Eyeing the key and the package, Talia sighs heavily and feels a certain frustration at how suspicious she had become. It reflected poorly on her upbringing. As a girl raised in a small town, she had been more trusting at one point. Still, life had sent a few strange things her way lately. "I say we take a room. Use the key from within or some such? Whatever we do, we need to get the shopping done quick and get back to Ashford."

"Sounds good." Orila waited until the wizard left the table. She spied Angel off to the side. She rapped the table with her knuckles. "Angel!" She waved the elven woman back to the table. "We've made a decision."

Orila held up the key with her fingers. "We've taken the job. Do you want to join us in dealing with the orc tribes... or are you planning on heading to something else? We've offering you a one-time opportunity to join us. For Ashford and the surrounding communities."

When Orila called Angel over, Talia eyed the woman sourly but then looked at the goliath woman and nodded firmly. "Aye. It'd be useful. Maye even good? To have you around. You're certainly tricksy enough for both of us!" It was as close as Talia was willing to get to a compliment at this time.

Over at the bar, Angel's head snapped up at the sound of her name, and she turned to meet Orila's gaze with a look that was a curious mixture of surprise and relief. A small smile curved her lips at the goliath's invitation... but it vanished just as quickly when her eyes flickered over to notice Talia's sour look. Turning back, Angel picked up her drink and drained the rest of it, leaving a coin on the bar next to her empty cup. Then she slid off the barstool and lazily strolled back over to the table where the rest of the Ashford companions sat, arriving just as Talia spoke...

Angel's face softened at Talia's words and an amused, mischievous twinkle flashed in her bright golden eyes. Without a word, she bowed her head and gracefully dipped a brief curtsy toward the other woman, a gesture more one of acknowledging the compliment than meant to indicate station or rank. When she straighten back up she held Talia's gaze for a couple moments and then extended her hand. "We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot. Shall we try again?"

Alyssa nodded absently as her friend spoke, the halfling's mind racing at the implications of an orc war band near Ashford. As Orila called Angel back to the table Alyssa did a quick count of their group. "Do you think they have a 5 bed room here? Maybe pair of joining rooms? And no, I'm not sleeping in a bureau!"

Talia stiffened for a second as the mischievous look spoke of yet more acerbic japs at her expense. When the woman seemed genuinely appreciative of the words, Talia blinked. She almost spluttered at the bow, "Well, I, umm. umm." Talia heaved a sigh and then nodded simply, "Aye." Talia stood and accepted the extended hand with a firm grip. "Aye, let's do that. Join us then." Talia motioned to a seat at the table but the phrase seemed to contain more.

She then sat again and looked at Alyssa, "The room ain't as much for sleeping as of yet. I expect the greater Ashford party here will take multiple rooms at that. The room is a safe place to stow gear and depart and return to using the key."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 09:32, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

Angel took the offered seat and listened while the others spoke of getting a room so they could use the key. "I'll get us a suite," she volunteered. "We can use it initially for the "key thing", and then get other rooms as needed later on."

Barring no objections from the others, Angel rose from the table and went to see about getting a suite for them to use...

OOC: Just FYI, this is one of those times where Angel covers for party expenses with funds she skimmed off the top, as per our earlier discussion... you're welcome.  ;)   

The party retires to their suite. As Draumavaunt had indicated the key seems to highlight the closest lock so whoever holding the key sees the glowing lock shift as they walk down the hallway to their room. Inside the accommodations are cramped but luxurious. If only the rooms were larger it would be down right elegant but the fluffy comfortable beds barely fit inside the individual rooms and the only other furniture is crammed into the main common room. Despite paying top price the room is cramped for five people.

Once inside their room the only thing left to do was to try out the key. Despite being clearly oversized it slipped easily into the glowing lock of the room door. There is a brilliant flash of light that lasts for several seconds, blinding everyone. When the light dims the party finds they have been teleported to a strange place. They find themselves seated on comfortable leather chairs and couch surrounding a low wooden coffee table. The floor is tiled with dark marble and the walls appear to be finely crafted stone leading up to huge vaulted ceilings, easily over 20' tall. Floor-to-ceiling windows and giant skylights present plenty of light however the windows are opaque so it is impossible to see the landscape beyond and determine where the party has been transported to.

