Chapter 4: Welcome to Alderheart

As you travel into the valley you start seeing signs of the vast outer city limits of Alderheart, from the Root-carved dwellings popping up to the travel of commerce just like Eliza.

After a few hours of travel, Eliza abruptly sets her cart down where the road winds around an immense tree trunk. The tree is so large its branches block out sunlight for at least a mile. "Well, this is it! We’ve finally arrived at Alderheart!" She gestures upward to a network of platforms and bridges in the canopy above. Closer inspection of the tree shows rough steps carved into the trunk. At a distance, these steps are almost impossible to spot.

You and your companions emerge from the winding stairway up the trunk into a canopy filled with the bustle of city life. Buildings are located within the foliage, and crowded roadways are sculpted from the giant branches. The roadways are connected with rope, wood bridges, and carefully positioned platforms made of timber. Birdfolk guards, known colloquially as "the Perch Guard," can be seen keeping watch throughout the city. Laborers operate pulley systems that are used to raise carts to the canopy platforms.

The way up isn't one of the main gates used by most folk and you can see that Eliza knows herself around quite well. She has lead you right up through the trunk into the marketplace region, here she stops in front of a small shop. The shop is closed, clearly but you see her pull out a key and open the door.

I know you are all busy but please come back here when you have time, I wish to reward you for all the help you gave me. The counsil you seek is that way And you can see her straight up. The Canopy is one of the most beautiful places in the city.

She then goes inside and closes the door.

Being amidst so many people brings a smile to Sherry's face. Oh how she had missed this in her - often miserable - time in the woods. Quickly checking if her clothes are still clean and her coins are safely tucked away, the mapach wanders chatting to everyone at the front of the group and knows her way around the town.

As Eliza separates, the adventurer turns toward the group and asks while trying not to sound too negative: "To the council then?"

Aye Charun confirms and strides to where they need to go. He walks with confidence and purpose, hopefully they can avoid petty politics and power plays, the bane of action in seats of power.

Leif nodded, and ambled along behind Charun. Now that they were in the safety of Alderheart, he no longer felt the need to always be at point, and let his eyes wander a bit. Still, the sooner they get this done, the sooner he can go about seeing the lates entertainment!

It had taken her a little while of going up the stairs before she was truly convinced, she wasn't going to fall down. Even so, she stayed a good distance away from the edges and avoided looking down. The council sounded like it would be further inside so, she almost sounded cheerful when she said, "Yes, inside please."

As you ascend through the towering Evertree, the world transforms. The dense foliage below gives way to a breathtaking expanse of interconnected branches, forming a sprawling city in the sky. This is the Canopy of Alderheart.

The Canopy is a marvel of nature and architecture. Wide, tree-like structures known as branchroads wind through the city, offering stunning vistas of the world below. The air is fresh and clean, filled with the whisper of wind through leaves. Though you are hundreds of feet above the ground, the Canopy feels surprisingly secure. Stabilizing platforms and walkways are everywhere, ensuring your safety.

The Canopy is the oldest part of Alderheart, and its history is woven into the very fabric of the city. As you wander, you'll notice a blend of ancient and modern architecture, a testament to the city's enduring spirit.

You can't help but notice the intricate system of rain catchers, or skywells, that dot the Canopy. These ingenious contraptions collect rainwater from the upper branches and distribute it throughout the city. A testament to the ingenuity of the city's builders, these skywells are essential to life in the Canopy.

At the heart of the Canopy lies Council Plaza, a bustling hub of activity. This is where the city's government and law enforcement reside.

Council Plaza is a circular area surrounded by imposing structures. In the center stands a magnificent statue of Ava Windsweft, the founder of Alderheart. To the north, the Council Chambers, a grand domed building, is the seat of power. To the south, the Perch Guard Headquarters protects the city. Other notable buildings include the Alderheart Gaol, the Courthouse, and the First Bank of Alderheart.Would you like to explore Council Plaza or go directly to the Council Chambers?

