Varus' Journal: Entry #9, Welcome to Neverwinter (or This Sure Beats the Abyss!)

Varus slowly opened his eyes. Reality was no longer spinning out of control. It seemed the crazy ride triggered by collapsing Tiamat’s gate was over. I thought I saw…different planes of existence? The Abyss, elemental planes, other strange places? He was sore and nauseous, but seemed to be in one piece. Well, at least I’m not in the Abyss. Grateful for that. He looked around and saw that he was in a lightly wooded clearing. It seemed to be morning; the sun was climbing above the trees and there was still dew on the grass. He could hear birds singing in the meadow. Bees buzzed around to the flowers. If this is no illusion, then we have ended up in a place much like our home. Were we transported to another place in our own world, or is this a new world completely?

His companions stirred nearby. We assembled and compared notes and found we had all seen much the same thing. It was unreal. Most of the places had seemed horrible or at least uninhabitable by humanoid standards, yet this place seemed much like the world of Norrington. Valentia turned up as well! She had followed Unagi into the temple and had just reached the summoning room when the gate was disrupted. But Basel soon confirmed that we were in a very different place.

“Noooo! What madness is this? I no longer feel the presence of Rao! Where is he?” He looked around in despair. The god to whom he had pledged his Oath of Devotion was not there for him. As a paladin, his Oath was central to his way of life and a source of his power. Unagi realized that he could no longer feel the presence of St. Cuthbert. We were in a place so different that their gods seemed to be absent. For Basel, Unagi, and Valentia, that was no small matter. They were divine casters, in that they received their spells each day from their deity. Without their deity, no spells would be forthcoming. Casters like Tomeck and Varus were arcane casters, who manipulated magical forces with their spells.

Welcome to Neverwinter

There was a dirt road running right through this meadow; one direction led toward deeper woods, the other towards open fields. We saw a sign beside the road. It was a blue shield with 3 white symbols that looked like snowflakes. Welcome to Neverwinter. None of us had heard of such a place. We set off downhill towards the city. Emerging from the last of the woods into plains and fields, we could see the city beyond, situated on the coast of a large body of water. Neverwinter was much larger than Norrington. It was larger than any city that we had ever seen. Varus had performed in quite a few towns and small cities, but nothing like this. This was a large walled city with fortified gates. Tall spires and turrets rose high above the walls, magnificent structures. As we drew nearer, it became apparent that this city had seen difficult times. Some of the buildings appeared to be damaged or in ruins.

We came to the northeast gate and spoke with the guards. They directed us to a merchant who sold maps of the city. We told him we had traveled very far to get here, and were curious about the city’s situation. He told us that this land was called Faerûn, and the current year was 1463 by Dale Reckoning, or DR. The city been badly damaged when Mount Hotenow erupted about 12 years ago, in 1451 DR. It killed the royal family, created a huge Chasm in the southeast district, and brought down many buildings. Of the three mighty bridges that spanned the Neverwinter River in the city, the Dolphin and the Sleeping Dragon bridges had been ruined, leaving only the Winged Wyvern bridge. The city had still not recovered from the catastrophic event, which was quite evident as we walked around. Just last year, Lord Neverember, Open Lord of Waterdeep (an even larger city to the south), claimed to be a descendant of Neverwinter’s former rulers and thus the rightful “Lord Protector” of the city. Not everyone agreed with that claim. The merchant, however, noted that Neverember seemed to be investing a great deal of his own personal fortune to rebuild the city's infrastructure, buy the interest of merchants to send their caravans again to Luskan, and even ensure refugees had enough food and gold in hand.

On that first day, and for the three months following, we walked the city and explored the different districts. We discovered much about Neverwinter in that time. The map showed that the city was laid out in a large oval that resembled a giant eye looking west. The Neverwinter River flowed through the middle of the city, descending from the Neverwinter Wood and the Upland Rise to the east, entering on the eastern side, then flowing out the western side into the harbor.

