Chapter 13: A Ghostly Glow

[Joe]

Streko looks up and clears his throat rather obviously. "I, too, am interested in what there is to be seen." He turns to Belarin. "Perhaps we can pool our discoveries here and consider what may be best for future endeavors." He smiles warmly at Madam Von Ruthvek.

[Brian]

Condign's eyes follow Adamant as the warforged exits the store. He knows he has upset his friend, knows he should go and apologize, but something inside is stopping him.

May 28, 2015 6:04:18 GMT -4 Jeff said:

When this is finished, you will tell me more about Belarin so he will trust me. If you do not, I will kill him myself.

The words had belonged to Rath, the spirit who had possessed him in Dolurrh. The constant threats to kill his friends, and his inability to stop the ghost--they continued to weigh on him mind. His own weakness permitted the possession: he had failed, both himself and his friends. It was a bitter realization, and one he had not resolved yet.

Kai's voice finally impinges upon Condign's awareness, and he slowly turns to watch the Dragonmarked d'Deneith lord.

What is he up to now?

[Jeff]

I really don't like going back in time.

Kal clears his throat before the transaction finishes. "Ah, my good woman, perhaps you would consider a competing offer? I have a hundred galifars here that says that item is mine...."

The gnome turns a glare upon Kal when he interrupts. "This is no auction, nor the Bazaar. If you will disturb my other customers, young lord, I will ask you to take your gold elsewhere."

Everyone else is looking at Kal. Still the homonculus's glow is upon him.

[Jeff]

The gnome woman acknowledges Streko's friendlier words with a half-smile.

May 10, 2016 16:57:11 GMT -4 Ken said:

“’The Wasting Plain’ … in Xen’drik, yes? My interests lie in the areas of concealment and confusion. I’m also looking for a gift for a lady friend of mine, with unusually dark tastes. What do you recommend?"

"The Wasting Plain lies along the western edge of the continent, a near-lifeless place that gives a traveler a taste of what lies beyond the Sun Pillars and the inhospitable desert of Menechtarun." She pauses, thinking. "Concealment. Confusion. I do possess a Cloak of Elvenkind that I would not lightly relinquish, but would consider doing so if you have the resources to purchase. If you wish to see it, we can discuss a price." Then she stoops behind the counter and rises again with a pouch. Opening it, she removes gray stones which have been polished into perfectly round shapes. They look like sling bullets, but are a little bit larger. A single rune is carved into each one. "Recovered in lands formerly occupied by rock giants, these stones will befuddle anyone they do not slay outright."

[Darren]

May 11, 2016 6:53:44 GMT -4 Jeff said:

I really don't like going back in time.

Me, neither, but this seemed important....

May 11, 2016 6:53:44 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Kal clears his throat before the transaction finishes. "Ah, my good woman, perhaps you would consider a competing offer? I have a hundred galifars here that says that item is mine...."

The gnome turns a glare upon Kal when he interrupts. "This is no auction, nor the Bazaar. If you will disturb my other customers, young lord, I will ask you to take your gold elsewhere."

Everyone else is looking at Kal. Still the homonculus's glow is upon him.

Kal tries to maintain his innocent look. "I simply meant that I came here looking for an item exactly like that one, and thought you might entertain an alternate offer. I hardly think being delayed getting across the square because some ruffians decided to murder a couple of innocents should be reason for me to miss out on my ability to get what I came here for..." Kal looks pointedly at the man who purchased the item.

Assuming there is no chance of Kal convincing the gnome, I don't want to make too much more out of this. If you want to move on, we can move on. Kal is also interested in that cloak that she just mentioned to Belarin (in the future), because he actually came to the shop looking for a new cloak....

[Jeff]

For starters, give me a Deception check for that bluff attempt...

[Ken]

Belarin finally notices the glowing light above Kal. He gives a tiny shake of his head. He turns back to the proprietress. "Some people.... Madam Von Ruthvek, may I see these stones? They sound intriguing! If they don't quite meet my needs, then perhaps I will convince you to give up that cloak." He smiles amiably.

[Darren]

Deception check is a 14.

It's not completely a lie. There was a hold-up because of the guard and people being killed. And Kal IS looking for anything that anyone else is looking for...

