Wardens of Heroes Gate

] You have been walking North towards Neverwinter for the past several hours after leaving Helms Hold this Waking. You were in Helms Hold for several days exploring the city. You spent your last gold piece on a few supplies at the Heartward market befort departing for your next destination.
You have spent the last many months essentially wandering after you left your monastery, the Abbey Ironwall, in the Dragon Coast. You have lived your entire 24 years of life in the Abbey, dedicated to training in the Way of the Metallon Fist. You have a calling upon you to become an Abbot in a monastery of your own, but the path to becoming an Abbot involves an Undertaking. It may be years before you are able to discover your Undertaking, and then more years before you understand how you are to fulfill it. It was suggested by your teacher that a slow pilgrimage along the Sword Coast may be as good a starting point as any, so you travelled on foot from the Abbey (Near the ruins of Starmantle) to Baldur’s Gate and then North through Waterdeep, having spent time exploring the coast and its people.

You are on your way to Neverwinter with the same purpose… to see what you see and to meet who you meet.

] The sun is high and the sky is blue. The High Road runs alongside miles of cliffs which drop more than a 100 feet down to the shoreline of the Sea of Swords. The breeze flowing up and over the high walls is warm and salty. As you are walking, you see a glimmer in the sky less than a mile ahead. At first it looks like just a ball of light but you can see it begin to spin until a hole opens up in the center of it. Two people topple out of it as if rolling downhill. You see their bodies land right along the edge of the cliff.

Deynn] I run to where I saw the people fall out of the sky.

] It takes you just several minutes to reach the spot below from where you saw the portal open up. There is no sign of the ones who fell out of it along the edge of the cliff.

Deynn] I kneel at the edge and begin looking down along the bottom of the cliffs.

] It is nearly a hundred feet to the narrow shoreline below. A glint catches your eye among the rocks. It looks like a reflection off of steel. Waves are rolling up onto the rocks so it is difficult to see and you suspect tide may be rising.

Deynn] I look for a safe pathway down to the shore. [Perception Roll]

Result Table

Deynn]

()  1d20 Perception 6 +7 = 13

] You spot what looks like a stairway carved into rock about a mile north from where you are. It leads past what looks like a cave in the cliff wall.

Deynn] I hurry down the stairway to the shoreline to see if, by any chance, the people are alive and in need of help.

] As you run down the stairs, you pass a small cave entrance in the cliff wall, about 40 feet above the shoreline. As you hurry past it, you catch a whiff of death coming from inside it, but see nothing. You reach the spot where you saw the glint of steel. You find both bodies severly dashed and no signs of life. One is a male human in leather armor with plates of steel. He has redish-brown hair and beard. The other is a female human in similar armor. Her skin is a much darker color than the male’s and her hair is black with tight curls.

Deynn] I say a pray to Nobanion over these lost lives.

] You gain a sense that these two were worthy of respect – warriors and protectors – rather than  bandits or thugs.

Deynn] I look for someplace I can bury the bodies rather than leave them to be tossed by waves.

] The shoreline is mostly rock but you find a sandy spot which might accommodate a couple of graves.

Deynn] I look for something to dig with.

] The male human has a war axe on his belt which might be helpful. The female has a longsword on her back. There is also a bright round shield laying nearby. The shield has a large emblem that looks like a flaming shield. It looks to be an expensive piece of armor – it has a slight shimmer which might make some wonder if it may be enchanted.

Deynn] I search their bodies for any clues as to who they were.

] When searching the male, you find a small pouch made of tiny metal links. The outside of the pouch has the same emblem design as the shield. Inside the pouch you find a single coin but unlike any you have seen before. It it thick and weighs at least ten times what a normal gold piece weighs and it is round rather than the normal shape of gold coins in Faerun. On one side it has a mans profile and on the other side there is a dragon. You also find an amulet around the males neck with the same symbol as the shield and the pouch. On the female, you find a simple leather pouch with some transparent yellow gems in it (specifically, 4 golden pearls worth ~100gp each). She carries a small scroll wrapped tight in leather bindings. Aside from these items, they each have a small pack with some mundane items in them.

