Preparing for Adventure

As our adventure begins, the player characters are disembarking from one of the early trading vessels. They became acquainted during their journey, and are now attempting to find work in town.  Use one of the hooks below to create a backstory for your characters, or create one of your own. If you use one or more of these hooks, The PCs may also gain experience for completing a beginning quest.

HOOK 1: HIRED BY A MERCHANT

The player characters, seeking employment, garner a meeting with one of the few remaining wealthy merchants in town. Master Simeon has great interest in gathering information about the business prospects in the pass, especially in its vineyards. He offers to hire the party if they will volunteer to join Legaire, and if they will  send their initial assessment of the rehabitative feasibility of the vineyards and the area in general to him so that he may consider the potential business opportunities he may wish to undertake in the Kraghor peaks. He will pay handsomely for their information.

Our adventurers, hungry for glory (and short on funds), eagerly agree to this lucrative offer. Sure the risks are great, but they always are in such a speculative enterprise.

            Alternative: You were hired by one of the merchants on the ship that brought you here. He wishes you to engage in corporate espionage.

            Quest XP: 500 XP and 300 gold crowns for your initial report.

HOOK 2: LEGAIRE

The players have offered themselves up as mercenaries to the highest bidder, but their inexperience is proving a bit of a handicap. As they watch their money dwindle, they become increasingly desperate for work.

One night, as they put down their last few pennies to drown their sorrows in ale, a grizzled veteran soldier sits at their table. After inquiring as to their prospects, he says he has a job for them—a job that promises great fortune and glory. He leads them to a room where they can talk privately.

He tells them his name is Legaire, and that thr rumors are true. He's looking for adventurers to aid him in reconnaissance of the mountain pass, and clearing it of any unwanted entities. He warns them that there is great risk, but as they have chosen the life of a are mercenary company, they will need to learn to deal with risk. When the job is over, they will be seasoned professionals, and he will give them a glowing recommendation to boot.

            Alternative: Their money has run out and they cannot pay the innkeeper, so they are thrown into debtors' prison. Legaire offers to settle their accounts and have them released if they'll help.

            Quest XP: 750 XP and 50 gold crowns each for helping him secure a base of operations in the mountains.

HOOK 3: THE KING'S GUARD

Upon arriving in town, the player characters find a notice posted calling for eligible persons to join the king's guard. Due to its dwindling numbers, outlanders are now being accepted. Our party joins and distinguishes themselves among the novices. One day, Legaire addresses the novices, asking for volunteers for a detail commissioned by the king himself. He explains about the mission, and tells the novices that while this undertaking is extremely dangerous, it will reap rewards that will make it well worth it. He states that he will be in the captain's office, and that volunteers should seek him there.

Our adventurers of course sign up. This is what Legaire had hoped for—recruits with no ties to major houses or even local families of distinction—in other words, they are completely expendable.

            Quest XP: 600 XP and a signing bonus of 250 gold crowns.