Garridan goes back to watching the gaming floor, brooding about the the life he lost. Trying to distract himself with the intoxicating effects that rolling dice seem to have on him.
Kaylayne checks the back door for any particular tracks, but finds none that stand out to her. The kitchen door is very heavily used by staff, delivery people, guards, everyone really. With all the recent hires, it’d be hard for anyone to know who’s legitimate, and who’s delivering snakes to the woodpile.
The kitchen staff goes back to their duties, but there is an overall uneasiness that the party can’t quite quench. Not as bad as perhaps it could be, and a few were inspired, but you lose a few as well in the coming days. Folks who just don’t like the pressure of a possible attack at any time.
Granted, it’s unlikely, but it’s been proven to be a possibility at the Gold Goblin.
Also, please note, you're now spending about half your time on Gold Goblin work.
So you have time to do other things (including crafting if it's an option to you). Alternatively, you can really 'delve' into your work at the 'Goblin and do two tasks - but they must be different.
For example, Ederin could spend his whole week working at the gambling house so that he can train new guards, and gather information about the fighting pit. But he couldn't train the guards more intensively - not effectively. Law of diminishing returns and all that.
Unfortunately the meeting with the potential pit fighters did not go very well. Andy had not explained Ederin's idea very well and the group thought they had secured a job working for Saul. They had all expected money upfront and when he tried to explain that they'd only be paid for wins, they decided to provide a sample of their fighting prowess.
Countin' the snake, that's the second fight I've been in this week.
He rubbed a bruise on his chin as he worked his way back to the Goblin, chugging a bottle of rum that had failed to break over his head.
The rest of the week went poorly as far as their talent search was concerned, news of the brawl seemed to have soured opinion on the idea and Ederin was left to consider a new pitch to get willing combatants.
Despite the previous weeks intense training, Ederin tried to double up on the guard, determined not to let the snake attack ruin the reputation he was trying to build. Unfortunately it wasn't as effective as he'd hoped. He learned from one of the bartenders that they felt he'd been pushing them too hard.
The three older Varisians were very talented musicians despite missing a tooth here and there. Their upbeat strings underscored by the rhythmic percussion was everything Dimitrio could have wanted and rivaled the ten piece ensemble that he used to dance to in Magnimar.
He usually was the main attraction of a group of dancers but here Zuria was the only one on stage with him.
Well, not much of a stage but at least he was able to clear a section of the Gold Goblin for his performances. It can only get better
With the addition of musicians, a talented, good-looking dancer, and Zuria, the show was a rousing success. Dimitrio was 'killing it' with his dance show, expertly enhanced with his lights and magic.
He walked around like a rooster in a hen house. Damn, I think I'm getting better
Prof (Barkeep)
Kaylayne keeps her mind on her job and her job on her mind, tending to the bar, barmaids, barkeeps, & barstools with equal fervor. Much like last week, she still explores different special drink combinations that might do as well as the Goodbeery, the beer infused with the healing power of goodberries.
In addition this week now that she feels more comfortable, she begins to try to make friends with the rest of the staff. She learns names and tries to make friends.
Diplomacy
For the relative quiet in the remaining part of the week, Lief hies away to his room, where he gets more comfortable with his portable lab. A couple of times, he finds himself bolting from the room, when he inadvertently combines agents that don't agree with each other. Working in small amounts proves to be the safe bet, as he never manages much more than an ephemeral flash or burst.
When he is forced to air out his living quarters, he takes to the streets, and continues visiting various establishment. He brings along his various creations, and does his best to sell them off at market as he gets more familiar with the vendors.
Growing more secure in their day-to-day activities, he thinks on possible fliers that might find their way into passing palms, pointing the way to the Gold Goblin.
Getting back, he pulls Saul aside to put forward his idea. "Master Saul, what would you say to a piece of paper that could be written, not only with your establishment's name and location, but also with a promise to double the payout of a single bet on ghoulette, to entice potential patrons to value the paper pressed into their palm?"
Garridan speds most of his time this week talking with the dealers about game protection. With the card games he coves strategies used by card counters and card markers. With the dice games he coves pushing dice teams.
When he sees Layne still messing around with adding berries to drinks he reiterates his advice "You'll get the best results with Mead." Pointing at the berries he continues, "If you are going to add their juice after the fermentation process, Mead is the way to go. Be careful though, you have to make sure the yeast is inert or else you'll get an explosion when you re-bottle them."
