Session 20

Date Played: October 13, 2001

Soladain, 14^th of Thaumont 1,000 A.C. (roughly 7:00 am)

The day was very overcast and gloomy. Chow-Lin headed to the common room for breakfast but also talked to the innkeep. She paid for two rooms for an extra 2 weeks beyond what she already paid (extending the time until the 14th of Flaurmont). Portio was awakened and apprised of the situation regarding Lord Vorloi’s impending arrival. Portio was asked to maintain the rooms should the party be kept longer than expected. Eric brought Goldeneyes with him this time in order to work off some of the extra fat the cat had gained from weeks of cheese, mice and fresh cream. The party had prepared for days for this journey, but decided at the last moment to secure a pony for Hamlin in order to increase their movement rate. They tried at the North Gate Ostler, but none of the ponies were of adequate quality or health, according to Hamlin. So they circled outside Specularum until they got to the Westron Gate Ostler. Here, the beasts were healthier and better cared for so they purchased a pony, tack and harness, and feed. By 9:00 am they were heading off north along the Duke’s Road.

By midday they arrived at the Highreach Toll Bridge. They paid their toll (1 sp/person) and continued on their journey along the Eastron Road. The day was rainy and gloomy, but no encounters occurred. The party camped off the road for the night, keeping a fire lit, and making sure that the camp was as sheltered from the rain as possible.

Lunadain, 15th of Thaumont, 1,000 A.C

Early in the morning, during Eric’s watch, he had a disturbing feeling, as if he were being watched. Since nothing happened otherwise, Eric dismissed it and didn’t alert the party. The rain ended for the day and the travel was pleasant, although rather wet in the morning. The party made good time and camped just north of the road by evening. The camp was cheerful and warm, but dark rain clouds gathered in the evening gloom. By nightfall, a torrential downpour had begun, soaking the camp.

Gromdain, 16th of Thaumont, 1,000 A.C.

After the downpour the night before, the sky cleared and the weather became pleasant and sunny. The road was clear and no one was encountered all day. The party decided to camp in the forest north of the road by nightfall.

Tserdain, 17th of Thaumont, 1,000 A.C.

The morning was cloudy and rain began sometime after sunrise. The party was thoroughly soaked by this point. As before there were no encounters along the road, and the party set up camp by evening.

Moldain, 18th of Thaumont, 1,000 A.C.

The day was sunny and perfectly clear, without a cloud in the sky. The party made good time along the road and finally dried out. By early afternoon they arrived in the village of Rugalov along the mouth of the Rugalov River. They wandered around a bit, noting the location of various establishments. They eventually decided to stay for the rest of the day at the Eastron Road Resthouse, a Thyatian-owned inn. A bed for the night cost 5 sp, meal not included. Apparently, this is a fishing and farming village, but they get their meat from trade. Fish dishes at the inn were very cheap (4 cp/meal), but other types of meat were expensive (1 sp/meal). The fare was plain but tasty and welcomed after days of iron rations. The party headed to the mercantyler to purchase wolfsbane to replace their withered supply (2 gp/sprig). They also purchased a large tent (4 man for 25 gp, weighs 20 pounds) and a tent pole (3 cp). After shopping all afternoon, they retired to the inn and slept in comfort.

Nytdain, 19th of Thaumont, 1,000 A.C.

By morning a huge thunderstorm was brewing just north of the village. Not wanting to get caught outside during the storm, the party remained at the inn for the day. The wind howled and the rain pelted the walls and windows. Dried leaves swirled all about and those unfortunate enough to be caught outside were soaked to the bone. The party noticed a pattern of alternating weather and wondered if this was something supernatural. Eric had strong suspicions that the troubles in Haven were affecting the weather in the region.

Loshdain, 20th of Thaumont, 1,000 A.C.

The day was clear and sunny, but still the storm clouds lingered on the northern horizon. The party headed north from the village to the wooden bridge crossing the Rugalov River. They were told by Pip that goblins live in the Dymrak Forest on the west side of the river, but elves live in the Dymrak on the east side. They hurried across the bridge. Once on the east side, the party noted the road that turned south towards Rugalov Keep on the border with Thyatis near the river mouth. Instead of taking this road, they followed Pip into the thick portion of the Dymrak Forest, heading north along the river. They didn’t get far before they had to stop for the night. By late afternoon they lost most of the daylight in the thick branches overhead. They pitched camp among the tangled roots and dead leaves of the forest floor and prepared to take their watches.

