Wall walkers of Adjepbar

Scribe Notes

Summary

Adventure: Wall walkers of Adjepbar
GM: Jono
Season: ~Winter 826 WK
Night: Starting Monday at 7pm on the 15th June 2026 at Jono's.
Area: The Five Sisters
Level: Medium
Info: Information from players for Jono

House Rules: Jono Quickness and Slowness

This is for a small group of players for a short adventure to work for the interests of a wealthy trading family in Adjepbar. They want to find out who, is stealing from the vaults, among other things.

This is a short game as its really a play testing of some new software for DQ. NPC-forge.com - DQ Character app, DQ GM Mentor, NPC Forge, Scribe Notes Keeper, and Item Forge leading to supporting a new VTT.

Party
Aurora Keith (Scribe)
Keshah Surfboard (Party Leader)
Lizette Dylan (Mil Sci)

Wall Walkers of Adjepbar In the prosperous merchant quarter of Adjepbar, Lady Summers, an air-aspected wood elf of grace and subtle power—and her radiant companion Lady Dawn arrive seeking discretion and alliance. They secure elegant lodgings in a family-run house of pod-shaped windows, flowering courtyards, and watchful eyes, where multi-species merchants, armed youths, suspicious captains, and a talkative fourth son gather for candlelit dinners of dried fruits and careful conversation. Balancing trade overtures, language lessons, and the concealment of their magical natures against rising local scrutiny, the Wall Walkers begin to weave themselves into the city's fabric while hints of underground chambers and unspoken threats stir beneath the summer breezes.

Scribe Notes

Night 1

Chapter 1: The Merchant's Shadowed Commission

Keshah hires the Wall Walkers in the glowing halls of Adjepbar

Keshah hires the Wall Walkers in the glowing halls of Adjepbar

Within a high-ceilinged chamber whose walls shimmered with faint inner light, the merchant lord of one of Adjepbar's oldest trading families regarded the three adventurers seated before him. The air carried the scent of ledger ink, spiced wine, and the distant clamor of the market below. Keshah spoke without preamble, his voice low and measured.

"We believe someone is spying on our merchant business," he said. "Our rivals have been improbably lucky for the past year. They anticipate our caravans, undercut our prices, and steal our buyers before ink dries on the contracts. We do not wish to alarm the rest of the house. You will investigate discreetly. Report only to me."

The black-haired mage with striking green eyes inclined his head. "You'll learn about us soon enough," he replied. "What precautions would you suggest?"

Keshah outlined the web of alliances his house maintained with seven other families, the importance of heraldry, and the sprawling compounds where secrets multiplied like mold in the cellars. An internal probe had yielded nothing; outsiders were required. Payment would be generous if results came within four weeks. Equipment would be provided, but the Wall Walkers must remain unconnected to the family should anything go wrong.

"Thirty tons of leather," one of the adventurers noted, steering the talk toward practical matters. "Two barns, bound for the Five Sisters Way. We can arrange watchers and a caravan if needed."

Keshah nodded. A young man entered quietly, offering additional details on the shipment before withdrawing. The merchant's expression remained guarded. "If you remain untroubled and successful, further contracts will follow. There are ancient ruins in the north that may hold answers, but that is for later."

Conversation drifted toward the city's unwritten laws. One of the Wall Walkers murmured the words of a subtle social charm, its effect like oil smoothing troubled waters. Keshah answered their careful questions with visible reluctance.

"Under Lord Bray's precedents, the death of a woman is often not counted a crime," he said flatly. "Kidnapping and ransom of commoners draws little notice. Honor matters more when dealing with the powerful. Champion the wrong house and you place yourself outside all protection. Challenge a lady or accept one, and the rules of engagement are merciless. Lose face and you may lose far more."

The mage absorbed the warning, fingers tapping the table. Rumors of double agents and an elemental that had seized a distant throne were mentioned in passing, along with the possibility of bodyguards who could allow armor to remain hidden. When the meeting concluded, handshakes were exchanged and quiet thanks offered.

"Good luck," Keshah said as they rose. "You will need it in these houses."

