As the evening wears on, Abell continues his game with the three men. There's quite a bit of back and forth throughout the evening, Clive taking a big hit towards the end as he becomes distracted by a particular serving girl that Abell learns he has been courting.
While the game goes on, the gathered dwarves continue their drinking and carousing, eventually calling out to Talli to sing a variety of dwarven drinking songs.
As the night goes on, eventually Clive takes his leave, signaling an end to the game. Clive manages to sneak away to steal a few moments with his love while Alcott and Ward begin the trip back to Balentyne.
I made the assumption you trailed Alcott and Ward, let me know if you would've done differently. They have little in the way of conversation on the way back, mostly Ward scolding Alcott for a variety of his behaviors, his quiet behavior, his apprenticeship to 'That Damned Fool Lucan', his eyeing of the bard, and even a bad hand where he allowed himself to be bluffed by Cain.
The path to Balentyne is as clear as it can be, no trees or foliage as it has been cleared. This does little as the path itself winds around and around up the hillside. Most of the good ambush spots have been cleared through hard work, the road well maintained, a fence established to give a good view over the hillside. You are forced to stop well before reaching the fortress itself for fear of being spotted. The crenelated walls of the keep standing 20' high, two massive double doors int he wall. The two soldiers instead choose to go around to the north, taking a smaller entrance into the keep.
As you search the room, the only aura you see is that of the man at the bar, Halvor, who bears an aura of Chaos about him.
In between songs, taking a break to rest your voice, Halvor comes up to you, offering you a honeyed tea. "For the vocals. It will help soothe them."
Regardless of taking the drink or not, Halvor continues. "You know, lass, you do have a wonderful voice. I've been concerned since a true tragedy is about to befall this town." Halvor pauses a moment, allowing all sorts of thoughts to flow in Talli's head. "You see, we are about to have a visitor, a man who believes himself to be famous. The supposedly wonderful Bard of Barrington, William Marcus Marlowe. He is to come and perform for the soldiers of Balentyne."
Halvor drinks from his glass, letting the words sink in. "Now you may wonder why this is such a terrible thing. Simply put, why should this man serve Lord Havelyn and the captains? We'd have to hurry, but I bet we could get put on to open for the bard, and give them a true performance. We'd have to hurry, it's only three weeks before the show. What say you? You don't have to answer now, just let me know."
"Thank you, for the tea and the offer. I'm afraid I'm in no state to be agreeing to anything tonight. The journey here was...dreadful, and I am very tired. I do appreciate the offer, just give me some time to think on it."
*SQUEE!* This is one of the luckiest breaks I've had since Banderscar.
Gwyn sips the tea, enjoying the taste before going back to trying to earn enough to get a warm bed and a hot bath.
Shulme rises onto one elbow and turns his head, listening.
The sorcerer stands and makes his way quietly downstairs.
Shulme makes his way to the top of the cellar stairs, moving surefootedly and silently in the dark.
As Shulme descends the stairs to the common room, it takes little effort to find the open door leading to the cellar where a quiet sound can still be heard. Silently descending the stairs, he sees a candlelight down below. Creeping up to a winerack to provide cover, Shulme can easily see throught he rack to the far wall, where a section lays open revealing a dark passage beyond. Standing in front of the passage is none other than Bellam Barhold, the innkeeper, wearing padded shoes and holding a candle. As you watch he gives a look behind him apparently not seeing you, as he looks ready to head into the passage.
The crate is marked with the seal of Balentyne on it.
When Bellam comes back, you are able to quietly sneak upstairs ahead of the inn keeper.
Early the next morning, Bis'marek sets out with with guards and the goods, looking to do business with Regis.
In the morning, Xanos pins a freshly enchanted ivory clasp to his robes and promptly recreates his disguise from the day before becoming the shorter, less tattooed Father Locke.
Gwyn wakes as the sun begins to peek through the window. She looks around, and even if it wasn't the finest room she'd been in, it was still a warm bed and clean sheets. She smiles and lays back down to indulge a little.
She finally wakes up and gets ready at about eight in the morning, wearing one of the new out fits she had just bought. She then heads down stairs for breakfast.
Abell – eyes red from a combination of drink and lack of sleep from the night before – trudges along behind Bis'marek, pulling (or carrying) whatever cargo the merchant wants to show.
