Beyond the Eyes of the Iron Gods: An Iron Gods Adventure Path (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

In the corner, Robert the prospector holds up his hands to his chest and wonders

who me?

In the hurried speech of Ritmush she heard something familiar. It also helped she spoke "teen". Carefully unraveling the speech she would look at him.

"Did you say Dupree? Can you tell me more about that? That name is familiar to me in a form."

well Bud is out a job so I guess he needs to find work somewhere.

Ritmush squints at the glow-y wizard type and then shrugs.
" Sure Glow-y lady. Wellah' spose' ahd' guessn' say tha she's somekina' sky wizard cuz tha' other sky wizard were concerned when tha' guy in hat an' long cloak mentioned that she wanted their glow-y doom orb. Did ah' mention tha doom orb? Thar' wasah' doom orb. Not sure what it did but lossa' people were concerned fer' a time. Then there was otha' stuff tah' worreh' abou'. Dunno abou' the Dupree person though, kina' sounds like ah' sandwich an whoever it is can employ some guy with enough money to have teleportin' magic so they gotta' be important somewhere." The human replies in his rambling pattern be for looking up at the new persons head and frowning
" So can ya eat tha' glowin' doughnut over your head or is it just ah' mean trick?"

Looking at the others that were with Ritmush.

"Can you give me more details. And if there was more to the name Dupree." Stella's tiny wings fluttered in anxiety. "That name is important somewhere, but it has to be the right Dupree."

Suddenly she blinked and looked at Rimush. Relaxing just slightly.

"No, you can't eat it, its a halo. It casts light in the darkness. It was something I was born with."

Felicia nods a thanks to Azariah as she returns the collar to her neck.

Since then She has been listening intently with her ears flicking to and fro and her tail swishing around as she became more interested and curious. She barely conceals a *snrk!* sound at Ritmush's doughnut comment.

Ritmush gives an empty shrug to the "glow-y lady's" question
" Was'ah a Dupree ah know tha' dunno wha' kinda dupree yer lookin' fer but ah doubt I'ma be able tah help much. " The human responds frowning at the womans glowing ornament head tilted to the side.
" So's itah' curse then? Seems pretty useless if it ain't food an it sits thar' advertisin where yar' ta anybody with ah' bolt an halfa' brain." the human comments before squinting and looking at the lady in front of him.
" Dunno why buh you seem smart, don' spose you know how an interspersin' fella like mehself might grow some scales? Doubt ya do but askin' won't hurt."

Calliope watches Ritmush explain what he remembers about the things the man Victor told them.

I believe the man we met in Fort Horizon, his name was Victor, told us the name of the woman he worked for was It'Dupree. And he mentioned something about how she ruled a city on the west coast of the eastern ring, a city called Du'Orbna. She sent this man Victor to find a special object, and it turned out we were travelling with it the whole time. But then he said he couldn't just take it with him when he left. Said something about how the object was very dangerous and could not be transported through magic. It was all very confusing at the time.

Ritmush nods in the direction of Calliope giving a big grin to the woman. " Yea' tha' souns' right. It's ah' Dupree, Thanks Cantaloupe yer' awesome. Thar' was also No-bolds ahn' sky wizards ahn' some lady withah' tail!"

Stella stared at them for a long moment. "So, was this man, Victor, working with you? Or against you? And, what, pray tell is this object?"

Stella's mind whirled. 'It' Dupree has influence here! And even runs a city?? How, if she is supposed to be trapped. This is an entirely different planet. Well,....maybe not. This could be just a different part of the world.'

"Sorry for all the questions, it is just I know of someone with the same name and was curious. When we have some more time I would like to hear of more detail about this city and this It' Dupree if we have a chance. I think I need to rest. Today has been extremely stressful for me. Corrine, shall we go find this inn?"

Inside Bing’s bells and Whistles

When Unbolath approaches the barman, Bing, and states rather emphatically that he is searching for the Technic League, he at first appears startled, but then when Unbolath mentions looking for a merchant for arcane supplies, he smiles.

