"Is it better to break off bits from the body of the Mantis, or can we bring it down more effectively by taking off its Head?" Barael scrunches his face as he watches the troll. "What I mean is, I want to tear down that whole organization, and want to know if I'm yelling at the ocean if I just fight off the minions." Barael shakes his head.
"If you have a name and address, I'd be most appreciative."
The Troll, about to get up, settles back in and waits for Barael to match his gaze. You see laughter in his eyes as he considers the question, but he gives you a quick cut across his midriff and he examines his entrails just the same.
he points to a bit of intestine that must be carrying dinner as it's particularly bulbous and gross.
He stuffs his belly back in his belly and stands, and he walks up to the bar grabbing another bottle and drinking deeply.
- - -
You find a nice establishment without much difficulty, the Absent Horn Pub. The placard over the door shows three trumpeters two blowing their horns, and one desperately searching for his. It is clearly a much better establishment than the one you just left - and much quieter. The tavern is dark and quiet and mostly for the residents it seems.
You get a few rooms to handle you all and settle in for the night.
- - -
What plans for the next few days? I'm happy to hand waive it, and don't want to get bogged down in Kaer Maga, but also am happy to role play any particular activities you wish to pursue. Just don't feel like you have to fill the time...
What plans for the next few days? I'm happy to hand waive it, and don't want to get bogged down in Kaer Maga, but also am happy to role play any particular activities you wish to pursue. Just don't feel like you have to fill the time...
"What better security than among the caravans? Let me see where my cousins make their bed tonight."
Fondo takes Deyanira's hand under his arm and sets out jauntily seeking out the Varisian caravaners. "You know, poor'inedra, you're maybe the best sister of the road I know. You may feel a bit ragged in the rump from our ride, but that'll pass soon enough."
Barael does his best to stay in and around the inn. Should there be any choice spots for people-watching from a rooftop, he'll take it. He'll eyeball passersby, and take in the general newness of this trade city, from above, avoiding the stench, and all.
Fondo spends his time in Kaer Maga telling tall tales about events in Korvosa and various other adventures.
While he's chatting with folks at bars and among the Varisian caravans, he uses a touch of glibness to spread rumors about the party's destination: Cyphergate. Perhaps Irrisen. Or beyond to visit a long lost love in distant Minkai. Anywhere but the Cinderlands.
He keeps his eyes open for signs of Mantis or Korvosan pursuers, using what Varisian distant relatives he might have to get his own intelligence.
"What is this talk about Twice-born Harlots?! Really?" Briar leans back in his chair at the news that something like that might exist. "Are they undead...uh..servicers...of...uhm...love?" Briar forces the connected words out of his mouth, still un-understanding.
Wow. That might be the first thing that Fondo would not dally with.
* * *
Day 2: Briar slips away to visit the local temple of Nethys, not just to pray, but to see how his magics might compare to those offered by the Church and also to see if they have any true elven clergy amongst its ranks.
What Briar finds disappoints him more than he could have imagined. Not even a full church with clergy, but just a meager chapel. He does not find the wise elven ears to share complex ideas of theology nor even gnomes pretending they have value in the eyes of Nethys nor dwarves (duh..dwarf hearts are filled with rock, not magic) nor halfling pretenders nor Varisian charlatans...just...nothing but a simple chapel.
Briar engages in some quiet prayer, leaves a few borrowed coins in the box and leaves.
Fools. This city and the lack of appreciation of magic will be its undoing.
Day 3: After his failure with the 'Church' of Nethys, Briar will spend this day looking for different answers: answers about Kazavon came to be, his history, and what happened in his death. Also, some discussion about general magic theory and why gnomes are so overrated when it comes to magic proclivity.
Gather Information on Scholars who might want to share info:
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Barael's eyes glaze over as the elf expounds on his research into the profundity that is magic.
He considers it more comfortable being moored in the harbor of the inn, than asea in the city. "Is there a local chapel dedicated to Aroden then? I might fancy a walk if there is one."
