IC VI

[thirdkingdom]

That night Bregalad spends his coin generously in an attempt to pry loose any rumors relating to enchanted items of defensive puissance. He hears several tales that may prove to be of value.

Travelers from the south bring word of an ancient dungeon situated in the depths of the great woods to the south and east of Kelven. Known as "The Fane of Tulsothash the Bloody", it is said to contain a number of artifacts from the old days, if one were brave enough to plumb its depths.

A clan of dwarves is said to be searching for a band of heroes to help them defend their mines against an ancient evil emerging from the subterranean depths. While they are currently offering a pecuniary reward, the one-eyed trader who repeats this tale to Bregalad opines that is likely they would repay such service by crafting an item for one who helps.

Most surprisingly, there is talk of a ruined keep just to the Northwest of Threshold, a mile or so beyond the turnoff to the road towards Aleena's Cave. The Castle Mistamere, as it is known to the locals, was once ruled by a great king named Gygar. Apparently there has been increased activity of a humanoid nature about the castle of late. While no one can say for sure what treasures lie within, it is likely there are at least a few artifacts of antique province to be found within.

[thirdkingdom]

Ah, what the hell. Here goes.

Flaurmont 2, AC 1000

The second day of the new month is cloudy, with the faintest hint of rain in the air. The companions rise; both Innana and Thordin claim to have other duties for the day. The others breakfast, then make their way to the apothecary's, where they are greeted by a blurry-eyed and tousle-haired Oleg, who bows deeply upon their entrance.

"My friends," he exclaims, I have done as you asked and divined the purpose of the three elixers you brought me." He produces the flasks with a flourish from underneath the counter. "All three are rare indeed; one I have only heard of. That is this one," he produces one of the bottles found in the troll's lair, "it is a potion of longevity. The drinker of this puissant potion will shed years off their physical frame, at least a decade, while losing none of their experiential knowledge! The second is a potion of sight, which enables the imbiber to see in the darkness for a brief period of time, or even perceive creatures or items imperceptible to normal sight. The final potion is of limited utility, but valuable when needed. It is a potion of waterbreathing, and enables the drinker to survive in an aqueous environment for an extended period of time!"

Oleg pauses for a moment, glancing about as if making sure they are unobserved. "I will give you . . . one thousand gold coins for that potion of longevity, my friends, or a dozen of my draughts of healing, whichever you prefer."

[sulldawga]

After Lanny sorts out the treasure distribution, Marodin and Semele will travel to the Church to tithe. Marodin donates 532 gp and Semele will donate 133 gp. She'll also donate her set of scale mail to the Church, with Marodin's blessing.

Marodin will pay 60 gp for Semele's platemail, another 20 gp for spare shields, and another 30 gp for "fresh" dried rations for the two of them.

That will take Marodin's coin on hand down to 242 gp, which is a manageable amount for travel. He'll take the remainder of his share (5320 - 532 - 80 = 4708) in the form of a bill of exchange.

Semele has 116 gp on hand already so she'll take the remainder of her share (1330 - 133 = 1197) in the form of a bill of exchange as well.

[Edited to show Semele's donation of scale mail and the purchase of rations.]

Semele's donation contingent on DM approval. Can we pretend that Marodin doesn't buy the rations until the day they're about to leave?

[thirdkingdom]

Semele's donation contingent on DM approval.

Sure.

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Lanny wakes up with a start. It was dawn... his spellbook still lay in front of him, a little bit of drool covering a rune or two on the last pages of the spell Invisibilty. He pauses for a moment, trying to remember everything he had studied last night...

Rats. I had intended to finish that lengthy character-development post that I was working on last night, but, uh, I appear to have fallen asleep at the keyboard. LOL! I think I will save that post for our return to Threshold, after we have completed our mission to slay the beast...

@TK: I'm not sure how much time we had remaining for spell study on Flaurmont 1 (Lanny had been hoping to get in 4 hours). Did any of us learn our respective spells?

Lanny heads downstairs for a light breakfast and then joins his friends at the Oleg's Apothecary.

