Session 4: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 4 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 2nd Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 2nd Level Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: 2nd Level Wood Elf Monk
Shank: 2nd Level Forest Gnome Rogue



Write Up written by Chris

Session 4 - Betrayal

The party wondering how bandits could have snuck up on them in the crypt explored the northern corridor again only to find a secret sliding door which lead back in to the underground cellar they had entered from a few hours earlier. Having rested little the party cautiously explored the rest of the underground cellar looking for signs of Iarno. They headed down a staircase in the northwest corner of the cellar carefully entering through a door to the north leading them in to a wizard's workshop adorned with strange concoctions brewing upon a table and shelves of books along the walls. A rat scurried along the floor towards a hiding place along one of the bookshelves were it eerily stared at the group. Suddenly a door to the east swung open, a Red Brand stepping through the doorway to attack.

Behind the bandit a man dressed in arcane robes and carrying a glass staff began to chant, reaching out his hand towards Baelgor, magical energy filling the room as arcane missiles flew forth from his hand striking Baelgor down. Shank catching the Red Brand off guard shot an arrow through his face blasting him to the floor. Nestor calling out to Selune placed his hand on Baelgor's chest stopping his ascension in to the spiritual plane. Neurion all the while runs through the door to the east only to find the wizard has slipped through another secret passage and escaped. Fighting the urge to chase the wizard down, Neurion retreats from the secret door looking for any items that could possibly help heal is companion Baelgor.

Before the party even has time to regroup the wizard suddenly appears in the doorway they came through to enter the workshop. Feeling something tug at his senses Nestor remains sharply focused and wards of the prying power of the wizard only to see his companion Neurion fall in a similar fate as Baelgor. Shank and Nestor set in to action dispatching the evil mage before he was able to do further harm to the group. Nestor being ever thankful to the healing power of Selune helps Neurions spiritual body return to his corporal form. Having no other option than to try and rest and protect their downed companions, Shank and Nestor barricade themselves and their friends in to the wizards room hoping that by dispatching the wizard they have taken down the Red Brands and their apparent leader.

While their companions rested the duo searched the mages quarters discovering shocking information implicating Iorna had deceived the Lords Alliance and his friend Gundren under the command of the unknown Black Spider. Apparently Iorna was to obtain any maps the party might be carrying and capture if not kill the party if need be. Nestor and Shank wondered how Sildar would take this information and whether he would ask the party to investigate further.

The party was able to rest without incident and finished exploring the rest of the cellar looking for any other enemies, clues or treasure. After making sure the cellar was clear they party quickly returned to Phandalin to rest at Stonehill Inn. Waking up with rested but still worn down from the battles the previous few days, the party set out to find Sildar and deliver the bad news. They found him working in the Townmaster's Hall hunched over and looking through a pile of papers. Nestor delivered the news of Iarno's betrayal to a disgruntled but not overly surprised Sildar. "We must find Gundren," Sildar quickly spoke in a firm tone. "I offer you 500gp to find him." The party agreed to gather more information on Cragmaw Castle as well as Gundren's brothers to try and find them for more information regarding their brother and to set out to find Gundren.

Setting out from the Townmaster's Hall the group explored the town asking townsfolk along the way about any information they had regarding Cragmaw Castle, Gundren, his brothers or any other information they could gather. They entered the Miner's Exchange meeting the proprietor, Halia Thornton, a stoic and secretive female who only shared information with the party upon receiving information herself. After talking with her the group became uneasy sensing that now that the Red Brands were gone she might attempt to take control of the town which could mean good or bad for its citizens. Using the information they gathered from her the party set forth to talk with Qelline Alderleaf. It was through her that they learned of a druid, Reidoth, whom might have information regarding the whereabouts of this fabled Cragmaw Castle. They also learned that he had headed north to investigate Thundertree, the now evil enchanted and deserted town they had learned about from Miran just the day before. Selling their treasure and resupplying, the party stopped at Edermath Orchard on the way out of town to talk with Daren Edermath. Baelgor understanding the respect and nature of old military guard quickly struck up a conversation with the worn adventurer learning more about the region around Phandalin along with the Old Owl’s Well to the east and a strange tower located outside the haunted town of Thundertree.

