Gameplay 2 - Deranged Poisoner

Cyrind'ae had found her way to Marian Town, a crossroads within the Duchy of Harcourt. The whole town is talking about events yesterday where a jailbreak turned into a full blown demon invasion. A few adventurers were on hand to help set things right (with a little help from the local archmage, perhaps). Her pockets and cups runneth over that night, for generosity, gratitude, and goodwill keep the requests for stories, songs, and tales coming deep into the night. The center of action for you is the tavern The Lost Duckling, which was ground zero for the demon incursion. One of their regulars, Buxom Bella, was killed and partially eaten by the foul beasts.

Said adventurers wake up the next morning, with varying degrees of fuzz growing on their tongues. Not actual fuzz, but that metaphorical fuzz that comes from drinking strange fluids served by flirty women. Luigi, the bartender and owner of The Lost Duckling, gave you all rooms to help recover from your stalwart defence of the town. From songs and street dancing, and endless patrons feeding you small baked pies and refilling your tankards, your memory is hazy at best. What you do remember is the gratitude of the towns folk. Some died, and those that survived knew that without your assistance, it would have been much worse.

After a breakfast of the strange fried bread that they love here, along with generous dollops of jam and berries, and, of course, watered wine that does much to ease your troubled brow, the mayor Hayden Eckheart approaches your table.

"Kind sirs," he begins, a local greeting you have become familiar with. "We have prepared letters for the king. We have asked for volunteers to take the high road to Castle Harcourt, but we were hoping that you might accompany them."

An older woman smacks the mayor upside the head. "Tell them the rest, you dolt."

He slouches and tips his knuckle at her, smacking his lips. "Right. Our council held a vote last night, and we would be hoping that you think on settling in Marian Town. When your adventures are over, of course. We'd be happy to help build houses for each of you. It would be our way of thanking you."

Luigi pipes up from behind his polished bar. "And for keeping you close by; your kind is sorely needed."

A glance around the tavern shows you that many nod in agreement with what has been said, and a few others look sullen. Jealous, even.

"You men are fools," the old lady continues, shaking her head in disbelief. "There are signs of trouble. We've not had a messenger for a fortnight from that way, nor caravan folk. And that's not normal."

"It's not unheard of," sighs the mayor. "Though that's why we want, er, people of aptitude to see this done."

Mayor Eckheart continues: "Well, whenever you're ready, we'll do an official call for volunteers to deliver the letters to the king."

Outside, you can see assorted people milling about in the street. A wagon is being blocked and decorated to make a stable speaking platform. Several heavy built piebald horses are being hitched to the hitching rail outside The Lost Duckling.

A table is also being setup to the side of the stage with a water barrel, wooden mugs, and a what may be a scribe supervising.

Nar and Grok's sparring draws a small crowd. The watchers quickly start to hoot and holler and yell advice. Children run up from whatever pocket dimension they were hiding in, and begin to cheer as well.

Eventually, the townsfolk finish their preparations and a general sort off unease takes over the area. People come from various directions and mill about, crowding the street. Old timers in rusty gear, teenagers in their parents armor, several folks from they kings army, and local shop owners. Many have heard a summons and have gathered to hear the mayor speak.

The scribe takes a seat at his table and fiddles with his papers and writing utensil. The horses are quieted down and a hush draws over the crowd as the mayor scrambles into the wagon/stage.

The lot of you find yourself in the crowd, somewhere according to your tastes.