CH. 01 - On the Road to the Tomb
Apr 29, 2020 14:37:08 GMT -8
Post by Daos on Apr 29, 2020 14:37:08 GMT -8
A great deal happened over the last year. Eventually, the snows melted enough that the party could head south again. Krah parted ways with the group, preferring the colder climate of Icewind Dale. Once back in Luskan, they started looking for work again. Taska left them here, hoping to re-start her career as a ship captain.
Over the next few months, the party took what jobs they could. Mostly guarding caravans. This took them south to Neverwinter and Waterdeep, then east to Hill's Edge and Tilverton, until finally they wound up in Shadowdale. It was there, at the Old Skull Inn, that this all began. Drezden, Dallion and Malavar were enjoying a drink after their last job, when a tall, middle-aged human man with wire-framed glasses, shaggy hair and a short goatee approached them. He had a satchel bulging with scrolls and parchments flung over his left shoulder, and a sword sheathed over his right.
"I know you," he had said, his gaze on Drezden. "You are among those who helped in putting an end to the sleeping sickness that plagued Dagger Falls. Randal Morn spoke highly of you." Joining them, he introduced himself as Lhaeo, Elminster's primary scribe. Drezden was quite interested at this point, having always wanted to meet the famous Elminster himself. Lhaeo would not promise to arrange a meeting, but did promise to help the dwarf fill out the proper paperwork...if he was willing to do a little job first.
"What I am about to tell you must go no further than this room, he begins. The Zhentarim will undoubtedly learn of this story soon enough, but there is no reason to give to them what they should uncover themselves. Do I have your word?"
After securing promises from all three of the party, he continued, "Three weeks ago a group of warriors led by Randal Morn, rightful ruler of Daggerdale, was attacked as they left the crypt of Shraevyn, a long dead wizard.
"Some among you may have heard of Shraevyn, the weapons-mage, in your studies. He was a good wizard who served the Dales back in the late 900s. By all reports, he was wise and just, and he is credited with creating some of the most unique and powerful magical items of the era.
"According to popular legend, Shraevyn created a powerful long sword, known as the Sword of the Dales, just before his death. This weapon was rumored to have a variety of special powers. No one remembers exactly what the sword could do, but in my research I've managed to uncover a few of its reported properties.
"First, the sword can part chains and manacles when its wielder speaks the word 'merrydale.' It also enables its wielder to breathe underwater while holding it. Other than those two powers, I have little else to offer you.
"Randal must have believed that possession of this sword would put him in a better position to free Dagger Falls from the hands of the Zhentarim, for he led the adventuring group into the tomb himself. According to Ariton, a loyal servant and the lone survivor of the expedition, Randal successfully freed the sword from a horde of undead that were within Shraevyn's tomb.
"The group was ambushed as they left the crypt by a Zhent force of mages who had somehow learned of Randal's expedition. They nearly defeated the free Dalesmen, but Randal--wielding the Sword of the Dales--crushed them and their magical creations with minor injuries to his party.
"Undead--mostly skeletons but a few ghouls and zombies as well--rose from the earth. The Dalesman watched in horror as his doomed friends fell before the onslaught. He also caught a glimpse of an odd emerald light that struck Randal to the ground. Ariton insists that Randal was still breathing but unable to move after this attack.
"Smart enough to realize he could not fight all of the undead alone, Ariton managed to escape undetected and flee to Elminster's tower for assistance. He has since returned to Daggerdale to inform the freemen of what transpired.
"The Realms needs heroes, right here and right now. I ask you to go and rescue Randal Morn."
After the party agreed, Lhaeo continued, "I would strongly recommend that you travel the Northride to where it joins the Tethyamar trail. This path is frequented by traders and other businessmen, and the patrols keep this route relatively free of monsters and other undesirables. That doesn't mean you are immune to danger, however. As the old saying goes, 'a wary traveler sees the light of a new day.'
"Hopefully, both the Sword of the Dales and Randal Morn are still within the tomb. It is imperative that you get to Randal before the Zhents regroup and go after him in force.
The scribe rummaged in his satchel for a moment, then carefully pulled three vials from the bag and set them on the table. "These are potions of extra-healing. They should aid you in times of great need. Each vial contains three doses; one dose can restore a common person near death to full strength."
Lhaeo's hand disappeared once again into his bag and pulled out a bone scroll case. He placed the case alongside the vials. "This contains a map of the area, as well as the location of Shraevyn's tomb. By Ariton's reports, a landslide uncovered the crypt in a valley known as the Giant's Craw. You should have little problem finding it.
"I'm always looking for books and other references, and I'm afraid our library is lacking in materials about Shraevyn. I'd gladly pay you a fair price for any books, scrolls, or notes that you find.
"Speed is of the essence in this matter; the longer we wait, the greater the risk of further Zhent involvement. You may each pick up a land grant at Elminster's tower after you successfully rescue Randal Morn."
And so, the party packed up their things and headed out the very next day, just the three of them and their pack animals--Jack, Maple and Onix.
=================
It is currently Tarsakh 29th, 1369 DR at Eleventh Bell.
