14th of Mirtul, 1492 DR
As dawn breaks, Nimly and Thorn awaken feeling refreshed. A crisp breeze flows through the opened window, and the sun casts a warm glow about the room. They have a light breakfast in the quiet common room. Nimly looks over at his companion, nearly finished with his cheesy potatoes. "Let's see if your armor is finished. It sure would have come in handy with those wolves!"
As they approach from the road, Nimly sees Ironclad Creations come into view. The workshop is open to the air, supported by large sturdy columns of stone. The columns rise to meet high ceilings, creating a sense of grandness and space, yet the atmosphere inside is anything but airy. Smoke and heat billow out from the openings, creating a hot, sweaty, oppressive environment that would be unbearable for most.
The forge within glows with an infernal heat, casting a flickering orange light that dances across the workshop. The intense heat radiates outward, making the air shimmer. Tools of all shapes and sizes line the walls, meticulously organized and clearly well-used.
Finished items are proudly displayed on sturdy wooden shelves, showcasing Hilda’s craftsmanship. Swords with intricately designed hilts, gleaming suits of armor, and shields emblazoned with detailed insignias catch the eye, each piece a testament to her skills, dedication poured into the creations.
Around the room, half-finished projects clutter the workbenches. There are breastplates awaiting final touches, hilts yet to be attached to blades, and shields that need to be fitted with straps. The sound of metal striking metal fills the air, a constant rhythmic clanging that blends with the roar of the forge.
Hilda herself is a commanding presence in the workshop. Clad in a tight short-sleeved tunic and cut-off briefs, she moves with the confidence and precision of someone who has mastered her craft. Her short brown curls bounce, staying out of her eyes as she works. She is unbothered by the heat; her face is focused and determined.
Nimly stands for a few moments looking around before Hilda pauses and spots him. "Ah, Nimly! Good to see you again. Come to check on Thorn's barding, I presume?"
Nimly smiles and nods. "Yes, I wanted to see how it’s going."
Hilda waves him over. "Let’s take a look, shall we?" She leads Nimly and Thorn toward the back of the workshop where Thorn’s armor is being crafted. "As you can see, I’m making good progress. It’s being shaped to fit our furred friend perfectly. I’ve added some metal reinforcements along the chest, shoulders and flanks. Ensuring he retains maximum maneuverability is tricky and it will take more time. It should be ready in a couple more days.”
Satisfied with Hilda’s efforts and with the latest gem proceeds in his pouch, Nimly decides to pay a visit to Eben, hoping to find new items or potions. Nimly and Thorn make their way through the lively streets of Everlund, heading towards Robes, Rods, and Potions.
They enter and are greeted by the familiar scent of exotic herbs and magical components. Eben looks up as the door opens, and he smiles. "Welcome back, Nimly. H-how can I assist you today? Looking for something s-specific, or just browsing our selection?"
Nimly looks over the options. “Well, Eben? I am loving this Rod I purchased. Now… what can you offer me in the way of wands and rings?”
With a delighted smile, Eben turns to pull out his wares. “W-wands and rings… yes, let me see.”
Eben elaborately presents the first wand, its surface shimmering with a faint magical aura. "This is the Wand of Magic Missiles," he explains. "It allows you to cast the Magic Missile spell, which will go through almost anything! This powerful tool is priced at 750 gold."
Next, Eben picks up another wand, its surface intricately carved. “Now, this beauty is the Wand of Web," he continues, "It will allow you to cast the Web spell when holding it (save DC15). It has 7 charges, and it regains (1d6 + 1) charges daily at dawn. Beware that if you expend the wand's last charge, (roll a d20, on a 1 the wand crumbles) the wand has a chance to crumble into ashes. Th-this one is priced at 800 gold pieces."
Eben then moves on to the rings. He carefully picks up the first ring, its surface gleaming. "This is the Ring of Protection," he explains. "This ring is imbued with protective magic. While wearing it, you gain, as the ring suggests, a bit more armor and spell avoidance (+1 bonus to AC and saving throws). It requires attunement. Once attuned, the magic of the ring will be in effect as long as you are wearing it. This one is priced at 1500."
