A Chance Meeting
(A Note to the Readers: From here on, the story will be split between two different worlds; the real world and the game world. Whenever the switch occurs, the story will label it between two asterisks. Otherwise, line breaks will remain the same)
*Entering the Game World*
The skies were bleak with dark clouds, the wind made the atmosphere bitterly cold despite it being the summer season and the pouring rain made made it difficult for even to boldest of warriors to travel through. Yet in spite of it all, four figures from different sides of the realm find themselves drawn to one place; a rather picturesque inn. All while holding the hoods of their cloaks over their heads, these strangers make their way to the inn with great haste.
(in the real world, Chunk decides to help provide the proper ambience and presses a button. Upon doing so, a music player turns on and a song called Black Wolf's Inn by Derek & Brandon Fiechter begins to play)
The figures suddenly burst through the door, doing everything they can to shake the chill clinging onto them. But in their haste, they have neglected to close the door behind them; something the other patrons notify them on. "Oi! Shut that door or we'll throw you back out" the barkeep exclaimed, "the wind's libel to blow out the fire!"
Thinking quickly, the tallest figure turns to close the door. But then, a sudden breeze blows back her hood; thus causing their mane of golden hair to flow in the wind. This site causes many a head to turn, indeed. "Ah! She's an elf" gasped a chubby Halfling, "from the greenwoods of the west, no doubt."
It was rare to find an elf this far away from the woods. Much of the time; they only leave the green to either trade with other peoples, hunt in other parts of the green or provide aid to those in times of war. But in recent years, times have been most peaceful and didn't provide much need for warriors.
After tending to her hair; she took a moment to dry away the rain that clung onto her staff and then, she tapped its base upon the wood floor. Soon after, the gem atop the staff began to glow; which led others to wonder what she was doing. As the gem shined brighter, the barkeep suddenly realized what this woman was; a mage.
"Oi! Pretty thing, take that business outside" the barkeep exclaimed, "I ain't gonna clean up any more magical mess from the likes of you spell casters again!" The Elven mage ignored the man's ranting, choosing only to focus on channeling her magic. Soon, she began to whisper; which caused the stone to shine a near blinding light.
Just as everyone threatened to tussle with her for "possibly blinding them," they suddenly heard a soft yipping bark. The mage then knelt down and laughed, as a small wolf pup ran into her open arms. The wee thing had fur as white as freshly fallen snow, crystal blue eyes, small-sized ears (quite normal for a pup,) had a tail that seemed to resemble a fluffy snowball and her claws, though small, were as black as coal.
The she-elf smiled, as she placed her companion by the firelight to help her warm up. But just as the pup began to feel comfortable, the barkeep suddenly plucked it up off the floor by the scruff of its neck. "We do not allow animals here, Mum" he said gruffly to the she-elf, "she will have to wait outside, can't have her sheddin' on me food n' drinks."
The pup yipped and barked viciously, as the man carried her off for the door.
*The Real World*
Lori, dressed as her elf character, bit her lip both in anger and worry; after hearing her parents describe the aforementioned scene. "That jerk can't do that to Lil...I mean, Lupa" she cried, "I outta clock him in the head or something!" Upon hearing her say this, Huggins/Game Master Fastred said that she could choose to fight the barkeep for Lily's/Lupa's freedom.
"But seeing as how the game has just started, I might advise not engaging in confrontation so soon and possibly try intimidating the man" he suggested, "either way, how you succeed all comes down to how you roll the dice." From there, Rita/Game Mistress Eliana explained that high attack or persuasion rolls could guarantee Lily's safety. "Which do you prefer, dear" she asked, "do you want to talk this out...or are you gonna try and free your pup from the man's grasp."
For the next moment or two, Lori considered each of the options presented before her. On one hand, she could try going the more pacifistic route and talk to the barkeep. But on the other hand, she always preferred to assert her authority whenever possible.
"I think I'll go for the intimidation plan" she said with a chuckle, "what do I roll for that?" Happy to see her daughter getting into the game (at least, a little;) Rita/Eliana pointed to one of her square dice. "This is what's called in the game a d20 dice" she explained, "you roll this for whenever you want to perform certain actions; like attacking, intimidation, persuasion etc."
She then started going into some detail on the numbers. "Let's say you're going to attack your opponent" she began, "if you roll and the die lands on a 20, that's the highest level of power your strike will have...which might kill them." The Loud Sisters grimaced slightly, each of them thinking that a bartender (no matter how rude) didn't deserve that bad of a beating.
