Cruisin' For A Bruisin'

"Cruisin' For A Bruisin'" (C1.S09.1) is a one-shot in the first campaign of The Vanguard.

## Synopsis

In the grim aftermath of Ash Valen's death, a heavy cloud of sorrow hangs over the entire guild. The discovery of his lifeless form on the doorsteps of the Vanguard has left an indelible mark, particularly on House ShadowHand and its enigmatic leader, Izzarina Mimi Whellerton. Fueled by a determination to unravel the mystery surrounding Ash's violent end, she requested General Grom to assemble a team. At the helm are Bullin Brightroar, a stout and fierce dwarven barbarian, and Sergio Faesong, a Druid whose mellow demeanor conceals a profound connection to nature's magic. These seasoned members are entrusted with leading three initiates into the heart of the Northward in a quest to uncover the truth behind Ash's demise and apprehend the elusive Thrax GrimJaw. The Lord's Alliance seeks the half-giant leader of the upstart Crimson Syndicate on numerous charges of skullduggery, suspecting his involvement in the tortured interrogation of Ash Valen. General Grom is convinced that Thrax GrimJaw holds critical information, and the team's mission is to extract it at any cost.

Bullin welcomes the returning initiate, Filnar Yanora, a half-elven ranger from the Misty Forest, He is also joined by Haroshima Corote', a Haregon Monk, and Galen Firebeard, a dwarven warlock, both eager for adventure and treasure. Sergio starts his day with his customary mushroom, and as the group assembles, General Grom addresses them.

*"Thrax GrimJaw poses a threat to the peace in Waterdeep," Grom's voice resonates, "The Northward is in turmoil, caught between two rival factions: the covert rogues of the DockWard known as the Plague Rats, and the emerging gang, the Crimson Syndicate. From Ash Valen's extracted memories, we know that Thrax was present during his torture but he revealed nothing. There is an unreadable, possibly coded, memory that might hold the key."*

A touch of sorrow crosses General Grom's usually stoic face, but he quickly regains composure.

*"To unlock this memory, we must piece together Ash Valen's final moments. Head to The Grinning Lion in the Northward, where he was last seen alive. Be cautious; the Crimson Syndicate and the Plague Rats are ready for a street fight, and your presence may escalate things. Visit Marta's Magical Menagerie for supplies, and may your quest shed light on these dark events."*

The party gathers their gear and sets out on their mission.

Wandering through the opulent streets of Waterdeep, famously hailed as the "City of Splendor," the party is greeted by the grand architecture as they step into the prestigious NorthWard. Boldly standing out in its opulence, the district houses several Noble Villas, flaunting unimaginable wealth where the city's elite once lived in relative peace. However, recent disturbances have disrupted this tranquility. The group eventually arrives at the Grinning Lion, a lively tavern adorned with battle trophies from all across Faerun. Known for its raucous atmosphere, the establishment offers only platters of fried onions and eels, attracting patrons primarily for its drinks. Filnar, a keen-eyed ranger, spots two Goliath men in Crimson scarves pressuring a small elven figure in a grey cloak at a corner table. Approaching the bar, the party is warmly greeted by a dwarf bartender who enthusiastically recognizes the two dwarves among them.

*"Well, look what we have here! Great to see our folk flourishing, and as members of the Vanguard, no less! Well done, cousins! What can I get ya?"*

Galen cuts straight to the chase, inquiring about Thrax GrimJaw. The bartender, feigning ignorance, looks around nervously, and Bullin notices the Goliaths exchanging glances.

*"Aye me friends," the bartender nervously says, "Let me bring you me finest ale. Straight from under the mountain! Take a seat, and I'll have it brought to ya."*

