← Previous Session: Session 033: A Tenday Rest in Phandalin

25 Mirtul (Day 61) 

Phandalin

• The session begins after the Party's 10-day extended rest and training period in Phandalin.
• The Party has decided that its next destination will be Unknown.
  • They intend to investigate the recent uprising among the Spellscarred patients.
  • Helm's Hold lies approximately 20–25 miles outside Neverwinter.
  • The journey will take the Party along the Triboar Trail to the High Road, past the Wayside Inn, and north toward Helm's Hold.
  •  The total journey is approximately 70 miles and will take approximately 4–5 days.
    • Roughly 1½–2 days to the Wayside Inn.
    • Approximately 3 additional days north to Helm's Hold.
    • The Party decides not to detour through Thundertree.
  • The detour would add approximately 2 days to the journey.
  • They will instead take the more direct route toward Helm's Hold.
• Before leaving, the Party confirms that everyone has completed their Level 5 training and attunement.
  • Orthanc Hellbringer's Maul has been repaired.
  • Ilaverna "Verna" Isalo has successfully attuned to the Gauntlets of Ogre Power and Boots of Striding and Springing.
  • Orthanc has attuned to Splitter (+1 Executioner Axe).
  • Vala Silverton has attuned to the Spider Staff.
• Vala checks the Party's communal supplies.
  • The cart is nearly empty.
  • The Party currently has approximately:
    • 21 food rations.
    • 11 water rations.
  • Vala uses the Party's communal overflow money to purchase additional rations.
  • Food rations cost approximately 3 sp each.
  • Water rations cost approximately 1 sp each.
  • Vala does not purchase anything for herself because she is nearly broke.
• "Rig" continues investigating the treasures recovered from Wave Echo Cave.
  • She confirms that one of the tiny jeweled boxes is approximately the size of a ring box.
  • It originally contained the Tresendar family signet ring. 
• The Party prepares the wagon and gathers Meilu and Baby Wolf Friend.
  • Meilu has already expressed that she wants to continue traveling with the Party.
  • She also believes she may have unfinished business in Neverwinter connected to Gomlee Moonstagg.
• Sildar and Gundren Rockseeker come to help the Party load the wagon and say goodbye.
  • Gundren thanks the Party again for everything they have done for the Rockseeker family.
  • Gundren and Tharden Rockseeker are alive because of the Party.
  • Wave Echo Cave has been reclaimed.
  • Although Nundro Rockseeker died, Gundren considers the Party's actions an extraordinary service to his family.
• Gundren tells the Party that the Rockseekers owe them a life debt.
• If they ever require dwarven allies, they need only ask.
  • Gundren intends to honor that debt however he can.
  • Gundren has already begun arranging for additional dwarves to come to Wave Echo Cave.
  • He is contacting:
    • Rockseeker clan members.
    • Other dwarves from Thornhold.
    • Citadel Adbar.
    • Citadel Felbarr.
• The incoming dwarves will help:
  • Repair Wave Echo Cave.
  • Reopen the mines.
  • Establish permanent operations.
  • Restore mining infrastructure.
  • Begin extracting ore again.
•  Gundren reminds the Party that they have been given a share in the mining company.
•  It will take time before Wave Echo Cave becomes profitable.
  • Repairs must be completed.
  • Workers must be recruited.
  • Mining operations need to resume.
  • The Forge of Spells will require substantially more work if it can ever be fully restored.
• Gundren intends to begin distributing small dividends from the operation.
  • These will initially be modest.
  • They may increase as the mine develops.
• The DM introduces the Bastion system for the campaign.
  • One Bastion turn lasts 10 days.
  • At the end of each turn, the appropriate rolls determine what happens.
  • The Party's shares in Wave Echo Cave will function as a source of passive income.
  • The amount of income may increase over time as the mine develops.
•  Sildar provides the Party with intelligence recently received from the Lords' Alliance.
•  The Lords' Alliance has assigned a Ranger field agent to monitor Bloodshield Keep.
  • The Ranger is operating under Sildar's authority.
  • The agent is observing the keep and reporting changes in its activity.
• Surprisingly, the Bloodshield clan has not been sending out raiding parties.
• When the keep was occupied by the Cragmaw goblins, it served as a base for raids throughout the surrounding region.
  • The Bloodshield clan is behaving differently.
  • Instead, additional goblinoids have been arriving at the keep.
  • The Ranger has observed:
    • Hobgoblins.
    • Bugbears.
    • At least a few ogres.
    • Groups bringing building materials and supplies.
•  The Bloodshield forces appear to be repairing and rebuilding the keep.
•  Sildar has heard that their leader, Targor Bloodshield, may be attempting to establish his own hobgoblin nation.
  • The keep may be intended as a permanent fortified settlement rather than simply a raiding base.
  •  Vala is horrified by the possibility of hobgoblin nationalism.
•  Targor Bloodshield has not forgotten the Party.
•  He continues to maintain a blood feud against whoever killed his veteran lieutenant during the Party's assault on Cragmaw Castle.
  • The Party is responsible for the lieutenant's death.
  • The threat of future retaliation remains.
• However, there is currently no evidence that Targor is preparing an immediate attack on Phandalin.
• Sildar assures the Party that the Ranger will continue monitoring Bloodshield Keep.
  • If raiding activity begins, or the situation changes significantly, the agent will report back.
• This information reduces the immediate pressure to deal with Bloodshield Keep before leaving the region.
• Sildar has also reported the Party's success in Wave Echo Cave to the Lords' Alliance.
• Sildar has officially accepted a role as the Lords' Alliance attaché to Phandalin.
  • He intends to remain in town.
  • He will continue working toward bringing Phandalin into a closer relationship with the Alliance.
  • His immediate priority is rebuilding the town and making it safer and more stable.
• Sildar is encouraged by the progress Phandalin has made since the Party arrived.
• He believes it is becoming a suitable place to establish a permanent home.
• Sildar has decided to bring his 13-year-old adopted daughter, Alana Hallwinter, to live with him in Phandalin.
  • Sildar hopes they can finally establish a home together.
  • The Party is surprised to learn that Sildar has a daughter.
  • Vala is not surprised, having already learned about Alana from Sildar.
• Sildar has also secured funding from the Lords' Alliance to hire a chartered adventuring company.