There are other clusters of chairs and couches forming six distinct clusters of furniture arranged equidistant in a 3x2 grid broken up and divided by rows half-wall partitions topped with the occasional potted plant. The air is cool and crisp with hints of airflow but there doesn't seem to be any open window.

At the other end of the room are two notable items. The first is a large wrap-around desk with an ancient gnome sitting behind it struggling to read a book through incredibly thick spectacles. The gnome is old beyond measure and seems almost completely bleached of color. His hair is white, his skin is ashen gray and even tongue seems to be more gray than pink.

The other note is that there are no exits to this room. Instead one of the four walls is instead made up of a giant brass circular cover, like a vault door only on a scale that is absolutely massive. A best estimate is that the door is about 30' tall.

As the party's eyes adjust from the blinding light they hear voices arguing.

"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?"

"Now as we stated the Exchange is perfectly neutral and we take no sides..."

Looking over there are two men advancing on one another and a young gnome, barely more than a child, trying without success to keep the two separated.

"You think you can aid the Kingdom of Gartanyan and not pay a price?"

The first speaker moves to draw an obviously magical sword, throwing back is jewel encrusted fur cloak and pulling out a sword that ignites with wild green flame as soon as it leaves the scabbard. He pulls with such vigor that the golden crown he is wearing nearly topples from his head.

The second man stops advancing upon seeing the flaming sword in front of him.

"Oh that is how you want it, Tanning? A brawl in the lobby of the exchange? So be it! I will end the war here and now."

He waves a gloved hand in the air and a spear made entirely of light. He gives it a quick spin before taking a defensive stance.

The gnome lad is shouting at both of them but his cries are drowned out by the clashing of metal as the two begin attacking.

Back at the front desk the ancient gnome just grunts.

"Well that's enough of of that."

He pulls a lever next to him and with a flash of light both men disappear, but their weapons remains. The spear of light turns into a solid silver metal while the flaming blade extinguishes the green flame and clatters noisily to the ground.

"Twelve, what have I told you? This is why you need to move quickly to avoid an intersection. Now attend to your duties, we have new guests."

The old gnome stabs a finger towards the party still in their little seating area. The young gnome pauses for a second, debating cleaning up the fallen weapons and then just kicking them under a nearby couch and running over to greet the party.

"Greetings, travelers! I am #12 and I would like to cordially welcome you to the Klacken Exchange! If you'll just follow me we can get you processed and taken care of swiftly and to your utmost satisfaction!"

He is trying to put on a professional smile but is clearly ruffled by the melee. He is wearing a blue shirt with an insignia on it that matches the shape of the key handle, a cog surrounded by circles. He has a small cap on as well with #12 embroidered into it with brass colored thread. The party notices that he isn't wearing any shoes, instead his feet covered with thick wool socks that are causing his little feet to have to pump twice as hard due to the lack of grip.

He looks around and then holds out his hand.

"If I can see your exchange key, it will help expedite the processing."

He looks back at the old gnome staring daggers at him from behind the counter and leans forward.

"I know you have a lot of questions but I can answer them as we walk. Just, please hand the key over so we can get things moving. Please?"

OOC: sorry for the presumptive post... trying to appease the DM, who seems to want to move things along.

Angel sighed at the others' hesitation and then reached out to pluck the key from Orila's hand. (the last one who had the key according to post #28) She promptly handed it to the little gnome named "12". "Here ya go," she said brightly, and then glanced over to where he'd kicked the weapons under the couch. "Oh! It looks like you dropped something. Here, let me help you with that," she added, already moving past "12" toward the couch...

The little gnome gladly accepts the key, motioning towards the others to follow.

"Please, come with me."

When Angel starts moving towards the dropped weapons he turns a little pale and shakes his head.

"No, you can't touch those. Just...just follow me. This way. Whatever questions you have I can try to answer but we must get moving."

