Scouting South; The Badlands

We head south and approach the lively but not quiet bustling town of Akendorf. The empire town is the most heavily guarded of the towns so far. A small tributary comes of the mountains. A small stone bridge precedes the town gate.
 
We find ourselves in the market looking for a place to eat. We notice this area is geared toward other adults sorts of services, dancers, gambling you get my meaning. We intend to find lodgings and ask about other hirelings and services. We settle on a place with an overlapping B&B (The Beggar's Butte). The server is very helpful, she was able to accommodate our needs as well as get us in touch with Trevor Blackburn to provide guidance and additional information about the badlands. Trevor arrived in the night quietly. Mazira and Renaldine, ever vigilant, shadowed his approach. We decide to meet in the morning to negotiate the specifics of Trevor's employment.
 
After much discussion we come to an arrangement. It is revealed that our guide is a "Dhampir" a half vampire. After 4 days the journey has gone perfectly. We have yet to encounter any real obstacles. We continue to travel all the way to Barak Varr.