• The company will help:
  • Train a local militia.
  • Improve Phandalin's defenses.
  • Establish a more professional security force.
• The Party asks whether Sildar intends to run for Townmaster.
• Sildar remains reluctant to pursue the position himself.
  • He does not appear particularly interested in holding elected office.
  • However, he agrees that Harbin Wester needs to be removed.
• The Party briefly discusses other potential candidates.
• Rig suggests that Sluup might run for Townmaster.
  • The Party begins imagining Slûûp wearing a little suit.
  • Vala is delighted by the idea.
  • No serious political campaign is established.
• Sildar advises the Party that if they intend to operate professionally in Neverwinter, they should consider becoming a chartered adventuring company.
• A charter would need to be issued by the appropriate local government.
• In Neverwinter, that would likely require dealing with Lord Protector Dagult Neverember.
• Sildar explains:
  • In districts outside Neverember's control, few people are likely to care whether the Party has an official charter.
  • Government agencies, major businesses, and other formal organizations will generally expect adventurers to be chartered.
  • Obtaining a charter may require the Party to undertake work for Neverember or his administration.
• The Party does not immediately pursue a charter.
  • They agree that it is something worth considering if they intend to spend significant time working in Neverwinter.
• While reviewing old records at the Townmaster's Hall, Sildar discovered a document concerning Tresendar Manor.
• The document establishes that the Tresendar family line was believed to have ended after the last son of Lord Tresendar went mad and became a monster following a magical accident.
• The family left behind a platinum signet ring.
• According to the historical property records:
  • Anyone possessing the Tresendar family signet ring is recognized as an heir to the property.
•  Rig is still in possession of the signet ring recovered from the ruins.
•  Sildar informs Rig that this makes her the legal heir to Tresendar Manor.
•  He has entered her name into the official records as the new owner.
•  Rig is now officially a landowner in Phandalin.
•  Vala immediately points out that this means Rig can run for Townmaster.
•  Rig is significantly more interested in having a retirement plan.
  • She does not currently intend to become a politician.
  • The Party jokes about the possibility of Rig and Verna running together.
• Rig considers what she might do with the manor.
• Tresendar Manor can potentially become a Bastion.
  • The ruins can be repaired.
  • Improvements and additional facilities can be constructed.
  • A steward can be appointed to manage the property.
  • The manor may eventually produce income or other Bastion benefits.
• Because Rig now owns land in Phandalin, she has a potential Bastion location without needing to purchase additional property.
• Any other Party members wishing to establish separate Bastions would need to acquire property of their own.
• Tomlin Helder approaches Vala before the Party departs.
  • He respectfully asks permission to remain behind in Phandalin rather than accompany her.
    • Tomlin explains that returning to the ruins of their former home (Everfall Manor) in Neverwinter is not something he wants to do yet.
    • He remembers his years spent alone after the Ruining.
      • His isolation drove him into heavy drinking.
      • He came dangerously close to destroying himself.
    • Tomlin admits that he was extremely drunk when he used the teleportation scroll that eventually reunited him with Vala.
      • The spell was dangerous.
      • His decision could have killed them.
      • He is deeply grateful that it worked.
    • Tomlin believes he can be more useful remaining in Phandalin.
      • Sildar will need capable people to help rebuild and administer the town.
      • Tomlin has extensive experience managing a noble household.
      • He is skilled in planning, logistics, and practical administration.
      • He does not believe he would be particularly useful traveling as a frail older man with the Party.
    • Vala agrees immediately.
      • She kisses Tomlin on his whiskery cheek and tells him that he can do whatever he wants.
  • Rig considers whether he could help her restore Tresendar Manor and considers appointing Tomlin as steward of the property.
    • His experience as the head of the Everfall household makes him particularly well suited to the role.
      • He could oversee reconstruction.
      • Manage workers.
      • Keep the property secure.
      • Handle official business associated with the manor.
      • The Tresendar signet ring could be used to establish authority when conducting official business connected to the property.
  • Tomlin will remain in Phandalin while the Party continues its travels.
• Slûûp is helping load the wagon.
  • He is extremely excited to be traveling again.
  • The Party confirms that Slûûp will accompany them.
  • Verna points out that leaving Slûûp alone in Phandalin would likely expose him to considerable prejudice.
    • He is still a goblin.
    • Many people would not treat him as an equal.
    • Some might attempt to exploit or enslave him.
  • Verna reminds the Party that they promised Slûûp he would not be enslaved again.
    • Slûûp makes it very clear that he does not want to be a slave.
  • The Party confirms that Slûûp is a member of their group and will continue traveling with them.
    • He is not their servant.
    • He is not their property.
    • He is free to travel with his companions.
• Carp Alderleaf approaches Orthanc before the Party leaves.
  • Carp is carrying the new sword Orthanc commissioned for him.
    • The sword has been made to fit Carp's smaller size.
    • Carp is extremely proud of it.
    • Carp thanks Orthanc enthusiastically.
  • He asks whether he can demonstrate what he has learned.
    • Carp immediately attempts a dramatic sword swing.
      • Unfortunately, Carp has not actually learned how to use the weapon properly.
      • His momentum carries the sword dangerously close to his own foot.
      • Orthanc manages to intercept the blade with his leg.
      • The sword bounces harmlessly off Orthanc's natural armor.
  • Orthanc leans down and pats Carp on the head, telling him that it was a good start, but he needs to learn the basics before he accidentally cuts his foot off.
    • Carp agrees enthusiastically.
    • Carp announces that he is going to join the militia.
    • Carp runs away carrying his sword.
  • The Party is somewhat alarmed by the idea of Carp joining a militia before learning proper weapon safety, but assume Sildar Hallwinter has it under control.

