Well, why don't you three head over to see if Vade will talk to you. I will go with Goruck and Baradim to talk to the Sheriff. Everyone agree?
"Sounds like a plan to me! Come Kairon and Illiam, let's see if we can gain an audience with Vade or not. And if we cannot get him to answer at his gate, perhaps between your magical abilities Illiam, and my fire puffs, and Kairon's 'cheering-us-on' we can put on some sort of show outside his tower and gain his attention?"
The swordsman seems uneasy leaving Kairon behind, especially after the healer showed his fangs to the local leader. "Try to remain calm and mediated."
Turning to Baradim, Goruck dipped his head to him and Chillel. "Lead on please."
Baradim would looks uneasy at the moment, watching the two hotheads of the group, but with Illiam at their side there would at least be a logical voice in their midst.
"Do be careful. Vade is a powerful wizard, do nothing to upset him unnecessarily." The hunters says softly, nodding to them before looking towards the massive warrior and the strange but kind witch. "Let us find the magistrate. Follow me." Kanga follows alongside with him with a relaxed gait as they make their way through Falcon's Hollow, looking for the Magistrate.
Chillel raises a hand in a half wave to her friends as she follows Baradim.
It seems the Hollow Tribunal is far less busy today. Yet still Baradim, Chillel and Goruck must wait for about one half of an hour before Tabrik, Vamros' well-dressed dwarf bailiff let's them into the Tribunal's main chamber.
Vamros, as usual sits atop the judges bench, ink, quill and parchment ever at the ready as he records his edicts and judgments. As the two Valers and their new friend approach the bench he looks down at them from on high with that same air of superiority that all those in own are used to.
Yes? He asks, and quirks his brow as if your presence is an intrusion upon on otherwise wonderful day.
Meanwhile up on The Perch, Kairon, Illiam, and Dolok stand outside the wooden fence that surrounds Sharvaros Vade's three story stone tower. The gate is latched and locked, and, as usual, they stand staring at his sign of burn-etched wood that reads: "No Visitors - This means you!"
"I really don't think we want to try to sneak in or force our way in, but maybe we could do some sort of combination with your magic and mine Illiam, to put on a 'show' of sorts? And Kairon here could make a lot of noise cheering us on? And maybe that will attract Vade's attention? I know it sounds kind of silly, but it's the best I can think of. I don't see any kind of a bell to ring or anything like that, so as to gain their attention to let them know we seek an audience."
Chillel looks up at the magistrate. Those who know her well may sense she is nervous, never having spoken in court before, but to most she seems almost emotionless as always. All would notice she is probably the first person to address the magistrate with an owl on their shoulder. She speaks evenly:-
Magistrate Varg, we come to speak to you about Laurel Usessa, who is currently being detained on suspicion of being involved in spreading the Blackscour illness that devastated the town. I am sure you have heard we have recently managed to return to Falcon's Hollow with a cure and the pestilence is at an end. Magistrate, It was Laurel who first traced the source of the illness to the fungus in the well. We ventured into the forest, onto Droskar's Crag and elsewhere to gather the ingredients for a cure. But that cure was pointed out to us by Laurel in an antiquated tome she owns. I know there has been no trial, and it must be clear from what I have said that Laurel Usessa should be praised for her essential part in bringing an end to the sickness, not imprisoned for being somehow involved in it's spread. I appeal to you to set this innocent lady free.
Goruck peers up at the halfing magistrate, his massive frame and stone mask a stark contrast to the very uniquely accessorized halfing. "Good deeds, and by extension good people, make up the souls of a community. Her sacrifices, both in resources and freedom, made sure hundreds will sleep peacefully tonight assured their breaths are not planning desertion in the night. We come not as the new found heroes, but as the voice of the people wishing to express their thanks, and help free their savior." The swordsman cocks his head, his mask doing a excellent job of hiding his more obvious tells. "Surely you will aid us in rewarding such selflessness?"
"I do not wish to do anything that may be misinterpreted as a hostile act! Regardless if it actually causes damage or not! Vade is very powerful and I'm afraid that if he thought we were trying to attack him, we would not stand a chance! I was thinking more along the lines of juggling my fire-puffs, except that they are instantaneous and do not last, but maybe you could do some sort of illusion of the such and I could add my fire-puffs to it and just maybe if there is enough noise out here, he will look out and be curious or amused enough? I know it sounds crazy, but I have no better idea. Do you have any ideas that do not involve trying to break in or that won't be interpreted as hostile?"
|
You're the local, but have you ever spoken to the man before? It does not seem that half-measures will work with him, and we can't count on him happening to look down at us. Illiam looks around for a moment. Fine, if you're worried about seeming too aggressive, I could go over there, Illiam indicates the area between Kreed Manor and the perch gate, to get a better angle through the window. From there, I figure I could put an illusion in the middle of the room. It would be silent, but maybe a written note floating in the air in the middle of the room? Anything less "aggressive" than that, and I suspect we'd be better off going back to Jak's to eat pancakes.
The halfling magistrate looks at his dwarf bailiff with a rather interested look on his face, he then turns directly to Baradim, the half-orc hunter, and says, "You're awfully quiet on the subject, Baradim? What say you about all this?"
