Dust motes swirl in the cool breeze as the wagons creak over the small hilltop. The road slopes gently down toward the small village ahead. Several rows of thatched roofs stand above the low trees and other vegetation surrounding the buildings. Farm fields and pastures stretch away from road on both sides. And just beyond the village, the mighty Velverdyva River snakes its way south.
It's been a three and a half day journey here, and finally you've made it to Macroom. You had been making your way along the Great Western Road, taking whatever work was available, when in Asnath, you'd learned of a bounty put out by the Baroness of Kempton. The frontier town of Macroom has been plagued for months by a band of raiders led by a surly gnoll called Razgrak. The town militia was too undermanned and not well-equipped enough to stop him. With the soldiery of the Baroness and the Archclericy busy with other matters, a bounty of 500 gold would go to whoever could capture or kill Razgak and his band.
So, getting on as guards with the first small caravan headed to Macroom, you journeyed forth. And now, here you are. The wagons come to a stop at a small shed just outside of town. The wagon team leader shouts orders. "Alright, everybody out of the wagons. Time to unload." Porters climb out of the wagons, and a few young men rush out of the shed, and start of unload the crates, barrels, and boxes out of the wagons. The breeze has stopped and the afternoon sun warms the air. You get down off your perch at the back of one of the wagons just in time to meet wagon team leader.
"Well, boys, it wasn't as eventful as I was thinkin' it'd be along this way, but anyway, here's your silver. Don't turn it all into ale in one sittin'."
He hands you each a small leather bag. The 20 silver coins in each clink together. You look at the bags in your hands, and then at each other. You didn't spend much time getting to know the others taking the journey to Macroom, but assumed several of them had taken the journey for the same reason you did.
"We'll be here a few days, but by week's end we'll be headin' back to Asnath. You boys are welcome to head back with us, if you wish, for the same pay."
He turns to walk away, stops and turns back to you.
"Oh, ah, you can find room and board, you'll want to head to the west side of town. The Empty Flagon's over there. Best ale in town. Only ale in town, as a matter of fact. Other provisions can be had at the Rope and Barrel over in the same area. Gaol's over there, too, but I hope you boys won't end up in there."
The wagon team leader smiles and winks as he turns, and heads toward the shed.
What do you do?
