"Ugh! a bath first, then shopping. I think I need to get some of those gooey bag things, like Lamm had that time? I used up all of those, but they might be better when things are, you know.. all clustered up and stuff." Dandi tries not to think about how horrible she must look covered in gore. She shrinks her up as short as it will go to leave less nastiness hanging down her back.
Briar will get cleaned up and then 'help' take things to Saul's to be sold.
Carrying a single black bolt, Briar reflects as he walks.
It's too bad these black metal bolts are just plain ol' black metal...nothing cool like humanbane or anything useful like that.
As the party clears the sewers, Fondo conjures up some little unseen bubbly servants to scrub and whisk the dirt away. He starts with himself, of course, then gives Dandi and Barael a good scrubbing. He does what he can with Charlie's somewhat permanent stink of stale liquor before offering his services to Briar and Nikolay as well.
"You know, this deserves some mutton and mead. Mayhap some cheddar too, in honor of our vanquished foe."
"I second the call to drink and eat! Thanks for the rinse."
"Mind a bit of healing while we're at it, kako?"
It feels good to be shorn of the filth. Barael breathes in the afternoon air, and prays that it will be a far off day before he returns to the Vaults. He looks at Charlie, and wonders of the man, and his time below.
"Charlie, tell me that the sewers are not the true representation of what lies below. I know that Eries spoke of it briefly, but what is down there that would keep a soul's mind healthy enough to live a full life?" Barael leans in a bit, remembers that Charlie coughs often, and distances himself once again.
"You said blind aggression earlier, Charlie. If we had informed Cressida, and saw the Guard take to the Vaults, you think they'd blindly kill? Have you seen such in your past in the Vaults?" Barael stares intently on the old man. "The way I saw it, the Grey Maidens prevented further aggression when they took down Vendra. They weren't blind at all, and they were quite surgical in their strategy."
"Here ya go Fondo"
"Barael, my friend, the Vaults welcomed me when I was destitute. The people there that I found did not think twice in helping me. They are slow to judge and forgive readily. When people from above come down they don't see the beautiful humanity that exists there."
"They see rheumy eyes and smell stinky feet. They see someone who deserves to be paying for their mistakes. Knights in shining armor see us as refuse and worse. Above they keep order, below they bring fear and judgement. That is what I mean by blind aggression no matter what exalted road their best intentions pave. "
"Now let's leave these bitter memories behind us and get cleaned up and make our liver dirty once more!"
"Thank you, Prala. That is ever so much better." Dandi spins in nonexistent skirts, thrilled to be clean again."So...shopping first?"
Barael nods as Charlie ruminates. Age brings perspective, looks like. "So, we're not so different, wouldn't you say, Charlie? We were quick to judge Lamm, and found no reasons to forgive him. We saw him as someone who deserved to pay for his mistakes, so we brought him a little fear and judgment ourselves." Barael sniffs a bit.
"Weren't we well-intentioned? Korvosa's roads are salted better for his death, I think." Barael smiles, and rests his hand on Charlie's forearm. "I think I will enjoy a good rich kahve, if you'd recount some of your masterful toasts."
"Let's see if Eodred's Walk is accommodating this afternoon."
Nikolay takes the armor (x2) and puts his masterwork chain shirt into the sell pile for group sale. He'll join whoever heads to Saul's after a prestidigitation bath. He's not making any purchases; he's saving for something really expensive.
The walk to Sauls is short and relaxing. While most of the trip in the Vaults was sewage free, there still seemed to be a darkness and dampness to the place that seemed somehow oppressive. Though Charlie has been in some fantastically large chambers with gilded ceilings and other large open spaces, the areas under the midlands (at least the bits you walked through) were very close.
Saul is, as ever, pleased to see you and he takes a certain delight in pouring over the items you've brought him. He notes the prices of each item on a slate with chalk as he goes and tallies it up at the end. "I'll give you 4,603gp for the lot." He then breaks it down by grouped items, and even by item if you really want to know. He's most helpful.
