Good day. This is the Merchant. I am pleased to say your days of sunning in Unkharil's melting brilliance are nearly done. I have made arrangements for you to graciously and gratefully depart with the next convoy of shepherds. ( Good luck with the transport scents. )

You will travel to Ephes, a citadel of some education, a wealth of decadence and an accelerated sponsorship of its armies. These militia are now renown as some of the most cunning, ruthless and brilliant forces in the world.

Last I traded in Ephes, the local administration were content with choice opiates, wine and... a degree of revelry I shall keep under wraps for the sake of the more delicate or immature ears among us. They were at the time... at best, conniving politicians but military dilettantes. Now, I understand they foster ambitions of conquest and empire.

( The click of his tongue. Perhaps he has heard that before. ) No matter their... numerous personal difficulties, they possess a functioning beacon. That is, as ever, our chief objective.

Wrathion brings to attention that Matthias has been sighted in the nearby region of Zakhara. For the education of our latest additions, I shall only mention that this gentleman has repeatedly appeared to patron or create several of the undead lieges encountered in our travels. We do not yet know his intentions.

...but I am told the latest force of the dead who seeks the support of Ephes openly challenges him.

As ever, you will receive passport papers and my personal best attempt at resources on arrival at Ephes. Safe travels, one and all.