2. Phandalin

Meanwhile....



If this is not unanimous, feel free to roleplay that conversation, if you want to.

Despite taking a few moments to bandage up earlier, Alex is tired. He did get a bit of sleep last night, but from about midnight and on, the night was shot. Despite wanting to practice his knife, sword, and other juggling skills, Alex simply leans back against the warm body of the mule and lets the adrenaline crash leave his body.

Boggart, having expended himself both physically and spiritually, is going to make camp. Where he lays down a bed of heather sprouts, and he produces some berries and nuts that he had been foraging in the background while the party had been traveling. The translucent form of Puck curls around him, and he rests in the bosom of his Lady.

Radhawk will stand off to the side with bow. Alex and Igrem seem to have a decent relationship so he will let one of them make address. He will just be ready if things go sideways.

As the closest thing to a front-line combatant that this party currently has, Boggart stands near the front, ready to defend if needs be. Puck stands beside him, glowing softly. Smiling, Boggart waves to the guards, but says nothing.

Watch over me, Smiling Lady of Good Fortune, Alex whispers as he approaches, for I go boldly to best them in a battle of wits and overwhelm them with charm. Plastering a wide smile on his face, he doffs his cap and bows low to the two sentries. "Hail and well met on this fine morning, bold sentries, the morning of the second of the reign of her most royal highness, the puissant and redoubtable Queen Nott. We have come to pay our respects to your sovereign and incidentally to retrieve a scant few items that we had accidentally left here during the fearsome fracas with the late and unlamented Klarg, may his bones fill your stew. We are happy to simply load our wagon and let you reclaim the currently unusable space to expand your mighty dominion, but we are happy to present our credentials to her majesty if that would be desired."

Igrem let his friend Alex do the talking, as is usual, then shrugs at their directions. "Let's get it over with." Before entering, though, giving way to his inner suspicion towards goblins, he adds: "Shouldn't we leave someone here to guard the wagon?" He eyes the two sentries intermittently, concerned.

Redhawk will look at the others"I will stay guard if you like. Ask the council about the hobs see if that are at odds or know of them." He will pull his dagger out and start sharpening it.

"Much thanks, brave sentinels. We will certainly tell the queen of your alertness and steadfast natures in her service. As for food, sadly, the wagon is empty. It's purpose is to return the flotsam and jetsam back, allowing you to increase her majesty's demesne." Being on the road only a couple of days, Alex still has some rations left from his camping supplies. Quickly doing the math, he thinks he can spare one, leaving two for the return to Phandalin. Slowly reaching into his pack, Alex draws out one days rations and extends his hand to the goblins. However, would you brave warriors take these rations as a token of our goodwill?

Igrem rolls his eyes. He reaches into his pack as well and brings out a ration for the other goblin. "Yes, I would feel more comfortable if you could stay around the wagon." he whispers to Redhawk, even though the two goblins do not seem to be a big threat. Then he motions his companions to lead the way into the caves.

Boggart leads the way, smiling and nodding to the two goblins as he passes. "What a friendly bunch." He says, and gives Puck a scritch behind the ears. "Your powers of persuasion are quite potent, Alex. Where'd you learn such fancy words?"

Redhawk remains outside with the wagon, settling himself near the cave entrance. Igrem quietly hands over one of his own ration to the second sentry, earning another look of delighted surprise from the goblins. Between the food and Redhawk’s very visible presence beside the wagon, the guards seem more interested in dividing their unexpected feast than causing trouble.

With that, the rest of you step into the cave.

As you remember, the tunnel bends inward before abruptly widening into a much larger chamber illuminated by smoky cookfires and scattered torchlight. The cave splits naturally into two levels: a broad lower section stretches northward while, to the south, a steep rocky staircase climbs roughly ten feet upward to an elevated ledge.

And there, atop the southern rise… Is the royal court.

Yeemik stands prominently near the top of the natural stairs, thick-bellied and smug, his posture radiating the confidence of someone very pleased with his recent rise in status. One hand rests near a wicked-looking blade while his narrow eyes immediately track the party’s entrance.

Beside him sits Queen Nott herself.

Her "throne" is little more than an improvised chair assembled from scavenged wood, furs, and bits of stolen gear, placed atop a flat stone to elevate her above the rest of the chamber.

At the moment, she appears occupied.

An old goblin stands below the ledge, waving his arms dramatically while complaining loudly in Goblin about something involving mushrooms, stolen rats, and accusations of cheating at dice. Nott listens with the weary expression of someone already regretting becoming royalty.

Then the newcomers are noticed.

Conversation in the chamber begins to die down.

Goblin eyes turn toward you one by one.

Alex steps boldly forward, doffs his plumed hat, and bows to Queen Nott. Greetings, your most gracious majesty. It does our hearts well to see you enthroned and ruling most magnanimously after the defeat of the evil Klarg, may his bones rest uneasily for eternity. We have returned to remove the dross that we left behind after our joint battle with the former overlord. The situation at the start of your reign was such that we felt you would appreciate our quick departure, and in such, we left behind a number of crates which we are contracted to bring to Phandalin. We have returned to both keep our word and, at the same time, help you expand your domain, as once we remove the crates, the entirety of that space is freed for you to use and exploit at your will, oh might and fearsome Queen Nott! With this, Alex takes one step back and plasters his most obsequious smile on his face.