The heroes Ingrid Stormhammer and Misako the Mononymous are passing through a Halfling village on their way to rejoin their companions.
As they canter down the cobblestone lane past a pretty wooden cabin, the resident emerges and hails them. He is a dapper Halfling gent with a friendly smile.
“Greetings, adventurers!” the Halfling calls out. “My name is Ferdy Farebrother.” Ingrid and Misako rein in their horses and introduce themselves to the Halfling. “Have you come to investigate the problem with the water?” asks Ferdy. The heroes exchange a glance. “We have heard nothing of the water,” Ingrid replies.
Ferdy takes them to his well, where a large snake and a venomous-looking toad are lounging. “The water is poison,” the Halfling laments. “Now only venomous reptiles will touch it. I had hoped you were investigating the mystery.”
“I don’t know about mysteries,” Ingrid cries, drawing her sword. “But venomous reptiles are no match for me!” Misako draws her wand, and together the adventurers attack the hissing snake.
The snake and his malevolent toad companion are swiftly dispatched. Ferdy Farebrother is delighted, but it is obvious the water is still undrinkable. “Ferdy, do you know the source of your water?” asks Misako. “Yes! The dwarves who dug the well for me say the water comes from an aquifer under the Goldenrod Meadow to the east. I’ve heard an ancient ruin stands there, a cursed place no one goes. Perhaps that is the source of the poison. Will you investigate?”
Ingrid and Misako exchange a glance. “Never fear,” Ingrid replies. “We will seek out the source of the poison and put an end to it!”
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