Errands in Town

Triss looking over them will pause curiously.  He seems to be quite fascinated with the vast shop.  Rarely having actually freedom outside of when he is sent somewhere to accomplish a task.  “How much would the Glitterdust and Hold person scrolls be?” He inquires.

Dawi  said: Max  said: Some of the chambermaids' gossip seems to be regarding your intricate tattoos. As she washes your back, one of the women asks in Common "Please excuse my rudeness sir, but may I ask if these tattoos have some magical purpose? Lida says you look like a mage." "Have you ever looked at the night sky, linking stars to one another, trying to see recognize familiar shapes?" Ering points at the tattoo on his chest. "This is similar: most of the work -much like the firmament- is already done, you just need to fill in the right spaces to get the whole picture." "Some magical tattoos are more visually impressive, growing teeth, wings or even weapons... But I'm not really a fan of flashy incantations." The chambermaids seem entranced with this mysterious explanation. One says something to the other in Halfling, and they break into giggles again. Dawi  said: Max  said: "You have a sharp mind," Arral compliments with a smile. "735 gold pieces, after taxes. Shall I roll it up for you?" Ering stops Arral with a wave of his hand. "Maybe later, our funds are not infinite and I wouldn't want to end our nice stroll through the town so soon." "I understand. Come by anytime, it's always a pleasure to have the Wayfinders in our shop," she says pleasantly. Noa said: Triss looking over them will pause curiously.  He seems to be quite fascinated with the vast shop.  Rarely having actually freedom outside of when he is sent somewhere to accomplish a task.  “How much would the Glitterdust and Hold person scrolls be?” He inquires. "Either one is 157 gold pieces and 5 silver pieces after taxes," Arral explains. Ritt K.  said: In the next day, he also uses Sense Void to find that person. (Spot check: 18) Reaching out into the Void again, you search in vain for the trail... you're about to give up, when you feel a soft breeze in the Void (which doesn't make any sense). Turning your third eye in that direction, you feel the right way towards your target, and realize it must have been the aid of the air kami. You home in on the one you seek, but there's something in the way... some kind of magical interference. Roll a caster level check.

“I’ll take both of these,” Triss stated exchanging the coin for his purchases politely thanking the vendor.  He will look at the other two after.   “Never mind about the oils and bath implements perhaps...I wouldn’t care to drag you around the markets when you likely have other things to be doing.”

'So, it's true that Void Kami and Air Kami can sometimes be with each other... Multi-elemental? That's a good sign." thought Xankoris. Caster level check: 15.

Back in Waterwend on Goodmonth 19th, at Ryelly's Wondrous Vault , Ering takes a look over the wares on display. Among the glass cases, he sees a pair of crystal lenses the shape of human eyes, a deep red marble, an amulet made of scales and fangs, a pair of runed leather bracers, a pair of ornate rods, a Gathering card, a set of oversized gloves traced with faintly glowing blue patterns, a ring made of a strange smooth white material, an iron ring with a ram's head device, and two other fairly ordinary-looking rings. Leoavor also gives 'Axil' directions to Chancy's Chandlery in case he wants to go alone to look for perfumes and oils. On Goodmonth 25th, while Xankoris is busy dealing with the mystery of who was scrying on him, he visits the Temple of Sehanine Moonbow  to look for Felosial, but sees that a grand ceremony is underway for Lunar Hallowing, one of Sehanine's most important holy days. After your meeting with the Marquis Goldenblade in Kentwing , he has Mohad show you to some private guest rooms and see that your clothes are washed and dried. His cooks bring you each a hot dinner, while he visits privately with Triss. The meal of hearty beef stew, peas, freshly baked bread with goat butter, and fine wine is just the thing to warm your bones after the chill of the storm. The next morning on Goodmonth 28th, he gathers everyone in his study once more.  "I have been in contact with the House of Lord Ebano , and given permission for you to draw upon my account there as needed to fund your efforts against slavery, up to 2000 gold pieces per month and 10000 gold pieces in total. There are branches in Waterwend and Dragoth . I also have a gift for you, something I had specially created for your mission..." He opens a chest beside his chair and draws out a pair of heavy wire cutters, which look like there were smithed by a master's hand from gritty black metal. "These are forged entirely of adamantine and, perfectly balanced. They should be able to easily cut through chains, manacles, or collars of almost any material. I ask that you use them to free as many slaves as you can. And, there is one more asset I can offer you at this time: at the Merchants Guildhall in Waterwend , one of the few free clerks is in my employ. She is a human woman named Lacy, and I have charged her to aid you in any way she can. The Merchants Guild is the true power in Waterwend , and is a sleeper agent deep in their counsel. When the Stone River War has been settled, she can help you to bring down the slave trade. I will continue to gather what assets I can for you, so please stay in contact with me to keep me apprised of your progress. I am sending Triss with you as well, to aid you in these endeavours, though he will need to maintain his cover identity for a while longer. Though House Goldenblade is behind you, our connection must remain secret for now."

Max said: Back in Waterwend on Goodmonth 19th, at Ryelly's Wondrous Vault , Ering takes a look over the wares on display. Among the glass cases, he sees a pair of crystal lenses the shape of human eyes, a deep red marble, an amulet made of scales and fangs, a pair of runed leather bracers, a pair of ornate rods, a Gathering card, a set of oversized gloves traced with faintly glowing blue patterns, a ring made of a strange smooth white material, an iron ring with a ram's head device, and two other fairly ordinary-looking rings. Ering paces in the shop with, looking curiously at the glass cases. "I have some good guesses on what these items could be, but before I start rambling -possibly making a fool of myself- would you care to illustrate what the actually do?" "Marquis, it has been an honor to meet you and I thank you for your assistance in the war. As I said before, ending the slave trade in Waterwend is a noble and just act, but one that needs to be followed with many careful steps if your goal is a drastic change in Kentwing. I would be happy to help with the next phases of your plan." Ering scratches his beard and looks around the manor. "Now that I have been in your house I will be able to Teleport here without passing through the gates or alerting anyone that may be suspicious of you. If you accept my offer of advice you will just need to Send for me and I will come."

Dawi  said: Max  said: Back in Waterwend on Goodmonth 19th, at  Ryelly's Wondrous Vault , Ering takes a look over the wares on display. Among the glass cases, he sees a pair of crystal lenses the shape of human eyes, a deep red marble, an amulet made of scales and fangs, a pair of runed leather bracers, a pair of ornate rods, a Gathering card, a set of oversized gloves traced with faintly glowing blue patterns, a ring made of a strange smooth white material, an iron ring with a ram's head device, and two other fairly ordinary-looking rings. Ering paces in the shop with, looking curiously at the glass cases. "I have some good guesses on what these items could be, but before I start rambling -possibly making a fool of myself- would you care to illustrate what the actually do?" "Of course, by dear boy!" Ryelly chuckles, thumbs in his suspenders. "These lenses are called the Eyes of the Eagle, and make your vision significantly stronger over a distance. That little marble is something called an Ioun Stone, that circles around your head. It makes you more agile, and has a mind of its own, so I named it Orbit. The amulet there gives you skin and fur like a beast, to help protect you in a scrap."  Moving to the next display case, he points to the runed bracers, explaining "These are Bracers of Armor, they project an invisible field of protection around the wearer. These two rods are a Metamagic Rod of Enlarge Spell--that extends the range of most spells--and a Rod of Metal and Mineral Detection used to locate and measure deposits of various ores and minerals." The tour continues as he shows you the small, intricately decorated playing card. "This is for a magical game called Gathering, though you need a deck of 15 cards to play. Popular with the wealthy and powerful, I hear." "These are the Gloves of Titan's Grip, they greatly improve one's skill at wrestling. The white ring is something of an oddity, I had to have it magically  identified.  It protects the wearer from some negative energy, though I haven't been able to figure out what on Oerth it's made of... even had some experts look at it, no one could tell me. It doesn't seem to be any sort of wood, metal, bone, or horn. It's hard, smooth, and slightly flexible, but very light." He pauses for a long moment, looking at it in consternation... then moves on.  "Then we have a Ring of the Ram, which can exert a powerful push, enough to knock a strong man down or break down a door. Though it only has a certain amount of juice before it's drained. This one is a Ring of Protection, which helps ward you from danger, and the last is a Ring of Prestidigitation, which lets you do all sorts of little magic tricks." Dawi  said: Max  said: "I have been in contact with the  House of Lord Ebano , and given permission for you to draw upon my account there as needed to fund your efforts against slavery, up to 2000 gold pieces per month and 10000 gold pieces in total. There are branches in  Waterwend  and  Dragoth . I also have a gift for you, something I had specially created for your mission..." He opens a chest beside his chair and draws out a pair of heavy wire cutters, which look like there were smithed by a master's hand from gritty black metal. "These are forged entirely of adamantine and, perfectly balanced. They should be able to easily cut through chains, manacles, or collars of almost any material. I ask that you use them to free as many slaves as you can. And, there is one more asset I can offer you at this time: at the  Merchants Guildhall  in  Waterwend , one of the few free clerks is in my employ. She is a human woman named Lacy, and I have charged her to aid you in any way she can. The Merchants Guild is the true power in  Waterwend , and is a sleeper agent deep in their counsel. When the Stone River War has been settled, she can help you to bring down the slave trade. I will continue to gather what assets I can for you, so please stay in contact with me to keep me apprised of your progress. I am sending Triss with you as well, to aid you in these endeavours, though he will need to maintain his cover identity for a while longer. Though House Goldenblade is behind you, our connection must remain secret for now." "Marquis, it has been an honor to meet you and I thank you for your assistance in the war. As I said before, ending the slave trade in Waterwend is a noble and just act, but one that needs to be followed with many careful steps if your goal is a drastic change in Kentwing. I would be happy to help with the next phases of your plan."  "Indeed it is, my wise friend," the Marquis Goldenblade nods in agreement. "Careful and steady has always been my method. I will be sure to avail myself of your sharp mind in the future." Dawi said:  Ering scratches his beard and looks around the manor. "Now that I have been in your house I will be able to Teleport here without passing through the gates or alerting anyone that may be suspicious of you. If you accept my offer of advice you will just need to Send for me and I will come." "Will you now! That's quite useful," he admits, looking very pleased. "In that case, I ask that you please appear only in the landing where you first entered, for propriety's sake. There should usually be a servant within hearing distance."

Xankoris doesn't want to disturb this event so he decides to have a talk with Qillathe instead and say, "It was Rizdar the storm, and he's coming, he will face Red King." if she's not there, he will leave the message on Enialis, "Tell Lady Qillathe, It was Rizdar, if she wants to talk more, I can be found at the library." At the end of the day, Xankoris uses another sense void to find the Champion, Hero of Legend that Rizdar talked about. "Whoever that guy is, he must be able to help us for sure." Spot check: 16 Next day, he tells Felosial that it was Rizdar all along, he also talks about Rizdar's plan. "I think I must finish research as fast as possible. In the best way possible, Asahina himself will help us in this incoming battle for a while."

"The Metamagic rod is most interesting, how much would you ask for it?" Ering turns around and waves to Leoavor and Triss, directing their attention the the next rod. "What about the Rod of Metal and Mineral Detection? Does it detect only ores or could it be used to find worked metals like weapons or coins?" He turns to his companions, speaking in Elvish. "It could be revy useful to us in our next mission, down in those caves." Ering bows lightly, a little smile on his face. "Only in the landing and when called upon, of course. If it possible I would like to... Study the entrance, it will make the spell a lot easier to cast." 

Dawi said: "The Metamagic rod is most interesting, how much would you ask for it?" Ering turns around and waves to Leoavor and Triss, directing their attention the the next rod. "What about the Rod of Metal and Mineral Detection? Does it detect only ores or could it be used to find worked metals like weapons or coins?" He turns to his companions, speaking in Elvish. "It could be revy useful to us in our next mission, down in those caves." "12127 gold pieces and 5 silver pieces, after taxes and the Guild surcharge," Ryelly says, indicating the seal of the Merchants Guild displayed proudly on his wall. "Only the finest shops in Waterwend can earn membership. It's a guarantee of quality." Leoavor comes over to take a look. "It works on caches of shaped materials as well, such as a pile of coins or an armory. If you focus on a particular metal or mineral, it will point to the nearest largest collection of that within 10 yards, and tell you the quantity as well," Ryelly explains. "And naturally, it isn't blocked by barriers, the way most divination magic is. Very handy for miners! A moment's use can save a day of backbreaking work." Leoavor nods slowly, answering in Elven as well. "That's a good point... we could use it to find and assess treasure vaults without having to risk traps on the doors unless what's behind them is worthwhile." Ritt K.  said: Xankoris doesn't want to disturb this event so he decides to have a talk with Qillathe instead and say, "It was Rizdar the storm, and he's coming, he will face Red King." if she's not there, he will leave the message on Enialis, "Tell Lady Qillathe, It was Rizdar, if she wants to talk more, I can be found at the library." You actually didn't meet Qillathe until the following day, I was just filling in some more details. But you can go to see her again anyway, with the news. Enialis shows you to the back room again, where Qillathe invites you to sit, bookmarking the tome she was reading and setting it aside. This time her huge white persian cat is awake, and plods over to you, nuzzling up under your hand with a loud and insistent "mreowwww." "You must forgive Ambrosia, she is doubtless abashed about having failed to greet you on your last visit," Qillathe says in a dry tone, a slight smile on her thin, old lips. "So you managed it on your own," she assesses, with a note of admiration in her voice. "I have heard the name of Rizdar the Storm before... a mighty mage with a magical title, who serves one of the Great Powers, I believe. Then it seems Treefall is not to be his target..." Ritt K.  said: At the end of the day, Xankoris uses another sense void to find the Champion, Hero of Legend that Rizdar talked about. "Whoever that guy is, he must be able to help us for sure." Spot check: 16 You search through the Void, but to no avail... whomever they are, they're beyong the range of your inner sight. Ritt K.  said: Next day, he tells Felosial that it was Rizdar all along, he also talks about Rizdar's plan. "I think I must finish research as fast as possible. In the best way possible, Asahina himself will help us in this incoming battle for a while." "Rizdar the Storm..." Felosial sighs, looking worried. "They say he's extremely dangerous. A red wizard from Tempestus , who siphons power from his apprentices to make his evocations devastatingly powerful. And I've heard that unlike many powers of the Catacombs, he prefers to fight on the front lines." Dawi said: Ering bows lightly, a little smile on his face. "Only in the landing and when called upon, of course. If it possible I would like to... Study the entrance, it will make the spell a lot easier to cast."  "You are welcome to, then," the Marquis says with a gracious smile. "My honored guests shall have freedom of the Goldenblade Estate whilst staying here. Mohad can show you around, if you like."

Max said: You actually didn't meet Qillathe until the following day, I was just filling in some more details. But you can go to see her again anyway, with the news. Enialis shows you to the back room again, where Qillathe invites you to sit, bookmarking the tome she was reading and setting it aside. This time her huge white persian cat is awake, and plods over to you, nuzzling up under your hand with a loud and insistent "mreowwww." "You must forgive Ambrosia, she is doubtless abashed about having failed to greet you on your last visit," Qillathe says in a dry tone, a slight smile on her thin, old lips. "So you managed it on your own," she assesses, with a note of admiration in her voice. "I have heard the name of Rizdar the Storm before... a mighty mage with a magical title, who serves one of the Great Powers, I believe. Then it seems Treefall is not to be his target..." "I am afraid that it was not only myself, but there was also a lot of help from inside and outside. But may I ask you, Lady Qillathe, why do you think Treefall is not to be his target?" Max said: "Rizdar the Storm..." Felosial sighs, looking worried. "They say he's extremely dangerous. A red wizard from Tempestus , who siphons power from his apprentices to make his evocations devastatingly powerful. And I've heard that unlike many powers of the Catacombs, he prefers to fight on the front lines." "Oh, another Maho-ish spell. Also, Lady Felosial, he said that he wants to fight Red-King. In your opinion, who will win ?" After this conversation, Xankoris focuses on researching, there is no time to waste.