Nikolay spends his days trying not to attract too much attention. He will visit a lady or two during the nights, caressing their wrist, and checking for a pulse before leaving the bar area.
The party splits up a bit and folks seem to be going their separate ways a bit during the downtime.
Fondo hides in plain sight and gathers a bit of coin as he does so. He finds himself attracted to the Bottoms district where he meets the Freemen, a gang of escaped slaves and abolitionist revolutionaries whose riotous celebration of democracy is matched only by the ferocity with which they defend it.
Barael gets some breathing room and finds that the populace, while some might notice him, don't really care that he's watching from the rooftops. In fact they're very three dimensional in their thinking - the portions of the city in the walls contain many floors of apartments. While you find no chapel to Aroden, you do find yourself in the Highside Stacks. The richest and most powerful members of Kaer Maga exist not within the city but rather above it, making their homes in posh towers so large and accommodating that many of their residents never set foot on the ground during their entire lives.
Briar struggles to find the real power of Kaer Maga, but has little success. In the morning he does hear someone suggest the Tarheel Promenade, but he's unable to confirm it in the afternoon. Wandering near there he sees an elf on the streets, but a mere commoner, with no magic. However he does meet a Bloatmage at a small magic shop specializing in weaponry. A Bloatmage uses their own blood to fuel their magics and while he doesn't have the time, or inclination, to discuss it with you at length, he does tell you about a wizard college - the Arcanist's Circle, deep within the Promenade.
Nikolay seeks human, and living, companionship, and has no difficulty in the Hospice district where you're staying. In fact things are done to you that have never been done before - and it's more than a little creepy... even though no twice-born sneak their way into your bed.
Dandilion doesn't, at least not yet, see Mickey. She does however find a whole section of the Downmarket devoted devoted to the trade of Shiver and it's various spin-offs. As she travels the Downmarket, she sees another Troll Auger (pic) though he seems to be struggling a bit more and is much cheaper then the Troll in the pub.
Fondo listens intently to the dogma of these radical 'democrats,' and asks many questions about how such a system might work. "Freedom's the open road, but mayhap too it's the smallfolk taking and opening up the courts. I'll think on that brother. For now though, Cyphergate calls. I'm done with the witch queen and her iron maidens."
When the time comes to depart the city, Fondo counsels stealth. "Let's assume their eyes are upon us. I suggest we make ourselves unseen or unrecognizable, go to the walls, and leap quietly off. Magic can carry us down to safety, and then poor'inedra here can summon her phantom steeds."
Wizard's Circle, hopefully it's more impressive than the Chapel to Nethys.
Briar will make his way to the Wizard's Circle and seek audience with the most talented wizards who wish to share information about great power, great mysteries, and great magic.
If given audience, he will talk openly about the Queen, Kazavon, the Fangs, and whatever else in hopes that a sharing of magic and information might be achieved. He will trade relevant details of the present in exchange for details of the past.
Know (Arcana)
Know (Arcana)
Know (Planes)
Know (Planes)
Know (Religion)
Know (Religion)
"...and so...do you think there is a way to cleanse Midnight's Teeth of their taint so that their magic could be preserved and used by another?"
"...and so...do you think there is a way to cleanse Midnight's Teeth of their taint so that their magic could be preserved and used by another?"
Briar enters a magic shop called The Wheel Unbroken. It is a very pleasant place, with a wide variety of lesser magics found on display and for sale. Very common are various continual light devices, scrolls, potions, and the like. There are also some greater magics for sale (you see a very nice looking blessed book in fact for those who need such aids) and a few wands. The current proprietor is a portly lady with short cropped hair and many feathers and earrings.
She is quite familiar with the Arcanists’ Circle, and explains that the top two floors of the building contain it, and what you find here is the product of the guild wizards. Associate membership is easy and quick, as you would imagine with a city of transients such as this one. It's a simple contract requiring that you pay 200gp plus 20gp per visit, or manufacture an item of value for the guild to sell.