Deynn] I place the scroll and both pouches in my own satchel. The amulet I ponder for a moment… then decide to place it around my own neck. I use the axe and the shield to dig graves as deep into the shoreline as I can. I place their weapons with them and then use the shield to bury them. I roll large rocks over their graves and say a final prayer before making my way back up the stairs along the cliff wall. “Perhaps I can sell this shield for some decent coin.” I say to myself as I turn. “Maybe I can even afford to sleep in a real bed tonight.” I might be able to sell the pearls too, but they are easier to carry than this shield.

] As you scaling the narrow stairs cut out of rock along the cliff face, you are about 30 feet off the ground when you catch a whiff of death again, only this time the stench is far stronger than before [CON Save]

Result Table

Deynn]

()  1d20 CON Save 8 +1 = 9 [Fail] Duration  1d6 2

]  The stench of death is overwhelming and you begin to retch. Poisoned condition applies 2 turns (16 seconds). A poisoned creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

] A giant vulture flies out of the cave just ahead. It quickly turns on a wing and begins diving straight toards you. Its eyes burn with green fire. The creature looks deformed… its muscles bulge in odd places, but it appears stronger and tougher than any common vulture.

Deynn] I’m in no position to defend myself here… Which is closer? The cave opening or the shoreline?

] The cave opening is about 20 steps up and the shoreline is about 60 steps down.

Deynn] I try to reach the cave before the creature attacks. [Str Athletics]

Result Table

Deynn]

()  1d20 Str Athletics 16 +2 = 18 [Success]

] You reach the cave entrance successfully but drop the shield that you were carrying (it bounces down onto the rocks below). The Giant Death Vulture attacks [()] its beak strikes you  and tries to rip your flesh. You take 6 damage. I reels back and attempts to claw at you with its massive talons [()] but you press against the wall and avoid the assault.

Initiative

Deynn] I fight back with all I’ve got

() 1d20 Attack 11 +6 = 17 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 2 +6 = 8

() 1d20 Flurry of Blows 13 +6 = 19 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10

() 1d20 Flurry of Blows 8 +6 = 14 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10 Total 28

] You unleash a barrage of punches laddened with the metal that magically flows within your fascia. The rancid bird-beast squaks something horrible at you and tries again to taste your flesh [()] but you deftly side-step both attacks. In the dark of the cave in this close range, you see the eyes of this creature burn with something unnatural. The putrid stench is coming from it, not its lair.

Deynn] I continue to defend myself

()  1d20 Attack 19 +6 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9

()  1d20 Attack 14 +6 = 20 [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10

] Your fists break thru the grotesque skull of the creature, spraying its brain matter across the cave walls. The cave fills with a dark green mist from the creatures necrotic insides. (CON Save)

Deynn] I cover my face and try to get out into clean air

()  1d20 CON Save 16 +1 = 17 [Save]

Deynn] I climb back down the stairs to recover the Shield, hoping it is not damaged too badly.

] You gather the shield from the rocky shoreline. It does not have even a slight ding. As you are there, you notice a large sailing ship about a mile off shore. You can see that its sails are mostly gone – just a few rags and tatters. You cannot be certain, but it seems to be adrift.

Deynn] “That seems strange.” I say to no one in particular. Nothing for it however… so I make my way back up the cliff steps – making sure to cover my face while close to the cave with the mutant vulture.

] You get to the top of the cliff. You notice the sailing ship is further out into the Sea of Swords and you are confident now that it is adrift by the way it is being tossed and turned by waves.

Deynn] I continue my way North to Neverwinter. I pull out my flute and play both to heal that nasty bite (4d4) and to pass the time.

] You continue on the High Road through most of the Forenight. Neverwinter can be seen several miles ahead. It is a large city with high rock walls surrounding it. As you get closer, you see a river comes down out of the woods to your right and flows right through the center of the city. The High Road branches into three. On the far right, a roadway leads around the city and over a bridge. The other two branches lead to the SouthWest city gate and the SouthEast city gate.

