Wardens of Heroes Gate

Setting out for Phandalin

] It is early morning. You are sharing a quick meal with Sildar and L’Khifrey at the Flatstone Inn in the River District – across from the provisioners market. Two Dwarves arrive and greet Sildar, joining you at the table. Sildar introduces you to Gundren Rockseeker. He seems the younger of the two, but with Dwarves it is hard to intuit age. He has red hair with tied back braids which have been dyed black. He is wearing a full set of leather armor with chainmail embedded into chest and arms. Gundren introduces you both to the other dwarf, Roonulim Welkincry. “Just call me Roonoo.” he says. As Roonoo pulls back his hood, you can see he has long flowing black hair and a full black beard that covers his chest and shoulders. He is wearing only a simple brown and tan robe and he smells powerfully like a stable. From the sleeves, more long black hair flows out and the same from his legs. It almost appears as if he is wearing a suit of hair under his robe. He carries a 5 foot staff which has a large knotted end at the top. He simply nods at you both as if you were all previously acquainted.

] Gundren says “We originally planned to all travel together, but I received word from my brothers late last night and Sildar and I must arrive in Phandalin by tomorrow. He and I will ride on ahead at speed. Khi-Khi has agreed to go with you. I have hired a cart and driver, Belteb, who is familiar with the supply run but Ox are slow and it will take 3 days to arrive. The Triboar has been plagued with bandits in recent months so the driver refused unless I also hired some muscle to protect him. This is where you and Roonoo come in.”

Roonoo] “Gundren…  I joined this expidition to protect you, not a supply cart.”

] Gundren “I know mate, and I understand if you want to change your plans. I believe I will need you in Phandalin even more than along the road. Besides, Sildar will be with me…  he was a soldier and earned himself a place of honor among the Griffon Cavalry of Waterdeep. We believe the greater danger may await us at our destination once things are set in motion… and these supplies are critical to that goal.”

Roonoo] “I understand. We shall meet in Phandalin.”

] Sildar looks to you and says “Deynn, I know we also said you would be protecting me, but protecting Khi-Khi and our supply shipment counts to a greater need. Would you be willing to join Roonoo to ensure our friend here arrives safe and our supply cargo complete in Phandalin? They are vital to our mission and their loss would not only cost us gold but time as well, and we have precious little of that to spare.”

Deynn] “I am pleased to help the mission however I might Sildar. What is known of the bandits along the Triboar?” I ask Gundren.

] Gundren replies to you with a slight shake of his head “Only  rumors I’m afraid. Some say it is the tribes of Orcs returning to the area. Phandalin was originally settled over 500 years ago, but Orcs from Uruth invaded and laid the area to waste. Some folk have nowhere but history to get their superstitions from. I doubt there are large numbers of Orcs anywhere in the area. Goblins, maybe – there have always been tribes of goblins in and around the Sword Mountains. Some talk sightings of a dragon building its hoard somewhere in the area. I have not seen such signs but should you encounter a dragon, run. We cannot pay you enough to face down dragons – I dare say, not even Lord Neverember could afford to do so. Personally, I believe it is the Redbrands causing trouble and victimizing travelers along the Triboar.”

Deynn] “Redbrands?”

] Gundren nods. “Yes, that is what they like to call themselves… probably because “Vermin Butts” was already taken. They are a gang of young punks that have been harassing folk in Phandalin for the past many a’ month. If they accost you, I recommend no mercy… for they show none. But hide the bodies… spare yourself possible retaliation. Their numbers keep growing, but numbers are their only real strength.”

Roonoo] “We had a small scrape with them here yesterday. They were apparently following Gundren and jumped him in an alley. Punks is a good description… No real fighting skill, just bad attitudes and to match their bad breath. Still, I will be glad for another capable fighter alongside. And if the road is quiet, at least we might trade a story or two.”

] With a mouth still full of food, Gundren says “My best wisdom says 4 is stronger than 2 for a sure bet, but haste has ruled that out – there are political matters about to catch fire in Phandalin and they threaten to undermine the unions we have secured, and I have already been away too long.”