He continues to see about the feasibility of starting a brewery in the lower level.
A sudden tidal surge hits Riddleport’s harbor on Fireday - market day for many. The uncharacteristically large wave causes minor damage as ships are pushed against the piers and boardwalks strain under the sudden pressure. Water from the wave reaches Wharf Street, and several stevedores and beachcombers are washed out to sea and lost, including one of your servers. Lots of folks blame the blot in the sky - something that’s becoming a pattern. Something wrong? It was the blot!
Larur continues to be helpful, but he gives you a lot more leeway to do your own thing than you’d expect. Perhaps it’s his friendly demeanor? Perhaps it’s the great success you had in the first week? It’s hard to know, but he continues to support you in the lightest fashion, only guiding when needed and staying out of the way when not.
This week there seems to be some extra Calistrian traffic to the guest rooms of the Gold Goblin. Saul’s efforts to bring in the ‘high-rollers’ must be working, the priestesses coming through are more expensive than you’re used to seeing around the ‘Goblin.
The tables have also been hot. A few big winners put a dent in the weeks take early, but news of their wins brought in a larger clientele by the end of the week so it was a wash - as it should be. Saul is absent more this week than last - always doing something somewhere, but his absence on the floor was noticed. You really need to clone the man and his effusive manner. It carries a lot of weight, particularly with the heavy gamblers. Makes them feel special as they lose and keeps them at the table.
The high turnover at the ‘Goblin is having an effect. It’s hard to keep training people over and over again for the same simple things, and it detracts you, Larur, and even Saul on occasion, from other duties. That said there’s some amazing inertia from the previous week that keeps most folks happy.
Ederin has just a horrible week. The sort of week where he just wishes he’d stayed in bed. He increases his efforts only to find blockage at every turn. The warriors he talks to come and hassle him in the ‘Goblin, making a scene. Just everything went wrong…
In stark contrast, Dimitrio’s week was much more impressive. He and Zuria are finding some real chemistry, and while he doesn’t have a lot of space - he’s making very good use of what he does have!
Kaylayne also has a good week. She gets to know a few of the folks she’s training, and finds them to be OK people overall. She even makes some good headway on her Goodbeery, but the constant tweaking has some scratching their heads. They just can’t see the endgame…
Lief has a VERY good week, and is starting to learn the names and personalities of the key players in the other casinos. Nothing useful for blackmail as yet, but lots of information which helps Larur tailor his processes and improve the competitive nature of the Gold Goblin. Saul, seemingly distracted, takes his pamphlet idea under advisement, and does in fact try a few among the higher end gamblers and it has some success!
Garridan helps the other dealers a little, but his mind isn’t in it. He keeps thinking of mead, and mead like products. Still, he competes with Ederin for what to do with the basement rooms. So far Saul hasn’t made a decision, but with Ederin’s latest, uh, success, he’s leaning toward the brewery idea.
Saul does OK overall. As I mentioned, he's absent quite a bit in the week, but whatever he's doing, it's working. The Gold Goblin is gaining traction and is attracting regulars.
This week you each earn 25gp for your efforts. Feel free to begin your week, but again, do not complete it or make any final rolls. You're making ripples, and they just might return as waves...
Garridan halfheartedly goes about his duties but can't help but think, Something is missing. But he can't quite put his finger on it, The place is making money, it close to my dream job but something is not right. He considers for a moment, My co-workers and companions are not the problem, why do I have this feel ing that some thing is off.
In addition to his normal duties Garridan tries to find some time to look for the components of his shrine he has been thinking about.
Kaylayne polishes the bartop for the third time. It wasn't so much as it was necessary, but it was to her. The bar just felt better when it was polished and the beads of ale sweat and foam pooled on the top rather than soaked into the wood. In some bars, these tops would never be protected, but now that she had some say in the direction of the Gold Goblin, she wanted to do it...and she did.
Come Toilday morning...
"Lief, I'll be heading to the markets after lunch. You said you wanted to see the stores...?" Kaylayne reminds. "It is also my first chance to see the damage done by the Blot and the weird tides. I hear there are still standing pools of water in some places. Strange, huh?"
Lief raises his head from a ratio notation, and nods briskly. "Marketbound? Wonderful, yes. I could use a stretch..." He twists a spigot on a glass bulb, slowing its drip to one drop roughly each minute. "...and this can use to sit awhile. Thank you for fetching me." He gathers two vials from a rack, and pockets them in his belt pouch gently.
