The Wayward Wanderers

[vainadaite]

Vex's Diary.
[Date has been smudged due to water damage]

Woke up this morning in the middle of a tomb. Fun times. Superwhite's being snarky as usual, I think I shall evolve him without a mouth next time I can. Heard voices coming from the upper levels, great, adventurers. Used the holy fountain water to wash my hair, hope no one drinks it later, I heard this shampoo's pretty toxic, but not everyone has crazy flaming hair, it's not my fault.

Met the party of Adventurers off to save some damsel. Wasn't paying attention really, their bard was pretty cute. Cleric of Irori was annoying and accusing me of being a grave robber. Well technically, that's true, but what a horrible thing to say! I rather the term "Liberator of Shinies". The rest were pretty forgettable. Except that druid, he smelled of moose poop.

Strength in numbers, hopefully they'll spring all the traps and I can make out of here in a jiffy with the amulet.

Great, we get to fight pustulant zombies, and it STINKS. It's a veritable clusterfu in this dungeon crawl, damned big parties. Superwhite did most of the heavy lifting, too busy oogling cute bard. Party seems to be falling like flies, these zombies hit hard. Maybe I should hand over the potions of cure light wounds in my pack... Nah. Oops, Cleric goes down. Oh he's just crawling around, that's fine then.

Superwhite blows himself up. Great. Who's going to carry all my crap now? I think the bard said he had a mule.

Cleric's half dead. Fighter looks pretty beaten up. My handsome bard is in a not so handsome pile on the floor. Maximum damage pustulant explosion tends to do that to a person. So much for showing off. Ah heck. Guess the Mule's mine now.

Venturing in there seems to be a magical pool. Illusionary magic the rogue says. This rogue's pretty useless, he just scouts for traps then vanishes as soon as the battle begins. I think he's trying to look up my skirt. Maybe Superwhite likes hin snacks. Anyway, let's try another room.

This room has icky water, and what seems like electric moss. Dead stuff smells bad. What's with all these horrendous dungeons, time to slather on more perfume. We found another waterlogged door, but before the fighter could blow through it, here comes another adventurer.

The Mitigator he calls himself, supposedly Fabio's half brother. I guess he got the ugly genes, no wonder he sounds so pissed all the time. Anyhow, he bashes down the door and we see huge frogs. Yay. Froggies seem to like trail rations though, and we sneak through safe enough.

Great, MORE WATER, and what seems like a wheel. Skeletons get the jump on us, but they die pretty quick. My summoned dolphin mauls a few of them, and the halfling gets to go dolphin riding. Reminder to self : get an enlarge wand as soon as possible.

Back to the magical water, which seems to be circumvented easily enough by closing our eyes and running across the room.

Statue trap. Nifty. Nearly kills the fighter, those dumb louts. But the halfling is finally useful and disables the trap. It's time for the BBEG.

Someone came up with the brilliant idea to lead them back to the statue traps, luckily for them they have the most amazing summoner at their disposal who blocks the doorway with a magic pony while they flee back to the statue. BBEG and company are dumb enough to fall for it. So much for anticlimax.

Finally it's the crypt of Kessen. I can get the amulet and get out of here. Or at least I would have, too bad grave robbers got to it first. Damn it. Not a good day.

Loots pretty decent though, and I guess I'll stick around with this bunch a bit more. At least till they run out of their usefulness. Undead killing was a plus, I shall rid the world of them some day. And I get to make off with the pack mule, at least that's one less thing for Superwhite to whinge about.

Still a pity the cute bard died, and my hair smells like zombie rot. Nothing a bath or four won't get out. I hope the town has hot water.

[comradechris]

Mitica Silvermane, the first born of a Varisian gypsy and her elven ranger husband, took after his father in more ways than just his hair. He took a natural liking to the forest and all that it offered. During his growing years, it became his sanctuary as well. Children can be so cruel sometimes, or in his case, oftentimes, for his beautiful silver hair was often the subject of their teasing, which sometimes brought with it the occasional crude remark about his ancestry.

