For a wile now, I've been using the LMoP campaign as a framework for a story that I use as a warm-up and palate cleanser for and from my main work. Figured I'd share some of it here for folks interested in reading fantasy stories in smaller, more digestible bites while still scratching that specific D&D fiction itch. So without further ado, here are the introductory stories of our heroes: Rose (Hexblood Wizard), Sonny (Human Fighter), Verne (Wood Elf Ranger), Peri (Tabaxi Cleric) and Viola (Lightfoot Halfling Rogue). I hope you enjoy!
This journey has proven to be a bit more complicated than I thought it would be. Waterdeep ended up being a bust, and while I'm sure the Eltorchul, Wands and Waymoot Magical Academies are all fine schools, I think I've outgrown the classroom at this point. Not to be one of those mages, but I mastered most of their third-year curriculums before I could walk. Perks of being raised by a witch, I suppose.
On the bright side, in talking to headmaster Krothus of the Waymoot school, we learned of an abjurer who lives in Neverwinter. While I've always had better luck with charms and illusions than wards, it doesn't hurt to stay versatile (and besides, it could be helpful to learn some nondetection magic, in case Brunhilde decides to come looking for me.) It took some convincing to get Sonny to come along, and I suppose I can understand wanting to get back to his family, but who in their right mind would choose some smelly old farm over traveling the world? Thankfully, we got him to see reason, and were soon on our way, but not without some unpleasantness on our way out.
We stopped by the bookstore to check out their selection of grimoires, and Verne caught this grubby little halfling girl stealing books! Verne told the shop keeper that we would “see that she faced justice” but when we got outside, rather than turn the little thief over to the proper authorities, Verne offered her a place in our party! Can you believe that? I had always heard that their long lives gave elves wisdom, but now I'm not so sure. What I do know is, for as long as Viola's around, I'll be keeping a close eye on my spellbook.
As for our other party member, I have no complaints! Peri is an adorable little kitty, and a fascinating creature. I hope to learn more about divine magic through talking with them. Though previous attempts have been a bit…unfocused…I'm determined to keep trying. There's not a spell out there I can't crack!
Anyway, diary, it's getting late and I should probably get some sleep. A good witch needs her rest, after all! While things didn't work out in Waterdeep, I'm excited to see what comes from Neverwinter and beyond. Faerün is such a wonderful place, and I can't wait to see it all!
Sorry it's been a while since I last wrote you. We've been on the open road so dang long this is the first chance I've had to get to a post office. Is everything ok at home? I know the plan was for me to be back in time for Daisy's birthday, but it actually looks like I'll be gone a bit longer. Tell her I said sorry, and be sure to give her the bag of candies I'm sending along with the courier. Things kinda took a turn, so I'm actually writing this from the Lionshield Coster in Neverwinter.
I know we said we'd only be going as far as Waterdeep, and we did go there first- actually made it there in less time than we thought thanks to Mr. Verne's guidance. But when we got to the magic shop Rose talked about, she and the owner got to talking about some big-shot abjurer (whatever the heck that is) in Neverwinter, and she insisted that we go to meet him so she could learn his craft. I wanted to say no, honest, but you and pa taught me never to ignore a friend in need. I couldn't just let her and the others go up north by themselves. You always told me about how dangerous the countryside can be- what if they run into monsters?
Speaking of, there's all kindsa crazy critters out here. Clement and Gil would lose their beans if they saw half of it- giant birds with axes for faces, talking frog men, suits of armor that move without anyone in ‘em? Real spooky stuff. So far no gnolls, thankfully. After my run-in with our ‘cellar guest’ I've had my fill of the nasty things.
Anyway, sorry for taking so long to get back. We linked up with this dwarvish fella the other day, and he hired us to move some supplies down to Phandalin, but I promise, once that's done I'll be right back home to help with planting time. This adventuring business is fun and all, but I won't forget where I belong.
I write this journal in the hopes that I can capture the essence of my adventures so that I can relay them when next we meet. While you may find it strange that one could forget the wonders of a journey such as this, you must understand that after nearly three centuries of life, my perspective on what makes an important detail is slightly skewed. And as I am no natural storyteller, it falls to me in the present to record the goings-on so that I may share them accurately in the future.
