You find yourself walking through the lovely town of Daggerford, located on the Sword Coast. There you are drawn to the delicious aroma emanating from the River Shining Tavern. When they enter, Jacque—a tall, thin man wearing a crisp white jacket—greets you. "You must be adventurers. Kaga can use your help. This way please." And he hustles you all unceremoniously into the kitchen. There he introduces you to Kaga, the head chef. By reputation, Kaga is usually pleasant but formal; today, however, you can tell his tone is grave.
“Jacque was wise to bring you to me. I have need of adventurers such as yourselves, but it’s a matter of the utmost discretion. If you are willing to help, together we will bring joy to all the children of Daggerford. And your reward! You shall dine on the most delicious food you have ever tasted, food that grants you a magical boon. Will you help me and the young folk of Daggerford?”
Frydan, the Rock Gnome Rogue, better known as Goggles due to the pair constantly strapped to his face, is ecstatic to finally go behind the scenes at his favourite tavern. Usually he'd be intrigued to learn how everything works in the kitchen and how the business operates, but it seems now is not the time. He nods along solemnly as Kaga explains the situation, then says 'I would be delighted to help out for you, the restaurant and the children of Daggerford! What say the rest of you?' He looks about at his fellow party members.
A hearty laugh rings across the room as the large, gray-skinned half-orc takes in the task ahead of them.
Holding a spear up with one hand and bringing her other up to flex the muscles on her bicep, the Half-Orc Rova smiles, "You'll find no adventurer stronger for this job, I assure you we'll see this task to its end and return for a hearty meal."
Then she waits to be introduced to the others that will accompany her, although she's fairly certain she could accomplish this on her own.
Corrin, a tan tiefling paladin of average height and dark brown hair, steps forward. She offers a kind smile at Kaga and says, “I would be honored. I am always willing to help but especially when it involves so many, including children. And food.” She laughed. Corrin, could not, in her good nature, turn her back on anybody who needed help, and she was always willing to fight alongside those who were brave enough to have the adventure life.
Stepping out from the shadow of the Half-Orc warlock is a slender and graceful figure. The young Elf maiden wears a jacket the color of new leaves and pants the shade of fallen leaves. Her striking green eyes are fixed on a parchment pamphlet she’s holding.It’s the Sword Coast restaurant guide written by the famous gnome gourmet writer, Ms. Ingrid Rumpelstiltskin.
“According to this book, the Pasta Dragnet is a revolutionary dish that may change not just your mind, but your life. It can only be tasted here in Daggerford... And the waiter told me it CAN'T be served, because some stupid monster cut down the supplies!”
Suddenly, the pamphlet in the Elf’s hand bursts into emerald green flames!
“For coming to this place, I’ve crossed snow-covered mountains, been stuck in a creepy sunless realm, slain hags, killed werewolves, and impaled a stupid, sexist stalker vampire twice! AND THIS IS WHAT I GET?!”
(OOC: She has just finished the Curse of Strahd campaign.)
The girl shouts and stamps her feet, her frustration echoing through the tavern. Outside, you can hear the bloodthirsty screech of an owl. (She is still rational enough not to bring her familiar into the kitchen or harm the waiter.)
“Tell me who’s responsible for this! I’ll make them pay! I’ll make them all pay with blood and blast!”
Rova had not noticed the figure behind her until she emerged from around, striking and loud. Out of all the others that had introduced themselves, this is who caught her attention. She listens to what the young elf and wonders if they'll have to put up with her for the rest of their travels as she stomped her feet on the ground.
Out of all her claims, Rova isn't sure if she believes that this elf is capable of all the things she claims to have done and doesn't want to bet on it.
Turning back to the cook, Rova stands steadily and asks, "So what instructions do you have for us?"
Goggles is also taken aback by the elven woman, but his concerns are soon put too one side as he spots a particularly fancy spoon on the counter next to him that he thinks would work excellently in the miniature catapult he's been working on. He pretends to lean against the surface, despite his diminutive height, and quickly swipes the ornate cutlery and puts it down his sleeve, mentally giggling over all of the potential uses for such a marvellous piece of silverware. [Sleight Of Hand: 23], before listening into what Kaga has to say in response to Rova's question.
Goggles is easily able to swipe a nice but rather ordinary silver spoon.