Having watched, and eavesdropped on the conversation that Illiam and Dolok are having, one of the merchants of the High Market, a human woman that appears to be in her early thirties, dark of hair, and even darker of eye, with an assortment of gold jewelry, including a thumb-sized ruby adorned tiara, steps over to Illiam as he steps back to try and get a look inside the curtain blocked windows of Vade's tower.
"You know." She says, unasked, "if'n you're looking to talk to Vade, you need only wait until the dark of night. That man's a night owl. I'm fairly certain he does nothing but sleep all day. Weird one, that'n." She points at the tower as she speaks. "By the way, I couldn't help but notice you're not wearing any jewelry. Not even a small bangle. You're the saviors of the Hollow, aren't you? Seems to me only right you should be adorned as such." She says and points to her stall where necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, tiaras and the like all sit in fine velvet showcases. Standing next to her stall is a massive Keleshite man, dressed in silk trousers and a silk vest. His arms are tattooed in crimson markings of Keleshite design, and at his side are two wickedly sharp scimitars."You should come and take a look at my wares, I'm certain there's something that would suit you."
Kairon looses another of his all-too-common frustrated sighs once it becomes clear that Vade isn't accessible by the politest of means. Gonna make a life of torchin' signs, I am. Can't talk to nobody when I wanna. He turns to the vendors who've addressed the trio, and graces them with a warm smile. Good day to ya. I'm not much on joolry, but I'd be interested in seein' what weapons and armor ya have -- I'd like to cut some o' this weight, be able t' move a bit faster. He looks to Illiam and Dolok, a bit apologetically. Reckon we'll just have to come back after nightfall, then, talk to him then. And you never did answer my question from a good while back, Dolok -- you ever consider usin' a spear in a fight?
Illiam's peering in between small cracks in the wooden fence and gate surrounding Vade's tower shows a heavy wooden bar that is held on either end with iron housings, latched with a loop and slot iron latch, that has a heavy steel padlock locking it tight shut. His search for magical auras does reveal a moderate aura on the ground right at the threshold of the tower's main entrance.
The dark haired merchantess waves Kairon over to Master Figueroa's shop on the south side of The Perch dismissively. If it's heaps of worked iron you're looking for, Master Figueroa is the only smith in town. I'm surprised your fiery haired friend, his apprentice, didn't tell you. She says a bit condescendingly, obviously surmising that you are not looking to purchase her expensive wares.
No disrespect intended, ma'am. Seems I'm gonna have more need of iron and steel than gems and pretty things in the days ahead -- unless you've got somethin' that wards wolves away, or such like.
As the dark-haired seller returns to her small stall she says, I don't have anything like that, but I do have a ring that wards off hunger. She picks up a platinum ring with three precious gems set in a triangle, one emerald, one sapphire, and one opal. The center of the gem triangle has an etched, gilded arcane symbol.
And how much for such a fine thing? I ask though I'm sure I can't afford it now -- maybe later, if I have crowns enough then.
Normally I ask 3,200 gold pieces for such a rare bit of magic jewelry, but for you, I'd be willing to sell it for only 3,000. She says, and the tone and implication of her voice makes it sound like she's offering you an incredible deal. Meanwhile her hulking Keleshite bodyguard stands stoic and silent in the increasing warmth of the summer sun.
Yep. I was right, quite right. There's no way I can make an offer you'd take, ma'am -- it's a right pretty ring, but today's not my day to get it. Many thanks, though! He offers a nod of farewell to the merchant and her bodyguard and waits to see if Dolok or Illiam have any interest in what she's selling.
Ah well, gods bless you all. Have a nice day. Says the dark-haired merchantess, and then turns away to approach another of the high market's patrons.
|
|
Well, if he's asleep, he won't notice any visual effects. I suppose we should come back around dusk. Might as well take a look at what's available while we're here.
Illiam looks around the high market, with Detect Magic still active. He knows that the gold in his pocket will not be enough for most magical items he might detect, but it's worth looking.
The ring that was being shown to Kairon pings faintly magical. The jeweler also has a black headband with an inlaid silver skull that gives off a faint magical aura. Nothing else among the stalls of the high market pings at all.
Dolok perks up at the mention of a ring that wards off hunger, but upon hearing the price realizes also that he is nowhere near being able to bargain for such an item. He then waits until Kairon and the merchantress finish their conversation.
"Come Kairon, my friend! I'm sure that Master Figueroa will be able to provide you with anything you want! You'll just have to wait a couple of days while he completes his recovery, but then I'm sure that if he does not already have it in stock, he can forge something very nice for you and give you a good deal on it as well! And I'm sorry that I forgot to answer your question earlier, but no, I have never given any thought to fighting with a spear! I prefer to keep my fragile body further away from hostile types and use my fire upon them! Why do you ask this?"
