“The valley of Haven was a peaceful
land.Its crops were abundant, its
citizens prosperous.Elves, Dwarves.
Halflings and Humans lived together in harmony.Hidden away in the heart of the Altan
Tepe Mountains, Haven was a safe place
to live.The rivers were sweet and pure;
the weather was pleasant and warm.
“One reason Haven was so peaceful was due to my presence.I am Thendara,
and I am known to the people
of the valley as the Protector.I am what you call a Deity and I am the patron
of the valley.For years without number
I have warded off evil and helped the crops to grow and the valley of Haven to
prosper.Hear now the tale of Haven.
“The ruler of Haven was the fair Princess
Argenta.She lived in a palace made of
white shining marble, which, when the sun set, glowed like silver.Princess Argenta was beloved by all
her people.She was just, fair and
friendly to all.
“One day, the dwarves of Haven found a ruby the size of an apple while digging in a new mine.As a token of their devotion, they gave the ruby to Princess Argenta.The dwarves named the ruby
“My Lady’s Heart”.The princess was so pleased
with the gift that she invited the entire valley to attend a celebration to see the wondrous gem.The dwarves were to be the guests of honor.It was
to be a grand day of feasting and fun.
“The day before the celebration a strange
visitor arrived.He flew into the valley riding a white dragon. The rider was dressed all in black.He had pale skin, long blond hair, and a
short blond beard.Since Haven was noted
for its hospitality, the
princess invited the stranger to stay at the palace.She also
granted his request to escort her to the celebration.
“At midnight, disaster struck.Dark clouds hid the moon and a freezing wind blew through the
valley.The crops withered in the
fields. Cattle grew sick.The valley began to die.I could do nothing.
“From the palace came an explosion and parts of the walls came tumbling down.When
the dust cleared a ruby glow surrounded the entire palace.
“Haven now lies in chaos. Raiding bands of
orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins terrorize the
countryside.The disaster
happened so suddenly that the
people are confused and helpless.Without their leaders, who are trapped in the palace, they have no
courage to fight back.The situation has
become desperate.
“Haven is in dire trouble.I do not know what caused the disaster, but I do know that the
reason can he found somewhere in the palace.Allies of the evil that has attacked Haven have challenged me and I am
under siege.I cannot help Haven, but
you can.The princess needs you; the
people of Haven need you.You are
Haven’s only hope.Find the source of
the evil that has overtaken Haven, and destroy it.If you will go, I will open the way into of the palace for
you.I will also give you all the help I can, but my power is
limited.The future of Haven is in your
hands.”
“Please decide quickly, my time here is
nearly ended. Already evil forces have detected my sending.Will you come now?”
