IC I

[zebediah]

Drudsa will spend a couple of hours in magical studies before going to bed.

He is trying to devise a new spell, if later he comes across a library or other arcane sources he will try to integrate those in his research.

[thirdkingdom]

I forgot that we still needed to find a place to put the chest for the night! (I suppose we can just keep it with us at the inn, or maybe the church.) The animals will need a place to stay too - is there a place in town to stable the animals?

There will be stables at the inn.

[Finglas]

Bregalad the elf

In the morning, after the treasure has been split among the party, Bregalad will purchase a horse and some more equipment, and the deposit the rest with the Moneychanger's Guild.

Does anyone know how much gold each person will receive? (not including the reward already handed out)

[Finglas]

Thordin the dwarf

"Duke's law! Dwarf spit! Some human puts up a building of poorly cut stone and suddenly he owns the very land! And how far does his ownership go? Down into the depths, I would suspect, or up into the sky with the feathered-ones? Does he own the trees you hold so dear? No, he only owns what he can hold directly, and from my vantage point his hands are very small. How many years did you live free, Elf, before this babe of a human claimed ownership over your lands?"

Bregalad the elf

Bregalad can't help but let out a laugh. He answers Thordin in the dwarvish tongue, "We learned of the tax collector in our children's tales. It is a new creation by humans, a foe inscrutable and unbeatable. How does one protect himself, other than hiding from them?"

[riftstone]

Bregalad can't help but let out a laugh. He answers Thordin in the dwarvish tongue, "We learned of the tax collector in our children's tales. It is a new creation by humans, a foe inscrutable and unbeatable. How does one protect himself, other than hiding from them?"

Thordin the dwarf answers in kind with echoing sadness, "By outlasting them. Men change over time, and the longer they are together in one place the more jaded and eager to shed blood they are. They are not inherently evil, but they believe they know better. They seek to destroy everything we hold dear, without thought. We weather the storm, hoping when it is over we still exist."

(OOC: obviously he is going beyond Tax Collectors)

[Finglas]

Thordin the dwarf answers in kind with echoing sadness, "By outlasting them. Men change over time, and the longer they are together in one place the more jaded and eager to shed blood they are. They are not inherently evil, but they believe they know better. They seek to destroy everything we hold dear, without thought. We weather the storm, hoping when it is over we still exist."

Bregalad the elf

Bregalad was not prepared for Thordin's somber words. Did they foreshadow the end of both dwarves and elves, as the fire of the human world burned bright and hot, consuming all, leaving behind only ash? ..... and yet, maybe, in the future, farther than anyone could see, the dwarves and elves would one day return, just as plants are reborn after the destructive fire.

[thirdkingdom]

Thaumont 4, AC 1000

The new day arrives with clear skies and the promise of warmer weather. The companions go first to the Moneychanger's Guild to deposit their hard-won treasure before any greedy tax collectors catch wind of the haul. This task accomplished, they split to go about their various chores and errands. Armor is collected, new gear purchased and Bregalad obtains fine, healthy horse that promises to possess great stamina.

Tratiln first pays a visit to the Church of Karameikos and inquires about a healing potion. "We currently have one such potion," an acolyte informs him, "and while it usually requires a donation of 500 gold coins I would be able to provide you with such a draught for a mere 450 gold coins. In light of your recent service to the church."

The Traladaran church has no potions on hand; obviously not as well off as the Karameikan church, the priest there offers to brew such a potion for a donation of 400 gold pieces. The process, however, will take a week.

I'll add a post about the apothecary later.

[zebediah]

Drudsa will go to the apothecary with Tratiln to check the potions available. Hi will also ask around for any place where he can have access to arcan writings in the city.

He also buys a tent before leaving the city (I have already included it on the char sheet's inventory).

[thirdkingdom]

Drudsa and Tratiln also visit the apothecary's. Located in a fairly nice section of town, the sign above the door reads "Highstreet Apothecary and Herbalist, Since 992". The man minding the store, currently attacking a pungent smelling herb with mortar and pestle, is a stout little man with bushy eyebrows and facial hair. He puts down his work as the companions enter and, when informed of their desire to obtain some potions, introduces himself as the proprietor, Oleg Highstreet.

