IC Stuff

Our adventure takes place here....

You've arrived at Olostin's Hold, in the south of Allaria, right on the edge of Turlang's Wood. Named after Olostin, the legendary adventurer who established this town centuries ago, it's a perfect jumping-off point for those who want to explore the nearby woods. It's a mild spring day, sunny for now...but a dark cloud hovers over the woods to the east.

On the road near town, you were approached by a messenger who somehow knew who you were. The messenger said that a man named Johan Torres wanted to meet with you. This name is known to you: Torres's title is probably something bureaucratic like "deputy intelligence official," but he's really a spy and assassin, someone who does the dirty work for the Union.

You walk through the town to the designated meeting place: the town hall, a basic two-story wooden building. After conversing with two guards and what appears to be a secretary or assistant on the first floor, you're directed to the mayor's office on the second floor.

Here sits an impeccably dressed white-haired man who somehow seems both bored and alert. He smokes a cigarillo, blowing the smoke out in clouds that seem almost identical.

Interestingly, he's either wearing a gauntlet on his right hand, or it's actually a prosthesis. Either way, its craftsmanship is exquisite; it moves flawlessly, indistinguishable from a real limb.

Another man paces the room, muttering to himself. He's larger than the white-haired man, but not physically imposing; he's more like a well-fed bureaucrat than a stout warrior.

The white-haired man swivels his head slowly as you enter, and offers the thinnest of smiles.

"You must be Lydia. Welcome. Sit or stand, whatever you prefer. Refresh yourself, if you like."

He motions to two cushioned chairs, and then to a large wooden desk...clearly the mayor's desk. Several folders and papers, neatly arranged, sit on the desk, as well three glass pitchers and a wooden bowl. Judging from the color of the liquids, the pitchers respectively contain water, some sort of liquor, and wine, but you can't yet be sure. The wooden bowl seems to hold a fruit and nut mix.

"I'm glad you're here. We have much to discuss."

As you choose whether you'll sit, stand, or indulge in food and drink, the white-haired man continues:

"I'm Johan Torres, as you probably guessed. That is Markus Greenwood, mayor of this town."

Markus glares at both you and Johan, but says nothing, and resumes pacing. Johan seems unperturbed by this.

"I'll get to the point, as time is of the essence."

"First, the larger picture. As you know, one hundred and three years ago, the Valencrests were defeated at Castle Midnight. The Union of Allaria arose to replace that depraved Kingdom. Since then, we've had relative peace...though there have always been dark rumors. Rumors that some or all of the Valencrests survived, or that other sinister forces (perhaps cultivated by those foul vampires before they were destroyed) stood ready to tear apart the Union."

"Now these rumors have possibly come alive...or dead, which is probably more accurate. In the last two weeks, six people have gone missing from Olostin's Hold. There are also reports of strange sightings and sounds in the nearby woods: odd lights, maniacal laughter, howling that goes on for ages."

"Therefore, the woods seemed the best place to look for the missing, so four adventurers ventured in on their own accord."

"That was two days ago; they haven't been heard from since. Perhaps they're still searching, and have even found the missing, and are returning as we speak. Perhaps not."

"I've been sent here to resolve this situation. This is where you come in. I want you to venture into Turlang's Wood, determine the source of this phenomena, and find the missing persons...dead or alive. Go alone if you must, but you're authorized to form a party. I would actually recommend this; the current situation makes it obvious that a lone adventurer is tempting fate to enter these woods."

"There is one location I want you to examine first: an old Valencrest hunting lodge, long abandoned and taken over by the forest...or so we believe. It's located roughly ten miles east of here. I can provide you with a map of not only this place, but all of Turlang's."

"After this lodge is examined, you are free to go wherever you think is reasonable within Turlang's. Take as much time as you require to accomplish these goals. I plan to remain here until everything is resolved, but if I happen to be called away, one of my associates will be on hand."

"I will pay you 25 gold to start, so you can buy supplies or hire help. Other rewards will follow, depending on how your mission goes. If you perform admirably, perhaps a long-term partnership will form. I am always in need of cunning and courageous adventurers."

"Any questions? If so, ask away. If not, be on your way. I expect you to begin your mission today regardless."

Having listened to this explanation silently, the mayor now decides to speak. Unlike Johan's silky, unhurried voice, Markus's voice is loud and frustrated.

"And I'll offer a reward as well if ya find those poor sods, if only because you'll have gotten him outta my hair. Skulking spy, disrupting my town, confusing honest folks who've lived here all their lives...."

Johan's reply is almost comically bland: "I haven't disrupted your town. I'm merely here to solve this unfortunate problem. It would be wise to accept that I might be here for some time, rather than working yourself up into a lather over something you can do nothing about."

