The group makes their way further up the hill to the very Order of the Cyphers! Many stream in and out of the great double doors on this market day, but all are checked carefully and granted admittance only after strict scrutiny.
As the party approaches and makes their desires clear, the guard simply states, "No problem. That'll be 20gp for access to the library. Each."
Looking to Lief Garridan comments, "Bookworms will eat a hole in your coin purse too."
"Suddenly I remember why I was never so keen to come up here." Ederin grumbles as he reaches for the coins to pay his entrance fee.
Kaylayne looks around. She seeks a place where she can sit outside and wait. She wants grass or flowers or quiet...but also other people around as well.
Perception
"I *could* wait outside, I suppose...if you're not going to be too long, Lief?"
"Suddenly I remember why I was never so keen to come up here." Ederin grumbles as he reaches for the coins to pay his entrance fee.
Dimitrio, now better to be away from the rat, shakes his head. "Uh, you mean I have to pay more than my week's hard-earned money to enter to... read? Does the entrance fee pay for a succubi to... tickle my feet with a feather?"
He's with Layne on this one, "Guys, I think I'll wait outside until you get back. If you think you'll be more than two hours, let me know and I'll go back to the Goblin."
Lief puts a hand on Ederin's as the man reaches his coin. "I wouldn't presume to make you pay for my interest in this establishment's business." The young man looks at Kaylayne and nods. "If I pay for entrance here, I will not waste the opportunity. Please, don't wait for me, but... If you could come back at the end of the day to walk me back? I know that's asking quite a lot, but I worry that the evening will be tougher to navigate back to the Goblin without some kind of escort." Lief looks expectantly at the others, sifting through his pouch for the entrance fee.
"When this evening? How long?" Kaylayne tries to pen Lief down before deciding. She wants to hang about outside, but among people, and that might be dicey if longer than a few hours. "I'm willing to come back, but just need to know when."
Lief shrugs his shoulders, then turns to the guard. "When does the library close?" He hands the gold to the guard, and waits for an answer that will satisfy his associates.
Lief shrugs his shoulders, then turns to the guard. "When does the library close?" He hands the gold to the guard, and waits for an answer that will satisfy his associates.
The guard smiles at the neophyte question, ”It doesn’t.” he says simply.
Lief bows his head a moment, then formulates a more practical question. "With my admission fee, how long may I visit?"
"Check out is after breakfast is served in the morning, though you may of course always stay longer for an additional fee. I don't know if any rooms are available for sleeping, but that's not usually why people stay here." he replies helpfully as he processes the next person in line behind you.
"Breakfast as well? That's lovely." Lief turns to the others. "I shouldn't have troubles returning to the Gold Goblin in the morning. A little drag in my step, seems worth it for a stay here." Lief waves to the others.
"Thank you for seeing me here! Enjoy the rest of your day!" He doesn't look back, once he's said his goodbyes.
As you move east, the stale, old smell of a large library washes over you pleasantly. Entering the main reading room, you see rows and rows of scrolls, books, and other paraphernalia of learning, along with many and varied little spaces carved out of the sea of knowledge for chairs and tables.
A young, eager servant is quick to greet you and asks, ”What are you researching today?”
- - -
Meanshile, the bulk of the party moves easily through the crowded streets and eventually down to where the tall ships dwell.
The river district runs along both banks of the Velashu River. It consists primarily of shops and fulling mills that turn out the few trade items manufactured in Riddleport, mainly finished metal goods, lumber, fulled cloth, tanned hides, and cured furs taken by hunters from the nearby mountains or the Uplands. Two fish packing houses operate in this stretch as well. All of these operations dump their wastes directly into the river, as do several sewage drains from the streets of the city, providing a particularly pungent odor for which the district is infamous and has earned the unofficial name of 'Reek District.'
