The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

sorry had busy day yesterday catching up

Uesugi nods at D. as they both watch barbarian down a jug of sake and order another one. "There is still much to teach you barbarian. Your ways unrefined yet at times you show so much promise. Sit now. Properly. Put the stool down. Learn to drink the sake slowly. Do not slurp it down." Uesugi just shakes his head. Slowly he sips his own tea letting the aroma filter into his nose while trying identify the subtle flavours. He turns towards the high pitched sound which D. comments on but cannot see the speaker.

Mr Peppers nods politely to Po "I'm Mr Peppers, nice to meet you Ms Po. We're looking for a couple Tian men, one with a long mustache and the other bald and serious looking one likely carrying a Tian sword. They could be with a loud local man. Are they perhaps here?"

"Oh yes, my dear. They came in just a moment ago. I seated them right over by the bar. Follow me and I'll fetch your drinks." Madame Po leads you through the quiet teahouse. Busy as it may be, the atmosphere in here is closer to that of a temple than a tavern. Dim torchlight dances across the walls and soft velvety cushions decorate each bar stool. Rectangular wooden tables sit just a few inches off the ground, many patrons sitting cross-legged on the floor as they take sips from their cups.

The four meet Gallix, D, and Uesugi at the bar, and Madame Po smiles at the group as she disappears behind the bar to pour your drinks.

I thought we'd be at one of the low tables, proper oriental style. :)
Anyway....ball's over at the other court now.

You could always ask your lovely hostess for a table? :)

"Eh, look at that, it's another exterminator!" Barry holds his hand out to shake D's. "I don't recognize your two friends. You look like you work out though." He quite literally sizes Gallix up.

Cup eyes the high bar stools with dismay. "Madame Po, since we're such a large group, maybe we should get a party table?" She waves her hand vaguely in the direction of the low minkai-style tables on one side of the room. Then she turns to meet the newcomers, holding out her hand. "I don't believe that we've been introduced. I'm Calpurnia Underhall Poshkettle, but you may call me 'Cup' if you like!"

Mr Peppers nods in greeting to everyone, then proceeds to eye up the budding 'bromance' between Barry and Gallix. "Ah yes, Ms Po, are there any more private tables or rooms we could move to? Gallix and Barry may be a bit louder than your patrons would prefer. And as far as tea.. hrm. I'll take some sort of mint if I could."

Mr Peppers then lets his eyes wander around the room to see if anything of note pops out. Also hoping there is a shortage of gnomes that he may get dragged around and introduced to by little Miss Spectacles. Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Ms. Po rushes back from behind the bar with a tray full of drinks. "Right, of course! There's plenty of room for all of you." She beckons for you to follow her and leads you to one of the low tables. She takes out a flint and steel and lights two candles, setting one down in the center of the table front of Cup and another in front of Gallix.

"Some mint tea for you, my dear, one green tea, one Wu Chai Dragon tea, and more rice wine for the rest of you." One by one, she places your drinks down on the table. "If you need anything at all, please do call for me." She curtsies and glides away.

I'll respond to what Mr. Peppers might see in a GM post once I think about it :)

D. shakes cup's hand.

"I am D. , of the Kuroikarasu family, Arthraven for the Taldan speech.
Where did you pick up our eastern tongue?"

Uesugi raises his cup in both hands and bows his head to each of you. "D. mentioned a trip you all just recently got back from. I take it all went well for you are all in one piece. And I see you have picked up some others along the way." Uesugi gives the gnome a curious look and then shifts his gaze to the large man who appears to be comparing the diameter of his arm with the barbarian's.

This group never stops surprising with people that we attract

"I am Uesugi Hideyoshi. Are you the one that has married the barbarian?" he looks at the gnome while he says this slowing sipping his tea and placing it down in front of him.

"Uesugi-san, does the chibi-chan look like 'the troll faced dwarf', that Gallix-san spoke of, to you?"

Don't worry Cup. If you look it up, it's more of a compliment, that he's putting bluntly.

Mr Peppers nearly snarfs on his tea and coughs. Wow word travels fast of Gallix's 'conquests'. "Excuse me, it was hotter than I expected. Umm, no, Miss Cup here is a librarian, and a fellow Pathfinder, she wishes to tag along on the task that Barry has asked me about. We met Barry in Diobel recently." Mr Peppers takes another, smaller sip of his tea then continues. "Barry, I believe we are all here if you could elaborate on what you mentioned to us in the library. Please try not to leave any details out."

