2. The First Delve

Ricard does the math and trades 40 silver for the 4 left over gold coins, adds it to the 2 left over silver, and gives everyone 7 more silver to complete the perfect split of the treasure.

"Huh. I thought they were going to want us to escort them the rest of the way." Gabbro nods thanks at Ricard and puts the 65 SP and 1 GP in his money pouch. "I guess they really just needed help with the gates." He shrugs. "So: what now? Look around, or head back the way we came?"

There are no obvious markings on the sword that hint at any special abilities. Nor does Ricard sense any "connection" with the sword. As he swishes it around, it just feels particularly light and well-balanced. Compared to the weapons he's used to, wielding it seems almost effortless.
That was first edition AD&D with 20 silver to a gold. It's the regular 10 in B/X.

Chamber of the Sea
So, is the plan now to head directly back to the Kopper Kettle for your meeting with the Ghost Beggars at noon? Or is there anything you’d like to do, or preparations you’d like to make, beforehand?

And is there any particular route you’d like to take? Or just the shortest route you’ve mapped (which would be to retrace your steps east, through the Chamber of the Mountains, a left-turn north at the Dining Hall, and then a right-turn east towards the Kobold Market?

---
Day 3, 11:40 am
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"If we have any intent of honoring our meeting with the Ghost Beggars, we must return now," Gabbro points out.

"Yes let us go on the double."

Gabbro nods and grabs the eastern portcullis, attempting to lift it.

Pickles, who was waiting by the portcullis, helps Ricard.

Some behind-the-screen dice rolling ...

Leaving the Chamber of the Sea, you hurry back towards Kobold Korners. Fortunately, your journey is uneventful and you make good progress. You deposit your weapons as usual at the kobold guard post at the market’s western entrance and head to the Kopper Kettle.

As you enter the tavern, Pickles instantly recognises Zorrel Gnast, the leader of the Ghost Beggars, from yesterday’s encounter in the market. He has a distinctly piratical appearance with a bushy black beard, large hoop earrings dangling from his lobes, and a yellow-and-black chequered bandana doubling as a patch over his left eye. He’s sitting alongside the Beggar you talked to yesterday evening, and three others you don’t recognise. Other lunchtime clientele at the Kopper Kettle include a couple of orcs (who seem far more interested in their lunch than you), a solitary gnoll (could be the same one Pickles tried to talk to yesterday, you’re not sure), and a trio of scruffy-looking humans (none of whom are wearing Ghost Beggar colours, and so seem to be a separate group).

"Ah, better late than never I suppose," Gnast offers as a greeting. "Pull up a chair. Jack here tells me you’d like to talk."

---
Day 3, 12:10 am
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Pickles gives a friendly wave, detouring to the bar to spend his well-earned coin on lunch and a drink plus a bright and cheery "Hello." to the Gnoll, before joining Gnast. "But my you are really tall. Anyone would be nuts to take you on. See I said he was tall." the Halfling sprouts before taking a mouthful ale.

Ricard, not having previously spoken to Gnast, gives a respectful nod and merely stands near to the table, keeping his eyes peeled for any who might be watching the exchange from across the commons.

Luther will also belly up to the bar for a plate and a mug. Then will go sit closely to where the meeting is taking place so he can hear what is said. Wondering if there is church around that he might be able to donate some of his spoils for the needy.

Having money for the first time since entering Stonehell, Gabbro tries to focus on the conversation and not dwell on the intrusive thoughts of buying everything on the menu.

Gnast taps his fingers on the table irritably, as most of you do anything but "pull up a chair". Eventually, you gather around his table, munching and slurping your refreshments.

"Well?" he says pointedly.

(Everyone partaking of lunch please deduct 6 copper pieces on your character sheet).

---
Day 3, 12:20 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Jessica pays her money to enjoy a nice lunch, trying not to think about the source of the meat.

Pickles eats a couple of mouthfuls before answering Gnast, "Sorry did not mean to be rude but it’s been a long morning and very little food. My companions and I have heard a lot about you and your organisation in our short time down here. And the word is that if we wish to survive and move with ease around down here you are the man to provide." The Halfling gives his best look of admiration to the very large human, while shoveling another mouthful of food.

The Kopper Kettle
A hint of a smirk flashes across Gnast’s face at the blatant flattery of the impudent halfling. Pickles senses that Gnast has his measure, although isn’t entirely displeased.

"That’s all true. Go on …," he prompts.

---
Day 3, 12:20 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...