Ceredig’s shop is open to the wharf and a little to the east where the sewage smell isn’t quite as strong. The shop still shows a few signs of damage from the recent wave. It’s a large building, mostly open in the front (though there are large barn-style doors to lock it up at night naturally). She has two apprentices running around the shop, moving things around, doing rough cuts, and other tasks. The master crafter is working on a large bookcase with detailed scrollwork throughout. She seems to be doing something magically with the lower part of the unit when you arrive.
An apprentice stops what he’s doing and approaches you politely, ”Welcome, how may my mistress serve you today?”
Kaylayne enjoys the walk up until she reaches the full of the Reek District, suddenly understanding why she so subconsciously ignored the district until now.
"My...Garridan...what a wonderful smell you've discovered," Kaylayne says as a woman who is used to tending bar in small taverns with many drunken be-sotted idiots. She tries to breathe through her mouth until her nose acclimates to the odors.
Kaylayne stands aside and lets Garridan conduct his business with the 'mistress'.
Any relief Ederin had about not paying his way into the library is lost as the group enters the Reek District and it's trademark scent washes over him.
"Would have thought that bath they got would have wiped some o' the smell away!" Ederin wrinkles his nose as they pass the worst of it.
"Don't matter how often I'm down here, smell still gets to me. How any of this lot can work here everyday I can't work out."
His eyes catch on the hides and furs as they head towards Ceredig's shop. He nods appreciatively at a few of the hunters he recognizes, having crossed paths with more than a few out in the wilds over the years.
Looking over the bookcase being finished he whistles and elbows Garridan playfully. "Might've saved money sticking with Lief."
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"My...Garridan...what a wonderful smell you've discovered," Kaylayne says as a woman who is used to tending bar in small taverns with many drunken be-sotted idiots.Take it up with Lief he is the one who recommend the shop, Garridan complains.
Looking over the bookcase being finished he whistles and elbows Garridan playfully. "Might've saved money sticking with Lief."
Garridan looks at Ederin with a smile, ”I’ll just have to start collecting more tithes.”
An apprentice stops what he’s doing and approaches you politely, ”Welcome, how may my mistress serve you today?”
Garridan nods to the apprentice, ”Gooday sir, I was hoping to a small alter made and your shop has come highly recommended.” Clearing his throat he continues, “ To be specific it is an alter to Cayden Cailean, I am hoping for some thing about this big,” he holds his hands about 2 feet apart. ”With appropriate scroll work and such but I defer to you expertise in these matters. Of course price is also a consideration but I don’t mind paying for fine craftsmanship. ” He smiles and looks at the man expectantly.
”Good day to you! Well, as you may imagine, m’ lady has several projects, and taking on a new one, while it can be exhilarating, is also costly in materials and labor as you say.” he eyes the group, ”Do you have these monies? I do not know what the final price will be for such as you describe, but it expect it’ll run in the low hundreds. Maybe two hundred sails, maybe three. Depends on what you and Ceredig ultimately decide regarding design.”
”If money is an object, there are many fine woodworkers further west, any of whom could do a competent job on your request. Here we work on design first, and cost second, rather than the other way around. It gives her more freedom. You understand.”
Garridan considers a moment, "I have the the necessary funds if Ceredig and I can agree upon a design I'll pay the price. If we can't agree then I will take my business elsewhere with no hard feelings," he offers.
"Of course." he says with a supportive grin. He walks back to Ceredig, speaks quietly to her for a moment, and resumes his duties on a lesser project.
She walks up to Garridan wiping her hands in a rag. Nodding to the others briefly, she looks at Garridan, "So you want an altar? Describe your vision and leave out no detail." She looks directly at you, her green eyes piercing yours and plumbing the depths of your project.
