Wall walkers of Adjepbar part 2: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:08, 22 September 2026

Summary

Adventure: Wall walkers of Adjepbar Part 2
GM: Jonathan Bean
Season: Spring
Night: 1
Level: Medium

Party

Dae - Party Leader, Ranger, Jack-of-all-trades - played by Gus
Lady Lizette Summers - Healer, Buff Mage, Courtier, human - played by RPer 4eva
Aurora Steelwind - Starting Character, Troubadour, Assassin, Scribe, Courtier, Transport, Wood Elf - played by Keith Smith
Keshah - Mil Sci, Melee Tank, Melee Damage per pulse, Assassin - played by Michael Haycock

Employer: Est Selim Celadour
Mission: Find the spy, or leak.
Pay: 12,000 sp

Wall Walkers of Adjepbar — Part 2
Reuniting on the sundrenched wall of the Seagate Guild, the party gathers in the wake of a grueling maritime venture. Accompanied by thirty-eight rescued Ivinian refugees needing settlement, the adventurers face guild divinations, financial scrutiny from the Gold Crowns, and an administrative changing of the guard as Lizette yields party leadership to Dae. Commissioned by House Salador to quietly investigate a commercial leak in Adjepbar, the group embarks on an essential logistical detour before reporting to their dead drops. Flying south along the Sweetwater to the quiet hamlet of Slippery Rock, they secure protective amulets and draughts from the Slippery Rock apothecary, who imparts an ominous warning concerning an approaching year-end celestial deadline. Setting course north-northwest to Gugnir's Hope so Dae can visit his mother, the party gathers planar intelligence from a cattle drover moving stock toward the Plane of Earth, dodges a festive holiday pig chase through dwarven streets, and provisions themselves with trays of bakery rolls and cream buns—only to be met in the garden of Dae's family cottage by a startlingly accurate stone statue of Dae himself.

Scribe Notes

Night 1

Chapter 1: Reunion at the Guild Gates

Dae reunites with Lizette, Keshah, and Aurora at the guild gates as their rescued refugees look on.

Determined to continue our aborted mission, the three of us wandered into the guild grounds, where we came upon Dae lounging under the sun along a low rowstone wall. He was deep in conversation with a rather attractive water mage and an equally striking mind mage, the pair absorbed in discussing their respective colleges with him.

"Oh, hey, Dae!" called Lizette across the stones, noting that it had been a while. A greeting followed, remarking that it was good to see her still alive, though looking quite pale even after being out in the sun and on a boat. Lizette clarified her condition, stating that whatever rumors had spread, she was no longer demon-infested and no longer Pacted to death. The sea trip had left lingering wooziness, with the ground feeling as though it were swaying back and forth.

Attention soon shifted to the others in the courtyard, prompting a question as to whether these were traveling companions. Introductions were quickly offered, with Keshah stepping forward to present himself. The male elf stood about five-foot-ten, with dark black hair and green eyes. Over his shoulders rested a suit of handsome, ornate red leather armor, complemented by a finely crafted hand-and-a-half sword, a bow slung ready, and a stout quarterstaff etched with runes.

Beside him I stood. I introduced myself as Aurora. Standing at five-foot-seven—rather short for an elf—I bore nearly waist-length blonde hair and wore the traditional blues and whites of the Air College over sensible traveling attire. Known as well for being a reporter for the *Seagate Times*, I regarded the gathering with interest.

Dae, who had previously journeyed alongside Lizette, was recognizable as a youngish male elf with dark hair. Subtle touches of makeup were visible, used to make him appear older as a human rather than an elf, having grown up in human settlements without many elven elders around. Aurora found him familiar from guild dispatches, while Lizette noted he was also a hero of Adjepbar. When rumors were mentioned, Dae remarked that it was an accident—depending on which rumor was meant.

I prompted an introduction to the charming companions on the wall, but the two mages demurred, politely excusing themselves so as not to intrude. Bidding Dae farewell and telling him not to wander off, they departed. For some reason I felt a little disappointed.

Lizette then asked for opinions on the Red Crowns and Gold Crowns, mentioning she remembered only a little about them. Dae replied plainly that he did not enjoy their company.

About that time, a gaggle of about fifteen stragglers neatly attired in fresh clothing appeared behind us at the guild gates. Keshah explained that on our last mission we had rescued thirty-eight Ivinians who were being hunted by nasty creatures. After taking them far south and returning them safely to Seagate, the plan had been to release them, but the refugees now wished to hire on as servants.

I noted that maybe I could perhaps use some, though the choice was up to them, mentioning I had a manor house kept running by a majordomo during my frequent absences. Keshah suggested they might also be happy settling into a local village to farm, tend orchards, or care for gardens. I agreed that farms and gardens always needed care, though word was that the Western Kingdom was in turmoil. Lizette expressed a desire to keep all thirty-eight together if possible, a sentiment I shared, preferring not to split them up without their consent.

Chapter 2: Guild Divinations and Debrief

The party undergoes magical divination and delivers their unconventional debriefing upon returning to the Guild.

A voice assented as the group regrouped. A guild representative came by, inquiring whether they had any items requiring divination. The reply came that there were a few, and they would have a go at it. I pointed out that beyond their gear, they had a bunch of divinations to conduct on themselves as well, considering conditions had not remained static—in fact, other things had shifted, even if she was not entirely sure what had changed. Besides, I wanted to make sure there hadn't6 been some other effects that weren't picked up in the initial post-adventure divination.

Lizette asked whether she could check the items for magically cursed water intended to attract the refugees, deciding she would perform the inspection once they made land. The announcement came immediately that they were already at land.

Stepping forward, the guild representative approached once more. "Excuse me, Lady Dawn, oh, could you come this way for a divination, please?"

"Oh, okay," I agreed. Turning back toward Dae, she added before the thought slipped away, "Oh, Dae, while I remember, I'm not sure you'll be mentioned in the Seagate Times — I might have to remedy that. Not sure it's going to be this issue, maybe the next one." When someone mentioned stories, I clarified my process with some annoyance "I do NOT do fake news". Basically I do not invent stories; I interview people, listen as they told their accounts, wrote them down, and then head off to handle the journaling. It was noted that the guild representative had come directly to me, and the party agreed to check in and complete the routine.

