Nimly's Adventures
Chapter 13 - Headway and Hideouts
13th of Mirtul, 1492 DR
In the morning with fresh eyes, Nimly looks around for high ground to pinpoint their location. He spots a suitable area. It isn’t the tallest hill or the most prominent vantage point, but it provides a decent view of the surrounding area and helps him get his bearings.
Down below, Nimly sees the entrance to the tunnel. To the southeast, he spots where the stream flows back toward the River Rauvin. He notes these points in his journal along with other landmarks. Deciding they should return to Everlund, he plans to follow the water halfway back, then head north toward the bridge they had used days before.
The journey back is uneventful. The forest is calm, with no hostile encounters from humanoids or wildlife. As the day progresses, they find the long wooden crossing, and by late afternoon, the outskirts of Everlund come into view. The city's familiar sights and sounds are a welcome relief after days in the forest.
Nimly nods to the guards at the Silverymoon Gate as he and Thorn make their way back into the city. Their first stop is the Gemcutters Guild, along the banks of the River Rauvin where the wide waterway flows through the middle of the city. Excited by the gem seam in the cavern, he wants to relay his findings to Aric immediately. Entering the guild, Nimly sees Aric talking to the clerk at the front desk. He walks over and waits patiently to get his attention.
When Aric turns, Nimly smiles and holds his hands out, palms up. "Aric! Just the person I’m looking for! I discovered a few rich veins of gemstones in a hidden tunnel within a day's walk northwest into the Whispering Woods. There could be even more gems deeper within. The tunnel branches off into unexplored areas." Nimly digs into his pack and lays out the twelve gems he took from the tunnels. "These are the samples I brought back.” Nimly hands him a copy of the notes he made in an effort to locate the claim using topographical landmarks.
Aric listens intently, nodding as he takes in the information. "These are impressive, Nimly. This is excellent news. The guild will be very interested in exploring these tunnels further. You've done well! We can arrange for a team to investigate and extract the remaining gems. In the meantime, let's appraise these stones and see what we have."
Aric begins the process of appraising the gemstones Nimly collected. He carefully examines each one, noting their quality and potential value. "These are indeed valuable raw gems. The larger ones vary in size and quality. The smallest of the three shows the most potential and is worth 500 gold. The largest is worth 200, and the mid-sized one is worth 150. Each of the smaller gems is of high quality and worth 50 gold each. Altogether, these are worth 1300 gold pieces. The guild would be happy to purchase them from you."
Nimly nods in appreciation. "Thank you, Aric. I am willing to part with seven of the small gems and two of the large gems. Would 850 gold be fitting for those?”
Aric smiles and nods. "That is a fair price for these gems. As per guild policy, your share will be 10 percent of the total cache, once we send a team out with your notes to find and extract the seams." Aric hands Nimly the 850 gold and takes one large gem and seven small gems. "If there isn’t anything else, I will begin making plans for the mining expedition." Aric bows and heads downstairs to his office.
Nimly heads back to the guild clerk. "I am looking to use a workstation. Could you also send a message to Captain Anara for me?"
Eyes alight with curiosity, the clerk nods. "Of course, Master Sparkleshine. What should it say?"
Nimly clears his throat. "Captain Anara, I would like to request an audience regarding the ongoing bandit problem. A mutual friend, Darian of the Silver Stag Inn, has also sent correspondence to you about this matter." Nimly pauses and looks over the note, signing his name at the bottom once it is finished. “That will do nicely. Thank you.”
With a slight bow, the clerk replies, "Consider it done! I’ll ensure Captain Anara receives your note as soon as possible! Workstation three is open for your use."
With the letter sent, Nimly heads to the available workstation and sets out his tools and materials. Thorn curls up beside the desk for a pre-dinner nap. Nimly carefully inspects his remaining small gems and begins to polish them. Thinking of the summoning ritual for Grahl and the gems it will require, Nimly uses his time to make these fit for the occasion.
