CONTRACT FOR EXPEDITION SERVICES
The Broken Sword & Guild Master Emberfall
Date: 20th of Mirtul, 1495 DR
Location: Heroes & Hammers, Dwarven Enclave, Neverwinter
Contracting Parties: Guild Master Emberfall, Master Smith Freya Battlehammer, & Gundre Rockseeker.
Service Providers: Adventuring Party Names to be filled
Expedition Target: Phandalin & The Lost Mine of Phandelver
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Broken Sword merchant company, in partnership with Heroes & Hammers of the Dwarven Enclave, hereby contracts your services for a critical supply and reconnaissance expedition to the frontier settlement of Phandalin and the legendary Lost Mine of Phandelver.
BACKGROUND & OPPORTUNITY
Historical Context:
- The Lost Mine of Phandelver was a rich source of magical ore before being abandoned 500 years ago
- Recent reports suggest the mine's location has been rediscovered
- Phandalin has been resettled and requires quality goods and protection
Business Opportunity:
- Establish trade routes between Neverwinter and the frontier settlements
- Secure partnership with the Rockseeker brothers for exclusive ore access
- Protect dwarven interests from the criminal network known as "the Spider"
- Assess potential for permanent trading post establishment
CONTRACTED SERVICES
Primary Mission:
- Supply Delivery: Transport merchant goods safely to Phandalin
- Rockseeker Contact: Locate and establish contact with the Rockseeker brothers
- Mine Investigation: Assess the condition and security of Wave Echo Cave
- Cave Operations: Sweep, clear, and secure Wave Echo Cave when discovered
- Criminal Threat: Investigate and neutralize "the Spider's" network as necessary
- Trade Partnership: Negotiate exclusive ore supply agreements with the Rockseekers
Secondary Objectives:
- Map safe camping locations along the route
- Document any mineral deposits or resources encountered
- Disrupt "the Spider's" bandit and goblin operations
- Assess the security needs of Rockseeker mining operations
- Recruit potential trading partners or suppliers
EXPEDITION DETAILS
Route: Neverwinter → Triboar Trail → Phandalin → Lost Mine → Return Estimated Duration: 2-3 weeks (depending on discoveries and complications) Cargo: Smithing supplies, finished goods, and mining equipment Transportation: Provided wagon and draft animals
COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
Base Payment: 300 gold dragons (to be divided among party members)
Performance Bonuses:
- +75 gold for successful cargo delivery without loss
- +100 gold for establishing contact with the Rockseeker brothers
- +150 gold for fully clearing and securing Wave Echo Cave
- +75 gold for securing preliminary ore supply agreements
- +50 gold for significantly disrupting "the Spider's" criminal network
- +50 gold for clearing major threats from the trade route
- +25 gold for each bandit camp or goblin lair neutralized
Expense Coverage:
- All travel provisions (food, camping supplies, fodder)
- Wagon maintenance and animal care
- Healing supplies (up to 75 gold value)
- Emergency equipment replacement (up to 50 gold value)
Total Potential Compensation: Up to 750 gold dragons plus expenses
RESOURCES PROVIDED
Transportation & Supplies:
- Sturdy merchant wagon with hidden compartment for valuables
- Two reliable draft horses with tack and harness
- Complete camping and cooking gear for extended travel
- Three weeks of trail provisions for up to six people
Trade Goods (Value: 500 gold):
- Dwarven-forged tools and hardware
- Quality weapons and armor pieces
- Rare smithing materials and ingots
- Luxury items for frontier trade
Intelligence & Documentation:
- Detailed maps of known portions of Triboar Trail
- Letters of introduction to the Rockseeker brothers and Phandalin contacts
- Intelligence reports on "the Spider's" known criminal activities
- Mineral identification guides and sampling equipment
- Emergency signal protocols for communication with Neverwinter
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Duration: Contract remains active for 45 days from departure date.
Authority Granted: Contractors are authorized to:
- Act as official representatives of the Dwarven Enclave trading interests
- Negotiate preliminary trade agreements with the Rockseeker brothers
- Take necessary action against criminal elements threatening dwarven interests
- Clear Wave Echo Cave of hostile occupants using all necessary force
- Establish temporary camps and negotiate passage through settled lands
- Coordinate with local authorities to combat "the Spider's" network
Cargo Responsibility:
- Contractors assume full responsibility for cargo upon departure
- Any losses due to negligence will be deducted from final payment
- Emergency cargo abandonment permitted only under dire circumstances
- Detailed inventory reports required upon return
Route Flexibility: While Phandalin and the Rockseekers are the primary targets, contractors may:
- Take alternate routes if the Triboar Trail proves compromised by criminal activity
- Pursue "the Spider's" agents to secure intelligence on their operations
- Extend timeline by up to two weeks if Rockseeker negotiations prove complex
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Dwarven Enclave Benefits:
- 10% discount on all future purchases from Heroes & Hammers
- Priority access to new magical items and rare materials
- Guest privileges at Hearth & Hall Inn for expedition members
- Emergency assistance from Stout Folk Alliance if needed
Wave Echo Cave Clearing Incentive:
- Upon successful clearing and securing of Wave Echo Cave, contractors will receive:
- One uncommon magic item each from the Dwarven Enclave's treasury
- 5% share of first year's mining profits from Wave Echo Cave
- Guaranteed employment as mine security (if desired)
- First rights to purchase magical items produced from Forge of Spells
- Honorary membership in the Dwarven Enclave with full trading privileges
Cave Clearing Requirements:
- Complete elimination of all hostile creatures within Wave Echo Cave
- Securing of all cave entrances and critical areas
- Full survey and mapping of accessible cave sections
- Recovery of any Rockseeker equipment or remains
- Assessment of the legendary Forge of Spells condition and security
EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS
Communication:
- Weekly status reports via merchant courier (when available)
- If overdue by more than one week, search party will be dispatched
Contingency Plans:
- If the Rockseekers cannot be located, investigate their last known whereabouts thoroughly
- If Wave Echo Cave is heavily fortified, establish siege protocols and request reinforcements
- If "the Spider's" forces prove overwhelming, retreat and report intelligence
- If cargo is lost to bandits, prioritize party safety and cave clearing over recovery
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- 20% upon signing (60 gold dragons + provided supplies)
- 30% upon reaching Phandalin (90 gold dragons via local contact)
- 50% upon return (150 gold dragons + all applicable bonuses)
KEY CONTACTS
Primary Contact in Neverwinter: Freya Battlehammer
Heroes & Hammers, Dwarven Enclave
"May your forge burn bright and your steel ring true"
Emergency Contact: Kaladin Battlehammer
Sentinel's Post, Dwarven Enclave
"The Stout Folk Alliance remembers its friends"
Expected Contact in Phandalin: Toblen Stonehill
Proprietor, Stonehill Inn
"Mention the Dwarven Enclave for favorable rates"
SIGNATURES
For The Broken Sword & Dwarven Enclave:
Guild Master Emberfall
The Broken Sword Trading Company
Freya Battlehammer
Master Smith & Enclave Representative
Witnessed by:
Tork Gildengear d'Cannith
Master Artificer, Heroes & Hammers
For the Contracted Expedition Team:
Party Member 1 Signature
Party Member 2 Signature
Party Member 3 Signature
Party Member 4 Signature
"In stone and steel we trust, in friendship we prosper, in courage we venture forth."
Contract Sealed: Date of Party Agreement
Departure Date: 22nd of Kythorn 1945 D.R.
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