Mortimer returns to the table with refreshed drinks, and milk with blueberries and a straw.
"We should still try to get fitted to the local flavor if we can. If not, our duds from Egorian should be OK.”
Mortimer shrugs and shakes his head, remembering the half cloaks branded with the Smallcask symbol. "Maybe not the half cloaks. I feel like a walking advertisement." He flexes his bicepts and looks down at his broad chest. "Besides, if we go with the Egorian clothes I might have to get mine refit."
He is downcast when Ascaria mentions that "Armhin is looking with those of 'valor'". He snorts, "Do you think he'd recognise the Outcast symbol? If so, maybe we should wear the stupid half cloaks."
”So yeah, if we go in the front door, it’s gonna cost us two grand a piece and no weapons. I can make that happen for me by dipping into my reserves, but bloat of hippopotamuses the idea of giving away that much money to a man who is almost certainly evil beyond measure galls me.”
"Figures, nothing is really free afterall. Hey," Mortimer says, lowering his voice, and encouraging everyone to lean into the table to hear him. When the Elder Half Elf fails to recognize the brawler's non-verbal queue, damn he's good... Mortimer gently applies pressure between the Half Elf's shoulder blades. "Listen here -- did we find out when this 'shindig' is? Some people here knew of some stupid people -- well -- to make a long story short -- apparently there is maybe some bodies, a dragon, and a lair under Traitors' Graves. Maybe we can slay the dragon and take the loot to uh -- finance our 'given away' tickets."
"Sol -- wait -- I never said 'angel'. I said 'Batman'. Do you think we're going to find one of those red-headed 'angels' up there?”
”Oh, you did!? OH! YOU DID!” Solrisa smiles, then blushes. ”I thought you said that but then maybe not, I was just...hmmm...I don’t know what I was thinking. But we still should be on the roof looking at things at night. It’s probably very lovely and might see angels or batsmen or starfroggies or something.” Solrisa shies away from Mort’s shirt-tickling finger.
Solrisa seems to agree with the planned activities, most intrigued about the owlbear of course. ”Did we fight an owlbear a long time ago? Or was that a bear-owl?” Solrisa shrugs, not knowing the difference.
* * *
Solrisa does intent to go to the roof to see if she can espy any batsmen or angels or whatnot, and uses her nice booties for the power of flight so she can sit and look at the stars and city, what she can see.
Mort is welcome to attend but Solrisa does not press his attendance if he does not wish to come. Perhaps Eri might come instead.
* * *
”2000 suns?” Solrisa’s hand goes to her mouth, trying to do the math and figure out how much gold that is. She looks at Ascaria as he explains what might be expected. ”I don’t have that much money, but maybe if I sell things? I don’t know. Maybe...” Solrisa seems saddened that she might need to sell a sword or two to pay for the honor of meeting Zeech. She’s willing to, but it’s a lot of money.
She assumes her shiny armor will be sufficient in its fineness, along with her pretty booties and nice hair tie.
"Did we fight an owlbear a long time ago? Or was that a bear-owl?”
"Ah, we did. Those were the days, weren't they? Finding homeless owlbears, tracking down bones, putting a ghost to rest, contemplating how beautiful an evil observatory might look with a yard clad in colorful flowers as it slowly burns and smolders in the background..." Mortimer's eyes well up wistfully with wee water as he reminisces. He grabs a bottle of good champagne, three flute glasses (just in case), pops down the monetary difference if any, and follows Solrisa to the rooftop.
"Champagne?" he offers his companion(s).
"Yeh, I don't have 200o either. I could probably sell off some potions and get close. Hopefully we can get our cash back somehow."
When Sol seems to give Eri a nudge toward the roof he shakes his head in the 'why not' shrug.
"Yeh, sure I'll go up to the roof with you. I don't see as well as Mort, but I do like a bit of night air."
Mortimer whips out a short sword, spins it in the air and flys up to the rooftop with Solrisa.