"However...should it land on a lower number, the attack might not be quite as strong" Lynn Sr./Game Master Acheron stated, "getting a number 10 for an attack roll will make it seem like you just punched him in the arm." At the mention of this, Lincoln couldn't help but rub his arm slightly; remembering all the times Ronnie Anne playfully jabbed him. Meanwhile, Lori stood in place with a glazed look in her eyes; as her father continued to explain dice rolls.
"So; if I understand you correctly, I've gotta roll this lil thing for everything I do" she asked mildly confused, "what if I wanna...I dunno, fall in love with somebody?" From here, Rita/Game Mistress Eliana explained that such a thing was often...tricky in the game. "If you're looking to use 'love' as a means of stopping your opponents, you would need to use a Seduction Charm or roll for Deception."
Astonishingly, Lori and some of her sisters were able to understand this. But what she really wanted to know was if her character had to roll any dice for her own character to establish a relationship with another? Upon bringing this up, she and Bobby cast an over-the-shoulder glance at one another and smiled lovingly.
"If you wish to do something like that, Miss; I do not believe there is any form of dice roll to make" Huggins/Game Master Fastred stated, "all you need to do is simply talk to them...when their character comes into play, of course." Satisfied with the answer, Lori began to think of an idea of how to save Lily/Lupa in the game. After a while, she decided that intimidating him was the best course of action.
With this in mind, she picked up the d20 dice and shook it vigorously in her hand and tossed it onto the table. It bounced and rolled slightly across the surface, for about five seconds; until it finally stopped and showed off the number 15 on its side. "Very good, dear" Mrs. Johnson/Game Mistress Agathe said with glee, "now that your attack roll has been made, what do you say and do to the bartender?"
At first, she felt tempted to say something she herself did in any everyday situation; "lay off or I'll bust your teeth in!" But then, she remembered that she had to remain in character; which meant sticking with the game lingo as well. "Okay, first off; do I just have my mage staff...or whatever it's called as a weapon or do I have something else" she asked, "because using magic on a guy who's literally nothing more than a meanie would seem extreme."
The Council of Game Masters nodded slightly in understanding and told her to take a peek at her game card. Upon doing so, Lori saw that she had several other weapons to choose from; besides her staff. "This is more like it" she murmured with approval, "okay...I...I take out my dagger, lightly jab it against the barkeep's back and say 'I shall not ask you twice, human...release my companion or I'll bleed you like the hog you are.'"
Despite the fact that everyone, including the Game Masters, all believed the phrase sounded incredibly dark, this coupled with her 17 Intimidation Roll proved rather effective.
*The Game World*
As he felt the knife's edge lightly prick itself against his back, the barkeep could sense that the elf was not bluffing. So; though rather unceremoniously, he releases his grip on the Frost Wolf pup's neck and drops her onto the floor. Mildly shaken by the experience, the creature scampers back behind its mistress; all while whimpering fearfully.
The elf mage smiles down at her pup, scoops her up into her arms and nuzzles her. "Do not fear, little one" she whispered sweetly, "I won't let these...human filth harm one patch of fur on you." Upon being called filthy, the barkeep glowers at her and felt the strong desire to strike her down with his rock-sized fists.
But as he begins to charge; a stone, one as large as a fist, suddenly flew towards the barkeep and struck him square in the face; causing him to fall over in a heap. The elf mage and every other patron in the bar gasp in shock, wondering who it was that threw the stone. Then, a hushed yet suave voice suddenly spoke up at the bar.
"So sorry for alarming you, Mum" it said calmly, "but that oaf was overwhelming the band's music, I can't enjoy a drink without good music." As all eyes fall upon this figure, the one beside him suddenly lets out a soft yet annoyed groan. "Ezra, you fool; we're not supposed to draw attention to ourselves" the other figure murmured, "especially when we're in outsider territory."
As the second figure facepalms herself, everyone gasps at the sight of the smooth fur along her forearm. Immediately, several patrons begin to think that this stranger was a form of demon and demanded that she lowered her hood. For almost ten seconds, the figure refused to comply.
But then, her associate wasted no time removing his cloak and tossing it across the room. When the figure's true identity was revealed, several patrons almost fell from their stools in shock. Standing before them was some form of cat creature.
