Astella explains what she finds in the cylinder to the party, and lets them see, etc. She keeps the cylinder, wondering if she will find a reason to re-use it in the future.
She tries to unlock the box again.
then she shakes her head, wishing that her talent was more consistent. She just got distracted sometimes.
You guys want to head out to the dead drop?
Unlocking number one makes number 2 lock up again.....
What is in this poorly hidden, but extra locked up box?
Brunhild in particular, has it seemingly haunt her mind.
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”Perhaps there is a combination to unlock it? It seems to lock the other one when unlocked, but there could be an order to it. Anyways, aye, let’s head to the location. Mayhaps we can learn more there.” She said.
With the details of the dead drop in hand, you navigate your way through the streets and a few alleyways.
Eventually you come upon a scene of a currently empty stall, it looks like a shop for a quick bite to eat, if one is in a hurry or not bothering to find an eating establishment.
Closed for lunch., a sign reads.
Across it, and through some careful examination, you notice part of street's a bit odd. It's more of a larger tile, rather than several cobbled stones. Pulling it up, you see a box in a dug out hole.
Astella is able to open it, and within are several pouches of money.
An examination gives an estimate of the contents being worth 2000 gold in coins.
There is one other thing, a note, which mentions The Ravens having done fine work in the scouting, dropping the names of Art, Mac and Sue, as the main three contributors to finding recent acquisitions that were sold.
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Astella pulls out the pouches and the note, locks the box back up, and replaces it.
She is overjoyed at the cash, but waits to exult until they get back to a safe place.
Okay, money, that's good. Should we give this note to Lady Greenbriar?
While she talks she tries the locked box again.
Also, can any of the rest of you do any lockpicking? I am not sure if I just have to do it faster or better, or if two people have to open it at the same time... oh, I know, Ryan. Maybe he and I can try at the same time? Wonder if that would work.
Also, do you guys remember when our stuff was going to be complete at the shop? I am losing track of days I think.
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With it being still fairly early on the day, around 12.00 PM or so, you head over to the inn, where a slightly bored looking Ryan is peering out of a window, looking at people going about their business.
The devious flatbox intrigues him.
"Clever, a box tha' actually requires more than one se' of hands te open."
While you had earlier relieved him of his weapons and mundane items, he seems to have improvised a crude set of lock picks out of old metal scrap and a nail or two.
It takes Astella and Ryan a minute or two, but the box's locks surrender to the duo eventually.
Inside is a stack of notes and letters, neatly tied with a thin string.
On them, you find a variety of mentions and details, ranging from descriptions of people, to locations with dates. They appear to be assignments and requests to The Ravens.
At a more careful observation, these notes are about a few particular things.
1) Suggested people of interest, whose activities or occupations would benefit smugglers.
2) Dates of meetings, past dates and a few future ones, and one with the date of -today-. Seemingly between some of Bern's gang, and what they called a 'private collector'. The location described, and the estimated time of day , puts it near or in the warehouses, in the north of the city.
3) The Ravens seem to, on the side, even observe business meetings of Bern, making detailed mention of things seen or overheard.
It suggests that these messengers and scouts would also collect 'insurance', on occasion. Whether or not their employer knew or not, is not clear.
"Right. Right." Brunhild said. "This should be enough to prove to the lass, or her father at least, that her boyo is involved in underhanded dealings." She then added "We're making some enemies in the underworld, aye? But I suppose that if we are to anger anyone, then it's best for it to be those who deserve it. Let's get moving, aye? Best to get this done before we find a dagger in the back."
Agreed. Let's get this done.
With the document in your pack, you leg it over to the courier service's office.
*bell ringing as the door opens*
The dwarf turns around, seeing the two familiar faces of Daniel and Estelle, walk in. Along with friends.
His expression is tricky to read, as hints of both disappointment and anticipation, are on his face.
"Ah, you've returned. I' seems the lass somehow found ou' about my request to dig inte the boy's background. I preferred she'd stayed oblivious, as she came home frustrated with me, bu' done business and such."
The document that shows Art's name as one of the scouts for illegitimate business, has him stroking his beard in thought. He looks back up.
"He's likely to come visi' her one of these days. I'll be sure te inquire and expose him in front of her, mark my words."
"Bu' tha' will be a private matter. Now for my end of the deal."
He hands you a pouch with 100 gold, and opens a door to a storage room.