Mr Peppers then puts his tea down and pulls out a journal and ink pen, as is preparing to take notes. Then looks at Barry expectantly.

Gallix looks up from his sake, a distraught expression painted across his face as he continues to ponder his escape from his alleged bride-to-be. The sight of more friends brings a smile, though, and the musculature on the large man they brought with them turns that smile into a lecherous smirk. Still in his lotus position, Gallix rolls back onto his shoulders, unfolds his legs, and kips up to his feet in an almost totally uninterrupted movement. He turns to the others and greets them, doing his best to keep his voice at a somewhat respectable level, "Good to see you all. Looks like you've made some new friends too." He nods toward the gnome momentarily, but steps directly towards the beefsteak of a man accompanying them. "Hi there, Muscles. What's your name? Allow me to save the others the trouble of ruining our meeting. I'm the world-renowned pit fighter and resident barbarian of the Red Arm of Absalom. IIIII'mmmm-" he checks his volume before he starts yelling in the usually quiet tea house...again...then goes on, "That is, they call me 'Gorgeous' Gallix Granbonne." He seizes the stranger's hand in a vice-grip of a handshake, making sure to flex every muscle up the entire length of his arm in the process, and throwing in a few pectoral flexes for good measure.

After the introduction scene

Gallix follows the others to the larger table near the back of the tea house and takes his seat, once again sitting beside the table with legs crossed. He continues to partake of the sake, but at a much more moderate pace. Seems like something's up. Better keep my wits about me.

He is grateful that the others clarified that this gnome, 'Cup', is not the dwarf woman who had tricked him into engagement, and chooses not to elaborate further for now. As Peppers asks Barry for the details of his request, Gallix also pulls out his journal and charcoal stylus to take notes. From time to time, he glances over at Peppers' notes to compare details and see if he had left out anything important.

Barry watches the barbarian as he shows off his muscles. "They call me The Boot. Barry The Boot!" He tries to squeeze Gallix's hand just as hard, if not harder.

I actually have his stat box, so give me a STR check, Gallix.
Strength check, whose grip hurts more?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

"A world-renowned pit fighter? Never heard o' ya. Oh, and did ya say Gorgeous Gallix?" Barry pretends to muffle a laugh but he's really looking to antagonize Gallix. He unbuttons the top button of his collared shirt so as to expose his well-defined pecs, then plops himself down at the table.

__

Now seated at the short table, he takes a swig of the rice wine. "Eh, Cup, this stuff ain't half bad!" He gulps the rest down.

"Another round, please!" Barry shouts towards the bar. "And another for my friend here!" He shoots Gallix a smug grin.

Mr. Peppers notices a few dirty looks shot at Barry from the other patrons seated in the teahouse. He can hear a few subtle whispers: So rude... Throw him out!

__

"Right, so as I was tellin' them in the library. I was lookin' for you guys 'cause you're professional exterminators, and the Venture-Captain received a letter from Mayor Trinelli of Saringallow that said there's these huge insects showin' up there. The letter also mentioned somethin' about disappearing residents, but it was vague. That's really all I know and all that Valsin was told. I don't think he will know much else."

Cup auto-makes this one too :)

Lots going on here, I apologize if it's confusing

Uesugi looks at D. for a moment and nods

Turning his attention to large man named Barry Uesugi waits for him to stop his tests of prowess with Gallix and listens to this new assignment.
"And where is there actually located? I am still new to the Inner Sea region I would have explained to me because it would seem we head outside of the city."

"Very nice to meet you, Barry the Boot." Gallix strains to match the man's impressive strength.

STR check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The sake has begun to get to him, however, and, when the handshake breaks up, he has to shake his hand out to get the feeling back. "That's quite a grip you've got there, Barry. I have to admit, I may have exaggerated slightly about being 'world-renowned,' but they really do call me 'Gorgeous' in the pits. Believe me, it doesn't take much to be labeled a pretty boy when you're being compared to some o' the folks fighting on the sands." Gallix flashes Barry his most winning smile and laughs at his masculine display. And. Then. He. Winks.

Diplomacy check, 'How you doin?': 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

____

"Wait, what's all this about us being exterminators?!"

Isa climbs on Sirettis's shoulder as she delicately drinks the green tea. She chirps something.

SIrettis almost spits it out and glares at Isa to silence her.

"The town had a wall erected around it after the populace rebelled against the House. The buildings must be relatively old and undamaged. I have heard the goblins active during the Goblinblood Wars simply attacked easier targets. Interesting."

