Helix: Axe and Anvil Forge and Artisan Community.

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven is again amazed by the knowledge of this artisan community.

"Terrific! As always, I am glad for your help, sir!"

The mage pulls out 30 gold coins.

"I would gladly pay you 30 gold today, for 50 gold tomorrow. Or even in a couple weeks."

"Please begin your work, and I will come by again when the items are closer to being ready for sale."

-30gp noted on sheet notes.

[Spearmint]

great. Just mark July 10th, collection of Kali statue and ceremonial helm.

[Spearmint]

The Axe and Anvil Forge

July 3rd

Veryn, the short elf or tall halfling arrives at the armoury seeking additional specialist equipment.

Several apprentices work at the smithy, hammering smelted ore into shape, pruning hooks into spears for some, swords back into farming scythes for others. A rack of basic iron 'tin-pot' helms line one ledge among the rafters, more crafted and exotic ones; plumed, horned, visored, ceremonial, hang on hooks ready for customized collection. A number of older, worn 'off-the-peg' chainmail or leatherware armours fill a 'used, one careful owner' rack of oddments for sale.

Gertruda, greets Veryn. "Silver tipped crossbow bolts? Only light shafts available. Not many left and demand is high. The silvering ore in high demand though I hear some adventurers may have sealed a trade deal with deep gnome miners under the far ridges. Be able to craft silver daggers, javelins, perhaps an edge on a tomahawk come the end of Fall."

She brings out a selection of options, opening a box with a few quarrels laid upon a velvet inlay.

"These light ones. Common iron tipped, pyramid shaped, whetted sides. The hardwood shaft is streamlined and the vanes shaped to steer a truer line.

Then there are these, longer bolts, three spans in length, that's fifteen inches. Deep nock at the back for extra propulsion from the trigger string. What do you use? Catgut? Horsehair? Spider silk? That's the best, the 'twang' is smoother released and quieter.

Then we have a dozen left of these. Silver barbed, the point is slightly blunted but is hollowed and liquid silver enchanted with divine blessings then explodes out within the wound to create a more penetrating spread than just a normal deep impaling. The twin fletching of falcon feathers help with minimising the pitch and yawing. Precise to 60'ft for anything that comes too close.

Closer than that you want an axe right?"

She talks shop, obviously knowing her craft. You can purchase a dozen silver tipped bolts for 180sp (9gp) inclusive of drawstring leather pouch but she can craft a made to measure belt or bandolier with individual bolt loops in if you prefer to walk around like some 'bandit gringo' , that would be an extra two gold.

Individually, the bolts are 15sp for silver tipped, 1sp for common light varieties, 2sp for heavy weapon shafts.

[Kenjosephus]

Wonderful, i'll take an dozen of the silvered bolts, and the bandolier.

-11gp

Say, do you know some talks or rumours regarding the Barrow Mounds Tomb?

Veryn will listen to what Getruda said regarding the rumours right after the bandolier fitting in which he is checking out the available wares on display specifically blades.

[Spearmint]

The Axe and Anvil Forge

Gertruda, "Not myself, never been, never will. Too many come back with stories of Undead. Too many never come back. Two came back as Undead, just ask the church. They had to turn them away, zombies in the carp pools."

There are lots of typical rumours. You have seen trinkets from the Barrows held in niches around the tavern ledges. She says the chapel clergy oft deal with the aftermath of barrow explorers.

"Healing some, burying others or Turning them if need be. Often adventurers go to the chapel to confess their sins, cleanse themselves of 'fallout' or an evil residue that clings on to them. Those blessed enough usually spend their ill gotten gains in the Brazen or the Foul Pheasant.

If you want stories, you could listen to the bard singing or tip Alastar the town beggar and he might share some bone of wisdom from the depths of his demented state."

It is all intriguing to Veryn

[Kenjosephus]

Intruiging indeed.

Veryn takes the bolts and the hide the bandolier under the cloak as to not draw unecessary attention and bids Gretruda thanks and good bye.

Outside the forge, Veryn will try to find the town beggar, toss him a gold coin and ask him about the Barrow Mounds Tomb. Afterwards he will listen to the bards and perhaps adapt to prepare for what he has heard regarding this dreaded tomb.

-1 gp

[Spearmint]

Alastar is found in the Brazen Strumpet thread, I will answer this there.

[Stirling]

The Axe and Anvil Forge

(Sometime between July 4th -9th)

Vann Hector goes into the forge community. He may be accompanied by Veryn or others.

"I am looking actually for a shield-bearer to Karl Barrelgut, a dwarf known as Rum Lightbender.

He recently returned after supporting the dwarves endeavour" I will ask to Gern the forge assistant since he knows pretty much everything about everyone.

Once Rum is pointed out, I will go over and introduce myself.

"Blessings, may Moradin's fires ever shine on your path.

I am Vann, a former comrade of Cosmo and Sir Dewey. I overheard talk in the tavern and the Guild thry belong and I thought I might offer an adventuring solution.

If I may ..." I explain my introduction and seeking him out. So basically, a lot of players are in this adventuring guild but if you are not, then it could be easy to be ignored or overlooked for Expedition groups, particularly if the Guild plans a delve.

So I have an endeavour for the Guild, some investigation, scouting, mapping and hopefully connecting and reaching out to a disparate group of humanoids, Mongrelmen, who may be living, working, existing in the subterranean labyrinths under coercion from the death cults. But they may know much more than we. Knowledge, secrets of entrances, traps, even politics between cult factions. I would like to scout for them. They are known (hoping it is the same group!?) to rob adventurers in certain parts of the Barrow Mounds. But they also inhabit a part of the labyrinth we have begun to explore.

