Minerva stands cowl drawn around her face barely visible. She looks around intently while Grayson talks wary of any surprises or things to take note of in the arena.
With the mention of Jelissa, he throws back his hood and you see a halfling with a great large smile, he jubilantly yells, "Jelissa is back! That is wonderful. Hold on one moment!"
The halfling then leaves this polearm above as he slips over the railing and quickly descends down the walls. Soon he jumps the last 20 feet and quickly jogs up to your group. He warmly says, "Welcome to Kelmanare! I am Baris and you may know me as the champion of Kelmanare. Come, come tell me your names as we walk to wet our whistles."
He leads your group out of the arena the way you entered. Along the merchants and their stalls. Leading you up to the third floor of the battle market with a bar and a gangly old gnoll running it. With drinks offered freely Baris asks each of you to explain why you are here, other than being a guard for the caravan.
Grayson looks at the others and then back to the halfling...
Grayson, this is Minerva and Drystan. I was not a guard on the caravan but when it was attacked I stepped in to help. I am here on personal business which is not to pressing at this time.
He looks back at the others...wanting them to tell their own personal tale.
Raising her eyes at the mention of him being the champion of Kelmanare, Minerva walks alomng with the group. Keeping her eyes out for danger she waits for Grayson to finish speaking. Seeing Grayson look at her she steps forward, "My name is Minerva Vaeros, I am here to rid the evil of the world in anyway I can. I have a particular hatred of trolls as they caused the death of my loved ones, when I heard this area was infested with the foul species I decided I would help thin them out." Casting detect poison under her breath Minerva insures that the drink has not been tampered with. Satisfied she takes a long swallow before turning back to the halfling, If you don't mind me asking, how did you become known as the champion of Kelmanare."
Drystan nods then speaks, his deep voice like rumbling stone. "As Grayson said, I am Sir Drystan, Knight of the Golden Flame. I am a paladin of Apsu the Waybringer. While I specialize in fighting evil dragons, the Waybringer bids me combat whatever evil I encounter it."
"I was a drifter like so many, but when asked what is my purpose I tried my best to save those I could here. I found I liked it. I dispatched the gnolls, their allies, and destroyed the evil that poisoned this town before. There were others with me before but some died and others moved on since when they came to the town to see what they could do, I had already single handedly taken care of the surface gnoll problem. It seems Jelissa enlisted great help. I do not know of dragons or trolls being around here, but your help will be welcome." He uses a lot of emotion in his vague telling of his greatness.
Jelissa finds the four of you at the bar and joins after being away for no more than 10 minutes. With a smile and a quiet voice she says, "It is good that our host is acting graciously. Possibly humbly?" She voices the question looking at the three of you with a raised eye brow before she snickers.
"He is good natured, even if running the town has gone to his head a wee bit. Baris did you tell them about the proposed actions?"
"Ah... hmmm... yes, yes, I was getting to that. If you would like to join me in hunting down some gnolls and securing the area around Kelmanare, you would be paid handsomely." He says a bit stammered at first from Jelissa's statement of him but then catches up to himself and puts the general proposal on the table.
Assuming you accept provisionally, he then introduces Zayifid.