Taking stock of their commercial cover, I reviewed my notes and was horrified to discover I had forgotten to pass on the merchant details to the local leather merchants. I had gathered a roster of names, displayed the samples, and secured viable contacts. My intention was now to simply turn the details over to the leather merchants and let them manage the trade. Lizette countered that the commercial venture had merely been a cover rather than the actual assignment, though others acknowledged that the legwork had nonetheless been carried out. When Lizette trailed off wondering whether they wanted to keep lugging around twenty-three chests of leather, or thirty-eight refugees, I clarified that I referred specifically to the twenty-three chests of leather goods, which could now be returned once the leather merchant took over the outreach.

After agreeing to report to the leather guild, I submitted to my magical reading. The diviner confirmed that her aura had indeed shifted. I had anticipated as much, curious whether any further alterations would show. The assessment revealed that she had resisted a rank-one curse approximately six times, with the residue linked to foul odors. I immediately identified the culprit: Her Magnificent, the inn's cat. Chuckling that the beast was clearly not that powerful, I mused that should we cross paths again, I might use a 'pixie prank' to dye the tips of her fur green once more—or, assuming I was now in its good graces, perhaps make her smell of violets instead. Nearby, an inquiry was raised about having the party's animals checked as well.

When asked whether a message had been left for their employer at the drop position back in Adjepbar, I explained that I was sure I had left that task to Keshah. Had it not been done? Regardless, we were now safely within the guild halls, where examinations confirmed the travelers were fine.

The formal debriefing proved less smooth. When the guild representative pressed for an explanation after hearing they had accomplished little of the original objective, Aurora explained their quandary: they had never received the specific contact or identified the targeted merchant house, leaving them stymied before extraneous crises sidetracked the entire enterprise.

"Did it really go as badly as planned?" came the question.

"Yep," came the blunt confirmation.

Asked to identify the party leader, Lizette was named. Keshah stepped in to provide the critical context: while attempting to rescue a bystander at their inn, Lizette had been struck by what amounted to a death curse. With their leader facing the grim certainty of being dead and devoured within six weeks, the mission had necessarily pivoted entirely toward saving her life.

Chapter 3: Contracts and Crowns

The adventurers debate the hidden perils of blank contracts and debts owed to the Gold Crowns.

The debriefing began with grim reflections on what had transpired. "What do you think?" someone murmured, the consensus settling on a grim assessment: consumed from within.

"So that was pretty much the rest of the adventure," Keshah said flatly, summing up the conclusion of the venture.

"Yeah, well, understandable," I admitted. "So we thought we'd better come back and regroup, plus we needed some, backup."

A voice chimed in with a suggestion: backup, as in assistance—perhaps taking that nice, friendly man, Dae, along with them. I started to answer, but trailing commentary noted the grim financial reality: it was a matter of money, and they were already poor. Struggling to summarize the tangled complications, I confessed, "It sort of got a little bit—to be quite honest, it was a little over my head."

"Yes, yes, we understand," the Guild representative reassured gently. "It's alright, Aurora. Just, please just sit there and look beautiful for the moment.". So I said down and fumed for a bit.

The discussion quickly turned to official scrutiny. Word had reached the Guild representative that something was amiss regarding Lizette and the rest of the circle, questioning whether inquiries were about donations or genuine alarm over their dealings—specifically concerning their souls and signed contracts.

"Oh, those?" I interjected, ready to address the matter directly. "Yes, in that case, I will explain that. Yes, please, that's okay. Guild security would wanna know. Yes. Apparently I've got a debt to the Red Crowns. Or was it the Gold Crowns? I can't remember. No wait, it was the Gold Crowns. Because Lizette needed some assistance from them in order to sort out her little problem, so I signed a contract with them to spend six months with them."

A question was directed to Lizette: "And, Lizette, what's your situation?"

"Well, since you didn't help me, I went to talk to them about if I could absorb some of her debt to them," Lizette explained, faltering slightly over the outcome. "I'm not sure I got as well as I... yeah."

"She ended up signing a blank piece of paper," I noted dryly. "Goodness knows what she signed."

Exclamations went around the circle over whether past mistakes had taught them anything. The reminder was raised that last time had ended in a signature with death, though Lizette maintained that was unintentional. Pressed on whether she had entered another blind agreement, Lizette clarified that it had not literally begun as a signed page, but rather an understanding—a gentleman's agreement, or a binding one. Yet the Guild Rep pressed the point: this time, paper had indeed been signed. When asked what the paper said, the answer was plain: blank. It had been blank, remained blank, effectively committing to nothing on its face.

"However, I think we can trust them," Lizette maintained, appealing to the idea of Syrene's Court. Voices questioned how they fit into any court at all, describing them merely as guests. Dae countered that they were as much part of Syrene's Court as the party was.

The Guild Rep noted that, unfortunately for them, there existed something far more delectable that the Crowns would be interested in. When Dae wryly asked what could possibly be more delectable than a Lizette, Lizette acknowledged they had little interest in her. Keshah observed that they held a strong interest in Dae, but the topic soon shifted toward Dae. An objection arose against offering Dae up, prompting the tactical reminder that one does not simply give Dae away, but rather dangles Dae as leverage.

"Right!" I remarked, realizing the stakes. "I guess I got some research to do in the guild's library before we go."

Lizette recalled that the contract had contained a protective specification: I would not be compelled to do anything she found morally repugnant. I voiced no misgivings on that account, curious about what I might learn from them, though Lizette repeated the caution that Dae could not simply be surrendered.

"And besides that, you'll probably quite like their culture," Keshah added thoughtfully. "It's infamous."

Chapter 4: Briefing and the Gray Fox

Whispers of regional unrest and mysterious affiliations lead the companions from the strategy table to the archives.

Reflecting on survival and past perils, Dae acknowledged that standing there at all was owed entirely to having good friends. Keshah brought up the grueling journey once taken to resolve Lizette’s dilemma, remarking that the travel itself was nothing compared to the severity of the problem they faced. A voice nearby noted that for a time, at least, it had still been fun.

