Session A01 – The Road to Phandalin

Summary

The campaign began on the Triabor Trail east of Saltmarsh, where three travelers converged by accident.

Roland was escorting a wagon of mining equipment for dwarf Gundren Rockseeker to the new settlement near Phandalin ruins — a mission from Vajra Safahr, Blackstaff of Waterdeep. Gundren had gone ahead on horseback days earlier to meet his brothers at the mines.

Jonah (a pale, star-eyed elf) was traveling from Saltmarsh toward Phandalin to find a Temple of Selune. He had been directed by Eda Owleland at the Seafoam/Rist Hall to follow the trail east. Roland noticed him and recalled a prophecy: "The Path to your Birthright Lies with the Pale outsider from among the Stars."

Kavu was standing beside his destroyed tiny wagon — destroyed when a runaway cart collided with it. He introduced himself to Roland and Jonah in his characteristically bold fashion, joining their group immediately ("you need many sticks to start a fire").

Key Events

Goblin Ambush on the Trail

The party was ambushed by goblins on the Triabor Trail. They captured a goblin named Groznak and interrogated him:

• Goblins had been attacking travelers on the trail
• Their lair was a large cave 5 miles north of the road
• 27 traps lined the trail to the lair
• Goblins had captured a girl from a wagon (later identified as Pip Stonehill)
• Groznak carried a ring bearing the symbol of the Lord's Alliance

Arrival in Phandalin

The party arrived at the new settlement near the Phandalin ruins. Key contacts made:

• Elmarr Barthen (general shopkeeper, Barthen's Provisions) — Gundren is 18 hours late, fears the worst
• Sildar Hallwinter found alive — he had been captured by goblins and was meant to be the new town constable; carried a slightly magical Lord's Alliance signet ring
• Stonehill Inn run by Toblin and Trilena Stonehill; Pip Stonehill their daughter runs gossip intel
• Sister Garaele — cleric of Tymora in town
• Lionshield Coster managed by Linine Greywing (aka Granny Greywind)

Town Gossip (from Pip)

• Old Farmer Narth: Sister Garaele left and came back wounded
• Thel Dendrar stood up to the Red Brands ten days ago — they murdered him in town
• Boy from Alderleaf farm found a secret tunnel near the woods; Redbrands almost caught him
• Algar Frakk (blacksmith) has been missing 14 days — Redbrands scared him off

NPCs Introduced

Threads Opened

• Where is Gundren Rockseeker? (Taken by the Black Spider)
• Who are the Redbrands? Who leads them?
• What is in the Alderleaf farm tunnel?
• What is the significance of Jonah's connection to Roland's prophecy?