Maxim watches Xoden leave, a grim expression set upon the gun-mage's features as he does.
"Funny how sometimes doin' the right thing feels wrong, an' doin' the wrong thing can feel right..."
He muses on his own words for a few seconds, then spits once;
"Huh. Well I guess that loot ain't gonna march itself back up top..."
Maxim then turns and begins mirthlessly hefting the treasure with the others.
The dwur flashes a grim smile;
'Don't be believin' everything them Stormers tell ye. Toughest fight was had when they turned tail... Left us Cauldron Watchers to settle things right. Protect what's ours... an' yours..."
"Well, one way or the other we came out of this with a good bit of loot."
"We better get that cavern entrance filled up good and proper with a sturdy door."
"Dwarven construction, of course."
"Otherwise more riff-raff will be coming in that way."
⋮
"Todd and Annah a detail or two, I'm sure."
"That vampire is taken care of. Definitely dead. No question of it."
Juraan will give a brief account of the battle with the half-orc mercenaries.
Pointing to the (bound) survivors/prisoners for emphasis.
Juraan will also kind of forget to mention Xoden.
He'll leave that up to Maxim and Kikkinin.
"And anyway, how's Orak now? He wasn't in control of himself earlier."
I had a look through your posts.
White and Black were definitely dead.
Green and Red were out cold.
Yellow and Cyan were dying but I'm not sure if they actually died from their wounds.
"The good thing the vampire is dead now and the vandalism stopped. Cauldron can sleep calmly now all thanks to you" explains Captain Terseon Skellerang. He then produces a bag full of coins "This is your payment for your services to Cauldron's guard. Do not let the Stormblades know about it, I would not have the money to pay the services of two groups" and hands it to Maxim.
400 gold pieces
JJ takes hold of the bag with a grin and then points at the half orcs.
"So.. these and a load of their mates were trying to slip into the city. There is a whole set of passages down there with a route out of town that bypasses all the guard points. "
He eyes up the guards.
"I don't need to tell you that there are some unpleasant creatures out in the jungle there. I suggest sending a team down to brick it up, and then having a regular patrol head down there to check it every day. "
He stretches his sore muscles, realising he still has some cuts and gashes.
"Now, I need a bath. And then I want to see if Ghelve is willing to try and teach me some stuff. I'd love to go to the Bluecrater, but two thousand gold... my goodness."
"Don't think avoiding discussions with the Stormblades will be much of a problem Captain. Glad we could have been assistance to the guard. We'll be around should you need us again, I for one have duties to attend to for the church. As I'm sure we all have."
As soon as it's clear that Xoden has taken his punishment to heart, Kikinnin nods to Maxim, before returning to the rest of the orc army unit, and ending every one of them.
"Funny how sometimes doin' the right thing feels wrong, an' doin' the wrong thing can feel right..."
Kikinnin snorts, pulling his axe from the neck of another dead orc.
...
"The good thing the vampire is dead now and the vandalism stopped. Cauldron can sleep calmly now all thanks to you. This is your payment for your services to Cauldron's guard. Do not let the Stormblades know about it, I would not have the money to pay the services of two groups."
"I don't understand why you're paying us. Didn't you encourage the Storm Blades officially? We didn't seek approval to deal with the vampire plague, but we needed better preparations. Pretty sure we told the Guard that we'd be back to finish what we started, and you still sent another group down. Were you purposefully trying to set us against each other?"
After receiving an answers, Kikinnin inquires about the other dwarf. "How's Orak doing? Will he be up for reopening his business any time soon? What do you intend to do with the passages below, now we know it's there?"
...
With Xoden banished, Kikinnin encourages his team to investigate his place of business first, wanting several sets of eyes to look over the dwarf's story about production.
"I'm sure Orak will be back in business soon."
JJ unkinks his muscles. "I certainly hope he will be anyway. I need a good soak, and Orak's is the best."
His eyes dart down to the trapdoor and secret way out of town, possibilities springing into his young mind. However it almost looks as if Ryan can read his mind, and he quickly puts such unworthy thoughts aside. For the moment.
"Ale, A soft mattress and then I think I'll go visit Ghelve.." he starts with a yawn.
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"Orak will be back in business soon."
"But Xoden won't."
"Would we be able to buy his place of business?"
"Cheap?"
"And put it to less unsavory uses …"
"maybe making a bit of coin on the side with it too?"
"That we will do" answers Terseon to JJ "Perhaps we have no men to patrol everyday, but we can check every week and see if someone has broken through"
The Captain laughs at Kikinnin's untrusting questions "This was a difficult case, there is no shame on seeing more hands aiding to solve it. Plus you were gone for some days... and it is difficult to say no to the Stormblades... and their parents"
Dandarrion enters the room and intervenes "Orak is quite confused right now, but he will be ok. He seems to be free of the control and acting normal once again. I guessed there were some news to share" he smiles seeing the group complete.
--------------
Visit to Xoden's place will not reveal any new hint not previously revealed.
Maxim arches an eyebrow as JJ snags the bag of coin from his hand, then settles into listeningto the various conversations and viewpoints being aired.
At JJ's plan for arcane tuition he nods;
"Ghelve's a good 'un and he still holds us in high regard and debt for what we done... Would be savvy to pick his brains and writings from a startin' point. I'd teach ye Surabar but I ain't got the inclination nor patience fer such..."
The dwur eyes the loot gained from the deep;
"... 'sides brokerin' coin for you lot is becoming a full time occupation! Har!"
He breaks into a hard chuckle before nodding toward the sacks and bag containing their latest haul;
"Know few o' ye already staked some claims. If there's anything catching an eye... nows the time to take it."
"I'll just take that nice rapier, a score of arrows, and that explosive necklace."
"Then I need to spend a bit of time with archery training."
"Since my spells get used a lot faster than arrows would."
"I don't want to be completely helpless in a fight."
"And I'm sure we'll have more of those in future too."
--------------------
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"X-Xoden was working on c-cages, right? C-c-could it have been c-cages for holding the ones K-Kazmojen kidnapped?" Marigold suggests timidly. "His n-name was mentioned in the j-journal we found in M-Malachite, right? It would m-make sense..."
As the group suddenly finds themselves with even more coin to spare as well as time, the halfling actually seems at a bit of a loss on what to do next. "Hum...I g-guess I'll p-put in some time at B-Bluecrater; n-need to make up for b-b-being gone so m-much lately."
"Oh...and um, m-may I try that s-shield if no one else w-wants it?"
