Summary

In the interactive story "A Long-Lost Lie" on Medium Adventurers League, the protagonist seeks help from Rennicia the Sage to deal with a demon-imp in a mountain tunnel, which has been causing trouble for the merchant Chibby Lorka.

Abstract

The narrative unfolds as the protagonist, after being turned away by the merchant Chibby Lorka, seeks advice from the villagers and is directed to Rennicia the Sage. Rennicia, an expert on monsters, provides insight into the demon-imp's centuries-long residence in the tunnel, which was previously blocked for safety reasons. Despite Chibby's initial dismissal of the sage's knowledge as superstition, the protagonist is given a bear claw for good luck and attempts to persuade Chibby to reconsider his decision to use the tunnel as a shortcut for transporting logs. The story presents an opportunity for the reader to engage in a dice-rolling challenge to persuade Chibby, with the potential reward of 10 silver pieces and the assurance that the tunnel will be blocked up again. If the persuasion fails, the protagonist receives 1 silver piece for their trouble. The protagonist also has the option to resort to violence for more money or to rest and return to the Adventurers League Headquarters.

Opinions

Rennicia the Sage views Chibby Lorka's decision to reopen the tunnel as foolish and driven by greed, emphasizing the danger posed by the demon-imp.
Chibby Lorka is portrayed as a pragmatic merchant who prioritizes profit over the potential risks associated with the tunnel's demon-imp.
The local woodcutter's direction to Rennicia and the villagers' longer route around the valley suggest a collective acceptance of the supernatural threat and a preference for safety over convenience.
The protagonist's interaction with Rennicia and Chibby highlights the tension between ancient wisdom and modern ambition, with the sage advocating for respect of old boundaries and the merchant pushing for progress and economic gain.
The interactive nature of the story, requiring paper and dice, engages the reader directly in the narrative's outcome, blurring the lines between storytelling and gameplay.

Fiction | Game | Medium Adventurers League ⚔️

A Long-Lost Lie

More Information on the ‘mountain tunnel’ quest

This is part of a story that works as an interactive game. You’ll need to have some paper and dice at the ready! Click here for the beginning of the Medium Adventurers League, and find a reminder of the rules here. You can also go back to the previous chapter, or return to the start of the Mountain Tunnel quest.

Frustrated at the lack of help from Chibby Lorka, you decide to ask around the village. Before long, a local woodcutter points you in the direction of a cabin by the edge of Pinetops Village.

“That’s where Rennicia the Sage lives,” says the man. “She’s our local expert on monsters.”

You knock tentatively at the cabin door, and before long, Rennicia appears and invites you in. She is a woman of middle years, with long red hair and a warm smile. You take a seat at the table in her small abode.

“You don’t look like a woodcutter,” she says, pointing to the sword that you now carry.”

“I came to investigate an issue with the tunnel nearby. Chibby Lorka said that they can’t move logs through…”

“Of course not,” Rennicia interrupts, now scowling. “Because of that demon-imp.”

“Right, yeah,” you say, remembering the monster and the slain goblins. “Not safe at all. Listen, I hear you are an expert on monsters. Is there any way of getting rid of the thing?”

She frowns for a moment, then places a book on the table in front of you, and flips it open. “As it says here, demon-imps take up residence for centuries. That tunnel should have been left alone.”

“But the logs…”

She shakes her head. “People from here have been using a longer route around the valley. Chibby thought he could open up that old tunnel to use as a shortcut, and save himself money when trading. But the tunnel was blocked up decades ago, and for good reason.”

You stand up, piecing things together at last. “I see. Sounds like I need another chat with the merchant.”

“Take this before you go,” she says, handing you a small, hard object. “The people around here consider them good luck.”

You gain: 1 bear claw.

Soon, you are back at the tavern. When you repeat what you have learned to Chibby, he takes a long drink of his ale, and then shrugs again. “Money has to be made, does it not? And besides, there’s no way to verify those ancient superstitions.”

“But I…” you begin.

He raises one hand to stop you. “Listen, I’m a reasonable man. I will pay for you to take a night’s rest here for your trouble. Then I’ll try to hire someone who is up to the task.”

You glare at him. It’s getting late, but you feel you should try to persuade Chibby to change his mind.

Encounter: Persuading Chibby Lorka.

Challenge rating: Medium (roll 15+).
Roll using charm.
You can try up to twice.

If you succeed, Chibby agrees to return to using the longer route, and will arrange to block up the tunnel. He pays you 10 silver pieces for tackling the quest.
If you fail, Chibby doesn't listen to your arguments, but he does give you 1 silver piece for your trouble.

If you decide to beat on Chibby to get more money out of him, click here.

Otherwise, you take up the offer of a night’s rest, then head back to the Adventurers League Headquarters….

Click here to continue.

Thanks for reading — and playing! ⚔️

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