>>2701969
Welcome back to Meldric Adventurers Quest! Sorry it took a while to get this going again.

Make sure to follow my twitter where I announce the threads: https://twitter.com/CeroTheNull
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=meldric+adventurers+quest

You ponder your choices while rubbing your chin with a finger in thought. The enhancers both sounded like they would benefit you, not to mention the energizing draughts and healing potions being potentially useful in a battle. You look down to the thin vial of Goblin's Sight, the blue liquid forming orange bubbles when you shake it.

Finally the temptation was too much as you look back to the goblin, "Surprise me. I'm curious about what you could make for me."

Naturn gives a small grimace while Rhea's sharp grin widens. The goblin claps her hands together, "Well alright then! Return here tomorrow mornin' and I shall have a fresh "Mystery Concoction" waiting for you!" she says, clearly more than excited to begin work. You have a moment of sudden doubt at your decision.

Shaking her head Naturn stands, "Don't poison him now, we just got him," she cautions but her smiles showed she was only teasing.

Rhea hops up to stand on her chair again as Naturn steps up close and they share a quick hug, "Yeah yeah, every alchemist knows you don't want to poison their customers," she grins her wide, many-toothed grin at you once more, "At least, not too bad."

You chuckle and stand as well, "Please don't poison me, I have a weak stomach," you say as a joke then reach out a hand toward her, "Thank you for your time, Rhea. Looking forward to the surprise."

Rhea looks at your hand suspiciously for a few seconds then reaches out to shake it quickly, "Just don't knock too hard. Mother needs her rest."

You and Naturn say your goodbyes to Rhea as she walks you out, waving before she closes the door and you hear her relocking the multitude of locks on the inside.

Gained:
>Goblin's Sight - A potion that once imbibed grants greater perception in darkness and shadow for several hours. While colors are muted details are clear to pick out. Leaves the imbiber sensitive to light for the duration and sudden exposure to bright light can cause temporary blindness.

>>2702012
Dusk had fallen over the city, the sky above growing to an inky darkness with orange silhouetting the rooftops. The streets were still busy but noticeably calming down while windows began to illuminate with light from within. You notice there were no carriages or taxis left, the fall of night marking quitting time for most workers in the city although you knew that some factories and businesses would work through the night.

Naturn looks to you and folds her arms across her chest, "So what are you going to do with the rest of your night?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing," you reply.

"Well Mikkel and Murgan are still waiting for you at the bar. I could show you where it is if you're uncertain. I was thinking of just headed home," she says with a shrug.

What would you like to do?
>Convince Naturn to join you and the others at the bar to celebrate
>Go celebrate with Mikkel and Murgan
>Offer to escort her home
>Go back to the Guild to rest for the night
>Other (Write-in)

>>2702016
>>Convince Naturn to join you and the others at the bar to celebrate
No pressure.

>>2702016
>Convince Naturn to join you and the others at the bar to celebrate

>>2702016
>>Convince Naturn to join you and the others at the bar to celebrate

^^^ Same.

>>2702016
"You could stay, y'know. No pressure though," you say with a slight shrug as the two of you begin to walk down the dirt and mud street alongside the groups of locals. You knew they were likely heading home or to the bars as well after a long work day.

Naturn shrugs, "I know I could," she chews on a thumbnail for a few moments in silence before shrugging again and throwing up her hands, "Sure why not, not every day we get a new Initiate," she grins at you, "Well, those that survive anyways."

You frown at that, "Wait, how lethal are the initiate contracts usually? Murgan said his was a horse capture, a Horse," you repeat for emphasis.

"Well first of all, it wasn't a horse, it was a foal, a child horse," she says matter-of-factly, "Still dangerous but you'll learn Murgan likes to enhance his stories."

"You didn't answer me about the fatality rate," you prod.

She chuckles with a shake of her head, "It's thankfully low but you know this life is often dangerous," her tone grows more serious as she continues, "We get access to some good healers in the Guild but there are times when out on the field no amount of medical cantrips or first aid will save someone."

You nod in understanding, "I know," you say simply.

