Muli approaches Ragnar, as the Northman tends his wounds, and holds out a small stoppered pouch. The iridescence of the container catches in the firelight, as seems composed of sown together cured salmon skins. "Here. This will help. Muli made you a double. Try to drink it all in one go...best to do that before the taste sets in."
Ragnar takes the offered salmon skin, looking askew at it a moment before shrugging and draining the flask in a single draw. Grimacing as it settles in his stomach like lead Ragnar groans, but cannot deny it's soothing effects on his wounds. He gives Muli a brotherly thump on the shoulder and nod before handing the flask back.
Nadia wakes up and gets her gear together. She walks over next to Muli. Morning Friend.
Muli slowly opens an eye and is slightly surprised to see Nadia standing above him. "Morning.." he responds, a little unsure of himself, and staying under his furs for the moment.
Having made her pallet several yards from the fire, Disa with full light of day. Packing up her bedding, she sits and studies from her spellbook. Once she has readied her spells for the day, she is ready to head out.
Luke makes his way to the others as they begin to stir. He looks to the heavens to predict the weather for the upcoming travel.
Taking 20 Survival: 29 Total
Toilday 16th Lamashan (Later Autumn)
A kald morn on the tundra...
You predict the weather for the next two days will be bitterly cold, but clear... Tonight is a full moon...
As a group you awake and begin making your preparations... The caravan’s drovers feed the animals and check over tack and the groups wagons. The dwoerg guards are all hunkered beside the supply wagon, grabbing sleep or sharpening weapons. They watch your group with measured eyes, all seem capable and well versed in their work.
Those of you that cast your gaze wider sees the Nomen mercenaries have already broken camp and range on the outskirts of the camp, checking for tracks and any signs of unwelcome visitors or foes.
Ædensor stands conversing with Byrr and Aulden, before noticing you all and bekoning you over towards a where a large chest sits beside the wagon containing Highmettle wares; iron bound barrels, racks of bottles and an array of ironmongery...
”Morning min friends... Please come o’er and grab a horn o’ mead and a bowl o’ porridge iffen ye’ve a mind to... Then allow me tae show off me wares... both beverages and items produced by me own blessed hands... Highmettle... high quality...”
As those of you interested approach the weathered dwoerg nods to Byrr who produces a key and unlocks the large chest...
”Our odds an ends chest... Some folks prefer trade tae coin... The chest holds some items o’ worth and unusual quality available tae any who wish to purchase our wares...”
Ædensor winks with a gruff laugh and bids Byrr belay opening the chest before business is underway.
Aulden jerks his head again towards the array of filled mead horns
”Boss likes his customers tae partake as they negotiate... Waste o’ good medu if ye ask me...”
The lead drover spits chew on the frosty ground to emphasise his last words...
Luke nods to the Nomen, and he begins to also circle the outskirts of the group as well. After he makes a round, he returtns to the chest and the others.
Clear and cold for the next two days, but be wary, we have a full moon tonight.
Disa stands patiently awaiting the commencement of business as she eats her porridge and sips her medu.
At Falgren's words, she remarks, "Ah! The eádhréðig mona will be about tonight. Best we bispell against them so as not to be found in their path while they hunt."
eádhréðig mona = moon blessed
Ragnar stretches come morn and idly watches as the dweorg gets to the lay of his wares... but does not take a horn.
I have a little gold, and if ye have something I like, I'll gladly do trade. Skolrykk says, accepting a bowl of porridge.
Ædensor grins, beckoning you all closer first to the array of metal items, then the kegs and bottles of beverages;
He opens one of two identical leather bags, pulling forth a handful of gleaming caltrops stylised as dragon claws;
"Being chased by Jotunn? Scatter a bag of these wee beauties behind ye, and they’ll have corned beef fer feet before ye can say Righteous Tongs O’ Torag! Yours fer 50 gold per bag...”
The merchant then runs his calloused hands over several ornate flasks, each metal set with exquisite workmanship;
"A mere 10 gold marcs will land ye one o' these tough little flasks... They'll keep all yer potions, lotions and liquors safe and sound from every fall, bite an’ enchantment that adventuring life can throw at yer! Har!"
He next picks up a shining mirror, its glass framed by interlocking warhammers and spears. He nods towards Disa and Nadia with a sincere smile;
"Lovely ain’t it? Hel’s Teeth! Even a Grimlock would gaze at itself in a mirror as fine as this... and fer 100 gold its a steal!”
Moving on the merchant draws your attention to two matching drinking horns with platinum inlay work;
"Got my own personal mark on em, need I say more? 40 marcs each, 60 for the pair..."
before tapping a set of six platinum goblets inlayed with bloodstones with an appreciative whistle;
"Personal favourites o' mine. Platinum these are - makes everything taste better har! Flawless set o’ cups... an perfect tae celebrate that bond forged in high adventure… 50 gold each or 200 fer the set to you brave souls!”
All the items are perfectly forged and balanced, treat as Masterwork Tools/Items
Ædensor then beckons over Byrr as he gestures towards an array of kegs, bottles, ales and spirits...
