Plea for Help

To a party of seasoned adventurers such as yourselves, what you see is but another dull tavern in another dull town in some nameless province. It is but another span of time between the challenges of true adventuring.

Outside the tavern, a fog lies over the town this evening. The damp, cobbled pavement glistens as the lights of street lanterns dance across the slick stones. The fog chills the bones and shivers the soul of anyone outside.

Yet inside these tavern walls the food is hearty, and the ale is warm and frothy. A fire blazes in the hearth, and the tavern is alive with the tumbling voices of country folk.

Suddenly, the tavern door swings open, and a hush falls over the room. Framed by the lamp-lit fog, a form strides through the doorway. His heavy, booted footfalls and the jingle of his coins shatter the silence. His brightly colored clothes are draped in loose folds about him, and his hat hangs askew, hiding his eyes in shadows. Without hesitation, he walks up to your table and stands proudly in a wide stance with folded arms.

In an accented voice he says, “I have been sent to you to deliver this message. If you be creatures of honor, you will come to my Master’s aid at first light. It is not advisable to travel the Svalich Woods at night!” He pulls from his tunic a sealed letter, addressed to all of you in beautiful flowing script. He drops the letter on the table. “Take the west road from here some five hours march down through the Svalich Woods. There you will find my master in Barovia.”

Amid the silent stares of the patronage, the man strides to the bar and says to the wary barkeep, “Fill the glasses, one and all. Their throats are obviously parched.” He drops a purse heavy with gold on the bar. With that, he leaves.

The babble of tavern voices resumes, although somewhat subdued. The letter is lying before you. The seal is in the shape of a crest you don’t recognize.

Inverna narrowed her eyes as she stared at the letter on the table. “I don’t like this one bit. A mysterious stranger delivering a cryptic message? It reeks of a trap.”  

Galandro shrugged as he idly strummed his fiddle. “Perhaps, but traps often hold great treasures for those clever enough to spring them.”

Nib giggled as she stroked Lil’s feathers. “Oh I do hope there’s treasure! And mysteries! And maybe even a dragon or two to gamble with.”

Donnabella clasped her hands together eagerly. “A quest! How exciting! I’ve always dreamed of going on a real adventure. We simply must see where this leads.”

Inverna scowled. “You’re all daft. Only trouble lies down this path.”

Galandro smirked and leaned back in his chair. “Then it seems we’re destined for trouble, dear Inverna. After all, you know you can’t resist a bit of adventure.” 

Inverna grunted, though a slight smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. “Fine. But when orcs descend upon us, don’t expect me to save your hides.”

Nib giggled again as she bounced excitedly in her chair. “Hooray! We’re going on an adventure!” She grabbed the letter and broke the seal. “Now let’s see what mysteries await!”