The Ballad of Waverly Hardwick, Stanza 2

Waverly walks down the street in the dead of night.

Are there any other people walking around the street?
(1) No, and there are not even guards patrolling this area of town.

Is it well lit?
(3) No, but Waverly sees the River Road running alongside the river is illuminated with lanterns. He decides to cut down an alley to that road hoping to find town guards patrolling the area.

Does he encounter anyone in the alley?
(3) No, but he is convinced he sees shadows lurking in the darkness around him and quickens his pace. He arrives on River Road.

Are there people on this street?
(5) Yes.

Are there any town guards patrolling the area? (likely)
(4, 5) Yes.

Waverly sighs with relief and relaxes a bit.

What kinds of buildings does he pass on his way toward the Prince and Lion Inn? (roll on Maze Rats Buildings Tables)
Book binder.
Stables.
Weaver.

Does Waverly encounter anything of note on the way to the inn? (roll d6 for yes or no)
(3) No. He walks through the town without incident. He is happy that he switched to what seemed to be the main thoroughfare of Ayn Harbor.

Waverly arrives to the Prince and Lion.

What is the inn like? (donjon and Kassoon Random Inn Generator
Location: In a residential quarter near the North Gate known for its rude residents who hate outsiders. The street outside is covered in fallen leaves and is watched by a squad of the town guard.
Description: The tavern is a timber framed single story building, with a brown shingled roof and vines covering the walls and roof. It contains a taxidermied lion near the entrance wearing a tarnished brass crown.

"Excuse me? I just arrived to town. Do you have anywhere to sleep for the night?"

Who is the innkeeper? (Kassoon Random NPC Generator and Knave random tables)
Agatha Holt
Description: Wears decorated clothes, and has whispery speech. Has a slender physique, a blunt face, reeking skin and luxurious hair. Is humble, but nervous. Has been discredited in the past. Favors neutrality.
Personality: Friendly and accommodating she would invite many more into her home than her spouse would be comfortable with if they did not express concern about it. She takes great pride in her work and is very well organized. Her planner is full of calendar events.
History: She was raised happily, as a normal child born to her father and mother. Her father taught her the rudiments of the Barkeep arts, while her mother instructed her in etiquette, music and courtly manner. From there she went from mercenary job to mercenary job. She struck the Barkeep job and began her own company from there.
Motivation: To share knowledge with the world. And she wants to meet her childhood hero.

Does Agatha have anyplace to sleep?
(5) Yes.

"Aye, lad. We've got plenty 'o rooms upstairs. One copper a night. Three coppers gets ya a bed an' breakfast in the mornin.'"

"I'll take you up on the breakfast."

Waverly counts out three copper pieces and lays them on the counter.

"Right ye are, lad. 'Ere's yer key. We'll be havin' salted hare an' roasted artichoke in the mornin'. House specialty. Hope ye like it. Sleep well."

Waverly takes the key and nods to the woman. And goes to his room.

Is everything as expected? (roll d6 to answer yes or no)
(5) Yes. It's a small room. A small straw stuffed mattress and pillow lie on the floor. There is nothing else of interest. He does not care. He takes off his backpack and locks the door behind him. In the darkness, he collapses onto the sack of hay and drifts to sleep.

Does Waverly sleep through the night? (likely)
(6) Yes, and the smell of food wafts out from the kitchen into his room. It smells delicious and is sure to satisfy his hunger.

INTERVENTION LEVEL: 3 (roll on Intervention Table)
(4) Advance Plot (roll d6 ÷ 2 to determine which plot is advanced on Plots List)
(5÷2=2.5 rounded down=2) Find mentor to help find paying adventurer jobs

Is Norman at the Prince and Lion?
(1) No, and he's never set foot in there before.

Is there someone in the inn that will help Waverly find Norman?
(5) Yes.

Is it a patron?
(4) Yes, but there are a number of people eating and drinking this morning. Waverly will have to talk to them and find someone that knows where Norman may be.

Waverly comes out of his room and finds a number of others at tables eating and drinking. Waverly looks around the room hoping to spot Norman, but he is not among the crowd. He walks to the bar to find Agatha wiping down the counter with a rag.

“Mornin.' Hope ya slept well?"

"I did. Thank you. Is breakfast ready? It smells delicious."

"It's right here lad."