She glances at you then nudges you with an elbow, "Didn't mean to bum you out. It's just a fact with this career."

Was there anything you wished to discuss with Naturn while you walked to the bar to rejoin Mikkel and Murgan?
>Yes (Write-in)
>No, let's get to the bar already

Responses will be somewhat slow due to having family over for the holiday

>>2704626
>No, let's get to the bar already

>>2704626
>>No, let's get to the bar already

>>2704626
... I got nothing.
>>No, let's get to the bar already

>>2704626
"Still, you should join us," you say as you walk alongside her, hand resting on the hilt of your sheathed saber hanging from your belt out of habit.

Naturn was silent for a few moments then gives a nod, "Sure, why not. Haven't had a drink to celebrate anything in a while."

You can't help but smile, glad you were getting her to open up somewhat. You knew it was important to have friends and allies in the Guild.

Walking through the streets of Meldric as darkness fell you keep an eye out around you, the streets densely populated in this still early hour. The occasional lamp-post shine like beacons, their solar-crystals charged with the stored light of the days sun, their brightness dimming as the night progressed. You could hear the sound of laughter and barking of food vendors trying to get rid of the last of the days product while music came from street performers in the well lit intersections and from the entrances of taverns and bars.

Walking through the Market Quarter you were surprised with how lively it was, the streets once more becoming cobblestone in places and well-lit with the denser placement of lamp-posts. Guardmilitia stood in small pairings or patrolled in small groups either on foot or mounted on riding birds, keeping an eye on the locals as they relieved the stress of the day with drink and revelry.

The streets of Meldric, even at this early hour of the night, were seemingly chaotic as ever and full of chance.

Please roll me 1d20

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2704959

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2704959

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2704959

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2704959

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2704959

>five rolls, none below 11

Wow. That's 1 in 32.

>>2704959
Walking with Naturn you chat about minor things concerning the city, the woman sharing the better stores and vendors to get everything from clothing to a hot meal. She seemed to be in a good mood as you spoke with her, glad to play guide for Meldric. She tells you her family moved to Meldric when she was very young, allowing her to enroll in the public schools accessible to humans and hobgoblins. There her latent thaumaturgic abilities were noticed leading to her attending the College but she doesn't speak of what led to her leaving the opportunity to become a Magister herself.

The market areas were among the livelier areas at night, the locals and visitors drawn to the countless bars, taverns and entertainment houses. So far you'd seen two dingy signs pointing to stairs marking them as fighting rings and several other 'businesses' where people of all species and gender and various states of undress lingered and posed, the lights inside ruddy hued. Food vendors stood by their carts dispensing handheld meals to those in line and barking out their prices.

The pair of you were crossing a narrow bridge across one of the canals with several other pedestrians when a knot of children of various ages when screaming and laughing as they swarmed past. Children of all races, mostly dirty faced and clothed, push past while carrying on their own rapid conversations while the other adults instinctively push to the sides of the bridge. As they rush past you felt a gentle tug at the pouch hanging from your belt and your hand instinctively darts out and clamps around a small wrist. Looking in surprise you see the would-be pickpocket was a young hobgoblin boy probably barely in his teens, his eyes wide with sudden fear of being caught.

Naturn, who had pushed back against the railing, rejoins you now that the swarm of street urchins had rushed off leaving their friend behind. She clicks her tongue in disappointment and shakes her head, "Looks like you caught yourself your first pickpocket."

"Nah, I ain' pickin' no pockets! Lemme go!" the boy started to squirm against your grip but you were stronger.

You shake your head, "I've already lost about fifteen marks to pickpockets since I got to this city, this is the first I've caught," you say, having taken care to tie the knots of your pouches tighter since then.

The other pedestrians on the bridge barely spared a glance, situations like this probably fairly common in the crowded city. You spot a few Guardmilitia standing at the other end of the bridge in conversation with each other.

Folding her arms your guildmate looks at you curiously, "So what're you gonna do?"

