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Alzar has already heard about Krasniy, but he asks for some info about their new ruler. He came in and declared himself their lord. They had none prior. He is a tall, ruddy man, clean-shaven, bright red shoulder length hair, wears no armor, but carries a huge two-handed sword in a jeweled scabbard from his back. He has hired a group of soldiers, more like enforcers, that police the whole area. Meanwhile, the castle is about 2/3rds done.
The three agree to allow Alzar to open their minds to his magic, and the Bright Barrier’s detect lie ability quickly confirms they believe they are telling the truth. It’s about 2.5 to 3 days ride from Evenarrow to Saffir, so Alzar agrees to Mass Teleport them over to the outskirts. He uses his Crystal ball to scry a nice place, out of the line of sight behind stones and trees, and then casts the spell, and they are back in Saffir.
Alzar asks that the three people return to town, claiming that they weren’t able to make it to his place, and that’s why they are back early. Meanwhile, he sets out to scry the town with his crystal ball, about a mile away.
Saffir is around 1400 people strong, down from the 1500 it was a year ago pre-Krasniy. Their valley is a few miles across, and there are farms here that eke out a living with various crops like potatoes and carrots. The trail comes from Alzar’s demesne up the mountains, through a pass, and then down into this valley via a river that flows through Saffir, and then north and west back up the valley, and then over another ridge of mountains in a wide and easy but high pass to the north and west and from thence to the other side of the Ljallenvals.
Alzar verifies the location of the castle, currently, being built. There is a building recently burned down, and it looks like it was the only temple in the town.
Because of it’s valuable position by the river, the town proper has defenses and a pair of gates on either side. Up here in the Ljallenvals it’s important to have a good defense. Remembering what was stated about the disrespect that magic received here, Alzar decides to change up his normal set of items. He’ll don the Bracers of Protection against Normal Missiles, and then fly above the walls with his Carpet. He considered going in as a local ruler and demanding immunity to the local laws or using an invisibility potion, but he wants to go in hot. He’ll ignore the people on the walls firing on him, and arrive at the town hall, where the pennant of the warlord is flown right now, pending the completion of the castle.
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