The conversation turned to lingering supernatural bonds. I inquired whether anyone was pacted. Though the answer came that there had never been such a pact, divination readings on me suggested otherwise—or at least revealed something resembling an "almost pacting." The Guild Rep countered that on their end, it registered instead as a great debt. I admitted uncertainty about whether the connection could be exorcised just yet, deciding it was an issue best tackled directly once this current mission concluded. For now, spending six months under the employ of the Gold Crowns offered a welcome reprieve from the Western Kingdom. From what word had reached her, turmoil was stirring across the west, with nobles discovering their estates slipping away due to lapsed or disputed paperwork. When the question arose of who was seizing the land, I had no definitive answer beyond mounting rumor and hearsay. Keshah observed that such dispossessions were the spark for civil war, prompting further debate over whether the unrest threatened a peasant uprising or an aristocratic revolt against the crown—a grim prospect I hoped would not come to pass.

The Guild representative weighed in, urging that Keshah be assisted in keeping the group under control, with a pointed admonition directed toward keeping certain desires in check. A defensive reply protested that magic had been the cause—specifically being struck by a magical staff—even if that explanation hardly improved matters. Regardless, the directive stood: the company was to return to Adjepbar and investigate the developments surrounding the merchant family. While old mission grounds remained in the vicinity, they were considered unlikely to cause trouble.

Clarifying the geography, Aurora asked about Syrene's Court. Was it still sixty miles down the coast, or had they moved. Dae and Keshah clarified that the factions present were visitors rather than permanent fixtures of Syrene's Court, traveling alongside Destinians and others. Meanwhile, elves had gathered in Adjepbar, actively instructing the local citizens in martial combat and healing arts, even as word spread of Destinians and elves clashing back in the Elven Isles.

With too many threads tangling at once, I announced I would be in the library, intent on sifting through scribe notes and verifying rumors about Dae's background and associates before stepping into the field, So I set off into the stacks—learning that he was, by all accounts, kin to the Gray Fox.

Chapter 5: Guild Formalities and the Displaced

The party reorganizes their ranks and responsibilities within the guild while planning for their followers camped outside.

A brief murmur of agreement opened the inquiry as the records were laid bare. The Guild's accounts suggested Dae descended from a line of elves believed to be in hiding from Alfheim, driven away after his parents eloped to escape an arranged marriage. For my part, I was simply sifting through the public knowledge of the day to ensure she understood her new companion.

By all accounts, Dae stood as the hero of Adjepbar, maintaining good standing there after joining the Guild as a fresh recruit out of Gugnir's Hope. His service record noted several excursions into the Fastness of Girwyllan, including ventures touching upon the Elemental Plane of Earth and a brief posting to the Plane of Fire—brief indeed for such an unforgiving realm. "Okay, no, those are the highlights," I noted, satisfied with familiarizing myself with a veteran fellow adventurer so as not to be caught unawares by someone of proper standing. The Guild had recently promoted him from recruit to full-time member. Dae acknowledged the status with a dry point of pride: "I've only killed one member, so it's good standing."

Observation turned to his affinity as a water-based practitioner before conversation drifted toward immediate domestic burdens. An entourage had gathered outside, sheltering in tents upon the commons outside the guild. It was suggested they might be transported toward an estate, perhaps requiring the establishment of a barony or a manor house. I clarified that her holding was merely a manor house reachable through her home. Keshah pointed out that housing would have to be erected if people were simply dumped there, while Dae mentioned having leads on a Runemage legacy he intended to investigate in due time.

Details of the manor estate offered little relief for a large resettlement. At eighteen hundred acres, the crop and pasture land was sufficient to maintain an upper-class standard of living for the owner and sixteen others—including four servants, two mounts, and two draft horses—providing expenses for sixteen months but generating no extra income beyond that. Furthermore, the displaced people had no desire to travel off-plane, so the Lilac manor was out as they wished to remain beneath the familiar night sky of their homeland. Though they could look for work and remain camped near the guild temporarily, the guild representative made it clear they could not stay long-term, urging arrangements to be settled within eight weeks. I offered to inquire at court to see if any households required hands. The group noted that the contingent consisted predominantly of women and children—the martial-trained women having stayed behind to face the attack—and Guild rules did not permit them membership.

Keshah offered to handle arrangements for the camp before turning back to administrative business: "We should probably do the formalities again, get a new military scientist and scribe and add a leader and stuff."

The guild representative promptly addressed the party's command. "Uh-huh, Lizette," the official remarked. "Yes, given your astounding accomplishments in leading a party on the last mission, we suggest that you pass the mantle to somebody else."

Lizette accepted the assessment, noting that the others had previously declined because of the demands of Inscribing. Turning to Dae, she asked how he felt about stepping into the position. Keshah agreed that Dae would be an appropriate choice given his strong perspective on the crowns. Dae considered the offer and agreed he could make a good effort of it. Confirmation followed around the circle for Military Duties and Scribe, with me raising no objection, leaving Lizette to settle into her responsibilities as cook and healer. With the leadership decided, the party welcomed their new leader aboard.

Chapter 6: Return to Adjepbar

Travel plans and trade intrigues converge as the party prepares to navigate the factions of the old city.

A voice announced the shift in leadership: "Now you're in charge."

"You can try and make this party go in a straight line," Keshah remarked dryly.

The conversation turned to their destination. Adjepbar lay to the south—not excessively far, but distinctly southward. I weighed our transit options, wondering aloud whether we should take wing or use magical transit. "Wanna fly there or we gonna, rune portal or what?" I asked, briefly contemplating flight for the sake of an efficient journey before settling on the portal. It was noted that rune porting had been their method previously, requiring just two hops to cover the distance, even though both hops left us completely fatigued. Maybe I should stock up on Restoratives.

During the preparations, attention turned to Dae's unusual appearance. Dae was remarkably slim—thin and celery-like, even by elven standards. Dae himself pointed out that at first glance, an onlooker might mistake him for a human simply because he was so ugly for an elf, an appraisal met with candid agreement.

Matters of commerce also required attention. Regarding the leather trade, I explained that I still needed to update the local leather workers on the contacts I had gathered, passing the leads along for them to pursue. I intended to remain vigilant for further opportunities once back in Adjepbar.

