As you all sit at the breakfast table, you see Gueneph emerge from the kitchen. She is talking to a large woman with sandy blond hair wearing an apron. As she looks around the common room and sees your group sitting there, she turns back into the kitchen door. She returns a few minutes later carrying something nonchalantly at her side as she approaches the group. ”Good morning darlings, how did everyone sleep last night? I hope breakfast was good.” She looks eagerly around the table for replies, while at the same time placing the bundle casually next to Alika’s plate. Her motions was so natural that she may have just been rearranging things on the table. She winks slyly at Alika and excuses herself to tend to her kitchen staff. She then again disappears behind the kitchen door.
With a smile Matt replies; "The beds divine, madame, the food excellent. A finer establishment or noble's villa, has not been my pleasure to frquent in a long year." He bows his head, looking through his thick honey eye-lashes to the proprietess and her heavier-set honeyed friend.
Alika inhales softly, following the elder woman's exit with her azure eyes. A formidable opponent, that one Alika hums with approval and chuckles softly, smile broadening on her face.
"Divine indeed," Alika almost sings. As casually as she might, she reaches over and opens the bundle, and peers at the contents.
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As you examine it, the bundle itself is a finely made leather sack containing what appears to be coins. Underneath the bag is a simple sheet of parchment folded in half. As you open it it reads:
Please purchase the following items and return them to Gueneph at the Standing Ogre.
4 Waterproof Sacks
8 Glass Bottles
8 Iron Vials
2 Vials of Nushadir and 2 Packages of Wolfsbane from the Blue Pick in Admiral's Fen
1 Pot of Grease from the Ram's Bazaar in Old town
3 Wooden Rods from Stocher's Bowery in Abby Green
They are being held under the name Grenzlen.RR
Alika's fingertips glide down the list, then she passes it along to the nearest party member.
"If time were of the essence, and this missive makes no mention of a time limit, I would suggest that we split our party to obtain the more common items, but I believe that this... paltry task is meant to be a test of our unity and ability to function as a unit," Alika surmises. "Do any wish to object to the proposed course of action? I am open to any and all suggestions."
Mangur nods in agreement with Alika's assessment. "The first items will be easy to procure. Any apothecary will carry such bottles and vials, and maybe also the waterproof bags. The other items will help us get use to this new city and be able to find our way around."
Looking over the shopping list, Matt adds "I agree with Alika's initial point, that this is a unifiying task and normally we should spilt up. However we must also take into account that this could also be a code or be masking the purchase of an individual item. Or that the combination could be used to make something alchemical?"
He pauses pondering the course of action. "We should stay together, being alert for potential problems. But we should also keep a slight distance; for a shop-keep would find it strange if 5 individuals were purchasing items?"
A slight grimace crosses Matt's face. "I would suggest that Tristen, either houses his magnificent bird here or keeps it aloft whilst some purchses are performed. For in our tasks I don't believe we wish to be too recognisable." 'unless our master wants us to be known to certain of his agents? These 'shop-keeps'!'
{b]"Gawains' horse well depending upon the number of such beasts on the streets. Although it would give one of us reason, to be with him, as stable-lad. And I know where we can get another horse for cheap, yes it's legal."[/b] Matt says with a forstalling wave of his hand.
"Do we believe this will be enough to make the purchases without undue bargaining?" Matt asks wracking his mind for prices and currency conversion.
He adds "To me this seems a bit steep, even crafted dowels cannot add to much to the total. There may be more to this than a shopping trip, obviously." 'Yes like that needed to be said, you idiot.'
Gawain arrives late at the STanding Ogre Inn, greets his new companions, who he is surprised to see are the same as who accompanied him on the boat and then goes to sleep, content with the knowledge that Brecker is safe and that his gear has been taken care of, although he keeps his armor and weapons close at hand while he sleeps.
When he wakes, he joins the others at breakfast, but immediatly senses the tension between the young Tristen and the lady Alika and when the two decide to end the sparring match of words and idle threats he makes a point of seating himself between the two, grabbing some food and downing it hungrily. Afterwards he puruses the shopping list with a curious eye for a while then sighs and looks to his companion, most of which are already engaged in food, conversation or some other activity.