Ritt K. said: Max said: You actually didn't meet Qillathe until the following day, I was just filling in some more details. But you can go to see her again anyway, with the news. Enialis shows you to the back room again, where Qillathe invites you to sit, bookmarking the tome she was reading and setting it aside. This time her huge white persian cat is awake, and plods over to you, nuzzling up under your hand with a loud and insistent "mreowwww." "You must forgive Ambrosia, she is doubtless abashed about having failed to greet you on your last visit," Qillathe says in a dry tone, a slight smile on her thin, old lips. "So you managed it on your own," she assesses, with a note of admiration in her voice. "I have heard the name of Rizdar the Storm before... a mighty mage with a magical title, who serves one of the Great Powers, I believe. Then it seems Treefall is not to be his target..." "I am afraid that it was not only myself, but there was also a lot of help from inside and outside. But may I ask you, Lady Qillathe, why do you think Treefall is not to be his target?" "From your story, it sounds like the Storm intends to take back the cities now defended by the Red King... and from the news of the Stone River War my apprentices have brought me, those are Waterwend and Bowhery ," she explains in her papery old voice. "Besides," Qillathe adds, stroking Ambrosia with a frail hand as the cat climbs back into her lap, " Treefall is home to the Assassins Guild, both a valuable asset and a bad enemy to the powers of the Catacombs. I very much doubt that those behind this War will be so foolish as to attack us, lest they gain the enmity of the Guild." Ritt K. said: Max said: "Rizdar the Storm..." Felosial sighs, looking worried. "They say he's extremely dangerous. A red wizard from Tempestus , who siphons power from his apprentices to make his evocations devastatingly powerful. And I've heard that unlike many powers of the Catacombs, he prefers to fight on the front lines." "Oh, another Maho-ish spell. Also, Lady Felosial, he said that he wants to fight Red-King. In your opinion, who will win ?" "I've heard great tales of them both, but it's hard to say who is mightier. They say the Red King has a very strong inner circle of followers, each of them famous heroes in their own right, but Rizdar the Storm has his apprentices, as well as that bodyguard from the Storm Lands ... I think his name is Ralad, of the famous Wodheim family. The minstrels claim that the Wodheims can conjure ice from nothing, and shape it however they wish." Felosial sips her tea as she sits across a small table from you in her comfortable private cell in the Temple of Sehanine Moonbow , amidst draperies and candlelight. "In a head-to-head fight with their best soldiers, I'd say it's a toss-up. Though I don't think Rizdar will fight head-on... he's too clever by half. I'd bet gold to copper that he'll strike wherever the Red King's men are weakest, and try to reduce their numbers with flashes of lightning and rainbows of destructive light, like in the songs." Ritt K. said: After this conversation, Xankoris focuses on researching, there is no time to waste. Burying yourself back into your research, you hurriedly search out and piece together fragments of the lost spell. Siwan works with you each day, searching the Void for clues... but while looking for them in the endless darkness, on several occasions you glimpse what looks like a flicker of golden gleaming from the corner of your third eye. Light is very rare in the Void, so the mystery of what it might be eats at you... but each time, you can't seem to find whatever it was, and Siwan soon encourages you to return your focus back to finding lost bits of magic. Between your meditation sessions, Dagnal helps with the proper offerings, encouraging you to share the tales of your ancestors to help align with their identities, and Felosial guides your studies through Treefall's libraries.

Max said: "From your story, it sounds like the Storm intends to take back the cities now defended by the Red King... and from the news of the Stone River War my apprentices have brought me, those are Waterwend and Bowhery ," she explains in her papery old voice. "Besides," Qillathe adds, stroking Ambrosia with a frail hand as the cat climbs back into her lap, " Treefall is home to the Assassins Guild, both a valuable asset and a bad enemy to the powers of the Catacombs. I very much doubt that those behind this War will be so foolish as to attack us, lest they gain the enmity of the Guild." "I see..." Xankoris bids farewell and heads back to the library. While walking, he thinks: "She kinda reminded me of my father. So calm, too calm, doesn't care much about the outside until it affects his life. Do these people need to see the enemy waiting in front of the gate first before doing something?" Max said: "I've heard great tales of them both, but it's hard to say who is mightier. They say the Red King has a very strong inner circle of followers, each of them famous heroes in their own right, but Rizdar the Storm has his apprentices, as well as that bodyguard from the Storm Lands ... I think his name is Ralad, of the famous Wodheim family. The minstrels claim that the Wodheims can conjure ice from nothing, and shape it however they wish." Felosial sips her tea as she sits across a small table from you in her comfortable private cell in the Temple of Sehanine Moonbow , amidst draperies and candlelight. "In a head-to-head fight with their best soldiers, I'd say it's a toss-up. Though I don't think Rizdar will fight head-on... he's too clever by half. I'd bet gold to copper that he'll strike wherever the Red King's men are weakest, and try to reduce their numbers with flashes of lightning and rainbows of destructive light, like in the songs." "Song? What song you're talking about, Lady Felosial?" Max said: Burying yourself back into your research, you hurriedly search out and piece together fragments of the lost spell. Siwan works with you each day, searching the Void for clues... but while looking for them in the endless darkness, on several occasions you glimpse what looks like a flicker of golden gleaming from the corner of your third eye. Light is very rare in the Void, so the mystery of what it might be eats at you... but each time, you can't seem to find whatever it was, and Siwan soon encourages you to return your focus back to finding lost bits of magic. Between your meditation sessions, Dagnal helps with the proper offerings, encouraging you to share the tales of your ancestors to help align with their identities, and Felosial guides your studies through Treefall's libraries. 'You know what?' Xankoris thought while eating lunch. 'I have been having this weird feeling since I got this tattoo. And I got it because I researched the spell that related to Isora. One day, a thought came to me, what if I research more spells related to deceased Fortunes? Such as Kaze-no-Kami, Fortune of wind. What do you think?' "My ancestors? There's a lot of them, Rokugani people's family tree is quite large. But I'll tell you about these three first." Xankoris then proceeds to tell the story about Doji Akira, the Doji Elite Guard who protect the castle against Ronin till his last breath. Next is Asahina Hono, the Asahina Fire Sculptor who sees fire as art rather than a weapon. Last Doji Shakudo, the Feng Shui Masters, the tactical genius, the person who SOMEHOW  conceal his army so perfect no one can see them until it's too late. "That was just some of them, there are also some force-of-nature like Doji Shakudo. To put it simply, they are either skilled duelists or artisans."

Ritt K. said: Max said: Felosial sips her tea as she sits across a small table from you in her comfortable private cell in the Temple of Sehanine Moonbow , amidst draperies and candlelight. "In a head-to-head fight with their best soldiers, I'd say it's a toss-up. Though I don't think Rizdar will fight head-on... he's too clever by half. I'd bet gold to copper that he'll strike wherever the Red King's men are weakest, and try to reduce their numbers with flashes of lightning and rainbows of destructive light, like in the songs." "Song? What song you're talking about, Lady Felosial?" She waves her hand dismissively. "Oh you know, the stories minstrels sing in the taverns and squares. I've even heard a few about you and your friends," she says with a playful smile. Ritt K. said: Max said: Burying yourself back into your research, you hurriedly search out and piece together fragments of the lost spell. Siwan works with you each day, searching the Void for clues... but while looking for them in the endless darkness, on several occasions you glimpse what looks like a flicker of golden gleaming from the corner of your third eye. Light is very rare in the Void, so the mystery of what it might be eats at you... but each time, you can't seem to find whatever it was, and Siwan soon encourages you to return your focus back to finding lost bits of magic. 'You know what?' Xankoris thought while eating lunch. 'I have been having this weird feeling since I got this tattoo. And I got it because I researched the spell that related to Isora. One day, a thought came to me, what if I research more spells related to deceased Fortunes? Such as Kaze-no-Kami, Fortune of wind. What do you think?' "It seems like all sorts of lost things can be found in the Void,"  Siwan answers in your heart. "If the word you found means 'water', maybe you'll find words for 'wind' if you look for spells of Kaze-no-Kami? But I don't understand what use the marking is... maybe you need more words to make it mean something." As he speaks, you can't help looking down at the tattoo... it gives you a feeling like when a word is on the tip of your tongue, or a memory you know is there but can't quite get ahold of. Ritt K. said: Max said: Between your meditation sessions, Dagnal helps with the proper offerings, encouraging you to share the tales of your ancestors to help align with their identities, and Felosial guides your studies through Treefall's libraries. "My ancestors? There's a lot of them, Rokugani people's family tree is quite large. But I'll tell you about these three first." Xankoris then proceeds to tell the story about Doji Akira, the Doji Elite Guard who protect the castle against Ronin till his last breath. Next is Asahina Hono, the Asahina Fire Sculptor who sees fire as art rather than a weapon. Last Doji Shakudo, the Feng Shui Masters, the tactical genius, the person who SOMEHOW  conceal his army so perfect no one can see them until it's too late. "That was just some of them, there are also some force-of-nature like Doji Shakudo. To put it simply, they are either skilled duelists or artisans." Dagnal listens attentively to your tales. "It is good that you know so much of your ancestors, that will help such magic work to its fullest. I would recommend practicing the arts that made them famous as well, to help maintain the continuity of culture from them, to you, and one day on to your own children."

Max said: She waves her hand dismissively. "Oh you know, the stories minstrels sing in the taverns and squares. I've even heard a few about you and your friends," she says with a playful smile. "Wow, I must see that after this war end. No one's ever doing that in Provincia, at least in my hometown." Xankoris shows a sign of interest in this. Max said: Dagnal listens attentively to your tales. "It is good that you know so much of your ancestors, that will help such magic work to its fullest. I would recommend practicing the arts that made them famous as well, to help maintain the continuity of culture from them, to you, and one day on to your own children." "My children? I wonder. You know what? Since both Dwarf and Rokugani valued traditions, I'll tell you about the thing I haven't told anyone before. For the people who are in noble caste, to be able to love, we have to ask for permission first, and I don't think Daimyo would let me do that."

Max said: "12127 gold pieces and 5 silver pieces, after taxes and the Guild surcharge," Ryelly says, indicating the seal of the Merchants Guild displayed proudly on his wall. "Only the finest shops in Waterwend can earn membership. It's a guarantee of quality." Leoavor comes over to take a look. "It works on caches of shaped materials as well, such as a pile of coins or an armory. If you focus on a particular metal or mineral, it will point to the nearest largest collection of that within 10 yards, and tell you the quantity as well," Ryelly explains. "And naturally, it isn't blocked by barriers, the way most divination magic is. Very handy for miners! A moment's use can save a day of backbreaking work." Leoavor nods slowly, answering in Elven as well. "That's a good point... we could use it to find and assess treasure vaults without having to risk traps on the doors unless what's behind them is worthwhile." Ering nods and looks back at Leoavor. "Good. Can the Wayfinder's vaults pay for it? Would we need Kraggan's authorization?"

Dawi said: Max said: "12127 gold pieces and 5 silver pieces, after taxes and the Guild surcharge," Ryelly says, indicating the seal of the Merchants Guild displayed proudly on his wall. "Only the finest shops in Waterwend can earn membership. It's a guarantee of quality." Leoavor comes over to take a look. "It works on caches of shaped materials as well, such as a pile of coins or an armory. If you focus on a particular metal or mineral, it will point to the nearest largest collection of that within 10 yards, and tell you the quantity as well," Ryelly explains. "And naturally, it isn't blocked by barriers, the way most divination magic is. Very handy for miners! A moment's use can save a day of backbreaking work." Leoavor nods slowly, answering in Elven as well. "That's a good point... we could use it to find and assess treasure vaults without having to risk traps on the doors unless what's behind them is worthwhile." Ering nods and looks back at Leoavor. "Good. Can the Wayfinder's vaults pay for it? Would we need Kraggan's authorization?" "We should ask her first, for something this expensive," Leoavor admits. "I think we can afford it, but it would drain almost our entire treasury..." Ryelly pipes in, "You know what they say gentlemen, you've got to spend money to make money!" Ritt K. said: Max said: She waves her hand dismissively. "Oh you know, the stories minstrels sing in the taverns and squares. I've even heard a few about you and your friends," she says with a playful smile. "Wow, I must see that after this war end. No one's ever doing that in Provincia, at least in my hometown." Xankoris shows a sign of interest in this. "You ought to take some time off from your research to relax and enjoy yourself," Felosial gently scolds. "In wartime most of all. A lot of adventurers push themselves too hard, and forget what they're fighting to protect." Ritt K. said: Max said: Dagnal listens attentively to your tales. "It is good that you know so much of your ancestors, that will help such magic work to its fullest. I would recommend practicing the arts that made them famous as well, to help maintain the continuity of culture from them, to you, and one day on to your own children." "My children? I wonder. You know what? Since both Dwarf and Rokugani valued traditions, I'll tell you about the thing I haven't told anyone before. For the people who are in noble caste, to be able to love, we have to ask for permission first, and I don't think Daimyo would let me do that." Dagnal nods. "It's much the same with dwarves. It's not uncommon for the young to fall in love, or lust, but we need permission from our clan leaders to marry. The young are driven by their passions, but the old have the wisdom to know when a match will work over the long decades of a lifetime together." She takes a sip of her ale, and sets it down on the beautiful stone table. "It must be difficult for someone like you, traveling so far from home, though... only powerful magic could reach your elders without a long journey. Is there anyone you've met here that you would want to ask permission from your Daimyo to be with?"

Max said: "You ought to take some time off from your research to relax and enjoy yourself," Felosial gently scolds. "In wartime most of all. A lot of adventurers push themselves too hard, and forget what they're fighting to protect." "Don't worry, Lady Felosial, to help and to protect is of the duty for Shugenja after all." Max said: Dagnal nods. "It's much the same with dwarves. It's not uncommon for the young to fall in love, or lust, but we need permission from our clan leaders to marry. The young are driven by their passions, but the old have the wisdom to know when a match will work over the long decades of a lifetime together." She takes a sip of her ale, and sets it down on the beautiful stone table. "It must be difficult for someone like you, traveling so far from home, though... only powerful magic could reach your elders without a long journey. Is there anyone you've met here that you would want to ask permission from your Daimyo to be with?" "Maybe, maybe not, I don't know. I've met many women since I came here, some are nice, some are dangerous, some I feel good to be with, some I hope I don't ever meet again. When you can't have a romantic feeling with anyone since you're born, it's kinda hard to know what you feel about each woman. But I keep making sure that I'll be nice to everyone though, so this isn't going to be a problem, for now, I guess."

Ritt K. said: Max said: Dagnal nods. "It's much the same with dwarves. It's not uncommon for the young to fall in love, or lust, but we need permission from our clan leaders to marry. The young are driven by their passions, but the old have the wisdom to know when a match will work over the long decades of a lifetime together." She takes a sip of her ale, and sets it down on the beautiful stone table. "It must be difficult for someone like you, traveling so far from home, though... only powerful magic could reach your elders without a long journey. Is there anyone you've met here that you would want to ask permission from your Daimyo to be with?" "Maybe, maybe not, I don't know. I've met many women since I came here, some are nice, some are dangerous, some I feel good to be with, some I hope I don't ever meet again. When you can't have a romantic feeling with anyone since you're born, it's kinda hard to know what you feel about each woman. But I keep making sure that I'll be nice to everyone though, so this isn't going to be a problem, for now, I guess." Dagnal gives you a gentle, understanding smile, almost motherly. "Even if you can't act on your emotions, it's important to understand them. Don't be afraid to love, Xankoris. Love is the foundation of civilization, our greatest weapon against hatred and destruction."

"Thank you for your advice, Lady Dagnal. Now let's get back to work."

Max  said: When Xankoris pulls open the door, the first thing he sees in the next room are two lizardfolk soldiers, armed and armored in a similar manner to the others you fought, and bearing Zorall's sigilry. One is holding a burning torch and an a heavy turtle-shell shield, the other a shell-bladed glaive and a horn made of some sort of freshwater snail's shell. Both seem to have already been looking at the door, perhaps having just overheard your conversation through it. They're tense, as ready for danger as you are. He also sees a scattering of straw-stuffed training dummies and a rack of various weapons, suggesting a training room of some sort for the guards. Xankoris have been faced several Lizardfolks for a while now. He knows what he has to, sway them so hard it becomes beneficial to his team. He giggles like a child, "That was a prank mate! Why so serious?!" He uses his finger to wipe his single tear of a laugh. "How was that? Like those raiders, right? These clothes are custom made as if they cut from the same cloth. And you two are here, what a chance?! Would you like to go with us? We shall act like you two defeat us, so those slaves shall know that no one will be able to let them out, not a single one." (Bluff check: 13, Diplomacy check: 27)

thing to appraise and sell -thach stuff {7 jeweled bracelets as rings (map note ZR-1), and 2 jeweled necklaces as bracelets (map note ZR-2), all highly polished and clean  - one neckless and one bracelet claimed by hammnap (all need to be appraised. -yellow gem map note ZR-3(needs to be appraised)(sell) -The regular scroll case contains a letter of credit for 316gp from the bank of Roon, Roon, & Torv (take it to town an cash it) -potion of jump full of fizzy and orange liquid, map note ZR-3 for party?(needs to be appraised - 15 mysterious tin coins (map note ZR-15),(need gp value) (get exchanged at water wend bank) and 302   wooden coins (map note ZR-16). (need gp value) (get exchanged at water wend bank)    There was also a large, smooth pink pearl (map note ZR-17)(needs appraisal at waterwend) -2 gemstones.)(waiting appraisal)(needs appraisal at waterwend)(sell) -strange weapon, akaze. ( get it appraised and no claims sell it) -a small coffer that Ering detected a magical aura from (one use curse trap)(need coin count to split) -13 gemstones  (map notes ZR-27 through ZR-39)(needs appraisal at waterwend)(sell) -a pair of lightweight lambskin gloves, +5 climbing gloves (map note ZR-44)(still being appraised) (sell if not claimed) -a very fine dagger that Ering detected a magical aura from (Craft (weaponsmithing) applies, trained only) (map note ZR-47)  (2302 gold pieces) (no claims, sell) -a wooden wand engraved with the words "command the hidden to be revealed" detect hidden doors wand? (map note ZR-49)(still being appraised)(waiting) -a favor note signed with the name "Isilinth" (map note ZR-50) (240 gold) pieces( sell it, I dont think the party has ever used a favor note, let alone one to a evil power) (waiting on decision)  -a battleaxe with a blade made of aerocrystal ( (920 gold pieces) (sell) -a chain shirt (no cap) (98 gold) (sell)  - flame-patterned robes (currently worn, Knowledge (religion) applies) (map note ZR-54)(30 gold) (sell) - a vial of blue powder (Craft (alchemy) applies, trained only) (map note ZR-56)(120 gold poison)(sell, no one here uses poison)(waiting) - a vial of wispy black shadowstuff (Craft (alchemy) applies, trained only) (map note ZR-57) (250 gold poison)(sell, no one here uses poison)(waiting) -If hiskel can't find a scroll of  summon aspect of bahamut  at the scroll shop she'll ask about town. gather info w/ 1 gold each  - 8,15,6,14,6,11,24   this'll take her a couple of days. -we're selling the amulet of cataspi right?

