Dimitrio's good mood is fouled by the message with the boy and then by Kwava. Inside, he feels that the elf is going to keep him from enjoying the fruits of his labor. From becoming fat and happy.
But what Dimitrio fears the worst is that Kwava will spin his tale in such a way as to make him feel guilty should he not continue to 'work' for him.
He halfheartedly greets the elf and listen to what he has to say.
Kwava pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts, a deep furrow worn into his brow. “These are grave tidings. When you discovered Vancaskerkin was working with one of the dark elves, I could hardly believe it. Now I realize there are far more terrible events in motion. If the drow have learned how to pull stars from the sky, none of us are safe. Anywhere. They could target major cities… Don't you see?”
“I must ask a great favor of you. My employers, the Shin’Rakorath, have revealed to me the extent of the drow menace in Celwynvian. Yes, your reports are correct, there are drow in that ancient city.”
”As much as I would dearly love to see it myself, they have ordered me to remain in the Riddleport area to keep watch for any further drow influence here. They have expressed interest in hearing from you directly. This journal you found, combined with the one recovered from Depora, would be of great use to my kin in the Mierani Forest. The Shin’Rakorath and I ask you to carry these journals to Crying Leaf, a small camp in the eastern reaches of the wood. Take it to Eviana, the leader of Crying Leaf. She will know what to do.”
”Please.” he looks hopefully to the group. ”I can watch your place while you’re gone - or find someone more suited.”
Yes, Kwava is a little heavy handed. He is no diplomat, and knows no other way. You can see the sincerity in his countenance, and you can hear the fear, very real, in his voice. He hovers, quivering, waiting for your response.
"That seems much better than being a target here," Kaylayne says, letting the first thought that comes into her mind out of her mouth.
She stops working on the bar while she looks at the others.
"When did you want us to go? I have things that I wish to do around here."
”As much as I would dearly love to see it myself, they have ordered me to remain in the Riddleport area to keep watch for any further drow influence here. They have expressed interest in hearing from you directly. This journal you found, combined with the one recovered from Depora, would be of great use to my kin in the Mierani Forest. The Shin’Rakorath and I ask you to carry these journals to Crying Leaf, a small camp in the eastern reaches of the wood. Take it to Eviana, the leader of Crying Leaf. She will know what to do.”
”Please.” he looks hopefully to the group. ”I can watch your place while you’re gone - or find someone more suited.”
Yes, Kwava is a little heavy handed. He is no diplomat, and knows no other way. You can see the sincerity in his countenance, and you can hear the fear, very real, in his voice. He hovers, quivering, waiting for your response.
"Crying Leaf? Really? For crying out loud, I've never even heard of that place before today and now you want me to go to an elven forest where I'm pretty sure foreigners are NOT welcome."
He shakes his head, "I'm sure there are plenty of elven slayers out there just dying to do their nation this service. Am I really going to believe that all the elves can muster is to send you over here to Riddleport to hire us?"
"I get that we were the local boys and could do your services here in town but now you're asking us to go away."
He looks about, "I mean really. What's with this SHINKORA or whatever they're called. Really, why us?"
"Sounds like an elvish problem to me," Garridan observes. He continues, "Seems like we've already gone above and beyond to bail your people out with little to show for it besides your gratitude."
Kwava is initially relieved as Kaylayne agrees, and then dismayed as Dimitrio and Garridan protest. ”But surely you can see this affects us all? You would retire here with the money we’ve given you and you’ve earned helping us out? Riddleport may be next on the drow hit list. Surely they’ll target elven cities as they perfect their weapon, but perhaps Riddleport will be next in their queue of test subjects!”
”How can you say this is merely an elvish problem! It’s a problem for all of us! And Garridan, we have paid you, and paid you well for your service. If it’s merely loot you’re after, I’m sure my order will make you very thankful for the journey. I would sweeten the pot right now if I could, but I’ve already given you all the wealth they provided me…”
"Please help us."
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Garridan sours at the elf's response, Kwava you paid us a pittance to investigate the island and now it seems you want to use us as human fodder to stop the drow."
Lief puts his hand up, trying to calm Kwava. "I'm with you. We saw the devastation on Devil's Elbow. If this is only the beginning, it behooves us to take what little advantage we have, and capitalize on it. Shindiira and her crew likely had a ship, and the ship knows they didn't make it off the island. I can't speak for the others, but I'm willing to travel to Crying Leaf, and present our findings."
Lief turns to Garridan. "I'll agree that we were fodder, last round with the drow on that island. Kwava's only requesting we parcel up the journals and delivery them to the elves. It sounds more reasonable than before."
Garridan sours at the elf's response, Kwava you paid us a pittance to investigate the island and now it seems you want to use us as human fodder to stop the drow."
Dimirio nods, "Yes, we delivered on our promise and oh by-the-way, we were chased by demoncats that turn people into zombies, rolled down a cliff in a tower, and faced more than one drow. I would say we earned our money!"
