Characters start at level 3. The adventure begins in the mining town of Phandalin in Sword Coast North. Rumors of new threats circulate the area, drawing your heroes to the town in order to learn more.
Phandalin was a mainly human village located northeast of Leilon, where the road that ran from the High Road to Triboar faded into a trail. It was raided by orcs in 951 DR and subsequently abandoned. It was eventually resettled, however, and Phandalin became a frontier settlement of farmers and prospectors looking for wealth in the Sword Mountains in the late 15 century DR.
Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past.
Phandalin’s residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.
Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share. The Stonehill inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster’s hall, is a job board for adventurers.
Besides these two landmarks, other notable establishments include:
Barthen’s Provisions (general store)
Lionshield Coster (trading post)
Phandalin Miner’s Exchange
Shrine of Luck
After arriving at Phandalin and getting a lay of the land, the adventurers eventually make it to the front of the townmaster’s hall. It would be obvious to anyone that these characters are not locals.
An older man in chainmail can be seen wearing a shield near the job board. If one looks closely, they would notice that the chain mail and cloth on his left arm seem to droop where one’s hand should be. He has a large, above average build, which would seem enormous if not immediately contrasted by the figure opposite of him.
Standing in the grass across the road is a muscular goliath, towering at almost eight feet tall. He seems to be in a stoic state, but one can sense a ferocity behind his disciplined stance.
Walking along the road to the hall is a high elf with flowing black hair. Her stride gives off an aura of elegance, which is matched by her attire. That dignified posture is strangely contrasted with a hint of something darker. Nearby, one can hear the squawk of a raven.
Finally, in the distance, a group of four humanoids can be seen conversing. They split up after a short while, and two of them walk closer to the hall to reveal that they have the faces of lions.
These adventurers glance at each other for a moment, not sure what to expect next.
Pulling back his chainmail hood, a wild silver mane ruffles out from the head of his hulking figure. Black fang shaped marks blacken his eyes and spill down his face from there. Leovold begins to address the gathered people as he makes his way to inspect the job board. His voice is deep and rumbling. Imagine Mufasa.
"Seems a diverse sort come to help in places like this."
He arrives at the board and begins looking through the items. "
Good thing too, seems they have need of much help here." He laughs as he says this turning to his right hand man Korvis and then the rest of those gathered. "Maybe we can work together to resolve some of the problems here."
He reaches forward and shakes the hand of the one-armed man and joins him facing the rest of those gathered.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Sir Leovold von Katlan and this village as of my appointment is under my care, though the mayor has not yet learned as much." Here Korvis my right hand moves over and prods the one-handed man to bow.
"That isn't necessary Korvis. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The one armed man returns the handshake. He shakes his head with golden curly locks flailing about as he enthusiastically addresses Sir Leovold von Katlan.
"Nice to meet you, Sir Leovold von Katlan! The name is Dusty Flodes baby and I'm sure you and I will get a long just fine... just fine!"
Dusty holds up his nub.
"You see I'm looking for warriors! I can't swing two blades at once but I can heal and protect the warriors that can! This board here has gold written all over it but I need help to get the job done! Baby let me tell you once Dusty Flodes lays hands on your wounds you won't feel a thing!"
Dusty looks around to see if any passerbys are looking at his nub. Perception: 18
Breaking his conversation with Leovold to scan the area, Dusty indeed notices a pair of teens across the road observing the situation. One pimply-faced boy can't seem to keep his eyes off of the dark haired woman arriving at the scene. The other younger-looking boy's eyes shift from the giant goliath to the conversation between the Leonin and human. While subtle, Dusty can track the boy's line of sight move from the handshake upwards when he raises his nub. He is clearly staring it with a blank yet intense gaze.
Dusty looks over and catches the Goliath eyeballin him.
”What in the blood and !” Dusty proclaims.
Dusty looks down at the kids.
”Get outta my sight you perverts! Looking at my nub by Tempus!”