The Wall Walkers stepped from the cool chamber into the sunlit streets of Adjepbar, where the glowing walls seemed to watch their every move. Their first commission had begun: walk the delicate line between merchant houses, expose the spy, and survive the customs of a city that rewarded cunning far more than mercy.

Chapter 2: The Glowing Walls of Adjepbar

The Wall Walkers arrive at the luminous market of Adjepbar

The Wall Walkers arrive at the luminous market of Adjepbar

The discussion turned practical as weariness settled over the group. Terella offered her healing arts, restoring strength where fatigue had accumulated from their earlier exertions. With refreshed resolve, they consulted their map and activated the dimensional artifacts. The world folded around them, and in the space of two swift jumps they stood amid the crumbling stones of an abandoned ruin high on a windswept plateau. Beneath them the desert stretched away in silvered darkness, while green hills rolled northward under starlight.

Night still held the land when they descended toward the city. Its outer wall emitted a steady bluish radiance, casting ethereal light across the sands. Aurora remained just beyond the glow, watchful, while the others approached the northern gate. The streets within revealed a wonder: flat-roofed buildings whose terraces overflowed with rooftop gardens, lush greenery defying the arid climate. Ground floors showed few windows, most shuttered or barred, but higher levels opened to the air.

They followed the map to a busy intersection where the night market thrived despite the hour. Hundreds of locals moved among stalls, trading cloth and linen, steel tools, spices, and hot food that scented the warm air. Most traveled in small groups of three or four; guards patrolled discreetly. Children darted between adults while merchants called their wares beneath strings of lanterns.

Keshah stayed close as the party observed the flow of commerce. One among them, seeking not to blend but to command respect, approached a clothier’s stall. The merchant, an amiable man with quick eyes, listened to the request for garments befitting a representative of an important trading house.

"Gold," the merchant advised with a knowing smile. "Gold proclaims wealth and influence here. Red can serve, but gold… gold draws the eye of those who matter." He spoke of the coming festival on Friday, when the city would celebrate with special trade and pageantry. Samples were brought forth—fine linens, richly dyed silks, a tailored jacket with flowing sleeves in the local style. The chosen ensemble was measured and fitted while the group sampled warm bread and kept watch on the surrounding crowds.

By the time the transaction finished, the sky had begun to pale toward morning. Eight o’clock brought a pleasant eighteen degrees and clear air. The Wall Walkers, now attired as prosperous emissaries, moved deeper into the glowing city with purpose, the weight of their covert errand for the Adjepbar merchant house resting lightly on their shoulders.

Night 2

Chapter 1: A Haven Overlooking the Port

Arrival at Lady Summers' courtyard haven in Adjepbar

Arrival at Lady Summers' courtyard haven in Adjepbar

The streets of Adjepbar's merchant district thronged with well-to-do traders, most of them human, their footsteps echoing off sturdy stone façades. For the last hour the companions had moved through the flow of commerce, drawing glances that lingered especially on Aurora. Young men watched her with open admiration, though she dismissed any thought of buying a hat to blunt the attention.

"We should find somewhere reputable," one of them said, scanning the storefronts. Talk turned briefly to disguises and the wisdom of not casting spells in the middle of a crowded street; no one wanted to be the fool loosing lightning bolts among the merchants.

They pressed on toward the port, sacks of goods slung over shoulders, until they reached a handsome building set behind a low wall. A small garden lay beyond, graced with two large reflecting pools and riotous flower beds. A dwarf and a hobbit sat chatting in the shade while a woman moved among the blooms. She looked up as the party entered.

"Lady Summers," Aurora greeted her.

The woman smiled, brushing pollen from her hands. "You are from up north, yes? A bit further than the port district, I think." She studied them a moment, then nodded. "We have rooms. Excellent ones for you and your two daughters."

After a brief confusion over identities, Lady Summers led them up a flight of stairs to a spacious chamber on the first floor. High windows shaped like elongated pods looked out over the harbor, letting in salt air and the cries of gulls. A balcony overlooked the inner courtyard, and the room itself was airy and well-appointed, bright with colorful hangings and clever wooden screens. Two smaller bedrooms opened off it.

"The balcony faces the courtyard," Lady Summers explained. "You may come down and play dice if you wish. We have a fur trader, a ship captain, and others who gather in the evenings."

