at the Stone Marker Campsite, Shallie cast Detect Magic near Elk’s Wagon and sensed traces among the fittings beneath its driver’s bench. At the Forest Edge Campsite, the Company learned that one square-headed black iron nail was linked to an Illusion concealing the cargo’s decay.
Central Question
what produced the traces Shallie first detected, and who used the black iron nail to conceal the cargo’s decay?
Established Facts
- At camp, Nadia inspected the wagon thoroughly and found nothing unusual beneath the driver’s bench.
- At camp, while Varynx was away hunting, Shallie cast Detect Magic near the wagon.
- Shallie sensed traces of Divination magic among the nails, bolts, and iron fittings, but could not initially identify one source.
- At the Forest Edge Campsite, her attention settled on a square-headed black iron nail.
- Nadia removed the nail with a hammer recovered from the outpost workshop.
- The provisions’ fresh appearance and smell vanished immediately, revealing rotten food.
Observations
- Nadia’s first physical inspection turned up nothing; the traces were only apparent to magic.
- Removing the nail ended an Illusion, but the Company has not established whether that fully explains the earlier Divination traces.
Player Theories
- Someone might be tracking the wagon.
- Someone might be observing the wagon.
- The earlier Divination traces might indicate another effect beyond the Illusion.
- The number of hired adventurers may indicate the cargo or delivery is more important than it appears.
Connected People
- Shallie, who made the discovery.
- Nadia, who inspected the bench at camp.
- Varynx, who was away when it happened.
- Harlan Corrow, who provided the wagon.
- Black Iron Nail.
- The Rotten Cargo.
Connected Places
Current Status
open. The nail and concealed decay are now known, but the origin and full nature of the magic remain unanswered.