While the fees seem on the surface to be outrageous, the guild pays the construction fees for the item and you get credit in the same amount toward your dues (ie the profit) and sponsorships of talented non-crafters are common. So as an unknown (no one will sponsor you), if you spend just a day crafting magic for the guild, you get quite a bit of credit and the guild gets to sell the proceeds at face value.
Does Briar join and if so does he just pay, or does he spend the bulk of day 4 crafting some minor item for the guild?
Does Briar join and if so does he just pay, or does he spend the bulk of day 4 crafting some minor item for the guild?
Briar will deign to show what true Nethyese (aka Elven) craftselveship looks like and put his pointed nose to the craftstone and complete an item of value, complete with his maker's mark.
"Here you go," Briar rolls a small pearl across the counter. "It's perfect in every way, is it not?" Briar awaits the inspection. "Now, can I get in?"
Briar leaves the evidence of his passing in the patrons capable hands and is guided upstairs with a gesture.
Upstairs is the sort of guild that Briar has been looking for! Unlike the two very formal guilds in Korvosa, this is a large open bar where wizards, sorcerers, scholars and more sit and discuss the magics that make life worth living in a congenial atmosphere. They share their knowledge freely and openly and without judgement.
Your stories of the Queen and her magical crown quickly attract the attention of many in the hall, but few are able to help in any meaningful way. You do however spy a Shoanti Sorcerer watching you carefully from a few tables away. Close enough to listen in, but far enough to enjoy some privacy from your crowd.
As an aside, a fat little gnome laughs loudly at your complaints of the lack of proper Nethys worship in the city and tells you of a proper church just a few blocks from here, "With worshippers and everything!"
Dandi wanders the Downmarket Shiver area, breathing in the sights, sounds, and scents of her former life and her current dream. She feels again in her pockets, but no sudden stream of money spills into her hands.
Hiding Wraith in her backpack, she takes a deep, if fluttery, breath, squares her shoulders, and looks for someone that might take something other than gold for just a little bit to hold her over.
Briar looks around, confused, and ignores the gnome. "Wait...you allowed a gnome into this Mage Moot? You allow them?" Briar shakes his head and ignores the gnome.
Perception (Shoanti)
Sense Motive (Shoanti)
After the Mage Moot, Briar will seek private discussion with the Shoanti.
"Magic Shoanti Brother, I greet you in the ways of Nethys. You seemed like you had nothing to add to the discussion of the Queen and Kazavon. I had heard that the Shoanti shamans might be able to aid us...and yet you have nothing to share?"
A shadowy halfling steps out of the dimness of the evening and approaches Dandilion. He looks innocent enough, but he seems to smell your desperation as he introduces himself.
"I am Otker young miss and it seems you're seeking a little something to cool yourself on this warm evening. Perhaps I can be of some assistance?" As he speaks you get a brief whiff of fragrant flowers. Very nice, and a little drowsing in the warm night.
Turning at the sound of his voice, she smiles as she eventually sees the little man in front of her. "Wha? Oh! There you are! Yes, hello there." Oh, but don't you smell nice?
"It *has* been a rather warm day, hasn't it? I... well, I did hope to find... something. One misses the rainbow now and again." She blinks her eyes to stave off the drowsiness of the warm evening.
"I'm uh... Clover. Clover Garondovich. A pleasure to meet you. I *am* looking for something, but I'm afraid barter will be the best coin I can offer." She smiles, hating to lie, but even she knows better than to leave her name lying about the place for the Mantis to find.
"Oh, but barter is the best coin, and I'm sure there are things you can offer other than coin." He eyes your fancy gear and general bearing.
"Of course loans are also an option, and I can speak to Angston on your behalf to make sure you get the absolute best terms."
"Come, let us retire to the breezy portico of an establishment that I'm sure you will find to be most beneficial!"