After leaving the captain, Ryan will report to the church, to give an account of Draskar's demise
"Take it Marigold. You've earned it. None of the vampires trinkets really appealed to me. Did Xoden or those half orcs have any decent equipment on th me?" he adds
"Sorry. I was distracted in asking questions at the time."
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Back at the Bluecrater Academy you are received cheerfully. You do enjoy at last of calm work for some weeks and your dreams seem to become more stable and calm once more.
Ghelve receives you with enthusiasm "Of course my friend! I am not great wizard, but I can show you the basics." After a couple of weeks, it becomes clear you have difficulties to learn from Ghelve's spellbook, but the lessons trigger something inside you. You are able to perform your first spells "This is curious. It seems more like innate magic rather than arcane study"
Your visits to Aleck Tercival further fuels this theory. He has returned from his weeks travel "Sorry for my sudden trip, but something important for the family crossed my head and I had to check it out." he draws a medallion "I was at your parent's tomb. I followed the blood line JJ... I went as far as to look for my father's corpse in the family mausoleum in Redgorge. Rolard's father, your grandfather" he opens the medallion letting an angelical female face appear "It was always said Rolard was born in strange circumstances, that we were a different line of the Surabar family" he stares at JJ "I found this medallion at our father's coffin, still clenched on the remains of his hands. Was she perhaps his true love and Rolard's mother?" he laughs mildly at that point "That would explain why he always got it so much easy than me with the girls"
The paladin face gets a bit more cheerless at that point "But I could not dig in on the topic because I discovered something else in Redgorge. Something worrisome about current Cauldron. But I shall not speak further without more proof. That's why I have returned. Jenya wants me to move forward in the topic, but I will stay at the city for some more weeks in case you need me" he smiles at that point "Although I have heard you have placed your sword and skills to good use as of late. You are becoming a real man JJ. There is little I have left to show you"
Although it will be easy to occupy the shop, you lack the property documents of the place, which may be a problem as you know Cauldron laws.
Additionally, it might also be problematic if Xoden's friends discover you have taken his old shop.
Ultimately, once the administration takes note of Xoden's disappearance, a legal process shall begin for the Major's Office to absorb the property of the house.
Back at the temple Jenya Urikas receives you happy to discover the news "It is a relive to know this danger has been erased from our city. Sorry if I have not been sure of your possibilities, but I have been quite nervous without Sarcem and Aleck around" she looks through the window "The first winter rain will happen soon and Sarcem will be here by then. And Aleck has already returned. Things will start settling finally." The priestess seems in very good mood.
"May I ask you something Ryan?" she looks straight at your eyes "You have been out as of late... involved in all kind of episodes and have sure a richer point of view of how dealings are done in this city. How do you feel about how things are going on in Cauldron? There is this taxes thing and the difficulties of the guard to keep peace as of late... but... further on... who do you think benefits of all this conflict?"
Uncle Adrick is well interested in the last updates "A smuggling tunnel under Cauldron? We should take control of that place immediately. The tobacco and weapons can profit a lot from the considerable tax reduction" the dwarven eyes shine with the idea "Can you make sure you get a key to the tunnels once they close them? I am sure I can convince Orak for the rest of the cooperation required".
He invites you to some rum and pays for the party equipment "We are making plenty of money selling these equipment to Alleybashers and Hillfolks at full price"
Once you check the coins bag, all the money is there, but almost half the payment is in Jester coins.
The next day after finishing Drakthar, you start realising people is looking at you as you walk through the streets. Specially when entering to the Tipped Tankard. Your visit to your favourite tavern is spiced with a new fresh issue of the Cauldron Herald.
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Kikinnin reviews the chain of events, from Jzaridune and Malachite, to the Temple of Torag, and concludes that Cauldron itself is a porous liability to its citizens, from below. He spends several days, inquiring about the underground of the caldera, and the tunnels and structures. He asks for audience with Cauldron's civil engineering if he can get time with them, while continuing to offer his services in ratcatching to the citizenry of Cauldron daily.
If he can, he pays for copies of maps and blueprints, so he might better understand where Cauldron is considered weak, and vulnerable to continued infiltrations. Surely Orak's and Ghelve's businesses are not the only sites for devious comings and goings.
If he's successful, he offers his ratcatching services to those in town, in an orderly manner, so he can evaluate places of business and residential buildings for suspect passages to the lands below.
At the conclusion of his first week's investigations, he rustles his new friends, and shares what he's learned.
Since law and order aren't his forte!
During the first week out of the tunnels:
Juraan will try earning a bit of coin as an herbalist:
… and on his off time, spend time on archery practice with the city guards
JJ looks at the locket in wonder.
"Is this then an image of Grandmar Lisa, that is... your Aunt Lisa?" JJ asks.
"Could that me why I find arcane magic hard to master but...."
He shows off some of what he has learned to his uncle...
"I can do this ?"
The first day renders no results, but a late contact places you in the good direction towards someone in the Major's Office who might have the required information.
The Office rejects your interest for most of the day, but late at afternoon, your work as ratcatcher let's you finally talk with the engineer that works on the water channels in Cauldron "There are hundreds of tunnels in Cauldron. I do not know if I might be of use. Most of the tubes end in the lake. We have also mapped the environments of the caldera. Most of the tubes have been exploited as mines and lay now abandoned. I do not think cleaning the rats on all those places will be possible, but, aye, here you have, take a glance because I cannot give the maps to you" he looks at the maps before adding "But well, most of them have decades, I cannot ensure of their exactitude"
After a hard week of labor, grateful people let you gather up to 13 gold pieces for your ratcatcher work.
You get a couple of clients this week rendering 5 gold pieces total for some herbs to sleep well at night and treat some headache.
You are welcomed at the city militia, there Dandarrion helps you train with the bow "If every citizen took some time to learn the basics we will have the best defense for the city and we should have no fear. Thanks for your engagement Juraan"
"Well... that's what I fear... this woman is certainly not Lisa. Lisa was my mother... but... what if she was not Rolard's mother..." he looks intrigued at the drawing.
Aleck looks at the magic display and smiles "Well, you have not made your prayers to Abadar, have you? In that case that means you certainly have some innate abilities..."
"May I ask you something Ryan?" she looks straight at your eyes "You have been out as of late... involved in all kind of episodes and have sure a richer point of view of how dealings are done in this city. How do you feel about how things are going on in Cauldron? There is this taxes thing and the difficulties of the guard to keep peace as of late... but... further on... who do you think benefits of all this conflict?"
