Alster was not a good person to have at the rear of your party. Ever distracted by plants and growth and now that we were on an island he had never been to before the botanist in him was irrepressible. With Aslter in tow we, 'slowly' set off across the grasslands, around the city of Ridoan and careful to avoid any major roads and paths which meant even more plants for Alster to be distracted by. Haden lead the way at a brisk pace eager to get to the Marshes before sunset. Despite urging her to slow down, the urgency of our mission propels her forward particularly now that you had seen the tower in the north and the corruption around it first hand. You avoid the Brodrad Marsh Tavern, a place of respite and gathering for travelers from the port on their way to Ridoan and for the Poison Frog Clan to meet up, so it was filled with people you definitely shouldn't run into. As you approach a humble hut on the edge of the Bordrad Marshes, Breya, the leader of the Poison Frog Clan, is already outside, tending to a patch of mushrooms.

Haden had met her once but had no relationship to rely on with this clan leader. She explains your dire need for protection to enter the Ruined Lands. Breya is sympathetic to your quest and although Morian her clan doesn't always support the 'great Ridoans'. She said that the rumours weren't true, they had not poison from which the antidote to the corruption could be extracted. But she went on to suggest that they could protect themselves with a toxin-resistant crystals found deep within the marshes and said they might be the key to crafting a new gauntlet strong enough to withstand the corruption. However, she warns of the danger that lies ahead, noting that the corruption has already begun to spread within the marshes which has never happened before.

"You'd need a new gauntlet made from the strongest crystals," Breya says. "Those only grow in the deepest marshland." She shakes her head sadly. "What you seek is dangerous. The marshes are already falling to the corruption. We think it is now spread on the winds and landed in the heart of our home."

Haden inquires about the potential protection offered by her shield. Breya acknowledges that it may provide temporary safety but cautions that the corruption's strength might force them to retreat.

With a heavy heart, you realise the gravity of your quest as she mentions that the corruption is life threatening and maybe not worth the risk. Despite Breya's doubts, she agrees to help you, understanding the importance of your mission. As you prepare to venture into the perilous depths of the Bordrad Marshes, the weight of the challenge ahead presses down on you, but the hope of finding the crystals and stopping the corruption drives you forward. 

"Will your shield protect us?" Talik asks Haden

 "If there's a chance, we need to try." Says Haden, but her response didn't' exactly fill you or Alster with confidence,  a feeling which was acknowledged by a shared glance at each other. 

"The shields should hold 'for a time'," Breya says for emphasis. "But if the corruption is too thick, you'll need to turn back."

Breya returns her mushrooms saying "I'll stay here and brew a tree we know can help with the pain should you need it on your return, and for now it is sunset and you can't enter the marshes till tomorrow. You can stay here the night and I'll point you in the right direction in the morrow."  A pit forms in your stomach. She's doubtful you'll succeed. But at least she was willing to help you.

What do you think is the connection between the frogs and the toxin resistant crystals? Explain in a paragraph in Thy Quests to move on. 

Next: E5Q2 Creatures of the Marsh