It reads:
Dear friends,
I am happy you made it here, hopefully undelayed and rested
from your recent difficulties in Belhaim.
As you can see, unfortunately, I am not here to meet you. There has been an emergency of sorts, it
would appear that some magics, especially divination types, have been weakened throughout
the realm somehow. This has caused
several of my acquaintances to have great concern. As you can imagine, this has development is
most troublesome. Some sages are
suggesting that the rise of the dragons, including the one you dispatched, may
be siphoning off the inherent magic from the realm. I can’t say that it is a far-fetched
theory. Over the next few days, I will
be meeting with priests, wizards, and fellow druids to try to develop some sort
of explanation of the phenomenon.
In the meantime, I have contacted those I know at the
Palace, and I have been informed that you are fortunate indeed. It would appear that Prince Stavian only
bestows titles upon the “Day of Joy”, a national holiday that celebrates the
anniversary of his rule. That event is
in the first of the month, which, if my calculations on your travel are
correct, will be in two days’ time. If I
am not there to join you, do not worry, you have all proven yourselves to be
skilled at both the art of battle, and the art of social grace. Besides, from what I understand, Prince Stavian
is interested in the tales of adventure that you can, and will, certainly
relate. I have been told that formal
invitations will be arriving here at the inn for you within the day.
Finally, if you recall, I mentioned one of the Prince’s
lovers, Lady Lashonna Nance. I hear she
has quite the interest in all things dragon.
If you get the chance, please, gather what she can tell you about what
you have experienced, especially regarding the artwork found in the vault of
Nhur Amethon, it might prove useful. One
word of caution, I have heard that she tends to open up to those who the Prince
favors, so do your best to impress!
At the latest, I shall arrive back in Oppara in time to
travel with you to Absalom, perhaps 3 days at the latest. I look forward to sharing what we all have learned.
Heschen
"Gents, it seems that we have a few days before the festivities begin. I think we should head over to a local store to unload our extra gear. That way we can acquire any new items and have some coin left over for the festival."
ReplyDeleteWith that, Thomas leads the group out of the Inn toward a nearby shop. Over the door of the well painted, 2-story building hangs a sign in the shape of an oaken barrel w/ a rapier piercing it. The words "Amalia's Goods" are painted on the sign. As the group enters the shop, a shapely human woman in a very flattering bustier, skirt, and tall leather boots steps out from an interior door. Her hair is drawn up by a bandana, golden bracelets adorn her wrists, and a pearl necklace draws the eyes of several in the party to her decollete as she approaches the party. "Welcome. My name is Amalia Lee, proprietor of this store. What can I help you find today?"
Mal steps forward and addresses the shopkeep with a small but polite bow. "Good morrow, my lady. My name is Maoldomhnaich of Galt, and soon to be "Knight of Taldor". Due to the great deeds of which Prince Stavian himself has agreed to knight my associates and myself, we have acquired a few items that we were looking to sell. We have several very fine looking items, and I noticed from your windows that you retail many very fine items yourself. So, I knew that you were one who would truly appreciate the value in the items that we have to sell." At this point, Mal pulls out several of the items and places them on the counter for Amalia to appraise.
Fine Lady... I am in the market for a new shield. I am blessed to be able to either wield a light steel shield sized for the standard folk, or a heavy shield sized for one of my stature... I was hoping for something magical. As for Armor I am in the market for a very precise type of armor. I had seen it once worn by a great knight of Taldor while living in Lastwall.. He called it a "hosteling" armor. I would hope to find something such as this in full plate for a smaller person such as myself... Would you happen to have anything that would qualify?? I do appreciate your time.
ReplyDeleteThomas steps up next Mal... "Amalia, while I hate to inundate you with questions and separate conversation topics BEFORE YOU HAVE RESPONDED TO THE FIRST, it seems that among our very valuable items are a few objects that we have not been able to fully identify. Could you assist us with these?"
ReplyDeleteWith that Thomas pulls out the yet to be identified longsword (line 68), backpack (line 69), scabbard (line 72), gloves (line 76), and amulet (line 78). "Any ideas of these are magical, and if so, what properties they might possess?"
(whispering): What about the dust in a sack? Dude. Ask her about the dust in a sack!
DeleteShe looks at the items in front of her. "Um, yes...well...since recent circumstances have arisen, we have, like all other stores in the area, instituted a policy..." She looks to a newly sign by the door. It reads: "Until further notice, all identification services of magical items will have a 100 gold piece per item cost. Items that are sold to Amalia's Goods will have a reduced identification cost of 50 gold pieces." She smiles. "I would be happy to look at your items if you like." She pauses as if waiting for a response.
ReplyDelete"Indeed, lady? And how is it your abilities work when others do not? I have made numerous such attempts without success. Have you had similar problems at all?"
ReplyDelete