Before the next session

The work after the mine

The plan is to return to Phandalin for the cart, deliver provisions to Harbin’s unnamed half-brother at Loggers’ Camp, then investigate the reported orc attack at Butterskull Ranch. Both jobs promise 150 gp; neither journey nor collection of the supplies has happened.

The dragon remains unseen

A messenger reported Umbrage Hill destroyed. On the mine road, Bean, Hamish and Rut found that six dead orcs’ cold injuries looked like white-dragon work. The party witnessed neither attack and has not seen the dragon or found its lair.

Sage knows Rut’s name

Rut told Sage his name over breakfast and allowed her to tell the others. She has not yet done so. The others still know him as Friend.

Norbus’s share remains uninformed

Norbus accepted 25 gp and 70 silver without knowing about the gems and emerald. Their later 500 gp sale did not settle his agreed share; no additional payment was recorded. Dax’s separate fifteen gold and offer of service remain private to Dax and Norbus.

Thornton’s stated intention

Thornton said she intended to replace Harbin as townmaster. Thom and Bean later told the party.

A declaration of intent is not a completed takeover. How the adventurers’ information would secure the office remains unclear.

The conditional kill order

Thornton ordered her guards to set the entire troop on the party if they were caught snooping again.

This is a standing threat, not a recorded attack. Dax’s earlier warning and the specific threat against Thom were a different part of the meeting.

Thom’s interpretation of the papers

Thom interpreted overheard fragments and document headings as a new foothold along the Sword Coast, a Phandalin base and possible smuggling.

The theories do not confirm a smuggling operation, the purpose of the tunnels or an alliance with the orcs.