Relying on his cover story to make it seem appropriate, the big sword remains strapped to his back, though most of his other fighting equipment rests in a corner of the room he's sharing with Kalina.
19 Pharast 4712
The next morning brings forth a cheerful day in the town of Aldencross, a clear sky and birds singing. The industrious townspeople are up and about and on their way for their daily tasks. As the varied groups head downstairs to the common room, the group of dwarves from the previous night sit at a table, eating a healthy dwarven breakfast, while Bellam talks with one of his serving girls, a cloak about his shoulder and a list of needed supplies.
Third Eye Oddities
Bis'marek and his guards, directions given by Bellam, leads the merchant to Third Eye Oddities, a strange little shop as you approach. Thick curtains in the windows hide the store's wares, while the sign bears an image of three eyes arranged in a triangle, the name arranged around the eyes to match.
Entering the shop, a bell signals your arrival. As your eyes adjust to the dimness of the shop, you see shelves lined with a variety of objects, old jars, small statuettes, vases, tables, pictures, and a variety of other objects.
As you stare, suddenly a sound surrounds the shop, As you search for the source, a halfling appears behind the previously vacant counter, yet seeming to stand at a great height, his eyes near level with your own. His feet disappear behind the counter.
Bis'marek shows no signs of being startled or impressed
Greeting my friend. I was told that this is the place come for both buying and selling. I am looking at the possibility of starting a regular trade run to the area.
Third Eye Oddities
Seeing the disinterest in Bis'marek's eyes, the halfling ends the magic, taking on a more business approach. "Greetings sir, my name is Regis and I am the proprietor of this establishment. I do indeed deal in a variety of objects, both mundane and mystical. What did you have in mind?"
As Bis'marek begins his conversation, Abell sets down the pack and begins wandering around the shop, poking at various odds and ends. He keeps his eyes out for a few key items as well as anything he might have heard any of his teammates mention.
I give you greetings Master Regis, I am Bis'marek. I am interested in purchasing any number of items. First however, I am intetested in selling. Whith a gesture, Bis'marek indicates the counter as the place for his guards to deposit the ivory, and unwrapped it once they have done so.
This information will be put into the campaign tab when I get a chance. Aldencross has a GP limit of 1,400 and a purchase limit of 7,500. So any magical item wanted that costs less than 1,400 gp has a 75% chance of being present. Feel free to make rolls as necessary in the OOC tab to see if anything is available. We can assume it's picked up during daily travels.
For anything over 1,400gp, there are two ways to go about it. The first is the standard what's available rolls. I'll list those in the campaign tab as well, including what shop (possible RP stuff).
In addition there are NPCs capable of crafting in town as well. These NPCs can be hired to craft items, though at full cost and under the prescribed limits. I'll try to list them as possible. For spells, Aldencross has 3rd level spells divine and 4th level spells arcane, for consideration when crafting. If you have any questions let me know.
If this method ends up being too time consuming or undesirable, let me know. There are other towns further down the AP you will encounter adn this is the system I plan to use for those as well. I'm more than willing to change things if the PCs are unhappy about it or not enjoying this method.
Items available at Regis's shop: Miser's Mask, Cauldron of Brewing, Bracelet of Friends, Snakeskin Tunic
"Ah, an interesting selection of goods, Master Bis'marek. I'm sure we can work out an arrangement for this collection."
After the immediate business is taken care of, "So I must ask, if this ivory is any indication, you have relations with the Yutak. Impressive, and a sign that trading with you may indeed be profitable. If you'd like, I'd be more than happy to give you a tour of my establishment, see what we can work out."
Gwyn wakes as the sun begins to peek through the window. She looks around, and even if it wasn't the finest room she'd been in, it was still a warm bed and clean sheets. She smiles and lays back down to indulge a little.
She finally wakes up and gets ready at about eight in the morning, wearing one of the new out fits she had just bought. She then heads down stairs for breakfast.
When she rises to head downstairs Gwyn finds a note slipped under her door.
S
Shulme looks "Father Locke" up and down before nodding in approval.
"I think that will serve our purpose."
So I must ask, if this ivory is any indication, you have relations with the Yutak. Impressive, and a sign that trading with you may indeed be profitable. If you'd like, I'd be more than happy to give you a tour of my establishment, see what we can work out."