At  Rings & Things  in  Waterwend,  Jilly Glimmerpitch appraises the gems brought by the Wayfinders to consider selling, while her husband Laredo shows Hiskel around. They have a wide array of jewelry and gemstones in stock, as well as some other tiny, beautiful objects, like fairy skulls and demon teeth. "We sometimes get dragonscales in," Laredo tells her, "usually brought by adventurers like you. Right now the only one we have is a blue scale, though it's quite a nice piece." He shows her the polished scale the size of her palm, attached to a silver chain as an amulet. "70 gold pieces, if you're interested." Meanwhile, Xankoris sits across the table from Meilin Zhongshan in a very nice private booth at the back of  The Lucky Seven , a tavern and casino in the  red-light district . Serafina, the maître d', slips away after taking their orders and a minute later another waitress in a scandalously low-cup top brings a tray with two small cups and a steaming teapot, all shaped from beautiful black porcelain woven through with  golden cracks . After the girl leaves, Meilin gives Xankoris another of her unsettling smiles and waits patiently for him to pour it. The smell of the tea is strong and complex, with a mingling of sweet and woody odors being the most prominent. Sense Motive and Knowledge (local) apply. Josh said: -If hiskel can't find a scroll of  summon aspect of bahamut  at the scroll shop she'll ask about town. gather info w/ 1 gold each  - 8,15,6,14,6,11,24   this'll take her a couple of days. At Verrel and Arral's Quill , the tallfellow halfling mage Verrer Leagarrow listens to Hiskel's description of the spell, but says "Neither Arral nor I know such powerful magic. I can put out some feelers, but honestly the odds are low of finding a specific scroll of such a rare and powerful spell. Where'll you be staying in town? I can send a runner if I find anything." Josh  said: -we're selling the amulet of cataspi right? "We voted to let Verne borrow it until he can pay back the party coffers for it, remember?" Leoavor reminds Hiskel. "He wants it to help him hunt Moonshadow after we deal with Zorall." After visiting several shops over the course of several hours, Hiskel, Leoavor, Ering, and Jargon eventually manage to get all the other loot appraised and identified. At Rings & Things : The bracelets (ZR-1) include a fine gold chain with 4 amethysts (600gp), a string of freshwater pearls (180gp), a brass chain with a jade pendant (120gp, jade portion is worth 100gp), a silver crescent set with 3 white moonstones (210gp), a fine gold chain with fire opal pendant (900gp), a cloth-of-gold band (30gp), and a heavy platinum chain (550gp, claimed by Hamanap). The necklaces (ZR-2) are a golden crescent in the shape of an ornate coiled Rokugani dragon (280gp), and a heavy silver chain hung with various semiprecious stones (110gp, claimed by Hamanap). The yellow gem (ZR-3) is a golden yellow topaz (400 gp). The pink pearl (ZR-17) is worth 100 gold pieces, and Leoavor suggests keeping it for future  identify  spells. The two untagged gemstones are a bloodstone (70gp) and a ruby (120gp). The 13 gemstones from the last vault (ZR-27 through 39, in that order here) are a malachite (7 gp, uncut), a malachite (10 gp), an iolite (20 gp, uncut), a rock crystal (50 gp), an iolite (60 gp), a jasper (80 gp), a red-brown spinel (80 gp), a jet (110 gp), a deep blue spinel (400 gp, uncut), a white opal (800 gp), a violet garnet (800 gp), a blue sapphire (1000 gp), and a bright green emerald (7000 gp). At Nerwenye's Oils and Elixirs : The potion (ZR-3) is confirmed to be a Potion of jump . "We do have a potion of cure moderate wounds  if you're interested," the elven Vadania Nerwenye offers. "330 gold pieces, 7 silver, and 5 copper after taxes and the Guild surcharge." At Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments : Akaze's kawanaga  is confirmed by Frimin Moonbrook to be the work of a master smith in the Kingdom of Provincia. Given its exotic origin and quality, she estimates its value at 450 gold pieces. She also confirms Ering's estimate of the price for the magical dagger, Boltcatcher, and the aerocrystal battleaxe. The last interests her especially though, as she points out that her husband Asgeifr loves to work with unusual materials. "Aerocrystal is very rare. We'll pay 70% of the full value for items like this battleaxe, or take them as trade-ins for 80%." At Ryelly's Wondrous Vault : The cheerful, middle-aged Ryelly Underbough admits he's unfamiliar with the magical climbing gloves, but estimates their value at 4000 gold pieces.  At Ziged's Wands : Ziged "Sticksnap" Ningel, in his colorful robes, examines the Wand of detect secret doors . "If fully charged, it could be worth up to 750 gold pieces. However, there's no way to know how many charges it holds without an identify  spell... I can cast one at cost, if you agree in advance to sell me the wand afterwards for half its remaining value less the cost of the components." At Jackson's :  Jackson Tosscobble is less impressed with your favor note, only offering to give you 100 gold pieces for it. He'll take the chain shirt, though. At Laremie's Fine Clothes : Paula Laremie, the oft-absent owner of the shop, examines Raliza's robes with interest. "They're quite unusual, and very well-made... I'll give you 25 gold pieces for them." At the Church of Nerull : Cade Underbough, one of the identical twin high priests, takes a look at the poison vials. "Blue whinnis and shadow essence... not bad stuff. The essence is especially handy, distilled from undead shadows, y'know, and it can sap the strength right out of someone's body. I can do 6 platinum for the whinnis, 25 for the shadowstuff." A banker at The House of Burach  exchanges the 302 elven oak coins (ZR-16) for 258 gold pieces, 2 silver pieces, and 1 copper piece. Unfortunately, no one at any of the banks has any idea what the tin coins (ZR-15) are worth or where they originate from. With the curse  on the coin discharged (into Ering), the 20 platinum platinum pieces in that coffer are now free to be divided up.

"Would you kindly remove the scale from the necklace? and I'll get back to you after we finish selling loot. If you get any more dragon scales send word to Limar he'll be happy to buy them for his collection." hiskel will be staying where ever the free good upkeep in waterwend lets wayfinders stay. hiskel suggests gifting the " bright green emerald (7000 gp)." to limar for doing a extremely dangerous job he's not getting paid for. aside from that, those claimed by Kraggan & hammun+the pearl for assets and the 120gp ruby going back to the keep to be ground down (may as well get 2 uses out of it instead of trying to sell half a ruby) will they buy the rest of the gems and jewelry? at aegirs do they have any antidragon weapons or magical infused cold ones we might look into trading for? so ryelly will pay 2,000 for the gloves? I'll let ering make the decision  for the wand, I don't think its particular usefull at jacksons how much is he paying for the chain shirt? "we'll take the money as long the poisons dont get used on us." are we able to cash The regular scroll case contains a letter of credit for 316gp from the bank of Roon, Roon, & Torv (take it to town an cash i

Sense Motive - 13, Knowledge (Local) - 10 "Oh, h ow rude of me." Xankoris pours the tea from the pot into cups and passes one to her first with both of his hands. "D o you come here often, Lady Zhongshan?" Xankoris begins the conversation with one of the most frequently used line, picks his cup up, and wait for her to drink first.

Ritt K. said: Sense Motive - 13, Knowledge (Local) - 10 "Oh, h ow rude of me." Xankoris pours the tea from the pot into cups and passes one to her first with both of his hands. "D o you come here often, Lady Zhongshan?" Xankoris begins the conversation with one of the most frequently used line, picks his cup up, and wait for her to drink first. Meilin's smile finally touches her eyes as you pour the tea into each cup. You know from growing up among Rokugani people the significance of this, though your comrades might not have understood--by pouring for her, you've accepted a lower social rank, flattering her and helping pave the way towards a mutually beneficial relationship.  "Not often," she says, accepting the cup with both hands, to demonstrate her respect for your subordination in return, and blowing slightly on the tea before taking a sip. You can't help noticing the intricate black tattoos of curved, sharp lines that cover the back of her right hand and fingers, similar to the ones Meloncholy had; on both women, they stand out against the pale skin of the noble-born. Her black silk qipao, short for the last warm weeks of high summer, is embroidered with a sinuous southern dragon in cloth-of-gold thread, and jade earrings dangle from her ears. "I usually prefer a somewhat higher class of establishment..." she says slightly dismissively, glancing about the tavern. There aren't many other patrons about this early in the morning, save for a few dedicated drunks and career gamblers getting an early start. Turning back to you with another warm smile, she adds meaningfully, "But how could I refuse an offer to drink with one of who has brought such culture to this barbarian city? I only wish my little corner of town could be as beautiful as the  Shrine  you raised to the Fortunes of our homeland." Sense Motive applies. Josh said: "Would you kindly remove the scale from the necklace? and I'll get back to you after we finish selling loot. If you get any more dragon scales send word to Limar he'll be happy to buy them for his collection." hiskel suggests gifting the " bright green emerald (7000 gp)." to limar for doing a extremely dangerous job he's not getting paid for. aside from that, those claimed by Kraggan & hammun+the pearl for assets and the 120gp ruby going back to the keep to be ground down (may as well get 2 uses out of it instead of trying to sell half a ruby) will they buy the rest of the gems and jewelry? "I can manage that," Laredo assures you. "Though the silver setting would be much harder to remove without damaging the scale." He indicates the fine layer of silver ringing the outside of the blue scale, to which the chain is attached. "Without the chain, I think 20 gold pieces would be a fair price. And I'd be happy to send word to your master when more scales come in; should I have the letters sent to that fortress of yours?" "I think an emerald would be a well-earned reward for Limar, if he comes out of the Stonefare alive," Leoavor agrees. "He's been risking his neck alone down there for months now." Jilly and Laredo will indeed buy the rest of the gems at half their value, though Leo points out "We ought to ask Xankoris if he wants the jade pendant, I remember him saying that it can help protect him from that Taint disease." Josh said: hiskel will be staying where ever the free good upkeep in waterwend lets wayfinders stay. Sighui is always willing to comp rooms for you at The Harlequin's Goblet , the most popular inn for travelers in Waterwend .  Josh said: at aegirs do they have any antidragon weapons or magical infused cold ones we might look into trading for? so ryelly will pay 2,000 for the gloves? After you explain that you expect to be fighting red dragons, Frimin checks their stock ledgers carefully. "You're in luck," she says with a smile. "We have two recent acquisitions that might serve well." She takes down a beautiful heavy crossbow, its stock carved and painted to depict archers shooting at a dragon. "This is Clear Skies, a dragonbane flatbow. She'll aim better and strike harder against any foe, but she particularly hates dragons... she'll glow bright green when one is near, and sling bolts thrice as hard against them." It glows a little as she brings it close to you, perhaps sensing your dragonblood. "There's also this one," she says, gesturing to an incredible greatsword hanging on the wall, its blade as pale as winter ice. "It's a Frost Brand, a special kind of sword imbued with elemental cold. It glows when the temperature's below 0, and protects the wielder somewhat from fire. Ordinary fires go out in its presence, and it can even dispel flame spells like wall of fire ." Spellcraft applies. "This particular Brand is special, though... it seems to be possessed. It can harm spirits as easily as the living, and sometimes whispers to the one who holds it. It has quite an interesting history, I suspect, though I don't have powerful enough magic to ferret it all out." "Since you're Limar's servant, I can give you a bit of a discount, too... he's bought a lot of goods here in the last year or so. 8745 gold pieces for Clear Skies, 61245 gold pieces for the possessed Frost Brand." Ryelly will indeed pay 2000 gold pieces for the gloves. Josh said: at jacksons how much is he paying for the chain shirt? Jackson will give you 40 gold pieces for the shirt. Josh said: "we'll take the money as long the poisons dont get used on us." are we able to cash The regular scroll case contains a letter of credit for 316gp from the bank of Roon, Roon, & Torv (take it to town an cash i Cade chuckles. "Well, I  don't have any plans to use them on you, but I can't vouch for my other customers. A sword can strike both ways, as they say." Yes, any of the banks in town will pay you full value for the letter of credit; such is the weight of a major bank's name!

Max said: At  Verrel and Arral's Quill , the tallfellow halfling mage Verrer Leagarrow listens to Hiskel's description of the spell, but says "Neither Arral nor I know such powerful magic. I can put out some feelers, but honestly the odds are low of finding a specific scroll of such a rare and powerful spell. Where'll you be staying in town? I can send a runner if I find anything." Ering smiles at Verrer and waits until Hiskel has finished, then grabs a little sheet of paper and hands it to the halfling.  "Any one of these would be perfect, otherwise I'd like to see what you have in stock."  Level 1 Appraising touch (SpC) Low-light Vision  (SpC) Nerveskitter  (SpC) Guided Shot  (SpC) True Strike (PHB)   Level 2 Distracting Ray  (SpC) Earthbind  (SpC) Dragonskin  (SpC) Pyrotechnics (PHB) Knock (PHB)   Level 3 Mage Armor, Greater  (SpC) Shadow Phase  (SpC) Spell Vulnerability  (SpC) Unluck  (SpC)   Level 4 Attune form  (SpC) Spell Enhancer  (SpC)   Level 5 Dragon Breath  (SpC) Magic Jar  (PHB) "As much as admire what Limar is doing I strongly disagree, we too have risked our necks in Zorall's caves. You could always give him your share after we sell it." OOC: How does claiming an item work (like the heavy platinum chain claimed by Hamanap)? Do you just take it or do you have to pay the price so the other member can take their share?

Max said: At Ziged's Wands : Ziged "Sticksnap" Ningel, in his colorful robes, examines the Wand of detect secret doors . "If fully charged, it could be worth up to 750 gold pieces. However, there's no way to know how many charges it holds without an identify  spell... I can cast one at cost, if you agree in advance to sell me the wand afterwards for half its remaining value less the cost of the components." Hiskel agrees to this deal. hiskel will set aside the jade necklace for xankoirs to look at an claim the emerald for herself. and sell the rest. (and is visibly disappointed in Ering) straight from the loot page " note - shops usually buy items at half price so thats what party members pay when they claim."

