Wardens of Heroes Gate

Dawndra Arrives in Luskan

] You have just arrived via portal in Luskan. A mere moment ago you were in the courtyard of the Treyvigg Monastery where you have spent the last ten years of your life. One of your teachers has a friend with the ability, and kind willingness, to portal you across the world in a moment. The portal destination nearly dropped you into a deep hole in the ground however. All around you are large blocks of stone and scaffoldings made of wood and steel. There is some large building project going on here. Tey Emberjaw, the portal maker, had warned you about the portal exit being a dangerous place – but she mentioned a tower ruin with ghosts and the like. The Host Tower of the Arcane had been brought down in destruction years ago. She said the last time she used this portal destination, she was immediately attacked by ethereal wanderers. It seems much has changed. The tower is apparently being rebuilt and with some haste.

] You are in Luskan because you are on your way to cold lands beyond the Spine of the World – a region called Icewind Dale. Your teacher at the Treyvigg Monastery, Elder Riandyl, has been encouraging you for nearly a year to consider joining as competition in the Frozenfar Fray Games. She herself had competed several years back and considers the experience among the most enriching for developing martial skill. She also suggested that maybe someone in the Ten Towns might know something about your kin. Although you know nothing of where you came from, Elder Riandyl seems to think you find others like yourself among the glaciers of Toril. Icewind Dale is the most feasible place to start. The games do not start for a month, giving you plenty of time to travel and to investigate your past. The journey from Luskan to Ten Towns can be accomplished either by land along the Nothern Means, or you could likely find a ship sailing between the Luskan Ports and Fireshear. You were referred to a local guide-for-hire named Shent. He, or someone like him, would be necessary to your safe arrival in Ten Towns. It was suggested you ask around at The Cutlass on Half-Moon Street for Shent. Teach Riandyl gave you a Star sapphire (1k gp) to use for payment to Shent if you can locate him. (if not, sell the gem and pay the going rates with it). The gem represents a large overpayment but Riandyl wanted to show her appreciation to Shent in a way she could not previously.

Dawndra] I will start with locating this guide, Shent, if possible.

] As you look around beyond the massive construction project, you see you are on a small island of sorts in the middle of a river delta. To the west you see open ocean and to the east, the River Mirar. There are bridges connecting the center isle to the two sides of the city of Luskan, the larger area to the south and a smaller area to the north. As you are walking towards the southern bridge, a large section of scaffolding around the new tower creaks and groans. You hear a sudden crack and part of the scaffold gives way and collapses. Several workers that were either on or beneath the scaffold are trapped under the mangled mess. Some are obviously dead, others are crying out in pain. What do you do?

Dawndra] I drop my pack and rush in to help clear away the fallen structure and save as many as I can.

] Skill Challenge. There are 8 workers still alive but they will likely die soon. A few other workers have also rushed in to help. The Difficulty of rescuing the trapped workers is DC 13. Determine which skill or skills you wish to use to try to free them. For each successful skill use, you save one worker. A critical success saves two.

Dawndra] I start with taking a look to determine the best approach to take. [Perception Check]

1d20 Perception 12 +5 = 17 [Success 1/8]

] You perceive a leverage point where you can lift a heavy section of the fallen scaffold.

Dawndra] I put my shoulder to it [Athletics]

1d20 Athletics 18 +4 = 22 [Success 2/8]

] You display your raw strength lifting a section of the debris. Two workers are pulled out safely. A crowd of onlookers is starting to form around – watching but not doing anything else.

Dawndra] “Hey! Get in here and help!” I growl menacingly [Intimidation]

1d20 Intimidation 12 +2 = 14 [Success 3/8]

] Several of the onlookers respond and scramble in to start helping. Some of the trapped workers have limbs caught in a puzzle broken wood and bent metal.

Dawndra] I try to figure out how to unravel the pieces to free them. [ Investigation]

1d20 Investigation 9 +0 = 9 [Fail 1/8]

] You spend several minutes trying to sort out the mess before moving another piece. A worker dies in the meanwhile.

Dawndra] “Blighted Balls! We need to hurry!” I start pulling out chunks of debris… [Athletics]

1d20 Athletics 18 +4 = 22 [Success 4/8]

1d20 Athletics 14 +4 = 18 [Success 5/8]

] Your increased urgency pays off, you save two more workers. There are now only two remaining which appear alive still. Tettering over them is a large stone block. If you move the part, it will fall and crush the remaining workers.

Dawndra] I try to see the best leverage point to lift the stone block without crushing them. [Perception]

1d20 Perception 12 +5 = 17 [Success 6/8]

] You determine how to lift the structure without crushing anyone, but the task may require more strength than you have alone. Help is needed.

Dawndra] I start yelling at the others to get over here and help me. [Persuasion or Intimidation]

1d20 Intimidation 2 +2 = 4 [Fail 2/8]

] Only a single worker responds to you and starts lifting along side you. One worker is pulled out, but your strength gives out before the other can be freed. The stone block collapses. Roll a Dex Save to see if you get hurt.

