I would like the bow to be Adaptive (able to function with any strength bonus). This way, if I get a Belt of Giant Strength or potion or spell, the damage will increase comparatively. This is a 1000gp value according to the CRB and only requires CL1. For now if we can get an Adaptive Composite Longbow +1, that should work fine. We can always commission to have it upgraded later -- assuming that there is a later time. Or, we could easily find a better bow later - hint hint.
I don't suppose that we could find someone who could enchant one of the elven bows to make it Adaptive and give it a +1 enhancement? Total price should be 3400 for the whole with a 3 day creation time. This would not have the bane, but would save some money and be just about as effective except against Undra. And, we might be able to find a half dozen Annoying Div Bane arrows floating about somewhere in a magic shop.
Yeh - if I can get the Adaptive and +1 added, I will buy one of these find elven bows and then get it enchanted. All I need is the +1 Str bow as long as it can be upgraded.
Kzrira takes her time trying several bows before choosing a suitable one for future enhancement. You take your leave of the bowyer and meander through the markets with Radi ever present at Amir's shoulder.
You realize you are quite near the docks and your old haunts near Tian Town and the familiar scents of the fish markets and spices remind you of earlier days. Along with the ubiquitous scent of pesh. Varkata spots a place of interest as you continue on- Jerikal's Ales. The name seems faintly familiar to her for some reason.
Varkata sees the sign and thinks, Why do I know that name? One of Grunyar's customers, maybe?. The thought triggers a flood of memories... quickly followed by a jumble of bitterswret emotions as she thinks about her friend and mentor for the first time without the armour of her pledge for vengeance now that the Carrion King is dead.
Traveling with a bunch of adventurers, carrying an ancient artifact, and making friends out of the most powerful mages and priests... See what happens when you leave me alone, old man?
She sighs and then realizes that she's stopped walking... and, seeing the reactions of her companions, that it's been a longer pause than she'd expected. She shrugs apologetically, then points at the sign, "I know the name and was trying to place why and how.... How about we stop in to solve the mystery? Worst case, we should get a nice tankard out of it."
Ducking into the the nicely maintained red plastered building, you find a quite lovely tavern within . In fact, it almost looks more like an old lady's parlor; well-lit with blue and red checkered wax table cloths and overflowing floral vases of flowers centered just so. There is the peaceful sound of water tinkling from a statue of a woman tipping a jar into a pool and an idle lutanist plucks at his instrument. There's even a painting of a peacock resting under a rose bush.
Despite the oddly out of place decor however, the bar is well attended. A halfling on a platform tends bar in a lovely red velvet jacket and hair immaculately parted and pomaded. Varkata recognizes one of her own in jovial debate with the bartender.
The man holds up a tall glass of ale to the light, "Sure it's a thing of beauty, but you're a brewer, not a harpist! Cayden's the only proper god for you. You've just lost your head over Shelyn's pretty face. Understandable, but come on mate!"
Amir bows slightly at the half-orc and follows her into the establishment. Conscious that Radi follows, Amir is quiet on the matter but does not engage the man further other than to offer an appraising nod as Kzrira purchases the bow.
At the sight of the two talking about the beer Amir offers a smirk and knowing nod to Varkata, The people of my faith argue over city planning and minting consistency. I suppose we all find our niche...
Varkata steps toward the bar with a smile and says, "Come now, brother, it wouldn't do to dissuade the man... Especially if his brew truly is a work of art."
"Whose side are you on, Sister?" the man laughs as he grabs Varata's forearm in greeting. "I openly admit my friend's brew is a work of art. Give her a Hammer Head on me, Jerikal. My name's Tomlin Orlof, by the way. His craft is a wonder, he's even thrown a few healing spells as a kicker in a couple of his brew; calls the concoctions 'Priest in a Bottle'. More the reason he should come on over to Cayden. Can you see Shalyn approving of that? Besides Caydenites buy enough of his brew- it's the only decent thing to do!"
Not particularly familiar with any of the northern deities, Kzrira moves over next to Karethas:
Any clue what the discussion is about? I did not realize how into brews they all are. Personally, I find that more than a moderate about throws off my aim.
Kzrira does recall Faelar going on about Shelyn, some sort of Avistani goddess of love poems or something. Of course, her recent experiences with Varkata indicates Cayden Cailean is a god of drinking and luck perhaps. Neither seem to have the gravitas of the traditional Garundi triumvirate of Gozreh, Nethys and Pharasma or even the newcomers, Sarenrae and Abadar.
