Cold Weather Clothing
Clothing acquired by the party, deemed sufficient to prevent damage from regular cold weather, though the destination mountains are expected to have severe conditions.
Wagons
Two wagons purchased by the party for 25 gold pieces each, intended for transporting passengers and goods during their journey. Each wagon can hold four passengers and one pilot, or three passengers, one pilot, and trade goods. They are pulled by two large creatures each.
Riding Horses
Four riding horses purchased by the party for 8 gold pieces each, intended to pull the two wagons (two horses per wagon).
Black Spider Ring
A magical ring that allows the wearer to crawl at full speed without standing up and can be used to terrify people. It was previously used by a monk named Erlan, causing significant fright and trauma.
Sun Crystal
A crystal acquired by the party from a Sun Temple, part of their loot from a previous adventure.
Shield
A fancy shield belonging to Kirk that was completely obliterated in a previous combat encounter, highlighting the need for more durable defensive gear with reinforced runes.
Climbing Kit
A set of tools used for climbing, available in basic and extreme versions. The basic version provides a bonus to athletic checks for climbing and a flat check to avoid falling on a critical failure. The extreme version offers a slightly better bonus for a significantly higher cost of 40 gold pieces.
Grappling Gun
An uncommon piece of gear that can be used for climbing, firing grappling hooks to secure a path. It requires a ranged attack check against a DC.
Grappling Hooks
Ammunition used with a grappling gun to aid in climbing.
Anadi Silks
Exotic and high-value textiles crafted by Anadi, brought by Kaluulah for trade. They are recognized for their unique patterns, traditional craftsmanship, and beauty, particularly by Mei Ling and Vasuki's parents.
Scarves and Tapestries
Exotic Anadi-made items, showcasing unique embroideries, colors, and designs. Kaluulah carries these as trade goods, and they are highly valued for their craftsmanship and origin.
Morning After Tea
An herbal tea provided by Mei Ling, designed to help cleanse the system and prevent unwanted pregnancies if consumed within a week of exposure. It is potent, meant for timely use, and kept discreetly in a tin.
Portable Shower
A modular device the party plans to construct for use during their travels. It requires elemental cores for functionality, with a water core for water and a fire shard for warm water. It is designed to be upgradable with additional cores for features like temperature control, pressure regulation, self-cleaning, and air drying. The basic model costs 100 gold pieces, or 50 gold pieces if cores are provided. The party collectively funds its construction at 75 gold pieces total.
Water Core
An elemental core acquired by Kaluulah in exchange for void crystals, intended to provide a water source for the portable shower by condensing water vapor.
Fire Shard
A fragment of a fire core, acquired by Kaluulah in exchange for void crystals and later bargained for at a pawn shop for 25 gold pieces, intended to provide warm water for the portable shower. A full fire core would be needed for hot water.
Void Crystals
Mysterious and unstable crystals, two shards of which Kaluulah trades for elemental cores. They are associated with unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects, ranging from producing hydraulic acid to random, chaotic outcomes, often dealt by the enigmatic 'Crazy Chris'.
Invigorating Soap
A consumable alchemical item costing 28 gold pieces that restores 10 hit points and removes the fatigued condition upon use, with an additional 10 hit points if used immediately before an eight-hour rest. The party considers its utility for long journeys but finds its cost prohibitive for frequent use due to its single-use nature.
Floating Tent
A specialized four-person tent that can float, costing 25 gold pieces, useful for uneven terrain, environments without gravity, or water bodies. Caithyra volunteers to purchase one for the group.
Horse Feed
Provisions for the party's horses, needed for their long journey. It is inexpensive at one copper per week for medium creatures, though the amount required and its bulk are discussed in relation to the wagons' carrying capacity.
Merchant License
An official document or symbol obtained by Kaluulah from the Guild, certifying her as an approved merchant for the adventuring group. It is implied to be an annual subscription.
Letter of Introduction
A formal document Kaluulah receives from Vasuki's parents to gain legitimacy and access within the merchant consortium, essential for conducting larger-scale trade.
