0927-------------------------------------
(Saturday afternoon, INT: EB and JH's apartment, living room)

LH: It seems there's been a rash of attacks along a major trade route, all orchestrated by some necromancer named Valnast "Lord Mandible" Irinak the Deathless.
NP. Hm. Calls himself a "lord", yet engages in petty banditry. Despicable.
--------------
LH: There was a particularly brazen attack just two days ago. A caravan was hit and some important nobles were kidnapped. No word of a ransom yet, but they are known to be alive.
GU: Probably doing all manner of foul magical experimentation on their delicate lily white hides.
--------------
LH: There's a map of Irinak's likely location, and a promise of ten thousand gold to slay him, with an additional ten thousand if you bring the nobles back in one piece.
MH: Hnngh. And how much if they're in multiple pieces?
--------------
LH: Th-that's all the poster says, I swear. Please, can I go home to my family now?
EB: All in good time, my friend, all in good time. First, show us what's written on this map...