Eidi takes a long sip finishing his milk, then turns to Ascaria "Do you want to join them? It's quite a long time I have not seen the stars" the apparently blind-folded man says, then shrugs.
If the gnome is not interested Eidi takes Eri and dimension doors into the rooftop alongside Solrisa and Mortimer. Otherwise he takes the gnome too.
Eri pulls a potion of spider climb out of his bag. He wipes off some caked on dust to make sure he has the right one. I wonder how long I've had this one? When Eidi starts to cast dimension door he puts it back. "Ah yes, let's travel in style."
Ascaria begs off, wanting to spend the evening learning things in the pub, though he refreshes his Status spell on the group just in case something happens.
He does respond to Mort however, and quietly, "Yes, as we're all short on funds for this gig. Maybe we should plan a trip to see if there is something in the wilds to bolster our income."
He then gets back to 'work'.
While the gnome remains below, in the comfort of the tavern's fire and company, the rest of the Outcasts take to the roof. Eidi and Eri are rooted after their dimensional door allows them access to the roof, while Solrisa and Mortimer use items to drift upwards with magical flight.
The rooftop does allow you a new perspective on the city, from where you stand. You can make out the Alhaster Market for its expanse to the southeast. Miomay's Playhouse is large enough, you can also easily identify the location of your previous visit.
The spires of the various churches are easy enough to place, as it the grandeur of Zeech's Palace, as it looms above the city.
The watchtowers are of decent height to the west, and another structure rises to some height to the north. You identify it as the Arena . There is plenty of torchlight to glow its many vistas.
Something of an ill ease comes to you all upon the rooftop of the Tavern- to the northeast, you see a shadowed structure that appears to be another Spire of Long Shadows.
Towards the east, as you might expect regarding the location of the Aerie, you spot two winged forms soaring above what must be the entrance to the bay.
Much closer, above the Alhaster Market, you spy another two, standing upon the rooftop of the Shipping Concern. They stand back from the edge of the roof, allowing the darkness to obscure their presence.
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"OH!" Mortimer exclaims, discretely popping a mint leaf into his mouth. He looks up. "Just look at the stars, Sol!" He puts his arm around her shoulders, leans in toward her a little and points to a star in the sky. You don't know anything about stars! But who cares! Make something up! "That collection right there -- that's Fingel, the half-elven Navigator captian in his two masted boat. He's legendary for -- um, -- being a half-elven sailor, I guess. And that set over there -- that's Posey, the kitten diety whose job is to repeatedly knock the moon across the sky like a little yarnball. And that -- "
He is suddenly interrupted by the dimension door arrival of Eidi and Eri. Egads, did we just leave the half blind gnome to himself?! He quietly sighs and hides his irritation. He stares at Eidi for sometime, wondering why a 'blind' man would come to the rooftop.
"What? Why -- why didn't Ascaria join us? Now there aren't enough glasses..." he shakes his head.
"Yeh, I don't have 200o either. I could probably sell off some potions and get close. Hopefully we can get our cash back somehow."
"Well, maybe a short side quest? See over there?" he points south and west. "Traitors' Graves lies over there. Rumor has it that under it lies a dragon's lair. The dragon probably comes with it, though. If it is Evil, maybe we can kill it, then use the loot to finance our Banquet endevours here. What do you think?"
He mingles with his companions for further banter before suggesting, "Oh, would you look at the time! Maybe we should head back down and discuss our next moves. Speaking of Fingel and the lair, I have some concerns, particularly about shipping whatever we might find..." He jerks his head in the direction of the Shipping Concern (7), and looks for a less glamourous way down than how he arrived.
"Oh good! You guys are here! Good good! There is plenty of room between me and Mort! He's very warm!" Solrisa scooches to make room for her friends.
"Now, Mort? Which one was the cat again? I do like stars! They remind me of little tiny space moons!" Solrisa cheers happily at the night's sky.
She looks around.
