"Perhaps I can go with you; I'd also like to upgrade my armor to something more solid, and maybe pick up something I can throw. Anyone else want to visit the smith with us?"
Verik shrugs. I may not be able to fight up close like some of you, but it would be nice to get my hands on something like a heavy crossbow, in case my spells don't cut it. he says smiling. After all, I only packed a light crossbow... Speaking of which, would any of you like a light crossbow? I'm thinking of buying a heavy crossbow instead for myself.
Bethany looks at the crossbow and after a moment shrugs.
"I don't see where it helps for me, well everyone really, to hold back. Big Brother wants to be close to things."
"I'll take the crossbow, since you're offering, Verik. Thanks."
The half-orc takes the offered weapon. "Could have used this against the kobolds."
Vors wrinkle his nose in mild frustration. "And I wouldn't be surprised if Cayden knew that. Nothing like feeling like a pawn first day on the job."
Grilnik eyes the crossbow that crossbow looks a lot smaller than the one I usually see humans use, but I guess Verik is even smaller than me.
"Heh, light crossbow indeed."
"Hey Vors, wait till you see the ones they have at the black smith's, I bet they're almost all bigger than that one."
The half-orc looks at the small crossbow. "Yeah. I guess you're right."
Verik begins to hand the crossbow to Vors then realizes that he hadn't considered his size in the equation... And the crossbow is actually much too small for the Half-orc. Oh... Right, I forget that it's harder for you big folk to use stuff made for us little folk... Hmm... My bad, at least it still sells full price!
Grilnik continues down the road with the a little pep in his step, not letting the sun on his beard bother him.
"As for me, I'm going to get some Javelins. I ran out before taking that job with Silas and I haven't taken time to get any new ones yet. Oooh, and maybe a bandolier so I can throw nastier things too. How about you guys?"
Verik examines his crossbow, and how unused it is. [b]Hmm... Perhaps I won't get a new crossbow... Might be there is a shop in town that sells alchemical instruments though, I'll have to look around.
"I could use some extra arrows." Brynn remarks, following the group to the smithy.
As a group you make your way to Baccus Smithy, the local smith. You notice the various forges is being worked on by a few Half-Orcs. You have not seen any half-orcs at all in this town, and there are 5 working here.
One nodes to you and fishes up with what he was doing. He moves up to you.
"How may I help you." He seems pretty even tempered, but very polite.
"I'm Brynn," she says with a smile. "This is a lovely smithy. Are you the owner?"
He goes to put his hand out for a shake, but realizes how dirty it is. Covered in ash and dirt from the forges.
"Yes. Greetings. My name is "Big Bull" Baccus. I know, it's a stupid nickname. This is my smith. Can I offer you anything?"
"I don't think it is a stupid nickname, I like it. Would you have a breastplate that would fit me? Nothing fancy unless there is a choice of color or design."
She looks at the shop, enjoying the noise and sight of people working.
I wonder why this is where all the half-orc's are?
"It's lovely to meet you, Baccus. I'd like a bushel of arrows, please."
Verik looks around, examining the made wares, You know, I may not look it but I am a bit of a smith myself. Although I do prefer to craft from wood, I learned at a young age how to forge weapons like swords or Spears. After all, my parents didn't know what they wanted from me so they kinda just put me everywhere...
Verik examines the forge. Of course, the forge I was used to was underground, with a Chimney that was dug in such a way it was hard to find on the surface.
Ah, underground smithy...
Grilnik steps into the smithy and basks in the shade of the indoors in the warmth of the furnace. He then remembers his manners and greets Baccus with a firm handshake and a ”pleased to meetcha, 'Big Bull'.”
”I'll just go have a look at the breastplates first.” Grilnik then scurries off, examining half of the goods in stock.
Baccus helps you all with your purchases. He is pretty nice to all of you. Slightly breaking any stereotypes of half-orcs any of you may have.
He makes quick modifications to fit any of you well enough.
He seems intrigued by the request for Cold Iron Gladius, but he does have a small stash of cold iron weapons, and is able to find one that will suit you without too much difficulty.
When Baccus raises an eyebrow at the gladius Bethany shrugs. "Learning quick to be prepared I guess. Plus, it's a little different isn't it."
As the transactions wear on and his attitude is good she is nearly emboldened to ask why this is the only place she has seen half-orcs in town but cannot quiet get up the courage. Next time I come in I will ask.