His body was slender yet had some form of strong muscle tone. He had a mane of blazing red hair, the claws on the tips of his fingers were as black as coal and his body, though lean in appearance, was quite tone. The elven mage took a glance at the creature and softly gasped in amazement.
"My word, a Tabaxi" she murmured, "I never would've expected to see one so far from the jungles." Meanwhile, the barkeep had just begun to recover from his earlier blow to the face and was about to climb off the floor. When suddenly, the Tabaxi smashes his foot against his gut; trapping him on the floor.
"Now, mate...I'm gonna give ya a choice; a rather easy one at that" he said with a whisper, "either you apologize to the young elf here for manhandling her wee pup...or I'm gonna make you lick my boots clean with that tongue of yours!" Before the barkeep could make any form of a response, one of the hooded figures appeared from behind the Tabaxi and grabbed his shoulder. "Ezra...have you gone mad or just momentarily stupid" the figure said scoldingly, "how are we to find help, if you choose to pick a fight wherever we go?"
The Tabaxi known as Ezra glowered at his companion slightly and proclaimed that he "needed" to intervene. "That's still no excuse" the hooded figure stated, "we need outsiders to trust us, not hurt us." Just then; a drunkard, while in a frenzy, grabbed the back of the figure's hood and pulled it backwards.
With her identity exposed; the figure, who was revealed to be a female Tabaxi, groaned with dismay and tried to calm the male down.
*Back in the real world*
In the game room, several players gazed over at Lana; who appeared to be clutching at the dice with great intensity. "Easy there, Lana; no need to go overboard" Clyde murmured softly, "remember, this is all in good fun." Lana allowed her friend's words to sink in, for a moment.
Then, after letting out a sigh; she started to calm down. "Sorry about that, everyone" she whispered, "but like I said through my character, I love animals and when that jerk started messing with Lily/Lupa...I kinda got testy." There were several kind murmurs of "don't worry about it" or "we all get sucked into the game pretty quickly" from the crowd, before Lynn Sr./Game Master Acheron quickly interjected.
"It happens to a lot of us, honey" he said sympathetically, "just remember; whatever you say, it automatically counts as a game event...and it cannot be changed." It was here that he reminded everyone that if they had any real questions or concerns; they were to say "I have a Game Master Question," before presenting them. After that; he turned towards Lori, Lucy and Lola and asked if any of them had an idea to calm the situation.
The three sisters sat in complete silence, for almost a minute; when Lucy suddenly got an idea. "Okay, so...my character is a Witch; right" she asked, "then, that must mean I can use a spell to calm everyone down." After hearing this question, each of the Game Masters began searching through several manuals for something.
Then, Albert/Game Master Karuk found such a spell; one called "Calm Emotions." But unfortunately, it could only be used by Clerics and Bards. "Ah, dang it" murmured Lucy dejectedly, "then...what kind of spells could I use to help stop the fighting?" Again, the Game Masters checked their manuals for information. Then, Principal Huggins/Game Master Fastred revealed that Lucy had no such abilities; which made the wee Goth appear disgruntled.
"However, Lori...or rather, Lady Ventris; you have a few abilities that could help save you" he informed, "there is Frostbite, Friends and the ever popular, Sleep." Curious, Lori asked what each spell was capable of. "Well, let us start with Frostbite" Mrs. Johnson/Game Mistress Agathe stated, "depending on how high you roll, you can leave your target completely or momentarily frozen in ice."
Upon hearing the idea, Lucy couldn't help but wonder why Lori got the "cooler" spells. "Next, there is also Charm" Rita/Game Mistress Eliana suggested, "but...the spell only lasts for one turn and once the person recovers...well, judging from your current situation; he would want you arrested." With both ideas proving either too dangerous or not very affective, Lori asked for a spell that could "put everyone in a daze."
"Oh! You might want to use Sleep for that" Albert/Game Master Karuk stated, "as the name implies, it puts anyone within range asleep." When everyone asked how long the spell lasted, each member of the council held up one finger on their hands. "Five minutes, that's pretty good" Leni interjected, "that can give the three of them enough time to leave before any guards or whatever/whoever else comes by."
Despite her naïve tone, the council chose not to call her out on it; what with Leni being a beginner and all. "Actually, dear; the spell only lasts for one minute" Rita/Game Mistress Eliana stated, "but the idea is still a good one, if you're thinking of making a quick escape." With that said, Lori decided to go with the Sleep spell option.
