Ardo nods to Hafer and Jhenik and waits till Drethen is finished talking. “Also Aman besides a reward for a job well done in finding the Lost Tomb of Martek, will you be provisioning us to start the journey with things like maps, contacts to purchase items for the journey and general areas we should be looking for this tomb? Also do you have a world map so we can see where we are relative to where we have just came from? Is there sages about this town or a short journey we can question for more information on this tomb or have you already done that? Also what rules are in this city.” Ardo pulls out some coins from his purse. “Are these even good here or do we need to get them exchanged somewhere first to the local currency as I do not think I want to wind up on the wrong side of the law in a place I know nothing about.”.
"Yes, I agree there's more we need to know about where we are and even when we are," Gabriel will say before explaining the party's experience at the Amber mansion. The paladin felt it important to get their bearings, particularly since he had concern with how much time actually passed within the mansion. If any time had passed at all.
Continuing Gabriel also add this, "Also the gathering of supplies to go on this journey as well prepare yourself for whatever dangers that we may face." The paladin hoped this request won't be an issue, that and there was just the hope that their worries on what their time trapped now to affected now that they were free.
Edited: Thomaslee on 20th Oct, 2017 - 10:39pm
Aman carefully listens to your questions and responds, "1000 years ago, this area was much more fertile and rich when the river Athas flowed. I have a crude map for you to follow as I've marked off a couple of locations where Martek's tomb could be. Those that aren't the tomb most likely still have enough riches to pay for your troubles."
He pulls out two crude hand drawn maps (See the Maps section) and gives them to you. "The first is the map of the desert with the locations that I mentioned. To get there, you must travel through the Northknife pass. Once through, travel four days north and you will be in the area of the map."
"The second map shows a rough framework of what Martek's tomb should look like when you find it. This is how you will know that you've found the correct location."
"As for provisions, I can provide you with a couple of camels, water, and food, but beyond that you will have to fend for yourself. Since this is a merchant staging area, you shouldn't have any troubles finding a seller of anything you may need."
He goes on to explain that your money is acceptable as is since, again, merchants from all over gather here and that they don't have a calendar that will allow you to tell what 'time' you are in relative to when you think you should be.
Ardo looks at Gabriel and Drethen to see if the maps and provisions are good enough to start. Wanting to buy a little time Ardo says to Aman. "I think this is fine where in this city is the merchant area and do have know of a place we can stay or have a place we can stay while we prepare?'
"It may not be as comfortable, but you are free to stay here if you'd like. Otherwise, you can stay at the Inn of the Golden Palm. You could also try the Swayback Camel, but I wouldn't recommend that."
Looking at the city map, Aman's house is labeled with the #3, the Golden Palm is #2, the Swayback Camel is #6, and most of the merchant shops are on the Bazaar (8 through 23).
Also, from the last group of questions, Aman is able to provide enough information that you can determine that you are on or near the border between Ull and the Dry Steppes on a Greyhawk map.
Jherek stands silently beside his current master and the magician Hafer. His eyes roam over the party before him. He takes them all in and seems to be doing a bit of math and an assessment of their features. He scrunches his nose and shakes his head… these are new faces. He hasn't been contracted to retrieve any of them.
He notes that the man in plate who speaks the most, this half-blood must be the leader. He looks over his companions, lots of steel here. Warriors. They would do, he would need the help to cut through the guardians of the tomb.
Turning towards Amen he places his hand on the hilts of his swords, the same way a peasant would place his hands in his pockets. "What sort of guardians are we likely to encounter? Were the peoples of this area known for leaving walking corpses as eternal watchmen? Did they specialize in a certain type of mechanical prevention?"