"I'll take the hammers to merchants then to Thor's Temple and see who will be the highest bidder, and who has the most entertaining speculations about them." Hamarr says. "Anyone want to come along? We can meet at Wenumweec's?"
Before bedding down for the evening in his 'old' room, he asks Nacine if she can make any special snackies the following morning for sharing at Wenumweec's.
The night passes uneventfully, and some (all?) of you get together in the morning (3/6/1000) for a tour of the city’s merchants to see if dad is correct in his estimation. While there are various locations where merchants cluster, they really are all over town in various nooks and crannies. So Hamarr, and any who join him, spend the morning walking the city, talking to different folk, and trying to get information.
It’s not easy. The merchants, as a rule, are eager to make a sale, and so it is hard to extract yourselves from each in turn as they ply their trade.
You learn though that dad is pretty much spot on. Some weigh the hammers and offer you their weight in platinum, some tack on a little for their unusual nature, and you get more than a few head scratches as they join you in being confused as to why someone would make such a thing. Not surprisingly, when it is firmly clarified that they won’t make a sale today, a few suggest the cult of Thor (link) as a next step.
The morning spent, you visit with dad before lunch as promised, to collect the funds from the goods he sold for you. Nacine also provides a small tin of freshly baked tea cakes to bring to your tea later with Wenumweec.
Some (all?) of you head back out into the city to the cult of Thor to try and learn more about the hammers, or perhaps to sell them yourselves.
The cult of Thor in Crim has its own small fortress by way of a temple. Often the various cults share space, but Thor has his own here, if smallish. Still, it’s a well fortified building, with hammer motifs on nearly every available surface, as you might expect. You are challenged at the gatehouse, but only perfunctorily. Your citizen badges get you through with little hassle, and you expect few are turned away - if any. But everyone gets examined by the guards.
Immediately within is a great hall, filled with feasting tables - many full of people eating lunch. There are small arenas throughout the hall - areas in which challenges are offered and accepted for a variety of physical trials from simple arm wresting, to full blown combat. You can make out the priests, well armored and carrying warhammers - though it’s tricky as so many others here are dressed for combat as well.
Still, eventually you find someone to help you who isn’t carousing or fighting. ”Ladies and gentlemen, how may the cult of Thor help you today? I am Petrite Hoxha (image).”
"So...we can make how much selling this stuff?!" Olf asks looking down at his share, having worked caravan routes but never having a potential payday like this, not even after losing his toe to the hill giant. "Why...why...why have I been walking my ass up and down this continent when we could have been doing this? Wow."
He will come along to speak to the Thorites, but will probably just sit in the sun while others do the talking. He wonders how much of the monies he should save for later, or give to Flora, or use on his own. He doesn't know.
”Right,” Hamarr replies to the Priestess. ”I’m afraid I’m a bit behind with my studies here. We’ve heard lore about platinum hammers. NOT the Thor-kind of hammer you kill people with, but the Thor-kind of hammer you build something with. Do the scriptures mention anything about platinum tools of Thor, used for rebuilding -- or anything else?”
He tosses a gold piece into the tithe jar (assuming there is a tithe jar).
”Right,” Hamarr replies to the Priestess. ”I’m afraid I’m a bit behind with my studies here. We’ve heard lore about platinum hammers. NOT the Thor-kind of hammer you kill people with, but the Thor-kind of hammer you build something with. Do the scriptures mention anything about platinum tools of Thor, used for rebuilding -- or anything else?”
He tosses a gold piece into the tithe jar (assuming there is a tithe jar).
Petrite nods with a smile to Hamarr as he pays for his question, ”The cult helps those who stand on their own two feet.” she intones, and it feels like an oft-spoken phrase.
”Platinum hammers are very rare. Much more expensive than silver blends for the same benefits. In fact, though I’ve seen a few mithral hammers, I’ve never seen a platinum hammer. But those are weapons. No one would make a platinum tool. That’s not normal, and an unnecessary expense. Out of curiosity, why do you ask?” She looks pointedly at Hamarr, and seems to be concentrating on the answer.
