Hi-Lo (mercantile)

[OGRE MAGE]

Nallissa scoops up the gold coins.

“I don’t know where the black rocks are coming from, but I have seen people using them around town.”

“There is a guy who lives over in the common houses that does some minor smithing for people. Just little stuff. I don’t know if he has a forge or anvil, but he might.”

“Nice to see you again........ neighbor!” Nallissa ends with a smile.

[Darklin2]

Nice to see you again too. Are there any small say 5 gallon barrels around? I have an idea to collect water by putting a tarp out and letting the dew collect and drain into a barrel. Worth a try. Ill let you know if it works but have to find a barrel to store it in.

[OGRE MAGE]

Nallissa thinks for a while but doesn’t come up with a solution.

“I’m not sure where you could get that from. Maybe you could try Randall, at the Treehouse. If not, maybe one of the farmers would have an extra bucket you could use. Try that Liam guy. He seems nice.”

[Darklin2]

Nallissa thinks for a while but doesn’t come up with a solution.

“I’m not sure where you could get that from. Maybe you could try Randall, at the Treehouse. If not, maybe one of the farmers would have an extra bucket you could use. Try that Liam guy. He seems nice.”

Ok, I will check with the tavern. Do the towns people do a lot of bartering? Seems like that is the only way some can survive. You might get a request for more tarps if my idea works. See you later.


Moves to his tent area and begins putting up his tent.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche waits patiently for Darklin and Nallissa to conclude their business ... again. He pauses for several moments after the elf leaves the mercantile before speaking, then steals one last glance at the door just to be sure. Andron begins to say something but stops briefly as if he completely forgot what he wanted to talk about. "Ah, the fruit! Yes, you are certainly welcome to some. I'll bring by what I collected. There is quite the variety. In fact, it's also what I wanted your professional opinion about. Selling it, that is."

He folds his hands behind his back and slowly paces the room as he continues, "The island itself is a literal bounty of fruit plants, enough I believe to be a viable export for this town. I've heard Captain Quark has returned to the mainland with samples of the local flora, so if there is a market for them he would likely know. People could be employed to pick, store, and care for the plants, but more importantly, it would create a much needed industry to bring coin into the town to offset the extreme cost of procuring supplies from the mainland."

He sighs and extends his arms in a gesture of futility. "I am certainly no merchant though, so perhaps this is all but a silly idea from an urban born priest, but if it is viable, myself and maybe others could provide ...", he quickly corrects himself, learning from past mistake, "... invest, the necessary gold to give it a try. I'd need to speak with Captain Quark when he returns, but in your professional opinion do you think it would be feasible?"

He steps over to a nearby shelf as if some item caught his attention and turns to look back at Nallissa, "Oh, I'm also in need of a writing journal, and a small pearl ... on the off chance you have one. Say about, 25 gold pieces in standard value?"

[kruk]

Lerrick

The cleric enters the shop and takes her time browsing for a bit before moving up to Nalissa, who is currently feeding a malnourished elephant a treat. She waits politely until Nalissa is finished and then notices Andron. She gives him a warm smile. Busy place isn't it.

After Andron finishes talking to Nalissa the cleric steps forward. Greeting, I am Lerrick. Recently I, along with several others, travelled by boat to investigate an island. While there, we met a cleric who was possessed by an evil of an unknown source. She was killed...twice. Long story. A chill runs down the spine of the cleric when her mind flashes back to the undead creatures grasping the next of the paladin. She takes a deep breath and exhales quickly. Anyway...here is the weapon she possessed.

She takes her mace and shows it to Nalissa.

I believe the owl inscription means that it might be a weapon wielded by a servant of Athena. I know it contains an enchantment as I was able to hit a creature which I believe couldn't be damaged by normal weapons. I was hoping either you can tell me more about it or guide me to a person on the island either know about such weapons or is a servant of Athena.

[OGRE MAGE]

Ok, I will check with the tavern. Do the towns people do a lot of bartering? Seems like that is the only way some can survive. You might get a request for more tarps if my idea works. See you later.
Moves to his tent area and begins putting up his tent.

“Yes. With little money circulating around here, bartering is quire prevalent in Beachtown.”

“I will order some more tarps for the next shipment. Good day, neighbor.”

[OGRE MAGE]

Andronichishche waits patiently for Darklin and Nallissa to conclude their business ... again. He pauses for several moments after the elf leaves the mercantile before speaking, then steals one last glance at the door just to be sure. Andron begins to say something but stops briefly as if he completely forgot what he wanted to talk about. "Ah, the fruit! Yes, you are certainly welcome to some. I'll bring by what I collected. There is quite the variety. In fact, it's also what I wanted your professional opinion about. Selling it, that is."

