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You're thankful to be back on dry land after your long voyage. You feel a little off balance, still adjusting to not having a swaying deck underfoot. You're looking for a place to lay your head for the night, enjoy a good meal, and perhaps a nice glass of wine—anything to wash away the memory of the swill they called ale on the ship. Passing a few expensive looking inns by the water, you decide to conserve your coin and instead choose a smaller, cozier-looking tavern. The sign above the door reads Roven's Roost, carved in heavy wood. Inside, the small common room is warm and inviting. A fire crackles in the hearth, and the rich aroma of stew wafts from a pot hanging above the flames. Your stomach growls as you take a seat at the bar. The old dwarf behind the counter gives you a nod and a smile. You ask for room, board, and a glass of his finest, and he's happy to oblige. "I'm Orin, the master o' this fine establishment. What brings ye to these parts?" he asks, his voice gruff yet kind. You find yourself spilling your story—what brought you to Driftmar and all that has led you here. It’s surprising how freely you speak to this stranger, but you credit the wine for loosening your tongue... and Orin is just so easy to talk to. What could be the harm? You mention that you are looking for work. He seems to like you, encouraging the conversation with a few well-placed questions.
After what feels like hours of chatter, Orin leans in with a conspiratorial smile. "I may have an opportunity ye might be interested in. Ever heard o' the Night Ravens? No? Well, here..." He slides a small bronze coin across the bar, the flickering firelight catching on its surface. The coin bears the mark of a raven, its wings outstretched. As you turn the bronze coin over in your hand, you notice a few lines of text delicately etched..
"This’ll get ye where ya need to go," he says with a knowing wink. "Just follow the raven’s call when you're ready." Now why don't ye get yerself off to bed. Yer lookin' a wee bit pickled." You palm the coin not really thinking much of it and head upstairs to your cozy bed. As you drift off to sleep, you can't help but think how much more comfortable this is than the hard mat on the ship's deck.
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