Olf whistles and kicks his toes, making time in thought while others discuss the merits of hammers.
Halvar ponders their new tool while others discuss the platinum ones.
Does this contain the power of a god? Is it linked to one? Does it work in some other way?
"Out of curiosity, why do you ask?”
"No, agreed. It is not normal. When would a mithral tool not be sufficient over platinum? It's silly." He looks at her, realizing she is concentrating. "Uh -- it's just that we were digging and we found one and thought they might have a special purpose, and that you might have some idea.". He pulls out one of the hammers for her inspection. "See? It's definitely a tool."
"Also, how much for Make Whole?" he wafts his broken yet pristine armor at her.
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Does this contain the power of a god? Is it linked to one? Does it work in some other way?
Being full, the wand thrums with power - he can almost feel it when he picks it up. You’d know that dad is a generalist for the most part when it comes to the Asgardian Pantheon, but he does favor Heimdal (link) a bit. So you expect the wand is from that cult. There is a rune carved into the base of the wand, but it’s just the general rune for the whole pantheon.
He pulls out one of the hammers for her inspection. "See? It's definitely a tool.”
”Oh, wow. Where did you find this?” Petrite asks casually as she admires the hammer. ”It really is a platinum tool! Who’d have thought it.” She almost drops it after a closer examination, ”How extraordinary! It’s not even masterwork. It’s just a tool!”
She checks it out, even going so far as to cast a Detect Magic, you know, just in case. In the end she shrugs, ”Very impressive. Are you looking to sell it? Might be the cult will buy it, given its highly unusual nature.” She hefts it, clearly wanting to use it as a weapon, but it’s just not balanced that way.
"Also, how much for Make Whole?" he wafts his broken yet pristine armor at her.
”Maybe we can make a deal.” she says somewhat distantly, clearly more interested in something else, ”How about that hammer?”
”Hrm, O.K. I think we could part with them for 500 a piece, or 1350 for the lot.” He produces the other two hammers.
”And, I’ll pay separately for the Make Whole. I have siblings, you see.”
”Hrm, O.K. I think we could part with them for 500 a piece, or 1350 for the lot.” He produces the other two hammers.
” hammers! Oh wow, yes, I’m sure the church will be interested. 1350 seems fair, though I’d prefer 1200. What do you say, one of you want to fight me for it? I win, the cult pays 1200gp, you win, the cult pays 1350gp. Doesn’t have to be you either, it can be any one of you.” She looks rather eager for the fight, more than caring who wins. She gestures to one of the small arenas. ”You can talk among yourselves, but no spell casting before we each get in the ring. No fair all of your spells against just mine.” She grins.
She steps back so you can talk among yourselves and decide if you want to take her offer, and if so - who will face her.
Hamarr puts a hand to his chin pensively. Just about when you're convinced he will make a decision, he holds up a single finger."One sec.".
He returns to his siblings.
"What do you think -- anyone up for fighting her? I'm no spell caster, but I suppose it doesn't matter."
If no one else is eager to engage the priestess, Hamarr will give it a shot.
"What do you fight with here? Hammers?"
"I'll give it a shot if no one else wants to since the gods seem intent on mocking my preferred choice of weapons."
Halvar looks around hoping, but not hoping someone else will step forward. Honestly, he still enjoys the up and close brawling, too.
Kalendra certainly has no intention of getting into the ring, though she watches the negotiations closely. She takes the opportunity to murmur to Halvar that in a pinch she can heal as well, but that he's likelier to be in the thick of things and the wand should stay with him.
"What do you fight with here? Hammers?"
Olf comes around to hear about this, and declines his interest in fighting a Priestess of Thor in the very temple of her god. He notes that Halvar wants to take the bait, probably because he was tired of the bag of platinum hammers being used as a comparison point for his intelligence.
"I'll be in your corner, if you want it," Olf says supportively. "I got your back." If allowed, he will offer Halvar some modest protection before the fight.
Petrite specifically prohibited the whole party piling on their spells to help Halvar. You can cheat if you like, she’s clearing a circle for the fight and isn’t paying attention.