Charlie wanders over to the magical portion of the shop and looks for a certain rod. Ultimately he does find one, much to his enjoyment. Saul notes, "Ahh yes, a rod of reaching. One of my post popular rods. Quite handy when you don't want to get too close."
Barael looks over blades in that section of Saul's. "Master Saul, I was hoping you could help me look into a blade that's as strong in its ability to rend an opponent with a slash, as well as pierce a stubborn leather. The flail I have currently should be fine for attacks meant to bludgeon, so thank you for that."
"Also, if you happen to have a wall mount to display a rapier, I'd be much obliged to take it off your hands."
Saul moves through his inventory like a pro, but even he doesn't seem to know about all he has as he passes right by a sheath form that intrigues you.
You stop while he keeps going muttering to himself... "rapiers, no he already has that. I know I had something in here I picked up off that odd short gentleman... where is it?"
You draw the blade, and it appears to be what you're looking for. It's a short blade, less then two feet long, but razor sharp with an odd angled point unlike the blades you normally find around here. The blade is black as night with silver characters inlayed along the shaft which glow brightly when you draw it.
At the glow, Saul wheels around - "That's it - you found it! I don't know what it's called but I picked it up off a friendly old man not too long ago. He had had it for most of his career and was retiring - giving up the blade for a comfortable home and hearth. It will withstand time and even the mightiest of blows without cracking or chipping. And I'm told it will never rust."
"I can let it go for...7,150 gold sails."
Barael looks to the party as a young boy would to his parents, holding a puppy, hoping to take it home and love it, and fall asleep with it, curled up at the foot of the bed.
Fondo goes with Barael to look at the wakizashi. "A curious blade, that. No doubt worth every sail. I've in mind to save up for a rapier of like quality. This silvered rapier here is very fine, but cannot hold the strength of my thrust."
"Friend Saul, mayhap we could use this blade as an example for crafting a newer, fine but more modest blade? Twould be an honor to see you or your friends' work made fresh."
"Would anyone be bothered of I sold the Staff of Blessed Relief? I know we got it from a holy man for a sacred service, but I can't use it effectively with another item at the same time. It's a very honorable and venerable staff, but I just can't seem to find a chance to use it. Better someone get some benefit from it. What do you think?"
"Thank you very much. This rod will keep all of us safer. Now, do you have a spring loaded wand thingy for purchase?"
"Finally, I have a treasured item with which I must part. What will you give us for this staff?"
"Perhaps there's a more interesting use for the staff—securing our friendship with the Shoanti. I fear that simply selling it might wound their pride. Offering it back to them for a test of friendship might be an even better use."
"But the blade, look how you can switch off its light like that. That there's pretty useful, ain't it?" Barael hefts the blade, whispers something to it, and smiles, as if he's hearing something back from it.
"I'm afraid my brov's right, Master Saul. It's a fine blade. The color of it, the balance, the workmanship." Barael looks down the blade, and forgets to finish his thought. "It's the fit of a nobleman, do em proud, it would. Not much chance you could, you know, hold onto it for a spell, before letting it go to someone who might not appreciate it as well as me?" Barael glides the blade into the sheath with the reverence of closing the lid of his mum's coffin.
"I'm totally fine with selling the staff. Fine with it, yes."
Saul speaks hesitatingly, "I don't know. I'm not in the habit of holding goods, but this has been here a little while... I suppose I can hang onto it for a week or two on your word you're going to buy it. That seems fair considering all the things you've brought me in the last weeks. Are we agreed?"
I wonder if his sword speaks with him, too.
--I'll ask.
--Nope. She's cute though. You should help the guy out.
Nikolay sees a familiar gleam in Barael's eyes and offers to loan him what he can.
"I think we should definitely buy the blade of Barael's eye regardless of whether we sell the staff. I will offer whatever gold I can to make that happen."
Barael doesn't make eye contact with Fondo, as he turns to Saul, and nods. "A week or two might show us enough activity, I'll not need as much from my mates to square the deal. We're agreed, Master Saul."
