The group leaves the Broken Tusk Inn and empty into the streets of Jigow. A musky scent permeates the vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the unique characteristics and preferences of the primary races (Orc and goblin). The buildings lining the streets have a rugged and haphazard appearance, constructed from sturdy materials like stone, rough timber, or salvaged materials. Structures are squat and sturdy, showcasing a preference for functionality and practicality over aesthetics. Signs and banners featuring crude illustrations or symbols hang from the facades, representing different businesses or factions.

The streets are bustling with constant activity. Market stalls, workshops, and storefronts offer a wide variety of goods and services, catering to the needs of Jigow's thriving community. Colorful banners of deep greens, earthy browns, fiery oranges and intense reds accent the various shops. Streamers and garlands made from natural materials such as leaves, bones, feathers, are being taken down now that the Festival of Merit is over.

Jazeryk looked around as he slowly walked at a leisurely pace. He took in a deep breath and noted the scents that while not foreign to him, nevertheless were stronger than he was used to. The buildings were nothing compared to his home, so he tried not to compare them, rather just look at them as something different and having their own qualities.

He only had need of more rations and waterskins really. Everything else he was pretty well covered on already.

He glanced at his companions, then focused in on Romeroz. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. "I remember you saying you wanted to speak with me. Is this a conversation that needs to be in a private setting?"

"So where are we headed to first?" Lesstry was fiddling with the tin star on his trench coat, he hadn't got the clasp quite right and it was hanging forward to much, a small thing but something that would bother him over time for sure.

Romeroz looked to Lesstry.  "I know we will need food.  And I need something to sleep on.  Do we need a tent?  I have never slept in a tent.  What do we need to survive in the wild?"

Romeroz let go of the stress he had with leaving a settled community and turned to Jazeryk.  "I don't know that this is something we can talk about while shopping but..."

Romeroz paused, considered, and then decided honesty was an important step.

"I would like to talk with you about the Luxon.  What is he like?  What does he want from us?  What power does he give to his followers?  What kinds of sacrifices does he require?  I know some people are chosen and some people aren't.  Is that already determined when you are born, or is that somethin you have to earn?"

Romeroz considered, and then added.  "I think I have foolish questions.  But I need to know because I had someone give me wrong information about a god before.  And I am still paying for it."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:09, Sun 09 July 2023.

The quiet form of Lyania behind the bugbear smiled as she looked around. She came to his side and spoke. “In my opinion, there are no stupid questions….there is nothing foolish about seeking knowledge.” she looked at the bugbear. “I’m not one that can help with the topic of gods, but the wild I can.”

She looked around the market and Indicated various stalls. “At the very least you will need a bedroll and blanket, unless you’re comfortable sleeping in bare earth. But the blanket is a must - there may be nights we won’t get a fire due to weather or danger.” she indicated another. “If you can carry it and wish, a tent as well. You will need a mess kit, and unless you possess magic, and flint and steel for starting fires. Rations and a water skin are a must - we can hunt, but game isn’t always assured.”

She paused and looked at him. “Anything else will depend on the terrain. Rope with climbing gear, cold weather outfits for snow….things like that.”

She turned and began looking again at the merchants. “….and if you need information on more the monsters that lurk, then I may be able to help with that too”

Jazeryk opened his mouth to speak but Lyania jumped in. He didn't frown or glare, the smile slipped a bit, but that was about it. He waited until she was done and another second longer just to be sure. Then he turned back to Romeroz.

"Let's see. There is other knowledge, of course, but I'll try to keep it simple. My people believe that beings not yet beyond redemption can be turned to the light of the Luxon. Admittedly, however, following the Luxon is...unusual. The Luxon isn't like other Gods, not a he nor a she. They are tied to light, life, rebirth, and dunamis. They lit the first fires of Exandria with their unquenchable light before the Gods were here. Most Gods are, for lack of a better description, just basically people with power - they have personalities, wants, desires, and so on. They give their followers power in return for faith, objectives and goals for their service. make things known to them, etc."

He adjusted the hood of his cloak a little to block out a bit more light. "The Luxon...doesn't have those things. They don't make demands. They don't require sacrifices. It is believed that the Luxon cherishes unity in community, but also values free choice and the power of the individual mind. For each soul to carve a unique path is the best way for a soul to learn about the world. Casting off the teachings of Fate and Destiny, the followers of the Luxon are taught that the real power of the universe comes from the power of choice."

He paused and smiled, "Does that satisfy some of your curiosity?"

Romeroz looked completely confused.  "Wait.  The Luxon is a they, right?  And they were here before the Gods?  So they aren't a God?  What are they, then?"

Romeroz paused, and then added.  "I'm not proud of it, but I should tell you all.  When I was growing up, a number of other people taught me some wrong things.  They told me that I was made by Bane.  That Bane was the maker of all the goblin people, and that Bane gave me my gifts so that I could work Bane's will.  It... It all made so much sense."

Romeroz looked at Jazeryk, worry in his face.  "I only just got free of the Lords of Strife.  The Elders said that the gifts were mine.  They said that maybe the Luxon could give me answers.  But if the Luxon isn't a god, and if the Luxon wants us to choose, then how can the Luxon free me from Bane?  Either I've already made my choice and Bane will always own a part of me, or..."

Romeroz looked down.  "I don't want to hurt good people," he said, looking at his hands.  And then he was quiet.