"Not too soft", the big man says with an increasingly flirtatious grin.
"Hm..." Astraden's godfather seems to consider it. "I'm pretty sure this stuff is out of your league, girl. For now. Keep looking into that worm business. S*$# sounds pretty messed up."
Carina smirks back. "Really? I like mine nice and meaty myself."
The dwarf smiles wanly. "Our task was to drug a dragon's food. Only problem was, the only way in was a tiny hole in the wall. I didn't quite fit.
"And I'm sorry—'The Dice of Fortune' is just one of Norebo's many titles." He holds up what is strung around his neck: A pair of eight-sided dice.
Farrukh winces.
"Ouch. Sorry to hear that."
"And, uh, sure. I'll try and converse with him. Mind explaining how to play Spellbones on the way? I'd love to play a game after."
"Don't know where you'd find any of those", he says as the couple enter the bakery.
The pair arrive at Murdo's Pantry, where they notice four armored horses parked outside.
Murdo himself is just as fat as the rumors say—indeed, the dwarf looks even larger than Smenk. "Welcome to Murdo's Pantry," he calls, busy serving another table. "Go ahead and pick out something you want!"
The table contains four men in chainmail and a tall, handsome man in a mithral chain shirt. The latter man seems to straighten slightly when he sees Carina enter.
On display are countless items, ranging from strudel to cakes to spiced dumplings. They look good, but are priced rather high for the average consumer .
The dwarf smiles wanly. "Our task was to drug a dragon's food. Only problem was, the only way in was a tiny hole in the wall. I didn't quite fit.
"And I'm sorry—'The Dice of Fortune' is just one of Norebo's many titles." He holds up what is strung around his neck: A pair of eight-sided dice.Farrukh winces.
"Ouch. Sorry to hear that."
"And, uh, sure. I'll try and converse with him. Mind explaining how to play Spellbones on the way? I'd love to play a game after."
The dwarf—whose name is Moira—leads Farrukh to the altar. In stark contrast to the temples at Diamond Lake, Norebo's is extremely well-furnished. It's something of a mix between a lavish opium den and a royal palace. This is definitely not a poor church.
The altar itself is a pair of eight-sided dice in the middle of a massive amphitheater. Each die is easily as tall as Farrukh from point-to-point. "Every Growfest, Manzorian the Magnificent likes to drop by and give them a fling for us. It's a private gamble between him and the church, but everyone likes to place wagers on the side."
First, each die that rolls a "6" is a "magic die". A "magic die" does not contribute points towards a player's total, instead counting as a zero, but instead can be used to change the result of one of the player's other dice that did not roll "6" to any number between 1 to 5.
The second major difference is that the players can create "creatures" by rolling different combinations of numbers. Any result that contains a creature automatically defeats a non-creature result. If two players roll creatures, the more powerful creature wins.
Creatures:
2, 2: Stirge
4, 4: Cockatrice
1, 1, 1: Otyugh
3, 3, 3: Griffon
5, 5, 5: Manticore
2, 2, 2, 2: Gorgon
4, 4, 4, 4: Roper
1, 1, 1, 1 1: White Dragon
2, 2, 2, 2, 2: Black Dragon
3, 3, 3, 3, 3: Green Dragon
4, 4, 4, 4, 4: Blue Dragon
5, 5, 5, 5, 5: Red Dragon
6, 6, 6, 6, 6: Archmage
"We're heading south into the Mistmarshes next," she says, looking rather proud. "I think. Sounds like the worms came from there, at least."
She proffers her hand. "I'm glad to have met you again, sir. Really glad."
Tanith studies the baker's wares and his mouth beginning to water. Swimming always made him work up an appetite.
Spotting the handsome man making eyes at Carina catches his attention but he doesn't worry overmuch. He'd never been the jealous type.
"See anything you like?"
"We're heading south into the Mistmarshes next," she says, looking rather proud. "I think. Sounds like the worms came from there, at least."
