"Excellent! Yes, I think it's about supper time - especially if you're already hungry. I could do with a pint myself! Let's find the others."
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The afternoon passes differently for each of the Outcasts.
Solrisa peacefully vegetates meditates, over ham and honing, cookies and cleaning.
For your wanderings, whether within or without the Inn, there are several residents of Magepoint, and guests of the All-Seeing Eye, who seek you out, quite willing to sit and talk, and listen to your exploits. Some of them are versed in your performance during the Gauntlet, while others are obviously trying to learn more, given the interest of others. All of them respect your wishes, should you choose to contemplate life alone.
Eidi completes several batches of cookies, before he is gathered for a deep tissue massage in the lower level of the All-Seeing Eye.
The Guest Kitchenette is quite accommodating, with several pantries which are by their nature Bags of Holding, established to store food items and baking needs at a constant temperature, and heating elements which rise and fall to the temperatures required for exacting optimal outcomes.
You may spend as much or as little time preparing your baked goods, as kitchen staff wait to learn what they may do to assist you.
Eventually, you are sought out by your Masseuse, a female half-orc with a tight bun which pulls her hair back and out of her way. It gives her a very studied look, as you feel yourself to be the sole focus of her attention.
You are led down stairs of indeterminate depth, and to a room which smells of lavender and thyme. She bids you strip, and provides you a modesty towel, while she departs the room. When she returns, you've assumed the position on the table, and she begins her work. Several moments during your hour's long session result in acute pain, preceded by the anticipatory grunts of the half-orc, who seems to revel in your pain. What waits beyond those moments is profound relief, as your body responds to the pressure and manipulation with begrudging relaxation fit for someone of your advanced years.
Mortimer spends a languid afternoon on the shores of Magepoint.
It is quite lovely, as the bay breeze keeps the sun's rays from raising your body temperature to uncomfortable levels. The sounds of the fishing business are distant, and constant, an assurance that there are allies within calling distance, should your isolation prove to be inconvenient.
There are only a few instances of antagonism, as the fauna of Magepoint find your prostrate form enticing enough to nip at your calves, and pluck at your arm hairs. Small crabs and sand fleas sense your human salts, so investigate, sometimes to their detriment. After an initial assault, you are largely left alone.
Ascaria naps and chats with his new cohort, before disturbing an old one.
You are lightly attended by the Kitchen Staff, while you enjoy your conversation with Cedric in one of the many Common Rooms. One of the smaller female humans goes so far as to place art supplies on a sideboard, should your muse visit you while your packs might be left in your room.
Minutes into your conversation with the halfling, Vivian arrives at your table, and places two walnut shells on the sitting table adjacent to both you and Cedric. Between the shells, she rests a gourd, and bids you pour very small amounts, hence the shells as cups meant for aperitifs. She smiles, and excuses herself.
By gourd's emptying, the taste of herbs, roots, and fruit and a finish of candied orange and mint, and you've been properly prepared for your next meal. Your appetite has been refined, taste buds heightened.
Eri promises a prompt return to the All-Seeing Eye for dinner, securing himself a hammock and a bag of toasted nuts, and wends his way through town for a quiet hillside, and trees close enough together to secure his napping nook.
Dinnertime arrives, and you are treated to a largely seafood-based buffet. Clams and oysters of varied preparations, crab, lobster, and four selections of fish, all of it freshly caught earlier today. For the buffet's central hub layout, your dining room is branched off for privacy. There are two other groups dining at the same time- a small gaggle of elves who approach the serving dishes in pairs, and group of soldiers who embody 'standoffish', dark grey tunics with darker chain mail. The symbol on their shoulders represents a black tower surrounded by thorns below, red stars above.
The heraldry is a modified version of the crest of Ustalav, The Immortal Principality, The Nation That Was. A highly divided country, with several Noble Houses content to remain independent, while others seek to unify the country, and restore it to a former glory. Great political machinations and upheaval, which leads Ustalav to be a suspicious and fearful people.
...
Before sun's rise, you make your way from your comfortable beds, into your comfortable clothing and gear, down to a comforting portions of breakfast, before you make your way to the Fortress of Unknown Depths.
The Walkway is quiet, the sea mists unable to touch you in your stroll into the bay. The same tingle raises the hair on your arms, as you approach. The same screeches of the blood hawks reaches your ears. You are welcomed without delay past the gate, and are escorted to the same exact room in which you met Manzorian. He is waiting for you, when you arrive, with him, Agath of the Library Temple.
"Welcome back. You've been busy." The Archmage points to one of the paintings on the wall. Where once was represented the Spire of Long Shadows in its ancient glory, now stands a painting of The Collapse of the Spire, realistically depicting Kuluth Mar as you left it.
"So have we." Manzorian pats a small journal on his desk. "Balakarde's paranoia was a deep well. One we chose to respect... until you traveled to Kuluth Mar. In truth, we had hoped you might have found Balakarde himself, and returned with him. Ten years is a long time, and ours was wishful thinking..." Manzorian shares a look with Agath, who shrugs his shoulders, slightly.
"Your efforts encouraged us to renew our research of his papers, and we were able to find the thinnest of trails, for all of its coldness. Before they departed, Celeste and Eligos helped us peruse Balakarde's library, as his papers failed to yield anything more substantial than his obvious fascination with Kuluth Mar."
"For his notes in the margins, and our narrowing of subject matter, we found him referencing the Ebon Triad again and again, though he, too, held suspicions of their true purpose- a front for the true Cult of Kyuss. More interesting, he seems to point to Alhaster, capital city of Redhand. His margin scrawls seemed to indicate that a fair number of leaders in the Triad hailed from Alhaster, though their connections are circuitous, at best." Manzorian looks to Agath, who nods.
Agath takes it from here. "Balakarde didn't attempt to address his desecration. One of the Temple Library books bears his handwriting, in a text titled 'A History of Alhaster'." Agath pauses to straighten out his twisted grimace. "He knew our rules, and he still..."
"To the point- An outdated book about the city’s history, it was written by a cleric of Abadar named Rhorsk only a few months before a despotic ruler named Prince Zeech claimed the small province of Redhand as his own. One section of A History of Alhaster recounts the emergence and influence of a cabal of Asmodean heretics who attempted to establish an underground cult somewhere in the city, a cult dedicated to the ascension of their god into something greater. This cult made particular use of what they called “the Writhing Dead.” The cult was defeated with the aid of one of Alhaster’s greatest spellcasters, an elven noble named Lashonna, but its leaders escaped persecution." Agath looks back to Manzorian, who then looks to you all.