Noon

Triboar Trail

• The Party leaves Phandalin.
• The weather is initially pleasant
  • Light clouds.
  • Comfortable temperatures.
  • A little warmer as spring approaches summer.
  • Plant life is abundant along the road.
• The Party establishes its travel roles.
  • Verna takes the scouting position.
    • She travels ahead of the wagon.
    • She watches for approaching travelers, threats, and signs that someone may be following the Party.
  • Mosely "Mo" Moonstone serves as guide.
    • He uses his knowledge of the region, nature, and navigation to keep the Party on the correct path.
  • Orthanc forages for supplies.
    • Vala assists him.
  • Raemund Faeton assists with lookout and general travel security.
  • Rig spends time with Meilu and keeps an eye on the wagon.
  • Verna makes a Perception check.
    • 18.
    • She scouts successfully throughout the morning.
  • The Party travels through the first half of the day without incident.
  • Orthanc attempts to forage for food.
    • Orthanc makes a Survival check with advantage because Vala is helping.
      • 15.
      • Success.
    • Orthanc then searches for water.
      • Survival 20.
    • The Party collects:
      • 13 food rations.
      • 2 water rations.
• As the Party continues, they encounter the familiar shrine to Waukeen near the crossroads.
  • The shrine is surrounded by golden flowers.
  • Earlier in spring, the flowers resembled golden daffodils.
  • They have now changed with the season.
    • The current flowers are golden tiger lilies.
      • Their petals are iridescent.
      • They almost look as though they are made from actual gold.
  • Verna previously collected several of the flowers and put them in her hair.
    • She was disappointed to discover that they were not actually made of gold.
• The Party continues along the road.
• During the evening, the winds begin increasing.
• Mo makes a navigation check.
  • Nature 17.
  • DC 10.
  • Success.
  • The Party remains on course and makes good time.
• They travel their full 15 miles.
• They are now roughly halfway to the Wayside Inn.
  • As the sun begins setting, rain starts falling.
  • The rain steadily becomes heavier.
  • Visibility decreases.
• The Party decides to find a place to camp.

Evening

Triboar Trail - Campsite

• Rae searches for a suitable campsite.
  • Rae initially rolls a Natural 1 on his Survival check.
  • Vala uses Portent to replace the poor roll.
  • Rae nevertheless begins his search by stepping into a large mud puddle.
  • He immediately begins sinking into the mud.
  • He concludes that this is not an acceptable campsite.
• Vala has a vision suggesting that they should continue a little farther along the road.
  • The Party walks a short distance farther.
• They find a substantially better location.
  • The ground is relatively dry.
  • The surrounding terrain provides shelter from the worsening rain.
  • There is sufficient room to establish a proper camp.
  • Orthanc begins setting up the tents.
    • Orthanc makes a Survival check.
      • 16.
      • Success.
    • Orthanc uses his strength to hammer the tent stakes directly into the ground.
      • He can drive them in with a single powerful blow.
    • The tents are assembled quickly and provide good protection from the rain.
• Mo uses Mold Earth to improve the campsite.
  • He creates shallow drainage trenches around the sleeping area.
    • Rainwater is diverted away from the tents.
    • He also raises or shapes the ground to keep the campsite relatively dry.
• Verna decides to construct a shelter for Meilu and Baby Wolf Friend.
  • She gathers:
    • Branches.
    • Boughs.
    • Other nearby vegetation.
  • Verna attempts to assemble an improvised roof.
    • The structure repeatedly falls apart.
      • The branches will not stay tied together.
      • The shelter is unstable.
    • Verna becomes increasingly frustrated.
  • Verna eventually gives up and announces that the animals can simply be wet.
• Rae decides to build a fire.
  • Rae gathers the remains of Verna's failed animal shelter.
  • Rae casts Burning Hands to ignite the pile.
    • He does not trigger Burnout.
    • The failed shelter makes an excellent fire.
  • The Party now has a source of heat.
• Rig watches Verna fail to build shelter for Meilu.
  • Rig decides to take over.
    • She:
      • Unhooks Meilu from the cart.
      • Uses her net to construct a supporting framework.
      • Attaches portions of the net to the wagon and nearby tree branches.
      • Stretches a tarp over the structure to form a lean-to.
    • Rig makes a Sleight of Hand check.
      • 25.
      • Success.
    • The shelter is extremely well constructed.
      • Meilu immediately investigates it.
      • She gives Rig an approving shake of her head.
      • She walks around beneath the shelter several times, almost like a cat testing a new bed.
        • She appears delighted.
  • Rig decides to give Meilu additional grooming as well.
    • She uses her new extremely sharp blades to trim Meilu's split ends.
• The Party has constructed an excellent campsite despite the weather.
  • The camp activity DC is reduced to 5 making most camp activities relatively easy to accomplish.
• Vala checks the Party's food and water supplies and distributes dinner.
• Vala and Mo continue Mo's music lessons.
  • Vala spends approximately 2 hours teaching Mo music theory.
    • The lesson focuses heavily on time signatures.
    • Vala is extremely thorough.
    • Mo is required to follow rather involved explanations of musical mathematics.
  • Vala believes understanding the theory will help him learn the lute more effectively.
    • Mo makes a History check.
      • 21.
      • Success.
    • Mo gains another successful training step toward musical proficiency.
    • His music-training progress continues.
  • Vala intends to introduce him to Martisha Vinetalker at the Wayside Inn because Martisha can provide more practical instruction.
• Orthanc continues practicing his cooking.
  • Orthanc does not want to attempt anything elaborate.
  • He decides to roast meat again.
  • Orthanc makes a Survival check.
    • Natural 20.
      • Excellent success.
    • The meal is substantially better than Orthanc's previous cooking attempts.
  • Orthanc skewers the meat and roasts it over the fire.
    • It is properly cooked.
    • It is not completely burnt / reduced to charcoal.
    • Everyone enjoys the meal.
  • Orthanc's excellent cooking reduces the amount of food required.
    • The Party only consumes half the normal ration requirement.
    • Approximately 8 rations are returned to the communal supply calculation.
    • The cooking result would also provide an additional Hit Die recovery benefit, but none of the Party members currently need the additional recovery.
  • Vala congratulates Orthanc on his successful cooking.
• Verna decides to spend her evening comforting herself by telling herself a story.
  • Verna climbs into a tree.
    • She settles into the branches.
    • She mutters quietly to herself.
    • She is attempting to remember something from her life and turn it into a comforting narrative, but struggles to make sense of her own memories.
  • Verna makes a Performance check.
    • 4.
      • Failure.
    • Vala offers Bardic Inspiration.
      • Verna hears the faint sound of Vala's harp and the music helps her organize her thoughts.
    • The result increases to 7.
      • The DC is 5.
      • Success.
  • Verna manages to tell herself a comforting story, gaining Inspiration.
• Rae decides to collect more water from the heavy rain.
  • The Party still has its portable water still.
  • Rae attempts to assemble it.
    • He uses a History check.
    • 6.
    • Success.
  • Rae remembers the assembly instructions Vala previously explained.
    • Rae gets the still working.
    • Because of the heavy rain, it is extremely productive.
  • Rae collects:
    • 18 water rations.
• Rig spends time stretching.
  • She wants to avoid becoming stiff from the journey.
  • She hangs her bullseye lantern to create a comfortable little area for exercise.
    • Rig sees Verna sitting in a tree muttering to herself.
    • Rig invites Verna to help with the stretches.
    • Verna agrees, but unfortunately, Verna is now wearing the Gauntlets of Ogre Power.
    • Rig asks Verna to pull hard enough to help stretch her back.
    • Verna pulls extremely hard.
      • Rig makes an Athletics / Acrobatics check.
      • 14.
      • Success.
    • The maneuver gives Rig an enormous back-crack.
    • Rather than injuring her, the stretch makes Rig feel substantially better.
      • Rig rolls a d8 for the benefit.
        • Rig gains 1 temporary HP.
      • Rig considers this a success.
        • Her back feels better.
        • Verna did not kill her.
        • She might even be able to stab someone slightly farther away now.
• Rae helps secure the camp for the night.
  • Vala maintains her normal Alarm precautions.
• The Party establishes watches.
• Everyone settles down for a Long Rest.