"This here has a number of nulled items. Items some clients said they no longer needed upon delivery, for whatever odd reason. Such as havin' gotten things early before my arrival. Ye are free te take your pick."
"my sincere thanks, for takin' time te help me. I'm afraid i can' offer much more right now. Bu', i can offer some information. 't seems tha' bracadan shop owner, Zahfir, may have an opportunity for investigatin'. Seems somethin' he was supposed te be receivin', wen' missin'. I'm well acquainted through my past workin' fer him, so a recommendation of a friend may ge' him te share some info on the matter."
Astella knows exactly where the shop is located, from her earlier shopping.
-------‐----
Astella picks out some masterwork manacles with her credit, thanking Mr. Copperbeard for the item, and the information.
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Brunhild rummaged through the collection of items, before settling on a flask. She sniffed it, noting that it smelled or hard spirits, and that it was certainly full. Oddly enough, the rune of “protection” was inscribed on it. Whether it actually did anything to prevent injuries was up for debate, but at the very least if she was dying it would be good to have something to drink before the end.
Estelle nods to the elder Copperbeard as they receive his gratitude, then follows the others out. She was a bit conflicted truthfully, wondering if that had been the best outcome for everyone, but with their limited investigative jurisdiction it seemed it was. If Art was involved with a crime syndicate then that was essentially his issue... or was it?
"...Now that we have our reward, should we go back to talk to Art? I don't know how strong his feelings for Mr. Copperbeard's daughter are, but now that he's exposed, should we give him a chance to leave that crime life behind on his own accord and instead do honest work from now? Maybe if he's resolved to do that, the outcome will be better when her father confronts him with the evidence."
When the topic shifts to intercepting the jewel-collector meeting, she shrugs. "The way Lady Greenbriar seems to have a reputation of no mercy to any thieves who cross her, perhaps we can simply point that out and request the jewels back when we show up at that meeting. The only other options are for the two of you to covertly head in and steal the jewels back, or to inform the town guard and have them take the jewels by force. Thinking about what's best for Welnin, the most profitable option would be to attack during the meeting and take back the jewels and the spoils of the thieves for ourselves. But after last time, I learned my lesson that the guard is very quick to arrive at the scene of any fight, so I'm not all that eager to try our luck. I wish I could be of more help, but outside of a fight, all I'm really good for is being a tracker or a lookout. Well, unless people are injured, that is..."
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But after last time, I learned my lesson that the guard is very quick to arrive at the scene of any fight, so I'm not all that eager to try our luck.
Well, I personally don't think that it will do any good to talk to Art, but if you think there is a chance that you can get him to reform, then I'll definitely back you up. We just can't miss the meeting today and the chance to get the jewelry back though.
I also want to stop in and talk to this Zahfir and see what he needs. If it coincides with things we are already working on, perhaps we could make some additional coin before we go with not much extra effort.
I know what you mean about the guard arriving quickly, but perhaps what we did wrong in that encounter (and what the guard did wrong as well during that job where we called them in) is not blocking all exits, so it took us way too long to take them down. If we block the escape routes, we could hopefully get in and out before someone has time to interfere. ... I agree with not wanting to get in trouble with the law and killing people is not my choice of solution either, but let's remember who we're dealing with. The law hasn't been solving these problems, and the guard didn't do all that great on that last job, even with our information. Let's go in ourselves this time and just try to plan better.
Estelle gets a faraway look over Astella's response and seems to mull something over before eventually shaking her head. "No... maybe you're right. Maybe it's best if Suzan experiences this life lesson more harshly, as her father seems intent on - even if that hurts. Sometimes you just can't trust people you thought you could - even if you desperately want to believe otherwise. And perhaps the shock of that fallout would have a larger impact on Art than I ever could. If we can find out about his shadow life, his enemies can too."
"...Okay, let's go see this Zahfir. We can always just ask what he needs us for. Just let me drop by the equipment store on the way. I should get those custom-metal weapons I made while I can."
On the way there, she glances to the side. "Well, if you want to try it ourselves, I'll help you of course. Though I am not good at sneaking around to get to these other exits unnoticed; if we have some spare time, maybe it'd be good to arrive very early and subtly study those exit points before any delegation arrives."