"Agath took the time to copy Balakarde's scrawl. The eccentric was making a 'To Do' list it seems."
Agath hands Eidi the note.
Alhaster is the Key.
Missing heretics never captured...
Possible foundation of the Ebon Triad?
Did they turn to Lamashtu, then Urgathoa..?
Trained there, then sent out..?
Lashonna(helped to defeat the heretics)
Rhorsk(probably dead, possible legacy?)
Ebon Triad(hideout/shrine)
"Hopefully this is enough to work with. Will you consider visiting Alhaster, and following Balakarde's direction? It has been some time, but what is ten years, really?"
Manzorian and Agath both fall quiet, and wait to hear your answer.
HP = 93/93
Hero Points = 6
Equipped = None
Conditions = Hero’s Feast (1/12h), Magic Vestment (+3, 1/13h), Status (1/13h, Eidi, Eri, Sol)
Life Link (14)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (10/10)(8/8) (DC: 26)(Avoid 8, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (8d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend Spell (6th, 3/3)
Vest of Surgery (1/1) (Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Spellguard Bracers (3/3) (Roll concentration twice and take the best result)
Physician’s Spectacles (1/1) (Delay Poison)(Constant: Detect Poison, Diagnose Disease)
Expeditious (3/3) (swift +10’ movement)
Melee Attack: BAB +10/+5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +10/+5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 15, Concentration +22)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Endure Elements, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (7/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (19): (5/8) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (20): (7/7) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Speak with Haunt*, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (7/7) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Burst of Glory, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass, Plane Shift
Sixth (22): (7/7) Chains of Light, Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
Seventh (23): (5/5) Cure Serious Wounds Mass, Greater Restoration, Holy Word, Particulate Form
* Caster Level +2
- - -
Ascaria thoroughly enjoys dinner and the evening with his companions. He doodles a little, mostly room views, and a games table with a shuttlecock and rackets. He glances at he other groups, but pays them no mind - he feels safe in this community.
He rises very early early to make the pre-dawn meeting. He kisses the stein around his neck, yawns, and prepares himself for the day. As usual every morning, Ascaria ensorcels the shields of the party (Sol, Mort, Ascaria). He'll then watch over his friends and refresh everyones Life Link just in case.
Magic Vestment
Status
He then eats Eidi’s heroes’ feast and is ready to face the Mage. He may feel safe here, but he knows that they are hunted none the less and so must be ready, even here.
"Nice painting. Really captures it!"
”Alhaster…” he mumbles as he takes in what the librarian and wizard explain. ”You have been busy! This is excellent news! Sure, a thin lead, but a lead! If they mostly all came from there, we might find others there still, and they could lead us deeper into the web. Excellent!”
”Redhand. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that place? Where is it? Is it far?”
Eidi enjoys the time with the half-orc specially "Oh yes, down, down there, behind there, yes, there is the contracture, OOOhhh oh! oh!" its painful but relieving at the same time "That one was when Mortimer felt into deepness and I had to stop him with the ice, oh! I had to react so quick... these youngsters are so vivid and full of energy, its getting increasingly hard to follow them"
Eidi observes the black tower symbol "Mmmm... Ustalav. He whispers to the Outcasts. The Immortal Principality, The Nation That Was. It's so divided of a country it is difficult to understand how it still holds together, with several Noble Houses contending to remain independent, while others seeking to unify the country, and restore it to a former glory. Great political machinations and upheaval. Poor people, they just suffer the machinations for long. They are suspicious and fearful those ones. Let's be careful when approaching them"
------------------------------------
Eidi improves the breakfast with heroes feast. Then walks to the fortress to meet with Manzorian.
After listening carefully, he shows the lines in the note to the other Outcasts "I was thinking myself on how to find the Ebon Triad so we can stop that part of the prophecy from become true. It seems visiting Alhaster and inquiring Lashonna about if Balakarde approached her. If she is an elf, she is probably still alive"
The half-elf looks to the other outcasts "I am still ready for a bit of adventure before Pharasma calls my soul. I am in, what you others say? Will you come as well?"
After meeting the new puppy Eri wanders to the bar and grabs a bottle of something fortifying for sipping. He asks Cedric to please hook him up with the sailor masseuse and then takes a long bath. From there he lets his mind and his body wander. Trees, roads, paths, hills, animals all scroll by Eri as he forgets himself and his efforts.
As his stomach starts to gnaw he meanders back to the inn for big family dinner
Solrisa claps happily as the seafood is brought out, having it very rarely in her life. She is delighted to crack clab and lobster alike with her man hands. She delights in the physical nature of the meal, prying meat out with small forks, cracking shells, and scooping insides...just like combat.
"I'm pretty sure this is the best meal ever. I love it!" Solrisa announces at least 3 times during the meal to whomever might be looking at her. She's delighted. By the end of the meal, she has requested not one, but two additional napkins, needing extras because she is so besotted with butter splatter.
* * *
"Hopefully this is enough to work with. Will you consider visiting Alhaster, and following Balakarde's direction? It has been some time, but what is ten years, really?"
Solrisa squees and agrees before even looking to others for confirmation. She's just excited to have another task and another opportunity to kill bad things.
"Yes, we should find Lashonna first! That is a very good idea!" Solrisa agrees with Eidi. "When do we leave?"
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Mortimer looks at his arm hair wafting around in the sea zyphyr.
Aaah, yea. Airing out. That's the thing... how refreshing!
He sets up the umbrella and plops down into the sand, and opens his book.
Section Four: Flower Product and Root Vegetables: Pros and Cons
.i.) Carbohydrates
----- a) ....
----- b) ....
----- c) ....
----- d) sugars
.ii.) Fiber
----- a) ....
----- b) ....
----- c) ....
----- d) ....
----- e) ....
iii.) Fermentation
----- a) ....
----- b) (see sugars)
.iv.) Trace Elements
----- a) iron
----- b) folic acid
----- c) riboflaven
----- d) the elusive "vitamin D", fish and the Sun
----- e) other essential vitamins
-------- 1) ash
-------- 2) ...
-------- 3) ...
Huh? My armpit itching?!
Mortimer shifts uncomfortably, looks under his arm, and see a tiny crab pinching him. He carefully positions digitus III under the crab's center of mass, and flicks it out from under his arm into the horizon and back into the sea.
