The Thundercrag Revelation

[Scene Alteration Check: 1d10 = 10, Scene proceeds normally!]

[Is this where Mathillas lives? (Unsure) No!]

[1d100 = 53 = 53]

The sun hung low in the sky as Mathillas Dragonstar and Owren Wrathstone made their way back to Small Oak, a quaint village nestled among the rolling hills and dense forests. The village was a small, tight-knit community of only 150 souls, ruled by a local priest who kept the peace with a benevolent yet firm hand. As they approached the village, the warm glow of lanterns began to flicker to life, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. It was just before nightfall, and the pair’s destination was clear: the local tavern, The Crooked Inn.

[Does anything happen on the way to their room? (Unsure) No!]

[1d100 = 67 = 67]

The Crooked Inn was a modest establishment, its weathered wooden sign creaking softly in the evening breeze. The building itself leaned slightly to one side, as if bowing to the passage of time, yet it had an undeniable charm. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of hearty stew and freshly baked bread, mingling with the soft murmur of conversation. The villagers, most of whom were already gathered for their evening meal, paid little attention to the two travelers as they made their way through the common room and up the narrow staircase to their quarters.

Mathillas, eager to delve into his recent findings, could barely contain his excitement. He practically burst through the door to their small, sparsely furnished room. Owren, on the other hand, moved with the weary grace of a seasoned warrior, his steps slow and measured. Once inside, he slumped into a chair, his muscles aching from the long journey.

Mathillas wasted no time, spreading his notes across the bed, his eyes scanning the pages with fervent intensity. The room was filled with the rustle of parchment as he sifted through his research, occasionally muttering to himself as he pieced together the clues.

“Anything good?” Owren asked, his voice carrying a note of curiosity as he leaned back in his chair.

“Trying to find that out now,” Mathillas replied, his focus unbroken. With the advantage of two maps now in his possession, he began to cross-reference the details, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as the pieces of the puzzle started to align.

[Investigation Skill Check (Intelligence)(Advantage)]

[2d20 + 3 + 2 = 13 + 3 + 2 = 18]

[Is this map to a treasure? (Likely) No!]

[1d100 = 76 = 76]

[Magic Item: Ranged, Elements]

It wasn’t treasure that they sought, but something far more valuable—an ancient magical artifact tied to the elements. The realization struck Mathillas like a bolt of lightning, and he quickly shared his discovery.

“It’s a good thing you’re good company,” Owren remarked with a grin, his tone lightening the mood.

“Thanks. So are you,” Mathillas responded, glancing up with a genuine smile. “I appreciate your help with this. The Elemental Focus Wand will soon be in our grasp.”

Owren chuckled softly. “You and your magic. I’ll take a sword over magic any day.”

Mathillas smirked, but said nothing, returning his attention to the notes before him. He knew that Owren’s skills with a blade would be just as crucial as his own arcane knowledge in the trials that lay ahead.

[Location: Old, Loud]

After a few moments of quiet concentration, Mathillas finally looked up, his eyes gleaming with newfound clarity. “It appears the next piece of the puzzle is at Thundercrag Ruins,” he announced.

Owren raised an eyebrow. “That old place? Interesting. But that makes sense. A bunch of old wizards would love to hide magic items in an ancient fortress like that.”

“Yes, indeed,” Mathillas agreed. “It seems that this next location might require some dungeon diving. We should stock up on supplies before heading out tomorrow morning. I’m not sure what to expect.”

Owren nodded in agreement, standing up and stretching out his stiff limbs. “Makes sense to me. In that case, I’m going to get some much-needed shut-eye. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Owren,” Mathillas replied, his mind already drifting back to the maps and notes.

As Owren left the room, Mathillas couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The Thundercrag Ruins held the promise of ancient magic and untold power, but they also carried the weight of history, danger, and the unknown. Alone in the quiet room, he pondered what awaited them at the crumbling fortress, his thoughts swirling like the storms that perpetually raged over the old and loud place.

Enjoyed this story? Support the journey!
If you’d like to see more adventures, consider leaving a tip. Buy me a coffee ☕️ and help keep the stories coming!