poisonous fumes that they lob at Sildar like a snowball!   Sildar Hallwinter, Eyes go wide as he sees the wobbly mess hit his shield!   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Good, good, didn't know you knew that one Vin!"   Kath B.: In case you're not up to snuff on how wild magic works, any time I cast a 1st level spell like I just did, you can have me roll a d20 and on a 1, I roll on the wild magic table, and since I used tides of chaos, you can do it anytime I cast a 1st level spell   Dungeon Master (GM):  Sildar looks to each of you in turn. Is he impressed? Disappointed? Bored? It’s hard to tell, but you can try.   Arnie will try to scan Sildar's face then.   Dungeon Master (GM): ok, if you want to gain some insight on what Sildar thinks of your fighting style you can make rolls on it here   Arnie: 7     18 INSIGHT  (2)   Vin takes a keen glance at Sildar's face.   Vin: 11     11 INSIGHT  (2)   (To Arnie):  Sildar is impressed with what you’ve demonstrated,   Dungeon Master (GM): but you get the sense that it’s more your conviction that he is trying to gauge—how determined you will be when the going gets tough. opps that was to Arnie Vin's Insight: Sildar seems mildly impressed with your martial   Dungeon Master (GM): abilities, but there seems to be something else that he is mulling over.   Gerjio says, "Well, that was.... enlightening. Seems We still have some work to do. Or perhaps Sildar, you're just a stronger fighter. Don't think any of us could get through those defenses. Maybe, i'll have to pickup a fancy shield like that one day."   Dungeon Master (GM): ok so gerjio doesn't wish to have an insight? no problem   Vin would be blushing if they didn't have firm control over the appearance of their face.   Vin:says,  "Well? Have we got the job, man?"   Arnie thinks a little.   Gerjio: He does not   Sildar Hallwinter, turns to Arnie and places a finger upon your chestupon   Gerjio: He isn't really interested in Sildars opinion of his battle prowess. If that makes sense.   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Convince me you have what it takes Arnie"   Sildar Hallwinter: here you can attempt to persuade, deceive or intimidate at your chosing   Kath B.: Could they also try another show of martial prowess?   Arnie smiles.   Arnie: says,  "Do I need to? It looks like you're reserving to someone strong yet disposable."   Dungeon Master (GM): (Not really needed Kath, we get the basic idea, from the short exchange)   Arnie: says,  "But of course, of course, we're friends."   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "No need to, if you don't want, I'm not exactly going to hammer it out of you now."   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Ok, then how about you Vin? Do you have what it takes?"   Vin gives Sildar a vicious grin as their form shifts and contorts around it.   Vin: says,  "You... tell... me..."   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "I will take that as a Yes"

Vin: 23     11 INTIMIDATION  (6)   Sildar Hallwinter, feels intimidated for sure   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Hmm, ok, now how about you Gerjio (as he taps his shell)"   Gerjio says, "Ha, if you're asking if i can ride on a wagon down a road a few days. That's easy. That's just a way for me to see what else is out there." His eyes and his face softens as he looks up to the sky. "This land is filled with such wonders. People take for granted. Getting paid to go to a new place, who could turn it down?"   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Quite the Enthusiastic one i see"   Gerjio Gets lots in the moment. Ignoring Sildar and just remembers home, where I came from. "The woods were dark where I came from. Always danger lurking around every corner, its nice to come away from that and feel safe. But i came to see new things. Travel new lands." He slowly looks back to Sildar, "One must always remain ready for what ever comes."   Dungeon Master (GM):  ok you can roll to persude, intimidate or deceive here   Gerjio: 8     7 PERSUASION  (0)   Dungeon Master (GM): ok   Gerjio: He's not great in any of those. haha   Sildar Hallwinter, Acknowledges Gerjio's response with a nod   Gerjio: (But thats his character)   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "You do project an air of Confidence Gerjio"   Sildar Hallwinter, moves to go over to Gundren and have a chat with him for a bit   Dungeon Master (GM): Ok, they have their discussion and both comes back over to the party   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Gundren believes that you all are up to the task of transporting the wagon, I will now let him give you some more details."   