You have been traveling for several days now. A couple of days you entered the Kingdom of Cormyr. You have been heading toward the coast, with dreams of sunken treasure and adventure on the high seas. You have grown weary of your travels and look forward to falling into a comfortable bed and to eat a hearty meal.

    You enter the village of Launise just as the night starts to fall. Launise is a small frontier farming village of about 100 people, located roughly 20 miles from the nearest town and in the heart of Cormyr. Lodging is available at the local tavern and after finding a stable for your horses you head over to get a hot meal and a cozy room to sleep.

    As you enter the tavern, you see a group of villagers gathered together, apparently having an impromptu meeting. You find a table, sit down, and order a round from the plain jane barmaid. You overhear that a group of small children left earlier this morning to play in the forest. The children knew to stay close to town, and one of the older boys was even sent to keep an eye on them. About midday, after a game of hide-and-seek, the boy took a head count and realized one of the children, named Arton, was missing. The town searched all day, calling out his name, but he was nowhere to be found. Right now, the villagers are organizing a search party to go out in the morning.

    The group of villagers continue to discuss their plans and you settle in, as the bartender brings over your drinks and food. The bartender speaks...

    "Well met friends. My name is Jocko Sanders, the proprietor of this establishment. If you would be so kind, may I have a word with you?" You each nod and he continues. "My boy is missing. You may have overhand the villagers talking about a young boy missing. His name is Arton. He was an orphan that I took under my wing a few years ago. Arton is 8 years old (pause) -- too young to survive alone in the woods for long."

    "A few villagers and myself are going out in the morning to search the forest. None of us are skilled huntsmen, and I am afraid the group might destroy any signs of the boy's trail. I am not rich, but I would like to hire you to find my boy. I can afford to pay each of you 10gp and the room and food is free tonight. Please, I beg you to help me find my son. He is the only family I have."