Desdem

Voah and Gonyaul - You trail the Atsigani caravan as it slowly approaches the village of Desdem. As you leave the foothills of Fang behind you notice the land turning flatter and more expansive. Here and there you see wild herds of horses and deer roaming the plains.

You pass expansive golden fields of wheat and barley, that stretch as far as the eye can see. Workers stop and watch as the caravan passes by and the Atsigabi start to play their instruments and sing.

Desdem is located on the arid plains, south of the Desert of Skulls. It grew around a road travelled by merchants on the way to and from Gra'akast, the Holy City and is comprised mainly of offshoots of Ozainae and Odsier, who prefer a more sedentary life. This is the first village any of you see in Arcadia.

The dwellings are small, made of sun-baked clay, reddish in appearance and covered by thatched simple roofs. The village has no more than two hundred or so habitants who live a modest existence toiling the soil, rearing some animals and hunting.

In the centre of the village there is a large communal well and the trunk of a large dead willow tree, that is swarming with beautiful red and white butterflies during the day, and blue fireflies at night. And that is where the Atsigani caravan moves to upon arrival followed by exciting children.

You hear several of the Atsigani, shouting under the curious gaze of the village folks. Zargari mentioned to you before arrival that this would happen. The Walking People are simply announcing to the inhabitants that they are open for trade and that tomorrow evening they will set up a performance.

Despite the looks that the Travellers get, you two receive your fair share of stares and pointing and even some angry shouting from the few that suspect you are likely Helians.