Session 0: Background

 

More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as Phandelver's Pact, by which they they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby town of Phandalin prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path.

A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost.

For centuries, rumors of buried riches have attracted treasure seekers and opportunists to the area around Phandelin, but no one has ever succeeded in locating the lost mine. In recent years, people have resettled the area. Phandelin is now a rough-and-tumble frontier town. More important, the Rockseeker brothers - a trio of dwarves - have discovered the entrance to Wave Echo Cave, and they intend to reopen the mines.

The Rockseekers are preparing for this task in Phandelin, and are awaiting a wagon load of supplies from Neverwinter. Gundren Rockseeker has hired a group of adventurers from around Neverwinter to guard the wagon safely to its destination. Gundren and his warrior companion, Sildar Hallwinter, have left already to attend to business, but the adventurers will be paid 10gp each once they deliver the wagon to Barthen's Provisions in Phandelin.

We join these adventurers on their journey. After travelling for a few days on the High Road south from Neverwinter they turned East onto the Triboar Trail. They are only a half days march away from Phandelin and there has been no trouble so far, but this is dangerous territory, and anything can happen...