Chapter 1: Exodus

Aguz has dim memories of battles against similar foes as these. In the vernacular, they are known as "acid burrowers." They generally avoid heavily settled areas like cities, but their predilection for livestock and humanoid flesh ensures that the creatures do not remain in the deep wilderness for long. Despite their fearsome nature, they are just beasts and are not servants of some other malevolent force.

Fortunately, Aguz knows that acid burrowers don't congregate in large numbers. These two were likely a mated pair. Additionally, their role as apex predators means there likely won't be any other dangerous beasts in this area. The campsite should be safe now.

Indeed, the night passes without incident. In the morning, the caravan prepares to head out again. The caravan master, a middle-aged human woman named Ramona, approaches you. "We'd best get moving if we are to stay ahead of the spiders. But we could use some advice on which way to go."

There are two likely villages nearby that you can head towards:

Bramble Hollow is the closer choice. It is two days' travel away. Bramble Hollow is a quiet hamlet nestled in a dense thicket of trees at the edge of the Sparrowfen Marshes. Known for its herbalists and hunters, the village has a self-reliant population and sturdy palisades grown from magically-reinforced living wood. However, it's a small community with just enough resources for itself. A large caravan may strain their food stores and goodwill. Also, the village elders are wary of newcomers, and gaining their trust could be challenging.

Thornharbor is more distant, about six days' travel away. Thornharbor is a bustling river-trade village built around a fortified stone bridge spanning the River Velm. It serves as a minor trade hub, protected by a local militia and a charter from the Duke of Redmere. In addition to strong defenses, Thornharbor has hosted displaced groups before and may have the capacity or policies to absorb refugees. However, the road to Thornharbor passes through open fields and a narrow pass, which are dangerous terrain if enemies are near. And if others have also fled the destruction caused by the Araenae, Thornharbor may already be stretched thin.

I say we head for Thornharbor. I know its further way, but it opens for so many more oppertunities
Phu sits with Chiara and Prepare for tomorrow, looking at skeched maps Phu had attended Ezail Vianu wounds and he is patched up.

Ramona nods and moves to tell the other members of the caravan about your decision. Soon, the camp has been struck and the wagons are packed up and ready to go.

You travel through the light forest for about three hours before you reach an obstacle. Up ahead, a rushing stream cuts across the path. The stream is 10 feet wide with a swift current. Ramona asks you to find a way across and help make the crossing safer for the rest of the group.