The party struck out along the Triboar Trail heading towards the High Road taking it north to Neverwinter where they hoped to gather more information regarding Thundertree and the strange happenings that befell the town. Traveling along the High Road the adventurers reminisced about the trials they had faced thus far, feeling no closer to finding Gundren, but understanding that this mystery could be even bigger than they imagined. After a long uneventful travel, Baelgor and Neurion entered Neverwinter looking to gather more information from Baelgor’s old comrades and informants. Learning no more than they already knew, the adventurers set out once again this time heading east towards the Thundertree.

After a day of travel the group came upon a sign warning them to beware plant monsters and zombies around Thundertree. Knowing that they needed to press on to try and find Reidoth and any other clues that might help them, the team cautiously entered Thundertree, a small old and run down village with dilapidated buildings scattered around. Sensing a strange evil in the place the party prepared for battle not knowing when it would begin but that it would nonetheless.

Neurion and Nestor slowly approached the first cottage they happened upon entering through an open doorway when two small creatures made of twigs sprung forth from the corner of the room quickly attacking Neurion. Using his lightning quick reflexes Neurion is able to dispatch of the twig blights in rapid fashion. Nestor trying to assist Neurion in dispatching the creatures found himself uncontrollably dropping his weapon and unable to formulate his thoughts to cast a spell, not knowing what strange happening was causing this to happen.

From the east a large creature resembling a big green brain floated in to the village center along with five more twig blights rushing out from the dilapidated buildings to the south. Baelgor quickly attacked the large creature slashing it across its brain looking body; ooze pouring from the wound, without a flinch from the foul creature. Shank not wanting to let Neurion have all the fun destroying the twig creatures sprang in to action dispatching of one in quick fashion. The brain creature shot out a wave of energy from its body striking Baelgor followed by Baelgor driving his blade through the creature’s body watching it slump to the ground lifeless. Neurion and Shank with brute force quickly dispatched of the remaining twig men while Nestor, recovered from his paralysis, called forth the power of Selune to heal Baelgor’s wounds.

The party continued exploring the buildings south of town finding treasure but no clues as to what might have befallen the town or any sign of the druid Reidoth. Heading towards a lone building to the north, Neurion opens a door stepping inside to find two zombies shuffling about before they notice his approach. Baelgor quickly enters behind Neurion attacking one of the creatures sending hitting the creature and sending a strange dust in to the air. Nestor following Baelgors lead enters the room calling out for the undead to flee in fear causing one of the creatures to head towards the corner of the building while Neurion, staff and fists striking with fury quickly dispatches of the other zombie but not before the strange powder being released from the creatures injuries began to oddly effect him.

Two more zombies approached Shank from the west. Shank moving to the east and away from the creatures, attacked the approaching zombies with his bow trying to avoid the odd powder emanating from their bodies when they were injured. The remaining three adventurers quickly filed out of the building hearing Shank’s warning of the approaching danger. Without thinking the party set in to action attacking and parrying as if they knew each other’s next move destroying the evil creatures before they could do any real harm to the band of brothers.

The party quickly regrouped feeling an increased surge of strength, quickness, vitality, divine power and skill that they knew was a reward for their hard work and drive to accomplish the daunting tasks set before them. . .

Creature Compendium

New Big Dragon games recently released the Creature Compendium for OD&D, AD&D, and B/X D&D. This 92 page supplement has a host of new creatures to harass your players with. This monster tome is illustrated and written by Richard J. LeBlanc Jr. The book is loaded with inspirational monsters to torment your players with.

Perfect for mixing things up in your campaign. Its a nice variation of the typical goblin encounter when your throw brand new encounters with unique monsters that will throws your players off a bit. The book also has an appendix for treasure and experience for most of the prominent retro-clones like OSRIC, Sword & Wizardry, & Labyrinth Lord.

The book is very solid and I highly recommend grabbing a copy. You can buy the print version through Lulu or the pdf from Drivethrurpg.



Below are my top five creature from the Creature Compendium. They are not in any particular order but showcase some of the creativity infused in this book.