Barael scurries over to Nik. "Appreciate it, sir Nik. That blade'll turn us some strong income, and my debt to you will be paid fast enough." Barael returns to the blade, unsheathes it, and brings it over to Nik. "If anyone would appreciate the cut of the blade, it'd be you. Do ya see how the forge of the blade makes the blend by the hilt? This is a song of metal, it is." Barael doesn't take his eyes off the blade. Not once.
Briar ask Saul if he has some specific pieces, in addition to any parts of his laboratory that have come in.
Adamantine Weapon Blanch*2 100 each = 200 gp
Ghost Salt Blanch*1 200 gp
Cracked Dusty Rose Ioun Stone (+1 Init) 500 gp
Briar watches Barael drool over the magic of the sword and smiles.
Such is the allure of magic. I feel it too. He feels as I do...magic is all.
Saul does not yet have your rarer laboratory supplies, but he does have everything else on your list.
"I beg of you, just a little more time! I had one of your pieces arrive, but it was cracked - NO good for anyone! So I await it's replacement, and so, I fear, must you."
After the shopping is done (Briar spends a bit of time smirking at Barael's shopping), Briar will return to DOLL to continue work.
"Halfblood, your contact, the yellow eyes, comes back in the morning, yes? Then I shall return to work on DOLL," Briar announces.
Soon I will have a magic laboratory and shrine worthy of Nethys. Worthy of magic. Worthy of creation.
"The staff was given as payment or a gift. I think it would be extremely rude and disrespectful to return it to them."
Certainly there's nothing in their religious beliefs that would be violated by selling the staff - but you're not as familiar with their culture, so you're not sure if there would be a slight perceived.
You would guess not, but the only way to know for sure would be to ask a Shoanti Priest.
"Tis a nice, odd little blade, coz. Saul, have you any magically treated rapiers of sturdier material? Something in adamantine, mithril or silversheen'd be most welcome."
Barael pulls out his coin pouch, and thumbs through his wealth. He willingly accepts loans from both Charlie and Nikolay to claim the strange blade. He tries to keep something in his own pouch for maintaining some day-to-day spending monies.
"A blade like this comes along very rarely, as you say, Master Saul. It would be welcome in our company. It should be brought out in the open to be seen and feared by those who would cross its path in hostility."
Barael leans in to Master Saul. "So, what would the command word be, would you say?"
"Rapiers are very popular weapons among the aristocracy, so I have many fine blades. Unfortunately, as you may imagine, many are more for show than for real use. Still, I have an assortment. Let's see..."
Saul rummages through many blades, including some break away blades for practicing before he finds the one he seeks.
"I don't have any magical adamantine or silversheen at the moment, but this blade is a fine mithral one. It's a little simple in design, but you could add your own flair to the blade with a skilled smith. Personally I prefer the simple designs, all that flowery scrollwork just gets in the way I think - but to each his own."
He shows you a very fine +1 mithral rapier (3,020gp).
"Indeed. Filigree distracts from the flourish of a true master. I shouldn't want that! Sold, sirrah!" He thinks for a moment more. "I too could use a blade of fine, cold iron and keen edge. A kukri or somesuch?
"Alas, I have no Cold Iron Kukri, but I could get you one in a couple days if you care to wait. Shall I order it?"
"Please do. Ideally one that's the creation of a true master."
Barael takes the wakizashi, and secures the sheath tightly across his back. "I'd like to stop by the Church of Aroden, if we have the time this afternoon, afore heading back the House. They might say some words, to see it blessed."
The walk to the Church brings a mixture of feelings. The sunlight should do him some good, but it leaves Barael feeling exposed. He tends to keep to the sides of the street, and looks back and forth, sometimes skywards. It may be his new weapon. Yes, it's likely that.
Briar politely declines to go to the Church, because dead gods are dead gods. If he wanted to see dead things, he'd go back to Warrens. Or delve into Nikki's ambitions.
Later that night...at DOLLhouse...
Briar will invoke the majicks of Nethys , smoothing rock and stone about the planned laboratory.
This place will be a gift to the God.
