Chapter 01: A Strange Summons

After a week of uneventful yet still exciting air travel, you arrive at Zarash'ak. It is the only town of any substance in the Shadow Marches. It sits on a major portion of the Glum River, and most of the buildings are built on stilts. It's run by House Tharask, the Dragonmarked House of Finding, who runs significant dragonshard prospecting operations throughout the Marches. The City of Stilts, as it's called, is well known for exotic cuisine and music, and offers access to the rare exports of the Marches without having to trek through the swamp. Unfortunately, a trek through the swamp is exactly what you're in line for. You have a day to prepare for your journey before making your way north to the village of Blackroot to meet with Doria Veledaar.

"Oh, you want the Steaming Eel." says the first mate. "Best food in town."

After getting directions from the crew and a short walk you arrive at the Steaming Eel, a little place off the main streets of the town. The stilted building is small, and crowded. Luckily there are patrons leaving just as you arrive and you're able to get a table in short order. House specialties include Goat Sausage Gumbo, Fried Frogs Legs, and of course, Steamed Eel in a Truffle Sauce. There's a local minstrel playing in the corner, and a decent drink menu.