Wagon Coverings
Protective canvas or material discussed for covering the party's wagons to shield trade goods from weather, potential theft, and other hazards during travel.
Trade Goods
Various items intended for sale or exchange during the party's journey, including alchemical reagents, preserved monster parts, herbs, distillation byproducts, preserved foodstuffs, luxury items, spiced meats, preserved fruits, raw textiles, rare inks, dice, exotic spices, masterwork tools, rare gemstones, healing potions, medical supplies, agricultural tools, books, maps, anti-venom, anti-vermin, and holy symbols. These goods are intended to be transported in crates within the party's wagons and Kaluulah's bag of holding.
Bag of Holding
A magical bag capable of carrying a significant amount of bulk (about 16 bulk) and weight (150 pounds), used by Vasuki to transport trade goods.
Bedroll
A basic bedding item, necessary even with a tent for comfortable rest.
Snowshoes
Footwear designed for traversing snowy terrain, considered for the upcoming mountain journey.
Basic Crafter's Book
A book used to store crafting formulas, essential for any crafter to record recipes and instructions for creating items.
Formulas
Instructions or recipes for crafting items, which crafters need to know before they can create an item. They are stored in a crafter's book.
Walking Cauldron
A cauldron that can move on its own at 20 feet per round, but at a slow pace, requiring someone to carry it if the party moves faster.
Immovable Rod
A magical item with various potential uses, including creative and unexpected applications, mentioned in passing.
Great Crowbar
A large, two-handed crowbar, mentioned as a powerful and beautiful item from a past character.
Session Feels:
Session Date: 11.15.2025
In Game Dates:
Experience Earned: +200 XP (Level 3 |400XP)
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Ryland Drake
An informant whom the party successfully tracked down through various bars and negotiated with to cooperate with the guild master, providing advanced warnings of manifestations and wilderness events.
Helga Iron Beard
A dwarf mentioned in past session notes, whose identity was briefly confused with a gnoll during transcription. She is pregnant with Kirk's children.
Vasuki's Parents
Established merchants in Serpent's Rest who run a large, traditional trade warehouse and home. They are influential within the merchant community and provide Kaluulah with a letter of introduction for merchant activities. They are eager for Vasuki to settle down and bring a partner home.
Mei Ling
A Kitsune herbalist who runs the Tranquil Phoenix Tea House in Serpent's Rest. She is a childhood friend of Vasuki, interested in unique silks and exotic goods, and provides herbal remedies, including teas for various purposes such as birth control. She is knowledgeable about local customs and the area.
Zibby
A Fae individual left by Vasuki to monitor the changelings for any unusual occurrences, particularly regarding potential pregnancies. The party relies on Zibby to report unusual events, though there is concern about Zibby's interpretation of 'ordinary' events due to the nuances of Fae understanding and communication.
Crazy Chris
A recurring, enigmatic character who appears to be a dealer of void crystals and other questionable goods. He is known for his unpredictable nature and the strange effects associated with his void crystals. Players humorously speculate that he is a curse that jumps from body to body when someone snorts void crystals, and that he has a new job or persona each time he appears.
Madam
Vasuki's former employer at a brothel in the docks, mentioned in passing as a figure of authority in his past.
Altoria
A major trade hub and the city where the party is currently based, serving as their starting point for the journey west to the Nemoris Mountains.
Nemoris Mountains
A vast mountain range extending far south, containing Geekaat's village. The terrain is rugged and requires climbing gear to reach the village, which is located between two lakes.
Geekaat's Village (Kwehn’raa Aerie)
A Strix village located within the Nemoris Mountains, specifically between two lakes, which is the party's ultimate destination for their mission.
Loereth
A small city that serves as a planned stop on the party's land route to the Nemoris Mountains, located on a hill with potential mining industry.
Marcos
A small village mentioned as a potential stop on the party's land route to the Nemoris Mountains.
Charenton
A small village mentioned as a potential stop on the party's land route to the Nemoris Mountains.
Faerithen
A small town that is the last planned stop on the land route before the party must climb the Nemoris Mountains. It is also Linnolaithe's hometown, where his family resides and is viewed negatively due to a dragon blood curse. The party plans to leave their wagons and horses here before ascending the mountains.
