WIFC Ire of the Storm

Game Master J. A. Chapman

Kord gives a solid smile and a few slaps on the back that likely leave a mark. "That went swimingly! Now, let's find this place. I'd like to know where I'll be spending the night - especially since it sounds like we've got a job offer acomin'"

Kord walks down the street, ready to go.

jareth,ponders to himself,"Sometimes words work better than spells. who would have thought?" He smiles to himself with a half smile and follows Kord to the inn.

Dwynnweer likes the sound of Stone Hall, so he follows the directions to the letter.

With nowhere else to be, the four of you head over to the Stone Hall.

The building lives up to its name, made of rough hewn stone blocks. It operates as the town’s favorite tavern and only inn. People from all over the colony come to the Stone Hall to talk and drink, or to hold semiformal gatherings. On this particular afternoon the place is filled with all manner of people. The main hall of the place is scaled to accommodate an average human’s stature, with straw covering the wood floor, while several offshoot rooms seem more appropriate for people of a shorter stature.

The innkeeper, a blonde halfling named Lysa Longroad, gets you acquainted with the place, your rooms, and something to eat as you sit around the table. She's also quick to let you know the cost for a room (2gp per night). When the food arrives it's simple fare, mackerel with rice, but the drinks are good. As the evening progresses you're each able to learn tidbits about Pridon's Hearth. Map updated with some of the local sites marked off.

Early the next morning a halfling knocks on each of your doors to let you know that Sheriff Praet would like to speak with you. When you meet her in the main hall, food has been readied for each of you, and the now familiar presence of the sheriff greets you.

After exchanging pleasantries, the sheriff gets to the point. "Pridon’s Hearth is an insular community that has had little contact with the region just outside its borders, with the exception of some adjacent farmlands." she explains, taking a sip of her drink. "We maintain a single, small fort to the south to watch for potential problems, called Fort Breakthrough. And the people stationed there haven’t sent a report in nearly 2 weeks. Not completely unheard of, but I'm still concerned. Normally, the people stationed there jump at the opportunity to return to civilization, if only for a single day."

Praet pauses to eye each of you over, as if to make a final assessment. She sighs. "I'm looking to dispatch a small team to check in on them and see if there's any trouble. And I'd much prefer sending some of my own men, but we're really understaffed. So I'd like to offer you four the job. A twelve mile trek to the south, investigate the fort and report back. What do you think?"

"I think it sounds like a good use of skill. Jobs, though, come with compensation..."

Dwynnweer is about to say "yes" when Kord jumps in asking about price. The oread is surprised at the human's temerity, but his question, however blunt, is a wise one.

The sheriff nods as if expecting this question. "You'll probably need some supplies, so I can offer one hundred gold for the group up front. And when you report back, you'll be paid fifty gold pieces each. Deal?"

Kord's eyes go wide. Negotiation is NOT his forte. He looks about and tries to match his expression to the smarter looking people.

Hazel nods, food falling out of her mouth as she speaks. "Haven't crapped in days. A good long walk might shake it loose. Then maybe I can give those guards a taste of 'civilization,' if you know what I mean."

You are shocked horrified when you realize that Hazel isn't wearing shoes. Just an accumulation of mud, twigs, and hair.

Jareth listens to the conversation for a few moments before interjecting.
"The supplies and gold are welcome. But, we are new to this land. Gaining your favor and friendship is far more valuable." Jareth says with an earnest look. "The only thing we request to add to this contract is this: cover any healing or restorative magic needed to make us whole during your service. If you can agree to that, you have yourself a deal."

diplo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

The sheriff takes a deep breath, holding it as if building a reservoir of patience. "That's an expensive request. The best I can do is make sure your housing here at the Stone Hall is covered for the foreseeable future. That's it. Take it or leave it."

jareth noticing he might have overplayed his hand,"We humbly accept your gracious offer. You have yourself a rescue party.

"When do we leave? I'll need time to straighten up." Hazel pats at her hair. A dead bird falls out.