"My brother's departure couldn't have come at a better time, what with the tides wreaking their little havoc along the docks. As for the Blot, I've put it off long enough. Should really bear further witness to its own influences." Lief lowers his voice to a polite dinner conversation volume.
"From what little I've gathered, several intoxicated folk from several different taverns have at one time or another mentioned lucid dreams involving the Blot. I'm not sure if it's a genuine phenomenon from the Blot's nature, or from human nature's ability to create something of a mass hysteria. Only seems to be when their defenses are down due to spirits." Lief remembers himself, and gathers two leather-bound books, tucking them into his backpack.
"Alright, I think I'm ready to depart. Whenever you're ready."
Kaylayne, in preparation for the market, gets his armor out from behind the bar where she keeps it. She dons her mace and sling as well, patting the pouch of slingstones she keeps at her waist. She puts her actual coin purse under his armor, trusting that if someone cuts her purse that they will get nothing but the stones therein.
"Markettime!" Kay announced to all.
When she is ready, she nods to Lief.
Pausing at the front door going out, Kaylayne takes her time to look up and down the street, not once, but twice. Only after she is certain that she does not see what she doesn't want to see, does she leave.
Kay leads Lief (and anyone else who wants to tag along) to the market.
The markets of Riddleport are many and varied. There is no central market plaza in the city. Instead, smaller markets spring up all along the streets and congregate in certain intersections. Along the wharfs, ships in harbor will break out their wares on crates and casks. Nearer the Cyphermage school, you might even find the odd magic item dealer. But wherever you go, you’re sure to find a party as food, drink, and merriment accompany market days.
And of course thieves abound. Most folks go from market to home to market to reduce the goods they carry and lower their chances of being robbed, pick pocketed, or worse. The result is a large amount of foot traffic all over the city and many chance encounters with old friends, distant relatives, and others. It just adds to the festivity as you never know who you’ll encounter.
Kaylayne, when not actively examining a market stall, keeps her head down and avoids making eye contact with others...trying to avoid any hostile or inappropriate encounters with the various scumbaggery that lives in Riddleport.
She tries to look serious and focused, like someone who has nothing worth anyone's trouble...while, at the same time, looking for things she doesn't want to see. As a result, Kaylayne can seem somewhat crazed, with darting eyes and serious face.
In the end, while Kaylayne does not like to seem that way (far different from her more open, but reserved mien while working the bar), but it makes her feel safe and alert.
"Is there anything in particular you wanted to buy, Lief? Or sell?" Kaylayne asks. "I sold that bracelet to that stall there," Kaylayne points. "They gave me little hassle. Seemed fine. Over there is where I'll be buying a few flowers." Kay points again.
Garridan jumps at the offer to go the market with the others. I'm looking for a place to some wood working or that sells furniture and the like, does anyone have any suggestions? he asks the others as he looks at the different shops they pass looking for materials to make his shrine.
Dimitrio is always up for a stroll about town. People should start to recognize me by now
He puts on his shiny boots and loose, colored pants before adjusting his rapier on his hip. A quick cantrip to comb his hair back and have the bard smelling like musk finishes his preparations.
"Let's see if we can visit a establishment that has some live entertainment, yes?"
I'm fine with a split party. *rubs hands together*
Keep in mind that a troop of 4 or 5 of you means much less chance of theft. Thieves go for smaller targets. Individuals or couples are much easier than groups.
But yeah, I'm fine with party splits.
Lief takes in the sights and smells of the markets, varied as they are. The books at his back are a constant reminder of his task this day.
"Is there anything in particular you wanted to buy, Lief? Or sell?"
"Oh, yes, I hope to speak with the cyphermages, and understand what kind of business they do in book trade. It doesn't have to be our sole purpose of course, but mine today, at least."
Hearing of Garridan's interest in woodworking, Lief tries to remember anything he's heard about.
I'm looking for a place to some wood working or that sells furniture and the like, does anyone have any suggestions?
Kaylayne thinks for a moment.
"I think you probably want a craftsman's shop, rather than a temporary stall, Garridan. Hard to move woodwork to and fro each day...so a good woodworker probably has his shop attached to his workshop."
"I think you probably want a craftsman's shop, rather than a temporary stall, Garridan. Hard to move woodwork to and fro each day...so a good woodworker probably has his shop attached to his workshop."