Mirtul 26 (Day 62)

Morning

Triboar Trail - Campsite

• The Party wakes the next morning.
  • It is still raining.
  • The rain has continued throughout the night.
    • Everyone's temperature / comfort track increases by 1.
    • The Party is beginning to become noticeably uncomfortable from being damp for so long.
    • Continued exposure could eventually result in Exhaustion.
    • They have not yet suffered the most serious mechanical penalties.
• Rig collects everyone's spare socks and puts them in her oilskin bag.
  • This will ensure the Party has at least one dry pair of socks each.
  • Rig considers dry socks an extremely important component of maintaining morale.
• Mo uses Druidcraft to check the coming weather.
  • He rubs his hands together and hums, creating a vibration before opening his palms to reveal the weather omen.
  • The forecast is terrible.
    • Rain through the morning.
    • Much heavier rain around noon.
    • Heavy rain throughout the afternoon.
    • Severe thunderstorms overnight.
  • Mo informs the Party that it is going to rain extremely heavily.
• The Party decides they should attempt to reach the Wayside Inn that evening.
  • They are approximately one day's travel away.
  • The forecast makes another night camping outside extremely unappealing.
    • Vala strongly agrees.
    • She already misses being indoors.
• The Party resumes its previous travel assignments.
• Verna scouts ahead.
  • Verna makes an Athletics check.
    • 23.
    • Success.
  • The road is becoming increasingly muddy.
    • Verna uses her newly attuned Boots of Striding and Springing to travel more efficiently.
    • She makes enormous jumps across muddy stretches.
    • She avoids many of the deeper puddles.
    • She calls warnings back to the Party when she finds particularly bad sections of the trail.
• The Party continues through the morning.
• Around noon, the rain becomes torrential.
  • Visibility drops to approximately 50 ft.
  • The rain is coming down hard enough to obscure the surrounding countryside.
• Scouting becomes more difficult.
  • The road is increasingly muddy.
• Orthanc attempts to forage for food.
  • Orthanc makes an Athletics check.
    • 17.
    • Despite the relatively strong roll, the extreme weather makes finding food difficult.
  • Orthanc spots a rabbit.
  • He attempts to chase it.
  • Orthanc rolls a Natural 1 on the follow-up.
    • He immediately slips.
  • Orthanc falls face-first into the mud.
    • He gets back up almost completely covered in it.
  • Orthanc finds no additional food.
• Orthanc searches for water.
  • The water still has been rigged onto the back of the wagon.
  • The heavy rain makes collecting water much easier than finding food.
    • The Party collects17 water rations.
• During the afternoon, the rain continues.
  • The Party's temperature / comfort levels worsen again.
  • The track increases by another 2.
• The Party is now approaching the levels where prolonged exposure could cause Exhaustion.
• Mo thinks they are still on course to reach the Wayside Inn before needing to camp again.
  • Mo makes another navigation check.
    • Nature 21.
    • Success.
  • Mo uses his knowledge of the terrain, and occasionally Mold Earth, to recognize sections where the trail has become obscured.
  • Despite the mud and low visibility, he keeps the Party on the correct path.
• The Party avoids wandering off into the surrounding wilderness.
• As evening approaches, the Party sees the lights of the Wayside Inn in the distance.

Evening

The Crossroads - Triboar Trail & The High Road

• The Party approaches the crossroads near the Wayside Inn.
• The inn is only a few hundred yards away.
  • The DM calls for Perception checks.
  • Everyone except Orthanc notices something unusual beside the road.
• Near the crossroads is a deliberately arranged collection of stones.
  • The stones are:
    • Relatively large.
    • Placed in a circular arrangement.
    • Positioned just off the road.
    • Several lightning-bolt symbols have been carved into the stones.
      • 3 lightning bolts.
      • 2 point inward.
      • 1 points downward.
  • Rae and Mo recognize the symbol as belonging to Talos.
    • Talos is:
      • God of storms.
      • God of destruction.
      • Associated with violent weather and destructive natural forces.
  • The fact that the stones are positioned:
    • Near a crossroads.
    • Close to an occupied building.
    • In the middle of a thunderstorm.
  • Makes their presence particularly concerning.
• Rae makes an Intelligence saving throw and succeeds.
• Rae recognizes what the stones may actually be.
  • They are likely:
    • Lightning grounding stones.
  • These are used by Talos cultists to attract or direct lightning strikes toward particular locations.
  • Rae immediately recognizes the danger.
    • Rae shouts for everyone to get away from the stones.
      • Everyone makes a Dexterity saving throw with advantage.
      • Most of the Party manages to move away in time.
      • Rae and Orthanc fail their saves.
    • Rae was especially close to the stones while examining them.
    • Orthanc had not noticed them before the warning.
    • A bolt of lightning strikes directly into the stones.
      • The lightning hits with tremendous force.
      • The stones shatter.
      • Everyone who failed the saving throw takes 17 lightning damage.
        • Rae and Orthanc are struck.
        • The others successfully avoid the blast.
      • The stone circle is destroyed.
      • The stones are cracked and scattered.
      • Some fragments briefly glow.
      • A large scorch mark is left in the ground.
• The Party determines that the grounding stones were a one-use magical effect.
  • Once the lightning strikes, the arrangement is destroyed.
  • It cannot immediately strike again using the same stones.
• Rig investigates the surrounding area.
  • Rig makes an Investigation check.
    • 20.
  • Rig uses her bullseye lantern to search both sides of the Triboar Trail.
  • She finds no additional grounding-stone circles nearby.
  • The arrangement appears to have been deliberately placed at this specific location.
• The Party realizes the Wayside Inn is dangerously close to the site.
  • It is entirely possible that:
    • The grounding stones were intended to threaten the inn.
    • They were intended to strike travelers approaching it.
    • Someone is attempting to bring Talos's destructive power against this particular crossroads.
    • The exact intended target is not yet known.

