A little rain never could discourage the townsfolk of Ravenwood for long. On the day of the Ravenwood Christmas Festival, a downpour unlike any seen in years assailed the woods, leaving the town drenched in water and mud.
The Blue Boar Inn is no so susceptible, however; even under the threat of an icy deluge. While often times the denizens in the woods are spread out adventuring and questing, free to avoid one another at leisure, this festival proved to be something different. A time, however brief, in which all of the townspeople of different backgrounds were trapped together and forced to consider the season and its meaning. New adventurers and old made their way into the wood and took shelter in the Inn, joining our festivities with gusto.
The tavern was warm and welcoming, and Maizy and Rikobian pulled off feats of culinary excellence unheard of under such circumstances. Drinks and smoked pork and pastries were enjoyed in excess by all- provided for free by a mysterious benefactor! For all the comforts of the Inn, however, there were still troubles in town.
After Mertag sent Ivan to have the ancient Christmas Star of Ravenwood polished in Poke, the star turned up missing! Still more, Ada, tasked with taking the town’s Christmas letters to post, spilled the letters and discovered that none had been addressed in the heat of planning for the festivities. The townspeople set about helping to identify the letters and discover the mystery of the missing star, however frustrating the truth was to unravel.
Other mysteries occupied the townsfolk. Elinor the Falconer’s bird had at last been discovered- only now, under a spell that had transformed him into a half-human creature! They worked together in spite of their disagreements to help discover what had become of the star, and how they could turn Esgaroth back into a falcon.
Over time, it was uncovered that Ivan had given the star to Ada while in Poke and she did bring it back into town- only, it disappeared after she set it down at her shop. No one had left Ravenwood because of the forbidding weather, and so it could not have gone far. Who would have taken the star?
The finger pointed around as more suspects came to light. Nevari was spotted with it for a time, and Zyanna was seen moving the star into the Inn later on. A drunken Villius even may have gotten his hands on it, in the hopes of catching Nevari’s eye. This information led to an interlude in which a water sprite took it upon herself to enchant Nevari with a love potion in an attempt to help Villius along. Luckily, she was convinced to reverse it shortly after- only to go on and spread the love potion on Wes, who found himself afflicted with love for the falcon-man Esgaroth!
Luckily, the truth eventually came out- Wes was seen in the tavern the night that the star disappeared from Villius’ pocket. He was apprehended by Aldric and Mertag’s band of men in front of the whole tavern. Esgaroth, recognizing the deceit of the thief, returned the star to the townsfolk while Wes languished in irons.
With the star returned at last and a reading of the Christmas story completed, Thokk could finally top the Ravenwood tree. Unfortunately, while searching for twine, Thokk dropped the star and it shattered against the ground. The townsfolk were heartbroken to have lost their ancient artifact and to learn that breath-holding may not be the ideal method for choosing the most qualified tree-topper.
Though their mysteries were solved, the breaking of a Ravenwood Christmas tradition left spirits low. Until, that is, there was a rap on the door. A hooded figure emerged, in a green-and-black coat with a velveteen sack of scarlet. Father Christmas himself, the source of our plenteous food and drink!
Father Christmas took the time to puff pensively at his pipe and speak with Wes about his wrongdoings. “If you believe that I am who I say that I am, don’t you think that I know what is in your heart?” asked he. Indeed, he even came to the dejected Thokk and presented the town with a precious gift. A bow woven from golden-infused, precious mithril- indestructible! He asked Thokk to redeem himself, and the half-orc got to top the Ravenwood tree with our new, priceless Christmas bow.
The tree completed and the townspeople at peace with one another at last, the folk of Ravenwood joined hands and sang together to usher in Christmastime in the wood.
The possibility of having to cancel Christmas festivities due to weather was the talk of the town. So Mertag and his merry men (and mother) moved mountains (of stuff) to not only salvage the festivities, but to once again raise the bar on how to make the festival fun for all. Long live the Blue Boar Inn and the folk of Ravenwood! Huzzah!! And, where can I get some more of that smoked pork???
The day turned out to be a delight! And it sounds like smoked boar may now be the signature dish of the Blue Boar Inn! Compliments to Rikobian, the adventurer-turned-smoker-of-meats!