He folds his hands behind his back and slowly paces the room as he continues, "The island itself is a literal bounty of fruit plants, enough I believe to be a viable export for this town. I've heard Captain Quark has returned to the mainland with samples of the local flora, so if there is a market for them he would likely know. People could be employed to pick, store, and care for the plants, but more importantly, it would create a much needed industry to bring coin into the town to offset the extreme cost of procuring supplies from the mainland."

He sighs and extends his arms in a gesture of futility. "I am certainly no merchant though, so perhaps this is all but a silly idea from an urban born priest, but if it is viable, myself and maybe others could provide ...", he quickly corrects himself, learning from past mistake, "... invest, the necessary gold to give it a try. I'd need to speak with Captain Quark when he returns, but in your professional opinion do you think it would be feasible?"

He steps over to a nearby shelf as if some item caught his attention and turns to look back at Nallissa, "Oh, I'm also in need of a writing journal, and a small pearl ... on the off chance you have one. Say about, 25 gold pieces in standard value?"

Nallissa listens to Androns ideas with interest.

“That island doesn’t look big enough to permanently provide fruits for the people here. Are you sure there would be enough product to start out your business endeavors? And why hasn’t anyone gone out there before if it’s filled with food?”

The storekeeper leaves for a moment and returns from the back office with a new leather bound journal that has a capital N stamped into its cover and a small pearl. ”Would these suffice? If so, how about 30 gold?”

[OGRE MAGE]

Lerrick

The cleric enters the shop and takes her time browsing for a bit before moving up to Nalissa, who is currently feeding a malnourished elephant a treat. She waits politely until Nalissa is finished and then notices Andron. She gives him a warm smile. Busy place isn't it.

After Andron finishes talking to Nalissa the cleric steps forward. Greeting, I am Lerrick. Recently I, along with several others, travelled by boat to investigate an island. While there, we met a cleric who was possessed by an evil of an unknown source. She was killed...twice. Long story. A chill runs down the spine of the cleric when her mind flashes back to the undead creatures grasping the next of the paladin. She takes a deep breath and exhales quickly. Anyway...here is the weapon she possessed.

She takes her mace and shows it to Nalissa.

I believe the owl inscription means that it might be a weapon wielded by a servant of Athena. I know it contains an enchantment as I was able to hit a creature which I believe couldn't be damaged by normal weapons. I was hoping either you can tell me more about it or guide me to a person on the island either know about such weapons or is a servant of Athena.

“I don’t know that there are many worshippers of that pantheon here, but I can’t say for sure. When Mr. Nehru was still.........” The big woman’s big brown eyes begin to well and tear.

“Lets just say that religious beliefs aren’t being hidden or ignored here like they once were, so maybe someone will pop up that knows more about this beautiful weapon of yours. Did you try asking one of the local wizards if they can detect its properties with their magic?”

[kruk]

“Lets just say that religious beliefs aren’t being hidden or ignored here like they once were, so maybe someone will pop up that knows more about this beautiful weapon of yours. Did you try asking one of the local wizards if they can detect its properties with their magic?”

I will find a wizard. Thank you for your time and advice. The cleric bows graciously before leaving the store.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche appears slightly crestfallen in response to Nallissa's questions. He rubs his forehead with the fingertips of both hands before responding. "You ask so concisely and yet I must admit that perhaps my zeal to help the people of this town has overcome proper reasoning." Dropping both arms to his side he continues, but now with his characteristic, clinically even tone, "A very hostile minotaur was preventing others from safely visiting, and you're quite right, the island is indeed rather small. My expectation though was the fruit would help alleviate the pressing need for food in the town, and as for the business venture itself, I have little interest or knowledge to operate. That said, what I could provide is the necessary capital to fund the attempt, as I'm sure such an endeavour would be very costly. In Niole Dra, fruit of this kind would be considered a luxury, one that the wealthy of the city would likely pay a high price for."

When Nallissa returns from the back room with the requested items, Andron takes the journal and runs his hand along the cover, admiring the craftsmanship. "This will do quite nicely, thank you." He then takes the proffered pearl and examines its shape and color, "Yes, a very fine specimen, this will also do nicely. Thirty gold, you said?" He procures six platinum coins and hands them to Nallissa.

After a pause he jerks his head up in with a concerned expression, "Ah, but where are my manners? You also had a question to ask of me?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Nallisssa smiles at her half-elven friend, just waiting for him to ask.