Where was I?
He resumes reading, until mentally and physically exhausted.
Dinnertime arrives, and you are treated to a largely seafood-based buffet. Clams and oysters of varied preparations, crab, lobster, and four selections of fish, There are two other groups dining at the same time- a small gaggle of elves, and group of soldiers who embody 'standoffish', dark grey tunics with darker chain mail. The symbol on their shoulders represents a black tower surrounded by thorns below, red stars above.
Mortimer eyes a crab, eyebrow raised. Do I know you? Avoiding it, he helps himself to seaweed and spinach salad, adding plenty of melon, scallion, tomatoes and avocado. He scatters a bit of feta on top, and helps himself to a hunk of bread.
Then he notices the soldiers.
"Ustalav... Let's be careful when approaching them"
But, why?
He walks over to one of the soldiers, finishing a forkful of seaweed and spinach. "Have you been to Magepoint before? The food is pretty good here," he says, pointing to the buffet. "I think I want to try those scallops next, have you?" With a mouth full of mostly greens, he points to the insignia on one of their shoulders. "That's an interesting symbol. Why the thorns, if you don't mind me asking?"
~~~
Mortimer enters Manzorian's stronghold with the rest of the Outcasts -- momentarily being distracted by several stacked statuettes on a table near the chessboard. He gingerly reaches out to one of them, and somehow inadvertently scatters the lot across the table. Embarrassed, he tugs at his forelock and tries to position them to their original orientation, but no matter how he tries, they continue to hopelessly scatter about the table.
Tugging his forelock, he backs away from the table, hoping no one has noticed.
[ ... ]
"Prince Zeech claimed the small province of Redhand ... History of Alhaster recounts the emergence of Asmodean heretics who attempted to establish an underground cult. The cult was defeated ... but its leaders escaped persecution."
Mortimer grasps the dragon tooth pendent beneath his shirt between his thumb and forefinger thoughtfully.
"Alhaster? Ah, so -- maybe THAT's where we'll find Okoral, Loris and ... whoever his present beast bearing companion is... Yes. Let's head to Alhaster... Maybe after Eidi's finished a belt, and I've finished my Book."He looks at everyone, likely looking at him.
"It won't take long," he promises, "-- to finish the Book. Just a couple of days..."
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"Have you been to Magepoint before? The food is pretty good here. I think I want to try those scallops next, have you? That's an interesting symbol. Why the thorns, if you don't mind me asking?"
The younger of the two soldiers nearest to Mortimer looks as if he might respond, but an older, dirt blond-haired soldier clasps a four-fingered hand on his shoulder, and whispers something in a strange tongue.
"Začepi. Želite li objasniti Shevardu da ste tijekom našeg posjeta razgovarali s strancem?"
"Keep your mouth shut. You want to explain to Shevard that you held conversation with a foreigner during our visit?"
"Redhand. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that place? Where is it? Is it far?"
Eidi recalls his previous information gathering, pointing out Redhand's often-overlooked locality- a small province which has long battled for independence from Cheliax and Nidal, as it exists along the territory line. North of the Menador Mountains, it has even gone so far as to proclaim the coastal town of Alhaster as its capital. As both Cheliax and Nidal have larger regional cities along the coast, there is only infrequent conflicts that involve Redhand and its residents.
Manzorian and Agath both nod as the half-elf educates his companions. Agath can't help but add his own personal take. "Some would say that Zeech stole the land away from two nations who sought to avoid direct conflict with each other. A veritable bandit kingdom, a cookie stolen while two parents squabble."
"I was thinking myself on how to find the Ebon Triad so we can stop that part of the prophecy from become true. It seems visiting Alhaster and inquiring Lashonna about if Balakarde approached her. If she is an elf, she is probably still alive. I am still ready for a bit of adventure before Pharasma calls my soul. I am in, what you others say? Will you come as well?"
"Yes, we should find Lashonna first! That is a very good idea! When do we leave?"
"Alhaster? Ah, so -- maybe THAT's where we'll find Okoral, Loris and ... whoever his present beast bearing companion is... Yes. Let's head to Alhaster..."
Both men nod, though only one smiles.
"A return to your side of the Bay, then. This is good, this next stone to be upturned." Manzorian pauses only briefly.
"Have you given any further thought regarding your Fragment? The offer still stands, and might arm you mightily in your next foray into these dark matters."
Ascaria listens with rapt attention to a language he does not know! He tries to memorize the phrase the man spoke so he can try and piece it together later. If Mort looks to Ascaria to translate, he just shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head sadly…
"Have you given any further thought regarding your Fragment? The offer still stands, and might arm you mightily in your next foray into these dark matters.”
Ascaria’s mind races at what he can obtain with such a sum, and he is sorely tempted. But a worry shadow crosses his face, ”Lord Manzorian, I like the idea of giving the rod to you, I really do, but I fear we may need it ere this task is done. The rod piece came to us, and I’m uneasy parting with it. Can you give some guarantee that we won’t need it? I imagine not.”
He thinks a moment, ”You seem as invested in the idea of our success as we are. In this we are together, no? Will you promise to return the rod - we’d pay you back naturally - if we discover we need it to overcome this cult, or wherever this evil root shall lead us? I am willing to sell it to you, if I know we can retrieve it if we must to win.”
"Začepi. Želite li objasniti Shevardu da ste tijekom našeg posjeta razgovarali s strancem?"
Huh?
Mort flashes the group his best smile, and waves, checking on the man to make sure he isn't actually choking. "What's that? It almost sounds like... music? I didn't understand. I'm Mort, by the way. Your uniforms look pretty snazzy -- that means 'stylish'." He helps himself to some fish steamed with soy sauce and ginger. "We had uniforms, once, but they weren't as attractive as yours. Woolen things. Comfy, but very impractical when it came down to things. How long did you have to travel to come here?"~~~
"Have you given any further thought regarding your Fragment? The offer still stands, and might arm you mightily in your next foray into these dark matters."
Mortimer's aspect darkens, and he grumbles. Why?
"Why? Why do you want to buy it from us? Are you going to hang it in a museum somewhere? If it is what you say it is, it isn't something on which you can just hang a price tag. What are you going to do with it if we agree?"
]"Have you given any further thought regarding your Fragment?"
Solrisa oohs, then smiles, having completely forgotten about the fragment.