Flexing his wings as the groups steps into the fresh open air and a gentle wind seems to float around him for a moment and lift him into the air as Charun glances around to take it all in. Not looking forwards to the task of trying to ensure their message is taken serious Charun ponders aloud.

If any of my family are in town or if I can find some of their business contacts or friends they might be a good source of guidance to help us navigate the local administrative affairs and ensure our message reaches the right ears quickly. I am a member of the Glory Seekers, we could check in with the guild and see if they can help us.

What do you think? Strait to the council or seed council and aid?

Charun wracks his brains to try and recall any family, partners, or friends that might be of help.

Once she gets to an area where she can't see the ground so far below Scylla falls into her usual scholarly mode. "Well, I've never been to Alderheart but, there's a rich history here that has been taught by the outlying schools. Give me a moment to recall what I can now that the horror of the height we are at has passed."

Charun looks around the square and while he recognizes the area he does feel a little bit lost. Did they remodel the square recently? He does however manage to get the attention of some onlookers as he speaks, though none come over immediately.

Meanwhile, Scylla looks down the Mainstay branchroad that runs through the square and the market and she can easily see signage up pointing that the Guild Quarter is a little past the Council Chambers and that is probably where you would find the guild Charun is a part of.

Allowing her gaze enjoy a long stroll on council plaza, the snow-white-furred adventurer whistles "Tarantella" and feasts her eyes on all the diverse people.

Lending Scylla a helping paw if the vulpin woman to center, she herself had never had any fear of height, but Sherry was born here, so not a huge accomplishment. "You get used to it pretty fast." the mapach offers as help with a sincere smile. Shifting her attention to Charun, losing her smile quickly, she suggests: "With those uninterested, high-nosed, stuck-up, good-for-nothing, "highborn" - every piece of advise and help we can muster, I would say."

The adventurer would love to return to her family, but the people of Meadowfen are counting on them. Delivering the letter and bringing aid soon. As a result her personal life would have to wait for a few more hours.

And there is still the warning that the fires were brought by some outside force. Not bandits as it was proclaimed around here for some times.

Sherry has been perceptive for awhile, not just in the square. She has noticed the signs of unease, a few more patrols of Perch Guard throughout the city, especially the markets. The entrance to Alderhearts main branchroads with the guards, which is normal for a busy metropolis, not being at ease as frequently. The city is on edge.

Leif nodded at Charun. He didn't particularly trust the winged folks to take him seriously, and while Charun himself might be a winged one, given that he was with the grounded folks, he could likely use all the help he could get.

"Any help you could get would be great."

"Something happened." Sherry points out the tension among the guards. Something isn't right here. The members of the city watch sportet clenched jaws and shifty looks, they were clearly alarmed. "Let's see what happened."

Walzing over to some merchants, the mapach tries some small talk, before asking why the people and the guards are uneasy and on the edge.

Scylla keeps hold of Sherry’s hand. "Thank you Sherry, perhaps if I knew the Feather Fall spell I would feel somewhat more secure but, a helpful hand from a new friend is greatly appreciated. By the way, is that building over there the one Charun’s guild would be at? I recognize the symbol."

She pointed with her free hand towards Charun’s guild her other hand wasn’t leaving the calming presence of the Mapach woman anytime soon.

Charun accompanies Sherry at her side thinking it may be best to get a sense of the cities state before charging in blindly. Using insight on guards and helping with persuasion as needed and

Leif looked around, unsure what Sherry was talking about, but now that she'd mentioned it, the guards did look somewhat, well, on guard. He followed the mapach to see what was going on.

Sherry gives Scylla a warm look as she realizes that the Vulpin accepts her paw and stays by her side. "Charun's Guilde?" the adventurer asks casually, still remembering the Luma's flight.

The two white furred ladies go together and try to find out more.

I work for the Fortune Seekers as a member. That work is what took me out to Meadowfen. They are a well respected guild around here and large enough they would likely have good information and contacts within the government as well as abroad.

The fox woman nods, "Right, and that's the symbol for them just down that way right Charun? You'd know better than I would having been a member but, I read the Able Adventurers Guide to Alderheart and it had a map of places."

