[D20cember] M is for Merchant of Ashford

Merchant of Ashford: A Get Ready, Get Set, Go! Labyrinth Lord adventure set in the Ashford Valley.

Get Ready:
A merchant, his beautiful daughter, and some ruffians, former employees, who want to rob and kill him and carry off his daughter. Sounds like a hero is needed!

Get Set:
The PCs are in Sooton, about to leave town for Ashford when they are accosted by a beautiful woman and her aged father, a merchant, begging for help.

As Sooton is a haven for thieves, cut-throats and beggars, the PCs will be noticeably cautious but the story is too true to be some con.

The merchant, a Thomas Heyes by name, and his daughter Portia were in Sooton on business and had hired guards to protect them from the dangers of the city. But the guards have turned on them and they barely escaped with their lives. Seeking remedy from the Lord of Sooton did no good - the thieves had skipped town and could not be found. Thomas and Portia believe that their former employees are awaiting the pair, to further rob them and do despicable things to Portia.

Unfortunately, the Heyes have very few funds to pay for new guards and are seeking trustworthy adventurers who are willing to defend them from the thieves and possibly recover their fortunes.

Go!:
The PCs escort the Heyes back to Ashford and along the way are waylaid by the bandits, much to their distress, I am sure.

Notable NPCs:
Thomas Heyes (1 Normal Man); Alignment: Lawful; Armor Class: 9; Hit Dice: 1d8, Hit Points: 3; Attacks: dagger (1d4); Save: NM; Morale: 6.

Portia (1 Beautiful Woman); Alignment: Lawful; Armor Class: 9; Hit Dice: 1d8, Hit Points: 4; Attacks: dagger (1d4); Save: NM; Morale: 6.

Brigands (8 Normal Men); Alignment: Chaotic; Armor Class: 4 (chain & shield); Hit Dice: 1d8, Hit Points: 6, 5, 5, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3; Attacks: longsword (1d8), short bow (1d6); Save: NM; Morale: 8.