Strength in Numbers

 After learning of the attack near Triboar, The party reunited with Ash and Akasha and set out to discover what happened.  On the second days of travel along the Triboar Trail, they discovered tracks heading north into the foothills. Investigation indicated more than100 large humanoids had crossed the trail.

On the second day they encountered the reinforcements from Waterdeep and learned they had bee attack by orcs just south of Triboar. There were heavy losses on both sides, with the Lords Alliance losing nearly 40 soldiers.  The Orcs that fled were headed east, into the foothills.

Everyone regrouped and headed towards Phandalin. The party decided to investigate the tracks heading north.  After about an hour of searching, they discovered several Orcs in what looked like a grid search pattern, poking the ground with their axes or sticks.  Ash succeeded on a stealth check and got between two of them and also poked the ground for a bit.  After realizing the Orcs eyes were glazed over and they clearly weren't interested in what our group was doing, the party set of further north.

Cothana decided to detect magic, to see if she could determine what the Orcs might be looking for.  She discovered a faint aura coming from a giant, half fallen tree,  There was a large hole in the tree and as the party approached, a decrepit animated skeleton pulled itself out of the tree.  It was missing several ribs and both legs.  Cothana saw a ring on its hand and they determined that was the source of the magic.  They dispatched the skeleton and retrieved the ring.  It would turn out to be a ring of psychic resistance.

 Gobby decided to run up the tree and see what was in the hole.  He promptly fell in.  He discovered a tattered uniform that almost disintegrated when touched.  There were also 6 silver pieces and a dagger in the tree. 

After further travel north, they encountered 3 orcs that had no interest in the party until Ash attempted to kick one of them.  A short battle ensued and two of them were killed almost immediately.  The party grappled the third orc and forced the ring of psychic resistance on him.  His eyes changed and he went into a rage.  Cothana did a detect thoughts and learned that the orcs were being forced to look for a pit, or cavern in the area where a mountain had collapsed nearly a thousand years ago.

There they ran into a familiar face, the Dwarf they had met a few weeks ago, who was again, doing a wood carving.  They exchanged pleasantries and shared a drink with the old fellow and learned that he doesn't think the orcs will find what they are looking for and implies he knows what lies at the bottom.  Before they can ask any more questions, he leaves.

As the foothills end and the mountains begin, the party encounters 3 Gnomes.  They are wearing colors similar to the skeleton, which the party keeps to themselves.  After meeting with the "mayor" of Ieirithymbul, they learn that the mining town is watched over by the "Unseen Protector" and that he often takes dwarven form.  

They also learn that the ring they found is a gift from the gnomes protector.  The Gnomes are interested in the Dagger and offer to trade three more rings for the dagger.  Then they all enjoy food and drink and rest for the evening.

The following day, while being escorted from the town, the see that there are charred orc bodies and burnt tree tops as they look down into the ravine.  One gnome remarks "I told you we didn't have to worry about any orcs" 

Our group makes their way back to Phandalin and explains everything to the rest of the GoTSC.  During the meeting, Elminster arrives via the teleportation circle and brings more news.  Apparently when the mountain collapsed it destroyed a Mind Flayer Nautaloid.  He suspects they orcs are being used by the Mind Flayers, to look for the Spelljamming helm.  With so many orcs under their control, he also says there must be an Elder Brain nearby.

Elminster recommends the party find some magic items to aid them in their upcoming, inevitable battle.  he gives them a code word to tell the bartender at the Yawning portal in Waterdeep.

On the long trek to Waterdeep, they decide to stop in Shadohaven for wine and discover it is gone with out a trace.  No indication that just a month ago, there was a full town there.  

Once in Waterdeep they meet with the bar tender and come to an agreement to trade.  He sends his men to gather some possible trade items and the party stays at Waterdeep castle.