He spends the next several hours focused on his work, the sound of tools and the sight of sparkling gemstones providing a familiar and satisfying atmosphere. He remains vigilant, ready to respond if he hears back from Captain Anara or if someone else needs his attention.
As the day turns to evening, Nimly decides his small gems are worthy of their task. He meticulously stores away his gemcutting tools and tidies up his station. While he is gathering his things, he sees his pliers and looks closely; dried blood is visible near the pivot point. He ponders the worn tool and the unconventional use it endured the day before. He stands and makes his way to the guild basement, approaching the quartermaster.
A distracted dwarf is busy behind the counter cataloging books. Nimly coughs. “Excuse me? I’m in need of a few basic supplies. My pliers have come to the last of their days, I fear. I could also use a simple and sturdy knife. Would those be available here?”
Caught by surprise, the dwarf knocks over a bucket of loose gears as he turns around. “What? Oh, um… yes, hang on! Wait, you need… let’s see.” He stares around himself, looking terrified of the workspace. “This… isn’t really my department. Hang on.” He roots around for a few moments and comes up with a small plain knife in a sheath, and a pair of lightly used pliers. “Would this do for ye?” He asks with a hopeful expression.
Nimly blinks. “Yes. Yes, those are exactly what I need.” Nimly takes the tools. “You are most helpful… do you need any help with that?” Nimly looks at the chaotic mosaic of gears strewn across the floor.
The dwarf’s face goes a bit pink. “No, ahem, no help necessary. Anything else?”
Nimly backs away, giving a smile and a bow. “Nothing at all. Good day.” As he climbs the stairs to the main floor, Nimly says a short prayer of thanks to Grahl. Thorn joins his side once more and squeaks. “I know the expression is short on gears, but I think this problem was too many gears.”
On the way out, Nimly pauses and returns to the front desk. "Hello again. I'm interested in buying a house in Everlund. Could you tell me who I might talk to about purchasing property?"
The clerk considers the question for a moment. "Of course, Nimly. For purchasing property in Everlund, you should speak with one of the local real estate offices. One well-known agency is Everlund Estates, located up near the Silverymoon gate. They have a good reputation for helping newcomers and residents find homes. Another option is Northbank Realty, situated close to the northeastern corner of the city. Both should be able to assist you with finding and purchasing available property around here."
Nimly considers his options. "Thank you for the information." Jotting down the location of Northbank Realty, Nimly sets out to find and introduce himself to Captain Anara. Thorn stays nearby, refreshed from his mid-afternoon nap. Recalling the various places she might be, Nimly decides to start at the Barracks and Armory, where city guards and officials coordinate their efforts to maintain order and safety.
Upon arrival, Nimly makes his way to the front desk. A tall, raven-haired elf with dreamy hazel eyes is stationed there. "Good day. I’m looking for Captain Anara. Could you tell me where I might find her?"
The elf nods. "Good day to you, too. Captain Anara is currently ‘round behind the barracks, overseeing training exercises. You can’t miss her. Tall, probably scowling, with blue skin and short black hair."
Nimly thanks the elf at the desk. Thorn joins him from a spot beside the door and the two set out in search of this tall, serious-sounding woman. They come upon a group of guards practicing drills under the ever-watchful scowl of the tall woman with piercing gray eyes, blue skin, and short-cropped black hair. Leaning on Thorn, Nimly watches the training exercises being conducted. The Captain observes her drill sergeants as they lead with precision, their commands sharp and clear. The guards respond with disciplined movements, showcasing their training and proficiency.
After about twenty minutes, Nimly sees his moment to have a word. Captain Anara calls for a break, allowing the guards a moment to rest and rehydrate. Nimly walks with Thorn toward the Captain. She watches the gnome and the giant rat approach, and she gives Nimly a short nod of acknowledgement. “Greetings. I see you have something on your mind. How can I help you?”