How should you handle this would-be pickpocket?
>Be merciful and let him free with a warning
>Be strict and take him to the Guardmilitia
>Other (Write-in)

>>2706999
>Other
Reverse justice! Take his money! But then
>Be merciful and let him free with a warning

>>2706999
>>Be merciful and let him free with a warning
>take his loot though.

>>2706999
Lol let's not steal money from a street urchin.

Give him a warning and send him away

>>2706999
You frown at the kid, his fear plain on his face as you refuse to release you grasp. After a few moments you click your tongue, "What kind of coin you got on you kid?"

His look of surprise was just as authentic as Naturn's expression. He starts to babble and pats at his pants pocket out of mounting fear, "I-I ain' got any coin, sir! I-I'm sorry, sir, please."

You feel a pressure on your shoulder and you see Naturn frowning with disapproval. She gives a shake of her head then glances further down the bridge where one of the Guardmilitia members was looking in your direction.

Pointing a finger toward the hobgoblin boy you lean in closer, "Be careful of who's pockets you try to pilfer. Get better at it if you're going to keep doing it and remember to stay away from mine," you say in a stern voice and the kid nods vigorously. Finally you let go of his wrist and he is quickly sprinting down the bridge weaving between pedestrians and disappearing into the crowds.

With the pickpocket gone you notice Naturn's continued frown and you shrug defensively, "Kid was sloppy and maybe he'll think better than to steal."

"Maybe but really? Stealing the coin of a street orphan?" she says with a touch of judgement in her voice.

"I wasn't actually going to take his money!" you say defensively, "It was just a warning, honest!" hoping to save face.

She frowns then shakes her head again, "Pickpockets can be damn annoying, I understand. Just learn to keep your valuables out of your regular pockets and such," she says and gives her side a discreet pat, "Now let's get going, the place is nearby and Murgan's probably already drunk."

Resuming your trip Naturn guides you across another street before pointing to the exterior of a building, the sign swinging just above the door reading The Copper Hammer and a picture of a hammer and chisel. It seemed to be a deceptive misnomer if not for the large frosted windows that glow with interior light and the muffled sound of raised voices and music that grow momentarily louder when the door swings open allowing patrons to stagger out or newcomers to enter.

A single human bouncer sat on a stool much too small for the densely muscled man, a cudgel leaning against the wall next to him. He seemed barely awake as he grunted when you and Naturn entered and were assaulted with the smell of alcohol, smoke, and the acrid tinge of vomit somewhere, the typical smells of a bar you'd come to expect.

Tables were spread out on the floor where groups of people were sitting and drinking while playing board or card games. A handful of waiters moved about the floor carrying platters loaded with drinks. Against one wall was a raised platform where a small group of people were playing various instruments filling the air with jovial music and a large hat set at the edge waiting for tips. You look over to the bar stretched against another wall and a pair of bartenders moving back and forth filling mugs and glasses.

>cont

>>2707950
Clearly a busy night you and Naturn scan the room before she points to one of the corners where Murgan was excitedly waving from a small table. Weaving through the bar you manage to avoid bumping into any chairs or waiters and as you draw closer you see Murgan and Mikkel were seated with the sorif lizard Yunni curled up around the orcs ankles.

The hobgoblin grins as you and Naturn take your seats, "So you finally join us, took you long enough but still good you came!" he already had a large mug in front of him with it already nearly empty. He looks around for the nearest waiter and waves them over.

"Jackob convinced me I should celebrate a contract well-fulfilled," Naturn says and you notice she had rolled her sleeves down to hide her thaumaturgic bracers.

"As you should," Murgan looks to you, "Good job. She rarely ever relaxes," he says in a faux-whisper before draining the rest of his mug.

A few moments later a waiter arrives, a stout hobgoblin woman who drops down a new mug for both Murgan and Mikkel while taking their empties, "Two more fer yeh," she then flashes a smiles at you and Naturn, a silver tooth glinting in the light, "An' what can we get fer yeh? Got plenty a fine alcohols and imbibements ta choose from."

"Lindvern Red please," Naturn says.

"Ah good choice, Lindvern's be a local vineyard out in the farmin' villages further up the Praggan," the waiter says then looks to you, "And fer yeh, boy? Whatcha havin'?"