The mysterious priest bows deeply and graciously, the sun tattoo on his brow almost seeming to glow. He introduces himself, "I am a traveler of the sand and scrub, a student of all things Sarenrae sees fit to shine upon, and an unwilling bearer of bad news. “I do not belong to a single church. I do not mock those priests who choose to remain in one location and tend to one building— not at all, for they provide a needed service. But I am not at ease if I stay in one location. I am a traveler, as I have said, and have walked the billowing sands of Osirion, the westernmost veldt of Nex, and much of our own beloved Katapesh in between. I have seen much in my travels, and have brought the word and redemption of the Dawnflower to many. Yet also have I seen much in the way of cruelty and war in those travels, and it is a warning of such I bring to you today. “You have distinguished yourselves by defeating the Kulldis. You know that word of the liberation of Kelmarane has reached all the way to the coast by now, and you are enjoying the fruits of that success even as we speak in the form of trade and tax. Yet word spreads not only to friends, but also to enemies. The Carrion King knows of what you’ve done to the Kulldis, and though he did not reply in kind at once, I have heard dire rumors in my travels. Rumors of gnoll tribes gathering on the far slopes of Pale Mountain, tribes united under one banner— the sign of the Carrion King! “My path is not one of war. Sarenrae teaches redemption and forgiveness, but I know well that many do not seek these ends, and that war is often inevitable. Yet sometimes, there are other ways. The gnolls are ever a bickering lot, and if the Carrion King has managed to unite these tribes, then his word is mighty indeed. And although I despair to think on the death of any living creature, if the Carrion King’s death would mean that the gnoll tribes would stand down—a war could be averted. “And so I bring this news to you. I shall not stay long, for I have no desire to be caught up in the folly of battle. But you would do well, heroes, to take my warning to heart. Seek out the Carrion King and bring him low before he raises high the flags of war. You will find him in the House of the Beast, the rumors say, an ancient temple upon the far side of Pale Mountain from which he has long ruled. May your efforts be swift and just, that needless suffering be averted."
PCs ask for proof, he merely shrugs and asks them what proof would they seek? Increased attacks on Kelmarane by gnolls? A signed document from the Carrion King himself declaring his intent? Zayifid tells the PCs to look to Pale Mountain, to watch for war fires and listen for the Carrion King’s howl upon the midnight wind.
If the PCs ask him how he knows that the Carrion King dwells in the House of the Beast, or even that he’s sure the ruins stand upon the far side of Pale Mountain at all, he simply shrugs and says that it is not his place to question what dreams the Dawnflower places in his sleeping mind as visions.
Grayson looks this guy up and down...
Weird that he would outsource the job. Why would his church not want to do the job?
The big knight nods. "Very well. Let us see to these gnolls."
Pondering his words Minerva thinks on what he says.
Minerva is snapped out of her daze by the words of the Sir Drystan, "I agree, I am always willing to hunt the evil of their miserable species.
Zayifid nods his thanks and smiles a knowing smile to Baris as he leaves the bar.
"That be settled then, is there anything else you need? Jelessa I will leave you in charge of the guardians while I am away with these evil fighters. My guardians are too weak to help up there, but with the defensible battle market and Jelessa with her guards, they should be just fine. I have a few things to collect. Come with me if you are ready now, or meet me on the North road out of town tomorrow morning. Which will it be?" Baris asks as it is nearly dark now.
A location the Bronze Hook: This trading town nestled in the foothills of the Brazen Peaks was once along a caravan route from Ipeq to Solku in the south, and earned a healthy living ferrying goods and passengers across the Pale River, charging tolls for the use of the Hook Ford Bridge. As the trade route has fallen into disuse, so too have Bronze Hook’s fortunes slid. The town subsists off of what little trade trickles along the old road.
Grayson looks on as Zayafi walks away
This whole thing is odd, just got a feeling
I will meet you on the north road in the morning.
Grayson turns to leave but stops and turns around again.
Baris, would you happen to know where is located. I wanted to stop in and see the place.
Drystan is not familiar enough with the geography of Katapesh to know anything important.
Nodding, Drystan says "Indeed, a night's rest would not go amiss. The morning it is."
"Yes Grayson, I will let my second take you there if you don't mind. Haleen, take him to the Cauldron, Undrella should know her place is under new ownership." He says looking at Grayson if he shows some kind of emotion from Baris' actions.
Haleen appears to be a swordswoman, with rapier and buckler. She has fierce blue grey eyes and her dirty blonde hair is in a pony tail to keep it out of her eyes.
Jelissa pulls off her pack and begins pulling out much more than could be in any ordinary bag. She reveals the first covered bundle and offers, "You may take either a bar of gold, 3 potions of cure light, or double the amount in credit with Baris. This is your pay for guarding the caravan."
