LD II, Prologue: The Four Bears Inn and Tavern

THE SCENE OPENS

Other locations in Broond



How did the four get to know each other?

Our heroes begin their journey as acquaintances and fans of the uniquely talented Bard named Fletcher. Every time they come to Broond the three friends are sure to show up for the performance. [How did they all get together?]

This proves to be an interesting concert indeed. It seems that much is going on in Broond at the moment. Overheard conversations, personal encounters--even mysterious message notes--all combine to make this a night like no other. It seems that fate is dipping her ladle and pouring rich brews for them to sample.

THE FOUR BEARS INN

In the small frontier town of Broond, a day's journey from the Ursa Forest, and the Smithivekk Beach in the other direction.
The town itself is built on a bed of dull grey granite, which affords little in the way of agriculture, except for abundant pastures of sheep in the low hills.
The Four Bears is the preferred meet-up place, for lively talk, gossip, music, and a place in out of the winter's chill.
"The Four Bears Inn and Tavern is warm and inviting, especially in out of the dark and snow. So near to the Solstice, there are many who come in for refuge, from the lack of light and the chilly weather--from the dark chill of the season.

"The inside is decorated with dark wood and polished tables. The bar and kitchen recessed into one wall, they leave the rest of the building for a fireplace, bearskin rugs, and traditional Bairen art and decor. Torches in shining brass sconces line the wall, and there are a few windows looking out to the falling snow.

"The tavern is nearly full tonight, it being near-solstice on a Restart's evening. There is a general cheer about; Sdalla has mulled several pots of red wine, and she serves it generously.

"The torchlight dances richly along the walls, among the drinkers and revelers.

"The main buzz tonight is talk of the King's gambit to move on western Bair...

King Holski has initiated war to the south, against the Dwarven and human clans there, enlisting the help of giants, trolls, and orcs, for the promise of land and riches.

All the way to "the Lakes," Holski has under his basic control. The Bairen flag flies far across the land.

"He's raised a mighty army, more powerful than any tribal group in the west.

"With a successful offensive, the King will take over with strict law and labor requirements, and maybe worse, he'll move many of his subjects west to settle the land. Along with this will come strife and oppression for the people here, in tribes or not!

Can the tribes come to some agreement and alliance? Many doubt it, shaking their heads over their drinks.

"We need a leader, an Avatari, but our people have become weak. There will be no savior this time. It's hopeless."

(Syd knows of the King's militance, seeing every day in Kuttosi the garrisons, more and more troops stationed, and looking dressed for war.)

"The bard -_____ occupies the performers corner on a modest stage, and the clientele seems to approve of the music. _____ travels from Kuttosi to play here; they seem to enjoy a more rustic and cozy atmosphere. Indeed, it fits well with their music.

Our other three friends sit together in relative silence. With the coming of the dark months, they have been subdued. They came to see _____'s performance, and to talk about adventure.

"Yes, adventure. Surely there is something to do in life, to forge a purpose, out beyond the dark and drabby weather."

"The three friends want to dig in and take a bite out of the night, and seeing their old pal _________ seemed a good means of inspiration.

"Little did they know at the time, coming in out of the cold, what opportunities awaited, even in this little cozy inn, this little frontier town of Broond.

"They trust the good innkeep Sdalla to care for their needs, even for small coin. She is a strange looking woman, human-like but with ashen grey skin and stark white locks of hair, and big, deep black eyes. There is a strange beauty to her appearance, as odd as it is."

NOTE ON KING HOLSKI'S MILITARY:

This region, from Tennka in the west to Kuttosa in the East, and including the Dwarven strongholds of the Deepwash Mountains, is all that's left for King Holski to conquer. The region has not been under any imperial control for over a century.

"Troops will be moving in over the next week. There can really be no defense against them, and that's a good thing! We would we resist? I myself will welcome with open arms.

"All the warring clans and nations, tearing apart our lands for power and coin. (I tell you my friends, the boy is a tyrant in the making...)

"When they declare a domestic garrison, I'll be the first to volunteer my home!

"They are not dangerous as long as you do what they say..."

Some people at the Inn argue that

"the region will be better off. More strict control of crime and commerce, wealthier merchants, strict and secure ship-routes, better trade connections with the Elves, exclusive access to the Dwarven market.

"People will work harder, and with pride!"

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE

Act 2, Possibility 1: Rescue the ____ Family--or to the underdark?
Act 2, possibility 2: Zombies on the Beach
Act 2, possibility 3: The Garden of Buskker Skwash
@ Act 2, possibility 4: The Bear People and the Dwarven Temple to Ronja
Act 2, possibility 5: Ruins of Dorday'mas
Act 2, possibility six: Deliver the Daggers of Kroed. Act 2, possibility 7: Nientesha: The Shivv and the Forest Explosions