Your meeting with Captain Zodge is interrupted by
the arrival of several Flaming Fist soldiers clad in plate
armor. From behind this wall of swords and steel steps
an armored woman with a white cloak and graying hair.
"Are these the maniacs who've stirred up every nest of
rats in this gods-forsaken city?"
"Commander Portyr!" says Zodge. "I was told you
wouldn't be in Baldur's Gate for at least another tenday."
"That's what the city's government wanted you to
think, captain," she replies. Turning to you, she says, "I
trust you've been adequately compensated?"Until recently, Liara Portyr (see her accompanying stat
block) commanded a Flaming Fist outpost called Fort
Beluarian on the distant tropical peninsula of Chult. Her
uncle is Duke Dillard Portyr of Baldur's Gate, one of
the city's two remaining government leaders (assuming
Duke Vanthampur did not survive). Duke Portyr sum-
moned his niece to take command of the Flaming Fist in
Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard's absence. Her trip home
was expedited by magic.
Liara aims to assert herself as Ulder Ravengard's nat-
ural successor but clings to the hope that he's still alive.
If the characters think they have any chance to rescue
Elturel- and Ravengard along with it- Liara stronglyurges them to pursue that quest. Her experiences in
Chu.It have taught her to respect adventurers and their
ability to get things done.
If the characters didn't find Falaster Fisk in the dun-geon under Vanthampur Villa, Liara Portyr can be the
one who urges them to travel to Candlekeep and seek
out Sylvira Savikas, a renowned expert on the Nine
Hells. Sylvira can help them unlock the infernal puzzle
box and the mysteries of the Shield of the Hidden Lord.
After making sure the characters receive their prom-
ised reward, Liara thanks them for doing their part to
help Baldur's Gate. Although she must focus her efforts
on various threats to the city's security, she makes it
possible for the characters to leave Baldur's Gate when
they're ready, going as far as to secure a riding horse or
pony for each party member to expedite their journeyto Candlekeep. She can also provide a mule-drawn cart
laden with food, drink, and other supplies.
j OURNEY TO CANDLEKEEP
When the characters are ready to leave for Candlekeep,
read the following boxed text to the players:
As the Basilisk Gate opens, Flaming Fist soldiers hold
back the tide of Elturgardian refugees. You cut a path
through these wretched souls, whose wails intensify as
the Basilisk Gate closes behind you. The dirt road cuts
through the slums of the Outer City, past the walled
neighborhood of Little Calimshan, to the great span of
Wyrm's Crossing.LIARA PORTYR
Medium humanoid (human), lawful evilArmor Class 15 (studded leather, shield)
Hit Points 84 (13d8 + 26)
Speed 30 ft.STR
16 (+3)DEX
12 (+1)CON
15 (+2)Saving Throws Con +4, Wis +4INT
14 (+2)WIS
14 (+2)CHA
16 (+3)Skills Athletics +S, Deception +5, Insight +4, Int imidation +5
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Draconic, Dwarvish
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)Brave. Liara has advantage on saving throws against being
frightened.
Flaming Fury. Once per turn, when Liara hits a creature with a
melee weapon, she can cause fire to magically erupt from her
weapon and deal an extra 10 (3d6) fire damage to t he target.ACTIONS
Multiattack. Liara makes three melee attacks.
Battleaxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. , one tar·
get. Hit: 7 (ld8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8 (ldlO + 3) slashing
damage when used with two hands.
Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range
100/40 0 ft ., one target. Hit: 6 (ldlO + 1) piercing damage.CHAPTER I I A TALE OF TWO C1Tl£S