Original Description of Andy's shop.
Andrik looks at the weapons, and once again offers 1/5th of their normal sale value.
"Twenty six gold... Two silver." he says, after evaluating them.
The gems, he informs you, are accepted currency in Wyatt Peak. Each person might give a slightly different rate for them, depending on their individual evaluation of their quality, but they'll take them.
"If only we had a banker in town who was skilled at appraising gems... That would standardize things."
I forgot to roll for him having some kind of magical item for sale.
No luck.
Galenus seeks out Kelly to see what the latest rumors and gossip are.
The dwarf woman responds to Sharla when she asks for rooms.
"Still alive and kicking, eh? Well, 4 silver for your rooms back. You'll be wanting the same ones?"
Kelly looks around when Galenus approaches him, brushing out one of his scrawny horses. "Oh, hi." he says, strangely timidly but not unsociable.
"In the market for rumors eh? One day I'll sell a horse." he says, sighing. "If it weren't for the rumors, I'd basically make no money these days. Is there something you wish you know about specifically, or just want whatever juicy gossip I've got? It'll be a gold piece for today's gossip, but if you want to know about something specific, I can look into it if I don't already know it, for 10."
1 or 10 gold? His rates are higher than the rooms!
"Sure! I'll pay for them." She says happily, handing over the money. "Thanks!"
Sharla wanders over to Andy's Arms and Armor, looking at his goods. "Hey Andrik," She calls out, "Can I get some studded leather for some gems? I'd also like to sell my old armour."
A little of both actually. I'd like to hear some general gossip around town, but I'd also like you to look into something specifically for me. However, that something specific is rather private, and I don't want it known that I'm looking into it.
Sharla:
Andrik inspects your armor to make sure it is in decent enough condition for fix up and resale. Then, he looks at your gems to find their worth.
He asks for several gems in exchange for the armor.
If you are fine with this exchange, Andrik takes 47 GP worth of gems, hands you 2 gold coins, measures you, and tells you to pick the armor up in the morning.
Galenus:
"Lets see... For general rumors, I've got two off of the top of my head. Do you want the one about the missing man, or someone related to the priests that built the temple? 5 GP if you want them both." He winks. Apparently with rumors, there is no such thing as a bulk discount.
As for your second request, Kelly peers at you a bit skeptically. "That's an odd one. I can keep my ear to the ground but I'm not going to get myself into any dangerous business. I've never heard of anyone going after our last little priest, but if I hear something, you'll be the first to know. And yeah, I'll keep this one just between us."
"Thanks!" Sharla says, giving him a friendly wave, and goes to the cup and dice.
"A round for everyone!" She cheers happily, setting a bag of coins on the counter.
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Varus nods as the business of selling all the spare gear goes ahead. "Pause, friend Andrik. You might tell from our bulk of liberated gear that we oft-times have large amounts what need to be carried. Betimes this burden interferes with other essential tasks, such as slaying orcs, running from orcs, watching orcs, things like that.
If there is some young pair of legs attached to a stout back that wished to make a few coppers for sharing our burden, we would be much obliged for the assistance. Qualifications must include the ability to not talk so much that their death is sought and prayed for, and the keen ability to run from the first sign of danger but to return once said danger has been ended by a blow of my righteous mace.
Know you aught of such?"
Galenus gives Kelly 5 gold for the two rumors, plus 10 for the question and another 10 GP worth of gems for the discression.
Andrik thinks about Varus' question for a moment, before listing a couple of options in the distracted way the blacksmith has, speaking while looking over the equipment and working on some armor he's making.
"You could try the laborers for the farms... Hardy folk, the lot of them. Pay them more than they're getting now, and they might be convinced in risking their lives.
Or you can try a militia member. They'd be less capable of carrying great weights, but their partial training in combat would make them less vulnerable to threats you might face. They're a braver sort, too.
Beyond that, look for a beggar. They won't require much coin, as most are fairly desperate. They'll be likely to hide, I'd guess, as is their way when things get dicey.
You should be able to find laborers in the tavern about now, or at the farms at sunup, looking for produce to carry harvest.
If you wish to speak to a militia member, talk to Rufus Houndwell. He could direct you from there.
If you want a beggar, just walk the streets. You're sure to see some sooner or later."
"The missing man. A pair of brothers moved into town a few seasons ago. Sheamus and Martin Asher. Sheamus went missing sometime ago, but strangely, Martin isn't too keen on talking about it. Something strikes me as odd about those two. Why wouldn't Martin want to talk about his missing brother?!"
"There is a small family living here in town. They're farmers, a single father and his half-orphaned children. Dreorin the elf, and his children Barton and Moonsilk. Dreorin's deceased human bride, Lavender, was said to be descended from the very priests who originally built the town's temple, the first inhabitants of this mountain before Wyatt Peak grew up around it."
Sharla
"Oh, what a nice young lass." Sapphire says, smiling at you. "I'll pour a few pitchers and let the tired workers drink to your health." she says, and asks for two gold to fill enough pitchers to get a round to everyone at the tavern.