Cast of Characters

Hamlin Hoefurrow – halfling warrior of the Shires, party henchman.

Pip Bumbercork – brownie from Haven who has traveled far to ask for help from the druids.

Session 19

Date Played: October 6, 2001

Loshdain, 13^th of Thaumont 1,000 A.C. (roughly 10:00 am)

Having received the ransom letter from the mysterious “D,” the party decided to split up and prepare for action. Eric found a valet to perform laundry services for the group. They each left a set of clothes behind to be cleaned (3 sp per load). Chow-Lin spoke with the innkeep at the Lion’s Den Inn to secure 2 rooms for the next two weeks time (paid up until the end of Thaumont). Finally, Markus headed for the marketplace to buy weapons from the Gnome Caravan. Unfortunately, the weapons he was seeking were unavailable, most being taken during the raid on the Duke’s Road. He instead made a note to seek out the dwarven weaponsmith Kharveth at some later date due to his fine quality weapons.

Unable to purchase new weapons, Markus headed north to the Foreign Quarter to locate Vittorio, a Veiled Society member who had trained him upon his return to Specularum. He searched through the waterfront taverns but could not find him. At the Twisted Vine, however, he spotted a man in a black cloak and black leathers. After purchasing a local red wine from the barkeep for a gold coin, he noticed the man had entered the bar and left behind a tip for the barkeep and an iron ring. After some hesitation, Markus recovered the discarded iron ring and left the place, continuing to search for Vittorio. Markus was obviously being followed so he decided to continue seeking help from the Veiled Society.

Meanwhile, Eric and Hamlin went shopping for supplies they would need for their journey to Haven. They purchased extra clothing and gear for Hamlin, food for both the party members and the pack mule, and extra camping gear. They also headed to the North Gate Ostler to make sure their mule was ready to leave. Eric found that the party was a bit negligent, however, and had to pay for a week of stabling for the mule. Chow-Lin headed for the College of Heralds to see if any word of the messenger had returned. Nothing had been heard from the Vorloi Estate as of yet so Chow-Lin headed back to the Lion’s Den.

Markus continued to check taverns in the Foreign Quarter. He stopped briefly at the Fisherman’s Quay, just long enough to hear superstitious gossip from a pair of fishermen and be repulsed by the odor of fish-head soup. His next stop was the Golden Barnacle, a tavern along the bay in North End. Here he bought some bread and cheese and looked around at the clientele. Noticing the black-cloaked man staring at him through the window, Markus decided to wave him in to talk. The black-cloaked man obliged and entered to speak with him. Basically, the man was blunt and to the point. He held Portio ransom for the money owed to the Iron Ring for Markus’ training. If Markus did not deliver the gold by that evening, Portio would be returned to the party a piece at a time. Markus was told to meet at the Slumbering Serpent Inn in the Foreign Quarter, alone, with the gold. Markus agreed and headed back to the Lion’s Den to tell the others.

Along the way back to the Inn, Markus and Chow-Lin passed by a group of men in the marketplace. A fat, greasy man in robes was apparently doing some business with five Ethengar men. They were watching Chow-Lin as she passed through the market. Markus, who had been closer to the group, overheard them speaking of a deal to secure goods. It was obvious that they must be speaking of Chow-Lin. The fat man was paid some money which he deposited into large belt pouches, then the group of men separated, going in different directions. Chow-Lin hurried away from the marketplace to return to the safety of the inn. Markus continued to follow the fat man in hopes of obtaining coinage with which to pay off the ransom.

The fat man continued to wander through the market, stopping in stores along the way and speaking to an ugly, hunched-over man in the streets. Markus had apparently picked up two thugs after leaving the Golden Barnacle, and fortunately they were easy enough to spot. This may have also tipped off his mark, as the fat man began trying to evade Markus by ducking down an alley. Markus eventually caught up to him, but let him go as the noisy thugs caught up to him. Markus let the fat man sneak away to a busier street, while admonishing his pursuers. The thugs were going to stick close to him and make sure he wasn’t trying to leave the city.