Bing, talking to Unbolath

You must not be from around these parts, stranger. You’re a bit confused. Sure one of them people of the League might have what you’re looking for, but if you are looking to buy something I’d head into town and ask for someone to show you the way to the market place. It’s near Crowfeather Lake below the hill. There are plenty of merchants there who sell all kinds of trinkets and such. Or, better yet head toward the general store and ask for Inkrit, she’s a friend of mine, tell her I sent you. Oh, she’ll tell you she’s got only the usual knick knacks in her place, but if you cross her palm with a few silver coins, and she’s in a good mood, she might show you a thing or two that you can’t find in the market.

Bing then leans to the side and yells toward the back of the tavern

Here now, watch what you spill on the floor you drunkards!
When he believes that he has gotten people in the tavern to look toward the people he has yelled at, Bing quickly leans in toward Unbolath

"Indeed I am not from these parts. I am not from this world nor even this plane. Although I am a traveler, I have taken a mission to resolve a matter, and I aim to see it to its end. My purpose in asking is thus twofold. One for supplies, which you have helped me with, and the other information and notification, which is why I seek the League."

After the man utters a quiet warning to Unbolath. "It would seem counterproductive to give your organization a formal name, when you are trying to remain hidden. In any event, if you feel there is danger in associating with me, I will leave off the topic, but if these eyes and ears are listening be it known that I still seek them over a matter of great concern to them. If they wish to remain sequestered still, then they are fools and cowards."

Unbolath heads back to his group and says to no one in particular, "I require supplies that I will retrieve in the morning. I will now prepare my overnight accommodations. I will meet the group here in the morning."

If there is no immediate response, Unbolath heads out to the edge of town and sets up a camp in some sheltered area.

Edited after clarification below.

OOps, sorry I meant that spoiler to be that Unbolath hears what is said automatically, and the others will overhear on a DC 15 perception check, sorry.

OOps, sorry I meant that spoiler to be that Unbolath hears what is said automatically, and the others will overhear on a DC 15 perception check, sorry.

Ahh got it, I had wondered about that and wasn't sure, but also felt it would have been humorous in any event if he hadn't heard since he isn't the type to worry about scary rumors. I can adjust the post it looks like yet.

Unbolath intends to leave the Bells and Whistles tavern, as does Stella. Finding a place to sleep in the town of Torch is not difficult and nothing interesting will happen to anyone during the night. I am going to assume that Unbolath, Portia, and Ritmush stay together while Calliope tells them that she will go with Stella, to see if she can learn more about the town, and what is available. Felicia can show Stella and Calliope into the town proper and point out the inns where rooms can be rented, while Azariah, John, and Kleora return to their small cottages (Unless any of you have an interest in questioning the other characters alone or in secret for any reason). When I next post it will be morning. You can use the discussion thread to talk to each other as players, to speed up any “get together” you need to work through so that we can get to the something exiting right away

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Ritmush squints slightly as his ears adjust to the noise overhearing something that apparently makes the scrawny human smile. The little human turns to the "John" person who had offered him bacon and tilts his head [i] Looks like we've got a direction. Don't know how that big rock does it.[/ooc]
" Soh' we gonna' get tha' bacon now tha' evereh'ones headin their separate ways?"

Sorry for the long delay in posting, I keep ducking in and reading but I've been in the middle of stuff every time and forget to post later. Working on that starting....now.

Kleora gave Azariah a nod of appreciation and said, "I would likely not be the best leader for such an expedition, my tactics are generally negotiation and mental manipulation, anything more physical is best left to those more capable of handling the conflict involved. If we need something negotiated I'm the one for the job, if we need something killed then someone else better do it. Still, I thank you for your vote of confidence Azariah."

Kleora listened to what these new arrivals had to say, they were quite the curious group. When they talked about this place where it shouldn't be she couldn't help but wonder how to got there because it wasn't there before. She finally asked, "How long ago did you leave this Fort Horizon place? I've been living in this area for some time now and I know that there aren't, or at least weren't, any settlements in that direction. Is it someplace new?"

John turns to Ritmush, "Well, it looks like we are turning in for the night. Val will be our fist stop in the morning to see what she knows. My place is small but you are welcome to sleep on the floor there. At least it's out of the elements."

Ritmush looks up at the new woman asking questions to him. Ritmush seems to begin talking but pauses yawning large enough for his jaw to give an audible pop. "Ah... hey why'ah ya got cat ears? ah'd guess mebee a day er two ago? thar was some sky wizard jiggery goin' on so'h ah donno how fast we were goin buh when ah look over tha sidea' their bathtub the trees were all blurin'."