Finally, Eben very carefully picks up a ring that seems to shimmer and shift in the light. "Now, this is one of my favorites. It is the Ring of Invisibility," he says in a whisper. "It allows you to turn invisible… at will. Th-this invaluable tool is priced at 20,000 gold pieces."
Eben grins with satisfaction, pleased by the selection he has to offer. “As before Master Sparkleshine, let me know if anything has caught your eye, and if multiple things have, we can m-make a deal.”
Nimly listens as the products being listed climb well beyond his price range, though he can’t pull his gaze away from one item. “Seven charges? Held in place, you say… I’ll take the Wand of Web, please.” He places 800 gold on the counter eagerly.
Eben turns to retrieve the wand from the display case. “Very good choice, indeed! Here you are. Do come back again s-soon!”
Nimly, new wand in hand, decides to make a quick stop at the Silver Marches Bank to manage his finances. He turns to Thorn, “Let's go see the banker; no need to go out on the road with riches in hand, eh?” As the bank comes into view, Nimly marvels at its construction.
The Silver Marches Bank stands as an imposing and elegant structure just to the north of the bustling Bell Market. The building's exterior is constructed from finely cut gray stone, giving it an air of stability and timelessness. Tall, narrow windows with runes etched into the stained glass line the front, each window depicting scenes of prosperity in vibrant hues.
A grand set of marble steps leads up to the main entrance, flanked by two statues of imposing lions, symbols of vigilance and protection. Far above the large oak double doors is the bank’s name, proudly displayed in Common, Dwarvish and Sylvan.
Nimly enters and approaches the counter, where a bank clerk stands, ready to assist visitors. She is slim and of medium height, with a prominent bill and obsidian black feathers edged in deep red. "Good day, sir. My name is Truefly. How can I help you today?"
Nimly smiles, setting a few items on her desk. “I'm here to deposit some gold and a few gems, if you can take me on as a customer."
She pulls up a ledger, “Of course! We would be happy to take you on. Let's get you set up with an account. Please provide your name and any identification you have." Within moments, the efficient clerk turns back to Nimly. “Your account is all set up, Mr. Sparkleshine. How much gold and how many gems would you like to deposit today?"
Nimly looks down at the items on the desk, and pushes them across to the clerk, "I'd like to deposit 500 gold pieces, 2 large gems, and 2 small gems.”
The clerk takes a feathery green quill and carefully records the details of the deposit, then provides Nimly with a receipt. "Your deposit has been successfully made. Here is your record of the transaction. Your account now securely holds 500 gold pieces, 2 large gems, and 2 small gems. If you need to make any withdrawals or further deposits in future, just let us know!”
Nimly pushes the receipt back across her desk. "Could you please store my receipt, as well? I wouldn’t care to bring proof of funds with me where I’m going."
The clerk laughs, taking it back with a smile, "Good thinking! Of course, Master Sparkleshine. We'll keep your receipt safely stored here at the bank. If you need to access it or require any proof of your funds, just let us know and we'll provide the necessary documentation."
Purchases and finances handled, Nimly and Thorn are ready to set off on their scouting mission. Nimly makes a few adjustments to his pack, ensuring it’s as comfortable as possible for the journey. With one last look at the map, the duo head off in search of the abandoned mine.
They cross the familiar bridge over the River Rauvin and travel west for two hours into the forest. Nimly pauses while still in familiar territory to use his cartography skills; he improves the locating map for the Gemcutter’s Guild. From this point, instead of heading south toward the known stream, they orient northwest toward the marked location of the mine.
After several more hours of travel, Nimly and Thorn are able to make out the abandoned mine up ahead in the distance. The area is quiet, with the entrance to the mine partially obscured by overgrown vegetation. Though the mine appears abandoned, upon investigation Nimly and Thorn find multiple sets of footprints leading in and out of the entrance. The footprints vary in size, suggesting a group of people has been using the mine recently. There are deep tracks embedded in the earth that appear to be from heavy laden carts or wagons. Near the entrance, Nimly finds a campfire, still slightly warm. Scattered around it are empty food containers and broken tools.
