New Paphos (The Base)

After eating and chatting for a bit Shmautz gets his oil and Baruman a sling. The base does not really have a market lie in most cities Baruman has heard of. The warehouse runs a general store and there are several specialty shops in the base. The shamans hut outside the base is frequented by many of the base personel for local products.

With the decision made you return to the clerk for additional information on Dean so you can set out first thing in the morning The clerk relays the following information
Dean is an intelligent golemn of unknown but suspected great power.. However he claims to be confined to his residence by standing orders left by his previous master who he claims must be alive somewhere for the orders to still be in effect. To reach dean follow the trail to the NW side where it exits the swamp but take the last trail north before leaving the swamp. As the path veers back east you will need to search through the dense trees for a path of steps notched into trees and logs and stones. This will lead you to a small island with a crumbling building. Find the stairs and go down them to meet Dean. He has a few minor golem servants. He has given a few helpful clues but is asking for someone to assist him in his own projects before assisting the expedition further.After talking with the clerk and checking out the map of the area (see ~Tiny Info~ Area Map Label H) you clean up and relax for the evening.

In the morning refreshed and eager for adventure you set out to go find and talk with Dean. Thoug Baruman, Elph, and Shmautz have gone into the swamp a bit they are still learning the ins and out or it.

It is a bit before noon and the Tavern is still empty for the most part. The simple room with many large windows allows in the cool breeze off of the river which helps with the oppressive heat and humidity of the region. As the staff is still setting up the patio you wander inside to find a place to sit and grab a meal. There are multiple tables of varying size with an assortment of benches and stools. A counter, without any stools, with a serving area behind it surrounds the kitchen and seporates it from the common room.

As she sits Woosaa looks to Moli and Bornvid I hear you two are trying your hand at adventuring. Something about clearing some tunnels for Valpip here and she nods head at the gnomish artificer.

Yes. I was beginning work on expanding the warehouse and found some old tunnels. These two have already had an encounter with several goblins that got in some how. Luckily they were still close so I could help out. Goblins are usually not terribly great fighters but can be vicious in packs. We need to secure those tunnels. Who knows where else they may have exits here in the base.

I wonder if that is how the dark fey have been getting into the base after you and Fiznik improved the base wards.

Let me introduce some newcomers. These are Khaguran, Skeve, and Rikia. They just walk in through the swamp from somewhere west of here. It seems they were out wandering the Shattered lands and got turned around before finding us.

Turning to the trio of newcomers This here is Valpip. He is our artificer. makes potions, rune stones, and other minor magic as we need. He does other work for the expedition as well but I mostly know his trade is minor magics.

As she is introducing the new trio the tavernkeeper walks up with a tray of food and drinks and begins handing them out. Smiling at the newcomers he gestures towards Moli and Bronvid.
These two were working as base staff and signed up just yesterday to help out with some local missions. Since the expedition has been getting bigger they opened a lot more contracts to freelance scouts and the general public. Not like how things were when this whole thing started with everyone was under magic contract. Unfortunately our rather unfriendly neighbors spoiled the hoped for peaceful times. Add to that the frequent trips for supplies and things have loosened up quite a bit.

As you three are new here and not signed on, to be honest I am not sure if they would let you sign up even if you asked, then you will need to pay for your way. You can see if they will let you do some of the open contracts like these two started doing. Perhaps you could even help them out. Scouting is one thing but emptying infested tunnels, caverns, or sewers can be hard work and might be more than just 2 can handle. That could get you the coin you need to either gear up or move on.