The Sleeping Giant Incident

The Sleeping Giant Incident was a pivotal moment in the fight against the Redbrands, during which the adventurers gathered critical intelligence through subterfuge, manipulation, and cunning. It marked the moment the party transitioned from reconnaissance to direct action against their adversaries.

The Gathering of Intelligence

Upon arriving in Phandalin, the party split up to gather information.

Jember visited the Shrine of Luck, making an offering to strengthen his bond with Butternut.
Gregory performed in the Sleeping Giant tavern, charming the crowd and learning of:
The Black Spider’s orders to frighten off adventurers.
Bugbears reinforcing the Redbrands.
A mysterious eye monster guarding the lower levels.

Olaf’s Encounter with Handsome Dan

Olaf was recognized by Handsome Dan, a Redbrand he had previously scarred.
Anticipating a fight, Olaf braced for combat, but Dan never appeared.

Gregory’s Tavern Takeover

Gregory, leveraging his Fey-touched charisma, turned the tavern into a raucous party, encouraging drinking and revelry.
He used this distraction to extract information from drunk Redbrands, learning more about their numbers, weaknesses, and recent orders.
In a dramatic moment, Jember finessed a secret map from a bartender, revealing the layout of the Redbrand hideout beneath Tresendar Manor.

Jember’s Covert Exchange

Jember identified a coded symbol on a bartender’s uniform and signaled his own underground connections.
The bartender, in response, handed him a coaster with a map scribbled on the back, detailing secret entrances to the hideout.

Strategic Retreat and Planning

Having acquired a wealth of intelligence, the party avoided unnecessary fights and exited the tavern without raising suspicion.
They reconvened at the abandoned woodworker’s shop, where Zeromus, Olaf, and Horace finalized their assault plans for the following day.

This successful infiltration at the Sleeping Giant Tavern provided the party with vital information that would be instrumental in dismantling the Redbrands in their upcoming siege on Tresendar Manor.