Kaga nods with a grave smile. "Excellent. Hopefully it won't come to bloodshed, but I won't ask too many details either. I have a special supplier, a man named Arthur Holrow who has a rather extensive garden and dairy farm nearby, the Holrow Homestead. He doesn't just have high quality ingredients, they have magical properties. When prepared by one such as myself," he says casually with a knowing nod, "the dishes can confer magical boons to those that partake. This is one of the main reasons my dishes have become so popular, even with the children. They have their own special menu and they are particularly fond of my Stumblenoodles. However, I haven't heard from Arthur in a month, and that is very unlike him. He's rather eccentric for a druid even, but this isn't like him to be out of touch for this long. I'm actually quite worried but haven't been able to spare the time to try and visit him myself."
Kaga pulls over a tankard and takes a long drink. "So a week ago, we hired some other adventurers to to investigate Holrow Homestead, but the local authorities found the lifeless bodies of these adventurers yesterday morning. They had been beaten and thrown into the Delimbiyr River, eventually floating downriver here to Daggerford." Kaga grimaces. "They were young and brash, the sort that draw swords first and ask questions later. Hiring them was my mistake. But Arthur is a peaceful man, and I can’t believe he’s responsible for their deaths. I hope you can solve this mystery without further violence.”
Kaga finishes the drink and sets the cup back down with a long sigh. "I fear for Arthur's life, but more than anything I need answers. And the ingredients for my Stumblenoodles. I can't stomach having to tell the children I won't be able to make their favorite dish anymore. If you will help, I will gladly provide you each with one of my magical dishes." Kaga then offers out a scrap of parchment with the ingredients listed on it as follows:
One can of milk from Holrow’s specially fed cows
A wheel of Holrow cheese, aged exactly seven seasons
A small bag of mustard seeds from Arthur Holrow’s garden
Rova leans forward and grabs the piece of parchment from the cook, Kaga, squinting her eyes to read the things on the list.
"Interesting... It makes no sense for a bunch of fighter to be killed and dumped into a river over some food ingredients, magic or not. I assume you want us to head out immediately?" She asks, still holding the paper in front of her with the hand that is free of her spear.
Goggles takes in the instructions and nods, eager to go explore Arthur's homestead, though still maintaining a respectful face in regard to the murdered adventurers. He then hangs back at the door to the kitchen, waiting for the rest of the party to discuss our next moves before setting out.
Corrin nods as Kaga explains, mentally taking notes on all the information, wondering how it all added up. She agreed with Rova, the situation didn’t seem to make much sense, and although Corrin just learned about the problem, she was already eager to get on the road and get some answers. For Kaga and the tavern, as well as herself. She just hoped that her and her companions didn’t end up like the previous adventure party. Once they got on the road she would have to be cautious.
Kaga nods, "Yes, the sooner you find out what is going on, the better. The children will be beating my kitchen doors down soon if I can't make their favorite dish. Nevermind anything else."
Lucy was confused at first. She wasn't invited by Jacque; she was just a customer coming to the kitchen to complain. However, as she listens to Kaga's explanations, her anger subsides, replaced by the face of a seasoned adventurer.
"Before I leave, I have a few things to ask you," she says, crossing her arms. "First, tell me the name of the authority who found the bodies of the adventurers. I need to know how they died and, if possible, investigate their corpses."
"Second, I want details about this Holrow Homestead. How far is it from here? How big is it? What is inside? Are there any neighbors around the farm that we can interview? If so, I need your reference, so they don’t suspect we’re a bunch of bandits planning to break into the farm."
She pauses, looking down at her left side as if someone is pulling her sleeve.
"... And one more thing. Do you have any snacks that children like? My companions and I are starving!"
Kaga wipes his hands as he picks up a knife to begin working again, without making direct eye contact with Lucy, but responds quite calmly. "I believe it was the captain of the local militia, Feor. You can find him on patrol around town somewhere I'm sure. Can't miss him, weapon in one hand, drink in the other. Good luck with the corpses though, they traveled at least half a day's journey in the river, but if they aren't buried you might be able to see them, I wouldn't know."
He whacked off the end of something and kept chopping. "Not sure exactly, never actually went there myself, but it's about a half day's walk from here as far as I know and pretty isolated. As for how big it is, couldn't say, probably just a normal farmhouse, not like he was interested in wealth and such. I doubt you'll have any trouble with any locals, he was pretty remote."