She asks carefully, "By the way is it true that some local thieves use a set of hand signals that only they know? I would have thought the guard would be able to get someone in to learn it or a good linguist working with a cryptologist could probably do it. The mathematical formulae I would use if I was working on it would be..." She describes a function without any numbers and Sherry might wonder if it was even math!

With enough of a concensus Charun leads the team to the Fortune Seeker headquarters(chapter house?). Once inside he loos to the job board first. you can always get a sense of the situation by the types of jobs avaiable. After that he looks for any familiar faces . If none stand out he will head to find a senior member or representative at the least.

Walking through the streets of the Canopy you can see the miraculous architecture and design of Alderheart, the roads and houses not built up from the tree but built from the tree.

The Chapter house of the Fortune Seeker's is no different, built up and shaped by artisans that slowly built up the entire house by guiding the tree to grow. Inside you find people from all different backgrounds, the chapter house almost like a bar or social club than an organized guild house.

Charun recognizes most of the faces, but some new faces are often associated with the Fortune Seekers. After looking around the house for some time, he finds Holt "Lodestone" Brightbeam the guildhouse leader. A retired old raptor, who makes sure all dues are paid and order in the guildhouse is kept.

Taking a beer at the bar the mapach takes a sip and looks encouragingly at Charun. This was his turf, so he should be the one talking.

Heading to Holt Charun acknowledges the guild leader with respect before asking. Sir, We've just come in from Meadowfen as messengers and representatives of Elder Ardwyn and seek council on how to proceeded. May we talk privately.

Casually looking around, Charun awaits the veterans reply and if no private audience is granted lowers his voice for a moment as needed to not be overheard Ashbarrow has been lost to the Scorched Grove, which is actively growing, and bandits are looting what remains.

He continues in a regular tone We bear a request for aid but are unsure to whom to take it such that it will be responded to in a timely manner with the gravity such a matter is due.

She sits next to Sherry finally releasing her hand now that they are inside and away from the horror of the long fall. She hasn't ever actually been to a bar and is unsure what to order. Sherry orders a drink though so clearly that must be safe to order right? Unless maybe it's some fruit that foxes can't drink? She hopes not.

Leif stayed quiet, listening to his winged companion, who spoke like a hero from the plays. He sighed, if only he could speak in that manner, he'd have a chance with Marian Silkwhisker then.

Old Lodestone, as most call him, pulls Charun aside and begins talking to him in a small room in the back. The room, looking to be a small office filled with trophey's from missions that Lodestone went on when he was younger. Prowler antler, amphithere feathers, wakewrym teeth. All sorts of things that indicate the many adventures he had been on.

Aye, well, I dinnae ken who'd lend ye a hand. Thae Council, they're aye too busy wi' that Alderheart o' theirs tae worry aboot the likes o' dem oot der. Maybe if them blasted bandits weren't causin' so much trouble, they'd spare a thought for their neighbors.

His voice as always, jumbled in a thick accent from the far west from where he is from. But Charun can get enough of it, that while the bandits are causing trouble for the Council they are not very likely to help his cause.

Scylla and Sherry sitting at the bar get approached a few times by rugged adventures seeing new faces in the guild. Asking questions about who they are and where they come from.

Sighing at yet another block to helping the innocent Charun asks Might there be any on the council who would champion our cause? If we can get the information and our letters to a sympathetic ear in advance then if an opportunity arises to act there would be on already in place to do so.

Pondering for a moment he asks

It seems possible that the bandits may seek to take advantage of the chaos brought about by the Scorched Groves expansion. Is there anything we can to to divert their attention or pull them completely into the open so that the Perch guard or others can finally apprehend or drive them off? Charun seeks the council of the grizzled veteran and any possible recourse to the plight of those who sent them.

Chatting amicably with the other adventurers the mapach isn't above getting free drinks for herself and Scylla if they are offered. But her main interest is, if there news or rumors. The fires, bandits or things from beyond will bring her ask in detail or even to spend a drink in return if this should help to loosen tongues and to get more details.