"I don't think we need it anymore. I don't need it...the Dragon offers me much," Solrisa opines honestly. "I think it is safer here than with us. Has there been more attacks since we left it with you? We were attacked constantly for it! Is it safe?"
Not really understanding what it is said to Mortimer in Skald, Eidi arches his eyebrow. The elder stands up, leaning against his staff with effort while he looks for Mortimer "My friend, how do you leave myself without the support of your strong back?" simulating to suddenly realize of the soldiers Eidi exclaims "Opa! Chavaliers from Ustalav, nothing more... what are you doing that far from home?"
---------------------
"You have guided us properly. There has been truth in your words until know. If you say it is better for everyone, let's then make the deal" nods Eidi.
... leaning against his staff with effort while he looks for Mortimer "My friend, how do you leave myself without the support of your strong back?"
Mortimer's eyes open wide, and he drops his spinach/seaweed/halibut fork. He rushes to Eidi's side, to help stabilize him. "I, I don't ... " understand....
"Opa! Chavaliers from Ustalav, nothing more... what are you doing that far from home?"
He sees Eidi pretend to just notice the soldiers from Ustalav, and waits to see if there is any kind of response from the soldiers.
~~~
"I don't think we need it anymore. I don't need it...the Dragon offers me much. I think it is safer here than with us. Has there been more attacks since we left it with you? We were attacked constantly for it! Is it safe?"
"I'm happy to be rid of the rod. It feels more like a target than a tool. Of course, if we need it then I'm all for suffering the slings and arrows."
Eri enjoys prying the traps open to feast on the tasty morsels inside the shellfish. The profit is realized a lot faster in these traps. I wonder if there is a market for these shells. He eyes the redness of the armor carefully.
Solrisa looks to each person as they speak of the rod, smiling or smiling more, just happy to be part of the discussion process.
”Oh, I think we should give him the Rod. I dunno...maybe?”
"What's that? It almost sounds like... music? I didn't understand. I'm Mort, by the way. Your uniforms look pretty snazzy -- that means 'stylish'. We had uniforms, once, but they weren't as attractive as yours. Woolen things. Comfy, but very impractical when it came down to things. How long did you have to travel to come here?"
"Opa! Chavaliers from Ustalav, nothing more... what are you doing that far from home?"
The dirt blond soldier guides the younger one away, while he speaks up. The first two words he speaks draws two more Ustalav soldiers to their feet from their dining table across the way.
"Lasho. Saban. Budi spreman za moje zapovijedi."
"Lasho. Saban. Be ready on my orders."
"Forgive me, but we don't know you. You talk about the dinner, you talk about the weather, then you talk about uniforms, then you talk about orders. We don't ask you your business. Go and enjoy your meal, in peace."
"Try to talk to Pizzi again, and I'll know your business, and I will bring it to the attention of the Eye."
Generally, you are aware that Ustalav residents are a motley crew, speaking in Common, Skald, and even Varisian. The soldiers' dialect here, though strange to your years away from your last visit, is common enough, and spoken just as tersely as the older soldier now speaks.
"Lord Manzorian, I like the idea of giving the rod to you, I really do, but I fear we may need it ere this task is done. The rod piece came to us, and I’m uneasy parting with it. Can you give some guarantee that we won’t need it? I imagine not. You seem as invested in the idea of our success as we are. In this we are together, no? Will you promise to return the rod - we’d pay you back naturally - if we discover we need it to overcome this cult, or wherever this evil root shall lead us? I am willing to sell it to you, if I know we can retrieve it if we must to win.”
Manzorian rests one hand in the other, as they cross in front of him. "I am amenable to this proposition, master Ascaria, if it gives you peace of mind. You still seem so attached to it, might it occur to you the possibility that it came to you expressly for the purposes of gaining my attention and exchange for its value into something worthy of our war waging? But, no matter. If the time comes when you desire it back, I'm sure we'll be able to discuss the matter further. I will not obstruct your mission."
"Why? Why do you want to buy it from us? Are you going to hang it in a museum somewhere? If it is what you say it is, it isn't something on which you can just hang a price tag. What are you going to do with it if we agree?"
Manzorian turns to the giant. "Museum? No. It's certainly a rare magic, master Mortimer, with established provenance. Its value is quite extraordinary, especially were one to begin reassembling it. Which is what I intend to do."
"I think it is safer here than with us. Has there been more attacks since we left it with you? We were attacked constantly for it! Is it safe? Oh, I think we should give him the Rod. I dunno... maybe?"
Manzorian welcomes the friendlier, female voice. "Not a one, no. I'm relocating it at measured intervals. I do feel it's quite safe."
Both Manzorian and Agath look back to Ascaria, more or less at the same time. Manzorian speaks, once again.
"Do we have an agreement?"
"Lasho. Saban [gibberish], ... Forgive me ... [big talk about small talk] ... Pizzi ... I'll know your business, and I will bring it to the attention of the Eye."
Confused, Mortimer tries not to look hurt. What does he want? Forgivness? Really? We said all that?! ... Now he's threatening us? He lets go of the Theurge and stands tall, puffing his chest out a little. We got three names out of that -- Is this just how they introduce themselves?
Mortimer shrugs, addressing the dirt blond. "I ... I beg your pardon, I wasn't just trying to engage Pizzi, but all of you. Apologies, but I'm not all that great at 'small talk' either. We don't actually want to know your business, we were just trying to make friendly conversation. The only goal here was to get to know you a little -- because as you say -- we don't know each other at all. Solider to -- whatever you might call us. Outcasts, maybe. That's all."
Get a grip, guys. Calm down. No need to raise hackles...
Assuming things don't escalate, Mortimer will "help" Eidi back into his chair.
He replaces his fish salad fork, helps himself to some scallops and raw oyster (with a healthy garnish of horseradish) and resumes his meal.
~~~
"[ The rod's ] value is quite extraordinary, especially were one to begin reassembling it. Which is what I intend to do."
Mortimer looks almost shocked for a split second. "You -- you're going to reassemble it? Does that mean that you are going to hunt down the other pieces of the rod?! I hope -- not by yourselves."
He looks pensive for a minute. Well, he's giving us the option to buy it back, in case it's needed for something we encounter down the road.
"Fine by me then, but I want to see it before we head to Alhaster."
Listening to the party largely side with selling the item, and having Manzorian’s promise, Ascaria relents. ”Very well, we have an agreement, but yeah, I wouldn’t mind seeing it one last time too before we go north. A handsome piece…”
”How far is this Alhaster anyway? Are we wind walking, or teleporting? Also, is it a normal town? What can you tell us about it? Can we see the book in the library?” he turns to the party he adds, ”Just wondering if we’re sending Cedric back to Diamond Lake or what.”
