Chapter 1: On the Road to Adventure
It has now been four days since the party departed Bard's Gate, traveling by foot westward, toward the village of Fairhill. Rain and cloudy weather have marred the journey, forcing the party to keep off the road and travel under the eaves of the light woods to the north of the Tradeway.
Those with any knowledge of local weather might find it a bit uncharacteristic for this time of year, as though a dark cloud has been following the group from the City of Tales, City of A Thousand Gods, the City of the Liar, and any number of other names the trade city of Bard's Gate is known by across the land.
This adventure began much as many others have, predictably, in a tavern. Corian, a young wizard, posted a simple notice, "Seeking Fellow Adventurers! Companions to share in glory, gold, and adventures unnumbered! Inquire at the Starving Stirge on Whetting Way."
Corian's offer turned out to be simple:
Trek to a ruined wizard's tower. Delve the tower. Find hidden treasure. Equal shares for all.
When asked what made Corian so certain they would find treasure in the ruins, the wizard discretely produced an amulet he claimed belonged to the tower's original occupant--Eralion. Corian claimed the amulet would grant access to hidden chambers that had thus far escaped scrutiny in the 20 years since Eralion's disappearance.
When pressed for more details, Corian relayed the following:
In the intervening years, vermin, orcs, goblins, and bandits have occupied the tower, but the Duke's Army laid siege to the keep and routed its last occupants. Since that time, the site has remained forlorn and desolate. As to the nature of Eralion's disappearance, Corian claimed all his research into the matter pointed to the wizard coming to his end through what is commonly known in wizarding circles as a magical mishap. Wizardry is not without its own perils.
In any event, Corian was no fool and never claimed the ruins would not contain any danger, which was precisely why he wished to join a fellowship for this venture. "Equal shares, all! Join me, friends. Let us discover fame and fortune!" Corian implored; his eyes filled with zeal.
That was four days ago...
Glancing down at muddy boots, feeling the cloying dampness throughout, and knowing another four days of travel lies ahead, it is understandable if any member of this fellowship might begin to have second thoughts about this expedition's prospects. Eight days' journey is an awful long way to go with naught to show for it but a young wizard's zeal.
One can only hope the weather turns for the better. More to the point, that tower better have treasure!
Fortunately, save for the gloomy weather that marked much of the first four days, the journey has been uneventful. Finally, late on the fourth day, the rain subsides, and the party manages to find a nice, dry campsite before darkness falls.
The waystation has seen frequent and recent use and appears to have serviced countless caravans and travelers over the years. A patchy but serviceable wooden palisade surround the waystation. Inside, the party finds a stone well with a good supply of clean water, several banked fire pits, and a small shrine dedicated to Avandra.