OOC: Indeed!

"I would like to go to Kolat's first, if you don't mind," Thea says.  "To acquire a proper magical staff for myself, of course, but it might not hurt to also be aware of what other goods they may offer."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Thu 24 Dec 2020.

Thea, Odhran, and Melissa make their way to Kolat's Emporium of Miracles. The shop is a large and impressive stone structure with intricate stone carvings of gargoyles and other beasts decorating the exterior. The entryway consists of an iron door, currently open, flanked by two warriors in full plate.

You pass by them and inside is a large, well lit open space with shelves lining the walls filled with staves, wands, vials, bottles, scroll tubes, rings, jewels, and other items. The feeling of magic in the air is intense. In front of these shelves is a polished black stone counter that runs the entire length of the wall, making a U shape. Several robed attendants stand behind the counter helping the few other customers that are present.

A woman in a long green robe behind the counter to your left greets you.

"Welcome to Kolat's House of Miracles. How can we be of assistance to you today?"

After seeing to his many injuries, Slattery makes his way to the Grey Minstrel Inn. The first floor of the inn has a kitchen and a bar as well as a dining area and places to sit in front of a large fire. Slattery feels quite relaxed as soon as he enters.

"Welcome, welcome," a tall, slender man with long silver hair says approaching Slattery. "I am Wulfrid, owner of the Grey Minstrel. Are you seeking a meal, or perhaps lodging for the night or longer? From your bandages I see you have paid Larkspur a visit. A strange man he is, but quite skilled at his profession."

"I can offer you a private room for 5 gold per night or a spot in the common room on the second floor for 5 silver per night. Both include a meal. The private room offers a bit more security, of course."

"For now you may just wish to enjoy a drink and sit by the fire?"

Slattery glances over at the fire and sees a young man sitting in chair. His equipment and manner suggest that he may be a fortune seeker like himself.

OOC: Welcome Fetcher.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Thu 24 Dec 2020.

Slattery nods absently at Wulfrid.

"I'll take a spot by the fire until my companions arrive," he tells the innkeeper.  He figured they'd all want to share a private room, but would wait until everyone else showed up before getting one.

He walks over to the fire and sits near the young man.

"Hello," Slattery says as he sits down.  "Name's Slattery.  You a traveler or adventurer?"

Fetch perked up from his slump, a bit of a bewildered look on his face quickly faded as he looked over the mustachioed man. Deciding a warm greeting was best before launching into his tired and practiced routine he stood, nodded and introduced himself.

"Fetch, well met. Adventurer is a title I seek but have yet to acquire, traveler will have to do." he returned to his seat and politely gestured for Slattery to join him at the hearth. Conscious of the remnants from his cheap meal he slid a plank of breadcrumbs under his chair with his foot and offered a slightly embarrassed smile. He eyed the bandages curiously.

Slattery fingers the bandages.

"My group tried a run at the Wizard's Fortress," he admits.  "It got a little rough in there, and then an Orc with a grudge ambushed us on the way back."

Slattery takes a drink and sizes up Fetcher.

"Why do you want to be an adventurer?"

With opportunity sensed, he launched into the jaded speech he had been giving almost anyone who would listen for the last 2 days,

"For months there's been no question in my mind. Adventuring is the only real means by which I can bring about any wealth of substance in this life time." the young warrior spoke excitedly to his willing audience "It took moons to reach Dunnold, finally catching a caravan up from the south with one of Korbo's outfits. They told tales of many venturing forth from here, calling it the gateway to the Blasted Lands." after a deep breath and a throat clearing Fetch refocused himself, "Sir, there is a lady beyond my station in life that has my heart. It's as much of a want as it is a need. Truth be told I am a capable fighter but a man of very little means, for now at least, and I've balanced the risks in my mind." appearing relieved by his most concise delivery yet, he paused momentarily before admitting "I overstayed my welcome at the Houndshead so I made my way here further seeking employ. Did you say orc?" not realizing he'd worked his way to the edge of his seat, Fetch keenly awaited the man's response.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:02, Fri 25 Dec 2020.

Thea gives a nod to the woman in response.  "Greetings.  I am looking to see what sort of magical staves you have for purchase."  After a pause, she adds, "I also find myself curious about the other items you have for sale... even if any other purchases might have to wait for another day."

Slattery nods.

"An orc and his goblin henchmen," he says.  "Plus some undead, and no doubt much more.  We only saw a small portion of the complex."

"The rest of the group will have to okay it," Slattery continues, "but if you're willing to put your life on the line to get that wealth, we could certainly use another person on the front-line."

Fetch's eyes lit up and his posture straightened bolt-upright "I would be in your service, humbly asking a fair share as return." then he relaxed, just a bit, for the first time since entering town. "Do tell of your employers, are they seasoned mercenaries? Veteran knights? In what numbers??" he asked, diligently gathering information before facing any initiation, trials or whatever protocols an established and successful adventuring company must surely have.

Slattery chokes a bit on his ale before replying.

