D&D Session 12

The party returned to the village with the prisoners in tow, whom they turn over to the town master who has them taken and secured in the holding pens in the town hall. Tharbin suggests we post our own guard as he has concerns about the capabilities of the locals in securing the prisoners

Silanne meanwhile takes a short 2-hour rest before heading out quietly, this is Silanne's normal routine, the party think nothing of it. Tremen heads to the inn to get some rest as does Fioranna, The rest take some nourishment and drink in the inn before retiring. Fiorana spends some time reading the tome before retiring herself.

The next morning the party gradually assemble downstairs with the intention of grabbing some food. It is noticed that Crom has left the inn before the rest of the party. Tarqual grabs some food and is observed talking to the locals in the inn. The party hear some stones hitting the windows which draws their attention. The party eventually head out to investigate. We meet Silanne outside who recounts details of their watch last night, that includes the capture of another bandit whom was under the influence of a stealth potion but was discovered by Silanne and injured with a hit from their crossbow, before being handed over to the town guards.

Fiorana announces that she spent some time reading the tome and says it is the journal of an adventurer by the name of Urmon written in dwarfish:

More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge called the Forge of Spells, where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby town of Phandalin prospered as well. But disaster struck when bandits swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path.
A powerful bandit force reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and knowledge of the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost.

Urmon also records that a magic mace named Lightbringer was commissioned by priests of Lathander, the god of dawn, from the mages working with the gnomes and dwarves of the Phandelver Pact. The mace was lost when Wave Echo Cave and its mine vanished from history. Wave Echo Cave and its mine vanished from history.

Some of the party seemed a little surprised, and ask Fiorana where did the tome come from, and she points to Tarqual. A questioning of Tarqual pursues, inquiring about what else he knows. He informs them that some information about Gundrem being held prisoners at a place mentioned as Magraw castle. The party continue to stroll to the townhall whilst discussing whom should take responsibility of leading the investigation, Tremen firmly states he has no interest and presses Tarqual to take the lead. This catches Tarqual off guard a little, as they arrive at the townhall where they challenged by 2 guards posted by the door. Tarqual makes a causal introduction and requests entry. After some further questioning we are eventually admitted into the building.

On entering the building we take stock of our the surroundings before been directed to a figure sat behind a desk whom is identified as Harbin Webster. Tarqual enters in a conversation with Harbin but the discussion seems to go nowhere, as each question is answered with a blank expression. It becomes noticeable that Harbin exchanges looks with the guard to his left after each question.

The doppelgangers have realised their attempt at subterfuge has failed and have just revealed themselves

Silanne shouts out from the back of the party not to share any more information as hes to wasting time, intentionally making looking towards Harbin. This is followed very quickly by Tremen announcing he has detected a presence of magic from some of the guards at the back. Suddenly Harbin & a number of guards change form into frighting creatures, that exude an aura of fear that grips some of the party.

In the ensuing battle the party fight valiantly, with Silanne utilising their Huntersmark & Tremen using guiding bolts, both to great effect, Crom channels his rage into pounding the creatures attacking the party as does Tharbin, whom along with Crom & Tarqual receive some damage. Tarqual in particular is nearly wiped out, and Tremen leaps to his aid and renders some magical healing that allows him to recover enough to retreat, whilst Fiorana attacks the creature to give respite to Tarqual.

The situation at the end of the session

Fiorana shouts out that one of the frightful creatures is making its escape, and the party speculate to themselves what the purpose of creature’s movement are. The battle continues as the remaining town guards enter and attack the creatures!