As he points over to a row of tables, Bullin and Galen strategically position themselves, keeping a watchful eye on the two Goliaths. Shortly, the barmaid delivers their ale and discreetly whispers to Bullin that if they want information on Thrax, they should meet her in the back, quietly. The party hatches a plan: Bullin and Galen will meet the barmaid in the back alley, while the rest provide some backup. With covert nods, the barmaid cautiously heads out the back, and the two dwarves smoothly exit through the front. Sensing something, the two Goliaths warn the cloaked elf not to leave and split up—one heading to the back, the other to the front. The Haregon monk, Hiroshima, stealthily trails the Goliath going to the back. Meanwhile, Sergio, the druid, engages the Goliath at the front with his usual friendly banter, creating a diversion. Bullin and Galen se ize the opportunity to meet the barmaid in the back, while simultaneously, Filnar, the ranger, and Hiroshima, the monk, position themselves to provide support in case of escalation. The Goliath at the front, growing increasingly impatient, forcefully shoves Sergio aside. Filnar places her hand upon her bow, ready for action. Meanwhile, Hiroshima, trailing the other Goliath to the back of the tavern, suddenly finds himself discovered by the thug. Whipping around, the Goliath attempts to grab the Haregon monk, but he deftly evades him with a backflip that concludes with a perfect landing. Amidst this chaotic commotion, Bullin and Galen efficiently extract valuable intel from the barmaid: Thrax GrimJaw frequents a courtyard not far from the tavern. While the exact location remains elusive, she overheard the thugs discussing it. The two Goliath thugs arrive mere moments after Bullin and Galen conclude their conversation. The pair exchanges some colorful language with the two dwarves as they pass each other.

Heading back into the Grinning Lion, the party intends to interrogate the cloaked elven figure who is being extorted by the Goliaths working for the Crimson Syndicate. He confirms Thrax GrimJaw's frequenting of a nearby courtyard, information obtained from the barmaid. The elven figure also discloses the residence of Ash Valen. Choosing to investigate Ash's home before the courtyard, the party arrives to find the front door locked. Filnar, the agile ranger, gracefully scales the exterior to reach a second-floor window. Her fluid ascent impresses Hiroshima, who is in awe of her dexterity. Once inside, Filnar opens the front door for the rest of the party. Exploring the residence, filled with heirlooms from Ash's adventures, they discover the remnants of an expended magic scroll and instructions for Ash's plan upon returning to the Vanguard. The arcane-savvy party realizes the scroll is meant to modify a person's memory, particularly erasing the knowledge of Naraxas, the Mage Killer, and its location. Aware of the consequences if caught, Ash plans to return to the Vanguard for memory restoration. Despite a thorough search, the party finds nothing more of value and decides to proceed to the courtyard where Thrax GrimJaw has been spotted.

As the group wanders through the cobblestone streets of the NorthWard, a sudden skirmish erupts between the Plague Rats and the Crimson Syndicate. Arrows and crossbow bolts fly in both directions, creating a chaotic scene. Amidst the turmoil, the party stumbles upon a schoolhouse filled with children. The teacher, recognizing the Vanguard, urgently calls for Galen's attention. She implores the adventurers to help evacuate the children to safety before the conflict escalates. Fireblog druid Sergio, swift in assessing the situation, locates the rival gangs. Bullin, using his formidable strength, swiftly removes a door from its hinges. Sergio effortlessly lifts a table, and together they create a makeshift shield. They navigate through the battle, arrows and bolts raining down upon them. Filnar and Galen retaliate with well-aimed shots, hitting a few assailants. Hiroshima, employing his ki, intercepts several arrows, shielding the school children. Despite a few minor injuries from arrows that breach the improvised barrier, Sergio quickly tends to the wounded. Once the children are safe, the party resumes its search for the courtyard.

It's not too long before they find the courtyard described to them back at the Grinning Lion. Several shops line the part of the entrance before giving way to an open area where Thrax Grimjaw and a few of his henchmen are sitting. Seeing the Vanguard arrive, one shop owner, terrified of the Crimson syndicate, allows Bullin and Hiroshima to gain a position behind the half giant. Filnar and Galen take positions as well from across the courtyard, ready to provide range support. At this moment, Sergio takes another mushroom and gleefully dances into the open space, providing a much-needed distraction. Bullin goes into a rage and charges towards Thrax wounding him significantly. Hiroshima also rushes in, joining the battle. Thrax orders his henchmen to attack, and a fierce battle ensues. Filnar drops a henchman with a perfect shot, keeping Sergio from harm. Galen channels his patron's magic through him, taking out a few enemies with relative ease. Once the party dispatches the henchmen, they realize they need to bring Thrax in alive. Sergio uses a hold person spell to paralyze the brute, and the rest of the party restrains him with rope as a precaution. They drag Thrax back to the Vanguard to interrogate him about his involvement in the death of Ash Valen and to deliver him to the Lord's Alliance.