Deynn] As I don’t know much about the layout of Neverwinter… this being my first time here… I decide to consult the guard at the SouthEast gate about where to find a place to eat and sleep while I am here, and where I might find an Arcanist who can tell me the value of this shield.

] You approach the SouthEast gate but it is closed and barred with piles of rock.

Deynn] I walk around to the SouthWest gate

] You approach the SouthWest gate and see it is open. There are four guards standing watch. They appear extremely well outfitted for city guards, wearing chain mail and a dark bluish-gray tunics. One of them sees you and halts your approach.

] Guard “You might want to go round Ser. The Neverdeath is still being contained.”

Deynn] “Contained? Sorry… I’m new here… what is The Neverdeath?”

] Guard “The graveyard ser. We’ve evacuated much of the Protectors Enclave until we can contain the corpses.” One of the other guards quips… “Again!”

Deynn] “Do you need help, er… containing… corpses?”

] Guard “No ser. Guard is out in full force. Please use one of the Northern gates. Good forenight ser.”

Deynn] Well… then I guess I follow the roadway around the city to the gate on the NorthEast side.

] As you approach the NE gate into Neverwinter, you see a mostly empty flatbed wagon pulled by a single tan-colored Palomino stopped at the gate by two guards. As you get a little closer, you overhear some laughter from the two guards dressed in Neverwinter Gray (which is nearly almost blue truth be told). At the front of the wagon is a grey-haired but sturdy looking man and a younger woman, both human. The man is making lively conversation with the guard.

Daynn]  I approach the guard. “Greetings good ser. I seek an Arcanists Shop, might you direct me?”

] Guard “Well met. Arcanists Shop eh? Hmmm.. don’t think no one has rebuilt the Glow Jug yet – far as I know. I recall hearing ol’ Dewgrin moved on after his shop was destroy… ” He turns to the other guard. “Hey Thormen… anyone ever rebuild the Glow Jug?” He receives only a shrug of shoulders as Thormen seems more interested in the young lady sitting on the cart. “Guess not… You might ask around the merchants square.”

Deynn] “Thanks, I will do that. Might you direct me to the merchants square? This is my first visit to Neverwinter.”

] Guard “There are a couple close by. Take your first left and you will run into the Towers market. If you go right there’s another market area down near the lake.”

Deynn] “My thanks. Good night to you ser.”

] Guard “Good night”. The grey-haired man sitting in the wagon gives you a nod as well and they go back to their chatting. The young lady sitting next to him makes eye contact with you and gives you a brief smile before turning back to the guards.

Deynn] I enter the city and go left towards the Towers market.

] After a few minutes of walking you come to an open area with three sides. Around the perimeter are many makeshift booths and tents but only a few of them appear occupied. In the center is a raised platform made of stone. It is large enough to be a stage for performances but there is nothing on it presently. Just to your right, there is a whistling shopkeeper setting things out on a rickety table from a small push-wagon. He is a young human man, well-dressed and well-groomed for a shop keeper.

Deynn] I approach the shopkeeper. “Greetings. I seek an Arcanists Shop. Might you direct me?”

] The shopkeeper turns and smiles warmly “Good Forenight ser! I would be glad to direct you if there were some such place. What, may I inquire, are you seeking to buy? Perhaps I might have something to interest you?”

Deynn] “I’m looking for the services of a wizard.”

] Shopkeeper “Alas, our resident wizard packed up his scrolls and left… for Waterdeep I hear. Perhaps there is some alternative however… what sort of services are you seeking, if I may pry.”

Deynn] “Hmm… I am looking to sell this fine shield. I suspect it may be enchanted and would like a wizards evaluation of it. Any idea?”

] The Shopkeeper looks over the glistening shield. “Enchanted eh? I know very little about weapons and armor and the like… but I do know of a gentleman which sets up shop at the blacksmith’s who trades in enchanted items, he surely must have some method of identifying such things. ”

Deynn] “My thanks, I will inquire at the blacksmiths then. Might you direct me?”