At the Lion’s Den, Chow-Lin locked herself in her room, fearing for her safety. Eric and Hamlin returned just before Markus and had lunch in the common room. Markus later joined them, noticing the ugly man from the street enter and sit in the common room within easy earshot. Markus and Eric finished lunch, leaving Hamlin to watch the man by the fire. They went upstairs to discuss all they had learned with Chow-Lin. Plans were made to disguise Chow-Lin and, in order to throw off pursuers, Chow-Lin pretended to leave the Lion’s Den and headed for the Dragon’s Wing Inn. She was followed thereafter by Markus who stopped to speak with the thugs. The thugs were drinking ale with the ugly man, who turned out to be a half-orc. The half-orc snarled at Markus and gave him a warning that he and his “elven friend” were to stay away from the docks. The half-orc left the inn heading away from Chow-Lin. Markus then also left the inn, followed by the thugs, heading to the alchemist to sell the potion of clairaudience he obtained without the party’s knowledge. He received 320 gp for the potion and also found out that the next potion had been identified as a potion of mammal control. Retrieving the new potion, he headed back to the Lion’s Den with the money. The others, apparently not pursued by the ugly man, also returned to the Lion’s Den after disguising Chow-Lin as a boy. There they pooled their resources and awaited until early evening before setting off to the Foreign Quarter.

Right before dinner, the party headed off to pay the ransom. Eric, Hamlin, and Chow-Lin left first, getting to the Slumbering Serpent and ordering meals. There they spotted the black-cloaked man who had been asking about Markus the other day, sitting alone, waiting. Markus left the Lion’s Den afterwards, escorted by the thugs. When they arrived at the Slumbering Serpent, the black-cloaked man demanded his payment. When Markus could only produce half, and threats seemed to do no good, the black-cloaked man decided to allow him to see Portio. He led Markus and the thugs to a dark alley further away from the inn. The thugs returned Markus to the inn to retrieve the gold from the party. The rest of the party finished their meal and then headed after them.

The black-cloaked man returned with a battered Portio in tow. Payment was made and then the black-cloaked man ordered the thugs to beat Markus up. Markus was prepared for the double-cross, however, and leapt at the black-cloaked man with his falsely peace-bonded sword. After the initial scuffle, the rest of the party appeared at the alley entrance, ready for a fight. Chow-Lin managed to cast her sleep spell at the combatants, sending the thugs and Portio into a deep slumber. Eric outlined the black-cloaked man’s form with faerie fire, making him an easy target for all in the darkness. Hamlin and Markus moved in to continue to fight as the black-cloaked man drew a dagger on them. He then drew a poisoned blade and struck at Hamlin who, thankfully, was unaffected by the venom. The battle ended when Markus made a telling blow with his sword. They bound the man’s wounds, debating whether to keep him alive for information or kill him. In the end Markus decided to end this immediate threat to his life and he slit the man’s throat in front of a stunned Hamlin. Eric and Chow-Lin retrieved Portio, and Markus stole whatever he could from the black-cloaked man before they retreated from the alley. Eric cured Portio of his wounds, allowing him to walk back with them unaided. The party made it back to the Lion’s Den without incident. They ordered meals for those who had not eaten yet and retired to their rooms. There, Markus counted up his loot taken from the man. He managed to obtain both daggers, one regular and one smeared with green residue, a light crossbow, a bolt case with 20 quarrels, 2 small belt pouches containing 65 gp and a small jar filled with green goo bearing a scorpion stencil on the outside, a large belt pouch containing a set of thieves' tools and a vial of light blue liquid, an iron ring, and a gold ring.

The party then planned to leave for Haven at sunrise. They intended to leave the intrigue of Specularum behind for a while and help the Protectors save Haven from the humanoids and the ominous red glow of death.

Cast of Characters

Portio Vorloi – contact in Specularum and relation of Lord Vorloi, your patron; currently rescued an in your care.

Pip Bumbercork – brownie from Haven who has traveled far to ask for help from the druids.

“D” – some new antagonist who apparently captured Portio and was holding him ransom; slain by Markus.

The “fat man” – a familiar man whom Chow-Lin remembers seeing before; he has dealings with Ethengars…

“Ugly” half-orc – supposed member of the Iron Ring who has threatened the party to stay away from the docks.

Session 18

Date Played: August 10, 2001

Loshdain, 13^th of Thaumont 1,000 A.C. (roughly 5:30 am)

After having made plans the night before, the party awoke early in order to prevent the slaver’s ship from leaving port with the morning tide. Chow-Lin remained at the Lion’s Den feeling that her foreign appearance would make them more traceable if seen at the docks. Eric, Markus, and Hamlin went off to the docks and hid until the time was right. While final preparations were being made to the Prancing Seahorse and another nearby Thyatian vessel, Eric carefully made his way to an empty dock next to a fishing boat. Gauging his attack time by the rising of the sun, Eric cast his water breathing spell and slipped into the water. Swimming along under the other boats, he approached the Prancing Seahorse from beneath and chose a spot near the stern, under the hold, in which to work his magic. Casting two warp wood spells, Eric was able to split the planks forming the hull and cause a major leak into the bilge. Once his work was done he swam quickly back to the empty dock to rejoin Markus and Hamlin. Soaking wet, they rushed him back to the Lion’s Den to await the outcome of their activities. There they met with Chow-Lin and informed her of their doings.