It's not a lie if Kal believes it.

[Dave B.]

Shorak steps up to where Belarin and Streko are talking to the gnome. "When you two are finished, I would like to ask about an item as well." He waits patiently for the gnome to finish dealing with Belarin and Streko, glancing occasionally back at the safe-sleeper.

[Jeff]

The check is because various things Kal said aren't real truth, like "I simply meant that I came here looking for an item exactly like that one..." You can try to bluff the NPCs, but not me.

Anyway, I guess these events are kind of happening in their own times.

---

Valexa Von Ruthvek stares at Kal accusingly but says nothing at first, as the members of the other group stand nearby. The captain's coins are on the counter between him and the gnome. Then she says, "It was not made clear to me by the Coin Lords that the timeliness of purchases within my shop should be subject to the actions of ruffians without my shop. If you have come here for an item just such as this one"—she indicates the big stone gear—"I am afraid you have arrived too late." She begins to collect the other man's money. "Since it now unavailable, I assume my shop holds little interest for you now." The gnome is clearly soured by Kal's words or tone.

But the other group is watching him. The captain says to Kal, "For your riddle?" He indicates the gear. Then his words quiet to almost a whisper and he approaches Kal. "Tell me the rest of your riddle and I'll sell this to you for one thousand galifars, Lord d'Deneith." You don't think any of the members of this group were at the gala—or if they were, it was not on the ground floor, certainly not among the few who got to speak with Argushem.

The Emerald Claw woman idles nearby, clearly interested in overhearing more, but it's unlikely she can hear the captain's words.

May 11, 2016 20:31:35 GMT -4 Ken said:

Madam Von Ruthvek, may I see these stones? They sound intriguing! If they don't quite meet my needs, then perhaps I will convince you to give up that cloak." He smiles amiably.

Von Ruthvek lays two of the stones before Belarin. He can see they glow with enchantment magic. "I will sell each stone for one hundred, or the pouch of ten stones for eight hundred."

"The cloak was not easily acquired, for the elven folk do not give these over lightly. Unless you are willing to offer 2,500 gold pieces, I would rather not bring it out."

Waiting for him to decide, she then regards Shorak. "What would you like to see, young man?"

Near the front door, the other mercenaries—if that is what they are—take in Condign's measure as he nears them. Outside the door, standing in the rain, Adamant is treated to a thunderous boom in the dark, cloud sky. Multiple bolts of lighting snake down from the heavens: one of them smites some distant point, but one of them actually seems to strike somewhere within the city. Somewhere he can't see.

---

In game terms, you can throw a stone for 1d4 damage. Range 20/80 ft. If used with a sling, it's 1d6 damage with a range of 30/100 ft. A creature struck must make a Wisdom saving throw DC 14 or be subject to a confusion spell's effects for 2 rounds (they only make one save, failure means it lasts through 2 full rounds) Each stone can be reused but the magic diminishes with each use. DC 14 the first time, then DC 10, then DC 8, then DC 4.

[Ken]

Belarin ponders the offer, then says, "I'll agree to buy the whole bag... if you include a bauble for my lady love. That necklace with the crimson stone, perhaps...."

__________

I'm improvising, clearly, but Belarin is seeking a nice bit of jewelry that, in his estimation, would cost about 100 gp on its own.

[Jeff]

"Perhaps one of these will please you, and your lady?" Von Ruthvek brings out a leather case, unfolds it to reveal a velvet-lined enclosure and a handful of gem-inlaid pieces of jewelry. Most of them are much too gaudy or bright for the likes of Histra, though their value is along the lines of what he's thinking. But one of them is a brooch of dark gold in a pyramidal shape embedded with a gem so dark it's almost black. But it's got hints of red.

Seeing Belarin's eyes linger on the brooch, the proprietress says, "This is a Riedran spinel, recovered from a slaughtered expedition from that land more than a century ago along the banks of one of the Hydra's many estuaries. The stone by itself would be worth one hundred fifty gold pieces or more, but the brooch also possesses a minor, but helpful property. Clasped to any garment, it will cleanse the material completely of the stain of blood. Nothing more." The old gnome offers Belarin a chilling smile and then winks. "It cannot do the same, I am afraid, for the soul. Would you like to see it closely? I would sell it to you for three hundred gold pieces if that is your wish—independently from the ten stones. Or one thousand for both stones and brooch."