Karethas shakes his head at Kzrira, "I have never studied religions, other than Sarenrae. From what I understand from Varkata her god is supportive of freedom and enjoying life." He shrugs and turns toward the barkeep, "Excuse me proprietor, I wonder if you have some Qadiran style tea? I have not been able to indulge in some time..."
Varkata says, simply, "I am Varkata...", trailing off before she makes introductions as the tankard is placed before her. She raises it, and peers into its depths for a moment, studying the colour and smell before closing her eyes and taking a deep pull.
She sighs contentedly and sets the tankard down as she opens her eyes, saying, "Terribly sorry, brother Tomlin, but I'll have to take his side. If he can make as fine a brew as this, it's clear that the Drunken Hero has no issues with his worship of the Eternal Rose...." She takes another pull, then winks, "And if Cayden's in agreement, then who am I to argue?"
She then says, "These are my companions, the Heroes of Kelmarane. Amir, a warrior pledged to the Lord of the First Vault, Kzrira, slayer of gnolls and archer... and, though I'm loathe to claim him after his request for tea in so fine a brewery... Karethas, the mage."
"Arrgh," Tomlin mimes as if stabbed from behind. "Done in by my own. Well then, you win tonight, Jerikal, but I'm not finished by any means."
The halfling grins shaking his head at Tomlin and turns to Karethas. "Sorry friend, no tea to speak of but... I have plenty of flowers. Perhaps a floral infusion?" He gathers some rose petals and other fragrant flowers for a kitchen maid.
"Heroes you say?"the halfling peers at Varkata with sharp interest. "I've been known to cross blades and explore a lost ruin or two. Tell me more!"
Kzrira sighs:
We really are not heros. We slew a few dozen gnolls. Freed the town of Kelmarane from the tyrannical rule of the Carrion King's minions. Once the town was up and running, we found that dark powers still were influencing the new rulers of the town, we chased these powers away and then proceeded to face down the Carrion King on his own turf. I was slain in the fight, but my companions Karethas, Amir and Faelar finished the job and recovered my body. Faelar decided that his heart was in the stories, not the fight, so he has remained in Kelmarane with his wife. Varkata, a priestess of the drunken lord, or something like that, I flunked my deity class, joined my companions and brought my body here where the priests of Abadar, as thanks for the work our group had done, agreed to raise me.
That is our story. I am sorry that I am not more skilled with words. Unfortunately, if you wish for a truly stellar rendition, you should travel to Kelmarane and speak with our former comrade Faelar.
Diplomacy: <-- at least I did not stick my foot in my mouth
Kzrira's recounting of their deeds belies her lackluster retelling. Jerikal looks excited, "I may just have to do that. I don't recall a town called Kelmerane, but my old gang fought gnolls more than a couple times. Mostly Duenas, but I do recall hearing about a war chief on Pale Mountain. That wouldn't have happened to be that Carrion King?"
Kzrira nods:
I think that was what they called it. Big ugly hill, lots of caves infested by those dog vermin. Carrion king was a giant of a brute with a nasty axe.
As she says this last portion, Kzrira reaches down still feeling the pain in her midriff where the axe cleanly severed through her.
"Gnoll caves... and treasure I'm sure as well.You probably made out pretty well. I mean other than dying and all." The halfling looks deep in thought and his companion just laughs.
"A-ha! Caves and treasure! That's where your interest still lies. You'd rather be living by your wits and Cayden's luck than lounging around fountains painting and reciting poetry. I know you better than you know yourself, Jerikal!" Tomlin finishes triumphantly.
Kzrira laughs at the man's sudden epiphany:
Even the most luxurious villa would get boring before too long. I can understand your love of the hunt. Searching long forgotten tunnels, finding long lost treasure, and combating evil to protect those too weak to protect themselves. It does not get much better than that, at least as long as you end up alive at the end.
Amir nods at the faithful recounting of their efforts and looks on at the barkeep and insistent customer, Ripe for opportunity is the rebuilt Kelemerane. While I am happy to see the churchs of Abadar and Sarenrae playing nice perhaps a fine ale house with the touch of Cayden's luck would be just the thing for creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Amir smiles as he sips on his drink.
Jerikal shakes his head. "We found a map once that purported to show the location of treasure deep within the bowels of Pale Mountain. It seems that I missed my chance."
"Ah well, business is good here in Katapesh. Sorry Tomlin and friend Amir, I've no interest in converting or opening a business on the frontier either. Speaking of business, as mentioned, I do have a few extra special brews that serve as healing draughts. They are pretty popular with adventurers."
Healing draughts would be excellent, we find ourselves in trouble often...as for the mountain. We cleared the King. Not the gnolls or the bowels of what lay beneath...if you have a map, I would be happy to take it off your hands or come to some other arrangement if you still have a taste for the adventuring life...
