Session 20230302 Yeddim don't climb

General Summary

a day, continued

Later that night the party asked questions of Fruitful Scrupulence about the goals of the caravan (deciding which settlements near Kajeth are worth including in a short trade route), disappointed to hear that he had no immediate intention of heading to Chanta - though the latter might be possible with negotiation with Druvgal's liege for travel through their territory (heavily hinted that the party would be the ones sent to do the negotiation). Then the new guards were asked whether Lapis would be a suitable way-stop towards Chanta. They remained closed-mouthed and obviously distraught but revealed that it was destroyed in a recent war by the enemies of Halta. Nightshade considered it unusual that it was never rebuilt. During the night Cualli screamed in her sleep and woke to tell her companions "I was back there, the first morning at Lapis", several of the other guards took her outside to recover.

Next day

Warned by their guide they were still travelling through a dangerous area the caravan left Tafihayr for Abadinaba.
Around midmorning the caravan reached the bottom of a small cliff they could not climb - the guide failed to consider the consequences of terrain on ground travel. Almost headed the longer way around but Bertrum Blumenthal applied his knowledge of theoretical geography (backed up by using the three san-birds as scouts) to determine the correct route.
Nightshade spotted a cave in the cliff face, she and Sacniete got off the Yeddim to screen the caravan as it went past, three Claw Striders came out of the cave, Nightshade decapitated the first in a single swing using the sword taken from the Chevalier of the Fifth Harmony, the others retreated to their cave.
After bypassing the cliff the caravan encountered increasingly swampy ground, which they decided to push through (bypassing it would have probably meant a night in the wilds). Thanks to a guide wearing well crafted "swamp shoes" they find their way through and reach Abadinaba before dark, a largish town that has more ladders and walkways connected to the ground than has been common so far. Rather surprisingly for the middle of the forest it smells of seafood.
Bertrum buys enough iron for at least two and possibly as many as four swords (or one to two great swords).
Discussed the party leaving the caravan temporarily somewhere Bertrum can forge some magnificent great-swords, one of which can hopefully be used as a gift for the Fair Folk leader as part of negotiating safe transit for the caravan. Haven't decided where to do this yet.

Bertrum's Journal

Dear Diary, The caravan has reached a waystation nestled in the depths of a lush forest, and I have spent the evening in conversation with the commandos stationed here. We endeavored to gather knowledge of the perils that lay ahead if we were to embark on a journey to Chantra, the capital city of Halta. The commandos warned us of the treacherous lands of the Fair Folk that lay in our path, and the perils that we would face on our journey. In our quest for knowledge, we also sought to learn of other towns, and it was then that we discovered that one of the cities had been wiped out during the last war. Nightshade, ever the curious one, pressed them for more details, but they grew increasingly uncomfortable and agitated, refusing to disclose any further information. The following day, our journey encountered an obstacle in the form of a sheer cliff. Our guide, who was accustomed to traveling through the trees, had forgotten about this obstruction, and we were faced with a difficult decision. Utilizing my knowledge of geography and geology, I surveyed the surrounding terrain and determined the best path to circumvent the cliff. Our solution was corroborated by the wise herons, sent out by the caravan as scouts.
As we continued on our way, Nightshade came upon a cave and, in the interest of safety, ventured inside. Three raptors emerged, sizing us up as potential prey. With a swift motion, Nightshade dispatched the lead raptor, and the other two fled. We made haste in our departure, ever mindful of the potential dangers that could lurk around every corner. Our travels then brought us to a swamp, a potential hazard for the yeddim. To ensure our safety, I fashioned a pair of snowshoe-style frames for Nightshade and sent her ahead with a pole to test the ground. With her help, we navigated the swamp unscathed and eventually arrived at the next town. Fruitful Scrupulence, the caravan leader, has intimated the possibility of sending Nightshade, Lyris, and myself to negotiate with the Fair Folk to ensure safe passage through their lands. I suggested that a suitable gift may convince them to grant us passage, and if left in town, I could craft a masterwork greatsword to impress them. Procuring high-quality metal for my endeavor, I shall begin my work once the portable forge is complete. Until the next entry, farewell. Yours truly,
Bertrum