The exchange goes down and Urok gives you the 2000 rupia for the spear. You leave slipping the stone into your pocket and Urok does not seem to notice You make your way back to the Tavern just to find more of your caravan cohorts have survived and have rejoined the group. It is a big party for sure.
The child returns to you to report that not only did he find Arik but there is a large gathering of people with him. They all seem to be eating and celebrating some kind of reunion. Very strange lot too. A Lamia, two short men, a child who looks like a man, two older men, a woman and a shaitan. Seems to be quite a group.
"Arik, I see we both met new friends." He looks around at the table with a little bit of recognization. "Where are my manners, I am Pavok Kor'tell, and this beauty is Saiza a skilled crafter." He raises from his feet as he introduces himself and Saiza then looks at the others with an apologizing smile, "I'm sorry I recognize your faces but I can't place where I know you from."
So this is one of the other survivors, eh? Ricdak says as he has turned to greet the new voice. We were on the caravan together, lad. My name's Ricdak. Ricdak Soulaxe. And this is Saiza, you say? Not many female crafters in my experience. Nonetheless, it's a pleasure. He shakes the hands of both of the new people.
"Good to meet'cha again Ricdak, glad to see more of us survived. The Forge Father certainly has watched over us." As he shakes Ricdak's hand, Pavok gives a glance to Arik to see if another of his kin is making him upset or nervous.
Pavok orders some food along the same as Arik and Ricdack. "And whatever the lady wants as well." He says padding Saiza on the shoulder if I can reach it hehe.
Joe looks up, way up, at the woman. "WHOOO! Dang you are a tall woman! Reminds me o' home. I got several sisters about your size. Well, not nearly as big as you, but close! 'Course, you're a lot more prettier!" He gives a wink. "I was the runt o' the bunch. Where you from?" He asks her as he then remembers he forgot to introduce himself. "Oh! I'm sorry! Name's Joe. Joe MacGillicuddy. You can call me Joe. Or Mac. It don't matter. Dang nice to meet ya Pavok and Saiza!" He smiles real big as he shakes both their hands.
Aye. The Forge Father has kept a good eye out for all of us.
Definitely more nervous than happy, but never hostile. You also sense annoyance, but not at the dwarf. You'd guess the other human based on what you know of Arik.
Saiza smiles at the loud country boy. "Good to meet you too. My quite the assortment. Wasn't expecting to see dwarves here again either. Only races Aradinans are familiar with is human. Most never even heard of dwarves elves and the like. Where are you all heading too?"
"Aridia." The Shoanti states, coming up behind Pavok and his new girlfriend. "Our caravan leader wished to travel there, but we lost him, as well as each other," she nods to the new, but familiar faces, "during a sandstorm-raid in the desert. Our search for him brought us here." She takes a seat off to the side and orders some food from the waitress, before addressing the rest. "Its good to see more arms for our travels, despite how crowded it may become.."
Aye. Aridia seems our best bet to find 'im. As long as I've got somethin' to swat, though, I'll be fine most anywhere.
"Did you meet Drugan too then?"
Sneering beneath the shadows of the tagelmust that covers his face Mus'ad re-saddles Al Gasreed and resolves to make for the inn. Making his way through the crowd to the inner city he aims to arrive at the inn.
Once there he dismounts at the entrance and leaves Al Gasreed standing sentry outside. Opening the door he scans the room for sign of his companions.
"Mus'ad!" The dwarf calls as he sees his friend enter. He raises his hand so the elf can see where the call came from.
Mus'ad? He asks as the dwarf calls out. Seeing him, a look of realization creeps onto his face. Ah. The man with the camel. Nice to see you made it. He extends his hand, as he has for all of the others.
Hearing Arik's cry Mus'ad moves nearer to the dwarf's table and notes the faces both familiar and unfamiliar around it. Disdaining the strange dwarf's hand and not even giving the courtesy of a greeting or removal of his tagelmust (thus leaving his face covered except for a slit of skin that emcompasses his eyes) he looks at Arik "So... has progress been made towards finding the seer?... or have you been at drink since you departed?"
"You wound me rider. I have a higher sense of duty than that, else my chin would flow with hair."
