In front of this scene, against the back wall, are six short, stone pedestals arranged in a semi-circle. Atop each pedestal is a item: a small, ornate wooden box; a yellowing piece of rolled parchment; a suit of full plate armor cleverly and tastefully crafted with dragon scales of every color (red, blue, white, black, green, gold, silver, copper, bronze, and brass); a finely woven, deep-green cloak with silver trim; a small, decorative steel vial; and a crystal vial containing a liquid that is continually shifting through the colors blue, red, yellow, white, and green.
As you move in to inspect these items you find yourself suddenly confronted with an apparition of a beautiful elven woman in antiquated but tasteful dress, a thin sword hanging from her hip, and a belt full of wands at the ready. She is laughing and smiling as her shape forms before you. But, her smile begins to fade slightly as she tosses her long, dark hair over her shoulder and turns to face us with a look of concern about her. In a soft, elegant tone, she addresses you.
�Greetings, Hand of Valor, I am Imryll Eluarshee, founder of Highmoon, and a wielder of the gift of foresight. My visions of the future are always tentative things; yet, if you are hearing this, my fears are confirmed. I have foreseen your arrival and have knowledge of your fate, should you continue along this course. Much depends on you, it seems.
"The Hand of Valor, with its ever-changing faces and numbers, has been a boon to my fair city, and I feel loath to ask more of its members. Yet, should The Hand of Valor somehow fall to foe or misfortune before these visions I have seen are played out, the rest of Faerun, as you know it, will fall with you. You have become wrapped up in a plot not of your choosing, though your choices thus far have been pivotal. There is one among you that hears the call of a mighty being that is responsible for much of the trouble now stirring in these lands and there is also one among you that is destined to fight against that call. The days before you are dark ones, friends, but I will tell you what I can in hope that I can brighten them, and in doing so give Faerun a fighting chance.
"The strength behind your enemies belongs to an ancient power that is both magical and demonic. The exact nature of this force I do not know, except to say that it is having a profound affect upon the dragons of this world. In fact, I fear a devastating flight of dragons is gathering, one unlike any the world has ever seen. This cannot come to be, and I am afraid it will fall upon you to learn more of it and prevent it.
"Beyond these tidbits of knowledge, I also have advice. To combat a dragon, one must rely on both might and magic. To halt a fight of dragons, monuments to both must be created. These will serve as beacons of knowledge and strength necessary to alert the lands of impending danger. They will also be needed for defense, as the great wyrms grow restless. Too, I have reason to believe the construction of such places of influence will lead to important developments that will move you along your course.
"I am afraid that is all I can tell you for certain. However, as one last attempt to aid you in the challenges that await you, I offer each of you a gift:" As she spoke, each item brazed with a halo of white light.
"To the Strategist, I give a small vial of what is perhaps the most valuable substance in Faerun: Whole Magic, you will need it for your task.
"For the Archmage, I give a deed to a piece of my beloved city, to show my gratefulness for the love you have shown it.
"To the protector of the natural world, I give a suit of Dragonhide armor, enhanced to keep you even safer than a dragon�s scales can. This will come prove to be critical as you learn more of your past and your destiny,
'To the Marksman, I give a Cloak of Agility, since your speed protects you and your friends, and your arrows shall soon fly against mighty foes.
"To the Operative, I give a rare gift, the ability to sense those things beyond your senses because your group will depend on your vigilance more than once.
"And to the one who hears the call, I shall help to protect you from your own. There is much about yourself that you will come to understand in time."
The white halo disappeared, and the image of the Deeping Princess began to fade also. You watch entranced as the image slips into nothingness, leaving nothing but the memory of the elven woman's smile--and the terrible knowledge of her words.
