Map of Red Larch
The village of Red Larch, a familiar waypoint along the Long Road, usually offers a bustling respite for travellers and merchants, even boasting two wagonmakers eager for business. But as our diverse group of adventurers arrives, it's clear something is amiss. The weather is unnatural, whispers of lightning striking skyward instead of down pervade the air, and a pervasive sense of gloom hangs over the downtrodden inhabitants. A subtle rot seems to be consuming the heart of the town, its cause unknown.
A glimmer of hope, however, brightens the otherwise dreary mood: the anticipated arrival of a Delegation from Mirabar, heading south toward Waterdeep. Their passage through Red Larch could finally put the village on the map, a hint of excitement for its languid residents.
Today is market day, and the village square hums with activity. Merchants hawk their wares, locals mingle, and our protagonists find themselves amidst the chaos. Some, like Rowan, lurk in the shadows, their hands deftly relieving unwitting patrons of their coin. Others, like Joe, observe the scene with a watchful eye. A Gnome Illusionist captivates children with shimmering tricks, while the local strongmen settle old scores in a designated wrestling pit.
Joe, ever vigilant, scans the crowd for anything out of place. Two individuals quickly catch his attention. As he discreetly maneuvers closer to eavesdrop, he catches a troubling fragment: "Bethendur hasn't been attending meetings recently..." The rest of their hushed conversation is lost to the din of children's laughter and market chatter. Joe silently commits their appearances to memory before melting back into the crowd, unseen.
Elak Dornen
Meanwhile, Bessok, having been in Red Larch for a few days, has already picked up on local rumours. Strange, robed figures wearing stone masks are reportedly watching the quarry workers at night, scaring them away. The terrified workers now refuse night shifts. Intrigued, Bessok seeks out Elak Dornen, the quarry owner. Elak, dismissive of the workers' fears, attributes their reluctance to laziness and a preference for the tavern. Yet, recognizing Bessok's adventurous spirit, he offhandedly mentions Tricklerock Cave, a rumored location of treasure and monsters, perhaps hoping to redirect Bessok's curiosity.
Elsewhere, Gark, never one to pass up a freebie, is taking full advantage of the merchants' complimentary ales and ciders, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. Bessok, having left his conversation with Elak, soon finds Gark. As the two begin to chat, their conversation is abruptly shattered. A man storms up and violently smacks a child, beginning to snarl, "What did I tell you..." Before he can finish, Gark's quarterstaff connects with the man's head, knocking him unconscious.
Constable Harburk
Bessok quickly intervenes, preventing Gark from delivering a fatal blow. At the same moment, Rowan's sharp eyes spot a new wagon rumbling in from the south road. The driver is slumped over, an arrow protruding from his arm. The local Constable Harburk rushes to the scene, swiftly followed by a local cleric offering aid.
Noticing the commotion Gark caused at the market, Constable Harburk's gaze falls upon the impromptu group. With a sharp command, he barks, "Do something useful!" Bandits are on the road, and the wounded driver's description reveals their general location.
Leaving the market scene before things escalate further, the newly, albeit reluctantly, formed adventurers head south. They expertly circle around behind the bandit camp, discovering a group of brigands enjoying a meal around a fire, with a large black bear confined in a nearby cage. Their surprise attack is swift and decisive. The bandits are quickly dispatched, and the grateful bear, recognizing its liberators, wastes no time in disappearing into the surrounding woods.
With the bandits dealt with and their meager gold and treasure claimed, the group begins their journey back to Red Larch, perhaps wondering what other troubles await them in this peculiar village.
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| Elak Dornen |
Meanwhile, Bessok, having been in Red Larch for a few days, has already picked up on local rumours. Strange, robed figures wearing stone masks are reportedly watching the quarry workers at night, scaring them away. The terrified workers now refuse night shifts. Intrigued, Bessok seeks out Elak Dornen, the quarry owner. Elak, dismissive of the workers' fears, attributes their reluctance to laziness and a preference for the tavern. Yet, recognizing Bessok's adventurous spirit, he offhandedly mentions Tricklerock Cave, a rumored location of treasure and monsters, perhaps hoping to redirect Bessok's curiosity.
Elsewhere, Gark, never one to pass up a freebie, is taking full advantage of the merchants' complimentary ales and ciders, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. Bessok, having left his conversation with Elak, soon finds Gark. As the two begin to chat, their conversation is abruptly shattered. A man storms up and violently smacks a child, beginning to snarl, "What did I tell you..." Before he can finish, Gark's quarterstaff connects with the man's head, knocking him unconscious.
|
| Constable Harburk |
Noticing the commotion Gark caused at the market, Constable Harburk's gaze falls upon the impromptu group. With a sharp command, he barks, "Do something useful!" Bandits are on the road, and the wounded driver's description reveals their general location.
Leaving the market scene before things escalate further, the newly, albeit reluctantly, formed adventurers head south. They expertly circle around behind the bandit camp, discovering a group of brigands enjoying a meal around a fire, with a large black bear confined in a nearby cage. Their surprise attack is swift and decisive. The bandits are quickly dispatched, and the grateful bear, recognizing its liberators, wastes no time in disappearing into the surrounding woods.
With the bandits dealt with and their meager gold and treasure claimed, the group begins their journey back to Red Larch, perhaps wondering what other troubles await them in this peculiar village.
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