"All these ales, spirits and tipples are top quality. It’s what we Highmettlers do see… make quality cups and the quality drink tae go in ‘em. Match made in the heavens I says!"
"I’d recommend a bottle o’ Daggermark Black Wyvern fer the gentlefolk among ye, (although watch out fer its sting eh?) and Anvil Ale an’ a shot o’ Forgefather’s fer the brave. For pure quality fit for Torag’s own stein, then me own Highmettle Mithril can’t be beat. Class in a glass. Gold in a goblet. A true drink o’ the gods that our warriors swear heals the body an’ soul!"
1 x Gallon Barrel of Torag’s Gold [a Fine Dwarven Mead] - 15gp each.
2 x Gallon Barrels of Highmettle’s Finest [a Superior wheat beer] - 10 gp each.
2 x Gallon Barrels of Anvil Ale [a strong ale] 5gp each.
1 x Gallon Barrel of Forgefather’s Hammer [a very strong spirit] 20gp.
The traditional way of drinking Anvil Ale and Forgefather’s Hammer is to first drain a flagon of the ale, followed by a cup of neat spirit – the hammer “striking” the anvil.
2 x kegs (1/2 Gallon Barrels) of Berserkr Brew [strong Linnormer mead] 5gp each.
12 x bottles of Maheto Malt [smooth Taldorian beer] 1gp each.
12 x bottles of Gypsy’s Kiss [a fine Varisian black-red wine] 12gp each.
3 x bottles of Wyvern's Sting [a potent wine from the River Kingdoms] 18gp per bottle.
6 x bottles of The Scarlet Stirge [a strong Korvosan sherry] 20gp each.
6 x bottles of Highmettle Mithril [a fine dwarven liqueur infused with holy water... has "special properties" = 40gp per bottle.
Will actually heal 1hp of damage and reduce fatigue effects by one level].
"Course if ye purchase any of me wares yer also more than welcome tae look o'er the contents of the "Trade Box"
The wily old dwoerg licks his lips and awaits any negotiations ffrom interested parties...
Muli picks up on of the flasks.
"Muli can see the value of these. Glass is much to brittle in our climes. It is why Muli uses cured skins. But if this can hold up to its contents icing, Muli will take one. And what exactly is the 'Trade Box'?"
Ragnar looks over the wares with a neutral expression before shrugging and moving away to give Liten Mun a scratch. Nothing of interest to the berzerk.
I travel light, so no room for drink save water...Aye, what is in the trade box?
Disa regards the wares. "The Highmettle Mithril intrigues me but, he is right, glass is too fragile. I would buy what bottles my companions leave if you house them in those flasks. I will pay you 45 marcs for each."
Nadia looks at the items presented. I must travel light as well. Thank you for the offer.
Kevkul breathes out mistily at the assortment of drink arrayed before him. Jingling his pouch of coins he peruses the many bottles of drink bought far and wide to the frozen north.
Mind addled at the joy of future intoxication, Kevkul strokes his hand on the bottles of brews of far off places.
Tempting it may to relieve you of your wares there and then but the marc is off the mark. I would see you later on your journey and until then may these bottles sustain me. A robust flask would go handily with it all.
Ædensor grins widely as the deals are struck;
”God doing business with ye all. You’ll not be disappointed with a drop o’ the liquor nor the grain o’ the steel”
He accepts your coin and has two of the dweorg guardsmen hand over the wares as requested. The grizzled merchant then gestures to Byrr to open a heavy strongbox;
”Odds and sods mostly... items I traded fer, or took in barter... yeare’all welcomme to cast an eye over...”
The box contains the following;
2 small vials of cloudy liquid...
“Got this from a witch back in Brevoy – donno what kind’o magic it is but it smells o’ cat piss! Yours for 100 gold coin each”
2 x Potions of Cat’s Grace
1 Scroll inscribed upon the cured bark of Iobarian Blod Pine
”Traded this from a Elven Priestess we came travelled with fer a while intae Iobaria. Fine lass, bought me only bottle o’ Kyonin Greengold... 50 marcs for her holy writings”
Divine Spell Scroll; Dancing Lantern & Sun Metal (CL:3)
A fine quality leather backpack
”Auroch leather... masterwork backpack... got it from a hunter... Cleaned up pretty enough tho. 55 marcs and its yours...”
2 more vials, this time of a shining honey coloured liquid
”Nabbed these from the bottom o’ an Ogre’s trophy sack – were stuffed into the eyes o’ a poor wee bastard o’ a gnome... also in the sack. Nae idea what they are... fair or foul. 200 apiece or 300 gold for the pair is a fair gambit nei?”
A sword and a half that has a faint glow when drawn
”Bastard sword... Magical but barely... auld design... Swige, our quiet drover actually found in going through the pass – Keen eyes that one, pulled it fae a mire... Out here its worth but 1000 tae me in coin or trade...”
+1 Bastard Sword :)
You detect that the Haversack is also magical, although Ædensor seems unaware of its true nature
”Well my heroes... any takers?”