Eventually, the small arena cleared of worshippers, she stands near the edge of one side and gestures to the other end for Halvar to step in the circle. You’re 20’ apart, and we’ll do this without a map. There is room to 5’ step backward, but then you’re at the edge of the circle. Petrite is in the same position on the other side.
She puts on her helmet, takes out her hammer, and salutes Halvar. ”Ready?” she asks grinning. A small crowd begins to form, people cheering on both sides, and measuring up the newcomer.
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"Oh my yes, you cannot do any mercantile endeavors without an understanding of what you’re selling and buying.”
"Oh, sure you can, it just wouldn't be optimal at the start. We sell an item for coppers which should be silvers, and someone is bound to tell us what fools we were to make such a sale, and from that, we learn." Aelin smirks at his father, only a little tease in his voice. "There are some of us who are much more sensible, hence our pleading to authorities on such things."
"Does the name Nertilian Tafaj mean anything to you?"
Aelin produces a small handkerchief, and unfolds it. From it, he pinches a little dust, and sprinkles it on the table nearest Father. "That's what's left of him. Of Nertilian. He was a little undead before he turned to dust." The half-elf considers his father's expression.
...
Aelin is totally on board to visit a cult, let alone one dedicated to mighty Thor. When the commotion settles, and Aelin turns to witness Halvar bracing for a fight with Petrite, the half-elf restrains himself from exhorting his brother to battle, with invigorating words which would make Bragi proud. "If I'd been paying half of my normal attention, brother, I would have take up arms in your stead. As it stands, you're engaging a valkyrie, and possibly your future wife, so don't disappoint her."
"Oh, sure you can, it just wouldn't be optimal at the start. We sell an item for coppers which should be silvers, and someone is bound to tell us what fools we were to make such a sale, and from that, we learn." Aelin smirks at his father, only a little tease in his voice. "There are some of us who are much more sensible, hence our pleading to authorities on such things."
Dad laughs, "True enough! I do tend to spoil you. I should leave you to make your own mistakes and learn from them. Forgive an old man who is trying to start you off better than he in his day." He smiles warmly.
Aelin produces a small handkerchief, and unfolds it. From it, he pinches a little dust, and sprinkles it on the table nearest Father. "That's what's left of him. Of Nertilian. He was a little undead before he turned to dust." The half-elf considers his father's expression.
"Undead you say! Dear lord that's foul." Dad seems as surprised as you'd expect, and he leans back from the dust as if afraid to breathe it. Repulsed you'd say. A normal reaction.
She puts on her helmet, takes out her hammer, and salutes Halvar. ”Ready?” she asks grinning. A small crowd begins to form, people cheering on both sides, and measuring up the newcomer.
Halvar passes on the extra spells but inquires of Petrite. "I enter without any spells cast yet but would you be okay with my own spells?"
Halvar passes on the extra spells but inquires of Petrite. "I enter without any spells cast yet but would you be okay with my own spells?"
”We both enter without pre-cast spells, but I suspect it will not stay that way for long.” She grins, and begins!
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Halvar hands the CLW wand to Kalie and enters the ring.
"I hope we won't need to use too much of this today."
Round 1
Halvar fervently casts divine favor as a swift action, heads straight for Petrite, and swings.
”Starting forcefully I see!” Petrite grins even as she’s struck.
She steps back on her heels (5’ step back to the edge of the circle) and casts Bull’s Strength.
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Round 2, AC 21
"I didn't want to disappoint you."
Halvar fervently casts shield of faith as a swift action, steps forward and swings again.
Petrite spits out a back tooth as Halvar clips her jaw and ear with his blow to the head. She is now bloodied (at or below half hits). Grinning through the pain, she steps up and swings!
(bull)
(bull)
She returns the favor, though her blow is slightly less damaging and Halvar keeps all his teeth.
Round 3
Halvar uses the last of his fervor to heal himself before trying for three hits in a row while unsure exactly how many hits it will take to drop the warrior.
"Oh, I see what you're doing, Halvar! First, you bloody her, then you bring her back to new by the grace of Uller! Give her what she wants, then what she needs. I'm impressed."
