Before Leaving the City...
Alaric
Upon entering Entan's modest home, Alaric sees the old wizard in his usual spot, stooped over his desk poring over yet another old tome. Without looking up he says, "Off on a grand adventure at the behest of the grand fool, Iphithis, are we? You know, the last time Iphithis inpsired one of my apprentices to adventure, the poor lad never returned. Be wary. Iphithis and I haven't seen eye to eye for a number of years. He has secrets that may very well prove dangerous for you and whoever else he managed to coerce into whatever mess you're heading into. Try not to get killed."
Corath
On her way to the north gate, Tarkesi's voice comes at her from an alley, "Psst, hey!" Upon her approach, he looks around furtively then whispers, "There's not much time. The battle you mentioned...between that red wizard and the Silver Shadow and the Shadow Knight. My uncle Jolly was there. He can tell you more. That's all I have time for. Go! And good luck." The name Jolly...Jolithri Tal...is familiar...
Leaving the City...
The North Road winds through grassy and lightly wooded hills as it heads north toward Vedlund. Alaric's Guild Ring allows the group to pass the Rock River bridge without paying the usual bridge toll. During their first day of travel, the group notes several things. First, when the group stops to eat, the others notice that Corath does not partake. Second, Norali is quiet, walking behind the group. Third, there are few other travelers on the road. After the Rock River bridge, the land begins to flatten out, with farmsteads on either side of the road. Cattle, sheep, and horses graze behind flimsy wooden fences. A sheep dog barks at the group as they pass by. As the end of the day nears, the group finds themselves still on the road, with farm and grazing lands still fenced off to either side. A fairly large farm stead house stands on a minor rise just ahead.