"Here you go!" Sharla says, giving the coins happily.
Galenus tells him companions the rumors he heard.
What do you think? Worthy of investigation? We might be able to get something good out of talking with them.
"The missing man seems interesting, but we shouldn't make it seem like an investigation. What about this;" Sharla says, taking a swig of her drink, "Varus, you can go in and say that you're a priest, cause you are, here to do your bibble-babble and send his dead brother off to the magical kingdom in the sky, right? And then I'll be your priestly apprentice!" Her face and form slowly shifts into a teenage girl, with straight brown hair, and she clasps her hands as if praying. "Praise Lathander, or whatever god would happen to want to be praised at this time!" She shifts back. "Sounds good? I'll sneak around while you are doing your priestly duties."
Well, I have a sneaking suspicion that the missing brother is that man we found in the trap, out in the forest. If like to confirm or dismiss that suspiscion, one way or the other, by talking to the one still alive. And if it isn't, then maybe we'll find more information the more we explore.
And I'm hoping that family may have some special information about the temple - maybe knowledge of a secret way in, like a builders' or servants' entrance.
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Varus bobs his head in agreement. "Since we most likely have the answer to that riddle, 'twould be easy enough to put one puzzle piece next to the other. And if there is aught to find out, then so much the better. I'll just do my 'bibble-babble' like I did with our good hosts when we first approached town, and we can go from there."
Shall we do this today or wait for tomorrow?
Sharla spends a rest doing a performance, a happy little song about a drunken halfling.
Anders gets into his cups a bit with the others at the Cup and Dice, but is not overly intoxicated when he heads to bed in anticipation of revisiting the Orcs in the morning.
I am amazed these Orcs have not simply discovered our assaults and attacked the town with so many numbers...BUUUUUURP...
The Cup and Dice seems to be a bit improved when the party heads there to talk and rest.
There are several new decks of Three Dragon Ante for public use, and Slate comes by to drop off your food, drinks, and a pack of cards.
"Hey guys. Got some new stuff in. Play a game, unwind, drink up!" he says before moving on to the next table.
Even some of the rickety, falling-apart tables chairs have been repaired or replaced.
The night is still young, Galenus declares. I'd like to go visit that family. Anyone want to go with?
Before he leaves, Galenus asks Slate for some food - enough for a farmer and his two children. I'm going to bring them something to eat. And some ale, if you have a small cask.
"I could cask up a galleon of ale, for just a bit more coin. Let's say 3 silvers instead of 2.
For the food, depends. Do you want A silver and 8 for something small and cheap, 9 silver for a few good meals, or a gold and 5 for something meant to impress?"
He gets ready everything you need, and about 10-20 minutes later, it is ready for you.
I'd like the good stuff.
Before he leaves, Galenus asks Slate where Dreorin the elf lives; if he doesn't know, then he'll drop by Kelly's for directions and then head on over to the house.
Galenus (and whoever else goes with him) are directed to a house on the northwestern edge of town.
Knocking upon the door, a poorly dressed elven man answers. He wears simple woolen pants and a belted tunic, and bare feet though just within the door are heavy laborers boots.
He peers out at this guest(s). "Yes...? What is it?" he asks in a lightly accented common, puzzle and caution clear on this face.
Sharla goes with Galenus, shifted into the form of a skinny, nervous looking young man.
Galenus smiles. Good afternoon, sir. I presume you're Dreorin? My name is Galenus and I'm a scholar in town on a research project, and this is my associate, Mr. Glasob. I apologize for the sudden appearence at your door without proper announcement. In a way of apology, I've brought some fine food here for your and your sons, as well as a small cask of ale in trade for a bit of your time and a story.
If he accepts the offer...
I'm here studying the old temple to the west, the Temple of Final Rests. I've done some scouting around it and it appears to be infested with orcs. I hear that your family has a bit of history with the temple, and I'd be obliged if you and your sons could tell me as much as you know about it.
Galenus and Sharla head to the family, while Anders and Varus stay at the town center, Anders getting to his room at the Sundown Inn, and Varus... (Varus? Staying at the Cup and Dice for now? Or do you want to look for a mule?)
The offer of food and polite apology seem to be enough to get yourselves into the door, and the elf allows you entrance into his home.
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Scene - Dreorin's Home
The home is a cozy, three room cottage. A large living area that's part kitchen, dining room and family room has two doors which lead off, most likely sleeping quarters.
The floor is only partially wooden slats, the rest covered by fresh hay where the wood has covered in moss, especially near the door.
Features
The dining room is covered in a board loaded with shining tokens for a game being played by the two occupants there. The living area has several comfy but well-worn looking chairs, and nice bear-skin rug, and a bookshelf filled with books, small tokens, and family mementos.
Occupants
Two children sit at the table playing a game.
An older girl with silver-white hair, probably about 13 years old, wearing a simple blue dress plays against her younger brother, about 10 years old, with curly brown hair and piercing green eyes. They are both clearly half-elven, but the girl has more elven traits than her brother.
Then the father, Dreorin.