Agatha sets down a wooden plate with a savory mix of meat and green veggies. She takes a tankard off the shelf behind the counter and turns to Waverly.

"What’ll’ya have to drink, lad?”

“A cider, if you would, thank you.”

Waverly takes the drink and brings it to his lips and lets the flavors of the drink fill his mouth as he surveys the room.

Does this drink taste any good?
(5) Yes.

Does everything appear to be as expected?
(5) Yes

Waverly takes a bite of his food.

Is it as good as it smells?
(5) Yes.

Waverly eats the food and finishes his drink before addressing Agatha.

“A fine meal and drink, madam. Thank you.”

“Can I top ya off, then?”

“No, no. Not now. I have come looking for an old friend of mine. I heard he had arrived to Ayn Harbor sometime ago. Perhaps you have heard of him? Norman Graeme. Older man, but still an able bodied warrior. Gray curly hair and beard. Broken nose. Ever hear or see him before?”

 
Does Agatha know where to find Norman?
(1) No, and she claims to have never heard of him either.

“Sorry, lad. Can’t help ya. I'm pretty good at remembering names 'n faces. I never heard that name or seen anyone of that description in the Prince 'n Lion before.”

“Thank you for your time. And your hospitality.”

 
Waverly puts a copper piece on the counter for the drink and turns to look at the other patrons.

Are there any younger patrons here that might be training with a mentor?
(1) No, and in fact all of the patrons appear to be middle aged or older.

Waverly approaches the first lone patron he sees (Kassoon Random NPC Generator):
Theodoric Barney
Description: He wears a black vest and prefers brown and grey shirts. His boots appear to have been at one point steel toed but are quite worn down, and carries rapiers. His blonde hair is thinning but still full. His ears are large.
Personality: He is mildly Human supremacist, though he does not identify as such. He is stubborn though. He always likes to keep a trick up his sleeve. He likes to fight dirty and will kick and punch below the belt if he feels he even has a chance of losing.
History: Theodoric was born in the North. At a young age he loved to build and create. In his youth he was a Barrister, and wanted to be a champion fighter when he grew up. He was working during a period of war, and as one of the natives he lived in fear of joining the others in being slaughtered. He saw the brutality and swore off his fighting aspirations, taking his younger sister on his back after seeing his parents die, and fled the country. He would ruin relationships and cause injury. He was reprimanded several times before being given his current form and forced to learn humility.
Motivation: He feels kind of lost in life.

Waverly stands at the table and gives a polite bow before greeting the man.

"Good morning, sir. Could I have a moment of your time?"

NPC Reaction (roll 2d6)
(10) Talkative.

 Theodoric is cradling a pint of ale in his hands and his heart is gladdened.

“Hey there, kid. Pull up a chair! I'd love to have some company. Let me get you another drink. Agatha! A drink for the young minstrel!”

Waverly smiles and accepts the seat before responding.

“Thank you. It is very kind of you. I am new to Ayn Harbor and it’s nice to find such friendly folk as Agatha and… You are?”

“Theodoric Barney. You may have heard of me?”

“Uhh… No. Sorry. I just arrived to Ayn Harbor last night.”
 

“Right! Right! You did say you were new here. What brings you to the shit hole that is Ayn Harbor? Setting sail to newer and greater lands? I envy the opportunities your youth offers.”

“I'm looking for a friend. Norman Graeme. He's the only reason I'm in town. I was told he came to Ayn Harbor a little while back. Heard of him before?”

Theodoric takes a swig of his ale as Agatha brings out another cider for Waverly.

Has Theordoric heard of Norman Graeme?
(4) Yes, but it’s not wise to say his name in this part of town.

“Keep your voice down, kid. That’s not a name you should be uttering in this part of town.”

Theodoric looks around at the other patrons. Waverly follows suit.

Does it appear any patrons are looking Waverly's way after speaking Norman’s name?
(4) Yes, but they immediately turn away when they see Waverly look at them.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“This might not be the best place to speak of your friend, kid. Yes, I know him. But you may be his only friend in these parts.”

“What do you mean?”

“Shouldn't be talking about this here, kid. It’d be better if you leave. Now. Get out of here. Get out of town. Go back home and forget about your friend if you value your life.”

“I can’t abandon him. I came here for his help. But... It sounds like he may need my help. He's in trouble?”

