Adventure Date: April 16, 2013
Last Updated: May 10, 2013
"Okul!...Okul! Wait up!
The short stocky bald dark skinned Rashemi appears a little out of breath as he tries to match your stride. You recognize him as a member of Chathi's posse. What was his name again?
"Jandar. Jandar Hahpet. At your service" he says. "I am glad to have caught you. We were just about to leave for Ashabenford to deliver an item, but now that you are here, and we are too, I can make delivery right now."
You stop, and watch as he unwraps a finely crafted quiver branded with the seal of the Red Wizards of Thay, and the town of Scardale. "As requested, and paid in full by you, I have one Quiver of Ehlonna to give to you. Please sign here to acknowledge receipt... and here.... and here... initial here.... and again .... here."
"Thank-you and looking forward to more business from you and your friends. We understand, that you all have come into good fortune. Remember, unlike the Mystrans, we do offer a 10% discount on any item less then 3,000 gp, as well as a complimentary bronze token. Ah yes, here it is, a list for you to browse of items that are available immediately for sale."
"Let us know if there is anything of interest. We are always happy to serve"
And with that, the short stocky bald dark skinned Rashemi smiles and bows, and disappears into the crowd.
Neon, you enter the Mystran hospice that was set up to heal all those you rescued from the shadow rift. Tortured faces and haunted eyes follow your footsteps as you walk down between the rows of beds. Seeking one in particular. You find him, Osier Manchineel, your former mentor, and father figure, when no one else was there to fill the role.
"Ah ... Neon... (wheeze) my young ...and former ... apprentice...(cough) Forgive this old gnome... tired is he now. That cursed shard ... stole my magic... and my health... (rasp) from me... I am told it ... will return (cough) ... given time. I hear you (uuuuhh) ... are a brave hero now.... saving the world... and all (cough, cough, hack, wheeze, cough).
YOU NINCUMSKULL! (cough, cough, hack, cough) You trying to get yourself killed! Didn't you listen to anything I taught you! (cough, hack, cough) Still! I suppose ... I wouldn't be alive... if you had not changed... (cough) who you are... But.. (cough) If you insist... on this foolishness... then I insist upon giving you (cough) my lucky armband.
Forgot it at home... the day they grabbed me (cough)... or they would never (cough) have taken me!
I am too old for adventure now.... this is your time now Neon (cough)..
Osier pulls out from a bag, a solid gold armband. It seems to grow, as he slips it on you.
"There (cough).. with this..(cough)... they may think they have you ... only to find the moment is lost... and you have already done your thing.... now take this ... and go kick some more Sharran ass... (cough, cough, hack, wheeze, cough)
As you bid farewell, you fiddle with Osier's "Armband of Elusive Action", getting used to its feel.
Swan approached the encampment of Chathi’s company of Thayan Traders. Her reasons were two fold; firstly she wanted to purchase certain items and second, it would not hurt to look aroud to what these Red wizards were up to. Nearing she was hailed by one of Chathi’s posse.
"Well, met, Swan Battlestar, Deepingdale scout, Seeker of Faerun and war cleric of Solonar Thelandria. Be welcome. May I be of assistance?"
She regarded the short, glistening bald burly man in front of her. A toad which looked at her from a cloak pocket and his grayish chainmail shirt, identified him as Jandar Hahpet. Like her he knew rangering ways, but unlike her he was a wizard. She smiled inwardly knowing that the new blessing of Granpar’s bow would more than compensate for his arcane abilities.
"I wish to speak to Chathi concerning some purchases."
"Oh, wonderful. But I am afraid that she is occupied for the rest of the day. Allow me to help you instead."
"Fine. Your pamphlet states that have 2 pearls of power, a pair of gloves (Dex+2) and a heartstone periapt for sale. I wish to purchase them, but since the latter two are not discounted and I am making such a large purchase, I wished to discuss the prospect of a discount on the total."
Jandar stroked his bald head. "Of course, selling to the Seekers of Faerun will enhance our reputation. As for the further discount, I must obtain Chathi’s permission. Only she can make such decisions. Return here tomorrow for her decision."
"So be it, Jandar" she replied, getting satisfaction from his surprise at the use of his name. "Keep in mind though, that I have no qualms about paying the full prices at the town shops or to the Mystrans. That would also remove your bragging rights. Till tomorrow then." She turned and walked away.
Jandar gave a sigh of longing as he ogled the retreating scout’s swaying form.
Neon contemplates the words and gift of his mentor and friend Osier. He knows that his advise against heroism is meant partially in jest. If Osier had followed his own advise he would not have earned the admiration of all of gnome-kind. It appears that Neon is now a genuine HERO too and there is no going back to his carefree days as a thief and slacker.
But Osier is right in this: he may not be trying to get himself killed, but being a member of Seekers is not helping things. Neon can use his training to deal devastating blows, but he needs help. Okul is no help. Okul wants to defeat everything himself and if Neon moves into a favourable position it sometimes seems like Okul points him out the enemy so that Okul’s kill is preserved. Risca is some help, but little better. The reckless dwarf’s idea of battle tactics is to paint a bulls-eye on his forehead and then charge. Not Neon’s cup of tea. And the others try to rain death from afar... as they should.
Neon thinks of the life 18,000 gold pieces can buy... wine.... women.... song.... women. But that is the old Neon thinking. He sighs and starts to put the word out he is interested in purchasing certain select magic weapons and items to continue to the fight.
Number one on Neon’s list is the much coveted Rogue Blade.
Next he would like to increase the potency of his Gloves of Dexterity. Maybe I can get a deal on this.
Not sure of what to do with remainder... cold iron weapon? Handy haversack? Perhaps a Ghost Strike rapier? A Greater Demolition Crystal? Also Boots of Striding and Springing. He would keep his Boots of Elvenkind, but he wants the added mobility.
Neon takes a break from thinking about magic items. He goes out to find Bambi and Thumper , the acrobat twins. Maybe they would like to partake in some "training exercises".
Risca, needless to say there is a sucker born every minute, and you found him. Or rather, he found you.
Leogen, foppish incompetent grandson of Helena Treskeden, one of the Seven Burghers that rule Harrowdale's Council.
"Excuse me, I heard that your compatriot, Kilzadi, possesses the legendary Crimdrac's Claw, and I have this big bag of gold that my grandma gave me to persuade him to sell it and I was hoping you could introduce him to me and...", the naive young merchant prince abruptly stops talking as he sees the blade in your hand.
"Oh WOW! Is that a real Cormyrian Goblinthrasher!", exclaims Leogen Treskeden, "Oh MAN! Those things are so rare outside of Cormyr. I GOTTA have it man! I will be so, like, totally BAD-ASS! How much! Really? That cheap? Deal!"
His eyes light up with glee as he gives you his grandma's big bag of gold and he takes possession of his new prize, and then he sees the 'Black Blade of Galath the Brigand' and a big childish grin appears on his face...