Dungeons and Dragons: Portal Problems: Chapter 1

Although my pathfinder adventures are on pause, I’ve joined a group of 5th edition D&D players, which led me to buy the books, create some characters, and finally make an adventure of my own. We’ll just have to see how it goes ...

The guards at the mansion had seen their share of visitors, mostly merchants and officials from the nearby city, but none quite as ... unique as the group approaching.

One appeared to be a cat-woman, a Tabaxi as they are properly called. The second was a female Tortle, and looked like a human-sized turtle. The next was clearly a Tiefling, as she had horns and a tail, and she was followed by a woman with tusks and grey skin, a half-Orc, the guard assumed. The last one looked like the child of some merchant, except she was carrying what appeared to be a bottle of wine, and was singing loudly off-key, and the guard realized she was a halfling.

But the word had come down from the lord of the mansion that these unusual individuals were expected, and so the guards opened the gates, and waved the group through.

After they had passed, the head guard told the others that whatever problem brought such a group of individuals to the castle, they should be happy it wasn’t their job to solve it ...

****

“Thank you all for coming” A young human said as he entered the audience hall where the five waited.

The Tabaxi's tail twitched, and she replied, “Well, your offer made me curious.”.

“Indeed” The Teilfling agreed.

“Well, I will sate your curiosity,” the young man said, “First, let me introduce myself. My name is Bran Sato, and this is my home.. I have asked for adventures, because I have a wrong that needs righted and a family heirloom to recover. My father was a powerful wizard, and part of a group that wanted to explore a large planar portal that had been discovered in an abandoned castle. But five years ago something happened, and the gate was destroyed, the castle was damaged, and most of the people in it were killed, including my father.”

“That’s terrible” the Tortle said, “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you,” Bran replied, “I thought all I could do was grieve, but my father’s spirit managed to make contact with me. He told me that the group had managed to save a valuable magical tome, and he wanted me to recover it. But I am no adventurer, and the remains of the castle are now infested with monsters. So I sent out a call for people brave enough to attempt to recover it. You all answered that call, and if you are willing, the adventure can be yours. And I will reward you all greatly if you succeed.”

He paused, pulled out a large jewel from his pocket, and then said, “If you are willing to take on this task, please state your name and your agreement, and the deal will be sealed.”

The Tabaxi replied, “I am Jade, and I’m ready to seek the prize.”

“I am called Lim” the Tortle siad, “I sense your truthfulness, so I am available as well.”

“I am named Solis, but you can call me Quest,” the Tiefling stated, “If there are monsters to hunt, I’m in.”

“My name is Gorga, cleric of Hephaestus,” the half-orc growled, “Your cause seems just, so I will aid you.”

They all turned to the halfling, who was drinking from her wine bottle. After several seconds, she seemed to be aware they were looking at her, and said, “This sounds like fun. I’m Jillian, and I’ll join the party.”

“Thank you. Thank you all. I will arrange a pack horse so you can have extra supplies, a map to the castle, and anything else you think you would need, please ask.” Bran said, and then added “I can offer you some supper, and then I have rooms for you to stay in tonight. In the morning, if you are prepared, you can begin your task.”

The adventurers found the dinner rich, varied, and full of their favorite foods. As they ate, they began to share their stories with each other and their host.

LIm started off, saying, “my small village was visited by a paladin, who needed his sword repaired. At the time I was an apprentice to the town smith, and so I spent some time with him. He seemed such an odd combination of strength and gentleness, I wanted to be like him. When he left with his repaired sword, I went with him as his squire, and when he died I took his mantle as a Paladin, and when I’ve improved my skills enough, I plan to take the Oath of Redemption.”

Bran lifted up a goblet, and said, “May this mission help get you to your goal.”

Jade went next, and said,”My pride has had a good relationship with the nearby humans for years, so when the old lord died, we mourned as much as the peasants did. Soon, we had an ever larger reason to be sad, as it turned out his son was made of different stuff and began to oppress the people.

I was young, and wanted to help, and there was an old man who always told me stories of being an adventurer. So I went to him, asking how I could help, and he trained me in the ways of the Rogue, teaching me the secret language of thieves, and honing my skills. Soon, my name was being mentioned as a hero of the people, even though I felt the honor should have gone to my mentor if it belonged to any one person.

We then got a break, as the tyrant’s brother managed to depose him, and the first thing he did was end the mistreatment of the people. He even offered me a full pardon, but asked me to leave the area. I agreed, although I warned him that if he slipped back into his brother’s ways I’d be back. So I’ve wandered far, looking for an adventure. This one sounds like it will be challenging enough.”

‘Challenging indeed,” Bran stated, “But hopefully not too challenging.”

Jillian spoke up, and said, “It’s unlikely to be as challenging as being a cook’s apprentice for a monastery. But I’m glad it happened, because I was fascinated by the monks, and soon became a student. My monastery encourages students to take some time adventuring, so I’ve been on the road, looking for excitement. Hopefully, this mission will provide it,”

“I have less interest in adventure.” Gorga said, “For many years I was content being an acolyte in the temple of Hephaestus, being treated with respect despite my Orc heritage. But my god sent word to my high priest saying I needed to answer your request. So I have come, and will do what I can.”

There was a lull in the conversation, but finally Quest broke the silence, saying, “My tale is a sadder one. My family suffers a curse, placed on a distant ancestor.by the devil Asmodus himself. In every generation, there have been those who look more like devils than humans, Tieflings as we are called.

Once they realized the curse, my family fled into the wild, fearing the response of their neighbors, but as fate determined, they were aided by a group of Rangers. Growing up, I wanted to be one of them, and one of the Rangers decided to teach me.

I dedicated myself to tracking and killing monsters like the one that cursed my bloodline, and soon was considered a valuable addition to the Rangers. When your request reached us, my mentor suggested I go, saying she believed I could make a difference, So here I am.”

Bran stood, and raised his glass, saying, “Yes. here you are. And now I raise a toast to you all, and to your success.”

The others stood and raised their glasses, and replied together, “To success!”