He casts a glance at the desk where the ancient gnome is still glaring at him, tapping his fingers rhythmically next to what looks to be a giant bowl of water.

Yry is rather stunned even after her eyes clear, looking around the room again and again-- only stopping for a break when the imminent melee draws her attention. She is very much a surprised doe, following orders-- requests-- with wide eyes. When 12 asks for the key she checks her belt and seems relieved when Angel turns the key over. This place seemed powerful in a way the sorceress was intimidated by-- in truth, like a country bumpkin in awe of a big city or cathedral.

She follows 12 politely, showing her respect to the ancient gnome with a brief curtsy as the party is whisked away to whatever their destination is.

Talia blinked rapidly to clear the light from her eyes only to have her attention stolen by the rude men nearby. She didn't know them or the names they mentioned. That hardly seemed problematic considering the context but it still unnerved her sense of control. The rather pushy gnome and glaring elder gnome also set her teeth to grinding. They were being terribly impolite. Still, she'd taken the lesson provided that acting rashly or untoward in this place got you booted and, apparently, a fine was in place for such behavior. Not wanting to lose her mace, she only frowned a little bit when Angel nicked the key from Orila's grip to hand over. She cast a hard look the other woman's way then let it go.

She followed along while casting more dirty looks at the elderly gnome. She had no interest in starting fights this day.

"Are you sure? It'll only take a moment," Angel offered taking one more step toward the couch before turning back toward the gnome. Her doe-eyed expression was the epitome of sincere innocence. She held her position for just a couple moments longer, to see if "12" mind change his mind, but when he didn't she deflated a bit as she shrugged, disappointed. "Okay, okay. I was just trying to help," she replied, returning to the group.

It was only when the little gnome turned around to lead the companions to wherever it was he wanted them to go, that the mask of helpful faux-sincerity slipped from the elf's face, replaced by an impish grin -- and two things were immediately obvious to those of her companions who noticed. One, like the wizard previously, and Talia before that, it seemed Angel just couldn't help needling those she met; and two, she was one hell of an actress.

The gnome lad, Twelve, led the group down the hallway towards the giant brass vault door. He seemed a little surprised that he wasn't bombarded with questions but he quickly went into his tour guide speech anyway.


"Right. You're in the Klacken Exchange. We deliver magical solutions for a multiverse of problems. We exist in our own little pocket universe so time and space don't really operate the same here as it does wherever you come from. Take all the time you need here and when you are returned no time will have passed. Quite handy, that. No?"

As he led the his little tour past the ancient gnome still glaring at him the old man gave the party a quick once over and then gave his judgement.

"Vault 4."

With that delivered the old gnome shifted to stare at the bowl of water. Twelve gave an energetic nod and motioned for the group to follow him once again.

"Don't mind Number One. He just tries to run a tight ship after all. We try to hurry people through arrivals and processing to avoid any intersections...like the one you saw earlier. We are supposed to be neutral in all matters but that can sometimes mean our clients aren't pleased to see one another. That almost never happens...almost. My name is Josianamus Klackencogswheel, hence the name. Originally it was the Klackencogswheel Extraplanar Magical Exchange but none of our clients seemed to like that very much so it was eventually just shortened to the Klacken Exchange. I'm just the greeter, and cleaner, and messenger. I'll take you to your personal curator who will be able to explain things much more clearly than I can."

The gnome stopped about fifty feet away from the giant brass door. The door itself was covered with small engravings depicting various magical scenes. Wizards casting fireballs at dragons or reading ancient tomes or performing grand rituals. The engravings were so detailed that as the party walked forward the way the light and shadows hit the engraving caused them to appear to move. The fireballs would explore, pages would be turned, rituals circles would appear to glow. At first it looked magical but it quickly became apparent it was just expert craftsmanship and tricks of the light as the scenes just flipped back and forth over and over again.

"The key that you handed me is what we refer to as a guest pass. Our clients can get them issued to allow select guests access to our inventory. Sometimes it is just to do some shopping for the client but many times keys are given out as rewards for services conducted. Each key is single use however. Once your needs have been satisfied, within the limits of your client's tier of course."