He takes your hand, ever so gently, and leads you to a very open and inviting pub. The doors and windows are large, and the enormous linen shades provide just enough privacy as they billow in the breeze. Very pleasant.
He gestures to a waiter who brings a small silvery tray with even smaller lids. The servant lifts each lid in turn revealing a small divot with a little wispy shiver in all it's glorious forms from rainbow drops to hue threads. Even a clear candy that you can suck on for hours of mild pleasure.
She allows herself to be lead inside, wondering idly at the small hand on hers. 'tis just ike a cherub's...
Just the thought of an end to the aching desert brings an odd combination of languorous tension. Even her hair writhes a little with anticipation.
"If...if you're certain I won't be wasting your time. I do have... some skills, that might be b-beneficial..."
Her mind reels at the very...pleasant atmosphere, remembering again the shiver dens of home. Web and Weave, but that seems so long ago.
Her eyes widen, pupils dilating impossibly wide at the sight of the various shiver, her hands shaking in her lap. Threads, these have been her rainbow of choice,her peace and shield against a careless world. But the drops glisten with an oily sheen, and she can almost feel the dreams that extra boost might bring... so tempting to an overstressed, overtired girl so far from home.
Her fingers rub against themselves as she considers. Drops... or something... harder...
She licks her lips as she looks up to ask, "H-h-how much... "
Otker cuts in quietly watching Dandilion intently, "Do not worry overmuch about price now. You're among friends. You can always pay later..." He smiles so reassuringly.
Hope flares in her her eyes, "Later? I could do that..." Her fingers flicker and flutter like antennae on a butterfly as it anticipates sugar water. "You do that for me?" Would any of my other friends do that for me?
Hope flares in her her eyes, "Later? I could do that..." Her fingers flicker and flutter like antennae on a butterfly as it anticipates sugar water. "You do that for me?"
"Of course I would - and will.", he says gently. "Now let's not keep the good man waiting, take what you want... take all you want.", he grins again and again you smell the light smell of flowers blooming on a sunny day.
He puts a small pouch of coins on the tray - a downpayment for whatever you desire.
She pauses for a moment more and sends up a prayer to the Father of Dreams and his consort before reaching out. Her eyes still closed, she chooses, her fingers dipping unerringly for the fine cloud of refined shiver in front of her.
Airier than threads, it makes the very tips of her fingers prickle, then go numb. "This one...."
Opening her eyes once more, her blue eyes almost black with anticipation, she smiles at her new friend. "...but I've never used it before. Will you help me...?"
Otker smiles a friendly smile and leans over to the tray. He takes a small thin dagger, more of a letter opener really, from the tray. He makes an expertly long fine cut on Dandilions forearm, it only hurts for a moment.
Then he takes the shiver, a lot of it from your perspective, but it must not be so much really, and delicately wraps the wound with the gossamer. As the blood mixes with the fine silk your head begins to swim and the dreams come - such wonderful dreams!
- - -
You're on a high plateau overlooking Korvosa, sweet Korvosa. As expected, you fall - but lightly - from the plateau and the city rushes up to meet you. As you fall, you see all the figures of the city arrayed beneath you. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all there - including the Queen in her green dress.
They're all locked in a tight vicious circle, "Lighten up... you entreat - your voice a whisper on the air - but they're all locked in their own embraces. And still you fall. You breeze past Majenko - or one of his cousins and the city grows large below your feet. The spires of Asmodeus' Hall have past you now and you descend into the Midlands.
You're caught by none other than Walthier Gund. He hoists you over his shoulder and begins his slow walk south - toward the priests of Pharasma who will carry you the last leg of your journey.
But the rhythmic gait of Gund puts you in another dream, a deeper dream. Your father is carrying you as a child, so light, so fair. He tosses you up into the air and catches you with ease as you squeal with delight!
And so you dream of home...
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Charlie gets a far away grin and finds a way to drift into the abyss.
I need to be outside.