"Thank you Oleg for the quick identification. There is a part of me that wishes to keep all three potions for future use. With our groups's intelligence and creativity, we may be able to find uses for all of them..."

Lanny will be ok with parting with the Potion of Longevity in exchange for 12 herbal concoctions if the party does not wish to keep it, although he would prefer to receive a mix of healing potions and poison antidotes (perhaps 6 and 6?). He does not wish to sell it outright, or to haggle over price, as he feels that Oleg has already done them a favor by identifying the potions for free. Lanny will also make sure that the group collectively purchases the 3 healing potions and the 1 fire resistance potion that were already in stock.

[thirdkingdom]

Oleg Highstreet, Apothecary

"You are quite droll, Master Lantheros! My normal rate for potion identification still applies; 100 gold per elixer. Of course, if you are willing to part with the potion of longevity I will throw in the identification as part of the payment."

Oops, I forgot to update for spell study yesterday. I will correct that shortly.

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Lanny smiles at Oleg.

"You drive a hard bargain, my friend. However, I should like to keep this potion for the time being. I will be visiting Myraal the Guild Mage later this afternoon, and I should like to see what potions he has to offer in exchange for this. I imagine that this potion might not be in his collection and would likely make a fine addition to the Guild Library... We will, of course, ensure that you receive 300 gold pieces in payment for your services in identifying the potions. Also, we are interested in buying your current stock of three healing potions and the fire resistance potion, and also placing an order for as many herbal elixirs as you can concoct for us in the next three days... A mix of healing potions and poison antidotes would be ideal."

Let's see what Myraal has to offer for the Potion of Longevity, either in trade or direct sale. We can always sell it later to Oleg if we wish. If a maximum of 6 potions can be completed in 3 days (per TK's previous statement), Lanny will request 3 healing potions and 3 poison antidotes, unless another PC objects to this formula. By my count, at this point, if we purchase the potions collectively, we will collectively owe Oleg 2225gp:

identification fee = 300gp
3 healing potions in-stock = 600gp
3 healing potions and 3 poison antidotes on-order = 1125gp
1 fire resistance potion = 200gp

Total = 2225gp
Total divided by 8 PCs (Rhys has no money) = 278gp per PC

Is this agreeable to everyone?

[Innana]

Innana feels good. She is clean and wearing her dress to blend in. Innana goes to the money exchangers guild to pick up 4,000 gp to make her purchases. She sees Lanny talking with Oleg, and walks into the herbal shop. The air smells of herbs, and flowers, and things unknown. Innana smiles at Lanny, and Oleg and makes her pleasantries.

"Oleg, I was wondering if I could order some potions that can be picked up for our return to Threshold, however long that may be? I am interesting in a couple of healing potions, protect from magic potion, and one of a more personal nature. I would also like a luck potion. She blushes, and explains to Lanny, "It is for gambling. I love to gamble, but don't always have the best of luck." Innana fumbles around a bit in her speech, "I don't need to have luck to get lucky the other way. I can get lucky like that anytime I wish. . . Not that I would want to. . uhhhg." Innana blushes, and pauses for a moment, and bites her lower lip "Lanny, Would you like to accompany me to the Smiths to pick up my silver daggers, and see if they have a silver sword?"

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Lanny stares at Innana with a puzzled expression on his face as she seems to stumble over her words a bit and then blushes. He is confused by the meaning of her words and wonders if she is feeling ok.

"Innana, are you alright? Your words are a little incomprehensible to me. I will see if Oleg can fetch you some water..."

Lanny walks outside with Innana to point out the smith's shop, but then politely takes his leave, explaining that he needs to be off to see Myraal the Guild Mage. He gathers up anyone else who wishes to go with him and then departs...

***********************

Upon arrival at the Guild Library, Lanny identifies himself to the nearest library clerk and then asks to meet with Myraal himself, if possible. He has a few tasks he wishes to complete:

[*]Lanny brings with him the magical chain mail armor found in the troll's lair, as well as his own magical chain mail armor obtained from the elves in Tall Oak. He asks if it is possible for these two armors to be analyzed by Myraal for any and all magical properties, and he inquires about the fees for analysis.