Eventually, the teasing stopped as the children grew. Likewise, Mitica grew as well, both in age, and in his ways. His constant forays into the forest during his childhood cemented his bond with nature, for he enjoyed its simplicity and honesty, as compared to the unpleasant interactions with his peers. Thus it was not surprising that he became a scout for the caravan, like his father, and helped to keep them safe during their journeys.

One day, his caravan was raided by goblin marauders. They were repelled, but there were also casualties and as fate would have it, his father was among them, felled by a poisoned goblin arrow. After the fallen were laid to rest, Mitica turned his full attention to tracking down the goblins and finishing them off so that no other travelers need fall victim to them ever again. The intensity of his focus bordered on obsession. His already short exchanges with the others in the caravan were deemed unnecessarily long, and became even shorter still. His mother became distraught that she might lose her son in addition to her husband.

His diligence paid off, for less than a week later, he came across a broken arrow. Closer study of its head confirmed it to be of the same design of the one that killed his father. That was the first of many clues that would lead him to a battle between his quarry and a Qadiran merchant caravan that was clearly on the losing end.

Using his familiarity with the forest, he played a game of cat and mouse with the goblin raiders, drawing them away from the more heavily wounded defenders, sometimes letting them run in circles. His tactics gave the defenders time to regroup and form a better defence, which eventually drove off what little was left of the goblin force.

He then went to each and every goblin to make sure the job was done, before helping the survivors with the wounded, during which a relieved looking caravan master comes up to him, thanking him profusely.

“Oh thank the gods that you turned up when you did my friend! We most certainly would be dead if not for you! Please, we are just a day from our destination. Would you stay with us the rest of the way? Surely those raiders wouldn’t dare try anything again with you around! Why, I think you could teach my guards a thing or…”

Wincing at the caravan master’s incessant blabbering, Mitica quickly agrees. After all, it was nightfall already and it would not be wise to make his way back to his own caravan especially just after a raid.

“Wonderful, my friend! Wonderful! Come, come, tell me your name so that I might include it in our passenger manifest.”

With that, the caravan master takes out a book and a charcoal stick, and continues on, “This route I took was a shortcut. It was risky. Risky indeed! But the savings from a shorter trip translates to profits, with which I will ensure that you are well…”

Mitica speaks his first name amidst the verbal diarrhea, wondering if the caravan master even heard it at all. He considers repeating it but dismisses the thought as a waste of breath.

“… all about risk! Oh, I respect your desire for privacy my friend and shan’t ask further, but I must say that it your moniker is rather apt for the situation!”

Mitica frowns, not understanding what the caravan master is referring to and decides to further assist the wounded, not wanting to waste any more time. By doing so, he missed the chance to correct the erroneous entry that the caravan master had made into the manifest.

In the passenger manifest, written in fresh coal, a new entry read “The Mitigator”.



Name: The Mitigator
Class: Guide (Ranger Archetype) 1 / Fighter 1
Favoured Class: Fighter (Skill Points) / Shadowdancer
Gender: Male
Race: Half-Elf
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 150 lbs
Alignment: Neutral Good
Deity: Erastil
Faction: Qadira
Standard Half-Elf Racial Traits:
+2 to One Ability Score: STR
Medium Size
Speed: 30 feet.
Low-Light Vision
Adaptability: Skill Focus - Stealth
Elf Blood
Elven Immunities: Immunity vs magic sleep, +2 saving throw bonus vs enchantment
Keen Senses: +2 to Perception
Multitalented: Favoured Classes as Above
Languages: Common, Elven, Sylvan, Varisian (Boon)

Str: 17 (+3)
Dex: 14 (+2)
Con: 14 (+2)
Int: 13 (+1)
Wis: 12 (+1)
Cha: 8 (-1)

HP: 23
Initiative: +4 [+2(Dex) +2(Trait)]

BAB: 2
CMB: 5 [2(BAB) + 3(STR)]
CMD: 17 [10 + 2(BAB) + 3(STR) + 2(DEX)]

AC: 19 [10 + 6(Armour) + 2(DEX) + 1(Feat – Dodge)]
Touch AC: 13
Flat Footed AC: 16

Fort Save: 6 [4(Base) + 2(CON)]
Reflex Save: 4 [2(Base) + 2(DEX)]
Will Save: 1 (Base)
Specia: +2 vs Enchantment, Immunity vs Sleep