Ryan ponders Jenya's questions for a moment before answering "Taxes, city guard, and who benefits? For a city to prosper, there must be some form of government and laws. Usually it will include the needs for taxes to pay for items of mutual benefits to the masses, one of those benefits being the city guard. However it has been proven that despite the higher taxation Cauldron has been experiencing, the city guard is over-worked and underpaid, causing members of thsat same guard to support criminal elements within the city. Either by looking the other way or actively working for them.
So it stands to reason the taxes are being used for something else, likely to line the pockets of the nobility. Heh, my uncle wants me to give a speech to workers at one of his mines, on how they should work harder and and enjoy life less, all because the church says so..sheesh, yes every worker should work hard, but after a hard day's work they should be allowed enjoy life. Would not a happy worker be more productive and therefore making the company more prosperous by default? Ryan shakes his head at the thought of the speech he's expected to give."As to who has the most to gain, that's a good question. The mayor? How much of his power is granted by the nobility. If he endangers their profitability, likely they would find a way to remove him." Like assassins from Sasserine, Uncle what have you done?
"Can we continue this later, Jenya? I think I need rest a bit and think on this."
Jenya reflects as you talk "Those are fair good points Ryan..." she seems to resolve on something " Before you leave... I plan to send Aleck soon in another mission. That leaves us short of hands here too..."
"You have demonstrated your value in the last weeks. I would like to charge you with the responsibility of organising this year's church activities during the Flood Season Festival. Feel free to dispose what you do think is better for the faithful"
She makes a pause at this point "That includes organising the patrols and coordinating with the other churches to make use of the control water wands during the worst of the season rains."
Especially to get as much information as he can out of Dandarrion.
Even if it means being a pest with the authorities or the rest of his party.
"Goblins and Mercenaries used it once already."
"We don't want that gap in Cauldron's defences to stay open!"
If needed: (woo!)
÷ 2 = 5 (round down)
÷ 2 = 10 (round down)
÷ 2 = 10 (round down)
I'm assuming that the amounts from the check are rounded down, as a standard procedure in Pathfinder.
"I'd not ... well, where would I have heard such stories from? So you think grandfather Criton had a lover who bore him a babe ...my father? And then Lisa adopted the baby herself? Or did he marry her first and she die young? I wonder if any of the Redgorge locals would remember..."
Marigold enjoys the relative peace and quiet that accompany the next few weeks, finding that her troubling dreams seem to have stopped for the time being. The only thing that occasionally troubles her are the stares that she sometimes gets while out and about; apparently her face and probably those of the others were beginning to be known around the city. But she figured that a few odd or curious looks now and then were a small price to pay for the city sleeping easier at night.
The halfling largely spends her time alternating between her work at Bluecrater (and catching up on the local gossip with Zinli and Losriel) and visiting her 'family' down at the orphanage.
However she does begin turning her thoughts to the future as well. Juraan's queries about taking Xoden's workshop for their own set the gears in her mind to turning.
We've all got plenty of coin now, enough to keep each of us comfortable for a lifetime. But we really could use a better place to stay, at least when we're all on work for the city...
Her mind made up, she journeys to the Mayor's Office to find out if there are any suitable properties for sale within the city proper.
Caught off guard for a moment, Ryan is surprised. However recovering quickly
"Thank you, I'll do my best, who has charge of our wands, it would do well to speak with them before reaching out to the other churches."
Getting the name from Jenya, Ryan will go to them.
Maxim takes his leave from the others, promising he’ll get decent pricing as always on the weapons and armour recovered.
The gun-mage is soon at his Uncle’s warehouse and is, as always, well received…
Maxim smiles wryly at the entrepreneurial potential of the smuggling tunnel.
”Aye Uncle… it could offer great opportunity for yourself and our merchant house. I’ll try and secure a key through my contacts… I’ve a notion on how we might accomplish it… leave it with me Uncle. Failing that you might need to pay off some of the guard to turn a blind eye?”
The dwur sips his rum, enjoying the expensive liquor’s warming burn as he listens to the profit being turned.
”Hillfolk and Alleybashers… Huh. Good customers… hopefully not ones who’ll lead anyone back to their suppliers though?”
He graciously accepts the coin, then before leaving bids his Uncle indulge one last question;
”These jester coins have cropped up a little more oft, than not Adrick. Are we just handlin’ ‘em or actively involved in the smelting? Don’t matter to me neither way, but some of my companions have a more civic minded head and may well question why they are making their way into our payment. “
He drains his glass with a smile;
”Was some in the last coin you gave me. Filtered ‘em out from the others, but this time questions might be asked o’ me. Just want to make sure I have an answer.”
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Your pressure finally seems to get its toil in the guards and they finally move to bar the tunnel. Ghelve's is called to secure the tunnel out of Cauldron.
The month passes and people looks for herbs to help them with the incoming colds expected for the Flood Season. You cash with ease 25 more golds.
Aleck Tercival taps JJ's shoulder "I do not know JJ... I do not know... but this drawing was certainly important for your granfather"
By the end of the month the payments at Blucrater Academy have rendered you extra 38 golds.
With that you visit the Major's Office and find out no less than three constructions are available next to the lake, and another more average class in the middle of the caldera by Lava Avenue.
Jenya smiles at Ryan "Well, Ryan. These year we will have eight wands, Sarcem will bring them from Sasserine. The Church of Wee Jass preferred to focus on producing other items, and after the accidents at Pelor's Church, there have been no one there able to produce wands. Sarcem profited his trip to the capital to buy some wands. He soon will be finished with the opening of the new cathedral and come back to Cauldron"
Adrick smiles at Maxim about the Jester coins "You do not have to worry about them. It's just gold, who cares if it has a balance or a Jester's face coined on behind? You can just explain them we have a priority access to this new coin which is becoming more and more widespread used in the city"
Maxim will convince at the end for the guard to bar the tunnel instead of bricking it. Once that is done, it results easy to make Ghelve give back the favor buy providing a copy of the key to the barred door.
During the month the weather becomes mild and drizzles more and more often. The citizens of Cauldron begin shoring up their homes and businesses in preparation for the Flood Season. One day, the drizzle becomes rain, and the rain a rainstorm. The water pours through the roofs and fills the avenue's ditches sliding quickly to the central lake of the caldera.
That night you do overhear the announcements in the streets. Lord Major Navalant has announced the beginning of the Flood Season!
