Mundane Loot
Eamon and the Chair
In a world of adventure and intrigue, an adventurer choses to retire opens a tavern after his final dungeon where he collects his prized possession, a wooden chair. From this chair, the now tavern keeper shares his stories with his patrons. The chair itself however, holds a secret. This legend is credited with the reason why so many adventurers claim taverns to be a safe and protected space.
Once upon a time, in a world of endless adventures, there lived a man named Eamon. Eamon was a seasoned adventurer, known for his daring feats and his unyielding curiosity. He had explored countless dungeons, faced dangerous creatures, and sought after hidden treasures. But Eamon was different from other adventurers. While most sought only riches and gold, he had a peculiar fondness for collecting unique items.
One fateful day, Eamon found himself in the depths of a treacherous dungeon. As he delved deeper into its labyrinthine corridors, he stumbled upon a massive chamber adorned with glittering gold. His eyes widened at the sight of such unimaginable wealth. However, standing amidst the precious coins and jewels, Eamon's gaze fell upon an exquisite chair. It was a masterfully crafted piece, ancient and full of character. Despite the allure of the gold, he couldn't resist the charm of the chair.
With a sense of practicality, Eamon decided to take only half of the gold. He reasoned that he could carry the chair out of the dungeon with the remaining space. And so, he left behind a fortune to make room for his newfound treasure.
Returning to the bustling town, Eamon fulfilled a lifelong dream. He used his hard-earned gold to open a cozy tavern, a place where weary travelers could find solace and merriment. The chair he had discovered became his personal favorite, placed by the bar, where he could regale patrons with tales of his adventures.
Years passed, and the once-energetic adventurer grew old, content in his retirement. His tavern thrived, and Eamon relished in the camaraderie and laughter that filled its walls. However, he hadn't embarked on a single adventure since the day he found that chair. The desire for thrill had been replaced by a desire for comfort and community.
One fateful evening, the peaceful atmosphere of the tavern was shattered by the entrance of a menacing group. With bows drawn and swords unsheathed, they demanded the tavern's riches. Fear gripped the hearts of the patrons as they cowered in the face of danger.
But unbeknownst to all, the chair that had faithfully stood by Eamon's side for years held a secret. It was a mimic, a creature capable of shape-shifting. And in this dire moment, the chair came to life. Its wooden limbs extended, revealing a fearsome and powerful form. With lightning speed, it pounced on the unsuspecting robbers, overpowering them with ease.
When the struggle had ended, the mimic chair returned to its inanimate form, resuming its place by the bar. The tavern was safe once more, and the patrons marveled at the extraordinary spectacle they had witnessed.
Confusion filled Eamon's aged eyes as he gazed upon the chair that had saved him. He pondered why it had never attacked him, even though it had ample opportunity over the years. In that moment, he realized that the chair, like him, had sought retirement. It had found solace and gratitude in the man who had chosen an old chair over a fortune in gold.
News of the chair's protective nature spread throughout the land, becoming a legendary tale of caution for would-be robbers. Those who dared to encroach upon the sanctity of taverns were warned of the mysterious creatures lurking within. The legend served as a reminder that taverns were protected places, where the bond between adventurers and their cherished treasures was unbreakable.
And so, the old adventurer turned tavern keeper and his faithful mimic chair continued to live out their days in peace and contentment. Together, they reminded the world that treasures could be found not only in gold, but also in the bonds we form and the choices we make.