Dusty marches over to the Goliath.
”Blood and ashes your a big one! I didn’t know they stacked crap that high! You’re standing over here near the warrior board! Do you consider yourself a warrior big man?! You must be brave eyeballin my nub like it’s a turkey leg for your next meal!”
The boy's pimply-faced companion immediately starts to run away after the hulking man appears before them. His eyes are even wider than they were just moments ago, running the fastest he ever has in his life.
The younger boy's head reals back in fear, eyes closed tightly. *eep* he mutters, too traumatized to speak. He is frozen in place as Dusty then confronts the goliath.
Hearing the commotion from across the street, Nimue quickly approaches the nubbed mad screaming loudly in the street. On her left shoulder there sits a shadowed raven that centers his head on ever step, slowly scanning the surroundings. She looks at him accosting teenagers across the street and lets out a chuckle before saying "Oh my and I thought I had a temper. Are you always this embarrassed of your..." she has a brief pause and clears her throat "...situation??"
She flips her hair away from the raven on her left shoulder, but as it hits something on her right shoulder on its path. Slowly a second raven emerges from invisibility and slowly grooms as the commotion continues.
Dusty turns to the bird lady and holds his nub up.
"You think Dusty is embarrassed of his nub?! Dusty just thinks people should be minding their own blam business and not worry about his arm!"
Dusty looks at the birds.
"You must be in the wrong area. This board here is for warriors not birdkeepers. You can probably find birdfood at the general store. Begone now with your hilarity."
Nimue laughs and turns to her left and says "Well Numquam, it seems this one has a sense of humor." As she continues to laugh she turns to her right shoulder and says "I know... I know Magis.. Despite my eccentric appearance, I am an adventurer and I have duties to fulfill. If you don't have any business with this board than would please step aside? Some of us have things to do that don't involve embarrassing ourselves in public."
Still frozen in place, tears start to flow from the boy's eyes. "I....I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean any harm by it. I just th-th-thought that you all were here t-t-t-to help with....the orcs....or....the dragon...." he says, head leaning towards the ground.
"You feel that pain in your chest. That feeling like something is stuck in your throat. The hot tears running down your face like the streams of the warmest river on a sunny day. That's weakness leaving your body. You are becoming stronger. You can thank Dusty for that."
Dusty pulls his mace out and shows the boy.
"You see this mace. This mace will be placed upon the noggins of these orcs and this Dragon. You just tell Dusty where to find them and what's going on."
The boy sniffles for a bit, before finally looking up to Dusty. Something tells him that this man is different from his father and the other men in this small town.
“Some folk claim to have seen a dragon flying through the high clouds. At that distance, it’s hard to gauge the creature’s size, but some say it’s as big as an elephant and has gleaming white scales.” he is finally able to say.
"Other things have been happening around too...I...I don't step out of the town too much...some of the older folk would know more about the orcs if you ask... Please. Please help us. Less people have been showing up recently...even less than before. Mom says if there's no money, we can't eat."
As Dusty gathers this information, Leovold looks at the job board postings in detail. These are all written in Common and in the same hand.
1. "The local midwife - an acolyte of Chauntea named Adabra Gwynn - lives by herself in a stone windmill on the side of a hill a few miles south of Phandalin. With dragon sightings becoming more common, it's not safe for her to be alone. Urge Adabra to return to Phandalin. Once she's safe, visit Townmaster Harbin Wester to claim a reward of 25 gp."
2. "Dwarf prospectors found ancient dwarven ruins in the mountains southwest of here, and have been working an archaeological dig seeking treasure and relics. They need to be warned that a white dragon has moved into the area. Take the warning to them, then return to Townmaster Harbin Wester to collect a reward of 50 gp."
"Ah yes. I am sure this mace is a trusty as a navigator's compass. Hopefully nobody lets you lead in direction your previous parties..." Nimue says with a slight grin.