He looks at Lief, "I don't know Lief. If it's that simple why isn't a famed elven ranger doing this? What?, the SHINKORA can't find any of those?"
Lief turns to Dimitrio. "Oh? I don't suppose there's a famed elven ranger waiting like the courier boy to bear our before-now-unknown findings off, now that we've returned?" The young man turns to Kwava, with a don't-mind-him look on his face.
"We do need to resupply, Kwava. Time is of the essence, so we'll do our best to gather our necessities before departing. Do you have an easy enough means of travel to Crying Leaf? Otherwise, we may inquire with the Order of the Cyphers, and attempt to travel there by magical means."
Lief waits to hear Garridan, Dimitrio, and Ederin agree to the task.
Kaylayne's breath catches and her eyes begin to follow something entering the room and stand behind Kwava. Short breaths are all that she can muster.
"Please help us."
Kaylayne's initial indication is to go, as she had blurt out. But, after seeing the other Kaylayne walk into the room and stand behind Kwava, let alone with a smile, Kaylayne understands.
"I *will* go. I will. I know that I should. I will, Kwava, even if they do not, but I hope that they do," Kaylayne says, looking at Garridan and Dimitrio who seem less inclined.
"Come. I don't care why you think you should, but come away, Garridan and Dimitrio. Come because I ask it of you. Come to keep me safe, if that will move you at all. But come," Kaylayne says to Garridan, then Dimitrio.
Kaylayne can see her other self smile, then walk out of the room. Kaylayne shivers.
"I *will* go. I will. I know that I should. I will, Kwava, even if they do not, but I hope that they do," Kaylayne says, looking at Garridan and Dimitrio who seem less inclined.
"Come. I don't care why you think you should, but come away, Garridan and Dimitrio. Come because I ask it of you. Come to keep me safe, if that will move you at all. But come," Kaylayne says to Garridan, then Dimitrio.
Kaylayne can see her other self smile, then walk out of the room. Kaylayne shivers.
Dimitrio raises his hands in resignation, "What? Am I the only one that wants to grow old fat and happy?"
He messes with his mustache while looking at Kwava, "So all we're doing is just delivering the two journals. Just like glorified delivery boys."
The bard considers Layne, "Fine, I suppose we can postpone the grand reopening for a week or two. I'll go."
He turns to Ederin, "What about you, Shorty? You seem to be Mr. Riddleport here; what are your thoughts on this errand?"
"When did you want us to go? I have things that I wish to do around here."
At some appropriate point in the conversation Kaylayne repeats her question.
Ederin audibly groans when Kwava makes his request. He sees that at least to some degree his feelings are shared, if not the reasons.
"We just got home! Have your people accomplished anything on their own since this began? They send you out here, on your own to uncover some plot and instead of back up they hire us? A bunch of cows that just happen to be in the right place? What kind of organization are they runnin'? He shakes his head and throws his hands in the air before pointing to the book he handled Lief.
"We got some mysterious benefactor watchin' our every move who seems more informed than anyone you want us to go see. Hell they seemed to know what you were gonna request before you even got here?" An idea clearly forms in Ederins head and his frown becomes an angry sneer when he turns back to Kwava. "Are you people manipulatin' us? Is that it? Got us all figured out to do all your dirty work?"
And of course we'll say yes. How could we walk away from savin' the world right? Underdog story innit? He thinks to himself even as he finds himself resigning to his own curiosity.
"I'll go, but you better send a damned message that I want some better answers than we've been gettin' so far, because this ain't a fun game anymore an' I'm tired o' being played with. We need time to prepare, like Lief said. We're movin' at our own speed now, not yours."
His tirade over, Ederin feels guilty, knowing it's not Kwava's fault, but there's no one else to focus his anger on. He just shakes his head apologetically and leans against the wall, trying to calm himself.
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Garridan listens to Laynes' beseeching, She and I have been on the same side of things. He begins to unconsciously rub his throat, well almost everything. He looks around at his companions, What will become of them if I'm not there to lead and protect them?
He concludes, "For you Layne, I'll run this errand if just to keep you safe and out of trouble. But who will run tavern for us in our absence?"
Kwava follows the conversation back and forth, but he stays largely silent as the party sorts out their plans. Seeing that their plans coincide with his own, he reacts joyously.
"I'll have a map made of the route, it's not hard, but it will take you a few days to traverse. You go north out of Riddleport about 45 miles to a hunter's track which leads west to the forest. You can go overland and it's a bit shorter, but the terrain means it'll take a bit longer. So don't miss that trail."
"Do you have horses? No? I'll arrange for some. It's the least I can do. I'll get them for you today..." he trails off.
"You can leave as early as tomorrow." he looks at Ederin, "Though of course you should leave at your own pace."
He's both pleased and concerned. Now that you've agreed to go, it's clear he wants you to depart right away, but he'll be patient.
"I've got to go make my report. I'll stop back tomorrow and let you know where the horses are stabled and see if there's anything else I may do."
