[IC] Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia nodded quietly in agreement as Aisha made her comment about the Lightning Company. She smiled at the compliment regarding their work and how she would have hired them as permanent guard or investigators. She was surprised to see Aisha give them coin for their assistance. But she knew better than to turn it away, she accepted the coin, and she answered Aisha, "Thank you. We're happy to help out. We'll be sure to lay low as much as possible,"

She listened as Pylia asked why the Lightning Company were still operating. She had to admit, Pylia did pose a good question. If they were lazy, why were they still employed? Then Aisha gave the answer. She nodded at her question regarding them having Shor's deputy badge. So it was because of the fact that they could deputize people who did work for them. It was a shame that the deputy system was easily abused like that.

When Aisha dismissed them, Sylvia nodded and answered "Alright. See you tomorrow then, Aisha," She then led the way out of the barracks. As they would exit, Sylvia would take note of the time before deciding what to do next. If it was late, then it might be best to figure out where to stay for the night so they can rest.

[Lucius Cypher]

It was the afternoon now. While the sun was still up it was heading towards the horizon, but that hasn't put a stop to the general hustle and bustle around the market area. It would seem like business would still continue for quite some time, allowing the party time to do some shopping or looking around. "Should we rent another room at the Silver Stag?" Pylia suggested. Shortfang climbed up Buddy so he could look at you. "Or or or! Stay at Dragonwatch! Good food, for free, kobolds keep you safe!" Pylia made a forced smile at Shortfang's suggestion. "Not having to pay for a room is nice... It's just... Sewers... Again..." Buddy wrote out another note for the group with his thoughts. "We could try other inns. The Bloated Float is an inn with that other adventurer with Jackson." Buddy seemed to have already forgotten Domic's name but remembered his hound, Jackson. That's also when Shortfang remembered something. "Oh, before inn, how about shopping? We got lotta money now! We go buy stuff from Ferric, or other places!"

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia held her chin in thought over the suggestions and she answered "It might not be a good idea to stay at the Silver Stag tonight. Staying there for a third night in a row might make it too obvious for someone to track us. And the Lightning Company was asking about kobolds, possibly to make them scapegoats, so it might not be a good idea to go Dragonwatch either. I certainly don't mind trying a stay at the Bloated Float tonight. But, where is the Bloated Float...?"

She had to admit, she liked the idea of staying at the Bloated Float because of the possibility that they could learn more about Domic and Jackson. She thought it was kind of funny that like her, Buddy didn't know the adventurer's name but remembered Jackson's name just like she did.

She then suggested to her friends, "We could also go to Ferric's and get ourselves a mobile home. That would be a good investment not only for our stay here, but also for if we have to leave Gransys. But it might not be discounted since we probably didn't help that many people,"

[Lucius Cypher]

“Well let’s see... We helped that family attacked by the mimics. That has to count for something. And technically by taking out that gangs we’ve also brought some measure of peace to the three shops that got attacked by them. Sure word has t really spread but I think we can spin it into a good story. They at least know we’re helping.” Pylia said. She seemed to look on the bright side of things. “Shortfang know Bloated Float! Fancy ship place on dockside. Sometimes even go pass Dragonswatch.” Buddy wrote another note down to convey his thoughts. ”We can also sell our assorted plunder. I had collected the arms and armor of the brigands we can sell to Ferric.” Buddy patted his bag which made a solid sound as it was stuffed with weapons and armor. “Ah yes, we sold the pearls to the jeweler, but we still have the slaad stone and that silver brick from the Mimic. I’m sure Ferric can get it appraised for us.”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia was glad to see that Pylia was looking on the brighter side of things as of now, and she nodded commenting "True..." in response to her suggestions about spinning what they did into a good story. When Shortfang mentioned that the Bloated Float was in the docks, she remembered that the Lightning Company were in the docks right now, and she answered Shortfang, "I think we might want to avoid the docks for a bit. The Lightning Company is over there after all," She then read Buddy's note, and she nodded "That's a good point," After Pylia made her comment, Sylvia answered, "Then I think we have a plan then. Let's head to Ferric's shop and do some shopping and selling," She then led the way to Ferric's shop.

