Three weeks after leaving the restored crossing, Mara reaches Ashbridge, a small road settlement between Phandelver and Baldur’s Gate. Mud cakes the gatehouse, and the town stands tense beneath a gray afternoon.
The gates are barred. Frightened residents carry spears and wood axes along the walls, while shutters close across the clustered houses and the road beyond lies empty.
A mud-streaked young adult woman courier hurries from the eastern watchpath. Her brown braid is loose, her green cloak torn, and a fresh scrape marks one cheek.
The Mud-Streaked Courier
You came at the right hour. A nomadic goblin tribe is moving this way with families, pack beasts, and carts. We do not know their intentions.
She glances toward the barred gate, where a bell rope sways untouched. Beyond the palisade, nervous voices argue over whether to flee or stand.
The Mud-Streaked Courier
The elders can offer shelter, supplies, and a proper reward if you help prevent bloodshed, or prepare Ashbridge for whatever arrives.
The Mud-Streaked Courier
Will you come inside and hear what our watch saw, Mara, or would you rather meet the tribe on the eastern road?
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent bloodshed in Ashbridge
“I enter Ashbridge and ask to hear the watch’s report.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
Mara
I will come inside. I want to hear the watch’s report.
The courier signals the gate guards. The barred doors groan open, then slam shut behind Mara with a hard report that makes several residents raise their weapons.
The Mud-Streaked Courier
She is here to hear the watch, not to force a choice. Lower those spears.
A broad-shouldered middle-aged woman watch captain approaches in a rain-darkened leather coat, iron helm tucked beneath one arm, with a white scar crossing her chin.
The Watch Captain
Three scouts saw the tribe at dawn, moving south along the eastern road. Goblins, yes, but families and loaded carts among them.
The Watch Captain
They carried no drawn bows, yet their outriders watched our walls. One scout heard a horn from the hills, followed by their whole column changing course toward Ashbridge.
The captain’s report is complete, but the gatehouse guards keep Mara under wary eyes. Her entrance has cost her welcome, and the town now expects her judgment.
“" they may be either nomads or a displaced tribe." I think out loud. "I'll see if I can talk to their chief. I know the open planes would make you nabors yet be far enough not to notice" I say plainly”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Mara
They may be nomads or a displaced tribe.
Mara
I will speak with their chief. The open plains would let them settle nearby, far enough not to trouble your homes.
The watch captain studies Mara, then signals for the eastern gate to open. She leads Mara beyond the walls beneath a pale, rain-washed sky.
The Watch Captain
Then we will meet them without raising weapons. If their chief accepts the plains, Ashbridge can spare grain and water while they establish camp.
The goblin column appears along the eastern road, cautious but unarmed. At its front walks an elderly goblin woman wrapped in layered red and ochre shawls, her white hair bound with copper rings.
The Goblin Chief
I am Chief Raska. We seek ground where our families may rest without being driven onward. Speak your offer plainly.
Mara’s proposal is carried across the road. Chief Raska confers with her people, then accepts the open plains beyond Ashbridge as their settlement ground, with water access and no forced entry into town.
Quest Complete
Prevent bloodshed in Ashbridge
Skill Upgrade: Intimidation Superb→Legendary