- - -
You have three days, to start, of activities. Remember you have Samaritha looking for a ship to get you off the island. So you might want to send her a note that you're back. The Flying Cloud will look for you on the island as they return from their trip to Magnimar but then they'll return here to Riddleport so you won't need to contact him.
You may have more time, but I have something happening at three days, maybe sooner depending on your actions.
- - -
The sun streams through the windows at the Gold Goblin, as it's still known, and the gambling hall warms the night chill. The streets outside become busy with people heading to work, and a few of the early employees come drifting into the hall.
It's Sunday 16 Arodus, 4709.
Kaylayne's eyes go a little wild in response to Ederin's rant, but she's learned better than to interrupt the man when he's making an ass out of himself.
"For you Layne, I'll run this errand if just to keep you safe and out of trouble. But who will run tavern for us in our absence?"
Kaylayne nods her head in thanks.
"We should sell it while we can. It came to us in an untoward manner, and it will bring us the same as long as we keep it. It is a target, something that the other crime lords see as a threat," Kaylayne offers.
* * *
Kaylayne thinks about leaving, her eyes wandering about the hall. There are things she likes, and things she just hates about the establishment.
"I don't love this place, but I won't be ready to leave for a few days, even a week. I'd like to do some shopping, and spend a bit more time delving into some magical mysteries that elude me. These are things I can't do from the road," Kaylyane says. "I'll need a week to prepare."
"Can we wait a little longer to make a decision regarding the Goblin? We would not be able to get a good price if we just dump it anyways. I say we start feeling out potential buyers and see what price they would be willing to offer. Heck, I might buy it off you guys if the price is reasonable. I like this place, OK."
Dimitrio turns to his companions, "Well Kwava says that this errand is easy so we shouldn't encounter any drow but you're just fooling yourselves if you believe that."
He looks at Lief, "So we have to deal with drow poison and drow darkness. If we can buy some smelling salts and more antitoxins, I think we're as covered as we'll ever be for poison. Unless you, kid, have further insight on the matter."
He continues, "Regarding darkness... Layne, what are you suggesting? Sunrods. I can make light but I know it's not powerful enough for their darkness..."
"Alright, well, we're goin' then. In the mean time, I got things I need to do."
Ederin waits for Kwava to leave before starting his own errands. He offers to bring everyone's requests to the gas pumps along with the noqual and gold needed for each.
"If anyone is interested, when I'm done with that I'm headed to the Cypherlodge, to let 'em know we're alive and back home. Maybe they can figure a solution for the Drow Darkness, because honestly I don't know what we can do about it, 'cept learn to see in the dark or fight with our eyes closed. Lief if you want we can maybe check in with Cromarky after that."
"So we have to deal with drow poison and drow darkness. If we can buy some smelling salts and more antitoxins, I think we're as covered as we'll ever be for poison. Unless you, kid, have further insight on the matter."
Lief nods his head, affirming the dancer's determination to deal with the deadly poison and darkness. "Not sure we'll be dealing with the drow any further than speaking knowledgeably on them with the Crying Leaf elves, but I guess it doesn't hurt to plan ahead. I totally agree- if there's something I can manufacture with my apparatus, I'll certainly use my time doing so. We can talk antitoxins, smelling salts, sunrods, yeah..."
"If anyone is interested, when I'm done with that I'm headed to the Cypherlodge, to let 'em know we're alive and back home. Maybe they can figure a solution for the Drow Darkness, because honestly I don't know what we can do about it, 'cept learn to see in the dark or fight with our eyes closed. Lief, if you want we can maybe check in with Cromarcky after that."
"Excellent, Ederin. Cypherlodge first, then Cromarcky. And I'll be glad to help discuss crafting with the dwarves. The process is likely very unique to their art. Would be a shame not to see it with my own eyes."
Lief then approaches the barmaid. "Kaylayne, a word. If we are to continue our working relationship, it won't do for you to call others names. It shows a lack of respect we've rightly earned, despite your admitted proclivity to want to avoid 'picking fights'. I don't begrudge you your anger. You seem to cling to it tightly. But if you continue to turn it against us," Lief points to himself and Ederin, "then we're weakened in our teamwork. What we're continuing to involve ourselves in requires no distraction, and I find myself repeatedly distracted by your outbursts. Your skill with magic is obvious, so I will try to be as encouraging to you as I can be. But I am only human, and, of course, young, as you continually chide me. So, what do you say? Can you temper your anger, and turn it on those who would bring further destruction to this world we share?"
Ederin and Lief (and any who chose to join him) turn over the parties Noqual to the dwarves for forging. They’ll be done the morning of the 19th. They can send it directly over to the cyphermages for you if you like so they can start their processes right away - for those of you magic-ing the gear.
He then turns to the cyphermages for assistance with the drow. Though things have calmed somewhat since the falling star, things are still pretty tight at the mages guild. Eventually Samaritha finds you, having heard through some means that you were calling on the mages, and meets you in the hall getting you past the guards.