Chow-Lin then headed to the Alchemist to see if the next potion was ready. She was told to return by the end of the day. So, Chow-Lin proceeded to the Foreign Quarter to see what the commotion was all about regarding the arrival of the Gnome Caravan. Apparently, the caravan was attacked by kobolds led by intelligent leaders. The raiders took mostly weapons and armor, as well as any valuables the caravan was holding. The gnomes will be staying a while in town to sell their wares in the market. A few of the gnomes who lost much on the Duke’s Road are going to try and force an audience with Duke Stephen himself. After hearing this and other tidbits of gossip, Chow-Lin headed to get some pastries at the local bakery before resuming her search for Portio.

Meanwhile, the men headed back to the docks to check on the ship. The Prancing Seahorse was in the process of being off-loaded and righted when the Harbormaster and his assistant were called down to the scene. Not being able to cast off with the damaged hull, the captain paid his wharfage fees and proceeded to rig the teams of ponies to pull the ship upright so repairs could be made. It was then that Eric and Markus decided to make trouble. Failing to inspire the Harbormaster’s aide to action with not-too-subtle suggestions, the party finally managed to get the guards to investigate a crate once Eric cast a faerie fire spell on it. The spell so startled one of the longshoremen that he dropped his end, overturning the crate and causing a body inside to spill out. The portage of dead bodies is suspicious in and of itself, so the ship’s captain was questioned while the guards checked the body. Discovering that the person was still barely alive, they summoned a conveniently-close priest (Eric) to help him and the guard who apparently injured his arm in the fall. While this was occurring, a junior seaman from the ship had slipped over to talk with the driver of the cart used to haul the crates away. Once he was finished with the injured persons, Eric made his way to the cart and tried to convince the horses to remain calm and not move when urged (using a speak with animals spell). Unfortunately, the horses were too well-trained and responded quickly when prodded by the men to escape. Although he tried to hold on to the reins, Eric couldn’t keep up and had to let go. Guards were summoned but the cart disappeared around a curtain wall before they could stop it.

Satisfied with the damage caused and the suspicions aroused, Eric, Markus and Hamlin headed back to the inn to meet up with Chow-Lin. When they arrived they found that a message had been left for Markus. The message plainly stated that “his friend was being held” and that he should “pay what was due.” It was signed “D.”

Cast of Characters

Portio Vorloi – contact in Specularum and relation of Lord Vorloi; currently held for ransom.

Pip Bumbercork – brownie from Haven who has traveled far to ask for help from the druids.

Lieutenant Andricus – City Watchman of Specularum; investigating the disappearance of Portio.

“D” – some new antagonist who has apparently captured Portio and is holding him ransom.

Session 17

Date Played: August 3rd-4th, 2001

Moldain, 11^th of Thaumont 1,000 A.C. (roughly 9:30 pm)

The party met up back at the Lion’s Den Inn. After making plans to return to the ship, Markus took a much-needed bath to wash the stink of “drunkard” from his skin. At roughly 10 pm the party made its way down to the docks, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible in the misty rain. Luckily there was no guard posted, however the gangplank was drawn up on the ship. The party had some difficulty deciding how to board the ship, but in the end, they decided to make a jump for the mid-ship deck. After carefully waiting in the darkness of the main deck, they decided to explore the ship by splitting up. Markus made for the hold while Chow-Lin and Hamlin remained above deck to watch for returning mates and the city guard. They realized that what they were doing was highly illegal and could put them at odds with the authorities. While Markus investigated the hold, Chow-Lin snooped about the upper cabins a bit. Hamlin noted a city guard pass by the dock but was relieved when the guard didn’t notice them.

Hamlin and Chow-Lin then went below deck to see what Markus had found. Markus had little luck locating much in the hold. The crates he saw from the other day were loaded here along with several casks, boxes, and barrels. The crates had no definable way of opening (no nails holding the planks together) and each bore the seal of the Duke burned into the wood. The party decided to snoop around the cabins, locating not only a mysterious locked door, but also the crew quarters where the four seamen were sleeping. One of the men sleeping in the hammocks wore an iron ring around his finger, which indicated to Markus that these men were indeed slavers, members of the notorious Iron Ring which he knew so much about.