[Lucius Cypher]

With a plan on hand the party heads over to Ferric's shop once more. When you arrive it seems to be a bit busy, with a few groups of people here perusing. Young adventuring types, old veterans, and a few common looking folk just walking around. Ferric gives the group a hearty welcome as he finishes a few transactions with a rather intimidating looking fellow dress with spikes and bones, who seemed to have just brought a pair of axes made from the teeth of some large monster. He was practically giggling at the sight as he leaves the shop. "Welcome Sylvia. I've just gotten some good word in that you and your friends have been a big help recently. Though I'm not part of the guild yet, they've recommended my shop, which is a good step forward. How can I help you today?"

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia was somewhat surprised to see the shop was more crowded than it was earlier today. After the big guy left with his axes, she turned her attention to Ferric. She smiled at his words, and she commented, “Wow! Word really does travel fast. I’m glad to hear your shop was recommended!” She then answered him, “We’re here with some loot to be appraised and sold,” After mentioning the items she would place them on the counter and have Buddy place the gangsters’ arms and armor on the counter, “We have a silver brick, a slaad gem, and the arms and armor from the vandals,”

After that she would mention, “We would be interested in purchasing a Mobile Home,”

[Lucius Cypher]

"Well well well, just give me a moment to look over everything here and I'll tally up the cost for you." You and Buddy place the items onto Ferric's counter as he checks it over, putting on a fancy headpiece that had a built-in lens of different magnifications. Three scimitars, four daggers, two greataxes, two maces, four sets of leather armor, two sets of hide, and one set of studded leather. Most of it was in decent condition too, though they certainly needed to be washed and patched up. He'd sell the whole bulk to you for 125 gold coins total. Appraising the Slaad Gem, he is able to tell you that this is a Red Slaad Control Gem.

"Slaads are aberrant creatures, things unlike even fey or demons. A magic ritual can be cast to create a Slaad via the gem, and as long as you possess said gem they will unquestionably follow your orders." Ferric put the gemstone in front of you as he shook his head. "That being said, I've no idea how to preform said ritual, and even if you did accomplish it, earning the loyalty of the Slaad is a trial of it's own. Compared to it's other kin, Red Slaads are actually quite affable, however they are driven by their primal instincts and have very little to no concept of human morality." Looking over to Mica, who was diligently pouring over books in his private work area, Ferric looked back to you. "That is to say, though they're sapient beings they act like animals, driven mainly by their desire to eat, breed, and occasionally battle. Depriving a Slaad a chance to do either of the three will make them unruly. In any case, I can buy this for twenty-five hundred (2500 GP)."

Looking over the silver brick, Ferric seemed rather interested. "My oh my Sylvia, just where do you and your friends got to find treasures like these? This is no ordinary silver brick. This is a solid mithril ingot! Why, one of these is worth at least a five hundred gold on it's own. But that's not the best part." Ferric put the ingot under his lens as he examines it closely, testing it with a few drops of some mysterious chemical he had underneath his counter. "Yes... This is very pure stuff. I wouldn't expect any less of course. Mithril, you see, has magic properties similar to silver when it comes to how it can affect certain creatures and monsters, but as a metal it's also very durable yet lightweight. Right up there with adamantine for legendary metals. Specifically, mithril is often used as an alloy in armor to make it much more lightweight, allowing even less physically strong people wear and move in large bulky armor. For example, find the right person and you could create a full suit of armor for your kobold friend or Pylia. Unfortunately, I'm not capable of that level of craftsmanship. My skills are decent enough to mend most gear and maybe work a forge for day-to-day wares, but something special like armor or weapons requires a true master." He slides the ingot back to you. "Still, I'll gladly buy it from you for five hundred gold (500 GP). Maybe with any luck I'll find a smith capable of working such a metal, and I'll have their wears in my shop!"