"As it happens, Catalina was seeing to a lead about the seer and Pavok and I got news of Aridia, the war, and my brother. I came here to seek lodging and cool off when it became clear that I would pulverize the next local to call me 'little man'."
Arik laughs a bit to soften the scowl that darkens his face.
The insult to Arik's pride unnoticed, Mus'ad instead turns to Catalina and stares... quietly awaiting her revelation of what might have transpired in her visit to the library.
A smile came from Catalina's lips at Arik's "little man" comment, she thought it must be hard for him, being literally and figuratively looked down upon by people unfamiliar with the Dwarven race.
Catalina meets Mus'ad's questioning stare before replying, "Yalandere was here. He left a message to those surviving the caravan. He's now staying with a friend, and is awaiting our arrival there..." she trails a bit, "While unfortunate, that the map he provided has long since been stolen, we seem to be getting ever closer to the seer of which Yalandere spoke of. There is one, Gazeem, who knows of the seer. He is said to stay in a library not far from here, but was not present when I looked for him." She turned to the rest of the group as she finished, "I believe we should take this time to rest and replenish our wares, then try for him in the morn."
"Ah, being called a little man isn't so bad, Arik. I find it simply makes the ladies more surprised when I shock them with the size of my 'manliness', eh?" Tam looks up with a mischievous grin as he polishes off the first of his meals and moves onto the second.
Catalina brings a hand to her face and rubs her eyes before leaning into Samal.
Mus'ad gives a curt nod to Catalina's words "In the morning then" before turning on his heel and removing himself from the inn back to Al Gasreed, and then on to the stables.
"Do you speak only of food and sex, Tam?"
Arik's gaze is hard. Show me who you really are 'little man,' or are you truly a simple cad?
Tam smiles back, his face open and amused. "Oh, I've got a few surprises here and there, master Dwarf! I'm big where it counts," Tam winks, revealing nothing more.
Ricdak furrows his brow, lowering his hand. Well, he's not a very friendly one. Ah, well. That sounds like a good plan to me, Miss.
Ricdak is just finishing up his meal, before he orders another chicken, and once he's finished that, a second loaf of the black bread, to munch on as they replenish wares.
Ricdak is mostly indifferent to Tam's words, although he does laugh a bit at his latest statement. I'd imagine that the validity of that statement depends on where you think it counts, lad. We know ye're at least big in words, so I'll give you that.
"Of course the map that was stolen from the guards here isn't the only one, the Captain said that they were sent out to all the major cities." He takes a few bites of his chicken and looks to the newcomers, "Have any of you been able to claim one of these maps?"
He takes a large gulp of the ale and gives a chuckle at the Tam and Arik's exchange.
Saiza seems surprised. " So you are going to see Turval Umadi? The great seer of Aridia? He is said to be the greatest of Daiga's disciples not to mention the oldest. He is said to be able to interpret Daiga's will in any situation. If you are really heading to see if I must ask, can I come? I am a decent smithy and my heritage gives me a natural edge in combat plus I have a good amount of knowledge of the land. Please say you'll take me with you. I have to see Turval. Please." she seems very eager to join.
Ricdak furrows his brow, lowering his hand. Well, he's not a very friendly one. Ah, well. That sounds like a good plan to me, Miss.
"Who? That fella? Nahhh. You ain't never met my daddy. Now he is a right ol' crank. But you can't help but love 'im. He once told me: 'Now son, if you gonna dance with the wolves you best plan on gettin' eaten.'" Joe pauses a moment as he reminisces. "Wise man, my daddy."
Saiza seems surprised. " So you are going to see Turval Umadi? The great seer of Aridia? He is said to be the greatest of Daiga's disciples not to mention the oldest. He is said to be able to interpret Daiga's will in any situation. If you are really heading to see if I must ask, can I come? I am a decent smithy and my heritage gives me a natural edge in combat plus I have a good amount of knowledge of the land. Please say you'll take me with you. I have to see Turval. Please." she seems very eager to join.
"'Course you can! We wouldn't even think of not bringing you along with us. You're a real nice lady, PLUS you remind me a lot of home." He says with a smile.
