the provisions in Elk’s Wagon appeared and smelled fresh from Daggerford until Nadia removed the Black Iron Nail beneath the driver’s bench. The Illusion then collapsed, revealing rotten and discolored food.
Central Question
who concealed the cargo’s decay, and why was the Company hired to deliver rotten provisions to the Keep?
Established Facts
- The cargo appeared fresh during inspections in Daggerford and at the stone marker.
- Nadia’s first physical inspection found nothing unusual beneath the bench.
- Shallie later detected faint magic among the wagon’s iron fittings.
- At the Forest Edge Campsite, Shallie isolated the aura around a square-headed black iron nail.
- Removing the nail ended the cargo’s fresh appearance and smell immediately.
- The Company is still carrying the wagon and can see the Keep in the distance.
Observations
the nail was part of the deception, but the Company has not established who enchanted it, who placed it, or when the food spoiled.
Player Theories
- The cargo may have been rotten before the Company left Daggerford.
- Someone may have intended the Company to deliver the spoiled provisions without discovering them.
Connected People
- Harlan Corrow, who issued the escort contract.
- Elk, whose wagon, mark, and seal are being used.
- Shallie, who isolated the magic.
- Nadia, who removed the nail.
Connected Places
Current Status
open. The Illusion has ended, but the purpose and origin of the deception remain unknown.