The next day, work comes to a sudden stop in the city on this day as the citizens flock to the streets in an impromptu celebration of the rainy season. For the next several days, the festival grows increasingly organized. What starts as impromptu parties on the streets becomes rows of Flood-Festival-themed merchant stalls lining the streets, organized games and competitions, and a seemingly endless series of parades put on by churches, guilds, nobles, and other groups throughout town. Visitors from neighboring towns throng to the streets of Cauldron to take part in the festivities.
The chaos fills the city with excitement, most merchants announce 15% discounts, although some like Skie's Treasure arrives to a 20% discount. The taverns fill with registration lists for the drinking contest. The Bluecrater Academy is full of activity with the organization of the swimming contest. And the streets are generally full of artists performing shows and little works, as well as numerous playing booths with Strength and Dexterity games that promise 5 gp prizes for just 1 sp playing fee.
JJ turns the locket over to see if there is any inscription on it, one that his uncle might have missed.
"May I keep this Sir Aleck?" he asks politely.
"OK that solves that part of the problem, 8 wands huh, I'll see if Pelor can support 2, Wee Jass another 3 and we will support the final 3, more if necessary."
Juraan will want to buy a Masterwork Darkwood Composite Longbow, +1 STR bonus.
That will have to wait until we get our pay packet through Maxim, though.
Would the cost be the standard PF cost of 530 GP?
Juaan would like to work with Marigold in seeing about finding a dedicated shop or store front for the property.
In his spare time. Training in archery and working as an herbalist will
come first, though.
There are probably a few closed down shops, complete with living quarters,
left over because of the filth plague. I think that would be a good
place to start looking. We might be able to buy a place relatively cheap
that way. Juraan wouldn't be too worried about the stigma. For him,
it will be a matter of "Waste not, want not!"
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With everyone in the group working on their own personal projects, Marigold initially isn't able to look much further into the matter of purchasing a 'shared base' for the group to use. However one day she does happen to catch Juraan during a free moment at Bluecrater and shares what little she learned on her first visit to the Lord Mayor's office.
"I d-d-didn't look into it f-further at the time b-because I wanted to t-talk to you all about it f-first, b-but I d-did find out that there are th-three p-places next to the lake and another that's m-more in the m-middle of the city, on L-Lava Avenue," she explains to Juraan. "Wh-what d-do you think?"
Although perhaps more inconvenienced by the rains than the taller folk, Marigold still finds herself enjoying the cheerful spirit present in the city during the festivities. Though she had largely contented herself with simply enjoying the sights in the past, she thought that perhaps this year she might do things a little differently.
Maybe I could enter one of the contests, but which one? I could probably try the swimming contest. Definitely going to leave the drinking contest to someone else though!
Maxim nods with a wry smile at his Uncle, then finish his rum with a toast.
The aforementioned petitioning of the guard to block the tunnel, he’ll push for the securement of not one but two copies of the gate key (one for my Uncle as requested, one for potential use for the group). He’ll pay Ghelve 50 gold for the additional copy.
When secured he’ll deliver one of the key’s to his Uncle.
Over the coming weeks and month, Maxim meets up with you all briefly before heading off once again to conduct ”… various orders of business – of both personal an’ professional nature.”
• Maxim will also endeavour to improve his countenance somewhat. The dwur commissions new clothing fit for his adventuring and mercantile careers.
• He will return to the Malachite to return Xoden’s shield to Gralthar. As the now scion of the Nightshield clan it is only fitting she either destroy it or carry it in an effort to redeem her now tainted name.
• He will also do more crafting of ammunition for his pistol. He will create the following:
10 Regular Bullets (1GP)
6 Alchemical Paper Bullet Cartridges (36GP)
2 Flasks of Alchemical Fire (40GP)
• With the 20% Flood Festival discount in play at Skie’s Treasury Maxim will pay the old gnome a visit. Primarily he’ll look at her wares focussing on any ability boosting or protective items. Secondly he’ll ask her if she know anything of his old mentor Hackbus Wyrdbore and if she knew anything of his fate or whereabouts.
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Kikinnin spends the remainder of his month, performing various basement raids in different Cauldron fixtures, helping as best he can to keep the rat population in check, as the waters rise. He sometimes equates Cauldron with a sinking ship, and he hopes the rats that are smart enough abandon their holds, while the rats that are rabid enough drown outright.
With his monthly earnings, he donates all of it to the Church of St. Cuthbert, with the hopes that the priests will put it to best use with the Flood Season upon Cauldron. Kikinnin is not quiet about his hopes.
In the interim, Kikinnin checks in on Maxim with some frequency, quietly pleased of dwarven company and shared history. He knows Maxim is his own dwarf, but Kikinnin's disposition often turns older-brotherly, making sure the morally-flexible blond-beard gets a good dose of dosing goodness to the local business. Conversations about governmental effectiveness irritate the black-beard, because he knows in some small part that Maxim is right, and more worldly for his words. Kikinnin shares his pride in their small group for what's been done, and using it as an outlet to effect direct change on the balance of good and evil in his adopted city. He also pesters Maxim to teach him a new tongue, so they might share observations without the others nosing in.
Kikinnin asks Maxim to teach him Terran.
Kikinnin also engages Ryan and JJ, for their obvious martial skills, enjoying the challenge, and despairing their youth as he finds agility in plate armor woefully lacking. He'll use Ryan to keep an ear out for St. Cuthbert's activities, personally preferring to stay away from Janya. With JJ, he inquires about the Orphanage, and occasionally checks on it himself for its preparedness in dealing with new guests due to the Floods.
As for the more bookish of the group, he debates cracking the strange tongue nut that is Marigold. Hearing her language shift time and again during stressful moments, he asks her questions about its roots, and exactly what language it is. He also asks if it's due to get better, if she can overcome her nerves, and speak Commonly. He may even avoid sounding patronizing in encouraging her to work towards it for the group's benefit. If it sounds as if she's mired in the 'muddled mouth', he nods sympathetically, and makes a mental note of his own, to possibly learn it himself. One language at a time, of course.
...
As the Festival gets under way, Kikinnin slows his rat rollin', preferring to take in the sights, wandering the stalls and wares, especially the food booths. Hearing discounts, he's not proud about asking for them, and seeking out various purchases, though they remain small to begin with.
When the drinking contest is announced, Kikinnin scrambles to understand the dynamics of the competition. If it's free to enter, he's there and grabbing for chance to sign up. If there's a fee to enter, he weighs his consumption for the coin exchanged. If he's due to come out ahead, he signs up, less heartily, but optimistic, all the same.
