Encounter-a-Day

While exploring underground, the characters stumble upon a hidden door. It is expertly crafted and would usually be totally indistinguishable from the cavern walls, except that it has been left slightly ajar. Behind the door is a winding passage which eventually ends in another door.

Opening this second door, they find a lavishly-decorated room. The floor is carpeted with large, plush pillows; curtains hang from the walls and ceiling, and the scents of exotic perfumes fill the air. Dim lighting is provided by flickering lamps. There is a proper entrance on the opposite side of the room from where the characters enter.

Five adolescent elves are laying in the center of the room around a large hookah. Their breathing is slow and labored and their eyes, though open, show few signs of consciousness. They appear to be staring off into space, oblivious to their surroundings.

The elves are pale, even for elves, as if their skin has never been kissed by the sun’s rays. They also appear somewhat emaciated. Each elf wears nothing save for an ornate codpiece of leather and iron, locked to prevent removal, and an iron cuff around one leg with a long chain tethering them to the room.

This is the personal harem of Lastricia Gothaell, a prominent nightblade amongst the Nacrisseans. The elves within have been raised since they were babes, and have no knowledge of their true homes. They are poorly treated and several are near death due to malnutrition.

A few minutes after finding the harem, the characters hear the voices of two people approaching, discussing something in an unfamiliar language. They are, in fact, enemies of Lastricia, coming to retaliate against her by slaughtering her slaves. The PCs would be hard-pressed to free all the slaves before they are discovered.

The two Nacrisseans are not particularly skilled, hence why they are attacking Lastricia’s slaves instead of the nightblade herself, and will surrender as soon as the fight seems to be going against them. Needless to say, they do not wish to be discovered here, and will try to negotiate for their freedom.