Note: The following is the prelude to the Narimerlin rpg. This game is run by myself [Amtharnis] as the Game Master. The world and story are completely my own creation; however, I am using Third Edition Dungeons & Dragons game mechanics to referee the game. All the game mechanics, including dice rolls, will be handled by myself. Basically, the player will decide their character's actions, and as Game Master I will supply the outcomes of any dice rolls that are needed. For this reason, it is not absolutely necessary that you know the D20 system, but it does mean you need to pay attention. See Narimerlin Index for other information. To choose a Game Master designed character, see Narimerlin Characters, or to create your own character see Narimerlin Character Generation.

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The Riddling Gnome

It is the end of another night at the Riddling Gnome Inn. The innkeeper, the gnome Melorgen, has sung his traditional closing time song. They say the gnome is as old as the Kingsgate Bridge and has owned the Riddling Gnome as long as anyone can remember. For all his age he is a spritely old fellow, tap dancing on the oak beam that is the top of the bar while at the same time playing the piano accordion and singing.

‘My love she is a dragon
She lives high on a mountain
The feel of her breath warms my soul
So I said my love don't leave me cold...'

However, as the Inn's patrons depart for their rooms and homes, many humming and whistling the song as they leave, it seems Melorgen's age and exertions have suddenly caught up with him. Sitting on the edge of the bar, he has fallen to sleep cradling his accordion.

Two of the three barmaids take the opportunity to sneak out in the arms of a couple of patrons, leaving Evyien on her own to mop up the spilt ale and collect the scattered drinking vessels.

Evyein is a silver haired, grey-eyed elf from the Brindawn Forests. Her reason for being in the City of Narimerlin, as she explained in conversation with you one night, is that she is a musician. Apparently, Melorgen's brother is a master craftsmen of fine musical instruments and is making Evyein one such instrument; she has taken up employment with Melorgen while in the town.

You see a chance for you too earn your keep tonight by helping Evyein clean up, an offer she readily accepts with a smile.

“You lot are looking sober. I'm guessing funds are running low and you didn't manage to solve any of Melorgen's riddles," she winks.

This is only too true. The Riddling Gnome is one of the best Inns in the city of Narimerlin. Good old Melorgen charges his customers based on how much he likes them. You have been fortunate for it seems he has taken a real liking to you, and you have been able to afford the warm hospitality of this Inn for several weeks; however, even though you've managed to win quite a few free ales by guessing Melorgen's riddles, funds ‘are' getting low. You have been pre-occupied all night trying to figure out his last riddle.

While Melorgen is asleep, you decide to cheat and ask Evyein if she knows the meaning of the riddle – “Midmorning at the fountain, follow the lioness with the bleeding heart.”

Evyein laughs. “Oh, you see, he wasn't offering you free ales with that riddle, but a quest. Knowing Melorgen, I'd say he has provided you with the opportunity of earning some gold.” She makes the gesture of placing hand over fist, which you know to be the secret sign of the Underguild.

The Underguild is an underground organization whose purpose is to thwart the city's despot, the Merchant Prince. You have received aid from the Underguild after having difficulties with the Prince's henchmen. Most of the funds you have used to live in the city have come via sponsorship from the Underguild, knowing sooner or later you would be expected to undertake certain tasks in return. It seems your convalescence at the Riddling Gnome is over, and now you are expected to earn your keep.

You know the fountain in the city square quite well. It is only a little way from the Inn, at the end of the road. It's obvious to you now that whatever it is that you are going to be asked to do, you will find out at the Trade Hall, for the fountain is situated at the entrance of this building.

You've never actually been in the Trade Hall, but you know it is a place where business transactions are conducted, services and goods traded and deals are made. You've also heard there are certain rules about carrying weapons when visiting the Trade Centre – one weapon only is allowed, no projectiles, and bladed weapons must be kept sheathed. Wits are more useful than weapons, it is said, when conductiong business in the trade hall.

“Well, I think that is good enough,” Evyein finally says, wiping the last of the goblets as you are mopping up the last of the ale and mead from the re-ordered tables. “You best be getting to bed if you are going to go to the square in the morning. Lionesses never like to be kept waiting, you know. If you can stoke the stoves, I'll turn out the lamps.” She leaps onto a table to turn down the phosphorent glow-stick in one of the gnome lamps that hang from the ceiling. Serving as a coal bin, there is a small mine trolley sitting on a short section of rail near the main door, from which you can stoke the two iron belly stoves in the room. After you have done this, and swept up the soot and spilt coal from the flags, Evyein claps her hands and marches you off towards your rooms. As you are leaving the darkened room, you look across to the bar and realise the old gnome is no longer there, and you find you cannot remember precisely it was when he left.

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Narimerlin Index has now been constructed to help navigate pages for the RPG