[Chapter 9] The Parched Dunes

Located along the banks of the Crook River, Ipeq (pronounced ahy-PECK) is the third-largest city in southern Osirion. According to legend, Ipeq was conjured into existence in a single day by Pharaoh An-Hepsu VII. Ipeq stands on the southern bank of the river and completely blocks the Shallows of Ipeq, one of only three ways of crossing the Crook on foot.



The journey there is uneventful, your now large contingent warning off most predators, be they men or beasts.

When you arrive at the end of the second day, you're there at the city gates. The city guards take your story and have some sympathy for their plight. They agree to take care of them until they can be escorted to their home villages.

Tabat spends some time in the market purchasing things that may be needed for their journey then reconvenes with the others before the gate. "Ready to return when you are. There is much desert to search."

You return to the area where you discovered the gnoll slavers.



The current hex has been discovered and explored. Where to next?

"North?" Iseret says questioningly.

The hex to the north is hardpacked ground. Travel: 1 Activity, explore: 1 activity. (Note: three activities available per day).

"Yes, and we'll explore as we go. We don't know where we'll find the place we search for."

You explore a region and then head south back along the creek, but end up running out of daylight.

You camp for the night. What does that look like? What preparations are made for the evening?

Tabat offers to take first watch as they make camp for the night.

The night passes without incident. The desert is cold but not nearly as quiet as a newcomer might expect. Insects, lizards, and birds give the night an unsettling activity. One two occasions, a distance roar of something more dangerous reaches your ears over long lonely miles.

Morning wakes and you find yourselves facing a day that is looking to be a scorcher. With temperatures over 35°C (100°F), those of you in armor will likely be battling the elements as much as any tangible threat you find.

You explore the current area and then follow the creek NW but it disappears, it's source a natural spring.

As the day grows hotter, you begin to suffer the effects of heat...

A character in very hot conditions (above 90° F) must make a Fortitude saving throw each hour (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage. Characters wearing heavy clothing or armor of any sort take a –4 penalty on their saves. A character with the Survival skill may receive a bonus on this saving throw and might be able to apply this bonus to other characters as well.

Iseret can take any watch, as she does not need to prepare spells and needs only to sleep two hours per night (thanks to the ring of sustenance).