So in short, I am recruiting primarily none guild members (I do need a fighters especially) to come and scout the Barrow Mounds with me and then delve specifically into the area they inhabit. My aim is to make contacts that we can build upon, plus get hold of any treasures not yet recovered.

"Cosmo might be detained a few days, especially if he works at learning new spells. But this friend Veryn and I are able to leave very quickly. I am also going to reach out to your cleric comrade Callan. An extra sword and wisdom with construction and stonework will be a great blessing. I have a couple of others joining too.

What do you say Rum? Equal risk, equal reward and it may open new opportunities to finance Guild membership or even by Moradin's grace, provide battle experience and trophies to line this Mead Hall."

[Craigers07]

Rum

Rum listens attentively as Vann introduces himself and explains the purpose of his visit.

"It's good to see old friends and meet new ones who share a sense of adventure. This new opportunity sounds promising and I appreciate you seeking me out."

"I know Callan well and his presence will be a great strength to our group."

He raises his glass in a toast and smiles with anticipation.

[Stirling]

"It's good to see old friends and meet new ones who share a sense of adventure. This new opportunity sounds promising and I appreciate you seeking me out."

"I know Callan well and his presence will be a great strength to our group."

Vann Hector

"Great. I am happy you are receptive to my approach. Callan seems a devout and godly man.

I know you have just returned with others who are about the crafts or in need of recuperation. So my plan is to leave in a few days, the morning of the 10th. Just come equipped with your basic needs, I plan to move swiftly when we can, stealthy when we need to.

Any questions?"

The basic outline is what has been described. I need to just finish a couple of other downtime activities, but effectively the group is 'good to go' if you want in and the Expedition proper can begin in that thread.

While at the Forge, I will pick up my crafted bolts for my crossbows and mooch around if interesting titbits and rumours can be garnered.

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

He greets Karl Barrelgut kindly. "I see you have recovered from your last battle with the Saurons. I am truly sorry that we weren't able to get there in time to save Three-moons."

"Unfortunately, my visit isn't only personal. I need your expertise. I'm looking to purchase a metal ram of sorts. Probably one to be wielded by two men, swinging in tandem. I think eventually I'd like to have rings attached so that it could be swung from a brace. I'm hoping that the added weight over a sledge would allow faster access to barricaded areas. Maybe a rounded front to maximize the force at the point of impact."

[Spearmint]

The Axe and Anvil Forge.

"I'm looking to purchase a metal ram of sorts. Probably one to be wielded by two men, swinging in tandem. I think eventually I'd like to have rings attached so that it could be swung from a brace ..."

Sir Dewey consults the dwarves in regard to rams. "Siege warfare? Militia drugs bust?"

They do not have one 'off-the-peg' but thinking simply could fit a log with metal rings along its side to grasp and rivet metal caps over each end.

I did a general search and a 'portable ram' could be crafted fairly easily and cost 20gp to cover fixing rings and fitting the ends.

(10gp is also standard price of quality picks and sledgehammers)

It will weigh 35lbss and measure a diameter of a foot and half and be six feet long, so definitely encumbers whoever is burdened with it.

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

"Siege warfare, I think. At least that's the idea. I like your ideas, and it seems rather repairable if needed. Just find another log and resize the rings. I like it. Let's do it. Do you have an account with BRAG? I'd like to put the ram on that if I could."

The Knight seems very pleased with the option, satisfied that this new tool will help hasten the destruction of the makeshift walls.

[Spearmint]

I did a general search and a 'portable ram' could be crafted fairly easily and cost -20gp to cover fixing rings and fitting the ends.

He will craft it and send it to the Guild free of charge in lieu of Sir Dewey, Orgoth, Sigrid and Gideon helping on the recent Forgemaster search.

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

He bows in recognition of the gift. "I would gladly do it again. But let's not do it soon." He puts a smile in his voice, then turns serious. "It pained me to learn of his captivity, prisoners should not be treated that way."

"Thank you again. Helix is better because of your presence. Stay safe."

[Cwreando]

Durgo
Jun 30th

Durgo stops in and add another 100 gp to his Platemail order, "Hail. I thought I'd add some coin to my order. How's it coming along? I figure if I stop in and add some coins to the order every now and then it'll give you a chance to size it occationally should you need to try stuff on me for size. Here's another 100 gp."

100 gp subtracted

[Spearmint]

The Dwarven Forge

Receive the monies and tailor any mail adjustments for Durgo.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Jun 30 day

"While I'm in town can I get my longsword Silvered? I'm probably going to plan a trip into the barrows and it might come in handy. I'll likely be in town for a few days."

Durgo leaves his longsword is he an do it fairly soon.

[Spearmint]

The Dwarven Forge

Durho Brightboon
It is not possible to silver a longsword since the layering of divinely enchanted silver upon a blade actually makes it softer under normal circumstances. A typical dagger achieves a d4 damage vs a medium opponent but a silvered one only a d3 however vs lycanthropes or certain undead types, the silvering enables the wielder to overcome natural resistances.

A silver longsword would easily bend or snap. They can silver a dagger or the barbed heads of arrows and crossbow bolts. Occasionally axe heads or javelins are crafted with silver but these are rare items.

You can purchase a silver dagger for 30gp.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo says, "I will purchase a dagger for 30 gp. If you have 2 I'll take them both."