Prologue

The call of adventure has brought you to Neverwinter, a thriving metropolis on the Sword Coast of Faerûn. Dubbed "Jewel of the North", Neverwinter is regarded by many the most cosmopolitan and civilized city in all of Faerûn - quite a reputation, considering the breadth and variety of the continent. The city was so named because, although situated in the colder north, the river flowing through it was heated by fire elementals living under the nearby Mount Hotenow in the Neverwinter Wood, creating a perennially moderate climate in the surrounding area.

Surely a place of such history and intrigue would bring opportunities to hone your craft and build your stock as adventurers. Yet the summer months have passed idly by as you find little in the way of high adventure. A few requests for guard duty here, a handful of minor treks into the hinterlands there - yet the spoils and fame of true adventuring have escaped you.  As Autumn sets in you consider departing Neverwinter to find adventure elsewhere in the Realms.  But one brisk Fall day your luck seems to change.

A stout and mirthful dwarf named Gundren Rockseeker, having learned of your budding reputation as adventurers, approaches and asks you to bring a wagon-load of provisions to the rough-and-tumble settlement of Phandalin a couple of days' travel southeast of Neverwinter.  Gundren was clearly excited and more than a little secretive about his reasons for the trip, saying only that he and his brothers had found "something big," and that he'd pay you ten gold pieces for escorting his supplies safely to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. Excited by the opportunity, you readily accept his offer.

The night before you are set to leave, Gundren invites you to dinner at the Fallen Tower Tavern, one of the city's busiest and, sometimes, rowdiest eating and drinking places. You are treated to quite a feast - viands of local game, tankards of frothy mead, goblets of fine wine - while minstrels wail away at their instruments working the crowd into a dancing frenzy. Gundren briefly greets you on your arrival, however your host spends most of the night at another table with a human warrior, Sildar Hallwinter. Your dinner companions instead are the other adventurers Gundren has hired to assist in bringing his provisions to Phandelin. You have a greatly festive evening, eating and drinking deep while becoming acquainted with your new cohorts:

- Roryn Faulkrunn Horn, dwarven cleric: trained as a soldier on the island of Mintarn, she traveled to Neverwinter as part of a mercenary company that serves as both army and city watch.

- Ksetrat, halfling rogue: a former denizen of Phandelin, he traveled to Neverwinter after a falling out with a local Phandelin guild called The Redbrands.

- Ermandgard, elven wizard: devoted to the ways of Oghma, all-seeing deity of knowledge, she has spent years learning the lore of the multiverse.

- Corlinn Firehill, human fighter: raised of modest means in Waterdeep after his family estate was leveled by a volcano, he feels destined to reclaim the power and influence of his noble origins.

The next morning, you meet at the town gates to depart. Despite hazy heads from the prior night's festivities, the sharp Fall air and promise of a new dawn bring renewed focus.  As you load your gear on the horse-drawn wagon, you learn that Gundren and Sildar set out ahead of you on horseback, Gundren claiming he needed to arrive early to "take care of some important business." You depart Neverwinter with anticipation and head south down the High Road with your new companions...