Garridan paces and waves his hands excitedly as he explains, "This will be a small alter for a tavern two feet by one and a half I'm thinking.I envision the Altar being supported by four legs, with the legs carved in the likeness of his most loyal servants; Little Thunder, Luthier, the Knight of the Vineyard, Thais, the Accidental Herald, and Valon, the Spirit of Spirits. Around the edging I thought motifs of creatures that exemplify bravery and freedom might be appropriate for example cayhounds, satyrs, and rust monsters.” With hardly a breath he continues, ”Of course we should include his symbols in there too. Rapiers, tankards, and broken manacles. With a fervent look in his eyes he concludes, ”And on the top flat service I think a carving of his ascension at the Starstone might be nice.”
She closes her eyes and the whole room seems to dim, though of course it doesn’t really. She inhales and thinks, exhaling slowly. ”I think I can do that. It will be very beautiful. Do you want any patterned scrollwork in the un-carved wood, or just leave the grain to show itself off? Hard to know what Cayden would have wanted really. He likes simplicity it seems, but he did like objects of great beauty too.”
"With this much carving, it will take some time. Say 2 weeks - unless you want to bump my other projects and move yours exclusively to the front." She is of course implying that you could be at the head of the line if you pay an additional fee. She doesn't seem to care one way or another if you do though. Just the way business is done in Riddleport.
Garridan nods in agreement at her remarks, "I think it would be best to leave the wood un-carved to set off the carvings. What type of wood were you thinking of using?" Mentally counting the coins in his purse he decides, "Two weeks should be fine, how much is this going to set me back?"
She considers and pulls a few short boards, showing you the grain. "I imagined I'd use one of the stand by's - maybe oak." She displays a broad board of fine grained oak. "Seems to fit Cayden doesn't it? Simple yet stout. That said, I could do teak too if you wanted something more exotic. Just got in a large shipment from Korvosa of all places - but there's a Vudra connection there it seems."
She moves to a large pile in the back and removes a smaller board showing you the wood. It has a depth of color missing from the oak, and you've heard it's sturdier.
"I'll put a hard resin coating after a stain for either one. Try to get you some life out of it before bar stains become a thing." Though she seems to suggest that may be part of the 'growth' of a project - its staining in situ.
"Say 260gp in oak, 280gp in teak as I've so much of it just now and this is a fairly small project overall. Might be a little quicker with the teak too as I want to get it out the door."
What else to I have to spend coin on, Garridan concludes. "Lets go with the Oak strong and sturdy just like Cayden. I can pay 250gp and I'll put half down now and the other half in two weeks when I pick it up. Are these terms to your liking," he asks as he extends his hand to clasp hands sealing the deal.
She holds her hand a moment and looks at you, undecided over the 10gp you seem intent on saving. In the end, a decision is made, and she extends hers "Agreed."
"Where shall my servant find you when it is ready?" she asks, tying up the loose ends before continuing on with her other work.
"I can be found at The Gold Goblin ask for Garridan Brewmaster," he replies as he thinks with a laugh, or Garridan the broke.
Garridan approaches his companions and inquires, "My business is done here, what other errands do we wish to accomplish while we are out and about." Bracing himself for the smell as they exit the shop.
As they enter the river district, Dimitrio wrinkles his nose in obvious disgust. He pulls out his red handkerchief and cast a minor trick, giving it the smell of a pine. The forest always reminded him of being on the road and made him feel better.
As they enter the shop, he puts the handkerchief away and takes in the smell of wood, both the raw smell as well as the smell from the various dyes and stains are far more pleasant.
Pleasant is also his surprise as she spies the artist enhancing her work with magic. A woman after my own heart
He is about to complement her when Garridan starts talking about his altar.
Garridan approaches his companions and inquires, "My business is done here, what other errands do we wish to accomplish while we are out and about." Bracing himself for the smell as they exit the shop.
Dimitrio shrugs, "I have no other business other than to take in the sights and smells, but can we move to an area where the smell is less pronounced?"
He then asks, "Do you all want to go see the Cyphergate? I know Lief would appreciate this but we can always go back. It's something all the locals seem to talk about and I want to get a first hand look at it."
"I would not mind seeing it again." Garridan replies to Dimitrio's request.
