Part Two: Dondarian, the Merchant City
Part Two:
Dondarian, the Merchant City
Current Events
Welcome to Dondarian
Encounters
The Quest Continues
Dondarian, the Merchant City
Current Events
The city of Dondarian was hit by Smolderthorn the same day as Shelter Lake, but only outside the walls. The merchant stalls located there were burnt to the ground. Bastor, Crammin, and some smaller settlements were also attacked and are requesting aid. The Baron has been in meetings with the Civil Legion soldiers, issuing commands through subordinates.
Read the following as the characters approach the city:
A few miles out from Dondarian you begin to encounter Civil Legion patrols. Their blue uniforms, trimmed with red, feature a golden sun blazing in the center. They look exhausted but still greet you in passing.
With a red dragon plundering the countryside, Baron Druceff is growing nervous. He is reluctant to send troops far from the city. If the characters engage with the patrols, the Civil Legion are interested in Shelter Lake and the roads ahead. They are willing to share the following information:
- The dragon attacked the city but all of the major damage was located outside in a shopping area called The Caravan.
- There were a total of 14 deaths and dozens injured.
- The cities of Bastor and Crammin were also attacked by the dragon during their festivals.
- People haven't heard from the Duke or Duchess in a few weeks.
Local Issues
While in Dondarian if characters wish to explore they may discover the following information:
Shipping Problems. Shipping has been delayed in the city for months. Now, with the attack, circumstances are growing dire. The Merchant Guild is desperate for things to return to normal.
The Baron's Struggles. Baron Druceff has fallen out of favor with the region, struggling to keep up with food demands. Despite his best efforts, the area has become unstable.
The Survivors. A group of rebels in the town of Lolien upriver have been robbing caravans. The Baron is overwhelmed trying to stop them. Violence seems inevitable.
Panic in the Plaza. After the attack, it has been difficult to maintain order downtown. Troops are spread thin and are harsher than normal. People are concerned instead of feeling safe, reluctant to go outdoors.Welcome to Dondarian
Read the following upon reaching Dondarian:
Dondarian is a merchant and military city located on the Ores River in the Tritos Dominion. Ten-foot tall stone walls encircle the area, reinforced with guard towers and manned by the Civil Legion. Outside the walls, Dondarian is surrounded by the Emerald Wood.
The city has four garrisons within it, one at each entrance and an additional behind Chateau Druceff, the seat of power in this region. The two entrances along the Ores each have a large gate capable of blocking passage. Dondarian has been blessed with peace for years, but with the recent changes in the kingdom there is escalating anxiety.
You smell the burnt ground before you see it, a mixture of blackened wood and grief. Folks have gathered outside the city walls, currently in the process of moving scorched debris into carts. They glance your way but continue their work.
The slow rush of water churns to your right as you approach the Ores, a river that flows through the center of Dondarian. Ten-foot walls surround the city and gates stand on either side of the water. Drooping banners still hang, forgotten in the aftermath. Following the road, you approach the entrance to the city.
Experiencing the City
Dondarian has more people passing through than living within its walls. Most locals live on farms nearby, visiting town to sell and ship their wares. The people here are so used to travelers they barely notice when someone new arrives. The Civil Legion troops stationed here treat the area as their home and are protective of the citizens. After the festival people are staying inside.
There are two inns in the city, the Guiding Shepherd and the King's Respite. Currently, the King's Respite is being used to house the injured and has no rooms available.
- Purveyor's Plaza. An expansive bazaar in the heart of the city. All the goods and services of Dondarian can be sought and purchased here. Operated by the Merchant Guild of Dondarian.
- The Guiding Shepherd. This modestly appointed and moderately sized inn is in the Purveyor's Plaza. In the heart of Dondarian, the Shepherd is constantly busy and it is sometimes difficult to procure a room. The inn is run by the Grevald Family.
- Chateau Druceff. The Baron's estate has housed the last four barons of the southern Tritos Dominion. Appointed with all the finest and well-crafted furnishings the region has to offer, it serves as a representation of the skilled work and goods that can be found here. It is the most elegant building in the area.
Encounters in Town
The characters may come across the following encounters while in Dondarian:
Merchant Guild of Dondarian
Already unhappy with the Baron, the Merchant Guild is desperate for any information they can get, specifically regarding Tintown. Larry Vanderpelt will approach when Andias is not around. They wish to ask questions and request assistance.
Prior to the dragon attack, the Merchant Guild's ledgers were given to the nobles. Now, after a few days, the books have not been returned and no one at Chateau Druceff is answering. Knowing that horses are in short supply, Larry is happy to offer 2x draft horses and a finely covered merchant wagon for the return of the ledgers and any information they can use.