We had entered at the Northeast Gate. This area was known as the River District, or Tower District. It was easy to see why. There were multiple towers of differing styles in this area including the Cloak Tower, the Fallen Tower, and the floating Shard of Night. There were many sturdy homes in this area; few of them were ostentatious or fancy. Most of the buildings were in ruins; the eruption had destroyed much of the district. Many of the citizens here were xenophobic and hostile to Lord Neverember’s claim. In the chaos of the aftermath, a large band of orcs came in 1461 DR and claimed the district as their own. Lord Neverember had little control here.

 

The southeastern portion of the city was even more chaotic. Before the cataclysm, this district had contained the Arcanist’s Quarter and the Beggar’s Nest. When Mount Hotenow had erupted, The Chasm had opened and swallowed those areas. Because of that, the surrounding areas were in utter ruins, a maze of destroyed buildings and clogged streets. The Chasm was very deep, and some believed it went down to the Underdark. The land within the Chasm was warped and twisted; storms of elemental energy and other strange phenomena could surge up from the depths without warning at any moment. As a result, most of the buildings around The Chasm had been converted into defensive positions. The citizens here never knew when some horrible creature might emerge and attack.

The Wall was created soon after The Chasm appeared. It stretched from the Neverdeath graveyard to the House of Knowledge and the Neverwinter River. Much of the Wall was made up of former manors, towers, and even one of the Guard Barracks of old. It was big enough to even soar over the other buildings of the city. Ten outposts were constantly manned, and there were regular patrols. We slipped the guards a few coppers to stand on The Wall and look out across the ruined district and the foreboding Chasm. It was a daunting sight. Little islands of land could be seen floating in the Chasm, and it glowed with an eerie light.

In the middle of the southern part of the city was the Neverdeath Graveyard. It was very expansive, and had been built as the main burial ground for the city. After the catastrophe, the graveyard fell into disrepair. Graverobbers and necromancers often visited for…raw materials. Many preferred not to bury their family members here, as they might not stay undisturbed too long. Most now cremated the dead rather than bury them in Neverdeath.

To the west of the city graveyard was the Protector's Enclave, occupying the southwest portion of the city. The City Core, the Peninsula District, and the Merchant Quarter had once been here. When Mount Hotenow erupted, this part of the city was left mostly untouched by the pyroclastic flow. That made it a primary focus for Lord Neverember when he began his efforts to rebuild Neverwinter, and he combined the three areas. Soon after, survivors of the cataclysm and new immigrants began to quickly repopulate the district. As the seat of power of Neverember, the district was soon renamed the "Protector's Enclave" by the people.

The northwestern portion of the city was known as the Bluelake District, due to the eponymous lake in its center. Before the Cataclysm, many of the nobility and rich merchants lived here. Many of the buildings in this area were undamaged by the explosion due to the fact they were soundly built, and often protected by magic. The inhabitants of this district strongly opposed Lord November and his rule, considering him a usurper.

As it was getting dark in the Bluelake district, we found ourselves down by the docks. Walking along the shore, we came upon a most curious tavern. It was a large three-decked ship that had run aground. The banner read The Beached Leviathan. Very tired and very hungry by this point, we headed in for a meal and hopefully some rooms.

We soon met Harrag, the owner, “Captain”, and head bartender. He addressed the staff as crewmembers, calling them mates, and addressed some of the patrons as crewmembers as well. Varus soon struck up a conversation with him and they talked for some time. Harrag took a liking to our group and made sure we had good food and drink. He also had rooms available for rent.

Varus soon discovered that Harrag had been a pirate captain with one of the finest ships, and he was feared all along the Sword Coast. Before the Docks of Neverwinter had been rebuilt, the large pirate ship had run aground and punctured its hull during a tremendous storm. Thanks to the patronage of Lord Neverember, Harrag was able to refurbish it and turn it into a tavern that soon became popular due to its novelty.