Finally, Ferric would take out the Mobile Home. Setting it on the counter between the two of you, it looked like a wooden version of the pumpkin carriage you might've seen in the animated Cinderella Movie. All it needed now was a small lantern and horses. "Ah yes, the Mobile Home. I'll admit I had this one here in Gransys for quite some time, never used. Though I really ought to have, it would've saved me so much trouble during my travels. But fate had other plans, eh? In any case, I've never actually set up the command word for this item, so once you spend some time attuning to it you can sent the command to whatever you'd like, allowing you access to it whenever you need it too. The only trouble I can foresee is that if you plan on taking this Mobile Home on the go, you will need horses to pull it. Considering that it's about the size of a standard carriage, you'll need at least two strong mules if you plan on going anywhere anytime soon. Alternatively, since I'm sure you've come into a lot of money, getting yourselves some proper horses will help you move more, faster, if time is of the essence."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia listened as Ferric looked over the slaad gem and talked about slaads. That thing they encountered was affable in comparison to other slaads?! Sylvia silently hoped that she and her friends do not encounter any more slaads. Though she was now curious, how did Ferric know so much about slaads? Had he encountered them before?

She didn’t ask the questions, and instead listened as he went to appraise the silver brick next. Turns out that it wasn’t silver, but mithril! She had heard of mithril before thanks to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie. She had to admit, mithril armor sounded awesome. If she sold this to Ferric, then they could buy mithril armor later.

Then her attention turned to the Mobile Home Ferric brought out. She kept herself from laughing. If someone back home asked for a Mobile Home and saw this, they would have been so angry. Plus this looked a wooden version of Cinderella’s Pumpkin carriage. Well, she knew what code names to give it now.

She answered Ferric, “I don’t think getting horses or mules will be a problem...”

She then told him, “I think you have a deal. We’ll sell the arms, armor, the slaad gem, and the mithril bar, and we’ll buy the Mobile Home,”

[Lucius Cypher]

“Excellent. Once I’m formally part of the Merchant’s Guild, I’m sure I can make use of their network to find a smith capable of working mithril. Bring me back some more if you find any, and that’ll really help ensure I can get a good price for arms and armor. Oh, and is there anything else you’ll be wanting to buy?” As Ferric asks this, Shortfang comes over with an armful of silver nets. Well two, but it was an armful for someone as small as Shortfang. “Boss! Shortfang need shinies for shiny net!”

Pylia patted her war club. “I could use an enchantment for my club here. Something primal, like fire, would suit me well. We could also use the Heatstone if we ever go up north or anywhere we can’t gather firewood from.” Pylia suggested. Buddy was looking over the book of enchantments that Ferric offers and simply points to the standard weapon enhancement. “Looks like Buddy wants an upgrade too. Anything you feel like you’ll need, Sylvia?”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia remembered the prices of the enchantments and items requested and did some quick calculations, muttering under her breath. She answered Pylia, "I can think of some things that'll help not just me out..." She then proceeded to tell Ferric, "Looks like we'll be purchasing two silver nets, and having Pylia's club enchanted with fire and Buddy's Urgrosh enchanted with the...standard option?" She wasn't quite sure what the standard option was called. She shrugged and continued, "We'll also take a heatstone, three snapleaf tokens, a Traveler's Any Tool, a Folding Boat, and I'd like my tonfas to be enchanted with Ferocity," After she spoke, she placed down the total amount, which she figured was 5,410 GP. She and the party now had 6,290 GP left over.

Math notes made while making the post

Silver Nets (2) = 210 GP
+1 Enchantment = 2000 GP
Flaming Enchantment = 1000 GP
Heatstone = 75 GP
-------------------------------
3285 GP
-125 GP (From selling the gangsters' arms and armors. The 3000 from the mithril and the slaad gem went to the Mobile Home)
-------
3160 GP

Ferocity Enchantment Tonfa = 1000 GP
-------------------------------------
4160 GP

Snapleaf Token (3) = 750
-------------------------
4910

Folding Boat = 300 GP
------------------------
5210 GP

Traveler's Any Tool = 200 GP
----------------------------
5410 GP

11,700
-5410
-------
6,290 GP

[Lucius Cypher]

The items were gathered for you as Ferric also asked for the weapons that were going to be enchanted. "Now, my son is a savant when it comes to enchantments and all things magical, but that doesn't mean it'll be done quickly. Fortunately, for the business at least, we've actually quite a few customers ahead of you who have taken up our services, so we won't be done with the enchanting until tomorrow at the latest. Until then we will be needing these weapons until then, if you don't mind." Pylia nods understandingly. "It'll be tough, but I think I'll manage." Buddy wrote down a note that seemed to be hastily written. "I would have my axe. But if we are not expecting any more battles today, I can leave it here." Meanwhile Shortfang was quickly strapping his new silver nets where his old nets were on his backpack, tossing those in a bundle onto the counter. "Shortfang sells these!" Ferric chuckled as he handed Shortfang five gold for both his nets.