The odd human then looks over to John frowning "So ya' mean ta say ah' gotta wait fer bacon til tommorah' anyway? Bah whatta' rip. Ah'l be fine on mah own, just gotta fin' a good lookin tree. Dunno wha' tha attraction is ta sleepin' inah' house cept makin' when ya don't have one harder. Can't beh bettah than a good warren anyway."

Day 2, morning…

Torch, the western edges of the town

The night is clear and cold. The sounds of wildlife come and go across the desert landscape, a hoot of an owl, the howl of a strange dog in the distance perhaps, and then a bark, and another from more familiar kinds of hounds, this time comes from the town itself.

When the sun rises the hustle of the town begins as people go about moving domesticated animals from their corrals, pens, and barns during the night, to the plains near the town to graze by day. Others are tending to small fields, weeding and nurturing small yields of crops, root vegetables, beans, and other hearty plants.

As Unbolath and Portia stroll into the town, headed for the market place following the directions of one good citizen after another, they pass an old woman wearing a large wide brimmed hat with netting hanging down all along the edges, and she carries the tools of a beekeeper in her hands. Where she is headed is impossible to say.

Slowly, Azariah, Felecia, and Kleora rise and start their day as well.

Stella wakes, and watches Oscar sleeping soundly on the bed that they shared. She gets herself ready and then wakes the small woman, and when she does it begins to bother her that she really has no idea how everyone is supposed to meet up this day, or where the next part of her journey will take her, or even what to prepare for. She remembers something about a lake, and a priest who is supposed to help with getting through a flooded tunnel, but the details are a little fuzzy.

When John wakes he finds Ritmush passing the ground around the base of a large juniper tree by his home, one hand lightly tapping his chin, as he mumbles something about how it is impossible to keep going day after day without bacon.

It is the second day. I would like to assume all of the characters gather at the market, waiting to hear if the arrangement for their discounts has been taken care of.

Unbolath heads straight for the general store on the instructions of the barkeep.

Stella would stare at Oscar and rubs the bridge of her nose for a long moment. "Priest, flooded tunnel, and a lake...I really am not a morning person like my sister. I am a night owl. Do you wish to stay here Oscar?" Looking at the damage she would start casting mending to see if it could work on her even as she let her hands run over her back.

"This has to be as strange for you as it is for me. I don't even know how I am supposed to meet up with the group now that I think about it. I will have to ask around." After her casting is done she would see if it worked before hugging Oscar from behind.

"I hope I am doing the right thing. That I chose the right path..." After taking a few ragged breaths she would calm herself and hugs Oscar again before letting go. "I am glad you are with me. I couldn't do this without you."

Nor could I Oscar says as she rolls over onto her back, a slight expression of fatigue or perhaps pain crosser her face. I think I'll rest today. I don't know if your magic is making a difference, but I do feel better. I'll try to gather as much information as I can by just wandering around and keeping my ears open. But you have to promise me that you will not go anywhere too dangerous without telling me first, alright.

Stella would gently kiss her forehead. "I will, I think I am going to help them...I think. It might be dangerous to go there."

She admits with a slight concern. "With our numbers though it should be fine. Rest and recover. I'll leave the carpet bag with all the good stuff. Some coin and the like also. Thank you Corrine. Actually, what would you rather be called. Corrine or Oscar?"

Torch, western edge of town, base of John Mosbey's Elm.

Ritmush yawns blinking bleary eyed as he looks about "Why's tha' tree soh short.." The human mutters in half sleep blinking a few more times and rubbing his eyes, sitting up.
"Ah.. wha'tha.. why'd mah' branch break?" ritmush complains as he stands up and begins clearing his sleeping kit.
"Dumb tree can' even hol' meh up. Gonna go makah' new tree with blackjacks an' hooks. er somethin. Anh' wher's cantaloupe anyway? Ah' bet she foun' a good tree ta' sleep in tha' didn' break on her. " He complains before beginning to move in the direction he had been shown last night that was likely to have bacon.

Ritmush ambles out of the yard and down the street accosting various town folk for the locations of a Khonnir's and if they had any bacon.

