After the unnatural winter caused by the wizard Khahket reduced all travel in the northern continent to zero and an unfortunate incident involving Lucas the Mage, the Demon Princes had hit rock bottom. They had little money or food and no one would give them a job. Howard has been able to relieve some merchants of their spare coins and Viole has developed some skill at fishing so the party does not go hungry. Life in Tathrond is quite strict as Ergal the ruler of Tathrond is a domineering wizard who rules with an iron fist and a group of poor out of work mercenaries in a town snowed in does not sit well with the local establishment.
The news that the unnatural winters effects were receeding were first noted on the 301st day in the year 1001. Ergal allowed a massive celebration to be held where food and drink were free. The party felt that their luck was turning and a job was sure to come along. They might even be able to make enough money to pay Lucas the Mage's family for their failure to safeguard the mage as they were paid to do. No jobs appeared the next day, however but news did arrive that the thawing snow was encouraging orcs from the mountains to start harassing villages. The party considered joining the army but some of them like Howard and Lens would never fit in.
On day 320 the party were carousing at their local pub, the Belching Bugbear, and they were approached by a merchant who introduced himself as Gordrenn. Gordrenn needed a chest taken to a wizard called Toaster in the town of Thurmaster. Gordrenn would pay them 180gp now with a note promising 500gp upon delivery of the chest to Toaster. The chest must remain unopened and is not to be handled roughly. Viole accepted on behalf of the party and everyone followed Gordrenn to his house. Gordrenn handed over a small chest and a pouch containing 180gp. He said that the promissory note was inside the chest and Toaster would pay them upon inspecting the chest. The party went back to their slums, collected their gear and spent the night in a nice tavern.
At the start of the next Kirth went out to buy a mule to transport the chest with and came back with Besse for a price far exceeding the worth of the animal. Kirth was enthusiastic about spending money but not very good at getting a bargain. The party then left Tathrond for Thurmaster.
========> Trip to Haranshire