Key Personas
Gosta 'Grey-Eyes' Penhaligon
Gosta is a man trapped between paralyzing anxiety and a rigid, moralistic core. He is obsessively meticulous with his ledgers, finding safety in the predictability of numbers that the chaotic town of Phandalin lacks. While he is stuttering and submissive when face-to-face with the Redbrand ruffians, he is secretly biting and cynical in his private notes, venting his frustrations onto the page. He is exceptionally generous to the local orphans, often 'losing' small pieces of copper in their vicinity, but he is notoriously suspicious of well-armed adventurers, viewing them as nothing more than catalyst for more trouble.
Branlow Soot-Skin Stonefist
Branlow is boisterous and generous with his tales when the ale is flowing, but he is notoriously tight-fisted with his coin. He treats strangers with a jovial suspicion, welcoming them to his table while keeping a firm hand on his purse. He is a man of deep internal conflict: he loathes the Redbrands for their thuggery but maintains a cowardly silence in their presence to protect his spot at the bar. He is loyal to the memories of the hills more than the living people inhabiting them.