I am récee in the sword, but that is an gestreónful price, no?
Peering intently at the two vials of cloudy liquid, she first frowns in consternation and then sagaciously nods. "These would be handy for any adventurer. More than a fair price, master dweorg."
Reading the scroll, Disa declares, "Ah, Prasnaglava, this first spell may be of interest to you. The second may one day be of interest to our inimitable warden."
Handling the backpack, she states, "You have a keen eye for the quality of the stitching and material of this pack. It is quite a wondrous item."
Picking up the sword, she shares her thoughts with all, "Faint is the magic, true, however; magic there is and it would be a fine weapon in the hand of one who can use it."
Ragnar humors the dweorg, but has no interest in the additional items.
Muli sniffs at the bottles that smell of urine. "Muli can brew something similar...this doesn't have enough cat in it...."
Muli scoffs at the small knapsack and instead squats down and crawls into his Joten pack to look for any trade items. He reemerges with a charred copy of what appears to be a prayer book in the Dweorg tongue. He holds it up and calls to Kevkul, "Ale Brother, come look at this. I found it among Quern's effects. Would it have value to you or these fellow Dwoerg?"
The snippets of prayers and odes are mainly to Torag, however they also touch upon incantations regarding protection and artifice.
There are notes about the work done in the region's deep past by Master Artificers and Sappers of the Dweorgs.
What they constructed or its significance is not apparent through quick reading...
Kevkul nods at Muli's offer and peruses the prayerbook and then closes it before knotting his brows in thought.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nadia cast detect magic and concentrates on the backpack.
I would be interested in the backpack.
Nadia pulls out the 55 marcs and chooses not to barter due to the incredible deal she is receiving.
Muli dips a dirty finger into one of the amber flask and dabs it on his tongue. "Stored in gnome eye sockets you say...good way to store a potion...Muli should try that...not with poor gnomen mind you...but you probably still don't have the head do you?...ah well, probably for the best."
Muli dips a dirty finger into one of the amber flask and dabs it on his tongue. "Stored in gnome eye sockets you say...good way to store a potion...Muli should try that...not with poor gnomen mind you...but you probably still don't have the head do you?...ah well, probably for the best."
d20 + 10
These are potions of Restoration...
There is mention of both the construction of an "impervious watch keep" that "would forever overlook the realm of Berghof". Writings suggest it has more than one arcane quality...
Ædensor nods at Nadia's vouching for the backpack;
"Heh. Godd doing business with ye lassie... glad to see ye wouldn't begrudge an auld dweorg his retirement coin har!"
Byrr allows her to claim the pack once the coin is paid.
Highmettle turns once again to the group, noting Luke's interest in the blade;
"Well lad? Ye thinkin' o' buying the blade or just admiring it!"
A 1000 Marks is very steep a'price. Can ya' come down at all?
Holding the potions out to the group. "These'l take the numb off a wight's touch or a furred snake's bite, or even drinking cyclops urine...or so Muli has been told. Muli'll be taking one, but it would be good to take Byrr up on his reduced offer."
Nadia walks over to Luke. Wow. That is a very nice blade. She smiles sweetly as she speaks to the merchant. Surely you can give a better deal to such an accomplished defender of the land. She curtsy slightly to master Luke.
Ragnar waits nearby but away from the conversation. Liten Mun feels the benefit of his loitering as the hund's ears get a thorough scratch.
Ædensor's stern barter face mellows a little at Nadia's beguiling words;
"Feh... Ye're as silver tunga as a dweorg maid lassie... (sigh) 800 gold then, no more... no less..."
The dwoerg taps the box a final time with a resigned chuckle;
"Any other o' ye want tae fleece auld Ædensor?"
I canna' afford it even at that price, but what would ya give fer this ring?
Luke shows him the Ring of the Hunter's Howl on his finger.
Luke moves to show the dwoerg the magical ring he won... and promptly notices it is missing...
I apologize fer botherin' you. I willna' be buying or trading fer the sword 'cause I seem to have lost my ring.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
It was on your fingersis when you met the greedy old dwarvesis!!!
Ædensor looks quizzically at Luke, shrugging his shoulders...
"Lad ye need tae take better care o' yer valuables. Blades like these ain't available that oft ye ken!"
While beautiful they are not as "flawless" as Ædensor lays claim. One goblet is missing two of its inset bloodstone gems...
Intelligence:
Luke will retrace his steps over the last day, carefully inspecting any of the dwarves that he came in contact with for signs of the ring.
You would hold on to the sword over a measly 100 marcs? I only have 700 to my name, but would love to have it.
Nadia steps closer to the dwarf and puts her hand gently on his shoulder.
Ragnar stands from his crouch near Liten Mun to stretch and gives skaggig a few practice swings to get some blood pumping.
INT
Perception:
Disa quirks an eyebrow as the memory of her reacquaintance with Luke. Her mouth turns down into a frown as she remembers the bite of the metal in her palm when she clasped his hand.
Luke searches during the day by closely observing each and every dwarf that he has come in contact with for a sign of the ring.
Perception: