Wardens of Heroes Gate

Leely and Ileel on the Evermoor Way

] You have been heading South from Silverymoon on the Evermoor way for just over a day with Abbiree – High Priestess of Selune. You are currently along the Northern side of The High Forest – your only home for the past 30 years since your birth. The Lost Peaks rise up before you, but appear strange to you from this side. You expect to reach Calling Horns by end of day and from there Conyberry is another 2 days travel.

] Abbiree has briefed you on the mission you are helping her with. She is carrying a very important artifact which must be delivered to a little town along the Triboar Trail called Conyberry. You will be meeting Sister Garaelle from the temple of luck and then escorting her and the artifact to a critical meeting not far from Conyberry. Without revealing a lot of details, Abbiree tells you she hopes to learn the location of another artifact – a very powerful spellbook, one she has been searching for over several years now. The mission has become urgent because she needs to keep this spellbook out of the hands of the Red Wizards. Much hope in Faerun would be lost should they gain the artifact first.

Ileel] “Tell us, Abbiree, of the Red Wizards? You mentioned them as if we should know them. We know very little of the world outside High Forest – but we need to learn.”

] Abbiree says “Your Lady Aeri, and certainly your Wild Queen, as you call her, knows of the Red Wizards. There were originally the ruling class of a land called Thay – far to the East of here. As they have gained more and more power – life in all of our lands is under threat. At the head of their group is a powerful Lich – as evil as an Lich ever was… maybe more…”

Leely] “A lich? As in undead? Are all of the Red Wizards undead?” I ask Abbiree.

] “No, not all of them. Many of them are necromancers however and share the Lich’s goals in Faerun.” Abbiree says

Ileel] “We were taught that necromancers unbalance the whole of life and poison the forests. That the dead must be dead for the sake of the living and that the undead are an evil blight upon all life on Toril. We fucking hate necromancers.”

] Abbiree smiles at your choice of words… “And well you should – they torture both the living and the dead. The Red Wizards are a terrifying force in Faerun, but too many sit by idle while they continue grasping more and more power. This is why our quest is so dire. The artifact we seek will aid the stand against the Red Wizards. But should they acquire it first… well… let’s just say much hope will be lost among the living.”

Leely] “See Ileel! This assignment is so much more important than merely being bodyguards!”

] “Indeed it is Leely. Sister Garaelle has been in negotiations with the last known owner of the artifact. I should warn you early… we will be meeting with a powerful Banshee – and an unpredictable one at that. So far, Sister Garaelle has not suffered any violence when meeting with the banshee – but we must be prepared for… shh!” Abbiree breaks off the discussion with a sudden panic’d look to the skies… “Quick, gain cover!” she whispers and directs her mount into the trees on your left.

Ileel] I guide Nalya to follow Abbriee. Looking up, do I see anything? [Perception check]

Result Table

Ileel]

() 1d20 Perception check 8 +6 = 14

] As you search the skies you can clearly hear the slow movement of large flapping wings. You can tell the direction it is coming from and heading by observing the small birds escaping from what they see coming.

Leely] I whisper… “Dragon?” as I follow Ileel and Abbiree.

] The three of you hurry into a densely wooded area of the High Forest. Leely being the last in line entering the trees as the beast fly overhead, [Stealth check]

Result Table

Leely]

() 1d20 Stealth 2 +4 = 6

] You fail to reach cover in time and you hear a roar that sounds like a scream escaping from a molten pit.

[()] (Does the dragon stop to investigate the wood elf it saw on the roadway? No)

] The sound of the wings begins to fade  – it sounds like what ever it is decided keep flying and not to eat you… right now at least. As the flapping sound grows faint you notice another sound, from deeper in the forest, the sound of a young girl struggling and in despair.

Leely] “Do you hear that? Someone needs help. This way!” and I race Aylan towards where I hear the girl.

Ileel] I look to Abbiree and shrug “This is how she is…” then I follow after Leely.

] As you are racing into the forest on your mounts, your direction is confirmed by a nearby scream. Seconds later, you arrive the source – a young Wood-Elf is caught in a Giant Spiders web. The monsterous orb is climbing down towards its fresh breakfast.

Ileel] I draw my bow and fire while still riding Nalya, hopefully distracting the spider from its course.

() 2d20a Attack 16 +8 = 22 [Hit] Dmg

] The black-laced arrow flies true and plunges into the body of the giant spider. It jerks in its web and lets out a terrifying screech-like sound and then turns its attention to the oncoming attackers.

[()] The Giant Spider sprays Abbiree and her mount with restraining webs. [()] Abbiree struggles to break free of the webbing and succeeds enough to free her arms but is still effectively glued to her horse, which is effectively glued to the ground.

Leely] I draw my sword and race in for an attack. As I do, my silk robes draw to my body, becoming as my skin – ready for action.

() 1d20 Attack 12 +7 = 19 [Hit]

] Just as the Giant Spider has stepped down out of its web to confront its attackers, you strike with a piercing blow into the giant body. Green gel spurts as your blade sinks into the creature.

Ileel] I search for a nearby blind I can use to fire arrows from.

Result Table

() 1d20 Perception 19 +6 = 25

] You quickly spot a large branch that is reachable with some effort and ideal as a hidden blind from which to fire arrows into the combat field.

