Xerna arrives at the Adventuring Guild as the clerk bends over the sign-up ledger. The clerk is a middle-aged woman with chestnut hair braided over one shoulder, round spectacles, and a green wool vest.
the clerk
Xerna, is it? Hold still a moment while I finish your entry.
Beside the desk, a fresh notice declares that every new member must accept a local task before receiving guild work. Several waiting fishermen turn toward Xerna.
The clerk closes the ledger and pushes a sealed map across the counter. Wax stamped with the guild crest glints beneath the lamplight.
the clerk
This lake map concerns your qualifying task. You may open it after you accept the assignment.
A heavy pounding shakes the guild door. Dust sifts from the lintel as a strained voice carries in from outside.
the voice outside
Guild! Send help! Something has gone wrong on the lake!
✓ Quest Accepted
Prove herself by resolving the lake emergency
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn acceptance as an Adventuring Guild member
“I break the guild seal and study the lake map.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +0)
Xerna snaps the guild seal, peeling crimson wax from the folded map. The parchment opens beneath the lamplight, its edges marked with careful surveyor’s lines.
The Bortre Sea spreads across the map like a vast blue disk, with Keld’s southern shore at the margin and channels inked between scattered lakeside settlements.
Xerna
The distress mark is east of Keld, beyond the fishing grounds.
A black sigil circles a narrow inlet labeled Greywake Reach. Red ink branches from it toward three tiny islands, while a fresh notation warns of a magical disturbance.
the clerk
That mark was added this morning. The mapmaker swore the inlet was calm yesterday.
Outside, the pounding stops. Through the door comes the wet scrape of someone bracing against the wood, followed by a ragged breath.
the clerk
If you understand the chart, Xerna, you have your first guild task. Greywake Reach needs an adventurer now.
“I head east toward Greywake Reach”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +4)