The First Expedition: The Alchemist's Vault

Elara, and those who accompany her, find their way up to The Charging Horn via a wide spiral staircase of polished gloamwood steps that enters the tavern's heart. The curved walls are adorned with tapestries of the history of the reclaimed tower. The high, arched ceilings are supported by thick, weathered stone ribs, remnants of the tower’s ancient fortifications. Chandeliers made of twisted iron and rhino horn hang from above, providing a cozy amber glow.

The tavern is buzzing with moderate activity, hearty folk sharing drinks and stories by the fire. Eyes glance up to regard your entrance. Even dressed plainly, the noble Elara cuts a striking figure among these rural townsfolk.

The evening meal passes in an atmosphere of warmth and contentment. Subeen keeps a watchful eye on the other patrons, a mix of caravan drivers and merchants by their rugged appearances. Though a few of the men begin casting leering glances toward the table of women, Subeen’s formidable presence and steely glare are enough to discourage any untoward behavior.

Later, Elodie, Elara, and Subeen retire to their accommodations, which prove to be adequate. The rooms are clean, the beds are soft, and they enjoy the peace and privacy they offer. Subeen is able to clean her wounds and re-wrap them with fresh bandages.

Trix, meanwhile, finds herself in the bunkhouse among the caravan drivers. The air is thick with pipe smoke and the sound of dice clattering against wooden tables. The men are a surly bunch, boasting of dubious exploits, sharpening their weapons, and laughing over crude jokes. The rogue feels right at home!The next day, the crew reconvenes in the inn as the Aurora brightens. Bella serves them up a tasty breakfast of poached eggs cooked in lard; simple, spiced sausage; toasted ashgrain bread with rhino butter; and a bowl of thick porridge.

Trix manages to break even over the night of gambling, and makes a few friends along the way. Caravan drivers Otis and Benthe make a living carting lumber from the Gloamwood to Hopesend, where it is loaded onto barges destined for Bastion. But the mood darkens as the caravan drivers share grim news: the lumber camps are nearly at a standstill. Woodcutters refuse to work, terrified by rumours of monsters lurking in the forest. Otis and Benthe aren't sure if they'll have much work coming their way for the foreseeable future.

The team arrives at the Salvage Guild, a wide, low building made of stone just outside the tower. Its crumbling facade hints at the faded grandeur of its past. As they approach, they find Aggie Hrund, the hall’s keeper, just as she’s unlocking the doors. She's an older human woman, grey hair and bespectacled, but she moves with grace and strength of someone half her age. She is dressed in practical work clothes, but her pendant is far from plain, and even emits a faint glow.



"Apologies for being late," Aggie calls out as you approach, with a sternness that tells you she isn't late often. "I was upriver yesterday, helping a lady with her birthing—quadruplets, if you can believe it! Let’s just say it was a long night."

She unlocks the door and ushers you inside, lighting a few lamps to chase away the shadows. The room is a curious blend of museum and shop, packed to the rafters with shelves crammed full of strange and fascinating odds and ends.

"You relic hunters? Haven't seen you out here before."