Verik, who isn't aquainted very well with Surface dwellers, doesn't say anything about the half orcs, infact to him it seems pretty normal.
Verik bows, going off to purchase his own things
Vors gives a knowing nod to "Big Bull".
"Family business?"
Looking over at the other Half-Orc with a big grin.
"Yes, I have brought some of my more capable family members here to work for me. Not all of them are super close, but it keeps them out of trouble."
"How lovely," Brynn remarks, passing over the coin owed in exchange for her arrows. "Thank you for your time."
Brynn then turns to wait by the exit for the others to complete their shopping.
When everyone's ready she remarks, "I'd like to visit Xemne's Tonics. I hear he has potions for sale."
Bethany shrugs at Brynn's exit.
"My dad's crew had several of... your... ok never-mind. You guys are the best... not better. "
She spins around quickly.
"Brynn wait up!"
Well I might need to send someone to buy for me next time.
Grilnik picks a cold iron dagger out of the bin before finally paying for everything.
"pleasure doing business." he says on his way out.
"I should go too; I'd like a minor healing potion to keep in case someone needs to wake me up in an emergency." Grilnik takes a few steps towards Xemne's Tonics before turning to wait for the others.
When Verik returns to the group he is covered in an assortment of bags and pockets, each filled with one thing or another. Following him is a grey Mule, it's ears drooped down sadly, and an assortment of packs and bags hanging from it's saddle. A pot, some trail rations, and a bag of torches hang from the pack, clinking as the mule moves. Ho! I have purchased a Mule for us... I'm gonna call her Regis! Such a fitting name, it is. After all I was told she loves to eat and is quite lazy, but a brave soul none the less! She can carry our stuff in the dungeon if we need her, Although I don't think it best to have her follow closely..
He pets the donkey, handing her a carrot.After all she has never seen battle, much less a monster, so I do believe it would be best to only use her if we come across another haul like our most recent one. He beams proudly, like he had accomplished something truly great.
"Ohhhhh" she moves in patting the beasts head and looking it square in the eyes.
"Big Brother and I will be sure you are safe. Your so...."
She smiles but the smile falters as she backs away.
Reign it in Bethany. Reign it in.
Verik nods, smiling at Bethany. oh! Also, I have a spell that will make your big brother work as if magical, Although only temporarily... About two hours at the current level I am working at... he Huffs. Either way, it will make you more effective against enemies for a while, plus your weapon will be magical, so it will hurt things that only magic can.
Brynn eyes the donkey with a raised eyebrow.
"That's lovely, Verik." she comments with little enthusiasm.
Baccus says farewell, but gives Bethany an odd look as she leaves.
You make your way to Xemne's Tonics. It is run by a very gregarious human female. She is the only one in the small building filled with herbs and potions.
Grilnik shrugs at the arrival of the mule.
"Well, I'm always happy to get extra help carrying treasure. Anyone think we should get another one?"
---
As they approach the store, Grilnik turns to the others and tugs on an empty bandolier loop between his two daggers.
"By the way, I'm going to keep the healing potion near the top of my bandolier, right here. Just in case I get knocked out later."
I suppose Vors doesn't need to rely on it anymore, though...
Grilnik jingles his sack of coin and smiles before entering the shop.
"Good day! Oh, my! What a lovely shop you have. Do you have many potions in stock?"
Verik walks up to the counter. Hello! I'd like to perchance 5 vials of acid... For melting locks, hinges, or any threats we encounter. Verik pulls out a small list. about 5 Keros Oil, 5 vials of alchemist kindness, 2 vials of Vermin repellant, and 2 bottles of alchemical grease, all together that should be worth 100 gp, which I have here. He pulls out 10 platnum pieces, And go ahead and take your time finding all this...
Bethany steps in for a moment but quickly retreats to wait outside.
A very plesant looking woman runs this small shop. Its more of a small house with a storefront in the front than any real building. Its filled with complicated smells and an tang of ozone in the air.
"Ah yes! That is quite a list you have... Let me see"
He quickly gets the potions for Byrnn and Grilnick. But has to dig around quite a bit for Verik's requests. She collects a small wooden box to contain all the small vials.
Standing in the afternoon sunlight with her purchases in hand, Brynn smiles at Bethany.
"I know the others aren't done yet, but I've some studying to do. Perhaps I'll see you all later tonight at the inn?"
Without further fanfare Brynn turns to walk back to her room. "Take care, dear." Brynn tells her in farewell.
