Act 1.1: New Horizons

"I don't plan to do anything, they're about two months away from here on horse, and if they really wanted to destroy us, they could easily eradicate us. The so called kingdoms of course could withstand such a threat, and they'd sooner attack the unaligned city than us."

Turning towards Alenvander, the Chief says, "There's not too much on our side of the continent. If you stay near the human stronghold, Cheliax, you'll only be dealing with wolves, a spotted amount of goblins, and people. As you go west things get a little harsher. Towards the dwarves are kobolds and dragonkind, and farther west to the Elves lie magical beasts."

"Goblins you say? And what of these people?"

After the other questions are answered, I ask, "Can you tell us any more about the necromancers?"

"Despite stereotypes people place on them, they can be friendly enough at times and it's easy to get the advantage in negotiating with them for items and the like. Though, the stereotype exists for a reason, and some tribes act like bandits, though at least bandits will allow you to keep your life."

"I only visited the necromancers once. They're not xenophobic like one might think, but they don't take kindly to others either. They mostly used the undead as a labor force, and to keep the other mindless undead that assault them at bay. I'm not much of a mage myself, so I mostly got a cold shoulder from them, but they were relatively neutral to those that associated themselves with magic."

"Can you tell us more about the less lawful town?"

The Chief nods his head. "Crovor is a disgusting place. The laws are just for show, no one actually enforces them. There's no disciplinary force, only a loose protection force to keep the city safe from outside threats. It's mostly ruled by gangs, most malevolent, a few benevolent. Interestingly enough, everything just seems to.. click. It all just works out somehow."

"You seem very well travelled. How did you end up ruling here?"

"This specific area has no tower, and towers have become centers of civilization, like water, so no one particularly important sees it as anything other than a resupply point. I can't say they're really wrong, but I liked it. It's peaceful here, which you can't say for other areas. And I rule here because with connections and experience, I can protect here. The people know that."

"I see. Where would you recommend aspiring new adventurers head?"

"Anywhere I mentioned would be a good place, but considering the circumstances you're most likely strapped for cash."

"Go north to the human city, Cheliax. They have a tower, and although it is not the easiest I've seen, it is by far not the hardest. By tower standards, at least. Avoid getting caught up in their politics at all costs. I don't know much, but somethings not right with their politicians, and I don't mean in the typical way. If anything go by the guilds, they're unaffiliated with the government there. It's a god place to buy, sell, make money, learn, and profit in general, so I'd recommend there.

It's three weeks away, however, so be prepared for roads. Goblin and bandits alike know that the Chelish route is a profitable one. Don't play hero. Be safe."

(If you have knowledge the planes, local, or some sort of bardic knowledge, you can attempt to roll for Cheliax. Remember that Knowledges are trained only)

"Thank you sir. May I please take my leave?"

"Of course, you may leave if you have no further questions."

After being completely silent for the whole journey, trying to take everything in and trying to process everything, Camdura asks:
"When you speak of dragonkind, do you actually talk of great dragons? Or more dragon disciples and drakens? I'm interested in the magical beasts of this world."

"Drakes, dragon priests, and kobolds for sure. The friendly kobolds claim that they have a broodmother, but no one's quite sure what they mean by that, since no true dragons have been spotted."

"Really? No real dragon but yet priests and drakes around? Hmm. Do you know of any rumors of any dragons? Also, are these kolbolds typically friendly to travelers and journeymen?"

"Maybe we should just go north and not bother the chief with questions, he is probably a busy man."

"Like I said, no true dragons have been spotted, so I suppose it's likely that their brood mother is some sort of drake, albeit more powerful. And kobolds are a mixed lot, kobolds found in cities are typically fine, but in their tribes they are like goblins. And just like with goblins it's difficult to judge whether or not they are hostile towards travelers or not until they make their move."

"Hmm, okay. Thanks for the information, Chief."

"I think that's enough information for now. Thank you for all the help, sir."

After exiting the tent, I'm going to tell Rylan and (whoever is exiting the tent with me), "Alright, I think we should head north. After we have a nice tavern meal and rest, we should make sure to get at least 3 weeks' worth of provisions, preferably 4, before we head out."

Nods head to Dot.

"Sounds like a plan Dot. I will head to the market to buy provisions." I head to the market.

I follow Alenvander out.

I also head to the market. I'm going to buy 10 more servings of delicious wandermeal.

I am looking to purchase 15 days of rations. What are the cheapest that I find?

You find a shady merchant selling Wandermeal for 1 cp per serving, thus 3 cp per day.