Eidi starts to lose balance as he is left alone "Oh oh oh! I am falling..." the elder takes grip of Mortimer "It seems these good fellows are very focused on their own things, let's just invite them all to some ale and come back to our own table"
"Oh, we will just have to assume we have to weather their stormy Ustalavian character" Eidi smiles the man as he helps him return to the table.
----------------------------
"I think it is close enough we can teleport by our own means. I will try to read and find pictures about the place so we can do it. But in the end we can wind walk if it does not help" thinks Eidi aloud.
”Just wondering if we’re sending Cedric back to Diamond Lake or what.”
”Yes, he should go back and get things rolling there. You have a chance to practice that letter writing thing. He needs to have some letters of introduction from The Outcasts, and some cash. Does he have some protection?”
Eri watches as the soldiers talk about “The Eye” and tenses. I do not need more eyes on me, on us!
Eri sidles up to Mort. ”Hey buddy, let’s let these folks alone. Let me pour you another beer.” He gives Mort a look in the eye that says, “I mean it!”
”What can you tell us about the soldiers in town who don’t like to chat and who talk about “The Eye.”
Solrisa nods, happy to have an agreement with the Archmage. She claps her hands excitedly, glad to be a part of whatever deal just happened.
”I should do some shopping, I think. Seems like this place has somethings we might need for our travels.”
Presumably on the walk back to the village, Ascaria won't bother Manzorian with these details...
”Yes, he should go back and get things rolling there. You have a chance to practice that letter writing thing. He needs to have some letters of introduction from The Outcasts, and some cash. Does he have some protection?”
"Protection? I mean other than dragons flying by and burning everything, Diamond Lake is pretty safe I think. I can cast Wind Walk on him to get him there easily enough. Hrm. He does have to stop though, so it's a two day trip."
He thinks, "Well, he got here didn't he? I'll talk to him and see. Shall we give him 1,000gp to start? That should be enough to get things rolling and fix up the place rather nicely I should think. That's a lot of money to some after all."
"Mort, can you take a break from your book a moment to join me? I want to sell our stuff now so we can shop and the like today. Sounds like we're leaving in about a week, so we have time for some crafting too." he grins and turns to Eidi.
"I know you've some things for Mort to do first, but there's a Vest (link) that I'd love to have made if you can help me. Should take a couple days to do I think , so if you'd queue me up that'd be great! If you're too busy, I understand, they may have someone here to help me too."
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"Fine by me then, but I want to see it before we head to Alhaster."
"Very well, we have an agreement, but yeah, I wouldn’t mind seeing it one last time too before we go north. A handsome piece…”
Manzorian moves to his desk, and produces an elegant wood case, fit for a masterwork musical instrument. Setting it on the desktop, he opens it, and stands back, allowing you all to look upon your Rod Fragment. "I made sure to have it here, had you decided to take it back."
"How far is this Alhaster anyway? Are we wind walking, or teleporting? Also, is it a normal town? What can you tell us about it? Can we see the book in the library?”
Agath assists Eidi in fielding the gnome's litany of questions. "You passed it on your way here. Coastal town, south of Nisroch Bay. I'm not sure what you consider 'normal', given your background, but you are Chel, after all. Population 4700 by our current records. Four out of five residents are human, so you won't stand out too terribly, though residents are often pledged to the worship of Zon-Kuthon or Asmodeus, given the split nature of the borderland between Nidal and Cheliax. I can't place Prince Zeech's leanings."
Agath bows his head slightly. "I should be able to provide you access to the book on Alhaster, when you desire to study it."
"What can you tell us about the soldiers in town who don’t like to chat and who talk about 'The Eye'.
"Not much, other than they stay by our invitation, as you've already ascertained, eh?" Manzorian doesn't seem to welcome the curiosity. "The All-Seeing Eye accommodates quite a menagerie of guests, from near and far, and it does its best to see the atmosphere peaceful, and free of conflict."
"Now, I'll need some guidance from each of you as to the item you wish me to craft for you. You can tell me now, or tomorrow. I'll need some time to see the work accomplished."
"Oh oh oh! I am falling..." the elder takes grip of Mortimer.
Mortimer steadies the Theurge.
"It seems these good fellows are very focused on their own things, let's just invite them all to some ale and come back to our own table"
Mortimer nods, mostly to Eidi. "Yes, of course," he says. He turns to the Soldiers and says amicably, "Let's all have a drink sometime together."
He helps Eidi back to his seat.
Eri sidles up to Mort. "Hey buddy, let’s let these folks alone. Let me pour you another beer.”
Mortimer shakes his head once, seemingly indifferently. "Oh, thanks, it's all fine. Maybe later? Beer is a little too heavy for scallops. Maybe some rice wine for now, as a drink now and then is good for morale, afterall."
~~~
”Just wondering if we’re sending Cedric back to Diamond Lake or what.”
Mortimer stops chewing a bread roll in shame, having completely forgotten about the halfling.
Well, he's not coming with us!
Well, he's not coming with us!"
Oh, sheesh. He's not coming with us, is he?
"Mort, can you take a break from your book a moment to join me? I want to sell our stuff now so we can shop and the like today. Sounds like we're leaving in about a week, so we have time for some crafting too."
What. ..? Mortimer fondles the cover of his Book. "But... Ascaria... I've just gotten to the part about strength training!"
He sighs, and starts packing the Book into his Haversack. Fine.
"O.K., O.K., but you know -- if we take too long I'll have to start all over."
~~~
"Very well, we have an agreement, but yeah, I wouldn’t mind seeing it one last time too before we go north. A handsome piece…”
"If things get weird, come find us..."
Solrisa claps and coos, having a good time with thinking about what she might like and envisioning the travel to come. She isn’t too excited about going south (the least good direction to her mind), but as long as she has friends and purpose, she’s very content.
”Oh yeah, we’re going to need more bedrooms in the Manor! How much will more rooms cost, Mort?” Solrisa asks about the new group home. ”We’re going to need room for Rae...and she needs her space.”
Ascaria takes a long look at the rod, ”Impressive!” he whistles low. Satisfied, he thanks Manzorian.
”I’d like a Tome of Leadership and Influence please, if you don’t mind. I will of course pay the difference.”