Ritmush is looking for bacon. Then perhaps adventure, but bacon first. Having been told that this Khonnir person has bacon ritmush is going there.
Presuming he can find such a place his line of questioning would likely be

"Is this Khonnir's?"
Followed by
"Ah' man wit' ah face like this (inscrutable gesture) tol' meh you have bacon. Ah'd like to buy yer bacon, or jus' eat yer bacon noh really all tha' keen on tha' buyin' part buh people keep tellin' meh ah gotta."

Azariah rose from her bed and quickly changed in the dark. She didn't like seeing her body as it was now - she preferred to imagine what it would be one day, once she raised the funds she need for the Elixir. As it was she dealt with her body and its needs as quickly as she could, and set off to the market to see about the discount. This job would provide a good deal of the money she needed, even split eight ways, and helping a friend as well...it was no shock she was eager to start.

Slipping her holy symbol over her neck last, she picked up her bag and scythe and headed out.

John put's a hand on Ritmush's shoulder as he begins to walk away. "Hold your horses there my friend. We'll head to the market and meet the others and then walk to Khonnir's place together to see Val. You're more likely to get bacon with a friendly face with you." He then walks off with Ritmush guiding him toward the market.

The next morning Kleora rose and began preparing for her day. After taking down some notes, eating a bit of breakfast, bathing, and dressing she was running rather behind as she hurried along to the meeting place. She arrived a bit breathless as she said, "Sorry for taking so long, I got sidetracked."

With Stella –

I suppose I need to figure that out, Oscar says, as he/she lifts the covers of the bed and looks down. In my previous life, as a book, I sort of forgot how that mattered. I sort of forgot many, many things I guess. I wish I could remember more, about my life before I was a book, but I can’t.

When Stella hugs Oscar, she/he closes their eyes and smiles, enjoying the warmth and the press of Stella’s cheek against their own. When Stella moves away, at last, the warm feeling remains.

Something tells me that I should be called Corrine, or Krystal, but if you prefer Oscar I suppose that would be fine. Wait, you know what, just call me Deauxme, “Doo-Moi” I think that should be best.

Day 2, morning

Torch, the general area of the marketplace

We have a little bit of a glitch. John seems to want to stop Ritmush before he can go to Khonnir’s, while it seems Ritmush was determined to head there right away. What should we do?

The sun rises over the eastern mountains bringing the promise of a warm and dry day. There are no clouds in the sky above Torch, but a few wisps of white stream across the sky to the north east.

Unbolath finds the general store well stocked with the kinds of tools and supplies one would use in the prospecting, or perhaps mining professions, but there are some other goods that might be useful to explorers, such as lamps, lamp oil, ropes, and climbing gear.

Azariah and Kleora recognize each other as they move about the marketplace, and both mention the need to find the others who they just met the night before, and when the two compare notes they are fairly certain they remember all of the different people and what they look like.

The two are looking for

A young man who has a distinct look about him, as if he has spent a long time in the wild, and he wears strange goggles on his eyes

A tall granite colored individual who carries a great sword, and his attire includes several chains wrapped around his torso, he may or may not have been traveling with a female dressed in hunter’s garb, and the strange young man mentioned above

A young woman, who strangely enough has a halo above her head, and her halfling companion

A fellow of the town of Torch who you think was named John, he doesn’t stand out among the people of the town in any particular way, so hopefully when you see him you will recognize him

And a female who appears to have arrived in torch recently, and has a unique look, she resembles a human-cat hybrid

Well no offense meant to Jon but I can only see Ritmush responding to the action of getting told what to do in one way.

Ritmush beams up at the older man and nods offering for him to follow as he obviously knows where he is going. He picks up all his gear and readies himself, looks to john.
.
.
And then turns to the side and pelts down a side street with all the speed youth and exuberance can afford him
"I an' some sheep fer' ya ta' herd ya lon'tooth'h strin'bean!" The young man shouts as he pelts away.

@John. If you'd like to say you catch Ritmush you are welcome to, if not he'll meet up with everybody anyway. Ritmush separating from everyone just means he gets his quota of random chaos before the party starts moving.

Astounded at the turn of events John shakes his head and yells after the little thing "All ya had to do was say no! How you going to find bacon without someone to show ya the way!"

John then heads to the market to meet with the others.

"Ah can smell bacon at ah' hun'red paces! So ah'll fin' it like ah' normal per'sen!" Ritmush crows as he retreats.