• Rig collects a fragment of the shattered stone bearing part of the carved rune.
  • She considers it evidence of a magical crime.
  • The fragment may help identify whoever constructed the device.
• The Party checks on Rae and Orthanc.
  • Both are injured and slightly scorched.
    • Their clothing and skin show signs of the lightning strike.
    • They are still capable of traveling.
  • Vala offers to heal them.
    • Rae says he will be fine once they reach the inn.
• The Party continues toward the Wayside Inn.

Wayside Inn

• The Party arrives at the Wayside Inn that evening.
  • Everyone is:
    • Exhausted from the journey.
      • Soaked by the storm.
      • Uncomfortable from prolonged exposure to rain and mud.
    • Meilu and Baby Wolf Friend are taken to the stables.
      • The Party arranges a stall for Meilu.
      • Baby Wolf Friend stays nearby.
      • Martisha is expected to help arrange their care.
• Rig is concerned that someone may have placed additional Talos symbols around the inn itself.
  • Before going inside, Rig decides to investigate the building's perimeter.
  • Mo accompanies her.
  • They inspect the stone foundation.
  • Several portions of the foundation contain carvings.
    • Some are clearly old graffiti.
    • Some are names or other marks left by travelers.
    • Others are unusual and potentially more concerning.
    • The suspicious carvings are not completed Talos symbols.
      • However:
        • Some resemble the beginning of lightning-bolt runes.
        • Several could become Talos symbols if additional lines were carved.
      • Someone appears to have deliberately worked on parts of the foundation.
  • Vala calls from the dry porch, asking whether any marks appear particularly fresh.
    • It is difficult to determine.
    • Everything is soaked.
    • The stones have varying degrees of weathering.
    • The carvings differ in depth.
    • Some have eroded more than others.
    • No clear age can be assigned to the suspicious marks.
• As the Wayside Inn has a stone foundation with wooden construction above, The Party recognizes that lightning striking the building could be especially destructive.
• Rig and Mo do not discover any completed grounding-stone circles around the inn.
• Rig, Rae, and Mo share what they know about Talos worshippers.
  • Rig recognizes Talos's connection to Umberlee because of her familiarity with the sea gods.
• The Party discusses the group of destructive nature deities associated with Talos.
  • These include:
    • Talos.
    • Umberlee.
    • Malar.
    • Auril.
  • Talos is regarded as the leader of this destructive pantheon.
    • His followers honor:
      • Storms.
      • Chaos.
      • Violent destruction.
      • The uncontrolled power of nature.
    • Talos worshippers are relatively uncommon.
    • Those who actively devote themselves to him are frequently dangerous.
    • Many are obsessed with destruction.
    • They see the destruction of settlements and people as a way to honor or strengthen their god.
    • They sometimes mark locations for destruction.
  • Vala recalls the stories Gomlee and Martisha had share about the Wayside Inn being destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout its history.
    • The current inn is only the latest version.
    • The site has served travelers for centuries.
    • Previous buildings were periodically destroyed.
  • The Party begins wondering whether the history of destruction at the Wayside Inn could be connected to Talos worship.
  • Vala does not want whoever made the carvings to return unnoticed during the night.
    • She steps back out into the rain and moves around to the rear of the Wayside Inn.
    • Vala casts Alarm around the section of the foundation containing the suspicious carvings.
      • She chooses a mental alarm.
      • If someone enters the protected area, the spell will alert her mentally.
      • She will be awakened even if she is asleep.
      • The alarm will not make an audible sound that warns whoever triggered it.
    • Vala rolls Burnout.
      • Burnout check:
      • 2 on a d12.
      • Burnout triggers.
    • Vala is extremely unhappy about suffering Burnout after stepping back outside into the rain.
      • Surprisingly to Vala, the effect is overwhelmingly positive.
      • Vala feels magical energy building around her.
      • The unstable Weave surges through her body and leaves her feeling unusually capable and secure in her magic.
    • Her Burnout die increases to d20.
    • The Alarm spell remains successfully cast.
      • The Party will now be alerted if anyone returns to the protected foundation area during the night.
• Mo examines the suspicious carvings again.
  • He tries to memorize their shapes.
  • He wants to be able to describe or recognize them later.
• The Party finally heads indoors, entering the Wayside Inn.
  • The interior is:
    • Warm.
    • Dry.
    • Comfortably lit.
    • Heated by a large roaring fire.
  • The common room is moderately busy.
    • Approximately one-third of the inn's capacity is occupied.
    • Other travelers have also taken shelter from the storm.
    • Backes Dunfield is working behind the bar.
      • He is cleaning glasses.
      • Pouring drinks.
      • Attending to the customers.
• Martisha immediately recognizes the Party.
  • She greets them warmly as The heroes of Phandalin.
  • Martisha is delighted to see them again.
  • She is especially surprised to see Rig.
    • The last time The Party visited the Wayside Inn, Vala had been looking for her, concerningly reporting that Rig had disappeared in the night.
    • Martisha asks what happened.
  • Rig offers a characteristically cavalier explanation of her disappearance.
  • Martisha is astonished to learn that Rig was missing for approximately 17 days.
  • Rig refuses to interact with the length of time, but mentions being trapped in a well.
    • Martisha is shocked that she survived.
• Martisha quickly notices how wet and miserable everyone looks.
  • She arranges warming brandy for the Party.
  • Martisha also sees the burns on Rae and Orthanc.
  • She asks what happened to them.
  • The Party explains that they were struck by lightning.
    • Martisha is horrified.
    • She heard an extremely loud thunderclap earlier.
    • She knew lightning struck close to the inn.
    • She did not realize the Party was involved.
  • Rig informs Martisha that Talos worshippers may be operating nearby.
    • Martisha's expression changes immediately.
    • The Party explains:
      • They found grounding stones near the crossroads.
      • The stones bore the symbol of Talos.
      • Lightning struck them.
      • The stones shattered.
      • Rae and Orthanc were injured.
      • There are also suspicious carvings in the inn's foundation.
    • Martisha is deeply concerned.
  • Martisha tells the Party that destructive weather has been increasing around the Wayside Inn.
    • At first, she assumed it was ordinary spring weather.
      • Severe storms are not uncommon in the North.
      • The area has always experienced occasional violent weather.
    • However, the storms have become:
      • More frequent.
      • More destructive.
      • Increasingly concentrated near the inn.
    • Martisha believes this has been worsening for several years.
    • This spring has been especially severe.
  • Martisha confirms that she is the proprietor who commissioned the current Wayside Inn.
    • The inn was rebuilt approximately 30 years ago.
    • Martisha hired tradespeople to reconstruct it.
    • She has operated it ever since.
  • The previous Wayside Inn burned down before the Ruining of Neverwinter.
    • Nobody knows exactly what caused the fire.
      • It may have been accidental.
      • It may have been deliberately set.
      • There is no surviving definitive explanation.
  • The site itself has a much longer history.
    • Many versions of the Wayside Inn have existed over the centuries.
    • Several were destroyed.
    • The current building is only the latest reconstruction.
  • Martisha is aware that people regularly carve their names or other symbols into the stone foundation.
    • Caravan guards.
    • Mercenaries.
    • Travelers.
    • Other visitors.
  • She has always considered these carvings harmless.
  • However, she is much less comfortable with the possibility that some were made by Talos cultists.
  • Martisha worries that:
    • The building may be deliberately marked for destruction.
    • Travelers taking shelter here may be in danger.
    • The recent lightning activity may not be natural.
  • Martisha cannot think of any personal reason someone would want to destroy the inn.
  • The Party discusses possible motives.
    • Potential explanations include:
      • Talos worshippers simply seeking destruction.
      • Bandits or highwaymen wanting to eliminate a safe refuge along the road.
      • Someone deliberately preventing civilization from maintaining a foothold at the crossroads.
      • Something important nearby that someone does not want travelers or settlements discovering.
    • Martisha acknowledges that bandits could benefit from removing the Wayside Inn.
