"Don't b~@&@&&! with me Deract. You just saying whatever you can at this point, your messing with something dangerous that could f*$! us all. If this book takes you out of commission then it isn't useful, its a damn hindrance."
Deract clasps the book in his hands and slowly backs up from Nasar to his bed. Well look I'll uhhh I'll only read if if I really really need to. That way no risk. And you'll know whenever I do decide I need to read it just in case something messes up? Deal?
Nasar sticks his hand out to shake on it "Deal." Once they agree Nasar heads to bed to get rested for tomorrows plans.
Deract reluctantly shakes Nasars hand, Nasar can feel the infernal energy emanating off Deracts hand as he shakes it which he never feels since he never comes in contact with him. Nasar and Deract both head to bed and the morning comes as they all awake in the morning. Deract and Lily begin getting ready to get breakfast.
Nasar gets himself ready for the day, giving Bean some morning pats before leaving to go with his two demonic partners to get something to eat.
As they head down to the main guild hall Deract questions the group, What are we doing again today? Arena stuff right?
Nasar, who has somewhat of a more spring in his step chimes in "Actually, I would like to handle something first, we'd need to got to Riddleport but with the new ship that should be much faster!"
Lily looks to Nasar and questions him as they enter the mess hall and they gather food stuffs for the morning, the usual wave of people are at the guild board for their morning jobs. Whats over in Riddleport?
"Well since we have 2 animals in our group, and with the amount of gold I have available, I was thinking of seeing if Dendar knows how to awaken animals. He has that Owlbear and...wait I guess I could call and ask before we head back there." Nasar takes out his orb ready to call Dendar.
The team sits over by the other groups that are all a tiny click, Gidget sits across from Diote and Bezelghast as they discuss various topics. Belle sits next to Gidget proding at her eggs, Marissa tells Gunther and Kami about these shadow things she has. They seem very perplexed at this explanation. Richter and Cobi sit with their gargoyles as they chow down. Genesis sits at the end with them as Nasar activates the orb.
A small ring tone dials as it is picked up by Dendar in a very sleepy tone. uhhhh... hello?
"Good morning Dendar! I'm sorry to disturb you so early but I had a question about your friend Owlbearto. Is he an awaken animal and if he is, did you do that?"
Dendar can be heard slowly rising out of his bed. Owlbearto buddy... are you awakened?
To which Owlbearto can be heard muffled in the background somewhat disappointed. ...Dendar are y- are you serious? Yes I'm awakened, you were the one that awakened me. Just like you did the receptionist plant.
Dendar gives a small realization response. Oh yea... I guess I did do that. Sorry I'm still waking up I'm not functioning at 100% yet.
Deract mumbles, Is he ever?
Dendar starts again, Is that the answer you needed?
"Yes! Yes it is, would I be able to employ your services to awaken two animals later today once you are fully functional?"
Dendar can be heard hitting the pillow with his head. Uhh yea, its usually a day long process though. And this is gonna be a full price deal I'm pretty tight on 'help' funds. What animals did you have in mind. Are they yours?
"They are, one if a horse and one is a griffon. Hopefully that is't too much to ask of you. And how much would it be for the 2?"
Dendar waits for Nasar to finish, Uh... that's a big no can do for the griffon, my druidic awakening doesn't work on magical beast like a griffon. I just barely figured out how to get Owlbearto awakened since owlbears are almost the same way. But the horse definitely! Mmmm lets see, 900ish for the spell itself. And I'm going to need 2,000gp in herbs and oils for the spell as a material. Owlbearto whats 9-
Owlbearto cuts in, 2900 gold, and Nasar this is a 24 hour process from what I recall.
Dendar responds, Yea that much.
Nasar is clearly a bit disappointed about not being able to awaken Bean, but that doesn't discourage him much. "That's quite alright, but definitely still want the horse awakened. We can meet later today with the horse and the money if that works for you."
Owlbearto cuts in hearing the news about the griffon, Ah Nasar if you would hear a awakened animal out, before Dendar did me the favor of awakening me he gifted me a circlet of speaking to aid our cooperation. If I could suggest a ring of eloquence for your friend to allow him to speak and understand the Common language. A headband such as mine wouldn't allow him to speak as he is still a magical beast. Just a suggestion however.
Dendar stays quiet and waits for a response of any sort.
"That is definitely an idea...I appreciate the advice. I'll see what I can do with that knowledge."
Dendar begins once more, Ok so you said you can meet later today, I'll be waiting for your arrival at my place then. From there we can start. I'll see you then! And he waits a second for Nasar to either respond or hang up.
"See you then Dendar" Nasar hangs up and starts digging into his food, humming to himself. He doesn't disturb Marissa's breakfast while she convenes with her friends. Unless someone talks to him he just keeps to himself and enjoys a nice breakfast.
After a nice breakfast with the whole crew they all disperse and go about their days and Nasar and his crew also head off to do what they need. They gather Bean and Llamrei and head down to the docks where the boat still floats idle in the water.