Stella smiled warmly. "Alright, Deauxme it is. I will head out and go see if I can find the others. You rest yourself."

Standing Stella would check herself in her hand mirror before putting it down. Putting on the belt with rings she started strapping the pouches she did have it and filling them. Grabbing half the coins and a ring if she needed to pawn it off she would. Sliding on the hard tall boots she would look at the outfits she had and decided on her more practical robes. Didn't want to ruin the good stuff already.

Taking the small lidded basket with her sewing stuff she would put the chalk, cork stoppered vials, the odd assortment of salves she had found, the oil and twine. Of course she didn't forget her new set of dice or card game. Grabbing her thieves tools and holding those close as she thought of her sister before putting them in a pouch.

"Looks like I will need to purchase a back pack. This basket can't hold all of it. Hopefully, I will see you later today Deauxme." Strapping the rapier to her hip along with the crossbow and bolt holder. She would need more bolts also.

With that she headed out and started asking around about a tall granite like individual that wore chains and where she could find him.

Portia has a somewhat restless night sleep, as she is much more accustomed to the wilderness, rather then the confines of a four walled room. While she may prefer the outdoors, she is not a complete idiot to sleep outside in a strange land she has just come to, knowing nothing of what wildlife roams these lands she is in.

The next day, she wakes and readies herself, and calls Issabelle to her side from the rooftop she was perched upon. She heads to the market and looks over the various stalls and shops. She plays with a few baubles here and there, admiring their craftsmanship and works. In the end, she buys nothing though, saving her precious coin for more pressing matters.

She goes to the general store with Unbolath, inspecting the various wares, and trying to see what she or the others would need the most.

She then inspects her own wares, making sure what she has will be sufficient enough for the journey ahead of her. She wants to pick up a handaxe, as it could always come in handy to chop some firewood if they are out for extended period of time, but otherwise she feel prepared enough to proceed when the others are.

Unbolath steps into the general store looking for someone named Inkrit. Asking around until he finds her, he will then say "I hear you have a collection of wares for sale that are atypical. I would be interested in seeing them. Bing the barkeep has advised me regarding this matter. For the trouble of the abnormal transaction..." Unbolath places 10 silver coins into the person's hand.

"I am interested in any arcane scrolls or spellbooks you may have on hand. In addition, I require parchment, vellum, ink and the like for scribing my own scrolls. If you have any other magical wares, I would like to see look at them."

Day 2, morning

Torch, the general store

While for most of the morning Portia has been only looking through the various wares this town has to offer with a disinterested eye, her attention is drawn when Unbolath unceremoniously inquires as to the general stores supply of unusual or enchanted items. Such things are practically unheard of in Dwargleland, across the sea, and Fort Horizon could barely scratch up a potion in a time of need. When Unbolath hands the shopkeeper a few silver coins, Portia fully expects the woman to laugh off his request.

First, the woman takes the coins and looks at them with a critical eye.

Inkritt Kollisun, says

Seen these coins before, but only once. A dwarf fellow came in here, long time ago, maybe a year, had coins similar to these and wanted to trade for them. Wouldn’t tell me where he was from, or where he got them. I had to be sure of their purity, but they checked out well and good enough.

She pockets the 10 silver pieces, and then collects a few items from a back room, to Portia’s surprise, and then lays them out on the counter in front of Unbolath

She places a small, thin cloak, a small warhammer with a handle stylized in a flame pattern, and three items that Unbolath does not recognize on the counter

Inkritt Kollisun, says

I don’t get many folks in here who are, should we say, situated, well enough to even bargain for these sorts of things, but if you’ve got the money I’m willing to sell. This cloak is enchanted, used to belong to a wizard who made a living here in town a few years ago. He used to tell people that the cloak protected him from the fire of the Torch, and that might be true, but eventually he ran into too many problems owing the wrong people a lot of money and he sold it to me. I’ll let it go for fifteen hundred gold pieces. The hammer I can’t tell you much about. I’m not about to pay someone to tell me what it does, but I know it’s magical. I used to have a girl here in the shop that had a talent for detecting those kinds of auras, she wasn’t good for much more than that.

The other objects do not look like anything Unbolath has seen before.

