3.5 KiB
The party's journey began with their encounter with Koss Kelsey, who insisted on speaking to his child without assistance. Respecting his wishes, they allowed him to depart alone. Upon returning to the bustling city of Breathfield, the adventurers sought information regarding travel options and discovered a zeppelin station atop a hill in the center of town, alongside potential vehicles for overland travel.
Their next destination was the Splintered Snake to meet Etmir. However, upon questioning him, they quickly realized that this was not the Etmir they knew. The confrontation escalated, leading to the false Etmir, later identified as Vezra, melting into a silvery liquid and escaping. In the aftermath, Odatina collected remnants of the encounter, and the party recovered personal items, including a key to Vezra's rented room.
Using the key, the party accessed the rented room, finding it eerily empty yet seemingly prepared for the occupant's return. A fire crackled in the fireplace, and various personal items cluttered the space. Janos discovered a letter addressed to "V," which contained cryptic instructions and warnings, including references to a flooded mine and a figure named Hales. The group deduced that they were likely the "contractors" mentioned in the note and focused on the location referred to as The Reach.
As they searched the room, Odatina examined a travel case, uncovering a false bottom that revealed two rolled papers and a wired device connected to a vial of green liquid. When the false bottom was opened, the device triggered, spilling the liquid and igniting the contents. Odatina snatched one of the documents from the flames, which turned out to be a Map Of The Brefield Region, marking several sites, including The Reach. The party recognized its significance, linking it to a previous hand-drawn map they had received from Commander Taylor regarding the flooded mine.
After deliberating their next steps, the party decided to pursue Janos's lead about Oils in Cafford before addressing other matters. They left the room and made their way to the train station, where Janos purchased tickets to Cafford. As they traveled, they reflected on Cafford's reputation as a major trade hub and former dwarven fortress, known for its military activity and vibrant festivities.
Upon arriving in Cafford, the party was struck by the city's size and energy, filled with statues and bustling crowds. Janos inquired about an automaton neighborhood and learned that automatons frequented a tavern called the Pigskin. He specifically sought a small automaton named Oils, but the guard could not provide further details. The party then visited the station's information office, where Odatina attempted to gather more information but inadvertently triggered a siren, leading to a confrontation with a Gnome Clerk. Despite the tension, the situation was defused, and the party was allowed to leave without further incident.
As they traversed Cafford, they passed notable landmarks, including the grand central arena and the Vault Singers’ church, before arriving at the Pigskin tavern. Inside, the atmosphere was lively, filled with a mix of automatons, dwarves, and humans. Six spotted an automaton seated at a reserved table and approached, seeking assistance in locating Oils. After a brief exchange with a dismissive dwarf, the automaton at the table invited Six to sit and offered to help. Upon learning of Six's intentions regarding Oils, the automaton assured him that Oils was currently employed at the tavern and agreed to check on his reaction before facilitating a meeting.