At the last question he stopped and turned around, "But you aren't children." His eyes glinted mischievously and then nodded at Jacque who disappeared and returned in short order with a small pouch containing a handful of sweetened dried meats. "Those aren't magical, but they are tasty, if I do say so myself. Anything else? Time really is of the essence here I fear."
Goggles follows along, his mind ticking over like a machine with information to process. Before he leaves however, he thanks Jacque and Kaga for the information and dried provisions, then sets off with the party.
Rova watches the elvish girl ask a bunch of questions in quick succession and pays attention to only bits of what she says. She decides that perhaps the girl is a good asset to their team given her affinity to not shy away from asking question where it was needed.
"Ah, Feor. I've spoken to the man a few times since I've been in town, it's a good place to start before we head to your friend's home."Rova says, taking a small piece of dried meat from the pouch before closing it back up.
She toses it in her mouth before following the others as they head outside.
It is easy enough to find Feor in town, as he sat under an overhang with two other militia members. The darker skinned dwarf had a whitening beard down to his belly, and a large tankard in one hand. A battleaxe rested beside him and the group were gnawing on some dried meat, perhaps taking a rest from their usual rounds.
Rova walks forward, a bit ahead of the group now that that she saw Feor and isn't paying as much attention to her companions. She may not be the best sweet-talker out of all of them, in fact she might be the opposite but she had grown up around soldiers similar to the militias and found it to be an easy place of conversation.
"Aye Feor!"She calls out, loud enough for him to be able to hear her even before she reaches him. "The man down at the tavern hired a bunch of us to look into some stuff. He said you were the one that found the other unfortunate bunch, tell us what's there to know."Its less of a question or request and more of a statement, like there's little doubt to it.
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You find yourself walking through the lovely town of Daggerford, located on the Sword Coast. There you are drawn to the delicious aroma emanating from the River Shining Tavern. When they enter, Jacque—a tall, thin man wearing a crisp white jacket—greets you. "You must be adventurers. Kaga can use your help. This way please." And he hustles you all unceremoniously into the kitchen. There he introduces you to Kaga, the head chef. By reputation, Kaga is usually pleasant but formal; today, however, you can tell his tone is grave.
“Jacque was wise to bring you to me. I have need of adventurers such as yourselves, but it’s a matter of the utmost discretion. If you are willing to help, together we will bring joy to all the children of Daggerford. And your reward! You shall dine on the most delicious food you have ever tasted, food that grants you a magical boon. Will you help me and the young folk of Daggerford?”
Frydan, the Rock Gnome Rogue, better known as Goggles due to the pair constantly strapped to his face, is ecstatic to finally go behind the scenes at his favourite tavern. Usually he'd be intrigued to learn how everything works in the kitchen and how the business operates, but it seems now is not the time. He nods along solemnly as Kaga explains the situation, then says 'I would be delighted to help out for you, the restaurant and the children of Daggerford! What say the rest of you?' He looks about at his fellow party members.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
A hearty laugh rings across the room as the large, gray-skinned half-orc takes in the task ahead of them.
Holding a spear up with one hand and bringing her other up to flex the muscles on her bicep, the Half-Orc Rova smiles, "You'll find no adventurer stronger for this job, I assure you we'll see this task to its end and return for a hearty meal."
Then she waits to be introduced to the others that will accompany her, although she's fairly certain she could accomplish this on her own.
Corrin, a tan tiefling paladin of average height and dark brown hair, steps forward. She offers a kind smile at Kaga and says, “I would be honored. I am always willing to help but especially when it involves so many, including children. And food.” She laughed. Corrin, could not, in her good nature, turn her back on anybody who needed help, and she was always willing to fight alongside those who were brave enough to have the adventure life.
Stepping out from the shadow of the Half-Orc warlock is a slender and graceful figure. The young Elf maiden wears a jacket the color of new leaves and pants the shade of fallen leaves. Her striking green eyes are fixed on a parchment pamphlet she’s holding.It’s the Sword Coast restaurant guide written by the famous gnome gourmet writer, Ms. Ingrid Rumpelstiltskin.