"I worry that the seer will not accept a crowd so kindly..." Catalina laments scanning the boisterous flock that surrounded her. "And what of your responsibilities?" she snaps at the Shaitan, "Does your master not need you now more than ever?"
"Yes, Saiza you said this was going to be your last stand what is so important that you would break your oath with Urok?" He looks up at her, "I would love for you to accompany us, but it seems your needed here. Though if it's a question you seek to ask the seer I would more then happy to ask him for you, if you wish."
That sounds like a right good bit o' information yer father gave ya, Joe.
In regards to Saiza, he says, "Aye, that's the name. I don't care one way or another if you join us, just stay outta the way o' me Dorn-Dergar. 'S all I ask.
Saiza sighs. "Your right. I am needed here. But if you can, please ask the Seer if there is anything we can do to improve our chances of surviving the Anubite incursions."
You all enjoy the evening of food and drink, the bill comes to 1 rupia per person or 7 silver pieces. Rooms also cost an additional of the same.
Once you've sorted out your sleeping arrangments and call it a night. You wake the next day.
Those of you who wish will find Gazeem at the library. He's the one who may know where Turval may reside. Whose gonna ask him?
Arik will seek out a smithy and arrange to purchase a blade.
Ricdak will accompany Arik to the smithy.
Pavok looks up to Saiza, "I promise you I will return with your answer." He takes a bow to her before they all retire.
"Arik, how much you need my friend? Saiza's master does craft some quality items and they are fair prices." He will bid his friends luck and will go with Catalina and whoever else wishes to see there lead.
That sounds like a right good bit o' information yer father gave ya, Joe.
"Yessir, it was. It was." He smiles at the thought of the good ol' days.
Saiza sighs. "Your right. I am needed here. But if you can, please ask the Seer if there is anything we can do to improve our chances of surviving the Anubite incursions."
"Well I shor' hate to see ya leave, but I understand when ya gotta go on and do what's best for ya. And I'll help ol' Pavok here in findin' your answer, don'tcha worry not one bit." He winks.
Catalina gets up relatively earlier and scouts the city for weapon shops that might hold what she's looking for.
Waiting on Tam now. All are buying weapons huh? Wonder if ape runt will need some
Okay....guess its off to the smithy for everyone then to the library.
@Arik: They don't have temple swords in these lands but Urok, the smith is willing to make you one, it will take some time for him to do and wont be ready for a couple of days. If you want it you can buy it with Rupia. Remember one Rupia is equal to 5 silver. Or you can buy it with gold, it will cost 25% more than book value if you do.
@Pavok. Saiza honors your appearance with a smile and nod when you arrive at the smithy.
@Catalina: Only thing available is Comp longbows with a higher strength score than you can currently manage. Plenty of arrows though. Get as many as you think you need.
@Ricdak: They have a heavy shield available and can sell it to you for Rupia or gold. If you buy it with gold there will be a 25% markup as gold is not a valued currency around here. 1 Rupia = 5 Silver
I am placing the rest of you at the library since you failed to specify where you were.....except Mus'ad who did.
You ask around for Gazeem and you find him. He is an elder human male. He looks at you as you approach. "I am Gazeem, what may I do for you?"
Have to get that custom made and it will take a while.
"Well sir, we were curious as to where this Turval fella may be staying. Any chance you might could tell us? We'd shor' appreciate it."
Mus'ad will stand slightly back from Gazeem, merely watching and listening for now.
At the end of her shopping trip Catalina makes her way to the Library and before entering gives a whistle. A few seconds pass and Tegan swoops down landing on her leather-bracer covered arm. She coos at him petting his silky feathers before giving him a treat.
She enters the library with the others and finds Gazeem. Since she wasn't the first to say something to the man she also decides to remain silent until her interjection is needed.
Tam stays silent as Joe takes the lead. He studies a few of the books visible in the Library, slightly in awe at all of the volumes displayed.
After taking his friends to Saiza's shop, "Now that my friends are in good hands, I'll go meet the others at the Libary." He takes Saiza hand and kisses it, "I bid you farewell my lady and will be back before I leave." With that he strolls to the libary.
"I seek the grand Gazeem, is he availible?"