”Oh yeah, we’re going to need more bedrooms in the Manor! How much will more rooms cost, Mort?” Solrisa asks about the new group home. ”We’re going to need room for Rae...and she needs her space.”
”Well, he's not coming with us!”
”Well, I think he’s coming with us to Alhaster. But once we get there, I’ll cast another Wind Walk on him and he can go the rest of the way back to Diamond Lake on his own. I think. I need to chat with him about his, well, capabilities. Like can he see well? Need to see well to Wind Walk without allies. I mean, I’d be lost up there, being only able to see sixty feet.” he nods and smiles.
”O.K., O.K., but you know -- if we take too long I'll have to start all over.”
”Won’t be long, I promise!” Ascaria rushes around selling everything and distributing the wealth to the party. When everyone has their share, he heads to the church to start his shopping. He’s so happy to be dealing with non-Asmodeus worshippers that he comes across as very excitable.
He’s looking for…
Forked metal rod (Create Demiplane focus) (500gp)
Forked metal rods (Plane Shift focus for: Astral Plane, Prime Material Plane, Ethereal Plane, & Elysium) (no cost is listed… 50gp each? 200gp total?)
Small reliquary (Holy Aura focus) (500gp)
Scroll of Heal (1,650gp)
Improve his mithral breastplate from +2 to +3 (5,000gp)
Tankard of the Drunken Hero (5,300gp)
Mnemonic Vestment (5,000gp or 2,500gp pending Eidi)
Total cost (assuming no Eidi assistance for now), 18,150 - 15,632 = 2,518 out of pocket
Eri's head spins trying to think of his magic needs.
"Ooo, that vest sounds perfect for me. Maybe I want that? Maybe..."
Eidi nods to Manzorian "After the fight in the Ziggurat and against the nagga's I would love to have a major ring of inner fortitude if that is within the possibilities"
The half-elf offers a smile to Ascaria "Of course I will be pleased to fit you such a vestment! We will need to look for someone to teach me the mnemonic enhancer spell, but that should be easy enough" the elder looks at Mortimer "I will finish the belt first, I do not want him to get angry at me. You should understand I think"
"How long do we want to stay for resting and crafting before continuing our search? One week? Two weeks?" the elder touches his back with pain "The last adventure was tremendous and I fear I am paying its toll both physically and mentally"
"It'll take me near a week to read my book once Manzorian creates it, so I think two weeks is likely." suggests Ascaria. "We should be well rested before we proceed." he looks at the old man and worries for his ability to keep up. Well, his tavern will help that. Must find Cedric and chat with him about his capabilities and the tavern...
"I will finish the belt first, I do not want him to get angry at me. You should understand I think"
Mortimer gets down on one knee and bows his head before the Theurge, as though he expects to be knighted.
"I apologise for my lack of etiquette. Someone explained to me that I should have paid you for the belt half up front. Here is the whole sum."
He hands Eidi 3000 gp in a neat little leather lined silk pouch he picked up from town.
Given time to relax and enjoy things, Solrisa will spend her time among the populace. She will speak of her adventures and the Dragon, Apsu, and how Apsu is a great deity, not trying to convert anyone, but letting others know that she admires Apsu *so* much and is *the* best.
She will eat voraciously. She will practice with sword and bow (and then eat more). And she will enjoy spending time with people and hearing what they have to say.
Solrisa is not a story teller...but more of a good listener, smiling and nodding along with every twist and turn of a story. She *loves* both good stories and bad, and just enjoys being around the people of Magepoint.
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Eidi smiles back at Mortimer and pats at his shoulder "You will always be my giant knight" and takes the money which he soon converts into reagents and other materials to improve the man's belt.
_________________________________
For most of his time in Magepoint, Eidi uses the crafting needs of the group to focus on something that let's him forget about the loss of Kyuss worm library.
The first days he works on perfecting Mortimer's physical belt. When he comes back to him, the belt has a couple aquamarines guarding the man's belly from hits. The irradiate extra powerful transmutation aura.
Then Eidi devotes to fabricate a magic vestment to enhance Ascaria's mnemonics. The elder looks once more at the library to teach himself the mnemonic enhancer spell required, and buys a small ivory statuette focus. He buys blue silk and makes his invisible servant help him sew a silk robe where he himself sews runes of magic power using the new learned magics to empower the clothes before presenting its work to Ascaria.
The rest of the time the Outcasts spend in Magepoint, Eidi devotes himself to improve his own headband. Looking to atone himself to more easily connect with Aroden, whom he observes increasingly extenuating to reach for. The headband comes in a rush but as handy as any other stuff before.
By this point Eidi's crafting abilities are so mature, than even in such an accelerated work it is just routine for him to complete this kind of job.
Ascaria spends his first few days largely in relaxation, though he meets with Cedric regularly during this time. He’s usually found in the inn, at a table sprawled with paper and charcoal - his preferred medium. Building elevations, floor plans, interiors - even plants and a garden are drawn with meticulous detail. When unclamping his hand (usually with a pint), he chats amiably with any and all in the immediate vicinity - especially Cedric.
He questions him on his abilities, mostly to ascertain his survivability. Ascaria worries that the things they face could swat Cedric out of existence like a stinging insect on the skin. When he’s in reach, he adds him to his life link, though he knows that won’t be enough if things get serious.
But mostly he works on his tavern.
”Thanks Eidi, that’s great! I like how you did the stitching here, to show off the colors. Very cool. Thank you!” Ascaria is extremely pleased with his new outfit and puts it on immediately. He'll take the 2,500gp savings, and buy diamond dust to extend his supply.
When Manzorian produces his book however, the drawings all go away. He focuses on the text, learning how to make friends and influence people - as well as how to improve his self esteem with three easy new habits. He pours through the work and even occasionally takes notes to help him remember key phrases and concepts.
Cedric spends the time working. He tries to spend as much time with the party as he can, without actually being underfoot. He’s trying to learn their habits, get a feel for their wants and desires, and generally discover them.
During this time, he will of course try to cater to their voiced needs. Eri needs a masseuse, he arranges it. Mort needs some privacy on the beach, he tries to keep people away. Eidi needs more butter for his next batch of cookies, Cedric hunts it down. Sol needs someone to talk to about Rae, he listens to the stories.
