 From Gem Omenborn:
Dear Master Runebrand
I arrived in Minoc much later than expected due to the spring storms of Rik-Baraz. I knew, of course, that the Trammel lands got much colder than Rik-Baraz with the moderating influence of the sea, but this knowledge had not really prepared me for how much colder it would feel. I was freezing for most of my journey. The rain proved to be more challenging than I expected as well. It was novel and somewhat fun, not all that difficult for the first little way, but mile after mile of it wore me out. In the end, I spent more of my funds on lodging than I had planned, arriving in Minoc with barely enough left to secure lodgings for the next few days. Today, I am nearly broke. Even so, my optimism is undimmed. I continue to long for adventure and am finally in the wild lands of Trammel where adventure comes knocking at the door of the willing spirit.
Vesper was fascinating. It is bordered on the east by the Great Sea which extends to Ice Island. To the west rise the much bigger Mountains of Avarice Range, with elevations approaching 15,000 feet. The Bloody Plains lie through a dale with an ancient feel. The forests and rivers seem bigger, older, deeper and more numerous than what is shown on the map.
Minoc is a bustling little Town. Again, not quite what I expected. It is somewhat larger and more diverse in its shops and services than I was told by traders passing through Vesper. I might have been better off delaying some equipment purchases until my arrival here. As a result, I now have some fine adventuring gear, but clothing ill suited to this climate and season.
You may be surprised to learn that there is a respectable public library here with a Church of Minoc attached. Several priests are in attendance and the collection is expanding. In addition there is a print shop that is run by Kurgen, a practitioner of the Arts. Have you heard of him? He seems to be doing a fine business in printing books and posters. I have met the man and he may be able to point me in the direction of the books we seek.
Thanks to your letter of introduction I have also introduced myself to the General of the Highland Guard, Jakob Covenant. We had a cordial if brief meeting. If not for your letter, I suspect I would have been turned away at the door. Their tower appears to be a place where I may be able to work on scrolls and potions if I choose. They may have opportunities too for employment as a Brewer, but as I hope to make my way incognito, I am not planning seek employment.
There is a very impressive guild hall for adventurers, the New World Order. I have already assembled a likely band of companions. Our stalwart band now consists of, in addition to me, Josef Omenborn, a Dwarf Ranger, Durin Redmane, and Snorri, Yes, the half mad Trollslayer.
Durin brought us by the shop of Thorfel Firebeard a Dwarven weapon smith. He gave us the responsibility of delivering a scroll to Novus Terra. This little task delayed us just abet in our Quest. Here is a list of some of the things we have already discovered:
. There is a ruined Dwarven stronghold two days south of here. In the lower levels is a room of unknown books. He gave us a big iron key to the lock and instructions on how to find it.
. A land shipment of goods that was to be delivered through Britain to Trinsic has gone missing between here and Cove. The clerk at the shop is willing to front us for travel clothes if we find the shipment of leather fasteners, shields and steel swords. We will get an additional reward if we bring in the shipment.
. Kurgen, the printer (an elderly wizard with a long white beard and blue robes) wants us to meet him this evening to offer us another, mysterious opportunity for adventure. He wants us to be ready to travel out in the wilds for a few days.
. We have already delivered an important missive between the weapon smith and the clerk at Cove. I expected trouble along the way, but if it was waiting to strike, the look of our small but formidable band must have given any troublemakers second thoughts. Or Snorri's snoring drove them away.
We have also met a variety of other citizens of the Town here. None so well as my three companions, but I should at least mention them here to you. They include the adventuring duo of Slash and Burn who were very impressive looking. They ignored us on their way into the guild hall. There was Fogram Smilingbear, a rather taciturn "Far Ranger" recently returned from a patrol. Ferias, an elf spell caster. We also have an appointment tomorrow to speak with the head of the Paladin training hall, Fr. Erasmus. Finally, we were told that we should meet the Took, proprietor of a shop here in town.
There is so much to do and little time to do it. This is fortunate and a curse because neither do our fell foes. I am desperately short of gold at the moment. Thank you for your advice and tutelage, I hope to write again soon. Until next, I remain
Your devoted student,
Gem Omenborn
Brewmaster Of Karad-A-Karaz
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Hail, Citizens of Britannia,
IanStorm is pleased to announce the 8th UO StormChat with EA Origin. It will take place at 7pm CST (5pm PST, 8pm EST) on THURSDAY, 19th of June in #UOSC.
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