Session 20: A Happy and Sad Reunion Report
General Summary
WAVE ECHO CAVE
The party has emerged from the cave and noticed Gundren Rockseeker and Reidoth outside the entrance having a discussion. Little did they know, Varis Leyonadas was a short way down the hill from the cave entrance as well. At this point, the full group is back together again.
Everyone has discovered that a small camp has been set up outside of the cave entrance and Gundren is working to dig a grave for his brother Nundro Rockseeker. All the while, he and Reidoth have also been discussing the potential future for the cave and how they intend to place monuments to both Nundro and Tharden at each side of a grand gate that will welcome those to come to reopened Wave Echo Cave mine. The hope is that, in due time, the dwarven community can help restore the mine to its full glory.
The party hears Varis yell up, apparently to Gundren, from just down the hill, "We got...split up."
Reidoth, with some surprise, realizes that the party has been separated all the while thinking they were together off searching for Tharden Rockseeker.
Dakari Akinjide, seeing the burial site, offers to help conduct a funeral ceremony for Nundro. Gundren is moved with emotion and agrees to the kind offer to help.
Varis reveals to the group that he had been poisoned while separated and decided to rest out in the fresh air.
Sildar Hallwinter then emerges from the cave and, having heard Varis' comments, mentions that he too got caught in the nasty green fungus prior to his helping the party fight Nezznar the Black Spider. Thankfully, he was able to miss getting poisoned. At this time, Sildar does not know that Varis was the one who shot him with the arrow.
Gundren, now a bit upset, wonders what might have come of his brother Tharden. Reidoth tries to comfort him letting him know that they'll do their best to find him.
Both Varis and Reidoth do their best to comfort Gundren. Eventually, Gundren relaxes, takes out his pipe, and wonders what will come next for the party.
Dakari is curious why Varis is even still at the cave. He attempts to weave a grand tale about fighting many Redbrand Bandit's but doesn't convince the group.
Eventually, Sildar reveals that part of the reason for his return to the cave was that Harbin Wester had ordered for Varis to be captured for his previous disguising himself as the townmaster. Such an illegal act warranted imprisonment.
In time, it is then revealed that Varis was also the one who shot Sildar with the arrow which increases the unrest between Sildar and Varis.
Varis is eventually bound and everyone returns to Phandalin to see what will come.
TOWNMASTER'S HALL, PHANDALIN
Back at the village, both Sildar and Harbin continue to be furious with Varis' actions. However, Harbin is thankful for Sildar's efforts.
Varis is temporarily placed in the hall's jail but will be relocated to Neverwinter where the prison is far more secure for the crimes that Varis has committed.
Sildar has reserved both a nice wagon but also a jail wagon to help transport Varis in the morning.
The party remains a bit stunned by the turn of events and wind up taking a long rest in anticipation of the transport of Varis to Neverwinter.