Gertrude smokes as she shakes her head. ”This all seems a bit much for a difference of 150 gold. Ridiculous.” She sighs as she taps ashes off the cigarillo. ”Still, I suppose I should cheer him. The sisterly thing, after all.” She holds up her hand to help her voice carry. ”You can do it, Hal! Think about that 12.5% extra gold!”
"Woo! Keep going, Halvs! Stupendous!" Hamarr cheers.
Petrite is pleased there’s a miss - giving her the chance to catch up! The crowd is really into the fight as well, with many agonizing over Halvar’s miss, and making suggestions for his success. Of course, the same is true of Petrite, as she swings!
(bull)
(bull)
Alas she too misses with a very heavy swing, and the crowd goes wild as she over reaches!
While Olf may not applaud Halvar's decision, he will absolutely be in his brother's corner when the fighting starts.
"Well struck, brother! Well done!" Olf cheers happily.
She steps back on her heels (5’ step back to the edge of the circle) and casts Bull’s Strength.
Olf groans when he doesn't recognize the spell being cast.
That can't be good.
He watches the fight, rooting fervently for his brother.
Round 4
All out of fervor and tricks, Halvar continues to pound away hoping he will last longer.
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"Oh! So close! Keep it up, Halvs! This is for whatever god you pray to, I forget right now, but I'm sure they are very proud of you at this moment!" Olf cheers.
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Round 4 continued
Halvar activates the pendant of the blood scarab to confirm the crit and winces as the pendant’s spiky little legs momentarily animate and clutch against his skin.
Petrite drops like a stone with that crit, blood pouring from a nasty headwound which knocks off her helmet. She collapses to the floor and stops breathing.
Halvar has killed the priestess...
The crowd grows silent with anticipation, and wait to see what Halvar does in the situation! There are many eyes on him.
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Halvar drops his warhammer and kneels beside Petrite.
He converts protection from evil to CLW and tries that.
Assuming that doesn't work, he will cry for help and then appeal to Uller.
"Uller, have mercy on this warrior who fought valiantly in your tradition and those of so many of your fellow gods. She was not an enemy to be slain."
The room grows quiet as Halvar calls upon his god to save the priestess of Thor. His curing fails, the magics bleeding out without providing any succor on the downed woman.
However.
A watching old priest quietly steps into the circle as many make way for him like a silent tide. ”As she was acting for the church, though you have requested it, you will not be charged for it.” He casts Breath of Life on Halvar’s dead foe.
Petrite’s eyes flutter open, and she looks upon the priest hovering above her. She first swears, and coughs up some phlegm before thanking him with a blessing of her own. She gathers up her hammer and staggers to her feet.
”I yield.” she says formally as she bows, painfully, to Halvar. ”Well struck!” she adds more personally as she stumbles away to recover further and try to catch her breath.
The crowd in one collective breath! Halvar is quickly and forcefully hemmed in by well wishers all wanting to shake his hand and pound him on the back for his success. Many are the offers of drink and food if he’ll only join them at their table.
Word ripples through the crowd and even more, who didn’t even see the fight, come by to see who bested Petrite so soundly.
"Well struc--," Olf strangles his cheer as the priestess falls much more heavily than expected.
Olf casts Stabilize on the priestess, the thing he could think to do, hoping that it might be enough. He watches as the real priests do what real priests can do.
Phew. I would not sleep well knowing that this could have been what happened.
"Will she be okay?" Olf moves over to offer Halvar some of the sun's own ministrations.
CLW
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"Ohhhh, I saw the wince, Halvar." Aelin makes a claw gesture towards his own chest, and shakes his head. "I really don't know what that would do to you, so let's just start with what we have. What did this do to you? Tell me. And remember, this is for posterity, so be honest. How do you feel?"
Halvar breathes a sigh of relief as the breath of life takes effect. He then takes a look at himself.
"Thanks for the healing, Olf." Halvar examines the wounds from the pendant as they close for any oddities.
"I'm going to have to clean up before our afternoon tea with Wenumweec. This was a bit more than a shopping trip."