Larry Vanderpelt
Lawful Neutral, Human Guild Leader Larry is the leader of the Merchant Guild of Dondarian. They are a blue-collar middle-aged individual with no living family. Larry has devoted their life to hard work and has great respect for the Crown of Ania. Most nobles view Larry as a bit of a bumpkin or a simpleton.Roleplaying Larry Vanderpelt
Personality Trait. "Success for the merchants of Dondarian means I have succeeded."
Ideal. "Fair play. Things must be done the right way."
Bond. "I value my success on how hard I work."
Flaw. "I hate that people see me as simple, I run a whole guild."
Basilica of the Bloodied Claw
This church follows the teachings of Dromadaes and the Covenant. The religion believes in maintaining peace with the dragons and bearing them reverence. Currently the members are deliberating what to do now that a dragon has broken the pact.
Brother Cristos, head priest of the Basilica, wishes to understand Smolderthorn's motives. Breaking the Covenant in this region is a rarity. If Cristos gets wind that the characters intend to kill the dragon he will enact a plan. He will not directly approach unless the first part of his plan fails.
A priest (use the Priest stat block) of the Basilica has been charmed by Brother Cristos to follow the characters and catch someone when they are alone. The priest will carry a Portable Eye, part of a pair in which Cristos has the other. The eye will allow Cristos to cast remotely. Given the chance, he will attempt to cast a Geas spell upon an unsuspecting character.
Geas has a one-minute cast time and a sixty-foot range. The priest will attempt to blend in wherever they are but has no skill in stealth. If the priest is caught and linked to the Basilica, Brother Cristos will vehemently deny any knowledge of the incident and will have the priest publicly flogged. Cristos will have hidden his Portable Eye in the priest's rooms.
The Geas' wording is as follows: "You and your companions shall harm no dragons unless the dragon harms you first."
Brother Obediah Cristos
Neutral, Human Cleric Obediah is a wizened and elderly cleric serving the Covenant. Most Dondarians who are not linked to the Civil Legion, view Obediah as a grandfather figure. Brother Cristos has a shady past he is tight-lipped about. He is caretaker of the Basilica of the Bloodied Claw and is rumored to train mages unsanctioned within its catacombs.Roleplaying Brother Cristos
Personality Trait. "I speak carefully and with purpose."
Ideal. "The Covenant. My religion maintains the peace of Dromaria."
Bond. "I will follow the teachings of the past to prevent future problems."
Flaw. "Magic does it better."
Meeting The Baron
Andias will set up a meeting at Chateau Druceff after arriving, although the Baron is reluctant to see anyone. The meeting will be set for the day after the character's arrival.
Andias knows that the city of Tintown is a large military base and has materials used to fight dragons, although he does not understand the specifics. His plan involves petitioning the Baron for everything, intending to send the characters on to Tintown afterward. While they continue, Andias will lead any acquired troops to find the dragon's lair. He encourages honesty and warns that the use of magic may be frowned upon.
When the characters approach the Chateau read the following:
The characters are greeted by the eldest daughter of the Baron, Lady Amelia Druceff. She will guide them to her father's office and is interested in chatting about current events.
The road to Chateau Druceff passes by a series of warehouses and silos. Wagons are stored behind secure fences and Civil Legion troops walk the perimeter. The mood changes as you reach the grounds of House Druceff. Carefully manicured hedges are sculpted around the entrance, leading to a sizeable courtyard with a flowing fountain. Brightly plumed peacocks roam freely. A short homely woman steps from the manor to greet you.
Amelia Druceff
Chaotic Good, Human Noble Lady Amelia is responsible for the running and day to day care of House Druceff. Amelia has a big heart, filled with concern about her families' down trending direction, she longs for a more vital role. People regularly underestimated her based solely on appearance.Nobility of the Southern Tritos Dominion
The hierarchy of the Tritos Dominion has been in place for centuries. The south is far less populated than its northern counterpart, governed by two major noble houses: House Charmont and House Druceff.
House Charmont is based in the city of Tintown and is run by Duke Jamison Charmont and Duchess Augusta Charmont. Their role is to control the region, maintaining shipping and defensive positions. Tintown serves as a military base and the middle point of the kingdom.
Directly beneath their rule is House Druceff, located out of Dondarian. Baron Druceff controls the southern farmland and ensures the security of his post. Dondarian serves as a military base and a fundamental location for the collection of taxes.
The noble's decisions impact the daily lives of their citizens in critical ways. The Duke and Duchess are ultimately responsible for region's well-being and are currently visiting the capital of Ania. Little did they know the catastrophes that would await their departure.- Roleplaying Lady Amelia
Personality Trait. "I am genuine in my concern."
Ideal. "Prestige. I know my house isn't the greatest, but I care for it more than anything else."
Bond. "My family matters.”
Flaw. "My ambition outweighs my conscience in desperate moments."
Read the following as the characters enter the Chateau:
When the characters arrive, the Baron will request to see Andias alone, leaving them with his daughter. After fifteen minutes of heated conversation Andias will emerge.