Lodestone speak lowers his voice and contemplates a little.

"Yer best hope micht be tae plead yer case wi' Speaker Bita. She's aye shown a soft spot for the likes o' us humblefolk. At the verra least, she micht be able tae sweeten the deal wi' the council. Thae bandit gangs hae swelled like a boil, an' wi' them makin' raids in the North, it looks like they're gettin' a wee bit too clever for their own good."

He looks out into the main room and at the friends Charun brought into the hall.

"Ye might want tae do the talkin' yersel', though. While Bita likes dem Humblefolk, there's others on the council that mightnae be so keen on yer footed friends."

As the talk turns to bandits, the mapach is keen for names, sightings, hideouts, leaders and loot.

Maybe Scylla helps her a little and bedazzles the poor fellows with her deep eyes and sharp smile?

Charun shares a quick summary of their travels and news they learned before asking the best way to contact Speaker Bita. If the veteran has nothing else for him Charun will thank old Lodestone then rejoins the others.

Scylla gets information regarding the bandits having a large encampment to the north east in the mountains somewhere being led by a Cervan named Benna. A lot of the adventurers seem to be sympathetic to a point for the bandits but their tactics seem brutal.

"She's a big cheese in that there council, an' it looks like ye've got a wee letter o' introduction."


Old Lodestone tells him with a grin. Not having much more to say he helps Charun to the front and waves at the bartender to keep Charuns companions tab on his account. Wishing Charun luck as he takes his leave.

The vixen has not ever done anything like this before but, she’s smart enough to understand that Sherry is trying to get information so Scylla does her best to help get information. Only when there is a quiet moment does she ask, "I recognize that you are getting information and that somehow when I look like this." Her eyes go smoky and her ears half down, the vixen is truly a looker, "They seem to provide more information and yet. I am unclear as to why that is the case. Can you elaborate as to the nature of these social interactions so that I might aid you more appropriately?"

Apparently Scylla doesn’t even begin to understand that she’s been flirting.

Upon returning to his companions he relays all that passed. The last bit about Charun acting as spokesperson for the team during their next meeting he relays with a bit of trepidation, glancing at Sherry to gauge her reaction.
If you need to ask something or feel I forgot something then quietly pass that information to me. This is not for me but rather for the help we may gain from the Alderheart council for those outside or at the edge of Humblewood.

Upon returning to his companions he relays all that passed. The last bit about Charun acting as spokesperson for the team during their next meeting he relays with a bit of trepidation, glancing at Sherry to gauge her reaction.
If you need to ask something or feel I forgot something then quietly pass that information to me. This is not for me but rather for the help we may gain from the Alderheart council for those outside or at the edge of Humblewood.

Sparing Scylla a side glance with a highly raised eyebrow, Sherry asks herself if the vulpins mother never had the hawk tuah talk with her daughter. Some parents - she muses and puts a none commiting smile on her face. "Well ... you know ... men like women. When women act as they like 'em as well; especially - laughing at their jokes, touching their biceps and in particular smiling and looking them deep in their eyes; they try to impress us." The mapach shrugs her shoulders "And that is the moment they start to spill all the useful bits of information we need to know."

Looking at the vulpin, checking how her words are received, the former bandit steels herself for follow up questions.

Having her hands full with Scylla at the moment, Sherry forgets completely to make Charun's life hard and simply follows the Luma without her normal show of heartfelt defiance.

Scylla looks at Sherry as if illuminated, "I see, we were participating in a social deception. I have never actually attempted one before."

She smiled happily at her success, "By copying your technique they didn’t even know I have no interest in men and thus our deception was successful. I must remember to use this technique if I require information in the future."

When Charun lets them know the situation she nods, "I will pass a note if necessary."

Slightly lost at the girls conversation, not a new experience for Charun, he shrugs it off (filled with boundless optimism) and hopes that one day when he gets married his wife can explain it all to him.

When everyone is ready to go Charun head to find Speaker Bita, asking directions as needed.

Leif cleared his throat. "So... um, where to now, Charun? You off to see the Council on your own?"