Max said: Meilin's smile finally touches her eyes as you pour the tea into each cup. You know from growing up among Rokugani people the significance of this, though your comrades might not have understood--by pouring for her, you've accepted a lower social rank, flattering her and helping pave the way towards a mutually beneficial relationship.      'Listen, Siwan. If you want to be strong, you must learn to be weak. If you want to be respected, you must respect others as well. Remember this well Xankor-Siwan! Yes, remember this well, Siwan.' Xankoris tried to keep himself together. 'Don't get too aggressive, me.' "Not often," she says, accepting the cup with both hands, to demonstrate her respect for your subordination in return, and blowing slightly on the tea before taking a sip. You can't help noticing the intricate black tattoos of curved, sharp lines that cover the back of her right hand and fingers, similar to the ones Meloncholy had; on both women, they stand out against the pale skin of the noble-born. Her black silk qipao, short for the last warm weeks of high summer, is embroidered with a sinuous southern dragon in cloth-of-gold thread, and jade earrings dangle from her ears. "I usually prefer a somewhat higher class of establishment..." she says slightly dismissively, glancing about the tavern. There aren't many other patrons about this early in the morning, save for a few dedicated drunks and career gamblers getting an early start. Turning back to you with another warm smile, she adds meaningfully, "But how could I refuse an offer to drink with one of who has brought such culture to this barbarian city? I only wish my little corner of town could be as beautiful as the  Shrine  you raised to the Fortunes of our homeland." Sense Motive applies. Sense Motive - 3(nat1)     "Pleasure is mine again, Lady Zhongshan. But I believe you could have done this better than mine if you wanted too." He then takes a little sip. "All I did is just using this ill-gotten wealth from the adventure to raise people's quality of life." In Provincia and Rokugan, there are little to none adventurers, mostly are Gaijin or Monk. Samurai and Shugenja both get paid from Daimyo in rice. Almost every treasure they found must be passed to authority, that's why Xankoris has had a problem with money since being Wayfinder's member.     "And to be frank, I have a different opinion about their culture, Lady Zhongshan." Xankoris takes another sip and continues, "We are still their guest in this land. It's better to learn their way of men and their way of god thoroughly and get along." Xankoris spoke from his experience being Shugenja, they spend most time among the peasantry than any Samurai. "This is also a reason why I keep coming to a place like this, you can find good tea anywhere - but the ambiance - is never the same." Xankoris slowly sip to the last drop before filing again. "Though I must admit, you have such a good taste in tea." He tries to lessen the tension. (Diplomacy - 35)

Dawi said: "As much as admire what Limar is doing I strongly disagree, we too have risked our necks in Zorall's caves. You could always give him your share after we sell it." Josh said: hiskel is visibly disappointed in Ering Leoavor frowns as well. "I think it's a different scale, to be perfectly honest... Limar went in almost alone, with only a couple of his followers to help him. But I suppose I didn't go on the raids, so it's not my treasure to vote on," he admits. "I think I'll look for a homecoming gift for him myself, at least." As he often has lately, Leoavor grows more anxious when the topic of Limar comes up. Perhaps buying a gift for his friend is a kind of prayer, a wish for his success and safe return. Dawi said: Max said: At  Verrel and Arral's Quill , the tallfellow halfling mage Verrer Leagarrow listens to Hiskel's description of the spell, but says "Neither Arral nor I know such powerful magic. I can put out some feelers, but honestly the odds are low of finding a specific scroll of such a rare and powerful spell. Where'll you be staying in town? I can send a runner if I find anything." Ering smiles at Verrer and waits until Hiskel has finished, then grabs a little sheet of paper and hands it to the halfling.  "Any one of these would be perfect, otherwise I'd like to see what you have in stock."  Level 1 Appraising touch (SpC) Low-light Vision  (SpC) Nerveskitter  (SpC) Guided Shot  (SpC) True Strike (PHB)   Level 2 Distracting Ray  (SpC) Earthbind  (SpC) Dragonskin  (SpC) Pyrotechnics (PHB) Knock (PHB)   Level 3 Mage Armor, Greater  (SpC) Shadow Phase  (SpC) Spell Vulnerability  (SpC) Unluck  (SpC)   Level 4 Attune form  (SpC) Spell Enhancer  (SpC)   Level 5 Dragon Breath  (SpC) Magic Jar  (PHB) Verrer examines the list while absentmindedly stroking her beautiful bengal cat lounging on the low countertop. Her shop is uncomfortably cramped for you and Leoavor, so much so that Jargon elected to wait outside and guard the cart, but Hiskel seems quite comfortable. "We don't have any of these in stock, though Arral knows spell vulnerability . I can look into finding scrolls of the others, it should be easier for the less powerful ones, though a lot of these are rare. Should I send word to The Harlequin's   Goblet  for any of these, too?" She also gestures to the store's current stock behind her: in the crossed planks that make up the slots on the wall (sort of like a wine rack), a small piece of slate is glued beneath each slot. The slots with scrolls in them have the names of the contained spells written in Common on the slate using white chalk, and an A or D (for arcane or divine). They are:     Arcane: burning hands, cure light wounds, feather fall, illusory wall, fox's cunning, power word disable, protection from evil, identify, protection from arrows, web, cure critical wounds     Divine: reduce animal, blindness/deafness, ironwood, soften earth and stone, jump, barkskin Josh said: Max said: At Ziged's Wands : Ziged "Sticksnap" Ningel, in his colorful robes, examines the Wand of detect secret doors . "If fully charged, it could be worth up to 750 gold pieces. However, there's no way to know how many charges it holds without an identify  spell... I can cast one at cost, if you agree in advance to sell me the wand afterwards for half its remaining value less the cost of the components." Hiskel agrees to this deal. Sticksnap mixes the components for the spell, and shakes his sleeve to coax out a slithering coral snake that hisses in displeasure. "Go on Zzinar," he says comfortingly, petting the snake it a few times, "You know I need to focus for this one." Mollified, the colorful snake curls up in a sunbeam coming from a window and goes to sleep. After a long meditation, the gnomish wizard complete's the wand's analysis. "49 charges left... almost brand-new. I'll give you 26 platinum pieces, 7 gold, and 1 silver for it, then." He opens a coffer and begins counting out the coins. Ritt K. said: Max said: Meilin's smile finally touches her eyes as you pour the tea into each cup. You know from growing up among Rokugani people the significance of this, though your comrades might not have understood--by pouring for her, you've accepted a lower social rank, flattering her and helping pave the way towards a mutually beneficial relationship.      'Listen, Siwan. If you want to be strong, you must learn to be weak. If you want to be respected, you must respect others as well. Remember this well Xankor-Siwan! Yes, remember this well, Siwan.' Xankoris tried to keep himself together. 'Don't get too aggressive, me.' In your heart, Siwan whispers "The air lets itself be inhaled and exhaled, but it holds the power over the life and death of the breather."  Wait... was  that Siwan? It didn't sound like something he would say... could it have been one of your own thoughts? Under the intense atmosphere of Meilin's presence, it's harder to focus on such things. Roll a Concentration check. Ritt K. said: "Not often," she says, accepting the cup with both hands, to demonstrate her respect for your subordination in return, and blowing slightly on the tea before taking a sip. You can't help noticing the intricate black tattoos of curved, sharp lines that cover the back of her right hand and fingers, similar to the ones Meloncholy had; on both women, they stand out against the pale skin of the noble-born. Her black silk qipao, short for the last warm weeks of high summer, is embroidered with a sinuous southern dragon in cloth-of-gold thread, and jade earrings dangle from her ears. "I usually prefer a somewhat higher class of establishment..." she says slightly dismissively, glancing about the tavern. There aren't many other patrons about this early in the morning, save for a few dedicated drunks and career gamblers getting an early start. Turning back to you with another warm smile, she adds meaningfully, "But how could I refuse an offer to drink with one of who has brought such culture to this barbarian city? I only wish my little corner of town could be as beautiful as the  Shrine  you raised to the Fortunes of our homeland." Sense Motive applies. Sense Motive - 3(nat1)     "Pleasure is mine again, Lady Zhongshan. But I believe you could have done this better than mine if you wanted too." He then takes a little sip. "All I did is just using this ill-gotten wealth from the adventure to raise people's quality of life." In Provincia and Rokugan, there are little to none adventurers, mostly are Gaijin or Monk. Samurai and Shugenja both get paid from Daimyo in rice. Almost every treasure they found must be passed to authority, that's why Xankoris has had a problem with money since being Wayfinder's member.     "And to be frank, I have a different opinion about their culture, Lady Zhongshan." Xankoris takes another sip and continues, "We are still their guest in this land. It's better to learn their way of men and their way of god thoroughly and get along." Xankoris spoke from his experience being Shugenja, they spend most time among the peasantry than any Samurai. "This is also a reason why I keep coming to a place like this, you can find good tea anywhere - but the ambiance - is never the same." Xankoris slowly sip to the last drop before filing again. "Though I must admit, you have such a good taste in tea." He tries to lessen the tension. (Diplomacy - 35) The tea tastes as rich and complex as it smells, clearly a very old and expensive stock that she probably imported from the Kingdom of Provincia ... perhaps even from Rokugan ! Meilin nods at your praise and humility, listening intently... she seems to have mastered zanshin , the Rokugani art of relaxed awareness, and gives the impression of being somehow perfectly calm and acutely alert, ready to react to anything in an instant. As you admit to disagreeing with her comment, the slightest flicker of discontent moves across her eyes, but you fail to notice it. You feel the tension growing, instead, as you speak, perhaps stumbling into some faux pas of the slight differences in your subcultures... but manage to salvage things somewhat with your earnest charm. Meilin finishes her tea as well, and lets you refill both cups.As you sip your second cup, the taste of the steeping leaves has begun to shift, now somewhat more bitter but richer as well--this gradual change in flavor profile during a single brewing being the mark of truly excellent pu'er . "You have certainly done an excellent job of fitting into their way of life," she compliments, though her praise suggests hidden barbs as well. "I have never had such a talent for that. I must satisfy myself with bringing my own culture to Terolus; but then, the old ways are often best." She sips her tea, pausing to let her layered meanings sink in. Sense Motive and Knowledge (local) apply, and you get +4 on each as the air kami whisper wisdom into your ears.

Max said: Leoavor frowns as well. "I think it's a different scale, to be perfectly honest... Limar went in almost alone, with only a couple of his followers to help him. But I suppose I didn't go on the raids, so it's not my treasure to vote on," he admits. "I think I'll look for a homecoming gift for him myself, at least." As he often has lately, Leoavor grows more anxious when the topic of Limar comes up. Perhaps buying a gift for his friend is a kind of prayer, a wish for his success and safe return. Ering nods and speaks with an uneasy voice, still worried about the curse but confident in his position. "I understand your point, I'd ask you to see it from my perspective as well. I arrived with my soldiers in the middle of an unexpected battle, we fought and died trying to liberate Bowhery. Many of them were just fresh recruits, trained but certainly not expecting what happened, and eight of them died. So I'd rather share the spoils of war with them than with a dragon I've never met." Max  said: Verrer examines the list while absentmindedly stroking her beautiful bengal cat lounging on the low countertop. Her shop is uncomfortably cramped for you and Leoavor, so much so that Jargon elected to wait outside and guard the cart, but Hiskel seems quite comfortable. "We don't have any of these in stock, though Arral knows  spell vulnerability . I can look into finding scrolls of the others, it should be easier for the less powerful ones, though a  lot  of these are rare. Should I send word to  The Harlequin's   Goblet  for any of these, too?" "I do prefer to have rare spells in my repertoire, it is useful when your enemy doesn't know what you are casting."  " Arcane Earthbind and Unluck are the most important on that list; would focusing your search on only those two increase the odds of finding them? The Harlequin's Goblet is perfect, I will regularly check there even if I am not in town. Lastly, I must regret to inform you that my time is somewhat... Restricted. Do you think it would be feasible to find them in three weeks?"  Ering will look at the names written in chalk and ponder over the web spell, but then decide against it for the time being.  At  Laremie's Fine Clothes: Ering will ask the owner if she has any robes or other higher-class clothes (noble's outfit), possibly in red and black. At the  Church of Nerull : "Call it a professional curiosity, what would they do exactly to the unlucky recipient?" During or after the selling Ering will approach Leoavor and ask if he wants to visit a church and ask about the plagued refugees, to see if it is indeed Litheria's demon fever. "Maybe we should wait tomorrow, I still don't know what this curse could do to me, but it was put there against thieves, so it could be related to that... Maybe it will melt any coins I touch, give me horrible dreams or make me even weaker to fires..." 

Max said: In your heart, Siwan whispers "The air lets itself be inhaled and exhaled, but it holds the power over the life and death of the breather."  Wait... was  that Siwan? It didn't sound like something he would say... could it have been one of your own thoughts? Under the intense atmosphere of Meilin's presence, it's harder to focus on such things. Roll a Concentration check. Concentration - 20 "Focus, Xankoris, you already have 2 minds. You can do 2 things at the same time." Max said: The tea tastes as rich and complex as it smells, clearly a very old and expensive stock that she probably imported from the Kingdom of Provincia ... perhaps even from Rokugan ! Meilin nods at your praise and humility, listening intently... she seems to have mastered zanshin , the Rokugani art of relaxed awareness, and gives the impression of being somehow perfectly calm and acutely alert, ready to react to anything in an instant. As you admit to disagreeing with her comment, the slightest flicker of discontent moves across her eyes, but you fail to notice it. You feel the tension growing, instead, as you speak, perhaps stumbling into some faux pas of the slight differences in your subcultures... but manage to salvage things somewhat with your earnest charm. Meilin finishes her tea as well, and lets you refill both cups.As you sip your second cup, the taste of the steeping leaves has begun to shift, now somewhat more bitter but richer as well--this gradual change in flavor profile during a single brewing being the mark of truly excellent pu'er . "You have certainly done an excellent job of fitting into their way of life," she compliments, though her praise suggests hidden barbs as well. "I have never had such a talent for that. I must satisfy myself with bringing my own culture to Terolus; but then, the old ways are often best." She sips her tea, pausing to let her layered meanings sink in. Sense Motive and Knowledge (local) apply, and you get +4 on each as the air kami whisper wisdom into your ears. Sense Motive - 17, Knowledge (local) - 12      'Bringing her own culture, old ways are often the best... I see.' Xankoris had heard this kind of line before, never thought he would face somebody like this again. 'I see, Siwan, she's a traditionalist.'     A long time ago in Rokugan, there was only one religion which is Kami no Michi (Ways of the gods) . Until one day, the day when Shinsei had faced The Emperor. After that, Shinseism (Tao) became the second religion. When the books introduced to the public, many people hated it, especially Scorpion that declared that the text was blasphemous. Though it has been many centuries since, though many people and the Emperor nowadays practice both of them, some portion still claimed it's just nonsense.     But to be sure, let's test the water. "I see, Laday Zhongshan. I plan to expand our beliefs even further too, like the Shrine of The Seven Fortunes, or Temple for practice Shinseism if anybody wants to take monastic life. Actually, I should run both so people can learn them together." Xankoris then sips, waiting for Zhongshan's reply. If his guessing is right, this will be a good advantage to free slaves.