Damn I never thought you could take 10 on a Knowledge.. that makes things much easier and makes more sense...

Mr Peppers quickly writes down the important aspects of Barry's story, leaving out the non-relevant details. But does include a few notes on Saringallow pieced together between himself, Sirettis, and Cup. A smile creeps across his face as Sirettis beats Miss Cup to the punch on this final interesting piece of history of the town.

"Wait, what's all this about us being exterminators?!"

Mr Peppers clears his throat and looks up from his journal. "While you were hiding from your BETROTHED in the jungle, we were helping Barry here out with a spider issue in Diobel." Mr Peppers takes another sip of tea as he shoots Gallix a smile.

"Now, if we're all interested in this missive, perhaps we should head over to Captain Valsin for anything official he may need to process or produce." And quickly too before we get thrown out due to some drunken arm wrestling.. or worse.

Uesugi nods at Mr. Peppers suggestion. "Yes. It would seem that is the correct decision. Let us finish our tea and sake and head to find the Venture Captain."

Gallix stares daggers at Mr. Peppers in response to his snide remark about his betrothed, but ignores it for now. Better not to kick the hornet's nest on this. Otherwise I'll never hear the end of it.

"Alright, well let's just be clear. We're not JUST exterminators. Anyway, sounds like this Saringallow place has more than just a bug problem. It's been a while since I've been anywhere near Cheliax. It might be good to see the old homeland again for a bit. Let's go find Valsin."

Barry doesn't know how to react as Gallix awkwardly winks at him, and he shifts his eyes from side to side just as awkwardly. "Um, whatever you say. I'm sure you handled 'em just fine with that wimpy grip ya got there." He flashes another smug grin at the barbarian.

Is he hitting on me?
...
Desna weeps.

"And where is there actually located? I am still new to the Inner Sea region I would have explained to me because it would seem we head outside of the city."

"Saringallow's in Isger. A Cheliaxian state. I think Cup knows a little more about that place. I've never really been, ya know?"

Okay, the direction is pretty clear - off to find VC Valsin, but I'll wait to move this forward for anyone else who wants to still post while in the teahouse.

Cup turns to D. "Honored to meet you, D. of the Kuroikarasu family. I first learned tien to help my adoptive family deal with their tea distributors, many of whom were tien. It turns out that like many gnomes and tengu, I have a ear for tongues." She nearly chokes on her tea when she gets asked if she's a troll-faced dwarf. "I assure you, not a dwarf. They're stockier and much more solid."

Has no one here worked with gnomes before? Really?

Then she pauses. "If you're interested in languages, there's a gnome at the Grand Lodge named Basil Badgerbrow who teaches courses. Oh! Mr. Peppers! I should be sure to introduce you!"

She smiles brightly, and then returns back to the conversation at hand. "Isger is a fascinating place. It went from being a vassal state of Taldor to a vassal state of Cheliax. It's had all sorts of terrible things happen to it -- strip-mining, goblin wars, demonic sacrifices, plagues, draconic rebels and at least one planar invasion from outer space! So exciting and dangerous!" She's so excited, she's practically bouncing. "Isger used to outlaw Pathfinders, but our recent treaty with Cheliax means that we can get in now without hiring bandits to smuggle us in."

She smiles with contentment. "Isger's a great place to live on the edge and avoid the bleaching, which is probably why there's so many gnomes living there."

Mr Peppers puts down his quill as Cup begins meandering and repeating herself. "Languages are quite an art form to master. I myself have picked up a few over the decades but for now I try to stick to the arcane arts as much as I can."

He takes a final gulp to tea to finish it off before it cools too much and picks up the quill once more. "Yes Cheliax has a very terrifying history, especially when you start digging into the royal families I've started to read about. They definitely have some strong ties to magic though... but likely not all good."

Mr Peppers rubs his chin and raises an eyebrow when Cup mentions 'bleaching'. "I've never heard that term, could you please enlighten me Miss Cup? It sounds interesting." His quill at the ready.

"If I'm going to be a miss, it's Miss Poshkettle not Miss Cup," she repeats, firmly. Still, his question takes her by surprise.

He knows so little of us.

"Bleaching? Well... That's how we die." She swallows, and puts down her tea cup, her hands shaking. "Or how my father did, anyway, before the Underhalls adopted me."

She gets up, having suddenly lost her appetite, and says, a little too brightly, "Shall we find Venture Captain Valsin now?" She leaves a generous tip for Madame Po and hurries out the door, holding herself and taking deep breaths.