Dawndra]

1d20 Dex Save 4 +4 = 8 [Fail]

] The stone block falls, [()] crushing the remaining worker and [()] trapping your leg under debris. [()] You take 10 bludgeoning dmg. You are currently Restrained by debris.

Dawndra] “Scrag Spit! We failed them.” I try to free myself from the debris. [Athletics check]

1d20 Athlectics 20 +4 = 24 [Success]

] As you vent anger, you heave the debris away from your trapped leg and free yourself.

Dawndra] “These folks could use a healer. I could use a healer. Any of you looky-look’s know of a healer nearby?” I say to the bystanders.

] Someone shouts “Good idea, I will go find one.” and they run off.

Dawndra] I limp over and pick up my pack and begin walking towards the South bridge.

] One of the people you referred to as “looky-look” is an human woman who looks to be in her 70s or older. What little hair she has is grey and stringy and blows around wispy-like in the light breeze off of the river. She has not taken her eyes off of you since you rushed in to help.

] Old woman “No good deed goes unpunished eh?” She says to you as you begin to limp past her. Her voice is aged and cracklely. The smile on her face is difficult to judge -she might be ridiculing you, or perhaps she is just being kind.

Dawndra] I smile back and assume the best of intentions from the old human. “Clever saying that. Afraid it just might be true. Still… 6 of those workers are going home to family instead of to the longbox builders.” I nod and continue walking.

] Old woman “Ain’t you sticking around for your reward?”

Dawndra] “If your saying is right.. My only reward may be more punishment.”

] Old woman “How did it fall? Do you think?” she says to the back of your head as you continue walking.

Dawndra] I turn back around and shrug at her. “How do any bad things happen?”

] She steps slowly and with careful footing towards you. “Well don’t you want to find out? I mean… you tried to rescue all those workers, don’t you want to know why?”

Dawndra] “Can’t say I care. Honestly, I have somewhere to be, and I’m not going to get there quick with a limp.” I start to turn again.

] “Hold one more second my large friend. Allow me to touch your leg? I think I can fix that limp for you. At least take that as a reward.” She reaches out a bony and gnarled hand but waits for you to give your ascent.

Dawndra] I am somewhat  hestitant to trust the woman. [Insight]

1d20 Insight 8 +3 = 11 [Success]

] Odd though she be, you do not get the impression she is malicious.

Dawndra] I step back towards her and nod, allowing her to touch my leg.

] She places her hand lightly on your outer thigh and you feel a warmth flow into your body, increasing your strength and vigor. The pain in your leg is gone. She steps back and performs another motion with her hands and a wave of healing energy washes through you, past you, healing the injured workers as well as replenishing your hp.

Dawndra] “Thank you friend. Your powers are obviously great. I appreciate the boon. I am called Dawndra.” I extend a hand out in friendship.

] Vetla Vashingsteel “My name is Vetla. Well met friend. I will let you be on your way, but if you return this way, please find me in the Tymora temple. Not the Clearlight – it is overrun. The new temple is on the North side by the Red Dragon.”

Dawndra] “Well met Vetla. If I make it back this way, I believe a visit with you would top my list.”

] Vetla Vashingsteel “I case you don’t make it back this way. I think you might be the person to carry this forward.” She tosses you coin. “Just be careful how you use it yes?”

Dawndra] I catch the coin and look at it.

] The coin has a likeness of the Bright Lady Tymora herself on the face and on the back the likeness of antlers – (which is the symbol Beshaba – Black Bess herself).

Dawndra] “Thank you Vetla.” I act like I pretend I understand what she meant by ‘be careful’…. “And I will be careful.” I continue to the South Bridge.

] As you enter the South City you notice a lot of other buildings are also under construction – or are in ruins and need to be rebuilt. On your left is a market place with nearly a dozen merchant carts or stalls scattered around. On your right you see a section of what appears to be ancient ruins… crumbled walls and moss-covered statues. You see directly in front you of a street called South Gate Way leading SE and another smaller, unnamed street passing the ruins and then running parallel in the same direction. You can also go directly south to the South Bank docs or north thru the market..

Dawndra] I go up to one of the market stalls and ask the merchant “Can you direct me to The Cutlass Inn?”

] Merchant “Unfortunately I just sold my last map to The Cutlass.”

Dawndra] “My mistake.” I turn to find another.

] Merchant “Hey, don’t give so easy… maybe I can manage to find another… for a paying customer…”

Dawndra] “Eat Troll Shit.” I walk away.

] The human merchant calls after you “No need to be rude! Weirdling!”

Dawndra] I look for another market stall with a more friendly face.

] You notice a small cart against the eastern edge of the market with an older woman sitting on a stool and running a needle and thread through some white cloth. Her face is not exactly friendly, but it appears she might be a little more open to helping you.

Dawndra] I try a different tactic… I approach the cart and begin looking at the items for sale. “Good day to you friend.” I say without attempting any eye contact.

] The aging human greets you in kind without looking up from her sewing. In her cart you see various goods… blankets, used clothing, candles and small torches, some used mess kits and other similar utensils. There are several bits of used jewelery and a small box of leather coin pouches.