Fetch: A spirit creature that lives inside a mirror. Adventurers passing by must save vs paralysis or be reduced to a catatonic state. Then the Fetch jumps out of the mirror to assume a doppleganger form of the victim. It then proceeds to slay its victim.

Kam Warriors

Fluxbug: Giant Silver Beetles with anti-magnetic properties. Immune to metal weapons. Those who attack with a metal weapon have a 50% chance to have that weapon flung from their hands. That prompts a roll to see if it hits another party member. Also anyone wearing metal armor can't approach within 30 feet of this beetle.

Gaseous Lanterns: Flesh ballons with tentacles.These ballons explode with contact with open flame or if attacked by an edged weapon. When they explode they release toxic gases plus they cause a chain reaction of explosions if other Gaseous Lanterns are nearby. Perfect for creating a cavern with dozens of these creature and making the adventurers cross this mine field.

Gaseous Lantern

Kam Warriors: These 4HD supernatural warriors rise from being slain. When this 4HD warrior is slain it rises as two 2HD warriors. When the 2HD versions are slain they spring up as two 1HD creatures. Very cool ability.

Flash Dragon: Giant Lizards with the ability to teleport around the battlefield. They teleport to create flanking positions.

Once again I highly recommend grabbing a copy of the Creature Compendium!

Session 3: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 3 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 2nd Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 2nd Level Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: 2nd Level Wood Elf Monk
Shank: 2nd Level Forest Gnome Rogue



Write Up written by Chris

Session 3 - The Dice Gods to the Rescue

"Nestor, you have served me well thus far, protected your friends and sacrificed yourself for the betterment of the world. As you continue your adventures you will come across great dangers and watch your friends and foes fall in battle. I see great things for you in your life but you cannot accomplish them without my blessings. Now awaken my son and venture forth in my honor to smite evil and protect those that can not" Nestor slowly opens his eyes as a warmth comes over him. Renewed energy and knowledge fill his body, mind and soul as he holds his lyre shaped amulet and says an elvish prayer in thanks to Apollo for his new found power.

Having spent the uneventful evening resting, Neurion, Baelgor, Shank and Nestor quietly ate a hardy morning meal at the Stonehill Inn in preparation for the fight they knew would await them at Tresendar Manor. They quickly moved east to the outskirts of Phandalin scouting out any vantage point they could discern for getting in to the Manor unseen. After scouring the hillside they came upon what appeared to be an underground entrance to the Manor. They silently readied their weapons as they slowly headed in to the hillside entrance.

As the party shuffled down the tunnel, Neurion, the first to enter the cavern, had a sudden surge of ki energy awaken in his veins sharpening his senses. "Hungry, please, need food" a voice called out to Neurion. "Please I beg you, food, hungry I mean you no harm,” the voice continued. Neurion quickly whispers in elvish to Nestor, "Did you hear that voice". "I did not my friend, be cautious" Nestor replied. Not even a few steps in to the cavern the party is approached by a one eyed creature, walking on two legs with dangly arms, sharp claws and drool dripping from its sharp toothed maw. Feeling danger surrounds this creature the party jumped in to action not wanting to be its’ next meal. With a flurry of movement and attacking prowess the party quickly dispatched the Nothic before it could do any serious harm.

Exploring the cavern further the adventurers discerned the layout of the cavern included multiple openings to areas in different directions as well as a small chasm crossed by two rickety bridges. Shank, being the curious rogue, asked to be lowered down in the chasm to search for anything of importance and quickly discovered an old worn chest. He carefully perused the lock and edges of the chest for any traps only to find it is easily opened and the contents were revealed. With a gleam in his eye gazed at the treasure within and began to think of the money he can get for these items and what he could do with it, before a tug on the rope attached to his waste bought him back to the present. Shaking off the fog of his roguish thoughts he asked the team to pull him up along with the treasure. Nestor quickly recognizes the Longsword Talon and tells the team of its history and apparent magical powers. Shank using his cunning tongue quickly persuades the team that his proficiency with this type of weapon can only help them moving forward.