Murgan grins as he pipes up, "Get him a cup of River's Regret, he's gotta try it."

Naturn shakes her head, "No no, don't do that. Try the Lindvern, it's a local favorite."

Mikkel speaks up for the first time, "I'd just stick with a good beer. Less chance of you ending up in a gutter like the last one I saw drink a River's Regret," he says with a chuckle he hides with a deep gulp of his beer.

How much should you celebrate?
>Take a risk and try the River's Regret, a house special
>Order a Lindvern Red, a red wine crafted in a nearby village
>Play it safe and order something familiar like a beer
>Other (Write-in)

>>2707951
>Take a risk and try the River's Regret, a house special
>Order a Lindvern Red, a red wine crafted in a nearby village

Try both

>>2707951
>>Take a risk and try the River's Regret, a house special
We've gotta try it, apparently

>>2707951
>rivers regret
Yolo

>>2708081
>>Take a risk and try the River's Regret, a house special
What's life without risking a little regret?

>>2707951
>Take a risk and try the River's Regret, a house special
Roll me 1d20 please, time to test out your constitution and common sense

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2711803

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2711803

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2711803

>>2711803
"Hey, Jackob, get up!" the voice sends a searing pain throbbing behind your eyes as you jolt awake. There is a moment of confusion as you look around then spot a smirking Mikkel standing over you, "Breakfast is almost over and Ghirrot wants to talk to you before he hands out the contracts for the day, come on down." The orc turns and departs from the barracks allowing you to push yourself up groggily into a seated position on the edge of your bunk.

You don't quite recall how you got back to the Guildhouse, or even much after ordering the River's Regret and a meal alongside your new friends. There was an awful taste in your mouth and a throbbing pain in your head, easily the worst hang-over you'd gotten so far in your relatively short life. You were partially dressed and thankfully free of any dried vomit though you wonder who it was that had brought you back.

Taking a few minutes to refresh yourself in the watercloset and change into new clothing you take account of your possessions. For the most part the pouches and pockets containing your personal effects were still present, the Goblin's Sight potion still there. However, as you quickly counted through your money you realize that you were roughly forty marks short from what you had the day before.

>Lost: 44G
>New Monetary total: 121g

Still trying to piece together your night while gathering your meal from the kitchen staff you went into the dining hall where most of the Guild was finishing their meals or chatting while waiting for the assignments.

"Jackob, over here!" you hear a familiar voice and spot Naturn waving at you from one of the tables.

Sitting down next to her you nod, "Hey, Naturn," you say, your eyes still adjusting the light of the room as you look at Mikkel and Murgan across from you. The orc seemed just as he had the day before, stoic and waiting for the assignments, his own meal likely finished. The hobgoblin though looked just as bad as you, his eyes hidden in his palm as he slowly ate a pile of eggs and smoked goat meat, his stubble more pronounced than the day before.

The woman chuckles, "Told you you'd regret it. It lives up to it's name," she gives you a gentle nudge as you begin eating.

"No fucking doubt," you mumble and wince then look to them, "What happened? I don't really remember much?"

Naturn and Mikkel glance at each other then share a chuckle before they fill you in.

>cont

>>2712188
After ordering your drink and a meal for the night you and Murgan were brought the moonshine. River's Regret was a moonshine that had earned itself a notorious reputation, it's crafters keeping its recipe a secret and earning its infamy.

They say you tried to sip the drink like Murgan had suggested while you ate your meal. However, by the time you finished your first cup you and the hobgoblin had joined several other patrons of the Copper Hammer in singing several drinking songs. During this you were told you bet another bar patron, one much more sober than you, that you were a better marksman and challenged him to a game of darts.

You lost. Terribly.

That explains what happened to my money, you muse to yourself.

They continue on saying you had attempted another cup of Regret but you had practically passed out before you could finish half of it. Mikkel and Naturn had helped you both to the Guild, Yunni apparently having to carry you on her back at one point.

Through it all Murgan had said nothing, preferring to nurse his hangover in silence.

