THE PARTY

The group is united by the common background of adventuring. It has now been months since any have seen combat, but stories of glorious battles are shared when they meet every week at a tavern named the Drunken Monk. They all long for another adventure, but can't find excitement in the city of Raven's Bluff.

RAVEN'S BLUFF

A large city which has run down over time. It once had power equal to an empire but has fallen over hundreds of years. The only link to the mighty times is the Royal Family, a group of mostly elves that run the city like their ancestors once did. They hold all authority in the town, but some mistrust has arisen due to their lack of honesty to the citizens.

A JOURNEY BEGINS

It is sunset on a warm autumn evening. The party drinks inside the crowded tavern, the Drunken Monk. It is located near the back of the Royal Courtyard, which lies just in front of the Royal Quarters (where the Royal Family lives). The layout of Raven's Bluff is illustrated on the map. Karushan, a beefy human barbarian tells a story about his travels through the Underdark.

Roleplaying Karushan He is a very loud and braggy man. He uses large gestures and a deep but lively voice.

There is a diplomat from the royal family speaking in the Royal Courtyard soon. After a while the tavern becomes less crowded as people filter outside. Urge the group to leave the tavern.

ALUVIN'S SPEECH

After a while, a stout elf steps out of the Royal Quarters and onto a podium at the top of the steps leading to the Courtyard. This is Aluvin Taluvar, a leading member of the Royal Family. He begins a speech about how the citizens are misinterpeting the motives behind the Royal Family's secrecy. Aluvin goes on to explain that a while back, they heard rumors of possible attacks on Raven's Bluff. "These claims were not wrong to assume, as there were attacks being led out on large cities, some just miles from here. But now, the attacks have been ceased for over a month. The attackers appear to have given up." At this, a voice sounds from a balcony above. A man in dark robes says, "Always so naive, brother. Karn. Will. Rise." An arrow that was notched in his bow is released. The arrow sails into Aluvin Taluvar's head, and he drops to the ground dead. In a swirl of black smoke, the man on the balcony quickly disappears as if he was never there.

AFTERMATH

Many start screaming, a few cheer. The crowd scatters quickly, showing mixed emotions. An elf boy who had been staring through the slightly open doors of the Royal Quarters is pushed aside as Aluvin's body is carried inside by two beefy dwarf guards. Follow the players at this point, but do what you can to guide them to the Royal Quarters.

THE ROYAL QUARTERS

It has elegant decorations and long hallways. Follow the map to lead them to Lady Taluvar's room. Also, if they find Veltin Taluvar, the elf boy from earlier, he can lead them there to, for she is his aunt. The wizard is seen meditating in her room. When you try to talk to her, she acknowledges in grunts. Eventually, her form changes, and she morphs into a DOPPELGANGER. (pg 83 MM) After the fight, Lady Taluvar is found in the closet, beaten and gagged. She thanks the party and guides them forward according to their questions. She informs them that Karn is a black dragon, supposedly the oldest dragon alive. The signs of a black dragon's lair are all found about 2 days from Raven's Bluff, near the Deep Caves. They haven't investigated because their two best guards are Dimgi and Gimgi (the foolish dwarves the party met at the entrance). She asks for the party's help in defeating Karn.

TRAVEL

Once the party has gathered supplies from their homes, they will set out East to the Deep Caves. It will be about 10:00 PM when they set out. They will travel through a large forest. Incorporate random encounters as necessary. After the first night, it will take two full days and one morning to reach the caves. Fog will begin to develop on the final morning. At about 1:00 PM,the group reaches a clearing in the forest and see the mouth of the Deep Caves.

THE DEEP CAVES

As they follow the map, incorporate the encounters as shown. Fog will begin to pick up as they move forward along with small puddles here and there. Do not allow them to do anything that will allow them to pass through places they are not supposed to pass through. They should eventually make it to Karn's Keep.

KARN'S KEEP

It is a large cavern that has no source of light. They will have disadvantage on any sight-based checks due to the fog. 2 Kobolds sit on top of two large pillars, waiting for someone to pass underneath. The assassin lies in wait atop a large stone formation. Behind a long wall is Karn, waiting for the party to make themselves known. The lizardfolk stand behind stone formations, also waiting. When they reveal themselves, Karn stays hidden and says, "Hello, visitors."