No, I thought we could ask go see Speaker Bita and he looks confused at his mouse companion.

Satisfied that their "social deception" was to Scyllas liking, Sherry feels rather proud and smiles companionable at the Vulpin woman. "That's the way tails, that's the way. she purres in answer.

"We follow you into this wretched hive of scum and villainy." she replies to Charun in a good mood and winks at him. "Lead the way."

Slightly baffled and hoping all the leaders are not that bad Charun leads on

The fox woman's tail wags happily behind her at Sherry's praise. It is only when Sherry described their next location that the wagging stopped and the wizard checked to make sure her wand was ready to be pulled.

Walking towards the Council Chambers, you can see a huge domed structure rising up through the foliage. The building is cradled into the natural curve of Alderheart’s giant trunk. A large platform has been built around the imposing structure, connecting it to the branch-roads that run throughout the city. It is adorned with brightly-colored banners displaying crests of the major settlements of the Wood. Two guards in resplendent armor stand watch at the entrance, turning away those who do not have permission to enter. A throng of people mill about nearby. If given the letter of introduction the guards will lead you inside.

Everything has a certain aura about the dealings her, with almost a bureaucratic disdain for the urgency of the matter. You are lead from the outside of the building into a waiting room where you are asked, again and again about your business. No one bats an eye at the urgency of the matter and it seems like it will be a long wait.

After a few hours of navigating the process you are told you are to wait for the audience of the council and are seated in a waiting room outside their chambers. Aids and others seeking an audience are seen coming in and out of the chambers, before the group is called you can see many a birdfolk and humblefolk step out of the chambers seemingly disappointed but some with a glimmer of hope. None look completely satified.

As you enter the chamber, you see a council of 6 Birdfolk nobles sit before you, all with plaques that have their names in front of them and where they are from. In the center holding a gavel is a Luma woman, the plaque reads "Speaker Bita. Alderheart"

With that, we will move on to the next item on our agenda. We will now take audience the party brought to us from Meadowfren and Winnowing Reach with news from Ashburrow.

Her tone shifts from procedurally mechanical to warm:

It is unusual for such a quick audience to be granted, what brings you all here?

Charun Move to the appropriate place and addresses the council Honored council we were sent to bring word that Ashbarrow has been consumed and the flames of the Scorched grove are surging in greater potency than in a great time.
Meadowfen asked us to alert the council of the growing danger as the flames were heading south and east. They seek aid to understand these alarming events and stop the groves expansion before more lands are lost to it.

He will then explain details, as coached to him by his fellows, laying out the danger and emphasising the possible repercussions if the threat is not taken seriously before it grows to great to be averted and exhorting the council to answer the call for help.

Spending the waiting hours nervously complaining about the injustice of having to wait for some old bird people, Sherry fidgets without end and strains the nerves of everyone present.

As the group is finally brought before the council, see stares at them with contempt and frustration.

But - at least for the moment - the mapach woman stays silent and awaits, without much hope for the people of Meadowfen, the verdict of the council.

She hadn't been part of the group for the whole scorched grove was burning, so she stands still and tries to look like she belongs here. Maybe she could help out? How though, well maybe if she brought up important points from what she knew about Scorched grove and the rest of the world. "If I am remembering my books correctly Scorched grove has an annual harvest of..." She brings up all the variou harvests that she knows might be affected by the flames and the loss of income, lives, and potential damage to the Alderheart economy if the blazes and whatever is causing them is not stopped.

Unfortunately, the fox woman tends towards boring numbers more than making her presentation really hit anyone's feelings. It's dry, technical, and just not very persuasive.

Was there anything so boring as waiting? Waiting for a play to start, waiting for prey to enter your trap, waiting waiting waiting, but there was no waiting worse than waiting for a bunch of stuffy birdfolk. Reflexively Leif nearly soured his face when they were finally called, but he caught himself in time and made sure to keep a straight if not jovial face. He also knew better than to open his mouth in front of the winged ones, so he simply nodded and smiled encouragingly any time Charun looked their way.

