Session Narrative
Rest is brief. As the party settles into an uneasy camp, a figure steps from the treeline with the particular confidence of someone who is entirely certain they hold the advantage in this conversation. He is an Eladrin — tall, autumn-haired, with the angular beauty common to his kind and the expression of a man who has been inconvenienced to the very edge of his patience.
His name is Corster Fre, and the party nearly burned down his apple orchard. He has the ash in his coat to prove it, and he has spent the last several days tracking them in order to present his bill.
The debt, Corster explains, can be settled in one of two ways: currency (a sum that would bankrupt the party immediately) or service. He has a task that requires people of their… particular skill set. In the dangerous forest called the Mirkwoods, there is a silver locket. It once belonged to a witch named Amaranth Nettleweed. It was stolen by two children — Hansel and Gretel — who have disappeared into the woods with it. The locket has sentimental value to someone who asked Corster to recover it.
In return for the locket, Corster offers information about a missing princess whose whereabouts he happens to know. He does not explain how he knows, because Eladrin of Corster’s type consider explaining themselves a form of weakness.
He also mentions — as a footnote, casually, as though it barely matters — that he will be sending someone to watch over them. A Korred named Podwick. For his peace of mind, he says. The party should not read too much into it.
Key NPCs
- Corster Fre — Eladrin merchant-lord. Ancient, impeccably dressed, possessed of a grudge ledger that goes back centuries. Not malicious — genuinely believes in fair exchange. Has connections everywhere and uses them efficiently. Will not negotiate terms once set.
- Podwick — A Korred — a small, rock-skinned fey creature with wild stone-grey hair and suspicious eyes. Serves Corster as a watcher. Dislikes the party on principle but is scrupulously honest.
Loot & Rewards
| Item | Notes / Value |
| Corster’s Assignment | Recover the silver locket from Amaranth Nettleweed’s stolen possessions in the Mirkwoods. Reward: information about the missing princess. |
DM Notes
Corster is a recurring questgiver and occasional antagonist — keep him consistent: principled, cold, and always holding more cards than he shows. His ‘information about the missing princess’ is the thread that leads to Princess Sable. Podwick’s presence adds a watcher-dynamic; the party may grow to appreciate him despite themselves, which makes his departure in Session 8 sting more.