The Cyphergate is a cyclopean stone arch, straddling the entrance to Riddleport's harbor to a height of over 350 feet. Because its height is exactly half of the arch's width, it is believed by many that the arch is but one half of a larger ring, the second half of which is buried within the rocks and silt of the harbor bottom.
The origins of the Cyphergate are widely thought to be Thassilonian, as the monument is built from unrecognizable stone and is decorated with mysterious runes, similar to other magically preserved carvings throughout the Varisian countryside. These runes are a topic for debate among scholars, both in the City of Cyphers and beyond. Some scholars believe they have no meaning, as they resist even magical detection methods, while others have formed a group called the Order of the Cyphers and call themselves Cyphermages, dedicating their lives to uncovering the truth behind the enigmatic symbols.
You make your way to the eastern leg of the arch (a little closer and more convenient). It is made up of large smooth stones and at 15’ thick and 35’ across it is massive. The slope however, is gentle enough to climb (DC 10 only) for those that may be interested.
Kaylayne largely keeps quiet while Garridan orders his box, her biggest reaction coming from the ease at which Garridan agrees to the price.
That's more money than I had combined. Wow. The brewer business must pay better than I thought.
Kaylayne is also happy to see the Cyphergate, unable to truly understand the enormity or significance even after seeing it.
"There are things that I will never understand. I get that. There are things I will never want to understand. I get that too. This arch falls into the former category," Kaylayne remarks, looking up.
"I just don't get it."
Having never been to the Cyphergate, Ederin is struck by how simple it looks up close compared to the stories told back in Rotgut.
"I wonder how much of the city you can see from above!" He says excitedly as he starts to climb. "Bet I could shoot anyone from up there."
You make your way to the eastern leg of the arch (a little closer and more convenient). It is made up of large smooth stones and at 15’ thick and 35’ across it is massive. The slope however, is gentle enough to climb (DC 10 only) for those that may be interested.
Even the normally 'loud mouth' Dimitrio just keeps quiet as he contemplates the monumental bridge. It is without a doubt the greatest civil structure he has seen and his mind wonders how it was ever built.
He turns to his companions, "So who built this and when? Any theories on the symbols?"
"What are you researching today?"
Lief slips his backpack from his shoulders, and holds it to his chest. "Yes? I mean, yes. I'm looking to speak with the Librarian. I've come from Magnimar, and may have niche business to offer, in the vein of book trade. Completely flexible on the matter, with regards to his or her schedule, but I would be grateful if my first twenty sails accomplished an audience. I'm not a rich man." He looks around the grand space, before returning his gaze to the young servant.
Kaylayne declines to climb, not just for the fear of falling, but she lacks the ability to safely climb well.
"You guys go. I'll wait here enjoying the day out."
"Have at it I am not a climber." Garridan remarks, "I'll stay down here with Layne."
"Have at it I am not a climber." Garridan remarks, "I'll stay down here with Layne."
Dimitrio could not believe what he heard. He looked at both Garridan and Layne, "Surely you are jesting? How can you not see this wonder up close. C'mon, I'm no climber either but I'll help you. You are afraid of heights, are you?"
"Have at it I am not a climber." Garridan remarks, "I'll stay down here with Layne."
"Oh come on, you lot are just gonna sit on the ground? Dimitrio, you got a sense of adventure right? "
"Have at it I am not a climber." Garridan remarks, "I'll stay down here with Layne.""Oh come on, you lot are just gonna sit on the ground? Dimitrio, you got a sense of adventure right? "
Dimitrio beams with a smile. "Of course! A little adrenaline will put some color on your face. It's good to be flushed with energy. C'mon, you two. Ederin and I will help you out."
”I understand you want to sell those books to us, and that may very well be what happens in the end, but you also owe us copies.” he gestures to a small table beside you. ”Let’s see what you have, shall we?”