[*]Lanny brings with him as well the Branches of the Mother Tree to be imbued with magical energy. He confesses that he would strongly prefer the magical energy to be imbued by woodland elves or druids, but he still wants to know if Myraal would be able to offer any services as well.

[*]Lanny shows the rare Potion of Longevity to the Guild Mage and asks him what it is worth to him in gold pieces. He also asks if the Guild Library has anything comparable in quality and rarity that they might wish to give him in exchange for the Potion of Longevity.

[*]Lanny shows the coat-of-arms hawk insignia taken from the zombie's uniform at the Wizard Kelgar's Tower, as well as the rough drawing of the arcane symbol that Lanny had sketched. He asks Myraal if he recognizes either one, or if he can research them on behalf of the party.

[*]Lanny reminds Myraal that he had loaned the Guild Mage one of his magical Traladaran arrows to study, and he is curious to know if Myraal learned anything about its history or about the history of the Traladaran tribe that had crafted it.

[*]Lanny asks if the Guild Library has any books or literature on the History of Traladara or the History of the Grand Duchy of Karameikos. He mentions that he has a map of the country and would like to learn more about the people and places that have dwelled in this land.

[*]Lanny asks if he can have a brief tour of the Guild Library and learn a little more about the different types of spells and other magical items that may be studied or obtained here.

[*]Lastly, Lanny confides in Myraal that he has an interest in joining the Wizard's Guild at some point in the near future. He explains that, although he is not as gifted in magic as his other companions, his desire to join the Wizard's Guild, and to support and defend the country in times of need, is connected to his love of this land and its people, a land that he has come to know well over the last one hundred years. He is interested in eventually taking a more active role in one day shaping the future of this country that he has seen rise from its infancy...

TK, this is a HUGE bucket list, I know... Let's just say Lanny has been yearning to get back to Threshold for quite some time! If you do not want to address any of these bullet points at this time, I will completely understand. I don't want to hold up the game for you or anyone else.

[thirdkingdom]

Lanny the elf

TK, this is a HUGE bucket list, I know... Let's just say Lanny has been yearning to get back to Threshold for quite some time! If you do not want to address any of these bullet points at this time, I will completely understand. I don't want to hold up the game for you or anyone else.

Uh, okay. That is quite the list you got there, but first y'all have to get to Myraal's.

[thirdkingdom]

Innana feels good. She is clean and wearing her dress to blend in. Innana goes to the money exchangers guild to pick up 4,000 gp to make her purchases. She sees Lanny talking with Oleg, and walks into the herbal shop. The air smells of herbs, and flowers, and things unknown. Innana smiles at Lanny, and Oleg and makes her pleasantries.

"Oleg, I was wondering if I could order some potions that can be picked up for our return to Threshold, however long that may be? I am interesting in a couple of healing potions, protect from magic potion, and one of a more personal nature. I would also like a luck potion. She blushes, and explains to Lanny, "It is for gambling. I love to gamble, but don't always have the best of luck." Innana fumbles around a bit in her speech, "I don't need to have luck to get lucky the other way. I can get lucky like that anytime I wish. . . Not that I would want to. . uhhhg." Innana blushes, and pauses for a moment, and bites her lower lip "Lanny, Would you like to accompany me to the Smiths to pick up my silver daggers, and see if they have a silver sword?"

Oleg Highstreet, Apothecary

Oleg blushes and his bushy eyebrows wiggle up and down like alarmed caterpillars. "The healing elixers I can certainly do, milady, but as to the others I must confess that my concoctions are purely of a . . . well, I don't want to say mundane, but of an entirely terrene nature. I create them not with occult energies but simply through the manipulation of natural ingredients -- animal, mineral and vegetable. I must confess that the other two potions you describe are simply beyond the capabilities of someone such as myself and, though it pains me to turn away business, I must direct you to a wizard or warlock."

Innana, I have assumed your intentions today were to, as you have requested, hang out with some of the local women and children. Is this correct?

