ep. 1: The merchant and the emerald

marching orders: to phandalin

The party finds themselves in the employ of the Band of the Wolf, a group of swords-for-hire based in Neverwinter, a city on the Sword Coast. Having rid the southern town of Leilon of its goblin problem and collecting a meager bit of coin, they receive a missive from their commander with new orders:

“Seek out a dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker in the town of Phandalin to the east, and aid him and his brothers in reclaiming the mines of Wave Echo Cave. You will receive half your pay in advance, so do not tarry, and watch for goblins and bandits in the area.”

With the promise of coin, the party set off to the northeast.

Giorno’s enchanted yurt

After weeks of travel the party reached the crossroads, where they met a portly merchant in an impossibly large enchanted yurt full of fine furnishings and delicious food. The merchant introduced himself as Giorno, and spoke with the party as he fed them. Eventually, he asked if they could help retrieve an Emerald stolen from him by bandits on the road who also killed his mule. With a strong offer of 60 gold and an enchanted warhammer, the party agreed.

Garix and Puck went outside to check for tracks, and found themselves face to face with three bandits who immediately attacked and fled, startled by the party. The party set off to follow the trail.

The tomb on the hill

After following the tracks for some ways through the mud and rain, the party found a goblin encampment at the top of a forested hill. Using illusions and sleep charms, the party was able to dispatch the sentries outside of a large staircase, including a massive Warg. Descending into the ruin, the party found a large desecrated tomb that housed a number of goblin civilians. Chanting echoed from the depths below. After passing silently by the goblins and hushing an infant goblin, the party triggered a blade trap, severely wounding them. Peering around the corner, the party saw a goblin shaman holding the Emerald.

The battle for the jewel

The battle was bloody and precarious, swinging wildly in favor of both sides by the minute. Ilario was able to put most of the goblins to sleep as the party charged in. Puck and Ilario were knocked unconscious by a thunderwave spell from the goblin shaman, and a massive Bugbear bared down on Garix and Vaben in the hallway. A lightning breath attack from Garix incinerated the shaman, who dropped the Emerald. Just in the nick of time, Algernon appeared to aid the party with healing magics from Selune. After dispatching the bugbear, Vaben picked up the Emerald, but was immediately dominated by its influence. The party was able to dispatch the last of the goblins and return Vaben to his senses.

returning the emerald

Being careful to not touch the Emerald, the party was able to return it to Giorno, who thanked them vigorously and helped them tend to their wounds. The road to Phandalin lay before them…