Indeed. I have recently made a contact that grants me access to a certain amount of Ivory. I believe that a tour is an excellent idea. Please, show me what Third Eye has to off.
Bis'marek deposits the funds he received for the ivory with Able.
Cain looks over at Bis'marek, "Want us to come with you, boss?"
Just you, Abel
Abell pockets and secures the payment as he follows Bis'marek, "Right behind you."
Gwyn spends the day walking around town and taking in the sights as well as trying to ingratiate herself with the locals and earn a little more coin.
Unfortunately, she doesn't make much headway in finding anything out about the Dwarf or the town, but she does manage to sing one of the best performances of her life.
When she returns to the inn, she finds Shulme's note and quickly scribes a reply before getting ready for another night singing for her supper.
Third Eye Oddities
"Just a moment. ." As the halfling comes around to the front, a young human woman comes out from the back wiping her hands off with a cloth. She gives the others a quick look over, an affirmative mumble to Regis.
The shopkeep quickly gives a tour of the main level of the shop, then quickly ushers to a cellar level where is kept many of the unusual items not as likely to sell. He proves to be very talkative though little of what he says has any substance to it. He also proves to enjoy using minor magical tricks as he moves about, summoning small spheres of light for better illumination as needed, or magically cleaning off objects that have begun to accumulate dust.
What information he does relate seems very topical to business though. He apparently is involved in several differing businesses in town, acting as a middle man with many of the local smiths for special order weapons and armor, many of which Regis proudly states he improves upon with his magical talents. In fact his magical talents also extends out to various magical writings he produces, a fine selection of arcane scrolls available, if you deal in such things. In fact, Sarine is his apprentice in exchange for performing in his occasional shows. Did he mention that he is somewhat of a prestidigitator in town?
Regis also deals with other varied materials coming both into and out of Aldencross, his warehouse near the edge of town where he stores bulky items that don't need such delicate care as what's in his shop. If anyone needs anything in town, Regis can usually find a buyer for it with his connections, though it may take time to special order it in.
And of course beyond his skills as an enchanter of weapons, a magical scribe, a prestidigitator, a master merchant, he is also a collector in a variety of cultural and historical artifacts, which he also deals in.
Now when it comes to potions and wands, he chooses not to deal with those specifically, business arrangements with other merchants in town, namely Valens the local alchemist and the Church in town.
Now this ivory, if you're as reliable as you say in your dealings, he recommends you take some good Alencross steel for trade. He can even work out a deal with some local smithies for you to trade with the Yutak if you like. Of course, if you already have some other agreement, he would be happy to assist, just let him know what you need.
General Roll Information: While out searching, you happen upon a conversation where you overhear talking about strained relations between Mother Ryanne of the church in town and Father Donnigan up in Balentyne. Afterall, Mother Ryanne always comes back from her Moonday meetings with a foul look on her face, what else could it be?
Donnur Roll Informaiton: "Donnur? Yea, I've heard of him. He's a tavern owner in the dwarven district."
Perception Roll: It's noticeable as you travel town that smiths far outnumber bowyers in Aldencross. While looking in one shop, the shopkeep mentions to see about asking Captain Eddarly's men. most of them are well trained archers.
The town seems to have a central marketplace towards the south end of town for where farmers and travelers come in. The Balentyne road heads out towards the east, where the road diverges off, one going to the fortress and the other continuing further east. Two roads leave out the west, 1 more northerly than the other. The town also possesses a distinct dwarven district where the majority of them live.
You notice the minor differences in heraldy and are able to easily identify Balentyne soldiers and Aldencross town guardsmen. The way the two seem to congregate together shows a good relationship between them. The major points of congregation would be as expected, The Lord's Dalliance as one. Quite a few can be found around the Marketplace, either on or off duty. The Office of the Town Guard itself, you discover asking about, has an area which has been converted for recreation and is another favorite spot to gather while in town.
Singing: You manage to earn 1gp 37sp 130cp from tips (should be 6g total)
I am quite impressed with what you have built here Master Regis. I shall have to think on what I have seen, to determine what you offer or can get that will travel well. But is appears that you are most definitely the person in Aldencross to deal with.
