After nearly a weeks journey from the city of Solku, Garavel informs you that you will be reaching your destination shortly "Mistress Almah and her company are waiting for us at the Sultan's Claw." When asked about the Sultan's Claw, Garavel says that you'll see soon enough. Shortly after the sun has passed it's zenith you find yourself entering a series of hills, the jagged peaks of the Brazen Peak stretch across the horizon in the distance, like a series of jagged tombstones.
After another hour of travel you see a column of black smoke rising into the air from behind the next hillock. A look of worry crosses Garavel's face as he spurs his camel into a gallop. As you crest the hill you find a scene of chaos as six wagons and a large pavilion are clustered around a huge five limbed, barren tree stretching into the sky like a skeletal talon. A pack of camels prance around nervously, a wooden pen the only thing keeping them from bolting into the afternoon sun. Meanwhile a herd of goats and other livestock confusedly mill about the campground.
About a dozen men and women rush about the camp. Some chasing down the loose livestock while other rush from the center of the camp near the tree carrying buckets of water in each hand. Eyes following the bucket carriers you notice the cause of the smoke column. One of the wagons is ablaze.
Red and orange flames almost completely engulf an oddly decorated wagon. Peeling painted stars and moons decorate the sides of the burning wagon and smoke billows from an open door in the rear. As you approach the campsite a dust devil disturbs a scattering of brightly decorated cards lifting them into the air. One of the cards strikes Badi square in the chest before the others settle back to the ground. The wizard looks down at the card plastered to his chest only to find that it is the Cyclone, one of the cards from a fortune telling or, Harrow deck.
The Cyclone signifies a destructive force controlled by an intelligent being. It portends an ill wind that brings Arson, Destruction, and War.
As you watch sparks fly from the wagon to land on the old tree causing the Sultan's Claw to erupt in flame. Just then a regal looking woman emerges from the central pavilion "Douse that flame" she shouts at a group of men dressed in the red chitin armor of the Packmaster's Guard. Turning away she seems to notice you for the first time. A weary smile creases her face as she addresses Garavel "Ah, Garavel. And just a moment later than the nick of time, as usual." The caravan master bows low, silent as ever. Turning to you she shouts in a voice used to command "Don't just sit there gawking, find some way to help" before turning towards a barrel of water and grabbing a bucket to join the others trying to douse the flaming wagon.