Ileel]  I use my Dark Mantle to obscure my actions and intent. I guide Nayla towards the tree I want to fire from. I ready to jump as she leaps into the air at my prompt. I jump from her back into the tree.

Result Table

() 1d20 Acrobatics 17 +7 = 24

] You leap with graceful agility into the tree and land confidently on the large branch – your right hand already reaching for an arrow

Ileel] As soon as I find my footing in the tree, I turn an fire another arrow into the Giant Spider.

() 1d20 Attack 19 +8 = 27 [Hit] Dmg 9

] The Giant Spider is skewered in the side – two of its legs appear to go limp. It turns its attention to Leely who is standing immediately in front of it, attacking with a bite.

[()]

] Thick Spider fangs sink onto Leely’s shoulder, injecting venom into the flowing wound.

Leely] “Arrgghh!”

() 1d20 Constitution Save 5 +0 = 5 [Fail! – 9 Poison Dmg]

] Abbiree begins casting a spell with her hands freed. The monster spider shrieks in pain as a result of the attacking spell, but seems to remain focused on digging it’s fangs deeper into Leely

Leely] I attack again with my sword, stabbing into the throat area of the spider.

() 1d20 Attack 8 +7 = 15 [Hit] Dmg 04

] Your sword disrupts the spiders bite and it you are covered with green slime from the entry point of your blade.

Ileel] I fire another arrow.

() 1d20 Attack 20 + 8 [Critical Hit!] Dmg 21

] Your arrow strikes deep into the creatures brain and it drops, right down on top of Leely, knocking her Prone and Restrained by the crushing weight of the spider corpse. Abbiree hears Leely grunt as she receives the extra damage and rushes to help her with a spell of Healing Word.

Ileel] “Shit! Shit! I didn’t see that happening! We need to free Leely now! Hoist the spider somehow!” I search for a branch that is strong and positioned well so I can get a rope over it and tied to the spider.

] Abbiree quickly frees her mount of the webbing so she can use his strength to pull the spider up once Ileel has her rope in place. Leely groans again from underneath the many-legged beast. Aylan is circling around Leely, wanting desperately to help but he cannot actually affect the spider corpse physically because he is essentially non-corporeal without Leely.

]] Leely] I can hear Aylan trying to get to me, whimpering like a little puppy. A memory arrives. Ileel and I were still only crawlers when Aylan and Nalya first appeared to us. They too were babies in appearance. I could not yet speak, but somehow I knew his name the moment he first licked my face. We did not know, nor did Lady Aeri or any of the teachers, that they were magical beings brought forth from the circlets embedded into our crowns by Meilikki. Mine was formed of beautiful frost diamond and Ileel’s from deep black obsidian. No one in the temple knew what the circlets meant nor what they were capable of. For a time, they later told us, there were efforts to have them removed because there was a strong fear that as our heads grew in size, the circlets might just kill us both. They soon discovered that trying to remove them without killing us was impossible . They rightly assumed that there was magic in play and it became clear that the circlets were actually growing with us, not only in size, but also in power.

Aylan and Nalya were the first powers demonstrated … my white circlet brought Aylan forth, a white dire wolf, and Ileels black circlet brought Nalya – a black dire panther. Most of the time only we can see and feel them, and they seem to us as real to us as any creature. For a long time, no one else could see them and they thought them the mere imaginary playthings of little children. One day a giant rat attacked us and several other children as we were playing together. Both Aylan and Nalya defended us – appearing to the rat as fearsome predators – but also seen by the other children and several teachers who were rushing to save us. Besides Ileel and myself, no one has ever felt them however – their hands just pass right through them like a ghost… but we can feel them as warm living friends, and we can hear them. After several years together growing up in the temple, we learned we could ride on them like mounts. They are somehow able to draw from our physical touch and become corporeal – but only while in contact with us… if we are not touching them, they cannot affect material reality. The power of our circlets continues to grow so I assume will Aylan and Nalya.

] With the rope secured on both ends, Abbiree guides her horse to start pulling. The rope strains and Ileel looks to see if she chose a strong enough branch [Survival]

Result Table

() 1d20 Survival 12 +6 = 18 [Success]

] The weight of the dead giant spider is displaced enough to pull Leely to safety. At first, she appears dazed as if in some other world but the light returns to her eyes

Leely] “The wood-elf girl! Is she ok?” I look to the spider’s web which had trapped the girl

] She is hanging limp and no longer struggling to free herself. She appears as though dead

Leely] I grab up my sword and scabbard and rush to the girl. I touch her and cast Radiant Cure, using power from my sword’s scabbard.

] The young wood-elf begins to awaken and after just a half-second of consciousness, she returns to her frenzy of struggle and panic.

Ileel] “Calm down girl, you are safe now. Let us free you.” I use a small blade from my pack to cut away the webbing and free the girl.

] After several minutes, the girl calms down enough to recognize her plight is ended. She introduces herself as Ryliatha Cannowbrook and tries to explain what happened. “I heard a dragon flying overhead and I panic’d!” she says. “I began running, looking to the skies and ran right into that monsters web. I cannot possibly thank you enough for saving me!” She asks you for your names. Abbiree introduces herself by name only and does not mention her title as High Priestess.

