Session 13 – Echoes Set in Stone

Session 13 – Echoes Set in Stone

Date: 1/20/2023 DM: Lauren

Summary

With Nezznar the Black Spider defeated and the Forge of Spells secured, the heroes of Phandelver faced the question every adventurer eventually must: *What now?*

Returning to the Forge, the group found the ever-loyal **Spectator** still dutifully guarding the sacred flame in the name of its long-dead master, **Dumathon the Prospector**. Through a clever mix of persuasion, bluster, and grave robbing, the party convinced the Spectator that Dumathon had “moved on” — and that Thurmin was the new boss. Ever the bureaucratic minion, the Spectator accepted this change of management without complaint. “New boss, same eyes,” as it muttered while resuming its post.

Only then did the party return to free Nundren Rockseeker, reuniting him with his surviving brother, Gundren Rockseeker. The reunion was bittersweet. Gundren, haunted by loss and exhaustion, vowed never to set foot in the mine again. Nundren, on the other hand, seemed eager to see what could be learned from the arcane ruins.

Upon returning to Phandalin, the group debriefed with Sildar Hallwinter. In recognition of their deeds, ownership of the newly reclaimed **Phandelver Mine** was granted to **Thurmin**, who promptly named Nundren his first employee and arcane consultant. Gundren chose a quieter path, retiring to the Stonehill Inn to host **pub trivia** and occasionally remind newcomers that “he started all this.”

Meanwhile, Shade sought to unravel the mystery of the **Zhentarim**, the secretive organization that had courted her earlier. She took a position at the Phandalin Miner's Exchange under Halia Thornton, hoping to learn more about their true operations — or perhaps reshape them in her own chaotic image.

The others — Brudur the Brash, Xanphina, Cosima, and Therezal — each began to consider their own next steps, their stories diverging as one chapter closes and another looms.

And beyond the horizon, dark wings stir. Rumors spread of a draconic cult amassing power across the Sword Coast. The age of dragons dawns anew.

Character Outcomes

• Thurmin – New foreman of the Phandelver Mine; ally of the Spectator; owner of the Forge.
• Nundren Rockseeker – First employee and arcanist of the Forge of Spells.
• Gundren Rockseeker – Retired adventurer and trivia host at the Stonehill Inn.
• Shade – Zhentarim initiate and clerk at the Phandalin Miner's Exchange.
• Brudur the Brash – Paladin of Glory, contemplating new crusades.
• Xanphina – Barbarian of the Order of the Gauntlet, awaiting new battlefields.
• Therezal – Still active in Gauntlet service, quietly watching over Phandalin’s safety.
• Cosima – Phantom rogue with an uncertain path and too many ghosts.

Experience

• Thurmin – 4,989 XP
• Bruder the Brash – 5,222 XP
• Shade – 5,222 XP
• Therezal – 3,375 XP
• Cosima – 4,064 XP
• Xanphina – 4,540 XP

Epilogue & Transition

With Phandelver’s secrets finally laid bare, the heroes prepare to move into the next chapter: **Tyranny of Dragons**. Players may carry forward existing characters (Levels 1–5) or introduce new ones, calibrated for progression into the Rise of Tiamat arc.

As Lauren’s chapter closes, Wes will take over as Dungeon Master, continuing the campaign into the draconic conflicts threatening all Faerûn.

<details><summary>🧩 DM Notes (Spoilers)</summary>

Truth: The Forge of Spells remains unstable. While sealed for now, its arcane resonance has rippled into the ley lines stretching toward the Mere of Dead Men and the Sword Mountains. This will attract the attention of the Cult of the Dragon and their emissaries in the coming months.

Foreshadowing:

• Halia Thornton and the Zhentarim may emerge as early political players in the *Rise of Tiamat* campaign.
• Thurmin’s new title could make him a target for rival factions seeking control over the Forge.
• Venomfang’s growing ego will resurface, likely aligning with draconic forces later in the saga.

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