"Is Ascaria coming? I bet I could describe the stars to him. I would tell him that stars are little tiny lights from far away, except there are many of them and each one is a wish from a brave boy or brave girl that is going to find the Dragon! There are many many wishes in the sky because there are many brave boys and girls who want to pray to the Dragon. Then he would know what stars are, that's for sure!" Solrisa explains exactly what she thinks.
Eri sees Mort with his arm around Sol. "Er, ah, Hi! Yeh Sol, I'm sure that would do the trick, no thanks I'm just fine over here. It's not too cold and well..."
"...side quest..."
"Er, yeh, that sounds great. But, what about those other Spires of Long Shadows. What are we gonna do about those?"
You go unnoticed for several minutes, but that peace doesn't last long. From the direction of the Shipping Concern, two Blessed Angels arrive to address you from on high. They close to roughly 100' from you, and begin to interrogate you, briefly, through Telepathy.
"Your faces are new to Alhaster. Who are you? What are your names?"
One of them wields a flaming composite longbow, while the other one lazily twirls what appears to be a rope.
"Oh hai!" Solrisa waves at them, smiling. "I'm Solrisa! Beautiful night out, huh?"
"Oh good! You guys are here! Good good! There is plenty of room between me and Mort! He's very warm!"
Mortimer looks puzzled as Solrisa pulls away from him. Wha? Did she just say I'm hot?! Well, good... I guess that's a distraction! He wanders toward the edge of the roof.
"[ Stars, wishes, boys, girls, dragons, Ascaria, dragons, girls, boys, wishes, stars... ]"
...two Blessed Angels arrive to address you from on high. They close to roughly 100' from you, and begin to interrogate you, briefly, through Telepathy."Your faces are new to Alhaster. Who are you? What are your names?"
Mortimer begins to open his mouth, then remembers that he is not the most articulate member of the Outcasts.
"Oh hai!" Solrisa waves at them, smiling. "I'm Solrisa! Beautiful night out, huh?"
Mortimer backs away from the edge of the roof and stands protectively beside and slightly in front of the 'blind' elder half-elf Eidi, saying nothing for the time being.
Eidi shakes at the unexpected appearance "Ah! Ohm! Um! Sorry, is it problematic we stay here? It has been a long time since we do not enjoy staring at the stars"
"We do understand this is your job and you have nothing particular against us. We want no problems either, we will just relocate if needed by local laws" the blind man stares directly into the night "What is that large area there currently under construction?"
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Both Angels keep their distance, though one of them does call out to the night sky.
Solrisa tries to keep her excitement contained, so happy is she that others might make new friends.
Oh boy! The angels are talking to us!
Eri stands ready to aid in diplomacy if needed.
I could say something, but Eidi is MUCH better at sweet talking angry celestials than I am.
"Αυτό είναι καλό που ξέρετε τη συζήτηση των δράκων. Λέω απλώς στους φίλους μου πόσο εντυπωσιακή είναι η οργάνωση των αγγέλων σας. Είστε εντολή απευθείας από τον Λόρδο Zeech; Αλλά συγχωρέστε μας, φοβόμαστε ότι θα μπορούσαμε να επιτεθούμε από κάποιο τέρας. Δεν θα το πιστέψετε, αλλά συχνά επιτίθενται από κάποια τέρατα." the half-elf turns to his friends "I think the just need our names" then to the angels "You can call me idiE the Blind"
"That is fine you know the talk of the dragons. I was just telling my friends how impresive your Angels organization looks like. Are you commanded directly by Lord Zeech? But forgive us, we were scared we might be attacked by some monster. You will not believe it, but we are often attacked by some monsters."
""I think they just need our names"
Mortimer pulls his shoulders back and inhales, waiting to see how Sol and Eri will respond.
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Ascaira buys a round for a few folks he's started chatting up, as he moves through the crowd like a beacon of light in the pub. He spins around, and talks with anyone who will let him, looking to make friends and learn something of the nature of the town, as well as his earlier stated goals.