"Initiate Jackob! Come on up here!" you hear a booming voice call out and you look up to see Ghirrot standing with on the raised section where the officers table sat. He grinned at you across the room and motions for you to join.

Taking the last bite of a biscuit you stand and walk through to join him as the eyes of the guildmembers turn curiously up toward you. The hobgoblin clapped a hand on your shoulder and calls out to the room, "Listen up you lot! We've got ourselves a new member of the Gladiators!"

There was a pounding of cups and mugs on the tables, making you wince slightly but you manage a smile as Ghirrot continues, "Yesterday he was an Initiate taking his first proper contract. Today he is an official member of the Guild! Help me welcome young Jackob!" he says and begins clapping as the others join in to welcome you officially.

He turns you away from the crowd then nods to one of the officers, a human woman who stands up and begins calling out names as she assigns the contracts for the day.

Ghirrot leans against the table casually and grins at you, "Looks like you were already celebrating your success. Have fun?"

You chuckle awkwardly, "I don't really... remember..."

He laughs and nods, folding his arms, "Let me guess, they got you to drink Regret huh?" He laughs again when you nod an affirmative, "It's kind of a ritual of it's own for newcomers to Meldric. So tell me, Jackob. What do you think so far of the City and my Guild? Excited for what may come?"

>Write-in

>>2712189
worried about my liver and wallet , but otherwise yeah.

>>2712269
Nice.

>>2712189
"Worried about my liver and wallet, but otherwise yeah. It's definitely different from Vier Curaw," you say.

"Meldric is a unique city, I will admit," he says with a small laugh and shake of the head, "Glad you're liking it. Your uncle never really felt at home here, preferring the wilderness and all that."

"He spoke of Meldric in... less than optimistic tones but he did have good memories he said," it still hurt to talk about your uncle who had done more to raise you into the man you were than your own father.

"I'm glad for that. Still, a shame he passed," he says with a sad sigh and shake of his head before his jovial mood seems to rebound, "So anyways, I'd like to personally welcome you to the Gladiators. If your uncle trained you to be a third of the adventurer he was, the Guild will benefit greatly from you, Jackob," he smiles and reaches out to shake your hand with his firm grip despite his advancing age.

"Thank you, sir, I hope to make him proud," you reply while putting on your best face despite the pounding in your head.

"Now I know it's rather soon after your first contract but since that one went so well for you, I think you should be able to handle this one fine," he reaches over and pulls a sheet of paper from a stack on the table yet to be cleared of the breakfast dishes and hands it over to you, "Glad you like the city but your next one will be going outside it."

Contract Received
>Contract type: Purge and recovery
>Reward: 500 Gold Marks for standard completion, additional 100 Gold Marks to discover the cause of the incident, another 100 Gold Marks with the successful retrieval of certain important documents left behind.
>Details: Members of the Lindvern family of the Lindvern Vineyards has come to Meldric seeking help to retake their farmland. Positioned south along a tributary into the Praggan River near the border of Meldrics territory the Lindvern Vineyards has been overrun by wild beasts and flora from the nearby forests.
>Requirements: Removal of significant threats that would prevent the return of the Lindvern family and their workers for the basic reward. Additional rewards will be granted if the source of the incident is discovered and if certain documents and records are retrieved and returned.

You read through it, slower than normal due to your headache, "That's funny, Naturn said I should try their wine last night."

Ghirrot chuckles, "It's not a bad wine, not my favorite but good. They said if you can finish up all the extra tasks they'd be more than happy to start sending us free shipments of the stuff so that's a bonus as well."

>cont

>>2712418
"Did they say exactly what they were attacked by? It's kinda vague," you ask.

"Well from what I gathered from talking to the Lindvern patriarch they were attacked by wild animals suddenly working together a few nights in a row and then some Crawling Bushes and other nasty plants started encroaching and tainting their crops," he says with a wave of his hand, "They didn't say anything about sapients but if you ask me, this stinks like a Druid with a grudge but they couldn't or wouldn't say if they'd pissed any off recently or in the past, so watch out for that.