The rest of his roaming, he keeps eyes and ears out for rogue activity, in case someone bellows 'bout theft, or someone becomes too aggressive from spirits.
… at the pub, of course. Over a pint. Or three, or six:
"Good work on the research, Marigold!"
"We could use space for each of us to practice our crafts and skills."
"An old warehouse or inn would be ideal, I think."
"Just so long as it hasn't gone to rack and ruin with a need for constant repair."
"If it's big enough, we could even billet ourselves there."
"Which one of those four places would fit that description?"
"I'm making sure to set aside enough money to chip in to that."
As much fun as the celebrations in Cauldron are, Juraan will probably not much notice.
He's too busy training, working, or having pints on his few off hours to confer with Marigold.
As soon as Maxim gives everyone their share of the dosh from the cavern expedition, Juraan will buy a top of the line bow.
Standard PF price tag is 530 GP for that.
Let me know if it costs any more in Cauldron.
That should leave him with 290 GP in cash.
He'll convert 200 of that into 2 gemstones (worth 100 GP each), as portable wealth.
JJ really enjoys the festival. He takes part in various competitions, his favorite being the "How many sausages can you eat in turn of the minute timer".
He scolds himself after the first day, though, feeling as if something is missing. The next day he heads back to the orphanage, and arranges to take one or two of the children at a time to enjoy the festival for an hour. Over two or three days he tries to work through all the children, giving them all some fun and enjoyment.
He also makes arrangements with Gretchyn's regular suppliers to provide extra food to the orphanage during the festival as well as a credit on the establishments account for the rest of the year.
Pays to re-read campaign notes. Forgot Maxim has access to Jzadirune’s Masterwork Transformation.
:
:
Using his new found spell Maxim will then Masterwork his pistol
Aleck nods to you "Yes, of course, keep it with you"
You find at a Maavu Exports stall a darkwood longbow exactly as you want with a 15% discount "Take it sir! Best crafting in the region and at the best price!"
Ghelve nods to Maxim happily while picking up the money "It is a pleasure to make dealings with you Maxim" he makes a pause and then notes "By the way, you look cheerful in your new clothing"
When you hand Nightshield's shield to Gralthar, the dwarven maid looks at you acknowledgeable "Thanks Maxim. This shield means a lot to my clan and it honors you the return" she takes a look to the fine dwarf jewelery "It seems things are going good for you in the surface. We need entrepreneurs like you in the Malachite. It is a shame we cannot count with anyone that fits"
With the help of Jzadirune spell knowledge, you are able to reforge the pistol with ease, clearing the irregularities in the cannon and making a finer rustic finish.
"Your group has done good for this city and the good name of the Church. Let your group now we will provide you with a 20% discount on any divine scroll or potion we usually have at selling" exposes Jenya.
All through the weeks citizens are happy to know the Cauldron's ratcatcher is available. From different works you get 19 gp that go directly to the funds of St. Cuthberts Church. Jenya is touched by the gesture "Thanks Kikinnin. I know how difficult is for you to gather this money." she meditates for a second then adds "Look, given the services to the city, I have decided to give you and your friends a 20% discount in all the divine potions and scrolls usually served by the temple"
With the rise of the waters, rats start to be much more active, climbing out of their positions at the lower areas of the caldera to the highest ones.
The little orphans are all ecstatic to play with their great heroes. Neva tries to control the children while Andro shouts in reply to the stories "Oh! And the vamp had long fangs full of blood?! Did he changed into a giant rat?" meanwhile Terrem looks at you from the distance. He seems to listen at what you say but he prefers not to mingle with the other children.
Gretchyn is full of joy when JJ gives the money to maintain his little brother's and sisters "Would I have half old orphans half as good as you, there will be no problems with the children of this city. Thanks a lot JJ. In all seriousness"
Before leaving, Patch, the half-orc closes up to Marigold and says "Thanks. I owe you a favor"
-----------------
Marigold takes a look at the swimming competition. On the second day of the Flood Festival, Bluecrater Academy holds their annual Crater Lake Monster Hunt. At sunrise, students from the university set hundreds a d hundreds of tiny boats afloat on the surface of Crater Lake. During the morning hours, anyone who wants a shot at catching the monster pays a 1 sp entry fee for a wooden chit.
By noon, the surface of the lake is clogged with boats. Each of these boats is identical shape, but one of them has a contingent illusion
placed upon it. Once it is grabbed and the wooden chit is fitted to its deck, a major image of a vast tentacled monster springs up from around the boat to flail about dramaticaily before crashing back into the surrounding lake. The person who fitted the chit into the boat is immediately affected by a faerie fire spell, and wins the hunt (and a trophy worth 10 gp).
But finding the monster is not easy. It involves a numerous quantity of swimming. Although there are boats to rescue those that go over their possibilities.
------------------
Maxim's visit to Skie’s Treasury with anyone else interested results of highly use. Skie's Treasury is a modest building crafted from blocks of volcanic stone. The façade of the building bears dozens, if not hundreds, of symbols and sigils that have been carved into the stone with chisels. One door and a pair of tiny windows face the road and overlook the lake below. Above the door, a sign proclaims the establishment to be Skie's Treasury, but more impressive are the numerous items of treasure-rings, coins, wands, necklaces, rods, potions, scrolls, and more-that seem to slowly orbit the sign and shine with soft golden light. Every now and then, two of the items bump against each other, ringing softly like a wind chime. The runes on
the façade of her store are in Gnome, and are in fact the names of various adventuring parties that have, throughout the years, patronized Skie's store enough that she offered them a special "Adventurer's Dis
count" in return for their loyalty. Some of the names include The Greenswards, The Unhumans, The Singers of Ehlonna, and Varmint Patrol.
You notice one rune that reads, "The Last Laugh."
