30/08/5-10

On the way out, they saw Otto helping around and Valeyo went to speak with him. They talked about the flight and the situation with the demons. Valeyo asked Otto why he gave them the magic items back and Otto told him that he was staying in Moratopp. His brother hadn't finished his training and so he was the only one who could take over the distillery for now.

Shiek remembered about the flier he and Milivoj had seen saying the Brown Dragon steals people's children. The showed it to Valeyo, who was very confused but the whole thing, but said they would have to ask about it in the Sun's Bastion, when they go to collect their reward. From the look of it, the flier was mass-produced. They decided to rest for the remainder of the day and in the evening Otto messaged Eletheria, asking how were they and if they found the fire giant girl. Eletheria told them that they were okay and had found the girl. At the moment they were in Otgora in the south-west. Following that, they took it easy for the rest of the day.

31/08/5-10

In the morning, the group began making their wat to the Sun's Bastion, where they were to meet Dobrovnik. On the way they could see people still cleaning the streets and buildings, some of the moss coming up in sheets, while other turned into the putrid demonic ichor. Soon after, they reached the Sun's Bastion, where a guard directed them to a room where they could wait for the Spear to meet them. The room itself was a small office, where the Spear was in conversation with two more Sun Guard and a couple Hawks, looking over a map and marking off areas that had already been cleaned. Upon seeing them he waved the mover and said to follow him, before picking up a large piece of round metal from a drawer. He then told them he had been made fully aware of their action during the attack and for them he had a reward. He presented the metal disk, which depicted the peak of a mountain, being bathed by the rays of the sun. He said it marked them as a friend of Moratopp and would let them curry favour in the city. He would also let them take a look at the items they had acquired from thieves over the years. They were lead to a small vault and told to have their pick. If none suited them, they could request coinage instead.

1. Valeyo - Specter's Pendant
2. Milivoj - Rope of Entanglement
3. Shiek - Copper Dragonband
4. Dobrovnik - Eye of Sunrise
5. Cassini - Dragon's Blood
6. Sapphira - Locksmith's Bane

They returned to the Spear with their selection and he wrote down what they had taken. Valeyo asked what the situation was now, a day later. The Spear told them that then had lost 200-300 people, but from what Trevor had said, if the large portal had been allowed to remain, the whole city could have been annihilated. When asked about the fliers regarding the Brown Dragon, he said he knew as much as they did. They had fallen from the sky about a month ago, no sky ship in sight, and he doesn't know who did it. There was no reason that he knew off, for people to pick of fight with the Order, especially as they are not commonly seen in these parts anyway.

They next stop was the Town Hall, where Valeyo managed to get the teleportation circle sequence. The circle itself was at a small temple in the Town Hall's garden. It was hidden by an illusion that made the building look empty from the outside, but was in fact, well protected by more Sun Guard inside. Finally they sorted out some long-term docking fee, which cost them 5sp per day. They paid for 2 months' time and got it inside one of the warehouses.

Around the late afternoon, Ysomir and the others arrived. Valeyo asked how their trip was and Ysomir said it was unpleasant. The swaying cable cart and the horse didn't get along. They quickly told him of their trip up the mountain, the phoenix, the ship and the demons. Finally he informed him that they were planning to go the Novograd. They said their goodbyes to Otto and Valeyo started working on the circle to Novograd. Soon they were ready and the circle opened up.

Milivoj lead the way and found himself in a building he was unfamiliar with, but an architecture he recognized. The large warehouse was full of guards but what caught his eyes first, was a bipedal lizard creature in a cage, a dinosaur. It seemed to be the cause of all these guards, who were surprised by the group's arrival. Some of the guards rushed to push the dinosaur's cage away, as they were coming through. A uniformed officer, wearing the colour of Novograd's guard asked them to move out of the way, as they had more of these coming though the circle soon. Milivoj just managed to lead the horse and cart away, before the circle flashed and another of these creatures in a cage came through.