That's not the way I'll go. Oh, daddy, I miss you so...

D. is not the most skilled reader of people, but this was still Obvious to him.

"My thanks for the tea, Madame Po, it was good.
I will be sure to revisit your tea house in the future."

He leaves the tea house, after a small bow with his head.

Hrm I guess I'll need to find out what this bleaching is.. a disease perhaps?

"My condolences on the loss of your father, especially at such a young age." After an uncomfortable silence has passed Mr Peppers clears his throat "Yes, lets be moving along." He lays down the appropriate coinage, nods goodbye to Ms Po, and gathers his journal and heads out.

Madame Po rushes over to the table. "Oh, has Cup already left? I did not get to see her off." A slight frown forms on her face, but she masks it with a bright smile as she collects the payment and empty cups. "Thank you for coming to Po's. It was a pleasure to meet you all."

I do hope it wasn't the tea that had her leaving so suddenly.

Barry sternly addresses Mr. Peppers. "Ya really upset her. Come on. Perhaps ya might be just a little more sensitive?" He sighs, shaking his head as he follows Cup out the door.
__

Still in Absalom's Grand Lodge, you make for Venture-Captain Valsin's office. He's easy enough to locate and recognize with such a booming voice and a distinct facial hair pattern.

As you enter, he's seated at his desk, sipping from a waterskin as he verifies a mission report. He looks up as he hears you walking in. "Pathfinders! Welcome back! It's only been... A week? And you're already back for more? Talk about commitment." He smiles. "Now that's what the Society's all about!" He claps his hands together and leans back on his chair. "Come in, come in. What brings you here?"

He's louder than I am...

Barry stays towards the rear of the group and keeps his head low. Not exactly a Pathfinder agent nor an upstanding citizen, he isn't sure if he's welcome in a Venture-Captain's office.

"Ya really upset her. Come on. Perhaps ya might be just a little more sensitive?"

"Ya I really stepped in that one. I'll think of something."

"Come in, come in. What brings you here?"

Mr Peppers speaks up quickly before any gnomes have a chance "Good afternoon Captain. No sense sitting idle in a library is there? I've had my fair share of that for a couple decades already."

He pauses for a second and clears his throat then gestures to Barry in the back of the group "Barry here has contacted us about some sort of plight in Saringallow. He's a Kortos Agent, we met him at the warehouse last week while we were dealing with the umm vermin? We weren't sure if this sort of thing was something the Pathfinders would be interested in." He then gestures towards Barry to speak up.

What is the "bleaching"? Sirettis is curious, but relived when Mr. Peppers makes the inquiry. She is disappointed in the answer. Calpurnia Underhall Poshkettle's abrupt departure only made things more awkward.

"Do not feel too upset, Mr. Peppers. I did not... recognize that term, either. Let us catch up to her."

Sirettis, unfamiliar with Tien culture, decides to curtsey when Madame Po arrives.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Your tea was quite enjoyable. Unfortunately, duty calls. If you'll excuse us..."

Sirettis pauses and guides Isa into her hands on the way to the Lodge.

Paizo went down for a moment and I thought I lost this post. Whew.

Barry clears his throat and steps forward. "Umm, yes, sir, Captain of the Venture.. I think that's what they call you, right?" He awkwardly laughs.

"Anyway, yes! The big bugs in Saringallow. I think you might've heard the same, right, sir?" Barry ensures he pronounces every syllable, keeping his voice as steady as possible this time.

I don't know why he's so intimidating. The big head? The booming voice? Weird face hair? Bet I could destroy him in an arm wrestle...

Valsin sits up in his chair. "Ah, yes. We have heard the same. Mayor Trinelli sent us a letter requesting some assistance. Now, according to the townspeople in Saringallow, the enormous insect reports were rumors. Overactive imaginations, if you will. The Mayor hasn't actually seen them herself, but what she does know is that several young apprentices have gone missing over the past few weeks. They haven't shown up for work. Whether they all decided to take a vacation together or not is anyone's guess, but she's suggesting the two are somehow connected."

Valsin nods and begins to write down some of the details as he continues. "Certainly sounds like something we might be able to help with. It sounds like you may be interested?"

Watching the gnome's reaction at the mention of Mr. Peppers question about bleaching leaves Uesugi confused. And when the large man scolds Mr. Peppers about having a little more compassion it leaves Uesugi completely lost. Deciding that this matter must have something to do with wu jen tricks Uesugi does not say another word on the matter and gets up a leaves the tea house making certain to bow with respect to the proprietor.