Nimue reads the board and turns to Numquam on her left shoulder and says "Well I think I know what she would want too." She then turns her head back front and says "I am off to save the dumb dwarves who can't seem to pull the heads out of their own caves..."
Nimue begins to walk away before she turns to her right shoulder and lets out a very loud and audible sigh "Fine... Fine! Magis I know we should stop doing this alone." She then turns around with a twirl of her silken robe and says "Well? Would any of you lot like to join me?"
Dusty reaches in his pocket and gives 1 gold piece to each of the boys.
”This should feed you a few meals. Let Dusty know if you hear of anything else. You hear? Now get a long and don’t let no strangers see you with that gold.”
Dusty turns toward the other three proclaimed adventurers.
”Looks like there is some easy money to be made here. You all seem to be looking for work. I feel we’re better off working together than competing. Plus I’ve worked with rangers before but I’ve never seen a ranger that uses ravens. I’m excited to see them in battle.”
Dusty points to the notices.
”The dwarven prospectors just have to be warned while the acolyte needs to be brought back. If y’all want to come and experience some of Dustys healing if things get rough then I say we visit the dwarfs first then head to the acolyte.”
Characters start at level 3. The adventure begins in the mining town of Phandalin in Sword Coast North. Rumors of new threats circulate the area, drawing your heroes to the town in order to learn more.
Phandalin was a mainly human village located northeast of Leilon, where the road that ran from the High Road to Triboar faded into a trail. It was raided by orcs in 951 DR and subsequently abandoned. It was eventually resettled, however, and Phandalin became a frontier settlement of farmers and prospectors looking for wealth in the Sword Mountains in the late 15 century DR.
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Sword_Coast_North
Nestled in the rocky foothills of the snow-capped Sword Mountains is the mining town of Phandalin, which consists of forty or fifty simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries past.
Phandalin’s residents are quiet, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to eke out a life amid the harsh wilderness. They are farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, and children. The town has no walls and no garrison, but most of the adults keep weapons within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise.
Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share. The Stonehill inn at the center of town offers modest lodging and meals. A couple of doors down from the inn, posted outside the townmaster’s hall, is a job board for adventurers.
Besides these two landmarks, other notable establishments include:
Barthen’s Provisions (general store)
Lionshield Coster (trading post)
Phandalin Miner’s Exchange
Shrine of Luck
After arriving at Phandalin and getting a lay of the land, the adventurers eventually make it to the front of the townmaster’s hall. It would be obvious to anyone that these characters are not locals.
An older man in chainmail can be seen wearing a shield near the job board. If one looks closely, they would notice that the chain mail and cloth on his left arm seem to droop where one’s hand should be. He has a large, above average build, which would seem enormous if not immediately contrasted by the figure opposite of him.
Standing in the grass across the road is a muscular goliath, towering at almost eight feet tall. He seems to be in a stoic state, but one can sense a ferocity behind his disciplined stance.
Walking along the road to the hall is a high elf with flowing black hair. Her stride gives off an aura of elegance, which is matched by her attire. That dignified posture is strangely contrasted with a hint of something darker. Nearby, one can hear the squawk of a raven.
Finally, in the distance, a group of four humanoids can be seen conversing. They split up after a short while, and two of them walk closer to the hall to reveal that they have the faces of lions.
These adventurers glance at each other for a moment, not sure what to expect next.
Pulling back his chainmail hood, a wild silver mane ruffles out from the head of his hulking figure. Black fang shaped marks blacken his eyes and spill down his face from there. Leovold begins to address the gathered people as he makes his way to inspect the job board. His voice is deep and rumbling. Imagine Mufasa.
"Seems a diverse sort come to help in places like this."
He arrives at the board and begins looking through the items. "
Good thing too, seems they have need of much help here." He laughs as he says this turning to his right hand man Korvis and then the rest of those gathered. "Maybe we can work together to resolve some of the problems here."