Leely] “I am Leely and this is my sister Ileel. We are glad we could reach you in time. We also heard the dragon and took cover in the forest – that is how we discovered you struggling in the web.”

] Ryliatha insists that you come with her back to her nearby village so her father might properly reward you.

Ileel] “No reward necessary, and we have other matters which will not wait.”

] “I understand” she says. “Here – at least let me offer you this.” She pulls a necklace from around her head and gives it to you Ileel. It has a round silver emblem on it which appears like a moon with a raven crossing. “My father calls it a Moonglare and told me to never lose it. He said it is very powerful when I was older he would teach me to use it. But were I in the belly of a spider, it would never have done any good… so I use it now to reward my new friends to saved me. I must hurry home and let my tribe know of the dragon crossing our part of the forest. Please be safe friends, and I hope to see you again.”

Ileel] “My thanks, but this seems too much. Surely your father would prefer you kept it.”

] Ryaliatha has already turned and started into the forest.

Leely] “Thanks new friend!” I yell after her

] Abbiree “We should be on our way if we want to find a safe place to sleep tonight.”

Appreciation & Collaboration

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.”

Next:

Previous:

Appreciation

Collaboration

The Roven’ris Sisters in Silverymoon

] Silverymoon is quieting down for the day as you both make your way through Southbank to the Lady’s College. You are two hours early for your meeting with the High Priestess of Selune, known by your teacher simply as Abbiree. You are on your very first mission outside of your monastery in the High Forest and Abbiree is to be your very first client – arranged by your teacher from the monastery Lady Aeri.

Leely] “A high priestess of Selune! Oh I am so excited to meet her! She is surely beautiful! And wise! And powerful! And beautiful!” I say to my sister.

Ileel] “You said that…” I respond, with a slight sneer. It is my habit to be annoyed with my sister and her habit, apparently, to not notice my irritation. “What, I wonder, does a high priestess need with a bodyguard? Would she not provide better protection for us than we for her?”

Leely] “She is doing us a favor you know!” I say as I dismount from Aylan, my Dire White Wolf.

Ileel] “She is doing our Lady Aeri a favor… but, you are not wrong, we shall benefit from the arrangement. I think I am just finding it… uncomfortable… being outside of the forest. So many people and buildings and noises… and so many stones placed in place of the ground.” My nervous energy compels me to keep an active watch on everyone around me.

1d20 Perception 16 +6 = 22

] You perceive no threats to yourselves directly. You do notice a pickpocket target and proceed towards a human in fine long robes, his shoulders draped with several satchels and a stack of things in his hands.

Ileel] I am tempted to put a stop to the petty crime, but as a stranger here in Silverymoon… I hesitate… and let it happen. I just mentally note the thief’s appearance in case I need to recall it later.

] The street thief sweeps by the man with his arms full and appears to have been successful in nabbing something from one of his satchels. She is young looking, possibly human from what you are able to see. Her brunette hair is long and braided and is dressed as well as most others you see around the city.

Leely] Obvious to where my sisters attention went… I just continue on… “Yes… it is strange… but also exciting! We knew this day would come. I may have been the only one of us looking forward to this outside phase of our training, but I am glad this day finds us together. If our Wild Queen would have us be protectors of the forest – we can only learn so much about it threats from without while hiding within it.”

Ileel] “After years of training inside the High Forest – a big city like Silverymoon feels like we have landed in some other planet in some other dimension.” I also dismount and stroke the forehead of Nalya – my Dire Black Panther – as I continue looking around at Silverymoon.

Leely] “Yes but can you smell the yumminess of the food here in this city!?! Speaking of food… we are a bit early for our meeting with the High Priestess… Would you be hungry?”

Ileel] “We have only had cold rations since we left the monastery… Hot food would be welcomed, and you are right about having the spare time, so let us eat”

] You follow the heavy smell of cooking meats and spices into a market area where there is an outdoor eatery. Shadows are nearly stretched to their full as you sit down at one of just a couple of open tables. There are hanging lanterns overhead being lit by a young half-elf girl. You hear the sounds of a busy grill area behind a short natural wall made of branches tied together.  Looking around you notice that most of the seated patrons appear young and quite comfortable and you assume this is a regular spot for students of the Ladys College and the other Conclave schools in Silverymoon. You also note a table of four drunken humans which seem somewhat out of place compared to the other patrons. They are loud and brash and disrespectful of the place – ruffians or worse you assume.

Ileel] I position myself at the table so that I can keep an eye on these ruffians. I also keep my bow across my lap under the table rather than placing it on the ground.

Leely] Somewhat out of character… I happen to notice my sisters suspicion and decide I share it. I position myself similarly and watch.

] One of the group calls for more drink. The half-elf which was lighting candles drops what she was doing and somewhat nervously moves to attend to them. Another half-elf, an older looking gentleman, approaches your table.

] “Welcome to Gil’s Garden. I am Gilval. Tonight we feature our famous Dragon-Roasted chuck-cut, a River-Fish Stew, and as always, Gils Garden-born Soup. If you are interested in drinks, we have a clear well, an amber well and a mighty ale made right here in Silverymoon. Also, we still have a small stock of a very fine Icewind Mead. What can I bring you young ladies?”

