Adventures in Everlund
Chapter 9 - Growing Fame and Friction
17th of Mirtul, 1492 DR
Trees rustle in a cool breeze that slides through them off the River Rauvin. The gnome finishes his patrol around the Thorne family house. He passes the broken body of the woman who fell from his Eldritch Blast, never to rise again. Four other bruised figures, chests gently rising and falling, are scattered in and near the house.
By the time Nimly returns, a gigantic Valeria has made quick work of dragging the one dead and four unconscious bandits into a heap. The pair quickly pilfers their pockets and sets their findings in a growing pile. They sort through the items, finding the following:
A short sword
8 gold
A letter with instructions from a higher-ranking bandit
A dagger
A small vial of poison
A rudimentary map with patrol routes around the city
A wooden club
A list of potential targets within Everlund
A longsword
A keyring with several keys
A note detailing a planned meeting with other bandits on an upcoming day
Nimly takes the papers to peruse later and they divide the other loot between them, making ready to leave the area with the bandits in tow. Valeria tightens a knot on the eldest bandit, looking him steadily in the eyes. “I’m going to secure the rope around your waist unless that doesn’t work for you. I could do your neck instead.” The man gulps and shakes his head quickly. The knight methodically makes a daisy chain of leather-clad prisoners.
The group begins to move out, with Nimly riding Thorn at the rear. “March! Stay in one spot too long and Thorn will nip an ankle to speed you up. Move!” The walk along the forest path is uneventful, without escape or rescue attempts.
As they make the turn onto the main road and see the city in the distance, Nimly considers the audacity of marching a group of bound bandits through a city that has been to some extent infiltrated by those loyal to them. He maneuvers Thorn closer to Valeria and stands up on the giant rat’s back to whisper in her ear. “We could use a squad of reliable guards. Trying to take them through the city after what Thorn told us…” Nimly trails off as Valeria scans the surrounding farmland, pointing to a likely sturdy structure. “Work some magic, little friend. I will give these dirty traitors a rest while you do.” Valeria turns and begins to encourage the bandits towards good behavior through menacing growls and grunts.
Nimly crouches low in his saddle as Thorn peels away from the main road, aiming at a farmhouse set back in a cluster of trees. A farmer looks up as they approach and leans on a pitchfork. Nimly slows as he casts Guidance on himself and hops down. “Good day, sir. My name is Nimly. I’m on business with the city guard and we have found ourselves in a tight spot.” Nimly gestures back at Valeria and the bound captives. “Could we persuade you to allow us to hold several prisoners out of sight for a few hours? A detachment of the city guard will be around soon to take them into custody.”
The farmer eyes Nimly warily and considers the request. “Well, it’s not every day someone brings a string of bandits ‘round.” A long pause follows these words and Nimly waits with him, sharing the moment and giving him time. He eventually continues, pulling a wheat stem from his teeth. “You seem to have them well in hand so far, Nimly. I’m Wash, by the way.”
Nimly smiles at the complex compliment. “You have sharp eyes, Wash. They are quite secure at the moment, but… I beg you to keep this quiet. The bandit organization that has been plaguing the city has infiltrated part of the city guard. We do not wish to allow the traitors a chance to free their friends from bondage.”
The farmer scratches his chin. “I reckon I can help. If what you say is true, no disrespect, mind, it’s a lot to swallow… just make sure them guards get here quick. I don’t want no trouble on my land.” He gestures toward the barn. “You can stash ‘em in there.”
“Much appreciated, sir. We will secure them.” Nimly motions Valeria forward and follows the farmer into the barn. The structure is well tended to and in good repair, with the first story constructed out of stone and the rest made from weathered wooden planks. The farmer motions toward an empty stall in a corner. “You can tie ‘em up in there.” The farmer ducks out of the back entrance before Valeria tramps through the front door, leading a disgruntled bunch. Nimly points to the stall and the adventurers go about removing the bonds that made travel possible and securing the prisoners to the wooden interior walls of the stable.
Nimly steps back to assess the situation and confer with Valeria. “It was a nice gesture for the farmer to help us out and one of us should stay to make sure he doesn’t come to harm for it. I volunteer. It won’t take both of us to get Captain Anara and find Yávië. Thorn and I are happy to stay.”
Valeria glowers at the bandits and approaches them. “If I find out any of you escaped, or caused harm to my friends while I’m away getting the Captain… I will shove your heads up each other’s asses in a big circle. I think you know I can do it!”
The bandits go a bit pale, and the older man quietly wretches. Thorn sneezes and chirps at length at the messy bandit.
Valeria leaves the barn, smiling at Nimly. “Alright, my little friend, I’ll be back soon. If any of them should try anything, I suggest throwing one of those force spells at their giggle berries.” She turns and trots off to find Captain Anara.
Chuckling, Nimly finds a comfortable spot up in the loft to keep an eye on the bandits. Through the mental bond, he requests Thorn to keep watch while he takes a short rest. He takes out the papers recovered earlier and begins to read.