Nimly nods, “Well met, Captain Anara. My name is Nimly Sparkleshine. I have sent two letters and I trust they have reached you. The first was from Darian at the Stag. It contained a bandit map, which I hope was useful to you. I wasn’t aware of the bandit problem until they jumped me on the road to Everlund a few days ago.”
Captain Anara listens intently, her expression serious. "Ah, Nimly Sparkleshine. Yes, I received them. The map you provided will be very helpful in our efforts to locate and dismantle the bandit operations in the area. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. I commend your bravery for handling those bandits on your own."
Nimly waves a hand and gestures at the giant rat, “It was nothing. Thorn and I were happy to make sure they didn’t ever rob another traveler. We wish to assist in whatever way we can.” Nimly pauses for a moment. “Thorn says he is impressed by the teamwork in your brood.”
Captain Anara gives Thorn a solemn nod. She pauses, considering Nimly’s offer. "If you're willing, there is a task we could use your help with. Scouting out potential bandit hideouts based on the map you provided. Your skills and experience, particularly your knack for discovering hidden locations, would be invaluable in this."
Nimly’s eyes light up, and he nods eagerly. "I'm willing to assist, Captain. I'm here to help. Where shall we start?”
The captain gives a slight smile. "I’ll have you choose an area to investigate based on the map. This will help us gather more information and coordinate our movements. Once you've completed the scouting mission, report back to me with your findings. If all goes to plan, we’ll prepare a raid on the confirmed location."
Captain Anara returns the map to Nimly. "I have made a copy. Here are the locations that need to be investigated. Be cautious and avoid direct confrontations wherever possible."
Nimly accepts the map and mission. "Very good, Captain." He safely stows it away in his pack. He bows and withdraws, leaving her as the recruits begin to drill once more.
The gnome and the rat leave the barracks at around seven in the evening; the sun has set, and it is almost dinner time. With a busy day behind them, they follow the river downstream at a sedate pace, enjoying the night air and the feel of the city at this hour. Ahead, they can see the well lit entrance of the Silver Stag Inn, standing tall and welcoming. While the city is beginning to sleep, the common room won’t get there for several hours yet.
Pushing the doors wide, the pair walk into the noise and smells of light drinking and fine entertainment. The notes of a harp unfold into several quick arpeggios as the musician’s fingers fly across the strings of the tall instrument. Darian spies them as they enter and waves them over. "Welcome back, Nimly. How can I help you this evenin?”
Nimly taps the bar with his nails. "I'd like to request a room for another night for myself and Thorn. Same arrangements as before, if possible. Sleeping in the woods gives this place a run for its money, but I want to stay here out of charity, you understand?” Nimly winks.
Darian beams and pulls a key from behind the bar and hands it to Nimly. "Of course! You won’t find too many pine needles and skunks in your bed, but if you would like more, I will do my best to accommodate." The innkeeper looks at Thorn. “Dinner as well?”
Thorn squeaks and taps his claws on the wood of the inn floor in a few meaningful sequences and looks up at Darian intently. Nimly passes on the message, “Quite right, dinner for both of us. Smoked ham, if you have it. The cheese and fruit platters have been quite a hit. You take such good care of us.” After they both bid Darian good night, Nimly and Thorn head up to their room.
Nimly sets the map out on the desk to study. As dinner arrives, he continues to take notes and plan, making a valiant attempt not to smear ham juice and cheese across his workspace. There are several locations marked:
Location 1: Rocky hills to the northeast of Everlund. Occasional bandit activity and campsites have been reported.
Location 2: An abandoned mine to the northwest of Everlund. Previously used by bandits, but its current status is uncertain.
Location 3: An old tower deep in the woods to the west. Travelers have reported hearing suspicious whispers and seeing smoke from campfires.
Location 4: Ruins of an old fort south of Everlund, rumored to be a bandit stronghold.
Thorn munches through his portion and curls up near the door. Nimly retires to the bed and attempts to calm his mind, painting a clear picture of the tasks he wants to accomplish tomorrow before setting out on their mission. It takes time, but he slowly drifts off to sleep.
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!