“I know very little of Purepurin. Only that she is Valashinz's assistant. Valashinaz is known to prize knowledge.” Da Som places her hands on the silk bundle. “If we wish to learn the secrets she has kept, we must offer our own. We will provide her with copies of Pathfinder Chronicles related to treasures she is interested in, as well as the wayfinder of the open road, a unique wayfinder with a curious ability to find nearby portals."
Da Som slides a pristine hand-drawn map across the table. “The cave is about three hours from Haseong by cart. The road there is an easy one; we anticipate no issues as the horse you’ll be borrowing has made the journey before.”
Society (recall knowledge) 16
Valashinaz dwells in a massive underground cave system normally inhabited by creatures like rats and giant centipedes, but her kobold attendants keep her lair free of pests, including intrusive adventurers. The steward Purepurin curates the guest list and arranges tours and trades of goods or information.
Society (recall knowledge) 26
A friendly tribe of goblins lives near Valashinaz’s closest cave entrance. This tribe is known for both their culinary and alchemical mastery, having contributed to some of the traps within the vaults.
You make you final preparations and leave.
The bustle of cart vendors and morning greetings gives way to rolling hills and birdsong on the path out of Haseong. Farmers in the distance occasionally pause their work to give friendly waves. Cattle dot far off fields colored by flourishing crops. The cart lent by the Lantern Lodge, enchanted to deal with unpaved terrain, leisurely rolls off the road without issue, the horse at its head expertly leading its charges into rockier countryside. Time passes peacefully, swirling clouds blotting out the vibrant sun to gentle its gaze on the world below.
The three-hour journey to the cave is a pleasant one with little issue for you. Much of the journey is off-road, heading deeper into a quiet part of the countryside. There are few other travelers in this peaceful, isolated area, though the occasional animal might scamper past, and the rough dirt roads are unfriendly to most modes of transportation.
About two and a half hours into the journey, you come upon a cart that is stuck in a ditch on a very basic dirt road.
A cart tied to two unbothered goats lies toppled on its side, one back wheel firmly trapped in a divot in the dirt path. A cheerful working song mixes with Goblin swears as a flustered goblin tugs uselessly at one of the goats’ reins. There’s a small grilling table built into the cart, where two goblins roast brightly colored skewers despite the conundrum. A dangerously loose sign dangles off the back proclaiming “SPICY DEATH CHICKEN CHALLENGE” in multiple languages with prices for their wares.
Several other goblins have set up in the grass to pickle vegetables and sing a merry tune, surrounded by glass jars chock full of meat and pickles as well as ceramic jugs flowing with spices and sauces. Many of the ceramics look too finely crafted to be cookware, their elegant designs and patterns smeared in chili powder and garlic paste.