A Raptor councilmember next to Bita, name tag reads "Gregor Birdfellow, Talon Coast", speaks up.

Ashbarrow has burned to the ground? You don’t say! The Councilman looks down at his papers as he strokes his chin. [b"Now, that is important. Unfortunately, I am bound by my office to be fair, so your news will have to wait, just like everyone else. I recommend you
make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the splendor of the city.[/b]

Bita next to him looks disgusted and steps up. While I cannot guarantee that we can act immediately, what I can do is promise we will act. Unfortunately Gregor is correct there are some processes we have to follow. What we can do is send a small militia force to Meadowfren in order to reinforce the people there. That is something that only I as speaker can do unilaterally...and I will gladly do it. You can see her stare down Gregor as she speaks.

As for a full force act to save Ashburrow, I will set an official council discussion and vote set for two weeks from today, the earliest we are allowed to do so.

Gregor stares at Bita I am sure this will be of utmost useful of our time with the bandits at our doorstep.

Bita dismisses him, thanks the group for helping and says she must go on to the next topic but feel free to come to the next discussion to provide further testimonial.

We thank Speaker Bita and the Council for your promise of support and offer our meager selves to aid the council, either as guides for the militia or any other effort the council may deem more critical, if only to ensure the innocent bird and humblefolk of the west can get the aid the need and call for.
Speaking before thinking is a bad habit and only after he says the word does he hesitate as he considers how they may impact his companions. Glancing back nervously at the others only a moment he returns his focus to any nearby attendant to ask when the council will meet again about the matters to the west.
Once safely out of the councils attention he give councilor Birdfellow a measured look, unimpressed with the self important politician and listens to the council for a moment as they talk on other matters, to get a better sense of the words, promises, and actions the council takes.

Peeking up as the grumpy bird-person is talking about bandits, the mapach asks curiously: "Are you talking about Benna? In the northeast mountains? What is he up to exactly?" holding back a "these days" as this may sound to familiar with a known criminal right under the nosey beak of some old farts like the ones present.

Leif nodded and bobbed his head along as Charun walked out. "Well, that could've gone worse. At least Meadowfren gets a quick militia support. Two weeks for Ashburrow, though..." He left the words hang in the air.

"Now what?" He asked his winged companion.

As he watches the proceedings, still patiently waiting a bit he replies softly to his furry companion. I am uncertain. I and inclined to head back with the militia. However if the bandits are not allied with the force creating the new troubles in the Scorched grove perhaps they can be reasoned with . If not then I wonder how we can affect such a massive organization. Sherry may better know what the next best step is.

"Could we possibly scout out the bandit organization? If someone or something is behind these brigands it might be good for that information to reach appropriate ears. Besides, which we could try and understand the underlying social dynamics of why people become bandits. A sociological perspective on this would be a truly insightful work."

The council sends you on your way and you have a lot of time to think and make decisions it looks like. For those who don't have lodging already in Alderheart you get offered a stay with Eliza if you wish, otherwise temporary lodging and housing is available at one of the towns many Inns.

Charun check in with the guild to try and gather more information on the current political climate and threats to the region. Surely they must realize the potential threat of the Scorched Grove is far graver than any bandits? Perhaps the bandits are worse than he understood, so he checks on them as well.
He will spend the time in between these efforts on training at the Fortune Seekers guild office.
Roll to gather information on current situation, bandits, etc

"Sherry would you mind being my guide?" Less guide and more beacon to hold onto if the heights get to her. If the Mapuche agrees the fox woman will be trying to find new books or scrolls that she can scribe from.

"Heading back with the militia sounds good to me. Swing slash stab, best way to solve a problem, right?" Leif started out hyped, but quieted when he didn't get the expected response.

"Well. If you have another plan, let me know. I'll be staying with family." And catching some shows! He thought to himself.

Feeling otherly unsatisfied that the half-witted birdfolk simply ignored her question, the mapach woman turns around in helpless anger and fumes out. What thickheaded, deficient, brainless, witless balls of feathery stupidity! - Sherry knows why she has an aversion against those in down lined power.