Searching the floor of the hold revealed that there were heavy, unsecured planks placed in a row. Removing these planks revealed the bilge below, currently empty except for some rats. The planks were lined on the bottom with lead, a ploy which Chow-Lin explained foils attempts to detect things using magic. Determined to learn the contents of the crates, the party thoroughly investigated them. Probing with a blade, Markus found that the crates were lined with something pliable yet hard. Lifting the unsecured tops off the crates revealed a surprise. The crates were lined with a thin layer of lead and the interiors were filled with hay and padding. Bodies were placed in each crate, a total of 2 human males, 2 human females, and a male halfling. The humans all had a blue tint to their skin and purplish lips, darkened eye sockets, and displayed little or no life at all. The halfling however was evidently both awake and aware, but was unable to speak or move a muscle. Apparently his natural resistance to things magical or poisonous spared him the fate of the others. He indicated through eye movement, grunts, and blinking that he had been taken here against his will and was given something which rendered him in this state. All the persons in the crates wore little more than rags and most looked emaciated and poorly treated. Unfortunately, the party did not want to tip their hand and allow the slavers to know that they had been discovered yet. So they sealed the halfling back into his lead-lined crate and replaced everything back to the way they found it. Sneaking off the ship the same way they boarded, the party rushed back to the inn using as many back-roads and alleys as they deemed safe.

Markus had no idea when the ship, named the Prancing Seahorse, would be leaving port. In order to learn more, and possibly save those slaves held in the hold, Markus planned to spy on the ship the next day and learn more about it, the captain and crew, and the cargo it held. Hamlin decided to assist him in his vigil at the docks. Chow-Lin, however, was more concerned with locating Portio and visiting the alchemist’s shop.

Nytdain, 12th of Thaumont, 1,000 A.C.

After packing a lunch of roast beef and cheese sandwiches, Markus and Hamlin headed down to the docks. While watching the ship they witnessed a horse drawn cart bearing two more crates unload at the dock. Markus hired some impromptu distractions (local children) in order to get the longshoremen to drop the crates, but to no avail. The only useful information they gathered came from Hamlin who recognized the captain as a sea elf from Minrothad. Apparently the ship was not leaving this day because the captain paid the wharf tax for docking to the Harbormaster. Satisfied with the fact that the ship was to be in port another day and night, the pair left to locate Chow-Lin in the market.

Eric met with the Hengemaster and a brownie named Pip Bumbercork in his hovel. The brownie related a terrible tale which was corroborated by a woodland spy reporting to the druid. The independent kingdom of Haven, located in the eastern wilderness of Karameikos, was under siege by humanoids and enchanted with an evil red glow which killed anything it touched. The glow had begun to spread outwards from the valley of Haven and might soon affect the eastern portions of the Dymrak forest. Since the Hengemaster cannot travel far from his grove at such a time, he has entrusted Eric to journey there and locate the source of the glow and destroy it if possible. His training being complete, his further services were waived in exchange for this mission. Eric gathered his belongings, stopped by his parents’ home, and then departed for Specularum with Pip in tow.

Chow-Lin headed for the alchemist’s shop and learned that the fifth potion was not ready yet. She was to return by closing time in order to receive the results of the testing. Therefore, she wandered the market most of the morning, trying to locate any news of Portio’s whereabouts. During her passes through the busy market she heard more rumors of the Gnome Caravan, learned that a wine merchant had disappeared after selling a woman “bad wine,” and she learned that numerous foreigners had descended upon the city for the beginning of shipping season. Unfortunately, someone saw fit to lighten her purse for her while she was meandering. She then purchased a small leather neck pouch for a special ring (for 37 cp) before meeting the others in the market square. They all ate lunch near the old fountain.

Chow-Lin suggested searching some of Portio’s old haunts in the city. As they had not seen him yet at the Vorloi guesthouse, they headed off to the Rampant Griffin Inn. There they noted a broken window in an upper story room and spoke with the innkeep. This man was of little help and would not let them investigate the room, however they did learn that Portio was last seen in the company of a black-clad man and two other burly men leaving rather unexpectedly about two nights ago. The innkeep was shocked to learn about the broken window and sent someone up to the room immediately. The servant found a broken crossbow bolt in the room as well as some broken glass on the floor.

