Caledon ask one of the maids for a pen and piece of paper, which he uses to write up a list of recent trends including seasonal colors, patterns and fabrics. He also includes a variety of popular accessories. After considering Ragdoll’s limited funds he also adds the names of a few shops along the gold coast that might offer quality dresses for a more reasonable price.
While considering her finances It occurs to him that while Ragdoll’s funds are limited, the seven other Nagaji still have no money at all. Surely, they too would enjoy a chance to explore the town and would probably be eager to contact the local branch of their church.
With that in mind he makes an offer, “Madame Silkworm, I was wondering if you or some of your sisters would do me the kindness of traveling into town on my behalf? “
He then clarifies “There are a few items I’d like to purchase but more importantly I’d like to donate to the Church of Sarenrae. Her interventions on our behalf surely were a deciding factor in our skirmish with the Prince. If you could carry my donation to the local church I’d be incredibly grateful. Also If any of your sisters would be willing to do some shopping for me, I’d gladly pay a 10% commission."
Silkworm agrees, much to the delight of Jitterbug and Sockhop (who are both dressed in maids' outfits at the moment).
"Just tell us what you need," says Sockhop.
Jitterbug adds, "The commision is unnecessary. You saved our lives, and we are not seen as slaves under human law."
The girls await their orders with eager serpentine grins.
Alistair joins Ragdoll as she shops for her purse.
I have been looking to take on an assistant. so to speak. I am wondering if you would be interested. I will provide you a place to stay, as well as training. would you be interested in this?
Ragdoll seems to ponder the offer a moment, then replies, "I'm not sure how helpful I would be, but... training. Yes. Bridgette always trained me. As a soldier, as an escape artist... and my Captain often spoke of a day I would taste freedom.
"But my escape plan would have failed if not for you. I'm accepting this not only because I am grateful. What you're offering me might be similar enough to my past that I'll be able to... adjust."
She looks at a variety of handbags. She poses in front of the mirror, with on bag strapped over her shoulder... then tries another that straps to her belt. "Earthtones, or the lacy violet one, or the blue suede...?" She admits, "I could use a bit of help with choices. Even though Captain Bridgette was good to me, everything I wore or carried was given to me. I think it's for the best I start freedom of choice with purses. I'd be overwhelmed if we started at the dress shop."
Caledon asks the maid for a few more pieces of paper and makes a shopping list. For easer logistics he accepts Brothe Seamus’ offer of bank writs. The wizard then includes a dontation of 25 gold pieces and a letter promising to spend ten days restoring holy texts, illuminations or other documents for the Church of Sarenrae.
When he hands Silkworm the list, he explains "The Black Tallow is an enchanted wand that is used to cast the spell 'Grease.' It has become well known among arcanist in rooftopolis as it's been passed between quite a few famous and infamous wizards."
He pauses for a moment, looking quite smug. "Each time it's been depleted of its magic, the mundane wand that is left over has been recycled to create a new wand of grease. The proprietor of Arcane Accouterments acquired it last summer, although no one knows how. Now that I have some spare coin I'll be the envy of every wizard from here to the gold coast."
The wizard then spends the rest of the day sequestered in his quarters preparing his spells and then scribing them into magical scrolls.
From Arcane Accoutrements
The Black Tallow
Scroll of Burning Gaze
Six drams of Diamond Dust, must be of Summoning quality.
Ioun Torch
Spring Loaded Scroll Case
From Kingsman Haberdashery
I need a pair of sturdy boots, Leather breeches a belt, a shirt, gloves, and a cloak. My measurements are on file. Caledon Whitetree, File No 1337
Their Manliest Parasol, ladies choice.
Small weatherproof Chest
Inform them I wish to upgrade my Kingsman brooch to gold status.
Cologne – I prefer a musk with a woodsy base and a floral or spicy top note.
From the Herbalist
One weeks worth of Desna’s Star
Five ounces of finely ground Darkwood Bark
From Talfen’s
Lamp Oil, five pints in glass.
two cups, Spirit of Wine
1 pint of Talfen’s famous Stink oil in glass
Two Smoke Sticks
Two drams of Black Powder, coarse or medium granulation.
Jitterbug and Sockhop giddily accept their assignment.
Brother Seamus and Silkworm are about to leave to meet King Lewy. Anyone interested is welcome to join them.
The day after the Frog Prince is defeated goes by without incident. Those who are at the Fu Bar or anywhere in the Gold Coast area can't help but overhear the term "Froghemoth." The slayed giant is the talk of the town. For better or for worse (depending on one's desire for fame), little is known about the heroes who defeated them.
"I heared there was a vampire-angel that turns into a swarm of birds!" says a man with missing teeth.
"A thwee inch tall faiwy wiff pink hair kiffed the hewoes' boo-boos!" says a little girl with a balloon.
A stereotypical elf and dwarf argue over whether the gunslinging hero's weapons are technology or magic. The elf says dismissively to the dwarf, "Such technology might exist in the distant future," to which the dwarf replies, "Which is where the gunman is obviously from!"
Come evening, Jitterbug and Sockhop come back to Seamus' mansion, having completed Caledon's errands. It seems they enjoyed their day, and the church was not only grateful for the donation, but also quite pleased to know our heroes rescued followers of the Dawnflower. If our heroes ever need a place to stay in Rooftopolis, the Cathedral of the Golden Dawn will provide sanctuary.
Silkworm also returns from her outing. The way she explained our heroes' deed to the King is: they did not kill the Prince, but slayed the monster that the Prince became after he died. She also tells Caledon, "There were several animals grazing on the King's lawn. Mules, just like yours. I asked the King if he was becoming a farmer, but he said his son had the mules shipped to him last week.
"King Lewy would like to meet with you tomorrow. He believes his son was being used as a pawn by his lover, the Level 426 Kingpin. Prince Louis' behavior is strange, and the King hopes that whatever you heard before you came to arrest... well... stop the Prince, talking things out might help Lewy understand what the boyfriend was up to."
The next day, our heroes are invited to King Lewy's mansion. Though he mourns his son, he is grateful to see his spiritual leader (Silkworm) and the rest of the nagaji arrived safe and unmolested. It seems the threat of the demon seeds has been eradicated, and the King is grateful our heroes acted as they did before the Prince's monstrous form could do any harm to the innocents of Rooftopolis.
As a gesture of his gratitude, King Lewy matches Brother Seamus' reward, bringing each hero's total earnings to 5000g. Not too shabby for a day's work...!