Inside you are received by a female gnome, Skie Aldersun. "Look who do we have here. You must be Garthûn's gun. I have heard you have been adventuring in the tunnels of Cauldron recently. A dangerous place that one. Be aware of wyverns"
+1 banded mail 1,400 gp
+1 chain mail 1,300 gp
+1 heavy steel shield 1,170 gp
+1 kukri 2,308 gp
+1 light mace 2,305 gp
+1 longsword 2,315 gp
+1 scimitar 2,315 gp
+1 Small dagger 2,302 gp
+1 Small leather armor 1,160 gp
+1 spiked chain 2,325 gp
bag of holding (Type I) 2,500 gp
cloak of resistance +1 1,000 gp
golembane scarab (flesh) 2,500 gp
hat of disguise 1,800 gp
handy haversack 2,000 gp
potion of cure light wounds (8 available) 50 gp each
potion of cure moderate wounds (3 available) 300 gp each
potion of haste 750 gp
potion of owl's wisdom 300 gp
ring of feather falling 2,200 gp
ring of protection +1 2,000 gp
rope of climbing 3,000 gp
scroll of dispel magic 375 gp
scroll of flame arrow 375 gp
scroll of ice storm 700 gp
scroll of lesser restoration 150 gp
scroll of levitate 150 gp
scroll of mirror image 150 gp
scroll of raise dead 6,125 gp
scroll of silence 150 gp
scroll of speak with dead 375 gp
sleep arrows (2 available) 132 gp each
wand of cure light wounds (25 charges) 375 gp
wand of cure moderate wounds (22 charges) 1,980 gp
wand of Melf's acid arraw (10 charges) 900 gp
"A 20% discount on all the products all through the Flood Season Festival" the gnome smiles happily noticing her strong bet discount has attracted new customers.
-----------------
Back at the Tipped Tankard, Gryffon Malek explains the details of the drinking contest to Kikinnin "This contest symbolizes Cauldron's more prodigious drinkers pitching in to lessen the flood damage by drinking away the excess liquids in town. It just so happens that the contest focuses on the consumption of the alcoholic liquids." laughes Gryffon "Any contestant can register for the contest at any of Cauldron's taverns on the first day of the festival by entering his name on the grand roster of contestants, kept posted on a board in front of the Tipped Tankard Tavern, and paying the entry fee of 1 gp"
"You would need to take part in one drinking bout per day for the next six days, each of which takes about 10 minutes to settle. You have to drink against your opponent, one beer at a time. The first one to become drunk and incapacitated loses and the one remaining pases to the next round for the next day. If a contestant fails to show for his scheduled bout, he is knocked out of the running as well. Each evening, the day's winners are posted, as is the schedule of who drinks against who the next day." he smiles and looks at Kikinnin shoulders and belly "You are well constructed friend, I am sure you can make a good representation this year"
"Excellent! Exactly what I need!"
"Would you also have a high quality rucksack?"
Juraan will also buy a masterwork backpack after a discount like that!
Preferably from Maavu first, if he has any.
Juraan will take time out at some point to cheer on Marigold at the swimming competition.
Maxim flashes a wry grin at the gnome locksmith;
”Likewise Keygen. Door swings both ways… if you ever have another need for our group - just come find us. Speakin’ o’ which. Appreciate the help you’re giving young Surabar. Lad fancies himself as a grand wizard heh!”
The dwur hacks a chuckle at the compliment;
”Got to start looking like I know business as well as mean it…”
He then takes his leave of the gnome, making the long way deep to the delve of Malachite.
As Maxim makes the trudge down he looks around the old gnome enclave, remembering his time spent here and his old mentor.
:
At the Malachite he solemnly accepts Gralthar’s thanks;
”Leastways I can help Gral. Know you’ll return it to glory an’ honour… Kikinnin reminds me of the importance o’ those things.”
At the invitation he flashes a hard smile;
”This ain’t me Gral. Ain’t my home no more. I’ll fight for it, help protect and rebuild it but it ain’t me. Not right now anyhow…”
The gn-mage weighs her words then enquires a little more;
”How things working with my Uncle? Any opportunities in trade or such been taking shape? Anything I can help with?”
Outside Maxim eyes the facade with professional curiosity;
:
He spies one rune and leans in;
"Huh... Ain't that a turn up..."
The gun-mage then shakes the rain off his new bespoke clothing , and enters the eccentric shop.
Inside he nods both in greeting and recognition to the diminutive proprietor;
"That would indeed be me ma'am. Mighty fine to make your acquaintance"
The wizard casts his eyes over the eclectic mix of items on sale;
"Plenty to tempt me with here Ma'am. Can I have a closer look at the Ring of Protection if I could..."
"L-like I s-said, I didn't ask t-too m-much at the time," Marigold replies. "B-but if you th-think it's w-worth p-pursuing then we c-can head b-back to the M-Mayor's Office and find out m-more details on each p-place."
Look at me, thinking of long-term investments...I guess spending so much time around Maxim is rubbing off on me a bit!
Somewhat preoccupied with work and following up on the potential property purchase with Juraan, Marigold isn't able to make quite as many trips with the children as JJ is though she does try to share in as many as she can. And with JJ's generous contribution to keeping food in the pantry and the property taken care of, Marigold pulls him aside at one point and whispers, "If th-this s-sort of g-good fortune k-keeps up we c-can d-do this every year! S-since you t-took c-care of p-practical m-matters I c-can put aside some m-money for g-gifts for the Sunwrought Festival and b-birthdays. N-Next year we c-can s-swap out...if you l-like that idea, I m-mean..."
*******************
Later on when it's time to leave, Marigold smiles at Patch when he sidles up to her. "N-no, you d-don't...b-but if you insist, all I w-want is for you to k-keep taking c-care of the children; b-be a f-friend, a c-confidant, b-but also an adult...when they m-misbehave," she chuckles.
As Marigold dips her toes into the waters of the lake, she shivers - the lake was probably warmer at other times of the year but all the accumulated rainfall had lowered the temperature a bit.
Oh...oh boy. What did I get myself into?
But in spite of her misgivings, she dives into the water along with the rest of the contestants when the signal is given and does the best that she can to get around to all the different little boats.
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Kikinnin makes a point of notifying each of his team, that Jenya of the Church of St. Cuthbert has graciously offered to provide divine potions and scrolls for a 20% discount, for any restocking the group may consider prudent. Given their propensity for dealing with dark creatures, Kikinnin makes a mental note to take Jenya up on her offer, if no one else does.
...
Never having been inside Skie's Treasury before, Kikinnin takes Maxim up on visiting the establishment. He rests his rat bag just outside the front door, expecting it to still be there when he returns.
He's there only to observe, until Skie offers another 20% discount on her personal inventory. The black-beard studies the blond, for signs of interest. When Maxim mentions the Ring, Kikinnin steps alongside, to take a gander.
"Fine piece of work. Who's the lucky girl?" Kikinnin smiles, then cuffs Maxim on the shoulder, before getting a closer look on other items himself.
He takes note of the weaponry, a little miffed that there aren't any real ones in stock. He turns to Skie. "You wouldn't happen to know any crafters, willing to work with fine weapons, and enhance them with magic?"