He reaches forward and shakes the hand of the one-armed man and joins him facing the rest of those gathered.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Sir Leovold von Katlan and this village as of my appointment is under my care, though the mayor has not yet learned as much." Here Korvis my right hand moves over and prods the one-handed man to bow.
"That isn't necessary Korvis. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"
The one armed man returns the handshake. He shakes his head with golden curly locks flailing about as he enthusiastically addresses Sir Leovold von Katlan.
"Nice to meet you, Sir Leovold von Katlan! The name is Dusty Flodes baby and I'm sure you and I will get a long just fine... just fine!"
Dusty holds up his nub.
"You see I'm looking for warriors! I can't swing two blades at once but I can heal and protect the warriors that can! This board here has gold written all over it but I need help to get the job done! Baby let me tell you once Dusty Flodes lays hands on your wounds you won't feel a thing!"
Dusty looks around to see if any passerbys are looking at his nub. Perception: 18
Breaking his conversation with Leovold to scan the area, Dusty indeed notices a pair of teens across the road observing the situation. One pimply-faced boy can't seem to keep his eyes off of the dark haired woman arriving at the scene. The other younger-looking boy's eyes shift from the giant goliath to the conversation between the Leonin and human. While subtle, Dusty can track the boy's line of sight move from the handshake upwards when he raises his nub. He is clearly staring it with a blank yet intense gaze.
Dusty makes a beeline for the boy staring at this nub.
”YOU EYEBALLIN’ DUSTY’S NUB?!”
Dusty leans his head back shouting into the air.
”Because when a man gets to eyeballin’ me I get nervous!”
Dusty leans down to the boy.
“And when Dusty gets nervous Dusty gets the urge to kill...”
Intimidation: 9
amused by the old man and his ramblings, the hulking goliath breaks his focus and begins “eyeballing” dusty and his absent limb...
Perception: 23
Dusty looks over and catches the Goliath eyeballin him.
”What in the blood and !” Dusty proclaims.
Dusty looks down at the kids.
”Get outta my sight you perverts! Looking at my nub by Tempus!”
Dusty marches over to the Goliath.
”Blood and ashes your a big one! I didn’t know they stacked crap that high! You’re standing over here near the warrior board! Do you consider yourself a warrior big man?! You must be brave eyeballin my nub like it’s a turkey leg for your next meal!”
The boy's pimply-faced companion immediately starts to run away after the hulking man appears before them. His eyes are even wider than they were just moments ago, running the fastest he ever has in his life.
The younger boy's head reals back in fear, eyes closed tightly.
*eep* he mutters, too traumatized to speak.
He is frozen in place as Dusty then confronts the goliath.
Hearing the commotion from across the street, Nimue quickly approaches the nubbed mad screaming loudly in the street. On her left shoulder there sits a shadowed raven that centers his head on ever step, slowly scanning the surroundings. She looks at him accosting teenagers across the street and lets out a chuckle before saying "Oh my and I thought I had a temper. Are you always this embarrassed of your..." she has a brief pause and clears her throat "...situation??"
She flips her hair away from the raven on her left shoulder, but as it hits something on her right shoulder on its path. Slowly a second raven emerges from invisibility and slowly grooms as the commotion continues.
Dusty turns to the bird lady and holds his nub up.
"You think Dusty is embarrassed of his nub?! Dusty just thinks people should be minding their own blam business and not worry about his arm!"
Dusty looks at the birds.
"You must be in the wrong area. This board here is for warriors not birdkeepers. You can probably find birdfood at the general store. Begone now with your hilarity."
Dusty turns back to the Goliath.
Nimue laughs and turns to her left and says "Well Numquam, it seems this one has a sense of humor." As she continues to laugh she turns to her right shoulder and says "I know... I know Magis.. Despite my eccentric appearance, I am an adventurer and I have duties to fulfill. If you don't have any business with this board than would please step aside? Some of us have things to do that don't involve embarrassing ourselves in public."
the goliath tilts his neck to one side, cracking it loudly.