Ritt K. said: Max said: In your heart, Siwan whispers "The air lets itself be inhaled and exhaled, but it holds the power over the life and death of the breather."  Wait... was  that Siwan? It didn't sound like something he would say... could it have been one of your own thoughts? Under the intense atmosphere of Meilin's presence, it's harder to focus on such things. Roll a Concentration check. Concentration - 20 "Focus, Xankoris, you already have 2 minds. You can do 2 things at the same time." Max said: The tea tastes as rich and complex as it smells, clearly a very old and expensive stock that she probably imported from the Kingdom of Provincia ... perhaps even from Rokugan ! Meilin nods at your praise and humility, listening intently... she seems to have mastered zanshin , the Rokugani art of relaxed awareness, and gives the impression of being somehow perfectly calm and acutely alert, ready to react to anything in an instant. As you admit to disagreeing with her comment, the slightest flicker of discontent moves across her eyes, but you fail to notice it. You feel the tension growing, instead, as you speak, perhaps stumbling into some faux pas of the slight differences in your subcultures... but manage to salvage things somewhat with your earnest charm. Meilin finishes her tea as well, and lets you refill both cups.As you sip your second cup, the taste of the steeping leaves has begun to shift, now somewhat more bitter but richer as well--this gradual change in flavor profile during a single brewing being the mark of truly excellent pu'er . "You have certainly done an excellent job of fitting into their way of life," she compliments, though her praise suggests hidden barbs as well. "I have never had such a talent for that. I must satisfy myself with bringing my own culture to Terolus; but then, the old ways are often best." She sips her tea, pausing to let her layered meanings sink in. Sense Motive and Knowledge (local) apply, and you get +4 on each as the air kami whisper wisdom into your ears. Sense Motive - 17, Knowledge (local) - 12      'Bringing her own culture, old ways are often the best... I see.' Xankoris had heard this kind of line before, never thought he would face somebody like this again. 'I see, Siwan, she's a traditionalist.'     A long time ago in Rokugan, there was only one religion which is Kami no Michi (Ways of the gods) . Until one day, the day when Shinsei had faced The Emperor. After that, Shinseism (Tao) became the second religion. When the books introduced to the public, many people hated it, especially Scorpion that declared that the text was blasphemous. Though it has been many centuries since, though many people and the Emperor nowadays practice both of them, some portion still claimed it's just nonsense.     But to be sure, let's test the water. "I see, Laday Zhongshan. I plan to expand our beliefs even further too, like the Shrine of The Seven Fortunes, or Temple for practice Shinseism if anybody wants to take monastic life. Actually, I should run both so people can learn them together." Xankoris then sips, waiting for Zhongshan's reply. If his guessing is right, this will be a good advantage to free slaves. With a quick, deep breath, you regain mastery over yourself, and your pulse slows back down to its normal pace. You start to understand Meilin better, seeing that she's the type of person who always wants control and respect above all else... and one who cannot accept the value in any culture that differs from her own. You get the sense that she looks down on you somewhat for your adaptability, perhaps considering it a path towards the betrayal of your own culture.  Meilin's expression is guarded, but you sense mixed feelings from her... sipping from her teacup to help conceal her mouth, she considers this suggestion for a long moment. The silence stretches, but she seems like a woman who's comfortable with silences. At last, she says "We do not read Shinsei's writings in my family." She lets this settle in for half a beat, so that you'll understand her meaning: The Zhongshans do not recognize that heresy.  Hardly surprising, since the Zhongshan family belongs to the Scorpion Clan. But then, unexpectedly, her false smile returns. "I do wish you the best of luck in bringing more of the wisdom of Rokugan to Terolus. Nothing pleases me more than the success of a friend." Sense Motive and Knowledge (history) apply. Dawi said: Max said: Leoavor frowns as well. "I think it's a different scale, to be perfectly honest... Limar went in almost alone, with only a couple of his followers to help him. But I suppose I didn't go on the raids, so it's not my treasure to vote on," he admits. "I think I'll look for a homecoming gift for him myself, at least." As he often has lately, Leoavor grows more anxious when the topic of Limar comes up. Perhaps buying a gift for his friend is a kind of prayer, a wish for his success and safe return. Ering nods and speaks with an uneasy voice, still worried about the curse but confident in his position. "I understand your point, I'd ask you to see it from my perspective as well. I arrived with my soldiers in the middle of an unexpected battle, we fought and died trying to liberate Bowhery. Many of them were just fresh recruits, trained but certainly not expecting what happened, and eight of them died. So I'd rather share the spoils of war with them than with a dragon I've never met." Leoavor looks sobered, and a bit abashed. "I... hadn't thought of it that way. I'm sorry, you're right. It's not your burden to bear." He brightens a bit though, adding "But I think you'll like Limar when you get the chance to know him. He's always doing the unexpected, and he's a really good person at heart." Dawi said: Max  said: Verrer examines the list while absentmindedly stroking her beautiful bengal cat lounging on the low countertop. Her shop is uncomfortably cramped for you and Leoavor, so much so that Jargon elected to wait outside and guard the cart, but Hiskel seems quite comfortable. "We don't have any of these in stock, though Arral knows  spell vulnerability . I can look into finding scrolls of the others, it should be easier for the less powerful ones, though a  lot  of these are rare. Should I send word to  The Harlequin's   Goblet  for any of these, too?" "I do prefer to have rare spells in my repertoire, it is useful when your enemy doesn't know what you are casting."  " Arcane Earthbind and Unluck are the most important on that list; would focusing your search on only those two increase the odds of finding them? The Harlequin's Goblet is perfect, I will regularly check there even if I am not in town. Lastly, I must regret to inform you that my time is somewhat... Restricted. Do you think it would be feasible to find them in three weeks?"  Ering will look at the names written in chalk and ponder over the web spell, but then decide against it for the time being.  "It might help, I suppose," Verrer muses. "I can't give you high odds that we can find any of them in the next few weeks, but I'll do my best. We owe the Wayfinders a lot, after all you've done to help Waterwend ," she says with a smile directed more at Leoavor and Hiskel. "Would you like to put in a commission for one scroll of spell vulnerability , then? It'll be 394 gold, and should be ready in a few days."  Dawi said: At  Laremie's Fine Clothes: Ering will ask the owner if she has any robes or other higher-class clothes (noble's outfit), possibly in red and black. At the  Church of Nerull : "Call it a professional curiosity, what would they do exactly to the unlucky recipient?" "Of course sir," Paula assures you, her manner quite obseqious, "We have all manner of fine clothing for a discerning gentleman like you. Let me show you some of the new shirts I've just gotten in stock. They're beautiful, red silk imported from the Sand Pits and sewn by my own tailor, Aramil." Knowledge (local) applies. She shows you a variety of fine clothing suited for a man of your taste, though the fashions are a bit outdated compared to what you're used to from Skyshroud ... red silk shirts with buttons carved from gleaming black hematite, velvet tunics in black and indigo, hose woven from fine cotton, dark cashmere breeches embroidered with cloth-of-gold, gray lambskin gloves stitched with silver thread, a mantle of wonderfully soft and warm black bear fur with a lapis lazuli clasp, and other such fineries. At the Church , Cade considers the vials, thinking for a minute. "Blue whinnis isn't terribly dangerous on its own. It causes a wave of mild sickness, leaving you a bit woozy and vulnerable, then unconsciousness within a minute. Assassins tend to use it, to render their target more easily finished off. Now the shadow essence, like I said, that drains the strength out of your muscles. The initial effects are fairly mild, but more permanent... and once it really kicks in, it can be strong enough to paralyze a normal man." He muses, "You know, I remember hearing once that the vampire lord Tayton Fain used to favor blue whinnis. He liked to torture his enemies, after taking them alive, or even turn them into his undead slaves." The little man looks rather fond of the idea. Knowledge (nobility & royalty), (history), and (religion) apply. Josh  said: when they return Hiskel will approach xankoris, Hammun and avariel about dropping their claims on the emerald  7000/2=3500 vendor price divided by 8 shares would be 437 gold 5 silver each Hiskel will also meet with kraggan to ask her to drop her share and the 2 party claims on it -hiskel will point out that while Limar is heroic and wont betray or abandoned them in their current time of need , It would be nice to have some payment for when he comes to fight against the storm. You have a chance to meet up with Hamanap and Kraggan in  Waterwend , between their own errands and before your team sells off the loot. Kraggan says "If he returns a victorious hero, an emerald is the least we can do. He missed out on a lot of treasure we collected in Zorall's caves, so I'd be willing to give up the 400 gold of my share for it." Hamanap's opinion differs, though. "Limar's service is appreciated, but we are doing all we can for the War effort, just as he is. Besides, if he is successful in his machinations, I am sure he will gain plenty of treasure for his hoard... they say Rith's coffers are quite deep. As it is written in in  Wind and World , Caves 4:12:  'Let one do as he will with his own coin. For each dragon is his own master, and in the final accounting of his days, must answer only to himself and his god.' " Knowledge (religion) applies. Dawi said: During or after the selling Ering will approach Leoavor and ask if he wants to visit a church and ask about the plagued refugees, to see if it is indeed Litheria's demon fever. "Maybe we should wait tomorrow, I still don't know what this curse could do to me, but it was put there against thieves, so it could be related to that... Maybe it will melt any coins I touch, give me horrible dreams or make me even weaker to fires..."  "I do want to look into the plague while we're here, yeah," Leoavor agrees. "I think we ought to get a room at The Goblet  tonight, and then tomorrow Hamanap can lift your curse  and we can look into the plague and such before we head back to the Waypoint ."

Max said: At Nerwenye's Oils and Elixirs : The potion (ZR-3) is confirmed to be a Potion of jump . "We do have a potion of cure moderate wounds  if you're interested," the elven Vadania Nerwenye offers. "330 gold pieces, 7 silver, and 5 copper after taxes and the Guild surcharge." hiskel will but this if it hasnt been bought yet. -canceling the platinum statuette project to get 100 platinum back. -canceling the search for the summon scroll.

Max  said: "It might help, I suppose," Verrer muses. "I can't give you high odds that we can find any of them in the next few weeks, but I'll do my best. We owe the Wayfinders a lot, after all you've done to help  Waterwend ," she says with a smile directed more at Leoavor and Hiskel. "Would you like to put in a commission for one scroll of  spell vulnerability , then? It'll be 394 gold, and should be ready in a few days."  "Yes, thank you. And once again I apologize for the urgency." Ering says nodding. He then gently lays his haversack on the floor and grabs the strongbox stored in the central pouch, placing it on the counter. He looks around to make sure no strangers are watching and removes his necklace with a seven headed hydra pendant and folds it in half, revealing the coffer's key. Ering opens the strongbox, unveiling multiple stacks of coins, velvet pouches and valuable inks and spell components, he calls Leoavor and points to a stack of platinum pieces. "It may seem strange, but could you pay in my place? With my money of course." He then adds, speaking in the curious language of ravens (or elven if it is not possible). "I'm worried about the curse, I wouldn't want my money to disappear." Max  said: "Of course sir," Paula assures you, her manner quite obseqious, "We have all manner of fine clothing for a discerning gentleman like you. Let me show you some of the new shirts I've just gotten in stock. They're beautiful, red silk imported from the  Sand Pits  and sewn by my own tailor, Aramil." Knowledge (local) applies. She shows you a variety of fine clothing suited for a man of your taste, though the fashions are a bit outdated compared to what you're used to from  Skyshroud ... red silk shirts with buttons carved from gleaming black hematite, velvet tunics in black and indigo, hose woven from fine cotton, dark cashmere breeches embroidered with cloth-of-gold, gray lambskin gloves stitched with silver thread, a mantle of wonderfully soft and warm black bear fur with a lapis lazuli clasp, and other such fineries. Knowledge (local): 14 Drawing from his experience among Skyshroud nobles, Ering will choose a combination of tunic, hose, gloves and belt that would tie well with the Cloak of Protection and his Headband of Intellect. In case it's needed: Knowledge (Nobility): 28 Max  said: He muses, "You know, I remember hearing once that the vampire lord Tayton Fain used to favor blue whinnis. He liked to torture his enemies, after taking them alive, or even turn them into his undead slaves." The little man looks rather fond of the idea. Knowledge (nobility & royalty), (history), and (religion) apply Knowledge (nobility & royalty): 21 Knowledge  (history) : 25 Knowledge  (religion) : 24 Ering tries to remain unamused, but his mind begins to wonder. "What if I had to poison something bigger, like an elephant or a cloud giant, would I need ten times the dose or some poisons are strong enough already? Are there any specifically useful against certain types of creatures?" Max  said: "I do want to look into the plague while we're here, yeah," Leoavor agrees. "I think we ought to get a room at  The Goblet  tonight, and then tomorrow Hamanap can lift your  curse  and we can look into the plague and such before we head back to the  Waypoint ." "Good. We should also check up on that halfling merchant we rescued from Zorall's prisons... Lyle Highhill was it? I'm sure he'd be happy to see us again."

Max said: With a quick, deep breath, you regain mastery over yourself, and your pulse slows back down to its normal pace. You start to understand Meilin better, seeing that she's the type of person who always wants control and respect above all else... and one who cannot accept the value in any culture that differs from her own. You get the sense that she looks down on you somewhat for your adaptability, perhaps considering it a path towards the betrayal of your own culture.  Meilin's expression is guarded, but you sense mixed feelings from her... sipping from her teacup to help conceal her mouth, she considers this suggestion for a long moment. The silence stretches, but she seems like a woman who's comfortable with silences. At last, she says "We do not read Shinsei's writings in my family." She lets this settle in for half a beat, so that you'll understand her meaning: The Zhongshans do not recognize that heresy.  Hardly surprising, since the Zhongshan family belongs to the Scorpion Clan. But then, unexpectedly, her false smile returns. "I do wish you the best of luck in bringing more of the wisdom of Rokugan to Terolus. Nothing pleases me more than the success of a friend." Sense Motive and Knowledge (history) apply. Sense Motive - 7, Knowledge (history) - 9 (+4 if related to his ancestors) With all things considered, Xankoris thought, "Now, Siwan, it's the time for real mind Xiangqi. " "So do you, Lady Zhongshan. Sadly I have to go now, soon, The Waypoint is going to be a battlefield. Zorall possesses an evil artifact, even Daidoji will come to aid us." Xankoris laid the bait, now he just has to wait. "Anyway, for the tea, It’s my treat, since you gifted me with those coins anyway." He also has to return the favor too.