While servants brought cool water and fresh linens, a boy of about eight appeared in a miniature captain's uniform, bubbling with excitement. His older sister, Marian, followed more sedately. She appeared to be fifteen or sixteen, not quite human, with an easy grace.

"I can help you learn Adjepbaran," Marian offered, "if you wish. An hour each morning, perhaps? Just enough to speak with other merchants."

"That is a very good idea," Aurora replied. "We'll be doing it."

Marian's face brightened. She spoke of the Tournier, an organization that had spent the last decade fighting drought and the expansion of the drow, striving to change things for the better in the city. The companions exchanged glances; the name was new to them, but clearly important.

Later, Aurora emerged from her room transformed, wrapped in a light blue silk cape that shimmered like sky at dawn. Lady Summers clapped her hands in delight. "The Lady of Dawn!" she exclaimed. "Holy Andrew himself would approve."

Talk turned to the length of their stay—three or four weeks at first, perhaps longer—and to meals and guides. The boy tugged at the elf's sleeve. "Are you good with a sword? Will you come to the martial yards and meet the others?"

"Maybe," the elf answered with a smile, "but not today."

"I will arrange a guide for you in the morning," Lady Summers promised.

As the sun dipped lower, a tray of delicate pastries appeared, each topped with a thin layer of candied lemon. Marian's mother, it seemed, was an exceptional baker, though she guarded her recipes closely. The companions sampled them gratefully, speaking of Eastern Creek and the possibility of growing the same fruit there.

Before anyone could finish their tea, a group of twelve people entered below, accompanied by guards. Two men led the way up the stairs, their voices carrying clearly through the open windows. Whatever business had brought them to Lady Summers' door, it carried the unmistakable weight of importance.

Chapter 2: Merchants, Magic, and Moonlit Baths

Negotiating lodgings and secrets in the merchant house garden

Negotiating lodgings and secrets in the merchant house garden

In the shaded garden of the merchant house, where pod-like windows overlooked beds of fragrant herbs, the companions found themselves greeted by a courteous attendant and a pair of watchful guards. The man bowed politely, explaining that his lord and lady were resting upstairs. "If you require any assistance," he offered, "my lord employs many fine guards. We would be happy to help."

The trio introduced themselves as representatives of a northern merchant company seeking trading contacts, their story centering on shipments of fine leather from the Western Kingdoms. Lady Summers produced a small notepad, jotting details as the conversation turned to geography. "We are on the east coast," the attendant confirmed, smiling at their momentary confusion about the western lands. He spoke knowledgeably of the uncharted territories beyond, where sea-grass prairies stretched toward Sierra Grassa and hostile tribes made commerce perilous.

When talk shifted to their length of stay, the attendant's eyes brightened. "Three weeks, you say? That can be arranged, with a modest discount for such valued guests." They settled on full board—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus the use of the common areas. The host grew more serious when the subject turned to security. "We wish to avoid any unnatural troubles," he said carefully. "Elementals, devils, or the Fair Folk bring nothing but complications."

"We understand completely," Lady Dawn replied. "If we encounter any such problems, you will be the first to know." To ensure their privacy, they requested permission to raise a simple ward against scrying. The attendant agreed, provided it harmed no mortals, and soon a subtle veil of magic shimmered around their quarters.

As evening approached, conversation grew lighter. The attendant invited them to the night market and the coming festival. "The day after tomorrow is Friday by the old Elven calendar—derived, they say, from the Hobbit reckoning." Over glasses of cool wine, he described the other guests: a noble party from the country whose presence had heightened security. "Their captain informed me of your arrival," he added. "They have enemies in the city."

One of the companions, more open about his talents, admitted he worked with the magic of the air. "I fly often," he confessed. "Though I know some places shoot down anything that takes to the sky." The attendant took this in stride, then arranged for a guard named Marian to have a bedroll in the outer chamber, ensuring the ladies would be protected.

Later, the group descended a narrow spiral stair into the cool earth beneath the courtyard. Dripping water echoed softly thirty feet below ground. Here lay the baths: one pool steamed with medium heat, while the other remained magically chilled, its waters crystalline and refreshing. The air smelled of minerals and herbs. As they lingered, the captain of the upstairs guard approached with polite but pointed questions about the timing of their arrival and the nature of the two ladies' work.

