|
As Charging Bear asks his question a knock comes at the door.
"Ah, well, that's where Ophelia comes in." As the door opens to reveal a human Qadiran noblewoman dressed in rich crimson cleric vestments, carrying an array of scrolls in her hands. Around her neck, is an ornate gold and ruby holy symbol of Sarenrae. Specializing in the southern regions history, religions and geography, as a whole, Ophelia is the foremost expert on much of the day to day life and history of the organization south of Absalom.
"Ophelia," Ambrus says quickly. "I believe you are aware of the situation".
"Of course, sir," she says as she pulls out a map of Stonespine Island.
"So as all of you know, Stonespine Island is just off the coast of Katapesh. While it is technically under the legal rule of Katapesh, there are really only two groups that run the island: Pirates and Gnolls. The island many times has been used as a sheltered place for pirates to rest, get provisions, and hide from retribution from hostile nations. To this day, pirates needing to lay low for a while head inland on the island, its rocky foothills and jagged peaks providing countless hiding places. Before that, the island saw only brief action when Qadira the dervishes on the island before fighting their way across the ocean to invade Katapesh. It's main capital is Okeno, where what few laws exist, are upheld with iron fists."
"I advise you, use caution with the Gnolls just as much as you would the pirates of the land. Gnolls hyena-like in nature, but stand on two feet as normal humans would. They are cruel and tend to keep packs of hyenas as pets. Gnolls love hunting but try to make slaves do everything else for them. Gnolls are primarily nocturnal, typically worship Lamashtu, and are known to kill and eat sentient creatures. They’re known for using flail-like weapons called flindbars."
"It is the month of Sarenith, so it will be hot, humid, and unyielding. You will want to travel with as light as possible. If Master Valsin is correct, they will take you out into the plains away from Okeno. Out there, there is little water and little relief from the heat. But the nights out there will chill you to the bone."