Naturally he spends most of his time with Ascaria. However, Cedric makes very few suggestions to the tavern he’s trying to create. He doesn’t know the party as yet, and so doesn’t want to suggest something improper. But he does listen and admire the multitude of drawings produced by the shiny gnome. He’s even so bold as to suggest a shrine to glorious Cayden Cailean, which Ascaria immediately incorporates on the second floor.
Mortimer (slightly reluctantly) removes his armor and amulet and belt for Manzoirian's and Eidi's modifications and heads to his room. He enters the walk-in closet, looking for something to temporarily switch out for his Shirt of Immolation, which -- with its long sleeves -- proved to be impractical when worn as beachwear.
He eventually settles on an Aloha shirt, water shoes and some swim trunks. Donning his Smoked Goggles, he spends the first six days on the beach, reading his Book, breaking for Lunch (usually a mixed green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, feta, olives and anchovies with a vinaigrette -- though twice "garnished" with a corndog smeared with mustard when anchovies were not available), and idly wondering why the halfling Cedric is following him. Occasionally, he dives into the water for a recreational swim as much as to cool off, eyeing the mackerel hungrily.
More often than not however, he's too absorbed in his Book to really notice anything else happening around him.
Later, he beams at the belt when Eidi presents it to him. "Awawwwah," he gushes. "These blue gems, fantastic!" He tries it on. "It's perfect!! Thanks Eidi!"
~~~~
Upon seeing Sol's new bow, Mort feels a twinge of envy. Where, oh where did she ever find that?
After finishing his Book, Mortimer hits town to go shopping. He sells
He eventually settles on a +2, Adaptive Composite Longbow (+1str) (9,500gp) and a Quiver of 20 Cold Iron, Silver Blanched Arrows (14gp).
"Oh! I knew you would like. I tricked casting some divinations for powers of the great beyond to let me know" Eidi smiles pleased Mortimer enjoys the belt.
"Oh Mort! That's lovely!" Solrisa says without an ounce of jealousy in her voice. "Oh, I love blue!! It's very pretty, Mort!" Solrisa squees and claps her hands.
"Oh Mort! You look lovely! That's a very good dress!"
Oh! I almost forgot!
Ascaria wants to spend a couple days with the priest, if possible, learning Obscuring Mist in place of his prior spell, Bless. It costs 300gp (paid to the trainer) and takes 2 days of training (link) to retrain the slot. The trainer has to know the spell in question (Obscuring Mist) to teach it.
"Oh Mort! I love blue, Mort! Oh Mort! You look lovely! That's a very good dress!"
Dress? Yes. I guess I'm dressed... but not in a dress.? Mortimer looks down upon his borrowed Aloha shirt. Women like this? I wonder if it is for sale... He frowns.
"If things get weird, come find us..."
There is no discernible response from the Rod Fragment.
"I’d like a Tome of Leadership and Influence please, if you don’t mind. I will of course pay the difference.”
Manzorian raises an eyebrow, as the gnome is first to speak on his desired crafting. "Of course."
"After the fight in the Ziggurat and against the nagas, I would love to have a Major Ring of Inner Fortitude if that is within the possibilities."
"A wise choice." Manzorian raises his left hand, and demonstrates a diamond and ruby-studded ring of his own.
"Of course I will be pleased to fit you such a vestment! We will need to look for someone to teach me the mnemonic enhancer spell, but that should be easy enough."
"Master Eidi, if you're so inclined, I will make room for you here in the Fortress to do your crafting. I think you will not be disappointed."
Manzorian hears Solrisa ask for a Bow, and Mortimer ask for more work to be done on his Amulet, and raises no objections to the requests.
When Eri steps forward, looking over his shoulders at his friends, before whispering his desired item into Manzorian's right ear, the Archmage nods seriously, before bidding the sorcerer join his friends as they depart.
"I should have these things ready for you in short order. Please feel free to continue your lodging at the All-Seeing Eye. If you leave town, please leave word, so we know when to expect your return."
...
The first week's stay in Magepoint unfolds uneventfully, though productively.
He’s looking for…
Forked metal rod (Create Demiplane focus) (500gp)
Forked metal rods (Plane Shift focus for: Astral Plane, Prime Material Plane, Ethereal Plane, & Elysium) (no cost is listed… 50gp each? 200gp total?)
Small reliquary (Holy Aura focus) (500gp)
Scroll of Heal (1,650gp)
Improve his mithral breastplate from +2 to +3 (5,000gp)
Tankard of the Drunken Hero (5,300gp)
Mnemonic Vestment (5,000gp or 2,500gp pending Eidi)
The metal rods are crafted locally , the Scroll of Heal is provided by Agath, your breastplate is upgraded locally, while the Small Reliquary and Tankard are both procured after a week's time.
Ascaria wants to spend a couple days with the priest, if possible, learning Obscuring Mist in place of his prior spell, Bless. It costs 300gp (paid to the trainer) and takes 2 days of training (link) to retrain the slot. The trainer has to know the spell in question (Obscuring Mist) to teach it.
Agath hears the gnome's request for training, so arranges it with one of his apprentices, a young female elf named Redelle. She trains you within a single day, though it still costs the same gold in compensation.
She remarks that the speed of learning is one of the more valuable things to be sought in Magepoint, especially for the short-lived races. She herself is in no rush, but it certainly makes room for more studies in a week.
Given time to relax and enjoy things, Solrisa will spend her time among the populace. She will speak of her adventures and the Dragon, Apsu, and how Apsu is a great deity, not trying to convert anyone, but letting others know that she admires Apsu *so* much and is *the* best.
She will eat voraciously. She will practice with sword and bow (and then eat more). And she will enjoy spending time with people and hearing what they have to say.
Magepoint makes itself amenable to the maiden's stay. Solrisa ascertains a definite class distinction between the retirees and their staffs during the day. Those at work are industrious, and have little time to stop and chat, while the older adventurers have time galore. At day's end, mutual rest and relaxation is more communal, where open grilling and outdoor dinners demonstrate a mutual respect between employed and employer.
A predominance of residents in Magepoint are some form of diplomat, or arbiter of conflict, with measured responses about different countries of Golarion, and their attempt to see the universal threads that tie them together. Certainly, there are more outspoken individuals, who speak out against crimes against humanity, but there is no argument from the others, only patience to hear them out, before returning to gentler subjects.
By this point Eidi's crafting abilities are so mature, than even in such an accelerated work it is just routine for him to complete this kind of job.
The wizened half-elf finds himself attuning to magic much more deeply in Magepoint, and, he thinks, more so within the Fortress.
