Sorry about the wall of text/exposition. Even with what I have not developed, there is a lot to talk about. I'll provide a tldr at the end.
Honestly I don't have the city as developed as I would prefer at this time, so a lot of the political power structures are still undefined. I will be working on that, but at this time, I am more interested in getting you to the location of the adventure.
Igber, the inn seems reasonably secure. Until I detail a map of Stomanell, I will unfortunately not have good answers (I haven't even generated a name for the tavern yet) for your questions about who the neighbors are (assume other merchants in this part of the city), access lines to your room (assume it is reasonably secure, I don't plan to have you sneakily assassinated in the dead of night quite yet), or other such details. The staff are your typical collection of tawdry wenches, burly cooks, etc. As far as questions about protective rackets, internal security measures, and other such details, you will have to investigate those in real time as opportunity presents itself, which ... I don't want to delay the next adventure rn, any more than necessary.
"Our presence, and our being on the Duke's payroll, will be of interest to many parties. Perhaps Drego might be able to give us an introductory talk on the local "Noble and Streetwise Political Infrastructures" before he leaves?"
Valid issues, but again, undeveloped at this time. I will fill you in when I can. Right now you are able to slip under the radar as 'hapless and unknown travelers'.
Dorath, I have plans for your needs, hang tight.
As far as your inquiries for astrology, there is a street known for it's population of fortune tellers, and other 'worthless superstitious mumbo jumbo'.
Pebble, your sword will have to wait for tomorrow, it is too late to seek out a smith tonight.
Harker, I will detail the rooming situation shortly. There will be a Temple to Paldon that you can visit, but again it will have to wait until tomorrow. It is too late tonight for much more than a meal, a hot bath, and stowing your gear in your quarters.
Conweena & Traesta, it is not uncommon for men & women to sleep in a common room in this time and this culture. It is not considered improper or immoral, though there are dress codes for modesty that are observed naturally in such circumstances, and you both do so.
"Especially as our accommodation here is paid for while elsewhere we'd have to stump up for ourselves!"
What I've wanted to get to!
Entering the inn/tavern you are greeted by the owner heartily. He directs one of the wenches to take you up to your room. It is the typical arrangement of a common room, however this one has been wholly reserved for you, which is an extravagant priviledge.
Several pitchers of water, towels, and perfumed soap are provided for a sponge bath if you like, but for a proper bath, you will have to attend a bath house. There is a common pail closet down on the first floor towards the back of the tavern as well. A stool with a partition provides a bit of privacy for the bath, but it is by no means secluded.
The room itself takes up half of the top floor of the building. The other half taken by another common room. The second floor has several smaller private apartments which are very expensive, and not available.
The center of your room is dominated by a table and chairs. As soon as you are settled, the serving wench (along with a few others) bring up a full hot meal: Some fresh bread and butter to start, followed by a roast, potatoes, ale and water. The meal ends with a bowl of dried fruits and honey.
As you complete your dinner, they come and remove dirty plates and bring new utensils as needed.
The sides of the room have mattresses laid out on low pallets or on the floor for you to bed down in. There are blankets, but no pillows. The mattresses are common as expected, simple rough cloth made more for durability than comfort, stuffed with fresh straw. They are tied at one end to allow the stuffing to be easily removed and replaced whenever the flat bag needs to be renewed or cleaned, which is quite often.
With the meal and the bathing needs met, you settle for the night. It is warm enough now that you have no need to share a pallet, unless you prefer to.
Tindae, 7th day of Hothrin
The next morning, fresh water, towels, and soap are again provided. A meal is also brought: A thick meaty chicken gravy, biscuits of doughy bread, and eggs, fried, poached, and boiled. The beverage of the meal is water or tea.
As you leave for your appointment, the proprietor assures that your possessions left in the room will be secure (the DM assures you of this as well).
With all of that done, you make your way as directed to the Low Palace for your meeting with the Secretary of the Minister of State. Unfortunately you are not the first person seeking petition, and you have to wait your turn in a line of others seeking some audience with the government of Stomanell for one reason or another. While you are waiting, one of the guards comes and selects
Dorath from your group, bidding him to follow alone.
While they are gone, your turn to see the Secretary comes. He is a fair skinned man with a serious feel about him.
His short, straight, black hair is worn in a quiff. He has a long face, a small nose, and narrow lips. His beady brown eyes are narrow and he has thin eyebrows. He is moderately overweight as most soulless government bureaucrats seem to be.
He is sworn to his duty, and will perform it regardless of his own opinions. After you present the letter from The Duke, he repeats to you the situation you already know of With a somewhat dismissive attitude. The daughter of Uthelon Alant has been kidnapped. He is a member of the House of Ballinford, a kingdom to the Nordt. The Duke has offered a reward for her rescue. By His order, anyone presenting this letter will have a carriage and lodging in the City of Stomanell provided, on condition you rescue the helpless maiden. It is easy to perceive that he finds the Dukes habit of recruiting mercenaries for such things very tiresome, but he adds information you have not heard.
On the road between Stomanell and the Kingdom of Ballinford is a small town known as Tirby, just about a day's journey away. It is near this place that the maiden Alant has been kidnapped. You are hereby charged, if you will, to make haste to Tirby, and rescue the good Maiden Alant should you find it possible. More timely information may be had from the authorities there in Tirby. If you should succeed in this task, the Duke has promised a rich reward.
Though the Secretary is less than impressed with your group, he does concede that a smithy on the castle grounds can attend the blades of the group, honing them from their battle damage. Many supplies can be gotten in the merchant district, or South Market, as well as various merchants throughout the city. He also gives you direction for the Church of Paldon, though he has no knowledge of any of the types of places
Igber may be interested in.
If the subject of Wichtelmännchen should be brought up, the Secretary tells you many flagitious creatures dwell in the wild; and takes the attitude that if you are uncomfortable with such things (as most people are) that you remain in the cities. He dismisses any thought of widespread abductions.
"Certainly the city guard would assure that is impossible"
When all of this business is done, it is mid morning. You still have a good part of the day to meet your needs, resupplying your characters and caring for your equipment. The Duke's generosity ends tomorrow morning. Your room is paid for this eve as well, but you are expected to go tomorrow on your quest. Your transportation to Tirby is yours to arrange.
Level your characters up. Submit proposed changes for my approval asap.
Also I'll award a 500 xp bonus to anyone who can guess the published source of this next adventure. Send your answer to me via dm. One answer per player. The contest ends Sunday, 4-3. Any submissions after that date will not be considered. DO NOT SHARE YOUR ANSWERS.
TLDR version: