Zoom 2022-08-09 21:00

After Brokev and and Francis have had their initial chat with Gonthirn and then briefed the party, they and other party members continue the discussion with Gonthirn about the 'contract' and his mysterious putative 'employer'. Apparently this person wears a porcelain mask, and their race/gender/accent is totally disguised. Gonthirn himself arrived yesterday and will probably leave tomorrow - hoping to find some other work. Joshua believes he is being truthful (or is extremely good at lying). The tavern keeper confirms that the masked person arrived a couple of days ago from the south, and has paid for a week's lodging. He/she/it has approached others (including some Dwarves) apparently trying to employ them, but has had no luck so far - otherwise, they keep pretty much to themself - and is currently in their room. The tavern keeper has never seen anyone else wearing a mask like this, but doesn't mind as long as they pay up and don't cause trouble. He mentions that the tavern gets good trade from the miners at Cardyd - though it may be a hell-hole, it obviously pays well (and he also comments that the silver and mithril from there may have provided the resources that Adamas needed to defend his territory against the Elven invasion.) 
 
The party speculate about whether the 'package' the masked person wants delivered is actually themself - and if the mask itself was providing the complete masking of race/gender/accent etc. However, this was all pointless speculation as the party decided that delivering the sapling to Stormhaven took priority over any side-quests that weren't on the route. 
 
So we left the tavern (noticing Quiglan giving Umar a 'strange look' as he left) and continued on our merry way. Our journey is hastened by the Royal Road that obviously has some kind of speed enhancement effect. We camp overnight without incident, and then reach Stormhaven by the end of the next day, camping outside the city. The area around Stormhaven appears to have been cleared completely of non-humans - and most of the humans that we do see wear metal bracelets on their right wrists that appear to indicate that they are slaves or indentured servants. 
 
The next day the party enters Stormhaven, and start making their way through East Stormhaven to the Wildwood shrine that is in the Central Stormhaven on the river. Apparently, the head priest there is a hobbit called Groundtall - and how a hobbit survived the purge of all the non-humans leaves us all guessing. However, it is all very slow going through East Stormhaven (much of which has been rebuilt in the communistic utilitarian style favoured by Elves for their subjugated vassals) and we decide to stay overnight at an inn in East Stormhaven rather than get caught our overnight in Central Stormhaven without lodgings. 
 
So we end up at the Broken Wing hostel - the building is obviously very old, with many additions/changes across the ages. Most of the clientele are human (about half wearing bracelets) though there are a few non-humans - but no Elves. The party have dinner and chat with the people in the bar - though Joshua has to retreat to his room when it becomes obvious that he is viewed with 'disfavour' there. Caradoc has a wander round trying to meet up with old contacts. [Reminder to Darrell - he rolled a critical success] 
 
The next day, we go off to the Wildwood shrine - explaining to the guards as we go though to Central Stormhaven that Quercuis and Joshua are on the Wildwood pilgrimage, and the rest of the party are their 'guards'. 
 
We note that the second pennant indicating the arrival of the Elven Empress is now flying - so that should be in almost exactly two months time.