He will fade into the gutter, welcoming company from his low brothers and sisters he will not pressure them with spells. He'd like to know how they are faring and will use spells to aid them given the slightest approval.
At night he will stalk Fondo. He wants to know how easy it is to find him and whether people believe his misdirection. Again, he will not pressure people for info. He wants to know the word on the street.
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Charlie encounters some initial resistance from the street level gangs until they realize you're not competition. Once that hurdle is overcome, you're welcomed, and surprisingly warmly.
The poor of Kaer Maga tend to stay near, and live in, the Warrens, a community of hovels and lean-to's in the NW area where the wall crumbled to some unknown damage many, many, MANY years ago.
While some money is made pan-handling, most is made by guiding new folks through the confusing pathways of the city - particularly the areas within the vast walls (a hundred feet thick or more and eighty feet tall they encompass the bulk of the city and the districts).
That said, the poor are the same everywhere, but if you have to gauge, you'd say the poor here are better off than those in Korvosa. In a general way.
Finding Fondo is both easy and hard. Looking for him directly is rather difficult, as his disguises are effective and excellent. You hear many rumors about the party heading off in various and unusual directions from Kaer Maga.
However there area very few skalds with his skill - and fewer still who ply the bars and common areas telling tales about Korvosa. So you're not able to find him exactly, but you can always find him - if you know what I mean.
- - -
The bulk of the party is staying in an inn in the Hospice district (Fondo and Deyanira staying with a Varisian family recently arrived by caravan). When you return to your rooms, a halfling is sitting against one of the doors. He stands as you approach.
"Greetings and well met. My name is Otker, and I'm afraid we have a small problem."
"You see, your friend Dandilion has gotten herself into a bit of a jam, an expensive jam, and it will take some doing to get her out again. I can help you with this, for a mere 10% of the 500 gold she's indebted to the house."
"Of course you don't need my help in any way, I'm merely offering my services as a friendly face in this fair city."
He smells nicely of flowers and has a warm engaging smile.
We all have our dangerous muse. Dandi needs help coming back from hers this time. I have needed this help before. There's a good chance I'll need it again.
"Tell me what needs doing."
"It's simple aged sir, simply pay me the 550gp and I'll see to it her debt is paid and she is returned. If you are uneasy giving me such a sum, I understand - just give me my share and I"ll take you to her and you can settle her debt yourselves."
"It's a shame really. She's such a wonderful person."
"I think I can trust you, but I want to be there when you make the trade all the same."
Charlie stares him down with his best creepy old guy stare.
Barael is slow to pick up on the nuances of the conversation, it being a long time since he's dealt with this kind of negotiation. His face reddens, and it's all he can do to keep from throttling the halfling where he stands. He instead turns to Charlie, and lets him have it.
"You want to trade for Dandi?! Like she's some sort of chattel in your stores?! Want to look her over, do you?! Make sure she's got all her teeth up in her skull before you decide to take her back?!" Barael's fists are clenched tightly at his sides.
"Otker, by the smell of you, I'm assuming she's found her way round some of the Shiver, and helped herself helpless. Do I have the right of it? It's a big city, and your help is indeed required. Have you at least prevented her from continuing to indebt herself deeper? Are we to meet with her 'benefactors' somewhere public, or are there doors behind doors we need opening?"
Briar looks around, confused, and ignores the gnome. "Wait...you allowed a gnome into this Mage Moot? You allow them?" Briar shakes his head and ignores the gnome.
The gnome bristles at first at being questioned and treated thus, but he looks deeply at Briar, and then laughs a belly filled heartful laugh.
After the Mage Moot, Briar will seek private discussion with the Shoanti.
"Magic Shoanti Brother, I greet you in the ways of Nethys. You seemed like you had nothing to add to the discussion of the Queen and Kazavon. I had heard that the Shoanti shamans might be able to aid us...and yet you have nothing to share?"