Well, I know I been trained special to get in some easy attacks when I get the chance, but I was just thinkin' you could do some o' the same! 'Sides, with Scipio gone, if we're ever outnumbered it'll be tougher for me, Goruck, Baradim, 'n' Kanga to always be between you and them. The cleric makes a quick move, and suddenly he and Dolok are nearly nose-to-nose. Once they're this close, it's a bad time, I know, and he steps away again, back to a respectful distance, but you lose nuthin' in makin' 'em pay for that last step with their own blood . . . or whatever it is keeps 'em going. The priest subsides a moment, reflecting on the battles of the last several days. Not too unlike yer staff, really, just useful at somethin' better'n arm's reach. Remember how fast that tat-zill-worm knocked out Goruck? If I hadn't missed my thrust, there's a chance that monster wouldn't'a been able to hit 'im at all; any strike at all helps keep us all livin'. Kairon finishes his "spear sermon" gazing quite frankly at Illiam, but leaving direct words out of the moment. Hear that, trickster? Heh. Just somethin' I been thinkin' on, is all, Dolok. Maybe try it sometime!
Kairon soaks up the sight of the sunny sky for a moment, and takes a deep, cleansing breath. Tough to hold onto anger on a day like this, ain't it? What say we three go see how the others fared in gettin' Laurel freed? Thank You, Bright One. Keep that light shinin' -- I'm gonna need more of it!
|
|
Returning to Kairon and Dolok, Looks like it's all overpriced crap up here, but I do need some supplies. I'm going to head down to the Goose 'n' Gander.
Illiam strolls past the guards at the gate and down from the Perch, through the low market and into the Goose 'n' Gander. Rather than trying futilely through the wares, he looks for Brickasnurd.
Before we head down the hill, Dolok, how 'bout we go look in on Figueroa a minute? And I can ask him a couple questions about some new equipment while I'm at it. Turning to Illiam just before the halfling heads for Hildrinsocks' establishment, he calls out: We'll see you down there in a little while, Illiam. Good luck finding what you're looking for!
Mr. Hildrinsock's Goose 'n Gander are bustling this morning, as half a dozen people mill about looking through his incredibly disorganized wares for items they need. Brickasnurd, in the middle of helping a gentleman dressed in roughspun clothes, who has the look of a farmer to him, notices Illiam enter, and waves a subtle, yet somehow exuberant hello, but then turns back to listening to his customer's request list.
Just as Kairon and Dolok are heading over to Master Figueroa's home and shop, Dolok is accosted by a well-past-middle-aged man, grey of hair, with white-grey, full, thick beard, he's dragging a long-handled scythe behind him. Dolok! He hollers, though still fifty feet away. I gotta get this repaired double quick. We're already harvesting our first crop of alfalfa and the damned thing is duller then Kreed's wits! Dolok recognizes him, Gavrus, one of the farmers that lives across the river.
Illiam overhears the farmer asking for block and tackle, a hundred feet of rope, and a new hay-bail claw. Perusing Mr. Hildrinsocks wares is always a treasure hunt, his disorganization makes it possible to find a rare trinket sitting among dusty old items that have never seen use.
Illiam's magical scan of the place reveals a good number of faint auras, four to be exact, there is also one moderate aura, and one strong aura. The strong aura is coming from the top of one of Mr. Hildrinsock's shelves, but glancing at the top of that shelf there doesn't seem to be anything at all atop it... curious.
"Well Mr. Gavrus, Master Figueroa is still recupating from tha nasty disease that was affecting the town, but I should be able to take care of it if the blade simply needs to be sharpened!"
While Dolok wrestles with the scythe, Kairon performs his daily checkup on the recovering blacksmith, reinforcing (with vigor) the need for complete rest and plenty of water.
Once Figueroa's evaluation is done, he introduces himself to the farmer. I'm Kairon, a friend of Dolok's. I'm sure he'll have your blade ready in no time at all.
"I'm sorry Mr. Gavrus, that didn't come out right at all! Let me give it another try here please?"
This time Dolok takes his time. First, the blade edge is hammered very thin on a small anvil or with a peening jig. After peening, the edge is honed with a stone, or series of stones from coarse to fine, to prepare the blade for mowing. Resharpening with a stone is done frequently during mowing, so Dolok will be sure to remind Mr. Gravus of this and see if he needs to acquire a new sharpening stone or not. He is also a little calmer as he knows his friend Kairon has just checked in on his beloved Master.
"There you are Mr. Gravus sir! That should cut right through your alfalfa in no time! Now, just remember that you will need to run a sharpening stone over that frequently or bring it back here! Do you need a new sharpening stone to take with you?"
|
|
Illiam follows the moderate magical aura. Behind a postholer and next to a wooden swan, a fine china plate sits in a stand. At its base, there is a metal rod that could easily be mistaken for part of the stand, if not for the magic emanating from it. Illiam picks up the rod, and upon closer inspection, he finds that the rod is articulated and covered with small plates and spikes. Giving it a twist, the end forms into a perfectly usable hammer. Returning it to its original position, he then slides on of the spikes to the end, and a helical drill protrudes from one end. When fully extended, the bar folds into a crank to turn it. Pulling back the drill, he bends the other end and it splits in two, revealing a screw to open and close the jaws, allowing it to be used as a wrench. He tries a few more configurations, and is able to turn it into a shovel, a grapnel, a saw, and even a reasonable facsimile of the postholer he found it behind. I can find all manner of uses for this...