Nimly turns to Thorn and sends a mental whisper, “We’d better get to some high ground and set up camp. This place is clearly being used for something.” Looking around, they find a hill back in the woods that provides a clear view of the mine entrance. As the sun dips below the horizon, Nimly and Thorn prepare a rustic camp and settle in for their stake out. Nimly draws a tic-tac-toe grid in a small patch of dirt with a stick, and the two begin making marks, keeping a watchful eye on the mine entrance all the while.
Time passes and the two companions take turns on watch. After a few hours, on Thorn’s watch, his ears perk up. He hears faint footsteps and the murmur of voices coming from the direction of the mine entrance. He alerts Nimly, indicating that there are humanoids nearby. Quiet and watchful, Nimly and Thorn remain hidden, watching the activity near the mine entrance.
A small group of bandits approach the mine. They are moving crates that appear to contain food, weapons and other supplies, suggesting they are preparing the area for some kind of permanent operation. Nimly counts five bandits while he watches, all of them armed and well-organized.
Throughout the night, the bandits continue their activity working in shifts, some standing guard while the others rest or work inside the mine. The pair watch as one of the bandits prepares basic traps near the front entrance. Nimly takes note of the security measures and records their activity as best he can. They continue their vigil throughout the night.
15th of Mirtul, 1492 DR
With the early light of dawn breaking over the horizon, it begins a steady downpour of rain. The bandit activity has ceased, the mine providing them shelter from the storm. Deciding that enough information has been gathered where they were, Nimly quickly scouts the area above and around the mine. They soon find a concealed secondary entrance to the mine hidden behind dense vegetation. This entrance doesn’t appear guarded and could serve as a potential entry or exit point. There is also a ventilation shaft above the mine that could be used to listen in or perhaps could be used to drop in small items.
Walking around the perimeter of the mine, Nimly maps out possible escape routes the bandits may use. Toward the north side of the mine, he finds a small hidden supply cache. It is stocked with basic provisions and tools. Nimly pulls up the hood of his traveling cloak to combat the weather, and gathering the supply crate in his hands, he nods to Thorn. “Lead the way back to Everlund, my friend.” The pair begin their trek. Careful to avoid the main road, they keep out of sight of any potential bandits headed to or from the mine.
The sun is hard to make out through the rain and fog. Everlund finally comes back into view after their soggy travels around 2pm. The guards in the gatehouse barely stir as Nimly and Thorn make their way into the city through the Silverymoon Gate.
Cold and wet, the pair head straight for the Barracks to give their report to the Captain. Upon arrival, they are directed toward Captain Anara’s office. Nimly knocks and is promptly invited in. “Nimly, it is good to see you. What did you find?” The captain sits behind a desk that is mostly neat, scattered with a few papers. A bookshelf and a cube-like storage for rolled maps sits behind her.
Nimly removes his cloak, “It’s been a long day already.” He lowers his tired body into an armchair and begins his report. “We scouted the abandoned mine to the northwest. The bandits are using it. I counted five. I watched them set some traps up at the main entrance. I found a secondary entrance, some vents up above, and these basic supplies.” He gestures to the crate beside his chair. Thorn twitches his whiskers and begins a full body shake, scattering water in all directions.
Captain Anara frowns at Thorn before turning her attention back to Nimly. "The supplies you brought back will be helpful. We will plan our raid immediately. Your information about the secondary entrance and their movements will give us a significant advantage. I will mobilize a team as soon as we’re done here.”
Nimly squeezes some of the water from his arm sleeves while he talks, “Thorn and I would like to join that effort. We need some time around town for a few things, but we’ll be ready to go shortly.”
Captain Anara nods solemnly, “We’ll use your information to attack using the cover of darkness. Meet us back here at 7pm.”
Nimly gets to his feet and picks up his sodden cloak, feeling his fatigue shift to vigor at the thought of the upcoming action. “We will be ready!”
Intrepid adventurers and DMs, I hope you enjoyed this continuation of Nimly’s story.
May your rolls be critically high or dramatically low, adding flavor and excitement to your campaigns!