      • However, she finds the possibility of bandits cooperating with a Talos cult particularly disturbing.
      • Martisha does not want the current Wayside Inn to join the long list of destroyed inns that preceded it.
      • She says she may need additional divine protection and will call on Selûne for it.
        • As an elf that grew up in Silverymoon, she worships the moon goddess.
          • She was familiar with the druids and sacred groves surrounding the city.
          • She has always been comfortable with benign nature worship and druidic traditions.
        • Martisha already keeps:
          • Charms.
          • Talismans.
          • Other protective religious objects.
        • Given the possibility of Talos cult activity, she intends to seek stronger warding.
        • Rig remembers her collection of unusual coins.
          • She searches through them for anything featuring:
            • The moon.
            • Selûne.
            • Silverymoon.
            • Other appropriate religious imagery.
          • Rig has approximately 8 unusual coins.
            • Some bear markings associated with Tymora and Beshaba.
            • Another depicts Umberlee.
            • At least one bears ancient Dwarven writing.
          • Rig finds a coin Martisha recognizes.
            • The coin bears an archaic symbol of Selûne.
            • Martisha believes it may be an old Silverymoon coin.
              • The design is several centuries old.
              • It does not resemble current Silverymoon currency.
              • Martisha cannot identify exactly when it was minted.
            • Rig gives the coin to Martisha for luck.
              • Martisha is touched by the gesture.
              • Martisha says that the next time a priest or priestess of Selûne visits, she will ask them to bless or ward it.
              • Martisha intends to place the coin with the other protective objects at her shrine to Selûne.
              • She hopes it will help protect the Wayside Inn from Talos.
• Vala tells Martisha that Mo has been attempting to learn the lute.
  • Martisha is delighted.
  • She offers to help him with practical musical instruction.
  • Vala tells Mo that while she has primarily been teaching him theory, Martisha can help with actual playing technique.
• Mo explains that he is still a beginner.
  • Martisha assures him that she will not force him to perform for an audience before he is ready.
• Martisha asks why Mo wants to learn the lute.
  • Mo explains that he is trying to learn a particular song.
    • He does not know the entire song.
    • He only has fragments.
  • Martisha asks where he obtained them.
    • Mo explains that someone gave him the music.
    • He does not fully understand what the giver was.
    • The figure appeared to be made of moonlight.
  • Martisha becomes interested.
    • Mo asks whether Martisha worships Selûne.
    • Martisha confirms that she does.
      • She was raised in Silverymoon.
      • Worship of Selûne has been part of her life since childhood.
  • Mo shows Martisha the 2 fragments of sheet music he possesses.
  • Rig is curious enough to remain nearby and listen rather than immediately leaving when the music begins.
• Vala offers to play the song as she and Mo have reconstructed it.
  • Vala makes a Performance check.
  • She uses Portent.
  • Final result approximately 20.
• Vala plays the music.
  • Martisha listens intently.
  • When Vala reaches the second, newer portion of the song, Martisha suddenly recognizes something.
  • She asks Vala to stop.
  • Martisha goes into the back of the inn and returns carrying a lyre.
  • Martisha begins playing the melody herself.
  • She repeats the first 2 fragments several times.
    • The music is familiar to her, but she cannot immediately identify why.
  • Martisha begins experimenting with the melody.
  • She continues beyond the end of the fragments.
  • She discovers an additional passage.
  • Martisha explains that the melody resembles music historically performed in Selûnite temples.
    • The tradition dates back thousands of years.
    • She may have encountered the music during her training in Silverymoon.
    • Some of it is familiar from the oldest religious musical traditions.
  • Martisha believes the song is still incomplete.
  • More importantly, she believes something fundamental is missing.
  • The song appears to have been intended as part of a duet.
  • There should be a second musical line played at the same time, almost as an opposite or counterpoint.
  • The missing part appears to complement the melody in a way that changes how the entire piece should sound.
• The Party realizes:
  • The fragments Mo possesses may represent only one side of a larger composition.
  • Even if they reconstruct the full melody, another simultaneous part may still be required.
  • The song may have religious or magical significance beyond ordinary music.
• Mo asks Martisha whether she can write down the missing section she remembers.
  • Martisha agrees.
  • She takes the 2 original fragments and transcribes the passage she remembers and combines them into a single longer musical notation.
• Martisha gives the resulting sheet music back to Mo.
• Mo now has:
  • The original fragments.
  • Martisha's additional passage.
  • A more complete written version of the melody.
• Martisha suggests several places where the Party might research the song further.
  • Possible sources include:
    • Silverymoon
      • Extensive musical and religious traditions.
      • Strong connections to Selûne.
    • Candlekeep. 
      • Large historical and scholarly collections.
      • Potential ancient musical records.
    • The  House of Knowledge in Neverwinter
      • May possess surviving religious or musical documents.
      • Martisha notes that many records were destroyed during the Ruining of Neverwinter.
      • However, the House of Knowledge may still have surviving material.
• Vala remembers that Sister Garaele Xil'oama told the Party the Harpers have a strong tradition of preserving history through music and oral storytelling.
  • Vala discreetly uses Message to remind Mo of this telepathically.
  • She does not want to accidentally reveal Garaele's Harper affiliation in front of Martisha.
  • The Harpers may be another source of information about the ancient melody.
• Mo thanks Martisha for her help.
• Martisha gives Mo some practical lute instruction.
  • She shows him how to finger and play the newly reconstructed passage.
  • Mo can now attempt to play all 3 portions of the melody.
    • His execution remains rough because he is still a beginner.
    • However, he now knows the notes and basic technique needed.
  • The Party has made significant progress toward identifying the song, though its purpose and missing accompanying melody remain unknown.
• Martisha offers the Party a hot meal and rooms for the night.
  • She is especially concerned about Rae and Orthanc after the lightning strike.
  • She also offers to help provide suitable treatment for their burns.
  • The Party arranges food and lodging.
  • The cost is approximately 1 gp per person for both food and lodging.
  • Verna offers to cover the expense for Vala, who is broke.
    • Vala gratefully accepts.
    • Vala is nearly out of personal funds after purchasing supplies and scribing spell scrolls.
• Martisha arranges care for Meilu and Baby Wolf Friend.
  • Meilu will remain in the stable.
  • Baby Wolf Friend will be fed appropriate food.
  • Martisha is increasingly accustomed to needing unusual explanations about the animals traveling with the Party.
• Martisha notices Slûûp.
  • Vala has been discreetly keeping Slûûp partly concealed behind her skirts.
  • She wants to ensure that no one mistreats him merely because he is a goblin.
  • Martisha is initially startled.
  • She notices that Slûûp is wearing the robes of Oghma.
  • The Party explains that Slûûp:
    • Is traveling with them.
    • Is a cleric / devotee of Oghma.
    • Is interested in books and learning.
    • Is not a threat to the inn.
  • Martisha accepts his presence.
• Rae approaches Verna and produces one of the platinum rings recovered during the Party's adventures.
  • He asks Verna to wear it.
  • Verna immediately wants to know why he is giving her a ring.
  • Rae explains that it is for a prayer.
    • Verna is suspicious.
  • Rae says it is for a prayer of suffering.
    • Verna is still mildly suspicious of this, but warming to the concept.
  • Rae further explains that he will be the one who suffers and the magic will allow Rae to take damage that would otherwise be suffered by Verna.
    • Verna becomes much more interested once she understands that Rae will be suffering instead of her.
  • Rae tells Verna that she will become more resistant to incoming harm and Rae will share the suffering of injuries she receives.
  • Verna declares herself Rae's main wife and accepts the ring.
    • Rae confirms that it is simply a protective magical arrangement.
    • Verna does not seem to listen, but accepts the platinum ring.