You'll be pleased to know that I will not be undergoing this journey alone. Through a series of happenstances, I find myself with four young charges, each with stories of their own.
Rose, a witch traveling the world in search of magical secrets. Her appetite for knowledge is as all-consuming as the brightest flame.
Sonny, a warrior from Goldenfields leaving home for the first time. Ardent and steadfast as the earth he used to farm.
Peri, a tabaxi gifted with divine power. Yet despite the responsibility such a gift entails, they are as carefree as a summer breeze.
Viola, a thief who grew up on the streets of Waterdeep. Hers is a turbulent journey, ever-changing as the tides.
Our travels brought us to the city of Neverwinter, where we met a dwarf by the name of Gundren Rockseeker. Gundren claimed that he and his brothers had discovered an opportunity in Phandalin, and that he wished to set up shop there. He hired our party to transport a wagon of provisions along the High Road to the Triboar Trail, heading southeast. Though he wasn't very forthcoming about what this opportunity was, he assured us it was ‘something big’ and offered us ten gold pieces each for safely transporting his supplies to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. Gundren set out ahead of us on horseback, accompanied by a warrior named Sildar Hallwinter. He claimed that he needed to arrive early to ‘take care of business’ once again refusing to elaborate on what that business was.
After securing the provisions we headed south from Neverwinter along the High Road. In the several days of travel, I got to know more about my young charges. Their names and basic histories, of course, but I find that those only give half the measure of a person. It's in the expressions and subtle behaviors that you truly begin to understand someone- something that I, with my elven senses, am well-equipped to perceive. Like Rose, with her notebook, constantly jotting down or sketching what she sees, ever-curious and delighted by new experiences. Or Sonny's glances across the wagon, ensuring that everyone is still safe, but lingering ever-so-slightly on Rose, with an expression that tragically overlooks Viola, who gazes at him in much the same way. And then of course there's Peri, for whom my sharp eyes and ears are not only useful, but indeed a necessity, as their curiosity has proven to be much less constructive than Rose's (thankfully nothing of value has been destroyed…yet.)
As we make our final push eastward down the Triboar Trail, I end this entry with excitement for what's to come. I eagerly await the moment I am able to share my tale with you, and I pray to Mielikki, mistress of the woods, that your rest is a peaceful one.
The elf told me we'd find treasure on this trip, but so far it's just been long, stupid cart rides and meetings with boring old wizards.
Guess I can't complain too much. Food in my belly and a roof over my head is better than starving in an alley back in Waterdeep. But still, the people I'm traveling with are driving me nuts.
The cat keeps fiddling with things in the cart and breaking them, and the elf does nothing to stop him. When he brought me into this team, I figured he must be in charge, but he doesn't do anything to corral anyone. He just sits there with this far-out look on his face while everything goes to sod around him. If Rockseeker docks our pay for broken goods I'm not giving up my share, that's for sure.
The girl is the worst. Always shooting me these side-eye glances across the cart and clutching her stupid book bag. Why would I want her ratty old books or her bag full of garbage anyway? Besides, what kind of weirdo keeps bundles of charcoal, incense, herbs and flower petals with them on the road? Creepy witch.
Sonny is ok, I guess. He's…nice.
Once we get to Phandalin, we better find some treasure or something, or I might bail on this stupid trip.
- V
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For a wile now, I've been using the LMoP campaign as a framework for a story that I use as a warm-up and palate cleanser for and from my main work. Figured I'd share some of it here for folks interested in reading fantasy stories in smaller, more digestible bites while still scratching that specific D&D fiction itch. So without further ado, here are the introductory stories of our heroes: Rose (Hexblood Wizard), Sonny (Human Fighter), Verne (Wood Elf Ranger), Peri (Tabaxi Cleric) and Viola (Lightfoot Halfling Rogue). I hope you enjoy!