Dawndra] I pick up one of the coin pouches and examine it.

] It appears newly crafted. The leather is still stiff but the stitching appears to be of quality.

Dawndra] “How much for the coin pouch?”

] “8 silver.” she says without looking up from her task.

Dawndra] “It appears well-crafted… do you make these yourself?”

] The merchant looks up at you for the first time. “Yes, when I can get the material. It should last you many years with a little care.”

Dawndra] I give her a gold piece. “I will take this one. I have just recv’d a new coin, which I think best be kept separate.” I pull out the Coin of Tymora and Beshaba and put in the new pouch.

] Merchant “Hold… may I see this special coin?”

Dawndra] I show it to her and flip it back and forth. “I don’t know what to make of it really.”

] The merchants eyes have grown wide. “Where… where did you find this coin?”

Dawndra] “I helped rescue some of the workers in the construction over on the island there, a bystander there… she gave it to me – as reward I suppose.”

] Merchant “Was this lady a priestess? By any chance?”

Dawndra] “I’m not certain. She did say I was welcomed to visit at the Temple to Tymora. Vetla was her name.”

] The merchants eyes get even wider and her jaw drops “High Priestess Vashingsteel! Then it has… Tell me…. Have you used it yet?”

Dawndra] “No, I only just received it… minutes ago really.”

] She puts the 1 gold piece you paid for the coin pouch back into your hands “I have a favor to ask. First… allow me to introduce myself. I am Alnetha Taobethi.”

Dawndra] “I am called Dawndra. Well met.” I offer a small bow of respect.

] Alnetha “Well met Dawndra. My favor is this… I have been waiting for one blessed of Tymora. I know it may sound strange, but I had a dream several tendays ago and I was told to watch for one blessed of Tymora. All I ask is that you use the coin and allow me to see how it falls.”

Dawndra] “Vetla warned me to be careful how I use it… though I did not understand what she meant.”

] Alnetha “Indeed… if this was given to you by a priestess of Tymora – a High Priestess no less… then it is powerful. You would not want to ever use it frivolously. This would not be a friviolous use, by my sons lost name, I guarantee you.”

Dawndra] Uncertain yet intrigued… I take the coin and flip it into the air, letting it fall to the ground

] Add 1d4 to any roll of choice over the next 24 (in game) hours

] Alnetha “Surely then! You are one blessed of Tymora!” She begins digging through the inner folds over her clothing and pulls out an intricate bracelet. It is black leather braided with some sort of soft white metal. “I’ve been carrying this for years as a keepsake… it belonged to my son Trenstino. He served as Lieutenant to the High Captain Rethnor until he was killed – many years ago. It is time his boon was released back into the world. It is yours now. It has a powerful enchantment within it. Now I don’t expect you should trust a stranger with such an item. Were I you I would find a wizard to validate its magic before using it. ”

] As she places the bracelet in your hands, it triggers a memory

]] Dawndra] “The feel of the braid reminds me of when I was young on Norland Isle. My friend, my best friend, Sheogor, would sometimes braid my white hair and interweave a length of a beautiful vine of ivy. I’ve never felt so pretty as when I wore those ivys. The entire village of Firbolgs was always caring to me, kept me fed and sheltered…  but Sheogor was the only one who ever really made me feel like I had a place in the tribe, like I was actually family. We lived peacefully in the Jotunhammer Mountains on the South side of the island and mostly isolated from the other Firbolgs tribes (and of course the giants) who were always wanting war with the Ffolk of the lowland cities. Sheogor (I nicknamed him Shaggy – for obvious reasons if you ever saw him) was not quite at home in the tribe either. I often had to go search the valley forests for him… and I would usually find him just sitting and watching trees swaying or flowers blooming or, especially, watching the wildlife being wild. They all knew Shaggy… the deer, the wolves, the squirrels… I remember being jealous of them because I wanted his attention.  I imagine Shaggy is still there after all these years, sitting and watching over nature.”

Dawndra] “You would part with such an item based on the toss of a coin? Are you certain this is what you desire?”

] Alnetha “I am certain it needs to be back in play and not gathering lint in my pockets any longer. It is my hope that you would use it to protect life and not destroy the innocent – but I leave that up the gods. Tymora has given her sign and I trust in it.”

Dawndra] “Thank you friend. Surely it has great value… far beyond what I could pay… but can I not offer you some payment?”

] Alnetha “I ask only that you remember my lost son… Trenstino Taobethi. He was a young man with great valor, and great hope.  Once I pass, there will be none to remember – except now you.”

Dawndra] “That is the least I can do – and you have my promise. Say… I was told The Cutlass Inn was a decent place, might you be able to direct me?”

] Alnetha “Whoever told you that is a fiendish liar… Granted it ain’t as bad as it once was, but you could still get a knife in your back as quick as a blink if you ain’t careful around The Cutlass. But you look like you can handle yerself… just be forewarned friend.” She tells you to just follow South Gate Street to the end, then turn right. “It is down on the corner towards Dragons Beach, on Half-Moon Street.”

Appreciation & Collaboration