Elements of the party easily climb the enormous Cyphergate, and for those that reach the top, the scene is glorious. All of Riddleport arrayed below you. The people look so small and insignificant from here, and even the tall ships coast far below the great ring. Fresh sea borne breezes even blow the stink of the city from your nose though with no shade, it is hot.
One interesting note, the blot seems closer up here. As if it’s not some atmospheric entity many miles in the air, but rather just a couple thousand feet up - relatively close to the city.
Kaylayne waits at the base, trying to find shade and looking out over the water and sky as she waits.
Elements of the party easily climb the enormous Cyphergate, and for those that reach the top, the scene is glorious. All of Riddleport arrayed below you. The people look so small and insignificant from here, and even the tall ships coast far below the great ring. Fresh sea borne breezes even blow the stink of the city from your nose though with no shade, it is hot.
One interesting note, the blot seems closer up here. As if it’s not some atmospheric entity many miles in the air, but rather just a couple thousand feet up - relatively close to the city.
A soft breeze picks up whipping Dimitrio's long hair. The young man feels on top of the world. The view is invigorating. The bard is almost about to jump off the 'bridge' and try out his new magic spell if not for the fact that he would be wet and very far from shore where he landed.
His uplifting mood came to screeching halt when he peered closer at the Blot. He turns to his companion (s?) as he mutters a prayer to Desna. "What do you think that really is?"
Despite the heat Ederin takes a moment to just look at Riddleport. He sits down, swinging one leg over the side, pulls out a small piece of fruit he'd taken from the kitchen of the Goblin and burns this image into his memory.
Even Rotgut looks beautiful from up here.
At Dimitrio's question he turns his attention on the Blot and scowls.
"Don't know, can't say I ever much cared either, figured it was too far away for us do anything about. From here though, it's got me wonderin' if it ain't somethin' somebody summoned up. "
He shrugs, takes one last look at Riddleport and starts to head back, but he moves slowly, not wanting to rush Dimitrio and a little hesitant to leave the peace and quiet.
”Yes, Lady Colsett, our head librarian, is quite interested in book trade. You, uh, have some books do you? You know the law around here is that any books that enter our city get copied here and returned. I understand you want to sell those books to us, and that may very well be what happens in the end, but you also owe us copies.” he gestures to a small table beside you. ”Let’s see what you have, shall we?”
Lief maintains a polite demeanor as the law is explained to him. Bert, you casually left this out of our discussions...
"Yes, I... of course, the copies..." Lief produces the Pilgrimage of Randal Fernsbrandt, as well as the second book, well cared for, its parchment pristine, like its writing. "This book, and this one... The Hunt for Brun Ränna Enkelbeckasin, although I can't tell if the author is trustworthy or not. I selected these two for their condition, having been in our possession for the last two months. Quite nice, I think."
Lief willingly sets down both books, and gives the servant some space. "I must admit to being green on the book trade of Riddleport. I do hope that we can do business. My father's very good at finding the odd topic, given his connections."
You don’t have too long to wait though as you are soon joined by a halfling woman, smiling brightly. ”Good afternoon sir and welcome to our humble library. I understand you’re a book dealer out of, ah, where was it?”
Kaylayne waits patiently, much more patiently than many of the others might wait for her.
"I think I shall go buy a few more flowers on the way home. The last batch have gotten wilty," Kaylayne mutters to herself, finally making a decision.
Garridan stands at the base as he watches his two companions climb. That looks like foolishness, he thinks.
When Layne says she is going off to buy flowers he nods his head and continues to watch the climbers.
Eventually, what goes up, must come down and the party makes their way back into the city, having spent a lovely day shopping the markets and visiting Riddleport. Kaylayne also stops at the florists on the way home. Lately she’s been visiting the stall of a young man with shockingly red hair (well orange really). He doesn’t always have the best display, or the prettiest flowers, but his last longer than the others have so far and they smell nicer so she’s been giving him a try.