She took the d20 in her hand, shook it and tossed it lightly across the table. After a while, it landed on 14. "Oh, dear" murmured Rita/Game Mistress Eliana, "due to the number, the spell only causes those around you to feel drowsy." At first, Lori was prepared to feel like the dice was cheating her.
But then, the Game Master Council told her that even when drowsy; the barkeep and those around him would not be able to recall being cross with her. "Plus, it could still give you a chance to escape" Lincoln chimed in suddenly, "just sayin'." With all this in mind, Lori felt a little more comfortable with her roll and decided to stick with it.
After that, Lucy looked into a book and saw something labeled "minor illusion." "I would like to use this, while everyone is asleep" she murmured, "that way, if someone comes in, they'll just assume everyone's passed out drunk." There was a light giggle from everyone, both at the humor of the scenario and the overall cleverness behind the idea. "Check out who's getting into the game, everybody" Bobby said with pride, "I'm feeling rather proud, to be honest."
Lucy simply scowled behind her beak and told him "don't get used to it" in her usual monotone voice. After that, she threw her dice and it landed on 14; which (to her) felt like a bad sign. But then, her father reminded her about something on her card labeled "bonuses."
"Whatever your dice roll is, you can add the number of points your bonuses have to your roll" he informed, "this could come in handy, for when you want to do some serious stuff." With that, Lucy looked at her card and saw that she had a plus 2 bonus points in spell casting. "It's not a whole lot, unfortunately; even with the bonus two" she murmured, "but I think my illusion should still last for a while at 16 points."
*In the Game World*
Thinking quickly, the elven mage chanted a spell and an odd light slowly enveloped the barkeep and several drunks near him. Within seconds, each of them found themselves growing drowsy; before their heads started slamming onto their tables, one by one. Though pleased with this sudden turn of events, the Elf Mage and the two Tabaxi strangers were rather confused by how it happened.
It was then that they soon spotted another cloaked figure at the bar; someone who arrived at the same instance they all did. "Thank you, stranger for your assistance" the elf mage murmured softly, "but...what did you do and how were you able to achieve it?" The cloaked figure did not answer, which made the Tabaxi duo feel rather bothered.
"When one asks you a question, stranger; the respectable thing to do is reply" the male Tabaxi said firmly, "so, we ask you again...how did you perform your spell?" After a moment or two of silence, the figure slowly raised its left arm and slid her hand out from her sleeve. The elf mage was shocked to discover that instead of a human's hand, it looked more like a sort of bird's talon.
*In the Real World*
"Upon seeing the bird-like hand, you are filled with a sense of shock and mild curiosity" murmured Lynn Sr./Game Master Acheron, "what do you do next?" Without hesitation, Lori said that she would want to see the cloaked figure's true face. "Alrighty, you can do it through one of two ways" Rita/Game Mistress Eliana stated, "you can ask her kindly to remove her hood...or pull it down yourself."
Normally, most players would go with the former option; believing courtesy, even when among strangers, was the best way to behave. But being the rather pushy member of her family she often was, Lori went with the latter option and said her character would pull down the figure's hood. "Very well, then" murmured Principal Huggins/Game Master Fastred, "you draw back the figure's hood...but then; you are taken aback by the sight of what appears to be a long, pointed beak."
This reveal caused many players around them to gasp in shock. "So, what's the figure supposed to be; some kinda monster or something" questioned Lana/Ezra, "because that would be cool!" The council giggled heartily at the young lady and said that the figure was actually a creature known as a Kenku.
"Kenku are a race of bird-like humanoids that often live 'on the edge of human society'" murmured Mrs. Johnson/Game Mistress Agathe dramatically, "which is another way of saying they choose to live in the shadows or the streets." The council went on to describe how the Kenku once, centuries ago, used to be able to fly (much like typical birds.) "But due to an ancient curse, they were stripped of all their feathers and were left unable to fly again" Albert/Game Master Karuk stated, "to this day, they look upon any creature able to fly with bitter jealousy."
Surprisingly, this little story managed to strike a chord with the Loud Sisters; even with Lucy herself (due to her character.) "But why is this Kenku thingy at the Inn with us" question Lola, "maybe I can ask her for her reason." Despite her idea being a smart one; the council, albeit reluctantly, told Lola that it wouldn't be possible.