] Sildar says “And I have my own reasons for haste, but I have no doubt in the strength of Deynn and Roonoo. Khi-Khi has some tricks too… no doubt.” he looks to her and smiles.

] Khi-Khi “I spent all morning preparing for the worse Sildar… and praying for the best.”

] Sildar laughs “I hope for us all – a quiet road. If you do have to dispatch any serious trouble, I will double your pay. When we arrive, I will secure room and board for all of you at the local inn…. What is the name of the place Gundren?”

] “The Stonehill Inn. As you enter town, Barthens Provisions will be on your left – you can leave supplies with Barthen – he will be expecting you. The Stonehill is just a bit further towards the center of town.”

] The four of you finish your meal and walk over to the River District provisioner. The cart which Gundren hired is being loaded. Two horses stand with the two cart-pulling Oxen. One of the horses is a large Palomino which Sildar greets warmly with a touch as he passes. The other horse is a small black mare.

Roonoo] I offer affections to the black mare. “Good Waking Queen A’Mine.”

] The horse neighs with a returned affection and nudges your hand for a pet. You and Roonoo watch from the cart as Sildar and Gundren step over to a table just outside the doorway of the provisioners shop. Gundren pulls a map from a round leather case and, after glancing around for onlookers, spreads it out on the table. After just a quick minute of discussion, he rolls it back up and returns it to the map case.

] “Haste calls us to depart. We shall see you in Phandalin in three days time.” Sildar says. After he and Gundren mount their horses and ride away, Roonoo begins assisting with loading the remaining crates onto the cart. The driver climbs up into the cart and signals his readiness.

Roonoo] “Might I suggest the lady ride in front and we shall keep the back in good watch. ”

Deynn] “Sounds like a good plan. I will take the rear watch for the initial leg of the trip.” I sit on the back of cart as it pulls away. As the ground begins to move under my hanging legs, I am reminded of an earlier time with the same experience

]]Deynn] I was invited to join a supply run for the first time. I must have been about ten or eleven and had not left the abbey grounds before. My mentor was a Calashite named Bashan. At the time I thought he was so much older than I was, but really he was still just a teen. The Abbey binds young children to mentors – probably to help keep the youngers behaving – but perhaps also to give the older children the responsibility of caring for and guiding their mentees. The Abbey: Ironwall places a strong emphasis on strength from relationships – whether on a battle field or just in society generally. The very concept of the “iron wall” comes from the practices of many standing together as one. The mentor/mentee relationship is a sacred thing in the Abbey.

Bashan was strong of mind and of body and he allowed me to foresee who I might become. He invited me to join the supply run to Westgate even though I was not yet training in fighting skills. Leaving the Abbey grounds was dangerous for children and it rarely happened. I remember being so excited about the trip, but also terribly afraid – especially of the path around Starmantle. All of the children of the abbey knew that the ghosts of Starmantle were real. Everyone said they never left the boundaries of the ruins, and that the path around and through the woods where Starmantle was barely visible was generally safe. I think what frightened me most about the spirits of the spellplague was their anger – I think because I still feared my own anger at that age. With good reason I suppose… I had a mountain of anger to overcome.

Roonoo] I introduce myself to the young lady sitting beside Belteb. “Gundren did not tell me our travel would be blessed with beauty. I am called Roonoo.”

] Khi-Khi “Well met Roonoo. I am L’Khifrey, but friends just call me Khi-Khi.”

Roonoo] “If it is not too nosy of me… what brings you to journey to a wilderness mining town?”

] Khi-Khi “I search for my father. He has gone silent and missing. Sildar and he are friends and counterparts in the Lords Alliance.”

Roonoo] “I am sorrowed to hear that. Could it have something to do with these Redbrands Gundren was talking about?”

] Khi-Khi “Could be. Father was investigating the death of my husband… I don’t know what lead him to a mining town in the Sword Mountains… but he told me he had discovered an important lead and was pursuing it while also taking a mission from the Lords Alliance to bring Phandalin into the fold.”