Number Twelve, aka Josianamus, was standing next to a lever set into the marble floor. The young gnome began pulling and pushing the lever, flipping it through a complex series of positions. The ground began to rumble but instead of the giant vault door opening instead the whole wall began to rotate. Along nearly invisible seams the vault door and the wall behind it rotated clockwise so the giant brass door sank into the floor like a setting sun. As it did so on the other side of the wall opposite a new vault door came into view like a sunrise. This one was engraved with pictures of kings and rulers commanding armies and demanding loyalty from their subjects.



This door rotated up into position like the sun rising to midday but then didn't stop, it too continuing to rotate over and set, disappearing beneath the floor. A third vault door rose up and this was engraved with what looked to be heroes fighting terrible monsters or avoiding deadly traps. This time when the vault door was fully visible it locked into position. The gnome pulled the lever one more time and this time the giant vault door opened.

Through the door was what looked to be a giant warehouse filled with shelves.



Looking like library stacks but instead of books each shelf was full of boxes of varying shapes and sizes, each with a little card on the front labeling it. While the shelves themselves seem organized the overall layout is more akin to a maze and very little of the room is actually visible through the haphazard shelf layouts.

Standing on the other side of the vault are two more gnomes waiting patiently. One has a badge that says "#4" and the other has a badge that says "#8". Looking at them it would appear that the gnomes must all be related. Between #4, #8, and #12 it could easily be grandfather, father, and son.

Number Twelve runs forward, handing the key off to Number Four before heading back to man the lever, presumably to close the vault once the party had entered.

The older gnome waves the party forward.

"Greetings and welcome to the Klacken Exchange."

He motions for the party to in and then gestures to the side where there is yet another seating area that looks remarkably like the one they just left. It was hard not to feel like the gnomes were shuffling them along like an assembly line, each one repeating a line they had spoken a hundred times before.

"Let's get the obvious questions out of the way, shall we? My name is Josianamus Klackencogswheel but you can just call me Number Four. Next to me is also Josianamus but we call him Number Eight. I'll be your curator for your stay here and Number Eight will be assisting. Yes, every gnome here is named Josianamus and yes it is because we are all the same person. The Exchange is run by twelve versions of the same person. We're not copies or clones or anything, we are just at twelve different points in our lives. The Exchange operates under a very complicated time loop. Honestly it is a headache and a half to even begin to explain it. All you need to know is that time has effectively stopped for you while you're here. You'll be returned at the exact time and spot that you arrived from.

Now the mission behind the Exchange was to create the universe's greatest magic shop. I succeeded beyond my wildest expectations when I created not just this plane's greatest magical emporium but every plane's greatest magical emporium. We're actually connected to thousands of alternate planes or dimensions or realities or worlds, whatever language you would prefer. Rest assured that our inventory is second to none.

Because of this we do not provide a catalog, so to speak. Instead if you tell us about your desires or interests or problems that you are facing we can provide a solution. Typically this is with a magical item but we do have a wide array of exotic materials. We have found that half the time just having the right metal or mineral is just as good, and far cheaper, than bothering with enchantments.

There are conditions, however. We do not take gold or other baubles from guests. Instead we offer an exchange. You trade us an exotic or magical item and we will return in kind. Depending on current exchange rates this can be very favorable for you. Our clientele mostly caters to wizards and rulers and they tend to put very little value on flashy swords or sturdy armor so mercenaries and adventurers such as yourselves can often get very favorable rates. So come in and have a seat while we check the credit available on your account."

Number Four pats one of the chairs before going off to the side to consult with Number Eight. Number Four pulls out a jeweler's monocole and begins reading off tiny numbers that had been engraved on the key while Number Eight has produced a small black ledger and is flipping through it, repeating the numbers. After a few moments they find the entry they are looking for and then both of them grin, nodding excitedly with one another.

"Ah, a guest of the Order of Brilliance. Very nice, very nice. A member in very good standing. With their line of credit you will find your exchanges to be at a very favorable rate indeed. So tell me what kind of magical solutions you are looking for and what you can offer up in exchange and I can figure out the best solution you need."

