Tier 2 – Confronting the Past at The Drunken Rooster

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets of the frontier town, a chill swept through the air, hinting at the secrets that lay hidden beneath the surface. The tavern, known as The Drunken Rooster, was alive with the sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the faint strumming of a bard’s lute. The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine wafted through the open door, inviting weary travelers and locals alike to seek warmth and camaraderie within.

You and your sister, Leona, step inside, the warmth enveloping you like a comforting blanket. The tavern is dimly lit, with flickering candles casting dancing shadows on the walls. Patrons gather around tables, sharing stories of bravery and folly, while a few sit alone, lost in their thoughts. In the corner, you spot a figure nursing a drink, her disheveled appearance a stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere around her.

As you approach the bar, the tavernkeep, a burly man with a bushy beard, notices you. “What’ll it be, ladies?” he asks, his voice booming above the din. Leona, ever the diplomat, orders a round of drinks, her eyes sparkling with excitement. You can feel the tension in the air, a mix of anticipation and dread, as you prepare to confront the woman who once vanished from your lives.

“Yana,” the tavernkeep says, nodding toward the corner. “She’s got tales to tell, but she’s a bitter one. Best be careful how you approach her.” You exchange a glance with Leona, both of you steeling yourselves for what’s to come.

With drinks in hand, you make your way to Yana’s table. The moment she sees you, a smirk creeps across her lips, revealing a mix of disdain and curiosity. “Well, well, if it isn’t the lost daughters of the legendary adventurer. Come to hear tales of glory, have you?” Her voice drips with sarcasm, and you can feel the weight of her words.

Leona, undeterred, sets her drink down in front of Yana. “We’re here to listen, to learn about Valerie,” she says, her voice steady despite the tension. “We want to know what really happened.”

Yana’s expression shifts, a flicker of something—regret, perhaps—crossing her face before it hardens again. “You think you want to know? You think you’re ready for the truth?”

Before you can respond, Yana launches into a tale of battles fought and lost, of the bond shared between her and Valerie, of the day everything changed. But as she speaks, you notice her words are laced with bitterness, as if each syllable is a reminder of her own failures.

Suddenly, the mood shifts. A loud crash echoes through the tavern as a group of rowdy patrons burst through the door, their laughter abruptly silenced as they take in the scene. One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, locks eyes with Yana. “There she is! The coward who couldn’t save her friend!” he bellows, his voice dripping with malice.

The tension in the room escalates as Yana’s face flushes with anger. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!” she snaps, rising from her seat, the remnants of her drink sloshing dangerously close to the edge of the table.

The man steps closer, his friends following suit, their laughter now replaced with hostility. “You think you can hide from the truth? You failed her, just like you failed everyone else!”

Your heart races as you realize the situation is about to spiral out of control. Leona looks at you, fear in her eyes, and you know you must act.

**Adventure Hook:**

The confrontation escalates, and a brawl breaks out in the tavern. You must decide whether to intervene, protect Yana, or perhaps even confront her about the pain she has caused. The tavern erupts into chaos, tables overturned, and patrons scrambling to escape the melee.

As the fight unfolds, you catch a glimpse of a hidden door behind the bar, slightly ajar. It beckons to you, promising secrets and perhaps a way to uncover the truth about your mother’s past.

**Exploration Component:**

You can choose to dive into the fray, attempting to defuse the situation or protect Yana. Alternatively, you may decide to slip through the hidden door, leading to a secret cellar filled with relics of the past—old weapons, maps, and perhaps a journal belonging to Valerie herself.

**Enemy Encounter:**

If you engage in combat, the rowdy patrons will be your enemies. Here are some basic stats for the leader of the group, the scarred man:

– **Name:** Rurik the Scarred

– **HP:** 30

– **AC:** 14

– **Attack:** +5 to hit, 1d8+3 bludgeoning damage (using a club)

– **Special Ability:** **Intimidating Presence** – As a bonus action, Rurik can attempt to frighten a creature within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

As the chaos unfolds, your choices will shape the outcome of the night and potentially lead you closer to the truth about your mother’s fate. Will you confront Yana about her past, or will you seek the hidden secrets that lie beneath the tavern? The adventure is yours to shape.