She proffers her hand. "I'm glad to have met you again, sir. Really glad."
He shakes her hand—and also grasps Eben's in a firm handshake. "I'm glad to see you're doing okay and making friends. And next time we meet, the phrase you say is, 'No man can wear a mask all the time.' I will answer, 'Or he will lose the face beneath.'"
He pauses. "Is that poetic enough? I figure it should be something that sounds good."
"It's nicely theatrical, which, given where you're staying, seems appropriate..." Eben says, returning the handshake.
"Oh, Manzorian's supposed to be pretty powerful, isn't he? He's got to set some crazy stakes."
Farrukh kneels in front of the dice and bows his head. He begins, awkwardly.
"Hi Mr. Norebo, sir. I, um, I've honestly never been the praying sort. I figured the gods would let me alone as long as I stayed out of you guys' way. But, well, I've got a pretty dangerous profession, and I'm getting mixed up in some crazy s@$+. Uh, sorry, pardon my language. Um, anyway I've just bareky started this business and I've already crossed priests of Hextor, Vecna, and Erythnul, and who knows what else associating with them, and I figure I could use all the luck I can get. I don't really have anything to give you in return, except maybe to continue doing what I'm doing. I know you're not one of the big high gods of justice and righteousness and all that but I figure you're a pretty nice guy and you like the world about the way it is, or a little better. Not covered in worm zombies and evil creatures and stuff, you know. So I mean I'd really appreciate any help you could give me from time to time, just when it counts, you know. Not asking you to rig my dice for me or anything. But I guess I wouldn't mind taht either but, yeah, nevermind. Understand if you don't. Or don't even hear this, you've probably got a ton of guys praying to you all the time. But I would be very grateful and uh. That's all, I guess. Thanks for your time."
He stands up and turns to Moira.
"So, Spellbones?"
As Eben drops her godfather's hand, Astraden glances at the man. She begins to turn for the door. Then, suddenly, she steps forward and gingerly closes her arms around him. "Good luck, sir," she says as she steps back. "May Olidammara bless you."
"Remember - tell no one," she reminds Eben as the two descend. "I think even Cuetzpalli cannot be trusted with this until we leave the city."
Eben nods. "Don't worry, discretion is something I'm good at. It's something you learn very quickly when working for Zalamandra." Although in his head, Eben is already turning over ways to take advantage of the doppleganger situation once it does become public knowledge. I could always claim it was a doppelganger of me that upset the apple cart last year, and I've been on the run ever since trying to clear my name... of course, that only works once the problem is taken care of, so if Astraden's godfather ever needs help sorting it out, it would be to my benefit to lend a hand...
Tanith picks out a big greasy meat pie with a flaky crusty topper. "That's the one for me!"
Carina is quite surprised by the amount of sweets and pastries on sale, but not enough to miss the sparkle-eyed fellow in the mithral chain shirt. He DID look rather handsome...
Eh, not really my type anyway. I like burly guys myself.
Still, Carina has no idea where to start with pastries. As Tanith picks something out for himself, she approaches the sparkle-eyed man.
"Excuse me, sir? What sort of pastry would you recommend here?" She asks, not particularly bothered by him eying her.
Astraden and Eben exit the Blueberry Theater.
"Yes, Manzorian is a mighty wizard. Mysterious, though—but I guess all archmages are."
Later, Moira sits Farrukh down with several other seasoned-looking gamblers. "We'll start small," he says. "One gold each into the pot."
"Cockatrice!" one of them exclaims in delight—only to have his achievement overshadowed by the other player's Manticore. Said Manticore is quickly eliminated by the last player's Magic Dice, however, and its former owner crosses her arms and scowls.
The other players glance at Farrukh curiously to see what he rolled.
The sparkling-eyed man's face lights up. "I would recommend the swan cream puff, my fair undine. Its grace matches your own."