"Now, go finish your meal, get your head in order and get ready. You're to leave with your team by cart before midday," he says with a grin and claps you on the shoulder once again, "Make me proud."

You can't help but return the smile and nod, "Yes, sir, I'll try my best."

Glancing past you notice the human officer you'd seen him talking to the day before, Adem if you had to guess, giving you a scrutinizing look but when he catches your gaze he gives a slight nod of his head before turning to speak with a hobgoblin officer you hadn't met yet either.

How should you prepare?
You have some time until you are to meet up with your assigned group, what would you like to do until then?
>Check the Archives and study the wildlife and flora in the assigned area
>Go to the Armory to retrieve your gear
>Meet up with your team leader first
>Other (Write-in)

>>2712425
>>Check the Archives and study the wildlife and flora in the assigned area

>>2712425
>>Check the Archives and study the wildlife and flora in the assigned area
Legwork ho

>>2712583
>>2712436
These. It's proven to be a good idea before and we might as well make it a personal pattern. Never go in blind. Fight smarter.

>>2712425
Taking the sheet with the information you return to your meal to finish it where only Murgan remained as he drained the last of his water. He grins weakly at you and gives a respectful nod, "Welcome to the Guild and welcome to Meldric, Jackob. Good luck out there," he says as he stands up to leave but not before stuffing a pocket with bacon wrapped in a cloth.

Once you finish your own meal you speak with the chefs briefly who give you a bitter tasting concoction meant to help with your lingering hangover. By the time you reached the archives your headache was a dull pressure behind your eyes and temples, much easier to ignore than the pounding you'd waken up to.

Knowing that you only had yourself to help you in your research you begin your search by taking a book off a shelf and flipping through it.

>Research time
Roll me 1d20 please

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2712666

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2712666

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2712666

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2712666

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2712666

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2712666
Satan barrs the way to knowledge!

>>2712666
Searching through the books and journals of past members you had a better idea of how to look for your information. With the relatively close location you suspected that there would be something concerning local beasts and threats so you start skimming for contracts located around Meldrics territory.

It took about ten minutes or so before you find a promising book but it was of a surprising source. Rather than the account of a guild member it was the journal of a hunter from a village not far from the city itself. In it the hunter lists their catches and sales to merchants of furs, hides, and meats, more of a business ledger but between the accounts they wrote their own observations of local wildlife and dangers they had encountered.

Among the potentially dangerous denizens of the area they listed included such beasts as lynxes, gray bears, coyotes, feral boars, tree squid, latchipods and others.You had only heard of tree squid, the forests near Vier Curaw too dry for the amphibious creatures but latchipods were a well-known threat. The notes stated the squids liked to hide in the branches of trees or shrubs to ensnare passing prey but they rarely grew large enough to prove a problem to adult humans or hobgoblins.

The latchipod description described the slow-moving crustaceans and their dense dome-like shells with warnings of not falling asleep in the woods lest they latch on and slowly devour their prey. In you experiences every tale of the crustaceans talked about how they knew of people forced to hack off a hand, foot, or whole limb in order to escape, their shells proving too dense to break through for most people.

After scribbling down some notes in your own journal you search for details on these so called mobile plants. Frustratingly you find little of use, most details describing them in vague terms though most notes state that a torch or fire thaumaturgy are good ways to deter their advance. However you do spot a warning scribbled in with an angry hand stating that some of the dangerous flora burned with a toxic smoke or have seedpods that explode violently when exposed to heat.

Intel Gained
>Local wildlife includes dangerous creatures such as lynxes, bears, coyotes, boars, tree squid, and latchipods
>Data on the dangerous flora was difficult to find
>Did discover that fire can act as a good deterrent but some types will react dangerously to flames and heat

Taking your journal you leave the Archives and head back down to the meeting hall where your team should be waiting for you.

>>2719203
Roll call time, sound off

>>2719257
ere

>>2719257
???

>>2719257
yo

Did OP die?

>>2727591
Yes. Apparently a big storm knocked out his internet for a long time.

>>2728652
Actually I thought I saw something about a big storm hitting Phoenix, that's where he lives right?