...
Kikinnin debates the entry fee, but only briefly. He can do the math, and he's had cauim before, so the expense of the beer he's about to consume more than compensates for the gold coin. When Gryffon comments on his belly, Kikinnin frowns, looking down. "I'm working on it."
He pays Gryffon himself. "Name's Kikinnin Rouradont. If you'd be so kind as to include it in the Grand Roster..." The black-beard reminds himself of the commitment he's just made to make each evening's round. Plenty of appreciation for Cauldron brewing...
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Meeting the others at the Tipped Tankard, to discuss what their next steps would be; Ryan tells them with some pride and a great deal of trepidation about Jenya's appointment of his duties for the Flood Festival. "I've never needed to arrange something of this size." He says with his usual smile however Maxim tossing him the filled coinpurse brings his mind to other more pleasant thoughts. Leaving them later he returns to the church stopping to make a donation as he has previously.
Ryan's friends see him sporadically during the next month leading up to the Flood Festival. As he makes his way around to the various church leaders to arrange clerics to work the wands maintaining the water levels during the festival.
The fearsome cleric, Asfelkir Hranleurt, leading the Temple of Lordly Might, granted his audience only after sparring matches with three of the younger clerics, a true smile on his face as Ryan entered sporting the bruises of battle. "I know what you have come for and it will be granted, worth has been proven with battle."
Ike Iverson, Cathedral of Wee Jass, was less dramatic, simply wanting to know the particulars and then providing relevant cleric names, while Kristof Jurgensen, at the shrine of Pelor put him to work for a week to allow him the time to assist, as he runs the shrine by himself still.
When not arranging people for the festival, Ryan manages to track down the enchanter JJ used, after finding out the cost to get it enchanted as JJ had done his sword, Ryan leaves mace still in hand as his coinpurse is still woefully short. Later asking Jenya if the church had an enchanted heavy mace that he could trade in his for with further donation to the church.
"Just so long as it's spacious and in good repair, it should good for our group."
"I also think one near the lake would better. Access to water and all that."
"It would be nice to have more space than our offices, nice though they are."
"I think if the six of us pool our resources, we can do this."
"I already set aside six hundred gold suns for that sort of thing."
Maavu nods at Juraan "Of course, here you have a discounted masterwork backpack. Shall we place it into gift envelope?"
Ghelve laughs at word about JJ "I make what I can to help the young lad. He is too impetuous for the arcane spell reading. Nevertheless he seems to have some innates on him" he becomes darker then "Sorry Maxim, as of late there is little I seek or want. I cannot stop thinking what has it been of my wife and feel guilty for all that happened"
You observe there is quite the movement in the forges but little more. Gralthar seems deceived by your negative but answers your question "Well, thanks to his dealing we are mining now a lot, specially on the old golden veins. And he has armed back the Fortress. We are better prepared now in case any danger from the Darklands rise back"
Jenya smiles as you make the deposit, surely taking note of your large effort "The wands were usually crafted in collaboration by all churches, but that is no more. Do not get it close to your heart if the churches reject to help. Sarcem will be here soon with the 8 wands from Sasserine" adds the priestess of Abadar. About the enchanted mace Jenya tells Ryan "Talk with Alek Tercival. We are running low, but I am sure he can help you choose one from the church armory."
Asfelkir Hranleurt receives you in his best fighting garments, the imposing half-orc seems collaborative "I can give you the clerics you are looking for Ryan Taskerhill. Count on my four acolytes to help you use those wands. Regretfully we have not crafted any wand this year. As I already told to Sarcem last summer, we have been busy preparing all the sport stalls for this year festivities"
At the Cathedral of Wee Jas you are impressed by the towering structure still under expansion works. Despite your faith for Abadar you have to admit this is one of the most impressive and beautiful structures in Cauldron. You are received by Embril Aloustinai, High Priestess of Pharasma "Regretfully we have not crafted any wand this year. As I already explained to Sarcem last summer we have been busy aplenty with the construction works in the Cathedral. And anyway as I told him, we would place our time on more constructive magic items. There has not been a large flood in the city in my whole life, this old tradition is obsolete Ryan Taskerhill" she makes a pause and sighs under your insistence "Ok. I guess I can grant five of my ten acolytes to help you. I will also talk with Calmus Vel, he might help organize the patrols himself."
When you enter the small and modest yellow tower of the Church of Pelor you are received by Kristof Jurgensen "You do see how much work there is to do in this small shrine Ryan Taskerhill. I think my superiors talk about this with Sarcem last summer, but after their deaths I have had no time for anything. And even if I have had, I fear I do not have the crafting knowledge to make it happen. I am sorry for leaving you alone Abadars on this, but I do fear there is nothing I can do to help right now"
"Sure, take a close look to the ring" Skie offers the ring after picking it from a shelve when Kikinnin makes his joke.
To Kikinnin the gnome female answers "There are not that many wizards in the city. But I have heard Maavu has contacts with a secretive group called the High Handcrafters. I am sure that's the way to go if you are looking for something special. That or placing an order to Sasserine"
"By the way, if you are planning to keep running through old Cauldron tunnels, make sure you get a magic weapon with you. There are beasts out there that can only be harmed with those devices" suggests the gnome.
After checking the properties on sell you find out the following:
- A small wooden hut in Ash Avenue next to the lake next to Minuta's Board: 30 m2, 600 gp
- A one floor building in Ash Avenue next to the Tipped Tankard: 70 m2, 1500 gp
- A two floors building in Ash Avenue next to Weer's Elixirs: 120 m2, 2800 gp
- A three floors building in Magma Avenue, including an atelier and counter for shop, next to the Slippery Eel Tavern: 240 m2, 8400 gp
At the office where you are attended, in the board next to the counter there are a couple of advertisements:
Lathenmire lendings we fund your house investment at low rates. 5% interest, payback in 2 years.
Abadar's bank lendings, help you to get your house and we help the city with the interests. 8% interest, payback in 10 years.
The Crater Lake Monster Hunt begins late at night, with only the light of the lanterns. Hundreds of people are already there, but Marigold does not hesitate. She jumps to the water and starts swimming, grabbing a boat and fitting her chit to its deck.
When she is up to visit her third boat Marigold starts to drown in the middle of the lake unable to reach the boat with all other contestants swimming from boat to boat.
Bepo the fruit merchant from Magma Avenue receives Kikinnin in the Tipped Tankard during the first day of the Festival "Damn my luck, I got to contest a dwarf on my first day!"