] Shopkeeper: “Certainly, it is just past the Northern corner of the market. It is late in the day, you may want to return in the morning. The gentlemen you should speak to will be found behind the blacksmiths… he likes to keep his business, erm… out of public eyes, feels he must protect his clients, I’m sure you understand. While you are here however, might I interest you in any of my wares?”

Deynn] “A poor customer I would make friend. I’ve spent my last coin this morning. Should I find success however, I will return to repay your helpfulness. My name is Deynn.” And I offer a slight bow. As I do, I remember that I found the single thick gold coin, and my belly has been reminding me it has needs.

Serlee] “Pleased to meet Deynn, I am Serlee. I buy and sell here in this prime spot most days. If you have need of something special, be they tools or jewels or titfers, I know several professional finders as well.”

Deynn] “Thankye. Good night to you Serlee” and I wander away in the direction of the smell of food.

] You go to the Southern corner of the market and follow the roadway. The smell of frying meat is temporarily hampered by the smell of horse dung as you pass by some stables. You see the backside of a black-haired Dwarf shoveling out the stables. A beautiful Calico whinnies at you as you pass.

] “Calm yourself Mirrana… that’s a girl…” the Dwarf says to her reassuringly. You notice the unusually long hair on the dwarf, you cannot see his face for it all. He even has jet-black hair flowing out of the sleeves of his robe.

Deynn] I move on towards some food. I dig out the single coin from the pouch I found on the corpse earlier.

] You arrive at the source of the delicious smells you’ve been following. The vendor greets you and offers you a meal of fresh bread, cheese, fried meat and a nice thick ale.

] Food vendor (Carlee): “One meal will be 8 Silver ser.”

Deynn] I hand her the coin and thank her.

] Carlee “What’s this? Gold… but ’tis heavy…. Got to be ten gold pieces in the one… Not sure I have change for it. Got any smaller coins?”

Deynn] “That is my only coin. But the smell of this delicious meal makes me think it may be the only coin I needed. Please keep the remainder for yourself?”

] Carlee “Thank ya ser! Finest tip ever I got! Thank ya!”

Deynn] “Oh hey… I’m new to Neverwinter. Can you point me to a decent Inn?”

] Carlee “They just finished building the White Saint Inn – I hear its nice. Just down that way towards the Fallen Tower.

Deynn] I thank her and go eat my meal.

] There are several makeshift tables and chairs made from crates and barrels. You take your time to enjoy your meal. You watch as this part of the city bustles with foot traffic to and from the market. After a while, you find the White Saint Inn and get a room. You negotiate to put one of th pearls down as collateral until you came by some coin for the room. Then you have a restful night and awake with the sun. Long Rest: HP and HD are fully restored. Additionally, you have become attuned to the amulet around your neck. It is an Insight Emblem – you gain Proficiency (or Expertise) in the Insight skill. You have additional capabilities during combat as a result of the magically improved skill.

Deynn] I head back through the market towards the blacksmith.

] It is still early and several of the vendors are still getting set up. The blacksmith is easy to find due to the clanging and banging one expects to hear. You see what appears to be a typical small smithy. There is market booth displaying finished goods and an open area with a forge and smelter. There is a large overweight half-orc working a sword at an anvil. He looks up at you and stops pounding metal for a moment.

Deynn] “I understand there is also a private shop around back?” I say to the smith

] He just tilts his head to nod you back and then continues striking the steel. As you go around back, however, the banging stops again. You see a bunch of junk scattered around the back area, bits and pieces of scrap metal and chunks of ore and other such things one might find behind a blacksmiths shop. You notice over by a large crate there is a man dressed in beat leathers leaning against the wall dragging a short blade over a stone.

Deynn] I approach the man “Good Waking man. I am looking for one who might evaluate this shield for me.”

Man] “My brother was right, that is a fine looking shield. Allow me?” and he sets down the sharpening stone and reaches out for the shield.

Deynn] “Brother?” I say as I hand him the shield.

] As it leaves your hand, he plunges his sharpened dagger towards your guts [()] and as you react, you feel the tip pierce your skin. As you fly back away from the attack, you back right into the half-orc smithy who tries to grapple you [()]

[A Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check (the target chooses the ability to use).]

