The town of Loudwater sits on the confluence of the Delimblyr and Grayflow rivers. The forested mountains of the Star Mounts rise to the north west, their cloud vield peaks the only barrier between the town walls and the wild lands where deadly monsters threaten the unweary.
Merchants, caravan guards, local artisans, hunters, farmers and retired adventurers treat the Green Tankard Tavern as their second home. Within the common room talk turns to tales of hostile tribes and barrows glimpsed through mists. Folk speak warily of goblins in the Southwood, the serpent folk of the Najara, and the headless bodies found outside the walls of Loudwater itself.
The tavern attracts young and old with its warm company and tall tales. Many adventures have started from stories exchanged over cheap ale and greasy food, but not all have ended with the glorious exploits of which bards sing. An old story or a wrinkled map could be the doorway to adventure-or the path to a quick death.
It is the year 1479, ninety four years since the Spellplague ravaged the continent. Old trade routes have been destroyed. Natural disasters, rampaging monsters, and evil empires have changed the landscape. Roads have fallen into disrepair, ports have been left high and dry, and once vital cities are now empty shells or drowned ruins. Adventure awaits the bold, but travelling cross-country is extremely dangerous and difficult.
None of this matters to the group of friends sitting stunned as goblins pour forth from the newly destroyed city wall.
The type of explosives capable of such destruction is almost unheard of, especially to be in the possession of the evil goblins. The first to react to this incursion is Althaea, who quickly lets loose an arrow. The goblins swarm, chasing the townsfolk away from the square. Each of the friends quickly reacts by engaging the goblins in battle. (Rob) takes some serious damage before killing one of the goblin warriors. Rendarr moves quickly around the square stabbing left and right in a flurry of steel blades. The sturdy Dragonborn fighter takes out several Goblin Cutters with a blast of his fiery breath.
The friends battle bravely and quickly destroy the rest of the goblins, but not before two Goblin Cutters smash the window at Garwan's Curiosities and snatch something from the display case. The last remaining goblin snatches the object from his dead ally and tries to make his escape but is cut down by Rendarr's mighty blows.After the melee, the town guardsman arrive to impose order on the scene. Why did the goblins attack? What are the adventurers going to do about this incursion if anything?
