Sorix repeats the same incantation. Saniel's clothes instantly appear to be fresh from the clothesline after being laundered, and his skin straight from a bath.
"Whoever...Whatever did this...it could NOT have been the Silver Ravens." Sorix gags as she takes another breath. "This is exactly the kind of thing they stood against!"
Yo, Sorix, I would like some of that stench removal myself, even though, as the orator pointed out, we may need more cleaning as we venture forth, even today.
It is an honor to fight with you. Nils? I am inspired by your bravery and resolution in battle. Saniel is it? I was pleasantly surprised that you fight even better than you speak. It appeared that starknife toss was perfectly aimed. Horillo? your help with the priestly stuff was welcomed and earlier with your bow...we have a competent group here, one that I am proud to be a part. I just hope that I can perform better myself. When we return, I will train harder.
I have heard tales of these Silver Ravens. Most of what I heard doesn't fit with a portal to hell. I agree with Nils, in that this is probably a tool used during their ouster from here.
Then addressing Rexar, Good sir, does this conclusion make sense considering your knowledge of what we are seeking?
Mawl moves after Saniel and joins him in searching around for clues and whatever else might help.
There seems to be a break in the ropes crossing the pool. Perhaps this is why it is no longer active. If repairing that break opens the portal again, I will suggest we break it up completely. Or if one who knows more about this stuff than I, which is everyone here, hehe, thinks it better to not touch it--that works for me as well.
Horillo shrugs his shoulders, his grip of the arcane was something he was proud of, but it wasn't nearly as complete as that of Sorix. "I really can't help much with this devil stuff. Growing up on Lord Tarn's estate outside of town and being an apprentice at Olmer's Smithy hasn't prepared me for this. I know little of the Silver Ravens, but do know the followers of Asmodeus are responsible for much suffering, only made worse by this new mayor. Perhaps whoever was here has left a clue, we should search this place and the pool thoroughly."
Rexus looks at the pool, columns and chains as the group continues to talk at Mawls questioning he nods "Yes, I highly doubt this had anything to do with the Silver Ravens. In fact, while I'm by no means an expert, I would think these chains and columns were part of the effort of the city to raise the city up above the floods. Likely used for better support of the ground above." He shrugs then continues "I doubt they have anything to do with any rituals in summoning devils. I would surmise that was purely the work of the runes inscribed about the room, from whomever wrote them."
As you search about the area, no one wading into the water itself, you don't see anything else of particular interest around the area of the pool of nasty water. The area is in serious disrepair and appears that aside from the devils that seemed to mainly make the pool their dwelling, there is little disturbance to the surrounding. There is more dust and cobwebs here than in the area before the grate. The previous owners likely left this area undisturbed with the grate closed since the earlier rooms would have served their purposes.
Calling out to the group from the north, Saniel says, "There appears to be some sort of a nest over here, as well as some old crates. Since I'll wager none of you are eager to go for a quick swim in that filth perhaps we should check this out?"
Using his own divinely granted abilities, Saniel intones a soft word and fans his hands out in front of him, bringing up a minor spell that would allow him to see any lingering magical auras in the area. He focuses on maintaining his magic while waiting for the others, scanning the area slowly for anything of note.
Completing his cursory scan, Saniel once more calls back to the group, "I'm detecting some magical auras ahead, namely from some of these crates I caught a glimpse of. Could be treasure, could be traps, I've no way of knowing from this distance." He then waits for the others before proceeding, because there was no need to rush headlong into a possible ambush.
Something made that nest, and it could be hungry.
Horillo moves after Saniel, encouraging the others to come with him and his bow, which provides illumination around the cleric. "Rexus, it sounds like Saniel has found something interesting, please this way." He continues round the pool, (the other way round from Mawl), before catching up with Saniel, his bow ready should they set off an alarm and attract the nest's owner.
As Saniel draws everyone's attention to the crates and the nest the others move over. Rexus follows, excited at the prospect of something of interest that might confirm his mothers suspicions. He motions for the others with light sources to continue "Yes, let's check these crates. At least it's something more than rusted tools and horrible creatures down here."
Nils moves up with the others and takes a look in the room, not seeing any immediate threats he waves the rest to come take a look. As everyone gathers around the crates Nils and Saniel check them all for any discernible signs of traps or the like.
