To the Seas!

"The path under the Alpo Mountains, between Romaly and Portoga, was locked behind a Magic Key. We'll never learn why, but we opened it up and traveled to the port city. The denizens were clamoring for pepper, but the trade routes had been off. We assumed it was because of Baramos. The King, especially, was craving it. When we managed to speak to him, we found another lackadaisical ruler. But unlike the Romaly one, he gave us a way to proceed. King Portoga gave us a message that we would eventually hand to the angry dwarf, Norud. This note kicked the earthbound one into gear, and he revealed the hidden tunnel to us. We are now able to venture to the home of black pepper, Baharata.

If you're ever in the area, follow the river south. It's a long walk, and it's easy to get lost in the lengthy trek. When Arusu arrived in the city, we heard about a kidnapping. I got a terrible feeling of deja vu. A woman named Tania, the granddaughter of the pepper merchant, had been abducted. Her beloved, Gupta, ran after her. Arusu worried that ill might befall him, so we followed him to a cave in the north.

The layout was very strange. It feels like this could be a board game, but it's probably a mine shaft. Things important were in the corners of the 4x6 floor with a prison in the lower right. Blocking our way were four familiar thugs. After disposing of them, we saw Gupta in a cell. He told us about the nearby lever, and we freed him and Tania. It was heartwarming to see how happy the couple was to be back together. But that ebullience was short lived. As we began to exit the jail, Kandar was there.

He and two more hoodlums didn't take the mercy Arusu gave them, and now we're here. But things went much smoother this time. While these ne'er-do-wells rested on their vile laurels, we got stronger. Even using the same tactics, we made quick work of these four. Sadly, as before, Kandar begged for his life, and Arusu let him go free again. I get where she's coming from, but it was a bad idea the first time, and I suspect it'll get worse. We'll see him again, won't we?

Returning to Baharata, Tania and Gupta have taken over the pepper shop. As thanks for saving them, Gupta gave us some pepper. We quickly returned to Portoga, and the King was so thrilled he took a nap! He also gave us a ship.

We took to the seas and got our bearings. Fun fact, I get seasick quite easily. Across the bay from Portoga is a lighthouse. At the top was a man who gave us directions to various cities across the world. We ignored him and sailed around, visiting many other shrines. The only thing we found in our random wanderings was an Echo Flute. Cordy played it, but nothing happened. North of that tower was the isolated village of Mur. They called Arusu a cute but annoying name and seemed confused when she wasn't the man they expected. Why does everyone seem shocked that Arusu is a woman? It's an inconsequential location, but we did learn Sir Ortega had been here. In fact, he was the man they confused Arusu for. A child figured it out and gave her Oetega's Helm. It fit her perfectly, and Ortega's fame continues. Eventually, we did follow the light keeper's advice.

We found a ruined village called Tedabki. We showed up at night and saw a decent sized population among the ruins. A few told us that Baramos' Lair is in a nearby volcano. A wise man suggested we find the Final Key, which is probably a good choice. Because it was late, we bought a room at the inn. In the morning, though, no one was around. The entire village was gone. It was the most unsettling thing I've ever experienced."