Dandi wanders about while the others shop, eventually approaching Saul when the others are nearly finished, "Saul, do you happen to have any tanglefoot bags? I think my friends would appreciate it if I had something less lethal to throw."
@ Fondo - "Normally it would be no problem to pop by the church and have Masterwork Transformation cast. Now of course it is a bit different. The wizards tend to value their time more and the hour to cast it usually results in an extra 50gp hit on the price. If that's OK though, I can certainly accomodate you." So yes you can get a MW version, but it'll be 350gp instead of 300gp to do. Up to you.
@ Dandilion - he has several Tanglefoot Bags, help yourself!
@ Barael - when you reach the church of Aroden, you find a scene similar to the one at the church of Abadar. The people swarm the steps looking for the healing that may be found within. The swarm is smaller to be sure, but you see many faces here that you never see during services. Clearly 'any port in a storm' is the case.
Do you try to make your way through the throng to the entrance? You think you see a tired looking Sadon trying to direct traffic and help the more needy. Between you and he is the Korvosan Guard and you have one of the writs of passage with you.
Right. The plague is still afoot. And me, standing here, with an expensive new sword, looking for some pretty words said over it. Aroden, why do you put up with a sorry git very much like myself? Yeah, I know that's close to already answered.
Barael approaches the Guard, seeking passage. He adjusts his belt pouch, assuring easier access when the time is right. When he catches Sadon's attention, he'll ask for a moment of his time.
"I would have congratulated you, with so many new faces come for your words of wisdom and guidance, but that's for another time, you think? I won't trouble you much longer, but for a donation to see you assisted." Barael produces a crown, and offers it to Sadon.
Sadon smiles at a friendly face and invites you in. "I don't suppose you or yours have a cure for this plague do you? It's quite bad here in the north."
He takes you to an inner chamber and sits heavily in a chair - clearly exhausted by his efforts. "Now, what can I do for you my son?" he reaches for a pitcher of water and breaks off a hunk of bread and carves a little cheese for it. He hands you the knife and invites you to dig in as well.
"Oh, yes, some bread would be wonderful." Gotta remember to eat more often. Didn't know the bread and cheese would remind me so quickly how hungry I am. "A cure? No, I'm afraid. We've seen what the plague has done to bodies, but, more recently, what it does to minds." Barael describes in detail the HarrowCast's dealings with Gund and vampires, Dhatri and Vendra and charlatanry, Eries and Girrigz and witch hunts. If Sadon appears to be energized by the stories, Barael brings less relevant details to them, and more hand gestures, thinking to leave nothing out.
"You've certainly had your share of the battle, ain't ya? Have you had troubles? Glad to see Korvosan Guard here. My mates and I, we're not finding much time to rest. There's a meeting with Eries on the morrow, and we've recently had a chance to equip ourselves more fully today. Feels like every day, the plague roils the blood more greatly, and we're likely to face greater problems as the death tolls rise."
Barael cuts another small slice of cheese, considers, and cuts another one more thickly. "Have you learned anything regarding the disease? We get a sense that there might have been a singular case of the Veil in Trail's End, but it spread quite quickly. There's also the new help of the Queen's Physicians too. You think they're helping?"
Barael almost lets the conversation ease, before he mentions equipment once more. "Brother Sadon, I must admit that I came here today for a blessing of sorts. A little selfish, I know. I remember your generosity in lending me that fine rapier not so long ago." Barael produces the new cold iron. "I came across this blade at Eodred's Walk. It's a beautiful weapon as well. I am ready to wield it, save for maybe you saying a blessing over it, to see it, you know, strike with some authority." Barael draws it a little from the sheath, whispers the command word, hoping to impress Sadon with its magic, before whispering a second time to dim it. "Your time is in high demand, I know. If there were a better time, I'd return to see it done. I just don't know when I might have that time again, as we keep trying to get to the root of this evil, running red through our streets." [i]Yes, it is evil, isn't it? A disease can have that quality about it. And this one has a hunger like no other I've heard of.[/b]
Fondo declines Saul's offer of masterful prayers. Instead, he eventually finds his way down the hall of the Doll Warrens. Still rather shyly, he pokes his head in and calls out to Briar. "Friend elf? FRIEND ELF? Er, good eve to you." He looks around the area on which Briar is working. "The polish on the stone is amazing. I've never known an elf to work stone with magic, but you've a gift."