Neither notice any threats. Rexus rushes over and starts to open them, excited to see what is inside. As he starts opening the crates he motions for the rest of you to come take a look. Inside you find a cache of items.
While excited at actual silver raven figurines, Rexus seems particularly interested in the coffer and looks to the group "Does anyone have the skill to get this open so we can see what is inside?"
Oooh, ACTUAL silver raven figurines! And they're magical! Let's see what they do. And let's see if I can figure out the magical properties of this armor and cloak as well.
Sorix recites arcane words and moves her hands in a deliberate gesture that are beginning to become familiar to the others, then concentrates intently on each item in turn.
"I agree Mawl, even is such a short time our new fellowship has proven our competence. Don't sell yourself short though, you fight bravely and well."
After helping the party search the area Nils steps a bit to the side and keeps watch as Rexus looks through the crates. The nest worries him as the devils seemed to have taken up residence in the pool and so something else must call this place home. Something that could survive next to a pair of devils for all this time.
As he scans the walls and even the ceiling for secreted ambushers he responds to Rexus' question. "I do not but perhaps the key your mother left? We should take care however the coffer may be trapped."
Agreed, we've been a pretty good team so far!
Sorix magically cleans up Mawl and anyone else who'd like the dust and muck removed.
As Sorix looks the enchanted items over Rexus also provides assistance in an attempt to aid her. Together they are able to identify two of the three items.
Nils keeps a watchful eye and looks the coffer over as well, but doesn't notice and threats that he can see.
Mawl, being caught going the wrong way around the pool, rushes to catch up to the party. At the sound of the discovery of the crates and something worthwhile inside, he comes quickly scanning the area so that they do not prove a distraction for something to catch them unawares.
Great discovery! Surely this proves those Silver Ravens were here. Or...is this the actual Silver Ravens? Mawl often speaks even though he may be ignorant of the deeper meanings of things. He pretty much can tell good from bad.
If some of these items are magical as you say...then they may be useful to us immediately. Mawl says eyeing the armor and cloak.
[ooc]I don't want the armor as I think it doesn't give me any bonuses except I can have more dex bonus if I had the ability higher, but I would think he would look at it to see if it could help him.[\ooc]
hmm...I think I could probably bust that lock open if I had a pry bar of some sort. Probably would be better to see if your key fit, Rexus, but in the event we need it, I would be happy to lend some muscle to it
Saniel watches as the wizard looked over the silver raven figurines, "I'm sure finding these is no coincidence, but why would they have been left behind? Surely the magic contained in them would have proven useful, even if the group had been forced from the city." He then chuckles slightly at the comment from the towering human that the figurines were actually the Silver Ravens themselves. While that would prove to be a very interesting twist, it was unlikely at best.
He continues to keep a watchful eye out as the group sorts through the newly discovered items and decides how best to tackle the challenge of the locked coffer. I need to devote a little more time into my study of mechanical devices, it seems a skill worth having a strong grasp on.
"It appears we have reached a dead end. Rexus, any insight on if there is more to this structure that we may have missed? While we have most assuredly found evidence that the Ravens were once here, it does not appear to be much more than a small cache at best." the thin man says, pondering on the next move.
When the nature of some of the magical items is described to him Nils nods in agreement with Saniel. "They do seem of great use and perhaps speak to how the organization got it's name. As to why they're here perhaps they were killed or unable to return here. This may just have been a small cache."
With no apparent threats in the area he takes a closer look at the nest. "Does anyone have a thought on what manner of creature might make this home?"
At the suggestion of using the key on the coffer he shrugs, obviously not thinking it will work but willing to try, then takes out the mithril key to see if it fits in the coffer. It does not. He looks to the rest of the group "It seems as though we may need to pry it open." He hands it over to Mawl to do what he can, when he can.
At Saniel's question Rexus shakes his head "No, other than a passing knowledge of the building above I have little knowledge of this place. You are right though. Unless there is some secret passage, this appears to be as far as we can go." He lets out a deep breath and then looks at the coffer "The figurines are enough, at least for me, to confirm this was a cache of the Silver Ravens. I would imagine, with the coffer being watertight there may be important items inside that could potentially tell us more." He then looks around at their surroundings, the excitement of the discovery fading slightly "Perhaps we would do well to leave from here, having seemingly found all there is to find. Maybe go somewhere a bit more pleasant to see about opening this coffer and talking further?"
