Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"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."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

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?"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“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.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

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!"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Aisha looked at the books and nods grimly. "Lightning Company huh? Bunch of lazy cunts... But if they're on the move, then something is bothering them." Aisha takes the books and puts them on her desk, thinking about something. Once she finishes her thought she looks to you. "You and your friends should lay low for a while now. Once Shor and the others come back I've had finished reading the ledger and we could get to work on finding out what is going on and who to go after next. You've all been a big help for our team. Frankly, if I was a captain I'd hire you all on permanently as guards, or at least official investigators." Aisha says with a smile. Taking out a small purse she puts it on the table for you. "It's not much, but consider it something for helping us out. I'd recommend you keep an eye out for the Lightning Company, but avoid them if possible. We don't want to rouse their suspicion and I'd hate to have them harass you if they think you're their enemy. I don't doubt you and your friends can handle them in a fight, but despite their laziness they're still guardsmen, and I'm sure they'll abuse that authority to gain an edge against you."

Pylia just scoffed. "How is it that people like the Lightning Company are even operating? Yorik told us there's only four members, yet we ran into eight of them leaving the docks." Aisha sighed and laced her fingers together, looking at your party. "You have the deputy badge from Shor, yes? Essentially, that's how the Lightning Company operates as well. Despite what Yorik might've told you, the actual members of the Lightning Company are powerful warriors... But terrible guardsmen, and don't bother to do their jobs unless there is a threat big enough to warrant their services. So they deputize others to do their work for them. Naturally, you should only deputize those who'd you trust and you are personally responsible for their actions. If you all had harmed any civilians or committed any crimes while you had Shor's badge, it would be as bad as if he did it himself. Of course... When you're a guardsmen, or at least have the authority of one, it shouldn't come to a surprise when that power can be abused. Many of the people the Lightning Company deputize are no different than the criminals you just brought in. Some might have high hopes as an official guard, which is the original intention of deputizing, but under the Lightning Company it's a glass ceiling."

Aisha put her hands down and had a heavy sigh. "In short, the actual elite warriors hire lower level muscle to do the boring work of patrolling and such, and only come around during a true threat to gain all of the glory. That's not what Deputizing is for, but it's what it's used for a lot, and most captains don't speak out against it enough for the system to be replaced. Even Shor is supportive of it, but that's because he uses it responsibly." Looking tired and annoyed, Aisha waves you off. "Anyways that's all I have to say. Stay out of trouble, come back tomorrow, I'm sure we'll have something for you to do."

Keratia: Story of the Surf, Tales of the Deep

Yeah the world map I have, but technically the world map isn't something the players would "know", what with the counties having difficulties creating an geographically accurate map without the use of airships and stuff. Butt yeah, the battle maps I have a program for. It's not really as robust as I'd like it to be as far as objects and obstacles go; I pretty much use it to make a basic layout and grid system. A lotta everything else I improvise.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

The guardman wrote his notes before closing it. "Alright. I guess that's all for now. Stay out of trouble." The man says before he follows his fellows into the docks. Again, a strange thing since you were told before that normally there isn't much guard patrols on the dockside. Something must have stirred them up. Out of the corner of your eye you see Syfr landing on a barrel, cooing for you so he can lead you back to the others. Fortunately since you were able to distract the guards, they were able to get the criminals away from them and continue on their path unabated. It was tense moving through the crowds with the criminals in tow but everyone gave you a wide birth while Buddy and Shortfang kept a close eye on them. Eventually you'd arrive to Shor's barracks. It was rather small, only a single story building with a prison, desk, and seats. The door was of solid metal and the windows had iron bars. The entire building itself was also made of brick and stone, making it quite sturdy. Aisha was inside writing something into books when she'd notice the party, and she'd help you all put the prisoners inside when you arrive.

"Quite a bounty. Wasn't too difficult was it?"

Keratia: Story of the Surf, Tales of the Deep

I have no idea. The map I use right now is from an old campaign that I was in twelve years ago by a different GM I'm no longer with. But I sure wish I knew. I think he might've gotten it commissioned.

Or do you mean my combat maps? If so, I have a program called Dungeon Painter Studio I brought off steam. I make the layout with that, then save it as a PNG and load it into my paint program to add characters and enemies.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

The guard sighed and waved off the rest of the others. He took out a notepad and a small charcoal pencil. “Alrighty then. First, I’d like to get your name and occupation, and then I’d like you to tell me everything you saw before and up to the Mimic attack...” The guardsman would interview you about the Mimic Attack for the next few minutes, then ask you about any suspicious activities such as kobold sighting or strange characters, up to and including foreign adventurers. He also asked where you came from and what your business here is, as he can tell you’re obviously a foreigner.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Hmm hmm hmm roll me a persuasion check please~