Nasar is ready to depart, spends the trip with Lily talking about anything and everything.
Lily happily partakes in the conversation happily. As they arrive at Riddleport they tie the boat to the port and head over to Dendar and Leo's. They knock at the familiar back door and are greeted by Owlbeartos bulky but somewhat heartwarming demeanor. Welcome back friends, let's head downstairs. Ah it may be difficult for you to get down may I assist?
To which Llamrei allows Owlbearto to carry him like a plastic horsey doll. They make there way downstairs to find Dendar setting up a circle of various oils and herbs. The air smells of both the verdant trees and of the salty ocean.
Oh you made it! Dendar exclaims.
”We did, having a boat of our own makes this much much easier to travel. Owlbearto could you inform Leo that he doesnt need to send transport for us in the future, i would have Dendar tell him but...Im sure you understand. Oh, this is my partner Marissa, Marissa this is Owlbearto and Dendar.”
Dendar turns from the circle and sees the pretty blonde in the room that he's never met before and he looks immediately flabbergasted. Owlbearto extends a hand paw and shakes hers. Wonderful to meet you Marissa, by your crest on your shield I take it you follow Ragatheil?
To which Marissa excitedly shakes his hand and agrees, Oh yes I do!
Dendar stands up and slowly goes to shake her hand, obviously shocked to have a new gal in the room that won't siphon his soul through a straw. He then looks to Nasar, We ready to get to it then?
Llamrei looks to Nasar and Spade can be seen coiling around him, both of them smiling visibly.
Nasar gets the money out and sets it aside in a separate bag. He then looks at Llamrei and smiles back, ”Ready when you are Dendar. They look even more ready.”
Dendar and Owlbearto look at eachother and mumble, They? before Owlbearto shrugs and leads Llamrei to the circle.
Dendar looks to Nasar, Anything you gotta do around town? You can stay down here tonight since this will be done mid day tommorow? Or you just gonna chill out here?
”That’s a good question...maybe check out the city a bit. The most ive seen it is coming here. Any of you want to come along.” Nasar looks towards the rest of the group.
They all nod as they go to head upstairs they spot Leo coming down the steps. He looks perplexed as to find a whole posse of people in his basement. He starts slow then progressively works his way back to his stern tone. Uhh... good morning all? What are you doing here?
Dendar speaks back turned while dressing Llamrei in herbs and oils. There here for me Leo, they want to awaken their horsey... or horseys if he has a split personality. Can they stay the night?
Deract looks to Dendar, You have to ask permission?
Leo snarkily replies, He dosen't but he knows my stuff is also down here so he pays me that respect. Yes they can stay here for tonight but there going in Jericho's workshop and there to not touch my things. So before you send them in there introduce them so he doesn't squish them overnight.
”Oh boy the Jericho thing again” Nasar looks towards Dendar and Owlbearto to be brought to Jericho.
Owlbearto looks to see Dendar doing his thing, Owlbearto then looks to Nasar. We can worry about that when you get in from town. Around the 12 hour mark sits a sleeping period of the spell that Dendar can walk away from. We can use that time to take him in with us just... just in case Jericho doesn't like you at first.
”Sounds...good” Nasar makes his way up the steps, donning his human disguise to blend into the riddleport populous. Nasar has no set goal so he just wants to explore unless someone else has something in mind.
As they make there way up and out and see birds perched on the skeleton on the lamppost. They find themselves at the street way outside the alley. Deract taps his lips in thought. If I remember correctly there used to be a cool pawn shop downtown. Wanna go there?
Nasar mulls it over for a moment before shrugging ”Why not eh? Have the day off basically so let’s check it out.”
Deract gives a quieted Yessss and he scampers down the street, Cmon it's this way!
After a few minutes of walking the team arrives at the cruddy part of Riddleport and they find themselves in front of an old decrepit house. Evacuation papers have been nailed to the wall next to the door that date back a several hundred years from today's date.
Lily confusingly looks at this place, What the hell is this place? Its obviously closed Deract cmon.
To which he replies. Noo noo it's not, look the side of the house has its basement doors opened! That's where we go in. and he points to a inclined set of doors akin to a basement entryway. Lily looks to Nasar and Marissa as they muddle about going in. Deract moves to walk towards the steps.
”Deract what the hell, are we about to get our kidneys jacked? This couldn’t be more sketchy unless there was a sign that said ‘We will f*&* you up’. And at least that would be pretty upfront and I wouldn’t have to keep guessing what was going to happen.”
Deract looks to Nasar in a 'cmonnn' fashion. Its fine I know the dude that runs it here. Hes a teifling that deals with rare materials and items.
Since Deract seems to be genuine about what he’s saying, Nasar reluctantly agrees to going inside. ”Ok ok, ladies let’s humor him this time and see what’s going in there. Maybe it’ll have some good stuff, who knows.”