The evening, though warm, passes uneventfully in the Gold Goblin. As has been the case the last several days, the Goblin has a good turnover and the clientele seem generally happy - even the losers. Lief rejoins you the next morning (presumably… if he does something horribly wrong we’ll have to go back a little) exhausted (well, fatigued anyway) and happy. The day passes uneventfully (feel free to interject if there’s something you really needed to do today - Fireday 10 Erastus, 4709 AR).
Larur checks in with you just after dinner that night. He is bursting with excitement, ”Gents, Kaylayne. I hired another one of you tonight! She’ll be staying in one of the guest rooms downstairs, but I figured she could help out as you have - she’s a full blown wizard!”
He looks very pleased with himself. ”Samaritha Beldusk is her name. She’s been bouncing around Riddleport the last few weeks - hoping to join up with they Cyphermages. But no luck I guess, ‘cause she’s asked for employment here. Not sure exactly how she’ll fit in, but then I didn’t know exactly how you lot would fit in either - and look how that’s worked out!” he chuckles good-naturedly.
”I asked her to wait downstairs so you could all meet. She starts day after tomorrow. Maybe you can sort out where she’ll be the best fit? Might be that she works the front somehow. Maybe as a greeter now that Saul has been so busy. Someone to help fill that role.”
”So go meet her and let me know what you think! I’ll be checking her story tonight, so let’s chat tomorrow.” He bustles back out onto the gambling floor to check things over one more time on your busiest night of the week, before scooting outside for a few hours research.
Intrigued Garridan heads down stairs to see the new hire.
"”Good afternoon sir and welcome to our humble library. I understand you’re a book dealer out of, ah, where was it?”
Lief reflects the halfling's smile. "Lady Colsett, I presume? Apologies if you aren't. I'm representing the Anemoi family book trade from Magnimar. My brother Bert allowed me to take the Riddleport leg of our outward reach, as he sets sail for Korvosa." Lief frowns suddenly.
"I was not aware of the law here in Riddleport that sanctions copies from all books that pass through this interesting city. I'm not sure my brother was either. Bert Anemoi, berthed on the Humpwhale, recently departed for Korvosa, before the mayhem hit the shores. My deepest apologies may not be enough, unless he avoids persecution, having not unloaded our books from the ship's cargo hold." Lief pauses before he continues.
"I am in awe of your library, period, end of sentence. Were I a rich man, I would support your work here in a heartbeat, while benefiting from its wealth of information. I intend to spend the night, reading what I can on... Riddleport Law, I surmise. I was immensely curious about the Blot, of course, but I wouldn't know where to begin... unless you have suggestions?"
...
Following his all-nighter , Lief fights off the lack of sleep through almost constant kahve-drinking. With the drinking comes the constant trips to alleviate his constantly-filling bladder.
When the time comes to meet the new hire, Lief does his best to greet the newcomer. His enthusiasm is proportionate to her beauty. "Good Evening, Samaritha! I understand we are to work together. I just spent the night in the Order of the Cyphers. I understand you have an interest up there as well, yes?"
Larur checks...”Gents, Kaylayne. I hired another one of you tonight!”
Kaylayne cracks an eye at Larur, not sure what he means by 'another one of you'.
One of me? A female? A barkeep?
”I figured she could help out as you have - she’s a full blown wizard!”
"A wizard? Is that what you meant? Or did you mean woman? I'm no wizard. Ha," Kaylayne replies, shaking her head. She had no idea what a wizard even was...there were so many different types and aspects of magic that it was impossible for Kaylayne to even imagine what Samaritha might be like. It's like calling oneself 'bard'...it's a concept that has little meaning.
Kaylayne shakes her head at Larur as she goes to meet Samaritha.
* * *
"Good Evening, Samaritha! I understand we are to work together. I just spent the night in the Order of the Cyphers."[/b]
Kaylayne offers Samaritha a smile.
"Hi. I'm Kaylayne. Welcome aboard. When you get settled and want me to show you the bar, let me know."