Saniel nods to Rexus, coming to the very same conclusion. It appeared they had found evidence of the Silver Raven's passing, and it was likely that this locked chest held some of the answers they sought. The only problem now was getting the damned thing open, which they seemed to lack the means for currently. "A quiet place to discuss our next steps and to take some time trying to get the coffer open does seem like a good plan. I don't think my own current residence would be suitable however, although I know nothing of the arrangements of the others gathered here." he says, trying to think of a location suitable for the effort. "Do you have any suggestions?"
I agree with finding a place more suitable. Certainly an empty next invites only a returning creature, which will not likely be pleased with our appearance.
Horillo, do you still hear that wailing or music to which you had referred earlier?
I believe I will grab that Morningstar, if everyone else is ok with that. I currently don't have anything silver and based on the last things we faced....
Mawl hefts the morningstar and modifies his quiver holding his 3sectional staff to hold the morningstar, with a gravity release.
Still curious about the nest Nils says, "That probably makes sense. I know a few places in Nursery or perhaps we could just move back to the upper levels. Before we go though, this may be silly but..."
Nils takes one of the small silver ravens and places it in the nest.
Nils places one of the figurines in the nest and waits, but nothing seems to happen. As Saniel asks about suggestions Rexus nods "Perhaps it is time you all met Ms. Longroads. She has been invaluable to me in these troubled times and her coffehouse might present a perfect place to talk in a more appropriate setting than this dark and smelly place."
Nils shrugs and picks the raven back up. "Seems as good an idea as any. Do we want to investigate the ground floor before leaving?" he asks.
Sorix nods in agreement as she continues casting prestidigitation to remove spots of muck and dirt.
"A nice coffee sounds lovely after this smelly little adventure. Yes, let's go meet this friend of yours, Ms. Longroads, and discuss our recent findings, and how we move forward from here."
Mawl speaks without thought as usual and responds to Nils, "Yeah, great idea, let's investigate the rest of the ground floor first. Hopefully we may find where Horillo's music was coming from."
Then when hearing Sorix..."Yeah, let's go meet your friend Rexus, and something to eat or coffee sounds like a great idea"
"Saniel, you seem to be keenly observant. By your estimation have we seen all there is to this place down here?"
Mawl continues to walk around until told differently.
As the group agrees to move on you navigate your way back out of and to the ladder leading up. You make your way up the ladder and find the dogs from before sleeping near the gate that blocked access to the rest of the building. You realize if you were to explore the remainder of the building you would need to either find another method of entry or attempt to break down the gate, which unlike below is still in pretty good condition.
"Probably best to let sleeping dogs lie, as they say. If we have use for the place in the future we can investigate further. Let's move on to see what this coffer holds and discuss future plans."
As the party leaves he asks, "Could someone give me a hand covering this entrance we've made? It may be of use in the future. Also Sorix could I trouble you for some help looking more presentable?" He indicates his ichor and blood covered clothing and armor.
Mawl says, "Hey great idea, Nils; I'll give you a hand" and he helps Nils gather scrap wood and brush to cover their entrance.
"So I have this silver morningstar now as my backup weapon, and you guys tell me that there are some creatures that are more susceptible to being damaged by a silver weapon and that I can't just go around using my Bec on everything...Well, I don't have any training in what one creature is from another so If you will let me know when we get to it...I'll see if it works. Mawl casually talks as he further inspects his newly acquired Morningstar.
As the group decides to leave the Livery, you take a moment to pull some boards and cover the hole that Mawl made in the side of the building. It wouldn't stop someone from noticing it on close inspection but without other resources it at least covers it from being noticeable from afar. After Sorix uses her magic to clean up Nils Rexus nods and says "Follow me."
Rexus leads you out of the Red Roof district and to the Bleakbridge that connects the two halves of the city from the Yollibius river that separates them. As you approach the bridge you see there are guards stationed there who are stopping each citizen and requiring a tole to cross. Rexus moves up motioning for the rest of you to follow and pays the tole for the lot of you, 3cp per person. You recall, before Thrune, the passage on this bridge was free. On each side of the large bridge are small shops and the bridge itself is quite busy as this is one of Kintargo's largest open markets. After crossing the bridge, you make your way past the Vashnarstill Shipyard and eventually come to Villegre. This area of town is the scholastic center of the city, though many buildings now stand empty. Through this district you walk past the Alabaster Academy which stands out as the biggest building in this part of the city. You make your way toward Villegre Park and find yourselves at Long Roads Coffeehouse right across from the park. Rexus leads you inside.
