Chapter 1: Into Haranshire

Umbar's spell creates a blast of magical fire, forcing everyone to avert their eyes for a moment. There's screams and the unmistakable smell of something burning. Once the fire subsides, one of the "farmers" is laying on the ground, his flesh charred beyond recognition (5 damage to "Farmer" B – DEAD). The other two, while hurt, are still up but unarmed, having tossed their weapons aside in the heat. In fact, few yards from where the men stand, two sticks are still ablaze, what used to be a club and the handle of a pitchfork (2 damage to Farmer A and 5 to Farmer C. Their clothes made the save but their weapons did not, meaning they are now unarmed).

Realizing their predicament, the two remaining "farmers" are too far from where Caradoc or Hanzel fell to pick up their weapons instead and they clearly don't want to risk getting through armed enemies in order to pick up the swords of the fallen bowmen. As they cautiously retreat, their leader regains his vision and takes in the scenery. "Fight, you cowards!" he shouts to them, but it is already late. The two remaining "farmers" are already making a run for it and he has to concede defeat as he makes a run for it too.

Caradoc and Hanzel are brought back to consciousness, but it's pretty clear they won't be able to do much more than walk the rest of the way to Milborne. Even then, it'll take a while before they're back in fighting shape.A quick investigation of the bandits' bodies reveals little treasure and no insignia or tattoos to identify them as anything more than run of the mill highwaymen.
XP: 186 (31 each, further adjusted by any individual XP bonus modifiers)
2 longswords
2 longbows
10 Arrows, Sheaf
Quarterstaff
5gp, 18sp
The remainder of the journey, just a couple of hours as the sun sets and the twin moons rise in the sky, is blissfully uneventful. Milborne is a rather loosely populated community, as most of its residents live in the farmsteads that surround the town on both sides of the river, while the miners live in work camps just outside the mines and every so often bring their ores into town to sell them. As such, it takes a while to get past all the farms and to the actual heart of the town.

Those of you familiar with Milborne know (and if not, asking any passer by will inform you) that The Silver Crown is not really an option. Even if you were willing to overlook its shadier reputation, it's just a drinking den that offers no accommodation, so the only real option to spend the night in is the Baron of Mutton. Built out of solid wood from the nearby forests, this establishment is a bit rustic but after several days on the road and sleeping on bedrolls around a campfire, it's a welcome upgrade. Upon entering, you find yourselves in a large common room dominated by a large bar with stools in front, while several tables fill the remaining space, some with long benches and some with chairs. The clientele is clearly working class, mostly barge workers moored on the river outside, maybe the occasional merchant passing through and spending the night here. A young man, well built with a short black beard, is behind the bar working the taps. Not far from where he's located, you spot the thick guestbook, so he's likely the one to talk to if you want a room. In one of the tables, an identical copy of the barman is leaning over the table and talking to an attractive young woman with long black hair, sporting a rich blue cloak in the pattern of a starry night sky. You would assume he's the one waiting the tables, so if you were to take a table he'd come to take your order for drinks and food. Assuming he will notice, because he looks to be deep in conversation with her.

"There's options, depending on coin and comfort" the barkeep answers Aldeera with a smile. "Three silvers gets you a bunk in the common room, no liability for missing items or teeth. Pint of ale in the morning, bit o' bread... Washing's free on the trough outside. Or, if you want one of the two guest rooms, that's a fiver of silver per person. They each got five beds, but I guess we could squeeze in a little extra for your gnome friend there by the fireplace. Price includes a bread roll for breakfast, straight out the oven, with some cured bacon and maybe an egg. You get a lock for the room and we might be able to get up some hot water for a lil' extra. Some of them folks you walked in with look like they could really use it. I'm Barthelew, by the way. My brother Andren's over there, he'll drop by to sort you out for drinks and dinner. Oi, Andren!"

At his brother's call, Andren pauses his conversation with the woman, turns his head and notices the new faces at the inn. With a few deft strides, he dodges the clientele and moving through the tables, gets by the fireplace. "Hello there, welcome to the Baron of Mutton. What can I getcha, beer, ale, Redwood wine? We got mutton to spare if you want a proper meal, with taters, veg and gravy, or just a bit of stew if you're down on coin."

The order placed, Aldeera returns to the table while Andren is off to fetch the drinks. You have but a moment of respite to yourselves before the dark haired woman Andren was talking to stands up and walks towards your table. Seeing her better from up close now, her fancy blue cloak, held by an elaborate silver clasp around her neck, adds a deceptive gravitas to her appearance. Everything about her stature, facial features and the way she acts tell you she's but a young girl, maybe in her late teens but certainly under her twentieth birthday.

"Hello there!" she says cheerfully to the group. "Sorry to bother you before you could even have a drink, but I couldn't help myself. I'm Jelenneth, apprentice to the wizard Tauster, pleasure to make your acquaintance. You look rather unusual for Milborne. Uh, I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean, exotic, adventuring types! I would hear any stories you'd be willing to share with me, especially if they involve magic." That last bit she says with some smiling hesitation, as if sorry to burden you with something she's fascinated with.

Much like Aldeera, Jelenneth flashes a smile once she picks up on the illusion.
"Oh wow! You don't look like the wizardly type, but I've heard gnomes are naturals with illusion magic. Well done, sir. Yes, I am indeed an apprentice of Tauster, I reckon he'll be in his tower in Thurmaster. Doesn't travel much anyway, and if he knows you're coming, he'll be expecting you there, I suppose. Lot of the outdoors stuff's usually done by me now that I'm training under him, though I'm actually here on a break to see my parents. Dad runs the mill, you see, and my mom does some baking. Best pies you'll ever taste in Haranshire, and I'm not just saying that 'cause she's my mom. She even sells some bread rolls to this place for guest breakfast plates, fresh out the oven every morning!"

As Jelenneth speaks, Andren returns to the table with half a dozen pints of beer, which he lays on the table.
"Aye, Baron o' Mutton's got the best breakfast you'll get in any establishment all over Haranshire. We may not be a fancy part of the realm, but we know hospitality. I'll be back in a pinch with your dinners, anything else you need let me know, yeah?"

Although he's addressing you, the lad is clearly all smiles and side glances at Jelenneth. She too looks fondly at him as he puts the glasses down, but it's clear her attention is split between him and your interesting presence.

"So, uh" she asks your group "Can I ask what your business with Tauster is, or is it strictly between him and you? I mean, I'm curious, but I'll understand if you don't wanna share."