Manzorian welcomes you into a private chamber, suited to crafting, with multiple storage drawers with spell components and necessary unguents to see the work done.
For your learning of Mnemonic Enhancer, the Archmage has already laid out the Scroll and the ivory statuette, at his expense, not yours. "Seems the least I could do, for your humble request of the Ring."
In your time within the Fortress, you learn more of its Nature- it's not possible to create Cursed Items, there is only the failure of creation. It is possible to work on several items at a given time, and the Fortress buffers against failure
Also, casting spells throughout Magepoint can be slowed down, in order to implement MetaMagics (i.e. Extend, Enlarge, Empower...) A spell that would be Swift, may be slowed to Standard to gain the Meta. A spell that would be Standard, must take a Full Round to gain the Meta. Full Round becomes 1 Minute, and 1 Minute becomes 10.
It's no wonder that acolytes travel from near and far to take advantage of these mysterious quirks of Magepoint.
Your beach visits, and your time around town are quite accommodating, as the locals get familiar with your presence. Your time studying is respected, as you conclude your studies of your Book. Should you be deep in reflection within the All-Seeing Eye, you occasionally look up to find your sidetable refreshed with food and drink, mostly protein and hydration, as well as a little caffeine.
The landscape of Magepoint is committed to memory, as is the selection of widely-acquired spirits at the All-Seeing Eye's Bar. With time on hand, you're able to join those in your group, should you desire it, as well as venture out into your own studies, primarily at the Temple Library, though you do know of Eidi's time spent crafting by permission of the Archmage, within the Fortress of Unknown Depths.
By week's end, each of you comes into possession of your requested items or modifications.
- - -
Ascaria gets together with the party at the end of the week. ”Well, I have the book I requested but now, like Mort before me, I need to read it. So we’ll be here at least another half dozen days while I educate myself. Then we can go and pursue this lead.”
”Oh, and I’ve chatted with Cedric at some length.” he turns to Eri, ”I think he’s tougher than he looks. He’s been around a long time, bouncing from position to position within the inner sea region. Can’t do that without being somewhat tough. And he’s some decent spells too I think to help him run away from any real danger.” he chuckles.
”So if you’ll all be patient with me a few more days, we can go.”
Eidi observes with joy the magnificence and advanced tools in the Fortress, this new great entertainment helping him finally forget about the worms-library.
The elder smiles at Manzorian when he founds the mnemonic enhancer and its focus within a table "A great detail, thank you"
Within the first week, he asks questions and tries to learn from Manzorian and his crafting and does not hesitate himself to share about his own techniques "I am impressed by how easy it is to craft in here. Is there any explanation as to why it happens to be like this?"
On the first six days he has time enough to complete Ascaria and Mortimer's works, but he will need the other two weeks to finish his own headband. On that long time, and once he finds his relation to be deeper with Manzorian he will venture to introduce a question to him "Why is the fortress said to have 'Unknown Depths'?"
"The works at the Fortress are being great. They have everything you would need for the job. And crafting and casting is so much easier in this place..." the elder seems enthusiastic finally after some days of bad mood "it really stands for its own legend. This week I could finish both Morimter's and Ascaria's commissions"
"Manzorian, I would also like a Tome of Leadership and Influence. I too have the extra gold. Would you be able to meld this Rod of Fury into my bow? "
Solrisa tests out her new bow, thanking the Archmage in person if she can.
”Oh! This is lovely! So lovely! I can’t wait to show it to...uhm...Rae? No! To Mort! I think Mort will like it very much!” Solrisa squees.
She is having a lovely time relaxing in the town and continues to smile at everything and everyone.
Next time she sees Mort, she shows off her new bow, blinking it out of her glove from thin air.
”Mort! Look! I have a new bow!! It’s the best! What should I shoot with it!?” Solrisa looks around for something evil to shoot, like a celery stalk or a mean brussel sprout bush.
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After breakfast, Mortimer heads into town to track down a replacement for his used Potion of Gaseous Form.
”Mort! Look! I have a new bow!! It’s the best! What should I shoot with it!?”
Confused, Mortimer looks at her briefly like a deer caught in the headlights.
Eri's heart. Yes, like Cupid, shoot someone's heart... I can't say that. She's likely to actually do it.Mortimer takes the bow and looks it over. "Yes, it's a very keen bow! It's better than mine, which I can barely use." He looks around for one of the two proposed targets.
"But, brussels sprouts don't grow in shrubs, they grow on stalks. Weird things. They'd probably just bend out of the way if you tried to shoot one. Look!" He pulls out his new Book. "There's a picture here..."
When Solrisa's finished looking, he snaps the Book shut and suggests, "Maybe the mages here have some sort of magical arena -- you know -- with magical moving targets we can practice on. Let's inquire."
As they head toward the concierge, he sees Cedric loitering about. "Oooh, let's see how good he is,", he whispers to Solrisa. He heads toward Cedric.
"Cedric, my good, uh -- Halfling," he says hesitantly, trying not to get hung up on the "fling" part of Halfling. "Would you happen to know if there is a magic or other arena about where we can safely engage in target practice with our bows?"
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"Ah, my lord, I'm sure there are such places here, with all the martial capability abounding in the simplest of servants."
Given that he apparently knows of nothing off the top of his head, he promises to look into it immediately. "Where can I find you when I've found a suitable spot for your practice my lord? Back on the beach perhaps?"
He'll then hunt about town for what Mort seeks.
"Where can I find you when I've found a suitable spot for your practice my lord? Back on the beach perhaps?"
Unimpressed, Mortimer raises an eyebrow failing to conceal his disdain, says nothing and watches as Cedric goes off to find information.
"... we'll probably be at the target practice site," Mortimer mutters after Cedric is well out of earshot.
He walks up to the Concierge. "Dear person, can you tell us where we can find a place to safely practice shooting our bows? Preferably, somewhere with moving -- but not live -- targets?"
Solrisa follows Mort, eager to test her bow on moving but not really alive targets.
”Yes, we would like to shoot things with arrows. Maybe you have an evil celery tree that needs killing? Or a brussel sprout sprout...?” Solrisa tries to find the right descriptor for the brussel plant, looking at Mort for confirmination. ”We just need to shoot things for a bit.” Solrisa smiles beautifully at the Concierge.
”Did you want to see my bow? It’s a *VERY* nice bow, isn’t it?” Solrisa shows the bow to the Concierge, eager to show it off. ”I think it will shoot very far and very strong!”