Inside you notice an eclectic mix of customers, between bright-eyed students with their coffee and food to the occasional noble with fancy pastries and desserts. You see a halfling woman with short blond hair coming in your direction. She has a tray of coffees and a handful of pastries as she greets you all "Ah my friends! Come, come, let's head to my office so we can catch up on old times." She motions toward a back room and Rexus leads the way.
Inside the small, but comfortable office she motions towards a few seats and sets the coffee and pastries down then looks to each of you "Please help yourselves. I thought my office might be more appropriate for us to talk privately." As you serve yourselves Rexus chimes in "Everyone this is Laria Longroad, a dear friend of the family and someone I believe will be a valuable adviser to our cause. Laria these are the individuals I was telling you about. I will let them introduce themselves." He nods to you all.
After leaving the livery, Sorix makes sure Nils and everyone else looks presentable. A few more castings of prestidigitation later, no one would guess any in the group had spent the last few hours in a filthy abandoned livery, battling vermin, gremlins, and devils.
...
Sorix takes a cup of coffee and a pastry, and after a few sips and a few bites she says, "Mmm, very much appreciated, Ms. Longroad. After our recent little, um, adventure, this hits the spot. I'm Sorix Seraxis, formerly of Nidal and current wizard's apprentice to the Aulorian estate, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Although I only recently met Rexus, I'm sure any friend of his is a friend of mine."
Glancing at Rexus, and then at the rest of the assembled group, Sorix goes on. "Our views on what's best for our fair city of Kintargo align. It's time to take action. We must stop that tyrant...that devil Thrune and his administration from stripping the citizens of Kintargo of their rights and freedoms." Pausing for a moment, her mouth moving soundlessly as if deciding whether or not to say something, Sorix finally blurts out, "I'm no stranger to resistance against tyranny. Back in Nidal, my family and our fellow Desnans actively work to bring down the Umbral Court. I was taught to fight for freedom, and fight for freedom I will."
Sorix then blushes slightly, as if she hadn't expected herself to make quite such an impassioned introduction.
Mawl, let's his giant paw envelope two pastries and stuffs them in his mouth. With crumbs falling out "mm, yuh, I didn't realize how hungry I was," then as if realizing his behaviour is not what is considered polite in these circles, he casts his eyes downward a little and mumbles, "Nice to meet you m'lady, forgive my rudeness, thanks for the food and coffee."
Mawl looks about the office to try and discern if there is any way someone else could be viewing or listening. "I am Mawl"
Nils smiles a bit a Sorix's blush and Mawl's manners. It was an interesting group they'd assembled.
"Hello Ms. Longroad and thank you for your hospitality. I'm Nils." the tiefling offers in way of introduction. Taking a coffee and pastry he continues, "How have things been on this side of the bridge of late?"
Horillo blows over the infusion of leaves in his cup, the steam rising with each exhalation. His lips touch the hot drink, before he puts it down carefully on the table, without a drop spilling. He smooths his clothes, his hand pushes back his hair and with a reticence words slowly and quietly are spoken. "Thank you for your warm welcome, I am Horillo, I am just an apprentice weaponsmith, working at Olmer's Smithy. This is all so strange to me, to be a rebel, not that I'm sure I can really help. I have been given a grace from Old Deadeye, which lets me help the injured and sick in the Iudeimus Tenements and Devils Nursery. There are many there that have suffered and been left to die in the darkness. Erastil, " he rolls his sleeve up to reveal a tattoo of a stag standing proudly on a longbow, "has chosen to protect these downtrodden families from the evil of House Thrune and the evil Asmodeus. Now Erastil is giving me another choice. The friends I have made in this, are talented and I will learn much from them." He shakes his head, lowering to look at the ground, unsure if this really is Erastil's path set for him.