The adventures headed towards a corridor in the southeast corner of the cavern, reaching a dead end only, to find it is a secret entrance in to a storeroom. Upon entering the storeroom they quickly look around noticing a large cistern full of water on the west wall, some supplies scattered around, a stair case on the east wall leading to a door, a door just north of the cistern, and a door in the northeastern corner of the room underneath the staircase. Before the team could react, the door near the cistern busted open, two Red Brands filing in to the room to quickly attack Nestor. Another Red Brand bursts forth from the door under the staircase quickly surprising the rest of the team. The adventurers quickly recovered from the surprise dispatching of the three bandits but not before Neurion took a swim in the cistern hoping it was shallow enough to help Nestor while he was being attacked.

The group quickly searched the rest of the storeroom finding some treasure but no evidence of Gundren or Iarno, Sildar's companion from the Lord's Alliance who was last seen investigating the Manor. Baelgor checked the door to the east noticing it was an exit back towards the back of the Manor that might come in handy for a quick escape later. The party headed through the northeast door only to find an open corridor heading back west. Nestor, having and uneasy feeling, searched around the room noticing some heavily warn areas along the stone floor close to the walls. Upon further investigation, he notices that the floor in the middle of the corridor is a pit trap that wouldn’t be able to sustain much pressure before it gave way. The group slowly worked their way along the wall before opening and heading through the double doors to the west.

Upon entering the next room they came upon three skeletons, clad in armor and weapons, sitting atop three sarcophagi. Not knowing if these creatures will animate an arrow was shot at one of the skeletons to see if it provoked a reaction. As the arrow thudded in to the creature, cracking bone and sending pieces of it flying, the party readied their weapons in anticipation . . . only for nothing to happen. After a quick exploration of the sarcophagi, finding three signet rings with no apparent powers, they decide to stuff the bodies back in their enclosures. As Baelgor moved to the north of the room to check out one of the two doors, the skeletal remains in Nestor’s arms burst to life quickly attacking him while the other two skeletons attacked Neurion and Shank. Two Red Brands, hearing the commotion, entered the room quickly from a door in the northeast corner focusing in on Baelgor. 

With a flurry of kicks and attacks with his staff, Neurion dispatched one of the skeletons while Nestor and Shank help take down the other two. The three watched as Baelgor, roaring out, seemed to swing his Great Sword with greater power and skill than they had yet to see before. Slicing through one of the Red Brands, Baelgor pushed himself beyond his normal limits, surging forward to help send the other Red Brand to his grave.

The team cautiously entered through the open door the Red Brands had came through. Inside they found a jail with two females behind a cage to the south and a young boy inside a cage to the north. They learn that the eldest woman, Miran, is the widow of Dale Dengar, the man that had been killed by the Red Brands for trying to fight them. The two children, Nars and Nellsa, and Miran had been imprisoned after they had seen Dale fall to the evil bandits. After fumbling with the cell doors the group was able to finally free the three hostages, Baelgor took them to the escape route they had found earlier in the storeroom and asking them to seek out Sildar and let him know what had transpired. Before leaving the manor, Miran thanked him and shared a story with them regarding a valuable and magical family heirloom he could find and have in appreciation for saving her and her children.

“50 miles north of Phandalin is my birthplace of Thundertree. Many years ago it was overrun by undead and I have not heard about the town sense. My family ran an herb and alchemy shop that was frequented by many adventurers. Without notice the town was quickly attacked by the undead and we were unable to retrieve a family heirloom, an emerald necklace that had been cautiously guarded and hidden. If you brave the danger that awaits you in Thundertree and are able to reach my families shop, you can find the necklace in a hidden section underneath some storage shelves. It is yours to take and use as you wish, I only ask of any news you can share.” Miran thanked Baelgor again and set off quickly and quietly towards town.

Finding nothing further in the jail they explored the other doorway in the crypt they had left finding a store room filled with weapons and Red Bandit Outfits. Neurion, having lost his prized staff to the Red Brands at the sleeping giant, feverishly searched the room before finding it lying against the wall in a pile of spears. Picking it up he bowed his head apology to his master swearing to never lose it again before he lost his own life. The party quickly dawned the Red Band outfits in hopes of disguising themselves and making it easier to surprise any other bandits they came across. Finding no other doorways or secret areas they headed back out to the cavern they had first entered the storeroom from.