If the characters attempt to listen in, they may hear Andias tell of what happened in Shelter Lake and that they plan to kill the dragon. Andias will ask about dragon-slaying equipment that is stored in Tintown. The Baron is furious that Andias left his post and will demand to see the characters, doubting their trustworthiness. He wishes to speak to them without Andias present to get a better idea of who they are.
Read the following as the players enter the Baron's office:
The building is old and feels like a home despite its extravagance. Paintings of family members hang throughout, accompanied by works of art from across Dromaria. You pass a grand ballroom on the way to the Baron's office, complete with a crystal chandelier.
Read the following as the players enter the Baron's office:
The office is large, with a domed glass ceiling that fills the room with natural light. Books line built-in shelves and a beautiful painting of the estate hangs on the back wall. Two Civil Legion members stand at attention on the far side of the room, flanking Baron Druceff, who sits behind a desk covered in scattered paperwork. He looks exhausted, his silver hair combed to one side and shaved on the other is the only part of his appearance that looks maintained. He motions to you to sit, ushering toward mismatched chairs.
Baron Aaron Druceff
Chaotic Good, Human Noble
Aaron has been Baron of the region for the last fifteen years. He is a King's man through and through. For a long time, despite the troubles in the capital, Baron Druceff maintained a strong grip on the land under his control. Recently it has all fallen apart.
When things began to overwhelm him, Aaron panicked, and ever since he has become paranoid, reluctant to send troops too far from Dondarian. He has also slacked in his responsibilities for the Merchant Guild, delaying the collection of taxes. Those issues have greatly impacted shipments, leading to more cascading problems.
Now, with a dragon attack, the Baron is desperate and angry.
Roleplaying Baron Druceff
Personality Trait. "I'll do my best despite the weight put on me."
Ideal. "Legacy. My house's standing means my family's success."
Bond. "I would follow the King anywhere."
Flaw. "I am in charge, and you should listen to me."
Roleplaying Baron Druceff
Personality Trait. "I'll do my best despite the weight put on me."
Ideal. "Legacy. My house's standing means my family's success."
Bond. "I would follow the King anywhere."
Flaw. "I am in charge, and you should listen to me."
Encounter With the Baron
There are two major goals with this encounter.
The second goal is to establish that the Baron is judging them. He wants to know if the characters are worthy of his time and capable of killing a dragon. He is reluctant to send troops away after the attack. Although he won't say it outright, he wishes to pass this responsibility on to the Duke and Duchess. The Baron wants to be convinced, but his political exterior is forcing him to go through the motions.
The Baron does not want to be seen as incompetent and may take offense to outright suggestions. Whichever character has the highest Passive Insight may realize this, and deduce that if the Baron feels like something is his idea, he is more likely to go along with it. Have players roll Charisma (Persuasion) or Charisma (Deception) depending on how they approach the situation.
Baron Druceff is well aware of the dragon-slaying items stored in Tintown and may detail the specifics of Dragon Nets and the Bomboozler.
If the characters have talked to Larry Vanderpelt and agreed to get the ledgers, they are sitting on the edge of the Baron's desk. The Baron will not part with them willingly, especially to a group of strangers.
- Nobility. If a character has the Noble background, or something similar, it may give them advantage on checks with the Baron.
Optional Quest
If by the end of the encounter, the Baron believes that the characters can be trusted and are skilled enough, he may ask them to take on a mission that needs to be kept secret.
Lolien was supposed to send aid in the aftermath of the dragon attack and it has not yet arrived. If the characters are willing to investigate along the road and report any findings to Sir Kyler Clemons the Baron would be most appreciative. He will confirm with Kyler using the Slatetops any reports and have the knight reward them, with a guaranteed payment of 250 gp.Andias' Plan
Andias has come up with a plan and will cover the next steps.
The characters should gather any necessary supplies here. If anyone still needs to buy a horse, they can be purchased from the King's Respite for 225 gp, a 300% markup. Hans Goodbower (chaotic good, human horse handler), is a child who helps out in the stables and is reluctant to part with any of his herd.
- Andias will escort Civil Legion troops to the Red Keep and begin scouting operations. Any further troops the characters recruit can be sent there.
- The characters should travel upriver to Lolien and recruit the strongest fighter in the region, a dragonborn named Lobs as well as any other troops the nobles will send.
- After Lolien, the group should continue to Tintown to get the requisitioned Dragon Nets and Bomboozlers.
- Afterward meet Andias and the troops at the Red Keep.
Character Advancement
The players should be awarded with their first level up if at least two of the following things occurred upon leaving Dondarian:
- The characters survive the dragon encounter.
- The characters survive the Mudrake encounter.
- The characters completed any optional quest or encounters in Dondarian.
- The characters get Baron Druceff's support.
The Quest Continues
To continue the adventure head to Part Three: Lolien, The Survivors.
Encounters between Dondarian and Lolien can be found in the RKA: Encounters.