Chapters 2-5 The Lost Mines of Lakedale
Background
More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Silfur Lake Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in the wonderous Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters alligned themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandolin prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path.
A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercinary wizards attacked Waave Echo Cave to sieze its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost.
For centuries, rumors of buried riches have attrackted treasure seekers and oppertunists to the area around the ruins, but no one has ever succeeded in locating the lost mine. In recent years, people have resettled the area. Lakedale is now a rough-and-tumble frontier town. More important, Bokur Flintaxe, an archeologist and historian at St Gwen's, has discovered the entrance to Wave Echo Cave. His cousins from the east, Nundro and Tharden Rockseeker, have moved to Lakedale to help. The three of them intend to reopen the mine.
Unfortunately for the dwarves, they are not the only ones interested in Wave Echo Cave. A mysterious villan known as the Blood Crow controls a network of bandit gangs and goblin tribes in the area, and his agents have followed the Rockseekers to their prize. Now the Blood Crow wants Wave Echo Cave for himself, and he is taking steps to make sure no one else knows where it is.
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