The three decks became the three levels of the tavern. The Hold contained the kitchen and the bar area. The Quarters served as the inn area, with nine small rooms, two larger suites, and a mid-sized room. The larger rooms contained stoves for tenants who wished to prepare their own meals. On the starboard side of the ship, a platform called "the Stardeck" provided an exterior seating area.

The Deck had a seating zone in its central area. For a hefty price, patrons could rent one of the pair of private parlors located here. The aft had storage rooms, atop of which were located Harrag's personal quarters.

We rented one of the larger suites and a couple of smaller rooms in the Quarters. Varus got a regular gig performing with the house band and was soon establishing a reputation as singer and storyteller. He spent much of his time building up a network of friends, acquaintances, and reliable sources.

The first order of business was to ensure we were financially comfortable while we adjusted to our new surroundings. Varus retained the five green magical gems that we had collected while trying to prevent Tiamat’s summoning. The stones were no longer magical in this world, but they were still high-quality gemstones. Tyala estimated they were worth 4K gp each, or 20K gp for the set! After making friends with one of the city’s finest jewelers, and some slick bargaining, Varus was able to get a price of 31K gp for the set. We also split up any wealth in the bag of holding. Everyone received an equal share of 6K gp. Varus used part of his to buy a wand of Identify to speed up identifying magic items (650 gp), and 3 mage armor scrolls (250 gp/each) to enchant armor and make a ring of protection.

During our first three months in this new world, the companions came and went, exploring this new city and the surrounding countryside, with the Beached Leviathan as a base of operations. Varus often lost track of the others as they pursued their interests in this new world. Tomeck and Varus crafted magic items in the room aboard the Leviathan. They focused on defensive items; Varus enchanted his and the rogue’s studded leather armor and created a ring of protection. He also started collecting books and building a library.

During this time, we learned of several interesting possibilities to investigate. Varus heard most of the rumors that were going around. After three months, he was ready for some excitement. There was a rumor that an emissary from the Drow house of Drav was going to attempt a coup. There were graverobbers in the Grave of Neverwinter, the public city cemetery. And Lord Dagult Neverember, the Lord Protector, was looking for adventurers to check out the crater of Hotenow. The Neverwinter River had been running colder, and he wanted to know why.

One evening, when we were all finally together and dining in the bar, Tyala revealed that she had received a letter, which she read to us:

To the ownership of this deed shall have bestowed to them the following:

1. The land parcel of what is assumed 1 square mile
2. The right to the keep and its contents
3. The title of Baron or Baroness and its privileges
4. The responsibilities of upkeep, maintenance, and repair

You are to report to the Duke of Icewind Dale in Luskan for the official assignment.

Luscious,
Major domo of Lord Rothgar II

“So, what have you been up to during this time, Tyala?” Varus grinned. “Looks like you’ve been working harder than any of us!”

“I really do not remember what happened or why someone would be sending me such a letter!”

The companions burst into laughter at that, and the ribbing started in earnest and continued for the rest of the evening.

“Whatever it was, it must have been good!”, “Whatever you say, Baroness!”, “What happens in Luskan stays in Luskan!”

The rest of the evening descended into a drunken tribute to our new member of the royalty.

Once everyone had sobered up, our next order of business was to request an audience with Lord Neverember. We were interested in finding out about his mission to Mount Hotenow, and we also wanted to buy some property and start our own business in the city. After a hearty breakfast, we headed off to the castle.

We arrived and joined the line for audience. We were given a number, which was over 3000. We’ll be in line for weeks at this rate, thought Varus, this is ridiculous. He whispered to Tyala, and they went to work and had a talk with the guards, which included a 100 gp donation to the Old Guard’s fund.

We were quickly ushered through a special door that bypassed most of the line. We were shown to the fifth place in line. In front of us was a noble or knight, who has an entourage. They complained incessantly about everything, including the fact that we were behind them in line. Everyone in the line was relieved when they entered the throne room. Everyone in line was amused when they stormed out a few minutes later, cursing and complaining loudly about Lord Neverember and the current city administrators.

