Session 2: The Shadowed Oak Inn Report

General Summary

"Go up the ladder, come out of the tower, cross the wooden bridge, go through the bundle of buildings, and you’ll see a stone bridge. Across the stone bridge is the Shadowed Oak Inn. I'll meet you there. One of you non-elves should go first; Thoran, the innkeeper, isn’t fond of elves, but he loves gold from the Bureau. Welcome to Mareford and to this new world." - Daldir

    Daldir hands the party a small pouch of gold (10g) and encourages them to keep the items they have. He then mutters about the inefficiency of his Day partner and heads off to check on the guards and send his report.  

Journey to Mareford

  The party follows Daldir's directions, emerging from the dim cave into the bright light of day. They traverse the described path, crossing the wooden bridge that sways slightly underfoot, passing through a small settlement bustling with activity, and finally crossing the sturdy stone bridge.   The Shadowed Oak Inn stands before them, a sturdy, weathered building with an air of quiet hospitality. The sign above the door depicts an oak tree casting a long shadow.  

Entering the Inn

Mozdemir  enters the Inn first, introducing himself to Thoran Grimwood  and a women who is leaning over the bar with a fresh kill. She introduces herself as Eliza Carver and also waves across to an older women and young man sitting at a table. "That is Garrick Stone and Hilda Thornberry    Thoran seems not overly suprised at Mozdemir  entering the inn, strangers are expected here with some eyes raised when the 9foot tall Cairn Macdui entered. However, there was a distinct change of tone when Thoran Grimwood sees Ellyrian Starchaser for the first time.  

Stop being an arse Thoran and let her be - Hilda

After being told off by Hilda, who clearly holds some sway here the party settles and gets a drink given to them by the innkeep. Waiting for Daldir Sigdal to meet them, the party introduces themselves and it does come to light they are all from different worlds. Similar but very very different.   

Daldir Enters

As the party is getting settled and engaging with the various patrons in the common room of The Shadowed Oak Inn, the door swings open with a creak. The small, yet vibrant figure of Daldir Sigdal steps into the room. His sharp, intelligent eyes and wild mop of auburn curls make him instantly recognizable. He wears a white coat that's slightly too large for him and clutches a bag of potions. Without hesitation, Daldir strides over to the bar where Thoran Grimwood is standing, his face set in a stern expression.   "Daldir," Thoran grumbles, barely glancing up.   Daldir fixes Thoran with a stern look, his voice carrying a tone of both authority and frustration. "Thoran Grimwood, you better not have talked shit to those elves. We've had enough trouble around here without you adding to it."   Thoran's face tightens, and he opens his mouth to retort, but Daldir cuts him off. "I mean it, Thoran. We need all the help we can get, and antagonizing our guests—especially elves—isn't going to do us any favors."   Thoran grunts, his eyes darting to the adventurers before he mutters under his breath, "Fine. But you know how I feel about them."   Daldir shakes his head, his expression softening slightly. "I do, but this isn't the time or place. We have bigger problems, and we need to stick together."   Turning to the party, Daldir offers a warm smile. "I'm Daldir Sigdal, a member of the Bureau of Mysteries. Welcome to Mareford and The Shadowed Oak Inn. If Thoran here gives you any more trouble, you come find me."   With that, Daldir gives Thoran one last pointed look before moving to a nearby table, his demeanor shifting back to his usual, more genial self. "Now, how about a drink? On the house for our new friends," he says, directing the last part to Thoran, who reluctantly nods and starts pouring ale.   The room resumes its lively atmosphere, but there's a palpable sense of unity and purpose now, as Daldir's words resonate with everyone present. The night continues, but the players can sense that they have an ally in Daldir—and that Thoran, gruff as he may be, is also on their side, albeit begrudgingly.   The bustling common room continues around you, the sounds of clinking mugs, crackling fire, and murmured conversations creating a lively backdrop to your encounter. The presence of the ancient oak tree outside and the dense forest beyond adds a layer of mystique and tension to the inn, as if the very woods are watching and waiting for your next move.   The party settles in for the night... its quite literally a new world when they awaken.