Alice tilts her head.
Charcoal's nice and all but wouldn't a portable furnace be large and heavy? Can we build that in the field from soil or something? I can operate a bellow and control the fire like with Cat's cooking, but that's all. Magic sure is convenient, but we don't have that option.
Linene holds up her hand."Patience, little one! I'll think of something. After all, I'm the best blacksmith in town - and the only one!"
...pardon me the question but will you sell this loot to these Redbrands and Mr. Glasstaff? You mentioned he would come bothering you due to the acquired weapons and armor. I still do not understand what to think of those people. Are they the same as the bandits? Or do they really serve the town? I respect if you do not want to talk about the subject but knowing who we are dealing with would really help us out, Miss Linene. Yet another unreasonable request from me...
Linene thinks for a moment."Hmm, you see... I'd suggest you don't get involved with the Redbrands, but I guess you won't be able to avoid it. So I'll tell ya what you need to know."
"The Redbrands were originally a large family of troublemakers. I wouldn't say criminals, but not far from it. Old Glasstaff ran the Sleeping Giant Inn, drank more of the booze himself than he sold. Allegedly was some sort of mercenary once but I've never heard of a person who'd vouch for that. Here everyone knew him as a bad innkeeper. Terrible food, dirty dishes, rude staff. Everyone in their right mind avoided those guys. When goblins started to attack villagers, they saw a chance to improve their rep and formed a vigilante group. Ran a big mouth how they'd kill them off in flash. Of course even goblins were smarter than a band of drunkards and they got beaten to a pulp. Didn't stop them from continuing to fight, gotta hand it to them! They were stupid and weak, but no cowards."
"Things changed when Garaele died."
Linene points to the entrance of her store.
"Across the square, there used to be a shrine of Tymora, the goddess of luck. Very popular in a town of miners looking for riches. Sister Garaele was the priestess and our only cleric in town. To keep it short, one day the shrine suddenly collapsed while she was praying there, killing her instantly."
Linene struggles to keep a straight face. "You understand? The priestess got killed by the shrine of her own goddess of luck! What an irony!
Don't ask me why, but Glasstaff completely lost it over that incident. I don't think they had anything to do with each other apart from being roughly the same age though she was an elf, so looked like a young lady, and he like an old man, but whatever. Where was I?
Oh yeah! Ol Glasstaff had a meltdown, cursed the gods and swore to kill anyone who'd continue to pray to Tymora or otherwise touch the shrine. Then he left the village and hid in the forest. I've heard that rangers from Leilon stumbled across him in the deepest wilderness weeks later, completely eviscerated and in full delirium. They dragged him back to Phandalin and he wasn't seen or heard of for months. We assumed he had died at home. The entire family vanished from the public. The loud ruffians suddenly turned into ghosts.
Then one day Glasstaff reappeared. Stronger, healthier and sharper than ever before, but also even crazier. He took on the attire of a beggar-monk and declared he had a revelation and was chosen to create a new religion. Nobody took him seriously but within a short time he transformed his family into a highly disciplined army of zealots. Assassins if you want. Creepy guys who barely ever spoke. That was shortly after bandit attacks began and Phandalin became fully isolated. And now the Redbrands fought back with success and cruel efficiency. But only for those who paid a monthly 'fee' and only within the borders of the town. Those who refused to pay were repeatedly assaulted and looted by bandits, goblins or other monsters. Strange coincidence, isn't it? But I don't blame the villagers. They have enough problems already and the Redbrands promise safety. Most paid, except me, Toblen and the dwarfs of course. Including the Rockseekers. Go figure!"
Linene huffs."As for whether I'd sell them anything - they are customers like all others. If I refuse Glasstaff, he'd just send his strawmen. I'm not happy about dealing with those guys, but I'm not in a position to be picky about customers. Whatever, that's none of your business. I'd be happy if you focus on getting Gundren back safely. What's the status? I keep hearing the Rockseekers are finally about to return!?"
