Deacon
Deacon is a notable resident of the frontier town of Phandalin, located south of Neverwinter along the Sword Coast.
Profile
Deacon is an old, retired, and blind adventurer known for his kind demeanor. Having left his active questing days behind him, he now resides among the townsfolk of Phandalin, serving as the town’s doctor, shepherd, and a part-time gambler. Though he is not a conventional holy man, he is a dedicated cleric of the Goddess of Luck, Chance, and the patron saint of Travelers and Gamblers, honoring her in his own unique way.
In addition to his medical and spiritual services, he possesses a collection of magical scrolls which he occasionally sells to visiting spellcasters, such as the wizard Farwald. He also assists the local populace and travelers with financial and bartering affairs, notably helping Gilmore sell off 2,600 gp worth of gold pieces melted down from an ancient temple bell.
He was one of the primary figures to welcome the adventuring party—consisting of Farwald, Gilmore, Nalini, Hope, and Erevyn (later known as The Magnificent Five, and subsequently the Fantastic Five)—upon their initial arrival in town after their successful rescue of Sildar Hallwinter from the Cragmaw Hideout.
His presence in the town did not go unnoticed by regional threats. In his personal journal, Nezznar the Spider explicitly noted plans to leverage Glasstaff and the Redbrands to keep “that blind priest” and Halia Thorton distracted and busy with local chaos.
Local Knowledge and Counsel
As a prominent local, Deacon has provided critical intelligence and news to the party regarding various threats, crises, and mysteries in the region:
- The Redbrands: He warned the party about these local punks who had been harassing the townsfolk, mentioning they had been spotted around Tristan Manor.
- Aadabra Gwynn: He informed Nalini that Aadabra, the town’s miller and midwife, had not been seen for a number of weeks.
- Reidoth the Druid: He shared that Reidoth, who resides somewhere in Neverwinter Wood, had been missing for months.
- The Sisters: Deacon provided lore on Agatha, explaining that she has survived for a thousand years and will sometimes answer questions, typically in exchange for nostalgic mementos or specific favors.
- The Snowmont Monastery Attack: In the morning following the party’s defeat of the Redbrand leadership, Deacon woke the party to deliver urgent news of an ongoing attack on the Snowmont Monastery in the Sword Mountains. He received this report from Clarissa, a survivor who had fled to Phandalin desperately seeking aid.
The Crisis of Cryovain and the Council of Phandalin
Following the party’s arduous journey to Snowmont and the subsequent return of the white dragon Cryovain, Deacon and Townmaster Harbin Wester met the battered adventurers in the town square under the dusk twilight. Seeing their exhausted state, Deacon remarked on the gravity of the situation, urging them to convene immediately.
During a makeshift council held in the Townmaster’s office—which included Sildar Hallwinter and a returned Aadabra Gwynn—the leaders discussed the looming draconic threat and the town’s defense. Amidst these discussions, Deacon, along with Myrna Tristan, informed the Townmaster that the newly liberated Tristan Manor was to be left to the town to use as it saw fit, specifically requesting that the deed of ownership be transferred to the party as the town’s protectors.
Highharvesttide
During the Highharvesttide festival celebrating the end of summer and the party’s ultimate victory over the Spider in Wave Echo Cave, Deacon participated in the town’s festivities. He set up a creatively decorated “Fortune Telling” booth within his small semi-circle of stones, welcoming donations from the celebrating townsfolk.