After everyone except Saniel introduces themselves Laria nods "Well, a pleasure to meet you all, though I wish it had been under different circumstances." She looks to Sorix "Your passion for freedom will do us well Sorix. It's good to hear you have some experience in this area with your past in Nidal." Looking to Mawl she continues "Mawl, you are welcome to enjoy any food or drink I have to offer. You will need your strength in the days ahead." She smiles and gives Mawl a wink, then looks to Nils "Nils, this side of the bridge has been alright. Of course, you probably know by now the fire in the Greens that destroyed the Victocora estate," she looks to Rexus briefly to give him a nod of support before turning her attention back to Nils "and also The Thrashing Badger burnt to the ground. Otherwise, nothing too horrible." Turning to Horillo she smiles "Horillo, I am glad that Erastil has led you to us and any support we can get from the Gods will help to ease our burden."
She looks to Saniel and gives him a nod of acknowledgement, "Not too surprising to see you here Saniel, but glad you are part of this as well." The two obviously having already been acquainted, she then looks to Rexus "Well, it appears you have gathered the start of a mighty fine rebellion. How did things turn out at the Livery? Did you have any luck finding evidence of the Silver Ravens?"
Rexus nods and motions to Mawl "We found a coffer, although it is locked. I am hoping there may be useful information inside. Aside from that there was a cache of items including a few enchancted silver raven figurines. Otherwise, it was... an interesting excursion." Laria looks to the rest of you for any additional details with a smile "Interesting huh? Sounds like a tale of adventure?"
"I'm pretty sure I can use something around here strong enough to pry that coffer open. I want to be sure that's the way we want to approach it. Prying it open will more than likely damage it for future use. I would want to be certain it's not going to blow up in my face, also." Mawl says glancing at Nils to see if he has any assurances there.
He also reaches over and grabs another pastry, since he was invited to.
Following the troupe, Saniel happily heads towards the coffee house. At least this was something of a known quantity and he was eager to be done with the devil infested basement they had stumbled upon. As much as it was a relief to find out that the ravens had actually been more than fanciful tales.
Upon arriving at the coffee house and being introduced to the proprietor, Saniel gives the halfling a smile, introducing himself and making as little of a fuss as possible. Later, when tucked away in the office and enjoying a pastry he is more than a little surprised at the revelation to the others of their past familiarity, but makes no fuss, trusting the woman's sound judgement as to whom she trusts with her own true nature.
"The Raven's presence was clear, and as Rexus has pointed out, we did find a coffer that eludes our ability to open at the moment." He listens to Mawl's idea of forcing the device open and winces inwardly a bit. There could be no telling what might be contained inside, and the thought of treating the container with anything more than kid gloves disturbed the man. He turns to the halfling and asks, "Laria, know anyone with the talent to convince this coffee to open up its secrets to us?"
"Well it wasn't exactly haunted as the rumors say, but besides being as filthy and gross as you'd expect an abandoned livery to be, someone's been using it to try to open a portal to Hell.
"I believe a few childhood friends of mine owe me a copper or two for that discovery. There were also some fey held up there. It seems we've dealt with the worst of it however so the place may be of use in the future. Tell me Laria do you know much of the old city that was built over when things were raised? Much of what we found seemed to have been buildings from that era. An undercity of sorts might be of use in moving about if it extends far enough."
Noting the familiarity between the halfling and Saniel the tiefling asks, "How do the two of you know each other if you don't mind me asking."
Horillo thanks Laria for her hospitality and her encouragement. Whilst watching the discussions on opening the chest, "I don't think we should force the chest, doing so could damage the contents. We might have something at the smithy to help, but I don't know for sure." his voice trails off. He fiddles with his bow and waits.
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Mawl grabs another pastry out of ignorance and boredom thinking to himself I guess I don't bust the coffer open, and we are in league now against the new House of Thrune. I surely don't like that guy, so I'm good with that. This is a chance for getting back at the Church of Asmodeus for what they did. This group I'm with seems to have some pretty savvy peeps, I guess they will know what steps to take next. I hope they remember we need to unload some of this junk and continue to improve our weapons, armor and tools as we get more involved. This seems like a good place to base our operations out of. I guess if they trust this Rexus guy and his halfling friend, they are probably good by me. Hmm I wish we had something meatier than pastries...oh well
At Saniel's inquiry Laria shakes her head "Any of my contacts have gone to ground since Thrune started rattling off proclamations. You might try old Volioker Briskalberd in Old Kintargo. He's the only legitimate locksmith I know of."