Can someone remind me, is the meeting tonight them selling the jewellery to a collector? If so, couldn't we simply wait for the deal to complete, and then speak with said collector? I'm sure he can be convinced that he doesn't want stolen goods. And, if we manage to get a look at the ones doing the selling that is more information we can give to Lady Greenbriar. Daniel says, giving a shrug of uncertainty.
I also need to find any materials here I can purchase to help repair my armor. I figure I'm bound to find some of what I need for it.
The group legs it over back to the commercial area, where a corner shop draws the attention of any nearby.
[Zah's Magical Means]
It doesn't look particularly large from the outside, but Astella knows this is quite deceptive.
Entering, she once again sees a pair of fine gloves hover towards her, inviting her to enter the shop.
To everyone else, the shop's interior is far more spacious than the sizes outside would suggest, or would even allow it to be.
Behind the counter, reading some unfolded parchment, stands a young man in his mid, perhaps late twenties. Short hair and a thin beard. Two golden earrings, and an outlandish but stylish ocean blue attire.
Zahfir.
Shelves are full of figurines, trinkets, vials with shimmering contents, among others. Behind the counter, on display, are some wands, and unlabeled boxes. Candles float in strategic points, giving that bit of atmosphere no dwarven shop could provide.
He looks up at his potential customers.
"Welcome.", he says with his arms slightly widening in an welcoming display. "Welcome to Zah's Magical Means. I am Zahfir, this establishment's owner, and i dare say the best and only provider of quality magical items within the city, no bragging i assure you."
Towards Astella, "Ah, lady Astella, a pleasure to see you return. May i assume your previous purchase was to your satisfaction?"
Astella is a little frustrated with the lawful good approach, but she sighs and says
Sure, Daniel. If that is how you want to handle it. I guess if the collector doesn't want to give it up, we can just tell Lady Greenbriar who has her stuff.
____________
When they get to the magic shop she brightens up a little, and responds to Zahfir's greeting:
Quite satisfactory, thank you. As it happens, we helped Mister Copperbeard with a request today, and he told us that something went missing that was to be delivered to you? I was hoping we could help.
Zahfir's surprised, crossing his arms as a puzzled look crosses his face.
It fades with a closed eyes smile, before looking again.
"Ah, Mr. Copperbeard, an honest and reliable fellow, that one.
Fair of memory, it seems, if he recalls my problem and sends help."
"It is true. A package was expected to arrive some days ago. A few items i had purchased at an auction in Bracada, but never got delivered. Now the road from here to Bracada can be risky, but there hasn't been a logistical problem before. I know for certain that the ones who were to deliver it, left Bracada, and entered the mountain ridge passages leading into the Barrow Downs."
He strokes his chin. "But they never arrived. It is puzzling, and i cannot easily leave my shop to look into it myself. Plus, there are not exactly many folk traveling that road to do me the favor of finding out whatever happened."
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Estelle glances from Daniel to Astella. "What Daniel is suggesting might be the safest approach. It seems to have the lowest risk of failure, assuming the thieves keep to their word and let their buyer go after doing business. " They probably would, or no one would deal with them. It was probably hard to find buyers for stolen things. But you never knew... "Still... if you and Brunhild prefer trying to attack instead and arresting these thieves rather than let them go, I'm up for trying that too. Riskier, but the reward might be greater if we can do it."
Estelle gives the shopkeeper a respectful nod. To be the only reliable supplier of quality magical goods in a capitol city meant he was probably a highly important figure with extensive connections both in and out of these walls. "It's an honor to meet you, Zahfir. I'm Estelle, recently of the Council of Welnin, as well as my friends here. You say something was lost in the Barrow Downs? How curious. It seems an important lantern of sorts was lost around there recently too. Perhaps some latent danger there had become more active of late. Am I to take it you would like us to retrieve it? While I would like to freely offer help, we've been trying to collect funding to repair our town from its damaged state... can we make a deal of sorts, perhaps?"
Indeed, and, just to be safe, we should likely procure some holy water if we are to delve into the place for the lost items. It should hopefully prove helpful. He turns to regard Zahfir.
Hello, Daniel, Daniel Cedric Rose, its an honor sir. He proffers a hand shake to the man before continuing.
Is there anything further you could tell us? You seem particularly learned, perhaps you know of anything dangerous in that area that we should be cautious of? He tries to hide his wandering eyes, clearly looking around at the lovely items in the place, and surprised at its size on the inside.