Deynn]

()  1d20 Acrobatics 17 +6 = 23

] You are too quick to be grappled by the fat half-orc and manage to distance your from both attackers by about 10 feet

[Initiative]

Deynn] I look back and forth between the two ambushers and decide I’d rather take down the big guy first. I attack with all I’ve got. (Attack + Flurry of Blows)

()  1d4 Combat Insight 2 Opening Insight +1d4 to Attack rolls

()   1d20 Attack 20 +6  +2= 28 [Crit) Dmg 4 +4 +6 = 14

()   1d20 Attack 9 +6 +1 = 16 [Hit] Dmg 3 +6 = 9

] You leap toward the huge half-orc and deliver a punishing fist into his chest cavity. You feel bones give way to your knuckles. Then you drop down into a kneel and spring up with an uppercut which connects just under his jaw. The big smithy’s lights blink out and he falls backward onto a pile of junk. [Grungurn is alive but unconscious]

Deynn] I use my remaining flurry attack against the fellow with the sharp toy.

()   1d20 Attack 16 +6 +3 = 25  [Hit] Dmg 4 +6 = 10

] The mugger is still gawking at how quickly you laid out his partner in crime when you step, leap, and land a heel kick into his abdomen. The blow forces the air out of his lungs and he staggers back, dropping the dagger.

] “Oof… you… gitsack… ” the would-be mugger says. “Looks like… Serlee… picked the wrong sucker… I yield and ask for mercy.” He kicks your shield over to you. “Here, this be rightfully yours good man.”

] “Serlee… this is the merchant which directed me your way to be ambushed?”

] “Yeah… my brother set you up as an easy mark. ‘Fellow does not even carry a sword’ he says to me… ‘And he’s certainly no mage-lord… an easy mark’ he says… the nutsuck… last time I… ”

Deynn] “Last time you victimize someone? That is what you are were about to say right? Last time you think anyone a mark? Because if you mean something other than that… you and I still have business. I have a very low tolerance for crime, let it be known”

] He looks sheepishly down… “Sure… yeah… exactly what I meant to be saying. Won’t be marking any more victims from here on… ”

Deynn] “Your brother is Serlee, what are you called?”

Serwoe] “I am Serwoe. And we will have no further business together, I assure you.”

] As Serwoe is backing away from you, lean down and start to retrieve the shield but then you hear something behind you.

Deynn] I turn out and step so I can see both Serwoe and whatever is behind me.

] A grey-haired gentleman has walked around the blacksmith shop. He is holding a bent and beated plate Pavise shield. He sizes up the situation, looking at you, Serwoe and the nonconscious half-orc. “Not sure exactly what I’ve stumbled into here… but I’m just looking for the smithy… I assume this chunk on the ground to be him?”

Deynn] “Good assumption ser. He and his wily cobber here thought to ambush me and steal this away from my possession.”

] Serwoe sees his opportunity and bolts. The man holding the Pavise looks and says “Well, that is indeed a nice shield. So if I make this out right… it was two against one. The turdpot who just ran stuck you in the belly with that dagger there but barely drew blood. He probably surprised you but still you were quick and avoided serious damage, or he had no business holding a blade. You must have then picked the big guy to go down first, and you must have done so unarmed as he is not bleeding and you are not wielding anything. This man is still breathing, but vulnerable to an easy killing blow so either you planned to spare him, or have not yet decided. The runner looked winded before he even started running, so I’m guessing you put a fist in his gut to stalt him. This all leads me to think I owe you a fair bit of respect, if only for my own well-being. The fact that I am still in need of a smithy seems hardly your fault. Ah well, it can wait after all…. Please to meet you good sir. My name is Sildar.” And he reaches a hand out to you. As he was talking, you recognized the voice, and then the face, as the man who was chatting with the guards at the gate last forenight.

Deynn] I pick up the shield from the ground and then I return his greeting “I am Deynn. And I suspect the half-orc should be back at his forge before long, though it will not be a pleasant day for him. I cracked some ribs on the left side, but if I recall, he was swinging against steel with his right. I was tricked into this setup. I was merely trying to ascertain the value of this shield. A merchant, the brother of the ‘turdpot’, as you named him, told me I could have it evaluated here. It seems he had already decided it was valuable enough to make a victim of me.”