We were shown into the throne room. Lord Neverember sat on the throne; he was flanked by a man draped in bearskin cloaks and covered in blue tattoos. A wild man of Luskan. As we approached we overheard them discussing big game hunting.

“Sure, you’ve had your share,” Lord Neverember commented before turning to us.

Varus stepped forward to address him.

“Lord Neverember, this is Baron Tyala, and these are her companions!”

Lord Neverember laughed for some time, and Varus looked uncomfortable.

“You call her baron? Are you a fool?”

Varus was shaken.

“Wha…? No, wait…I called her baroness! Oh…”, but the expression on the other’s faces made it clear that he had misspoke. He bowed to the Lord. “Of course, Baroness, my apologies”. Varus blushed at his ridiculous error, and decided not to press his luck with further commentary. He was also disappointed at his lack of judgement; there had been no need to bring up Tyala’s title, which was only a piece of paper at this point. He decided silence was the better part of valor.

Fortunately, Unagi spoke up and quickly engaged Lord Neverember, who seemed amused with the monk. When Unagi informed him that we were here to answer his call for adventurers to investigate Mount Hotenow, he seemed impressed.

“Very well. The Neverwinter River has been freezing in spots lately. I fear the fire elementals have departed from Mount Hotenow and no longer heat the waters. Without that heat, we cannot maintain our gardens, and the harbor will freeze, stopping trade with the South. We need to find out what is going on. But the area around the mountain is wild and hostile. Investigate and report to me, and I will reward you.”

Lord Neverember was very vague on what those rewards would be, precisely. During our discourse, we brought up our interest in purchasing land in the city and setting up a business to help with the rebuilding of Neverwinter. We wanted to stay and build a future here. That obviously struck a note with him, and his tone softened.

“Well, in that case. Upon completion of your task, you will have this parcel of land in the city, and it will be tax-free for the first year.”

Varus ran the numbers in his head based on what he had learned through his network. The property was probably worth 10,000 gp in the current market, and the first-year taxes would be at least 500 gp. Not a bad deal, especially if Neverwinter was rebuilding. Dagult refused to offer anything further, but seemed open to additional compensation upon completion of the mission. After a brief discussion, we accepted the terms of the deal, thanked his lordship, and made our exit.

Cue fabulous shopping montage with dance music. Various shots of Basel, Flidais, Tomeck, Tyala, Unagi, Valentia, and Varus at the marketplaces of Neverwinter and dropping some serious cheddar for our road trip. A carriage (100 gp), 4 gorgeous draft horses (200 gp), and a full set of supplies; 200’ of rope, a 10’ pole, bullseye lanterns, flasks of oil, healer’s kits, antitoxin, plenty of rations, and plenty of feed for the horses strapped to the top of the carriage. We informed Harrag that we would be gone for a while and asked him to keep an eye on our rooms, and let him know they were locked and trapped.

We headed north out of out of town, towards the volcano…but also towards Luskan. Tyala thought that we should head to Luskan first to check out her claim, and investigate the volcano on the way back. Everyone quickly agreed; most of us were quite curious about the mystery letter and wanted to check it out as soon as possible. Tomeck did a great job of driving and we made excellent time as we headed out on the northern coast road.

After several hours of riding, we saw several figures ahead. As we neared, we could see three men standing beside a man lying on the ground.

Tomeck called out, “Hey there!”

As we pulled up, we could see that the man on the ground had a knife in his stomach! The other men were looking confused as to how this could have possibly happened. Varus smelled a trap; the men were staging a scene to waylay us. He pulled out his bodhran and sang a song of sleep…and the men went down.

