Welcome to another week at my tabletop where this week we investigate the allegations of poachers in the Avermeet. The Avermeet is a series of forests, lakes and a marsh make up a large portion of this land where the wildlife is diverse and largely protected. However this week we find out that there is more to what meets the eye and the party find themselves, “surprisingly” in the middle of the controversy once more.
So to kick off in what looks to be another fun-packed adventure let’s grab a coffee, sit down and explore tonight’s adventure!
Being requested to investigate strange occurrences is something normal for adventurers but rarely is it to investigate the disappearance of wild creatures. The Avermeet is a forest that holds lakes, marshes and a variety of trees that have given birth to a wide variety of animal life. But there is something strange happening in the forest.
All animal life in the Avermeet is considered protected. From the poisonous giant toads and water rats to the giant wasps and everything in between the forest and its waterways are considered protected. So why are animals disappearing with traps, tracks and trails appearing throughout the woods. Poachers are to blame and any entering the woods best have a valid reason for doing so.
But try telling that to the adventurers who were asked to travel to the village on the edge of the forest to help them in investigating the problem. Can the adventurers find out what or who is to blame and clear their name or will they be held accountable for the animals that have gone missing.
The Avermeet
405MoTAv
The party looked at their map as they stood by the largest lake in the Avermeet. Reaching Calewan to find out how they could help the custodians of this forest was going to take some time but the most direct road and approach would be through the Avermeet itself. As they confirmed on the map that they were heading in the right direction they noticed something odd on the banks of the river.
Large drag marks dug into the river with imprints that looked to be clawed fingerprints dragging away from the water as if something was hauled out involuntarily. Looking deeper into the water the wind created waves on the surface of the lake which was otherwise still. As they watched the waves they noticed that just below the waterline was a large structure. From this distance they couldn’t see it too well but after investigating it appeared to be a large trap for catching animals.
Knowing that the hunting and killing of animals in the Avermeet was a crime they had an idea of what they would be doing. As they moved along the forest trail the image of the vibrant and bustling forest abundant in life seemed far from what they were walking through. The forest itself was quiet as if the animals did not want to be found. Birds were the most predominant creature and even they flew off at the sight of the party. Moving away from the lake they heard a baleful cry coming from a clearing nearby a rocky formation.
Approaching carefully they saw that there was a large elk that was captured by several snares in the clearing. The creature was obviously tired and had long given up trying to fight the ropes and wire that bound it in place but it watched nervously into the brushes towards the rocks. As the party approached the creature they followed its gaze towards the bush as they began to investigate the bindings.
A trick of the light caused glowing eyes to appear amongst the bushes which, when looking a second time turned out to be pale yellow flowers. However the feeling of being watched could not be shaken. “Halt, do not try and flee as you are surrounded.” a voice called out from behind them as guards dressed in a green coat and mail stepped forwards. “We have caught you in the act so we suggest you drop your weapons, foci or the like and kneel. Comply and we will show you mercy, do not and you will be riddled with far more arrows and bolts than you would be able to count.” the guard said as she stepped forward.
The party heard a rustling in the bushes where they were just looking before the guards brandished blades and spears at them. The sounds of several bows being drawn made the threat of a barrage of shafts to be a very real risk indeed.
Something that I haven’t done before is getting harder to find and so this employs a few tricks in trying to keep the same base quest fresh and exciting for the party. As with all my one shots being able to be employed in any campaign or between adventures is key. So this week we explore something that could be changed slightly to be a new adventure mid-journey.
But enough waffling on. Don’t forget that each day this week we expand the adventure further and delve deeper into what lies in wait. Don’t forget to come back each day to stay up to date and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe
Brazen Wolfe Tabletop 