"Thanks, Maavu. That will be lovely; even without the envelope."
Expensive, but promising.
Juraan's own funds would only cover 7% of the price.
"Marigold, if you have time, maybe you could find out about those lending services."
"Find out if they're on the up and up and all that."
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Ryan thanks the clerics for their assistance; even Kristof, as Ryan could see how overworked he was at the moment. Helping to take care of some non-denominational duties that are shared by all the churches, before ruturning back to talk with Jenya. "We have help coming from Clerics Hranleurt and Aloustinai, a total of 9. The church of Pelor has still not deigned to send Father Kristof help and he is alone with his duties. We will need to fill out the remaining slots in the rotation with our own members"
Seeking out Alek, Ryan gets his assistance searching for an enchanted mace within the church armory "This one will be of use should another demon come forth, but time and funds will not allow me to have it enchanted, seems the material it's made of makes doing so more difficult. But on another subject, you were gone to Redgorge, are you at liberty to discuss what's your trip was about?"
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JJ smiles at Gretchen. If Marigold and I continue to have the successes we have up til now, I think you will be very well set up. You looked after us when nobody else could, or would. I want to ensure my little brothers and sisters and looked after, but you too mother.[/b]"
He spends some time with Terrem, making a point of trying to take the boy out to enjoy some of the sights of the festival.
"How are you settling back in Terrem? No more strange visits in the night, or odd dreams? " he asks, as a concerned older brother.
Then he reaches out an arm to hold him by the shoulder.
"We both know we never got to the bottom of who kidnapped you earlier. But it looks like you have some powerful folk looking out for you, which has to be good news. Still, if anything odd happens... you will let me know won't you? "
After hearing about the Flood season discount, JJ checks his coin purse and heads down.
"I hear you have a cloak that will help me throw off magic and poisons... and a floor season discount as well.." he starts.
[ooc]Happy to buy that cloak of resistance +1 for 800 gold.
JJ spends most of the festival with one or two children, not partaking of many of the events himself, but ensuring the kids have a good time. He is sure to watch the swimming contest though, gasping with horror as Marigold goes under the water the first time.
Alek helps you to choose an enchanted mace and practice with it "In fact I was in Redgorge and I can share my findings there. But most of it was family matters. I was looking back the Surabar bloodline." he carefully reflects for a second before continuing "Perhaps it is better you talk about it with JJ as I do not know at what level he wants to share this personal information"
Terrem walks with you not really interested in the stalls and festivities "Gretchyn and Path have been all over me the whole time. They do not allow me do anything. They are so annoying. The only reason they allowed me to walk to the festival today is because they have a great respect for you"
The boy stops at one stall where people is throwing balls to a target for making the Minuta's Board cooker drop into a pool of water. There he laughs every time the man lands in the water "I sometimes dream of an eye. But I stab it with my sword and it dies." he looks at you "Of course JJ, you are the only one in the Orphanage who really knows what is fighting. If it never happens anything I will certainly look for you"
Skie smiles at JJ "Good pick young lad. That's among the finest of my objects and very useful for this price. This one was used by Jamir, leader of the Greenswords. The cloak deflected the powerful stone gaze of a basilisk and helped him survive to the acid breath of Dhorlot, the powerful black dragon of the Darklands"
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Maxim chuckles at news of JJ’s teachings, but turns solemn at Keygen’s final words.
The gun-mage pours the lock-smith a shot of rum from his flask;
”We’ll find her Ghelve. She’s down in the Deep, but she’ll be fightin’ to see you an’ the cat again. We’ve made some leads on whose pullin’ the strings… Should we find more I’ll bring it you personally. Until then keep yer faith eh?”
With that Maxim takes his leave of the gnome, clapping his shoulder as he leaves.
As he walks the dwur mulls the situation and shakes his head;
Hells Teeth. Am soundin’ more like that holy fool Kikinnin every day. Boy has been a bad influence on my hard heart gods-dammit…
Maxim smiles at the news of progress;
”Am glad the Hold has its fires burnin’ once again. I do care Gral, just need time to find my own feet an’ find some new answers to old questions…”
The gun-mage flashes a melancholy look for a second, then unclasps the gold bracelet recovered from tunnels under Orek’s.
”One day I’ll come home… or come to call this place home again. Til then… be patient... An’ maybe… wait for me? If you’ve the inclination to do so I guess…”
The normally ebullient dwur looks a little coy, then offers the bracelet to Gralthar;
”Think o’ it as a token of our (ahem) friendship… or some such…”
Maxim nods and claps Ryan on the shoulder;
"Course I will Taskerhill. We could do it the old fashioned way of hammerin' an' honing, but this enchantment is might quicker. I'll have it back to you on the morrow, if not sooner... You want it to bear any sigils, symbols or such?"
As Maxim examines the ring, he balefully shoots a look at Kikinnin;
Was that darn fool jokin' or does he suspect ah'm soft on Gral? Probably some kinda holy inclination he can get...
The dwur nods at the craftsmanship;
"Fine piece Ma'am. With 20% off even a dwur can't argue with that deal... I'll take it.
He hands over the value of the ring in coin
As he measures out the coin, Maxim poses a question to their hostess;
"Ma'am wonder if you'd ever knew or heard o' a gnome by the name o' Hackbus Wyrdbore? He was... important to me..."
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JJ listens intently to Terrem as they walk, and then offers him some coins to try and throw the balls himself to dunk the cook.
"I have strange dreams too Terrem. Sometimes I fly over the mountains and look down on Cauldron from on high. The steaming lake sometimes looks like a big unblinking eye. "
He claps his hand on the boys shoulder.
"Good on you for stabbing it in your dreams. Sometimes the challenges we face in our dreams are harder than the ones we face in real life. Of course sometimes our dreams show us things that we can never have as well.." he goes quiet for a bit.
"I asked around a bit about your parents Terrem. Apparently they were both in the town guard. That is something to be proud of. They lived to help others..."
Tears spring uncalled to his eyes for a moment. "We both know how hard it is growing up without parents of our own. I know I was a right rapscallion sometimes with Gretchyn. I sometimes wonder how she feels. Looking after so many children, and then having them drift away, rarely seeing how they turn out. Remember that she loves you greatly and worries about you and your safety."
Wandering the streets brings a certain sense of calm to the lad. "Ever wonder what you might do when you grow up? I'm starting to think that maybe I'm not cut out to be a wizard."