Not having just entered the cavern, Nestor being behind his companion Neurion, was able to spot the likes of three Bugbears as one of them threw a spear towards Neurion, which missed and clanked off the cavern walls. “You killed my brother Klarg, I kill you know,” growled one of the Bugbears. The party knowing how formidable Klarg had been quickly set in to action while devising a way to gain any advantage they could. Shank, feeling unusually nimble and reading the movements of his opponents quicker than he had been able to before, used his extra skills to fire off arrows at his opponents working to surprise them while they were engaged in combat with the others while still being able to move around the cavern before the Bugbears could retaliate. Neurion having found his staff and with a new sense of purpose, set in to action quickly attacking the enemies with swings of his staff, flying kicks and bone crushing punches. Using his ki energy he was able to release a flurry of blows to his opponents while also moving swiftly as if he was gliding along with the wind. Baelgor, using his skilled blade, was quick to attack the Bugbears suffering large amounts of damage while Nestor worked to help distract and strike at the creatures when and where he could. 

After yet another long battle, the foes were finally taken down. Bloodied and beaten the party returned to the crypt, barricading doors and setting watch in hopes of recovering some energy while they rested and prayed to their gods. Fatigued from their many recent battles and having no knowledge of the number of Red Brands that remained, the party hunkered down in an effort to rest . . . only to be quickly awakened by Nestor yelling that they were under attack.

Two bandits quickly entered from the north of the crypt where Baelgor met them with resistance while Neurion and Nestor quickly prepare for the two bandits coming their way, skirting the edge of the pit trap. Shank readied his bow to assist where he was needed. The clang of blades striking, the thud of Neurions staff and fist and the twang of a bow quickly begin to echo throughout the room. 

Baelgor strikes at a bandit as he enters the room from the north, stabbing him in the stomach. Shank focusing on the wounded bandits chest lets lose an arrow that pierces the Red Brand through its heart throwing it up against the northern wall.

To the southeast, Nestor calls out to Apollo to give his companions strength and protection as he falls to the blade of one of the bandits. Apollo calls out to him, “Awaken”, Nestor hears him and tries to swim out of the foggy ether between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Neurion springs in to with concentrated focus bashing the bandit that struck down Nestor with fists and staff sending the bandit in to oblivion.

Apollo calls out to Nestor again, “Awaken and help your friends in battle” but Nestor hears nothing. Neurion focusing his rage from seeing his friend fall, badly injures the ruffian in front of him. Baelgor slashes with his mighty sword dealing crushing blows to another enemy coming through the door to the north but ultimately falls to his enemy’s relentless attacks. Baelgor slides to the stone floor, blood coursing through his body fighting the will to die. 

Shank, lets loose an arrow striking the bandit near Neurion in the face knocking the bandit to the floor dead but then he is attacked from behind by the bandit that took down Baelgor. The bandit slides his blade in to Shanks back cackling as he sees Shank fall to the floor. Shank sees an ancestor of his telling him it’s not his time. Nestor, continuing to fight his way through the fog does not hear Apollo calling to him once again.

Neurion with deathly skill lashes out at the last bandit pummeling him in the face as the bandits neck snaps back with a loud crack as his spine is severed and he slumps to the floor dead. Baelgor clings to life fighting with all of his might to resist the grasp of death. Shank tries running to his ancestor only to be turned back with a wave of his ancestor’s hand. Nestor hears Apollo’s voice again, telling him that great things await him before quickly being drawn out of the vapor gasping as he feels the remains of a liquid running down his gullet, Neurion standing above him smiling and yelling at him to help revive Baelgor and Shank.

Baelgor slowly opens his eyes exhausted from his fight with death while Nestor calls to holds his amulet calling for Apollo to help him spare the life of Shank. Shank awakens to see Nestor smiling and then looks around for his ancestor in confusion. 

The party quickly patches themselves up as they try to figure out what to do next . . .