Serpent's Rest
A bustling trade hub and residential area in Altoria, home to Vasuki's family business. It features a large, traditional multi-story building that functions as a trade warehouse and residence, with a prominent fountain and shrine dedicated to Midorihama. The southern side is quieter, with crafters and residential areas, while the eastern side is more dangerous.
Shrine of Midorihama
A sacred site within Serpent's Rest, marked by a large fountain decorated in the image of the deity Midorihama, with a priest tending to it. It is a focal point in the community, often spared from local pranks.
Tranquil Phoenix Tea House
A quiet, traditional tea house on the southern side of Serpent's Rest, run by Mei Ling. It is known for its Tian Xia teas and herbal remedies, providing a relaxed atmosphere with incense and low tables.
The Silk Fang
A shop in Serpent's Rest offering various fabrics and custom tailoring, where one can find different clothing items and patterns.
Shadow Grove
A dangerous district located to the east of Serpent's Rest, known for its 'shenanigans' and being a 'scary place'.
Temple District
An area mentioned as being on the eastern side of Serpent's Rest, associated with adventurers and shenanigans.
Siren's Call
A location in Altoria, likely an inn or guildhall, where the party gathers to discuss their plans and strategy in private meeting rooms.
Crystal Carver's Guild
A specialized guild in Altoria where magical crystals are cut, created, and enhanced. Cantus visited to inquire about crafting a portable shower using elemental cores.
The Dusty Ledger
A pawn shop located in the Veins of Altoria, where Kaluulah successfully bargained for a legal fire shard and other goods.
Veins of Altoria
A district in Altoria where 'The Dusty Ledger' pawn shop is located, known for dealing in various goods, including potentially questionable items.
River Altivium
A river discussed as a potential travel route, with a small path leading to the mountains on its north side.
Mount Tragias
A mountainous destination mentioned in relation to the party's journey, known for its challenging terrain and the need for climbing gear.
The party gathered to reflect on their recent success in tracking down Ryland Drake through a series of bars across the city. Kaluulah had skillfully negotiated with the elusive informant, convincing him to cooperate with the guild master and provide advanced warnings of manifestations and wilderness events. After reporting their accomplishment, the guild presented them with a new assignment: travel three weeks west to investigate the Nemoris Mountains and coordinate with the Strix who dwelled there. The journey would be long and treacherous, requiring cold weather gear to survive the severe mountain conditions, and they would need to meet with Geekaat's people to gather crucial information about an unstable dungeon that threatened the region.
As the party planned their expedition, they debated the best route to reach Geekaat's village, which lay nestled between two lakes high in the Nemoris Mountains. They considered purchasing wagons and horses to form their own caravan, pooling their resources to acquire two wagons for twenty-five gold pieces each and four riding horses at eight gold apiece. Each member contributed ten gold pieces to the collective fund, and Vasuki was designated as the keeper of their group inventory. The discussion turned to whether they should take the established roads through Loereth, Marcos, Charenton, and Faerithen, or attempt a shorter but more perilous wilderness path. After careful consideration of travel times and terrain difficulty, they decided the land route through the towns would be faster despite the longer distance, and it would provide opportunities to trade goods along the way.
The mention of Faerithen brought visible discomfort to Linnolaithe, whose shadow began to grow and move restlessly. He reluctantly revealed that Faerithen was his hometown, a place he had fled sixty-five years ago. His family bore a dragon blood curse that manifested differently in each generation, with the firstborn of his direct line inheriting a shadow affliction that gave them an untamed, semi-sentient shadow companion. The rest of the elven community in Faerithen viewed his family with suspicion and disdain because of this curse. Linnolaithe had left seeking a way to break the curse, but he feared his family would be disappointed that he had made no progress in all those decades. He also explained the disturbing possibility that if one of the changelings he had been with was now pregnant, his firstborn child would inherit the shadow curse, transferring it from him to the next generation.