## Guild Dispatches

The following are messages from the guild members who participated in the mission. They contain valuable information the guild can use to piece together clues.

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> *Today was a fantastic day at Vanguard Camp. I got to hang out with some really cool people. First was my buddy Bullinn. Then there was Galen Firebeard, who did spells like me, but kept talking about a guy in his fireplace as the source of his power. There was Flindor the half-elf ranger, who was really good with a bow. There was Haroshima the Haren.. hareng, they looked like a rabbit. We were asked to find out about a guy who was helping the vanguard and got killed. We were asked to go find out who killed him and bring them back to Vanguard Camp. We started at an inn which had a really nice picture of a grinning lion, which I don’t think means the Lion is happy, but the bartender gave me a fizzy water so I didn’t press the issue. We asked them about Thrax, who we were told was involved in the murder. The bartender said they didn’t know much, but a waitress motioned Bullinn and Galen outside and told them where she heard he was. Some nice Goliath guys were in the inn too and wanted to hang out with Galen & Bullinn but not with me or Haroshima. After they left, we talked to the guy they were talking to whose name is Tobias and he confirmed where Thrax hung out and told us where the vanguard guy lived.*
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> *We went over and Bullinn pretended he had trouble with the door so I could look cool, but all of us were more focused on Flindor, who did a fantastic leap up to the window! Even Haroshima was impressed, and bouncing is like his whole thing. Anyways we all went in, and Flindor & Haroshima found some things, and Galen seemed pleased with a journal, and I gave them the scroll I found in the kitchen while making sandwiches. I didn’t know what any of it meant, but the rest of the party said that meant that the vanguard guy (I’m really trying to remember his name General, but I just can’t place it) had information but did a spell so he wouldn’t anymore. Apparently whatever it was didn’t work. So we started walking over to the square we needed to get to and wandered into a fight. This lady had school kids with her and needed help to get to safety. We of course said we’d help, so I looked out the window and figured out where everyone was, which everybody thought was somehow special. All I did was look. You can tell a lot of things by looking. Like the one guy in the upstairs balcony had just stubbed his toe. I just hate it when I do that. Anyhow I told them what I saw, and Bullinn ripped the door off its hinges and I picked up the table and we started across the street. Haroshima caught multiple arrows that came through! A couple hit some people but I healed the worst of it. Galen said it looked like red guys were mad at the green guys, but I was more focused on holding my table shield. Flindor and Galen shot several of them, and it was very impressive. Bullinn tried to recruit them one side to help us instead, but they didn’t believe we’d win. Silly. It’s like they’ve never visited the Vanguard.*
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> *So then we get into the market square where this Thrax guy is supposed to be. The shop keeps are scared of him, and one lets Bullinn and Haroshima get into position behind them. Flindor & Galen got ready to shoot from far away. That’s when I decided it was time for a mushroom. It was fantastic. The colors! The sounds! The very nice bandit who wanted to dance! I thought enjoying the moment made perfect sense, so I cast faerie fire over Thrax and his guys, and it seemed to work. Honestly the next few minutes were a bit of a blur. I know I hit somebody with my stick. There was an extremely fast moving thing I think was Haroshima, and Bullinn was covered in blood. I remember an handy arrow from Flindor at one point. I didn’t see Galen, but I heard noises that sounded like his fire magic was definitely working! After the guy in front of me fell over, I walked to the other side of the square so hopefully they’d think I wasn’t involved. Had a little pick me up. It was a good one. Earthy. Smelled of summer rain. Then I had a thought… what if I just told Thrax to not move? Him moving was the problem. And someone had said something about him being alive. So I cast hold person on him and we took him back to headquarters. All in all it was a great day at Vanguard Camp, General!*
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> *- Sergio Faesong*
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1. ↑ Be aware that this is told from the player’s perspective of the adventure. Details and happenings may have been presented with some liberties taken to fill in the blanks from poor memory and scribbled notes. Other players should be asked about their views of what happened, and are also welcome to type their stories to share.