<p>The party left Spedgenium, a small coastal town in Lulumia, traveling inland toward Oraqurinavi by cart. After exchanging goods with moneychangers and outfitting themselves for the road, they set out across hilly terrain in heavy rains. Their journey was rough—muddy roads bogged down the cart, forcing them to push it free—but they pressed forward, eventually reaching terraced farmlands. Along the way, the group agreed on a cover story: they would pose as imperial envoys conducting an informal inspection to avoid suspicion. Key Encounters The Helior Clan: The party met Tiberia, a seven-foot-tall Helior matron, her husband Quintus, their children, and extended kin. They welcomed the party into their home and later into a stone-built geothermal bathhouse, a cultural experience that highlighted Helior communal living and clan traditions. Cultural Tension: Nikos clashed with Quintus, whose dragon tattoos revealed mystical power passed through generations. When Nikos dismissed their value compared to Worm God blessings, Quintus nearly attacked him, restrained only by self-control. This revealed the Helior’s volatile, passion-driven nature. Village Exploration: Thorn investigated the village and uncovered: Communal buildings, including a meeting hall and stables. A locked hall containing colossal statues of Kadalian senators, some worn as though used, with masks covering faceless wooden planes. Thorn deciphered the word “Sipak” on one, linking the site to Kadal’s Senate of Taskmasters. A hidden chest of Kadalian armor, confirming foreign influence. He concealed the discovery to avoid provoking violence. The Great Project: Both villagers and militia spoke of a massive public works project in Fidusk, recruiting Helior youth with promises of silver wages. Adults were wary, believing it dangerous. The Esten officer Petros Behelman revealed its true nature: A noble house of Hanan was funding excavations into the Maw realm, believing the underground civilizations dead and ripe for plunder. This divided opinion: Worm Priests preach the Maw are long conquered, while others (especially Esten) fear the tunnels will awaken horrors.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://avorial.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">avorial.substack.com</a>