LMoP - Chapter 0: The Road to Phandalin (Rose)
15 Tarsakh 1491 DR
Prepared Spells
Disguise Self
Magic Missile
Shield
Sleep
Component Pouch
1/4lb charcoal
5 sticks incense
1 pkg herbs
15 rose petals
Dear Diary,
This journey has proven to be a bit more complicated than I thought it would be. Waterdeep ended up being a bust, and while I'm sure the Eltorchul, Wands and Waymoot Magical Academies are all fine schools, I think I've outgrown the classroom at this point. Not to be one of those mages, but I mastered most of their third-year curriculums before I could walk. Perks of being raised by a witch, I suppose.
On the bright side, in talking to headmaster Krothus of the Waymoot school, we learned of an abjurer who lives in Neverwinter. While I've always had better luck with charms and illusions than wards, it doesn't hurt to stay versatile (and besides, it could be helpful to learn some nondetection magic, in case Brunhilde decides to come looking for me.) It took some convincing to get Sonny to come along, and I suppose I can understand wanting to get back to his family, but who in their right mind would choose some smelly old farm over traveling the world? Thankfully, we got him to see reason, and were soon on our way, but not without some unpleasantness on our way out.
We stopped by the bookstore to check out their selection of grimoires, and Verne caught this grubby little halfling girl stealing books! Verne told the shop keeper that we would “see that she faced justice” but when we got outside, rather than turn the little thief over to the proper authorities, Verne offered her a place in our party! Can you believe that? I had always heard that their long lives gave elves wisdom, but now I'm not so sure. What I do know is, for as long as Viola's around, I'll be keeping a close eye on my spellbook.
As for our other party member, I have no complaints! Peri is an adorable little kitty, and a fascinating creature. I hope to learn more about divine magic through talking with them. Though previous attempts have been a bit…unfocused…I'm determined to keep trying. There's not a spell out there I can't crack!
Anyway, diary, it's getting late and I should probably get some sleep. A good witch needs her rest, after all! While things didn't work out in Waterdeep, I'm excited to see what comes from Neverwinter and beyond. Faerün is such a wonderful place, and I can't wait to see it all!
Until next time,
Rose
LMoP - Chapter 0: The Road to Phandalin (Sonny)
Hey Ma,
Sorry it's been a while since I last wrote you. We've been on the open road so dang long this is the first chance I've had to get to a post office. Is everything ok at home? I know the plan was for me to be back in time for Daisy's birthday, but it actually looks like I'll be gone a bit longer. Tell her I said sorry, and be sure to give her the bag of candies I'm sending along with the courier. Things kinda took a turn, so I'm actually writing this from the Lionshield Coster in Neverwinter.
I know we said we'd only be going as far as Waterdeep, and we did go there first- actually made it there in less time than we thought thanks to Mr. Verne's guidance. But when we got to the magic shop Rose talked about, she and the owner got to talking about some big-shot abjurer (whatever the heck that is) in Neverwinter, and she insisted that we go to meet him so she could learn his craft. I wanted to say no, honest, but you and pa taught me never to ignore a friend in need. I couldn't just let her and the others go up north by themselves. You always told me about how dangerous the countryside can be- what if they run into monsters?
Speaking of, there's all kindsa crazy critters out here. Clement and Gil would lose their beans if they saw half of it- giant birds with axes for faces, talking frog men, suits of armor that move without anyone in ‘em? Real spooky stuff. So far no gnolls, thankfully. After my run-in with our ‘cellar guest’ I've had my fill of the nasty things.
Anyway, sorry for taking so long to get back. We linked up with this dwarvish fella the other day, and he hired us to move some supplies down to Phandalin, but I promise, once that's done I'll be right back home to help with planting time. This adventuring business is fun and all, but I won't forget where I belong.
Love,
Sonny
LMoP - Chapter 0: The Road to Phandalin (Verne)
My Dearest Anais,
I write this journal in the hopes that I can capture the essence of my adventures so that I can relay them when next we meet. While you may find it strange that one could forget the wonders of a journey such as this, you must understand that after nearly three centuries of life, my perspective on what makes an important detail is slightly skewed. And as I am no natural storyteller, it falls to me in the present to record the goings-on so that I may share them accurately in the future.
You'll be pleased to know that I will not be undergoing this journey alone. Through a series of happenstances, I find myself with four young charges, each with stories of their own.
Rose, a witch traveling the world in search of magical secrets. Her appetite for knowledge is as all-consuming as the brightest flame.