"Good point Layne, thanks." Garridan replies to the good advice.
To Dimitrio he replies, "I'm not sure how much more entertainment I can stomach. It is nice to be out and about for a change."
Lief nods as Garridan and Kaylayne consult. "Also consider the wharfs, Garridan. I hear tell of a woman by the name of Ceredig, resident of Riddleport. She's well known for her mastheads."
Lief turns to Kaylayne. "Are you familiar with the cyphermage section? Are they a friendly lot?"
Lief turns to Kaylayne. "Are you familiar with the cyphermage section? Are they a friendly lot?"
Kaylayne shakes her head.
"I really haven't had too much time for that sort of thing," Kaylayne says. "I've only been here about 2 months and a week or so. Not much time to myself to pry into things that aren't my concern."
Kaylayne sighs and looks in the direction of the Cyphermages.
"Still, I have some free time today to come with you to see the Cyphermages. Might be interesting. Most people seem to hate the Cyphermages. Today, maybe I'll figure out why."
Kaylayne turns to answer Dimitrio.
"Yeah, I haven't had much time or desire for entertainment either. I'd rather enjoy the out of doors moreso." Kaylayne politely declines.
It is said though that their library is better than any in Varisia - even rivaling the magical centers for learning in Korvosa. For a mere 20p a day, you can gain access to it... or at least some can. They're very picky.
They are ostensibly researching just the cypher gate of Riddleport, but they often send teams of adventurers out throughout Varisia to escort their members intent on finding new lore and ancient magics. Cyphers and mysteries of all stripes.
Elias Tammerhawk, the Speaker of the Order of Cyphers, is also one of the most powerful crimelords in town. It is said he even rivals Cromarcky, and is looking for a way to overcome his Gendarme army and take over as overlord of Riddleport. If he does, he promises safer streets, less crime, and more order - of every sort.
"Also consider the wharfs, Garridan. I hear tell of a woman by the name of Ceredig, resident of Riddleport. She's well known for her mastheads."
Garridan smiles at the advice, "That may be exactly what I am looking for, I've seen some pretty intricate mastheads."
After the week he had, Ederin is more than happy to get out and wander Riddleport with the rest. He's a bit sluggish getting his gear together, but manages to catch up with everyone not that far from the Goblin, picking up pieces of the conversation as he closes in.
"Dimitrio mate, I think you'll find entertainment whether you're looking or not. No such thing as a quiet day in Riddleport."
He chuckles and slaps the colorful man on the back.
"I don't know so much that everyone hate's the Fancyboys and girls, but they're an odd lot, focusing on the Cyphergate like it'll solve the worlds problems," he shrugs,"maybe it will, but I ain't never seen evidence that it did more 'an sit there."
Rubbing his chin, he considers what else may be of interest around town, but realizes he's never seen much outside of Rotgut, at least not on his own time.
"Looks like and Kay 'n' our librarian know more about my home than I do. I'm keen to see what this cypher lot does, although 'stead of splittin' up we could make a day of it and get everyone's errands or wants out of the way together. Less chance of losin' sweets that way at the very least."
At his own mention of losing money Ederin will start keeping an eye for pickpockets or other unsavory situations to avoid.
The party seems to be making a day of it, traveling the markets with Kaylayne. Ederin watches everyone’s back as you move easily through the crowded streets and eventually…
…up the hill toward the Cyphermage order.
The markets here are of a rarer sort. Most are still representative of other market areas, but the produce is fresher, the meat better aged, and the cheeses… sublime. The quality of material goods increases as well.
The windward district as it’s called, is a steep district consists of sturdy timber structures built upon the slopes of the city’s western ridge line. It gains its name from the warm summer breezes that come in off of the gulf. Winding paths with steps cut into the bare stone provide egress through this steep district, and most buildings are several stories high with numerous balconies, many connected by narrow bridges. This district houses most of the city’s scholars and sages, and about 80% of the cyphermages make their homes here among these wind-blown tenements.
You see a few cyphermages moving through the streets, often in packs, or with guard. As you near the peak, you spy your first little shop, with a cyphermage manning it. He’s not so wizened as he first appears - the large tufts of hair coming out his ears add years to his face and his thin bony frame looks frail, but there is a spark in his eyes and a lightness to his steps that belies his initial appearance.