Seeking to establish trade connections before their departure, Vasuki brought Kaluulah to meet his parents at their impressive trade warehouse in Serpent's Rest. The multi-story building served as both business and home, with a large fountain dedicated to Midorihama standing prominently outside, tended by a devoted priest. Vasuki's parents were established merchants with considerable influence in the community, and they were immediately intrigued when Kaluulah displayed her exotic Anadi silks—scarves and tapestries featuring unique embroideries, colors, and traditional designs. Recognizing the value of these rare goods, they suggested she meet Mei Ling, a Kitsune herbalist who ran the Tranquil Phoenix Tea House and had a particular appreciation for fine fabrics.
At the Tranquil Phoenix Tea House, Mei Ling welcomed them warmly into her tranquil establishment, where incense burned and low tables invited relaxation. The Kitsune herbalist was delighted by Kaluulah's Anadi silks, immediately purchasing one that caught her eye and discussing the possibility of future trade. Mei Ling explained that she wore layered clothing to help conceal her fur and blend in with the community, especially when tensions with the Tanuki ran high. When Kaluulah inquired about birth control for the party's more amorous members, Mei Ling discreetly provided a tin of "morning after tea," emphasizing that it worked best when consumed within the first week and became less effective and more painful if delayed.
The conversation turned to the practical challenges of climbing the Nemoris Mountains. Caithyra expressed concern about her ability to make the ascent, prompting Cantus to test her strength by having her attempt a pull-up on his extended arm. She struggled and fell after a brief attempt, clearly embarrassed by her lack of upper body strength. The party debated the merits of basic versus extreme climbing kits, noting that the extreme version offered only a marginal improvement for forty gold pieces—a cost Caithyra could not justify with her limited funds. Cantus demonstrated his own capabilities by leaping onto a nearby roof, briefly slipping but recovering his grip, and explained that his abilities when enraged would grant him enhanced jumping and even a climbing speed that could help the party navigate the treacherous mountain paths.
Cantus visited the Crystal Carver's Guild to inquire about crafting a portable shower using elemental cores, learning that such a device would cost one hundred gold pieces for a basic model, or fifty gold pieces if they provided the cores and materials themselves. He possessed two void crystals but was warned they could cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects. Kaluulah volunteered to trade these unstable crystals for more reliable components, using her considerable mercantile skills to negotiate with a dealer who was eager to acquire void crystals. She successfully exchanged them for a water core and a fire shard, then visited a pawn shop called The Dusty Ledger where she bargained for an additional legal fire shard for twenty-five gold pieces. The party decided to collectively fund the portable shower project, with the total cost of seventy-five gold pieces split among eight members at approximately nine gold each, with Kaluulah covering the remaining difference.
Before their departure, the party engaged in various activities to earn income and make final preparations. Kaluulah met with the Guild to obtain an official merchant license, receiving certification for annual trade activities. She earned forty-five silver over five days through mercantile work, while Linnolaithe conducted research and earned fifteen silver, Zariel assisted the fire brigade for twenty-five silver, and Cantus performed shadow puppet theater for forty silver. Vasuki checked in with Zariel and the changelings, informing them of the party's extended journey and instructing Zibby, the Fae companion, to report anything "out of the ordinary" regarding the changelings—particularly signs of pregnancy or unusual behavior. The party discussed the challenges of communicating with Zibby about mortal procreation, given the importance of precise wording when dealing with the Fae and their literal interpretation of instructions.
The party evaluated various trade goods to carry on their journey, including alchemical reagents with profit margins of forty to ninety percent, preserved foodstuffs and luxury items at fifty to eighty percent, and raw textiles at sixty to eighty percent. They calculated how many crates could fit in their wagons and Kaluulah's bag of holding, which could carry sixteen bulk worth of goods or one hundred fifty pounds. The discussion became detailed as they considered alchemical items, heavy tools, spices, textiles, healing potions, medical supplies, books, maps, and other valuable commodities. They decided to load their wagons and bags with trade goods before departing Altoria, deferring the exact financial calculations for later sessions.