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "I must say I was impressed by your show of prowness in battle, so much so that i will now offer each of you 15 gold coins each to complete the journey to Phandalin."   Arnie: says,  "Woah, we can be friends, Gundren!"   Kath B.: Can I roll Insight to see if that's as high as he's willing to go?   Dungeon Master (GM): yes Kath you can   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "When you enter the city you are to take the wagon to Barthen’s Provisions, a trading post you should spot as you enter the town."   Vin: 21     14 INSIGHT  (2)   Dungeon Master (GM):  ok yes, you get the feeling that's the most you are going to get   Vin nods at Gundren in understanding, listening to the instructions.   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "You are all to report to the Shiprite Warehouse, where Berk Weatherhouse, will have the wagon ready to go first thing tomorrow morning. I will let him know of your arrival."   Vin: says,  "Seems simple enough."   Gerjio responds, "Will you both be joining us? Or are there others? Or are we it?"   Arnie: says,  "Easy! Free money, here I come~"   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "In the meantime Sildar and I will be leaving for Phandalin shortly today. After you drop off the wagon you should find us at the Stonehill Inn were we shall met back up and you will get your pay."   Gerjio Shrugs. "Sounds good."   Vin: says,  "Right then."   Arnie: says,  "Alright, we'll be looking forward for this then."   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "You see my brothers Nundro and Tharden & I have found "Something Big" and I want to get our supplies safely to Phandalin, and that is all that I can tell you all."   Gundren Rockseeker Says: "Ok, you all can go about your business here, Sildar and I will be on our way. I wish you all a safe and leisurely trip to Phandalin."   Vin bows and takes their leave.   Sildar Hallwinter Says: "Yes we shall be on our way, I hope your gods watch over you all on your trip and that it is a safe one."   Arnie takes her leave as well.   Arnie: says,  "You too! Oh and, make sure to bring some retinues! I heard bandits are getting nasty in this time of year!"   Dungeon Master (GM): Ok, they head off to do their business, is there anything more the party wishes to do at the Driftwood?   Kath B.: Not Vin!   Dungeon Master (GM): Ok so the party's business at the Driftwood is done after they have a meal and a drink. The adventurers go back to wherever they have been staying or live and all agree to meet up at the Shiprite Warehouse first thing in the morning. Shall I move over to the Shiprite map now?   Kath B.: Sounds good   Dungeon Master (GM): alright then. Ok here we are the following morning you are in the office area of the warehouse with Berk Weatherhouse behind the desk   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Good Morning folks, what can I do for you all today?"   Arnie: says,  "We're here to take the reserved wagon for Gundren Rockseeker!"                                                       Vin: says,  "Indeed."   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Oh i see, Good, you have arrive, I just need your names please"   Vin: Says,  "Vin."

Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Good, and the others?"   Gerjio:  "Gerjio"   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Good"   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "And who may the last one be?"   Arnie:   says, "I'm Arnie. Nice to meet ya."   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Oh good, Nice to meet you all! Sildar & Gundren had some nice things to say."   Arnie: says,  "Really? What did they say?"   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Oh, basically that they had the confidence in you all in getting the supplies to Phandalin, of course."   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Please follow me into the warehouse, the oxen are are already hitched up onto the wagon and ready to go at your convenience"   Vin: says,  "Very convenient. I'm glad to hear it."   Arnie: says,  "I see."   Vin follows after Berk.   Arnie follows as well.   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "These two, are some of the best Oxen for the job found here in Phandalin. (Pats the oxen nearest him)"   Gerjio looks to the others. "Is there something we're missing?"   Berk Weatherhouse, Guides the Oxen outside the warehouse   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Do you all have your personal supplies needed for the trip? As a reminder."   Vin: says,  "You can be certain we do."   Arnie: says,  "Nope. I'm all good!"   Gerjio: says,  "Well, what i mean is. Is there something they didn't tell us?"   