Traveling across the desert, the group makes their way to the mysterious city. When within site of the city walls it becomes evident that the entire area used to be somewhere else. It looks as though the entire city was plucked from a mountain region and dropped here in the middle of the desert. There are trees and other vegetation surrounding the city as well as a waterfront and docks that also seems to have been transplanted to this location.
Upon arrival at the gates the elves in the group (Orthan, Greenleaf & Skilver) are looked over very closely. Greenleaf must pay a toll of 100gp presumably because of his race and alignment. It seems as though the city is slanted toward the evil side of things. The gate clerk (Armigan) asks each of the group their name and occupation. Each member is then given a ribbon with a wax bead that signifies his permission to be in the city. Then the group begins their exploration of the strange but wondrous town.
Looking for lodging the party enters a tavern. Inside the barkeep is a troll and waiters are kobolds. (Just say no to kobolds thud) When the group tries to pay for a room it is discovered that the city has it’s own monetary system and no other forms of platinum, gold, silver or copper are accepted. After traveling to the city tax collector to exchange for local currency, the group returns to the tavern to procure a room for the night. Three elves (Orthan TH/A, Skilver MU/C & Greenleaf D) Two humans (Raineer F/MU & Max MU/D) & a half ogre (Thud F) share one room that is empty. Skilver fills the room with magically conjured hay and all sleep well.
The following day calls for a trip to the market district. Good thing the group purchased that map from the soldiers in the foothills. Along the way on a crowded street thud is attacked by a robber. The thief approaches and thrusts his dagger at Thud. Thud dodges the blade and returns a bare fist punch.20 the robber’s head splits like a honeydew in July. The group leaves the man dead in the street and travels on trying to avoid authorities or further escalation. The group begins to browse the shops, taverns and brothels of the market district. Again out of the crowd dives a madman foaming at the mouth. Max is surprised as the lunatic jumps on his back. Raineer looses a folly of magic missiles and the man falls limp to the ground. Again the party moves off quickly to avoid any unnecessary entanglements. Thanks to Raineer.
Seeing a sign that reads Ale House the party enters an interesting tavern called the Trident Pub. The bartender is an ogre and the waters are hobbits. Skilver muddles “mmm… Hobbits are kind of peppery.” Raineer and Thud sit and enjoy a plate of various cheeses. “Which one did I try” asking Thud, brings a reply from Raineer “I’m not keeping track of your cheese”. Talking with the bartender brings interesting information. The barkeep claims that the lands outside the city are a highland region called the Thunder Mountains. He has lived here all of his life and never seen the desert. Someone asks, “Why did we come here…?”