Session 2: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 2 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: Human Fighter
Nestor: Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: Wood Elf Monk
Shank: Forest Gnome Rogue
Write Up written by Chris

Session 2 - If at First You Don't Succeed, Try to Die Again

The venturers four settled down for their much earned rest, stationing guard at the entrance to the store room. No sooner than the group got comfortable, two goblins, trying to be stealthy, quickly attacked. With swift reaction the party dispatched of the foul creatures and decided it would be smart to explore the cave further and clear it of any danger, while hoping to find signs of Gundren and Sildar. With the treasure and supplies from the store room quickly divided up; the four set off to explore the cave further.

The group slowly climbed a worn rock pathway to the suspension bridge where the body of the previously felled goblin lay. After crossing the bridge the group entered a small stone corridor where they noticed flickers of light bouncing of the wet, moss blotched cave walls. Readying their weapons, and with Neurion leading the way, they slowly maneuvered further down the tunnel. Hearing a twang of a bow and thud of an arrow, Nestor watched as Neurion fell backward with an arrow protruding from his chest. Quickly Nestor ran to his fallen comrade removing the arrow and poured a potion of healing down Neurions gullet. The rest of the party ran in to the open room with a camp fire blazing in the back of the cave and refuge scattered about.

The four quickly scouted five goblins scattered throughout the cave with a few of them high above on a ledge with bows drawn. One of the creatures appeared to be barking orders in their guttural tongue. Between Baelgor's skilled use of his blade learned from his time with the Neverwinter Guard, Shanks precision bowmanship, Nestor channeling the might of Apollo in his spell casting and the fury unleashed by Neurion using his staff and martial arts training; four of the five goblins were sent to their graves. With only the leader left, the group watch in amazement as Neurion, with deadly precision and power, pummeled the goblin leader to a bloody pulp.

The adventurers quickly noticed a man bound and stripped of his armor. After recognizing the man as Sildar, Gundren's escort, they unbind him listening to his story of how he and Gundren were attacked on the road by the Cragmaw goblins. The learn that the goblins were sent after Gundren by the black spider from Cragmaw castle where Sildar believes Gundren was taken. Sildar believes that they came for Gundren after learning that he had found the lost magical wave echo cave. The party also learns that Sildar is a member of the powerful Lords Alliance of Waterdeep. Sildar was heading to Phandalin to investigate strange happenings and the disappearance of a fellow member of the Lords Alliance, Iarno who was investigating the recent troubles Phandalin had been having.

Having helped Sildar gather his gear and collecting any treasure from the dead goblins they could, the group headed back to where they left the oxen and supplies for a long rest. After an uneventful night the adventurers set forth with Sildar for a day and a half of uneventful travel to Phandalin. Reaching the small mining town after the sun dipped below the horizon the group headed straight to Barthen's provisions only to find it closed. They head to the Stonehill Inn to eat, gather information and rest for the evening before heading to Barthen's again in the morning. While eating and enjoying some festive betting, the group learns that there has been a group of bandits calling themselves the Red Brands that have been terrorizing the town and apparently strong-arming the Townmaster by the name of Harbin. They learn that the Red Brand's killed a local man by the name of Dale Dengar who had a wife and two children who have not been seen in some time. They settle down for the evening planning to deliver the goods from Gundren to Elmar Barthen in the morning.

In the morning the team takes the supplies to Barthen's Provisions where they are met by the odd trader Elmar Barthen. They learn that no one has heard from Gundren and that his two brothers, whom have been working on the outskirts of town, have not returned to restock their provisions. They also learn that the Red Brand's like to frequent the Sleep Giant, a local watering hole. They head off to find the townmaster, Harbin, at the townmaster's hall. Noticing a reward flier (100gp to kill orcs) outside the hall they remove it and head inside to meet Harbin. They quickly discern that Harbin is either working with the Red Brand's or is too scared to do anything about them and that he is not very forthcoming with information regarding Gundren, his brothers, or anything else besides the reward information for killing orcs somewhere along the Triboar Trail.

After leaving the townmaster hall the group finds Sildar who suggests they check out he Sleeping Giant to see what they can find out about the Red Brands. The group headed east to the Giant where Neurion, feeling indestructible after dispatching the goblins in the cave, insulted a group of four red clothed men who quickly attacked the group. Despite disposing of two of the Red Brands the group was defeated, awakening in front of the Stonehill Inn, stripped of their clothing, weapons and dignity. After being helped by the innkeeper, Toblen, his wife and Sildar the group rests and also finds out that the Red Brand's are using Tresendar Manor on the outskirts of town as their base of operations. Sildar offers them an advance on the fees he owes them for investigating Gundren's disappearance and the other strange happenings around Phandalin and the group is able to resupply.

