Chapter 1 - Summer

After a quick descent into the clearing, Issac wistfully looks up at the airship as it departs, I'd like to try that again one day, hopefully with Isabela, she would absolutely love it

He gathers his things and heads into the woods with the others. "Sorry Sans, but I do believe stealth and subterfuge are key going forward, and that means hiding our colors, albeit temporarily if all goes well."

Looking over at Mathis, "Mathis, how are you holding up?"

Walking the Woods Toward the Town ~
Mathis chuckles at Issac. "Quite better, actually." He rotates his arm at his shoulder. "Physically, better at least."





Leaves rustle as the party pushes on past the foliage.

"Where do we start our search when we get to town? And do we stay together this time?"




Punctuating Elaine's question, the party breaks from the wood to see large town nestled against the river. Several roads enter the town, ingressing via tall arched gates--the town has a 2 meter high wall round it. Lights twinkle in the windows of hundreds of homes and businesses.



100 meters or so from the tow is the crossroad / gallows from which the town gets its name.

What does the party do?

"Well, the Baron said he met the guild woman to pay her at an Inn called The Sweet Witch . I guess we could start there..." he answers Elaine.

"We could also start inquiring about her elsewhere, by name... The booklet indicated this payment with the initials NM of DG, that we now know could mean Nicole Moreau, of the Dyers' Guild. Perhaps the Guild itself has an office in town..."

"Maybe the insider knowledge we have - she got 15 gold, it seems - could be used for leverage, once we find her?..."

"As for staying together... I suggest we should. The way ahead is dangerous and we need to cover each other's backs..."

Approaching the Walled Town ~

Talking as you walk, you're now close enough to the town walls to see that the gates are open, and a couple bored guardsmen seem to be letting folk enter and leave as they please. You can also see that houses have sprung up all about the outsides of the walls, many appearing to lean against the old stone--airships and cannons have made walls obsolete, and they appear to be a remnant of an older time.

Still, while the guards look bored in the flickering gear-light bulbs they are definitely watching the few folk who pass them by.

Mathis curls his mustache with his thumb and forefinger. "Now, do we enter with stealth, or walk in as any other citizen would? We must admit it could be hard to hide that we are armed..." His eyes dart to the weapons hanging off everyone's belts.

"We need to keep a low profile. I'd say let's work the outskirts, before getting through those gates... " he points at the outbuildings propped against the exterior perimeter of the city walls like fungal growths.

"Some of those shacks reach quite high, I wonder if we could get past the wall that way. Up on the roof, then over the wall from there? What do you say, fellows?"

"Good thinking Sans, let's try to be stealthy until we can't."

In the Shadows of Flickering Gear Lights | The Party ~

The party moves from shadow to shadow, down alley ways, and over garden fences. You quickly traverse the cramped, dirt streets and find yourselves up against the aging wall, houses leaning in on either side of you.

There are many ways to proceed in your climb, some already noted by the musketeers. Which way do you choose?

Issac surveys the wall, mentally carving out a path of handholds and foot holdings not only for himself but also his companions. Climbing came easily to him, but no so much Isabela. Often, when roughing it in the streets of their youth, pilfering a meal here, an item of clothing to stay warm there, they'd have to make a quick escape afterwords. He would often do the same thing and quickly find the grooves and chinks needed to ascend, but also make sure he found different ones for his sister to make things easier.

Looking back at his current companions, "Follow me everyone. Hold firmly and have no doubts.". With that he starts ascending, like water flowing upwards.

Sans watches Issac climbing like a cat. The man makes it look easy!

Looking carefully where the scout puts hands and feet, he follows after him, knowing that he couldn't choose better holds. Instead, his focus stays on staying hidden, climbing in the dark areas, light-footed and silent like a shadow among shadows...

"Stay hidden, Musketeers," he whispers.

The Back Streets of Wichop Crossroads (Success)~

You're all confident you enter unseen and unheard.

The party touches boot to cobblestone in the back alleyways under the wall interior. The tight-packed, two and three story homes around you are primarily wood and plaster. Dim light flickers from cloudy glass windows.

The breezeless air smells of waste, wood and industry.


If you look to the main streets it's clear many tavern and inn are still open.

Looking at the maze of streets and buildings, "We should find a local to ask about the location of The Sweet Witch."

He nods at Issac. As they walk in the narrow streets, he is conscious of the gaze of people.

"Fellows, let's rest a minute in this dark awning," he says, leading the others out of sight from the street. "I have been thinking. My ruin of a face has been a useful distinguishing mark so far... Not quite now that shadows became our friends and that travelling incognito is what we are forced to do..."

"I think I need a mask. Do you think a leatherworker in this town could create one?... One that at a distance could pass for a normal face?"

Mathis rubs his chin, then smooths his mustache. He's really thinking it over. "I saw a man once, who lost his nose in The Duchy War." He removes his hat and scratches his head 'fore putting it back on. "The fellow replaced it with a prosthetic and some leather strapping. I didnt realize until I was but a few meters from him."

Elaine nods. "I think with the proper application of paints and dyes a good quality leather can give the appearance of live human flesh."

"And an improper application could give the appearance of a corpse," she says with a sardonic smile.

Clapping Sans on the shoulder, with a grin. "Indeed, I can assist with the makeup. Had plenty of practice in making lads and lasses in our troupe look pretty to putrid, and vice versa, with nothing more than some sticky puddy and flower paste."

"Thanks friends. Then it is settled. Let me go find the artisans District, there must be someone who works in leather."

"You feel free to carry on our enquiries, though... I would stand out a little too much, accompanying you. Another thing... How are our finances? Something like this might require some coin, for craft... and silence. "

Mathis frowns. "Are you sure you should go alone, my friend? Perhaps I should accompany you?"

He hitches a thumb at Aloys and Issac. "Besides, last time i went with these two I was stuck like a pig." He smiles in the flickering light from the main street, only half joking.

"But sometimes a person needs to go it alone, I know. It's up to you Sans."

Out on the main street a wagon loaded with clay pots rumbles over the cobbles.

"I would be grateful for the company, if you feel well enough, Mathis," he replies, patting his comrade on the back, careful to stay away from his wounded areas.

He turns to the others, "Let's split up. Mathis and I will meet you once we manage to find the right craftsman and get something from them. They will no doubt need more than a day to craft the thing. See that gaslight, at the back of those stables? Meet there in two days, at midday?"

Mathis nods at Sans orders. He holds his sword arm out to Aloys and Issac, in turn to shake. "G'luck boys. Let's try to stay out of trouble this time, eh?" He winks.

"Keep 'em safe," he says to Elaine.