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Dreorin walks you over to portion of the room with chairs, and gestures for you to sit. He takes a seat as well, nearest his children so you would have to go past him if you wanted to get to them.
"I don't know a lot... Lavender, my wife, was the one who was descended from the priests there, and she did not follow in the tradition. She was the daughter of a son of a daughter who chose a different vocation than the main branch of the family who stayed at the Temple. She wasn't unfaithful to Kelemvor, nor was she one of his divines. I don't think she ever visited it herself, except maybe once or twice for funerals."
Galenus sits and listens. When Dreorin is done, he says, I'm sorry to hear of your late wife. It is ok if you do not know much, but any little you do know may help. For example, do you have any keepsakes of the family that I may look at? Was her family name Oberost? Do you happen to know if there is a builder's tunnels or secret entrances there that can help me bypass the orcs? Or any small details that you or your beautiful children may possess.
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Varus shares a cup (or two) with Anders at the Tavern, but as the barbarian segues into serious drinking, Varus decides his mind is too distracted to truly enjoy the fruit of the vine, and exits the place.
He takes out quill and paper and begin casually asking persons how they would feel about earning extra coin in assisting him and his comrades. He makes sure to ask at least one (but hopefully more) beggar, one farmhand, and one militia member as to how they would find such work, and how much they would charge for it.
He's quite keen on acquiring someone, and would feel better with someone of a stout heart, since oftimes the party would like another pair of eyes to keep a sharp watch while they all take leisure to regain powers in the field. So too, he fears that if such a person stole from them his wrath would be...O, terrible to behold, and he would rather circumvent such an event.
Galenus/Sharla
"That... Yes, that was the name of her relatives that stayed with the church. Oberost... How did you know?" He gestures to the memento shelf, and you see a small medallion, with Kelemvor's holy symbol upon it, as well as a stylized 'O' beneath the scales depicted.
"I know nothing of any secret tunnels, but it wouldn't surprise me, the original builders were skilled masons."
In my research I came across the name. There's word that only a member of the family can open a secret location in the temple. Would you be interested in learning more about this?
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Varus starts of with trying an earnest conversation with the first beggar he sees.
Ye gods, man. Does he smell like that all the time??'
Alas the man's offensive odor and near-constant requests for alcohol prevent Varus from establishing a good dialogue with the man, and eventually both his and the beggar's attention wanes.
Varus starts chatting with the fellow, and within a few minutes they have an engaged banter about weapons and armor and training regimens, along with mutual opinions on the best way to kill an orc. Varus looks up and, noticing how much time has passed, must actively force himself to move on, but he gets all the man's contact data, mentally ranking him high on his list.
Perhaps the first few conversations drained Varus of his mental energy, or that the farmhand insisted on continuing to work throughout the interview, giving Varus but scant attention, but the cleric feels his offer wasn't taken seriously and, really, felt no great need to press the matter.
Galenus & Sharla
The man seems interested, and you notice that the two children are listening and also seem interested. "Sure, take the medallion and bring it back safely. None of are very tied to the church, but it is a memory of their mother." Dreorin allows.
Varus
The militia man, a dwarf named Himalt, will charge 2 gold a day that you employee his services. He'll bring a crossbow and a small blade, as well as dress in armor to hopefully better keep himself alive, but knows full well you are looking for a man to carry salvage and treasure, and that his fighting role will be minimized. If you wish, he'll meet you at the Cup and Dice at sunup the next morning.
Galenus stays as long as he is welcome and the conversation continues. As he senses the conversation coming to a close, he takes the proffered medalion, thanks the family for their time, promised to return it soon, and heads back to the inn.
Dreorin gives the medallion to Galenus, and asks him to let him know what he might find in his research.
Eventually, everyone meets back up at The Sundown to get some rest.
Galenus wakes up very excited. He grabs the medallion and heads on out. About twenty paces outside the inn, it occurs to him that he should probably have woken Sharla. On his way back, it also occurs to him that he might need more than just the medallion - like his book, and his backpack, and maybe something to wear other than his nightgown. So, as the sun starts to rise, Galenus heads back to the inn to wait get dressed, grab the rest of his equipment, and wait for his friends to wake up. He does this last sitting at a table while reading.
As he sits, the host asks him if he would like a bite to eat.
Oh - right. Food. I need that. Yes, please. I would like a bite to eat.
Anders walks down from his night's rest and stretches as he enters the common area of the Sundown. He spots Galenus eating and joins him.
Mornin', Galemus. How was last night for ya?
He motions the host.
Breakfast for me too, please.
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Varus joins the two at the eating table and signals the host for an additional plate. He's bleary-eyed from studying his books on some dogmatic trivia that he never could find an answer to.
"I have interview several members of the townsfolk, and one stout member of the militia has agreed to join us, and share our burden, as it were. He asked for 2 gold a day, but I was hoping Sharla might use her charms on him to lesson that amount.
Are we in agreement that another sword hand and pair of eyes is needed, or is that no longer a thing of our interest?"
Can't hurt, but he needs to know the danger.