Leely] I smile at Gilval… “The soup sounds wonderful! Is that bread I smell baking? I would like some bread too please.”

Ileel] “Meat please. What exactly is meant by “dragon-roasted” by the way? Do you have small dragon in the kitchen?”

] Gilval chuckles… “No no … it is just a special blend of peppers and spices that give our chuck-cut a nice kick. Do you like spicy meat? I can always add a little extra if you want to make your eyes water.”

Ileel] “I suppose there is only one way to find out whether I do like it.”

] Gilval says “Coming right up!” as he turns and rushes back to the kitchen. Meanwhile, the volume seems to have increased over at the table of Ruffians. The nervous serving-girl is bringing another round of ales. As she is placing them around the table, one of the drinkers makes a loud boisterous gesture with his hands, knocking the drink out of the servers hands and into the lap of another drinker. He reacts violently and back-hands the young half-elf girl, sending her flying to the ground. Most all of the patrons saw what happened and the eatery grows quiet for a moment.

Leely] I leap to my feet in her defense. “Hey! That is not going to be ignored!” I go help the half-elf to her feet. “You bonebags! Pay your tab and be on your way! Now! ”

] The Ruffian(1) who smacked the server begins to laugh with stupid exaggeration. “Look mates! This little ear-pointer thinks she can order us about!” Another Ruffian(4) stands and draws a sword.

Leely] “Well blades it shall be! It would seem you do not care to see the morrow! Come then, let us fix your manners for good!” I step out of the eatery and into the roadway away from the other patrons and draw my Serpier sword from its scabbard. With a thought of will, my flowing white silk robes draw in close, becoming skin-tight so that every curve and crease is apparent. It feels like a thin coat of paint on my body, allowing me to move with full agility.

] Roll for Initiative

] As Leely steps into the street, 3 of the men follow and draw swords. One of them (Ruffian2) stays behind at the table and obnoxiously goads the other three to “Go make some girly elf-paste” of you Leely. The loudest and most drunken Ruffian(1) , seeing Leely’s precise figure in slick sheer silk, gains a look on his face of startlement mixed with lurid fascination.

Leely] I take advantage of the distraction and aggress on the bully (Ruffian1) with my blade and follow-up with a well placed kick.

1d20 Attack 16 +7 = 23 [Hit] Dmg  (1d8) 4 +5 = 9

1d20 Attack 14 +6 = 20 [Hit] Dmg (1d4) 2 +4 = 6 (Total 15)

] The Ruffians (1) eyes were stuck somewhere else and so did not expect you to start your attack so quickly. As his blood is spraying off of your blade, you land a solid foot into his crotch and the buffoon folds to the ground. Tears are flowing from his eyes as groans with pain. Another Ruffian(3) attempts to attack you from behind but you sense the incoming blade and roll away deftly.

Leely] I use my Radiant Reaction in response to his failed attempt.

1d20 Spell Attack 20 +6 = 26 [Hit] Dmg (1d8 + Wis) 5 +3 = 8

] You reverse and roll back towards the attacker while sheathing your sword. You reach up and cover his face with your hand, releasing a wave of radiant damage directly into his eyes, [()] blinding him (Ruffian3).

] The fourth drunken human (Ruffian4) yells in frustration seeing the little elven girl make so little of his burly friends and he charges with an attack [()] [Nat 1 Crit fail]. He drunkenly stumbles on his way and crashes into a nearby cart.

Ileel] I shift slightly in my chair at the table and raise my bow from my lap – loosing a tainted arrow in one smooth motion towards the crashing buffoon (Ruffian4).

2d20a Attack 13 +8 = 21 [Hit] Dmg (1d6) 6 +6 = 12 +7 Necrotic = 19

Ileel] I then return my bow to my lap and continue pretending to not be involved.

] If any bystander had seen the arrow fly, they might have noticed the slight vapor trail of blackness it left hanging in the air for just a moment. The ruffian (Ruffian4) is attempting to lift himeself up by the cart as he catches the necrotic tainted arrow square in the heart. A black death wisp escapes from his gaping mouth as he falls dead. Ruffian(2) remains back at the table drinking and not really paying attention. He is laughing and banging the table in amusement as if his friends were stomping the little elf girl, still unaware of the actual outcomes.

[()]

] Leely spins to avoid the wild swings of the blinded human (Ruffian3).

Leely] I step in behind the blinded attacker, jump up onto his back and wrap my scabbard against his throat and pull.

2d20a Athletics 12 +0 [Success]

Leely] “Do you wish to live?” I ask the fool with a whisper in his ear as I squeeze my legs around his torso and yank back with both hands on my sword across this throat.

] Ruffian(3) cannot speak because his throat is being crushed, but attempts to nod repeatedly.

Leely] “Good choice, I shall grant your wish.” Then I leap down and grab the blind mans shoulders and spin him to point towards the fallen thug and I shout in his ear “Run! Run this way as fast as you can and I will allow you to live!”