He rubs at his crystal blue eyes with two thick fingers and sighs then turns to (whoever responds) and asks "Where do you suppose is the marketplace? The note states that some of the items are found in only certain shops, while the others would seem to be purchaseable perhaps from an Apothecary, although those certain items are not in my scope of expertise or knowledge. What all could these things be used for?"
Gawain: I assume you would have checked on your horse last night. You were also given a key to the stables, where you found him fed, brushed, and his shoes cleaned.
"I am no Alchemyst, but most items bar the 'Nushadir' & wolfbane are inert. I think it seems that this is not neccessarily just a shopping trip, excepting the items with no clear destination. Especially since who is 'Grenzlen'?" Matt states, I think once we have finished our food we should find out.
As a small aside to Gawain, Matt leans over talking quietly but not trying to keep to much of a secret from the others; 'Yes there seems to be tensions amongst most of the rest. I have made my peace with Lady Alika, hopefully she has with me too. By the way did you get my note, telling you where to find the house?'
Wolfsbane: The root of this tall plant with blue flowers is toxic, but herbalists use it in low doses to reduce pain and regulate the heart. Folklore says it can help a victim of lycanthropy throw off the curse.
Matt cuts a slice of apple popping it in his mouth; "Shall we go to the general market area, to get the sacks, bottles and vials. We can find out where the specified shops are from there? There should be a general market area along the main road or located off a main highway from the docks."
Matt is uncharacteristically silent for a moment. "Wolfsbane, or hemlock or foxgloves produce a liquid that can ease pain or the heart-beat. Of course in high doses it is a poison, but are all medicines! And as the name suggests according to superstition." Matt raises his arched eyebrows; "it could be used to cure lycanthropy."
"Nushadir, is an alkali salt. That like quick-lime is an irritant to the skin, not sure if it can be burned though. It can neutralise acidic solutions, though not if it has been applied to the skin." Matt shivers at the thought of somebody throwing acid! at his face.
Matt finishes a segment of apple and pockets another one. "So we have a task Gentlemen, Lady; shall we be about it? We have a list and coinage so to the Market?" Matt stands up, stretches slightly. "I'll grab a sack from my room."
A couple of minutes later and Mtt is back downstairs carrying a sack and with his short-bow slung over a shoulder ('just in case')
"Agreed! Lets us be off and gather these items before too much more of the morning wears on."
Matt gets up and walks to the door of the Inn, he waits in the doorway a second his eyes adjusting to the morning sun-light. Then he sets off for the main road, which should lead to the market place.
Tristen shrugs going along with everyone seeing no harm in gathering up a few supplies.
Matt walks down the city streets, he blows on his hands to keep them warm.
Mangur will attempt to figure out where the best place to get the items would be, but he also talks to some of the locals as they walk, getting a better idea where to get the bags, bottles and vials.
Alika slips both the list and the bag of coin into her belt pouch, unless anyone objects to her doing so.
"None of these items, in and of themselves are of any note to arouse suspicions should anyone seek to examine the list," Alika reasons. "I would distribute the coin equally among us, but it would appear decidedly odd for me to have to call upon another for my coin. And I am comfortable wagering any amount of coin on the observation that not a one of you wishes to play at being my manservan," she jests lightly and smiles brilliantly.
Alika chuckles softly. "No, I believe the days when I commanded a personal secretary are quite over," she hums.
"Of course, it would be rather strange to split the coin. And there is no reason to distrust anyone, after all it is only money!" Matt replies to Alika his customary smile sitting lightly across his features. "Although, playing a personal servant, for a beautiful lady..." he winks, hoping that Alika gets the jest in the good-nature it is intended.
Watching Mangur walk about ahead of them gathering information on where the items are available, Matt looks dilligently about the morning bustle trying to pick out stalls and on the look-out for cut-purses.
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The early spring morning is brisk but warming quickly. As you move through the Abby Green district, you see it's a lively, colorful area with lots of small shops and eateries. As you watch the movement of people going about their business, you can tell that although there are some obvious tourists here, this area seems to be favored by the locals.