Roonoo] “A missing father and a deceased husband… these past days have had bad skies for you. I will do what I can to help find your father as I help Gundren – they may very well be one and the same goal.”

] You travel South on the High Road throughout two days. The shadows have just about finished stretching on the second forenight when the cart driver suggests they rent a spot for the night at Peldons Passerthru.

Deynn] “Is that a town? An inn?”

] Belteb “It’s not much of either. Nalorin Peldon is a bard, as his story goes, who got tired of traveling and finding that they ain’t nothing for other weary travelers at the crossroad of Triboar and the High Road, decided to buy a few wagons and a dozen or so tents and provide a waystop. Each night he gets to play his performance and his daughter serves food and drink. It is perhaps on the pricey side, but each time I’ve stayed there, it’s been worth it to me.

Roonoo] “Sounds good to me.”

] Khi-Khi “A tent is better than open sky for the night.”

] Shortly you arrive at Peldons Passerthru. You see large circular rock fence that appears only half-built. Around the fence you see canvas tents set up facing inward and a makeshift stable on the far end. In the center there is a large fire pit already spiling smoke into the sky. There are several other wagons in the circle and a few other occupied tents with just horses tied up. As you approach the entrance a stable hand greets you.

] Stable hand “Welcome to Peldons Passerthru! Our prices are simple enough… a gold a piece covers food and drink and shelter… two oxen and four travelers is a total of 6 gold. I will see that your animals are cared for and kept safe.”

Deynn] “Agreed.” I pay the stable hand 1pp. “Place the remainder in your tip jar.”

] Stable hand “Our thanks and gratitudes to you ser. I will see your beasts have the finest care and are ready for you at first light. ” He guides your ox and wagon to one of the canvas tents. “Whenever you are ready, please see Wrenthira over at that wagon in the center for your meals and drinks.”

Deynn] We unload a few things into the tent and go to get some food.

] Peldon is already playing a lovely melody on a small lute. Around the fire you see 9 others. There are two halflings sitting together, a small group of humans in chainmail, one in plate armor, their full packs by their feet. There are three half-orcs which appear to be wearing matching soldier uniforms of some sort. You also see a half-elf drow female sitting by herself. Roonoo – you recognize her right away from yesterday at the Driftwood.”

Roonoo] I whisper to Deynn and Khi-Khi “See that half-elf there by the fire… the drow… I thought she was watching Gundren just the other day… awful suspicious to have her turn up here tonight. Keep a close eye on that one.”

Deynn] “Understood.” We get our drinks and dinner and sit around the fire with the others.

] You all sit down and enjoy some lively music and decent meal.

Roonoo] I keep my eyes tight on the drow the entire time.

] She is holding a wide mug and staring expressionless into the fire. You never see her look towards you nor any other guest.  Suddenly one of the half-orcs in the middle of his meal grasps his throat and starts making a choking sound. Greenish fizz starts to flow out of his eyes and ears and nose and before any can react to what is happening he falls forward – face into the fire – dead before the flames lick his face. The music stops. There is a moment of chaos around the firepit as everyone scrambles backwards trying to determine what just happened.

] One of the Half-orcs yells “Poison! What else could be!?” and another loudly affirms the conclusion. “Drow love poison don’t they? You! You killed Bamar!” and the half-orc charges the drow and starts beating and kicking her. The other one joins in. The drow seems unable to defend herself. The other guests back up even further from the scene. The halflings have already disappeared, back into their tents most likely. Even Peldon is distancing himself away from the conflict.

] Khi-Khi “Is no one going to stop this? ”

Roonoo] “She is drow.”

] You feel a sudden bit of insight Deynn… the amulet around your neck has magically increased your ability to sense deception and true need, and you get the impression that this drow wanted this to happen.

Deynn] “I sense that somehow she meant for this to happen… I don’t know how… or why… but you are right Khi-Khi – we should stop this.” I try to pull one of the half-orcs back from his frenzy. [Str Check]

1d20 Strength Athletics 11 +4 = 15

[()]

] You manage to pull one of the half-orcs away.

Deynn] “Hold up! You can’t just kill her without knowing she is guilty!

