OFD01 Visit the Blue Piper Inn
Accept the Challenge
A man approaches you while you are standing talking to Pip, the innkeeper at the Blue Piper.
"Excuse me gentlemen, .. oh.... and lady. I am so sorry m'lady, I didn't notice you there. Ahem...." and he clears his throat nervously. "My name is Mr Merels, Grame Merels, and I am a resident in these parts. I couldn't but overhear that you seem to have come down to Piper's Corner to ....erm, investigate the murders, or maybe....you're just on a guided tour of the killing sites? Erm... sorry to ask, but we've had our fair share of ....oh, what are they called.... ah yes, 'rubber-neckers'... pass through our little back corner recently. It's bad enough have a killer on the loose, but these gawkers are as much of a problem. Don't spend their money here, just take a look, and off the go. Making up awful stories about all the decent folk who live around here."
What do the party say/ask?
"Well, if you interested in helping, a very respectable and generous resident of this fine establishment has offered a sizeable sum to the person or persons who can put an end to this awful nightmare. If you care to know more, I would most gladly take you.... well, maybe just three of you, for his room isn't the largest... to meet him and discuss the matter. Would you be willing to stand in our defence?"
Who goes with him?
Suilven, Matrox and Asus agree to go with him.
Grame leads you up the stairs and to the end of the corridor on the first floor. He knocks on the door, and from within a faint voice calls out "Come in". You head into the room, where everything is neatly placed and arranged, including the sick looking noble lying in the bed.
Grame introduces the members of the party to the man in the bed, who is struggling to pull himself up, but ultimately fails. He explains that they are experienced investigators, combatants and challengers of evil.
He speaks softly, obviously weak from the illness. You don't want to get too close. "Greetings! I am Sir Rubin Hewd. Liegeman to Count Nortus d'Erebia of Bereduth. I am honoured to be in such noble company.".
Know where Bereduth is
Those in room roll History DC15 (+3 for Suilven as Haldurheim is relatively close) - failure
You recall hearing about the County of Bereduth, and its capital of the same name. It is many days journey to the south west from where you are now, but the source of the River Lygol traverses both lands on its way out to the sea beyond the City League.
Sir Rubin recognises your confused expressions indicating you have no idea where he is from. "The County of Bereduth, and its capital of the same name is many days journey to the south west from where we are now, but the source of the River Lygol traverses both lands on its way out to the sea beyond the City League." he explains.
"I am horrified by the tragedies that have befallen this wonderful community in recent weeks. Were I not confined to this wretched bed, I would rise and smite this vile beast myself, banishing it back to the fiery depths of Fire Mountain, where it surely was spawned. If only I had the strength to stand among you once more, with my trusted sword at my side."
As he finishes, a fit of coughing overtakes him, his body wracked by the effort. The surge of emotion and excitement is clearly too much for him in his weakened state. He re-gathers himself.
"Since I am unable to take on this challenge myself, I wish to offer a reward of 200 gold pieces and more importantly, the favour of Saith the Protector, to the person or persons who might vanquish this beast, once and for all, and return this place to the peace and calm it once knew. What say you? Will you take on this quest? Will you stand in the glory of Saith?"
"I fully understand if you wish to decline, as the risk to one's life must be great, and only true heroes would surely prevail. But I feel I am in the presence of heroes. Am I not?"
What do the party decide?
You agree to the new quest!
"I salute you.....", and you have to wait a few more moments, as he breaks into more coughing and spluttering. "You truly do great honour to your fellow citizens. So what is your plan?" he asks.
Saith is the God of Vengeance, Giver of Law