"So what says everyone, we stay round the north side for a bit, grab the jars and wooden dowels from the bowery, before moving into the beauty of Old Cassomir for the grease. The go south for the reagents?" Matt asks as they move around the town, trying to get his blood flowing and warmth circulating.
"We should be able to pick up the metal vials in Ram's Bazaar. Save us a trip when we also get the pot of grease at the same place."
"Great, did you find anything else about the place? Is the proprietor Mr. Ram? Or do they have a giant sheeps' head?" Matt asks irrevalently as they walk down the street hopefully towards Stocher's Bowery.
Stocher's Bowery is located only a few blocks from the Standing Ogre. From the outside it appears to be a traditional two story building. As you get closer you see that almost every exposed wooden surface of the structure has been intricately engraved. This covers every beam, border, window frame, and even the door itself. Most of the carvings are the image of animals and a distinctly woodsy pattern of leaves and vines. You can see several detailed wooden reliefs hanging in the window accompanied by a dozen bows.
Tristen eyes light up at the sight of the bows, the craftsmanship showing off the skill of the maker.
Appraise
"I like the look of this place reminds me of....home...." He says slightly wistful.
Tristen: You can easily tell these are expertly built bows. Several of them also have intricate designs carved into them.
Matt walks forwards, his eyes slide appreciatively over the carved joists. Golden hair glinting into the morning sun, he stops before the counter-top looking for the server; with a small clearing of his throat Matt starts talking Hello, this is a beautiful establishment you have here. We are her to pick up a package, otherwise I am sure we could spend all day (and our purses) in your beautiful shop."
Alika moves through the shop slowly, studying the craftsmanship of the bows, placing a finger upon one and another's intricate designs. When she sees Matt step to the counter, she moves in behind him, smile brilliant.
"I am curious; Is all your stock crafted on site, or are you open to trade?"
The inside is small and feels crowed by hundreds of small wooden carvings hanging from the ceiling and sitting on every shelf and counter in the store. Most of them are very realistic looking animals, a few carved life size look as thou they could scamper away at any moment. Behind the front counter you see an Elven man sitting on a tall stool. He appears to be working on a half carved rabbit, the delicate features of the creature seeming to stretch out of the yet uncarved part of the wood.
He smiles to you as you approach the counter. ”Good day to you, how may I help?”
He replies to Matt "Package, what package?" and then to Alika "Oh, it's all my own. Never really had an interest in selling other people's work."
"If I may?" Alika says to Matt. "You are holding a package under the name Grenzlen. Ostensively, we have come to collect, but I must say that I am quite impressed by your work. I believe that my companion is as well. If you've the time, Master, might we tour your workshop?"
Matt replies, "This is really amazing, the deftness of touch. Sir, you are a master, you must get plenty of commissions."
Matt moves slightly to one side as Alika approaches, he runs his hand gently over the counter. 'This is truly what it means to be an artisan, I wish I had the ability and tempriment to do something like this. But one careless fire and...'
"Oh, Grenzlen. Of course."
He dissapears into the back of the shop for a minute. When he returns he sets on the counter a bundle of three cylindrical objects wrapped in soft suede leather. The underlying rods appear to be 18 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.
As you pickup the wrapped object, you notice how light it is. You expected a piece of wood this size to way twice as much as it does. As you begin to unwrap it you see the dark brown, almost black color of the wood. Yet, what strikes you is the intricate carvings. The entire surface of the rod is covered in a pattern of vines and leaves with the figures of woodland creatures frolicking within them. This is very similar to the designs on the outside of the building but much more delicate. On each end of the rod is a series of large, oddly angled notches. As he notices you examine the notches he comments ”Those are exactly the specifications I was given, I hope they are acceptable.”
”The arangement was half up front and half on delivery. That will be 45 Sails.”
While wating outside, Mangur will engage some of the locals in idle chit-chat, getting some general info about this place and the people in it.
"Of course," Alika says, and removes the purse they were given from that on her belt. She places the coin in nine equal stacks on the counter, so as not to give the impression that she is attempting to cheat the man.