When they finally reach the Venture Captain Uesugi looks at the large man's poor attempt to speak in front of the Venture Captaun with a quizzical look before talking to the Venture Captain. "There are no other details Venture Captain ? Is the mayor of Sarringallow a member of the Society as well? Will we bring a letter bearing your mark to identify us to the mayor? Does the Society have a lodge or contact in Sarringallow or close by? I cannot think any of us will object to investigating this matter. The trip seems far shall we travel overland or by ship all the way there? One final question are there any other assignments that we should be looking after while we are in Isger"

Corsac, still sitting quietly apparently asleep under his big hat, speaks hoarsely.

"Big bugs sounds like an interesting hunt. I reckon you can count us in, right Bessie?" He pats his musket that sits propped up against him.

"I'm ready to stretch my legs a bit anyway."

"It sounds to me like the villagers are in strong denial. It would serve them to see a spider in the town square, before we'd have to dispatch it, if it comes to that."

"Giant bugs aside, there's then the possibility of larger groups of infant spiders, following their larger ones in swarms."

"Where are the spiders coming from? A nest? Is someone breeding them? Many mysteries to discover."

She turns down toward Calpurnia Underhall Poshkettle, trying to get her attention. "Is this the kind of task you were interested in helping us with?"

Mr Peppers listens as Barry wilts under the stern gaze of Captain Valsin. For someone as showy and outspoken he sure is insecure. He could do for some public speaking lessons.

Mr Peppers finds a chair and seats himself, pulling out his own journal to take down some notes. "Looks like everyone is interested?" He looks around the room to confirm this. "From the sounds of things hopefully spiders aren't at all involved, but I'll be sure to prepare the appropriate fire spell just in case. Do you know what sort of apprentices have disappeared? Maybe all with similar vocations? Kidnappings perhaps?"

Mr Peppers waits for the Captain's or Barry's response, jots down a few notes, then continues "Are there any other objectives to this mission other than finding these missing persons and figuring out this possible insect rumor? Its a long trip and I don't want to miss anything. Should we be seeking to strengthen the Pathfinder reputation here or keep our official involvement more low key?" Mr Peppers taps his quill to his chin as he ponders any more questions.

Cup squeezes Barry's hand lightly and gives him a reassuring smile. Then she nods to Sirettis. "Yes, I'm very interested in offering my assistance with this mission."

"This group has asked some very good questions. I'd like to ask one of my own." Then she pauses and turns to Barry with another reassuring smile. "Barry, I'm curious about the Kortos Consortium's interest in Saringallow. Can you tell us more about that? It's a walled enclave. I hadn't heard of anything worth exporting in the area other than goat products -- cheeses, leather and so on. Is it their location, off the Conerica straits, that interests you? It would be a perfect place to establish a smuggling outpost between Druma and Cheliax, especially given the town's independent streak."

Now THAT is a question I'd never thought to ask... this little gnome is more than just a librarian. The webs of politics and the underground are the stickiest of them all.

Mr Peppers cocks and eyebrow at Cup's question to Barry.

"Maybe it would be easiest if we had a map of Isger to study. Venture Captain, I hope you don't mind if I create one that everyone can read?" Cup casts silent image upon the wall, showing a map of Isger, the Conerica straits, and the location of Saringallow.

Feel free to add the map to your slide show if you like, Red!

Valsin stops writing as he answers Uesugi. "There aren't any other details, but the Mayor will definitely be able to tell you more. My advice is to meet with her promptly on your arrival. She isn't a Society agent and you can take this letter to show that you're on official business. As for there being a lodge in Cheliax..." He stops for a moment as he collects his thoughts. "There was Delvehaven, but it was shut down years ago, and now it's rumoured to be haunted. May want to stay away from that place!" He chuckles.

"There are many ways to get to Isger, but I'd say sail to Andoran and then follow the river north towards Falcon's Hollow. Once there, a fork in the river extends west towards Isger, ending at the Aspodell Mountains. Saringallow is just west of those mountains along the Conerica River. Once you see the tall walls and guard posts, you'll know you're there."

Valsin smiles widely as Cup produces a map of Isger. "Wow, you've got a map? That'll save me a lot of work and make the trip even easier. It's nice to see Pathfinders so well-prepared."

He clears his throat and takes another swig from his waterskin, then answers Mr. Peppers.