Slowly calming down, she still feels the red-hot anger in her breast, as Scylla asks for her help, the new born adventurer, shakes her head. "I am sorry dear; I can show you the right direction, but than I've promised myself to bring some things into order." she excuses herself. Sherry would tell where are places of learning for the lupin, before saying her goodbyes to everyone for the moment.

In advance of leaving the mapach suggests a time and a place where they could meet up in about two days.

Vanishing in the crowd, Sherry completes a brief stroll until the afternoon to order her thoughts, before she knocks at the door where her parents had lived for so many years...

The council all stare at each other silently a moment before just quickly adding. While the bandits do appear to be more organized than they have been in some time. All we know is that they threaten our way of life here in Alderheart, and the entire Wood. As for their supposed leader, she is nothing but trouble.

Charun, while you don't hear much more than you already know. You do determine that most of the Alderheart population doesn't know/believe there is a threat of the Scorched Grove and the fires that seem to be growing are a result of the bandits.

Here are the first events:

Charun: Guild check in and investigation
Sherry: Backstory intrigue
Syclla: Find a library or place of knowledge ?????
Leif: Staying with Family? anything specific? Explore city?

Leif and Charun find themselves at one of the theaters in the Trunk neighborhood. "Gaspard's Return" is the current popular show in the area. A sequel to an earlier play about the Amaranthine of courage. A tale of over coming great odds and doing what is right in the face of adversity. The show is pretty good and reviews are overall positive. The lead actor however is a Strig, dressed up as Gaspard...who is notably a Jerbeen.

Scylla, You stumble upon the observatories in the Canopy neighborhoods. They are filled with academics and each have a library with various topics in them.

After spending some time with her people and finding together with them enough, so that they could take a meal in peace like atmosphere as a family, Sherry feels that it has been enough bonding for this moment and goes her own way.

Visiting seedy dives, brothels and basement bars, the mapach woman tries to earn some coins by playing cards, rolling dice or take advantage of young fools. Always eager to impart a lesson to those not careful or caring enough to hold tight to their money.

During her time doing this she on top keeps her ears open for further informations on the bandits, the fires and if someone knows anything about the danger from beyond the forest.

She would visit their tabaxi friend as well, to see how things are with Eliza.

Still feeling a sense of pressure to hurry things along but realizing this could possibly hinder the efforts Charuns mounting frustration drives hiim to the Fortune Seekers to seek partners for some sparring. Between matches he will listen to and chat with others of the guild.
However he realizes he need to remain focused and after each day of working on his swordsmanship he cleans himself before visiting the local temple to Clhuran to pray, meditate and consult with others of his faith to see if they have any news or suggestions.

Sherry makes a modest but good showing earning 5 gold pieces in her endeavors.

As for the bandits, she hears of some bandits who operate within the city limits but aren't easy to find though some believe they aren't affliated with the bandits that are from the north eastern mountains as their tactics are even more brutal than theirs.

The Fortune Seekers start talking about some of the frustrations they have when going out to the Wood and doing jobs, the council being on such guard has made doing these jobs harder and bogged down with bureaucracies and paperwork. Especially when working out further from the big Perch's. Grumbling happens, and some are far more sympathetic...maybe even collaborative with the bandits it seems.

At the church, reminders of the web of fate and that the ups and downs of the Wood are all part of life. Excepting that is crucial. Fate is a painted picture, we are but along destinies ride. The church teachings are strong in Alderheart and those who attend the church are heavy handed with their recitation of these concepts.

She spends her time in the library studying books on the history of such fires and how they have been dealt with in the past. She also researches any spells that might be useful towards combating fire. Surely, someone must have created such spells before?

Leif fumed during the entirety of Gaspard's Return, and made to watch a different show to clean the images of a strig playing a jerbeen from his mind's eye. He sat down to another show, spending coin on sweets and treats and sugary drinks with hopes to lose himself in the show. If it went well, perhaps he'd pay extra to go backstage and mingle with the stars.