They walk over to the staircase leading down and Lily and Deract stare down the dark steps. She takes a step behind and winks to Nasar and Marissa before shoving Deract down and he tumbles down about 15 cement steps before thudding against the ground.
She then gives a tiny, oops and chuckles as they head down. The staircase is musty and dank, they descend as Deract gets up and shrugs off the dirt from falling. They reach the bottom of the steps and are met with a very dark room. Nasar can dimly see shelves and bookcases filled with various items.
And Nasar can hear a dog sniffing in the room.
”Deract this dismount was solid but the landing could use some work next time.” Nasar takes a look around the room, looking for anything interesting, wary of this dog.
Nasar sees many different oddities on the shelves and various books and crystals under prices and odd symbols. Nasar feels a hand grasp his shoulder as he wanders through the dark. I can't see... and I'm out of sunrods.
Deract can be heard on the other side of the room. Well hey there doggie! Long time no se- OW NO BITING to which lanterns on the ceiling start to ignite. Illuminating the area now the shop comes to life as the crystals glow with rainbow light refraction. A tall red skinned teifling man stands at the end of the bookshelf some 10 feet away from the 2 of them. His voice is low but soft, Hello my friends, welcome to my shop. May I assist you in finding anything?
To which Deract (demon form) pops out next to the teifling with what seems to be a pitch black yeth hound latched to his forearm. Hi Nar! Remember me! Mind uhh... getting him off?
The teifling breaks his low tone and is slightly surprised to see Deract, You!? What are you doing here? Weren't you detained? and he snaps his fingers and the dog disappears into thin air.
Deract clutches his bite. Yes but I got off for... good... behavior...
Nasar looks back at what grabbed him ”I uh really hope that that’s you Marissa.”
Marissa is indeed the one who grabbed him. She smiles and lifts her hand off his shoulder now that the lights are on.
The teifling looks down at Deract. Good behavior, sounds unrelated to me as theres not a posse of Solars knocking my door down. Why are you here, I went into hiding for the soul reason of you not having to see me again.
Deract looks up at the tall teifling. To buy something and look around, nobody has to know I saw you. Deract looks to his teammates. Nasar and Marissa. This is Nar, his tribe was one of the oppressed when Jurastist was in power. Before I got taken away my time was spent betraying Jurastist as you can tell by me helping Azirel and her boy toy. I also helped a few notable figures like Nar here get to the Material Plane to escape the war.
"Pleasure to meet you Nar" Nasar takes a look around at the books on the shelves, seeing what sticks out. "I hope us being here isn't a problem, we weren't informed of what this place was besides being a 'pawn shop'."
Nar looks around and picks up a crystal off the shelf and displays it with 2 fingers. Well yes this is a pawn shop. But not a pawn shop for mundane items like a heirloom or an old axe. I deal in other worldly items those not exactly found just lying around.
Deract jumps up excitedly, You still got the cards!
To which Nar deadpans and slowly turns down to Deract, Yes... but you still owe me for your first draw, so there will be no second draw until you pay up.
”We came here for cards? Well exotic special cards since they wouldn't just be normal cards.” Nasar comes over to them as he speaks so he can see the cards. ”What about them got you so excited?”
Nar reveals out his vest a pouch with a red star laced into its design. This is known to many as a Deck of Many Things. The outcome is as random as drawing from a shuffled deck of cards. Now things are not as simple as you draw a card and put it back, each card has a reaction attached to it that occurs once you draw it. Granted I have seen many people fall prey to the negative effects this deck ensues. Some have died to wraiths. Others have amassed insurmountable amounts of wealth off of one card. A gamblers worse nightmare sits in this pouch. Care to buy a pull?
Marissa looks at the deck and whispers to Nasar. Nasar... I might be a bit dull but chances aren't something that works for smart people not dumb people. And your smarter than I am... and you have no better chance than I do. I wouldnt do it.
Nasar pats Marissa shoulder and smiles. "Couldn't say it any better myself." He looks back to Nar and shakes his head "You heard the lass, no can do. This is our day off and I would like to enjoy the day with my friends."
Nar huffs a sigh of disappointment before he reaches into his vest. Maybe you want something not as... detrimental should you choose the wrong card. To get you in the gambling mood. and he pulls out a small stark white sphere. He holds it with 2 fingers and offers it to Nasar. First ones on the house? And with this one you can't die horribly...
Lily walks over and picks the sphere off his hand. I'll do it. It's a die so... she bends down and throws it to the ground. However as it falls out her hand it flies upward and sits in front of her face. Spinning as it 'rolls' through the air.
The die stops in front of her and her eyes twinkle for a breif second before she grabs the sphere and hands it back to Nar. I don't know what you did but thanks.
Nar stands there mouth open in amazement at the roll. You don't know what you've gained? You have been given another life, should your life suddenly end you will wake up once more and walk amongst the living as if it never happened! That is the power of the Knucklebone!