"See...it wasn't just the ability to fly the Kenku were cursed to lose" Rita/Game Mistress Eliana sadly, "they also lost their creativity and their ability to speak." She then added that the Kenku only had two methods of communication, mimicry and sign language. "Pardon me, Father; if I could just interject for a moment" Lisa stated, "when you speak of 'mimicry,' do you mean they copy whatever a person might say or...something else entirely?"
The two Loud Parents nodded in unison and said that the Kenku utilized both methods. "They can also write in Common Tongue, which is a fancy way of saying English" Clyde interjected suddenly, "just a little something to keep in mind." With all this presented, Lucy had a good idea of how she would be able to converse with her siblings' characters.
*In the Game World*
Upon discovering the figure's identity, the elven mage was taken aback. "Heavens...what is a Kenku doing in a place such as this" she murmured, "and why did she help us?" The moment the second thought came into mind, the elven mage recalled a notorious fact about Kenku; namely their history of being thieves.
"It all makes sense, now" she thought to herself, "with all these people momentarily dazed, she will have no trouble stripping their pockets clean." Believing her to be a threat, the mage slowly drew out a dagger from her belt and prepared to strike. But then, the Kenku silently pointed at the main door.
"What, do you hear someone coming" questioned Ezra, "if so, I can handle them." The Kenku immediately started to shake her head and then, she started making an odd series of hand gestures. At first, no one could understand what she was doing. But when Ursa took a closer look, she saw that the Kenku was making walking gestures with her hands; before gesturing towards the door.
"I think she is telling us we should leave" she said with an uncertain tone, "if so, we best move quickly; the spell may wear off soon." Surely enough, several patrons and even the barkeep began to stir slightly; which was enough of a signal to tell them all to leave. But then, they looked out one of the windows and saw that the rain still hadn't stopped pouring.
"If you expect us to go out into that storm, you're a daft fool" Ezra hissed, "I do not like the feel of that rain against my fur."
*In the Real World*
Within moments, the four Loud Sisters found themselves into a mild debate over what to do next. Lori suggested taking a risk and going out into the rain. But Lola said she wouldn't dream of going out into such a storm, in reality or fiction. "There must be some way one of us could settle this" murmured Lucy, "perhaps a spell of some kind?"
In response, the council said that a spell could work but they recommended going along with another method. "Lori, how about rolling a Persuasion Check" Lynn Sr./Game Master Acheron suggested, "that means the number level on the dice will determine how strongly persuasive you will be."
From here, he showed two different dice; a d10 and a d20. "You describe what you want to do and then, I roll one of these to determine how strong your request is" Lynn Sr./Game Master Acheron explained, "the d20 is more for when you want to manipulate really difficult characters; like royalty, nobles...or enemies." With all this in mind, Lori decided to go with the d10.
"I look at both of the Tabaxi strangers and tell them we have to leave or else we might be brutalized by the drunks within the Inn" Lori stated, "if they refused me, I promise to drag them outside by their tails!" Lana and Lola couldn't help but chuckle a little, both believing the phrase was one worthy of Lori. After that, Rita/Game Mistress Eliana shook the dice in her hand and threw it.
"Your Persuasion Roll is...8; which means that despite them hesitating for a brief moment, Ezra and Ursa agree to leave with you" she explained, "after that, you all grab your cloaks and flee the inn." There was a brief sigh of relief from the three young ladies, who all appear to be relieved from their escape. Then, upon realizing what was happening; Lori shook her head vigorously.
"Wait...what am I literally doing" she thought to herself "am I...am I actually getting roped into the game?" The moment this thought entered her head, Lori found herself shivering with disgust; as if she felt something disgusting crawling on her. Meanwhile, the council continued to explain the game's scenario; moments after the trio's escape.
"As you three expected; upon leaving the inn, you find yourself caught within the rainstorm" Principal Huggins/Game Master Fastred said with a slight chuckle, "but then, you discover that compared to earlier; the rainfall feels much gentler against your cloaks." There was a soft murmur of approval between the four Loud Sisters, upon hearing this. "For a moment, you all consider fleeing from there; especially after the rather...unpleasant encounter" Mrs. Johnson/Game Mistress Agathe stated, "but then...your elf friend suddenly hears the sounds of horse hooves approaching."
To help provide the sound effects, Chunk suddenly started clacking a pair of coconut shells together; simulating the sound of a horse's hooves. This coupled by everyone closing their eyes and envisioning the scene in their heads really helped the Loud Sisters become immersed in the game. "Your elf companion looks over her shoulder and says the horses were approaching from the western side of your location" explained Rita/Game Mistress Eliana, "she suggests taking shelter somewhere and hiding...what do you do?"
