Surprise Party


Adventure Briefing


You’ve been hired to escort the oldest resident in the nation on her 600th birthday. The town has secretly organized a surprise celebration in her honor, but Elvira Glowenstep is convinced everyone has forgotten, feeling frustrated.   Normally, her escort would be an elven woman named Lilea Dawn, but today Lilea explained that recent “tensions” require her attention elsewhere. With this excuse, she introduces you as Elvira’s new escort, reassuring her that you have her schedule and that everything is in order.
Level Range: 2-3
Connected People: Elvira Glowenstep, Lilea Dawn
Locations: Lolien, The Honeypot, The Arda Elowen
Tags: Low Stakes, Escort Quest, Celebration
Monsters: Bandit, Thug
$1 PDF: Ko-fi, DriveThru RPG


Elvira Glowenstep


Read Aloud.
Elvira is an elderly elf with silver hair over her shoulders. Her apple green dress is immaculate, every seam and fold perfectly in place. A sharp gaze sweeps over you with an unmistakable air of expectation.
  Elvira is a legend. For centuries, her work as a seamstress set the standard for elven fashion in the nation, and her creations under the Glowenstep label are still cherished. In recent years, however, her influence has faded, leaving her nostalgic and increasingly critical of the town she helped shape.   If the surprise is ruined at any point Elvira will sulk home.   Personality Trait. "I want the attention that I used to get."
Ideal. "Community. I would do anything for my neighbors."
Bond. "I love the town, but it is becoming unfamiliar."
Flaw. "I have a streak of unbendable stubbornness."

Animals
Elvira frequently chats with local animals. They will occasionally mention “colorful things and food” at the big tree.   Secret Agenda
Elvira has secretly arranged a “kidnapping” later in the day, hoping to gain some dramatic attention. She will insist on going to the tea shop “Leaf of Faith” around noon.

Cass Pette’son


Cass Pette’son is a 403-year-old dwarf who has lived in Lolien for over a century, slowly establishing a foothold for her guild. Despite her efforts, she’s never fully shaken the resentment of Elvira, who once prevented her from operating in the region.   Cass resents Elvira’s lingering influence, particularly today. She intends to disrupt as much as possible without being caught.   Personality Trait. "No one did anything for my birthday."
Ideal. "Pettiness. Any chance I get to make Elvira miserable, I’ll take."
Bond. "I thrive on the energy of youth. Protect its innocence."
Flaw. "The older I get, the more bitter I become."

Rivalry: Elvira and Cass


Elvira and Cass’s rivalry spans decades, rooted in a long history of slights and competing influence. Elvira, once Lolien’s most beloved figure, used her status to block the Guilds of Tor from operating in the town for many years, viewing their presence as disruptive to Lolien’s traditions. By rallying local opinion against the guilds, she effectively prevented Cass from establishing a foothold for over a century. Cass, sent to represent Huntress, a Guild of Tor, found herself stymied at every turn by Elvira’s sway.   Though Cass eventually gained approval to establish a small operation, her resentment toward Elvira has only grown. Cass sees Elvira as an outdated fixture clinging to power, while Elvira views Cass as an outsider meddling in Lolien’s customs. Their antagonism has become an open secret, with each waiting for a chance to undercut the other.

Ye Olde Flower Shoppe


Elvira insists on stopping by a shop she hasn’t visited in ages, only to find it abandoned. As the characters examine the area, a gang called "Sticky Fingers" arrives, hoping to intimidate them. Unfazed by the encounter, Elvira begins to wander off.   Read Aloud.
The once-charming shop stands in disrepair, its windows broken. Faded graffiti is scrawled across the walls.
  Bandits. 1x Thug and 1x Bandit per character.
  Tactics. They’ll attempt intimidation but prefer to avoid a full fight. If resisted, the gang tries to escape through alleyways.

The Cake


Read Aloud.
Two bakers carrying a massive three-tiered cake suddenly notice Elvira and bolt in opposite directions, abandoning the cake to wobble and crash to the ground.
  Elvira is immediately curious and wants a closer look at the chaos. The characters must find a way to salvage the situation to keep her from suspecting anything about the party. Cass set up this “accidental” encounter by chatting with the bakers on their path. She lingers nearby.

A Cuppa Kidnapping


Elvira insists on visiting the “Leaf of Faith” tea shop for her usual blend. Cass has already bought out all of Elvira’s favorite tea. A group of actors, disguised as "kidnappers" will arrive. They wear prop armor, carry unloaded crossbows, and ride in dramatically on mules, delivering over-the-top lines as they “seize” Elvira.   Actors. From the “Neighborhood Playhouse” troupe. They’re unarmed, using only prop swords and unloaded crossbows. One of the actors will faint at the sight of blood.

Sweeten the Deal


Elvira grows tired and decides she’d rather go home. She insists that her favorite tea ingredient, Zesty Honey from the Honeypot will help. Without it, she will be too tired to continue.   The Honeypot is crowded with folks buying last-minute gifts. Cass is at the front of the line, intentionally slowing things down.

The Party


If Elvira arrives at the party on time without the surprise being spoiled, she will be overjoyed. In gratitude, she rewards them with her least favorite gifts: a Mending Box and a Pathway Plus®.

Rewards


Payment. Each character receives 20 gp upfront and an additional 20 gp upon successfully getting Elvira to the party.

Bonus. If Elvira is surprised, she gives the characters a Mending Box and a Pathway Plus® from her gifts.

Sticky Fingers Gang


Thug. Ruffus "Red" Gurn
Bandits. Nella Quickthumb, “Smiley” Torv, and Jakki the Limp

Neighborhood Playhouse Actors


Leader. Bartholomew “Bartie” Highmarch
Actors. Lysandra Vine, Tobias Wren, and Dax Dusk

Maps


Broken Flower Shop Map

Flower Shop

Leaf of Faith Tea Shop Map

Leaf of Faith


Written by Chuck & Drew

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