As they made their final preparations, the party purchased horse feed at one copper per week for medium creatures and discussed wagon coverings to protect their goods from weather and theft. Caithyra volunteered to purchase a four-person floating tent for twenty-five gold pieces, useful for uneven terrain or water crossings. The party also discussed the potential benefits of learning alchemical crafting to create consumables like invigorating soap, which could restore health and remove fatigue—particularly useful if they needed to force march and exhaust their horses. Throughout their planning, the humorous concept of "Crazy Chris," a mysterious void crystal dealer who seemed to have a different job each time they encountered him, became a running joke among the party members.
With their wagons loaded, horses fed, and portable shower commissioned, the party prepared to depart Altoria for Lorath, the first stop on their long journey to the Nemoris Mountains. They had formed a proper caravan, established trade connections, and equipped themselves for the challenges ahead. Linnolaithe steeled himself for the inevitable return to Faerithen and the family he had left behind sixty-five years ago, while Vasuki wondered what news Zibby might bring about the changelings. The road west stretched before them, promising both opportunity and danger as they set out to fulfill their mission for the guild and uncover the mysteries waiting in the mountains.
The party successfully tracked down Ryland Drake, with Kaluulah negotiating his cooperation to provide the guild with advanced warnings of manifestations and wilderness events. The guild then assigned them a new mission: travel three weeks west to the Nemoris Mountains to investigate an unstable dungeon and coordinate with Geekaat's Strix people. The party pooled resources to purchase two wagons and four horses, deciding to take the established road through Loereth, Marcos, Charenton, and Faerithen rather than risk a shorter wilderness route. The mention of Faerithen brought visible distress to Linnolaithe, who reluctantly revealed it was his hometown, which he had fled sixty-five years ago due to his family's dragon blood curse—a shadow affliction that gave him an untamed, semi-sentient shadow companion and made his family outcasts among the elven community.
Before departing Altoria, the party made extensive preparations for their journey. Vasuki introduced Kaluulah to his merchant parents and to Mei Ling, a Kitsune herbalist at the Tranquil Phoenix Tea House, who purchased Kaluulah's exotic Anadi silks and provided contraceptive tea for the party's more amorous members. The party collectively funded a portable shower crafted from elemental cores, with Kaluulah trading unstable void crystals for reliable water and fire components. They spent several days earning income through various activities—Kaluulah obtained an official merchant license and earned coin through trade, while others worked with the fire brigade, conducted research, and performed entertainment. After loading their wagons with trade goods including alchemical reagents, textiles, and luxury items, and purchasing supplies like a floating tent and horse feed, the party prepared to depart for Lorath, the first stop on their journey to the Nemoris Mountains, where Linnolaithe would face his past and the family he had left behind.
Last we left off, our adventurers successfully tracked down the elusive informant Ryland Drake through a series of bars across the city, with Kaluulah's skilled negotiation securing his cooperation with the guild. Their success earned them a new assignment: a three-week journey west to the treacherous Nemoris Mountains to investigate an unstable dungeon and coordinate with Geekaat's Strix people. The party pooled their resources to form a proper caravan, purchasing wagons and horses, and debated routes through the towns of Loereth, Marcos, Charenton, and Faerithen. The mention of Faerithen brought visible discomfort to Linnolaithe, who reluctantly revealed it as his hometown—a place he fled sixty-five years ago to escape his family's dragon blood curse that manifested as an untamed, semi-sentient shadow companion.
As preparations continued, Vasuki introduced Kaluulah to his merchant parents and the Kitsune herbalist Mei Ling, establishing valuable trade connections and acquiring discreet remedies for the party's more amorous members. The party debated climbing equipment for the mountain ascent, with Caithyra struggling to demonstrate her upper body strength while Cantus showcased his enhanced abilities. They commissioned a portable shower using elemental cores, with Kaluulah skillfully trading unstable void crystals for reliable components. The party spent their final days in Altoria earning income through various trades, loading their wagons with valuable goods, and making last-minute purchases including cold weather gear and a floating tent.