"Yes, my lords, I do have a small selection of potions and brews on hand. Not too large a stock, mind you, what I brew is neither as potent nor long-lasting as what a mage or cleric can do, but my clients find the prices to be more than competitive." He turns to a locked cupboard behind the counter and unlocks it with a flourish. "Let me see now, my lords. I have two potions of health, a draught of antidote against poisons, two doses of an oil of insect repellent, a potion of fire resistance . . . and it looks like that is it. Of course, I can produce others upon commision, but like I said earlier, my concoctions are not as long lasting as those produced by purely magical means, so I try not to keep a backlog. It takes me a week to produce any of the basic potions, more if it is some exotic draught requiring research and special components."

When Drudsa asks about the chances of obtaining arcane writings he shakes his head slowly. "Now, I'm probably not the one to ask about that. You best bet is the Guild. Mr. Myraal, the Guildsman, has an extensive library that members can have at their disposal. Other than that . . . sometimes a scroll or spellbook turns up at the Moneychanger's Guild, but that is a rare occurance."

Highstreet's concoctions will last for one month. We will assume this is one month from purchase. They do the following:
Potion of Health (200 gp):When consumed (and yes, they can be force-fed) the potion will heal 1d4+1 points of damage.
Antidote (175 gp):If taken within two rounds of coming in contact with non-magical poison the target is allowed a second saving throw with a +2 bonus.
Insect Repellent (200 gp):Normal or magical bugs will, unless magically compelled, ignore a character slathered in this greasy oil. Lasts for approximately one hour.
Fire Resistance (200 gp): The drinker of this potion becomes immune to normal fires and suffers one less point of damage per die done from a magical source (minimum one hp per die). Therefore, if hit by a fireball causing 6d6 points of damage, the result of each d6 would have 1 hp subtracted from it.

There is no cost listed for a bedroll. I am going to assume they are included in the cost of living.

[zebediah]

Drudsa will buy a potion of health and will ask Oleg if he is able to identify the contents of the green liquid on the vial they found at the caves.

When Drudsa asks about the chances of obtaining arcane writings he shakes his head slowly. "Now, I'm probably not the one to ask about that. You best bet is the Guild. Mr. Myraal, the Guildsman, has an extensive library that members can have at their disposal. Other than that . . . sometimes a scroll or spellbook turns up at the Moneychanger's Guild, but that is a rare occurance."

"And is there any shop in town where unusual items and relics can be found? Not necessarily arcane in nature, as the oddities can sometimes prove to be useful."

[thirdkingdom]

Oleg Highstreet, Herbalist

"Sure, I can try and identify the potion. Takes me a bit of time, though. I can do it in a week for 50 gold or by tomorrow morning for 150. There's more risk for me, you see, when I try and rush things along."

He thinks for a minute when Drudsa asks him about a shop specialing in the bizarre and arcane. "Threshold's really not big enough for such a store; anything around here is going to be private sales. Can't say I know anybody local who trades in such things, though. I hear there's a gentlemen by the name of Henk in Rifllian who specializes in that sort of thing. 'Course, if it's antiquities and oddities you're interested in, you should stick around to catch the gnomes when they come through town. Not only the gnomes bring some outlandish contraptions, but in the past few years they've been joined by a human trader, scavenges around the Broken Land far to the north of here, brings back all sorts of devilish objects created by a magic he calls 'technology'."

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf goes in the morning to pick up his finished plate mail armor. "Finely fitted indeed, thank you. I usually prefer to wear lighter armor, but where we are going today we will we need the added protection." Lanny smiles and offers the armorer a 5gp tip for his quick work, and then goes to the Town Hall to donate his chain mail armor to the Town Guard.

Seeing Bregalad's riding horse, Lanny's eyes light up. "Ah, a splendid creature indeed! It would be good to have a couple of riding horses along with us, should we need to patrol the area that we will be watching." Lanny goes to the stablery and chooses a sturdy riding horse to accompany him on the journey. He then loads up his backpack and bedroll and waits the rest of the party to complete their business.

"The gnome caravan will be passing through these parts in about a week", he mentions to the party. "It would be an absolute delight to see them if we can complete our mission before that time. I hear that they host some competitions, including archery", he says with a broad smile as he hands 5 of the fine arrows to Bregalad and 1 more to Thordin (5/5/2 split).

