Heading out of Orussus, the party initially has a peacefull ride across the countryside. Bandit problems, which had plagueed the area repeatedly, have been violently suppressed and the roads have been rendered safe for travelers and merchants alike. It may only be a matter of time until new highwaymen rise up on the roads north of Orussus, or until the bandits rumored to operate to the east expand their opperation, but for now you reap the benefits of the law and order as you travel for an extended period without interruption.
There is a pass through the Northern mountains coloqulially known as "Big/Little Pass" which comes out near the city state of Andren, which is nearly due north of Orosus. There are many smaller villages in the hills around andren, including a now largely non existant one named RedOak.
[ooc: I'm stealing this last paragraph verbatim from
here. Originating from KB, as it happens.]
Once you enter the pass, the going will likely get harder. Each of you
spend 1 gold on various provisions, both for the trail and at the occasional roadside inn. you may also want to get some extra provisions before heading into the mountain. At the moment, you are in a rather unremarkable small town, where the proprietor of the general store has informed you he can offer a last opportunity to stock up on food and everyday items before venturing into the mountains.