] Ruffian2 overhears “Run!” but his drunken expectations override what he actually sees and hears…. He shouts from the table… “Run! Hahaha! Run ya little elvish blight!” The blinded Ruffian(3) bolts ahead and crashes over the dead man (Ruffian4) and into the cart. He realizes the corpse of his fellow beneath him and panics. Then he scrambles to his feet and sprints in a random direction away from the scene. Ruffian2 stumbles up from the table and drunkenly yells to no one in particular… “I gotta… piddle…” and he wanders back towards the kitchen. Gilvar rushes over to guide the drunk away, as if it is a thing he is accustomed to doing.

Ileel] Sensing the fray is just about ended, I get up and walk over to retrieve my arrow from the chest of the dead guy. I remain kneeling over the body as I look to Leely for a queue I know is probably coming.

] As you are walking over to the table, you notice a small crowd has formed in the courtyard to watching the scuffle. Among them, you briefly notice the thief you saw earlier. Rather than taking the opportunity to lighten more pockets, however, she too is watching the show with some fascination.

Leely] I see Ileel and smile a big smile and wave at her. Then I turn to the Ruffian(1) I kicked in the crotch – the one who started the whole thing. I place the tip of my sword at his throat. “I told you that your cruelty would not be ignored. And now I must decide if you will live another hour…  but while I think it over – look to your corpse of a friend over there.”

Ileel] I yank my arrow from the dead Ruffian and place my other hand at the throat of the human and draw his death energy into my bow.

] A black smoke begins to rise and soon there is no body, just a scattering of black ashes inside sunken leather armor.

Leely] “This is my sister! Isn’t she wonderful! I think so!” I holler over to Ileel “I think you are wonderful sis!” then I turn back. “Do you know why she does that to corpses? Well… do you!?!”

] The man has pissed himself watching the little elven girl dressed in black silk turn his friend to ash with just a touch. “N…n…no…. I don’t n..n..know!” says the fallen and frightened man.

Leely] “That is so that no fucking necromancer can come along use his corpse. We really hate necromancy you see?” I yell at him, jabbing my sword into skin and drawing pain and blood. “You know what else we hate?”

] The human cannot seem to speak…

Leely] “Well! Do you!?!” I draw more blood from his neck.

] The human stammers out…. “N..n..no”

Leely] “Okay! Then let me tell you! We hate rude shmek-drunk smelly arse-plugs being bully-cruel to eatery staff. Now! Shall I return your cruelty upon you or would you beg for mercy from a little pointy-eared girl?”

] “M…m..m..mercy! P..p..p…please” The human manages to say, but so quietly only Leely can hear him.

Leely] I pull him to his feet and drag him over to the half-elf girl he assaulted. “It is not me you should be pleading to. This is the one you were cruel to, only this one can grant you mercy now!”

] The server girl looks terrified but stands tall before him. “Allow him to live.” The half-elf girl says.

Leely] “She chooses mercy!” I yell loudly with a cheer. I lean over to the girl (“hey – we should be friends”) I say to her with a friendly voice before turning back to the Ruffian. “You sir, shall be spared! Yay! But… your coin purse is not. All of your wealth! On the table! Now! Else I rout it out with my blade.”

] He drops two large pouches on the table with the spilled ale. One clinks down real heavy like – sounding like a small fortune in gold. The other sounds more like jewels or gems clanging together.

Ileel] I pull the coin purse from the other Ruffian and toss it to Leely and then go back to our table.

Leely] “Here is payment of their tab and a large tip for your trouble of serving bullies” I give all three pouches to the half-elf girl. Then I place a hand on the Ruffian and dig a nail into the back of his neck, drawing more blood. “You sir are leaving Silverymoon now. If you ever return, this enchantment I have embedded in your neck will alert me and I will swiftly revoke the mercy! Now run!”

] The patrons that still remain go back to their meals. Some seem afraid to make any eye contact with the two young wood-elves, but a few send a smile towards Leely. A few minutes later, Gilval is placing food at your table.  He says to you “Thank you for standing up for my daughter. These kinds of problems are rare for us here in the Conclave, but never has another defended us. I am also thankful that you took the fight out into the street and spared my patrons the violence.”

Leely] “We are here to learn how to be good protectors. Was that good protecting?”

] Gilval smiles and nods “Yes indeed, it was very good protecting.” The half-elf server joins her father at your table and places the three pouches there. “I cannot accept this” she says…. “It is a fortune and I have done nothing to deserve such wealth.”

Leely] Impressed by her lack of greed, I say… “Hey, we really could be friends! I am Leely and this is my sister Ileel. ”

] “I am Mollia” the half-elf girl says. ” I am a student here at the Conclave. I thank you for standing against the brutes, but honestly I cannot accept this wealth”

Leely] “I understand Mollia. Here, at least take a few gold as a tip. Gilval, what is the average cost of a meal here? A silver or two? I want to pay everyone’s tab here tonight. It was their dinner which was so rudely interrupted. And here – give your kitchen staff a small raise will you? We shall see the rest of this put to some good.” I give an uncounted stack of gold pieces to him.

] What remains is 1241 gp and roughly 7000 worth of gems. You both finish your meals and start heading toward The Ladys College to meet High Priestess Abbiree.

Ileel] “So… Leely… what was that enchantment you placed in his neck… I don’t remember ever learning such lessons.”

