Chapter 1: Freeland

As the story begins, we find Kaydie and Ollie, in their favorite spot in Freeland, a run down building passing as a tavern in this town - The Blind Minotaur. A storm is brewing outside as you hear the thunder rolling in the distance. The tavern is packed, probably 100 or so patrons and several bartenders and servers. It usually isn't this busy, but the storms draw people in.

Kaydie and Ollie sit in a corner, able to watch everyone in here.

A human (Tep) walks in not much later, presumably to escape the impending rain as well.

Then, something even more unusual walks in, an Eladrin (Red). This is unusual in any part of the world, as they usually wouldn't be caught dead with common folks. But it is especially unusual in a town like Freeland.

What is everybody doing?

As the three of you meet and interact, suddenly the doors to the tavern burst open with a loud BAM! The room goes silent and in walks a large half-orc and a small gnome.

Well, looks like it's tax time, Gleebo. the half-orc says to the gnome.

Indeed, Borkis. the gnome responds.

The half-orc makes his way to the bar. Fenrille, based on how many patrons are in here, I'd say you owe about 50 gold.

Please, don't do this. That's too much.

The half-orc grabs the elf bartender by the collar. You owe, what you owe. I don't make the rules, Veris does. Veris protects this place, you owe for that protection. It'd be a shame if something bad happened to this place.

With that, the gnome releases a small flaming bolt from his hand at the stacks of alcohol behind the bar. No fire starts, but the point is made.

The pouch of gold comes off easily and unnoticed.