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We can all go. In case, uh encounters...
cheers
Having eaten and rested in the safety of the Brotherhood's compound within the city, you make your way to the building you are told belongs to the Warrior Maidens of Madarua.
Arriving outside of building, there are four warrior maidens walking the walls of the stronghold.
As you approach, one calls out. "Hold there! State your business strangers!"
Adonius addresses them, "We've heard that you might sell weapons and armor. My friend is in the market. Have we been told the truth about the warrior maidens?"
"It is as my friend and companion says oh lovely and valiant warrior sister." Tekumbray says doffing his hat and offering a bow in greeting to the maiden. He waves a hand toward Cayde, the big barbarian stands like a giant compared to the gnome's diminutive height. "My large friend here is in need of a fine weapon to cleave the limbs and hearts from the enemies of Cynidicea. A sturdy shield to protect the innocent from the evils of wicked cultists and tricky goblins. Contemplating these needs, we deemed it only fitting to come to you Maidens who would surely only offer the best for only the best would suit such fine and glorious sisters of battle." He pauses a moment and then rattles a small sack hanging from his belt. "We of course have means to pay for such goods."
Laying it on a little thick aren't you Tek?"
The feminine voice practically causes Tekumbray to tumble forward from his bow, but he catches himself just in time and manages to sweep his hat back onto his head and he rises. He eyes flick to the side where an thin framed figure with short cut blonde hair and pale skin stands smiling at him with her arms crossed. Her hands tucked within the billowing robes of bright yellow and embroidered silver leaves. He can barely suppress the goofy childlike grin that wants to burst forth, but such a things wouldn't be seemly and could completely square the deal they were trying to make. Still, he did let a small grin twitch his lips while taking in the ghost of Ellery May Thistledown, former Druid of Elbert's Grove.
A close observation reveals narrowing eyes behind the bronze mask of the warrior maiden. She pauses for a few moments, contemplating the request while she studies you before ultimately saying. "Very well. We'll trade with you, but be warned that at the slightest provocation your lives will be forfeit."
A few moments later, the gates open and you are escorted in by four bronze masked warrior maidens.
The warrior maidens take you inside and to who you assume is the quartermaster of the stronghold.
"I understand you wish to trade and have the coin to do so. What is it you seek?" Behind the woman you see numerous weapons of differing types and quality. You assume further back in the room would be armors and shields.
Cayde speaks, saying, ”We are preparing to eradicate the goblin menace, and I have some coin gained from our previous clashes with the cultists of Zargon. I seek a mighty blade with which to accomplish this task, perhaps along with matching armor and shield to protect myself from their counterattacks.”
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Once inside and away from potential prying eyes and ears, Tekumbray approaches the maiden who allowed them inside while Cayde surveys the weapons for purchase. Bowing his head again, he politely removes his wide brimmed hat.
"My name is Tekumbray madame, and as one of your astute nature may have already guessed our purpose in coming to your temple is two fold. Indeed my companion does seek the best and finest weapons for our next foray against Zargon." He says waving his hand toward the rows of weapons. "But indeed, it is also to inform you that the god of your city have released it from its long burial beneath the sands. Baheera and I were part of a caravan crossing the desert that was beset by a sand storm. We survived the ravages of wind and grit only to find most of our caravan lost, dead, or scattered. Yet, despite our desperate situation, the gods provided. The great pyramid of Cynidicea arose from the sands and we were able to find shelter, food and water from your sisters so long trapped in that ancient place."
"Some of the survivors of the caravan still reside within the pyramid. Guests of the brothers and sisters. For this is the news I must share with you. The Magi, the Brothers, and the Maidens have all united so that Zargon can finally be defeated and the city free of his foul influence and rule. As proof, I bring you word that the way to the pyramid is no longer blocked by Zargon's cultist. We defeated Darius and his hobgoblins. Now we seek to take the fight directly to Zargon."
"As my companions mentioned, we will strike the goblin caves first. A victory there will prove the veracity of my claims, as well as give you time to seek your leaders in the pyramid."