The big Kordite pauses between bites of his savory pastry and watches the sweet-talking Aasimar very closely.
Carina blushes a little from the compliment and giggles. "Thank you, sir." She nods at him before turning and picking out a swan cream puff and paying for it.
Carina takes a bite of the cream puff. The sweet, vanilla interior bathes her tongue in a syrupy flavour. Indeed, it tastes as elegant as it looks!
She smiles and swallows the piece before turning back to the sparkle-eyed charmer. "Thanks for the recommendation. I'm Carina, and this big lug here--" She waves at Tanith. "--is Tanith. You are?"
Eben steps out of the Blueberry with Astraden, already pondering his next plans for this city trip. Do some shopping, maybe. Look up some old acquaintances. Ditch the two guys following us...
"Don't make it obvious if you don't, but did you notice we've got a tail?" he says quietly aside to Astraden.
"All right! Well, at least it's not the worst roll."
"Aha! Two cockatrices." Moira looks between Farrukh and the owner of the other pair of 4s. "Alas, Farrukh, his cockatrice is the stronger—when two creatures are tied, we calculate the numbers left over. Still, a fine show!"
The winner of the round scoops up his profits, grinning.
"Still in for Round Two, gentlemen?" Moira asks. The other players nod their assent, though the Manticore's player looks rather irritated.
The man gets up from his seat and bows deeply. "I am Korush, genie of the Material. Don't ask me for wishes." He winks. "And these are my comrades of the Sapphire Squad—Azin, Azel (they're the twins), Lerio and West."
The blue-cloaked men nod politely.
Tanith grabs the man's hand in a meaty handshake, both as a sign of greeting and to test his strength.
"Good to meet you. What do genies and Sapphire Squads do in the Free City?"
"I'm in." Farrukh smiles, just having fun playing.
Korush returns Tanith's handshake with equal strength. "Currently, we sleep and eat. We've had a long journey, and we'll need all our energy to compete in the great Champion's Games."
Tanith is silently impressed. "Champion's games? What's that?"
Carina scratches her head in curiosity as she finishes off her cream puff. She notices how firmly Korush returns Tanith's handshake.
Huh... didn't expect that. Well, he's a genie, so perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised.
"You do not know?" Korush looks surprised. "Sorry, I just—I assumed you were some sort of warrior. The Champions Games are an annual event of the Free City. Gladiators come from all around the world to take part. The prize—aside from substantial fame," he sticks out his chest a bit, "is the Champion's Belt. I intend to claim that prize."
Tanith rapidly finds himself not liking this man.
”I’m not some kind of warrior. I’m an athlete and champion of Kord”, he explains definitively. ”Maybe I’ll enter. What do you think Red?”
Korush snickers, though he quickly stops himself—the blue-cloaked warriors sitting beside him are less subtle. "I apologize. I mean no disrespect, Tanith, but the Champion's Games are not something you join on a whim. Maybe you could join as another champion's support, but otherwise...well, we're talking about the best in the world here. Do you really believe you're that good?"
"Oh?" Carina says after swallowing her cream puff. "I don't see a reason you shouldn't go for it..." She folds her hands in front of her. "I could come along to keep you patched up, if you'd like."
Korush rolls his eyes and waves a hand, going back to his quiche. "Well, it's your funeral. And trust me, I only have to take one look at you to tell it would be. Have you ever fought a gray slaad? Wiped out nests of otyughs? That's the sort of thing Champions do regularly. But far be it from me to discourage a 'champion of Kord'."
Tanith clenches a meaty fist and stares hard at the big-mouthed genie. He’d beaten men bloody for lesser insults and he was hungry for a good brawl but a glance at the otherwise serene background and Carina’s smile sets him at ease. This is supposed to be a nice day. For her.
”Yeah. Maybe some other time.”
His meal no longer appetizing, the big man pushes it aside. ”You still hungry Red?”
