The road north from Phandalin to Icewind Dale, through a Sword Coast that has grown more complicated with every passing year.

Phandalin

The party's long-running base of operations. Last-minute shopping before the northern journey. A 30-day timeskip was agreed upon. Pip and Drizzle were sent home from Neverwinter with guards 4 days prior to the current session date.

See also: player notes on Phandalin history, the Redbrands, Wave Echo Cave, and the Forge of Spells.

Saltmarsh

Multiple mercenary fleets departing north for the conflict: Flaming Fist (Baldur's Gate), Zhentarim, Company of the Bound Dragon (Waterdeep), Company of the Bloody Banner (Waterdeep), Company of the Crazed Venturers (Waterdeep). This military buildup delays sea travel by 10–15 days.

Neverwinter

Neverwinter is run by an imposter. The rightful heirs are seeking help. The Flaming Fist is en route to the city.

TODO: Confirm what the party has already done in Neverwinter vs. what remains. Pip and Drizzle were sent home from here.

Luskan

The party has arrived in Luskan. Everyone is okay.

Kelvin Fairlight's complicated reputation here:

• Honorary member of House Taerl (actually earned by a Fey Prince named Roland who was traveling in Kelvin's identity).
• Granted Fairlight Manor.
• Known in Luskan as "Admiral Fairlight of the Grey Seas" — a raider and pillager of grain ships.
• Also a known member of Ship Barram in Luskan.

Kavu has sent sendings: one to Sildar (reporting safe arrival, Pip and Drizzle sent home 4 days ago from Neverwinter), one to Pip (reporting in Luskan, no one has died, "Keep an ear out for Tales of Hot Shot and Little Spark").

Revels End

Prison facility on the route north. Othorion has a connection here — Grazzt connection. # TODO: Expand.

GM Notes

Kelvin's Reputation Problem

In Luskan, Kelvin has status (House Taerl, Fairlight Manor) but it was earned by a Fey Prince impersonator. In Bryn Shander, Kelvin is actively wanted. The party will need to decide how much to lean into the Kelvin identity in each location.