Skills:
Acrobatics: -2 [2(DEX) - 4(ACP)]
Appraise: 1 [1(INT)]
Bluff: -1 [-1(CHA)]
Climb: 3 [1 RANK + 3(Class Skill) + 3(STR) - 4(ACP)]
Diplomacy: -1 [-1(CHA)]
Disguise: -1 [-1(CHA)]
Escape Artist: -2 [2(DEX) – 4(ACP)]
Fly: -2 [2(DEX) – 4(ACP)]
Handle Animal: -1 [-1(CHA)]
Heal: 1 [+1(WIS)]
Intimidate: -1 [-1(CHA)]
Perception: 8 [2 RANKS + 3(Class Skill) + 2(Racial Bonus) + 1(WIS)]
Perform (Dance): 1 [2 RANKS -1(CHA)]
Ride: 2 [1 RANK + 3(Class Skill) + 2(DEX) -4(ACP)]
Sense Motive: 1 [+1(WIS)]
Stealth: 6 [2 RANKS + 3(Class Skill) + 3(Half Elf Skill Focus) + 2(DEX) - 4(ACP)
Survival: 6 [2 RANKS + 3(Class Skill) + 1(WIS)] <+2 if using MW Surivival Kit, + 1 to Track>
Swim: 3 [1 RANK + 3(Class Skill)+ 3(STR) – 4(ACP)]

Traits: Elven Reflexes, Armour Expert
Feats: Toughness, Dodge, Skill Focus – Stealth (Half Elf)
Animal Empathy (Ranger Class Ability)
Track (Ranger Class Ability)
Ranger’s Focus 1/day (Guide Ranger Archetype Class Ability)
Varisian Caravaner – +1 to hit vs goblinoids, Varisian language proficiency
Varisian Weapon Training – Bolas proficiency
Cinderlands Survivor – “Endure Elements” when 110 deg F to room temp, +1 vs fire/heat spells/effects

Weapons:
<On Back> Scythe [+5 to hit, 2d4 + 4 P/S, X 4] (Trip)
<In Boot> Dagger [+5 to hit, 1d4 +3 P/S, 19-20 X 2]
<On Shoulder> Composite Longbow +2 [+4 to hit, 1d8 + 2 P, 20 X 3] 110ft
<On Waist - Left> Arrows x 20
<On Waist - Right> Bolas (1) [+4 to hit, 1d4 + 3 B, X 2] 10ft (Non-Lethal, Trip)

Armour: Four Mirror [+6 Armour, 2 Dex Bonus, -4 ACP with Armour Expert]

Inventory Breakdown:

Haramaki (Spare Armour for Sleeping)

Perishables:
Rations x 5
Oil x 3
Troll Oil x 1
Twitch Tonic x 1
Vermin Repellent x 1
Wismuth Salix x 1
Antiplague x 1
Antitoxin x 1
Bladeguard x 1
Healer's Kit x 10 Uses

Misc
Traveller's Outfit
Backpack, MW
Whetstone
Hammock
Blanket
Bullseye Lantern
Smoked Goggles
Earplugs
Chalk
Belt Pouch
Survival Kit, MW
(Contains Flint & Steel, Mess Kit, Waterskin X 2, Maps, Utility Knife, Guide to Flora & Fauna)


EDITS:
1) 20/07/2013 - Removed sold weapons (Light X-Bow & Bolts), Added bought weapons (Composite Longbow +2, Arrows), re-arranged weapon placement on person.

[Richard Loh]

Items liberally liberated from the Crypt of the Everflame.

- ring of swimming
- 37 gold coins, newly minted from Tamran
- potion of cure moderate wounds
- note (which reads: "The amulets are entombed with Kassen and Asar")

Due to my busy work schedule, and the delay in putting this message up, this items will be available until the session after before it is considered not taken.

Following items are recovered from the body of Kleptus Somnus as he is carefully buried within the Crypt of the Everflame with Kassen's blessings.
- Backpack
- waterskin, small tent, winter blanket
- 4 days trail rations
- completed Trail Map to the Crypt of the Everflame
- wand of cure light wounds (10 charges)

[Richard Loh]

The journey back to Kassen is somber and uneventful. Roldare is thrilled to see Dimira again and seems to recover most of his sanity.

