Sildar confides in his rescuers

The three Rockseeker brothers (Gundren, Tharden, and Nundro) recently located an entrance to the long-lost Echo Cave, site of the mines of the Phandelver's Pact. More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves made an agreement known as the Phandelver's Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin (pronounced fan-duh-lin) prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path. A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Echo Cave mine was lost.
Klarg, the bugbear who leads this goblin band, had orders to waylay Gundren. Sildar heard from the goblins that the Black Spider sent word that the dwarf was to be brought to him. Sildar doesn't know who or what the Black Spider is.
Gundren had a map showing the secret location of Echo Cave mine, but the goblins took it when they captured him. Sildar believes that Klarg sent the map and the dwarf to the chief of the Cragmaws, King Grol, at a place called Cragmaw Castle. Sildar doesn't know where that might be, but he hopes someone in Phandalin might know.

Themes

The party searches Phandalin and the surrounding area for clues to Cragmaw Castle

Plot type

The party's ultimate goal is to find Gundren