Leely] “Oh, that! I suppose you would call that enchantment a “lie”. I just did not want them to think they could come back around and seek more trouble.”

Ileel] “That is what I thought! Good thinking! I little out of character for you, but still good thinking. They did leave an awful lot of wealth behind… we really should watch out backs for a little while. This much coin is worth some risk and they seem fool enough to try.”

Leely] “Should have killed them then? I thought Mollie choose well in showing mercy.”

Ileel] “We may still have to kill the fools. Let us see.”

] “I will kill them for you.” you hear a voice from behind you say. “if you want…”

Leely] We turn to see who is talking “Who? What?”

] You see a young human girl, still in her teen years, with braided brunette hair and blue eyes. Ileel, you recognize her at the street thief you saw picking pockets earlier.

] Street Thief “Not that I want to actually kill someone… but I can help you! If you want, I mean.”

Ileel] “When we need a pocket picked, we shall call upon you.”

Leely] “Hey, that was not… wait… what do you mean Ileel?”

Ileel] “I watched this girl earlier help herself to the coin of some upstanding yet heedless fellow… looked like a teacher or something. How many pockets have you pilfered since then I wonder?”

] Street Thief “My mother taught me that sometimes heroes must do things that do not appear very hero-like… Someday I will be a hero and I won’t have to steal to eat! Just watch!”

Leely] “Who knows Ileel… perhaps she is something more than a thief. She looks to me like something more than thief… What is your name friend?”

] “Kellrie” she says, “Kellrie Rosk. And I may be a thief but I take only what I need to survive. It was either steal from fools or spread myself for them… and I will never never do that. I watched my mother hate herself for it, die for it… ”

Ileel] “We are strangers here Kellrie. I apologize for judging you without knowing you or the hardships of life here.”

Leely] “My name is Leely and this is my sister Ileel. We appreciate the offer, but perhaps we can help you instead. How much would it cost for you to attend the Lady’s College here in the conclave?” I look to Ileel and seek agreement on where I am going.

] Kellrie “More than I’ve ever seen I’m sure.”

Ileel] “A hero must have skills beyond sneaky-fingers. Skills take training and much practice. We have spent 30 years training and practicing for what we want to become. Are you willing to commit yourself to training for what you wish to become?”

] Kellrie “No doubt in my mind… I will prove my mother right and good – no matter what effort or sacrifice!”

Leely] I look to Ileel. “I believe her.”

Ileel] “Are you sure you don’t want to stick an enchantment in her neck for reassurance?”

Leely] I laugh, loudly with some exageration… then I turn to Kellrie. “We have decided to trust you Kellrie, and we believe you can be much much more than a bandit picking coppers from pocket. We believe you will be the hero you say you will.” I hand her the pouch full of gems. “I don’t know how much this is worth, but it should be enough get you started with one of the schools here in the conclave.”

] Kellrie looks into the pouch and her eyes spring wide. “I don’t know what to say…”

Ileel] “Say you will never victimize another person.”

Leely] “Then say you study and train in order to protect the good in this world.”

] Kellrie “I shall never victimize another person and I will study hard and I will train hard and I will fight to protect the good in this world.”

Ileel] “She is sounding more like a hero already, don’t you think Leely? Blessings to you Kellrie.”

Leely] I hug Kellrie. “Let’s be friends when you finish with school okay? I will need a friend like you.”

] You part ways with Kellrie Rosk and head towards the Lady’s College.

Leely] “Do you think… Ileel… do you think that was good protecting?”

Ileel] “Not the normal kind sis… but I think it was the Leely-kind of good protecting. Well done seeing what I could not. I only saw a thief and you saw a friend.”

] You step inside the main door of The Ladys College where you were told to meet Abbiree, High Priestess of Selune. There are several others in the front room. One in particular notices you and begins walking towards you. She is a human about 40 years age. She is partly dressed in fur-lined leather – her full arms and legs up to her hips show bare skin except for artistic markings in an intricate vine-like design. Her boots and cloak are also fur-lined. From here left hip hangs a short sword and from her right hip a pouch with a series of scrolls strapped to the outer flap. She has long cherry-red hair worn in a single thick braid wrapped over her shoulder. She approaches you and says “Are you the Roven’ris Sisters?”

Roonoo in the Towers Stables

] You have just finishing mucking out the fourth stable when a ginger-headed dwarf approaches. He is about your size but much younger. His red beard is braided with smart leather straps with green gems. He is dressed in chain-covered leathers and is carrying a small pack which has a long cylinder-shaped case attached to it. He seems to be taking an interest in a small black mare you have available. She is of Charger blood, but a runt in size. Her mane is jet-black and overlong… just like yours. You recently purchased her while in Helm’s Hold.

] “What a beauty!” The dwarf says in your general direction. “She for sale?” he asks you.

Roonoo] “Good Waking to you ser. This here’s Queen a’ Mine. And aye, she is available – though she has just recently arrived and I cannot tell much about her. She is young still… small even for her age – a perfect fit for folks like us. She seems bright and slow to spook – but as said, we’ve not spent much time together yet.”