OOC: To put this into context, many of you received magical items as part of the dragon's hoarde, items you may or may not want to keep. This is way to swap them for something different and potentially unique.

Don't feel like you have to identify specific items because the point of the Exchange is to not be limited by just what is available in the core rulebook. I have bookshelves full of books from all editions of Pathfinder and D&D and so maybe a custom item is in the cards.

I hope you can really dive into your character's head and answer the question "what kind of magic do you want" from their perspective in their own words. Barring that if you, the player, have your eye on something specific again let me know. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to find something you really like but I've found doing it this way makes shopping a lot more fun and engaging (at least from my end :D)

Through the course of the tour, and the snippet of conversation she caught while arriving late, she gets the general gist of what is happening. When Four asks about magical solutions and exchanges Yry perks up quickly. "If it's okay with my companions, I might go first? You see, I have this hideous helmet that I can't bear to use. It would probably be quite useful to the right person-- it seems to read minds and the idea of actually doing that doesn't sit right with me. Plus I can't bear to wear it, it is actually horrid."

She removes the helmet from her bag and puts it on the table.



"As for what 'solution' I might be looking for, well, I use ice magic. If I could be more potent, or have something to protect my friends, that would be nice. Something with a more pleasant form..."

In reply to Angel (msg # 35):

Orila was stunned with the sight in front of her. The goliath turned her head back to view where the door was. She snapped her head back when Angel snatched the key. "Hey?!?" The goliath stared at the small gnome in front of the group her retort fading from her lips.

Angel turned back just enough to give the goliath a saucy look. "Ya snooze, ya lose, Beefcake," she quipped back...



Angel hesitated for just a moment, wariness and confusion on her face, before she reached out and took the button. Holding it in her hand, a surprised look came over the elf's face and she shrugged her shoulders, glancing back over one shoulder at that fine black cloak she always wore. Then she looked at the ancient gnome again with a puzzled look and slowly reached up to unclasp the cloak, taking it off -- the first time any of the companions had ever seen Angel not wearing it. As the dark garment slid from her shoulders, to drape over one arm, the look on Angel's face couldn't have been more shocked had she just been honestly told she was the new queen of Evermeet. Then a broad grin spread across her face. "Thanks!" She said to the ancient gnome, offering him an overly-dramatic stage-bow that while a bit flippant, seemed every bit sincerely grateful. Then Angel moved to catch up with the others, literally skipping as she returned...



Angel snorted scornfully. "So what's the catch, huh? You already mentioned the conditions. Can't buy but only trade, so what's the fine print of that trade? Years of service? A few nights in bed? Oh, I know! You want our souls as part of the bargain too, eh? Well, you're probably too late on that one. If I had a soul, it's probably been lost a few times over by now." She slumped back in her chair, the steam having gone out of her tirade. "Magical quick fixes don't help. You play the hand you're dealt and hope you can bluff better than the others at the table." she added quietly, almost to herself. She paused for moment, rolling that small brass button through her fingers as she looked at her black cloak, now draped over the arm of her chair. She reached out to stroke it almost lovingly. "But you know," she continued in that quiet introspective voice. "If there were such a thing as faerie wishes, I'd think I'd like to be free. Just disappear, you know, so no one could find me. Just be someone else for awhile..." Her voice trailed off as she got a far-away look in her eyes and zoned out for a bit.

Number Four takes out a loupe and places it over his eye, giving the helmet a once over and then his eyes widen so much the loupe falls out and he has to quick catch it in his hand.

"A helm of telepathy? Yes, yes that is something that a lot of our clients are very interested in. We can give you very favorable exchanges if you're willing to part with it."

He takes the helmet and gently places it on the desk, turns, then turns back and adjusts it a little farther from the edge as if it might tumble from the edge and become damaged in some way.

"I think we can part with a Tiamat's Tear for that."