“What do you think about the name? I don’t really like it, never have. You know, the joke around here when we first arrived was.......Hi-Lo, where the prices are high and the quality is low. My stuff isn’t low quality!”

“I wanna change it to something......less sterile, but haven’t been able to come up with anything clever.”

“You are about the smartest, and most clever person I have met here so far. Do you have any ideas to offer?”

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche stifles an involuntary chuckle at the Hi-Lo's erstwhile nickname, then blushes slightly at the generous compliment. "I can certainly understand the desire to change it." He ponders the question for a few moments before saying, "This town and the Hi-Lo's new owner share something special in common. The desire for a better future, a new beginning. Perhaps a name that alludes to this?" Andron rubs his chin in further thought. "You said less sterile? Maybe 'The Lighthouse Mercantile', a beacon for new hopes and new beginnings? Or the bit more flowery, 'Hope's Beacon Trading Post'? Perhaps 'The Sanguine Emporium?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Nallissa crinkles up her nose further with each suggestion.

“Thanks. Those are great. I think I will give it a little more thought.”

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche lets out a jovial laugh at Nallissa's reaction to his suggested names. He shakes an index finger at her saying, "There's no need to be coy, my lady. I know you better than that. Those were certifiably awful, I'll admit. In my defense however, I did say I was no businessman, yes?" He grins and adds, "A romantic, perhaps, but with the business sense of a pineapple." He spreads his arms wide in a gesture of acquiessence. "Okay, so less sterile but not quite that ... flavorful."

Andron paces the small room again, considering other ideas. "Maybe another play on words? How about these? Pierpoint Provisions? Wharfside Warehouse? Seaside Sundries? As he offers the new suggestions he opens the door outside, "Before you answer, allow me to quickly bring over the fruit I collected." Andron hurries to his hut and returns with his backack overflowing with fruit, having removed his spellbook to make more room, yet still overstuffed to not allow the flap to be secured.

[OGRE MAGE]

”Seaside Sundries isn’t too bad!” Nallissa calls out to Androns back. Once he returns with the fresh fruit, she becomes visibly excited.

“I can have this? That island is filled with fruit trees?”

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche hoists the backpack laden with fruit onto the counter, panting from the unusual exertion for him. "I'd like to donate most of it to the fire tenders, but please, take what you wish. We'll certainly bring back more when we return to the island in a couple days." He waits for Nallissa to select the fruit she desires before continuing, "Yes, the island is a cornucopia of fruit ... among other trees which we're still unsure of. The danger they pose, that is. If you have a couple sacks I can fill those just for you, if you'd like."

[OGRE MAGE]

Nallissa is shocked by the precious gift and retrieves a large platter to place some of the offered fruit on.

“When we first arrived here, people would go out to that island. They were never seen or heard from again. One of the fishermen said that he noticed the trees and plants move around on their own. Most people stopped going out there after that.”

“But here you are, telling me it is perfectly safe there, and it’s filled with food?”

“Thank you so much, by the way. I haven’t had a decent orange or grapefruit in a long time.”

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche appeared alarmed at Nallissa's inference the island was safe. "You're quite welcome, but perhaps I misspoke. We still have too many unanswered questions to declare the island safe. One of which is notably the moving trees you mentioned. You actually raised yet another question, though. We haven't seen any evidence of the others who went there ... no bones, clothes, or anything else."

He waits for Nallissa to select the pieces of fruit desired before hefting the backpack onto a shoulder again. "As I said, we're planning to return in a couple days, but I'll stop by before we leave. I need to get the rest of this fruit to the fire tenders and hit the hammock. I have a long day of research ahead of me for tomorrow. Enjoy the fruit!"

He smiles and bows, a bit of a lopsided, wobbly bow under the weight of his backpack, and waves his goodbye before leaving the store. He makes his way over to the communal firepit and deposits the remaining fruit, then returns to his hut to crash onto his hammock, almost immediately falling into a deep sleep.

[OGRE MAGE]

Andronichishche appeared alarmed at Nallissa's inference the island was safe. "You're quite welcome, but perhaps I misspoke. We still have too many unanswered questions to declare the island safe. One of which is notably the moving trees you mentioned. You actually raised yet another question, though. We haven't seen any evidence of the others who went there ... no bones, clothes, or anything else."

Nallissa hangs her head at this remark.

“Wow. I would think someone like you would have a bit more compassion in his heart. Many of us knew some of those bones and clothes, you know. I guess your adventuring lifestyle must eventually make you numb to such things.”