"I am called Alika. Please, if there is a more agreeable term to see your shop and witness your craftsmanship, I would very much like to. I have yet to place my fingers on the pulse of Cassomir's trade, but I am quite experienced in negotiating with interests abroad," Alika offers with a smile.
"Thank you, this is a most agreeable piece and the craftsmanship exquisite." Matt says carefully rewrapping the bundle after their inspection making sure that it is completely covered. Then he places it inside his sack. He watches the elf's expression as Alika lays out the coins on the counter. 'She is very good at that, nice way to ensure trust.'
'Interesting, I wonder if there are more shops of this quality in town? If so how many? I know it is a trade capital, but...?' "Yes a tour of your establishment would be wonderful?" Mathrael says a bit too eagerly. 'Yeah, better shut up, the lady is better than me.'
"It's nice to meet you, I am Ellan Stocher. I would be glad to give you a tour, but I'm afraid their isn't much else to see. The back is just my store room, almost all my work is out here. As for external trade, I can barely keep up with the orders I have locally. I have almost run out of time to work on general stock because I've been so busy with custom orders. This rabbit, for example," he picks up the piece he was working on as you came in, "is part of a set for a nobleman as a gift for his daughter's wedding. I still have two squirrels and a raccoon to finish by the end of next week." He shrugs as he puts down the half carved rabbit.
He takes the coins and puts them into a small chest below his workbench.
Tristen walks about the shop looking at every bow noticing the delicate deisigns. He glances back at his own bow made from the bough of an ash tree. It was serviceable but nothing like these ones.
"These are truly well made Master fletcher, someday I hope to be able to own such a well made bow." he says complimenting the shopkeeper once he is done.
Matt looks kindly as the youngster speaks. "Yes, they are trully a delight; but I would rather have your skill by my side than a bow, sir." Matt claps him gently on the back. "Who knows though soon we might be able to find you such a fine piece."
Matt moves to the doorway to leave waiting for the others, looking up at the pale sky. 'With a bit of luck the weather should hold today and we have no rain.'
"Thank you, Mr Stocher. Hopefully we will meet again." Matt says with a flourish as he turns and leaves the shop.
Once outside he looks to the others; "So shall we go to 'Rams Bazaar', it is in the Old Town, so it should be near here and as Mangus says we should be able to pick up another couple of items." Matt asks cordially. 'I wonder what type of bazaar it is? A curiousity shop, or a small market? Should be interesting.'
Mangur nods and follows the others to the market, still keeping an eye on the flow of traffic and an ear open to the general hum of the city.
Before you rises the walls of the old city and it’s imposing gate. The gate itself is well guarded and all of the carts and travelers are scrutinized, but not stopped, as they enter. A pair of guards stare at you as you move under the parapet, but make no move to impede you.
When you enter the gates you find yourself directly behind a large citadel. It’s thick walls rising imposingly before you. The road curves west around the massive structure and also opens toward the north.
You find that Old Cassomir has clean, well cobbled streets and many parks and areas of green. The houses are well built and many lavishly decorated. You see many noble crests and banners adorning the different buildings and houses. As you turn to the north west, following the general flow of traffic, you eventually come upon a square containing what could only be Pharasma’s Pulpit. A 30 foot high platform built of wood, rope, and mortar, rises above the square. The gallows upon it look well used and well maintained. There are groups of people milling about and vendors with their carts selling wares around the perimeter of the square, but you can see it could hold a great deal more people.
A few blocks south of the Pulpit you find Ram’s Bazaar. The storefront is only notable by the large sign depicting a Ram’s head smashing through a pile of, what appear to be, glass beakers. The scent of it is, on the other hand, unmistakable yet also unrecognizable. You can smell from the outside that someone is brewing all manner of noxious concoctions but you can’t identify any specific odors. You can only imagine that the owner gets a number of complaints from their neighbors.
Matt looks towards Pharasma’s Pulpit the distaste plain on his face, the stench of death surrounded by the resplendant houses makes Matt look closely at the area.
The group moves on towards the store; "Who wants to enter, it seems we do not all need to. if you wish I van stay outside?" he questions his voice steady and level.