Now, with their caravan assembled, trade goods secured, and supplies packed, the party prepares to depart Altoria for the long road west. Linnolaithe steels himself for the inevitable return to the family he abandoned decades ago, while Vasuki wonders what news the Fae companion Zibby might bring about the changelings. The road to the Nemoris Mountains stretches before them, promising both profitable trade opportunities and dangerous challenges as they set out to uncover the mysteries waiting in Geekaat's village high between the mountain lakes.
Welcome to the episode where the party speedruns becoming RESPONSIBLE ADULTS with wagons, trade goods, and a portable shower, because nothing says "adventuring party" like arguing over profit margins and horse feed costs. After successfully tracking down Ryland Drake through every bar in the city, the guild rewarded them with a new mission: trek three weeks west to the Nemoris Mountains to investigate an unstable dungeon with the Strix people. You know, casual stuff that definitely won't involve anyone's traumatic backstory.
Except it absolutely will, because their route goes straight through Faerithen—Linnolaithe's hometown that he fled SIXTY-FIVE YEARS AGO to escape his family's dragon blood shadow curse. His shadow literally has a mind of its own, his family is treated like cursed pariahs, and oh yeah, if any of those changelings he's been with is pregnant, the shadow curse transfers to his firstborn child. No pressure! Meanwhile, the party collectively funded a seventy-five gold piece portable shower (because hygiene matters), debated climbing equipment for Caithyra who failed a pull-up test, and Kaluulah somehow turned unstable void crystals into legitimate fire shards through sheer negotiation skills. Vasuki also tasked their Fae companion Zibby with monitoring the changelings for pregnancy, which is DEFINITELY not going to backfire when you're giving literal instructions to a creature that interprets everything exactly as stated. What could possibly go wrong?
Harken well, ye gentle folke,
Of adventurers brave and bolde;
Who tracked downe Drake through taverns darke,
And bargained secrets to be tolde!
Kaluulah spake with cunning tongue,
The guild did praise their deedes well done,
Then westward sent them, three weekes long,
To mountains where the Strix have come.
With wagons twain and horses four,
They pooled their gold, ten pieces each;
Through Loereth, Marcos, towns of yore,
Faerithen's gates they soon shall reach.
But Linnolaithe's shadow stirred,
His cursèd blood from dragons old,
Sixty-five yeares since he hath erred,
His family's shame left yet untold.
To Serpent's Rest did Vasuki lead,
Where silken Anadi wares were shewn;
Mei Ling bought fabrics for her neede,
And morning tea for seeds unsown.
They purchased cores of fire bright,
And water's essence for their showre,
Whilst Cantus leapt to rooftop's height,
To prove his rage-born climbing powre.
Five dayes they laboured for their gold,
Kaluulah traded, Zariel fought flame;
The changelings' fate must yet unfolde,
As Zibby watches for the Fae's strange game.
With alchemies and textiles fine,
Their wagons laden, horses fedde,
They calculated every line,
Of profit margins lying ahead.
Now westward bound, their caravan,
Doth leave Altoria's gates behinde;
To Nemoris where Geekaat's clan,
Awaits with secrets they must finde.
The dungeon threatens, mountains loom,
And Linnolaithe must face his past,
Through winter's cold and shadow's gloom,
Their fellowship shall hold steadfast!
They tracked Ryland Drake through the bars,
And Kaluulah's charm raised the stars.
To mountains they'd go,
Through ice, wind, and snow,
With wagons and horses and jars!
They pooled all their gold for the trip,
Two wagons, four horses—equipped!
Through Loereth they'd ride,
With trade goods inside,
A profitable merchant-guild ship!
Poor Linnolaithe's shadow grew dark,
His curse was a troubling mark.
To Faerithen bound,
Where family he'd found,
Sixty-five years since he'd left that stark park!
At Tranquil Phoenix, Mei Ling did greet,
She bought Anadi silks, quite a treat!
With morning-after tea,
And trade deals to see,
Their preparations were nearly complete!
With shower cores, climbing kits too,
And Cantus leapt roofs to prove true.
They loaded their haul,
Fed horses and all,
West to the mountains they flew!