Adjepbar was an old city possessing a unique civic structure. It was ruled by hobbits who resided in a smaller quarter of the town, while the human populace was divided into three large political factions known as "stacks." Near the center of one such stack stood Salador House, an established merchant line dealing in diverse wares, including specialty spices used in culinary rituals. Lately, the house had suffered an unexpected string of lost bids to their competitors, leading them to suspect an internal leak. Dae confirmed that the house was indeed the client for the operation.

Communication protocols were straightforward. An inn called The Hobbit's Arms served as our designated liaison point. The party could stop by at any time to deposit messages, updates, or specific requests, with the employer clearing the drops daily.

Chapter 7: Guild Preparations and Prudent Clauses

The adventurers finalize their equipment, enchantments, and travel plans at the guild.

Enquiries regarding the local architecture revealed that the city's great houses were typically narrow and tall, standing some five or six stone-block stories high over a relatively small footprint due to their age and occasional expansion into adjacent structures. That implies that telepathy spells would be useful to find out what is going on inside.

At the guild house, final preparations were set in motion before departure. We needed to get Greater Enchantments and Lesser Enchantments. The guild representative confirmed that a rank eleven greater enchantment, for all areas, was on offer for the party, adding with dry candor that they should do their best to keep Lizette alive—though if they could not, that would simply have to do. Keshah suggested securing a couple of Strength of Stone enchantments as well. Dae quipped that they were as sturdy as a burnt out oak—albeit a very thin burnt oak. Examining our equipment, the guild representative cast an appraising eye over a set of shark leather skin armor that Dae was wearing. Keshah commented that we spent most of our last visit to Adjepbar talking to cats. Yep. That was a dig at me.

The conversation turned to operational details. Dae urged that we first do what we can with the mechanical birds we had on hand and seek assistance from the cat lady. Lizette clarified that most of the birds had little direct connection to the enchanter; he merely utilized those already present across the city rather than fabricating or distributing them himself, a point I confirmed. I'll have to do an inventory on how many working birds I can muster from what I salvaged last time. Earth Luck - another term for the Earth College Lesser Enchantment spell.

To aid their defense, the guild representative proposed that we take a couple of days to travel down to Slippery Rock and back, offering to pen a letter of introduction so Lizette might purchase a protective amulet against fear. When Lizette asked whether a rune portal could whisk them back or required presence on both sides, Keshah pointed out that while runic transit was possible, opening one directly into that vicinity—a few miles outside town—would likely irritate the locals. Flying was raised as the faster alternative, estimated at roughly forty minutes. I agreed, noting she could bestow flight upon the other three and rely on her own wings.

Before details progressed, Dae presented an non disclosure agreement for signature, insisting on our agreement before speaking further. Though greeted with mild surprise, Keshah acknowledged the measure was simply to ensure the party kept whatever information Dae was about to disclose strictly confidential.

As terms and guild provisions were settled, the representative noted the enchantments would hold for a season, although replacement guarantees were tied to an immediate window of five days, tapering down to three. The Guild Master then intervened to set the limit firmly at two days, taking the opportunity to ask Lizette whether it was true she had received awards for stupidest adventurer and best-death categories at the last Guild meeting. Lizette noted she had not been present to witness it, while Keshah affirmed it had at least been a strong effort. With business concluded, the guild representative handed the paperwork, including the letter of introduction, over to me to look after.

Chapter 8: Flight to Slippery Rock

The party glides over the Sweetwater, surveying river barges and scarred frontier ruins from the morning sky.

A formal letter of introduction was handed across the desk, meant for the wiccans stationed at Slippery Rock. With the document accepted with thanks, the party was advised to take wing and fly down together—naturally subject to their commander's permission—with the parting wish that they return in one piece.

Before departing, questions arose regarding defenses against lingering horrors. Lizette asked whether there was an emblem capable of keeping undead at bay. There were actually two such protective items available, though Aurora noted with a dry remark that having one meant needing to be careful—and being careful was hardly her forte. Acquiring them would require considerable coin, running into thousands. Inquiring into their balance and requesting a withdrawal against the account, paperwork was drawn up. Once Lizette signed the voucher, a substantial sum was released: fifty thousand silver pieces, handed over in a massive, heavy bag that made for an astonishing hoard to carry in one place.

Setting out to retrieve what was needed, the company prepared for the journey. I pointed out that following the winding course of the Sweetwater was the most reliable path; though not a direct line, one could hardly lose their way, and the road remained visible below as a second guide. Moreover, Slippery Rock was perched prominently upon a hill, easily spotted from the river.

By mid-morning, we took to the skies together on a crisp, bright spring day ideal for flight. Warnings were passed to keep a watchful eye out to avoid 'bird strikes', while I quipped about making sure my 'little chickadees' got there safe, met with the reassurance that if anyone crashed and broke something, Lizette would fix them up.

From our vantage aloft, the Sweetwater bustled with activity. River barges plied the waters laden with hay, fodder, and fresh vegetables making their way downstream toward Seagate, while rafts and packs of harvested logs floated along the river. Keshah noted that they would need to keep clear of the barges, lest things become tricky.

Tracking the river south past a turnoff, the landscape shifted. The wooded expanse around the hill approached—marked out as Slippery Rock—dense with trees and forest. Gazing down at the broader countryside, the land appeared choked with desolate remnants: Byson Ruin, Tim's Ruin, the Thock Ruin, and others, with virtually every mapped site known as fallen save for Broken Arrow far down the road to the east. When Keshah asked whether this marked where the undead plague had swept across, it was confirmed that these ruins forming a line across the territory was indeed the Dark Wall, the last defense against the Dark Circle. The 'line' stretched all the way to Duntow Ruin in the South.

I checked whether we were sharing the air with anyone else or if it was just us. The sky around us was clear save for our own group, though far to the south a lone figure could be seen in the air near Regar's Keep. Satisfied with our approach, someone announced their descent, and the party landed easily in a pasture where a herd of goats was grazing in the field.

Chapter 9: Slippery Rock

A stop at the Slippery Rock general store turns into an unexpected summons toward Gugnir's Hope.

The road led upward through Truth Run, delivering the party at last into Slippery Rock. It was a picturesque settlement—clean, tidy, and quiet, woven together with cobbled streets, raised hedges, and small clusters of cottages where nearly every home seemed to hide a private garden behind its greenery.

