After stocking up on supplies or in Byron's case, a chariot and a manservant, they travel north towards Phandalin. On the eleventh night, they set camp and take turns to keep watch. It is on Farraine's watch that a marauding band of Orcs attacks, hoping to catch them unawares. The sharp-eyed Farraine, spots several hulking figures approaching at speed and raises the alarm as he deftly avoids a volley of spears (mostly) before he is surrounded.
Beef strikes up an inspiring tale, spurring his companions into action. Farraine is first to claim a victim, sending an orc head flying through the air. Byron lands a flurry of blows, caving in the skull of another while Finn darts in and out piercing the skull of another. The Orcs fall quickly to the combined and ruthless efficiency of the group.
With one Orc remaining, Beef lets out a litany of vicious and mocking words at the Orc who turns on Beef in a fit of rage and shame. So cutting are the Bard's words that the hapless creature stops in its tracks, having suffered a massive heart attack. Death by shame.
The rest of the night and journey passes uneventfully and two days later, they arrive in the frontier town that is their destination. Finding themselves at the comfortable Stonehill Inn, they order some Baldur's Gate Bitter and delicious pies made by the renowned Halfling chef - Rufus Nettlepot.
The peace and quiet is disturbed by a man named Sildar who appears to be arguing with Harbin, the Townmaster. Sildar is furious because Harbin has done nothing to organise a rescue party to rescue Sildar's friend Gundren. Gundren is being held by Goblinoids at somewhere called Cragmaw Castle. But there's another problem, no-one knows where it is.
Qelline Alderleaf a female Halfling farmer, suggests that they could ask the Druid, Reidoth who can be found at Thundertree Ruins. Reidoth is a Druid who knows the lands from Neverwinter to Phandalin better than most.
The party also learns that there's a group of ruffians in the town calling themselves the Redbrands (or Rembrandts according to Beef) and that they can often be found at the somewhat seedy Sleeping Giant Tavern to the east of the town. Additionally, you can also get a tankard of the party's favourite tipple, IDA. Locals report that the Redbrands extort protection money from all the businesses in the town. All except the Miner's Exchange which is run by Halia Thornton. Binky 2.0 stakes out the Miner's Exchange but doesn't see anything untoward.
With nothing more to go on, the group decides to pay a visit to The Sleeping Giant. Binky allows Finn to determine the Redbrand attire and both Beef and Finn disguise themselves as father and son Redbrands, with the cunning idea that it's bring your kid to work day.
As they approach The Sleeping Giant tavern, Byron thunders up in his chariot, his bling gleaming in the midday sun. Inevitably, a scuffle ensues and the bunched group of Redbrands aren't prepared for Beef's Thunderwave spell and two are killed instantly. The third is dispatched in short order and Farraine happily manacles the fourth and drags him inside where the meet the grumpy Dwarf proprietor, Grista. Beef charms Grista into revealing that her supplies of IDA come from the Redbrands. She doesn't know who their leader is. It seems that no-one does, but she knows that they operate from Tresendar Manor on the very eastern edge of town.
Some discussions take place around the fate of the captured Redbrand and there is a general consensus that a visit to Tresendar Manor is due.
Harbin, the Townmaster is questioned as to his allegiances to the Redbrands, but appears not to be. He's simply afraid and trying to avoid upsetting them further, fearing reprisals. Furthermore, the townsfolk are pleased at the group's handling of the ruffians. A crowd had gathered to cheer them as they battled the thugs.
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