He glances at you again, waiting for your response.

If it matters, I choose to sit and drink the liquor, looking around for snacks to go with it. As a scholar, I rather enjoy small snacks and nice arrays of food.At the end of this speech, I took Johan in the eye. "So the 25 gold is just for supplies. Is there more money in case other supervisions are required? And how much am I to receive as a reward? Am I just expected to wondering into the woods with no payment up front? I swear, men in this town see a pretty face and a nice rack and assume I'm some bimbo who can be hired to do anything without a second thought."

With a pointed look at both men, I continue. "I'm not about to just go traipsing off into the forest without any prepwork- how do you think your last dumbass crew got killed? Give me the map and all the info you have on the dissapearances and I'll go work up a plan. I'm sure someone in this town has at least two brain cells that they can rub together to help me."

I take the jug of liquor, down the rest of it, and wink at the men on my way out the door. Just before I'm out of earshot, I call out, "Ask around for my usual rates. I expect to be paid in full before I start. If you don't trust me, find someone else."

Before you can get far, you hear Johan call out: "One moment, Lydia."

He exits the mayor's office, shuts the door behind him (you can hear what sounds like a protest from the mayor), and stands with you in the hallway.

"I admire your spirit. That's why I contacted you. I feel you're perfect for this task."

Now his bland expression changes, replaced by one of cold fury.

"But don't push it. I'm not a man to be trifled with, and you're hardly the only adventurer I can call on."

He lowers his voice and steps closer to you.

"And I know about that...special item you carry. Something about collecting souls? I'm sure you know that the Union abhors dark and sinister powers; that's why it was created, to eradicate the Valencrests. Many of my peers would immediately confiscate such an item, and have it destroyed...or at least lock it in one of our vaults, rather than leave it in the hands of a wandering adventurer."

"I, however, am more tolerant...for now. But I can always change my mind."

A pause, so the full import of his words sinks in.

"As for your usual rates: I don't care one whit about them. My rates are what matters. You'll be paid an additional 100 gold when you complete your tasks, not up front."

His expression quickly changes back to its normal impassive state.

"But you're right about one thing: I'm being too impatient by insisting you leave today. You need time to get your bearings and assemble any team. So take the rest of the day to do what you need...but I expect you to be headed into the woods by noon tomorrow."

"Do you agree to all this? If so, I'll give you the initial 25 gold now, the map of the woods, and the names of the missing."

I push him in the chest to make some space. With a stern look, I reply, "You have the nerve to summon me just to threaten me into taking on your job? Just try to mess with me, I'll be out of this town and scattered to the wind before you can blink. I'll be taking these..." I take the 25 gold, the map, and the notes... "so I can start on my task, and I'll head for the woods when I'm ready and only after I've collected half my pay. That seems like a fair compromise to me- if you need anything else, you can take it up with my assistant."

Johan's reserve finally breaks as you take the items and prepare to depart.

"You...you dare?!"

In a flash, a dagger is in his real hand, and his metal hand begins humming, with soft blue light seeping out of its seams.

"To snatch these things away, as if I'm some lowly servant, and yet again try to make your own terms...inexcusable. I thought you were wiser than this. I didn't plan on getting my hands dirty so soon, but needs must...."

This dude deserves it, but I don't want to fight him.

"If you fight me, you can find someone else to do your stupid task."

I fling back the gold and papers. "I'll let you think about it overnight and we can reconvene tomorrow."

Johan has the advantage, but just as he's about to strike, he notices you've tossed back the items you've snatched. He returns his dagger from wherever it came from, and his metal hand powers down. Still, it takes him a few moments to truly calm himself.

"You'll let me think about it? Your brashness knows no bounds."

"No, we won't reconvene. I'll find others to handle this task. Now listen carefully: I've granted you a reprieve. Do the intelligent thing for once: consider it a win and leave, before I reconsider."

He scoops up the items, re-enters the mayor's office, and shuts the door behind him...leaving you to do what you will.

Spicy! I didn't mean to throw your game off the rails so fast. I just didn't like being talked down to like that by people of power. However, I'm excited to pivot now to see how the story adjusts!

Also thanks for letting me get those last actions in before combat. I know once initiative is rolled, I'm not supposed to get any more actions until my turn, and I rolled low so I definitely dodged some damage.

So I don't have any gold apart from my 10 starting gold... Did I get a good look at the papers? If not, could I try to steal one as he is walking away? I'd still like to pursue the case, but on my own dime. I imagine my next step is to find out all I can about the place- I think my Researcher trait would come in handy here.

With my researcher feat, where can I find more info about the place I'm supposed to be investigating? I'm also interested in learning more about the people who went out before... Maybe I go to the tavern? Or the local adventurer's guild?