Kord whispers to himself, "Please don't put the bird back. Please don't put the bird back. Please don't put the bird back."

Once business is concluded, Kord looks at the others. "Looks like we're a party now. We've got 100 gold coins. I recommend we buy up some antivenom, and or whiskey with it."

"Perfect," Adaela says, shaking hands with everyone. She's clearly uncomfortable when she shakes Hazel's hand.

She pulls out a sheet of paper from a bag, handing it to Jareth. "Here's a note of credit that you can redeem at the Countinghouse of Abadar. From there, you can pick up whatever supplies you need." She pauses, then says, "A few places you should go to before setting out are Heri’s Conservatorium, Northwind Smithy, and the Oyin Emporium. Since you're new to Pridon's Hearth, the locals may have some useful nuggets. And each of these places can sell the supplies I think you'd need."

With that the sheriff stands up to leave. "Good luck."

The Countinghouse of Abadar calls to something deep within Dwnnweer, reminding him of perhaps another soul he knew once.

The moment passes like flatulence from Hazel's backside. Or front side. It's honestly hard to tell.

The oread falls in step behind Jareth, who reminds him of the babe.

Hazel puts the dead bird back in her hair.

Oh, and for accepting the quest to investigate Fort Breakthrough, the party gains 600xp

"Look, I ain't the greatest at get people to talk. I hope you lot are. I volunteer to handle a shopping list, but someone else should handle the reconoif...recinit.... recon.... ...gathering information."

Jareth nods at Kord,"I am the babe...err man with that power."

gather info: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"What power?"

"The Power of voodoo!"

"Who do?"

"Alrighty then, let's head to Heri’s Conservatorium and see what's going on."

Kord, not being the most gregarious of sorts, does his best to operate in the back, looking for anyone who takes interest in Jareth's questions. Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

The Countinghouse of Abadar, a grand edifice of stone and wood, is the primary temple for Pridon’s Hearth and serves as its bank and urban planning office. A pair of militia men stand idle outside of building, and let the four of you enter without fuss.

Inside you find the typical trappings of a temple to Abadar, and are met by an elderly woman dress in white robes. "Greetings! I see new faces have arrived to Pridon's Hearth. I am Banker Baldra Sifreth. How can I help you?"

When you present the note of credit, she takes the paper and disappears off into a back area. It takes an uncomfortably long time, and youre about to call out when the banker reappears. "My apologies for the delay," she says, reading the strained patience from you all. "It's hard to keep up with everything when your assistant for the week hasn't shown up. I do hope that Quinn gets back from their tour of Fort Breakthrough soon, so that I can get through the backlog."

She hands over a bag that clinks with a satisfying sound. "Anyhow, here you go. Would you like to open an account? The countinghouse can protect your assets, and the funds will help invest in the community's future."

"uuuhhhhhh.... We're actually cashing this to check on them. Give us a description of Quinn and we'll keep an eye out for him."

"A... detailed description."

Hazel waggles her eyebrows.

"You are? Well, that would be very helpful for me. Quinn Vanicus is an Acolyte of Abadar, so the first clue would be that she'll be showing a holy symbol. She's a young woman with brown hair and eyes, and is somewhat short." She gives you enough of a description that you feel confident you could spot her. The banker adds, "If you check in on her and let me know how she is, there's twenty gold pieces I will happily provide for services rendered. If you escort her back, I will double that for you. I can't abide the thought of a loyal servant of Abadar being stranded out there."

With your business concluded and coin in hand, you leave the countinghouse and head towards your next destination: Heri's Conservatorium

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The wind brings in a brief rain shower as the group makes its way over to what turns out to be an apothecary. Stepping inside, you're immediately overwhelmed by unrecognizable scents. Blinking back tears, you're able to see a haze of smoke that causes your eyes to sting for a different reason. You think there are shelves filled with bottles other items, but it's just so hard to tell.

