The Musicians
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 sounds coming from the small tavern stage are utterly enchanting. There is a lot on your mind, but you can’t help but listen, transfixed, as the musicians reach the climax of their final song.
The crowd surrounding the two performers gets to its feet and cheers at the conclusion. You join in as well, clapping enthusiastically for the young man and woman on stage.
The music they’ve provided tonight was enough to cleanse the troubles from your mind, at least for a little while. You feel you can take a moment to express your appreciation before you resume your quest.
As the applause begins to die down and the crowd thins, you’re able to make your way to the stage. The pair begin packing up their assortment of instruments and graciously accept a few more tips from some benevolent admirers.
You thought they might be a brother and sister at a distance, but as you get closer, their resemblance becomes even clearer. They look more than just related, they could be identical!
“Wonderful!” A man in a purple coat pushes his way up to the side of the stage. “Absolutely divine! Tell me, how did you two become so talented?”
“Lots of practice.” The young woman says. “My brother Julian and I have been playing longer than we can remember.”
“Well, if you ever become interested in performing at private functions, please let me know.” The newly-converted fan reaches deep into his coat and pulls out a hefty bag of coins, handing it over to Julian. “Take this, I simply cannot let such pleasing melodies go unappreciated.”
“Thank you kind sir!” The young man takes the bag of money and bows. “Talk to my sister if you’re interested in hiring us. Juliana handles all the scheduling.”
As Juliana and the man in the purple coat step away to work out an arrangement, you seize the moment to finally talk to the young musician. You compliment their performance, wondering aloud how nice it must be to get paid to make such beautiful music. Julian smiles and puts a hand over his heart.
“Thank you, truly!” The young man bows again. “But not every show is this successful. Nights like tonight make up for all the rest.”
He gives you an appraising glance as he stows a tambourine away.
“It seems to me like you might be interested in learning how to play.” He smiles. “Dreams of fame and fortune?”
You stumble over your words, unsure of how to answer.
“Here.” Julian produces an old lute from his baggage. “My first instrument… yours now if you want it.”
You’re just about to take it when his sister arrives to scold the young man.
“What are you doing?” Juliana says, scowling at her brother. “We can’t afford to give any equipment away!”
“Even after tonight?” Julian asks, shrugging. “We’ve made more than enough to buy a new lute, and besides…”
He beams at you as he places the lute in your hands.
“It’s to help out a fellow musician.”
Julianna glares at you for a moment, but then her face softens.
“Fine.” She slaps her brother’s arm. “But we’re using your money to buy a replacement.”
Julian nods as he slings the siblings’ belongings over his shoulder.
“Take care friend!” He shakes your hand. “If you don’t find success at first, try not to get discouraged. It takes a lot of dedication to become a true artist.”
You smile and wave as the pair exit the tavern. Julian returns the gesture with equal enthusiasm, and Juliana even turns to give you a small smile and a nod.
“Excuse me.”
A stranger’s oily voice takes you by surprise.
“I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.” The speaker is a rather short man, richly dressed with a gleaming smile.
“I’m a purveyor of unusual items, and I believe I might have something that you would be very interested in.”
He chuckles as he taps the old lute in your hands.
“This piece of junk will get you nowhere. If you really want to become a renowned musician, you’ll need the best instrument money can buy.” The merchant’s white smile flashes up at you. “I sell my goods right here in the tavern, come by in the morning and see what kind of treasures I have to offer. You’d be surprised to find what you can get for your money!”
When you tell the man you don’t have any money, he waves his hand dismissively.
“The Innkeeper is always looking for help serving drinks. If you need to make some coin quickly, talk to him.”
Julian’s and Juliana’s performance has inspired you to pursue more artistic ventures, and through their kindness you have the means to start learning. Tonight could be the first step in a long and illustrious career as an entertainer, all you need to do is start practicing.
The Merchant’s offer has you intrigued, though. Perhaps you could spend the rest of the night serving drinks and see what kind of merchandise he has to offer you in the morning. Even if he has nothing worth buying, at least you’ll have some gold in your pockets.
The more you think about it, the more this all just seems like a big distraction. None of this brings you closer to finding the people of Mudtown, and you start to wonder if you’d be better off finding someone else to talk to.
What will you do?