Unagi and Tyala jumped out of the carriage and went to tie up the men. As they neared, the men started transforming right before our eyes, changing shape into large rats! Unagi knew they were wererats, vile creatures who would love to infect us with their disease. Webs shot out from Tomeck’s hand, hitting two of them. Varus blasted the mind of one of theme with Dissonant Whispers. One wererat broke out of its web and charged the bard. He missed with the thrust of his short sword, but bit Varus. Valentia cast, and a beam of moonlight shone down on one of them. It writhed in pain, and then transformed back into a human! One fled while firing its crossbow at Unagi, but he amazingly redirected the bolt towards the shooter! Varus had not realized that the monk could do that!

One wererat attacked Tyala, hitting with its short sword and biting her. Tyala missed her attack and withdrew. Tomeck fired at the wererat, and Varus pulled his rapier and stabbed him. The wererat tried to hit Varus, but then the moonbeam hit him and burned. He melted from skin to bone.

Valentia moved her moonbeam to another wererat; it burned him, and he reverted human shape. She tried to thorn whip it, but she hit the monk instead, just as a wererat hit him. Unagi had enough of that, and wheeled on the wererat, pounding him with the quarterstaff and a flurry of blows. The wererat went down. Tyala missed with an arrow, but Tomeck blasted the one in webs with a firebolt, then twinned the spell and blasted it out of existence.

Varus hit the last one with Dissonant Whispers as Valentia moved the moonbeam over it and whipped it as well. The wererat fled, running right past the monk, who pounded him. Then it stopped, pulled out a wand, and said a word. A fireball streaked out of the wand and exploded in the middle of the group. The druid went down. 

“Little druid buddy!” cried Unagi.

Enraged, Unagi ran up and finished off the last wererat. We healed Valentia. The horses spooked with the fireball, but Tomeck controlled them. We searched the bodies and found a key on one of them, along with 2 pp and 9 gp. Searching the clearing revealed a small chest in one of the trees. It contained 14 pp, 14 gp, 37 sp, and 2 gems worth 10 gp each. Varus claimed the wand of fireballs, and was grateful to add some damage-dealing magic to his spells.

A few hours later, we came upon two fearsome beasts that were larger than horses. They were grey, with eight legs and spikes on their backs. Their eyes glowed with a strange blue light. It looked like they were eating a statue. Varus tried to get off a shot, but fumbled with his bow. Tomeck blasted one with firebolts, and Varus did manage to hit that one with an arrow.

Unagi charged out of the carriage and closed on the creatures. The first creature tried to attack Unagi, but he easily sidestepped, and the creature tripped badly and went down. The other one charged us. Valentia cast, and another beam of moon shown down and hurt it. It met her gaze. She felt like she was becoming restrained, and it became hard to move. Tomeck blasted it with magic missiles and Varus blasted it with a fireball, though it only did half damage. He locked eyes with the creature, and for a moment felt like he was being turned to stone! He had resisted the effect, and he knew what they were.

“These are basilisks. Their gaze can turn you to stone! Try not to make look directly at them!”

Unagi pounded the injured basilisk with several attacks, then knocked its jaw clean off to finish it! He ran over to the other basilisk, but didn’t fare as well. The basilisk bit him, and he felt the poison from the bite. Valentia cast bear’s endurance on herself and threw off the effects of the beast’s gaze She kept the moonbeam on it while Tomeck hit with magic missiles and Tyala finished it with an arrow.

We inspected the statue that they had been eating. It was a bugbear. We realized it must have recently been a live bugbear. On the statue’s wrists were gauntlets that were not stone. They bore the figure of an ogre and appeared magical, since they had not been transformed with the bugbear. Varus used his new wand to identify them as Gauntlets of Ogre Strength.

Financials

Divided up gems and coinage. Sold 5 green (non-magical) gemstones for 31K, 11K over the estimate+6K gp+5K pp = 42K/7 = 6K per player.

Varus buys a wand of Identify (650 gp), 3 mage armor scrolls (750 gp)

Wand of fireballs (Varus)

Small chest: 16 pp, 73 gp, 37 sp, 2 gems 10 gp each

Gauntlets of Ogre Strength (Tyala)

© Credit to Forgotten Realms wiki for Neverwinter content (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Neverwinter).