On the way back to the inn, Brynn greets the people she passes by kindly, and engages in small talk. Once she's back in the tavern she re-equips herself, and pulls out her spellbook and writing supplies. Then she heads out into the common room, orders a glass of wine and some food, and sits in the corner of the tavern by a window, enjoying the sunlight as she reads her arcane tome and makes a few breakthroughs in her studies.
Grilnik emerges soon after Brynn, his new bandoliers now full of various vials.
"You not getting any vials of lamp oil, Brynn? Verik kept going on and on about how great they were and even I got a half dozon."
"I'm alright, thanks. I bought some lovely potions. Besides, a moldy piece of bread is cheaper than a fresh loaf, but that doesn't mean I'll buy it!" she jokes.
Bethany first perks up thinking she is being invited but just waves at Brynn's back as she walks away. Fairly content she decides to wander the town for a bit in thought.
This is quite the change from joining up as a guard. What am I doing now really? Am I a mercenary? I guess I am..... well we can see how that plays out. I could really impress dad if I come back with a fat sack of coin I guess.
She walks for a bit before turning back to the inn still lost in thought.
How do I make up for stealing Big Brother? Maybe I can get him enchanted or something... the family couldn't be to bad if I bring it back better then when I took it.
Watching Brynn walk off, Grilnik comments quietly "Heh, I could un-mold the bread, actually..."
And now, to go get that weird tool thing.
Grilnik heads off to Delbin's Devices to pick up a Traveller's Any-Tool and gawk at the other goods before returning to the Wise Piper for dinner.
After a long day of shopping and walking around town your group is ready for food. You are all a bit tired from moving around the town all day, but compared to the last previous days today was an easy day.
The Wise Piper is offering Venison and root vegetables. Along with some varieties of cheese for the non meat eaters.
Nothing really new is revealed by the townsfolk. You hear some of the same rumors being whispered between people as the evening moves on.
The next morning comes quick enough. What does today hold?
Brynn happily clears away her books and papers, tucking them safely into her bag when its time for dinner. If Bethany or any of the others join her she chats with them happily. If they don't she instead chats with the fellow patrons of the Wise Piper.
---
Early the next morning Brynn awakens, she grooms herself, does her hair and make-up, puts on her clothes and cleans everything with her magic. She makes herself smell like vanilla and spices this morning, then sits down to study her spell book. She heads out into the common room to eat breakfast and wait for the others.
When they arrive she greets them pleasantly.
Soon she asks, "Are we ready to return to the tower today? The Baroness offered us good coin to clear out the kobolds."
"Well, I'm a bit worried about the wolf running about myself, Perhaps we could give searching for the wolf a shot first? Anyone else have an opinion?" Grilnik replies.
He then takes another bite of breakfast while listening.
Brynn nearly chokes on her tea.
Were we even offered a reward for that? Ugh, I'm not doing charity work!
"Well, the Baroness is our patron..." Brynn points out as she puts down her tea. "I'm not saying the wolves aren't a problem, but it wouldn't do to keep the Baroness waiting."
Verik nods at Grilnik's concerns. I too worry about the wolf. If it is around, there is a good chance it would kill Regis, our newest addition to the group, while we are down in the dungeon and she's sitting up top. It would be best to remove the chance of it attacking us by taking it out preemptively.
"Then, after breakfast, we'll have to visit the farm to ask about it. Can't have anything happen to Verik's ass, after all."
Grilnik swallows another mouthful and then turns to Vors.
"Hey Vors, how's Cayden treating you? Have time to adjust yet?"
Vors sighs. "Yeah. I guess. From what I understand what happened to me was 'unique' to many clerics. Normally when followers are 'tapped' in such a way, it's usually to thwart some world-ending event, which obviously concerns me."
"I think it is quite miraculous Vors. I don't think I have enough faith to ever get the attention of god, you must be quite interesting."
Bethany is fine with trying to hunt the wolf, particularly to protect Regis who she quite likes having around.
Vors gives a little smile, and scratches his eyebrow.
"Well, I've been trying to convince the lady folk of that fact for quite some time."
"Oh, a charmer like you, Vors? I'm sure plenty of women believed you." With a wink she adds, "At least for a while."
Brynn returns to her food for a while before remarking, "So we're off to a farm, then, to find a wolf." She seems to be thinking for a while. "Are any of you good at tracking?"
"And this wolf. Don't they usually live in packs? What do we know about wolves?"