"So, what options lie before us? We could sit and wait for Yalandere. We could sit and take our leisure until they tire of us and impress us into one labor or another. We could gather supplies and try to return to our homes. We could gather supplies and try to press on. We could spend some time here recovering, learning what we can of Ar'Dya before we pick a direction and leave. We could settle here, making the best lives that we can manage. There are many options. I do not know which would be for the best."
Ghersh looks to Meriui, gauging his companion's words before responding, "You think too much. I owe a debt to these people. I will pay it off and in so doing find out what is to come. Maybe it is Yalandere. Maybe it is something else. You know how I find out? When it comes."
He looks around the tavern room, gesturing with both hands as he spreads his arms wide. "Tonight you rest in luxury. Take advantage of this gift." Clapping the fighter on the shoulder, he emphasizes his point, "Faruq here has the right idea. Baths are what we should be discussing. Baths and food. Well, baths, food and good drink. Actually, baths, food, good drink and a pliant woman. Yes, those are the things we should discuss!"
As you eat you can feel your bodies growing stronger and your health returning. It seems like in addition to tasting good, the food has restorative properties to it. You heal any an all damage of any kind except for curses. Everything else damaging your character is removed and I mean EVERYTHING.
Yaline laughs. "Definitely. We have all the comforts you request at your disposal. If you want the women however you will need to pay for those. Here at the Seductive Sands our women provide a number of customer services depending on what you pay for. First for 100 gold she will clean you in the bath and give you a massage. Second is 500 gold and that adds a full body treatment including grooming and fine detail care including feeding you at dinner. And finally for 1000 gold you get the overnight package where in addition to everything else, she stays with you the night and complies to all your desires no matter what they are. "
Yaline looks out the window. It is only early afternoon out. When you guys were rescued from the Anubites it was morning. "It's a fine day out if you want to go out and try and earn some money, I am sure there are things to do in the town. You can come back here for the evening and rest the night. Or you can simply stay here. The choice is yours"
The game moves on when someone gets up and goes to explore or the group as a whole retires for the day. I will need you all to agree with each other before I can move along.
As she feels the food nourish her body, removing all sense of fatigue or injury, 'Abal marvels at it's restorative properties. Truly those of this land felt Daiga's touch.
"The food you provide is truly wondrous, as are your offerings I am sure."
'Abal looks to her fellow companions."Shall we explore as we decide our next action? Perhaps we will hear word of Yalandere"
"Exploring sounds good to me. Learn more of the place where we find ourselves. Such knowledge can only prove useful."
Enjoying the food and feeling the benefits of it, Ghersh relaxes. Yet as Yaline describes the services of the house, and more importantly, their associated prices, he pales. "I see."
At his companions suggestion of exploring, the cataphract nods in agreement. "Yes, let's get out into this town and see what is afoot. At these prices, we will need to amass a small fortune just to be able to afford the common room tomorrow night."
She then draws her attention to the pointy eared Wyldyrn. "Genies and Geniekin also have pointy ears. I had assumed you were one of those. Does this mean an elf is some form of Geneie?"
Wyldyrn shook his head in response to the attractive woman's question. "I do not believe so. The only geneie I know of are of the elemental planes. Our friend appeared most definitely elven; however, this land is different than that which I am accustomed. Perhaps the elves of this land have merged bloodlines with the geneies." He pondered that for a few moments while the others spoke about baths and eating.
He had not quite figured out the riddle when their tables was laden with plates and platters of food. It was exquisite! Wyldyrn enjoyed the roasted meat, but his favorite dish was the fruit! Fruit was an exceedingly rare treat in the desert; once he had sampled an orange. He delighted in the sweet flavor as he ate each juice filled morsel. So enthralled with the food that Wyldyrn did not at first notice the restoration provided by the meal.
He nodded his agreement to Abal's comment about the food as he bit into yet another piece of fruit. "The food is delicious, the best I've ever had."
And then talk turned to exploration of the area, an idea that greatly intrigued the elf. "Agreed, I would know more of this land. A day of searching followed by an evening in a bath and another delicious meal. If I'm not careful, I will become spoiled with such luxury!" He smiled and laughed.
"Then it is settled, my friends. Let's go find our bearings in this city." With that, Faruq rose, thanked his hosts, and left the inn to await his companions.
It is quite a prosperous town considering the lack of markets and trade going on. It has a lot of people doing their best to stay busy and productive.
A lot grows here and there is definitely a life unlike any you have seen elsewhere. The people are friendly and seem very optimistic. They greet you cautiously at first but quickly open up when they realize you are of no threat.