On the counter was your items as well. The heatstone appeared to be a dark obsidian oval stone. At certain angles, you could almost make out some sort of rune carved inside of the barely translucent stone. "A heatstone, I keep one of these with me all the time. Great for camping! Word of caution, try not to slam it too hard. It's not impossible for it to break if you strike it directly, so a tap or light drop ought to activate it." Ferric explains. Next to the stone were also three identical light green leaf-shape badges. They looked like they were made of some sort of stain glass. "These come with pins so you can attach them to your backpack strap, collar, or anywhere within arms reach. Heck, you can even grab and breath it with your teeth if your hands are full." Next was the traveler's tools. It looked pretty simple, like a very long switch-army knife. "For this, it works better if you think about what you want and don't think too much how such a thin rod is able to make it." Ferric just flicks his wrist while holding the rod, causing a section to flip and spin out into an hammer head that is thicker than the rod itself. Then he just grabs the head and with a bit of a pull and twist, puts the hammer head away so it's just a regular rod. Finally there was just a wooden box on the table, just big enough to contain all the items together. "For obvious reasons, I can't really show you how the folding boat works while it's still inside of my shop. But like the Mobile Home, you'll need to spend some time attuning to the items to set up the command word. I think you can set both of them up at the same time."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia handed her tonfas over to them and she answered Ferric and her friends, "I think we can manage without them tonight. We're not expecting another fight," She did note however, that it might be a good idea to spend the night in the inn instead of the Mobile Home like she had initially planned tonight. She noticed that Shortfang planned to sell his normal nets, but before she could even think of suggesting that he keep them just in case, he already sold them. She shut her mouth before she even spoke.

She looked at the items and she nodded at his words of caution and advice. She put the heatstone and the Traveler's Any Too in her normal backpack, while the Folding Boat went into the bag of holding with the Mobile Home. She then took the three Snapleaf tokens and passed them out, one to Shortfang, one to Pylia, and one to Buddy. She told them, "I think you guys will need these...just in case we fall off of a cliff or something like that,"

She then thanked Ferric, "Thank you, Ferric. I think that's it for now. We'll see you tomorrow," She nodded to her friends and she told them, "Let's head on out,"

After they leave, and while they walked on, Sylvia told her friends, "I think we should stay at the Silver Stag tonight. Since we don't have our weapons for tonight, I would rather stay there then risk someone trying to steal something from us while we sleep in the Mobile Home for tonight.

[Lucius Cypher]

Your friends fit the tokens somewhere convenient for them. Shortfang as it pinned to the top of his tunic, Pylia has it on her belt, and Buddy for some reason just put it where his mouth ought to be. "Sure thing Sylvia. If you ever need anything, don't hesitant to stop by my shop! We close around the eighteenth bell, but if you stop by I'll make time for you." Walking a bit further you tell your friends your thoughts and Pylia nods. "That's fine with me. Though I'm sure the Mobile Home should be secure if it works like any other carriage, I'd still prefer a bed to a chair." Shortfang chimed in, still riding on Buddy so he didn't have to chase after the party as they walked. "Hey hey boss, why not do boarding house? We have lotta money now! Silver Stag nice, but always buy rooms. Boarding house might be nice! Big room, good food, safe." Pylia seemed to just now remember that deal and pondered about it. "Oh right, they did offer a deal like that. Six months for a room similar to the one we had at the Silver Stag, right? Plus some other bonuses I don't fully remember. Something about breakfast?" Shortfang nods and counts on his fingers. "Ah Shortfang think... Food, clean stuff, go places. Hundred gold. Kinda cheap, with all the shinies."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia once again had to stifle a laugh when she saw Buddy place his Snapleaf Token right where his mouth should be. She imagined for a moment if she had gotten him one of those duck whistles or a kazoo. Would either of those make a sound if Buddy tried to use them? The world may never know...
She listened to her friends as they walked on, and after Shortfang brought up the deal, Sylvia answered him, explaining her thoughts, "I thought about that Shortfang, and there's a bit of a problem with that idea: We don't know how long we're going to be in Gransys. There is a chance we may have to leave after we deliver the message to Erod, so the six month deal wouldn't necessarily work for us,"

