Chronicle Day: 156–158 Compiled by Abercrombie Whalan frae Rudy’s notes, as I didnae keep my ain during these days.

Abercrombie’s Note

I was present for all that follows, but I didnae keep my usual written record — my mind was elsewhere, and the quill stayed in my pack. Rudy, tae his credit, kept a tidy account o’ the proceedings. What follows is my Chronicle, shaped frae his notes and my ain memory.

Arrival at Tor’Elyr — First o’ the Three Towns

We reached the gates o’ Tor’Elyr, the first o’ the three elven towns where we must earn merits tae gain entry tae Dun Rell Sulca. The guard at the gate was polite enough and gave us clear directions tae an inn — the Ink & Quill Tavern.

He also explained that merits grant discounts at inns, shops, and institutions across all elven settlements. A clever system, though I suspect it’s also a way tae keep outsiders busy and out o’ trouble.

The Ink & Quill — Unlimited Drinks Were a Mistake

We paid 30 gold for rooms, food, and unlimited drinks.

This was, in hindsight, a tactical miscalculation.

Kaz and Rudy began drinking wi’ the enthusiasm o’ dwarves twice their size. At some point, Kaz attempted tae throw Rudy across the room and Misty Step tae catch him mid‑air. The spell was mistimed. Rudy was launched intae the wall above the hearth like a decorative tapestry.

Much laughter followed. Much mair drinking followed that.

Most o’ us made it tae our beds. Kaz did not. He passed out in front o’ the fireplace like a very large, very drunk cat.

Breakfast and Business

In the morning, Sergei shouted everyone breakfast — loudly, but generously.

Throsh spoke wi’ the innkeeper about merits and was directed tae the community hall. We set aff shortly after.

There, a young elf woman at the front desk explained the merit system. Sergei asked whether killing the gnolls on the road counted. She said aye, but only a very small amount.

We were then assigned a job:

• Deliver supplies tae The Embassy
• Horses provided
• Rations provided
• A few days’ travel expected
• A writ issued for the supplies

Rudy was delighted tae be reunited wi’ Grumpy.

Esther o’ the Woods — The Eggmaker

Not long intae our journey, a harengon woman stepped out o’ the treeline and waved us down. Her name was Esther, and she had a problem.

She had been developing nutrient‑infused eggs — one‑mouthful rations for travellers — but her prototypes had been stolen.

Twelve eggs in total.

She asked for our help, and Throsh spoke wi’ her at length. We followed her tae her camp tae investigate.

Tracks in the Dirt — Something Snake‑Shaped

At the camp we found:

• Unshod humanoid footprints
• Massive snake‑like tracks
• Signs o’ movement in and out o’ the camp
• A clear direction o’ travel

Esther confirmed the thieves took all twelve eggs.

We set aff immediately.

The First Encounter — Three Yuan‑Ti

Rudy scouted ahead and overheard hissing voices:

“Brothers, a good find, stealing eggs for mother.” “Fool! They might hear you.”

He returned and reported three creatures:

• One snake‑headed humanoid
• One human wi’ snakes for arms
• One snake‑bodied, centaur‑like creature

We attempted diplomacy.

Throsh stepped out tae speak.

They attacked instantly.

The fight was short but bloody. Throsh and Sergei were badly hurt. Potions were used. We pressed on.

The Burrow Beneath the Tree

Rudy followed the tracks tae a burrow under a tree, just large enough tae walk through. The tunnel opened intae an underground chamber.

Inside was a massive serpent, coiled around a clutch o’ eggs.

She sensed Sergei and hissed:

“Intruders!”

Two mair snake‑men dropped frae the ceiling.

The fight was scrappy, close‑quarters, and vicious — but we prevailed.

The Eggs — Mair Than Expected

We found 20 eggs in total:

• 12 belonging tae Esther
• 8 belonging tae the Yuan‑Ti

We returned all 12 o’ Esther’s eggs.

She happily bought the extra 8 Yuan‑Ti eggs for 5 gold each.

Then she rewarded each o’ us wi’ one o’ her nutrient‑infused prototype eggs.

Each egg grants the effect o’ a single‑use Heroes’ Feast.

A remarkable gift — and one we’ll save for a dire moment.

Final Thoughts — Abercrombie Whalan

Tor’Elyr is a place o’ order, merit, and quiet expectation. The Ink & Quill is a place o’ noise, drink, and Rudy‑shaped dents in the wall.

Esther’s eggs may prove invaluable. The Yuan‑Ti are a troubling sign. And the Embassy job still lies ahead.

But for now, we have our first steps toward earning our merits — and the road continues.

The Whalan Chronicles march on.