The Cauldron....oh what have I gotten myself into
Grayson reaches in and takes a bar of gold.
I am going to need coin right away.
Minerva accepts the gold bar giving thanks for the pay she recieved, Where could I find the closest inn, I will need a room for the night. She directs this question at Jelissa.
Drystan takes a bar of gold as well, then nods his agreement with Minerva. "Likewise."
Jelissa offers, "The pact masters's office is likely the best place to get a fair trade on the gold bars. Next to it is the Parched Camel, the only true tavern in town, you can sleep in the back room for a few silvers. The only true inn is run by a floppish elf and charges several gold a night for a room. The Prancing Prince or you can camp out in one of the many abandoned buildings, most of the city is vacant and has been for years."
"If you want you could stay in one of my many rooms, I hold residence in one of the mansions that look over the city." Baris offers winking at Haleen, "I don't have more than three servants so the accommodations won't be the best, definitely better than camping in town."
Nodding to Baris in thanks, I am sure any accomadations you can provide will be plenty for me, A roof above my head is all I ever need. If you don't mind however I will probably exchange my payment for coin and take a gander around the town to see if I need any more supplies. Which way is the pact masters office.
"You can't miss it, head out the way you came in, take a right and it will be the only building with the flags of the pactmasters." Baris snips out with a wink.
True to Baris's statement the Pactmaster's house is two stories high with at least 18 flags coming off of it so anyone can see it easily. Several guards stand at attention outside.
Haleen would invite Grayson to follow her. She takes you out the front of the battle market and to the left. Into the alleys she leads you around a few before showing you a large store house of some kind.
Perception DC 12 - you see the large winged figure in the rafters.
K Local DC 14 - you know this to be a harpy.
Putting the bar of gold into her pack Minerva shoulders it and follows the directions provided, Thank you she calls back to Baris over her shoulder. Walking out of the battle mart she takes a right and proceeds to walk towards the Pactmasters building. Stopping in front of the guards she informs them of her intent and asks to enter.
One of the guards acts as escort into the Pact Masters building. There seems to be an awful amount of scribes working in the main room. It has not been worked out to a normal town's standards yet.
"What did you want again?" The guard asks Minerva.
I am just here to exchange this bar of gold for a fair price of coins! Minerva replies with a slight attitude upset at having to repeat herself.
Drystan follows along with Minerva.
The guard walks the duo up to one of the scribes and repeats what Minerva said, so she would not have to repeat herself a third time. The scribe takes the bar of gold and says, "One moment please."
He takes it to the head clerk in the back and puts it on a scale. They talk as they make the scale equal out. The first clerk leaves the gold bar on the scale and returns. In a nosily voice he asks, "It would appreciate to about 850 gold pieces. Would you like a line of credit, gold pieces or platinum? I sure hope he does not have a bar as well, our platinum stores are a bit low."
Seeing the sing above the door, Grayson lets his eyes wonder around the room as he enters.
Seeing the creature in the rafters
What the f*&# is that?
As he is following Haleen, he looks at the bottles to see what is offered here.
Gold pieces please, I aim to do some shopping around town for different materials before heading out Minerva says. I do regret to inform you that my companion does indeed have a bar identical to mine.
Grayson:
There appears to be different potions being sold at the front desk.
Haleen smiles and tells Grayson, "Don't worry sir, that is your tenant. Undrella is a harpy from this region, why she looks somewhat like a vulture and woman mixed together."
Undrella comes down on her wings and lands away from the two of you. Then she walks up, "Haleen, really?"
Haleen looks at Grayson and asks, "Would you offer the papers she would like to examine them, even though that is what Baris says."
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Minerva:
"Well why don't you just wait there, and I will have the gold drawn up for you..." He says rather skeptical.
After a few minutes the scribes come up with four bags, after their huffing and puffing one of them says, "200 gold pieces in each." Then the scribe before you pulls out a small bag and puts five platinum in your hand.