He looks dourly at Briar, but speaks in the way of the place to chat, "Korvosan's know not what they guard - if they guard it at all."
"I myself no nothing about the Fangs of Kazavon other than their name and that they were guarded by the Shoanti in Korvosa before we were run out of that city." he spits on the floor in disgust.
"You might find more information among the Sklar-Quah. I believe they were the guardians and so their Shaman may know something of what you face. I however do not - and do not particularly wish to converse with a Korvosan."
He drains his drink and prepares to leave. As he stands, you see a very fine holy symbol of Asmodeus around his neck.
- - -
"I think I can trust you, but I want to be there when you make the trade all the same."
Charlie stares him down with his best creepy old guy stare.
The halfling looks away, though does not shrink under Charlie's gaze. "Excellent, then let us go and retrieve your friend!"
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Laughing, she flies up and up, only to fall down again, into her father's arms...she knows him, knows the shape of his chin and his large elven eyes the shade of summer, trusting his strong arms that never fail to catch her again. Up and up she flies, then down once more.
But this time there are no arms to catch her, nor laughing elven eyes, to beam with love. She is alone ...and so she falls... down and down and down. Into the gutters of the streets of Korvosa. Ahead the shadows gather, but behind her, a wave of ugly green sin towers ever closer, sweeping the streets.
"A cleaner Korvosa holds no room for you..." A voice, imperious and sweet calls from atop the impending tsunami. "Surely you see."
She runs, on chubby baby legs she runs into the distance. Faster and faster she goes, not watching her way, or the world, just trying to survive. She runs until she can't possible run anymore, and once again she is falling, down and down... into a web as large as the world. At its center, a laughing spider of yellow and blue beckons...."relax. I have you. How bad could it be?" and over and over again, she falls.
Barael is slow to pick up on the nuances of the conversation, it being a long time since he's dealt with this kind of negotiation. His face reddens, and it's all he can do to keep from throttling the halfling where he stands. He instead turns to Charlie, and lets him have it.
"You want to trade for Dandi?! Like she's some sort of chattel in your stores?! Want to look her over, do you?! Make sure she's got all her teeth up in her skull before you decide to take her back?!" Barael's fists are clenched tightly at his sides.
"Otker, by the smell of you, I'm assuming she's found her way round some of the Shiver, and helped herself helpless. Do I have the right of it? It's a big city, and your help is indeed required. Have you at least prevented her from continuing to indebt herself deeper? Are we to meet with her 'benefactors' somewhere public, or are there doors behind doors we need opening?"
The halfling responds, "Chattel is an excellent word kind sir - for that is what she'll be if her debt is not paid. I know the establishment, it is quite public, and have made sure she will not be molested there, and I believe she is so deeply in her dreams as to be protected against further debt."
"But it is a big city, and things do happen, so we should not tarry here overlong. I have already been waiting some time for you."
"I however do not - and do not particularly wish to converse with a Korvosan."
Briar's face stiffens and if he was just struck by a insult from which he would never recover. In fact, Briar's first instinct is to ponder whatever other more dreaded insults might have offended him more..."Gnomelover." "Apprentice." "Varisian." "Drow."
Briar turns to return a stinging rebuke, but instead spins on his heel and returns to the inn.
"...for that is what she'll be..."
That's a threat if I've ever heard one... Barael clenches his jaw, this time with regards to the halfling, keeping back words that lead to closed doors, and lost souls.
"Let's not. Tarry, that is. Wouldn't do for a potential repeat customer to be treated poorly, ain't that right, Otker?" Barael positions himself behind Charlie, and his more diplomatic tongue.
Otker smiles thinly, "I wouldn't think she'd be a repeat customer, but I suppose anything is possible." He seems genuinely concerned for her well being.
He leads Charlie and Barael (and anyone else who tags along) through the Hospitality district to a very lovely pub (described above) with wonderfully bright linen flowing from the windows and doors. Inside you find Dandilion on a couch dreaming peacefully and deeply but otherwise unharmed.
