Carp Alderleaf
A boy from the Alderleaf farm on the outskirts of Phandalin. Carp is curious, resourceful, and observant — the kind of child who explores the woods around his home and stumbles onto secrets.
He is the son of Qelline Alderleaf, a respected figure in Phandalin's farming community.
Background
Carp lives on a farm in the rural lands near Phandalin, where he has grown up among the forests and ruins that surround the settlement. His familiarity with the local terrain and his willingness to investigate unusual things have made him a valuable source of information for the community, though the dangers he exposes himself to often concern adults.
Campaign Role
Secret Tunnel Discovery (Session A01, referenced; Session A03, active)
Carp discovered a secret tunnel near the woods adjacent to the Alderleaf farm. The tunnel led directly into the basement of Tresendar Manor, providing an alternate route into the Redbrand stronghold that bypassed the main entrance.
The discovery was dangerous. The Redbrands nearly caught Carp when he was exploring near the tunnel entrance. He narrowly escaped and brought word of the tunnel's location to townspeople and eventually to the Forge Wardens.
The party used this tunnel during their infiltration of Tresendar Manor in Session A03, gaining entry to the manor's prison block and crypt without alerting the main Redbrand forces. This route proved crucial to the rescue of prisoners held in the manor and to the eventual defeat of the Redbrands.
Key Moments
| Session | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| A01 | First mentioned via tavern gossip: "Boy from Alderleaf farm found a secret tunnel near the woods; Redbrands almost caught him" | Party learns of tunnel; marks tunnel as investigation priority |
| A03 | Party uses Carp's tunnel to infiltrate Tresendar Manor; gains access to prison block and crypt | Tunnel enables successful prisoner rescue and weakens Redbrand defenses |
Notes
Carp's discovery of the tunnel was a significant turning point in the Phandalin arc. Without his exploration and willingness to share the information despite the danger, the party would have been forced into a direct assault on Tresendar Manor's front entrance, which would have been more costly in lives and resources.
His role demonstrates the importance of the common people and children in spreading information through a community, and the value of the party's relationship with Phandalin's residents.