The Gate of Dawnvale
The Gate of Dawnvale
Read Aloud
The city gate rises beyond a stone bridge, its brass ward-pillars glowing beneath rows of lanterns. A speaking-stone turns every answer into three loud echoes as guards halt the line and demand names, purpose, and payment. The sealed gates will not open until someone convinces the checkpoint that your audience with the Archmage is real.
The Scene
NEUTRALCheckpoint negotiationBase DC 13Stakes The party must reach the Archmage before the appointment window closes; public suspicion could turn a simple entry into an official investigation.
15 to 25 minutes
Guard Captain Aven Thorne wants to admit legitimate visitors, avoid another forged-summons scandal, and keep the line moving.
The party's quest is urgent, the Archmage's name carries weight, and the guards fear being blamed for blocking official business.
- Present a credible appointment, seal, letter, or witness.
- Explain the party's purpose clearly despite the repeated answers.
- Offer useful information about the forged summons.
- Appeal to the gate captain's duty to verify visitors without blocking them.
- Pay the bridge fee or make a lawful case for exemption.
- Ask the guard to move the discussion aside so the public echoes stop causing confusion.
- Repeat the same concise purpose three times and let the stone verify consistency.
- Request the gate captain and frame the delay as a risk to the Archmage's schedule.
- Question the guards about the exact proof they need.
- Use the crowd's impatience to pressure the checkpoint into a quick decision.
- Clear, consistent answers make Mara practical and cooperative.
- Bluster makes Mara call for more guards and repeat the questions slowly.
- A respectful request for privacy earns one private verification attempt.
- Threats or obvious lies shift Aven to HOSTILE.
- A useful warning about the forged summons earns immediate attention.