When the party finally returned to Kassen, they find a celebration underway in their honour. Mayor Uptal was there to greet them at the gates but the joy and mood of the festival turned melancholy rather quickly as news spread through the town. Most of the townsfolk were glad that the new menace has been ended, and the grand feast is still held in the group's honour but it was not the same as in previous years. This year, many are drinking to help forget that they have lost friends and loved ones. Plans are made to return to the crypt and bury the slain townsfolk.

During this celebration, Cygar once again approached the Pathfinders and mentioned that Ambrus Valsin requested the party's help to see that the tomb robbers that caused this mess be called to account for their actions.

Agreeing, the party managed to find two routes to Tamran, one via ship, while the other is via the overland route with a caravan.

The ship is willing to take the party to Tamran for a fee and the crew likely originates from the River Kingdoms though some of them looked like they might have come from the Shackled Island themselves. Scruffy looking, the Wanderers figured that they might have turned to piracy on the side when legit business is bad.
The wizard Anfernus mentioned to the pirates that if they do anything funny to the group on the ship, the Inquisitor Anferno will come and destroy their ship which the pirates laughed it off.

"Chelaxian warships!!! I'm pissing my pants!!!" remarked one pirate. "If the Chelaxians are that good, we would be out of a job a long time ago!"

Jakarin Nuromer in the meantime sought out another route after worrying that the party might seek a sea route towards Tamran, he found, too late that the caravan has already left Kassen, but with haste, the group might be able to catch up with the caravan within the hour.

As of now, the cargo and the passengers manifest from the caravan is unknown. Just that they are enroute to Tamran.

[Daryl Kong]

As the party is discussing which route to take, Anfernus with one hand still holding onto a fluffy pillow and the other holding onto a wand, whispers a suggestion to the less Lawful Good members of the party.

"I'd say we go with the pirate's ship. Then we'll ..."liberate" it. Don't want them to be turning back to a life of piracy, amirite? Might want to leave the helmsman alive and recruit him too. Their ship look like crap but I'm sure its sturdy enough and we would do well with our own transport."

[comradechris]

Mitica observes his new companions in silence as they gawk at their spoils. Only the wizard lays claim to certain items. He steps forward and picks up the chainmail, feeling its weight and studying its workmanship.

"I'll size this for myself then, if no one wants this, and this..."

He picks up the hand bill.

"Might be useful."

Leaving the party to settle the remainder of the spoils, he seeks out Cygar to find out more about the handbill.

Upon returning, he hears the wizard out and replies, "Something to consider, yes. But first, a ship needs her crew. The helmsman will not be enough. Second, if they have a bounty on their heads, and we take over the ship, we will be the ones in trouble because bounty hunters will think we are them."

[comradechris]

Dear Mother,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have been been travelling for many moons, never staying in one area long enough to write. Recently, I was called away to a small town called Kassen, small settlement along the Tourondel River in the Fang Wood of Nirmathas, to assist the locals with some domestic issues.

While executing my duties, I came across a band of Pathfinders, and a most unfortunate incident came to my attention. I do not know how else to say it, Mother, but I must tell you, for keeping you in the dark would be most unbecoming of a son. I have news of Kleptus, and it is with deep sorrow that I report that my half-brother, the son of you and Uncle Ramon, has passed on.

Do not think me heartless, Mother, when I say weep not for him, but instead be proud! His companions tell me that he fell defending them, putting himself in harm's way to keep them safe. I remember the day when he said goodbye, you were so worried that he could not find his way in the world, for he had lived a pampered life. Worry no more Mother, the child that left that day, grew to become a man. He learnt responsibility and sacrifice. He now rests in the same tomb as the town's hero and founder.

I will be travelling with them now Mother, so that I can know more of the man that neither of us knew, for he lives on in them now. From what I have seen, these are people of good character. A priest of Irori, a wizard who likes puppets, a boy who was broken in youth but whole in heart, a former slave who seeks perfection, a druid who shies from his heritage, a halfling eager to see the world and a half-celestial who reminds me of Kleptus, in her own indulgent ways.

Their actions here have set them on a path that will test them, and so I will take my halbrother's place at their side, and honour his memory.