Yet for all its pastoral charm, the village felt sparse. Barely fifteen buildings made up the entire hamlet, and it was entirely devoid of the bustling trade signs or guilds common to larger towns; there was not even a blacksmith's forge ringing in the distance. The sole center of commerce appeared to be a large general store sitting squarely in the middle of town.

"I wouldn't have thought you'd buy emeralds at the main store," Lizette remarked, eyeing the quiet building. "I thought it'd be more of an artisanal thing, but I guess we can go check it out."

"Well, it's a small settlement," Dae reasoned. "Maybe they have to expand on what they sell."

Agreeing that it was a remarkably quiet village, they made their way toward the general store. As they approached, two young women rose to meet them. Lizette offered a polite greeting, explaining that she had come looking to buy emeralds and had been told this was the place.

Aurora stepped forward to present their letter of introduction. The women cast an eye over the parchment, their demeanor instantly warming. "Very welcome, this way," one said, recognizing Lizette's name. "We heard that you signed up with the Red Crowns. Is that true?"

"Oh, it was the Gold Crowns, wasn't it?" Lizette confessed with an apologetic wince, admitting how easily she mixed up the factions. "I honestly get confused, but so do we. I apologize—they would probably be very disapproving of me for not knowing."

"Rumors about her body parts having miraculous healing powers are probably overinflated, if you've heard those ones," Keshah dryly interjected, prompting murmurs about whether it was mere wordplay or the truth of a growing cult.

The young women led them around the side of the main building, guiding the travelers through a narrow doorway into a smaller adjoining space. Behind the counter sat a woman who appeared hale and well, accompanied by a dog and a sleek black cat perched nearby. Looking up, her face brightened with familiarity.

"Greetings, Lizette," she said warmly, before turning her gaze across the rest of the group. "Hello, Dae. Nice to see you. Is your mother well?"

"That's an excellent question," Dae answered candidly. "I would love to have an answer. I'm a busy guild member, and I haven't received news from her for a while. For all I know..."

The woman studied the companions and inquired who their mage was, prompting Aurora to introduce herself as Lady Aurora. Pleased to meet her, the shopkeeper opened a large tome upon the counter, quickly scanning a few lines before shutting the volume firmly.

"Could you see Dae through to Gugnir's Hope by the end of today?" the woman asked Aurora. "Make sure he takes some flowers and a little bit of spending money. He needs to visit his mother."

Aurora promptly produced a small travel map, scanning across the parchment until her finger located the landmark nestled just beneath the rim of a teapot. "Oh, it's over there," she noted, tracing the route back and down.

Chapter 10: Wares of the Gold Crowns

Negotiating for protective charms and carbuncles at the witch's counter.

Aurora nodded in assent, and the morning's business proceeded. An elderly witch handed over a bag, stating the tally: "That'll be fifteen thousand six hundred silver pieces."

"Cool," Lizette replied, promptly paying her. Mindful of their ongoing duties, she asked, "We, we are in a bit of a hurry, but does anyone here need any healing?"

"We require no assistance from you, thank you," came the reply from the witch, noting she was glad she had not said otherwise. An unidentified voice added that they were glad to hear it, mentioning, "I am married to Kowal. Your reputation has preceded you."

"Reputation, whatever else you could... I, I assume you heard in my head these days," Lizette replied.

Keshah joined in, remarking, "Nice you heard. Quietly retired, by the sound of it."

A voice wished Keshah good luck, which he took in stride. "Should be okay. It's a quiet little adventure. Nothing much will happen."

"Touching a wooden object immediately," someone muttered against the jinx.

Lizette sought to reassure them: "They will make sure that we stay in the safer areas and get things done, I'm sure."

"'Cause he is a pillar of sensibility and logic," Keshah said.

Dae weighed in on his own situation: "As long as it's not avoiding, avoiding the Crown, I am." A companion countered that it was already too late on the avoiding side, seeing as they had both signed up. Keshah remarked that they didn't need barrels, while another voice noted they could dig themselves a little bit deeper in. Dae mused, "Part of me still suspects that whoever assigned me to this, like, got paid to, to, to sign me in." Someone agreed it was easy to spot the new recruit.

"I'm confused," Lizette confessed regarding the factions. "I'm just gonna claim on with the Red Crowns until I learn that I'm mistaken." She was cautioned that she shouldn't claim at all. "Well, no, I probably won't, but if anyone brings it up, I probably won't bring it up at all. I don't think I should."

The elderly witch looked at them and firmly set the record straight: it was the Gold Crowns. The party acknowledged the correction with thanks, surprised at how quickly news traveled, though she noted the matter had already been discussed the previous day.

Attention then turned to protective trinkets. "I should get a carbuncle," Aurora said. "It's probably a very good idea, actually. Don't have one of those."

A query arose about defenses against cat curses. When asked if anyone was actively suffering from them, the speaker explained they were merely a frequent target, but the curses kept bouncing. Lizette encouraged keeping in good standing with the witch to avoid trouble, but the witch countered: "You know I can't do that, don't you? Each one you bounce adds to their lives. That's where cats get their nine lives from, you understand?"

Questions followed over whether deflected curses could strip away a life instead, though it was explained that speaking directly with cats was the key.

Turning back to the shop's stock, options were weighed between an Island Jet, a Jet Hamlet, or an Island Hamlet. Deciding that taking both would be best—especially if paying in advance—an order was placed for one of each, along with Aurora's carbuncle. Priced at nine thousand silver pieces, Aurora recognized it was steep, but noted it decreased damage done by poison, recalling the situation the necromancer had gotten into.

When settling up with gems instead of coin, the shopkeeper agreed to accept them, though with a condition: there would be a ten percent surcharge.

"Why am I not—" Aurora began.

Chapter 11: Restoratives and Celestial Portents

Truscilla delivers an unsettling warning about the night sky while settling the account for restoratives.

Aurora looked over her possessions with a knowing air. "Surprised?" she asked. "They're mine."