"That's all we're being asked for. She hasn't spared too many details on the apprentices. And from what I hear, they're a superstitious bunch over in Saringallow, not so welcoming to outsiders, so you may want to keep that you're from the Society low."

__

Barry smiles at Cup as the gnome asks him why he's even interested. "Yep. Classic Cup and her booksmarts. I'd really expect nothin' less! The Cornerica River's the perfect place to funnel goods through." He clears his throat. "Legitimate goods, of course! We don't have any operations in the area, so this is more of an exploratory mission for us. Venture-Captain, I won't interfere with your tasks nor with the Society. Once we get to Saringallow, I'll take my leave and stay outta yer way."

Mr Peppers observes Cup's spellcasting and raises his other eyebrow. I'm assuming you can take 10 on Spellcraft out of combat.

Well now that's a spell that took some ability to learn. I wonder what sort of spellcaster she is.. I haven't see any spell book yet. Maybe she won't be a complete liability on this trip after all.

Mr Peppers will speaks some Elvish words and point his finger towards the map, creating a red dot on the map, and moving it around to aid the group in the presentation.

"How might we make the trip inland? Is the only reliable access via this river here? Are there any well kept roads?" He says as he guides the dot around the map, highlighting the areas in question.

"Not a man of the sea, are you? I suppose you could travel entirely by land once you arrive in Andoran, or you could be daring and sail straight for Cheliax. Once you arrive at the Bay of Deng, you would travel due north by land. It's mostly plains out that way, so you'll at least be able to see anything nefarious along the roads. On the other hand, it may make setting up camp a little less safe."

Isa stands up in Sirettis's hands, chirps a bit and then sits back down.
"A sea voyage is fine with me. Isa as well... I think."

"So I guess the reasonably timely options are either Andoran then rivers inland or Cheliax then sailing upriver." He traces the routes with the red dot.

"I can't say I know any better one way or the other, traveling long distances isn't something I'm accustomed to. I'll heed to the group and you Captain on that." With that he sits back in his chair and listens to the discussion.

"Well if the most direct route is by the coast and then by river we should take this route"

"I agree with Uesugi, the sooner we get to our destination, the better."

Sounds like we've got a plan, anything else before I move us on to Saringallow? Let me know if you'll be purchasing anything before your departure.

"We leave at dawn then. I must inquire with Master Yamashita. I had commissioned for a special blade to be crafted to complete my daishō. Also the recent travels have shown I will need Master Yamashita to craft a yumi for me upon my return but perhaps in the meantime I will inquire on what he has available. Once we learn of the vessel we will be taking along the coast I will meet you there in the morning."

will be purchasing a cold iron wakizashi and a long bow

"Excellent. One last night to enjoy with... a friend... and I will be good to go."

Blaster will purchase 3 alchemist's fires.

"One last night spent in a real bed for a while. I've got a few purchases to make, I'll meet you all at dawn."

Purchases: 1 antiplague, 2 acids, 2 alchemical grease, 6 more days of rations, earplugs, grooming kit, and an air bladder. Mr Peppers doesn't travel outside the city much...

"Then it is settled." Sirettis stands up and leaves the lodge to take one last look at the city.

Purchasing 2 vials of alchemist's fire.

If Cup and D have any purchases to make, just add that in at the beginning of your post.

Valsin hands you a rolled-up note bound with the Glyph of the Open Road and wishes you safe travels. You leave his office to make last minute purchases and rest for the night.

Valsin chartered a ship for your travels, and as luck would have it, the Sixwing Drake awaits you as you arrive at Absalom's Docks. You head onto the ship at dawn and depart due north up towards Andoran. The journey is quick and without incident, and the ship docks at Almas. The captain waves you off, offering a few rations for your travels.

The trip north along the river takes about another two days, and with such a diverse and skilled group, you have little trouble navigating the plains or dispatching any vermin and wild beasts you encounter. Before long, you continue west to Isger, finally approaching what Cup identifies as Saringallow on her map.

The clouds hang low above the town and the sky is an impenetrable blanket of gray. Little wildlife is seen nearby other than the odd bird gliding overhead and the eerie silence in this part of Isger is all too fitting for a town with a tragic history.

A well-kept wooden wall extends nearly half of a mile from end to end. At each entrance into Saringallow are two guard towers and sturdy metal gates. Four armed guards stand watch at each tower, and each gate is further reinforced with a second interior wicker gate. The gates ahead are currently open, although the guards eye you suspiciously as you approach.

Slides are up, currently containing a bird's eye view of Saringallow with a few numbered locations