You already act as the middle man between merchants in town and I have no desire the step on your toes in that regard. Please tell me though, besides ivory, what could you sell more of? I imagine that you also handle much of the trade with the garrison. I have contacts in much of Talingarde and with a little time, I can get you anything you find your self in short of supply of. He stops almost as if he has only just now remembered something. And I do not suppose you have anything around such as an efficient quiver and a high quality bow? I am afraid I have need of such to settle a bet.
Milla rises early the next morning in her shoebox room and prepares to greet the day. She dresses to her station, selecting a plain frock to wear over her armored - and now disguised - bodice. She heads downstairs trying to avoid eye-contact with any of the men in the commons, for fear of their possible designs as worldly men who frequent inns. Her breakfast is a simple crust of bread and a small mug of milk.
Soon thereafter, she pulls her sledge out front and carries the armor and shields that were stored in the basement out to it. After securing the load, Milla drags her sledge through town pausing briefly at Brie's shop. Sadly, she is there before it opens. She hems and haws briefly. Rather than wait, she continues through town then drags her sledge laboriously up the road to the watchtower of Balentyne.
As she drags the heavy load, Milla takes frequent breaks to catch her breath... and Price keeps her eyes open for anything of note about the soldiers, their routes, armor, construction of the wall, etc.
Third Eye Oddities
Abell follows along, trying not to scowl at the halfling's incessant chatter. He does listen for any indications that the little man is lying at any point in his endless ramblings, though.
I am quite impressed with what you have built here Master Regis. I shall have to think on what I have seen, to determine what you offer or can get that will travel well. But is appears that you are most definitely the person in Aldencross to deal with.
You already act as the middle man between merchants in town and I have no desire the step on your toes in that regard. Please tell me though, besides ivory, what could you sell more of? I imagine that you also handle much of the trade with the garrison. I have contacts in much of Talingarde and with a little time, I can get you anything you find your self in short of supply of. He stops almost as if he has only just now remembered something. And I do not suppose you have anything around such as an efficient quiver and a high quality bow? I am afraid I have need of such to settle a bet.
"Well now, if you're truly interested, fine ores are by far the most needed resource in this town. Quickest profit to be made. Now I'm not talking about just good steel, but some of the rarer metals, like mithril. Hard to come by in Talingarde it seems, most of it's been mined out on the south half of the island. Thought I had a connection on some a few months back, some dwarf said he found a vein up in the north. But Sir Havelyn wouldn't let him mount a formal expedition there. He hired some adventuring types but haven't heard from them since. Probably found a bugbear camp."
At the part of the magical equipment, "Well now, that's something I can help you with, my friend. Let's see here, an Efficient Quiver, hmm, yes I believe I can handle a request of that magnitude. It'll take me a couple days of course. I could start tomorrow and have it for you Wealday. Provided you have the gold for it. 900 gold coins up front, 900 upon delivery."
"As far as the bow, you'll have to be more specific. An enchantment to improve it's aim? That's something I can handle. What specifically are you looking for?"
As far as the bow, you'll have to be more specific. An enchantment to improve it's aim? That's something I can handle. What specifically are you looking for?"
No, nothing so fancy as that. Just a simple, well made composite longbow.
Balentyne
Making her way to Balentyne in the early morning, Milla drags her sledge up to the fortress's gate up several twisting hills until she finally arrives. The gates of the fortress stand open, 2 guards standing watch. As they see Milla approach, 1 of them comes forward while the other calls back inside. "Miss, what are you doing hauling that heavy thing up here?" He takes the heavy sledge from Milla while another soldier comes up and assists the young woman.
"You should come inside and rest for a moment. We'll get you some water, then you can tell us what you're doing up here with that thing." The soldiers bring you inside the fortress itself. The ground floor of the fortress is a 10' wide corridor 160' long ending in two heavy wooden iron banded doors that currently stand open at the far end. Beyond you can see a bridge going across to a drawspan currently raised, and another small gatehouse on the far end.
Three doors stand to the left of the hallway and three to the right. The guard lead you to the second door on the right, bringing you through a kitchen where you are given a glass of water. "Don't worry about your gear there, they'll keep an eye on it for you. Did you need something to eat, since we're already here?" You are lead to a dining area used by the soldiers.
Abell catches Bis'marek's eye when the small man mentions the price on the Efficient Quiver, shrugging a sounds fine to me before returning to his quiet watch.