All in all, he's having a great time, and hopes the others are likewise enjoying themselves on the rooftops. He hasn't seen stars since he was very young, like 5, and doesn't really remember them, so doesn't see the allure.
Give him a cold pint and warm company any day to a cold rooftop and darkness...
Solrisa waits for a moment for others to offer their names, looking at Mort and Eri with confusion.
She elbows Mort in the ribs.
"I think she's talking to you," Solrisa whispers, smiling at the pretty angels.
As Solrisa elbows Mortimer, he winces and exhales sharply.
He looks sheepishly at Solrisa, then steps forward boldly.
"Uh.., my friends call me 'Mort'," he states -- before 'boldly' taking a step back.
He looks to Eri and Sol and shrugs. Well?
"Hi, my name is Eri. Pleased to meet you."
The Tavern Bar is in full swing, as the evening unfolds, and the spirits flow like a mighty river. Without your entourage, you find yourself surrounded occasionally by folk who are very, very interested in your generosity in purchasing rounds. They move from one side of the Bar, at first watching you from a distance, then migrate into your nearer sphere of influence. These folks are either convinced of your character, and become quiet ally in shooing off those of ill intent, while others are the ones who are shooed off. You still notice them occasionally within your sphere of sight, as they mark you, and watch you as the night rolls on.
...
The Blessed Angels finally gather all your names, while demonstrating a strong disinterest in any pleasant conversation. Two more Angels join the first pair, all of them keeping their distance, and certainly circling the four of you, leaving part of the circle towards the part of the roof which stands above the front doors of the Tavern.
"Solrisa, idiE, Mort, and Eri. This is your only warning- the rooftops of Alhaster are no place for a lawful citizen. If we see you again under such circumstances, there will be no further warnings."
Two of the Angels raise their bows, and gesture for the four of you to descend to the street below, while the other two unfurl their 'ropes', and watch you with mild curiosity.
"Ah! Yes, sure we did not knew about it. Strange rule that one. At our town we always look at stars from the rooftops, isn't it a lovely tradition? I have a small spell to help us in our descend, have it easy" Eidi casts feather fall on the group to make it easy for everyone to descend "Why is it you have this law of not staying in the rooftops?"
"Well, yes, that is a silly rule, but I'll not make trouble over it. Not sure how you sweep chimnies or hang festive lights if you're not allowed on roofs, let alone repairing of roofs, but I'll not argue. I've seen many nice stars tonight, would be a waste to fight now."
Solrisa offers a loud Whee! as she departs the roof, coasting down on Eidi's air.
Unless anything else happens, Solrisa is happy to adjourn to her bed for the night.
"This is your only warning- the rooftops of Alhaster are no place for a lawful citizen." Two of the Angels raise their bows, and gesture for the four of you to descend to the street below, while the other two unfurl their 'ropes', and watch you with mild curiosity.
Mortimer frowns at the hairy threat. The bows I understand, but what's with the hair?!
"Not sure how you sweep chimnies or hang festive lights if you're not allowed on roofs, let alone repairing of roofs, but I'll not argue."
"Well, clearly, Sol -- it must be work for those above the Law." He smiles, picturing 'Angels' sweeping chimneys with their long red hair, laying down ceramic or adobe tiles while festive lights reflect in their piercing red eyes. "It's hard work! We should leave it to the experts!"
"Why is it you have this law of not staying in the rooftops?"
Mortimer turns to the old Half-Elf and Eri. "Bows and hair, idiE. I mean -- I don't mean bows in their hair, or hairy bows. I mean, bows with arrows, and --" he glances back again at the hairy Angels, "I admit -- I don't understand the hair, but it doesn't look friendly. I mean -- they mean business -- these fine folks don't seem at all interested in the small talk. Come! Let us go and enjoy our champagne down below."
He looks levelly at the 'Angels'.
"There aren't enough glasses here anyway."
If Eidi is willing, Mortimer 'guides' the 'blind' Half-Elf to the edge of the roof, and holding him firmly, directs him to jump off with him after Sol.
