The Monarch of uBs had a sudden urge for a new holiday, and just like that 'Bric-A-Brac Day' was born! It was a grand scavenger hunt to be held annually, and the first contest was set to begin that very day. All would be invited to join the hunt across the kingdom. Who would be crowned the best seeker on Bric-A-Brac Day?
Joyous Bric-A-Brac! All who joined in on the frivolity and friendly competition had a chance to be crowned best seeker. The festive hunt across the Kingdom would soon begin, and would only come to a close once all of the hidden treasures were found!
That day, much like any other in uBs, Journeyman Smith Ordanos was going about his usual tasks, when word reached him that Lady Redrum was making her royal rounds and would inevitably visit Ordanos' establishment. The Monarch arrived right on cue. "Greetings, Ordanos, I am conducting my standard review of uBs' holdings, as is my duty. Nothing strange about that. I see your establishment is in order, Ordanos; I was simply taking an informal look around and not searching for anything in particular. So...while I am here, might I see a sample of your amazing talent?"
Ordanos graciously agrees and crafts a paddle with ease. The Monarch looks it over, "Excellent crafting, Ordanos. You are a boon to uBs, despite your chambers needing a spot of cleaning. Here is some coin for your labors. I'm off to my next stop...oh! I have something special in store for the kingdom; keep your eyes and ears open for a royal missive soon." With that, Lady Redrum strolls out of the smith and on to her next place to visit. Ordanos drops to his knees to scrub the floor of his chambers to make sure the next visitor doesn't think the smith is a complete mess either.
With a flutter of feathers and purpose, the royal carrier pigeon, Guillermo, dropped a sealed letter in front of Ordanos. Looking up, Ordanos watched as the bird bearing the royal markings took wing back to the keep. The message read, ‘Ordanos, you are invited to the throne room to participate in a special event at the request of Lady Redrum. Cordially, Royal Advisor Katrina.’
Ordanos makes his way to the throne room to present himself to the Momarch. The Queen grinned from ear to ear. “Welcome all to this jolly event! I, Lady Redrum, have decreed today to be a new holiday in uBs, an occasion of competition and community, the first ever ‘Bric-A-Brac Day!’ To celebrate, I have hidden ten royal trinkets in unique locations around the kingdom. The day is done when all are found, and the citizen to find the most of my treasures shall be rewarded. For details on your search, you have use of the royal scribe table at any time during the event. Return to Royal Advisor Katrina when you’ve discovered an item and to check on the competition. And now…Let the hunt begin! Joyous Bric-A-Brac!”
Ordanos copies the list from the scribe table before starting his search. He heads to the town square and decides that if an item were hidden anywhere it would be in the well. After drawing up a bucket of water, he notices a sparkle in the bottom. He pulls out the Monarch’s key that she wears as a necklace. One item for him! The next place to check…the pit of judgement! Here beasty! With that determination at his heels, he manages to find the royal tinderbox hidden amongst the beasty’s treasures. The next stop is the pond just outside the smith. After a bit of fishing around, Ordanos pulls up a signet ring that belongs to one of the royal advisors. Three items found!
After finding three items, Ordanos checks in with the royal advisor. “Excellent! You have found three treasures! You lead Kacey, who only found the dagger in the forest clearing. I’m not sure what that Sylvan is doing, but he just keeps returning with dubious meat. Kniknak though, has been busy. He has three items as well: the lens from the village, the journal hidden in the sacred oak, and the music box from the docks. Only three trinkets left!”
After finding yet another item, Ordanos is called back to the throne room. Royal Advisor Katrina addressed the crowd. “Well done, and thanks to all the competitors. Your efforts have made the first annual ‘Bric-A-Brac Day’ a grand success! In an amazing turn of events, it seems we have a tie with four royal trinkets apiece. So, Ordanos and Kniknak, if you would please join me in the reception hall?” Turning briskly towards the hall she added, “The rest of you may go. Joyous Bric-A-Brac!”
In the reception hall, Katrina turns to the two remaining competitors, “You are both skilled searchers, so you have been chosen for one final task. Only nine of the trinkets were recovered – the tenth and most important is your goal. Please do not share this, but Lady Redrum lost her stuffed bear and is devastated about it. The sole purpose of creating Bric-A-Brac Day was to recover…Sir Teddylot. The only possible place that remains is the throne room. Time is running out. Find the bear and win the day!”
Ordanos wandered into the throne room and sat down upon the royal throne to gather his thoughts on where the bear could be. Something didn’t feel quite right about this chair. He reached down between the cushions only to pull out a teddy bear. He returned it to the royal advisor who handed him a bag filled to the brim with gold.
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