The Mean Mother

The Society Chef at the Anglers’ Lodge is cooking for a banquet in the High Ward, and the guests, he says, have had everything else. He wants something rare: an egg from the duck the gardeners swear lives in Thornwood, a bird the size of a cart horse. He gives you a padded crate and a piece of advice. Do try not to break it, or yourself, in that order.

Finding her means leaving the compound for the farms of Tallow Cross, where the farmers have complained about her for years, and following her trail into the trees. Getting the egg means getting her off her nest first, which takes some thought about what a duck that size likes to eat.

She will notice when it’s gone. Mother Mallard is quicker than you are, hits hard, and keeps after you until you’re well clear of her clearing. The Chef is waiting for the egg at the Lodge. Or you could carry it back to where you found it. Either way, she will remember you.

Finish the quest and Mother Mallard becomes a boss you can fight whenever you like, as often as you like. Until then she can’t be attacked at all. She drops duck down and feathers, and members have a small chance at the pattern for a duck beanbag.