Finally, you hear a voice through the smoky environs say, "Oh hey man, like, welcome to my shop." The sound of footsteps come closer, and a halfling woman with a crooked smile emerges. "I'm Heri. Is there, like, something you need? I got some of the most far out stuff. Potions, poultices, and a number of herbs are available. Though I'm a bit low on stock at the moment, I should be able to hook you up with a thing or two. What brings you my most excellent digs?"

"We're going to Fort Breakthrough. Who do you need us to bring back with us?"

An egg drops out from under Hazel's skirts. It lands with a heavy thud and rolls until it hits the counter. Some kind of reptile starts poking its way out from the shell.

"Whoa man, I don't need no people from Fort Breakthrough. That would be, like, way too on rails for me," Heri says to Hazel. There's a long pause, then the apothecary puts two and two together. "Wait, are you, like, going to Fort Breakthrough? Hold up."

She scribbles out a short list onto a piece of parchment and hands it over to Hazel. The handwriting is loopy and crooked like her smile, making it hard to decipher. After double-checking each item with her, you're able to read it.

HERB LIST:

• Ashwaganda
• Blue Betony
• Calendula
• Feverfew
• Joe Pye Weed
• Horehound
• Vervain

"If you could keep an eyeball open for these, I’d appreciate it muchly. I promise you an amazing reward if you bring me back some good samples," Heri says, her bloodshot eyes kind of glazed over.

"But wait man. I still got a bit of stock. A curative potion or two, maybe?" she walks you through her stock, which consists of alchemists fire, vials of acid, tanglefoot bags, and other basic alchemical remedies... as well as three potions of cure light wounds. Each costs only 80% of the normal cost to buy them, to which she says, "It's cool, man. I dig you guys. You're cool dudes that can keep things on the sly, yeah?"

Do we need to stock up on alchemist's fires in case of swarms?

I was thinking the same thing.

I can do burning hands three times a day right now, but chemical fire is always nice to have.

"Those are some interesting herbs my friend, but what do they look like?" Jareth looks at the group,"Do any of you know what these things look like?"

Dwynnweer talks to Heri at length about the herbs on her list.
Take 10 on Kn (nature) yields a 14.

When Jareth and Dwynnweer start getting into the topic of herbs, Heri's eyes are wide and interested. She seems pretty savvy, though Dwynnweer gets a sense that not all of the herbs she sells are 100% legal. There's some shade to her wares.

Each Alchemist Fire is 16gp.

Kord ponies up 56 of his own coin and purchases an alchemist's fire and a potion of CLW. "Is there a place to buy a bandoleer around here?"

He then looks at the others. "Let's buy at least one more potion and blow the rest on fire."

"Need some leather to hold the goods? I can dig it. You'd probably find a bandoleer at Oyin's Emporium" Heri says. Kord recognizes the name as one of the places the sheriff had suggested you visit.

Once you sort through all your purchases, the group leaves the shop and heads for Northwind Smithy

Feel free to make whatever purchases you need. We can retcon anything you want up till before you guys leave town.

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You had all learned from chatting with townsfolk last night that the smithy in Pridon's Hearth has changed hands a few times, but is currently run by Vethorn Valgardson. When you arrive there, you see a a strapping, no-nonsense half-elf working at a forge. He stops when he sees you all, and in an obvious northern accent says, "What can I do for you?"

"Anything you want to."

The smith blinks a few times, but doesn't say anything.

Ignoring Hazel the Diseased, Dwynnweer steps forward. We should like to see your wares.

Kord gags.

The smith nods to Dwynnweer and shows him around the shop.

Rows or weapons and armor are arrayed about the walls, shelving and most other spaces of the smithy, giving the impression that Vethorn does a brisk business selling all manner of forms of protection, though there are other crafted oddments to support other basic needs. He minces no words as he details is pricing, what he has in stock, what he can craft, and the time he'd need to complete any special requests.