The party recaps their successful negotiation with Ryland Drake and receives a new assignment to investigate the Nemoris Mountains.
The party successfully tracked down Ryland Drake through various bars and negotiated with him to cooperate with the guild master as an informant, providing advanced warnings of manifestations and wilderness events.
They reported back to the guild after fulfilling their agreement with Ryland Drake.
The guild assigned them a new task: to travel three weeks west to investigate the Nemoris Mountains and coordinate with the Strix there.
Vasuki brings Kaluulah to meet his parents at their trade warehouse in Serpent's Rest, and then introduces her to Mei Ling at the Tranquil Phoenix Tea House.
Vasuki brings Kaluulah to Serpent's Rest, where his parents reside and operate a large, traditional trade warehouse that also serves as their home.
A large fountain dedicated to Midorihama, Vasuki's family's deity, stands outside the building, maintained by a priest.
Kaluulah showcases her Anadi scarves and tapestries to Vasuki's parents, who are impressed by their exotic nature and potential for trade.
Vasuki's parents suggest Kaluulah meet Mei Ling, a Kitsune herbalist and tea shop owner, who might be interested in the silks and could provide a valuable connection.
Vasuki introduces Kaluulah to Mei Ling at the Tranquil Phoenix Tea House, where Mei Ling expresses excitement and admiration for Kaluulah's Anadi silks, purchasing one that catches her eye.
Mei Ling explains that her layered clothing helps her blend in and hide her fur, especially when the Tanuki are riled up, and describes the local area as quieter on the southern side.
Kaluulah inquires about birth control, and Mei Ling provides a tin of 'morning after tea' for the party's use, emphasizing its time-sensitive effectiveness.
The party commits to building a portable shower for their journey, with negotiations for elemental cores and discussions about funding and upgrades.
Cantus visits the Crystal Carver's Guild to inquire about crafting a portable shower using elemental cores, learning that a basic shower costs 100 gold pieces, with upgrades requiring specific elemental cores.
He is informed that providing the cores and materials would reduce the crafting cost to 50 gold pieces for a basic model.
Cantus reveals he possesses two void crystals and inquires about their potential use, but is warned they could cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects.
Kaluulah volunteers to trade the void crystals for a water core, demonstrating her mercantile skills.
Kaluulah successfully negotiates with a merchant, exchanging the void crystals for a water core and a fire shard.
The party discusses pooling their resources to upgrade the shower, aiming for warm water and potentially more advanced features.
Kaluulah visits a pawn shop and successfully bargains for a legal fire shard for 25 gold pieces.
The party decides to collectively fund the portable shower, with the total cost estimated at 75 gold pieces, split among eight members at approximately 9 gold each.
Caithyra suggests purchasing 'invigorating soap' for its healing and fatigue-removing properties, but the idea is tabled due to its consumable nature and high cost of 28 gold per use.
The party decides to delay their departure for a few days to allow time for the shower to be constructed.
The party discusses what trade goods to carry on their journey and plans their upcoming session schedule, including a Christmas potluck.
The party evaluates different types of trade goods, including alchemical reagents, preserved foodstuffs, textiles, spices, masterwork tools, rare gemstones, healing potions, medical supplies, books, and maps.
Profit margins for different goods are analyzed, ranging from 40-90% for scarce items like monster parts and alchemical items, to 50-80% for luxury items, and 60-80% for raw textiles.
Kaluulah considers how many crates of goods could fit into the wagons and her bag of holding, with specific attention to the bulk of alchemical items and heavy tools.
The group decides to load their wagons and bags with trade goods before departing Altoria, deferring the exact financial calculations for later.
The party plans their upcoming session schedule, deciding to skip the session on Thanksgiving and meet on December 6th and 13th, with the 13th potentially being a Christmas-themed potluck session.
Players discuss Christmas gift preferences, with several expressing interest in books authored by one of the players.
The humorous concept of 'Crazy Chris,' a mysterious shard dealer associated with void crystals, is developed through player banter.
The party discusses logistics, routes, and equipment needed for their journey to the Nemoris Mountains, including the purchase of wagons and horses.