Using his cunning rogue skills, Shank snuck away from the team to head back to the Sleeping Giant thinking he would be able to find Neurion's treasured staff and cause some trouble while doing it. The other three adventures quickly set off after him only to find themselves rushing in to the Giant to find their rogue standing over what appeared to be the owner and engaged in combat with a Red Brand while two others were preparing to surround him. After a long fight, and almost ill-fated struggle, the group dispatched the Red Brands, interrogated one of the patrons and headed back to Stonehill Inn to rest knowing they would have a long fight ahead of them when they went to explore Tresendar Manor in the morning.

Lost Mine of Phandelver Session 1 Report

After running 9 sessions of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition we decided to take D&D 5th Edition out for a test drive. We are playing through Lost Mine of Phandelver from the Starter Box.

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: Human Fighter
Nestor: Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: Wood Elf Monk
Shank: Forest Gnome Rogue

Last session report by Chris who plays our Cleric.


On a brisk morning an eager group of adventurers set out from Neverwinter traveling along the well traveled High Road towards the town of Phandalin. Bealgor, a human fighter, was able to get the group work from a Dwarves trader by the name of Gundren Rockseeker. For 10 gold pieces the group would protect a small caravan of supplies as they traveled to Phandalin while Gundren and his warrior escort, Sildar Hallwinter, rode ahead. Upon arrival in Phandalin the adventures were instructed to bring the supplies to Barchan's Provisions. The group made up the fighter Bealgor, a Gnome Rogue, Shank Raftink, and Wood Elf kin Neurion, a monk and Nestor, a cleric, had met through various means and were still developing their knowledge of each others skills and past.

The fearless group left Neverwinter with a wagon full of supplies pulled by 2 oxen having an uneventful trip until mid-day when they came upon 2 dead horses in the middle of their trail. After quick inspection they come to realize that these are the same horses ridden by Gundren and Sildar. Although, they quickly tried searching the area they were ambushed by 4 nasty goblins with shortbows and scimitars. The adventurers were quick to dispatch these foul creatures and pick up the trail to where Gundren and Sildar had apparently been drug off to.

After tying up the oxen, the group ventured north along a brush laden trail. Using their keen senses, the group avoided some crudely placed traps while still maintaining the trail of their fallen employers. They quickly came upon a small stream and followed it north to an entrance to a cave. After trying to get a vantage point to check for any guards they were noticed by two filthy goblins whom quickly attacked the group. Once again, they were quickly dispatched with the Elven Monk daftly removing one of the creatures heads with his hand to hand prowess.

The group slowly moved inside the cave entrance noticing a room off to the right with three chained wolves. The Eleven Monk holding true to his oath not to harm animals that weren't harming him, set off to explore the cave further while the rest of the adventures were quickly attacked by the wolves once they broke free from their bonds. After suffering heavy damage and almost losing Nestor and Shank, the group recouped and headed down what appeared to be a chimney when, once again, they were surprised by a group of Goblins, a Wolf and a large Bugbear by the name of Klarg.

After quickly retreating, Nestor being flushed out of the cabe by floods of water being released by Goblins deeper in the cave, the group ventured forth and dispatched of a goblin high above on a bridge. They quickly entered another area of the cave where the 5 Goblins, the Wolf and Klarg emerged quickly from the store room, the group had escaped from earlier, to attack the adventurers. After a long fight with arrows thudding in to skulls, goblin heads flying of from furious punches and swords slashing through evil flesh the group triumphed in winning the hard fought battle.

They quickly scoured the store room for any other evil waiting to attack them and upon evaluating their surroundings and noticing no further danger they set down for a well earned rest to recover from their long day, heal their wounds and prepare for the oncoming hardships they knew they would be facing as they ventured forth to figure out the mysterious disappearance of Gundren Rockseeker and Sildar Hallwinter.