"Thank you, idiE, for that feather fall," He re-enters the pub in search of a certain BeerGod worshipping gnome.
"Sorry for the misunderstanding. We won't do it again."
No need for extra words with these folks. It can easily turn into stabbing and , what tying?
Eri accepts the Featherfall and tries to affect his decent by spreading out and putting his arms and legs close to his body. Wonder if this does anything?
Eidi holds firm on Mortimer's shoulders "Oh! Praise the gods there are still young gentlemen as you are!"
"I wonder what our friend is doing" once back at the street level, the half-elf looks for Ascaria inside the pub "There is something strange in the skyline. For some reason the Angels do not allow us to remain in the rooftops. Have you gotten anything in your inquiries?"
He listens attentively to the music, or if there is not, the elder cleans his ocarina and readies it to amenize the night for his friends before going to sleep.
"Sorry for the misunderstanding. We won't do it again."
The Blessed Angels decline any prodding on your part with questions, simply watching you fall, their wings beating to keep their position in the sky.
"I don't know why you're trying to hide behind your illusion of a blind man, but you certainly have my attention, half-elf. Best not stray, while you visit Alhaster. We'll be watching you."
...
The fiddlers on the roof return to the warmth of the Tavern's innards, joining the gnome and his evening libations.
Ascaria grins as he sees the party enter the bar. He quickly fills them in on what he’s learned so far , and remarks how wonderful the locals are. ”So friendly - a good people! How were the rooftops?”
"I wonder what our friend is doing"
Mortimer looks across the expanse of the Tavern, and focuses in on a warm glow surrounded by a half dozen or more groupies.
He nudges Eidi. "I wish you could see this my friend! It is as a bunch of moths coalesce around the candle light that is Ascaria. Come, it is this way, let's shoo them all!"
He 'leads' the 'blind' half elf to Ascaria, and once having them situated and separated safety from those who might be too opportunistic, Mortimer goes to the bar and obtains two more flute glasses.
He looks about for Sol and Eri. Maybe they'll join us.
He returns to the table where he left Ascaria and Eidi.
"There is something strange in the skyline. For some reason the Angels do not allow us to remain in the rooftops."
" Blather "
"They didn't even bring hors d'oeuvres..." Mortimer says with a grave look.
We all really need to have a talk.
He fills the flute glasses with champagne.
When Eri sees the shoo-ers and the shoo-ees he moves over to the bartender. He buys two rounds for the shoo-ers, two for the bartender, one for the party and tips heavily. He takes the drinks back to the table for a night of revelry.
”How were the rooftops?”
Solrisa smiles, joyous to be back inside.
”Oh, they were lovely. Such nice stars,” Solrisa says, ordering a drink. ”But they have some weird laws about enjoying things from rooftops and some nice angels came and asked us to leave. So we did.” Solrisa looks around to see if any music might be happening soon.
”Say, Ascaria, have you seen any minstrels? Some music might be nice. I like music, especially the poundy kind with big drums. I *love* big drums,” Solrisa squees the last part.
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Clever one you are mistress. You also do not seem a real angel. You got the attention of this wanderer illusionist as well. Eidi attempts to respond telepathically as well.
-----------------------
"You should now those angels are not real angels, but closer to fallen ones. Those are erinyes. Devil executioners. I realized because they were able to pierce through my illusion" explains Eidi while he joins the celebration in a somber mood.
...
The next morning arrives with a strong, coastal breeze. It finds each of you in your beds, the cold encouraging you to keep your extremities under the decently thick covers, until you're good and ready to rise and shine.
The day is deep grey. A low fog clings to the cobblestone of the streets below, promising a damp excursion into town for most of the unsunny morning. The Angry Rifter is already stirring, as merchants take their fill of the fare laid out for breakfast. It is a mundane meal. It pales in comparison to the gnome's blessed feast, certainly, but it is Alhaster food. The eggs are mixed with cooked fish, the grits are mixed with shrimp, the bacon bastes cracked crab meats, and the bread freshly baked from the wheat of the land.