I’ve got some of these healer’s supplies, trauma packs the prospectors call them. I buy them from the priest at the temple of Brigh. Joram and I have an arrangement where I let him look through the odd bits and pieces I buy from prospectors, and he makes these kits from some of the things he’s discovered can heal a person right up. I only have these five left, so the price is going to be high, but believe me, if you’ve got any skill at the healing arts at all, you’ll like having one of these in your kit. They can be used a few times before you run out of stuff in them. I’ll sell you one for fifteen hundred gold pieces. These last two things I won’t vouch for at all. Bought them off a junker a few weeks ago who said he was done with the town and moving on. He claimed that this gadget,

She holds up what looks like a wand that has been fastened to a small black box that has even smaller blue and green crystals embedded on its surface.

Was a magic wand that could detect the presence of artifacts, the kinds of ancient things that have power that isn’t pulled from the arcane energy realms. I don’t know how it works or even what good it’ll do ya, but you can have it for one hundred gold pieces. Last thing here is a standard filter mask. Prospectors and junkers are finding these things all of the time. You wear it on your face and it can protect you from breathing in toxic vapors and fumes, but damned if anyone I know has the brains to tell if they are still good. I guess they run on some kind of energy that is stored in them, and I’m sure as hell not going to try to test it to see if it works and find out it doesn’t. I hear tell some wizards know how to figure these things out, people like Khonnir Bane, but he isn’t around. Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t. I can let it go for ten gold pieces, but if you get sick wearing it, don’t bring it back to me for a refund.

It is just about then When John Mosby meets Azariah, and Kleora on the street near the general store. As they great each other, Stella, the stranger with the halo comes toward them from the east, and recognizes them. She hopes that they can direct her to the marketplace where she can buy the things she needs.

Meanwhile…

Day 2, morning

Torch, the foundry tavern

Ritmush follows an unmistakable smell to an outdoor grill behind a small wooden building on the street east of the general store. A young human girl dressed in work clothing and a clean apron is tending the grill where she is currently cooking up a large batch of Bacon.

"Your wares are of some interest. I have some arcane skill myself and if you would like I can attempt to identify your hammer in exchange for a reduction in price should I wish to purchase another item. Hammers are not the weapon of choice for me, but I am willing to help you."

Unbolath would use his arcane bond to cast identify after using detect magic on the hammer and cloak to learn the basics and then use the identify to get at the juicy information on the items.

"I am willing to buy your mask, and perhaps other items once I am satisfied with their function."

As Azariah wandered the market, she glanced at the various stalls and vendors, but her supplies were pretty full. She could make water and had enough food for quite some time, even if she shared. Asshe spotted one of there fellows and waved to them eagerly.

Anyone who isn't up to much, feel free to reply.

Kleora reached the marketplace and saw Azariah and then John. She walked up to Azariah and said, "Morning, I think that's John over there, should we go say hello?"

Stella would wave to John, Azariah and Kleora recognizing them. Hurrying up to them being mindful of where she was stepping she smiled warmly.

"Good morning everyone. I was wondering where we were going to meet up at morning shopping and also where could I go to grab some more bolts from my crossbow and a backpack. I can't very well use a sewing basket as a means to hold everything."

Kleora stopped for a moment as she saw Stella, she hadn't realized before just how beautiful the woman was and was nearly entranced by her. She blushed as she took a deep breath to collect herself and then replied, "Morning, Stella wasn't it? I'm afraid I was a bit more inebriated than I thought last night. I'm glad you could make it. As for your needs yes, I can help you with that. There's a general store over that way," she pointed along one edge of the shopping area, "that has most of what we'll need for this journey. I can't recall whether they have bolts or not but they can certainly direct us to the right place for them."

Stella did a half curtsy, "Indeed my name is Stella. Thank you very much for your help. Being a stranger in town does leave me at a disadvantage. I am glad you are feeling well this morning." Looking the way she was pointing she went onto her tip toes trying to see over the people and nods.

"It will certainly help to visit. He is sure to have backpacks." Noting the blush she wondered what it was for.

Ritmush approaches the young woman, and after a struggle overcoming a bit of a language barrier, he manages to get a few pieces of bacon

for free!

from Val, when she finally comes to understand that he is about to begin searching fro he missing adopted father.

