Chapter 1, Verse 1 - Are There Other Ways?

Sabux is headed home to the Olive Branch, his family's inn. Upon greeting his father, and receiving a cold welcome from two of his brothers, he discovers that his mother, Miriam, has fallen ill. After an uncomfortable reunion, Sabux is sent to the Grand Bazaar to fetch some fish. Meanwhile, Anisette is woken up by a loud knock at the door to his shop. The insurance collectors, Maul and Gurk harass Anisette and collect the payment. They inform him that there will be an increase in payment. After they leave, Anisette heads to the Bazaar to pick up his order of sulfur and phosphate. In the temple district, Mona is also woken by a knock. Sister Isabel comes to check in with Mona piles on the pressure for Mona to bring home a man and get herself knocked up. She sends her off to the Bazaar to get some bags of wheat and hopefully a man to bed. In the Bazaar, fate brings a moment of convergence. As the three strangers walk past an alleyway between the tents, a man is being beat within an inch of his life by three thugs. Moved to help the man in need, Mona, Anisette, and Sabux, fight along side each other for the first time. After their victory, the beaten halfling insists on rewarding the three for their assistance.