“According to this book, the Pasta Dragnet is a revolutionary dish that may change not just your mind, but your life. It can only be tasted here in Daggerford... And the waiter told me it CAN'T be served, because some stupid monster cut down the supplies!”
Suddenly, the pamphlet in the Elf’s hand bursts into emerald green flames!
“For coming to this place, I’ve crossed snow-covered mountains, been stuck in a creepy sunless realm, slain hags, killed werewolves, and impaled a stupid, sexist stalker vampire twice! AND THIS IS WHAT I GET?!”
(OOC: She has just finished the Curse of Strahd campaign.)
The girl shouts and stamps her feet, her frustration echoing through the tavern. Outside, you can hear the bloodthirsty screech of an owl. (She is still rational enough not to bring her familiar into the kitchen or harm the waiter.)
“Tell me who’s responsible for this! I’ll make them pay! I’ll make them all pay with blood and blast!”
Rova had not noticed the figure behind her until she emerged from around, striking and loud. Out of all the others that had introduced themselves, this is who caught her attention. She listens to what the young elf and wonders if they'll have to put up with her for the rest of their travels as she stomped her feet on the ground.
Out of all her claims, Rova isn't sure if she believes that this elf is capable of all the things she claims to have done and doesn't want to bet on it.
Turning back to the cook, Rova stands steadily and asks, "So what instructions do you have for us?"
Goggles is also taken aback by the elven woman, but his concerns are soon put too one side as he spots a particularly fancy spoon on the counter next to him that he thinks would work excellently in the miniature catapult he's been working on. He pretends to lean against the surface, despite his diminutive height, and quickly swipes the ornate cutlery and puts it down his sleeve, mentally giggling over all of the potential uses for such a marvellous piece of silverware. [Sleight Of Hand: 23], before listening into what Kaga has to say in response to Rova's question.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Goggles is easily able to swipe a nice but rather ordinary silver spoon.
Kaga nods with a grave smile. "Excellent. Hopefully it won't come to bloodshed, but I won't ask too many details either. I have a special supplier, a man named Arthur Holrow who has a rather extensive garden and dairy farm nearby, the Holrow Homestead. He doesn't just have high quality ingredients, they have magical properties. When prepared by one such as myself," he says casually with a knowing nod, "the dishes can confer magical boons to those that partake. This is one of the main reasons my dishes have become so popular, even with the children. They have their own special menu and they are particularly fond of my Stumblenoodles. However, I haven't heard from Arthur in a month, and that is very unlike him. He's rather eccentric for a druid even, but this isn't like him to be out of touch for this long. I'm actually quite worried but haven't been able to spare the time to try and visit him myself."
Kaga pulls over a tankard and takes a long drink. "So a week ago, we hired some other adventurers to to investigate Holrow Homestead, but the local authorities found the lifeless bodies of these adventurers yesterday morning. They had been beaten and thrown into the Delimbiyr River, eventually floating downriver here to Daggerford." Kaga grimaces. "They were young and brash, the sort that draw swords first and ask questions later. Hiring them was my mistake. But Arthur is a peaceful man, and I can’t believe he’s responsible for their deaths. I hope you can solve this mystery without further violence.”
Kaga finishes the drink and sets the cup back down with a long sigh. "I fear for Arthur's life, but more than anything I need answers. And the ingredients for my Stumblenoodles. I can't stomach having to tell the children I won't be able to make their favorite dish anymore. If you will help, I will gladly provide you each with one of my magical dishes." Kaga then offers out a scrap of parchment with the ingredients listed on it as follows:
Rova leans forward and grabs the piece of parchment from the cook, Kaga, squinting her eyes to read the things on the list.
"Interesting... It makes no sense for a bunch of fighter to be killed and dumped into a river over some food ingredients, magic or not. I assume you want us to head out immediately?" She asks, still holding the paper in front of her with the hand that is free of her spear.
Goggles takes in the instructions and nods, eager to go explore Arthur's homestead, though still maintaining a respectful face in regard to the murdered adventurers. He then hangs back at the door to the kitchen, waiting for the rest of the party to discuss our next moves before setting out.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Corrin nods as Kaga explains, mentally taking notes on all the information, wondering how it all added up. She agreed with Rova, the situation didn’t seem to make much sense, and although Corrin just learned about the problem, she was already eager to get on the road and get some answers. For Kaga and the tavern, as well as herself. She just hoped that her and her companions didn’t end up like the previous adventure party. Once they got on the road she would have to be cautious.
