Going on an adventure!

You're Going on an Adventure

Actually, you're returning from one...
You don't need your character sheets for now, just sort of go with it, we'll sort out all the technicalities a little later on.

Again you found yourself face to face with the foul fiend, but he is quick witted and powerful. You may have foiled his plan to use these Chaos Crystals for the time being, but he is sure to return. The Gnomes of this city know the most about them, as their captor forced them to study every aspect of them. The crystals are highly unstable, but with the aid of magic- of which many a Gnomic kin are accustomed in these realms- they find a relatively safe method to handle them. They decide the best thing to do is to find a way to destroy these crystals, for they cannot be used for any purpose of good. You are sworn to secrecy on the matter of the Chaos Crystals- unless the knowledge of these such artefacts will save the lives of those in danger of a result of the artefacts themselves.

You have spent much time in this mining town, recovering and attending meetings regarding the proceeds for the safe disposal of the crystals. The Gnomes and their alliances, (Dwarven Leaders of Bordorock from the Northern Mountains and High Elven Elders of Galderome included) yet, despite your rest, those of Elven blood grow weary and weaker by the day, suffering agonising headaches and trances filled with darkness and torment- the Galderomanic Elders are also affected, and they conclude such sickness comes from the evil of the crystals. As such, you decide to retire further East.

It is a dark morning and the clouds threaten heavy rain to come. Wizard Isaac's House is 4 days by foot/2 day by mount by means of the road. You estimate that you may make it there in 2 days by foot if you cut through the forest. Unfortunately, gnomes do not ride horses, they're simply not size compatible, they do, however, have a few ponies they would be willing to sell you. There is a general goods stall at the market, although they are low and limited in stock due to recent events and as such, prices are higher (x3). There is also an Alchemists shop, who shall give you a discount for saving his life. The town has 12 ponies used in the pits, though they are blind to the light, they are stronger than most, and they shall sell them at 25gp.

• Trail Rations: 15sp per days worth, 1lb, 11 in stock
• Oil: 3sp, 1lb, 6 pints in stock
• Lantern, hooded: 21gp, 2lb, 1 in stock
• Fire Wood: 3cp per days worth, 9 days worth in stock
• Tent: 30gp, 20lb, sleeps 2, only 1 in stock
• Hempen Rope: 3gp 50ft, 10lb, 1 in stock
• Flask, empty: 9cp, 1 pint capasity, 1 1/2lb 8 in stock
• Vial, empty: 3gp, 1/10lb, 17 in stock
• Acid (in flask): 7gp, 1lb
• Alchemists Fire (in flask): 15gp, 1lb
• Antitoxin: 30gp, na/lb
• Holy Water (in flask): 17gp, 1lb
• Smokestick: 15gp, 1/2lb
• Sunrod: 1gp, 1lb
• Thunderstone: 20gp, 4lb
• Tinderswig: 7sp, na/lb
• Pit Pony: 25gp, 6 for sale

You are (mostly) all RIDICULOUSLY encumbered with your loads, and should be travelling at half your speed (Ehem, short-arsed Derek with chain mail and at least two heavy axes, yes?) but I am willing to let that slip for the time being if you buy a pony to carry the extra load so you can travel as forecast above until you reach Isaac's humble abode. Also the NPCs are all laughing at anyone lugging around a 10ft pole with them and, unless you have a bag of holding, you will suffer the consequences for carrying such a silly burden- you have been warned. You are trusted to keep account of your own finances and equipment for the time being, feel free to buy any of the items above to add to your equipment (but please make a note in the comments), and you may sell weapons and armour to the Dwarves for 2/3 price of the original value. You may also sell any of your Adventuring Gear to the Gnomic stall owner for full price.

How will you proceed? Discuss with your fellow adventurers below!