The weather outside is harm and a bit humid. You cannot feel the heat of the sun though. Most people are wearing loose or little clothing as it seems they have no need to guard their skin from the sun.
While walking about the town you see a good number of Oreads roaming about. These people are half-breeds of the Shaitan genies. Every third person you meet is an Oread. They are strong and stoic people and seem to make up the defenders and heavy workers of this town.
There is a wall being constructed around the city. It seems there are a good number of people overseeing this project. Many of the Oreads seem to be using earth magic to speed along construction.
On your trek you learn of five very important figures in town.
Azamad: He is working on the wall. An eleven foot tall Shaitan Genie. A sight to behold. He is directing and aiding the project to build the wall. What you are told is that he is branded a deserter and a traitor by the Shaitan nation. He chose to ignore the call to war to stay and protect this town. He has been their strongest defense against the Anubite threat.
Yaline: The most beautiful woman in the land. She is also intelligent and cunning. She is the person everyone goes to see when they need something. She knows a lot about most things and is the closest thing to a scholar this town has. From what you can tell, she is sought after by many men but has not given herself to any. She is open and friendly and would be considered the greatest prize to any man lucky enough to possess her.
Fazan: He is the governor of this town. He is also an Oread. He is a strong, proud and stubborn man who is best known for his unbreakable integrity. He holds law and citizenship highly and upholds them well. He is a man of his word and does not easily back down from a challenge. At times he can be intimidating and difficult to approach. However, people know that this man is immune to stress and any kind and will never crack under pressure. He has been a strong and valuable leader to this village.
Hadule: The militia leader. Hadule is famed for turning this towns meager population of strong men into a fighting force to be recognized by any foe. When the Anubite threat became apparent, Hadule trained as many men as he could pull in such short notice to defend the town. Azamad had commended Hadule's skill at leading troops even with no prior experience. Hadule is now in charge of the towns "military". He is a resilient man who leads by example.
Lady Sianna: The wealthiest person in this town. Her father passed away just recently and left the family fortune to her. However, she is under the condition that she must wed to a good dependable young man by seasons end or the money goes to the town treasury. Before her father died she was little more than a bombshell bimbo flaunting her father's money and good looks around town. Her father was an accomplished silk salesman and has his own silk shop and factory. It had been in the family for three generations and now it was passed down to his relatively incompetent daughter. Now she is in trouble. She has not wed and even though she comes with wealth and beauty, none of the good men in town wish to court her. She is a wild child that is said to be very difficult to control. Whatever man marries her would have to know how to run the business AND manage Sianna's habits. She is becoming desperate but the choice of marriage partner isn't up to her, but the factory head Miss Sabina. Whatever man Sianna wishes to marry must first meet Sabina's approval per the conditions of the will. It is one of the hottest topics in town.
Yuria: The herbalist. He is an odd man who works with the plants that grow around town and the river to creature various herbal remedies. He often works at Yaline's Tavern where he seasons the food with these ingredients. Early in the day he runs a herb shop. He also sells them on the side at the Tavern. He is a very busy man is friendly enough.
These are all the people of importance or interest in town.
‘Abal immediately takes an interest in Yuria, fascinated to see what unique herbs might grow in the heart of legendary desert. As the companions make their way around the town, she is amazed by the prosperity found there, reveling in the comfort of the land, to one practically born to the brutal desert heat.
Wyldyrn was amazed by the wall, being from the open lands of the desert, such a feat was impressive to him. He'd heard of walled cities before, but to see one surrounding what he assumed to be a very large area was a marvel to the oracle.
He also voices his interested in speaking with the herbalist as the group wanders the area. He thoroughly enjoys the breezes that cool his skin. The air was warm, but compared to the arid, baking winds of the desert the moisture felt like being wrapped in a soft cloth. Wyldyrn had always found a rugged beauty in the deserts of his homeland, but he found himself drawn to this land and its apparent comforts.
"I can see why they would fight so hard to protect this home."
"I see great riches. I see people flaunting those riches casually, as though they do not recognize them as riches. I see a closed community treating us kindly, but keeping us on the fringes of their activities. It would be easy to try to join them, to become soft in this land of plenty. I think we should be trying to figure out how to continue our trip, whether we leave quickly or not."
"While I agree that we should think on continuing our mission, but we should also know more about our surroundings. While I personally wish to visit with the herbalist, we may also wish to speak with Azamad. If any sign of a foreigner entering was noted, it would probably be by those manning the walls."
The herbalist Yuria will be available to meet with after six in the afternoon.
So in the meantime you may visit the wall.