”old man talks big game. in my village, old men walk into cold and never return. tribe better off this way.”
the golith bends down eye level with dusty
”you always enlist others to fight your fights?
he looks to the others
”do all old men burden their young?”
Dusty puts his hand up asking the Goliath to stop and points at Nimue and leans into the Barbarian.
"Is this one talking to her... Birds? Best keep an eye on her instead of my nub there big one."
Dusty takes a step back looking scared of Nimue.
Dusty looks over at the crying child.
"BEGONE CRYING CHILD! DO NOT LOOK AT MY NUB AGAIN!"
Still frozen in place, tears start to flow from the boy's eyes. "I....I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean any harm by it. I just th-th-thought that you all were here t-t-t-to help with....the orcs....or....the dragon...." he says, head leaning towards the ground.
Dusty squats down to the child.
"Calm now child! Quickly!"
Dusty puts his finger lightly in the boys chest.
"You feel that pain in your chest. That feeling like something is stuck in your throat. The hot tears running down your face like the streams of the warmest river on a sunny day. That's weakness leaving your body. You are becoming stronger. You can thank Dusty for that."
Dusty pulls his mace out and shows the boy.
"You see this mace. This mace will be placed upon the noggins of these orcs and this Dragon. You just tell Dusty where to find them and what's going on."
The boy sniffles for a bit, before finally looking up to Dusty. Something tells him that this man is different from his father and the other men in this small town.
“Some folk claim to have seen a dragon flying through the high clouds. At that distance, it’s hard to gauge the creature’s size, but some say it’s as big as an elephant and has gleaming white scales.” he is finally able to say.
"Other things have been happening around too...I...I don't step out of the town too much...some of the older folk would know more about the orcs if you ask...
Please. Please help us. Less people have been showing up recently...even less than before. Mom says if there's no money, we can't eat."
As Dusty gathers this information, Leovold looks at the job board postings in detail. These are all written in Common and in the same hand.
1. "The local midwife - an acolyte of Chauntea named Adabra Gwynn - lives by herself in a stone windmill on the side of a hill a few miles south of Phandalin. With dragon sightings becoming more common, it's not safe for her to be alone. Urge Adabra to return to Phandalin. Once she's safe, visit Townmaster Harbin Wester to claim a reward of 25 gp."
2. "Dwarf prospectors found ancient dwarven ruins in the mountains southwest of here, and have been working an archaeological dig seeking treasure and relics. They need to be warned that a white dragon has moved into the area. Take the warning to them, then return to Townmaster Harbin Wester to collect a reward of 50 gp."
"Ah yes. I am sure this mace is a trusty as a navigator's compass. Hopefully nobody lets you lead in direction your previous parties..." Nimue says with a slight grin.
Nimue reads the board and turns to Numquam on her left shoulder and says "Well I think I know what she would want too." She then turns her head back front and says "I am off to save the dumb dwarves who can't seem to pull the heads out of their own caves..."
Nimue begins to walk away before she turns to her right shoulder and lets out a very loud and audible sigh "Fine... Fine! Magis I know we should stop doing this alone." She then turns around with a twirl of her silken robe and says "Well? Would any of you lot like to join me?"
Dusty reaches in his pocket and gives 1 gold piece to each of the boys.
”This should feed you a few meals. Let Dusty know if you hear of anything else. You hear? Now get a long and don’t let no strangers see you with that gold.”
Dusty turns toward the other three proclaimed adventurers.
”Looks like there is some easy money to be made here. You all seem to be looking for work. I feel we’re better off working together than competing. Plus I’ve worked with rangers before but I’ve never seen a ranger that uses ravens. I’m excited to see them in battle.”
Dusty points to the notices.
”The dwarven prospectors just have to be warned while the acolyte needs to be brought back. If y’all want to come and experience some of Dustys healing if things get rough then I say we visit the dwarfs first then head to the acolyte.”
Dusty secures his shield on his nub.
”Welp. I’m going with the ranger.”
Dusty joins Nimue.