] Sildar “Even absent some enchantment, that shield will fetch a good bag of coin. May I?” and he reaches for the shield.

Deynn] I feel like this just happened a minute ago… and I got stabbed for it… but there is something I find trustworthy about this Sildar so I hand it over to him to inspect.

] Sildar “There is something… familiar… about this crest. I cannot quite pull the memory. Craftsmanship is exceedingly skilled, Dwarven for certain. I would guess, although it looks and feels brand new, this was forged well over a hundred years ago… probably closer to two hundred. I would be profoundly shocked if it did not carry some enchantments. Might I ask… how did you come to acquire possession?” He hands the shield back to you.

Deynn] “I buried its former owner yesterday.”

] Sildar “I see. Well possession is the law and that makes it lawfully yours. I would like to give you fair price for this shield, that is… if you are looking to sell.”

Deynn] “I would be interested in learning more about it, but yes… I am looking to sell.”

] Sildar “As I say, I would only offer you fair price and so yes…. We both need to learn more about it. I would highly doubt it contains a curse… but obviously that would change my thinking. I know someone skilled at such evaluations. I understand I am asking for trust I have not earned. Perhaps we can install a safeguard. ”

Deynn] “I have only just arrived in Neverwinter. In fact, I believe I passed by you at the gates last forenight. You were with a young lady in a flat wagon.”

] Sildar “Ah… you were the one looking for Dewgrin’s Glow Jug. The pieces come together. Your hood changed your appearance enough… but I should have recognized your eyes. I recall noting earlier how unique they appear, and Khi-Khi said the same… it was  as if you have the blood of another world, The True World, if I’m not mistaken. ”

Deynn] “You are not. My mothers mother was native to the Payit jungles.”

] Sildar “Fascinating. I assume you know your homeland has only just recently reappeared in the East? I had occasion to share a few flagons with a Tabaxi who emigrated to Faerun after Maztica returned. He had some amazing stories to tell of those missing years – after the spellplague vanished an entire continent – what they are calling the Deepsky years. Speaking of Flagons, I hear the Fallen Tower calling our names… have you time to drink with an old man?”

Deynn] “I have time for nothing else friend.”

] The two of you leave the blacksmith shop and walk the few blocks East to a large structure that looks to have once been a mighty watch tower. Its high circular walls crumbled at some point and now it stands only 30 feet tall with no apparent roof. Upon entering the tavern, you see open areas under the sky and a few small huts – one of which covers a large bar area.

] The two of you sit and drink for an hour or more. Sildar has tales from many battles in The Savage North. He reveals that he was, for many years, a Knight of the Griffon Cavalry out of Waterdeep. After a final ale, he proposes that earlier business be attended to.  Sildar is no wizard, but he has developed a certain expertise with weapons and armor – and has a hobby of studying the famous enchanted items of the realms, but only a Wizard casts Identify to know an item with certainty… and L’Khifrey, he tells you, is fine Wizard of considerable training.

] Sildar “Khi-Khi is likely still at the White Saint. She prefers to spend all day sipping tea and reading her books.”

] You return with Sildar to the White Saint Inn and find the young wizard with the long black hair and piercing blue eyes sitting in the common room just as Sildar said… sipping tea and reading from a book.

] Khi-Khi’s face lightens when she sees you with Sildar. “You.” She says awkwardly.

] Sildar introduces you. “We seem to have a new friend Khi-Khi, this is Deynn. You might recall he was looking for an Arcanist last night. Today, I am looking for an Arcanist. It is a bit if a winding story… but you will recall I went to find a blacksmith to repair my broken shield earlier. I found one but he himself was a bit broken… by our friend Deynn. Nevermind the details… the blacksmith deserved his lesson and I still need a shield. The short of it all is… could we ask you to Identify this shield for us? What enchantments does it possess and of course, is it free of curses.”