Telgrith is absent, but the side tables are well looked after by four hosts of varied ages.
Based on Ascaria's Itinerary, your first stop will be the Curious Owlbear .
The smell surrounding this large butcher shop suggests its function far better than the sign that hangs out front (which depicts an owlbear looking through a hole in the wall, unaware that a guillotine hangs directly above its head).
Entering the shop, the door taps a silver bell above your heads, but it doesn't ring of metal, it bleats like a sheep. The display counter currently sports three trays of meats, each with its own placard. One large tray demonstrates several links of naga sausage, while another props up a set of meaty ribs from a minotaur. The last tray is deeper, allowing a light crush of ice to maintain large rings of calamari.
The sheep bleat attracts a rather obese halfling, chin clean shaven, curly sideburns, eyebrows bushy to match the burns. He raises a hand, single finger to ask for patience. You lose him to sight, as he fetches a stepladder, which allows him to slowly ascend to a vantage above the counter sized for humans.
"Hee heehee! Fresh meat!! But tell me- did you think I referred to my trays, or to you new customers?? Haa haahaa!!" He plants two very chubby palms upon his counter, and smiles broadly.
HP = 93/93 +?? temporary
Hero Points = 6
Equipped = None
Conditions = Hero’s Feast (1/12h), Magic Vestment (+3, 1/15h), Status (1/15h, Cedric, Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol), Wind Walk (1/15h)
Life Link (14)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (11/11)(9/9) (DC: 27)(Avoid 8, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (8d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1 if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend Spell (3/3 through 6th lvl)
Vest of Surgery (1/1 Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Spellguard Bracers (3/3 Roll concentration twice and take the best result)
Mnemonic Vestment (1/1 Cast spell from a scroll)
Tankard (1/1 Remove Fear), (1/1 Heroism (30min)), (1/1 unbinding to DC 25)
Physician’s Spectacles (1/1 Delay Poison)(Constant: Detect Poison, Diagnose Disease)
Expeditious (3/3 swift +10’ movement)
Melee Attack: BAB +10/+5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +10/+5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 15, Concentration +25)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (18): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (19): (8/8) Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Endure Elements, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear
Second (20): (6/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (21): (5/8) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (22): (8/8) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Speak with Haunt*, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (23): (7/7) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Burst of Glory, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass, Plane Shift
Sixth (24): (6/7) Chains of Light, Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
Seventh (25): (5/5) Cure Serious Wounds Mass, Greater Restoration, Holy Word, Particulate Form
* Caster Level +2
- - -
Ascaria isn’t surprised the group was chased off the rooftops, though he is disappointed. ”Yeah, seems like this place doesn’t like anyone ‘out of their traces’. Just work, eat, and play under the watchful eye of government.” he sighs unhappily. ”We’ll have to keep out heads down if we’re to accomplish our mission without having to fight the whole garrison.” he cautions. ”At least for now.” he adds warily.
He sleeps lightly, uneasy about what might be peering through his window, and he buries himself under the covers for warmth as well as privacy. In the morning he joins the others for Eidi’s breakfast, casts his usual complement of spells*, then heads downstairs to enjoy some seafood, though only lightly.
When they walk into the butcher’s shop, he shrugs and says good naturedly, ”Good morning good sir! We’re not buyers I’m afraid, but merely impressed by the name you’ve given your shop. You see we knew an owlbear, very friendly fellow in his own way. So we’re just saying hello, and hoping your day is a pleasant one - at least once the fog lifts!”
”So how did you come by the name to your shop?” he further inquires if the man seems willing to chat. If he is irritated at the intrusion by non-buyers, Ascaria will simply make his apologies and slip back out the door into the streets.
* As usual every morning, Ascaria ensorcels the shields of the party (Sol, Mort, Ascaria). He'll then watch over his friends and refresh everyones Life Link just in case. Today he adds Wind Walk on everyone in case the group needs to escape quickly.