] Your prospective buyer has Queen a’ Mines head down and cradled in his hands and he is nuzzling her forehead with his. “I have a good sense about her. Can she be ready to travel tomorrow? I heading out towards the Sword Mountains in the morning.”

Roonoo] “Indeed she can. Will you be needing a saddle and tackle as well?”

] “Yes I will. I’ve got a budget of 100 gold – will that meet your price? ”

Roonoo] “Should do fine. I’ve even got a saddle special made for those of us in lack a’ long legs.”

] “Excellent – fair deal struck then! My name is Gundren by the way, Gundren Rockseeker.” He extends his hand your way.

Roonoo] I greet him in return “I am called Roonoo” I shake his hand and let him know I will have Queen a’ Mine ready for delivery upon the next sunrise. As the gold changes hands, I attempt to stay alert for any onlookers, as is my habit anytime gold changes hands.

1d20 Perception 19 +6 = 25

] You notice two young humans in dirty red cloaks trying not to be obvious in their surveillance of the transaction. After you and Gundren finalize the details, he walks away to the West towards the Blacklake. To your surprise, the two watchers follow him rather than the gold he placed in your hands.

Roonoo] I call to my manager, Braelnys and ask her to secure the gold and mind the shop while I investigate. I follow Gundren and the two red cloaks covertly.

1d20 Stealth 12 +4 = 16 (Success)

] The two humans are not aware that you have followed them. You watch as Gundren stop briefly for some food. He does not seem to be aware of his artless audience. As he continues in the direction of the Blacklake district, the two thugs seem to have decided they see an opportunity for an ambush as they pick up speed.

Roonoo] I hurry to catch up to prevent the ambush.

] As you catch up, you watch them push Gundren into an alley. As you round the corner you witness a head blow knock Gundren to the ground.

Roll for initiative [()]

Roonoo] I yell “Hey! Leave him be!” I use my Aggression Tactics to intimidate them as I yell and perform several air strikes with my staff. (Bonus Action)

] The ambusher (Thug01) is caught off-guard by your intimidation attempt, he stumbles back, visibly shaken (A shaken character takes a penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws equal to your Intimidation Skill bonus. )

Roonoo] I strike at the other punk (Thug02) with my staff

1d20 Attack 19 +7 = 26 (Hit) Dmg 3 +7 = 10

] You make solid contact with side of the thugs torso. An audible cracking of ribs can be heard through the alleyway.

Roonoo] “Avast ye Bully Boy! Cower on home to ye mammy’s paps!”

] [()] The other (Thug01) makes a stalting effort to attack you with a short sword but you easily bat away the blade. The second thug also swings a blade your way but you can see from his movements that damage from your first strike is impeding his swordarm.

Roonoo] “Gods knew it! You should have taken your warning boy.” I strike again at the second enemy. (Thug02)

1d20 Attack 8 +7 = 15 (Hit) Dmg 2 +7 = 9

] You plant your feet and use your torse to energize the blackthorn staff in your hands. The young human takes another blow to his already broken ribcage. The broken bones spear through his internal organs and he collapses, spitting up blood and gasping for a last breath.

Roonoo] Turning to the other (Thug01) I yell “Still here lad? So be it.” I use my Flurry of Blows action to execute two kicks on the first thug.

1d20 Attack 7 +6 = 13 (Miss)

1d20 Attack 15 +6 = 21 (Hit) Dmg 4 +4 = 8

] The first kick misses as the ambusher trips out of the way, but the second lands solid and square in his chest. He staggers backwards but you can see some resolve come across his face. [()] He lunges forward with a spearing strike but you spin around his attack and end up standing behind him. If you strike again, it will be with advantage.

Roonoo] “I’ll be telling yur sweetheart ye died shamefully!”

2d20a Attack 16 +6 = 22 (Hit) Dmg 3 +4 = 7

] The kick lands and sends the boy headlong into a wall. [()] He falls unconscious. Gundren Rockseeker has staggered to his feet but appears a bit dazed still from the head wound. “My thanks” he manages to say. His eyes seem to focus a bit and then he recognizes you. “Roonoo! By the Nine I’m glad for you just now. But how did you…?”

Roonoo] “I saw them surveilling our exchange for the black mare. I expected they would be after me as I had the gold in pocket, but instead they followed you… so I thought I should keep watch. I would not want Queen a’ Mine being orphaned so soon.”

] Gundren looks down at the two humans. “Redbrands! Ugh!” He spits on the corpse of the dead one. “What the shmek are they doing in Neverwinter? Could they have followed me all the way from Phandalin? How can that be?”

Roonoo] “Redbrands?”

] “Yes.. petty gang criminals who harass locals in our town. Their red garb is a signature of sorts. Surely it can be no coincidence that they are here following and attacking me. But you sure made quick work of them… not a scratch on you, nor a bead of sweat.“

Roonoo] “They are children playing with swords. I think this one is still alive. We should alert the guard. Then you should get some attention on that head wound, they hit you pretty hard. Wait here while I find a guard.”