”I’m so glad you’ve made it back safely. Did you all make it intact?” she asks, concerned for the party.
Given the problem of the drow darkness, she does have a few suggestions. ”There are two approaches to darkness. Overcome it, and fight fire with fire. The latter is cheaper at first glance - you obtain potions of obscuring mist. You can’t see them, but they can’t see you either. Cheap at 50gp each, and effective at leveling the playing field.”
”Next up, you can improve yourselves with potions of Darkvision. At 300gp each, they’re no bargain, but it will overcome the basic darkness you’re describing and last a couple hours each draught. With this option you can also sneak around in the dark.”
She grins mischievously, ”But I have a third option for you. One I think you’re going to like. There’s an old wizard named Rhain Stackpole. He has the ability to heighten spells to overcome exactly this sort of issue. What you want to do is buy an object to put Continual Flame on; I’m partial to burnt out ioun stones but it can be anything really. Then go to him and ask him to cast the spell at a higher level than the darkness you’ll encounter.”
”For example, Darkness is a second level spell. If he casts Continual Flame at, say, third level, it should overcome the darkness you face. They’ll cancel each other out, and you can see by using a sunrod or torch to up the ambient light if you need to. To put it another way…” she goes on to discuss the various magical effects of light and darkness to some length before coming around again.
”He charges a premium of course, because not everyone can do this, so plan on paying double the going rates, but it’s still your best option by far. Of course you’ll stick out in the dark, but you’ll be able to see. There are glasses you can wear as well, that provide ongoing darkvision, but they tend to be more expensive.”
She grins mischievously, ”But I have a third option for you. One I think you’re going to like. There’s an old wizard named Rhain Stackpole. He has the ability to heighten spells to overcome exactly this sort of issue. What you want to do is buy an object to put Continual Flame on; I’m partial to burnt out ioun stones but it can be anything really. Then go to him and ask him to cast the spell at a higher level than the darkness you’ll encounter.”
Dimitrio grins, "I like that third option very much. I would want to cast it on a pebble or something similar and perhaps encase it with a dark material that is easily breakable but dark enough to prevent the light from shining forth. That way, if we are in trouble, we could just drop it on the floor or throw it, the casing would break, and voila... let there be light."
He asks Sam, "Is that too far fetched? I think we should get two or three of these 'pebbles', especially since they will be reusable, right?"
Dimitrio, no problem. You can get smoky potion flasks - small and easily broken - for next to nothing. Figure a dozen for a gold piece. You can also get as many pebbles or whatever as you want. It's still a move action to draw the flask from a bandolier or what-have-you, but it's a free action to drop it.
Your chain shirt will be ready in two days, on the morning of 18 Arodus, 4709.
"It shows a lack of respect we've rightly earned, despite your admitted proclivity to want to avoid 'picking fights'. I don't begrudge you your anger. You seem to cling to it tightly. But if you continue to turn it against us, then we're weakened in our teamwork. What we're continuing to involve ourselves in requires no distraction, and I find myself repeatedly distracted by your outbursts. Your skill with magic is obvious, so I will try to be as encouraging to you as I can be. But I am only human, and, of course,...
Kaylayne reacts disfavorably at first, her anger rising. However, with a deep breath, she sees the maturity in the young man's request.
"Yes, yes, you're right. I do have a temper when provoked...I know I should be better," Kaylayne admits. "I tend to lose my temper when I am attacked or drawn into something that I do not wish to be drawn into. I can certainly to be less strident, but certainly you and Ederin can stop picking fights that we don't need to have, yes? You must see the damage that Ederin has done to our trust with his instigation of Zincher? Likewise, you almost provoked Zincher while we were his guests? Such things are very damaging to teamwork, yes?"
"Makin' it a surprise ain't a bad idea, but if you throw it on the ground, we got to stop and pick it up every time we move. We can buy a lantern, put one o' the stones inside, then just open the lantern when we need it, eh? Just cover it back up when we're done."
Turning back to Sam, Ederin smiles. "Either way, thanks for the info Sam, we definitely like that idea. Where can we find this fancylad? Is he here at the lodge or somewhere else?"
Samaritha responds, "He has a push cart. You can find him outside our gates most days, peddling his wares on the hill."
Ederin, your armor will be ready tomorrow, the buckler is easy to obtain and you could have picked one up from the dwarves easily enough.
Someone needs to remember to put the new lights on their character sheet. I presume two of you will each have one. So who's my target carrier?
"Yes, yes, you're right. I do have a temper when provoked...I know I should be better. I tend to lose my temper when I am attacked or drawn into something that I do not wish to be drawn into. I can certainly to be less strident, but certainly you and Ederin can stop picking fights that we don't need to have, yes? You must see the damage that Ederin has done to our trust with his instigation of Zincher? Likewise, you almost provoked Zincher while we were his guests? Such things are very damaging to teamwork, yes?"
Lief opens his mouth to rebut the woman's casting of her own instigation as Ederin's, then hears her rightly describe his own actions early in the game with Zincher.