Keshah gave a slow nod, weighing the difficulty of appraising such goods. "It's very difficult to... yeah, they don't come stamped with a certain amount of value," he observed, adding a moment later, "Yeah, I guess there isn't." A voice remarked that an adventurer would obviously need such supplies, though Keshah noted the distinction: "It's just that as an elf, you're less affected by some of the items."

"The chalcedony is £4,800, so that'll be £8,800 total," Aurora calculated. Across the counter, further figures were bandied about—a mention of another £9,200 until a compromise was struck. "Yeah, let's call it £9,000, we'll be done with it," came the consensus. "Somebody rocks them well."

Lizette did not dispute the figure. "Okay, I will pay the nine thousand," she agreed, loosening the purse strings. "All right."

The merchant accepted the nine thousand. One of the party mused, "I think that's everything I need, although a restorative is always a good idea." The shopkeeper then asked, "Are you interested in the emeralds? It appears that Liz is carrying the bag of coins of bottomless size."

Dae demurred with quiet dignity. "I wouldn't impose myself that way on my companions."

"Oh, very good," came the reply. Inquiries soon turned to the shop's concoctions: how long the restoratives would last and what potency was available. The apothecary explained that their draughts ranged from small to large; brewed at top dollar, they would last indefinitely, whereas paying bottom dollar meant an efficacy of three months. Keshah leaned in to ask for details: "Top dollar ten point fatigue, how much would that cost? Well, twelve—ten or twelve, whichever, round about that ballpark figure, ten or twelve points." An agreement was made to settle payment for the potions with Truscilla, since it would amount to a moderate quantity of coin.

Then the tone shifted. The shopkeeper looked squarely at Lady Summers. "So, Lizette, yes? What dealings have you had with Delecia Bernath?"

"Look, I'm sorry, the name escapes me," Lizette replied honestly.

"Well, the year's running out."

"The what is running out, sorry?"

"The year," came the firm answer. A question followed about whether some impending doom loomed. "Have you looked at the night skies recently?"

"No."

"You don't believe in that, I presume?"

"No, no, I've seen it come in handy many times, but it's not one of my skills," Lizette answered.

"I see, yes. When does the timer run out, just out of interest?" someone asked.

"This year," Lizette echoed, prompting the natural follow-up: "And what's supposed to happen?"

"Oh, it's not for me to just say," the merchant cautioned. "You might need to go and read the duchy's notes." When Lizette admitted she lacked the means, the apothecary offered alternatives: "You could return to the guild and you could get it done. You could do it, I could do it, and the guild could do it. Why don't you go return to your guild and get an estrange?"

"Sounds like an excellent idea. Yeah, I think we may have to," came the response. It was noted that a check could also be made with the Warashi, though that information would cost five silver studs. Lizette readily produced the coins. "Of course, and I'll give you five silver studs. I appreciate the information."

As a parting friendly reminder, the merchant noted that the Baron's Arms was a fine establishment, as was the Government Arms. When it was pointed out that Dae had an upcoming date, Keshah took note: "We will head there immediately next. Very good. You should think about buying a gift here, potentially. There's some really nice gifts here I think you could buy."

A brief debate arose over whether to return straight to the Guild first to see what was happening or make the journey elsewhere first. "No, no, no, we can always do that later," it was urged. "Like, it's only a couple hours' flight, we can still be back at the guild for the evening, potentially. You're not getting out of this. We're flying to Gugnir's Hope."

Another voice offered to do an astrology reading, prompting Lizette to ask, "Isn't it what they send you back to the Guild for?"

"They probably can do it better than I can," came the concession. "So what are you doing?"

Chapter 12: Flight to Gugnir's Hope

Gugnir's Hope rises upon its rocky butte as hundreds of riders assemble near the stables below.

A decision was called: the destination was Gugnir's Hope. Dae suggested they could garner some help from the guild on the way out, noting that taking such a detour would give an excuse to check in. Others felt the settlement should be the immediate goal. Keshah pointed out that word was already being sent ahead to Dae's mother, warning that failing to turn up would reflect poorly and cost far too many grounding points. While another voice mused that having a mother to visit was at least something, they admitted having no personal need for the town beyond curiosity about the place.

Looking at the hour, the morning was already slipping past—what had begun around nine was now near midday. Keshah noted there was still plenty of time, as the flight to Gugnir's Hope would take only a couple of hours, and their investigation could not proceed until the night sky arrived anyway. The town itself held a reputation for ancient stone craft; Keshah brought up its fascinating dwarven ruins and subterranean works. Dae agreed that the dark held interesting things. As talk turned to the old stonework, Lizette pressed Dae on why he seemed so intent on avoiding his mother. Dae insisted he was not avoiding her, only declining to rush, preferring a healthy distance without unnecessary smothering. When Lizette wondered aloud if the pressure stemmed from talk of marriage, Dae countered that he had never heard his mother express such an ambition. A curious exchange touched on Red Crowns and whether there were suitors—hundreds of them, Gold Crowns and Red Crowns alike, bound up in questions of lineages—though Keshah promptly dismissed the notion.

Their course was mapped past Slippery Rock and Southgate, trailing along the river past Crystal Springs before striking straight north-northwest toward the rocky promontory. Gugnir's Hope was built upon a high butte, its foundations rooted in ancient dwarven architecture, though Dae and Aurora recalled crypts and remnants of undead beneath the city.

Taking to the air for the roughly fifty-mile journey, the flight spanned an hour and a half. Below them unfolded the waters of Crystal Springs, followed by open fields and meadows, light woodlands, and rough high hills. To the far west rose the distant expanses of Gwalia. As they crossed past Red Tree, the rocky butte of Gugnir's Hope swung into clear view. Coming in toward the settlement, the party spotted massive stables below, where an assembly of roughly three hundred people was actively mounting up. Watching the gathering, Aurora wondered what they were up to.

Chapter 13: Drovers of the Earth Plane

Drovers gather outside the town gates as whispers of planar trade routes and subterranean dangers are exchanged.

Descending toward the settlement, Aurora looked for a place where the party could touch down safely without incident. A question arose as to whether they ought to put down at the base of the hill or within the town itself, though an open, level patch of ground was needed either way. While the companions were travelling via air magic rather than physical wings, Aurora pointed out that she alone possessed wings enabling true vertical takeoff and landing. Keshah suggested bringing the flight down along the road just outside the settlement if traffic permitted, noting that local guards and townsfolk generally took issue with people flying directly over the defensive walls—a sentiment Aurora readily echoed.