] Khi-Khi “Glad to. Lets see…” she opens another book. “I have all the components save one… we will need a pearl. Being this close to the sea, surely you can find a shop to sell you one. It will cost 100 gp.”

Deynn] “Actually…” I dig into my satchel and pull out the small pouch with the 4 pearls and extract one. “Will this do?” I hand it to her.

] Khi-Khi “My but that is a lovely gem. I’ve never seen one this color before, but yes it should be just perfect.” She casts Identify. “It is working. This is indeed an enchanted item. It was born in a place called the Velothi Mountains for the Dawnguard. Any of this sound familiar to you?”

] Sildar “Not in the slightest.”

] Khi-Khi “The enchantment doubles the protection it provides, and has special powers when defending against undead.” [grants +2 to bearers AC and gives resistance to necrotic damage while equipped and attune. When attacked by any undead, it has a potential reaction – 4d6 Radiant damage (Recharge 5,6) .] “As far as market value, I could not tell you much… ”

] Sildar “You have indeed found a treasure my friend.  While I am still very much interested in purchasing this shield from you, I’m afraid a fair price is well beyond the size of my coin pouch. This is a legendary item and could easily gain you 30-40k gold. Maybe 50 in Waterdeep.”

Deynn] “I see.” I check with my gut… do I believe Sildar? Or is it possible he is spinning a story to get some advantage?

()   1d20 Insight Nat 20

] Your gut tells you to trust this grey-haired human. You instinctively sense that this is indeed a man of honor and one that has fought long and hard to defend honor.

Deynn] “It would appear this beautiful piece of shield craft has need of an honorable home. I have no need of so many thousands of gold, at least, I won’t for some long time to come. I can afford to take far less than a fair price and find some repayment in seeing a friend of its owner take ahold of it. What does your budget allow you Sildar?”

] Sildar “I can only use 10k of the wealth I carry. The rest has a far more important purpose, one which cannot be delayed for any reason. But ten thousand is but a fraction of its possible value.”

Deynn] “I will tell you what, even ten thousand is more than I need. I sense you are an honorable man, and that your word means something in this world. Am I right in this?”

] Sildar “Indeed. I would say I sense the same in you friend.”

Deynn] “Then let us strike a fair price. I will accept 2 thousand gold in exchange for this shield. In addition, you also offer me your word the other 8 thousand will be spent in support of an honorable cause. At some point over the next while… ”

] Sildar “Two thousand? I dare not refuse, but I will admit to being quite puzzled.”

Deynn] “Even two thousand is more wealth than I have ever been able to count towards my name. It is probably more than I need – which is something I try to avoid. I always need, however, another friend I can trust. I would spend the other 8 thousand through you as my proxy, as odd as that might sound, and trust you to exercise the honor I sense within you.”

] Sildar “Fair deal struck then. ” He counts out a large pouch of 200 platinum coins and hands it to you. “If only I were young again… this shield might lead me into the very greatest battles. Why, might I ask, did you not keep this for yourself? You seem to be a gifted warrior – this shield is a legend maker.”

Deynn] “I think perhaps… I just prefer to travel light. Anything I carry can be taken away and used against me, except my own feet and fists. And if ever I become a legend, it will not be for war but peace.”

] Sildar “Interesting you should say so. I am actually here in Neverwinter for a mission to secure peace. I cannot share details at this time, but you are not otherwise engaged for the next tenday or so, I would hire you for extra protection, and maybe some wisdom, while I complete my mission. I was planning on going to Tolva’s Star Guard to hire protection for Khi-Khi and myself and wagon of supplies, but I’d rather work … with a friend…”

Deynn] “I have nowhere else to be. Count me your protector until your work be done. I don’t need details I don’t need. What do I need to know?”

] Sildar “We meet a Dwarf in the morning. At the place across from the provisioners market at the gate. We travel south from there.”

Deynn]  “Meet a Dwarf in the morning and travel South… Easy enough. See you there.”

] Khi-Khi “Don’t forget your pearl Deynn.” She hands it back to you.

Deynn] “It is yours Khi-Khi. Consider it fair payment for helping us.”

Next: Roonoo in the Towers Stables

Appreciation & Collaboration