Halvar is quickly and forcefully hemmed in by well wishers all wanting to shake his hand and pound him on the back for his success. Many are the offers of drink and food if he’ll only join them at their table.
"Petrite, now that we've broken each others bodies, how about we break some bread and share a drink? I have time for a couple before an afternoon commitment."
"Ohhhh, I saw the wince, Halvar." Aelin makes a claw gesture towards his own chest, and shakes his head. "I really don't know what that would do to you, so let's just start with what we have. What did this do to you? Tell me. And remember, this is for posterity, so be honest. How do you feel?"
"Honestly, it wasn't that bad; the trade-off seems worth it for now."
Holding onto the wand Halvar handed her, Kallie watches silently but no less invested-- wincing every time Halvar is struck, cheering internally when he lands his own blow, and thoroughly enjoying the 'for fun' fight... until it abruptly becomes serious. She is on the verge of rushing forward with the wand, even though it seems Halvar's own healing isn't helping the woman, when, blessedly, the senior priest brings the woman back.
Kallie's shoulder sag with relief. That could have been a tragedy... and Halvar, she knows, would likely have blamed himself. It's a reminder that even 'friendly' matches can go ill, and that the life they're dabbling in can become deadly in a moment.
When the congratulatory crowd gives a moment's pause, she makes her way to her triumphant brother's side and squeezes his shoulder once. "Well fought. Here, take the wand back - I nearly broke it in two, I was gripping it so hard."
Stepping away again, she remarks to Gertie, "It's only gold - but at the rate we've been racking up dinners out, I feel sure we'll spend it and soon enough."
"Petrite, now that we've broken each others bodies, how about we break some bread and share a drink? I have time for a couple before an afternoon commitment."
Petrite moved off immediately after the fight to recover, and you’ve been hemmed in by well wishers. They will, unless forcefully rebuffed, half carry you to a table, where food and drink are waiting for you. A small feast in your honor for your success today. Room is made for the rest of the party as well, though the focus is Halvar. People want to know who he is, what he’s doing here, and how he gained such skill with the warhammer! Was it many years of practice? Was the weapon forced upon him by forces beyond his control? Inquiring minds want to know.
Mostly though, it’s a celebration. The cult of Thor greatly respects those who can stand on their own two feet - and Halvar clearly showed he can. Petrite is a respected dueler in the hall, and many here have had their asses handed to them by her. So Halvar has some minor notoriety among those who watched the fight. Without care, this celebration could quickly eat the afternoon - though you suspect that many here would have found any reason at all to celebrate for the afternoon.
In the excitement and drama of the moment, you still have your hammers unsold. Do you try again with some other priest, or wait for another day to visit Petrite again? Or at least after the Wenumweec meeting in a few short hours.
Olf would want to wait (or return) for the offered price of the hammers, a deal struck is a deal struck. He will eat and enjoy the feast, feeling very proud of his little brother, who fought very well.
Halvar will allow himself to be carried along to lunch. He slams back the first mug of ale to take some of the edge off and then slows down on the second.
"I've used lots of weapons before, but never a warhammer in a dual before. Maybe Thor looked favorably on me. Maybe Uller didn't want to be shown up. Maybe I was just lucky."
Halvar will also be returning to collect the full price on the hammers as he is sure the reduced price would be in effect even if roles had been reversed; and then, they'd also likely be stuck with the cost of the casting.
Spells
used 1 Protection from Evil
used 1 Divine Favor x1 (personal, +1 luck bonus for atk and dmg for 1 min) used +2 with Fate's Favored trait adding +1 to luck bonuses
used 1 Shield of Faith x1 (touch, +2 deflection bonus to AC for 1 min)
Blessings (3/3 per day remaining)
Protection (+1 sacred bonus for saves & AC for 1 min)
Travel (swift, ignore all difficult terrain (including magical terrain) and take no penalties for moving through it.
Fervor (0/3 per day remaining)
pendant of the blood scarab (0/1 per day remaining)
Petrite drops like a stone with that crit, blood pouring from a nasty headwound which knocks off her helmet.