Feeling curious, Lana asked why Lori's character could hear the horses approaching so quickly. "The answer is simple, sweetie" Albert/Game Master Karuk replied, "elves have a sharp sense of hearing, almost like a dog does; which makes them able to hear things a lot easier than most creatures." While she was, admittedly amazed by this reveal; Lola couldn't help but think that Lori's character had the good stuff.
Lana meanwhile, was in the midst of thinking about what to do next. "One part of me is thinking we should hide" she stated, "you know, for safety's sake?" Everyone nodded slightly in understanding and then asked what the other half of her thought about doing. "Well...we don't know who it is that's coming" she replied, "so, I suggest we hide somewhere close and see what's going on."
The council looks towards the three other Loud Sisters and asks what they would want to do. After thinking on it for a while, they decided that Lana's idea was the best option and went with it. "Very well...you take refuge within the shadows of an alleyway near the inn and one of you pokes their head out to see what's out there" Mrs. Johnson/Game Mistress Agathe explained, "that is when you spot a carriage stationed outside the main door."
Upon hearing mention of a carriage, Lola automatically presumed someone royal might be stopping by. "You may be right in that idea, sweetie" Rita/Game Mistress Eliana stated, "perhaps you should roll your dice for a 'Perception Check." When asked what this roll meant, she explained that perception was a word used for whenever a character wishes to study something.
"When you say 'study,' Mom; do you mean like...for tests or something else" questioned Lana, "because that's a bit advanced for me and Lola." Everyone (except the other Loud Sisters) shook their heads slightly and Lincoln decided to give a quick explanation on the topic for her. "When you're doing a Perception Check, you're preparing to examine something for clues" he stated, "we do this whenever we're examining a room for traps, trying to find secret clues in a room or after we discover magical items."
The twins murmured slightly in understanding and Lana decided to give that a try. "Okay, so...you guys said there's a symbol on the carriage, right" she asked, "then, I'm gonna try and learn what that is." With that said; she took hold of the dice, shook it between both hands and tossed it lightly across the table.
"Okay, it looks like I got a...16" she murmured, "is that good or...did I mess up?" To help ease her worry; everyone said that, for a perception roll, 16 was quite good. "As you look at the symbol, you see that it bears the likeness of a large oak tree" Lynn Sr./Game Master Acheron explained, "then, the doors of the carriage suddenly open and a young man steps out."
*In the Game World*
While still hidden within the alleyway, Ezra takes a peek at the carriage and sees a young man exiting it. From the oak tree crest upon his tunic, the ragtag group surmised that he was a person under the service of a noble house. "Methinks this young fellow is a messenger" murmured the elf mage, "but why would he come to the inn in this sort of weather.
"Perhaps he was riding to somewhere else and the driver decided to stop here, for safety reasons" Ursa suggested, "seems like the wise thing to do." Everyone took the Tabaxi female's words into account and believed she might be correct. But then, her brother noticed something in the young man's hand; a scroll of paper.
Upon bringing this to the others' attention, the elf mage surmised that this lad may have been some sort of messenger. "The real question is, why come to this sort of place with it" she murmured, "we should go and take a look." With that said, the Elf Mage pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and crept over to the side window of the inn.
Meanwhile, everyone inside was slowly recovering from their sudden sleep spell and noticed the splotches of booze on several surfaces. "Oi...Must've had one too many pints of grog earlier" the barkeep murmured with a slight yawn, "I feel like I've been sleepin' for ages." Several of the patrons close to him began murmuring the same thing, each of them appearing unable to recall how they got this way.
From outside the window, the Elf Mage let out a sigh of relief; from their muttering, it seemed as though they had no memory of the earlier quarrel. Then, she suddenly heard the voice of the young messenger clear his throat; thus catching the attention of those within the room. "Good day, Sir" he said politely, "I bring a message from his royal majesty, King Acheron of Avalonis."
Upon hearing these names, the Elven Mage gasped softly; for she recalled that both Avalonis and its king have been allies of her people for moons. "What has become of the king" she thought to herself, "and why would the royal messenger come to this sort of place to deliver a message?" Eager to learn more, she eased her head to the side towards the window; hoping that her elf ears would overhear the conversation inside.