Dawi  said: Max  said: "It might help, I suppose," Verrer muses. "I can't give you high odds that we can find any of them in the next few weeks, but I'll do my best. We owe the Wayfinders a lot, after all you've done to help  Waterwend ," she says with a smile directed more at Leoavor and Hiskel. "Would you like to put in a commission for one scroll of  spell vulnerability , then? It'll be 394 gold, and should be ready in a few days."  "Yes, thank you. And once again I apologize for the urgency." Ering says nodding. He then gently lays his haversack on the floor and grabs the strongbox stored in the central pouch, placing it on the counter. He looks around to make sure no strangers are watching and removes his necklace with a seven headed hydra pendant and folds it in half, revealing the coffer's key. Ering opens the strongbox, unveiling multiple stacks of coins, velvet pouches and valuable inks and spell components, he calls Leoavor and points to a stack of platinum pieces. "It may seem strange, but could you pay in my place? With my money of course." He then adds, speaking in the curious language of ravens (or elven if it is not possible). "I'm worried about the curse, I wouldn't want my money to disappear." Verrer raises a brow at the hidden key, but is discreet enough not to draw attention to it. Leoavor offers you a reassuring smile as you ask for his help in Elven (assuming you intended to use the 'Speak with Master' familiar ability, it doesn't actually let you speak the language of ravens; it basically just lets you speak gibberish with Vigil that you can both understand because of your deep arcane bond, but other creatures can't understand it without magical translation like a comprehend language  spell because it's unique to the two of you), and responds in the same tongue: "I completely understand. Curses can be very unnerving when you don't yet know what they'll do." He carefully removes the coins and counts out the exact amount to Verrer, who doublecounts methodically and stores it in a coffer under the counter. "I'll send a runner with word to the Goblet  when the scroll is done, too," Verrer assures you. Ritt K.  said: Max  said: With a quick, deep breath, you regain mastery over yourself, and your pulse slows back down to its normal pace. You start to understand Meilin better, seeing that she's the type of person who always wants control and respect above all else... and one who cannot accept the value in any culture that differs from her own. You get the sense that she looks down on you somewhat for your adaptability, perhaps considering it a path towards the betrayal of your own culture.  Meilin's expression is guarded, but you sense mixed feelings from her... sipping from her teacup to help conceal her mouth, she considers this suggestion for a long moment. The silence stretches, but she seems like a woman who's comfortable with silences. At last, she says "We do not read Shinsei's writings in my family." She lets this settle in for half a beat, so that you'll understand her meaning:  The Zhongshans do not recognize that heresy.  Hardly surprising, since the Zhongshan family belongs to the Scorpion Clan. But then, unexpectedly, her false smile returns. "I do wish you the best of luck in bringing more of the wisdom of  Rokugan  to Terolus. Nothing pleases me more than the success of a friend." Sense Motive and Knowledge (history) apply. Sense Motive - 7, Knowledge (history) - 9 (+4 if related to his ancestors) With all things considered, Xankoris thought, "Now, Siwan, it's the time for real mind  Xiangqi. " "So do you, Lady Zhongshan. Sadly I have to go now, soon, The Waypoint is going to be a battlefield. Zorall possesses an evil artifact, even Daidoji will come to aid us." Xankoris laid the bait, now he just has to wait. "Anyway, for the tea, It’s my treat, since you gifted me with those coins anyway." He also has to return the favor too. You vaguely recall your obaa-sama telling you once as a child that some of the Zhongshan family were among those who, like your own family, fled north across the sea to Oerik during the devastation of the Kami War in Rokugan . But unlike the Asahina family, who still have distant kin living in the Emerald Empire , the Zhongshans who stayed in Rokugan were wiped out before the war was over, leaving those who settled in the Kingdom of Provincia as the only surviving bearers of that infamous name. She raises a brow at your news, but you see no break in her facade of perfect calm. "You don't say? I had heard your allies were causing trouble for the Father of Hosts, but I had not known it was so much." She pauses to sip her tea, letting enough time pass that she doesn't seem really interested, then asks with mild curiosity "An evil artifact, you said? What sort?" But when you offer to pay the bill, she smiles with gratitude but shakes her head, assuring you "No, no, it's quite alright. I'll take care of this," though there's an expectant look in her eyes. Sense Motive and Knowledge (local) applies. Josh  said: Max  said: At  Nerwenye's Oils and Elixirs : The potion (ZR-3) is confirmed to be a Potion of  jump . "We do have a potion of  cure moderate wounds  if you're interested," the elven Vadania Nerwenye offers. "330 gold pieces, 7 silver, and 5 copper after taxes and the Guild surcharge." hiskel will but this if it hasnt been bought yet. -canceling the platinum statuette project to get 100 platinum back. -canceling the search for the summon scroll. Vadania sells you the potion gladly, and wishes you good luck. Verrer's disappointed when you come back to cancel your order, but not very. "To be honest, it was quite a longshot that I'd be able to find such a rare and potent scroll anytime soon." Dawi  said: Max  said: "Of course sir," Paula assures you, her manner quite obseqious, "We have all manner of fine clothing for a discerning gentleman like you. Let me show you some of the new shirts I've just gotten in stock. They're beautiful, red silk imported from the  Sand Pits  and sewn by my own tailor, Aramil." Knowledge (local) applies. She shows you a variety of fine clothing suited for a man of your taste, though the fashions are a bit outdated compared to what you're used to from  Skyshroud ... red silk shirts with buttons carved from gleaming black hematite, velvet tunics in black and indigo, hose woven from fine cotton, dark cashmere breeches embroidered with cloth-of-gold, gray lambskin gloves stitched with silver thread, a mantle of wonderfully soft and warm black bear fur with a lapis lazuli clasp, and other such fineries. Knowledge (local): 14 Drawing from his experience among Skyshroud nobles, Ering will choose a combination of tunic, hose, gloves and belt that would tie well with the Cloak of Protection and his Headband of Intellect. In case it's needed: Knowledge (Nobility): 28 It takes you a moment to recall the Sand Pits from your preparatory reading on this part of Terolus. Far in the sparsely inhabited northwest reaches of the Catacombs region, in the middle of nowhere, these arid, sandy silt fields spread over many miles. They look solid enough, and are largely sandstone sediment, but are woven with soft, sucking quicksand pits filled with a dust so fine that it may as well be water. Many unwary travelers have fallen to their doom here, and some say the pits are infested with giant crocodiles as well. Their aridity is unusual in this region, and some scholars believe it to be a microclimate created by the epic magics of some long-forgotten experiment of the Lich-King. Deep in the center of this area is the lair of a powerful blue dragon, though you'll need a Knowledge (nobility & royalty) check to see if you know more about him. Your experience in the courts of the capital serves you well, and Paula praises how dashing you look in your fine new outfit. Her shop isn't part of the Merchants Guild, so the total only comes to 78 gold pieces after tax (and a slight discount Paula insists upon "for a Wayfinder"). The outfit weighs 10 lb. thanks to all the precious metals and gems worked into the clothing. Dawi  said: Max  said: He muses, "You know, I remember hearing once that the vampire lord Tayton Fain used to favor blue whinnis. He liked to torture his enemies, after taking them alive, or even turn them into his undead slaves." The little man looks rather fond of the idea. Knowledge (nobility & royalty), (history), and (religion) apply Knowledge (nobility & royalty): 21 Knowledge (history): 25 Knowledge (religion): 24 Ering tries to remain unamused, but his mind begins to wonder. "What if I had to poison something bigger, like an elephant or a cloud giant, would I need ten times the dose or some poisons are strong enough already? Are there any specifically useful against certain types of creatures?" You've heard chilling tales of Tayton Fain, a vampiric elf who was a lesser power of the Catacombs until he was slain 2 years ago by his nemeses the Deathwalkers. His cruelty was infamous, and his escapades are still a popular subject of tavern tales and minstrel's songs. He once kidnapped the only daughter and heiress of Lord Darius Strongtown, and after they rescued her, she entitled the Deathwalkers the Holy Guards of Strongtown . He infiltrating their headquarters at Callanhall and drained one of their members nearly to death, then later led a massive assault on the mansion where his forces slew several of them. Some people whisper that he was the brother of one of their members, and the father of another--in some more gruesome versions of the story, it was her mother, whom he raped long ago to concieve her, that he drank the blood of. He even took over the Rashi Gnoll tribe of the Lartak Marshes by vampirizing their chief, but it was there that he met his end, after being hunted to his lair and coffin. A rare and powerful variety of intelligent undead, vampires possess a host of strange abilities: they drink the blood of the living to give their bodies the vigor to hide amongst their prey, drain souls with their blows, can dominate the weak-willed with their gaze. They're also infamously difficult to destroy, vulnerable only to special ritual methods such as being stabbed through the heart with a wooden stake or trapped in running water. In addition to these supernatural gifts, Tayton is said to have been a prodigy of dragon style kung fu; and the heir to his martial skills, a werewolf named Humei, recently reemerged from the shadows to avenge her master on his killers in the midst of the Stone River War. People in town  still tell stories of her fierce battles with the Deathwalker Mu Sha Zhun during the Siege of Waterwend , Tayton's former rival from the monastery where they both trained, who helped her guildmates defeat him. Cade shakes his head, waving a hand in negation. "Poisons aren't like food or water; bigger things don't need more of them. A single dose like this one," he casually twirls the vial of shadowy mist-dust in his dextrous fingers, "is enough for a mouse or a whale alike. The evil gods made them that way when they helped to create the world, in the dawn of days. That's why using them is a sacrament to Nerull, they're His own weapon granted to us mere mortals that we might better spread His gift." Cade grins nastily, an unholy symbol of the Hater of Life, carved from (probably humanoid) bone dangling over his rust-red robes. Knowledge (religion) applies. He rubs his smooth chin at the other question, though, considering. "Wellll... using a poison that affects a creature in a way it's particularly weak can be very effective. For example, ungol dust ages the body and mind terribly when inhaled; if you used it on an animal, who tend to have shorter lives and a weaker sense of self, they'd be much more likely to succumb and fall into a coma than, say, a human. I've also heard stories of very rare poisons specifically tailored to hurt certain races, but never seen one myself. The Guild in Treefall might use such things, professionally... poison-trading is just a side business for me, though." Knowledge (local) applies. Dawi  said: Max  said: "I do want to look into the plague while we're here, yeah," Leoavor agrees. "I think we ought to get a room at  The Goblet  tonight, and then tomorrow Hamanap can lift your  curse  and we can look into the plague and such before we head back to the  Waypoint ." "Good. We should also check up on that halfling merchant we rescued from Zorall's prisons... Lyle Highhill was it? I'm sure he'd be happy to see us again." "Oh, yeah!" Leoavor remembers, his boyish smile returning easily. "He gave me his address, let's go see him right now."

Max said: You vaguely recall your obaa-sama telling you once as a child that some of the Zhongshan family were among those who, like your own family, fled north across the sea to Oerik during the devastation of the Kami War in Rokugan . But unlike the Asahina family, who still have distant kin living in the Emerald Empire , the Zhongshans who stayed in Rokugan were wiped out before the war was over, leaving those who settled in the Kingdom of Provincia as the only surviving bearers of that infamous name. She raises a brow at your news, but you see no break in her facade of perfect calm. "You don't say? I had heard your allies were causing trouble for the Father of Hosts, but I had not known it was so much." She pauses to sip her tea, letting enough time pass that she doesn't seem really interested, then asks with mild curiosity "An evil artifact, you said? What sort?" Xankoris looks left & right, making sure no one around. "Another Gaijin Black Scroll," Xankoris answered quitely. "It's too dangerous and better to be kept in our  vault." Of course, by  our,  he meant Crane. If Meilin really has Scorpion blood, she would take this bait at any second. Max said: But when you offer to pay the bill, she smiles with gratitude but shakes her head, assuring you "No, no, it's quite alright. I'll take care of this," though there's an expectant look in her eyes. Sense Motive and Knowledge (local) applies. Sense Motive - 18, Knowledge (local) - 14. 'Ah, yes, rule of 3.' Xankoris thought to himself. It's one of the basic etiquettes he learned in school. "Not at all, Lady Zhongshan, it's the least I could do." For gaijin, this back and forth manner might look complicated, but it's like a knee-jerk reaction for Rokugani people.

Max said:  (assuming you intended to use the 'Speak with Master' familiar ability, it doesn't actually let you speak the language of ravens; it basically just lets you speak gibberish with Vigil that you can both understand because of your deep arcane bond, but other creatures can't understand it without magical translation like a  comprehend language  spell because it's unique to the two of you) Yea I was mostly talking about the  Speak with Animals of Its Kind, because I thought that if both Ering and Leo can speak with birds then they could understand each other in that language. (I don't remember if you told us about a dragon's frightful presence, if not I'll roll an Arcana check to see if Ering knows. Knowledge (Arcana): 20. Ignore the next part if it's not enough) Would Ering know about any herbs or concoctions to help with fear effects? Craft (Herbalism): 24 Otherwise he would ask at  Nerwenye's Oils and Elixirs if they have something.  Max  said: Your experience in the courts of the capital serves you well, and Paula praises how dashing you look in your fine new outfit. Her shop isn't part of the Merchants Guild, so the total only comes to 78 gold pieces after tax (and a slight discount Paula insists upon "for a Wayfinder"). The outfit weighs 10 lb. thanks to all the precious metals and gems worked into the clothing. Blue Dragon, Knowledge (nobility & royalty): 21 Max  said: Cade shakes his head, waving a hand in negation. "Poisons aren't like food or water; bigger things don't need more of them. A single dose like this one," he casually twirls the vial of shadowy mist-dust in his dextrous fingers, "is enough for a mouse or a whale alike. The evil gods made them that way when they helped to create the world, in the dawn of days. That's why using them is a sacrament to Nerull, they're His own weapon granted to us mere mortals that we might better spread His gift." Cade grins nastily, an unholy symbol of the Hater of Life, carved from (probably humanoid) bone dangling over his rust-red robes. Knowledge (religion) applies. He rubs his smooth chin at the other question, though, considering. "Wellll... using a poison that affects a creature in a way it's particularly weak can be very effective. For example, ungol dust ages the body and mind terribly when inhaled; if you used it on an animal, who tend to have shorter lives and a weaker sense of self, they'd be much more likely to succumb and fall into a coma than, say, a human. I've also heard stories of very rare poisons specifically tailored to hurt certain races, but never seen one myself. The Guild in  Treefall  might use such things, professionally... poison-trading is just a side business for me, though." Knowledge (local) applies. Knowledge (religion) applies: 18 Knowledge (local) applies: 13 "What is your main business then, murder?" Ering asks, somewhat jokingly but not completely discounting a yes as an answer. Max  said: "Oh, yeah!" Leoavor remembers, his boyish smile returning easily. "He gave me his address, let's go see him right now." Ering nods and starts following Leoavor. "Why not. By the way, do you know when Zorall's favored wife is due? Has anyone told her about Armis?"

Hiskel will pick up that blue dragon scale for 20 gold and put it on the tiamat shrine.

Ritt K.  said: Max  said: But when you offer to pay the bill, she smiles with gratitude but shakes her head, assuring you "No, no, it's quite alright. I'll take care of this," though there's an expectant look in her eyes. Sense Motive and Knowledge (local) applies. Sense Motive - 18, Knowledge (local) - 14. 'Ah, yes, rule of 3.' Xankoris thought to himself. It's one of the basic etiquettes he learned in school. "Not at all, Lady Zhongshan, it's the least I could do." For gaijin, this back and forth manner might look complicated, but it's like a knee-jerk reaction for Rokugani people. Inside you, Siwan feels confused, but Meilin smiles, again gently insisting. Only after you offer the third time does she demurely accept, her smile again touching her eyes as you prove that you're a person of substance. You're confident that you have moved one step higher in her estimation. Ritt K.  said: Max  said: You vaguely recall your  obaa-sama  telling you once as a child that some of the Zhongshan family were among those who, like your own family, fled north across the sea to  Oerik  during the devastation of the Kami War in  Rokugan . But unlike the Asahina family, who still have distant kin living in the  Emerald Empire , the Zhongshans who stayed in  Rokugan  were wiped out before the war was over, leaving those who settled in the  Kingdom of Provincia  as the only surviving bearers of that infamous name. She raises a brow at your news, but you see no break in her facade of perfect calm. "You don't say? I had heard your allies were causing trouble for the Father of Hosts, but I had not known it was so much." She pauses to sip her tea, letting enough time pass that she doesn't seem really interested, then asks with mild curiosity "An evil artifact, you said? What sort?" Xankoris looks left & right, making sure no one around. "Another Gaijin Black Scroll," Xankoris answered quitely. "It's too dangerous and better to be kept in  our  vault." Of course, by  our,  he meant Crane. If Meilin really has Scorpion blood, she would take this bait at any second. The two of you still sit out of earshot of anyone else in  The Lucky Seven ; as if the location of Meilin's booth in the corner wasn't enough, you notice the few patrons who had been even remotely close have found some excuse to move further towards the other side of the spacious taproom in the last few minutes. Meilin's eyes flash, and for a moment her mask of opaque friendliness almost shatters. In your heart, Siwan whispers  "Be careful. The shadow inside her stirs. I can feel it rumbling."  She takes a long, slow sip of her tea, and sets down the empty glass. "This was not known to me..." she says in Hànyǔ, switching to your native tongue. "Such things do not belong in the hands of the Coiled Lady's vassals, or those of the Crane clan. It is the duty of  my  people to protect them."  She looks directly into your eyes, her gaze suddenly intense, and discards her circumspect manner to speak frankly--proof of the weight she places on this news. "A Black Scroll goes beyond issues of local politics, Asahina Xankoris. It is a matter of honor, a solemn duty to keep the power of gods out of the hands of mortals. Gaijin will surely be tempted to use this Scroll once they understand its true power, and that cannot be allowed." Dawi  said: Max  said:  (assuming you intended to use the 'Speak with Master' familiar ability, it doesn't actually let you speak the language of ravens; it basically just lets you speak gibberish with Vigil that you can both understand because of your deep arcane bond, but other creatures can't understand it without magical translation like a  comprehend language  spell because it's unique to the two of you) Yea I was mostly talking about the  Speak with Animals of Its Kind,  because I thought that if both Ering and Leo can speak with birds then they could understand each other in that language. Ahh, okay. In that case, it is more like a natural language, but only the familiars have the ability. Vigil can speak with any bird, but you and Leo wouldn't understand the conversation until he translated it for you. Dawi  said: (I don't remember if you told us about a dragon's frightful presence, if not I'll roll an Arcana check to see if Ering knows. Knowledge (Arcana): 20. Ignore the next part if it's not enough) Would Ering know about any herbs or concoctions to help with fear effects? Craft (Herbalism): 24 Otherwise he would ask at  Nerwenye's Oils and Elixirs  if they have something.  I think it was alluded to once, but either way you've definitely read about the frightful presence of larger dragons. Hamanap is familiar with it as well, thanks to her ecclesiastical training, and when you have a chance to discuss it with her she explains that she's been blessed by Bahamut with a special resilience against it. You recall reading that black cohosh can help with nervousness and fear, among other things. It's not terribly hard to find, either. At the potion shop, Vadania checks her inventory for you. While you wait, the large, fat toad napping on the counter lifts one eyelid to peer up at you consideringly, then, apparently unimpressed, closes it again and goes back to sleep. "I don't have anything in stock right now  that could help against fear, but I can arrange to get some potions of remove fear  without much trouble. 55 gold pieces, 1 silver, and 2 copper after taxes and my Guild surcharge. How many would you like?" Dawi  said: Max  said: It takes you a moment to recall the  Sand Pits  from your preparatory reading on this part of Terolus. Far in the sparsely inhabited northwest reaches of the Catacombs region, in the middle of nowhere, these arid, sandy silt fields spread over many miles. They look solid enough, and are largely sandstone sediment, but are woven with soft, sucking quicksand pits filled with a dust so fine that it may as well be water. Many unwary travelers have fallen to their doom here, and some say the pits are infested with giant crocodiles as well. Their aridity is unusual in this region, and some scholars believe it to be a microclimate created by the epic magics of some long-forgotten experiment of the Lich-King. Deep in the center of this area is the lair of a powerful blue dragon, though you'll need a Knowledge (nobility & royalty) check to see if you know more about him. Blue Dragon, Knowledge (nobility & royalty): 21 Thinking back further, you recall the dragon's name is Sardukhar. A brutal dictator over the Sand Pits and nearby Pyramid Bridge , he serves as a vassal to Jorvasskar under the banner of the Great Power Iktharlyep, and commands many followers among the human nomads and monstrous races that dwell in the harsh microclimate. His lair is said to lie deep within a great pyramidal stone tomb built by a long-dead cult of Egyptian immigrants. Dawi  said: Max  said: Cade shakes his head, waving a hand in negation. "Poisons aren't like food or water; bigger things don't need more of them. A single dose like this one," he casually twirls the vial of shadowy mist-dust in his dextrous fingers, "is enough for a mouse or a whale alike. The evil gods made them that way when they helped to create the world, in the dawn of days. That's why using them is a sacrament to Nerull, they're His own weapon granted to us mere mortals that we might better spread His gift." Cade grins nastily, an unholy symbol of the Hater of Life, carved from (probably humanoid) bone dangling over his rust-red robes. Knowledge (religion) applies. He rubs his smooth chin at the other question, though, considering. "Wellll... using a poison that affects a creature in a way it's particularly weak can be very effective. For example, ungol dust ages the body and mind terribly when inhaled; if you used it on an animal, who tend to have shorter lives and a weaker sense of self, they'd be much more likely to succumb and fall into a coma than, say, a human. I've also heard stories of very rare poisons specifically tailored to hurt certain races, but never seen one myself. The Guild in  Treefall  might use such things, professionally... poison-trading is just a side business for me, though." Knowledge (local) applies. Knowledge (religion) applies: 18 Knowledge (local) applies: 13 "What is your main business then, murder?" Ering asks, somewhat jokingly but not completely discounting a yes as an answer. You've read myths that support his claim about the evil gods having created poisons in particular. Many scholars of religion believe this is why the use of poison is always considered an evil act, even for those poisons that don't directly harm or debilitate the victim, and even when used in the cause of good.  His allusion to the unnamed "Guild" is almost certainly a reference to the infamous Assassins Guild of Treefall . Deadly and powerful, they control Treefall from the shadows and are said to be completely neutral in the wars of the Catacombs' powers, taking business from anyone who'll pay. You even recall Leoavor mentioning that the Wayfinders discreetly paid them to assassinate several of the enemy leaders in town leading up to the Liberation of Bowhery . Cade raises a brow in reproach. "Murder? From what I hear of the Wayfinders' activities, that's your  field. Or is that 'war'? Perhaps 'justice'?" He shrugs, as if the question is academic. "Death is everywhere, always. Unavoidable, natural, eternal. Farmers grow food because people gotta eat. Wellby and I serve Nerull because people gotta die." Dawi  said: Max  said: "Oh, yeah!" Leoavor remembers, his boyish smile returning easily. "He gave me his address, let's go see him right now." Ering nods and starts following Leoavor. "Why not. By the way, do you know when Zorall's favored wife is due? Has anyone told her about Armis?" Leo leads you into the nicer part of the residential district, chatting along the way. "The pregant woman, you brought back, right? I didn't have much time to talk to her, but we ought to check when we get back. Er... who's Armis?" Once you explain the story, he nods slowly, frowning. "That's not gonna be a fun conversation... probably best to let Avariel do it, then, yeah." He knocks on the door of a comfortable little house, and a few moments later a servant answers, inviting you in. It's rather cramped, like most halfling buildings in Waterwend , but Lyle is very pleased to see you. He looks a bit better than when you last saw him, well-fed once more and dressed in clean, fine clothing. "I can't thank you enough for rescuing me from that Yondalla-forsaken place," he says, shaking your hand for the fifth time. "I've been meaning to send a gift to your fortress, but you know how it's been, getting my business affairs all back in order... let me see, where did I put that box..." He rummages around in some stacked parcels, and produces a small crate filled with little bags of some soft substance. "Here it is!" he bubbles, pushing into your hands. It's relatively heavy for its size, about 20 lb. "Real saffron, imported from the Kingdom of Provincia . Quite a precious and lovely spice, you know. It ought to bring a regal flavor to your kitchens!" Knowledge (geography), Craft (herbalism), trained only, and Appraise apply.