Hamarr inhales sharply as the Priestess falls, his eyes widened in shock.
”Pretty sure Uller didn’t want that to happen either…”
He stands there feeling helpless. ”Halvs…” he exhales gently, shaking his head, unable to completely express himself. He knows his brother didn’t mean to slay the priestess.
He is very relieved when the old Priest steps up and breathes life back into the Priestess.
”We should come back and finish the deal – it would be an insult otherwise. Halvs, you should bring flowers. But – not the kind they have for funerals or wakes – that would be like bringing a vulture.”
He accompanies the others to lunch.
~~~
"I've used lots of weapons before, but never a warhammer in a dual before. Maybe Thor looked favorably on me.”
Hamarr nods with a passive pensive aspect.
”Maybe Uller didn't want to be shown up.”
Hamarr nods again, this time with an air of boredom.
”Maybe I was just lucky."
Hamarr nods this time with the demeanor of one that is thinking the other is overthinking things.
”Or, maybe it was that cursed thing around your neck.”
He buys a round of everyone's usual.
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As you’re making your goodbyes, and struggling to get free of the well wishers, Petrite reappears in the main hall. She looks quite refreshed - more so than you’d have expected from her recent death. Perhaps a lesser restoration, along with some more healing, brought her back to freshness. Ahhh, the power of the priesthood.
She spots the party, and makes a beeline for Hamarr. ”I’m glad I caught you. As promised, I have 1,350gp for the hammers. And I still have a Make Whole for your armor.”
If you do not refuse it, she’ll cast the spell on Hamarr’s armor. She does not seem to expect payment.
to cover the 10hp damage.
The armor no longer has the broken condition, and is in fact fully repaired. She collects the hammers and nods/smiles to Halvar. ”That was quite a fearsome blow there at the end, though honestly you did better than I throughout. I knew I should have pushed my Shield of Faith sooner, but you were already on top of me before I had a good opportunity. Speed in combat often foretells the winner!”
Olf nods and smiles at the honorable Petrite, magnanimous even in defeat.
”Thank you for everything today,” Olf says, meaning it. ”You are a credit to your god.”
He has little more to say at the moment, and hopes today is written as a good day rather than a bad one despite the close call
”We should get Halvs cleaned up before our afternoon appointment.”
Unsure what else to say and still needing to get cleaned up before his next engagement, Halvar offers a simple, "Thank you, Petrite. I'm glad to see you're well. It was an honor."
Halvar will get cleaned up and reconnect with the family for their afternoon meeting.
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"I’m glad I caught you. As promised, I have 1,350gp for the hammers. And I still have a Make Whole for your armor.”
Aelin raises an eyebrow, while observing the exchange, both verbal and literal. "Oh, come now. Halvar here gave you a warrior's chance to see Thor up close and personal. He didn't just best you, he killed you, and you got a new tale out of it. I'd say that's worth 1,500 even."
"Commendable, brother Halvar. You seized a chance to experience mortal combat, feel the pain, and give it. Granted, she's no flumph..." The half-elf pats him on the shoulder, understanding that the Uller worshipper has a scent about him. With another pat, Halvar is cleaned up from an impromptu prestidigitation.
"Wenumweec awaits."
Hamarr looks at Olf briefly as Aelin speaks.
”The deal was for 1350gp.” He turns to Petrite and if no one objects says, ”And we’ll take 1350gp.” He presents her with the hammers. ”And thanks for the Make Whole, too.”
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Gertrude snaps her fingers sharply, a spark of fire flying off them, and turns the snap into a finger pointed right at Aelin. ”Don’t you bloody dare. I will not have you trying to finagle more money out of this travesty, even as a joke. This happened anywhere else, or someone was just another few seconds away, and you would be raising eyebrows at a corpse right now. We are lucky to be getting any money considering we didn’t even have anything to do with making things right.”
She lowers her gaze so she is glaring over her glasses. ”Now apologize for your disrespect and mercenary behavior. Exact words. I shall be quite cross with you otherwise.”
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"Wenumweec awaits."
"Ah Wenumweec, ah Wenumweec," Olf humms to himself, waiting.