      • Rae intends to use it to establish the protective ward when necessary.
• Vala is extremely short on personal money.
  • She asks Martisha whether she may perform for tips.
    • Martisha tells her that the bard's price is always welcome at the Wayside Inn.
  • Vala decides to perform.
    • Vala makes a Performance check.
    • Approximately 22.
  • Success.
  • Vala plays Unknown
    • The piece is an elegant, strongly elven composition.
    • Martisha particularly enjoys it.
  • The inn is only about one-third full, so Vala does not expect an enormous payout.
    • Nevertheless, the performance earns her:
      • 6 gp.
      • 25 sp.
      • 16 cp.
    • Vala is extremely grateful for the money.
  • Verna gives Slûûp 1 gp and tells him to throw it into Vala's dress as a tip.
    • Slûûp takes the coin.
    • Rather than obeying Verna's instructions, Slûûp runs the coin over to Vala and gives it to her properly.
• Martisha asks where the Party intends to travel next. When Vala tells her Helm's Hold, she freely shares what she knows.
  • Martisha knows about Helm's Hold primarily through travelers who pass through the Wayside Inn.
  • She explains its history.
    • Helm's Hold was originally centered around a cathedral dedicated to Helm.
    • Following Helm's death during the Spellplague, the cathedral and surrounding settlement were repurposed.
    • The settlement became a major refuge and treatment center for Spellscarred people.
    • Spellscarred individuals are often treated with fear and hostility throughout Faerûn.
    • In many places:
      • They are ostracized.
      • Considered dangerous.
      • Seen as unclean.
      • Sometimes killed rather than offered treatment.
  • Martisha believes Helm's Hold represents an alternative.
    • The priests and other healers there attempt to:
      • Treat Spellscarring.
      • Stabilize dangerous magical effects.
      • Help afflicted people live relatively normal lives.
      • Protect them from persecution.
  • Many Spellscarred people live in Helm's Hold voluntarily.
    • An entire section of the town is occupied primarily by Spellscarred residents.
      • This district is known as Scar Alley.
  • Martisha explains that not everyone at Helm's Hold is being held against their will.
    • Many people choose to remain because:
      • They receive medical or magical treatment.
      • They have a community.
      • They are safer there than in much of the outside world.
  • However, the most dangerously afflicted patients may require confinement.
    • Some experience severe mental deterioration.
    • Some become dangerous to themselves or others.
    • Some cannot safely control their magical abilities.
  • Martisha acknowledges that the priests at Helm's Hold are attempting to help people who would simply be killed in many other settlements.
  • She has heard of the recent uprising.
    • A group of the most dangerous patients reportedly rioted.
    • Several people were killed.
    • An unknown number of patients escaped.
    • The full circumstances are still unclear.
  • Verna questions why such dangerous patients would be kept alive rather than killed.
    • Martisha explains that Spellscarring does not automatically make someone irredeemably dangerous.
      • Many people can be treated.
      • Some magical instability can be stabilized.
      • Patients can return to functioning lives.
    • Even Waterdeep is extremely hostile toward the Spellscarred.
      • Some are summarily executed.
    • Vala seems offended and raises the possibility that Spellscarred people can be highly productive members of society, including individuals holding significant positions of authority.
      • Martisha confirms that there are rumors of an important person within Neverember's command structure who is Spellscarred.
      • The identity is not publicly confirmed.
      • The individual allegedly received treatment at Helm's Hold.
      • The treatment was successful enough that they can now live and function normally.
      • Martisha considers this evidence that Spellscarring can be managed rather than simply punished.
    • She also points out that Helm's Hold continues to exist despite its large Spellscarred population.
      • It has not been destroyed by uncontrolled magical disaster.
      • Its residents have not all transformed into abominations.
      • The community has survived.
  • Martisha tells the Party more about the woman currently overseeing the treatment of patients at Helm's Hold.
    • Her name is Rohini and she is commonly called Rohini The Prophet.
    • Martisha does not know much about Rohini personally.
    • However, she has heard that Rohini:
      • Experiences visions.
      • Claims prophetic insight.
      • Has predicted several threats to Helm's Hold.
      • Has correctly foreseen some events.
      • Rohini has also issued dire warnings about events that have not yet occurred.
    • Her reputation therefore rests partly on prophecies that have apparently come true.
      • Vala is particularly interested in the Prophet's visions.
  • The Party asks whether Rohini should have foreseen the uprising.
  • Martisha cannot answer definitively.
    • She is not a diviner.
    • She does not know the full circumstances.
    • She states that Rohini might argue that no diviner can see everything and Vala concurs.
• Martisha explains that the Helmite order at Helm's Hold is still led by Brother Satarin.
  • Brother Satarin is a dwarf.
  • He converted to the worship of Helm many years ago.
  • He remains responsible for the surviving Helmite religious order.
• Brother Satarin has largely given Rohini oversight of the sanitarium and its patients.
  • He remains leader of the religious order.
  • Rohini is responsible for much of the treatment institution.
• The Helmite order is considerably diminished.
  • Helm has been considered dead for roughly a century.
  • Few dedicated Helmite priests remain.
• Martisha also explains that several monks and clerics formerly associated with the House of Knowledge in Neverwinter now work at Helm's Hold.
  • When Neverember took control of the House of Knowledge:
    • Some religious scholars left.
    • Several continued their research at Helm's Hold.
    • Their work focused on Spellscarring and the Spellplague.
      • These scholars are attempting to develop better ways to treat affected patients.
• The Party now has several potential contacts or sources of information at Helm's Hold:
  • Rohini, the Prophet.
  • Brother Satarin.
  • Former House of Knowledge scholars.
  • The patients and residents of Scar Alley.
• The Party asks Martisha whether she has heard anything further about  Mount Hotenow.
  • Martisha confirms that the mountain has been showing additional activity.
  • Reports include:
    • Rumbling.
    • Small lava flows.
    • Increasing signs of volcanic unrest.
    • The activity is not yet considered catastrophic, but people are concerned because of the mountain's role in the Ruining of Neverwinter.
  • Lord Neverember is apparently seeking people willing to investigate.
    • He wants more information about the cause of the activity.
    • He wants to know whether another major eruption is possible.
• Martisha does not have any additional useful information beyond the reports already circulating through the region.
• Vala asks Martisha whether she has ever personally met Dagult Neverember or knows anyone who has.
  • Martisha has never met him.
  • However, she has heard a great deal about him from travelers.
  • Martisha acknowledges that Neverember has accomplished significant things in Neverwinter.
    • He brought money.
    • Resources.
    • Development.
    • Organization.
    • A degree of stability to a city that was approaching complete collapse.
  • However, Martisha does not believe his motives are entirely altruistic.
  • She considers Neverember:
    • Ambitious.
    • Avaricious.
    • Interested in wealth.
    • Interested in political power.
  • Rebuilding Neverwinter would benefit both the city and Neverember himself.
    • If Neverwinter returns to its former glory as the City of Skilled Hands:
      • Neverember becomes wealthier.
      • His political influence grows.
      • His position becomes increasingly difficult to challenge.
  • Martisha has heard rumors that the The Masked Lords of Waterdeep are becoming dissatisfied with Neverember.
    • Large amounts of money have been flowing from Waterdeep to Neverwinter.
    • Waterdeep has not seen comparable returns.
    • Some of the Masked Lords are reportedly considering acting against him.
    • Neverember has now been in Neverwinter for approximately 3 years.
    • He has not returned to Waterdeep since arriving with his ships.
    • Martisha believes this may be contributing to political instability in Waterdeep.
• The Party thanks Martisha for the information.
• Martisha points out that running an inn gives her access to information many others never hear.
  • Travelers talk.
  • Merchants gossip.
  • People become indiscreet when they drink.
  • Especially humans.
  • The Party appreciates having an unusually helpful and non-hostile source of information.