Purchases: riding horse (75gp) saddle and tack (25gp), and saddle bags (5gp)
AC changed from 4 to 2. Movement still at 30' per round (just barely).

[Bouv]

Tratiln will buy an antidote from the shop. "You never know when you'll run into a giant snake after all."

Backtracking a bit, Tratiln will also give the church a 50gp donation. "Thank you for all your help Father and the information you have provided to us. It has been very useful and we are hoping on catching some agents of either Bargle or Elwyn soon."

[thirdkingdom]

The armorer bows deeply upon being given a tip by Lanny. "Thank you, my lord. May this suit of armor long protect you from harm. I don't know if you are interested, but I have heard tell that, several days to the northwest, a tribe of degenerate orcs has stumbled across the tomb of a forgotten warrior and looted it of all treasure, including an ancient shield possessing a powerful dweomer."

Lanny then visits the hostelry and selects a mount that, while not as robust as Bregalad's chosen horse, looks to be quite speedy.

The acolyte at the temple thanks Tratiln for his generosity. "I am sure the Patriarch will be most interest in interrogating a minion of either villain."

Lanny's horse hp: (2d8=6).

[Bouv]

Tratiln, after collecting his gear and buying the antidote potion and meet up with his fellow party members to see if they are ready to head out. He suspects that he might need some coin for any magical stuff they can get at the hermet or guild so he will avoid heading to the money changers right now.

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf thanks the armorer for the information. "We will be away from town for a few days... But if you find out anything else about this story in the meantime, well... Let's just say I may need to return here again soon for an armor adjustment", the elf says with a wink and a smile. He returns to the party and shares the information with them as well.

[Finglas]

Lanny the elf

Seeing Bregalad's riding horse, Lanny's eyes light up. "Ah, a splendid creature indeed! It would be good to have a couple of riding horses along with us, should we need to patrol the area that we will be watching." Lanny goes to the stablery and chooses a sturdy riding horse to accompany him on the journey. He then loads up his backpack and bedroll and waits the rest of the party to complete their business.

"The gnome caravan will be passing through these parts in about a week", he mentions to the party. "It would be an absolute delight to see them if we can complete our mission before that time. I hear that they host some competitions, including archery", he says with a broad smile as he hands 5 of the fine arrows to Bregalad and 1 more to Thordin (5/5/2 split).

Bregalad the elf

Bregalad appreciates Lanny's compliment of his horse and the gift of arrows. "Thank you, Lantharios. He is a beautiful steed; as is yours. ..... Ah, and as for the arrows, I must decline. It will be a long time before I am adept as using a bow. It would serve the party well if they were in your hands rather than mine."

Bregalad is not yet proficient at the bow (-1 to hit, 1d3 damage). Thanks, though, Lanny. Bregalad appreciates the offer!

[riftstone]

Thordin the dwarf will take the arrow and place it with his other arrow.

"My thanks, Master Elf. Although I find it a bit peculiar, an elf giving a dwarf arrows."

Updated Thordin's character sheet

[Luis]

Saul wakes up with his mouth tasting of parchment. He arrived a bit earlier than his companions and set to the tavern where he knew they'd find him if he was needed. The rest is a blur. He seems to remember a cute waitress but nothing more.

He stands up and thinks about what today will bring. Well, first thing is definitively breakfast. Maybe some fried bacon on toasted bread. Might get Grey Jake to join him and see if they can find any profitable rumours.

After that it's time to see what new gear is available, see what that dagger they found is all about and get some potions. Maybe see a man about a horse before they head back. Well, now that he think about that he has to see another man about a whole different kind of horse before breakfast.

[zebediah]

Oleg Highstreet, Herbalist

"Sure, I can try and identify the potion. Takes me a bit of time, though. I can do it in a week for 50 gold or by tomorrow morning for 150. There's more risk for me, you see, when I try and rush things along."

Drudsa the dabbler tries to get a good look at all the different potions the herbalist has on sale, noting if their color matches that of the liquid found by the party. He then thinks of the risks of trying to identify the liquid himself and gives up on the idea "One week... 50 gold sounds like a fair price but I can only pay you when I come back to retrieve the item. Is such arrangement fine for you Master Highstreet? I will also buy a Health Potion."

I have adjusted Drudsa's inventory and treasure for the health potion. He's gonna take some of his money with him as the hermit might have some objects that are useful.