Magic Vestment
Status
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"You should now those angels are not real angels, but closer to fallen ones. Those are erinyes. "
Solrisa doesn't seem too convinced. "They seem like angels to me," Solrisa responds. "Just because they are a little bit dark or destructive, doesn't mean that they are not good inside or good people. I mean, some people might think that Rae is bad sister, but she's really the best sister ever. I'm very lucky to have a good angel person like her around."
Solrisa sips her drink, quite certain that angels shouldn't be judged on appearances only.
* * *
"Fresh meat!! But tell me- did you think I referred to my trays, or to you new customers?? Haa haahaa!!"
Solrisa claps her hands and laughs aloud at the joke. "Oh, that's a good one! You're quite the 'ham'," Sol offers in return with an exceedingly proud look on her face.
Ham! Good one, Sol!
"You should now those angels are not real angels, but closer to fallen ones. Those are erinyes. Devil executioners. I realized because they were able to pierce through my illusion" explains Eidi while he joins the celebration in a somber mood.
Mortimer looks puzzled. Speaking in a hushed tone he asks, "Devil executioners? Why is that bad? I mean, badass maybe, but -- honestly? OH! -- I see! Never heard of erinyes before!" Mortimer tries to conceal his uncomfortableness upon learning about the sadistic nature of the erinyes.
He looks even more puzzled when Solrisa compares the erinyes with her sister Rae. "The badass part maybe, but definitely not the hair," he pauses pensively. " -- Or the rest of it, really..." He folds his arms and sits back, reflecting. The Mother, now... with respect to the hair the Mother is definitely a closer resemblance!
~~~~~~
Mortimer frowns at the sign outside the butcher shop. I really don't know how I feel about that... As he enters he looks up and sees the door tap a sheep bleating bell. He grimaces in annoyance at the sound.
He doesn't bother concealing his boredom with the obese halfling as he scurries about dancing with ladders.
"Hee heehee! Fresh meat!!"
Mortimer scowls a bit at the Butcher, then carefully looks over the halfling's merchandise.
At long last he points to the ribs and asks, "Where did this come from?"
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"So how did you come by the name to your shop?”
The rotund halfling raises two thumbs to his chest, where they proceed to seek out something... ah, there they are! The thumbs tuck under suspenders, and extent towards you, proudly. "It was there when I purchased it, and I thought it should continue, given the goodwill! Speaking of names, I will have the courtesy of yours! I am Chosk Underpate, master boner, skinner, and overall butcher! Pleased for the opportunity to potentially provide for you!!"
"Oh, that's a good one! You're quite the 'ham'."
Chosk looks quite pleased with himself, his face reddening as the tall maiden compliments his play on words. "I am, at that! You're a 'fine cut', if I may be so bold! Hoo hoohoo!"
"Where did this come from?"
"Why, from a dead minotaur, of course!! Huu huuhuu!" Chosk looks over at Solrisa, as if expecting further praise for being so cheeky.
...
Departing the Curious Owlbear, you mark and make way to your next destination- the Crafters' Guildhall .
The rickety building is easy enough to find, as the occupants of the Guildhall spill out onto the front steps, coming and going with regularity. Entering the Guildhall, you find it to be little more than a glorified warehouse for desks and shelves and work floors. There are steps leading into the Basement, halls that lead forward onto the Main Floor, and stairs heading up to the Second Floor. Given the space, you would think there should be plenty of room to go around. But you would be wrong.
The entire roster of Alhaster guilds are contained within this single building. Bakers, smiths, cobblers, scriveners, carpenters, they are all represented in one nook or cranny of this communal experience. They push and pull constantly for a foot more floor space here and there, a better lighting source brought to bear over leaning bookshelves and flatdesks.
The noise is a relentless cacophony. The smell is a mix of sweatshop and stable. For their business, no one pays you much mind, at all, as they seem quite attentive to little power grabs that never persist for long.
"I am, at that! You're a 'fine cut', if I may be so bold! Hoo hoohoo!"