"Yes, I suppose I need to weigh my words more carefully before letting them out." He looks her over for a moment. "You understand the need here, if 'Armageddon Echo' means something, like the 'Plucking of the Star' did. Not many people got to see it with their own eyes." Lief looks at Garridan and Dimitrio. "Let's hope they stay on task. I guess we can hope our delivery will be the end of our obligation." He doesn't seem to believe his own words.
...
Making their way to the dwarves, Lief listens as Ederin asks for magicking the armor. He makes the same inquiry. If the archer's asking for it, it must be a wise choice.
When they speak with Rhain, Lief inquires about casting the spell on one of the floating stones he's seen. Lief takes on the responsibility of keeping one of the two light sources.
Continuing the errands, Lief makes sure Ederin is secure in his visits to the market, before they head towards the offices of Cromarcky. He pats his satchel, making sure it's still secure. Seeing as it bears paperwork from Zincher's trunk, he wants to make sure it arrives intact.
When he gains the audience of either Cromarcky or Gwalter, Lief takes the opportunity to explain the rather complicated dynamics that unfolded on Devil's Elbow. He seeks to bolster his telling by producing the most salient bits of Zincher's paperwork.
He mentions Akron by position only, indicating that Zincher was under investigation by a member of the Sable Company of Korvosa, posing as one of his own.
Rhain can be found following his cart up a small part of the hill. As usual, his cart moves of its own volition, just ahead of him, as if he were pushing, very slowly, though he’s not. Once again, at a glance, your surprised by the thinness of the man. He seems to bow inward he’s so thin and slightly haunched.
As you close you hear him mumbling a tune to himself. Not singing exactly, more like rhyming tonally. He stops as you walk up to him and greets you warmly, ”Welcome, is it magic that you seek?” As he speaks, a few flecks of spittle fly out of his mouth to land strangely on his lower lip. He smacks his lips and grins a slightly toothless grin. You see his rat, ‘Mr. Smithers’ napping in a shallow cold iron bowl of some kind on the cart, likely magical.
While others are visiting the Cyphers and fancylads, Kaylayne takes her leave after placing her order (and presumably giving her measurements) for the special noqual breastplate.
"I'm off to go visit Father Padrick. I'll catch up with you in the markets probably," Kaylayne says, taking her leave.
At the church of Sarenrae, Kaylayne again offers a tithe, though she does not officially support Sarenrae, but as a general acknowledgement of the work Father Padrick was doing in the community and for the orphans.
"Father? Father...may I have your time again? I have news. In private if you would..." Kaylayne says, happy to wait until the priest has time to talk.
"...also...we need tenants in the Gold Goblin. We may not be back for a while. I could speak to the others to see if they would mind donating it for your use. I can't promise anything, but I can ask. Would that be worthwhile?"
Garridan listens intently to the goings on around him but keeps silent as he has trouble mustering enthusiasm for the journey. He does approach the dwarves about making him a rapier and shield from the sky metal.
Ederin nods at the old spell caster and looks over the wares on his cart as he speaks.
"Sent here by the Cyphermages, one by the name of Samaritha specifically. Told us you could cast a 'heightened' version of continuous flame, so that's why we're here. Probably need it at the strongest you can cast it at, think you could help us out?"
He listens intently and says little, though his face betrays his emotions and thoughts throughout your conversation. He seems genuinely surprised at the depth of the drow influence and seems to agree with your dealings with Zincher.
"You have done a lot. Our church owed money to Zincher from a, sadly, not so complicated confidence scheme some years ago. I suppose that debt is wiped out now - thank you. It wasn't much, but with what we have, it was a burden." he smiles a little relieved.
"These drow surely are troubling, and I'm glad you are pursuing them. I don't know why your 'other' is so active of late, but perhaps she too is coming into her own. Perhaps she is finding her voice because you are growing more confident in your own. You should listen to her, but as with all things, heed your own voice most of all."
When you talk of the Gold Goblin, he laughs. "Oh, we're too simple for such a task! We'd bring your gambling house to ruin in a week I assure you. No, your offer is generous, but it is too kind. I have not the head for business, and my assistant, well, he may have goals as large as that, but he needs time to grow into those goals."
"Do you not know anyone who could take over? I understand it's complicated. But surely you know someone who could handle at least a part of it while they learn the rest?"
Ederin nods at the old spell caster and looks over the wares on his cart as he speaks.
"Sent here by the Cyphermages, one by the name of Samaritha specifically. Told us you could cast a 'heightened' version of continuous flame, so that's why we're here. Probably need it at the strongest you can cast it at, think you could help us out?"
"Samaritha is a pretty one is she not." he lingers over her thought some time as he scratches himself - before snapping back into the present.
"The strongest I can cast eh?! No one has ever asked for that before!" he laughs with glee as his voice cackles. "It's not a major magic, but at least I'll be challenged!" he seems genuinely pleased at the commission and commands you to return tomorrow and he'll have the stone ready. "Why I haven't cast a spell that high in some time..."
