The Alchemist's Cure

Quest Giver: 

Thalia from The Clear Vial

Quest Start:

The players encounter Thalia at her shop, The Clear Vial. She is visibly distressed and explains the urgency of the situation, offering a generous reward for the successful retrieval of the rare ingredient.

Plot points/Scenes

1. Gather Information:

Location: The Clear Vial.
Task: Speak with Thalia to gather detailed information about the ingredient and its location.
Clues: Thalia provides a sketch of the ingredient, describes its unique properties, and gives directions to the area where it can be found. She warns about the dangers of the forest and provides a sample of a similar plant for comparison.

2. Prepare for the Journey:

Location: Various shops in Fort Bromleck.
Task: Gather supplies and equipment for the journey into the forest.
Details: Players might need to purchase warm clothing, climbing gear, potions, and other necessities. Thalia offers a discount on her stock for the players.

3. Journey to the Forest:

Location: The nearby forest, known for its treacherous terrain and harsh weather.
Challenges: The players must navigate through thick snow, avoid natural hazards like ice patches and avalanches, and deal with the frigid temperatures.
Encounters:
Wildlife: Wolves, frost trolls, or other creatures adapted to the cold climate.
Environmental Hazards: Snowstorms that obscure vision and slow progress, freezing rivers that must be crossed carefully.

4. Finding the Ingredient:

Location: A specific part of the forest known for its rare flora.
Challenges: The players must identify the correct plant amidst similar-looking species and avoid dangerous wildlife.
Encounters:
Environmental Hazards: Falling ice, sudden blizzards, and treacherous terrain.
Wildlife: Aggressive creatures like snow leopards or territorial elk.
Puzzle: A magical barrier or natural obstacle that requires solving a puzzle or using special skills to bypass.

5. Return to Fort Bromleck:

Location: The Clear Vial.
Task: Safely return to Thalia with the rare ingredient.
Challenges: The journey back might be complicated by worsening weather or attacks from opportunistic predators.
Encounter: A rival alchemist or group of bandits attempting to steal the ingredient.

6. Creating the Cure:

Location: The Clear Vial.
Task: Assist Thalia in creating the cure by following precise instructions and handling delicate processes.
Challenges: The process might involve a timed sequence of actions, skill checks for alchemy, and dealing with unforeseen complications.

Structure

Exposition

Background:

Thalia, the alchemist of Fort Bromleck, is renowned for her exceptional skill in creating potent potions and elixirs. Recently, a wealthy and influential merchant fell critically ill with a mysterious disease, and none of the usual remedies have been effective. Thalia has identified a rare ingredient that could potentially cure the merchant, but it can only be found in a dangerous part of the nearby forest, which is often plagued by snowstorms and fierce wildlife. Desperate to save her client and uphold her reputation, Thalia seeks the aid of brave adventurers to retrieve the ingredient.

Resolution

Upon successfully creating the cure, Thalia administers it to the merchant, who gradually recovers. The merchant and Thalia both express their immense gratitude, rewarding the players with gold, rare alchemical items, and possibly a favor from the merchant, who has influential connections. Thalia’s reputation as a skilled alchemist is restored, and the players earn renown in Fort Bromleck.

Rewards:

Experience: 150 Experience for completing the Quest.

Plot type

Side Quest

Parent Plot

Arrival at Fort Bromleck

Related Locations

• Fort Bromleck