Our story begins in a tavern in the city of Pania. A tall, metal man in a red suit is sitting at a table, a few various uniformed men standing before him. Outside, armed men patrol the streets, and many windows are shuttered. Pania is one of the last remaining ports in Avonmora that has yet to fall under Dreadbolt's tyrannical rule, or be overrun by his demonic soldiers. The air smells of gunpowder and blood, and the sky is tinged with an ugly reddish gray haze produced by the fires that rage all across the continents and islands. Supplies dwindle, as trade routes are no longer safe. Thankfully, Pania's warehouse were full, and bountiful with food, drink, and so on. Rumors abound in the walled city that the odd mages in the tavern are recruiting for an expedition north, into the empire there. The man at the table speaks, his voice carrying across the sparsely populated tavern rather easily.

Last call for volunteers! The expedition leaves tomorrow, and there is much preparation to be done.

Nearby a young woman named Veera shouts as well hefting a large bag filled with coins

The pay is great too. See some new horizons, get paid a damn good wage, and have a good adventure. A lot more entertaining then drinking here doing nothing. Plus we will be taking some booze with us, so no worries about missing out on drinks from time to time.

Gaster stood, approaching her.

So far we've managed to recruit a rather wealthy American merchant with a man o' war, says his name is John Astor. We also have a British captain sailing a flag galleon, one Horatio Nelson, and a man from Tokelau with a frigate, Arthuro Fachenama.

Veera nods and smiles as she points to two young men nearby

You also got Brian Panselo, captain of the cutter the Cunning Linguist, and his loyal first mate Carl Carlson.

Carl is a small man roughly 5 feet tall and rather scrawny looking wearing nothing but some old ratty and soggy looking rags, while Brian looks pretty average and has a large shield and mace on his back. Brian waves to Gaster

Heya. We helped fight for St. martins. Well, I did. Carl spent most of the battle swimming. Thankfully Veera got our ship back, and to pay her back we'll help you out with this journey north. Emily will sail with us. Veera plans to stay back and start liberating the ports once the flying freaks head north after us.

I wouldn't count on him doing so. Not for a while. Lydrian is infinitely better equipped than Avonmora- airships are as common as regular ships there. Plus they have a military that makes the one we scraped together look like a single battalion.

Veera shrugs

Eh, he can't be in every port at once. I'll just pop over to a port he's not in, rally up the locals and some outside help and take it back-rinse and repeat until all the ports but the one he is in is free. Then if he leaves to retake a port, I move in and free the port he leaves behind. Point is, we really can't allow him to have control over the ports. He could use them to strengthen his forces. Need to hit him now rather then later, while his forces are stretched thin. Meanwhile, you guys go north, and rally up the folks up there to head down here and crush him. I'll make sure he's constantly harassed and keep him from growing more forces.

Worst case scenario-either he, or I go scorched earth and wipe out most the ports to keep them outta the other's hands. Best case scenario- the ports are mostly liberated and we can then help the northern folks when they come down to smash him.

Regardless, think you lot have rounded up all you can get. Should head off north sooner rather then later. Since I plan to stay back and fight, the book should go with you lot north. Sound good everyone?

Gaster shrugs, nodding.

Sure, I don't see why not. Those of us who wish to travel in style, Mr. Astor has invited us aboard his vessel, the Evening Star.

Emily shrugs

Eh, I don't really care what ship I sail on. Suppose I'll ride with you for a bit.

Eloth nods as he pats Carl and Brian on their backs

Well I'll ride with my old buddies here on their cutter.

Zephyra goes over to Veera and just shrugs

I'll help Veera over here deal with the ports. She might need some back up.

Emily stands and nods

Alright then, lead the way to the evening star, and we can set sail.

Gaster led her out of the tavern, and down to the docks. Towering over the other ships was a beautiful man o' war, her hull painted midnight blue. The rails were gold leafed, and the sails were a similar color to the hull. The decks gleamed, having been freshly polished. Her guns were large, 26 pounder bronze, the barrels designed to look like dragons. The ship's figurehead was gilded, an angel, holding aloft a star. A slim, older man in a blue and gold brocade jacket and vest, with similar pants stood on deck, large bushy white sideburns sticking out like little wings.

Welcome aboard the Evening Star, Sir and Madame.

Emily nods as she boards the ship.

So then, we head north now, does anyone have any idea of any ports up north? There's maps of the area in the old family library but those are quite ancient. For all I know all that map is good for is the general layout, no telling what cities are still there or not.