After a few days you see Smoulderhome in the distance. There are a few patches that look like somebody tried to do some farming but the land look abandoned and there are just a few struggling weeds within.

The town itself has a low wall, maybe 5 feet high made of rocks. The buildings look a little ramshackle, most with walls of mud and stone, a few with walls of wood, Even one that looks like it was made of wagon boards and wheels.

Ember looks about with wide eyes.  "I was expecting a small settlement.  This barely rates as a shanty town.   My flames may not be welcome here."

He grabs the cloak he had folded up and sat upon and quickly wraps it about himself;  trying to hide his form as much as possible.

Alexia looks at the town, then at Ember hiding. "Doesn't really look too welcoming. If you need me, scream in terror or pain." She then dissolves into blue strands of light, which are drawn into the small egg-shaped object at her side. Its blue eye glows as it skitters along on three clawed legs to hide in the cart's depths.

*lol genie patron gets some really cool perks*

Grey shrugs as the rest of the team goes into hiding. "So do you have a contact in town Charles, where are we heading? And what can we expect, is this an easy transaction sort of thing?"

"Yeah, this doesn’t exactly look like a place where we’ll be welcomed with open arms." Razzec surveys the town, his tone thoughtful.

"We need to know who you know here, Charles. Who can we trust, and what’s the situation like? If this place is as rough as it looks, we need to figure out whether we’re going to be looked at as customers, or just more trouble for them."

Charles continues driving towards the center of the town where you can see other traders have set up shop. He gives you a brief layout of the town and points in the direction of some features. He sets up his wagon in the marketplace and sells to several different people.

On casual inspection, you can see a few places that look like taverns and supply shops. There are also buildings that look deserted. In the near distance you hear a blacksmith at work. 

*I really do enjoy the hand-drawn maps, you put a lot of effort into these*

Alexia's egg peers out of the cart at the surroundings, making whistling sounds. 

Grey looks around at the strange town.

"Strange place, I like it." He turns to Razzec, "this is why I left my dwarven birthplace, deep underground, to see places like this. And that strange dungeon we left too I guess. Wonder what kind of cheese they have here..."

Ember keeps rubbernecking even while attempting to stay as covered up as possible.   He then turns and whistles nonsense notes to the hidden Alexia egg.  "Indeed, you have to give these people credit for trying to make a life in such conditions.  It shows grit."

Turning, Ember calls to Charles, "Sir Charles, there are some deserted buildings we passed.  Do you camp in those before returning home or do you just sell and sleep in your wagon at the marketplace?"

He turns and speaks to twig Chip, "I see a couple of places that could be comfortable with a little work."

While you are getting the animals and cargo settled, a young girl trots into view.

"Hey Chuck!"

Looking over his shoulder he replies, "Hi Patty, these are my new friends, Alexia, Ember, Grey, and Razzec."

Squinting up at you she smirks, "They look new, maybe I can show them around." She looks at Grey and smiles "Only 10 gold buddy!"

"Hey, I said they're friends," Charles flips her a single gold coin which she expertly snatches out of the air. "Don't rip them off." he laughs.

"DOMINATOR! the Dominator spits on thieves and smashes them to the ground!"

The girl is a little taken aback by the outburst but gestures you to follow. "Since you're Chuck's buddies I'll give you the special tour."

"Whoa, hold on there, Dominator," Razzec says, his voice calm but firm, giving the weapon a small pat to reassure it. He steps forward, making sure to keep *The Dominator* out of sight for now.

"No need to threaten the girl. I’m sure she’s just trying to help." He gives Patty a small smile to ease the tension.

"I think we can handle the tour without the club’s... enthusiasm."

He looks around, then adds, "But yeah, I’d be interested in knowing what this place is all about. If you’ve got a good sense of the town, Patty, lead the way."

Grey offers to put Alexia's egg on his shoulder or backpack if he wants to stay in there for the time being.

The egg falls out of the wagon, skittering along behind Patty.

Ember turns to Charlies, "Do you need help unloading or moving the wagons to the marketplace?   I don't think it is wise to leave you here alone with all these yackles."

"It'll be fine, they know me here, run a long."

Patty starts at the marketplace making grand gestures at the merchants and mostly getting smiles from the the people nearby.

Marketplace - There are a few other merchants with wagons loaded with supplies. Some are colorful, others plain and purely functional. “That’s Aunt Erin, she mostly sells food.” you can see sacks and jars of preserves, grains, and meats. “Then we got Mr. Glumberry” “It’s GAINSBURRY!” heehee his wagon/shop sells adventuring gear - leathers, rope, oil, climbing tools, mining tools, and junk like that. “That there is Owen, he buys the aetherstone from inside the city” You can see a couple armored wagons with a heavy set of guards near the wagons. “Tha’s Mr. Amador.” - a huge man, maybe 7 feet tall and just about as wide sits in the center of a rainbow pavilion flanked by metallic oxen (gorgons). He deals with magical type stuff.

Fire Temple - The place looks like a stone dome with a flame coming out of the top. There’s a nice lady inside that helps folks. She can do a little healing on folks that get bloodied.

Guardpost - “Hey Uncle Ralph!” The 30 foot high tower overlooks the town and gives warning and defense against the strange creature wandering about. There is a house attached for the guards to stay in.

Bone and Board - The sign has a pair of bones tied to a shield. It’s basically a run down barn attached to a rundown house. It’s a palace to get bad food for a good price. 

Painted Daisy - The house of mummers and minstrels. Well when they stop by. 

Scratch and Sniff - The sign has a sign of a hound dog digging a hole. Inside there is a very casual atmosphere with the kitchen in the center and patrons sitting around it being served food and drink. The soup is good stuff. If you want to rent a cabin, these are the people to talk to.

Shrine of the Ancient Gods - The place looks like a circle of stones with a tiny hut. There’s an old witch that lives there and can also help adventurers.

Crouching Lion -  The only place with rooms to rent that has clean bedding. It’s for fancy folk.

Crowe and Sons - “Dad! These people are new to town! My Dad is the best blacksmith in town. If it’s metal, he can make it or fix it!” 

“OK, that’s the tour pay up” *big cute smile*

Ember drops 2 gold into the young gril's open hand, "A well run tour, thank you.   And, try to not spend that all in one swoop."

He will flit over to the smith,  "Good Smithy, might you have darts; made and ready to sell?   Or perhaps a display of daggers?   I have an urge to stock up before our return through the blighted lands."

Patty puts the coins in her pocket, then at her father's frown, gives one to him. He gives her a small smile and shakes his head.

The smith is skinny with a worn leather apron, his skin is well tanned, and he has a friendly face. "You can call me Toby, I can make up some of darts and daggers, wouldn't hurt to check out the marketplace too. I only have 3 of each right now. Might take time to bang out more."