The party came to rest on the promontory outside the town gates. Looking out over the surrounding grounds, they saw no vast herds of livestock gathered, but a substantial company of cattlemen and horses were busily mounting up. As the observers wondered whether a drive was commencing or concluding here, Dae scanned the gathering to see if any familiar drovers who supplied cattle toward the Plane of Earth and the rambling man were present.

Spotting activity half a mile down at the foot of the hill, Dae set off to investigate whether the portal and delivery routes remained consistent. Within five minutes, Dae located the man in question. The cattle boss was currently dressing down three young drovers still thoroughly intoxicated from their night in town and lashing them securely into their saddles. Despite the unruly morning, he welcomed Dae—calling out to Sisah—and expressed genuine pleasure at the reunion. He mentioned that Dae's mother had been asking after him incessantly, having messengers spread inquiries across Kazala.

Turning to business, the cattleman affirmed that their earlier joint venture had been fantastic. Dae inquired whether that same delivery run was still operational. The drover admitted it was proving dangerous as hell, with orcs and goblins continually ambushing the lines. Dae explained to the others that the settlement at Gugnir's Hope had secured an arrangement with folk on the Plane of Earth who were unable to raise livestock locally, requiring herds to be driven through. Aurora admitted unfamiliarity with that plane beyond understanding it was largely subterranean and honeycombed with tunnels. When Keshah began recounting how drovers push up into the Faslers toward a great river and follow a submerged tunnel route, the drover quickly hushed the old elf, warning that such paths were not to be discussed openly, though confirming a passage existed.

Dae cautioned that anyone visiting that realm should take care never to jump or fly away. Aurora agreed that visiting sounded daunting, then brought up a past escape involving a bonfire. Dae confirmed they had been fleeing from dangerous pursuers. Remarks were traded regarding the Efreeti, the Janks, and the Zethos as formidable threats best avoided, prompting Aurora to note their foul reputation and ask whether they and the Senators of Decay were connected to the Lunar Empire.

Chapter 14: Detour to the Bakery

A greased pig leads a thundering chase through the cobbled streets of town.

Conversation turned grimly to politics and the undead as Aurora and her companions agreed that the senators were far worse than ordinary troubles. They were nasty, dead, and rightly called the senators of decay, with rumors holding that everything around them decayed.

Dae sought to steer the mood elsewhere, mentioning a great bakery in town and offering to lead the way. Aurora suggested taking care of business after the mission and seeing him home first. Keshah voiced hope for a bounty upon delivering the prodigal son, while others wondered aloud about rewards of tea and cakes, pointing toward a fourth house on the left. Keshah urged haste before word spread, though Dae quipped that an only son was inevitably the prodigal one.

The gesture, however, had pointed not to a town dwelling but out into the forest and surrounding countryside, as Dae's elven kin lived in the woods outside Gugnir's Hope. Dae insisted that a detour to the bakery remained essential; bakeries were best in the morning, and showing up with food and presents was non-negotiable.

Entering the town streets, the party found the thoroughfare bustling with children wielding sticks. Suddenly, a hue and cry echoed off the cobbles as a lone, greased pig came tearing around the corner—snorting, steaming, bristling, and sprinting at breakneck speed. Behind the beast surged a chasing mob of roughly sixty children and teenagers dressed in kilts, tabards, and simple clothes. Stepping well aside, with Aurora choosing to move upward to avoid the stampede, the travelers let the chaos sweep past.

Continuing down the cobbled lane, past the Number One Hobbit Detective Agency and several restored dwarvish structures that caught Keshah's mechanical interest, they reached the bakery. Inside, the shop was doing a brisk trade in sliced rolls wrapped around long green spears, which Aurora promptly and accurately identified as baked asparagus.

Chapter 15: The Holiday Bakery

A monumental order of cream buns and pastries at the local bakery.

The bakery shelves displayed an intriguing variety. Among the featured offerings were asparagus rolls made with red, green, and white stalks, some glazed and rolled in honey and nuts. The notion struck the company as appetizing, though Aurora wondered aloud about the combination.

"Green and what?" Aurora asked. "Red, green, and white asparagus?"

It was confirmed, and Lizette made up her mind to purchase something for an upcoming visit. Aurora observed that asparagus rolls were at their best when freshly harvested—snapped straight from the earth and wrapped into bread with all possible haste. The shopkeeper agreed, noting that this was, after all, a holiday bakery.

Taking in the display, Keshah placed his order first. "I'll get a dozen green asparagus rolls for myself."

Aurora considered taking some if any remained, though the counter was well stocked. Inquiries followed regarding whether they had diced ham, paste cream, or cream buns, and it was noted that salads were not part of their trade. When the baker made a remark about refusing cream buns to certain sorts, Dae chimed in to explain that while they did bake them, they did not sell to local delicatessens. Aurora protested good-naturedly that while some likened her appetite to that of a hobbit, she hardly deserved to be denied. When the shopkeeper jokingly maintained the refusal, the response was a theatrical capitulation: asparagus rolls would do, appearing suitably healthy anyway.

Aurora added that a cake was also needed to bring along to a friend's house. Lizette promptly inquired whose house she meant, joining another curious bystander. When asked about preferences, the shopkeeper explained that cinnamon rolls were a favorite, prompting the group to add them to the selection.

Lizette addressed the counter with a smile, remarking on how the boss had simply brought his friends along today to give the shop good business. Relenting at Dae's presence, the baker agreed that since they were accompanying Dae, they could purchase cream buns after all.

"They come in twenties," the baker cautioned.

That proved entirely acceptable. The baker settled on a baker's dozen—thirteen racks of twenty, amounting to two hundred and sixty buns in total. When asked if they had means to carry them, Aurora felt confident the haul could be tucked into a backpack—save for one. Lizette took that solitary bun immediately, eating it on the spot with the defense that there was never room for the final bun anyway. Aurora noted that despite her elven appearance, people often joked she was hollow inside given how much she could eat.

