After gathering some last minute supplies in town, the party makes their way to the docks to find the same boat they used in the last trip to Ravenloft. They cast off and find the sea calm and a light breeze blowing in the direction of the island. Soon once again they are caught in the currents leading to the island.
As you approach the island the boat is enveloped by thick mist. You can't help but shudder as it touches your skin, wondering if the Dark Powers are watching you at this very moment.
Instead of being greeted by crashing waves, this time the waters remain calm. Almost too calm, as the boat seems to be stuck in the eerie mist, not making any headway. The wind has stopped blowing and a deathly silence permeates the surrounding area. Sir ExSixTen and Quagmire pull out the oars and start to paddle, trying to head in the right direction.
The party paddles for what seems like hours, each taking it in turn. Suddenly, the mist dissipates. The groups finds themselves rowing in a small river surrounded by forests and rugged foothills.
After rowing for another half hour, they spot a road. Getting out and securing the boat the best they can, they spot a sign. "Harmonia 5-Miles" it reads, pointing southwards. Remembering Richten's words, the party remembers that Harmonia is one of the towns in Kartakass. The old man was right, somehow they made it!
This thought brightens everyone's mood, and they set off in the town's direction. They walk through thick forests and up and down tall hills. Unlike their previous adventure, the land does not have an ominous and dark feeling to it. One would expect dark eyes in the trees or strange noises in the underbrush; but besides the chirping of birds and the noise of the scurrying of rabbits, everything seems peaceful.
Soon they spot in distance the town of Harmonia. Getting closer they also see an unusual construction set in the middle of the Minstrel River (which is flowing before the town). At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a solid square tower of moss-covered stone set atop a somewhat larger rock base. The top of the tower is decorated with ornate carvings of gargoyles and monsters, many of them so lifelike that it seems they have but to wait for the sunset to spring to life and terrorize the countryside.
A closer look, however, shows that there is a tunnel running through the center of the tower that would easily accommodate the largest of wagons. Further, a pair of worn, but sturdy, wooden bridges run from both sides of the river to the entrances to this tunnel. At several points along their lengths, ring pins have been set into the bridges. Well oiled chains stretch from these points to vanish into the mouths of the gargoyles atop of the tower.
As you watch, a number of persons walk across the bridge, enter the tunnel, and exit from the far side of the tower to complete their passage over the river. They seem to be delayed for some time, perhaps a minute, within the dark tunnel before they exit, but there is no sign of what happens within. A secondary tunnel runs through the rock base, but it's purpose cannot be readily guessed as only about 2' of it's height is above the water line.
The party decides to enter the tunnel and finds the inside illuminated by the light of torches. In the middle of the tunnel they are greeted by a gate, protected by several armed guards.
Hail and well met fair travelers! says the guard in a melodious voice. His accent is so thick it makes him difficult to understand. Welcome to Harmonia! All travelers are required to pay a fifty gold charge to use the bridge, to help pay for its upkeep. That is unless they know The Pledge of Harmonia, then they prove themselves to be friends of the town! Do you know the pledge, honored guests? they guard asks.