"Yeah mate, she's the pretty one. Best not say that too loud around this one though." He smiles and jerks a thumb toward Lief as he pays the man for his services and an advance for the second stone as well, promising to come by tomorrow to pick up the first stone. He takes some time to detour as well and purchase some more arrows and a few alchemical blanches for his ammunition in case they're needed, realizing that he can now store additional quivers directly onto his skin if needed.
Reminded of his needles, Ederin starts questioning about any particularly good tattoo artists in the area, having decided to finally participate in that particular Varisian custom.
Ederin, technically you've asked for the highest level he can produce. That's quite a bit higher than the planned expense. You can let it ride, and get something special, or correct him and get just what you want. Let me know which way you jump.
No problem finding blanches at the Cyphermages. Samaritha can put you in contact with an alchemist there.
Lots of tattoo parlors in Riddleport, especially down by the docks. Knowledge Local check to find the best...
- - -
Lief and Ederin head to Cromarcky's again to make their report. As before, you work your way up the chain of command, but it's much quicker this time, and you only tell part of your story once before meeting with Gwallter again. She listens to your story, makes a few notes, and suggests that Cromarcky will want to chat with you.
She invites you for lunch, as it's getting close, and you meet with Cromarcky immediately after. Though he's surely been briefed by Gwallter, he listens to your story fresh, and asks a few questions as you go.
You mention Akron only by position, but Cromarcky responds, "I know Akron. Do you think he'll take over Zincher's businesses or just head back to Korvosa?"
Akron was doing nothing wrong as far as Riddleport law is concerned. Cromarcky, from his questions, is more interested in what's going on with Zincher than he is the drow threat. That's too... distant for him. The loss of another crime lord creates a power vacuum, one that he can help fill if he moves quickly.
Kaylayne smiles, having not communicated herself well.
"Well, I don't care if it's a gambling establishment or not. There is a lot of space there...it certainly compares well to the space you have here. I dunno. We don't need to do anything with it, I'm sure we'll find someone."
Kaylayne thanks the Father and offer her tithe.
"You've given me a lot to think about, and I appreciate it. If I never see you again, I'll remember you fondly."
Kaylayne returns to the Gold Dancing Drowning Drowblin.
On his way back home Ederin gets clarification from his companions about what they wanted ordered from Rhain, and, realizing he may have asked for something more expensive than they'd intended he rushes back to the old man to clarify the level of spell they wish to purchase.
"Sorry about that mate! Still gettin' used to this magic stuff, don't really know what I'm talkin' about eh?" He feels sheepish admitting his ignorance but there's no sense pretending otherwise. That business corrected he continues the search for a good tattoo parlor.
Lief catches Ederin's tease, and smiles politely to Rhain as they discuss Sam's beauty. He knows he can't argue, but won't allow himself time to ponder what might come about, what, with the promise of Armageddon. When Ederin starts to inquire about ink, Lief brings to the fore as much as he knows, regarding the location least likely to lead to gangrenous mishaps.
"So, you're thinking of getting a tattoo, while you have the ability already with your new set? Interesting. I suppose I could look into it with you, but I'd need to have a firm rationalization for my choice. It would need to be something that travels, to represent my time abroad. With our travels over the water, I might pick a dolphin, since they're respected guardians of travellers. Oooo, or a butterfly, since my time away from home is in some ways a metamorphosis... the possibilities..."
"I know Akron. Do you think he'll take over Zincher's businesses or just head back to Korvosa?"
Lief sighs with relief he didn't know he required as Cromarcky brings up the Sable Company man's name. "I think we inadvertently created a vacuum that Akron will decline to fill. He wouldn't stay on with us, and we have something of a pressing matter that would likely trump his now unnecessary evidence acquisition, now that the man lies dead." Lief studies Cromarcky, a quiet awe still casting his perspective on the situation, as they sit with a powerful crimelord.
When Lief mentions considering a tattoo Ederin laughs.
"Didn't figure you for the ink type, kid. I can make magical tattoos alright, but I figure my first attempt at a real one ain't gonna be on skin, especially not mine. Dolphins and butterfly's sound nice, I bet Dimitrio would agree to that last one, but me? I'm getting a Pickaxe, right here." He points to the inside of his left forearm. "To remind me every time I draw my bow that Zincher was just a man. Don't relish killin' him as much as I thought I would but...it doesn't matter. Better be gettin' off to find Cromarky anyway." He frowns realizing he's not quite ready to talk about that last battle on the island just yet.
When they do finally meet the overlord again Ederin operates much the same way he did last time, letting Lief tell the major story while he fills in details he thinks are important along the way.
"You gonna take over for Zincher yourself, or appoint one of your men?" He asks when the subject of Akron leaving for Korvosa is brought up. "Can't say I care much who it is as long as they ain't as much of a bastard as Zincher was. Riddleport ain't always a pretty place but he might have been the ugliest cow I ever met."
Cromarcky will take over some of Zincher's interests and buildings, as the Overlord, but he'll likely parcel it out.