Lady Summers met his gaze evenly. "We have no interest in causing trouble," she assured him. "Nor in entanglements of any sort." A shadow of old heartbreak flickered behind her words, but she dismissed it with a small smile. The captain seemed satisfied, and the companions returned to their rooms, the weight of their dual identities—merchants on the surface, Wall Walkers beneath—settling more comfortably around them in the warm Adjepbar night.

Chapter 3: Aspects of the Sun and Secrets in the Garden

Exploring the fortified gardens of Adjepbar

Exploring the fortified gardens of Adjepbar

The conversation drifted comfortably in the lamplit common room. "First breakfast will be served after eight," their host said. "You're welcome to join us. Sunrise comes around five thirty in these parts."

Aurora smiled. "That suits me perfectly. Ever since I was a little girl I've woken with the sun. I believe it has something to do with my Solar aspect."

"Solar," the host repeated, clearly intrigued. Another companion spoke quietly of their own troubled aspect, the result of a magical accident years before. Sympathy flickered across the host's face before the talk turned to practicalities.

Meetings would be best held in public places over the coming weeks, the group agreed. Some would use enchanted items to search the premises for hidden portals or structural weaknesses, while others planned a lengthy preparatory ritual to ensure safer travel later. One vessel in particular earned admiration: a pitcher that kept itself filled and perfectly cool. "I like that," Aurora said. "Where can I get one?"

"How about the baths first?" someone suggested. The idea met with quick approval. Temperature was debated lightly; Aurora, protected by her resistance to cold, cared little whether the water ran hot or cool. Plans for the next day took shape around them. Their recent acquaintance clearly meant to monopolize their time, beginning with the first festival tomorrow evening and continuing the day after. Still, there would be moments for their own pursuits.

"I want a proper look around the room and grounds," one of the Wall Walkers declared. "I'd rather we went together." The others concurred. Some could dress down and mute their more obvious traits, an elf among them and a northerner besides. They would wander the city, consult private maps, and begin gathering information on their target merchant. Street inquiries or a quiet word with the local magistrate might prove safer than magical spying; their quarry was almost certainly warded against such intrusions.

They stepped out into the evening air. Before they even reached the elevated terrace, guards could be seen at the head of the staircase. Small wind-up birds, delicate mechanical constructs, flitted among the foliage. The garden itself was breathtaking, almost excessively so, with living roofs of overlapping leaves and artful pod-like windows catching the last light. "Somebody has gone rather over the top," one adventurer murmured, half admiring, half amused.

The grounds were lovely but not undefended. Shards of broken crockery lined the tops of the walls, enough to discourage casual climbers. A shimmering field of spikes was called into being across a vulnerable stretch of ground, its magic glimmering faintly through the floorboards of the rooms above. It would hold for half an hour, more than long enough.

As the group stood among the fragrant beds, discussing the distance to the upper floors and the strength of the house's wards, a young Netta girl stepped out from the main building. She wore the simple livery of the household, her expression curious as she approached the unusual guests.

Chapter 4: Candlelight and Careful Words

Dinner among merchants and mysterious guests

Dinner among merchants and mysterious guests

The afternoon light had already begun to fade when the companions settled on their approach. Posing as merchants offered the clearest path to move freely within the organization and the household itself. Jonathan adjusted the subtle glamour that made him appear more approachable, a working trader rather than an outsider, while the others prepared their own roles. Aurora showed no outward concern when Captain O’Gara’s name arose; she simply reminded the group, with a small smile, that it was not a date and never would be.

When the bell rang downstairs, they shut away their preparatory spells and made their way to the dining hall. A long trestle table had been laid with crisp linens and flickering candles. Five new faces waited among the family: a burly bodyguard whose watchful eyes missed nothing, three women whose quiet conversation suggested both status and caution, and a handful of others. A merchant and two physicians sat beside several family members, including a dwarf and a hobbit who tutored the children in mathematics and arcane theory.