The party discusses the three-week travel time to the mountains and the need for cold weather gear to avoid freezing in severe conditions.
They consider purchasing two wagons and four horses to expedite their journey, estimating the cost at 82 gold pieces total.
The party decides to pool their resources, with each member contributing 10 gold pieces, to purchase the wagons and horses and form their own caravan.
Vasuki is designated as the group inventory keeper for the newly acquired wagons and horses.
The party discovers they have acquired a Black Spider Ring, which allows the wearer to crawl at full speed and terrify others, and a Sun Crystal from a Sun Temple.
The party discusses various travel routes to Geekaat's village in the Nemoris Mountains, weighing the benefits of established roads through Loereth, Marcos, Charenton, and Faerithen versus a shorter but more difficult wilderness path.
They decide on the land route through the towns, which would be faster despite being longer in distance, and would allow for trade opportunities.
The party plans to leave their wagons and horses in Faerithen before climbing the mountains to reach Geekaat's village.
Linnolaithe expresses clear reluctance about returning to Faerithen, revealing it is his hometown where his family is viewed negatively due to a dragon blood curse.
Linnolaithe explains the nature of his family's shadow curse, which afflicts the firstborn of his direct bloodline, and his personal history of leaving Faerithen 65 years ago to find a way to break it.
The party discusses the implications of the changelings' potential pregnancy, with concern about how to communicate this to Zibby, the fairy left to monitor them.
The party discusses the need for climbing gear for the Nemoris Mountains, with demonstrations of physical ability and debates over equipment costs.
Caithyra expresses concern about climbing the Nemoris Mountains, prompting Cantus to offer a demonstration of climbing ability by having her attempt a pull-up on his arm.
Caithyra struggles with the pull-up, falling after a brief attempt, demonstrating her lack of upper body strength.
The party discusses the effectiveness and cost of basic versus extreme climbing kits, noting that the extreme kit offers only a minor bonus for a significant cost increase.
Caithyra, embarrassed by her failed pull-up and considering her limited funds of 56 gold, decides against purchasing the expensive extreme climbing kit.
Cantus demonstrates his jumping ability by leaping onto a nearby roof, momentarily slipping but recovering his grip.
The party debates various climbing tools, including grappling guns and the Black Spider Ring, which allows crawling at full speed.
Cantus explains how his abilities, particularly when raging, could significantly aid in mountain ascent by improving his jumping and granting a climb speed.
Party members engage in various downtime activities to earn income and make final preparations before their journey.
Kaluulah meets with the Guild to obtain an approved merchant license, receiving a symbol or certification for annual trade activities.
Party members earn income through various skills: Kaluulah uses Mercantile and earns 45 silver over five days, Linnolaithe conducts research using Lore and earns 15 silver, Zariel assists the fire brigade using Athletics and earns 25 silver, and Cantus performs shadow puppet theater using Performance and earns 40 silver.
Zariel checks in with his contact and the changelings before leaving for an extended trip, informing them of the party's travel plans.
Vasuki instructs Zibby, the fairy, to report anything 'out of the ordinary' regarding the changelings, particularly signs of pregnancy or unusual behavior.
The party discusses the challenges of communicating with Zibby about mortal procreation, given the nuances of Fae understanding and the importance of precise wording.
Caithyra volunteers to purchase a four-person floating tent for the group's travels.
The party discusses the timeline of the changelings' pregnancy, noting it has been over a month since the wedding.
The party makes final preparations, including purchasing supplies and discussing alchemical crafting, before preparing to depart Altoria for Lorath.
The party discusses purchasing horse feed, noting it is inexpensive at one copper per week for medium creatures.
They consider purchasing wagon coverings to protect their trade goods from weather and potential theft.
The party discusses the potential benefits of alchemical crafting, with one member expressing interest in learning it to create consumables like invigorating soap.
The concept of 'Crazy Chris' is further developed, with players joking about him being a curse that jumps from body to body when someone snorts void crystals.
The party finalizes their plans to depart Altoria, with the session concluding before they enter Lorath, as an encounter is postponed to the next session.