Valeria continues the rest of the way to the city, along the main road in the full light of the sun. The trade and commotion of the city is comforting, letting her release the tension for a moment of being close to those who wish her harm. She enters the headquarters of the city guard to find Captain Anara in her office. The Captain looks up, eyes sharp. “Valeria, good to see you. I trust the bandits have been dealt with?”
Valeria makes a short bow to the Captain and wastes no time on chit chat. “We have four bandits secured in a farmer’s barn just outside of Everlund. I didn’t trust we could get them here without trouble, considering…”
Anara waves a hand. “Yes. Excellent. We need to act quickly to ensure they don’t escape or cause any more trouble. I will gather a few guards, and we will head out immediately.” She stands, eyes gleaming with determination. After a few quick minutes to gather an escort team, Valeria travels with Captain Anara and four guards swiftly back to the farmhouse.
Nimly pokes his head out from the hayloft when a rattle of armor and weapons cross the threshold. “Hello Captain! The cargo is secured over in that stable. Thorn has kept them in line.”
Captain Anara nods with a pleased look. “Well done, Nimly, Thorn, Valeria. These bandits will not trouble Everlund any longer.” Anara's dark eyes rake across the captured criminals. She motions for her guards to come forward and barks out, “Secure the prisoners and prepare them for transport back to the city! We have much to learn from them.”
Nimly slides down a ladder and lands on the dirt floor of the barn. “Thank you, Captain. Shall we stay with you until the prisoners get back to the Barracks?”
“No need, they have been … well contained and do not appear to have much fight left in them. Check in with me tomorrow, and I will let you know what I have learned.”
Nimly nods, digging through his pack. He hands over the original letters and the map, keeping copies of all three. “Here are a few more items to review, recovered from these fine folk.”
Captain Anara takes the papers and scans them briefly, her eyes lighting up. “I will consider these along with the other intelligence we have gathered. Hopefully when I see you next, we have a glimpse of the bigger picture.” The gnome bows and withdraws, sauntering over to Valeria with a big smile. “Well done! Did you run across Yávië on your way?”
Valeria beams at the praise. “It was nothing, and no, I didn’t see her. Didn’t check anywhere, though. We can stop at the inn and have a drink or nine while we look for her there!”
Yávië walks from the Hall of Selûne in a thoughtful state after talking with High Priestess Liora. The way to get the Celestial Orb might require some creativity. She decides to head back to Silver Stag Inn to await the return of Valeria, Nimly and Thorn. As she steps inside, looking around for a table, Darian waves her over. “Yávië, just in time. You have a message from Lirael. You have a meeting at the Velvet Veil tonight across town. It is almost 6pm now. If you hurry, you can make it!” He winks at her. “Good luck on your introduction.”
Yávië moves quickly through the quieting streets of Everlund towards her clandestine meeting. The Velvet Veil is known for its intriguing mix of shady clientele and dangerous secrets. Inside, the dark wood-paneled interior is dimly lit. Silk screens and half walls make an intentional maze of sight lines, fostering the feeling that privacy is an expectation of all here. Orbs with a rich violet hue float near the ceiling, giving off dim light that leaves most of the space in shadow. Heavy purple draperies mixed with lavender silks hang from the ceiling to provide further isolation for patrons.
A woman walks up behind her and whispers, “This way, miss.” She motions for Yávië to follow. They weave between tables and patrons until they reach a secluded corner of the Velvet Veil. There sits a hooded figure, anonymous in most every way. They look up, revealing a pair of sharp eyes beneath the shadow of their hood. “Yávië, I presume?” The figure says in a low, smooth voice. “I am here to discuss your interest in joining our… association. Sit. Let us talk.”
Yávië sits on command, eyes wide and curious. A lovely goblet filled with a dark golden brew is placed on the table by a discreet server. The hooded figure sits back and observes. “Have a drink, and tell me why you are interested.”
Yávië takes a sip from the goblet and begins her story. “I grew up in a carnival, best friends with a pixie and was exposed to all of her shenanigans. For years, I would watch the joy in her eyes as she played out her harmless tricks on others. I would heal her up if anything went wrong. I gained some skills in the process and would like to put them to use. I am a trained cleric and enjoy helping others in that way. Now that I’m apart from my friend, I do miss the roguish side of things. It wouldn’t hurt to have a rogue who also can heal in the party, eh?” She finishes, eyeing the guild contact across from her with a hopeful look.
The hooded figure listens intently, their sharp eyes never leaving Yávië. They nod slowly, considering her words. “An intriguing combination, indeed. Tell me. Do you have any experience in more delicate operations? Stealth, infiltration, perhaps a bit of lockpicking or disarming traps? These are the skills we typically look for.”