His pushcart says simply, “MAGIC” in large red cloth letters on a square black flag held open by thin sticks on both axis. On his cart are a number of minor trinkets, some potions and scrolls, and one or two actual magic items including a magic longsword. As you watch, you see a number of people stop and chat with the amiable fellow, who’s name is apparently either ‘Rhain’ or ‘Master Stackpole’ depending on the speaker.
Dimitrio is disappointed that the outings will not include an entertainment stop but being out is a reward in itself.
The young man is more worried about keeping his hair neatly combed than the 'Blot' and whatever dire predictions people are spouting. Desna will take care of her dreamers
Once they stop at the magic shop, he lets the others take the lead but closely listens in case something new appeared that could be used to enhance his show.
He uses the time to entertain a couple of small boys on the street by blowing different colored bubbles and pulling coins out of their ears.
Kaylayne looks at the nearby shop, unable to take in all the magics and wares on sale. She looks at Lief, wondering if this is what he wanted or something else entirely.
"Is this what you wanted Lief?" Kaylayne asks uncertainly.
"I've only been here about 2 months and a week or so."
Lief's eyebrows raise. "Oh. That's not what I would have guessed."
"Most people seem to hate the Cyphermages. Today, maybe I'll figure out why."
"Suppose when your leader is also a crimelord, being a cyphermage isn't as prestigious a title in Riddleport."
""Looks like and Kay 'n' our librarian know more about my home than I do. I'm keen to see what this cypher lot does, although 'stead of splittin' up we could make a day of it and get everyone's errands or wants out of the way together. Less chance of losin' sweets that way at the very least."
"That sounds like a fine idea, Ederin. You are very welcome along. As for hometowns, I'm not sure you don't already know more about the true Riddleport than we do. The common knowledge is usually very weak tea compared to getting your hands dirty. Like we're doing now." Lief seems satisfied, now that he's actually out and about.
When they arrive at one of the first smaller vendors, and Kaylayne inquires, Lief is unsure, as he usually is to start. He shrugs his shoulders, and steps up behind some of the familiar lot already talking with Master Khain Stackpole. He takes a closer look at the magical longsword in the meantime, seeking a better understanding of its potential.
When he thinks it appropriate, he speaks up.
"Hello, Master Stackpole, is it? My name is Lief Anemoi, protege book vendor, newly arrived from Magnimar. Pleased to meet your acquaintance. I have been tasked with assisting my family business in developing trade relations with various ports, this town included, and I would appreciate any information that may help me in this endeavor." He extends his hand confidently.
"Rhain!" the impossibly gaunt man shouts back at Lief. "The name is Rhain." he looks all over his cart, and checks a few drawers, but eventually shrugs his shoulders.
"Nope. I don't have any books. Expensive they are, magic books. Don't usually carry them, but I'm happy to find one for you if you need one."
He clucks his tongue and mumbles something to himself and considers his options.
Dimitri sees a brightly colored vest that looks like a Varisian Showman's vest. Very scintillating.
Ederin hangs out not too far from where Dimitrio is amusing a group of boys smiling as he remembers a time he and his brother had milked some street entertainer who had stopped them for the same sort of amusement.
Couple o' dog biters we were!
He looks over to the stall as Lief leans in to inspect the sword and muses about how both the vendors weapon and Dimitrio's colored bubbles fell under the same category.
Ain't nothing people can't turn to their own ends I guess. Ain't I sour today?
He shrugs it off and continues watching the dancer do what he does best, entertain, and Ederin finds he's enjoying the look of surprise on the faces of the children and slowly improving his mood.
"Nope. I don't have any books..."
Lief brings his hand back, and clasps it for a moment, before reaching for his backpack, and producing a book. Its leather is smooth and tan, its spine quite new.
"Oh, we don't deal in magic books, actually. Mundane, yet still powerful in the education they contain. This one here, The Pilgrimage of Randall Fernsbrandt, documents a well-described foray into the Mwangi Expanse, outside of Mzali by roughly one month's travel on foot. Quite harrowing, and a limited number of these journal copies makes it quite a find. I was hoping someone in the Riddleport market would find the same value in it." The young man holds out the book for inspection.
A large, long, sleek wharf-rat climbs out from behind a piled up robe it had apparently been sleeping under. It scurries along the push-cart and ends in a begging stance just before Rhain. Rhain produces a small morsel of something or other from an inner pocket, eats a nibble, and absent-mindedly feeds the rest to the beast. ”Ahhhh, Mr. Slithers, you are too right.”