He gives Number Eight a nod and Eight disappears for a few minutes before coming back with a small box. He opens it up and instantly the temperature in the room seems to drop a degree or two as if an icy breeze had picked up. Inside is what looks to be a round frozen drop of water about the size of a fist that glows with an icy blue light.



"In a world of mountains and ice dragons once ruled over other races but the other races eventually revolted and slaughtered every dragon. When the last dragon was killed it is said that Tiamat herself wept at the death of her children before departing from the world forever. The tears froze solid and the myth is that if they unfreeze they will birth forth a new dragon. We at the Exchange cannot verify the veracity of any of that, but we can say that this tear greatly empowers ice magic. In theory it can do so forever but it does take a little while to charge and recharge."

OOC: You can use the tear 1/short rest to add an extra damage die to an ice spell. This die does get multiplied for crits. Alternatively 1/long rest you can add two extra dice of damage (note this prevents the 1/short rest ability from working.)

---

As Angel delivers her thoughts the gnome tugs at his beard.

"Do you have anything magical to trade? Even if you don't this account comes with a fair amount of credit that we could deliver something to you but it wouldn't be much. We can offer you a couple pinches of Dust of Disappearance. How do you feel about that?"

Truly in awe of the entire experience Alyssa allowed herself to be ushered through the Exchange and into Vault #4. Making a point to ignore the baiting and sniping amongst the group the halfling focused more on the vastness of Vault #4 and the impressive efficiency that the gnomes, no, gnome is able to manage.

Thinking about her own equipment, Alyssa removed the scabbard and short sword from her belt and placed it on the table. "It isn't much, I know, and given the needs of your clients maybe not as in demand but... I'm an archer truth be told. If I don't need to get close enough to use this I'm much happier in general."

Talia was peering here and there around the vault. Unlike the others, she was satisfied with the item she had and had no other items to trade. As she looked here and about, she made this status clear, "I'm happy with my current acquisition, really. I've been meaning to learn some Draconic though, if you could manage that for me. Otherwise, see to the rest." She paused then looked at the others, "Wait, didn't we have some stuff not divvied up yet? Or am I misremembering?"

"Well I did take this circlet." Orila removed the Circlet of Blasting from her head. "Didn't get a chance to try it. I'm conflicted in using this... conflicted because, I really like the hammer and the personal challenge that I can overcome. This trinket..."

"What can you offer in exchange?"

Angel glanced up as “4” asked if she had any magical items to trade. She vaguely remembered that at one time she must’ve had such things, but certainly not anymore... not since the portal. Then her eyes fell on the ring she still wore... the one they’d taken from the tattooed monk woman, Lady Cass... the one she’d picked up to try adding to her disguise. Angel didn’t know if it really was magical, but it certainly seemed too incredibly detailed not to be. She pulled it off and held it out to the gnome without a word... too much talk might lead to questions she didn’t want to answer.

OOC:  offering Lady Cass’ ring up for trade...

"Oh, yes, that could be very helpful. I would be amenable to such a trade." Yry seemed largely transfixed by the beauty of the frozen teardrop.

@Alyssa

The gnome looks at the sword and shrugs. It is clearly not an "in demand" item but he doesn't seem very bothered by it either.

"Honestly one weapon is as good as the next. We have magical bows of similar enchantment we could trade. Or a quiver so you'll never run out of arrows and can always find the one you need with but a mental thought. We do have a more...unusual bow we've been trying to get rid of for awhile. The Bow of the Elements. If powered by a spell it can temporarily pass that enchantment onto the arrows fired from it. Hit it with a fire bolt and it will shot flaming arrows, that kind of thing. It needs to be recharged from time to time but it is something a little more exotic."



OOC: 3 options:
+1 Bow (any type)
Everfull Quiver (infinite arrows plus acts like a bag of holding for specialty arrows)
Bow of the Elements: You can hit it with an energy spell (cantrips are fine) and then for the next encounter all arrows fired from it add +1 of that energy type. It only works for basic elements (ice, fire, sonic, acid)  but it's something a little different. Otherwise it's a normal +1 Bow

---

@Talia

The gnome looks at Talia's mace and gives a look of surprise. He begins studying it very closely, switching out his loupe for another and yet another.