He looks at the stores of weapons, armor, and other gear and nods with approval. "It is well you have maintained such worthy stores, for the fight to come will be hard. But if you love your city and wish to see it free of Zargon's oppression, then ready yourselves, for soon the time will come for the cities true defenders and champions to unite and defeat the evil that has plagued it for so long."
The quartermaster seems to ignore Tekumbray's eloquent oratory, directing you to the various arms and armor the Warrior Maidens have available.
After showing you all the arms and armor available for purchase, the quartermaster looks at you and plainly states. "Destroy the goblins and other servants of Zargon in the caves and return to us. If you are able to return to us you will have proven yourselves worthy and we will support your efforts against Zargon."
”Sounds good to me,” says Cayde, pulling out his coins and counting out 300 platinum pieces. ”I’ve got an edged weapon already, so I will take the magic breastplate, the magic studded leather, and the magic warhammer,” he says, figuring negotiating on price would be bad form after their bold declaration.
Cayde tosses the magic studded leather armor to Tekumbray and says, ”Upgrade your kit while you have the chance—I can’t have our smooth talker getting himself killed while we are destroying the goblins.”
To the others, he offers, ”This is probably the last chance we will have for a while to re-provision. I can stake you guys 100 gp each for anything you need here before we go.”
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Tekumbray graciously thanks Cayde for the gifted armor. The gnome is just about ready to leave when he spots the gleam of polished metal emanating from the corner of the armory. Stepping closer he realizes it is a blade very similar to his own in size and weight. With permission from the maiden quartermaster he carefully takes the blade and passes it through the air in a series of quick, deft slicing motions. The balance is superb. Much better than his own and he can sense the slight tingle of enchantment upon the finely forged metal.
The fae ghost at his side nods her own approval at the weapon. A fine choice my friend. And likely you'll be needing it. She shimmers with a ghostly shiver. I never did like goblins. Filthy, nasty creatures coming at you by the dozens if not hundreds. Best be careful in those caves else you'll end up a spirit drawn to some poor sod who's about to d...errr...sorry. A shrug of ethereal shoulders. Just be careful is all I'm sayin'.
Tekumbray nods quietly at both ghost and quartermaster. Accepting the ones apology and the others agreed price. After handing over a portion of his own gold and gemstones to cover the cost, he quickly changes both his armor and weapon. Well armed and with full canteen and ample rations, he turns to his companions.
"Shall we set forth?"
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With your gear purchased from the Warrior Maidens, you are escorted to the gates of compound and set on your way to the goblin caves.
You skirt the southern edge of the cavern, walking passed what appears to to a civic park of sorts, filled with carved rock formations and enormous mushrooms. Contining on you go passed what appears to be a series of long abandoned buildings that still seem to be structurally sound. Could this make for a base of operations should you need it?
Finally, you approach a pair of rock bridges that span a narrow portion of the lake. Looking at the far side of the lake, you see a cliffside, pockmarked with cave entrances. A closer inspection reveals a number of goblins scaling poles and climbing ropes between the entrances.
It would seem if you are to go in any of those caves, you will have to find a safe way down the cliffside.
”I’ve got a rope and I’m decent at climbing,” offers Cayde. He looks for a safe-ish way down to the first level of caves, where perhaps aided by a rope they could make a safe entry.
"Aye. I can become a giant spider, but I won't be able to speak."
"As a spider, I could take one of you, too." Adonius offers while he helps to look for a safer way done.
While Cayde and Adonius look for the best place to secure their ropes, Tekumbray readies his climbing kit. As he puts on the harness, he glances down to the lake and along the length of the cliff.
"How do the goblins get into the city?" He asks looking to see if there were boats or rafts tied up at the base of the cliff or some other means for them to climb up to the top so they could reach the city by land. "They must have some way if Zargon uses them to keep the population in check or even just as laborers."
"For the initial descent, I can re-enter my lamp. which al'Adhaa can carry, and fly down while invisible." Baheera chimes in, having remained silent until now.