He turns to Lief, his whole considerable attention boring in on you, ”You should talk to the Librarian you should. She’s always looking for books to add to the collection. She often presses the ships that come into harbor to produce them for copying, or for stories that she can pen herself. Very aggressive about books she is.”
”I can only imagine what the library would be like with Elias in charge of the city. Can you imagine?” he shakes his bony finger at Lief, nearly stabbing him in the chest, pressing him for an answer.
"You should talk to the Librarian you should. She’s always looking for books to add to the collection. She often presses the ships that come into harbor to produce them for copying, or for stories that she can pen herself. Very aggressive about books she is. I can only imagine what the library would be like with Elias in charge of the city. Can you imagine?"
"I'd imagine good for business, if you're a book dealer." Lief smiles. "The promise of less crime and more order, well, that would need to be seen to be believed, I'd guess. Still, it's a worthy platform on which to run, and needing to fight fire with fire, wearing the same mantle as Cromarcky, well..." Lief doesn't finish the thought, worried that perhaps not everyone favors open conversation about crimelords.
"Thank you for your information regarding the Librarian. Might I inquire as to the value of that juggler's vest. It seems quite unusual."
Rhain smiles broadly at Lief and stares deep into his eyes for a long moment...
...and the moment drags on for quite a while. It's hard to know exactly how long, but clearly an uncomfortable length of time.
Eventually, he slurps a little saliva off the corner of his mouth and says, "What Mr. Slithers? Oh, right. The question."
He looks back to Lief, "300 sails. It's a fine piece is it not? Very stylish. But then you don't have the three hundred do you?" he pokes Lief in the chest with his scrawny hand.
"OK then. 250 gold, but that's as low as you'll find anywhere for such fine threads. See that? That's gold thread. And that's silver. Or maybe platinum, where are my glasses..."
He takes out some pince-nez glasses and peers at the vest. "Yeap. Silver!" he snaps the glasses off his head with a flourish and puts them into a pocket - different from the one they came out of.
He mumbles to himself as he looks at Lief, "Man wants to juggle hankies. I just know it."
Dimitri sees a brightly colored vest that looks like a Varisian Showman's vest. Very scintillating.
The bard is quickly drawn to the vest. It reminds when he was part of the Varisian Troupe. There was Rodolfo; he was a fine magician. Hey, maybe I can add a magic show to the Goblin
He smiles as he feels the cloth of the garish vest.
A large, long, sleek wharf-rat climbs out from behind a piled up robe it had apparently been sleeping under. It scurries along the push-cart and ends in a begging stance just before Rhain. Rhain produces a small morsel of something or other from an inner pocket, eats a nibble, and absent-mindedly feeds the rest to the beast. ”Ahhhh, Mr. Slithers, you are too right.”
Dimitrio suddenly drops the vest and almost knocks over a table as he stumbles back away from the rat. He signals Desna's butterflies over his heart and mumbles, "Keep that vermin away from me. Dirty little vermin."
The bard is visibly sweating but trying his best to 'mop up' using a red handkerchief previously being used for his magic tricks.
He yells out to no one in particular, "Can we get rid of the dirty rat?"
He yells out to no one in particular, "Can we get rid of the dirty rat?"
The magic man jerks his head away from Lief for a moment. "Dirty? Well I suppose he is a rat. But not dirty. Mr. Slithers, something more appealing to the artist if you please."
As you watch, the rat slowly transforms into a cute, fat, bunny. It twitches its little nose at you, and cleans its face with its forepaws.
The cyphermage turns back to Lief and presses, "Well?!"
Lief is about to answer Rhain, when Dimitrio reacts poorly to the presence of Rhain's pet. "Dimitrio, have a care. Rats are highly intelligent animals, and fastidious in their hair care. They usually groom themselves several times a day. Now, mark how Rhain holds a kind of conversation with the creature, and happens to deal in magical items, and you don't have to think much further than Mr. Slithers is this gentleman's familiar. You are insulting the man's familiar." As Mr. Slithers transforms, Lief nods as his hypothesis is confirmed.
The young man looks to the psuedo-elderly man, and apologizes. "Forgive Dimitrio. I'm unaware of his personal phobias, but Mr. Slithers is obviously unfairly slurred. I was inquiring on Dimitrio's behalf, regarding the vest. You are kind to lower your cost, but I think this is the Varisian's decision to make."
