Part 3: The Spider's Web

"We must get your friend to town. If we stay and there is a fight, we may not be able to protect him."

I give Gundren over to Kama and Stormsong. Then, I recover as many of my arrows from the bodies as I can, cleaning them with scraps of cloth. "A brief rest, then we continue and camp in the forest. We'll make it to town tomorrow afternoon."

Stormsong, with a little heat from Gimblyn, brews some tea for everyone while they tend to their wounds. Then, he begins to sing a curiously soothing song in his deep baritone.

Kama, thankful for the chance to recuperate, gladly partakes in tea. He closes his eyes and listens to the goliath's song, mentally picturing each word in meditation.

I close my eyes and still my mind.

Kama splits the coins amongst the party and each person gets 11 gold, 63 silver, 40 electrum, and 26 copper. Since Gimblyn already has one of the diamonds, Kama gives the remaining two to both Xora and Stormsong.

As for the three potions of healing, Kama doles one to each to the others. He inquires if anyone wants the Potion of Flying and freely gives it to whomever shows interest. Kama also asks if someone wants to hold onto the enchanted berries given by Reidoth for dealing with the dragon Venomfang.

When he has a chance, Kama visits the Lionshield Coster to sell the shortsword, dagger, and morningstar. The maul he had been carrying around is reluctantly sold as well, as the half-orc has a new-found interest in the magical longsword.

Kama then seeks out Mirna Dendrar and returns her family's fine emerald pendant.

Finally, he stops by the Shrine of Tymora for a consultation with Sister Garaele. He confesses the close calls twice-experienced on his journey through the woods (in addition to the one time here in Phandalin), saved each time by the presence of his dragonborn companion. Kama has come to the suspicion that the Goddess of Luck must be acting through Xora in keeping him upright, and expresses an interest in representing Tymora on his path towards becoming a paladin.

Should Tymora accept, Kama visits the forge to see about crafting the one gold piece remaining from the hobgoblin encounter into Tymora's holy symbol.

Finally, whatever money was acquired from his sale of the extra weapons is used to buy food and drink for the party, and anyone else that happens to be around.

Stormsong, of course, declines the diamond and potion, as these were clearly acquired before he joined up with the party.

Not knowing his status with his new group of traveling companions, he says, "It was a pleasure making your acquaintance, and I quite enjoyed fighting along side you all. If you're interested, I'd very much like to continue traveling with you -- it's wonderfully eventful! I'm filling up my notebook with prose and lyrics. Now then, where can someone find good drink, food, and company in this town? I think I'll play for my supper. "

Before he set off on his own errands, Kama points out the Stonehill Inn to Stormsong. "That's where we've been staying. They're pretty good." He then holds out his hand to the goliath. "I, for one, would be glad to have you along. You've proven yourself back at the castle, that's for sure. I also won't lie: we've got orcs on the horizon that threaten this very town, and they're probably our next task while we wait for Gundren to get better."Kama carefully considers Garaele's offer. "That's very kind," he says. "It's always good to have a place to call home. I think, once we've finished our tasks, it would be nice to return."

At the forge, Kama works metal to craft a simple bracket in the shape of a horseshoe to hold the gold coin in place. He attaches the bracket to a chain, which can lie across his waist like a belt or harness, or around his neck.

Gimblyn was overwhelmed from the adventure at the castle. He wasn't used to the fast pace life of an adventurer. The forest gnome was more of a scatterbrained wanderer. None the less, he enjoyed his new companions and had followed them back to town. Their poise made the exploring feel safe, though more likely to run into trouble.

Tumtwig wasn't ready to explore town thoroughly. He found a nice spot in front of the Stonehill Inn and told Kama that's where he would be. The forest gnome wanted to work on his craft and make a respectable bow for Xora... Gimblyn believes his bows are better than any other.

I nod to Stormstrong. "You have proven yourself. If you are to join us, I must purchase additional supplies. Once that is done, I will join you. Sing well." It's been some time since I've heard a performance. Music had been such an important part of my clan. I didn't even realize I missed it until now. Perhaps one day I will have the chance to play the drums again.

I realize quickly that I have let my mind wander. I snap back to attention so I may focus on the task at hand. First I will go in search of proper cookware and food storage supplies. Clearly the meals I have provided for my traveling companions could use some improvement. The wild game and fresh fruit I've foraged was basic. Good for a day's travel, but lacking in the complexity that proper seasoning and complementary dry goods would provide. I go in search of additional spices, cheeses, grains and some ale. I tell myself that well-prepared meals will help maintain morale, and therefore performance. It is for the good of our group that I do this!

Once I've found what supplies I can afford, I will forage for any game, fruits, or nuts that can be dried or stored for longer periods of time.

I spend an hour or two searching for plump game and ripe fruits/vegetation.