Midnight at the Oasis

It's been four days since the seven members of the newly expanded Party left the double-dead Druid's portal well, but despite the oppressive heat above and energy sapping sand below, the group is surviving fine. Thanks, in part, to Liga Burr's impressive sense of direction (despite the alien astrology), the weeks supply of magical water found in the tent and the Fey food gifted by the goddess of the pool; Estrid.

During the journey, Liga Burr and Rifkin have taken the time to study the magical scrolls and maps found on Zephyr's bookshelf and discovered them all to be useful and, better yet, usable.

Divining the passage of time here has proved difficult though, due to the constant light from the multiple moons and suns. Also, unfortunately because of the heavily armoured Fortu's slow pace, it's nearly midnight when Liga Burr spots the mid-journey oasis.

The small patch of green seems incongruous amid the seemingly endless expanse of golden, barren sand surrounding it.

Despite the still twilight sky, lit by three various sized moons, a campfire is clearly burning and as the Party approach, Arowe spots three still-living versions of those ugly horses tethered. Standing in front of them, a rotund, tanned but red bearded man is waving a greeting. His posture and broad smile appear welcoming but the two large, heavy-set and armed Orcs flanking him seem 'slightly' less so.

"Blessings upon you my friends!" He calls out.