Lyle Hilltop was once a halfling thief of great fortune and little wisdom. He must indeed have been watched over by some merciful god (a forgiving DM), for he survived well into his fifth level, despite such foibles as a penchant for accidently drinking fire oil. However, one sad day, Lyle's luck finally failed him. He and his party (an enormous fighter by the name of Rurik, a neurotic wizard called Gambit, and a misanthropic druid whose name is lost to history) had been charged with the task of delivering a letter to the mayor of a nearby city. With their not insignificant strength, the company was able to easily complete the journey. However, upon entering the walled city, they faced a new challenge.