Roonoo] “Deynn is right. Call off your friend! We should attempt to prove her guilt.” [Persuasion]

Results Table

1d20 Persuasion Check 16 +3 = 19

] The half-orc pulls his friend away from the frenzyied beating and calms him down. It may be too late however, the half-elf drow is lying still on the ground, blooded and barely recognizable.

] You each notice an odd smell in the air. Khi-Khi turns back to the fire “Help me pull him out of the flames!” And she begins grab a booted foot. Two of the humans rush over and help lift the dead half-ord out of the fire pit. His head and chest disfigured with the heat.

Deynn] “We won’t get much by questioning the drow, she appears gone. Can you tell how the soldier died Khi-Khi? ”

] Khi-Khi “I only saw what you all saw. It did seem like a reaction to poison, but I could not tell you what kind of poison would have that affect. You might search the drow… see if she has anything on her to prove she administered the poison somehow.”

Roonoo] “There’s an idea.” I go over and begin looking through the pockets of the bloody drow.

] As you are searching, you hear a faint groan and realize she is not yet dead.

Roonoo] “Hey! She is still alive here.”

Deynn] “Tie her hands and feet, just to be careful…” I play my flute to magically restore 4d4 HP to everyone who can hear me.

] The drow woman revives but appears confused, traumatized. She struggles against the rope binding her hands and feet. “Help me.” She says – somewhat pitifully…

Deynn] “Why did you poison this soldier?” I say to her

] Drow “Poison? What do you mean? I didn’t… I have nothing to do with any poison. ”

] Half-orc “Yer a drow ain’t cha!? Drows love poison I hear!”

] Drow “I’m a half-blood… the drow hate me as much as you surface tribes… more probably… they would kill me on sight.”

Roonoo] “A lot of surface folk would too. What are you doing here?”

] Drow “I’m just traveling… heading towards Waterdeep… I suppose… look I don’t really know what I’m doing here… I thought I found someone in Neverwinter who would help me, take me in… give me work… but that didn’t… I have nowhere… maybe you should kill me.”

] Deynn, your magically enhanced insight is warning you of deception yet at the same time, it is telling you the drow needs your protection.

Deynn] “We are not getting the whole story here. Did you find anything Roonoo? Anything to indicate she used poison or even knows how?”

Roonoo] “Nothing. She has no weapons either. I took her for a professional assassin when I first saw her, she is Drow after all… but it would seem she cannot even defend herself.”

] The Drow tells you “My bow is in my tent. It is my only weapon… I use it for hunting.”

] Khi-Khi says to the two half-orcs “What say you? Do you think she could have killed your friend?”

] The half-orcs stammer a bit “Don’t know… but who else then?”

] Khi-Khi “Would any have reason?” She looks around at everyone. Each is shaking their head. “And what reason would this half-drow have to kill your fellow… did he have any interactions with her at all beforehand?” They indicate ‘no’.

] The Drow says “Please… kill me or free me. I’ve spent enough of my life in fetters. I harbor no hostility towards any of you.”

] Your magical insight suggests to you Deynn, that she is being fully honest in this. You also feel an unexplained compassion towards her.

Deynn] “I believe her. What say the rest of you?”

] No one argues. The half-orcs lift their fellow and carry his body outside the circle of the waystop and into the night. The humans sit back down around the fire and call for more drink and music.

Roonoo] I untie the half-drow, but I remain suspicious of her… she is drow. “You might want to spend the rest of the night in your tent spiderkin.”

] The half-blood drow does exactly that, disappears into her canvas tent for the remainder of the evening.

Deynn] “It is difficult to defend… but I think we need to protect the drow. I think, somehow, she needs us and perhaps… we will need her.”

Roonoo] “Sparing her life is one thing… but I will choke on the idea of taking her under our wing. That is an easy way to get ourselves dead.”

Deynn] “I know it is naïve… I know I am too often naïve… and I cannot explain myself in this. She has both evil and good within her, like us all… and the good has enough strength to win out. I don’t know how I know it – I suspect it has to do with this amulet I wear.” I hold it out to show Roonoo and Khi-Khi.