Lief turns to Kaylayne and Ederin. "Would you happen to know where we can locate the Librarian's offices?"
"Can we get rid of the dirty rat?"
Ederin howls laughter as the rat startles his companion.
"Mate that rat is not half as frightenin' as that table cloth you were droolin' over!"
He quiets shortly after, startled himself as the rat transforms, and wonders not for the first time how anyone can ever get used to magic.
When Lief questions him he pauses to think.
"Biggest library is the Cypher Lodge, shouldn't be too far either. Gotta figure that's where someone named "The Librarian" is holed up, right?"
Lief is about to answer Rhain, when Dimitrio reacts poorly to the presence of Rhain's pet. "Dimitrio, have a care. Rats are highly intelligent animals, and fastidious in their hair care. They usually groom themselves several times a day. Now, mark how Rhain holds a kind of conversation with the creature, and happens to deal in magical items, and you don't have to think much further than Mr. Slithers is this gentleman's familiar. You are insulting the man's familiar." As Mr. Slithers transforms, Lief nods as his hypothesis is confirmed.
The young man looks to the psuedo-elderly man, and apologizes. "Forgive Dimitrio. I'm unaware of his personal phobias, but Mr. Slithers is obviously unfairly slurred. I was inquiring on Dimitrio's behalf, regarding the vest. You are kind to lower your cost, but I think this is the Varisian's decision to make."
Dimitrio is only half listening to Lief's explanation. He keeps a healthy distance from the rat and gasps as it turns into a rabbit.
Still not trusting the 'thing', he turns to Ederin who seems to be making fun of him, "The rats I know eat garbage and dead animals. They bite and carry disease. Our entire troupe was sickened by a few rats; two young boys died. Their bodies black and blue where they had been bitten."
He prays for Desna's protection and forgets all about thee magician's vest.
He yells out to no one in particular, "Can we get rid of the dirty rat?"
Kaylayne gives a look to Dimitrio, wondering what would make the man say that aloud, then shakes her head. She tries to pretend the comment didn't happen...and fails.
Lief turns to Kaylayne and Ederin. "Would you happen to know where we can locate the Librarian's offices?"
Kaylayne finally removes her gaze from Dimitrio to answer Lief's question.
"Nope. Never been to this part of town before. I'm as new as Ederin here. I'm sure we could ask around and find it."
"The rats I know eat garbage and dead animals. They bite and carry disease. Our entire troupe was sickened by a few rats; two young boys died. Their bodies black and blue where they had been bitten."
"I grew up in a place called Rotgut , you don't have to explain to me what rats can do, mate."
Ederin pulls a handful of brown hair from over his ear and points to the top where a section looks to be chipped away.
"Was barely bigger than the rat that took the bite, my brother ripped it off me and strangled it with his bare hands. Way he tells it my father considering cutting the ear off just to be safe. You gotta let the past go mate, all the same though, sorry I laughed." He gives what he hopes is an apologetic nod.
Garridan watches the exchange between Ederin and Dimitrio with a smile. This is what I needed to hear some playful banter shared among freinds. To Dimitrio he adds, "I don't think he meant any harm Dimitrio and I for one think was a very nice vest."
"I don't think he meant any harm Dimitrio and I for one think was a very nice vest."
Kaylayne cracks a smile at Garridan's humorous comment, her ire turning to mirth.
"Let's go you clowns. Leave the nice man and his rat in peace. Let's go find the Librarian. Because I can't wait to see what Dimitrio will take issue with next: bookworms? Sawbugs?" Kaylayne gives a playful wink to Dimitrio.
Kaylayne turns and begins to look for the library for Lief.
"Now bookworms are fearsome," Garridan laughs as he joins his companions in their search for the library.
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"Now bookworms are fearsome."
Lief answers as he tucks away his book, not looking up to address Garridan directly. "Oh, now, I'm not all that fearsome. We only fear what we don't know, you just need time to get to know me." Lief looks up finally, and smiles, ready to follow.
He does look over his shoulder at Rhain, a little uneasy of the man, now that he's had a chance to think on the man's mannerisms. Creepy man.
Lief answers as he tucks away his book, not looking up to address Garridan directly. "Oh, now, I'm not all that fearsome. We only fear what we don't know, you just need time to get to know me."
'You've got that right, Garridan replies with a fake shutter.