II. a. Not That Kind of Favor

General Summary

Eresday, 5803 Midsky 29

Previously, five strangers were unknowingly recruited by a "friend" you either owed a favor or were otherwise willing to lend a hand to. Together, you set out to retrieve some stolen cargo, as it was described to them. After two days of travel, you finally spotted your query, who also spotted them. A chase ensued and although you were able to recover some items by downing a wagon, the stolen cargo narrowly slipped away, disappearing before your eyes. In a thorough investigation of the location their target had seemingly dematerialized from, you took the three stones that seem to be connected to whatever this teleportation circle was. Further dissection of the location revealed a hidden stone door set into the ground.

With some time and through some frustration, you were able to open this door, revealing a long and downward path that opened into a crystal lit cavern. Unfortunately for you, this cavern seemed to have been infested with giant spiders and other horribly large insects. In a quick turn of events, you evacuated the tunnels and found yourselves once more the clean fresh air of the forest. Spending the night there, you discussed on your return journey how you would explain the loss to your "friend" Behram Talverson. It was collectively decided that this expedition was "not that kind of favor" and if he wanted his cargo retrieved, your "friend" would have to provide compensation.

On your return journey, to everyone's surprise, Boran found a giant nest that seemed abandoned with a lone egg inside, though the egg was larger than his head. It's supper time when you reach the The Hearth of Plenty, where you expect to find Behram. Unable to locate him, you learn he is expected the next morning and take your evening at The Whispering Hearth, one of only a small handful of inns in the Market Parish. The next day you set out to find Behram once more but instead find yourself trudging back and forth. Unable to get access to the East Parish, you send a courier with a message to be sent to Behram, assuming his residence is held within. It's once more the end of the day before you finally locate Behram at The Hearth of Plenty.

You are explaining yourselves to Behram, who expressed his displeasure at your inability to recover his items when, with perfect timing in tracking down his comrades, Tort boldly pointed out that without your aide, he would have had nothing. And with a lot more persuasion, you were able to convince Behram that, properly paid and equipped, you would not only return with the rest of his cargo, but with whatever the other treasures surely lie somewhere beyond the deadly arachnids.

Vaelin explained to Behram that he wanted no part in this expedition, he had turned away from his violent past and did not wish to return to it. In watching a member of your party disband and unable to have prevent his eavesdropping, a tall elven man with long white hair introduced himself as Dreamhawk Shadewind, and explained himself to be adventurer from a distant land. Down a man and in need of manpower, you agreed to let him join you on this expedition - at the least, you could try him out.

And so, in getting to know your new comrade, you shared drinks while waiting for Behram to return with the gold promised as his investment of twenty gold each. After hours, Behram returned, gold in hand, which he divvied up to each of you, and in doing so, gifting each of you an Infinite Coin Pouch. You then retired for the evening at The Whispering Hearth, there in the Market Parish.

The next morning, after a full and proper breakfast, you set out into the Market Parish for various items in preparation for your upcoming expedition; y

ou were also able to procure some small enchantments. With your monies spent or sent, you head to the West Parish, in search of the Griffin Master, whom Boran had learned may be able to identify his egg. It was with luck that when you met Draven Ravenfeather, not only did he identify the Rocc egg, he purchased it from Boran, much to his wife's displeasure.

With evening set upon you once more, you took the night there in the West Parish at the Iron Kettle, a smaller and grungier inn than The Whispering Hearth, but cheaper, which was a dire necessity after your spending done for the day. At the break of dawn you arose you fill your bellies once more on a more meager plater of bacon sausage and eggs. Fueled and hoping you're properly prepared for the journey ahead, you hired a couple of rickshaws to ferry you out of the city as the large Max ran behind, taking advantage of the cleared path ahead.

Once through the South Parish and past the massive walls of The Gateway, you found yourself on he outskirts of the city. With skill and luck, you were able to pick up what you believe to be your tracks from days prior, feeling like the wagon marks give your path away.

As it is nearing dusk and the discussion had turned toward looking for camp for the night, a rustling and snarls are heard. The sounds seem to be coming from all directions when the first wolf reveals itself, eyes intensely locked on you and it's growls deepening. Now, you're facing the wilds of the wilderness and hoping it isn't a fight for your lives.