Mortimer scowls more at the fat halfling for addressing the Maiden so irreverently.
Chosk looks over at Solrisa, as if expecting further praise for being so cheeky.
"Look here, Chosk", Mortimer says, struggling not to refer to the halfling by anything other than his name. "Your banter grows old. Let me rephrase the question -- how did you come by Minotaur? Is it abundant in these parts? Just how fresh is this?"
"Abundant, oh no no no. Very rare cuts we have there." Chosk takes a moment to climb down his stepladder, and moves it over to the giant's current counter.
"Now, you would think, 'why don't they just stick to cow and lamb and pig and dog?', but that's any ol' butcher and their boring spreads." Chosk picks up a rib from its bony protuberance. "This is what keeps my business in the 'red'. Where could you go to find such a strange slice of life? Right here!! The Curious Owlbear!!" The halfling senses this isn't as complete an answer for such a large man.
"My meats are imported, good sir. They are preserved perfectly, ready to roast, bake, barbecue, sear, grill..." Chosk loses himself to the imaginary smell of cooked meat, before returning to Mortimer.
"Any other questions, or are you ready to make a purchase?" The hardy halfling reaches for some butcher's paper, optimistically.
Mortimer stands from leaning over the counter, semi-satisfied. "We'll be back later to see what else you might be offering," he says, before heading for the door.
~~~
"Are we here for the fabric, the fitting, the Tailor?" Mortimer asks, momentarily overwhelmed by the clutter in such a space.
Ascaria takes in Mort's questioning of the merchant with a grin. Satisfied, he drifts out with the others and heads to the guildhall.
It's rather more than he expects, and considers brightening up the room but feels that would just draw attention to the group - something he doesn't particularly want. "I think we should start with the tailor or seamstress. Then we get fabric from their recommendation, assuming they don't do both!" he grins.
"Let's see what we can find..." He tries to lead the party around the building though his stature is a problem. He eventually gives up and simply follows in Mort's wake if he can. He checks out the various 'stalls' as they go by, eternally fascinated by such an enterprise.
Enticed by what he sees, he thinks about the dragon hoard they might try for to pay for the baubles. A hint of doubt creeps into his mind about the difficulty of besting such a beast, but he smiles through it.
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"Why, from a dead minotaur, of course!! Huu huuhuu!"
"Oh, that's a load of bull," Solrisa replies, not believing the halfling.
"I am, at that! You're a 'fine cut', if I may be so bold! Hoo hoohoo!"
Solrisa giggles.
"Are you a better man, Mr. Chosk? Because I would bet you can't reach the meat on the top shelf," Solrisa offers back. "...unless you think the steaks would be too high?"
"What do you have in the way of dried or smoked meat? Jerky?" Solrisa would like to buy about 10 gp of quality jerky, something nice that will keep for a while.
"What do you have in the way of dried or smoked meat? Jerky?" Solrisa would like to buy about 10 gp of quality jerky, something nice that will keep for a while.
Chosk picks up a rib from its bony protuberance. "This is what keeps my business in the 'red'."
"Yes!" Mortimer turns back to the butcher. "We'll be back in a few days at least!"He drags out Sol with -- if she'll let him.
~~~
"I think we should start with the tailor or seamstress. Then we get fabric from their recommendation, assuming they don't do both!" He tries to lead the party around the building though his stature is a problem. He eventually gives up and simply follows in Mort's wake if he can.
Uh... Mortimer turns to face Ascaria, who he realizes might feel as overwhelmed as he himself feels -- the din of the place being the worst in Mortimer's opinion.
"Canary, would it help if I were to lift you above the crowd? We can take our time checking things out."
He lifts the gnome -- if he'll let him -- above the crowd so that he might have a less impeded view of the venue.
He whispers to Eidi and Eri, "Is there any such thing as a noise reducing magic?"
"Yeah, sure Mort, thanks!" Ascaria climbs Mort/gets picked up and he rests on the big man's shoulders as he looks around for a clothier.