To find a Dwarf

An eerie presence has overtaken the eastern mines of Embervale and seemingly also a travelling Paladin. If the characters don't look into it soon, this presence could spread, and the Paladin could be lost forever. This adventure takes players from level 10th to 11th and introduces them to the city of Embervale. This adventure is balanced for a 4 - 5 player party but should be easily adjustable to accommadate more or less players.

Story Overview

While the characters are in Embervale, they learn of Cormac Ironbeard, a dwarf Paladin of Ruckus the Trickster, who recently made his way to the city of Embervale after hearing about some possible clues that could lead to the mastermind behind the Old York attack. While in town, Cormac had heard rumors throughout town that one of the mines to the east suddenly started glowing one day and decided to investigate, thinking he could do some good while in town gathering information. As he was investigating, he was pulled into the mine, causing it to go dark.

Setup and Starting Points

Work with the players to establish why their characters are in Embervale. You can provide information regarding the city and its surrounding lands, all of which are described on this page.
Before the adventure begins is also the time to figure out if the characters already know each other or if this adventure is the first time they've met.

Mystery in Embervale

The adventure begins in Embervale, with the characters drawn immediately into the rumors and drama of such an event in a big city such as this one. Once the players are ready to begin, read or paraphrase the following to set the scene:

The warm and sulphurous air of the volcano-top city gently falls over your face as you stride through the city of Embervale, capital of the province of Morlinnes and home to thousands. Many of the towns folk speaking in hushed whispers that are surprisingly not directed at you but rather about some missing Dwarf and a mineshaft that you've been hearing bits about since you've been here.
Many of the towns folk also seem to be rushing to get home as the suns are starting to slowly set in the sky above.

As part of their characters' backstories, the players can decide whether any of them knew Cormac and are trying to find them as he is their friend or if they're just a curious adventurer looking for their next quest.
At this point, the characters will probably be looking for a place to stay for the night, for the sake of brevity and ease, this adventure assumes the characters head to the The Cold Drink which is one of the best and affordable inns in the city. Once the players enter the establishment, read or paraphrase the following:

The sounds of tankards crashing, bards playing, and jovial yelling fills your ears as you walk into the inn while also immediately being greeted by the various smells of ales, cooked meats, and drunk townsfolk.
As you take it all in, a gruff voice from behind the bar shouts out a greeting and as you look towards the source you see a large, 7 and a half foot tall silver Dragonborn gesturing to you.

The silver Dragonborn is Rhogar Snowstrider, the owner/operator of the The Cold Drink. After basic introductions and drinks being ordered, Rhogar asks the adventurers if they've heard of whats happened in the last week. Use the following points to guide the conversation:

• About 2 weeks ago, the eastern mines have started to glow, much to the towns confusion.
• The local earl tried getting the local Clerics and other magic practitioners to take a look at the cave and possibly dispel whatever was going on but all attempts had failed.
• A week ago, a travelling Paladin came into town by the name of Cormac Ironbeard, Rhogar had told him about the cave after he had asked of it and in the morning he had set off to investigate but did not return.
• According to guards and towns folk who took a gander at the mines since he went to investigate, the entrace went dark like a void and the Paladin was nowhere to be seen.
• Apparently, Lord Taranath Ularieth is offering a fine reward for anyone who can put a stop to whatever has been going on.

Rhogar also knows the following information: the dwarf was a Paladin of a lesser known deity, some sort of god of luck that Rhogar has never heard of, the dwarf was very keen on wanting to lick any fine metals in the inn, claiming that he could identify them like that and that they tasted quite good, the dwarf was fairly dirty minded though still seemed like a pleasant man and true Paladin.
If the characters wish to stay at the inn, it will cost 8 SP per room per night for lodgings. Rhogar is a sucker for a pretty face and is a former gladiator, attempts at flirting and complimenting him will get him to lower the price on a successful DC 15 Persuassion check.