Indeed, Belarin's sight reveals a minor aura of transmutation upon the brooch.

Kal notices for the first time that Rinti is standing, almost shell-shocked, at not only the wares being discussed but the number of gold coins sited.

---

The brooch's effect sounds like a refined version of one of Prestidigitation's effects.

[Ken]

"Very interesting," says Belarin, honestly impressed. "Six of the stones, plus that, for 800 gold."

[Joe]

Streko sighs. "I would be interested in something that would increase my chances of not being killed so easily. Or, at least, badly injured. Do you have anything along those lines that I might be able to afford? Your Elven cloak, while it sounds wonderful, is far beyond my ability to pay, sadly."

[Dave B.]

He nods in acknowledgement to the gnome and points up towards the safe-sleeper. "That item up there. I am interested in that. Also, could you tell me how you came into possession of it?"

[Darren]

May 12, 2016 10:13:23 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The check is because various things Kal said aren't real truth, like "I simply meant that I came here looking for an item exactly like that one..." You can try to bluff the NPCs, but not me.

Anyway, I guess these events are kind of happening in their own times.

---

Valexa Von Ruthvek stares at Kal accusingly but says nothing at first, as the members of the other group stand nearby. The captain's coins are on the counter between him and the gnome. Then she says, "It was not made clear to me by the Coin Lords that the timeliness of purchases within my shop should be subject to the actions of ruffians without my shop. If you have come here for an item just such as this one"—she indicates the big stone gear—"I am afraid you have arrived too late." She begins to collect the other man's money. "Since it now unavailable, I assume my shop holds little interest for you now." The gnome is clearly soured by Kal's words or tone.

But the other group is watching him. The captain says to Kal, "For your riddle?" He indicates the gear. Then his words quiet to almost a whisper and he approaches Kal. "Tell me the rest of your riddle and I'll sell this to you for one thousand galifars, Lord d'Deneith." You don't think any of the members of this group were at the gala—or if they were, it was not on the ground floor, certainly not among the few who got to speak with Argushem.

The Emerald Claw woman idles nearby, clearly interested in overhearing more, but it's unlikely she can hear the captain's words.

Kal eyes the captain warily, as well as the wheel he now possesses. "You must think me a fool, sir," he says, quite aware of his elevated status over the other man. "If you are willing to part with this item, even for so large of a mark-up, it certainly must not be the one we were told to find." Kal puts extra emphasis on the word 'we', the implication of their shared riddle clear. "Or perhaps you thought to take my money and then steal the item back from me once we are outside?" Kal runs a hand along the shaft of his sharrash. "You would not find me such an easy target, I assure you." Kal waves a hand to dismiss the notion and smiles at the man. "In any event, captain, it seems you have won for now, and I wish you the best of luck in finding the gypsy's foot, though I think we have outpaced you on that part. The agents that Deneith dispatched probably already have it by now..." Kal stops himself, realizing he has probably said to much. "Excuse me, captain. We all have a lot to do, don't we? Best of luck in your search," he says as he turns away, then stops and looks over his shoulder and adds, "Be careful out there. There are a lot of unscrupulous characters on the streets today." Kal grins, then turns his back on the man and returns to Belarin and the gnome.

__________________________
Let me know if you want another Deception check...

[Brian]

Condign ignores the mercenary types as we walks past them towards the other end of the shop. He is not interested in buying anything--he has already spent more gold than he expected to see in his lifetime. He is simply passing time, gathering his troubled thoughts, and seeing if chance presents him with something interesting.

[Jeff]

May 12, 2016 18:45:20 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Very interesting," says Belarin, honestly impressed. "Six of the stones, plus that, for 800 gold."

"I would rather not be left with fewer than five stones," the gnome answers, "Five and the brooch for eight hundred, then. Or take all the stones for one thousand, as I said."

May 12, 2016 20:54:34 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko sighs. "I would be interested in something that would increase my chances of not being killed so easily. Or, at least, badly injured. Do you have anything along those lines that I might be able to afford? Your Elven cloak, while it sounds wonderful, is far beyond my ability to pay, sadly."

