A cold wind swept across Wyvernwater as a large passenger ship approached from afar, preparing to dock. In the distance, lake water slapped against the reefs. Even in the depths of winter, the docks bustled with activity, passenger ships arriving one after another. There was more than one lighthouse on the distant docks, more than two. The Purple Dragon Banner of the Kingdom of Cormyr, the great silver Eight-Pointed Star banner of the Sallyan family, and the military banner of the Shepherd Legion each occupied a tower of their own.
The soldiers on the docks used semaphore to tell the incoming passenger ship to wait a little longer. Waiting aboard, Varo seized the opportunity to take out his pen and write furiously on parchment. He wore a standard black-and-white traveling outfit and a soft black beret, dressed as a bard.
"Volo's Guide to Cormyr, revised edition, Book of the Sunset Lands."
"Well, I must say, Cormyr has changed considerably since my last visit, so much so that I have had to rewrite several chapters. Some of the information is already outdated. I believe I need to visit the Sunset Lands myself and experience the legendary Chaos Expedition."
Varo swiftly wrote down a string of words. After observing his surroundings for a moment, he continued writing.
"The Chaos Expedition is renowned throughout the Realms for its generous rewards and enormous risks. According to data from authoritative scholars at Candlekeep, its overall success rate barely exceeds twenty percent, even after adventurers have gradually gained experience over the past few months. Any mortal has no more than three chances... personally, I would say two. If the first two attempts fail, a third Chaos Expedition becomes a gamble with one's life at stake."
The mage dressed as a bard glanced around him.
Humans made