Trial by Fire

On a street corner as you wend your way through the streets of Rivergate, two zealots stand next to a white washed sign that reads:
Verinax Comes!
Below the text is a painting of a white dragon.

One of the zealots squats and bangs a flat drum, at the edge of the building; and, the other has a pamphlet, which most are reluctant to accept. He shouts, "Varinax the White Dragon will come soon! And all who do not bow to her will be doomed to face her wrath!" He goes on and on as you pass by.

You see the sign just a half a block away, "The Frothy Mare".

You enter a boisterous tavern. Smoke and the smell of roasted food and fresh bread assials you as well as various other sights and sounds. A minstrel group is playing a gay tune as you find an empty table. You see the menu under a coat of varnish on the table itself.

THE FROTHY MARE TAVERN
Rivergate’s Oldest Fire, Warmest Meal, and Sharpest Gossip
✦ HOUSE FARE ✦
(3 Silver)
A traveler’s table, set with what the Stormkeepers provide.
Huggins’s Stew
A thick bowl of root vegetables, barley, and the day’s hunt. Served with dark bread.
Dagger‑Edge Pottage
Lentils, onions, and herbs simmered to a creamy warmth. Said to "keep the cold from creeping in." Miner’s Skillet
Fried potatoes, wild mushrooms, and smoked pork tossed with cracked pepper.
Hearth‑Baked Loaf & Soft Cheese
Fresh bread with a mild, spreadable cheese and pickled roots.
✦ SPECIALTIES OF THE HOUSE ✦
(5 Silver)
Prepared when the larder is full and the roads are safe.
Boar‑Haunch with Blackthorn Glaze
Slow-roasted boar brushed with a tart berry reduction.
River‑Poacher’s Trout
Pan‑seared trout seasoned with lemon‑sage salt, served with roasted turnips.
"Old Stones" Shepherd’s Pie
Lamb and vegetables beneath a browned potato crust.
✦ WINTER BOARD ✦
(2 Silver)
For nights when the wind howls down from the Stormkeepers.
Frost‑Hearth Chowder
Creamy potatoes, smoked fish, and cracked pepper.
Ember‑Roasted Carrots & Honeyed Nuts
A sweet, earthy dish to brighten the bleak season.
Braised Venison with Mulled Wine Jus
Tender venison simmered in spiced wine.


✦ DRINKS OF THE MARE ✦
Ales & Beers
(2 Silvers)
Rivergate Dark — malty, smoky
Old Road Amber — crisp, bitter
Witchlight Wheat — pale, citrus notes


Spirits
(3 Silvers)
Dragonbite Whiskey — sharp, warming
Miner’s Rum — dark, molasses-heavy
Storm‑Hollow Brandy — smooth, faintly floral


Wines
(3 Silvers)
Gatefall Reserve (Red) — dry, earthy
Widow’s Orchard (Red) — sweet plum
Lanternlight White — crisp, herbal


Inn Rates
10 Silver a night for a room with 2 beds upstairs.
5 for the Commons

Before you can order, you see a young lad pointing you out to an older gentleman. The man hands the boy a few farthings and heads over to your table. "You must be the ones who vanquished that Flame Kin. I have something for you," he says and tosses a few small pouches onto the table, one for each of you. You hear the disctinct sound of coin within.
"In there is enough to cover your meal and a night here at the Mare. My thanks to you for handling that creature. They've been a nuisance lately so there is reward for your efforts. I'm with the Mining Regent, so if you'll forgive me, I've a damnable thirst for an Ale. And an eye for Svenka over there," he winks and heads over to a plump blonde woman with a cherubic smile. The crowd parts and closes like a curtain as he leaves for "fairer pastures."

The man looks at Filbur.
"That's Wheat. He's one of those what works at the Mining Regent - a coalition. They make sure the mines flow and business gets done. They run Rivergate lad, don't be daft," he says and orders another round for your table.

The Mare starts to get boisterous after a few hours and there is much singing and raucous laughter. A game of Thieves and Wizards has already started a few tables down. You hear the dice rolling and more than few "Oh!"s and "Ah"s. The barmaids are slightly scandalous, but do not tolerate any "hands on" attention. Your meal is exceptional and twilight is near when you notice you have been drinking more than you should have, but the rounds keep coming at no charge to you.

You find yourselves unacustomed to the potency of the local brews and soon retire for the evening. The next day you are awakened by a knock on your door. Bleary eyed, you manage to see a pair shadowy feet leaving and just below the crack you see a slip of paper.

It's a note:

Your presence is requested for a luncheon at the behest of Lady Walcrest.
Dress is semi-formal and puncuality is of utmost importance.

There is a wax seal of a W with lavish flourish motif at the bottom.

You look out the window. It is another slate gray sky and hard to tell what time of day it is, but a cathedral bell tolls in the distance and you hear 10 bells. You consider for a moment how much time it will take to find the Walcrest mansion and the right clothes to make an impression. You have about two hours to get ready to meet with the Lady Walcrest...