Yávië frowns. “I did in fact, just this morning. I found myself without a key, and improvised. I have a kit of my own, and I do have confidence in the speed and precision of my learning capabilities. I also have some magic that would benefit me in stealth.” She considers a moment, then tells him the story of her latest caper with the exploding cake debacle back in Triboar.
A slow smile is barely visible in the eyes of the hooded figure. “A bold move. I imagine it caused quite a stir.” They tap their fingers thoughtfully on the table. “You have a flair for theatrics and a knack for subtlety. I have a task in mind to test your skills. Would you like the details?”
“Absolutely!” she says, eyes glittering with barely contained excitement.
“There is a local couple, Lord Eamon and Lady Arabella, who have been a thorn in the guild’s side for far too long. Their Houses use their influence to hinder our operations, and their wedding is set to take place in two days at Silverleaf Hall.” The figure leans in close, voice dropping down to a whisper. “Your task is to ruin their wedding. Make it a spectacle that will never be forgotten, tarnishing their reputation for all time. It must be done in a way that the guests come to no harm and you are not incriminated.” They hand a small scroll to Yávië. “These are the details we have gathered about the wedding.”
She takes the scroll and stashes it away. “Thank you for the opportunity. You will definitely hear of the spectacle.” Yávië takes her leave, exiting the Velvet Veil and making her way back to the Silver Stag Inn.
She sits down at a table near the fireplace. Pulling out the scroll, she begins to read through the details. Someone clears their throat, and Yávië looks up to see Lirael. “Hello Yávië! May I sit down and chat a moment before I play?”
“Absolutely!” Yávië gestures to a nearby chair.
Lirael sets down her violin carefully beside the table. In a low voice, she asks, “How did your meeting go?”
Yávië grins, “Very well. I’ve been given an initiation quest that is right up my alley.”
Lirael smiles approvingly, “I thought Ariad would see something in you.” She gives Yávië’s shoulder a gentle squeeze as she rises to begin her set.
Yávië orders an ale through the glowing green stone in her hand and flips it back over. The music of the minstrel washes over her as she studies the scroll from… Ariad. A name to go with the hooded figure. A new quest to go with her rogue aspirations. She giggles as she reads the scroll, gifted with an active imagination as the plotting of pranks effortlessly unfurls.
Nimly, Thorn and Valeria begin the walk back to the Silver Stag Inn as the sun is setting on the horizon. Valeria stretches and glances back where Anara’s group is preparing the bandits for transport. “We should find Yávië and find out how her part went. I imagine Corporal Thorne will want to know, too.”
“Yes, he will be relieved to hear it.” Nimly looks at his hands. “If I ever saw a person chewing their nails all the way off, he’d make that fellow look relaxed. We can talk to him after we find Yávië.”
They make the journey into Everlund and eventually the Silver Stag comes into sight. As Nimly and Valeria push open the door, the warm, inviting atmosphere immediately envelops them. The gentle hum of conversations, the clinking of mugs, and the crackling of the hearth offer a sense of comfort and familiarity. The aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked bread wafts through the air, mingling with the faint scent of ale and cider.
They spot Yávië seated at a table near the fire. Nimly causes mini fireworks to sparkle and glitter around him and Valeria as they walk up. “Success!” Nimly grins.
Valeria walks over and sits down heavily at the table. “Yávië! Good to see you’re still with us. Did you get the family back safely? I thought we were all going to stay together, but that worked too!”
Yávië glares at Nimly and Valeria. “Stay together? Valeria, you went into the house, and Nimly was supposed to get them to safety, and he attacked a bandit instead. I had to get them back to the temple!”
Nimly and Valeria exchange a confused look. Valeria shrugs. “I had to go in. The front guard was signaling to someone inside. Couldn’t risk causing a scene outside.”
Nimly frowns at Yávië. “The bandit on patrol at the rear of the house came around the side and was seconds away from seeing you. And the family. I took his attention by force and bounced it off some cabinets. I had understood that we would deal with the bandits together and escort everyone back afterwards… until you left with the family.”
Yávië glowers. “It seems… that I did not understand the plan.”
Valeria chuckles, “It worked out! Let’s go tell Thorne his family is safe. Then we can come back and drink through our problems!”
Yávië tosses back the rest of her drink and rises. The party leaves the inn and walks over to the East Barracks. They are admitted and quickly make their way to Thorne’s office. He is reviewing maps and notes as the party enters and his head snaps up. “How did it go?”
“Your family is safe. They are being hidden at the Hall of the Moon. Your information helped immensely. We found five bandits on guard at your house, and your family was out and away before the fighting started.” Nimly pats Corporal Thorne on the shoulder.
Thorne slumps visibly, a wave of relief washing over his frame. He lets out a long breath. “Thank you,” he says, voice filled with gratitude. “You have no idea what this means to me. I owe you all an enormous debt.”
Intrepid adventurers and DMs, I hope you enjoyed this tale!
May your rolls be critically high or dramatically low, adding flavor and excitement to your campaigns!