Max said: Inside you, Siwan feels confused, but Meilin smiles, again gently insisting. Only after you offer the third time does she demurely accept, her smile again touching her eyes as you prove that you're a person of substance. You're confident that you have moved one step higher in her estimation. Xankoris places 1 gold ingot, 1 silver ingot, 33 strange platinum coins, 18 drow gold pieces, and 18 drow silver pieces. All of this number can be arranged into 1318, twice, which can be roughly translated into Hànyǔ as lifetime's fortune . "I don't have any bank account, nor the time to exchange them. I don't even know where to place your precious gift." Xankoris turns to the waitress, "If it's too much, just use the change to pay others meal." Now he only hopes for the bill to be low enough for the boasting he just did. Max said: The two of you still sit out of earshot of anyone else in  The Lucky Seven ; as if the location of Meilin's booth in the corner wasn't enough, you notice the few patrons who had been even remotely close have found some excuse to move further towards the other side of the spacious taproom in the last few minutes. Meilin's eyes flash, and for a moment her mask of opaque friendliness almost shatters. In your heart, Siwan whispers  "Be careful. The shadow inside her stirs. I can feel it rumbling."  She takes a long, slow sip of her tea, and sets down the empty glass. "This was not known to me..." she says in Hànyǔ, switching to your native tongue. "Such things do not belong in the hands of the Coiled Lady's vassals, or those of the Crane clan. It is the duty of  my  people to protect them."  She looks directly into your eyes, her gaze suddenly intense, and discards her circumspect manner to speak frankly--proof of the weight she places on this news. "A Black Scroll goes beyond issues of local politics, Asahina Xankoris. It is a matter of honor, a solemn duty to keep the power of gods out of the hands of mortals. Gaijin will surely be tempted to use this Scroll once they understand its true power, and that cannot be allowed." Inside his mind, he chuckles, 'Ha-hah, I'm in danger.' Xankoris replies in Hànyǔ, "I understand fully well, Lady Zhongshan, that Scorpion is the keeper of secrets, but we're just helping your clan getting it faster. Though we have no access to Kingdom Beneath The Sea like Unicorn or Mantis, wind kami still granted us Crane the ability to travel like Teleport and such. So don't you worry, we'll send it to Bayushi daimyo when the situation concluded." Even knowing well that she's wearing a mask, he still isn't prepared for this. "Oh right, I almost forgot I have a meeting with the church in Treefall." The general just moved, now he has to find the way out. "I think I have to go now, it's been a pleasure, Lady Zhongshan." Xankoris bows, and slowly getting out of this place, hopefully. (Diplomacy - 35)

Max said: At the potion shop, Vadania checks her inventory for you. While you wait, the large, fat toad napping on the counter lifts one eyelid to peer up at you consideringly, then, apparently unimpressed, closes it again and goes back to sleep. "I don't have anything in stock right  now  that could help against fear, but I can arrange to get some potions of  remove fear  without much trouble. 55 gold pieces, 1 silver, and 2 copper after taxes and my Guild surcharge. How many would you like?" Ering turns to Leoavor and the other Wayfinders selling the loot. "I feel like this is a worthwhile investment, not only for us but also for the soldiers and the walls and the ones operating the siege engines. I could try to brew a concoction but it certainly won't be as effective as these potions. How many should we buy? How many can we afford?" Max  said: Cade raises a brow in reproach. "Murder? From what I hear of the Wayfinders' activities, that's  your  field. Or is that 'war'? Perhaps 'justice'?" He shrugs, as if the question is academic. "Death is everywhere, always. Unavoidable, natural, eternal. Farmers grow food because people gotta eat. Wellby and I serve Nerull because people gotta die." "You're right, death is death. A child sacrificed in a dark ritual and a criminal executed for his heinous acts will both pass into the afterlife, but don't equate wanton murder with justice; the effect they have on the ones that still live is what matters." Max  said: Leo leads you into the nicer part of the residential district, chatting along the way. "The pregant woman, you brought back, right? I didn't have much time to talk to her, but we ought to check when we get back. Er... who's Armis?" Once you explain the story, he nods slowly, frowning. "That's not gonna be a fun conversation... probably best to let Avariel do it, then, yeah."  "We should also take into account that her son will be a child of Zorall, this might upset some people and worry others... We should ask her is she has a home she would like to return to, I don' think the Waypoint is the right place to raise a child." Max  said: He rummages around in some stacked parcels, and produces a small crate filled with little bags of some soft substance. "Here it is!" he bubbles, pushing into your hands. It's relatively heavy for its size, about 20 lb. "Real saffron, imported from the  Kingdom of Provincia . Quite a precious and lovely spice, you know. It ought to bring a regal flavor to your kitchens!" "It is most kind of you." Ering smiles and lightly bows to the halfling, careful to not hit his head on the low ceiling. "I'm also happy to hear that you are doing well. Do you think you'll be back in business shortly?" Knowledge (geography): 27 Craft (herbalism): 25 Appraise: 12

Ritt K. said: Max said: Inside you, Siwan feels confused, but Meilin smiles, again gently insisting. Only after you offer the third time does she demurely accept, her smile again touching her eyes as you prove that you're a person of substance. You're confident that you have moved one step higher in her estimation. Xankoris places 1 gold ingot, 1 silver ingot, 33 strange platinum coins, 18 drow gold pieces, and 18 drow silver pieces. All of this number can be arranged into 1318, twice, which can be roughly translated into Hànyǔ as lifetime's fortune . "I don't have any bank account, nor the time to exchange them. I don't even know where to place your precious gift." Xankoris turns to the waitress, "If it's too much, just use the change to pay others meal." Now he only hopes for the bill to be low enough for the boasting he just did. The waitress's eyes widen at the small piles of precious metal. Meilin's more calculating eyes seem to notice the layered meaning though, and she spares you a small, ladylike laugh. "I think that will serve," she says, giving the waitress a small, meaningful nod. The woman gathers it all up, and departs with such a deep bow to Meilin that she almost falls out of her low-cut shirt. Sense Motive applies. Ritt K. said: Max said: The two of you still sit out of earshot of anyone else in  The Lucky Seven ; as if the location of Meilin's booth in the corner wasn't enough, you notice the few patrons who had been even remotely close have found some excuse to move further towards the other side of the spacious taproom in the last few minutes. Meilin's eyes flash, and for a moment her mask of opaque friendliness almost shatters. In your heart, Siwan whispers  "Be careful. The shadow inside her stirs. I can feel it rumbling."  She takes a long, slow sip of her tea, and sets down the empty glass. "This was not known to me..." she says in Hànyǔ, switching to your native tongue. "Such things do not belong in the hands of the Coiled Lady's vassals, or those of the Crane clan. It is the duty of  my  people to protect them."  She looks directly into your eyes, her gaze suddenly intense, and discards her circumspect manner to speak frankly--proof of the weight she places on this news. "A Black Scroll goes beyond issues of local politics, Asahina Xankoris. It is a matter of honor, a solemn duty to keep the power of gods out of the hands of mortals. Gaijin will surely be tempted to use this Scroll once they understand its true power, and that cannot be allowed." Inside his mind, he chuckles, 'Ha-hah, I'm in danger.' Xankoris replies in Hànyǔ, "I understand fully well, Lady Zhongshan, that Scorpion is the keeper of secrets, but we're just helping your clan getting it faster. Though we have no access to Kingdom Beneath The Sea like Unicorn or Mantis, wind kami still granted us Crane the ability to travel like Teleport and such. So don't you worry, we'll send it to Bayushi daimyo when the situation concluded." Even knowing well that she's wearing a mask, he still isn't prepared for this. "Oh right, I almost forgot I have a meeting with the church in Treefall." The general just moved, now he has to find the way out. "I think I have to go now, it's been a pleasure, Lady Zhongshan." Xankoris bows, and slowly getting out of this place, hopefully. (Diplomacy - 35) As you move to rise, her hand catches your wrist, and her gaze your eyes again. "Do I have your word of honor that when the Scroll is recovered, you shall deliver it to the Scorpion clan?" she asks in Hànyǔ, her tone profoundly serious. "Swear it to me, on all the Thousand Fortunes." Sense Motive applies, and the air kami grant you a +4 bonus on this roll. Dawi said: Max said: At the potion shop, Vadania checks her inventory for you. While you wait, the large, fat toad napping on the counter lifts one eyelid to peer up at you consideringly, then, apparently unimpressed, closes it again and goes back to sleep. "I don't have anything in stock right  now  that could help against fear, but I can arrange to get some potions of  remove fear  without much trouble. 55 gold pieces, 1 silver, and 2 copper after taxes and my Guild surcharge. How many would you like?" Ering turns to Leoavor and the other Wayfinders selling the loot. "I feel like this is a worthwhile investment, not only for us but also for the soldiers and the walls and the ones operating the siege engines. I could try to brew a concoction but it certainly won't be as effective as these potions. How many should we buy? How many can we afford?" Leoavor checks Hiskel's notes and confers with her on the estimates. "We could get ten or so without a problem..." he says slowly, "...and still have some party treasure to spare for mercenaries and maybe a ballista. Perhaps it would be best to save the potions for our best fighters, and use your concoctions for the rank and file?" Jargon nods at the wisdom of this. "If Zorall attacks directly, probably best that the common soldiers flee anyway. They'd just get consumed in his flames, and ya already said ya can't spare enough magic to ward everyone from them." Dawi said: Max  said: Cade raises a brow in reproach. "Murder? From what I hear of the Wayfinders' activities, that's  your  field. Or is that 'war'? Perhaps 'justice'?" He shrugs, as if the question is academic. "Death is everywhere, always. Unavoidable, natural, eternal. Farmers grow food because people gotta eat. Wellby and I serve Nerull because people gotta die." "You're right, death is death. A child sacrificed in a dark ritual and a criminal executed for his heinous acts will both pass into the afterlife, but don't equate wanton murder with justice; the effect they have on the ones that still live is what matters." He grins, showing you his teeth. "That's where we have a difference of ideology, milord. Nerull teaches that death is what matters, and the ones who still live are just waiting their turn. The more people given His gift sooner, the better." Dawi said: Max  said: Leo leads you into the nicer part of the residential district, chatting along the way. "The pregant woman, you brought back, right? I didn't have much time to talk to her, but we ought to check when we get back. Er... who's Armis?" Once you explain the story, he nods slowly, frowning. "That's not gonna be a fun conversation... probably best to let Avariel do it, then, yeah."  "We should also take into account that her son will be a child of Zorall, this might upset some people and worry others... We should ask her is she has a home she would like to return to, I don' think the Waypoint is the right place to raise a child." "Hrm... that's true. But even a chromatic half-dragon can become a good person, if raised right. Limar managed to change on his own. I'll bet he'd be happy to mentor the child, if she decides to stay." He smiles at the thought. "And while the Waypoint is dangerous right now, it seems inevitable that children will be raised there... between the growing trade from the canal and all Litheria's former serfs that we've settled in the north  Hills , I've been thinking for a while that we'll probably end up as the center of a small town eventually. I was even thinking of building some proper outer walls once the Stone River War is done, and some homes for our smallfolk around the fortress proper. It's really getting too crowded inside." Dawi said: Max  said: He rummages around in some stacked parcels, and produces a small crate filled with little bags of some soft substance. "Here it is!" he bubbles, pushing into your hands. It's relatively heavy for its size, about 20 lb. "Real saffron, imported from the  Kingdom of Provincia . Quite a precious and lovely spice, you know. It ought to bring a regal flavor to your kitchens!" "It is most kind of you." Ering smiles and lightly bows to the halfling, careful to not hit his head on the low ceiling. "I'm also happy to hear that you are doing well. Do you think you'll be back in business shortly?" Knowledge (geography): 27 Craft (herbalism): 25 Appraise: 12 Leoavor, also ducking, raises a brow. "Wow, saffron... a kingly gift. Thank you very much, sir." You've had the spice before, growing up in a noble household, and know it's among the most expensive in the world, worth three times as much as silver by weight. This much of it would probably cost 300 gold pieces. Most of the saffron consumed in southeastern Oerik is grown along the southern coast of the Kingdom of Provincia, thousands of miles away by land and sea, as it requires very specific conditions to cultivate. The taste it imparts to food evokes metallic honey or fresh-cut hay, and even tiny amounts go a long way; it's also used as a golden-yellow pigment in expensive paints and dyes, and for some perfumes. Medicinally, it's a potent expectorant, and is excellent for treating all manner of coughs and lung problems. "Oh yes, I think so," Lyle tells you happily. "My clarks kept things from falling apart while I was gone, and with the War settled down here, trade seems to be starting to blossom again!"

Max said: The waitress's eyes widen at the small piles of precious metal. Meilin's more calculating eyes seem to notice the layered meaning though, and she spares you a small, ladylike laugh. "I think that will serve," she says, giving the waitress a small, meaningful nod. The woman gathers it all up, and departs with such a deep bow to Meilin that she almost falls out of her low-cut shirt. Sense Motive applies. Sense Motive check: 19 'Man, I should have waited for the payment first.' he thought, the tea is probably that logistically expensive. Max said: As you move to rise, her hand catches your wrist, and her gaze your eyes again. "Do I have your word of honor that when the Scroll is recovered, you shall deliver it to the Scorpion clan?" she asks in Hànyǔ, her tone profoundly serious. "Swear it to me, on all the Thousand Fortunes." Sense Motive applies, and the air kami grant you a +4 bonus on this roll. Sense Motive check: 7(nat1) Though air kami whispered a hint, with Meilin's sudden aggression, Xankoris couldn't find a proper answer on time. So he decided to be honest instead. Xankoris looks back into Meilin's eyes, trying to be as sincere as possible, "To go back to Provincia with Daidoji and making sure the scroll is in Lord of Secrets ' hand, that I can't do." he replied in Hànyǔ, another hand slowly - gently places on top of Meilin's hand that held him. "But I can swear on all the Thousand Fortunes, every kami around me, and all of my ancestors in Yomi , that I will try convincing them." (Diplomacy - 25) The hand on top smoothly unwrap Meilin's fingers out, from thumb to pinky. When both are free, instead of pulling back, the pair reach the Meilin hand which once grasped him. Both eyes and hands delicately checking for any bruise he might cause. "You are gorgeous, Lady Meilin ." For the first time, he spoke her first name. "You really do. It would be a shame if you stressed out and ruin this gift of Kami." After making sure it's uninjured, he pulls his hands back and looks into her eyes again. "It's good to take a break once in a while, Lady Zhongshan," He smiles and bows deeply as usual. "Now, may I be excused?"