Well this is off to a great start
With a simple nod of his head, Grayson hands the papers over.
Undrella
Drystan says "I will take gold as well, if that is more convenient for you."
Thank you Minerva says she then walks outside and asks one of the guards, Could you perhaps point me in the direction of the Forge I have some goods I wish to sell.
Grayson:
Undrella cocks her head at you, then takes the papers. Looking over them she begins to hum.
"Well, yup..." Gulp. "It seems that you own the cauldron. Do you want me to move out? I can pay rent if you don't mind me staying. I have everything set up for my shop?" She asks pleading with you.
________________________________
Minerva and Drystan:
"CONVENIENT! What is convenient with bags of gold? After all you are only going to spend it on the businesses we own! But if that is what you want, we will get the bags for you." He sighs at the end and looks at the other scribes who begin to walk back to the vault.
The guard offers, "Walk down this lane until you see a Anvil in the center of the road and then look for a fire. That is the Forge."
Following the guards vague directions you soon find and anvil in the center of the road. Under it is a goat demon of some kind. It curses and spits at you. Its hands and legs are pinned to the ground with silver stakes. Looking to the side you see an opening for a small person in a sand pile, within you see a fire.
Minerva nods her head in thanks and waits for her companion just outside of the office.
Grayson takes a step back and looks around the room, then looks back at Undrella.
If we can come to an agreement on rent, you can stay. I do not want to put you out for no good reason. Meeting a new owner is not a good enough reason for eviction.
He rubs his chin in thought.
Let me see what you have in stock and what it is you sell or buy here.Tell me about your store and yourself for that matter.
Drystan shrugs as he leaves the Pactmasters' bank. I suppose he doesn't do much business with people who aren't local. A line of credit is fine in town, but who says I'm going to be here long? No matter, I'm sure he was just doing his job. Drystan spends the next few hours wandering town talking to people, keeping an ear out for any useful information.
Minerva ventures over to the Forge wishing to ask about wares as well as where she could sell her bow. She spots the fire as the guard told her and heads in that direction.
Undrella seems to calm down as she takes you into the store. You can see there are quite a few baubles attached to her body to decorate it. She explains, " This is the Cauldron. I would not call myself an alchemist but I create potions. I buy ingrediants from some folk. As you know my name is Undrella, I am currently looking for a new mate and have staved off my hunger for sentients for several weeks now. I like shiney things, they are precious to me. I was born a couple dozen years ago and have lived in the shadow of the Pale Mountain for all those years."
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Minerva gets to the hole in the ground and sees steps down. Venturing down into the forge you see several dwarves working at the forges. A fire mephit whizzes around and lands on a lamp near your head, in its small crackling voice it asks, "Welcome to the Forge, are you buying or trading?"
A little of both, I currently have an enchanted bow in my possession that I no longer have need of. It is enchanted with strong magics as well as made of the living wood of a tree from a faraway place. She pulls the +1 greenwood bow out of her pack and presents it.
I wish you luck in your search for a mate...here is my offer to you. One gold a month for rent. You sell to me at cost and I sell to you at top value. At the end of the year we will go over your books. Any profits over five thousand I will get ten percent of. For example if at the end of this year you bring in six thousand in profits..I would take six hundred gold as part of the rent. This is an offer. I am looking for a partner not a tenet.
He smiles slightly.
Nor am I looking for a mate.
He starts to reach into his bag.
If this offer is good for you here is some gold to fix this place up to your liking. He places the bar of gold on the table.
The little fire mephit looks at the bow and its eyes grow larger, in its little voice it asks, "What would you be looking for a trade in it then?"
Undrella thinks about the offer for a while and once she writes it down and tries to do the math, she finally agrees to your terms Grayson.
Well what do you have to offer for such a fine weapon. A good trader would never negotiate against herself.
"We have on site a magical rapier, a magical greatsword, and a magical whip." The mephit responds to Minerva.