“That’s putting it mildly. Again. This is not the place to talk. It doesn’t look like I can convince you to leave town. Fine. I get it. He’s your friend. You’re certainly a loyal friend to have. What did you say your name was?”

“Waverly. Waverly Hardwick.”

Does Theodoric appear to recognize the family name at all?
(3) No, but it’s not that uncommon a name that it would stand out as being special.

“A pleasure to meet you, Hardwick. I think it is best if we talk elsewhere. The lighthouse up on the hill just outside of town. I’ll meet you there at sundown tonight. I've got some things to do before then. Now you’d better...”

Theodoric glances at the other patrons. Waverly’s eyes again follow suite.

Do the other patrons still appear to be listening in on their conversation?
(3) No, but they don't appear to be acting in a natural way. They could have been attempting to eavesdrop during this whole conversation.

Theodoric speaks in a louder voice.

“...you’d better play us as song. You’re a minstrel. Yes? I bought you your drink. I want to hear ancient tales of old! Of heroes conquering darkness! Of good triumphing over evil! Sing!”

Waverly takes the hint and takes his lute and sings one of the more popular ballads known in his land. 

Does this diversion cause any reaction in the other patrons?
(2) No. They don’t seem to notice or care for the song. They still seem rather tense and not at ease.

Waverly finishes his song. Agatha throws the hand towel she was wiping the counter down with over her shoulder to clap.

“Thank ya, lad, a fine song! Wish I could 'fford entertainment, but as ya 'ave noticed, your talents aren’t usually 'ppreciated 'nough in this town to warrant the cost.”

Waverly smiles and bows his head to the woman.

“Thank you, madam. I am happy to play again anytime I am here. On me, of course. Your prices have been more than fair.”

“No, lad. I couldn't accept yer offer."

Agatha takes a copper coin from a purse kept under the counter. She flips it to Waverly.

“Yer drinks are on me anytime you choose to play for us 'ere. Folks 'round these parts aren’t cultured enough to 'ppreciate the arts. Maybe that'd change given 'nough time and 'sposure. Please come back again?”

“I am not sure how long I plan on staying in town, but before I leave, I promise to return and take you up on your generous offer. I must be going soon. Before I head out, maybe you could help me? I was at the Copper Mackerel last night. The owner is the one that told me to visit you. He claimed to have seen the friend I'm looking for. He said he was with a noble couple that has been bringing livestock through town down to the stockyard. Do you know who he's talking about?”

Will Agatha claim to know the Erelongs?
(5) Yes.

"Ah, the Erelongs. Yah, I know 'em. Don't know a soul in this town who wouldn't. They were involved in some scheme exporting animals. I don't know much 'bout it though. Don't know if anyone did really."

"I'd like to speak with them. They may be able to help me find my friend. Do you know where they live?"

Does Agatha know where the Erelongs live?
(4) Yes, but she doesn't think they live there anymore.

Where was their house located? (watchout4snakes)
oldest interior

"They lived in the big manor on Old King Road. Right 'n the center of town. But I ain't seen them for the past several weeks. Not sure if they're still in town to be honest."

Waverly bows to Agatha and nods to Theodoric as he leaves the inn. He glances out of the corner of his eye.

Do any of the other patrons get up as Waverly heads for the exit?
(5) Yes. It’s not subtle at all.

Does more than one patron gets up?
(1) No, and it’s only Theodoric who is getting up. He is going up to Agatha and orders another drink.

Waverly sighs with relief as he leaves the tavern. He is unsure what any of that was about, but he knows before he concerns himself with earning back the money he lost to the defrauder, he is going to have to figure out what sort of trouble Norman is in and try his best to help him.

Plots

• Make up with friends by earning back the money we were defrauded of
• Find mentor to help find paying adventuring jobs
• Get payback on the defrauder if ever met again
• Find the Prince and Lion Inn
• Meet Theodoric Barney at the lighthouse at sundown
  

 Entities

• Friends
• Brothers
• Norman Graeme (mentor)
• Defrauder
• William Bradford (owner of the Copper Mackerel in Ayn Harbor, in league with rebel faction)
• Fitzhugh and Elsbeth Erelong (residents of Ayn Harbor, met with Norman a month ago)
• Agatha Holt (owner of the Prince and Lion Inn in Ayn Harbor)
• Theodoric Barney (stranger, warns against speaking Norman's name in Ayn Harbor)