The party then split up by mid-afternoon. Chow-Lin and Hamlin went to report Portio’s disappearance to the Captain of the Guard. Instead they spoke to a Lieutenant Andricus who promised to investigate his mysterious disappearance and report it as soon as possible. Plans were made to inform Lord Vorloi of Portio’s disappearance via courier. Markus went to the alchemist to retrieve the results of the potion test. He was told that the fifth potion was a potion of clairaudience, and that the alchemist would pay him 320 gp for it. Markus decided to keep the potion and questioned him about a potion which could bring about the same conditions as those he saw on the slaver’s ship. The alchemist seemed leery about responding but had little information to give. He was unaware of such a potion or how it could be made unless he had a sample to test. Markus was not satisfied with his answers and decided to trail the alchemist and another man to a dwelling in the Old Quarter. After witnessing the alchemist leaving a small pouch at a house along the Street of Dreams, Markus then tailed them to a dwelling in South End. Once sure that the men were at their final destination, he made his way back to the estate on the Street of Dreams only to find that the pouch was no longer there. Questioning an old woman about the owners of the house revealed that it belonged to the Torenescu family (heraldic crest was a sceptre resplendent across a torn banner). Unsatisfied but with few leads and more mysteries, Markus returned to the Lion’s Den only to find that the others had already eaten dinner.

Eric arrived with Pip just before the city gates were closed. Eric informed the others that the Gnome Caravan had stopped little more than a mile from the city. It was in bad shape; many of the carts were damaged, guards were injured or slain, and many were wounded. The remaining goods looked meager. He then introduced Pip who explained the reason why he was sent with Eric (see below). Pip carried a medallion which the Protector’s used to communicate with their saviors. After hearing the tale of the brownie and the plight of Haven, the others were moved to assist him. Once Eric had a chance to catch up on the rest of the news, the entire party left to scout out the docks again, leaving Pip behind with Golden-Eyes the cat. They noted that the crew was all on board and that they were likely to sail with the next tide (roughly 6:30 am according to Eric). Whatever the party was likely to do, it would have to be done fast.

Cast of Characters

Hamlin Hoefurrow – halfling warrior of the Shires who has recently joined the party as a henchman.

Portio Vorloi – contact in Specularum and relation of Lord Vorloi, your patron; currently missing in action.

Iron Ring – nasty group of thieves, assassins and slavers loyal to the Black Eagle Barony.

Druid Woodrue Hengemaster – Druid of the Grove near Rifllian in the Radlebb Woods.

Pip Bumbercork – brownie from Haven who has traveled far to ask for help from the druids.

Protectors – mysterious elven guardians of Haven who hail from the Lands of Faerie.

Pip’s Tale of Haven

The valley of Haven was a peaceful land. Its crops were abundant, its citizens prosperous. Elves, dwarves, halflings, and humans lived together in harmony. Hidden away in the Thunder Mountains, Haven was a safe place to live. The rivers were sweet and pure; the weather was pleasant and warm.

One reason Haven was so peaceful was due to the presence of the Protectors, a fay race of Elves from the land of Faerie. These mysterious beings are a gentle folk and their magic helps to ward off evil. They helped the crops to grow and the land of Haven to prosper.

The ruler of Haven was the fair Princess Argenta. She lived in a palace made of white, shining marble which, when the sun set, glowed like silver. Princess Argenta was beloved by all her people. She was just, fair, and friendly to all.

One day, the dwarves of Haven found a ruby the size of an apple while digging in a new mine. As a token of their devotion, they gave the ruby to Princess Argenta. The dwarves named the ruby “My Lady’s Heart.” The Princess was so pleased with the gift that she invited all the realm to attend a celebration to see the wondrous gem. The dwarves were to be the guests of honor. It was to be a grand day of feasting and fun.

The day before the celebration a strange visitor arrived. He flew into the valley riding a dragon. The rider was dressed all in black. He had pale skin, long blond hair, and a short blond beard. Since Haven was noted for its hospitality, the princess invited the stranger to stay at the palace. She also granted his request to escort her to the celebration.

At midnight, disaster struck. Dark clouds hid the moon and a freezing wind blew through the valley. The crops withered in the fields. Cattle grew sick. The valley began to die.

From the palace came an explosion and parts of the walls came tumbling down. When the dust cleared it could be seen that a ruby glow surrounded the entire palace.

Haven now lies in chaos. Raiding bands of orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins terrorize the countryside. The disaster happened so suddenly that the citizens are confused and helpless. Without their leaders, who are trapped in the palace, they have no courage to fight back. Even the Protectors have disappeared. The situation has become desperate.