Worry not Mother, for I have learnt much on my own. Tomorrow we leave Kassen for the next leg of our journey and so will not be writing to you for some time. Stay safe and worry less. Pass my regards to Uncle Ramon.

With much love,
Mitica


Finishing the letter, Mitica stands up and goes to the tomb of his half-brother to make a charcoal impression of the kind epitaph provided by Nirav. When he is done, he places both the impression and the letter in an oiled leather tube. He says his last goodbye and exits the Crypt of the Everflame.

He shuts off his bullseye lantern as he exits, letting the moonlight illuminate the surroundings, allowing his low-light vision to spot a tiny figure waiting in the shadow of a nearby tree.

"Excellent timing," he comments.

The figure approaches. It is a halfling, dressed in a long coat, a flat cap, with a leather satchel slung across his torso.

"The Speedy Messenger Service always delivers, sir!"

Mitica merely nods, and passes the leather tube to the halfling, who places it within his satchel, and secures it tightly.

"Anything else, sir?" inquires the messenger.

"Yes, for your trouble."

The Mitigator flips a gold coin towards the messenger, who catches it with the grace that comes naturally to his kind, "Wow! Thanks, sir!" And dashes off into the distance, to deliver the news that he was entrusted to bear.

[Richard Loh]

Thrashing about in their dreams, the pallid palour of Reed's and Anfernus' skin feels both clammy and cold to the touch as Nirav and Jakarin worked hard to stop them from falling further into ghoul fever. The botfly swarms are apparently infected with ghoul fever, instead of malaria as previously believed.

[Richard Loh]

Five days onboard the ship The Man's Promise, the Wanderers after battling a heavy storm and crew-stealing grindylows, the ship finally stopped when it crashed into an uncharted island and it's starboard hull was damaged with accumulating leaks, even with the bilge pumps operating for 24 hours a day.

While the crew, under the command of Mr. Plugg worked hard to try to repair the ship, the Wanderers are given a life boat to take ashore to explore the mysterious island.

Along the way, they encountered its local inhabitants, giant frogs and a few shipwrecked victims. The victims are supposedly from the Chelish ship The Infernus.

[Daryl Kong]

Anfernus toss and turns as he fights against the ghoul fever and experiences some strange dreams.
In his first dream, the party was shipwreck on a lost island where there was this huge black fog that moved quickly, knocked down trees and made some really weird noises.
In his second dream, the party was shipwreck onto a tiny island with a lighthouse. Within the lighthouse, they entered a room that brought them down into the ocean, to an underwater city!

In his last dream, he sees the Infernus, a black/red coloured Chelish scout ship said to be the 2nd-fastest in the navy. The captain is holding his wedding onboard while the ship sails to its honeymoon destination when they were shipwreck the same way the Man's Promise did, in a storm and rocks. As Anfernus walks onboard and into the cabin of the Infernus, he finds it filled with bookcases of spellbooks...

Then he wakes up.

"Damn, that always happens when the good things about to start!"



*Takes 1 finely tailored Chelish style courtier outfit and keeps in backpack for future wear*

Anfernus suggest everyone keeping 1 chelish courtier outfit each. We may need it for disguise.

[mort]

No Effin' way! Cheliax a bunch of devil worshiping Slavers! No greater Ebul in the World!

*Spits on the ground to show his dislike of Cheliaxians"

[vainadaite]