"You're a long way from home; ain't ya, laddie" chuckled the barkeep, "what sort of business is going on that you'd risk braving a storm like this?" In response, the messenger unraveled the scroll he held and pinned it to a wall. Curious, several patrons stood up from their seats and walked over to get a good look at the message.
At the same time, the Elven Mage also felt eager to learn about it and raised her head up the windowsill slightly. There, she saw the parchment fluttering slightly on the wall, showing off its text in bright red lettering.
It read:
To all people of Avalonis; a great threat is on the rise and his Royal Highness, King Acheron the First, seeks champions who will help safeguard the people and seek out a way to stop this threat. Should your efforts prove successful; by order of His Majesty, any and all involved will be amply rewarded. Report to the palace forthwith for further information, should you choose to accept this summons.
To all who will take up this task, know that the kingdom...the realm will forever honor you for your efforts. We await your arrival, in due course.
Sincerely,
Queen Eliana
After reading the decree to the letter, the mage's interest had been piqued. What sort of danger was Acheron preparing for, why ask for the assistance of vagabonds and had this news reached her homeland yet? Whatever was happening, she knew she had to get to the bottom of it.
But just as she prepared to leave her hiding place and report this news to her other associates, she felt a large hand suddenly grip her shoulder. With a worried murmur, she looked up and saw that it was the barkeep who grabbed hold of her. "OI! You're that Elf that brought the wee pup into me tavern" he said with a growl, "no doubt, you used some form of sleep magic on us earlier too!"
Several other patrons suddenly stood up from their seats, proclaiming they saw her murmuring to herself moments ago. "There was also that Kenku sitting next to her" a tavern wench grumbled, "she must've helped put us all to sleep so that they could try and slink away!" With all this brought to his attention, the barkeep soon became quite flustered and was ready to deliver some much deserved "justice" upon the Elf Mage.
But then, a small stone suddenly soared towards him and slammed into his eye; momentarily blinding him. Soon after; the Tabaxi wanderers, Ezra and Ursa, stood around the mage in a sort of defensive formation. Then, the Kenku appeared and started making shrill noises at the patrons; causing them to plug their ears painfully.
With the noise proving too much to handle, everyone suddenly fled the inn; not caring about the pouring rain or winds. "Nice work there, birdbrain" chuckled Ezra, "remind me to call upon you, next time my sister and I are in another pinch." Unfortunately, their moment of triumph ended before it even began.
Soon, the barkeep had recovered from the Kenku stranger's noises and was ready to strike them all down where they stood. But the messenger quickly blocked off his path by standing in their defense. "What is the meaning of this" the barkeep growled, "this lot disturbed my business, I'm well within my rights to discipline them accordingly."
With all the decorum he could muster; the messenger informed the barkeep that whatever incidents happened here, he would make certain that the King and Queen were the ones to discipline them. To help prevent further argument and to help compensate for everything, he then offered a small bag of gold to the vendor. "I trust this will cover everything, Sir" he inquired, "if so; then, I shall be on my way."
The barkeep untied the bag, opened it up and smiled brightly at the many coins that were inside. "Very well, you can take 'em" he murmured, "besides...whatever I planned on doing, it won't compare to what the King and Queen might have in mind." With that, he pleasantly tossed the bag onto the bar and returned to cleaning the dirty mugs; leaving the ragtag group of wanderers in the messenger boy's hands.
"Now that that has been settled; kindly follow me into the carriage, Ladies...and gentleman" he said with a mildly snobbish tone, "His Lordship will want to know about this." Seeing as there was no way out of their situation, the group silently joined the messenger inside of the carriage. Afterwards, the driver gave a quick snap of the reins and the carriage sped off as quickly as possible into the distance; braving the rain and wind along the way.
(AN: YOWZA! Just like in any D&D campaign, our heroes find themselves in trouble for an offense they did not commit. What will the fates have in store for them? Find out next time in Dungeons, Dragons & Dames)
(Second AN: Sorry if the switching between the game world and real world seemed weird to you all. I tried to make it like how it's done in either HarmonQuest, one of many popular D&D game series' within the internet; much like Critical Role or other examples.)
(Third AN: If I made any mistakes in the players' dice roles, spell performances or whatever else; understand that it was both done by accident...and also on purpose. I say "by accident" because I haven't played the game since High School and may not remember certain specifics from it. Still; on the other hand, none of the Loud Sisters have played either.
Thus, I wanted to make their run feel like they had some difficulty as well. I hope that makes sense to you, everyone.)
