Most traffic to the mountains and the desert goes through the Salt Road and Stiig Ul Mar. Wahafi's men control that route. Part of their consolidation of power included shutting down the Old Salt Road. Now it is only used by the Salt Raiders and those random freebooters and wanted men who don't want to be seen on the main road. It is hard to find it and it can be dangerous getting on and off of it. There is no law on the road itself, but a strong honor of the underworld. Those allied with the Salt Raiders fare best here.
Hesma used a bit of clay chalk to make a mark (see image below) on each of the adventurer's arms, on the inside, just below the elbow bend. He told them to go to the bar called the Old Salt and look for one of their own. Many of the Salt Tribesmen have left their native land and make a rough living in the city. Hesma has little contact with his fellow tribesmen in the city, but he knew one called Najif. Whomever they make contact with, they will help the party when they see the symbol. But they should be cautious in the city before they make their presence known.
Irawaddy is a lawless and dangerous city. There are many powerful interests vying for power there. There are powerful magicians from the south who smuggle magic there, recognizable by their black, black skin and sinister ways. The party should try to remain as inconspicuous as possible until they have got their bearings. Many a newcomer to Irawaddy have found themselves naked on a slave ship within a day.
If they do get a chance, they should not miss the Oka Nagon Fruit Market. "Even to one of the desert, it is an amazing and beautiful sight, a testimony to the Nagoni's relationship with their bountiful land."
The mark left on your arm. It seems to burn it's way into your skin, something that might not easily wash off.
