[[Aria Velfar]] hosts her annual barbeque for [[The Dawngate Guild]] at the local community center. A way to relax and start the year off ready and rejuvenated. You all know Aria as a grandmotherly and skilled mage. In fact, some of her grandchildren are here today.
As you mingle, what is one thing you do or one thing you notice about the center?
- [[Elvetica]] is very much not used to the community. She awkwardly stands around, looking for someone to help. Very much incapable of cooking, she will help with setup.
- [[Enzelber]], having never been to the guide before, is looking to meet [[Aria Velfar|Aria]] to join. She recently decided to settle near [[Dawngate]]. She came to socialize and meet the locals. She brings an herbal salad with dried bugs. "Thank you~" she smiles very wildly. She turns to who she believes is the master, as he has crystal horns (a description she was given), but this purple skinned infernus/satyr is [[Dextrose Velfar]], who is high as a kite. He and [[Ethyl Velfar]] make fun of her salad as they walk away.
- [[Eldran]], chasing a dog, spots the celebration. Seeing the bug salad, he'll take a big handful and munch. "I love bugs," he says, chomping, "This is delicious."
[[Elvetica]] listens ins on a conversation with [[Aria Velfar|Aria]] and [[Benzene Velfar]]. He seems to be distraught that "his performance is ruined! He's not coming!" [[Elvetica]] attempts to calm him down, and he's ready to start playing his very unique guitar. Benzene does a really bad performance. [[Enzelber]], happy someone enjoyed her salad, turns her head at the awful noise. This man just doesn't understand rhythm. "It seems an angry mob has found me. Should I leave again?" [[Eldran]] questions, "A bird outside..? Oh, you're right, it's that guy." "I wanna be a star!!" [[Benzene Velfar]] screeches his final note.
Just as you're starting to get comfortable at the barbecue, the drinks are flowing, the chatter is loud and excited, and the food is delicious- you suddenly hear a shriek! [[Ethyl Velfar]], one of Aria's grandchildren, lets out a shout as it looks like the burger she was about to take a bite of suddenly grows in size. From all around the center, you hear shouts as the food grows and starts to fight back!
A large hot dog seems to lead the charge as behind it, three beefy burgers roar. They're just as tall as any person, and as they attack, the crowd seems to shudder, as the food they ate before will give them a random effect of fear.
Heroically, the three adventurers slay this buffet! [[Aria Velfar|Aria]] quickly pats them down, passing them a healing potion to help them out. As they begin to calm down from the battle, [[Axol]], from [[The Dawngate Guild]], rushes in. He is a ribbit potion "expert". "Miss- Miss Aria!! I am so sorry, but it looks like someone broke into my potion stores! I was experimenting with some potions in an attempt to find a way to revert animals to their uncorrupted form, but, somehow, the potions got mixed up in the barbeque sauce!!" [[Aria Velfar]] reveals "I don't know who would do something like this... I have some enemies outside of [[Dawngate]], but this is too out of character for them. Please, adventures, could you search for the culprit, but keep it on the down low?"
The Investigation Begins. Using their powers, they track the scent to [[The Riverbend District]], where middle-to-higher-class residents live. They finally have a chance to formally introduce themselves, and they walk and talk. They spot a giant tree in the backyard of a large rectangular house. The house looks like the one from Home Alone, very boxy with many windows. The sides are narrow.
As they plan to enter the house, a group of gossiping ladies walks by and laughs at them. [[Enzelber]], feeling particularly hurt by their scorn, marches forward. Gate left ajar, they successfully sneak in to find a large treehouse in the backyard.
[[Enzelber]] takes the time to talk with the tree. He's a very chill dude, "I'm a tree after all." Before they can finalize their plan out loud, they are spotted by a figure hiding in the treehouse! The trap door opens up and out comes crashing and large grill construct. It slams all three of them off the rope ladder.
"Mwhehe, so you've made it to my evil hideout! But you'll never take me alive. Evil minion, rise!" With a flurish they see [[Citric Velfar]], the youngest grandchild of [[Aria Velfar]]. Like his grandma, he has crystal horns. Though he has satyr legs like his mom and is yellow. He is very jealous of how cool and strong his older siblings are. He gets bullied for being a nerd and so he made it his goal to not be a 'good guy' like his grandma.
With a couple of close calls from the grill and the lingering effects of the food, they defeat the grill and trap the little boy. Crying, the boy reveals that he hates his siblings! That [[Benzene Velfar]] wanted cool flashy fireworks to make his performance and stole [[Axol]]'s potions to do so.
[[Citric Velfar]] bonds with [[Enzelber]] as she consoles him. "I see a lot of potential in you."