The Innkeeper
Pick Your Peril: The Hero of Mudtown
(This is part of a series of choose-your-own-adventure articles. If you want to start from the beginning, click here. If you want to revisit the previous chapter, click here.)
The crowd makes it difficult for you to approach the bar, but you’re able to push your way through the mass of people and into speaking range of the Innkeeper.
You wave your hand and catch his attention. When you ask him about the villagers missing from Mudtown, he leans closer and puts a hand to his ear. You tell him that you’re searching for your neighbors, that your family has disappeared, and that you’re worried you’ll never see them again.
“That’s too bad.” The Innkeeper says absent-mindedly as he exchanges money for drinks. “So what do you need? A room? Maybe you want a drink or something to eat?”
You tell him that you don’t have any money and can’t afford a room for the night. He gives you a weary look. It seems like he’s about to lecture you for wasting his time when a pair of drunken customers rudely call for his attention, demanding more drinks.
“Tell you what, if you want to make some money, we could really use the help.” The Innkeeper begins pouring ale into a pair of tankards, not waiting for your answer. “You can wash dishes in the back or help serve drinks to guests.”
He hands off the tankards and takes money from the customers.
“Washing dishes will get you a bed for a night, but if you help serve out here, you can keep any tips.”
A gale of applause draws your attention to the corner of the inn, where the two tavern musicians have finished their song. They bow and collect a heap of gold coins from the audience. The Innkeeper follows your gaze.
“Or if you think you’re talented enough to make some real money, you could try talking to them.”
What will you do?