[thirdkingdom]

Oleg Highstreet, Apothecary

The worthy shakes his head in amazement upon hearing Lanny's order. "Yes, I have the three elixers of healing and one of fire resistance available; the others, now," he sucks wind through his teeth, "for the full price I can get them all made in a week's time, but since it's a large order I could also do it in ten days and give you, say, a 10% discount." He looks slyly at the elf. "Or I could do a dozen of healing and a dozen antidotes for the potion of longevity, there. For that I'd work around the clock, and get the order done in a fortnight."

[frobozz]

Lanny the elf

Well, Lanny wasn't really bluffing or anything, but his words apparently got Oleg to up his offer! I'm thinking that perhaps all that talk from Innana about "getting lucky" suddenly made the ol' herbalist want to be about 10 years younger...

Anyway, Oleg seems like he really wants that potion. Does anyone have any objection if we part with it based on his latest offer (which seems to be a pretty good one)? If anyone objects, Lanny will hold on to the potion. If not, Lanny will smile at Oleg and accept his offer. In general, Lanny would rather spend a little more money and get the ordered potions sooner than save a little more money and get the potions later.

Sulldawga: Thanks for organizing the potion and silver list. It is very helpful!

Uh, okay. That is quite the list you got there, but first y'all have to get to Myraal's.

Yeah, I know. I just figured it might be helpful to give you a heads up about the multiple items on Lanny's agenda. Honestly, most of the things could probably just as easily be addressed on the return trip from the logging camp, if you would prefer not to deal with them all at once...

[Alethan]

No objections here.

[Luis]

Saul having had a big breakfast and, overhearing Innana, will offer to go along with her.

"I need to take a walk, if you'll have my company it's yours. Let's go shopping!"

I'm ok with Frobozz's plan. As soon as everyone agrees I'll remove the 278GPs

[thirdkingdom]

Ronan One-leg, Smith

Threshold is a bustling, thriving frontier city and it seems there is a blacksmith on every corner. However, only a handful are skilled at producing quality weapons and armor, and of those half-dozen or so none is held in higher regard than Ronan One-leg, a burly immigrant from the Northern Reaches who lost his leg from the knee down to a poisoned goblin arrow in his youth. He whistles softly and tugs at his reddish beard when given the order for so much silvered items.

"I'm honestly not sure where I'll get that much silver so quickly," he says, looking sidelong at Innana's curls. "Ye've got two options for the bigger items, tell the truth; the smaller ones -- arrowheads and bullets and even daggers -- I can get away with a solid casting, but for the bigger items it is less expensive to simply plate iron with silver. Doesn't last as long, nearly, but it is more cost effective and doesn't increase the weight or blunt as easily as a solid argentite weapon." He casts another glance towards the woman warrior. "If ye don't mind me asking, why the need for all this silver? Is there a plague of lycanthropes to be visited upon the town? Or the nosferatu, or ghoul-children risen from the grave?"

He counts out on his fingers. "A half-dozen arrows, four daggers, three swords, a spear -- that's easy to do, basically just a big arrow -- warhammer and sling bullets . . ." he shakes his head, "you're looking at two weeks, at a minimum, for me to do the larger weapons in solid silver, and a week If I just plate 'em."

[Bouv]

Tratiln will spend some of the day learning magic missile for a couple hours and then head off to the church to speak with Father Varis, if he is available. After that, he will spend the day talking with some of the locals, hearing our rumors and dropping some coiin here and there

[thirdkingdom]

Ronan One-leg, Smith

Ronan tugs at his beard again, dubiously. "No, I typically do not plate over existing weapons, but will instead incorporate the plating into the forging process. As to plating a magical weapon with silver . . . I would not recommend doing so, at least not after the weapon has already been forged and enchanted."

Lanny asks to see some of Ronan's previous work. While no doubt the most talented smith in Threshold, his blades do not hold as fine an edge, nor his blunt weapons possess such perfect balance, as those weapons the adventurers had already purchased from the caravan.

[Innana]

Innana feels good. She is clean and wearing her dress to blend in. Innana goes to the money exchangers guild to pick up 4,000 gp to make her purchases. She sees Lanny talking with Oleg, and walks into the herbal shop. The air smells of herbs, and flowers, and things unknown. Innana smiles at Lanny, and Oleg and makes her pleasantries.