Max said: Leoavor checks Hiskel's notes and confers with her on the estimates. "We could get ten or so without a problem..." he says slowly, "...and still have some party treasure to spare for mercenaries and maybe a ballista. Perhaps it would be best to save the potions for our best fighters, and use your concoctions for the rank and file?" Jargon nods at the wisdom of this. "If Zorall attacks directly, probably best that the common soldiers flee anyway. They'd just get consumed in his flames, and ya already said ya can't spare enough magic to ward everyone from them." Ering nods. "Ten seems good. If they end up unused we can always keep them for the future."  Does he know if the flames of a young adult red dragon are hot enough to destroy stone walls like the ones in the Waypoint? Max  said: "Hrm... that's true. But even a chromatic half-dragon can become a good person, if raised right. Limar managed to change on his own. I'll bet he'd be happy to mentor the child, if she decides to stay." He smiles at the thought. "And while the Waypoint is dangerous right now, it seems inevitable that children will be raised there... between the growing trade from the canal and all Litheria's former serfs that we've settled in the north  Hills , I've been thinking for a while that we'll probably end up as the center of a small town eventually. I was even thinking of building some proper outer walls once the  Stone River  War is done, and some homes for our smallfolk around the fortress proper. It's really getting too crowded inside." "That's true, and I'm sure Hamanap will be a good influence as well. Once we have defeated Zorall I'll be glad to help you raise the outer walls and lay some plans from an eventual hamlet." 

Ritt K. said: Max said: The waitress's eyes widen at the small piles of precious metal. Meilin's more calculating eyes seem to notice the layered meaning though, and she spares you a small, ladylike laugh. "I think that will serve," she says, giving the waitress a small, meaningful nod. The woman gathers it all up, and departs with such a deep bow to Meilin that she almost falls out of her low-cut shirt. Sense Motive applies. Sense Motive check: 19 'Man, I should have waited for the payment first.' he thought, the tea is probably that logistically expensive. You get the feeling that you probably overpaid a bit, even for such rare and expensive tea, but this display of generosity only improved Meilin's opinion of you. You also get a sense that, like most Rokugani, Meilin strongly disapproves of excessive cleavage... but despite this, all the waitresses in here display quite a lot of it. It's a strange paradox, but then paradoxes don't bother Rokugani as much as they do northerners. Ritt K. said: Max said: As you move to rise, her hand catches your wrist, and her gaze your eyes again. "Do I have your word of honor that when the Scroll is recovered, you shall deliver it to the Scorpion clan?" she asks in Hànyǔ, her tone profoundly serious. "Swear it to me, on all the Thousand Fortunes." Sense Motive applies, and the air kami grant you a +4 bonus on this roll. Sense Motive check: 7(nat1) Though air kami whispered a hint, with Meilin's sudden aggression, Xankoris couldn't find a proper answer on time. So he decided to be honest instead. Xankoris looks back into Meilin's eyes, trying to be as sincere as possible, "To go back to Provincia with Daidoji and making sure the scroll is in Lord of Secrets ' hand, that I can't do." he replied in Hànyǔ, another hand slowly - gently places on top of Meilin's hand that held him. "But I can swear on all the Thousand Fortunes, every kami around me, and all of my ancestors in Yomi , that I will try convincing them." (Diplomacy - 25) The hand on top smoothly unwrap Meilin's fingers out, from thumb to pinky. When both are free, instead of pulling back, the pair reach the Meilin hand which once grasped him. Both eyes and hands delicately checking for any bruise he might cause. "You are gorgeous, Lady Meilin ." For the first time, he spoke her first name. "You really do. It would be a shame if you stressed out and ruin this gift of Kami." After making sure it's uninjured, he pulls his hands back and looks into her eyes again. "It's good to take a break once in a while, Lady Zhongshan," He smiles and bows deeply as usual. "Now, may I be excused?" She holds your gaze, but lets you draw away her fingers... then to her own surprise, blushes at your unexpected compliment. She glances down at her own pale hands for a moment, the black tattoos of her family working across the back of the right one. "...You may," she says after a long, considering moment. Then adds, "Good luck in your battles. I will pray for your good Fortune, Xankoris." The air seems sweeter as you escape that intense atmosphere for the warm, windy summer streets of Waterwend . Do you still plan to head for the Shrine of Isora and Thousand Fortunes  next? Dawi said: Max said: Leoavor checks Hiskel's notes and confers with her on the estimates. "We could get ten or so without a problem..." he says slowly, "...and still have some party treasure to spare for mercenaries and maybe a ballista. Perhaps it would be best to save the potions for our best fighters, and use your concoctions for the rank and file?" Jargon nods at the wisdom of this. "If Zorall attacks directly, probably best that the common soldiers flee anyway. They'd just get consumed in his flames, and ya already said ya can't spare enough magic to ward everyone from them." Ering nods. "Ten seems good. If they end up unused we can always keep them for the future."  Does he know if the flames of a young adult red dragon are hot enough to destroy stone walls like the ones in the Waypoint? "I'll put in the order then," Vadania assures you. "You can come pick them up in a week's time." Leoavor adds "Actually, hold off on that please ma'am... we should discuss it with the others first, since we'll be using party funds, yeah?" You know that stone is exceptionally resilient to heat, and the main walls of the Waypoint  are quite thick, built from solid, quarried blocks and good mortar. They won't burn easily, and even the intense heat of the firebreath from a red dragon of Zorall's age would take perhaps half a dozen solid hits in a row to melt a hole in them... so it is possible  for him to manage it if given no easier targets (such as if you just holed up inside), but it's unlikely they'd sustain serious damage from a single blast. Ering is also able to find a blank waterproof book to copy the Wayfinders journal into for 3 gold pieces (it weighs 1 lb). After gifting Ering and Leoavor the saffron, Lyle also invites them to stay for dinner. "We've got time before sundown, so I'm up for it. How about you, Ering? We only really had street food for lunch..." The following morning, Moonday the 24th of Harvester, the weather is clear and warm, perfect the tasks ahead. Hamanap (after you told her at the Merlin King at dusk last night) has prepared a remove curse  spell, and uses it to break the curse on it. You can roll separate Gather Information checks to look for Limar's scout Silaquin (who's been discreetly collecting intel on the slave trade here), collect rumors about Rizdar the Storm, seek out a skilled atillator to potentially build you a ballista, and find out more about the plague in the slums here. Leoavor assists all but the last check; he seems very anxious about the plague and takes extra care to avoid anyone who looks sick, making him pretty useless in gathering news about it. It'll take 14 hours total, so you choose whether you want to spend one very long, exhausting day at it, or space it out over 2 days.

Max said: You get the feeling that you probably overpaid a bit, even for such rare and expensive tea, but this display of generosity only improved Meilin's opinion of you. You also get a sense that, like most Rokugani, Meilin strongly disapproves of excessive cleavage... but despite this, all the waitresses in here display quite a lot of it. It's a strange paradox, but then paradoxes don't bother Rokugani as much as they do northerners. Xankoris couldn't agree more about the excessive cleavage part. The biggest difference between women in the red-light district and geisha in okiya is their clothing. In Rokugan and Northeastern Provincia, geisha, especially the elites, advertised their sexuality not by displaying skin but by wearing layers of elegant clothing. With that in mind, the top 3 most beautiful women he has met are Silk, Meilin, and Nell. Of course, the order was random. Max said: She holds your gaze, but lets you draw away her fingers... then to her own surprise, blushes at your unexpected compliment. She glances down at her own pale hands for a moment, the black tattoos of her family working across the back of the right one. "...You may," she says after a long, considering moment. Then adds, "Good luck in your battles. I will pray for your good Fortune, Xankoris." The air seems sweeter as you escape that intense atmosphere for the warm, windy summer streets of Waterwend . Do you still plan to head for the Shrine of Isora and Thousand Fortunes  next? "Knowing you want me to be safe is the greatest prayer for me, Lady Zhongshan." Xankoris bows with a smile before walking out. Without hesitation, he heads to the  Shrine of Isora and Thousand Fortunes , he prays and leaves 1 GP as an offering. After all of that, he let out a huge sigh of relief. 'Finally, I survived. If Lady Zhongshan doubted in me and Daidoji's capability, she would send her minion to steal this black scroll for sure.' That's pretty much Xankoris' plan, but then the memory when Meilin blushed comes into his mind. 'Still, did I do anything wrong?' Xankoris muses for a second, 'Eh, probably not.' Xankoris would have some discussion with Emory if he could find his acolyte around the shrine. He would ask whether the shrine needs repairing, and how's his student training going before flying to Treefall.

Max said: Leoavor adds "Actually, hold off on that please ma'am... we should discuss it with the others first, since we'll be using party funds, yeah?" Ering shrugs. "You are the treasurer after all, I suppose waiting one one more day won't Max  said: After gifting Ering and Leoavor the saffron, Lyle also invites them to stay for dinner. "We've got time before sundown, so I'm up for it. How about you, Ering? We only really had street food for lunch..." "It would be an honor master Lyle. I apologize for not bringing anything for the dinner, not even a bottle of wine." Max  said: The following morning, Moonday the 24th of Harvester, the weather is clear and warm, perfect the tasks ahead. Hamanap (after you told her at the  Merlin King  at dusk last night) has prepared a  remove curse  spell, and uses it to break the curse on it. You can roll separate Gather Information checks to look for Limar's scout Silaquin (who's been discreetly collecting intel on the slave trade here), collect rumors about Rizdar the Storm, seek out a skilled atillator to potentially build you a ballista, and find out more about the plague in the slums here. Leoavor assists all but the last check; he seems very anxious about the plague and takes extra care to avoid anyone who looks sick, making him pretty useless in gathering news about it. It'll take 14 hours total, so you choose whether you want to spend one very long, exhausting day at it, or space it out over 2 days. Ering will take his time and space it out over two days, but he will soon realize that he might not be the best suited person to gather information in an almost unknown town.  Gather information checks (modifiers for Leo's help and the + 2 with members of Terolus Human Military or allied citizens are not counted.) 3 (nat1), 8, 7, 9. He will also thank Hamanap and present her the ruby dust and the ornate skull, asking if Bahamut blessed her with a continual flame spell.  Once Ering is alone in his room at The Goblet he will take the new, waterproof, book and open it next to the old Wayfinder's journal. Placing a hand on the battered pages he begins the rhythmic and simple Amanuensis spell, one he used extensively in the libraries of Skyshroud during his studies. Running his index finger as  though holding a quill words starts to appear on the blank pages, perfectly duplicating the original. After about one hour he will carefully close the old tome and write a new entry in the newly copied book.  Ering's entries are written with the precise and uniform handwriting of someone who has studied and practiced calligraphy from a young age.   Starday, Harvester  22nd,  CY 1421. Lieutenant Colonel Ering Walfire, member of the Wayfinders since the 12th of Goodmonth, CY 1421. I have taken the liberty to copy the old journal in a new, waterproof book. The spell I used kept the original handwritings, so it will not lose sentimental or historic value. Some events will be omitted for the sake of our security. I wouldn't want to share valuable information with whoever manages to steal this tome. I met the Wayfinders during the battle to liberate Bowhery, it was the 6th of Goodmonth. I fought with thirty of my soldiers near the north gate, trying to keep it open to allow the Red King's forces to ride into the city. I briefly confronted Leeman Kendling, but after I killed one of his guards he fled on his Nightmare. Avariel Arrinor, the winged Paladin with a strong Celestial heritage and the charming Elf Axil also distinguished themselves during the fight; after the funerals and the celebrations with the Red King we traveled to the Waypoint and all three of us joined the Wayfinders.   After settling in we decided to bring the fight to Zorall, confident that the losses he suffered at Bowhery would play in our favor. The raids were successful. We forced them to retreat further back in their own caves, we took their treasure, freed their slaves and slew several of Zorall's own offspring: cruel half-dragons that killed, pillaged and kidnapped under the banner of their red dragon father. It is clear that the arrogant dragon enjoys collecting wives and siring children with anything that is able to; the most notable half-dragons we came across were a mimic, a plant creature, an athac, a destrachan and a bear. While most of them reflected the evil and prideful nature of their father, they also possessed different personalities. I think that with a good upbringing most of them could have become noble and honorable people, and while I won't excuse the suffering they have brought I can't help but feel sorry for them. In the caves we met and freed Jargon, a rough but honest swordsman, Rezinov, a Celestial envoy sent by Ilmater and Sja'Renj, an albino kobold and a good fighter. We freed an entire tribe of kobolds, the Kurta, they believe our arrival was foretold by a prophecy. Much more could be written about our raids, but Zorall has not yet been defeated, so I will stop myself.   I am writing from the comfort of my room in Waterwend. We are almost certain that Zorall and Kendling are going to attack us in retaliation for our raids. We are preparing the Waypoint for a siege, if we are lucky they will come in four weeks. The Kurta prophecy speaks of a powerful storm, and Xankoris' divinations also confirmed it. I worry that this storm might be something even more dangerous than a meteorological event; shortly before the raid we realized that we were being observed by the wizard Rizdar , also known by his magical title Rizdar the Storm. It might be a coincidence, but we must not overlook anything.

Before departing Waterwend, Kraggan deposited 1000 gold pieces from the party's treasury into your bank account at the branch of the House of Tyild and Rodat  there, bringing your balance up to nearly 2300 gold pieces. "In case the Waypoint  happens to fall, this way we won't be left totally without our treasury," she told Leoavor. "If the worst happens, those can escape should regroup here in Waterwend ." With a letter of credit from the Waterwend City Council  in hand, Xankoris flies on wings of flame to Treefall, arriving again in the afternoon on Harvester 24th. Heian Kelpwhisper, the high priest of Deep Sashelas, begins to help him at once with the preliminary stages of researching his torrential rain  spell: laying out diagrams of the magical forces that will be necessary, and working up the complex equations involved in the metamagic. Research at one or more of the town's libraries will also be needed though, as will prayer and sacrifice to the air kami... and, most likely, more trips into the Void with Siwan to search for lost fragments of the ancient spell he means to recreate. After a few days, Verrer sends a runnerboy to The Harlequin's Goblet  on Harvester 26th to tell Ering that his scroll of spell vulnerability is ready for pickup. Xankoris's +2 bonus to saves and checks vs weather effects also wears off the same day. Leoavor also runs some errands before he leaves  Waterwend , buying Limar a homecoming gift and purchasing a few new books for the Waypoint 's library  (see  The Stone River Waypoint  handout in-game):  Treaties of the URO and the Dragon Kings , Illusion and Precognition , and The Binding of Outsiders (in Draconic) After dropping off the loot and touching base at The Stone River Waypoint , Leoavor and Ering head to Treefall  to visit the library of the Church of Labelas Enoreth to research past disasters for some clue about the strange portents, as well as the Taint that's wearing at Xankoris. Since he's been there many times, Leoavor handles the teleportation  for them both, and they arrive safely in a green and lovely park.  Nestled where the Lithid River splits into the Orthan and Granlig , Treefall has a lot of inns and a bustling port market. Around the landward side and jutting into the water on each river is a 30' high logwall with guard towers every 300'. There are also a few guard towers on small islands out in the rivers around the town. In some ways, it feels similar to Waterwend , yet at the same time very different... a primarily high elf town, it displays their more elegant sense of style and love of finery, in contrast to the simpler and more agrarian culture of the halflings. Still, tallfellow halflings tend to get on better with elves than their more common, shorter cousins, and there are plenty of them about here, as well as a variety of other civilized races. The Church of Labelas Enoreth  is a grand structure of baroque marble and wood, dedicated to the elven god of philosophy, wisdom, time, and knowledge. On their way, Leoavor tells Ering that the library there holds hundreds of books and scrolls, and the high priest Enialis is widely considered the wisest man in town.  The acolyte who welcomes you inside brings you to a middle-aged high elf woman whom he introduces as Xanaphia Diamonddew, the Church 's Head Librarian. Leoavor seems to know her, and they greet each other as old acquaintances. "I haven't seen you in quite some time, Leoavor," she says with a playful smile. "And you've brought a friend. Welcome, sir." The library can be used by nonmembers of the Church  a fee of 2 gold pieces per day. After a day (8 hours) of research, you gain a +3 circumstance bonus on one Knowledge check (or a check with another skill that works like a Knowledge check), which can be rolled untrained for any DC.