By late morning you have finally left the swampy area that you have been travelling through for days. Instead, you now come into an area of civilization...you see fields and pastures, and the occasional peasant hut. Ahead of you is a small settlement, and to your left the fields run down to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, its waters sparkling blue in the cold winter sunlight.
"This is a place called Where Evil Lurks," Valdar informs you with a wry smile. "No, it's not really evil, though the ruler hopes that the name will attract those of that disposition. You see, he's a paladin..."
You enter the hamlet. It is a small place, dominated by a large concentric castle, apparently of fairly recent construction as castles go. There are several inns and taverns and a few shops as well. The people you see in the streets seem to be pleasant enough, and a few recognise Valdar and bow to him.
"Does anyone wish to purchase goods or supplies, here?" asks Valdar. "Occa?"
"I sure would!" replies Dani. "I have only what I was carrying - hardly enough for a trek such as this. I will need blankets, a warmer cloak, and a whole bunch of other things." Dani frowns suddenly.
"Hey! Orlon!" Dani calls his name and marches up to him. "Orlon, I thought you were going to look in that big treasure chest of yours...you know...I asked for a girdle of many pouches, and some protective bracers...can you or can you not give me those items...it will sort of determine what I need to buy here...geez...did I bring my money?"
Dani starts rummaging through the pockets of her tattered dress...
Occa says, "I would also go into the town...I need some spellbooks, standard and travelling."
He laughs at the name, "That paladin is a sick bastard...I think I would like him."
Salaam speaks to Valdar.
"Valdar, are there any temples of my faith or people, possibly sages, knowledgeable of my lord, Thoth ? If not, are there any libraries in the town?"
The only churches that you see here are dedicated to gods named Forseti and Freya.
"I do believe that there is a sage, here, though."
"Tracy, if you have a fair knowledge of this town, could you give me a tour?", he finishes with a bright smile.
"I'm sorry, Salaam, but I have never been here before. We could explore it together, though."
Orlon looks around for a pharmacist/alchemist. If he finds one, he will inquire about buying sulfur.
While Occa, Orlon and Valdar run a few errands, the rest of you have an early lunch in an inn called The Whale. The food is only fair, as is the beer.
Dani leaves after a few bites...but returns a short time later looking pensive.
Soon after, Occa returns with the others, and announces, "I am loooking for a place to purchase blank or partially filled spellbooks. Do any here know where I might find such a beast? Of course, there is a finders fee that I will happily pay."
Valdar says, "We will be passing through more towns and villages on our way up the coast...some considerably larger than this place. Perhaps we should continue on our way."
Orlon is unable to find a source of sulphur.
Occa says, "I have to return to the sage for a bit. Then, let us be on our way."
After awhile Occa, Orlon and Valdar return to the inn where the rest of you await.
It is early afternoon, and you decide to continue your trek.
The road north of Where Evil Lurks hugs the coast line, which climbs steadily. Soon you are moving along a cliff several hundred feet high, with the ocean below.
That night you camp a short distance away from the road, and the sound of the crashing surf lulls you to sleep.