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In response to Estelle,
"It may be lost in the Barrow Downs, or even the mountain ridge's paths, i couldn't say. I am not asking you to risk life and retrieve it yourselves, unless you are seasoned folk and can do so. Getting information about its whereabouts, is of use as well."
"As far as a reward is concerned, funding a restoration the size of a town, is no small matter. Is it pure monetary, or could i interest you in means to save on expenses on manpower? A friend of mine has a repurposed older golem. Size of a grown man, wide shoulders, good for heavy lifting and carrying. Not fit for combat, but it can take a few hits in an emergency."
Towards Daniel,
"The undead roam more frequent in directions with barrows, so i hear.
And not all limited to the corporeal variant."
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Brunhild’s eyes perked at the mention of a golem. An untiring laborer? Such a boon was worth much. In the long run, it was more valuable than just gold. So long as it wasn’t defective, or that the spells were running dry. Still, even if it was just a century or two of use left in it, it would be very valuable. She nodded approvingly to her companions.
Astella nodded as well, looking over at Estelle and Daniel to make sure everyone was agreed.
Estelle chuckles. "Well, I certainly wouldn't mind a bit of help removing all those catapult boulders from the town! Having golem around sure seems like they'd be handy."
Daniel shrugs.
I don't see the harm in it. Though, I suppose one could argue it'd be taking work away from living people... With just one or two, I doubt that would be an issue though.
A golem is much better than a person we can't afford to pay, in my opinion. It could be quite useful. I'm in.
Hearing and seeing your enthusiasm,
"We have an agreement, then. A labor golem for the return of my package. I have something we can communicate with."
From a small box he takes two red polished stones. They have a shine to them, he hands you one. "For a way of communication, an invention from an acquaintance. These are message stones, not yet widely on the market, due to limited function. Once every 5 days, either side can send a 30 worded message, and the other can reply."
He moves one towards you.
"Now, for the items in that delivery.
There was an antique amulet of Bracadan origin. A bronze circle with an embedded green gem, and engraved with old Bracadian. The language of Bracada's ancient predecessor, the empire of Bracaduun.
Then there was a wand, for utility purposes. Simple in appearance. Pale wood with a reddish ore top."
"And finally, a hand adornation. It is kind of like a leather bracer, connected to rings on your fingers."
Do you have a sample of Bracadian writing that we could see, so we'll know it if we find it? And do you know what these items do? We don't want to accidentally trigger something deadly.
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Zahfir nods.
"I have a scrap of parchment somewhere."
The parchment he shows you, is framed in glass. It looks old enough to fall apart otherwise. Its letters, perhaps symbols are a better word, are very different from current day alphabets.
"Bracada has a few universities, that have studied its history. Most peculiar, is a detail from a journal. A priest tried reading an unearthed piece of text, yet even the blessing of reading an unknown language, proved ineffective. It was theorized that any writings within the empire, or the materials used for it, were thoroughly enchanted, to disrupt magics used in attempts to decipher them. Honestly, those wizard kings must have been paranoid, or vain of their language, if they placed security on something so mundane."
"Much was lost to time and various other causes, as far as is known. But some finds had turned up over the centuries. Just imagine, an evening conversation with someone from that era, would be such a learning experience."
The empire of Bracaduun was destroyed by a barbarian tyrant, some 1170 years ago. The man led an uprising, sound enough to overthrow the wizard kings that ruled the empire.
"Of the items, the amulet is not magical. I collect historical items from the imperial age as a personal hobby. The wand, unused when i bought it, was an invention of a Bracadan enchanter. He placed a small number of low level spells in one wand. A trade secret as to how, i was told. I have seen some quality wand enchanting, but that kind of thing, i had not seen before.
The hand adornment, is both fashion, and has an enchantment on it for the versed in the arcane. It came with an insertable key of sorts, preventing unauthorized application. That key is the only item actually in my possession."
How interesting. But modern Bracadians would be able to read it, correct?
Astella copies the runes/symbols into her journal so she can reference them later.
Okay, thank you for the information. We have a few things to finish up in town, but we should be able to start out soon.
She picks up the polished red stone and says
Is there a trick or a command word to use the stone, or a limitation on how far apart they can be and still work?
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In regards to modern Bracadans reading the ancient script,
"Some, but mainly people who have studied it.