(OOC: Casters may choose their spells for the day. I'll introduce Tristen's new PC shortly, but for now, take a moment to get your bearings and talk among yourselves for a bit.)
Over the next few months, the party took what jobs they could. Mostly guarding caravans. This took them south to Neverwinter and Waterdeep, then east to Hill's Edge and Tilverton, until finally they wound up in Shadowdale. It was there, at the Old Skull Inn, that this all began. Drezden, Dallion and Malavar were enjoying a drink after their last job, when a tall, middle-aged human man with wire-framed glasses, shaggy hair and a short goatee approached them. He had a satchel bulging with scrolls and parchments flung over his left shoulder, and a sword sheathed over his right.
"I know you," he had said, his gaze on Drezden. "You are among those who helped in putting an end to the sleeping sickness that plagued Dagger Falls. Randal Morn spoke highly of you." Joining them, he introduced himself as Lhaeo, Elminster's primary scribe. Drezden was quite interested at this point, having always wanted to meet the famous Elminster himself. Lhaeo would not promise to arrange a meeting, but did promise to help the dwarf fill out the proper paperwork...if he was willing to do a little job first.
"What I am about to tell you must go no further than this room, he begins. The Zhentarim will undoubtedly learn of this story soon enough, but there is no reason to give to them what they should uncover themselves. Do I have your word?"
After securing promises from all three of the party, he continued, "Three weeks ago a group of warriors led by Randal Morn, rightful ruler of Daggerdale, was attacked as they left the crypt of Shraevyn, a long dead wizard.
"Some among you may have heard of Shraevyn, the weapons-mage, in your studies. He was a good wizard who served the Dales back in the late 900s. By all reports, he was wise and just, and he is credited with creating some of the most unique and powerful magical items of the era.
"According to popular legend, Shraevyn created a powerful long sword, known as the Sword of the Dales, just before his death. This weapon was rumored to have a variety of special powers. No one remembers exactly what the sword could do, but in my research I've managed to uncover a few of its reported properties.
"First, the sword can part chains and manacles when its wielder speaks the word 'merrydale.' It also enables its wielder to breathe underwater while holding it. Other than those two powers, I have little else to offer you.
"Randal must have believed that possession of this sword would put him in a better position to free Dagger Falls from the hands of the Zhentarim, for he led the adventuring group into the tomb himself. According to Ariton, a loyal servant and the lone survivor of the expedition, Randal successfully freed the sword from a horde of undead that were within Shraevyn's tomb.
"The group was ambushed as they left the crypt by a Zhent force of mages who had somehow learned of Randal's expedition. They nearly defeated the free Dalesmen, but Randal--wielding the Sword of the Dales--crushed them and their magical creations with minor injuries to his party.
"What happened next was totally unexpected and ultimately fatal for the group. Although it happened quickly, Ariton was able to provide some useful information.
"Undead--mostly skeletons but a few ghouls and zombies as well--rose from the earth. The Dalesman watched in horror as his doomed friends fell before the onslaught. He also caught a glimpse of an odd emerald light that struck Randal to the ground. Ariton insists that Randal was still breathing but unable to move after this attack.
"Smart enough to realize he could not fight all of the undead alone, Ariton managed to escape undetected and flee to Elminster's tower for assistance. He has since returned to Daggerdale to inform the freemen of what transpired.
"The Realms needs heroes, right here and right now. I ask you to go and rescue Randal Morn."
After the party agreed, Lhaeo continued, "I would strongly recommend that you travel the Northride to where it joins the Tethyamar trail. This path is frequented by traders and other businessmen, and the patrols keep this route relatively free of monsters and other undesirables. That doesn't mean you are immune to danger, however. As the old saying goes, 'a wary traveler sees the light of a new day.'
"Hopefully, both the Sword of the Dales and Randal Morn are still within the tomb. It is imperative that you get to Randal before the Zhents regroup and go after him in force.
The scribe rummaged in his satchel for a moment, then carefully pulled three vials from the bag and set them on the table. "These are potions of extra-healing. They should aid you in times of great need. Each vial contains three doses; one dose can restore a common person near death to full strength."
Lhaeo's hand disappeared once again into his bag and pulled out a bone scroll case. He placed the case alongside the vials. "This contains a map of the area, as well as the location of Shraevyn's tomb. By Ariton's reports, a landslide uncovered the crypt in a valley known as the Giant's Craw. You should have little problem finding it.
"I'm always looking for books and other references, and I'm afraid our library is lacking in materials about Shraevyn. I'd gladly pay you a fair price for any books, scrolls, or notes that you find.
"Speed is of the essence in this matter; the longer we wait, the greater the risk of further Zhent involvement. You may each pick up a land grant at Elminster's tower after you successfully rescue Randal Morn."
And so, the party packed up their things and headed out the very next day, just the three of them and their pack animals--Jack, Maple and Onix.
=================
It is currently Tarsakh 29th, 1369 DR at Eleventh Bell.
(OOC: Casters may choose their spells for the day. I'll introduce Tristen's new PC shortly, but for now, take a moment to get your bearings and talk among yourselves for a bit.)