When Val asks a few innocent questions about Ritmush's goggles, and slowly begins to understand that a person using them can see special technological "things," she asks the boy if he would be willing to look at some things that Khonnir had recently been working on in the workshop, specifically a strange looking apparatus that resembles some sort of adjustable sewing mannequin, and a small, somewhat intact, power storing cube.

Meanwhile...

Kleora shows Stella to the general store. Azariah and John follow, and the four meet Unbolath and Portia as Unbolath is examining some unique equiipment

Kleora walked next to Stella and pointed out various shops along the way as they all went towards the general store. She recognized Unbolath and Portia when they entered and nodded to them as she said to Stella, "So, what kind of gear do you need here? Obviously the backpack and bolts, was there anything else?"

Hefting her pack, Azariah said, "Well, I can cast Light so I didn't get a torch and I can see pretty well anyway, and I've got my scythe and holy symbol, and I've got some bedding and some chalk and some charcoal. And...let's see...about 20 meals worth in rations, honey, chocolate and flour, with some seasonings. So...rope? How much rope can you get for...", Azariah paused, and looked in her purse. "Eight silver?"

Unbolath nods to himself after identifying the items, but as Inkrit is not interested in bargaining, he keeps the information to himself.

"Shopkeep, the cloak is of some minor interest to me, however, your price is unfortunately beyond my means, so in your inventory it must remain unless we can agree on twelve hundred gold. I will purchase the wand however for your price and, as mentioned, the mask."

Unbolath notes his new companions as they enter the shop and greets them with a slight nod and a grunt, which for Unbolath is exceedingly polite.

"I'll wait while you ladies buy what you need I think I'm ready to go and then I'll lead us all to Khonnir's place."

Stella smiles at Kleora and Azariah. "Oh, that does remind me thank you Azariah. I will need rations and a bedroll should I need it. Though I can just use my blankets if I go get those."

Over hearing him talk about a wand she would crane her neck slightly to look at it curiously. The amount of money he was dropping was quite a bit. She didn't have that much.

She was curious about the cloak he had a minor interest in. Who was she kidding. She loved anything new and if it looked remotely fashionable.

"So yes, I would need those things and anything you would recommend."

Ritmush, who had been unable to tear his eyes away from the bacon to actually vocalize his desire for bacon on seeing the absolutely... mouth watering display of pig based majesty in front of him grins at the young girl.
"Than's yer'deh bes' mrfgrefblefl m'a dis dah bes'ah evahhad mmm tan's bacon prin'ess yer coot. spec'leh wh'n tha'ir bfton imffolved" Ritmush states his unintelligible speech becoming slightly more so with the introduction of bacon to his craw. The pig flesh rapidly vanishing before ritmush licks his hand and face free of any escaped lard droplets.
"Ah! tha's hit tha' spoh. Hrmm.." Ritmush seems to concentrate on something before nodding.
"Here, ya'h can call it ah' thanks." The scruffy human states as he mutters under his breath and brings a memory to mind.

It is the first few days of winter, the last part of the year Ritmush had before he had to go hunting for a good cave to hole up in for the colder season. To keep nesting in and under the trees was asking the wind to suck the heat from his very bones. Winter was unforgiving, even to one as great as he is.
He stuck his head out of his current tree home to see frost crawling along the branches and keeping the leaves in brittle rigidity as a light wind blew over them. His tree slightly higher than the others he yawned as the orange and red canopy below him swayed gently, a few deer drinking from the nearby lake and the red rays of the dawning sun covered the land. Everything painted in shades of red, gold and white as Ritmush exhales a small cloud of frost smiling at the mornings greeting.
With an exertion of will on his part Ritmush grins fondly as he opens his eyes and sees the wall of a nearby house had been subsumed into the same brittle winter beauty straight out of his mind.
Ritmush casts Silent Image
He grins at the girl in front of him and concentrates lightly to keep the image from wavering.
Ah' spose i'll stick around for ah' few minutes ta' let 'er have a chance to looh at this before I keep movin'

Kleora began looking around and said, "The backpacks are this way, and the bedrolls over there." When Stella mentioned just using her blankets Kleora replied, "That could work if you wanted to save some money, I'd be willing to share my bedroll with you if you needed." Her face blushed once again as she said that and pushed on, "Rations are over on the other side of the store. As for rope...it's here near the backpacks. I don't have a lot of cash just now but I can pitch in some to help with the purchases."