Scholars, , university graduates, archeologists who specialized. It is an old and long out of use language. From what i've heard, the person who knows it best, is the king himself, Gavin Magnus."
Gavin Magnus has been the ruler of Bracada for many years. Foreign diplomats have mentioned the man to seem quite fit for a man looking in his sixties.
Some have said he has always looked that way. Going by mentions in historical records, he must be at least two to three centuries old.
"To activate the stone, the command word is lahgis."
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The king is several centuries old by now, correct? I take it he is not a human?
Careful not to say it, because she is holding the stone, Astella writes down the command word.
Zahfir smiles,
"That in particular is quite intriguing. He -is- human, so the age beyond normal human lifespan, aptly fits him the moniker of 'The Immortal wizard-king'."
He looks at everyone in general, for a moment. But he does not seem to be abandoning any further conversation. More in a way that something relevant was back under his attention.
"Aside from the missing package, was there anything else i could provide you with?"
Estelle ponders the given information, then nods. "Could you give a detailed physical description along with the magical auras these items supposedly have? I doubt we'd find a lot of lost magical items of similar nature but it never hurts to have them."
She notes down the physical and metaphysical traits of the searched for items, then hesitates when the group is asked if they wished to purchase anything. "Should we not save that money to invest in Welnin?" The initiate asks the others.
He gave the physical description.
"The only magical aura would come from the wand.
It would give off faint abjuration, evocation, illusion and transmutation."
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"That is to say, the hand piece's aura does not surface unless it is activated with its key."
We could use the money to hire people in Welnin to help restore the castle... we definitely should work on that, but this is a limited supply of money, so it won't help long term with setting up the guard patrols they need to protect them from bandits and goblins, etc. We need recruits for that, and a place for them to live on the castle grounds... that's one of the reasons we came here, so we could get dwarven assistance to rebuild.
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"Oh! I just remembered... speaking of the Barrow Downs, I was speaking to the smith with Daniel a few days ago. It seems there are reports of flying, incorporeal undead, which do require magical weapons to injure. So if we go there, it would probably be a good investment to buy some magical weapons, or at least scrolls and oils to temporarily provide such benefits to us."
As the group discusses what to do, Estelle takes another look at the unidentified jewels to try and gauge their worth. She wasn't particularly adapt at this, or so she figured, but gems were a frequently used commodity in AvLee, as well as a constrcution material for the Pegasi's enchanted springs. As a priestess, she had seen a fair amount of them change hands growing up.
Estelle recalls the master smith described, aside from the presence of incorporeal apparitions, there were also flying monsters, seemingly made of stone.
Astella's heard mention of such things before. In fact, Bracada's armies have large numbers of them.....gargoyles. Flying statues, animated and carved from various materials. They are not exclusive to those armies, as skilled sculptors with magic skill, can make one just as well.
Gargoyles made by individuals of inadequate magical skill, often with more invested work than a standard army gargoyle, can break free, setting out on their own. Sentient, cunning, and deadly.
As far as Estelle could say, the gemstones could be worth 100 gold if sold.
Agreed, I think it is a good investment, but I don't think we have the money. Let's figure out the Lady Greenbriar issue and see if she is going to give us a further reward. If not... I don't know. Going up against gargoyles without magic items seems foolhardy. And I don't know that oils or scrolls are worth the money since they don't last long.
”Are there any weaknesses besides magic? Cold iron, for example?” She asked, hoping to find a more cost effective way of dealing with the problem. ”Or a wand that could temporarily enchant our weapons?”
Astella recalls hearing the common gargoyles, often stone, are not designed with energy resistance.
In response to Brunhild's hopeful questions,
"I would have to agree with your friend, miss. The mass produced gargoyles have some resistance to mundane weapons. Improved gargoyles, and those made by independent hands, have a better degree of such protection. Magic weapons, or magically imbued, are the only kind that would be effective against them."
Estelle looks around the group. "All right... well, since Brunhild tends to attack the most often and hardest with her bow, perhaps it is worth lending her some money and making her weapon permanently magical. The rest of us could perhaps get by with scrolls and oils, or a partically charged wand for now."
She glances at the merchant. "That is, do you happen to have such items on sale here, Zahfir? Oils or a partially charged wand? And would you be willing to offer a partial discount on such purchases as we would be forced to invest heavily in magical weaponry to undertake this quest for you?"