[Lucius Cypher]

"Oh yeah." Shortfang said quietly. "Forgot that. Maybe adventures take us lotta places." Clasping her hands together Pylia continued to think about their options. "Still, even if we leave Gransys after we deliver our message to the duke, he's not due until what, twelve more days or so? Give or take. If nothing else, we'll need to book rooms for us for more than just a few days in advance. Not to mention there's no certainty of what exactly will happen after we speak to the duke. After all even if we warn them about the dragon, we may need to stay in town in order to research how to get you... I mean... I know... Ah..." Pylia seemed to quieten down as she thought more about the situation. Looking to Buddy and Shortfang, Pylia leaned closer to you and whispered into your ear. "I don't think we've ever told Buddy or Shortfang about your... Origins. I know this dragon business is why we came to Gransys, but I don't think the others know why exactly you're looking into it."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

After Pylia mentioned that they were staying for twelve days or so, and that they would need to book a room, Sylvia answered her, smiling, "That's why I got the Mobile Home. That way, when we have our weapons, we can stay in there during the nights and when we have to go, we can take it with us," Her smile faded when Pylia started to mention the research needed to going home, and she stopped. She listened to Pylia as she whispered in her ear. She had a good point. She hadn't told Buddy or Shortfang of her origins yet. She answered her in a whisper, "That's true...we haven't told them yet. But...would they believe it though? ...Should we tell them? I mean....even in here, in Keratia, just thinking about my predicament still sounds crazy,"

[Lucius Cypher]

Pylia bit her lip, uncertain. "I... I don't think they'd disbelieve it. Maybe... It might not matter too much either if they knew about it or not. I mean..." Pylia sighed as she rubbed her temple. "I'll be honest, I'm not sure what to think about it. Before when it was just you and me, it was just... Something you and me needed to be concerned about. I mean..." Pylia glanced at Shortfang who seemed curious about what you and Pylia were whispering about. "What? Shortfang look funny? What you talking about?" The cleric took a step back and just smiled at Shortfang. "Just something I forgot about. For now, let's just focus on getting a room for us. Assuming we just pay for the same room we had last time, I think we can spar at least fifteen gold to rent the group room for a little over two-weeks. That way if we have to return to Gransys after we give the duke our message, we'll still be able to have a place to bed down if we're in town." She looked back to you without dropping her smile, but looked concerned. Wordlessly, she mouthed "We'll talk about it later" towards you as the group would arrive to the Silver Stag.

Busy as always, there was a steady amount of people here eating and keeping the workers and kitchens busy, but still allowed the same wood elf receptionist to stay at her post as she handed a set of keys to a group of adventurers. She spots your group and greets you kindly. "Welcome back. Here for a meal or a room?"

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia listened to Pylia's answer, and she turned to look at Shortfang and Buddy as Pylia did. She let Pylia answer Shortfang's question, and she gave a knowing look at her mouthed words. She then realized something, thinking about her predicament now, and she added to Shortfang, "Oh! Shortfang, I just realized! You never finished the story about Pun-Pun," She remembered that Shortfang stopped his story about Pun-Pun right before the last enemy: C'tan, which she remembered him briefly saying that C'tan was from another world. Maybe that would give her insight Shortfang's views on an otherworldly character...

Soon they reached the inn and she greeted the receptionist, "Hi! We're here for a room again. Hopefully one to last us for about two weeks," She then placed fifteen gold down on the counter.

[Lucius Cypher]

“A little over two weeks? Lovely! Here is your key. Your previous room is currently occupied, but we still have more adventurer rooms. Yours is door number thirteen on the second floor.” The elven woman handed you the key to your room and motioned towards the staircase to the side. She also handed you four green sheets. “And for buying more than three days of stay, here are some complimentary meal vouchers! Today’s special is seafood salad. Each day we offer one free voucher for each tenant. You’re free to redeem these anytime the kitchen is open.” The receptionist bowed her head politely towards you. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”