He pauses for a moment, weighing his efforts to butter up the elf. "Saul thought the priests of Aroden might be able to consecrate this blade with their prayers, honing its edge and making it strike more true. I thought to ask you, though. Might you see fit to pray for Nethys' blessings upon it?"
Sadon drifts a little during Barael's stories, and might even snooze ever so slightly. A welcome rest from the pleas of the diseased and dying. But he is awake at the end and catches your questions.
"No we know very little of the disease. It seems to be most prevalent here in the north, but also along the coast. I don't know of Trail's End - those folks largely stay to themselves and we've been too busy here to venture far outside our doors."
"The Queen's Physicians stopped here briefly yesterday. They told us a few methods for dealing with disease - good stuff - but nothing we hadn't already known. My guess is they're as much in the dark as to the cause as we, and nearly as helpless to stem the tide. Still, every bit helps and every life saved is of value."
"I'd be happy to bless your blade young one. Come let us go to the sacristy and do it properly." He takes you past the high alter (with a brief prayer) and into the sacristy. There he takes your blade and touches it to the reliquary and says a few prayers over it. He then touches the reliquary himself and blesses you in turn.
As he does so your lungs feel a bit more powerful and you feel a slight surge of energy - almost as if you had been truly blessed with real power. The feeling fades, but slowly (over the next hour or two).
Sadon himself smiles warmly. "Our sacristy truly holds proper power and the truth of Aroden's return. Did you know that inside this box is a small corner of a fishing net used by Aroden when travelling as a fisherman? It truly blesses all of us. If I don't miss my mark, I'd say you were granted the ability to breath water just now. But be wary, without the direct casting of the spell, the duration is likely most short!"
He walks with you back out into the sun and bids you good day. Then takes a deep breath and turns back to the sick an injured doing what he can to slow the speed of the plague.
Briar looks up from his magical stonework, hearing a voice he expects rarely to hear within the DOLL walls.
The Varisian? HERE?
Briar finishes his concentrations on his spell, lest the magic be lost before answering the man's questions. The stone wall smooths and wrinkles of rock disappear, giving the hallway a polished, flat feel.
Is he lost? There is nothing to keep his bed warm down here but the spiders. Shouldn't he talk to Dandi about that?
Briar nods as Fondo explains what he needs.
Ah...he seeks magic.
"Yes, Varisian. I know the magic of which you seek," Briar approaches the man. "Show me the blade."
Briar nods and uh huhs as he looks at it.
"This I can do. It will require some funds, some magical materials, but it can be done. I'll give you a list of things I need...bring them to me tomorrow, along with the blade, it shall be done. The magicks of Nethys are strong and meant to be shared."
Briar gives Fondo a list of needed supplies.
"My thanks, Aina Atar* Briar. We children of the Harrow are blessed to have your bow and arcana by our side."
He turns to leave, pleased to have another excuse to trade pleasantries with Saul on the morrow. He pauses as he leaves. "If you like, I could also search out some company for you. Korvosa's beauties are manifold and eager."
Briar slight smile droops noticeably, turning into a slight frown, as Fondo addresses him in elvish.
"That will all then?" Briar asks dismissively. "I have work."
The rest of the day and evening passes uneventfully and the party has time to get ahead on a few projects.
In the morning, about the same time as the day before, there is again a knocking at the door as Eries arrives.
While still at Saul's, Charlie will ask, "May I please purchase fixins for 14 flasks of holy water?"
Charlie will think about whether to sell the staff or not over drinks and dinner and a night's rest. At the end of the day he will make 7 flasks of holy water.
The 'fixings' for holy water and the real deal is the same price. So 14 flasks is indeed 350gp...
"I don't have that much on hand, but I can have the rest later today. The churches keep a lot on hand, and I'll get it for you."