The wall is only half complete, at it's highest point it stands about 30 feet tall. Many Oreads are working on it. You also see the Shaitan Genie Azamad there two. He stands about 11 feet tall so he is pretty easy to spot.
He is overseeing construction.
You may approach and speak to him if you'd like
Faruq approached the massive shaitan and bowed low. "Good fortune, Azamad. I am Faruq al-Rashid, knight of the Dawnflower, and these are my companions." He took a moment to introduce each of the others in turn before continuing.
He paused to look at the construction. "This should be a mighty fortifcation."
The towering Shaitan looks down at Faruq. "Good to meet you sir. Are you the newcomers I have heard of. I hear there is a person called an "elf" among you. Are you from beyond the great desert then?"
"Most of us are from the desert, one way or another. But we are from far enough across the desert that the trip kills nearly any who try the crossing."
Wyldyrn stares up at the massive Shaitan with awe visible in his clouded eyes. At the mention of an elf amongst the group, Wyldyrn speaks up. "Indeed, Azamad. I am the elf of which you speak, Wyldyrn Cor'amnis. Firedancer of the Aryth'anis." He bows deeply. Wyldyrn is quite tall, standing 6'4", and yet he still feels tiny compared to Azamad as he looks up at the Shaitan.
"We are indeed from the desert beyond the wastes, my people have called the Sarengave home for thousands of years."
"I hail from the Sarengave as well, I am a Walker of the Desert, calling this land not only home, but friend."'Abal chimes in, craning her neck to view the massive genie.
Azamad listens with a smile on his face. "Indeed. I have heard the name Sarengave before. Well, you all have had a long trip I imagine. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"We traveled the most treacherous parts of the desert in the company of another, an elf like Wyldyrn here, but quite different. He had a ruby for one of his eyes. Has there been sign of any other lost strangers before or since your people rescued us?" 'Abal asks the massive builder.
Wyldyrn looks around at the nearby wall, listening as Azamad and Abal trade. Hopefully someone around has heard word of their missing companions. "Perhaps you could ask your workers if they have heard or seen anything matching our companions. I fear the worst; however, I hope some of them have survived. If you do find anything, Azamad, perhaps you could find one of us and pass along the information? We would be quite grateful I assure you." He adds with a smile.
He wonders about his other companions, they have been very quiet as of late...
Azamad shakes his head. "You are the first outsiders we've had in the past year or so. We weren't even aware you came in. We do know the Anubites have been particularly active in this area. Hence the reason we are constructing this wall."
He then points towards the desert. "The Anubites have built a fortress out there and more and more Anubites have been sighted. Though we're constructing this wall, I fear it is only a matter of time before our village too must flee. However, when we do abandon this place, we will be vulnerable."
Azamad pauses for a moment. "Wait? A ruby eye? I've heard of someone like that before, not recently but very prominent. I cannot remember where I have heard of that though. Perhaps it will come to me later. I have a lot on my mind right now."
He looks you over. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
Wyldyrn glances up in surprise when Azamad mentions their missing elven companion. While nothing recent, perhaps when he remembers it will be enough for the group to perhaps follow-up on a destination. "I believe that it all you can help us with, Azamad. If you do happen to recall anything, please do seek one of us out. We will be exceptionally grateful."
He gestures to the great wall. "I do not believe you will be forced to abandon your homes in fleeing from this threat. I will help your people in defending against any Anubite attack while I tarry here. I hope one day to return to this land with my people at my back..." The oracle smiles at Azamad. "Farewell my tall friend. May you find water in your journey and the wind ever be at your back."
He turns towards the rest. "Shall we continue on?"
"The Anubites have a fortress, you say? It is possible that he of the ruby eye is either within, or in a camp nearby. It might be worth a scouting raid to see if we can learn anything."
"True, but better to have more information before that. We should continue," 'Abal says, preparing to take her leave and head toward the herbalists shop.
Faruq bows and thanks the genie before following his companions to the herbalist.
Azamad nods to Wyldyrn. "Your welcome. Take care and enjoy our hospitality while we still have some to spare."
At Meriui Azamad frowns. "A fools errand that. The Fortress is crawling with Anubites. We ourselves have been trying for some time to develop a force large enough to conduct a raid of our own but there are just too many. Many of the Anubites inside have scent and are a lot tougher than your typical footsoldier. The structure is also very sturdy. The land approaching it is open and flat, there would be no cover to use. Neigh, our best course is to hit any patrols as often as possible and prepare our defenses for their inevitable attack." Azamad seems very certain of this as if he has tried already.
