2. Phandalin

The return journey to Phandalin passes without further trouble. Whether because of caution, luck, or the thorough lesson taught to the hobgoblin patrol the previous night, no enemies emerge from the woods to challenge the group again.

By the following afternoon, the buildings of Phandalin once again come into view.

Alex heads directly towards the coster, with laden wagon and mule in tow. Skipping almost gleefully into the establishment, he heads directly towards the counter. Mistress, despite many trials and tribulations, including bands of roaming hobgoblin scouts and tenuous nail-biting negotiations with goblin tribes, thanks to the determined and stalwart efforts of these good folk, here Alex gestures at whomever of the party followed him in, the goods were safely and secretly retrieved and await your review outside. Then, a bit more thoughtfully Alex adds Mistress, would you know if there is a Luckbringer in town, or at least a shrine to The Lady of the Glittering Dice? I feel a thanks offering is more than overdue on my part.

Linene Graywind immediately calls for a pair of workers to begin unloading while turning back toward the party.

"A deal’s a deal. You’ve earned your payment."

Linene produces the promised coin without hesitation, then glances toward the assortment of captured hobgoblin gear still piled in the wagon.

"And if you’re planning to sell those weapons and bits of armor, I’d be interested," she adds. "Out here, equipment’s always useful. Especially with the roads getting more dangerous lately."

At Alex’s final question, her expression softens slightly.

"A Luckbringer? Aye, there’s one in town.Take this—no charge." She rummages beneath the counter for a moment before producing a simple hand-drawn map of Phandalin.



She points out several notable buildings and locations around town as she speaks.

"The shrine you’re looking for is small, but folk leave offerings there often. If you have questions about the rest of the town, I can likely help with that too."

Alex thanks Mistress Greywind over and again, relieved to be in civilization where people—at least some—kept their words. Turning to his companions he asked Well, I gave my share to Yeemik and Nott, but the Mistress is honest and seems as if she’d give you a fair price should you wish to convert spoil to coin. Also, what say you all, horse or mule and wagon? Personally, I think the latter may be more useful, but perhaps we should see what Master Sildar has in mind for us first before we decide?

"We also made a mutual protection deal with the goblins in the cave where we retrieved the goods." says Igrem, who followed Alex, before leaving. "We have no certitude they will stick to it, but I thought you should know."

Boggart is wrastlin' with Puck as the coster business is concluded, and only half-disengages from their tussle to regard the group. "I've no use for the hob's spoils, so add my share to the pile. Ack, Puck! No fair!" It takes him a moment to reassert control again.

"As for choice of steed, haven't the foggiest which choice to make. Never needed to employ an animal so large, being a wee lad compared to you longshankses."

Linene listens to Igrem’s mention of the alliance with a raised eyebrow.

"An alliance with goblins," she says slowly. "Well… that’s certainly not something I hear every day."

She doesn’t sound mocking, exactly. More doubtful than anything else. After a moment, she shrugs.

"Still, if that keeps them from raiding travelers and attacking caravans, that alone would be an improvement over most arrangements around here."

Then she glances toward the wagon and mule outside.

"If you’re asking my recommendation, keep the mule and wagon."

She taps the counter for emphasis.

"A horse is faster, sure, and one of you can scout ahead —but a wagon earns coin. You can haul supplies, trade goods, weapons, wounded folk, camping gear… and if you’re planning to keep wandering into trouble, you’ll likely appreciate being able to carry loot here again."

Redhawk will listen to what is being said in silence. He will take whatever cut he gets and donate most of to an orphanage if there is one. Being a ranger he is not much into money. When it comes to horse or mule and wagon"It matters not much to me either way. I am used to walking everywhere I go."

Boggart contemplates this while Puck gnaws on his boot. "Hm...I reckon she's got a point, there. What if we go a-questing and find a trove? I can only stuff so much treasure down my trousers, you know." He chuckles, amused at the thought.

Igrem takes his share, shrugs back at Linene when she mentions the arrangement with the goblins and tends to agree with her concerning the wagon. "You are probably right, that would be more useful. What do you say, folks, do we keep the wagon and mule?" he asks around to his companions.

Alex gratefully accepts his share from Mistress Greywind. Thank you kindly, especially for your words of advice. Turning to the party he says I think we better bring ourselves, and Gertrude outside, pointing in the general direction of the mule, to Master Sildar posthaste. I will head there myself, after I make an offering to the Lady. Will anyone be coming with me, or shall I meet you at the inn?

"I'll accompany you," Boggart says with a smile. He's been curious about Alex's Lady since hearing him offer her prayers whilst out and about. "We'll be quiet as a field mouse. Won't we, Puck?" The luminous pine martin climbs into Boggart's shoulders like an oversized stole.

Redhawk will look to the others"I am off to make a donation to the local orphanage. I will catch up with you at the inn."

Igrem joins Alex going to the inn.

Watching Redhawk stride off to the orphanage, Alex turns to Igrem and Boggart and says I guess that means we take Gertrude with us to the shrine and then the inn. Alex actually isn't sure if the mule is male or female, but unless proven otherwise, Gertrude it is.

Glancing at the map given to him by Mistress Greywind, Alex proceeds towards the shrine, making soothing noises to the mule as she draws the wagon. Turning left and heading north, the Shrine of Luck comes in to view.