Vex, Nuri Hala Ar'Raqis
Female Aasimar Summoner 2
CG Medium Outsider (native)
Init +4; Senses bond senses (2 rounds/day), darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +2
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 17 (2d8+4)
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3
Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft.
Melee Dagger +1 (1d4/19-20/x2)
Ranged Light crossbow +1 (1d8/19-20/x2)
Spell-Like Abilities Daylight (1/day), Summon Monster I (7/day)
Summoner Spells Known (CL 2):
1 (3/day) Shield, Mage Armor, Grease (DC 16)
0 (at will) Acid Splash, Open/Close (DC 14), Detect Magic, Guidance, Message
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 10, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 13
Feats Spell Focus (Conjuration)
Traits Keleshite Princess (Diplomacy), Reactionary
Skills Acrobatics -1 (-5 jump), Climb -3, Diplomacy +12, Escape Artist -1, Fly -1, Handle Animal +9, Intimidate +5, Perception +2, Ride -1, Spellcraft +6, Stealth -1, Swim -3, Use Magic Device +9; Racial Modifiers +2 Diplomacy, +2 Perception
Languages Celestial, Common, Kelish
SQ eidolon link, life link, share spells with eidolon
Combat Gear Potion of cure light wounds (2), Wand of Cure Light Wounds, Wand of Mage Armor, Wand of Magic Missile, Acid (3), Alchemist's fire (2); Other Gear Studded leather armor, Crossbow bolts (20), Dagger, Light crossbow, Backpack (9 @ 4 lbs), Belt pouch (5 @ 5 lbs), Fishhook (2), Flint and steel, Sewing needle, Signal whistle, Spell component pouch, String or twine, Thread (50 ft.), Whetstone, Wrist sheath, spring loaded (1 @ 0 lbs), 942 GP
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Bond Senses (2 rounds/day) (Ex) As a standard action, you can share Eidolon's senses while on same plane.
Damage Resistance, Acid (5) You have the specified Damage Resistance against Acid attacks.
Damage Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Damage Resistance against Cold attacks.
Damage Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Damage Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Eidolon Link (Ex) Mental link allows communication over any distance, but share magic item slots.
Life Link (Su) Damage that dismisses Eidolon can be taken by you. It weakens if not in 100 ft.
Share Spells with Eidolon (Ex) Your spells ignore type restrictions for Eidolon and it can recieve your personal spells.
Spell Focus (Conjuration) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC.
Summon Monster I (7/day) (Sp) Standard action summon lasts minutes, but only 1 active at a time and can't use with eidolon.

Hero Lab® and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at www.wolflair.com
Pathfinder® and associated marks and logos are trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC®, and are used under license.

[Richard Loh]

The mule is left back on Kassen. Nobody mentioned that they are bringing the mule on board. It is left in the care of Olmira Treesong, Undar's mentor who taught him the ways of the forest.

Ungar borrowed Reed's expertise for a while to carefully remove the spyglass. With no where to store it, Ungar stuffed it into his backpack with the peekhole protruding on one side of his backpack.

[Richard Loh]

Spending time on the island known as Bonewrack Isle, the party explored the shipwreck which can be seen atop the stockade. Turned out to be the hull of the Chelish ship Infernus, with it's hull resting on a coral reef.

Curiousity kills the cat or it almost killed Dair Reedshifter when a baby moray eel attacked the halfling and left him for dead. The shadowcaller Anfernus drew out his bluish elemental gem and with his will, crushed it in his hands which resulted in an elemental of Water, a primal being of power helping to eradicate the threat.
Reed survived as did the rest of the party. In the meantime, Princess Vex spent her time maintaining her equipment on the beach whilst the party was out swimming.

Explored the cove, which turned out to be the hideout for the grindylows, the "frog tentacled monsters" coined by Reed and that Sandara, a press-ganged pirate was captured. Rescued her from certain death by The Mitigator as consuming a potion of water breathing, he gave her the breath of life, which turned out to be insufficient...

With the aid of Nirav, the healing of Jakarin and the assisted efforts of the Mitigator, Sandara finally regained consciousness, relching sea water and feeling the worst for wear. Expressing her gratitude to the Mitigator, she presented to him her hat, which was left to her by her father, the hat known as Besmara's Tricorne.

Following an uneventful sea trip on board the repaired The Man's Promise, Mr. Plugg wanted to attempt a raid on a Molthune sanctioned privateer, a sailboat, but Nirav, despite repeated requests by Mr. Plugg to go below deck, refuses to do so and Mr. Plugg have absolutely no choice but to cut his losses and not commence his raid on the privateers.

Finally, docking at Tamran, he recommended that the party should stay at Gar's Last Meal, an inn of repute near the waters, if one can get past the smell of the fishes.

[Daryl Kong]

Do describe what we see as we disembark from The Man's Promise and make our way out of the docks/jetty?

What time is it? Is it a busy place? Guards? Shady looking people? Clean or dirty grounds? The energy/life of the place?