As they exited the warehouse they got their first sight of the town of Novograd. Mostly wooden buildings surrounded the warehouse, larges of which was the moat and keep on their left. Around the town were many tents of the Yuzhen Clan. It was surprisingly busy, serving as a hub for his people and there were many boats on the lake north of the settlement. In the centre of town, was a new building, unfamiliar to Milivoj. A small arena had been assembled with many banners flying above it. Construction was still in progress with people working on construction seating and the like. Milivoj recognized many of the banners, largest amongst them being that of House Novosel and that of the King. Another they recognized was the sigil of the Order of the Brown dragon. Others were those of southern lords, that Milivoj couldn't quite remember. Milivoj told that that the King's banner being there suggested that a representative of the Royal Family was present. Valeyo did say that one banner was missing, before pointing to Milivoj and asking if he had figured out a design yet. His friend said he hadn't but will need to do so.

Their first point of call was somewhere to rest and change out of the Yeti fur clothing they were wearing. The approached an inn which was extremely busy and told to wait outside. Soon after the proprietor came out and asked if they needed accommodations for the just first week or both. He explained that the great hunt would start on the 5th and last a week and the next week would be the melee. They could get a room or go for a tent. In the east there would be someone who handled tents assignments and modifications. Valeyo asked if the Khert was in town, but the owned didn't know, they would be best served speaking to the master of celebrations (MC). They bought a couple of barrels of ale and went on their way.

Some people were looking at B72 weirdly, but it was too busy for anyone to pay much attention. They went to the east to the find a place for their tent and on the way Milivoj explained how the tournament worked. Saying there were lists they could sign up for, and pointing out that there is a group melee, but they would need to come up with a name. Valeyo asked if there were things outside of combat and Milivoj told him there were bouts of wit. Even in the bouts, the goal was often not to slay the enemy. Valeyo said they should deal with their accommodation before going to the MC to learn more about the events.

Out on the east side of town was a sea of tents, many more than Milivoj knew was usual. In the centre was a large wooden board describing all manners of events and a map showing where they were. On the side was a small encampment bearing the banner of Dragomir, surrounded by guards, more that the group had ever seen. If the King, or his representative was anywhere, they were probably there. Approaching the organizer, they were asked what they needed, space or a tent. They requested both and were asked who they were and how was their prestige. They said they were travelers , but the man interrupted and asked if they there were nobility. Milivoj said he was a knight and was asked  if anyone else was of import, which they denied. The man began listing a lot of options for a tent, but they came up with large tent, 10 man, with beds, separated areas, as close to town as possible. It would cost them 1500gp and gave them lot 74. Valeyo asked how hard it would be theoretically win 1500gp, which the man told him would be very easy if you are skilled enough. She then started leading them to the plot, Valeyo asked how long it had taken them to build it and she said they had been construction for the past month and would be until the start of the hunt. As they walked past the Royal encampment, they quickly realized most other one sin the prime areas were lavish compared wo what they had. The royal camp alone would cost over 50k gold. Eventually they reached their plot. A two tent area serving as a stable and another for the living quarters. This tent was around 35ft tall in the middle built in an enormous teepee shape. Inside the area around the side of the tent was in separated bedrooms and in the middle was a communal are with a firepit. Holes in the top of the tent served for ventilation and the floor was covered in wooden planks. They all got out of their winter clothes and prepared to leave.

Sapphira and Milivoj went to look for horses to replace their old ones. The other wanted to check out the arena and the events. They soon arrived near the arena and found the master of celebrations, an old dwarf man dressed in Yuzhen colours, but in well-tailored silks. He was in conversation with one Dr Stanov in his dark leathers with silver embroidery. He noticed them arrive and said they would speak later, before leaving. Valeyo asked about the events, which were as follows:

1. Foot Melee, at the arena, groups of max 3, anything goes, try to be non-lethal. Final match of the bracket is on the final day of the tournament. 10k reward
2. Foot Melee, at jousting arena, groups 4+, anything goes, try to be non-lethal. Final match of the bracket is on the final day of the tournament. 10k reward
3. Jousting, at jousting arena, 1v1, bracket, 10k reward
4. Mixed Melee, at jousting arena, start on a mount (no flying mounts), if knocked off you fight on foot, last team standing 1000gp for each winning team.
5. Theatre events
6. Revelries
7. Fun and games (tug of war, archery etc.)

