On the northern shores of the great Moonsea lies the old city of Phlan. Once, it was a major trade city; a common stop on the road between Melvaunt to the east and Hillsfar to the south.
Unfortunately, it was also close to Zhentil Keep, and had to constantly protect itself from the dangerous maneuvering of the Zhentarim.
In the year 1306 DR, a flight of evil dragons and their hordes of monsters laid siege to the city of Old Phlan, destroying all of the defenders before taking residence. It’s taken almost 50 years for the children and grandchildren of those brave defenders to return and carve out a small area to resettle.
Now, the safest approach to New Phlan is by boat. From Hillsfar, it is just a short day’s journey to the sparsely populated civilized section of the city.
The boat trip across is uneventful. During the night, you all get to learn how the Moonsea gets its name; the moon shining through the ever-present fog that covers the sea at night causes the mists to glow with an almost eerie radiance. Early the following morning, you pass the abandoned Thorn Island, home to Sokol Keep.
As the sun rises, the mists fade, and you get your first glimpse of New Phlan. The civilized district is small; you can just make out the docks, a couple of small temples, and various buildings that could be shops or homes. Surrounding this small corner of civilization is a high stone wall; several guards can be seen roaming along the top.
As your boat moves closer, you can just barely make out a faint, foul odor…like meat that has been out in the sun too long. You hear the captain, mutter a quick “Fah…damned poison river” under his breath as he guides the boat over to the small docks.
Disembarking, you look around to see the other travelers who were on the boat with you…a few merchants, a weary family, and a few other individuals who could be aspiring adventurers.
Unfortunately, it was also close to Zhentil Keep, and had to constantly protect itself from the dangerous maneuvering of the Zhentarim.
In the year 1306 DR, a flight of evil dragons and their hordes of monsters laid siege to the city of Old Phlan, destroying all of the defenders before taking residence. It’s taken almost 50 years for the children and grandchildren of those brave defenders to return and carve out a small area to resettle.
Now, the safest approach to New Phlan is by boat. From Hillsfar, it is just a short day’s journey to the sparsely populated civilized section of the city.
The boat trip across is uneventful. During the night, you all get to learn how the Moonsea gets its name; the moon shining through the ever-present fog that covers the sea at night causes the mists to glow with an almost eerie radiance. Early the following morning, you pass the abandoned Thorn Island, home to Sokol Keep.
As the sun rises, the mists fade, and you get your first glimpse of New Phlan. The civilized district is small; you can just make out the docks, a couple of small temples, and various buildings that could be shops or homes. Surrounding this small corner of civilization is a high stone wall; several guards can be seen roaming along the top.
As your boat moves closer, you can just barely make out a faint, foul odor…like meat that has been out in the sun too long. You hear the captain, mutter a quick “Fah…damned poison river” under his breath as he guides the boat over to the small docks.
Disembarking, you look around to see the other travelers who were on the boat with you…a few merchants, a weary family, and a few other individuals who could be aspiring adventurers.
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