"Oleg, I was wondering if I could order some potions that can be picked up for our return to Threshold, however long that may be? I am interesting in a couple of healing potions, protect from magic potion, and one of a more personal nature. I would also like a luck potion. She blushes, and explains to Lanny, "It is for gambling. I love to gamble, but don't always have the best of luck." Innana fumbles around a bit in her speech, "I don't need to have luck to get lucky the other way. I can get lucky like that anytime I wish. . . Not that I would want to. . uhhhg." Innana blushes, and pauses for a moment, and bites her lower lip "Lanny, Would you like to accompany me to the Smiths to pick up my silver daggers, and see if they have a silver sword?"

Oleg Highstreet, Apothecary

Oleg blushes and his bushy eyebrows wiggle up and down like alarmed caterpillars. "The healing elixers I can certainly do, milady, but as to the others I must confess that my concoctions are purely of a . . . well, I don't want to say mundane, but of an entirely terrene nature. I create them not with occult energies but simply through the manipulation of natural ingredients -- animal, mineral and vegetable. I must confess that the other two potions you describe are simply beyond the capabilities of someone such as myself and, though it pains me to turn away business, I must direct you to a wizard or warlock."

Innana, I have assumed your intentions today were to, as you have requested, hang out with some of the local women and children. Is this correct?

TK, Yes, I decided to take a break from the women, and get the needed supplies for our next group adventure.

Innana is entranced with Olegs eyebrows and takes a moment to respond, "Oh, I see. Thank you so much for your advice. Do you know where I can find such a person?"

Innana is relieved as she listens to Lanny, realizing that he has no clue to why she was fumbling around in the first place. She smiles at Lanny, "I am fine Lanny. I guess I feel a little rushed to get things done before we leave. If anyone needs me I will be staying at this place. I will be spending the night there." Innana places a piece of paper with a drawn map of where she will be staying in town. "As you can see it is very close to the Inn where you all are staying."

Innana is very greatful that Saul is showing her around town. She likes talking to him.

[Innana]

Ronan One-leg, Smith

Threshold is a bustling, thriving frontier city and it seems there is a blacksmith on every corner. However, only a handful are skilled at producing quality weapons and armor, and of those half-dozen or so none is held in higher regard than Ronan One-leg, a burly immigrant from the Northern Reaches who lost his leg from the knee down to a poisoned goblin arrow in his youth. He whistles softly and tugs at his reddish beard when given the order for so much silvered items.

"I'm honestly not sure where I'll get that much silver so quickly," he says, looking sidelong at Innana's curls. "Ye've got two options for the bigger items, tell the truth; the smaller ones -- arrowheads and bullets and even daggers -- I can get away with a solid casting, but for the bigger items it is less expensive to simply plate iron with silver. Doesn't last as long, nearly, but it is more cost effective and doesn't increase the weight or blunt as easily as a solid argentite weapon." He casts another glance towards the woman warrior. "If ye don't mind me asking, why the need for all this silver? Is there a plague of lycanthropes to be visited upon the town? Or the nosferatu, or ghoul-children risen from the grave?"

He counts out on his fingers. "A half-dozen arrows, four daggers, three swords, a spear -- that's easy to do, basically just a big arrow -- warhammer and sling bullets . . ." he shakes his head, "you're looking at two weeks, at a minimum, for me to do the larger weapons in solid silver, and a week If I just plate 'em."

Innana looks up at the burly blacksmith, "You look like someone from the North-lands yourself. Your stature and red hair give you away. That helps me feel assured that our items will be done with the utmost of skills. Innana moves in front of the group to finish talking, "The reason we need them done in such a hurry and we are asking for such a great quantity is because there is rumors of a Were-Monster who is terrorizing the loggers to the North. As you know, Silver is the only thing that can kill a Were-Monster. Innana takes a deep breath and continues,"I understand that this is a lot of work, but perhaps I can be of help. I come from a family of blacksmiths, and perhaps I can help things move along quicker by helping with the more mundane tasks, such as making sure the bellows are kept going when you need a break."

That is quite the bucket list Lanny. Whow. I can't even begin to think that linear.