As for the hunt, it would be week long and involves chasing the beasts in the killing fields to the west. They are releasing 6 allosaurus and 3 stegosaurus. Once they are hunted, they all come back and eat. If they wanted to sign up for anything, they should go to the jousting arena. Across town, Milivoj and Sapphira went to the Novosel horse paddock, where Milivoj knew the best mounts could be found. Some of the mounts were being paraded for prospective customers and many visiting nobles were around. One of the men overseeing the horses was Dario, the Master of the Horse for house Novosel, who was in his late 30s. A well-groomed human man with a similar hairstyle to Milivoj, dressed in finery, but one that has been worn down. He didn't notice as the two of them entered, as he was speaking with other customers. Milivoj approached and spoke up; "I see you have finally been promoted from stable master old boy.". The man looked at him in surprise and said "Milivoj, it has been too long.". He asked how he was and Milivoj told him he would be better if he stopped losing horses. Dario asked about what type of horse he sought for, but Milivoj told him he cared little as long as it could charge enemies down without fear. Dario asked how many he would need and Milivoj said he needed one for himself and one for his companion. Dario looked I surprise and said he hadn't heard about him getting married, which both Milivoj and Sapphira corrected quickly. Sapphira opted for a tough warhorse and Milivoj got a regular one. As they were finishing the purchase, Dario turned to Milivoj and sheepishly asked why he left the family. Milivoj said that he didn't leave, so much as he was granted his own lineage. The way his father tells it, it would be as if he completely renounced his oaths, but all he did was create a cadet house, his father should be happy. All he wanted was to get out of his father's shadow and make his own name. Dario told him he didn't know exactly what was going on, but he wished him the best and handed him half of the money back. Milivoj told him he didn't do it just for himself, he wanted to do the best for his people, which is why he picked "ad Novograd" as his title, after seeing his father's behaviors he was sure he made the right choice. Dario told him he didn't know what he was referring to and Milivoj told him to forget about it. He did asked if he was going to see him in the joust, but Dario shook his head, saying the master of the house would be most unhappy if he was injured during the tournament. They wished each other well and headed off.

The other group finished, talking with the MC and left to speak with Dr Stanov. The Doctor asked where the others were. Once he was told they were busy, he said it would be best to talk with everyone there. They all agreed it would be best not to do so in camp and arranged a meeting after sundown at the inn the group had visited earlier. They went their separate ways and the group went towards the jousting arena. On the way, Valeyo pointed out that Dr Stanov knew they had visited the inn, indicating that he had had eyes on them since they arrived. A few minutes later they reached the jousting arena, which appeared to be a much more permanent fixture of the town, compared to the arena. They walked towards the main tent, where there was a queue of people preparing to sign up. The signees at the moment were mostly ruffians and hedge knights. The group stopped one of the people working on signing people up, a Water Genasi, who they asked about the schedule.  They were told it depended on popularity with 1v1 being the most popular. For 2v2 they expect 8 pairs at most. Valeyo asked why the elite knights don't sweep up the 2v2s if they are so rarely attended. The man told them that is exactly what happened. A Knyazshtit had already signed up for the 2v2, Anica Matas, but he didn't know who her partner was, though there was rumor she was trying to sway another Knyazshtit. For the larger events is harder to get people, since most people are there for personal glory. Valeyo asked how many they have for 6v6 and were told there were none, though signups still haven't started in full. They continue until opening day. On the opening day there are no fights, except exhibition fights. It is told that Zelik Chernov is fighting a beast of some sort for the opening. Valeyo asked who he favoured for the 1v1 champion, asking if Anica was in it. The man told him that she wasn't allowed to take part, as she is there in her capacity as King's Guard and the King was meant to be there personally. When asked about wagers, he was told there weren't official books, but you could find people. For other interesting people there were some members of the Order of the Brown Dragon, one in the joust and one in solos, but he had no idea about their abilities, though he was certain they were no match for the finest knights of the nation. Shiek asked about the largest group they have signed up yet, which he was told was 7. Valeyo asked about pets and were told they didn't count towards number, but depending on the creature's ferocity, there was a limit. The group of 7 was apparently a local team.

Valeyo turned his questions to the hunt, specifically if it was legal to capture the creature alive. The man seemed surprised by the question, saying that he hadn't considered it.