Mavie: "Hop on folks! I know you're all trying to get to the castle, but I need to drop off some goods over at Brindle first. Hope you don't mind!"
As you, Mavie and Hilde make your way north, the forest and foliage begin to fester away into funky-looking fungi. Even though you were fired for not re-pumping the air tanks during your sea diving apprenticeship, you can help think of the shapes of coral you saw underwater. Massive trees are eventually replaced with mushrooms stretching into the clear sky above, only to block out the sun with their giant caps. What looked at first like falling snow appears to be spores that seem to float endlessly without care for gravity.
Hilde: "This place sure is pretty, ain't it, sugar? Reminds me of some kind of wonderland fairy tale from them scroll-books."
As the pollinated path winds back and forth, and then back and forth again, you find yourself grateful for your perky protectors. Not because you feel threatened by the treacherous terrain or some unseen terror, but for the simple sake of navigation. It was for only being able to see a few feet ahead due to a fog of fungous cumulous that has made it nearly impossible to get any sense of direction. However, despite your lack of longitude, you eventually come to a small town.
Tall walls of luminous yellow limestone surround mushroom caps sprouting from within like foam in a glass of Oktober ale. And that makes you thirsty...
Mavie: "Here we are, folks, the town of Brindle! I have some business to take care of, so why don't you all grab something to eat at the tavern and we can meet up later."
Hilde: "Thanks again for the ride, Mavie! Let's go, sugars. After all that traveling I've worked up quite an appetite."
The second the tavern door opens, you and Hilde are assaulted with shouts of "Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug!" Seeing practically everyone gathered around a single table, you direct your attention there as well. Peering through heads and shoulders, a crack of vision reveals a woman with pink hair and a dwarf with a bushy brown beard each with glasses raised and golden ale pouring into their mouths. However, before you can get a good look at the chugging contestants, the sound of an iron tankard slamming down against hard oak rings, triggering the crowd to go ballistic.
Amidst the chorus raucous, the name "Brea" rings out. And while it meant nothing to you, your companion Hilde must have recognized it because she gives you the look of "I knew the whole time."
Brea: "Yo! Did you see that? That's how you chug a beer! Who are these guys, Hilde? I don't know if I'm drunk or a couple of them especially handsome, but I'm feeling good tonight. Woo!"
Hilde: "These, are the latest recruits to join the War Effort. I'm taking them to Stars Reach. You want to join, along?"
Brea: "If joining means drinking! Then I'll join! You two are too sober for me right now, why don't you have a drink? ...Or two!"
After the armored woman offers you her offer, another beautiful woman splits into the conversation...
Janessa: "Why you look like a fine batch of specimens, don't you? Our name is Janessa and I'm the resident Alchemist of Stars Reach. It's an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance."
As you raise a tankard of ale to greet the half-elf Alchemist, she suddenly gives you a distasteful look.
Janessa: "You are not going to drink that common swill are you? We think you should eat these."
The strange woman offers you a strange confection... What will you do?
Choice: Eat Mushrooms or Drink Ale
Comment below with your vote!
Bonus Raffle Ticket challenge: 15 upvotes
Info and rules about the Map to Stars Reach adventure [ here ]