Late Evening

The Wayside Inn

• The Party finishes eating and drinking.
  • Verna decides to get Slûûp drunk.
    • Verna is curious to see which of them has the lower tolerance for alcohol.
    • Slûûp is delighted that Verna is paying attention to him.
      • Particularly because the attention is not violent or threatening.
    • The Party discusses Verna's generally terrible Constitution and the likelihood that she will pass out quickly.
    • Vala finds the entire situation extremely entertaining.
      • She suggests betting on whether Verna or Slûûp will pass out first.
    • Mo thinks the odds are approximately even.
    • Slûûp passes out first.
    • Verna continues drinking.
    • Verna eventually passes out as well.
    • The two end up slumped near one another.
  • Vala watches the entire thing with great interest.
    • She considers their unlikely friendship delightful.
• Rig decides to clean herself up and get dry.
• Later, near closing time, Rig comes downstairs to help the inn staff.
  • Rig offers to help:
    • Clean dishes.
    • Roll silverware.
    • Finish general closing work.
  • Rig wants Martisha's employees to be able to finish their shifts earlier.
    • Cooragh Struckt is particularly appreciative.
      • She already handles numerous responsibilities around the inn.
        • She cooks.
        • Helps with the stables.
        • Oversees much of the practical work.
  • Rig also helps Backes Dunfield.
    • Backes is relatively quiet and keeps to himself.
    • He works behind the bar.
    • He is not especially sociable.
    • The Party recalls that Backes is originally from Luskan.
    • He previously told them that he was a pirate.
      • He eventually grew tired of the life.
      • He recognized that remaining a pirate would probably get him killed.
      • He began traveling the roads instead.
      • Martisha eventually took him in and gave him work.
    • Rig wonders whether Backes might know her father.
      • Because of his Luskan background and former pirate life, it is possible their paths crossed.
    • Rig considers asking him about it later.
• The session ends with the Party sheltered inside the Wayside Inn while the storm continues outside.

Next Session → Session 035: Beach Trip! OR A Very Short Conversation with a Very Large Crab