----On to the herbalists then? One or two "yeses" will do.----
"A raid against their forces and an assault on the fortress are different things. Only a fool pits his own weakness against an enemy's strength. Only a fool does not learn what he can of his enemy without doing so, however. If they are planning an assault on this settlement, you can be assured that they have forces scouting the perimeter and watching this construction. But that wold be a discussion for Hadule, not you. My apologies for distracting you from your work."
On to the herbalist then.
You arrive at a shack behind the Seductive Sands Tavern Yaline owns. Going inside you find a wide assortment of preserved vegetation. Much of these plants are rare while some you have never seen before at all. As you enter a bell chimes. An elderly man comes in through the back door and looks you over.
"Ah, guests. I am Yuria the herbalist. Is there anything I can get you? Brew potions for you perhaps?"
Wyldyrn looks around in awe at all the plantlife in the small building; the idea of all that flora in such a concentrated area was inspiring. He had seen many of the oases scattered about the Sarengave, but this different. The shopkeeper's voice draws him from his admirations. "You have an amazingly beautiful shop, sir. I am merely content to look around as the beauties you have gathered here." He says with a smile.
'Abal is speechless with the abundance of plants and herbs available in Yuria's shop. With deep respect she bows to the elderly shopkeeper.
"I have walked the desert for years and never found half of the plants you have here, you are surely a wealth of knowledge in this wonderful oasis." she says with a smile.
Yuria smiles sheepishly. "Well this land provides many of the herbs I have acquired though I must admit it isn't natural. A good number of these plants aren't meant to be so common nor are some even supposed to grow in this environment at all. It is one of the many miracles of Daiga. However, it won't last forever. Once the anubites take this area, it will likely die. We are living on borrowed time."
He then looks over at you. "It is nice that you have come to visit but it cannot be for simply observation. Is there anything at all I can do for you?"
"Well honestly, we are looking for a companion with whom we were travelling before we were attacked by the Anubites. It is how we ended up here to begin with, but being a druid of the desert, I couldn't resist when I heard of your practice."
You all leave the herbalist and spend the rest of the day roaming around the town seeing the sights. You then return to the inn for the evening.
You are surprised to find a halfling in the tavern. Upon further examination, you recognize him as another member of the caravan you were with.
It has been a long day for you. After your caravan was attack and destroyed by the strange dogmen, you were left buried beneath the sand and forgotten.
When you emerged you found nothing left of the caravan. You managed to salvage your gear and with only luck to guide you, you wandered the Sarangave.
Luck is with you. After wandering for most of the day you finally stumble upon civilization. Not just a simple desert town but a lush and vast land as well. The town is rich in people, and plants. Though there is still much sand around, it is more like a tropical paradise than a desert wasteland.
Could this be Aridia? Regardless you make a beline for the nearest inn to get some much needed rest. You are greeted by the lovely innkeeper and are given a seat at a table. It is a fine establishment and the aroma of food if divine.
As you are enjoying the evening meal, you are surprised when a group of people from your caravan enter. There are at least three of them. A most welcome sight indeed.
You all see each other. Get reacquired.
Fred , Bite me i don't believe it There are other who have survived. Please he waves at you all come and sit, drink and tell me exactly what happened
Wyldyrn enters then inn with the rest of his company and hears a somewhat familiar voice. He turns to see Sumak waving at them from the edge of his vision... he remembers the face, but cannot seem to recall his name. "Another survivor of the caravan, how fortuitous!" He approaches the halfling's table to have a seat.
"It is a strange tale in the telling, friend. Perhaps you can also regale us with your part over some fresh water?"
'Abal smiles as she joins Wyldyrn at the halfling's table. "Truly the fabled luck of your people must lie with you my fried."
My tale is a simple one: I were left buried beneath the sand and forgotten. When I emerged I found nothing left of the caravan. I had my gear and managed to salvage a little more food and with only luck and skill to guide me, Fred and I wandered the Sarangave. After wandering for most of the day we finally stumble upon civilization, and so we got here.
Wouf !
Wyldyrn listens intently to Sumak's adventure in the deserts, amazed the halfling survived. "I'm glad to hear of your survival, I had hopes that perhaps you would know more of the fate of the caravan." He nods and begins to fill their cups with cool, fresh water.
"Those of us here had been captured by anubites, local denizens of the deserts... very hostile denizens to be exact. We escaped capture amidst a raid by warriors from this land. We joined them and returned here."
Well those that were not with you were all killed he says in a sad voice
"That is sad indeed. We have been finding our way around this settlement hoping to gain some knowledge of our employer. I somehow find it difficult to believe that a man like that perished in the storm, no matter how brutal or intense."
Well i don't know, but without him there is no more caravan to where we were supposed to go.