To this, Von Ruthvek says to Streko, "I'm afraid I am not an arms dealer or blacksmith, and you may need to be more specific. This is a shop of antiquities discovered in and around Xen'drik, many of which possess magical properties. Some may, directly or indirectly, provide protection."

May 12, 2016 21:16:48 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

He nods in acknowledgement to the gnome and points up towards the safe-sleeper. "That item up there. I am interested in that. Also, could you tell me how you came into possession of it?"

The old gnome glances only vague in the direction of the safe-sleeper, but obviously knows precisely what Shorak is talking about. "That has hung in my shop for nearly a decade now, and few have recognized it." She regards the half-drow more critically now. "This was sold to me by a returning expedition—as many items in my shop have been. Specifically, they were one of many Morgrave University adventurers who did not find what they sought, but in their return journey—those who had survived—they stumbled by accident into the ruins of Dal Olam and the plundered remains of a Vulkoori tribe—one that had been razed and burned by the Sulatar. My own examination of the device suggests some legitimate safeguard against nightmares and the influence of the Region of Dreams."

Studying Shorak very carefully, Von Ruthvek says, "For one of your companions I would sell it for no less than three hundred gold pieces. For one who knows precisely what it is, I would part with it for a mere one hundred."

When Kal turns his back to the man, the captain scowls. The bitterness is heavy in his tone as he says, "Ever the dragonmarked think themselves the masters of everything. But in the dark of the jungle, they'll bleed and die like the rest of us." He walks away and his group gathers themselves to depart.



The youngest of their company, the one who'd found the stone gear, approaches Condign. "Good day. Is it true that your kind are immune to fire, and that you can call it out of nothing?" Condign is fairly certain the boy is genuine in his curiosity, even if his approach is bold.

[Jeff]

Meanwhile, at the stop of the stairwell outside, Adamant stands in the rain. It hisses as it falls into the two braziers that blaze above his head—no mere magelight, that's real fire (if magically fueled) and heat. After a few minutes, he sees two armored figures approaching the base of the stairwell—Emerald Claw knights. They don't have weapons drawn, but they try to move around the eight-foot cloaked figure standing there. The big man moves quicker than he looks, presses a very large hand on the first knight's chest, and shoves. The knight stumbles back and topples to the ground, landing hard on his back. He lets out a curse and gasps for breath. The other knight reaches for his weapon, but the downed man barks out something. Too distant and in the rain for Adamant to make out.

He gets back as the tall figure just stands impassively once again. This time the knights both make a show of possessing coins. The guardian lets them pass and both knights start up the spiral stairway.

[Dave W.]

Adamant looks up and lets the warm rain run down his faceplate. Hmmm, this seemed like a better plan when not remembering the rain. The lightning catches his attention, but fleetingly. He tries to mark the general location of strike and worries what, or more specifically, who might be suffering… he makes a quick prayer for their comfort.

But he is distracted.

The memory of Condign's anger rings through him. "Do you call what happened to the Merrow Down?" How could that be forgotten? He must know it unwinds my heart. And still, none of us have been down to see the ship and crew. To see what happened there. As if it won't be true until we see it here, in this place, with our own eye-gems.

Adamant leans against the outside wall of the shop.Another failure. The Merrow Down, Syrdan, releasing the demon, Cyre… Not a very proud record. So much to atone for.

Adamant turns his head to look at the shop door, rain still dancing around his head and shoulders, I should go back and apologize to my friend. Or perhaps fight with him; help him release this anger.

Or set out for the Temple; resolve at least that one task from Dolurrh.

Seemingly incapable of making either choice, Adamant lowers his head as water drops race from his eye-gems down his steel cheeks.

We really must go investigate the attack on the ship.

Adamant's attention is drawn to the confrontation with the golem. More Claws? You do like to present a challenge, my Lady. Or perhaps this is an answer. If they enter I should follow and make sure that temperatures rise no further or act if they do. Other than watching the confrontation, Adamant makes no outward response. He will follow them if they enter the shop.

---

Oh, I was all set to post and then there's something new. I made a couple of amendments and let's see how this goes.