Turning back to gifts, Lizette asked if there was something suitable to take to Dae's mother's house. The baker reiterated that she was quite fond of cinnamon buns, and offered cinnamon twists as well for variety. The group agreed on the twists. To complete the parcel, the baker recommended a crushed tea she was especially partial to, which was gratefully accepted.

Chapter 16: Provisions at the Bakery

The adventurers conclude an unusual shopping trip at the bakery, packing away specialized tea, eccentric loaves, and hundreds of buns.

At the counter, an unfamiliar blend caught the eye. "Tea," came the quiet remark.

"What's that?" the shopkeeper asked, before clarifying with a nod. "It's a special blend which goes in a teapot. And makes a very nice herbal drink, cup of tea."

Aurora offered an appreciative smile. "Well, you've been a bit of a tea connoisseur, but I don't think I've ever had that." Deciding quickly, she added, "Yes, I'll get some."

"Oh, this is the Red Dawn variety," came the vendor's explanation, nodding along. "So I assume it's... I guess it's appropriate."

"Alright, well, that will come to—that will come to five hundred and seventy silver pennies."

"How much? I'll go five hundred."

"Five hundred and seventy," the vendor insisted flatly.

"Hey, the man, would you like that?"

Lizette offered to cover the bill. "Sure. I'll, I'll pay. And also the—"

"Cinnamon twists? You wanted some for you."

"Yes," the baker agreed. "So you're after cinnamon twists, yes, please. Yes, do you want also the tea, as we spoke about?"

"Yes, please. I would... yeah, I'll take the tea."

"Oh, do you want the tea as well?" someone asked.

Keshah cut in, sorting through the confusion. "As well? No, no, she wants the tea. Yes."

"Who wants?"

"I don't. She wants the tea, she wants the twists."

"Okay, well the tea will be thirty silvers, sorry about that," the baker calculated. "The tea will be thirty silvers and... and the twists will be seven."

"Okay, excellent, thank you."

"Today would you like... would you like a pre-buttered loaf?"

"Yes, please. Just as much buttering as you can get."

"Okay. Yeah, we'll bring out a pre-buttered loaf," the shopkeeper said, presenting the specialty. "Pre-buttered loaf, it's banana and hazelnut loaf, which has got honey drizzled across the top, and already pre-cut with butter sliced through it, and stuffed with fresh olives, pickles, and strawberries."

"Interesting," came the hesitant response from beside the counter.

Aurora leaned in to peer at the peculiar confection. "Yeah, I look forward to tasting that. I wouldn't have thought you'd mix olives and strawberries together, to be quite honest. I mean, they're completely different flavors."

"We will find out soon."

"I suppose you would," the vendor conceded with a faint shrug. "Now, your... red asparagus, what? Are you going to be buying any red asparagus?"

"No, just the green ones."

"Are you sure about the red ones? These help you see underground."

"Are you sure they're not carrots in disguise?"

"I know what carrots are," the shopkeeper answered firmly.

"So do I. I think they're not. These are not carrots."

"Yes, carrots also let you see underground."

Keshah stared in disbelief. "What? Carrots also help you see underground as well? Well, that's a bit of a..."

"These are made with turnips," someone interjected, correcting the claim. "Special turnips. Magic turnips. Yes. But anyway, turnips."

With purchases settled and parcels wrapped, the companions stepped out of the bakery, loaded down with their odd assortment of rations.

"Stacked up with the... stacked up? Where are you putting the two hundred and sixty?"

"Buns," came the reply. "I got a backpack—"

Aurora tapped her pack with a knowing grin. "I got a backpack that can take more than what it looks."

Chapter 17: Dae's Cottage

A finely carved statue of Dae stands proudly in the sunlit garden of his woodland cottage.

"Haven't we got a—" Aurora began.

"—a special storage thing?" someone chimed in.

"What? Somebody's portable hole?" Aurora asked. "Yeah, somebody put them in there, yeah."

"But remember, it's full, two—" Lizette started.

"—hundred, no, not anymore, it's not," another corrected. "All the chests are gone?"

"I've got space, I've got room in my bag of holding," an adventurer offered.

"Yeah, we'll find something. Bag of holding. Yeah. Okay. Yep."

With storage sorted, they set about packing up the provisions, Keshah helping load buns into the extradimensional space tray after tray.

"Well, that was proper," someone remarked warmly, while another mused that perhaps they ought to have picked some flowers. Behind them, the shop's open sign was flipped to closed—or jokingly the other way around—having sold their entire stock and then some. Still, it was undeniably good to be back. With their business concluded, they headed out of town and down the road.

Thirty minutes later, the walk brought them to Dae's front yard. Resting right in the front yard was a startling sight: a small statue of Dae.

"What the fuck?"

"Oh wow, you're famous," came the amused reaction. "Yeah, famous in his own time."

"How accurate is it?" Lizette asked, before adding, "Perfectly accurate."

"I was beginning to wonder whether or not it had been done by Medusa," Aurora remarked, "but then that wouldn't imply—otherwise he wouldn't be walking around in front of us."

Past the stone likeness stood Dae's home—a lovely little cottage set among the trees in a bright, sunny clearing, surrounded by pleasant grounds.

"You know, if I didn't have the Manor, I'd like a place like this," Aurora admitted.

"Lovely," a companion agreed. "Flowers all around, lovely grounds."

From just beyond the clearing came the tranquil sound of a running brook. When someone started, "Are you just leaving items—"

"—all over the place?" Aurora finished. "Yeah, I know. Tempted to investigate that brook, but maybe not. That would be a bit rude without the permission."

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

Spring

Spring
	Moonday	Duesday		W'ansday	Th'rsday		Frysday		Reapsday		Sunday
	Candlemansa
Thaw (10)
		1	Guild Meeting	2	3		4		5	The Carzalan Generals Ball	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
Seedtime (11)
					1		2		3		4
	5	6		7	8	Rites of Thunor	9		10		11
	12	13		14	15	Equinox	16		17	Eostre	18	The Seagate Spring Ball
	19	20		21	22		23		24		25
	26	27		28	29		30
Blossom (12)
									1		2
	3	4		5	6		7		8		9
	10	11		12	13		14		15		16
	17	18		19	20		21	Floralia	22		23
	24	25		26	27		28		29		30	Walpurgisnacht