Sonny, a warrior from Goldenfields leaving home for the first time. Ardent and steadfast as the earth he used to farm.
Peri, a tabaxi gifted with divine power. Yet despite the responsibility such a gift entails, they are as carefree as a summer breeze.
Viola, a thief who grew up on the streets of Waterdeep. Hers is a turbulent journey, ever-changing as the tides.
Our travels brought us to the city of Neverwinter, where we met a dwarf by the name of Gundren Rockseeker. Gundren claimed that he and his brothers had discovered an opportunity in Phandalin, and that he wished to set up shop there. He hired our party to transport a wagon of provisions along the High Road to the Triboar Trail, heading southeast. Though he wasn't very forthcoming about what this opportunity was, he assured us it was ‘something big’ and offered us ten gold pieces each for safely transporting his supplies to Barthen's Provisions, a trading post in Phandalin. Gundren set out ahead of us on horseback, accompanied by a warrior named Sildar Hallwinter. He claimed that he needed to arrive early to ‘take care of business’ once again refusing to elaborate on what that business was.
After securing the provisions we headed south from Neverwinter along the High Road. In the several days of travel, I got to know more about my young charges. Their names and basic histories, of course, but I find that those only give half the measure of a person. It's in the expressions and subtle behaviors that you truly begin to understand someone- something that I, with my elven senses, am well-equipped to perceive. Like Rose, with her notebook, constantly jotting down or sketching what she sees, ever-curious and delighted by new experiences. Or Sonny's glances across the wagon, ensuring that everyone is still safe, but lingering ever-so-slightly on Rose, with an expression that tragically overlooks Viola, who gazes at him in much the same way. And then of course there's Peri, for whom my sharp eyes and ears are not only useful, but indeed a necessity, as their curiosity has proven to be much less constructive than Rose's (thankfully nothing of value has been destroyed…yet.)
As we make our final push eastward down the Triboar Trail, I end this entry with excitement for what's to come. I eagerly await the moment I am able to share my tale with you, and I pray to Mielikki, mistress of the woods, that your rest is a peaceful one.
With love everlasting,
Verne
LMoP - Chapter 0: The Road to Phandalin (Peri)
15 Tarsakh
Prayer
“I gratefully thank You, O Morning Lord, for restoring the sun to heavens above.
Abundant is your faithfulness.”
Thanks
Thank you for giving me the chance to spread your teachings.
Thank you for raising the sun each morning to light my path.
Thank you for sending the bird that flew into the cart. It was very tasty.
Blessings
I pray for blessings for my allies, who keep me company on the road.
I pray that the red one can find some new magic spells. She seemed sad when she didn't get any in Waterdeep.
I pray for good health for the yellow one's family. He talks about them a lot.
I pray for guidance for the green one. So he can lead us where we need to go.
And I'll pray for the purple one too, I guess. Even though she's really mean.
Closing
Thank you Lathander, Inspiration’s Dawn, for all you do. For the warmth and light you wash over us. Till the next dawn comes.
Amen.
LMoP - Chapter 0: The Road to Phandalin (Viola)
Currently on the road to Phandalin.
The elf told me we'd find treasure on this trip, but so far it's just been long, stupid cart rides and meetings with boring old wizards.
Guess I can't complain too much. Food in my belly and a roof over my head is better than starving in an alley back in Waterdeep. But still, the people I'm traveling with are driving me nuts.
The cat keeps fiddling with things in the cart and breaking them, and the elf does nothing to stop him. When he brought me into this team, I figured he must be in charge, but he doesn't do anything to corral anyone. He just sits there with this far-out look on his face while everything goes to sod around him. If Rockseeker docks our pay for broken goods I'm not giving up my share, that's for sure.
The girl is the worst. Always shooting me these side-eye glances across the cart and clutching her stupid book bag. Why would I want her ratty old books or her bag full of garbage anyway? Besides, what kind of weirdo keeps bundles of charcoal, incense, herbs and flower petals with them on the road? Creepy witch.
Sonny is ok, I guess. He's…nice.
Once we get to Phandalin, we better find some treasure or something, or I might bail on this stupid trip.
- V