But we really should go investigate this attack on the ship at some point. I feel like we have a whole bunch of threads to follow and not enough time (well, without splitting up).

[Ken]

Belarin responds, "Agreed then. Eight hundred for five of the stones, plus the jewelry." He hands over the appropriate coinage. "A pleasure, madam. Good day!"

Turning away from the gnome, he looks at his nearby companions. "All done with your shopping, and Kal, are you done antagonizing people?" he says playfully. "We have other matters to attend to."

_____________________________

Belarin spends 800 gp.

[Brian]

Condign peers down at the boy's earnest face. Too young to wear armor, he thinks. Too young to face death.

Was I really that young one? he wonders.

Of course. Younger even, when I picked up my first sword.

"Immune?" Condign says to the boy. "No, but flame does not harm my kind as it will others. And no, we cannot summon fire. We require something that burns."

He hears Belarin's voice and bows to the boy. "If you will excuse me," he says, and moves to join the others.

[Darren]

Kal does not appear to notice the captain as he leaves. Returning to the gnome, he overhears Belarin's exchange with her. "Is that the only cloak you have in the shop, madam?"

[Jeff]

"The only Elven cloak, young lord, yes," Von Ruthvek answers Kal, seeming to do her best to return to a less scolding tone. "I do not carry many garments here; those that not magic deteriorate over time. Most of the relics I've acquired have weathered the years."

[Joe]

Streko nods in understanding. "Yes, ma'am I should have been more specific, and would have been, had I known what to be more specific about. I am unaccustomed to purchasing special equipment and my lack of knowledge is apparently hindering me from finding something I can use. Would you have anything that might create an area of silence? Or, perhaps, you have heard of something of this nature? I'm afraid I know little else of more detail. Forgive me," he says diplomatically. No reason to make more enemies than we already have. He smiles at the thought.

[Dave B.]

Shorak smiles at the gnome. "What it is, is a safe-sleeper. Where it came from was my own village. Of that I am sure. I would be willing to part with the 100 gold to bring it back into the fold, so to speak." He considers for a moment then asks, "Were there any other artifacts found with the safe-sleeper, that you know of?"

[Jeff]

The old gnome hands Belarin a pouch with five of the stones in it, then slips the brooch into a tiny, but lovely wooden, padded box. She accepts and counts his coins carefully.

"I wondered as much," Von Ruthvek says to Shorak with surprisingly gentleness. "I believe there may have been a few other, less memorable objects. Nothing magical, however. Shall I look?"

Outside, the Emerald Claw knights gain the top of the stairway and pause when they look upon Adamant. The two exchange knowing glances. The more authoritative one (the one who's been knocked down) says, "Good morning, 'forged." His tone doesn't sound genuine. Then he steps past Adamant, hand at the hilt of a sword, and enters the shop. As they go in, the other group comes back out and there's an awkward shuffle as they all struggle to fit past one another.

"Touch me again and I will cut the damned thing off," one of the mercenaries growls to the Emerald Claw knights. But no violence ensures. The two groups go their separate ways.

---

Inventory and bank amount updated, Ken.

[Dave W.]

Adamant nods at the Claw's good morning but says nothing. He notes the soldier's hand on hilt, Amateurs, he recalls his instructor when he was newly forged, Never touch your weapon but to clean it or bloody it.

He waits for the altercation at the doorway to clear and then follows the Claws into the shop.

[Dave B.]

May 14, 2016 12:50:57 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"I wondered as much," Von Ruthvek says to Shorak with surprisingly gentleness. "I believe there may have been a few other, less memorable objects. Nothing magical, however. Shall I look?"

His smile widens fondly and with some hope. "Yes, please. If it's not too much trouble."

[Jeff]

Before heading into some back room, the old gnome turns to Streko. "I think you are looking for spell scrolls, young man. These are relics of Xen'drik, and provide historic and archaeological value more than anything. What magic they possess is incidental, or perhaps revealing, on this land's past."

When she is gone, two Emerald Claw knights enter the shop—Adamant coming in shortly after them.

They approach the counter where the proprietress had been, then stop and regard your party. The female knight, standing nearby, beckons to them and they head over to speak in private with her.