Kaga nods, "Yes, the sooner you find out what is going on, the better. The children will be beating my kitchen doors down soon if I can't make their favorite dish. Nevermind anything else."
Dangar bobs his head enthusiastically. "Yes lets go! We can't let the kids go hungry!"
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Lucy was confused at first. She wasn't invited by Jacque; she was just a customer coming to the kitchen to complain. However, as she listens to Kaga's explanations, her anger subsides, replaced by the face of a seasoned adventurer.
"Before I leave, I have a few things to ask you," she says, crossing her arms. "First, tell me the name of the authority who found the bodies of the adventurers. I need to know how they died and, if possible, investigate their corpses."
"Second, I want details about this Holrow Homestead. How far is it from here? How big is it? What is inside? Are there any neighbors around the farm that we can interview? If so, I need your reference, so they don’t suspect we’re a bunch of bandits planning to break into the farm."
She pauses, looking down at her left side as if someone is pulling her sleeve.
"... And one more thing. Do you have any snacks that children like? My companions and I are starving!"
Kaga wipes his hands as he picks up a knife to begin working again, without making direct eye contact with Lucy, but responds quite calmly. "I believe it was the captain of the local militia, Feor. You can find him on patrol around town somewhere I'm sure. Can't miss him, weapon in one hand, drink in the other. Good luck with the corpses though, they traveled at least half a day's journey in the river, but if they aren't buried you might be able to see them, I wouldn't know."
He whacked off the end of something and kept chopping. "Not sure exactly, never actually went there myself, but it's about a half day's walk from here as far as I know and pretty isolated. As for how big it is, couldn't say, probably just a normal farmhouse, not like he was interested in wealth and such. I doubt you'll have any trouble with any locals, he was pretty remote."
At the last question he stopped and turned around, "But you aren't children." His eyes glinted mischievously and then nodded at Jacque who disappeared and returned in short order with a small pouch containing a handful of sweetened dried meats. "Those aren't magical, but they are tasty, if I do say so myself. Anything else? Time really is of the essence here I fear."
Dangar starts dragging his friends by the hand, "Come on let's go! He said there is a food reward! I like food, and I like rewards! Let's go!!"
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Goggles follows along, his mind ticking over like a machine with information to process. Before he leaves however, he thanks Jacque and Kaga for the information and dried provisions, then sets off with the party.
Xaul Lackluster: Half-Orc Fathomless Warlock: Warlock Dragon Heist
Borvnir Chelvnich: Black Dragonborn Barbarian: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
Pushover Gerilwitz: Tiefling Wizard: Acquisitions Incorporated
Callow Sunken-Eyes: Goliath Arctic Druid: We Are Modron
DMing The 100 Dungeons of the Blood Archivist , The Hunt for the Balowang and Surviving Tempest City!
Killer Queen has already extended this signature, though not by much!
Rova watches the elvish girl ask a bunch of questions in quick succession and pays attention to only bits of what she says. She decides that perhaps the girl is a good asset to their team given her affinity to not shy away from asking question where it was needed.
"Ah, Feor. I've spoken to the man a few times since I've been in town, it's a good place to start before we head to your friend's home." Rova says, taking a small piece of dried meat from the pouch before closing it back up.
She toses it in her mouth before following the others as they head outside.
It is easy enough to find Feor in town, as he sat under an overhang with two other militia members. The darker skinned dwarf had a whitening beard down to his belly, and a large tankard in one hand. A battleaxe rested beside him and the group were gnawing on some dried meat, perhaps taking a rest from their usual rounds.
Rova walks forward, a bit ahead of the group now that that she saw Feor and isn't paying as much attention to her companions. She may not be the best sweet-talker out of all of them, in fact she might be the opposite but she had grown up around soldiers similar to the militias and found it to be an easy place of conversation.
"Aye Feor!" She calls out, loud enough for him to be able to hear her even before she reaches him. "The man down at the tavern hired a bunch of us to look into some stuff. He said you were the one that found the other unfortunate bunch, tell us what's there to know." Its less of a question or request and more of a statement, like there's little doubt to it.