As Sorix and Nils comment on their trip into the Livery Laria grins "Well glad to know it isn't haunted, though portals to Hell are never a good thing! As far as the city being raised. That was primarily in the southern parts of the site or Argo Isle to help with flooding. It was quite some time back when they did that. I doubt there are any real records from it anymore, but if there were they would be in Andos Hall."
When Nils asks about her relationship with Saniel she shrugs "Well, since we all seem to be in this together, I may as well fill you in on why Rexus brought you all here. I'm a member of the Bellflower Network, in fact I see over operations here in Kintargo. For those of you not familiar, the network operates primarily to free slaves, specifically halfling slaves. As part of that association, I've taken it upon myself to know as much as I can about the city. Under Barzillai’s scorched-earth policy, though, most of of my information network has been killed, arrested, or run to ground, leaving me virtually blind. What I do know, though, I will share freely so that we can be successful in our endeavor. In fact, I have someplace you can use as a base of operations that is a bit more secure than here."
She thinks a moment "A friend of mine was using the place to smuggle some goods through town, but I actually haven't heard from him in a few days. I've been so busy here trying to maintain my cover that I haven't been able to check on him. It's possible he was able to get out of town unnoticed, but even so it would be odd that he didn't tell me of his departure first. Maybe while you are there and get acquainted with the place you can check on things and let me know what you find?"
"Well, I have to say you have been doing a fine job staying under the notice of most. I have never heard of the Bellflower. If you say this new location is even more discrete than here, well then it sounds like we should prepare multiple ways in and out."
Mawl ruminates at how when he turned to Desnia, it was out of convenience, and the shroud of secrecy required just made it a little more exciting.
This is serious, even more so than the occasional church meeting with my sister. I guess I'm all in now. I hope these others are equally committed. If one of them throws me to the dogs, I will not go without a fight.
Nils raises an eyebrow at mention of the Bellflower Network but continues to drink his coffee without comment. Once Laria mentions her associate and the possible safe house he says, "You're help is greatly appreciated. I think it will take the support of all the goodly organizations of Kintargo if we are to succeed. Who is this associate of yours? I think we'd be happy to check in on him for you regardless but all the more so if he has experience smuggling things in and out of the city."
Laria nods to Mawl's complement and then turns to Nils "His name is Nan Comerivos. He requested to use my space to smuggle in some Varisian textiles, before this whole mess started and he hadn't found a safe opportunity to leave as far as I know. He was staying here, but, as I've said, I haven't seen him in a few days."
She looks to Rexus then to the rest of you "Rexus knows the location of my little hideout, he can take you there. It is accessible from under the Tooth and Nail tavern in old town. The proprietor is a friend of mine and she is happy to let us use the space. I would recommend you all introduce yourself to her before just heading down into the basement." She moves to her desk and reaches into one of the draws to pull out a key "Here is a spare you can keep, so you can use it whenever you like. I don't think I will have a need for it while Thrune keeps things locked down in the city."
"Thank you." Nils says accepting the key. Looking to the group he says, "Perhaps we can go and see this Volioker to try and get the coffer opened and then move on to the Tooth and Nail? Are you all well enough to continue?"
Sorix smiles and nods approvingly at the mention of the Bellflower Network.
"A secure base will be essential as we plan our next steps. Thank you very much, Laria. Sounds like we better check it out soon if your friend Nan seems to have gone missing."
Addressing Nils, Sorix says, "Sounds like a good plan to me."
Sorix looks at each of the assembled group in turn. "Well, I'm ready when you are."
Mawl, slumping in a chair under the effects of a bit of a sugar coma, jumps up and agrees with Sorix, "Sounds like a great plan to me, and a plan is what I need. I don't specifically recall the timing of the curfew recently imposed but I don't think we should test it. Also, should we travel together all or in maybe two separate groups. Nils has the key and Rexus knows the way. Who should travel with whom to raise the least amount of suspicion?
With the group decided, you head off back across Bleakbridge where you must pay the toll once again. You make your way through Redroof, past Temple Hill and into Old Kintargo. You find your way to Volioker's shop, following Rexus' lead. His shop is located just outside Old Kintargo Cemetary, on the main road out toward Old Harbor. It is a small building with a simple sign that reads Locks n' Stuff. Peaking through the window you see a dwarf asleep behind the counter of the cramped store.