Conversation flowed easily at first. One of the merchants produced a small wooden case and offered samples of sugar-salted dried oranges, bright with flavor. Jonathan leaned in, genuinely interested. “How long have you been trading these?” he asked. The man explained the difficulties of export to the kingdom versus the empire, and soon they were speaking of olives, figs, and the ingenious underground barrels in which the household grew much of its produce. The talk drifted to mutual acquaintances and older adventures; one guest remarked that Jonathan looked familiar from a cleanup operation years before. “I was hired on for that one,” he admitted, and the table nodded with approval.

The fourth son of the house, permitted to visit the city because of his place in the line of succession, proved an eager conversationalist. He spoke freely with both Jonathan and Lizette, who had chosen a simpler, more practical outfit reminiscent of the household staff. Captain Gendel Hammersong, a powerfully built man introduced as one of the legendary figures from Superstition Mountain, eventually turned the discussion toward more serious matters. “I understand you were involved last night,” he said carefully. “I hope you lost no one who did not deserve it.”

The table quieted. Talk turned to the uncontrolled summoning that had complicated everything: a creature that slipped its bonds, a general left furious, and the lingering question of whether a doppelganger had orchestrated the chaos. Speculation passed back and forth—whether the summoner had been replaced, how one might banish such a being, or whether anyone still owed favors that could open doors on other planes. Hammersong listened closely, offering that further investigation might prove useful to all parties. “If you learn more,” he said, “we would be interested in employing your talents.”

The meal continued with careful attention to the dishes: flavorful creations ranging from delicate to boldly spiced, though everyone avoided the vivid red garnishes that tasted distinctly alien. When the last plates were cleared, the companions retired upstairs. A young servant girl informed them that Mr. Tumblewall would join them for breakfast at eight, and that language lessons could be arranged if desired. As they climbed the stairs, conversation turned to practical wards and the limits of certain magics, but the night air carried the sense that alliances were quietly forming beneath the candlelight.

People and Places

• TBC - Review linked characters, factions, and locations.

Lore and Clues

• TBC - Review clues, prophecies, promises, and discovered facts.

Buffs & Mil Sci

Long Term (assumed always on)

Magic	Caster / NPC	Rk	Base Chance	Range	Duration	FT	Target	Effects
TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC

Short Term

Magic	Caster / NPC	Rk	Base Chance	Range	Duration	FT	Target	Effects
TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC

Misc

• TBC - Review daily rituals, consumables, protective auras, meals, rings, shells, and other recurring resources.

Watch Order

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC

Marching Order

Default

TBC

Double File

TBC

Single File

TBC

Astrology

• TBC - Review lucky numbers, readings, auspicious days, and party-wide astrological effects.

Loot

• TBC - Review payment, treasure, potions, invested items, services, destroyed items, and unresolved claims.

Calendar

Seasonal Overview

TBC - Populate from NPC Forge weather timeline when date range is known.

Icon Legend

[sun] clear, [sun/cloud] mixed, [cloud] cloudy, [rain] rain, [storm] storm, [fog] fog, [warning] severe, [wind] wind, [new moon]/[crescent]/[full moon] moon phase.

Date	Day	Weather	Temperature	Rain	Wind	Dawn	Sunset	Moon	Notes
TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC

Winter
	Moonday		Duesday		W'ansday		Th'rsday		Frysday		Reapsday		Sunday
	Samhain
Frost (7)
			1	Guild Meeting	2		3		4		5		6
	7		8		9		10		11		12		13
	14		15		16		17		18		19		20
	21		22		23		24		25		26		27
	28		29		30
Snow (8)
							1		2		3		4
	5		6		7		8		9		10		11
	12		13		14		15	Solstice	16		17	The Duke of Carzala's Winter Ball	18	Yuletide
	19	Days of Chaos	20	DoC 2	21	DoC 3	22	DoC 4	23	DoC 5	24	DoC 6	25	DoC 7
	26	DoC 8	27	DoC 9	28	DoC 10	29	DoC 11	30	Twelfth Night
Ice (9)
											1		2
	3		4		5		6	First Plough	7		8		9
	10		11		12		13		14		15		16
	17		18		19		20		21		22		23
	24		25		26		27		28		29		30

GM Review Notes

• Reader-style draft generated from the safe Roleplaying/Reader Mode stream.
• Review names, links, operational sections, and chapter emphasis before moving this text to a permanent campaign page.