After briefly inspecting the "balance" card but unable to discern its purpose, the group decided to follow Kor's advice and seek out Valthrun the Prescient in Winterhaven. The journey required a few days travel to the small village. Along the way on the first evening the group was beset upon by a Hill Giant that Edhas was fortunate enough to have heard following them along a creek. Rather than flee, they decided to attack the Giant while they had the tactical height advantage. Unfortunately, the overwhelming strength of the Giant caught them off guard and they were quickly looking for a way out. The fled down the creek and further along the path until they felt it was safe to rest again.
On the second day, they arrived in Winterhaven and were greeted at the gate by two guards who asked for their business in town. Not wanting to alert anyone to their purpose, they said it was just casual. The town was small with the necessary shops and taverns. The tower of Valthrun was clear - the knocked and were greeted by a pleasant old man that claimed to have known Kor Yeznia from many years ago, Although he confessed to being unaware of his current whereabouts. They showed him the card and were informed that it was likely a part of the Deck of Many Things - an artifact last known to have been assembled in the depths of Guardmore Abbey. The Abbey fell many generations ago when a young Paladin of Bahamut drew from the deck to save the Abbey from seige but his drawing was unfortunate and the Deck was scattered throughout the Abbey and beyond. The group did not share how they acquired the card and Valthrun did not ask. They also asked about the Staff of Chaos and Valthrun seemed even eager to hear about their adventures. The final piece of the staff is buried with Lord Evard, entombed beneath the outpost of Triton Keep in the Southwest corner of the Nentir Valley. Valthrun suggested the group seek out the advice of the local ruler, Lord Paedrag.
Although Valthrun kept asking for more information that he could help them with, the group was unwilling to share any further information they had acquired.
They visited the smithy briefly before moving onto Lord Paedrag's manor. They were greeted here equally as openly. After recounting the information about the Card and the Abbey, he informed them that perhaps their interests could overlap - the Abbey was long ago taken over by tribes of Orcs that represent a threat to the existence of Winterhaven. Although he is interested in seeking alliances with other towns to get rid of them, he needs someone to scout the area and let him know any useful information about the layout of their camp or their numbers. This would also get the group closer to the Abbey they are askign so much about.
They accepted the offer and hit the road for the two day journey to the Gardmore Downs. Under the cover of darkness, they approached the Abbey's large outerwalls but several hundred yards awy from the perimeter they were attacked by a large Blue Dragon. Although they tried to reason with the creature, its carnal instincts took over and it attacked the party, nearly killing the whole group. Only through the last ditch effort by Sir Loin did they destroy the Dragon.
In the midst of both battles (Giant and Dragon) the "balance" card glowed a dark amber and allowed the group to use an ability they had not had before. The power of this attack revealed just how potent the Deck is when fully assembled. It is clear now that control over the Deck may play an important part in the growing plot around them. If you have read through this whole summary - text me the word "balance" for a wondrous item of your choosing level 8 and below
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