Carina's smile turns into a frown. "And have YOU ever gone toe-to-toe with demonic abominations born from the dreams of evil gods? Endured countless blades, spells and energies to save someone you really care about? Fought against monsters that have been slumbering since time immemorial?" She says to Korush, unimpressed with the arrogant genie's posturing. She's clearly not one to take someone bad-mouthing someone close to her well.
"Somehow, I doubt it." She takes Tanith by the arm and starts leaving. "C'mon, Tanith. Let's go."
His wounded pride somewhat balmed by Carina’s ferocity, Tanith gives the Sapphire Squad a smug look and leaves with the undine.
”It was too crowded in there anyway.”
Carina sighs once the pair are out on the streets of Greyhawk again. "A**hole... I doubt killing otyughs or slaads are as big of a deal as he makes it out to be anyway."
She stretches and pats her haversack. "I've still got some cash to burn... and I think I'm almost out of crossbow bolts." She looks up at Tanith. "Come on, let's see if we can find a weapon merchant--it'll take your mind off what's-his-name in there anyway." She winks.
Tanith nods, briefly wondering how disappointed Kord was that he hadn’t decked that guy.
”Maybe that blacksmith works with crossbows.”
As they walk, he ponders where he could find some otyughs and slaads.
Noticing Tanith's disappointed look, Carina takes his arm again as they walk.
"Tanith, I know it's difficult to let something like that go without a punching, but... hey, now we have incentive to train up for those Champion's Games." She has a fire in her eyes. "I should research some more effective way of dealing damage as well... I tend to run out of bombs quickly, I noticed."
Tanith nods. ”By Kord, I’ll get stronger. I’ll win that belt. And then I’ll punch that bastard in his ugly mug.”
”Maybe I’ll get a chance to punch him in the arena. That would make it all worth it.”
Carina grins. "I'd pay money to see that."
So... I need a more efficient way of dealing damage than a crossbow. Crossbows have good stopping power, but not much in the way of penetration... I need something with enough armour piercing potential to reliably hit... sorta like my bombs, but more direct.
"A 'tail?'" She thinks. "Ah, yes. How can we dodge them?"
"Well, dodging them's the easy part. I mean, you and I can both turn invisible, that'd probably put an end to this right away. But do we want to doge them, or should we ambush them and find out what this is about? Or make it look like we dodged them, but tail 'em instead?"
Carina's smile turns into a frown. "And have YOU ever gone toe-to-toe with demonic abominations born from the dreams of evil gods? Endured countless blades, spells and energies to save someone you really care about? Fought against monsters that have been slumbering since time immemorial?" She says to Korush, unimpressed with the arrogant genie's posturing. She's clearly not one to take someone bad-mouthing someone close to her well.
"Somehow, I doubt it." She takes Tanith by the arm and starts leaving. "C'mon, Tanith. Let's go."
Korush doesn't respond to Carina's outburst, though some of his men look offended.
Carina walks around with Tanith, mostly seeking out someone willing to sell supplies to craft the weapon she's looking for.
Carina has no problem finding information—indeed, people are willing to go out of their way to help her out.
She and Tanith guided to a curious stall in the Low Market. There, a strange, almost unnaturally thin woman crouches on the counter like a gargoyle. Several sealed barrels sit behind the stall, along with two large boxes.
During the Greyhawk Wars (CY 580), firebrands were still rare, in use by select heroes and by the pirates of the Crimson Fleet. Around the year 600 things started to change, as the colony of Farshore on the Isle of Dread started to export large amounts of gunpowder. Foundries in Sasserine began making both cannon and firearms on a large scale and exporting them north to Greyhawk. This has created three distinct areas of develompent for firearms; the Pearl Sea region, the Flanaess, and the rest of the world.
Admittedly, Carina is quite surprised by how many people are willing to direct her and Tanith to where they need to go.
The stall makes Carina look around with interest. "Hello, miss. I'm told you're the person I should speak with to purchase firebrands?" She asks, still looking about.