Original author: Graeme Davis
An episodic AD&D adventure, set in Pelinore but usable anywhere. First published in GameMaster Publications #2, 1985.
As a reward for restoring normality into the quarters close to Piper's Corner, Fat Odo, inn-keeper of the Blue Boar Tavern, offered free meal and drinks to celebrate the heroes of the day. You return to the tavern after refreshing yourselves at the merchants warehouses, looking forward to the free ale and fine food.
The warm, golden glow from the windows spills onto the cobbled street, a welcoming beacon for weary adventurers. Inside, the familiar hum of conversation mingles with the crackle of the hearth, and the savory aroma of roasted meat and ale fills the air.
Fat Odo, the tavern's portly and affable landlord, greets you with a knowing wink as you step through the door. He nods toward a solitary figure seated near the fire, her posture suggesting both exhaustion and alertness.
“Blew in just today,” he says, his voice a low rumble. “She shows up every now and then—seems to be in your line of work. Don’t know if you’ve caught wind of any expeditions or jobs going, but she looks like she could use one. Claims she’s had a run of bad luck. I’m putting her up for now, goodwill and all, but I can’t keep that up forever.”
Your gaze follows his gesture to the woman in question. She appears to be in her mid-thirties, her features shadowed but unmistakably sharp under the flickering firelight. Her travel-worn leather jerkin and breeches speak of long roads behind her, while the twin daggers at her belt and the longsword leaning within easy reach hint at a profession fraught with danger. She sits alone, nursing a drink and staring into the flames, as though searching for answers—or perhaps courage.
What do you do?
As you approach her, she introduces herself as Riadha, a one time mercenary and now out of work.
"I'm afraid I can't buy you a drink," she says, "Things have been a bit lean recently. Half my old group died on the last job, and the others went their own ways while I was stuck here healing up" - she pulls down the collar of her jerkin to reveal an impressive-looking scar on her right shoulder - "So here I am. I don't suppose you've heard of any work going at all? I've already had to sell my armour, and if things get much tighter the sword will have to go too."
Through the evening, conversation turns inevitably to tales of past adventures, and Riadha tells of the last job.
"We were hunting bugbears in the mountains. They'd hit a caravan carrying about twenty thousand in gems, and the owning family wanted the stuff back - plus any of the crew still alive and uneaten. Should have been a routine job, but wouldn't you know it, we had to find some clever bugbears. And we weren't careful enough, it has to be said. Anyway, they trapped us in a dead end, and we had to cut ourselves out through a couple of dozen of them. About halfway out, I took an axe in the shoulder - I should have died by rights - and Modo, our priest, managed to pull me clear and heal it part way. I was still in a coma, though, and they had to carry me out. Modo died fighting in my place." Her eyes mist over slightly. "Still, enough of that. Let me tell you about the time we took the Kao-Lyn ruby from the Temple of the Scorpion. Now that was a trip and a half..."
... And so the evening wears on, pleasantly swapping stories with a fellow adventurer over an excellent spit-roast side of boar and a comfortable amount of wine and ale.
As closing time comes round, Riadha picks up her sword and gets ready to leave. After thanking the party for their ale and company, she does a strange thing. "Yes, you'll do," she says, and drops a silver medallion on the table. "Bring this where it belongs, first thing in the morning. And be discreet. Best clothes, no hardware - got it?"
And with that she is gone.
Identify the Stag's Head marking
? roll for History DC15
You recognise this as being the arms of the Turgarron Family, an important merchant family based in the City League that you have heard mentioned in tavern talk. This seems to be some form of invitation to the an attendance with the Turgarron family.
You're not sure about the Stag's Head, but the symbol on the reverse is a common symbol used by the Merchant's Guild. Maybe this is some form of invitation.
What do the party plan to do next?
Ask about Stag's Head
Suilven roll for Persuasion DC10 - success
You ask around the Tavern if anyone knows the Stag's Head emblem, and are reliably told by Fat Odo that it belongs to the Turgarron family. The family are well known in the city, and while no one knows the exact location of the house, they would assume it is at the north end of The Hill where all the merchant mansions have been built. But better to ask at the Mercantyler's Guild. They'd know where to go for sure.
Ask about Merchant's Guild
? roll for Persuasion DC5
While none of the present company in the Blue Boar are merchants, it is common knowledge that the Mercantyler's Guild, as it is known in the City League, is situated not far off in the city's business district. From the Blue Boar, go past he arena, down the main street, turn left at the end and the Guild house is not too much further along the road on the left. It is a very opulent looking building.
You decide to continue to enjoy the festivities and fare, well it's in your honour and free, and the accommodation is provided too. In the morning you decide to head to the Mercantyler's Guild, after you've enjoyed a hearty, on the house, breakfast.
Articles under 337-115 Find the Lady
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