As he claimed, Dandilion owes 500gp to the house. Otker, though small, will help get Dandilion up and carry her back to the inn - if needed. If not, he simply collects his reward and disappears without further ceremony into the streets.
Dandilion is out for several more hours, but she does not seem to be injured in any way aside from a few light scratches in her left forearm.
- - -
And thus ends day 4...
Early the following day, over breakfast, you meet again with Corbinian Farfoot. As requested, he has all the gear you requested and has sold all the gear given to him to sell. It takes a little while to settle up, but he's efficient, and by the time the meal is over, the party has what's coming to them, and Corbinian has the cash he needs.
"If you need anything else, I'm around. Farewell and good luck! Please remember me to Glorio and his wife when you see them again."
Briar packs up his new rod, happy to have a new magic with which to demonstrate Nethys' might. He is ready to continue on, (mostly) grateful for the experiences of Kaer Maga.
Korvosan? Briar grumbles to himself. Not entirely inaccurate, but ever so wrong.
"Does Signore Glorio travel often to Absalom?" says a very glib Fondo. "Twould be a delight to see a familiar face in our new home."
Barael checks his gear three times over, cinches straps tight, and waits for the rest of the group to depart. "We have our point of focus? Let's get to it, then."
Charlie will wash the street off of his hide before leaving town and make sure his booze supply is replenished. He'll grab a coupla extra skins with whiskey in them for an emergency supply if he can.
You prepare to leave Kaer Maga loading up on food, and to a lesser extent, water and whiskey.
How do you leave town? By leaping off the wall in an odd spot and feather falling down as per Fondo's suggestion? Through the Warren's (the common route in and out of the city) or back down the cliff as if you were headed somewhere else (presumably to then sneak off and fly back up elsewhere)?
And more importantly, where do you go from Kaer Maga? I don't believe anyone knows where the Shoanti are on the Cinderlands... and it's a vast place. You do know the Shoanti you seek are to the east of Kaer Maga, but that's still something like 5,000 square miles of country to criss cross.
"Don't we want to go up? Up thataway is the Storval Plains, right? We should ask directions or begin climbing," Briar says readying his new rod and preparing to cast ElfWalk. "I'll keep an eye on things while you all focus on climbing (up or down)."
Briar will have his bow out as he air walks up (or down), keeping an eye on things. (Taking 10 Perception = 30.)
Kaer Maga is on the same level as the Storval Plains. So unless you're dropping off the walls, no need to fly/airwalk/climb.
Dandi wakes, disoriented for several long moments. Strange place, strange city, and for awhile, the rented room feels more the dream than the dream does. She stumbles as she gets up and goes in search of her friends.
"Sorry", she mutters, softly.
When their purchases arrive, she doesn't touch her headband until the end. If no one says anything, she takes it and puts it on with trembling hands. I'll make it up to you guys, I promise.
Later that day, she is packed when the others are, but happy to follow their lead.
The Shoanti are known to be nomadic. That said, you can get a decent map of the Cinderlands in the shops early that morning - so you at least have that. There are probably guides who could help, and likely lots of folks know something but it'll take a gather information (a few hours) and it'll leak where you're headed ruining some of Fondo's hard work at misinformation (but not all obviously - it'll just be one strand of truth among the many lies).
"Let's find a quiet spot on the wall and drop down to the plains, that we might avoid the gates."
Yes Fondo, the party could have done some questioning, but you were all too enamoured with the new city to do so - and rightfully so, it is a fantastic place. It is a small detail, but a large one now - and time is of the essence in this portion of the campaign.
So do you spend the morning gathering information about your destination? I can assume the party is waiting around while you go off alone and disguised - perhaps loitering in the hotel you've been staying in.
Fondo advocates leaving before dawn. If that means no map or directions, that's perhaps better than losing the element of uncertainty about their destination. "Surely magic can tell you the way, Brother Rose."