The valley of Haven was a peaceful land. Its crops were abundant, its citizens properous. Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, and Humans lived together in harmony. Hidden away in the heart of Thudner 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 magical race, from the land of Faerie. These mysterious green beings are a gentle folk and their magic helps 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 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 white 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.
Each of you has had the same dream. In the dream, a Protector appeared and pleaded for help:
"Haven is in dire trouble," the Protector said. "We do not know what caused the disaster, but we do know that the reason can be found somewhere in the palace. Allies of the evil that has attacked Haven have challenged the Protectors and we are under siege. We cannot help Haven, but you can. The princess needs you; the people of Haven needs you. You are Haven's only hope. We beg you to find the source of evil that has overtaken Haven, and destroy that evil. If you will go, you will meet a band of friends outside the palace at noon tomorrow. We will open a way into and out of the palace for you. We will also give you all the help we can, but our power is limited. The future of Haven is in your hands."
At noon the next day, the party meets. After sizing each other up if you hadn't done so at the inn before, you proceed to the palace. Approximately a half mile from the palace you can see that part of its left side has been destroyed. Stone blocks and rubble cover the mountainside. You also see that almost all of the castle and many parts of the surrounding land glow a soft red. All plant life, except some strange looking thorn bushes and white roses, has died wherever the red glow radiates.
As you travel closer to the palace, a trail untouched by the red glow appears. The trail leads directly to the entranceway of the palace. The main entrance into the palace is the only part of the palace that does not glow red. The massive, barred portcullis which usually blocks the entrance is raised.
Your party startles a rat near the entrance. It darts out into the red glowing area, and suddenly stops, shakes a bit, and then dies. You notice that other small, unfortunate creatures lie dead inside the red area.
You are now at the entrance of the palace which is about 30 feet wide. The portcullis, a gate made of heavy iron bars, is raised. Entry into the palace seems clear.
One reason Haven was so peaceful was due to the presence of the Protectors, a magical race, from the land of Faerie. These mysterious green beings are a gentle folk and their magic helps 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 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 white 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.
Each of you has had the same dream. In the dream, a Protector appeared and pleaded for help:
"Haven is in dire trouble," the Protector said. "We do not know what caused the disaster, but we do know that the reason can be found somewhere in the palace. Allies of the evil that has attacked Haven have challenged the Protectors and we are under siege. We cannot help Haven, but you can. The princess needs you; the people of Haven needs you. You are Haven's only hope. We beg you to find the source of evil that has overtaken Haven, and destroy that evil. If you will go, you will meet a band of friends outside the palace at noon tomorrow. We will open a way into and out of the palace for you. We will also give you all the help we can, but our power is limited. The future of Haven is in your hands."
At noon the next day, the party meets. After sizing each other up if you hadn't done so at the inn before, you proceed to the palace. Approximately a half mile from the palace you can see that part of its left side has been destroyed. Stone blocks and rubble cover the mountainside. You also see that almost all of the castle and many parts of the surrounding land glow a soft red. All plant life, except some strange looking thorn bushes and white roses, has died wherever the red glow radiates.
As you travel closer to the palace, a trail untouched by the red glow appears. The trail leads directly to the entranceway of the palace. The main entrance into the palace is the only part of the palace that does not glow red. The massive, barred portcullis which usually blocks the entrance is raised.
Your party startles a rat near the entrance. It darts out into the red glowing area, and suddenly stops, shakes a bit, and then dies. You notice that other small, unfortunate creatures lie dead inside the red area.
You are now at the entrance of the palace which is about 30 feet wide. The portcullis, a gate made of heavy iron bars, is raised. Entry into the palace seems clear.
*