"Do you even know what you have there? That is Tiamat's Fury. How did you even get your hands on that? I had heard it had been destroyed. It barely has any power left but the pathways are still there. Come back when it is fully charged and we would reward you handsomely!"

---

@Orila

Number Four takes the circlet and looks at it this way and that before handing it back.

"It is a powerful thing, and beautiful too. Surprisingly in demand if nothing more than a fashion accessory. A hammer you say. Hmmm... how about Earthbreaker?"

He gives a nod and the other gnome disappears before coming back with a little cart and a long box. Inside in a very carefully cushioned interior is a large spiked maul with glowing runes along the head. Overall the construction looks crude, not slim and elegant like elven crafting, or incredibly precise like dwarven construction. The head is lumpy and uneven, the spikes are different angles and lengths and the head doesn't even seem to be fitted correctly to the hilt.



"Orcish in origin, what they lack in aesthetics they more than make up for in utility. Go on, pick it up but for the love of whatever god you worship do not give it a swing."

Despite its crude look lifting it gives the sense that it is much sturdier than it looks and is perfectly balanced despite looking like everything is set wrong. Apparently the uneveness counterbalances one another to perfectly balance in the crudest of ways.

"It is magical but the effect is quite pronounced. If you strike it against the ground it can cause an explosion, cracking stone and turning up soil. It happens automatically so be careful with how you swing it but it can be very useful for tactical situations."

OOC: It is a +1 Maul with the following three effectys
1) As an standard action you can strike the ground with it and create a line of uneven terrain that extends 30'. Anyone already standing on it must succeed at a Dex saving through (versus your strength mod) or fall prone. Afterwards the terrain remains difficult terrain for movement purposes.

2) You can strike the top of the hammer at your feet and instead of a line it hits every tile adjacent to you instead. Same effect as above, just different AoE shape. Note that this will disrupt your friends as well if they are hit.

3) (Automatic) whenever you miss an attack roll 1d6. On a '6' the swing hits the ground and effect #1 is triggered, with a direction based on where you versus the enemy you missed as points to connect.


NOTE: you can't use this to dig or collapse walls. While it will could theoretically cause structural damage effectively it uses your strength so large objects like walls or gigantic creatures would be unaffected without huge boosts to your strength.

---

@Angel

The gnome takes the ring and studies it very carefully.

"Curious. I don't believe I have ever seen this before. Interesting. No offense but we rarely get anything new from adventurers. Good for recovery, not for discovery as I always say. Interesting. So you say you would like to be seen less. Well we have Hats of Disguises in a variety of means and measures. Rings, amulets, scarves. Boots of Elvenkind to help you move quietly and carefully. Cloaks as well for camouflage. Well known, very effective but also a little mundane, no? There are a couple of more exotic options. One is the Cowl of the Faceless Man. If you're in a crowd of people you can pull it on and you'll blend it with the rest of the crowd. At least until you do something that draws specific attention to you again. The other...is something you already have in your pocket."

The gnome arcs his eyebrow at her with a small smirk on his face.

OOC: The Cowl lets you 1/encounter turn invisible while in a crowd (10 or more humanoids). You'll stay invisible so long as the crowd is sufficiently crowdy or until you take an action that breaks invisibility (attacking or casting a spell). It requires targets to have sufficient intelligence though.

This is pretty much a guarantee in any busy inn or city street. In theory if you were surrounded by ten guards you could use it to blend in with them as well although depending on the situation a saving throw might be warranted if it is unlikely you can "mix and mingle" with the crowd. Not impossible, just not a guarantee. The party does count towards that so it might work in places like a busy shop.

The overall idea is that you become so utterly featureless that you become just another face in the crowd so I don't have specific mechanical rules to cover every situation. As for the stipulation, it won't likely fool someone who has other perception means like scent. It might fool a dragon if for some reason there are a crowd of humanoids near a dragon but animals oozes, mindless undead etc. don't have a blindspot for "just one of the crowd". PM me if you have more questions.