19th of Sunsebb, CY 624:
Rookroost was abuzz with activity, even as the year drew to a close. We spent the day preparing for our mission, stocking up on supplies and magical gear at the Griphon’s Emporium. In the evening, we met with Seraphina, a striking Yuan-ti woman with an air of authority, at a dimly lit tavern. She was eager for an update on our progress and listened intently as we shared our findings about Rookroost’s trade with Iuz and the growing concerns about smuggling and tax evasion. Fiodar, unfortunately, had indulged in a bit too much ale and struggled to keep up with the conversation, much to our amusement.
Seraphina then entrusted us with a new task: delivering three wagonloads of cargo to Riftcrag. She provided us with hats of disguise, instructing us to adopt the guise of orcs or half-orcs for the mission. We were warned not to open the cargo under any circumstances and to eliminate anyone who attempted to inspect it. Once the delivery was complete, we were to leave Riftcrag immediately.
We met the caravan at the southern gate the following morning, and our journey to Riftcrag commenced. The trip took seven and a half days, and we encountered some resistance from guards at the gate who were keen to inspect our cargo. However, with a bit of intimidation and our convincing disguises, we managed to deter them. Upon arriving in Riftcrag, we sought directions to the warehouse from a local guard and delivered the goods without further incident. As we departed, we heard a chilling voice emanating from near the cargo, uttering the words “I hunger.” Another voice, distinct from the first, responded with a hint of concern, “So, now we are working with demons?”
27th of Sunsebb
We left Riftcrag immediately, heading towards Central Keep, which was a day’s travel away. As we journeyed, the wagon drivers suddenly unhitched their horses and rode off towards the Tangles Forest, leaving us to continue on our own. We made camp about ten miles from Central Keep, our minds filled with questions about the mysterious cargo and the unsettling voices we had overheard.