He continues, "Very well then. Thank you for your efforts and your continued information. You're becoming quite powerful in your own right, and I'm glad to count you among my supporters."
You conclude your meetings with him amiably, and he makes a point of shaking your hands before you depart...
Ederin, there's a woman down by the docks in a hovel who supposedly does the best ink around. She's a young woman, rather stout and curvy, goes by the name of Cybi.
Powerful in that we kill all your competition. Ederin thinks to himself as he shakes Cromarcky's hand.
Full from dinner and happy to have had a relatively simple day not full of fighting alien creatures in the middle of nowhere, Ederin punches Lief on the shoulder and grins. "Well, you better decide now how much you want a tattoo kid, because I'm goin' to the docks to see this Cybi woman."
Accompanied or not Ederin finds his way to the docks, he's lived in Riddleport too long to question getting anything done in a hovel, he's certainly done worse in less savory places.
Ederin pokes his head into Cybi's shop. It's a small affair, wedged between a pub and a warehouse, and sort of leaning against both. The woman herself is covered in tattoos and she has a ring through her nose like some kind of farm animal. The effect though is more pleasant than you might have initially thought.
She looks up as you enter into a small, but comfortable, front room. She stands and smiles, "So watcha need done?"
Ederin nods at his arm and explains the concept as he'd said it to Lief earlier, letting the woman give her professional input as he goes over the idea. "Do a good job and I might come back for more, love." He looks over her own tattoo's wondering how he's missed a woman like this around Riddleport in all his time in the city. As she works on his arm Ederin discusses what kind of pay she gets, and how she learned how to tattoo. "Got an idea I may try this myself one day."
Might be a decent job, better than killin' for criminals, or elves for that matter. He muses to himself, thumbing the needles in his pocket as he thinks.
When it's all done he pays her whatever she says his new body adornment is worth plus a tip and heads back to the Goblin, satisfied with a peaceful day back home.
"Ohw, I like that! You one of Zincher's boys? He's got a weapon like that."
She's equally flirtatious while making it clear she's just having a bit of fun.
Her rates are typical, though on the high range. That means a few gold, tops, for the work (more likely silver even!), so don't sweat the expense.
She enjoys talking, and while she works on the design, she talks about tattooing, the skills involved, and the reasons for the things she's doing, why she's holding the needle that way, etc.
"It's not complicated." she says, "But there is a trick to it." she smiles warmly as she finishes up. Looks very nice, though of course it's a bit raw just now. She tells you how to care for it, especially in the beginning as it heals. "Or just get yourself a priest and have it cleaned up right off."
- - -
Let me know if you want to drill down on any particular topic, but I think we can fast forward a few days.
Over the next few days various party members pick up their magics from the Cyphermages, the crazy old man, and the dwarves. Everything is to specification and proper - no short dealings.
Things are going well at the Gold Goblin too. The staff is a bit more 'on the job' now that you're back, and everyone is falling into a decent routine. You do get a number of inquiries as to when you're going to open again. If you keep the hall closed too long, you'll slide back a bit on the income stream as you'll need to make a name for yourselves, again.
Finally, on the 21st, the day the Flying Cloud is due back from Magnimar, the stirrings of news drift through to the party from various staffers. Elements of the city are growing concerned about the fallout of Zincher's death. The other crime lords all know by now that the party was involved, and there are restless tidings about reprisals.
That said, both the Cyphermages and the Overlord seem to be in bed with you. So no one dares make a move against you - at least not yet. The news comes as rumor, and can be dismissed just as easily.
- - -
If you still plan to leave a week after your return, you have two days of activities left. Let me know your plans, or we can fast forward to departure. Kwava has horses ready...
Lief watches Ederin bolt back in Rhain's general direction. As Ederin approaches the group from a distance, Lief is suddenly struck with a need, so moves quickly past Ederin, to meet with Rhain again.
"You seemed quite excited with the prospect of crafting this request. I hope you are undeterred. Ederin change his mind, and yours? I will personally fund your challenge, should he have tried to discourage you from something grand. Don't you worry. I saw inspiration behind your eyes, and would see what comes of it. Agreed?" Lief bolts back to the others, a big smile on his face.
...
Lief certainly tags along to the tattoo parlor, interested in Ederin's story for his selection of pickaxe, and also interested in meeting Cybi. The venture seems thrilling, for its mundane nature.
As Ederin receives his tattoo, Lief thinks long and hard. No dolphin, no butterfly, no spider, no pickaxe... what could possibly merit an inky depiction on my arm...? It suddenly occurs to the young man that he's worried about not getting a tattoo, and miss an opportunity to bond with Ederin. Odd as it was, Ederin was turning out to be a better man than he first figured, as if transformed by the events that keep drawing them forward.
He decides, eventually, on the symbol for the mythic Philosopher's Stone, something so powerfully transformative, it should contemplated often. Lief requests the tattoo be placed on the inside of his forearm, just below the crook of his elbow. Seems an easy enough place to conceal such things...
