Fiction | Game | Medium Adventurers League ⚔️

A Reckoning With the Demon Imp, Part 1

A chapter of a Primatria quest

This is part of a story that works as an interactive game. You’ll need to have dice and a notepad at the ready! Click here for the beginning of the Medium Adventurers League, and here to return to Hearthstone Hideout.

After spending a bit more time in Hearthstone Hideout, it comes to your attention that a mysterious creature has been causing trouble in the Trollkiller Mountains — very close to your old headquarters!

And from asking around, you soon figure out that the demon imp that you once faced is involved.

Before you proceed, make sure you played "The Demon in the Mountain Tunnel", via the starter headquarters!

“It’s a vile little monster,” says a wounded adventurer at the bar, a tall woman in a chainmail shirt. “Thing can shapeshift. No sooner do you think you’ve got the upper hand, than you find yourself fighting something different!”

“Yep — I remember,” you say, “I’ve encountered the creature before. I hoped that it would keep itself to itself if it was just left alone. But perhaps that was optimistic…”

“I’d certainly say so,” she replies. “But I wouldn’t waste any more of your valuable time on it. The villagers up there are poor.”

You raise your brows. “Poor? Surely we can’t engage in quests entirely for cash rewards?”

The adventurer chuckles darkly. “If you want to fight monsters and not get paid, suit yourself. I’m off to Dishy Dan’s Dice Den.”

As she limps away, you resolve to take action. This feels like unfinished business. And you know a monster expert in the area that might be able to help…

Take a trip to the bazaar of Kavarius the Merchant if you need some supplies before setting out. Otherwise, read on.

You leave the following morning at dawn. A light rain is falling, and you quickly realize that you’ll get drenched and exhausted if you walk the long road back to the Trollkiller Mountains — a journey lasting over a day in total.

However, there are always some carriages taking nobles from The Bastion to Westport. Perhaps you can catch a ride?

After a few minutes, your winning smile and heroic presence is enough to prompt a passing carriage to pause, just outside the city. The door opens, to reveal an opulent interior of mahogany and purple velvet. A single figure sits within — a half-orc. He could be a nobleman or a rich merchant, it’s hard to say.

“Good morning. What’s your business?” asks the half-orc.

“Are you going as far as Westport?” you ask.

“I sure am. My name’s Gurkha, and I’m a local to the town, so this is a trip home for me.”

You scrutinize the half-orc again, wondering if you recognize him, being a local of Westport yourself. He has small protruding tusks, grey-yellow skin, and fashionably cut locks of reddish hair. His fine-tailored silk clothing indicates his wealth, and he has no weapons visible. You are still no clearer as to his profession, though…

“Any chance of a ride, good sir?”

(Here is a link to a dice-rolling app!).

Encounter: Hitch-hiking.
Challenge rating: Very hard (roll 25+).
Roll using charm, and add your current reputation score to the roll.

If you fail, you don't persuade Gurkha or any of the other passing nobles. You'll have to walk the long road in the cold and wet. Read on from "Arriving in Westport", below.

But if you succeed, read on.

“Hop in,” growls Gurkha.

You nod in gratitude and climb onboard. As the carriage gets moving again, you settle back in the seat opposite. “Thanks, stranger. Can I offer a few silvers?”

He shakes his head. “No need. I am travelling this way anyhow.”

“Thank you again. It looks like we’re set for a very rainy day, so it is especially appreciated.”

“My pleasure.” Gurkha pauses, looking you up and down. “Reckon I’ve seen you around, or at least, heard tell of your exploits.”

You smile, pleased to see that your reputation is preceding you for once. “I’ve been trying to do some good, and right a few wrongs. Plus I’m from Westport myself. No doubt we’ve seen each in town at some point.”

“Indeed.” He nods thoughtfully.

“But I won’t be staying this time,” you add. “I have a quest to do in the Trollkiller Mountains.”

“They don’t call me Gurkha the Storyteller for nothing!” he replies, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. “Please, tell me more. I love to gather tales, and hope to write them into a book one day.”

“A book?” You feel confused; the only books you know are spellbooks and books of lore.

But nonetheless, as the carriage rumbles on, you oblige by recounting the details of several of your recent quests.

“And as to you,” you say at last, “do you travel with the sole purpose of gathering tales?”

“Ah… that is just a hobby of mine ,” Gurkha replies. “My recent journey is a political matter. The merchants and nobles of Westport are not very content with Baron Zolantino the Sixth.”

You sit forward, keen to know more. “Right. The Baron is not running things well in The Bastion, that’s the truth! I’ve seen plenty examples of brutality and corruption.”

“Indeed,” says Gurkha. “Lord Fox and the other powers in Westport won’t stand by while their business interests are threatened by his laziness and greed. Even the Fishers’ Guild is getting nervous. I was sent with a letter expressing certain demands. I’m afraid I can’t disclose any more details.”

“I understand.”

As the rain hammers on the carriage roof, you fall silent and settle back, wondering what kind of political upheaval may lie ahead for the realm.

Arriving in Westport

On arrival in Westport, you return immediately to your family home, where you are met with indifference. But at least there is a hot bath, and a room for the night!

The following morning, the sun is shining, much to your relief, and your clothes are warm and dry, having hung by the fire overnight. You say your goodbyes, then press on towards your destination.

If you failed the encounter 'Hitch-hiking', you were chilled and exhausted by your walk the previous day. Start proceedings with -2 to your health score, despite the night's sleep.

This can be healed by a further night's rest, or via a potion.

As you walk, you see the Adventurers’ League headquarters ahead, in the foothills. It is tempting to return and say hello to Yorrick and the regulars, but you have a quest to complete. Perhaps you can visit on the way back. If you make it…

You press on towards the mountain tunnel where you first spied the demon imp.

Now, though, you have a choice. Should you go directly through the tunnel and face the creature, or instead make for Pinetops Village, where you can have a bite to eat and find out more about the creature from local experts?

You decide to…

1. Face the demon imp immediately (click here).
2. Take the longer route to Pinetops Village (click here).

Thanks for reading — and playing! ⚔️

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