[NWI] A Letter Arrives

Thistleburn 12, morning

Robert the Swift is woken early by the chirping of his wondrous mechanical bird. A summer storm rages outside.

Over the rain, a strange sound can be heard at the window. Opening it reveals a grey pigeon chirping on the sill, soaked from flying through the downpour! The little bird has a tiny leather case tied to its leg. It waits patiently for Robert to take the package, then flies away into the tempest.

The case contains a two small scrolls written in neat script. The first is a simple invitation while the second provides more detail and a place to sign one's name:

Black Wolf,

Thank You for heeding your summons!

The Master appreciates your dedication and hopes your guild service will be swift and safe. Ms. Haven will be your Steward and oversee your service. Service is scheduled to occupy two uninterrupted weeks from the time you sign this document. Please plan ahead to meet this obligation.

Itinerary and Instructions:

- Basic Orientation
- Question & Answer session
- Service Begins
- Select One of the following Two Quests:

1. Rent Room IV and enter the wilds

- Using the boat provided, sail north towards the huge island.

- Make contact with the locals in Tanaroa by the great wall.

- They are under attack by some enemy force; discover the nature of this threat and find its location or point of origin.

- If possible, eliminate the threat. The Guild strives to cultivate friendly relations with the islanders.

2. Enter the Under-Stairs door using the provided Silver Key

- Enter the City and speak to Orixerxes the Soothsayer. Obtain directions to The Palace and information on what he wants from inside.

- Prepare for traveling across a desert. Discover the truth about the rumours of The Palace. If it is real, find a way inside and report back.

- If possible, obtain the item Orixerxes wants for the Guild Master.

Ms. Haven will check your work when you return.

Good Luck!

I understand this quest is perilous and am ready to begin,

________________________________

[NWI] Evocation: the magical card game

Before his untimely death, Suba-Jin took a book on games of chance out of the Night Wolf Inn's library. Amongst poker, parcheesi and other pastimes it mentioned a game often played in the land of Adummim, called Evocation.

It is a magical, Tarot-like gambling game. The cards drip with gorgeous imagery and are themselves enchanted, relying on each player's focused will, deftness of thought and social skills to bluff, bid, strategize and so on. The deck itself seems to 'know' the players' actions and breaking the rules, loss & theft of the cards seems impossible.

A table consists of 4-6 players. A full game is nine hands although few games of Evocation go that length and it is considered heroic to play "a full nine." Few would attempt more than one full game per month. The game can be played for any stakes, but experienced players call their preferred style "prestige betting" - an ante & minimum bet of 50 silver or more.

Some hands are called "Mystical Combinations" and have special effects on the players. Few have been written down but rumours include endowment with spell abilities, mystical insight, beastly transformations and crippling curses.

A few combinations are spoken about, including "The Moondrop," "The Six Stars," "World Without End," "The Demimonde," "The Empress" and "The King of Fools." What they do is not exactly clear except that drawing out the King of Fools is very bad!

[System]

1 - Players ante up

2 - First cards are dealt [roll 1d24+INT+WIS+CHA]

3 - Betting: all players must place minimum bet, raises can happen in any order.

4 - More cards are dealt [roll 1d6+1d24] 

5 - Cards are revealed [highest total wins & takes the pot]

[NWI] Rooms in the Night Wolf Inn

Here is a list of the various rooms available for rent and their prices. Not all these rooms will be available at the same time.
Interested parties should enquire with Mr. Everbleed to see what vacancies are currently available.

See also A Letter from the Concierge.

[click to enlarge]

[NWI] A Letter from the Concierge

Esteemed Member,

Please consider the Inn your home. Feel free to enter any room or door you are able to access. You will not be trespassing! Do remember that the Inn cannot be held responsible for injuries or death caused by such expeditions. 

Also: 

1. Rooms rented are safe so long as you stay with the furniture. 

2. Any valuables you discover are yours to keep free of disclosure. Note that certain objects may prove difficult to remove from the Inn. 

3. Your last will and testament is honoured for one year. Should the beneficiary not be found in such time, your estate becomes the property of the Guild Master. 

4. The Inn offers unique combat training to interested companies. Inquire with James. 

5. The Inn will recognize your new tattoo and allow you to use the entrances on the East Porch, the Tavern Portico and the Servant’s Door in the west. Feel free to open windows, but be advised that doing so may expose you. All non-members are restricted to the entrance on the south veranda. 

6. Do not be slighted if the Guild Master fails to greet you. 

7. Please bring any inquiries or requests to the concierge or the carriage master. Welcome to the Night Wolf Inn! 

—James Everbleed



Guild Membership

First House: Black Wolf
Dues: 250 silver after one year
Tattoo: black wolf's head
Tattoo Effects: +1 AC
Perks: 50% off inn rooms
50% off personal equipment
food & drink on the house
Obligation: Up to one quest per year, not to exceed a two-week commitment