Lief makes a couple of initial bleats, but learns to stifle his pain. "Not a word, Ederin. This part of the arm is thin, but I didn't expect it to pinch."
...
Lief tries to utilize the week back to craft various items for the group's use.
"So what do you want this on?" he bleats. Grabbing the object (or providing a burnt ioun stone if you have nothing of your own) he grips a pouch and casts, sprinkling it with ruby dust from his pouch.
When he's done, the object glows with a blue-tinged flame. He grins like a maniac as he hands it to you. "You look like a man of means, but not means so I'll cut you a deal. 15gp per level per level rather than 20gp. So that's 1,365 gold please. Hah!" he cackles with glee, but you think more at the item than the fee.
When you leave, and can study the item, you find three things of note. One. It's a 7th level spell, so it'll bypass a lot of darkness and even some heightened darkness effects. Second it glows to 30' instead of the usual 20'. Finally, when the object is in normal or bright light, it does not glow at all - as if the magic only 'turns on' when it's dark.
Cybi asks Lief, "Do you want any shading with that? Or just a detached symbol?" she does an exemplary job of what you request. The final version seems to lift from the skin itself as if it's leading you.
Oh, and Ederin, I almost forgot. You think you can almost make out some marks on the handle of the pickaxe, but you're not sure. There's a depth there that eludes you...
Lief watches Rhain's treatment of the ioun stone, eyes enlarging as the blue flame comes, literally, to light. He takes the ioun stone in hand, turning it around. When the man requests the fee, Lief almost doesn't wince at the expense. He rounds off the money to 1370gp, shaking Rhain's hand firmly. "This should do... very nicely. Thank you, Rhain. Hope to do business with you again, when the opportunity arises." Lief smirks, and palms the stone as he leaves.
"Do you want any shading with that? Or just a detached symbol?"
"I'm in your...ouch... creative hands, Cybi. That's actually quite...ouch... impressive work you do. Those lines are almost impossibly symmetric, on a surface that could deceive one...ahhhhh... into making the mistake of lenghtening along the curve of the skin." Aside from the pain, the young man is content with his time spent in a tattoo parlor in Riddleport.
The next day, Lief returns to show the others what Rhain has managed for him. He invites them into his room, shuttering the windows, then closing the door behind them. "I don't know what it was about the man, but I couldn't not take him up on his crafting, with the challenge laid out for him. He managed to produce this." Lief produces an ioun stone, which begins to glow with a blue flame which brings the room's light up quite nicely. He hands it to everyone to examine. "It seems to understand when the light is needed, otherwise it remains dormant. It also extends out to thirty feet. I'm not sure how powerful the spell was he cast, but he used pulverized ruby dust in its casting." Lief looks to the others for any further information.
"It cost a pretty penny, but it feels like a bargain. Made the man quite happy, too."
...
So no one dares make a move against you - at least not yet. The news comes as rumor, and can be dismissed just as easily.
Lief retires each night at midnight, and arises at two o'clock, in the wee hours, to spend time crafting. He becomes quite focused on production.
When he's set alchemicals in motion, he waits until the sun's rising to leave the Gold Goblin to gather further information regarding the state of affairs on the crimelord dynamics, themselves included.
Returning to the Goblin, he shares what he learns each day.
"It cost a pretty penny, but it feels like a bargain. Made the man quite happy, too."
Kaylayne leans closer to the stone once her eyes adjust to the light.
"Let me see that, Lief," Kaylayne says with a smile. "I just want to be sure that you weren't sold a load of magic beans, you know the kind...the ones that grow into skeletons or some such. Lots of people claim lots of things with magic..."
Kaylayne casts Detect Magic and tries to see the mysteries of the stone. She is fascinated by the gift that Lief has brought her.
Spellcraft
"Okay, fancyboy, what did you do here?" Kaylayne speaks to the stone as she tries to uncover its secrets.
* * *
Kaylayne looks at the party.
"Looks like we have some days to kill before we go. That'll give me time to tinker a bit. I do like this neat butterfly I did. I might make more...but if any of you have anything you need, please let me know."
Ederin spends the time before they leave again doing a little bit of everything. He tracks down some of his friends on the dock who work leather and manages to weasel a few scrap pieces of pigskin to practice tattooing on, sticking with only black dye for now.
When he's not doing that he practices the spells he can cast, having not had a real opportunity to stretch his magical legs yet. At one point he even cast entangle too close to the entrance of the building and ensnared a few passers by. He played it off as a gimmick for their eventual grand reopening.
He even finds himself making a request of Lief. "You can read those drow books, eh? Can you teach me the language? Figure we ain't seen the last o' the drow, might not hurt to have a few of us that can understand them."
Realizing they can't keep leaving the Goblin unopened and unattended without any income, he spends a few hours each day looking for information on anyone that can successfully run a gambling hall. He tries to convince Garridan and Lief to come with him, since the two of them seem most invested in keeping the business.