Vethorn stocks all simple and martial weapons, and carries any light and medium metal armor. He can craft exotic weapons or heavy armor by request, requiring 1 day for every 20 gp of the item’s market cost.

"What you need my wares for? New militiamen?" he says this last bit with a doubtful eye on Jareth. He doesn't ever look at Hazel.

Kord stares at his fists and smiles.

"We're going to Fort Breakthrough. I assume you need us to check on something or someone. Maybe your wife...or girlfriend...?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

Dwynnweer looks closely at the bows, testing the pull of several, nodding at the manufacture. You do good work, he says. I will return.

I'm not ready to spend the coin just yet, but a longbow instead of a shortbow might be a good idea. Would a STR-rated composite bow be a custom item?

A STR-rated composite bow is a standard martial weapon to me, so no special request needed.

"No wife or girlfriend," the smith says, falling into the trap. "But if you're going to Fort Breakthrough, I can make it worth your while. I sent a shipment to the fort, but haven't got my pay for it. Check on the shipment and either bring back what's owed to me or bring back my shipment and I'll give you a standing discount on any purchases at my shop. Deal?"

After asking for more detail you learn that he is owed 95gp for a shipment of 10 swords and 144 crossbow bolts.

After you wrap up your business with Vethorn, you head over to the last spot: Oyin Emporium

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The well-kept wooden building that makes up Oyin Emporium is filled with all sorts of oddments, making it clear that it serves as king of general goods store and local post office.

Mirya herself is an older woman, and after exchanging a few words with her you're confident she can best be described as 'cantankerous'. When she learns that you're going to be making the trip to Fort Breakthrough, she gives you all a long, considering look before saying, "Alright, I suppose I can trust you lot. Trustworthy folk are hard to come by, and of course Cassia just had to go and die on me, leaving me alone to tend to this place. So I have need for some folks to run errands."

"Witterwil Farm is about a mile south of Pridon's Hearth, and is on your way to Fort Breakthrough. I need a parcel delivered to them, and I can load up a handy little haversack I have with all the farm supplies and seed that needs delivering. I'll even let you hold onto that sack if you don't mind doing the odd delivery for me. It's a good deal, especially since I can tell most of you lot aren't accustomed to any back-breaking work," Mirya looks at Jareth pointedly. Seeming to have come to a decision in her own mind, she wraps things up. "Deal? Deal."

After packaging all the items into a surprisingly small haversack, she hands it over to Kord and says, "Now if you don't need anything from me, get moving already."

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Feel free to discuss whatever purchases you think you'll need for a trip on Slack. You know that the trip is about 3 hours long each way.

Note that, outside of your quest to check in on the people of Fort Breakthrough, you have picked up the following as 'side quests':

• Bring Quinn Vanicus back to town for Banker Baldra Sifreth
• Find specific herbs on your trip to the Fort for Heri Lightstep
• Bring back his payment or his shipment of weapons to Vethorn Velgardson
• Deliver a parcel to Witterwil Farm on your way to the Fort for Mirya Oyin

Also, for meeting some of the more prominent people around town the party earns 800xp

Kord chaffs at the "back breaking work" comment, as his biceps are bigger than Jareth's head. He then winces at the thought of Hazel's incoming comments to follow up on back breaking work...

"We can handle all this."

Who among us can recognize the herbs? Jareth? Hazel? My Final Fantasy and JRPG compulsions make me want to handle side quests first, but it looks like there are two we can complete before checking on the fort. With a trip only 3 hours each way. I vote that we handle those two completely first, and hit the fort in the morning.

Identifying herbs will be a Survival or Knowledge Nature check, so you all can do it.

Yeah, Dwynnweer has Kn (nature) and Survival trained. We should be good on the herbs.

Looks like it's Witterwill Farm -> herbs -> Fort Breakthrough -> bring back shipment/payment and Quinn Vanicus. Pretty straighforward. What could possibly go wrong?

Did we spend the rest of the money? I vote a potion and the rest on Alchemist's fire if we haven't.