Varkata smiles, "I far prefer the thought of a well-made healing ale to what the alchemists usually produce."
The halfling brewmaster smiles at Amir's offer. "It's a possibility," he offers noncommittally.
"As for my "priests in a bottle"," he hands you a list.
"There is certainly more to be found in the belly of that mountain, since we didn't do a thorough exploring. We wanted to rid the world of the Carrion King and we did, but we barely escaped with our lives...most of us did in any case."
Karethas examines the list, "These are fair prices, but I am afraid I would have little use for them. Sarenae forbids the followers in my sect from imbibing alcoholic beverages."
Kzrira glances at the list and then smirks at Karethas:
If it is a choice between drinking this stuff and dying, I hope you would choose the former. Personally, I have no qualms with drinking anything that will heal me. Especially if it keep me from getting stuffed in a bag for two weeks.
As she says this, she looks over at Amir and rolls her eyes.
Karethas glares at Kzrira, "I respect your beliefs, whatever they may be. Please do me the courtesy of doing the same. Potions with the same effects are available elsewhere at similar prices." He turns to the halfling, "No disrespect intended to your wares or Cayden Cailean, Sayyid."
Kzrira looks rather surprised at Karethas' response:
Sorry, I did not mean to offend you. I always figured that healing was healing. I did not realize how adamantly you follow you beliefs. I am sure that we can find some normal potions with similar effects, or perhaps Varkata can use her ties to Cayden to heal you as the potions do.
At Kzrira'a eye roll the rogue merely brushes his hands together and then presents them palm up in an old sign of saying "what else was there to do?".
As Karethas explains his beliefs the rogue offers a hand and squeezes the young man's shoulder, Of course Karethas, whatever works.
Turning for a moment Amir strokes his mustache as he thinks on the matter.
I'm sorry my friend but you cannot throw such a tantalizing hook into the lake and not expect the fish to bite...I have an honest consideration of your wares, I have found the more traditional concoctions smell of beetle dung and taste of aeth lizard vomit, I would gladly upgrade my experience. But this map, this is what I am truly interested in. Are you sure there is not some arrangement we can speak of in regards to this?
"Weeell," the halfling tugs at a pointed little ear. "My own adventuring companions have scattered across the Inner Sea. I'll need new ones to explore the map of Pale Mountain. Seeing as you've been there already and shown yourselves to be a formidable force perhaps a new fellowship is in order. It will take some time to get everything in order, but I will seek you out once I am ready." The halfling smiles and offers Amir his hand.
"Adventure is afoot!" observes Tomlin. "Seeing as Cayden is already represented, I am sorry to have to pass on this opportunity, but wish you the best my friends."
Amir shakes the halflings hand and nods, I think we can give you ample time. My own church was looking for our aid on another matter and we have a task ourselves that might take a few days. So attend to your business and we will to ours. I will ensure that we keep you apprised of our comings and goings so we can find an opportunity that works for us all!
With that piece of business done Amir will buy a bottle of the "Blue Priest" and will put it in one of his normal sacks not interested in showing Radi that his satchel is, in fact, an extradimensional space.
Radi watches everything with interest, but stands when Amir mentions other business. Once everyone has finished their beverage of choice and the healing draught is purchased, Radi leads you out of the tavern.
Outsie, the sun has passed its apex and the shadows of the black stone bluffs stretch eastward toward the sea. "Where now, Sayyid?" he asks Amir.
Karethas gives Kzrira a bit of a smile and a nod, "It has not come up before because I am not fanatical and we have not been in situations that would lead to it. Personally observing my beliefs is important to me, but I do not feel any need in most cases to make them the concern of anyone else."
Amir will tell Radi that he should go back to the inn and wait for the group until later tonight at which point he will have something more for Radi to do. Once that is settles Amir will go and get the scroll cases to set up Karethas carrying a fake lead lined case and Amir carrying the real on in his satchel. From there he is ready to see the wizard.
Amir's assistant looks quite reluctant to leave the party once again, but eventually departs freeing Amir and Karethas to surreptitiously purchase a decoy lead case.
It is late afternoon by the time you make your way back to the shores of the Golden Oasis. It is yet a little early for your appointment, but the smells of cooking food cue you that it is time for the evening meal anyway.
Varkata smiles, "Sounds like a grand adventure.... "
All discussion stops as you enter the Sand Dragon Inn and all faces turn toward you. Radi looks pained from his seat and mouths some words.
A smiling halfling in a loose purple tunic with gold piping and black trousers stands on his chair to wave you over. All eyes turn to him and back to you.
Amir tilts his head at the halfling and nods slowly as he approaches.