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Ok, Then you can take the wagon now and be on your way. Have a safe trip and be careful now."   Gerjio "Well, what i mean is. Is there something they didn't tell us?"   Berk Weatherhouse, Ponders for a moment on if he missed telling the party anything.   Gerjio: (not to berk, attempting to only speak to the party) lol   Vin: says,  "I'll take a very close look at the wagon after the warehouse master isn't breathing down our necks," ,  Vin says privately.   Berk Weatherhouse Says: "Hmmm, I believe you have all the information to be had as I do not recall anything more they had wished to tell you all."   Arnie: says,  "Huh what do you mean? You're worrying over nothing!"   Gerjio looks over at berk, "Thank you berk, we'll be off."   Berk Weatherhouse, waves the party off and attends to paperwork back in the office   Gerjio Waits for us to get some distance, looks to the group, "Think about it. We're 'tested' to see if we can handle the trip. Promised decent money for the journey. Then we're given the 'best' oxen. Wonder if there's something we've not asked."   Arnie: says,  "Like I said! This is going to be an easy money for us! We should depart immediately." "I can already smell the good food I'm going to buy with those money! "   Vin: says,  "It's drugs. Half the time, it's all kinds of drugs, a smattering of spices, a variety of oils..." "It'll be in some manner of compartment. Just wait til we get on the road and I'll find it and pry it open."   Arnie: says, "Aw, you're not so awfully trusting aren't yoU?" "It's not our business! Our only job is to deliver!" "If we get caught, we can just point at our employer, since we don't know what's inside!" "Couriers have their own rights you know!" "Even if it's really shady stuff, we can ditch our employer and gets rewarded by the militia~"   Vin: says,  "I'm curious now though. I'll certainly have to take a look."   Dungeon Master (GM): Just let me know when you all are done with the convo here   Kath B.:  Yeah, let's get moving!   Arnie: says,  "Nope! I won't let you!" "If we pry it open, our employer will notice!" "Don't stick your nose into anything, don't your parents teach you that?" "They believed in us, so we should return the favor."   Vin chuckles.   Vin: says,  "You may have a point," they lie through their teeth.”   Arnie: deception)   Vin: 20     22 DECEPTION  (6)   Gerjio: says,  "I'm not saying it's something shady. I just have a weird feeling. My shell is tingling."   Arnie: 3     17 INSIGHT  (2) oof)  "Well, whatever, let's continue the journey!"   Kath B.:  You completely trust Vin for the rest of your life. Most trustworthy changeling you have EVER met xD   Dungeon Master (GM): ok, really Vin does not believe there to be any deception on the part of Berk. Arnie's insight doesn't glean anything more than Berk being an honest businessman oh Vin sees through Arnie's deception if that is what the roll is meant for   Gerjio: (Those two rolls were against each other not berk)   Kath B.: (Other way around, Vin was being deceptive)   Arnie: xD  

Dungeon Master (GM): oh ok ok well in that case it worked convincingly   Fshnurb: Were on our way, already leaving the warehouse making our way out of town.   Kath B.: Yeah let's move on to the next scene!   Arnie: yush)   Dungeon Master (GM): ok you all make your way out of Neverwinter, heading south along the High Road   Gerjio says, "Just keep your eyes peeled"   Dungeon Master (GM): Your trip down the High Road was pleasant and without incident and you turn eastward onto the Triboar Trail and this is where you are at currently. Let me show you the world map so you get an idea. This is a map of the Sword Coast and you see where you are traveling. I will ping where you are at   Kath B.: At some point, Vin would like to look for hidden goods in the wagon -- gold, drugs, anything out of the ordinary.   Dungeon Master (GM): ok, Vin could do that now of course   Kath B.: Perception? Sleight of Hand?   Dungeon Master (GM): perception   Vin: 12     4 PERCEPTION  (0)   Dungeon Master (GM): ok, Vin doesn't find anything out of the ordinary, in fact, it simply all looks like stuff one would bring along on a prospecting trip. You travel a bit down the Triboar Trail, when all of a sudden the oxen just stop.     Dungeon Master (GM): OK, we can stop here there and continue next week of course   Kath B.: thanks for running!   Dungeon Master (GM): It's a good place to stop and then we find out why the oxen decided to stop next week   Kath B.: gotcha! hopefully we can get uh, a bigger turnout next time   Dungeon Master (GM): alright then   Kath B.: be seeing y'all!   Dungeon Master (GM): yes, that would be nice and Thank you all for playing today! good game!   Gerjio: :D Take care