Lost Mines of Phandelver [Adventure - Closed]

Avren Wands didn't need the money, though she certainly wasn't going to turn it down. She remembered -or learned, it was oddly both- that House Wands paid for any expenses she accrued while in the North and especially while in Waterdeep. That freed her to spend coin elsewhere, for example in the form of the silvered rapier that rested at her hip. Being nobility certainly had its perks, and if she didn't have two sets of memories roiling around in her head, perhaps it would be enough for her.

But it wasn't. Avren always had an independent and adventurous streak that was not at all tamed by a better life. If anything, it made her want to prove herself and find a way to stand out even among her illustrious family. If she sometimes had to venture outside Waterdeep to make that happen, so be it. Gundren Rockseeker alerted her to an opportunity over a game of darts, and she accepted quickly so as not to give him time to accept someone else in that role. That she carried the signet ring of her house probably didn't hurt, either.

The young woman was visibly half-elven, pointed ears peeking out of loose golden waves that fell to her shoulders. Her eyes were golden as well, darting around as though expecting trouble of some sort at any moment. Yet there was no fear in those eyes; from her fluid movements, one could guess that she had encountered trouble before and bested it. As for armor, she wore none and it was easy to see why. Brass scales ran down the sides of her neck and to her arms, gleaming in the sunlight.

Approaching the wagon, she eyed the githyanki man with vague interest though noted the fierce scowl. Well, whatever. She wasn't here to be a social butterfly anyway and if he wanted to keep people at arm's length, that was his business. However, it wasn't going to deter her from her assignment. She stopped close enough to speak normally but giving him the space she also wanted for herself, crossing her arms. They didn't have to engage in meaningless small talk, but she also wanted a question answered. "Is this the wagon to Phandalin, then?"

"The other...oh, I don't know. I don't think I even got a name." Avren shrugged indifferently, glancing around. "If he's not here soon, it's no loss. Someone else will be eager to substitute in for that amount of coin, I'm sure."

Calignious

Lykus glances at the scrunch of paper in his hand before crumpling it and tossing it amongst the shovels and sacks in a corner of the wagon.

Havenscar...doesn't ring a bell. But the dwarf said you'd be useful.

We'll see.

The gith steps one foot up on a crate of supplies and proclaims to the both of you;

I am Lykus Viran, loyal servant of The Revered Queen, Vlaakith. You won't have heard of me, but you will remember me!

Now, let's drive!

He finds a comfortable spot to sit in the back of the wagon and looks between the two of you expectantly.



[Can you also decide how you would like to travel? Someone needs to drive the wagon but otherwise you could ride in, walk alongside, scout ahead etc.]

For a split second, Aronin grimaced at Lykus's remark, but it quickly faded to a knowing smile. Everyone will know of me soon! He nodded with a sign of recognition to the two. He had read stories about both the Githyanki queen and the house Wands. It seemed as though his new found companions had friends in high places. As a commoner looking to make a name for himself, Aronin was full of excitement. 

The red haired man watched quietly as both comrades took their places on the wagon. He stood stupidly for a moment before he realized they expected him to drive. Looking to impress his new acquaintances, he feigned confidence. With a straight-backed posture he strode over to the closest Ox and quickly inspected it with an analytical eye. "Aaaah yes, these will do nicely." He briefly brushed the top of its neck lightly, then walked over to the wagon and hopped onto the front next to Avren. 

He glanced at the woman sitting next to him, but didn't realize he still had his expression of inspection. This time, he truly took a moment to take into account her full appearance. Blonde hair, golden eyes, some elf blood, and a name that weighed heavier than a plate of steel. He then realized she was mysteriously attractive, though very business like. It made him curious to know what she'd look like if she smiled.

At this point, he realized he was staring,  "Yes well, I guess we should get moving.... shall we?" With this realization, he found it more difficult to act the part. It took quite the effort to maintain his composure and not trip over his own words. He fumbled for the reigns, but once in his hands he held them firm.

He coughed to clear his throat, and turned to the gate and the open road ahead of them. He then quietly pondered on the correct phrase to use in such an occasion. Scanning through dozens of stories in his head, until his face snapped into sincerity. Aronin whipped the reigns sternly while shouting, 

"Giddy-up and away!" 

He might have mixed two different phrases with that one. Either way, he hoped that his new comrades didn't figure out he had no idea what he was doing. Yet by some miracle, the wagon moved.... slowly.

Avren, not entirely familiar with the route north of Waterdeep, was not long on conversation as she strove to remain mindful of their surroundings. She didn't know about the capabilities or talents of her companions and preferred to take the initiative, anyway. If they were to be ambushed or otherwise caught by surprise, it wouldn't be because she wasn't pulling her own weight.

Since the wagon proved easier to manage than she thought, the half-elf didn't feel badly about passing that on to Aronin. Occasionally she might take the reins if he was tired, but was otherwise content to leave the driving to him. Lykus not contributing was noted, but she honestly didn't care enough to bring it up unless that somehow interfered with their mission and profits.

Fairly itching for something to do by the time they reached the trail, Avren was quick to notice the dead horses ahead. Her golden eyes narrowed upon seeing the black-feathered arrows, and she gestured for Aronin to halt the wagon's progress. Once he did, she descended and began creeping a bit ahead, trying her best to do so silently and beneath notice.

Stealth: eM6L_yZ_1d20+5

Investigation: 1d20+71d20+5·1d20+7

[You can roll for initiative, but you are all caught by surprise]

Two goblins shoot arrows from their shortbows, one at Avren:
8rUDjiZS1d20+4
And one at Lykus
1d20+4

Another runs down the hill to attack Avren with it's scimitar;
1d20+4
Followed by the bigger, meaner one who runs up and unleashes a flurry of blows with his scimitar
1d20+4
multiattack! (disadvantage to second attack)
1d20+41d20+41d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4·1d20+4