Phealafarian Frontiers: 05: What Do We Do Now?
In the weeks following their entry into New Albion, the party settled into different aspects of city life, each finding a path that suited them while waiting for their next adventure. Though their lives diverged, the promise of future expeditions loomed over them, drawing them back together.
Eldrin, always keen to uncover hidden knowledge, found himself working under the eccentric gnome scholar Old Fennwick at “Fennwick’s Curiosities.” His days were spent learning the subtle art of persuasion and observation, using his noble charm to navigate merchant rivalries and gather information on whispers of lost relics. He honed his ability to read people, preferring social maneuvering over deceit, and developed an eye for the finer details of artifacts and history. Though the work was far from the luxury he once knew, Eldrin embraced the challenge, forging his own path rather than relying on his family’s name.
Tobias sought solace in a small temple of Ilmater, where he unburdened his past to Father Lewys Moris. Encouraged to find purpose, he joined the city guard, where his patchwork armor earned him the nickname “The Saucepan Knight.” Undeterred by the teasing, he took pride in his role, balancing shifts as a guard with an apprenticeship under a gruff dwarven smith, Thorek Ironhand. Between maintaining weapons, honing his own combat skills, and patrolling the streets, Tobias kept a close ear to the influence of the United Solar Clergy, ensuring that his past experiences shaped his mission to protect others.
Tosk spent his time hauling crates and weapons for New Albion’s blacksmiths, his raw strength making him invaluable. When not working, he trained at “The Iron Tussle,” a fight school specializing in wrestling, where he refined his growing passion for grappling. His prowess caught the attention of the criminal underworld, and despite his attempts to remain on the right side of the law, he accepted occasional work as a bodyguard for shady employers. Tosk rationalized it as a learning opportunity—one that might prove useful in understanding the city’s power struggles.
Erisa continued her search for her mother, honing her skills in disguise, deception, and performance to manipulate those who might hold answers. Though her methods often leaned toward mischief and intimidation, she found herself softening towards the vulnerable, subtly helping those in need. She also delighted in perfecting her sleight of hand, often at Tosk’s expense, further refining her skills as both a trickster and an unseen protector.
Guardian sought refuge in routine, splitting time between an apprenticeship at a small bakery owned by the elderly halfling Bramble and tending to Sebastian, the horse they had rescued. They practiced their magic in quiet moments, using it to subtly assist in their work and to bring comfort to others. While the simple life brought a sense of peace, Guardian remained wary, knowing that the past—both theirs and the threats that pursued them—was never far behind.
Thomas, ever the observer, took to studying New Albion’s streets, learning the movements of guards and the layout of potential escape routes. A chance encounter with an aging locksmith, Grigor, led to an apprenticeship that offered both insight into security measures and a legitimate cover for his more roguish talents. Though tempted to return to old habits, he kept himself in check, biding his time, ensuring he understood the city before making any moves.
After weeks of finding their footing in the city, the party reunited at The Tavern With No Name at the request of Vanryn ‘Sweets’ Xyrquinal. Now sober and focused, Sweets called them together to discuss his plans for expanding the tavern. His goal was to turn it into a thriving establishment, but to do so, he needed Pheala-Credits—a special currency awarded for services to the city and its council.
Recognizing an opportunity, Sweets suggested that the best way for the group to earn Pheala-Credits was to register as a mercenary group. This would not only give them access to more lucrative jobs but also solidify their reputation in the city. He even offered to speak with his cousin, Elowen Starleaf, about sponsoring their registration.
However, when they met with Elowen, she declined to sponsor them directly, fearing it would be seen as nepotism. Instead, she arranged for them to meet with Councillor Travan Hale, a pragmatic and calculating politician who could provide the sponsorship they needed—if they could prove themselves worthy.
The party was led into a chamber where they met Travan Hale, a slender man in his late forties, dressed in understated yet fine robes. His eyes held a calculating sharpness, his demeanor cool and analytical. He greeted them with a polite but distant tone, acknowledging their past exploits before making his expectations clear: if they wanted his sponsorship, they would need to be his eyes and ears in their travels, reporting any unusual findings of interest.
Understanding that sponsorship came with strings attached, the party attempted to demonstrate their skills—unfortunately, by trying to sneak up on Travan, a man staring directly at them. He remained motionless, his expression unreadable, save for a slight raising of his brow. Whether he was amused or merely disappointed was unclear, but his eyes flicked just before Erisa felt the weight of her missing coin pouch and Eldrin felt cold steel against his throat. Though unimpressed, Travan offered them another chance to prove themselves.
He took them to a training ground adjacent to the council building, where they were pitted against a rival mercenary team, the Iron Vanguard—six rookies seeking recognition. The battle was meant to be a friendly match, a test of skill, teamwork, and strategy. However, when Guardian immediately fired an Eldritch Blast, instantly knocking out one of their opponents, the match quickly spiraled out of control. The rest of the Iron Vanguard either forfeited or were swiftly defeated, leaving little doubt as to the party’s effectiveness. A hush fell over the training ground as the final blow landed, followed by scattered murmurs from the gathered onlookers. Some seemed impressed, others wary of the sheer efficiency on display. Travan remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “Effective,” he said, his tone devoid of praise or disappointment. “Though perhaps… lacking in restraint.” He studied the party carefully, his gaze calculating, before giving a small nod. “Very well. You’ll have your sponsorship.”
Travan, after assessing their combat prowess, agreed to their sponsorship, albeit with a note that subtlety was perhaps not their strong suit. A quest board was soon installed in the Tavern With No Name, stocked with a selection of available jobs.
As the board was installed, a flurry of posters flew onto it, each detailing a different opportunity for mercenary work:
- Prisoner Transport – Escort prisoners from Willowbrook to New Albion. Inquire with the Town Guard.
- Blank Slates All Around – Investigate the strange happenings in Timberwood. Report to Elder Farren.
- Things That Fall From the Sky – Investigate unusual activity near Murkfel Village. Seek out Scholar Eldra.
- Rats in the Basement – Deal with an infestation at the Rusty Mug Tavern in Greystone. Speak to Tomas.
- The Extinguished Lighthouse – Investigate the darkened lighthouse near Stormwatch Bay. See Portmaster Brynn.
- The Angry Druids – Resolve escalating threats in Briarwood Village. Report to the Briarwood Council.
The party gathered around the board, selecting their first contracts. Erisa signed them up for the lighthouse job, while Thomas chose the Murkfel investigation.
With their first official jobs as a mercenary company now set, the party prepared to embark on their next adventure, their place in New Albion secured—but not without watchful eyes on their every move. Whether it was Travan’s agents ensuring their loyalty, rival mercenary groups sizing up the competition, or unseen forces drawn to their growing reputation, they would not be moving unnoticed in the days to come.