] Khi-Khi says “That is the same emblem from the Sildars shield… Why did you not show me this before?”

Deynn] “I honestly did not suspect it to be enchanted, at the time, I thought only to honor the ones who wore it before me.”

] Khi-Khi looks a bit sternly at you… “It would help if you told me the whole story Deynn… who did you get these emblems from? When? How?”

Deynn] “It was the day before we met. I was walking from Helms Hold to Neverwinter when I saw a portal open up high in the sky. Two humans fell out of the portal – I cannot say for certain… but at the time it was like their bodies just sort of rolled out into the sky. They did not step out, or jump out… but rolled out, like someone else had just pushed their bodies through the portal. I went to see if I could help them but they were well beyond help. I buried their bodies and kept the shield and the amulet. Oh, and this coin pouch – it also bares the same emblem of a flaming shield.”

] Khi-Khi looks at the emblem again and says  “Dawnguard…”

Deynn] “The fact that two bodies fall out of the sky is a strange thing… the fact that I was there to witness it… even stranger. I dare not assume it to be a mere coincidence.”

] Khi-Khi nods “Absolutely… one should not think otherwise. I will see what I can learn about this Dawnguard. Do you mind if I identify the enchantments on the amulet and the coin pouch?”

Deynn] “You think even the coin pouch is enchanted? By all means, please tell me what you can about them.”

] Khi-Khi pulls out her spellbook, some components and the pearl you gave her and casts Identify

] Khi-Khi “The amulet is an Insight Emblem. It magically increases your intuition, making it very difficult to decieve you. Like the shield, it has some special purposes against the undead. It will also help you in combat… anticipating the actions of your opponents in various ways. This is a very complex enchantment however… while it is not sentient… it seems as if it somehow grows with one it is attuned to. Your actions influence its powers… the direction and the strength of its powers. It will not allow itself to be attuned with someone of evil intent and further… it encourages and rewards good intent with greater power. I’ve read of this sort of enchantment before, but they were records of items from other planes of existence… this sort of enchantment is not native to our world here on Toril. The coin pouch is not so complex… but it is connected to the amulet somehow. Basically, you will never be poor as long as you carry both. When you spend any coin from this pouch to meet a true need the coin will reappear. The amulet helps you determine whether the need is true or no.”

Deynn] “Would this amulet explain why I feel compassion towards the drow?”

] Khi-Khi “Yes, definitely. And I say you should follow that compassion to where it leads you, even into danger.”

Deynn] “Roonoo? I know it is asking a lot, and I will honor your instincts here… but I feel like we should invite the drow to join us.”

Roonoo] “I minute ago, I would have walked away back home for such a suggestion… but your story makes me think it no coincidence that I am here with you. Truthfully, I won’t sleep while a drow is nearby… but if there are enchanted powers from other worlds suggesting she belongs with us, so let it be. Who am I disrupt fate.”

Deynn] “I don’t know that it is fate… but it certanly seems beyond random chance. I will go talk with her.” I walk over to the tent of the drow. “Hello? Can we speak?”

] The half-drow pulls the tent flap aside and steps out. “Yes, we can speak.” she says

Deynn] “I don’t know how or why… but I know you wanted that beating to occur earlier. I know you are hiding some things and I suspect that you are quite skillful in deceit… however… I also know that you spoke truthly when you said you intended none of us harm. I may be a fool for it… but I would like to ask you to join us. We travel East to Phandalin in the morning. I cannot promise you much, but if you truly have no place, we invite you to have one with us for a time.”

] You see just slight hints of emotion cross her face. There is brief sorrow and even briefer elation and a quick conclusion of confusion. “You mean that? I didn’t think that… I mean… why?”

Deynn] “I can’t say I know why… It just feels like what should happen. If you want of course…”

] “If I join your party” she says “you surely know that you will be hated by others for it.”

Deynn] “I had not considered that… but even though you are likely correct, the offer stands. My name is Deynn K’Vyll.”

] Koza “I am called Koza and I think they will soon call us both crazy but I will join you.”

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