] You return with two guards dressed in Neverwinter Gray after just a few minutes. The Redbrand against the wall is stirring and you place a foot on his back to keep him in place. Gundren relays the whole story to them, adding in some flourishes about the brigands harassing his Demure Dwarvishness. Gundren announces his desire to reward your actions and with more flourish, places 10 gold in your hand. The guards do not seem impressed nor concerned. The gather up the one still alive to lock him up. After they leave you and Gundren walk towards the healers guild. “You know…” Gundren starts. “I am suddenly concerned about my travels tomorrow. The Redbrands may be intent on some unknown evil actions. I should rather seek some extra protection for myself and my cargo. ”

Roonoo] “You might want to do just that. Don’t just hire some sword from a tavern though… There are several protection firms here in Neverwinter. Tolva’s Star Guard is reliable hired protection in my experience – although they are usually just protecting horses. Lysra Battlebraid, if she is still in town, would be a good choice. She knows Queen A’Mine – delivered her to me along with several others.”

] Gundren “I appreciate the recommendation. But… Any chance you would join me? Can take a break from the stables to travel with me to Phandalin?”

Roonoo] “I will think it over while we get your head fixed.”

] The two of you visit the healers guild in the Bluelake near Castle Never and shortly Gundren is on the mend. Afterwards, Gundren offers you a pint so you go over to the Driftwood.

Roonoo] I ask Gundren over ales… “Not that it is any of my business, but may I ask why you have Redbrands following you?”

] Gundren “I’ve been asking myself the same question Roonoo. Maybe just a coincendence? Perhaps they just thought I was an easy mark?”

Roonoo] “But they followed you, not your gold. They either wanted something else you have, or they just wanted to harm you. They were not professional killers… that much is for certain. ”

] Gundren “The only thing I have of value right now are my maps. My brothers and I mine the foothills around Phandalin. Halia Thornton would love to get her hands on my maps… perhaps she hired some Redbrands to thieve them away.”

Roonoo] “Who is Halia Thornton?”

] Gundren “She operates the local miners exchange in town. She’s got herself a sneaky-thumb… I’ve never trusted her.”

Roonoo] “Sneaky-thumb?”

] Gundren “Oh… that is just prospector talk for someone who sneaks a thumb on the scales when weighing your dust. Point is, Halia seems more than capable of some underhanded jiggery.”

Roonoo] “Perhaps then… there are more of these Redbrands following you around?” I take a moment and glance around the room for anyone suspicious looking. [Perception Check]

Results Table

1d20 Perception Check 13 +5 = 18

] Aside from a roomful of regulars, you notice a couple of off-duty guards, a small clique of Halflings around a dice game, and several adventurer sorts with big swords and fat axes and full packs, all of which leads you to assume they are planning their next dungeon delve. You also notice a female drow, probably half-drow by the angle of her ears. She is sitting by herself trying hard to not be noticed. If there was a professional killer in the room with you, she would be the most likely candidate in your impression.

Roonoo] “So tell me about Phandalin. How long have you lived there Gundren?”

] Gundren “Just a couple of years now. My brothers and I spend most of our time in the wilderness around Phandalin. It’s generally a nice enough place. 500 years ago it was a thriving settlement until orcs raided it… left the place in ruins for a long time… until 5 years ago when folk started rebuilding. It’s mostly miners and farmers, and good people all. It was only recent that them wretched Redbrands moved in and started troubling everyone, extorting fine folk.” He turns and spits on the ground.

Roonoo] “Don’t you have a guard, any sort of law?”

] Gundren “Not really… not yet… The Lords Alliance is looking to help. Besides supplies, the reason I’m in Neverwinter is to meet with em. It’s a bit of a story… but we had a fellow from the Lords Alliance in town for several months trying to lay the pavers for bringing in protection. He has gone missing so I’m bringing in another to help sort this mess out. Speaking of help… how did you learn to fight so impressing-like?”

Roonoo] “I’ve got many years on me friend… many a’ which I’m trying to forget… but you have to learn a thing or two about fighting when you live dangerously in the Sword Coast.”

] Gundren “Here I mistook you for a simple stable master.”

Roonoo] “That is what I am, and all of what I desire to be… most days… but today, perhaps, I will be supply wagon guard too.”

] Gundren “So you will accompany us to Phandalin then? Great then! I will of course pay you the standard and then some.”

Roonoo] I keep a watch on the drow half-elf while talking.

] You notice that she never looks your way, which makes you think she is avoiding looking your way, which makes you think she is watching you. You or Gundren.

Roonoo] “I have some affairs to order before we travel. Where should I meet you in the morning?”

] Gundren “I’m meeting with the Lords Alliance gentleman at the Flatstone Inn – first light. The provisioner is right across the way and will have everything ready for us.”

Roonoo] “I know the place. Is that where you are staying then? The Flatstone?”

] Gundren “Yes indeed. Nice place… great food.”

Roonoo] “We shall  see each other then. Watch your back friend.” I leave a gold coin on the table and leave. I am curious to discover if the drow will follow myself or Gundren. As I exit the Driftwood, I quickly attempt to hide so I can watch who she follows.

] You duck around the corner of a nearby building and watch. A few minutes after you see Gundren exit and head towards the bridges. You wait and watch nearly ten minutes… the drow does not leave the Driftwood Tavern.

Roonoo] I head back to my stables and ready myself for the journey to Phandalin.

Deynn in Neverwinter