"Um," he says, "we're a bit more informal than that.  I'm not even sure who all will show up again after our last trip."

In reply to Slattery (msg # 50):

"Hmmm. I've never much stood on formality and I too dream of a day when I won't have to return for a further venture." Fetch absent-mindedly tapped a finger on an empty wooden water mug beside his chair, drifting into his thoughts and staring into the fire.

He snapped back to the conversation at hand, "I greatly look forward to their meeting, but first more water." Fetch stood holding the mug, tipped it sideways to signal its emptiness, and smiled thinking of taking his leave to head for the bar and a refill.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:38, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

"Ah yes, a wizard is always in need of a good staff. We have a standard magic staff for 100 gold pieces or a deluxe magic staff for 5000 gold pieces. One must be careful of the deluxe staff, of course, lest it take control of you."

"We have a variety of other items that may interest you. We have potions that duplicate the effects of many spells to heal injuries, cure sickness, see in darkness, become stronger or taller for a time, and so on. We also have scrolls from which to cast spells from, though they are warded so that you cannot actually learn the spell; Guild requirements. There are also wands from which you cast a limited number of  spells, though these are quite expensive."

OOC: Potions cost 200 gp per spell level. For example you could get a potion that duplicates the effects of Healing Feeling or Shield Me for 600 gp. Many spells cannot be duplicated by potions (TTYF, Whammy, Rock-a-bye, Blasting power, etc.).

Scrolls cost 350 gp per spell level. These can be any spell, but you cannot learn spells from these scrolls.

Wands or other items may be infused with different spells. For example, a wand from which you can cast Blasting Power five times (no WIZ cost) or a sword enchanted with Vorpal Blade. These will be quite expensive.

Let me know what you're looking for and I'll let you know if it's available and a price.

A server brings Slattery an ale and Fetcher more water. He asks if Slattery would like to start a tab or pay as he went.

"Start a tab," Slattery says, "we'll have friends joining us soon."  Slattery sips at the ale, trying to pace himself.  He'd heard too many stories of drunk adventurers being rolled in the tavern to want to become one himself.

"A standard staff will suffice, at least for the moment," Thea says, paying from the monies they have recently acquired, grateful to finally gain this much-needed tool.

Thea has a new staff.

There are still gems that need appraising and perhaps exchanged for coin and possibly new weapons, armor, or equipment to purchase.

But then Slattery may be waiting for you at the inn.

OOC: At this point I am going to remove Kerbouchard, Elsand, and Gugnir from the game. I won't worry about getting them a cut of the treasure.

Somewhat emboldened by Slattery beginning a tab and intending to remain at the fireside, Fetch gave a sidelong glance to him while pulling over a small wooden footstool. "Might as well enjoy the fire." Then followed up with a question for his new acquaintance as he made himself comfortable and settled into the deep highbacked chair, "Would you tell of your companions?" the youngster asked as he peered out intently over his refreshed cup "I'd very much like to know of them."

"Shall we go to the tavern and catch up with the others?", Odhran asked.  "We need to talk about the gems and if we want to learn new spells or get more items or equipment.  And we need to share some spells between members of our little group."

"Yes, I promised to teach Slatters one." Melissa nods. "Kind of promised. Ish."

"Well," Slattery says, "Melissa is a little flighty, but that ends up being extremely useful.  Odhran's a crack shot with a dagger.  Thea?  She doesn't say much, but she's there when you need her."

"They're really the core of our group," he continues.  "We'd had some others, but I think they might have decided the adventuring life wasn't for them."

"And for you to teach Thea and myself the healing spell," he replied.  "Still, let us first check to see if Slattery has finished with the sawbones."

Coming into the tavern, the short Odhran has difficulties spotting Slattery, but after moving into the room, he eventually spots their companion.  "Ah, there he is," Odhran adds as he moves toward Slattery's table.

"Speak of the devils," Slattery says as he spots Odhran and the others.  He waves for more mugs and then gestures toward Fetcher once the others reach their spot by the fire.

"Everyone, this is Fetcher," he says, "an aspiring adventurer willing to put his life on the line for loot.  Fetcher, this is everyone."

Rising to meet the group, Fetch battled equal parts nerves and excited anticipation.

"It's nearly that simple. Well met." he dipped his head momentarily in a nod.

"It has been quite a journey to begin this journey." a wide, genuine smile took over his face as he stood tall and tried to look as impressive as possible, hoping his muscled but youthful and slender frame wouldn't betray a lack of experience.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Wed 30 Dec 2020.

Melissa flies towards Slattery and Fetcher, looping the loop as she does so to look suitably impressive for their new meatsheild ending her aerobatics in a hover a couple of feet from Fetcher's face.
"Why Slatters my dear," she says looking at him over Fetch's shoulder "You may have to relinquish you position as most handsome man in the party." She glances backwards and down at Odhran with a grin "I mean Human man of course Oddy - you are by far the most handsome leprechaun amongst us."
She turns back to Fetcher, twirling her cane in her fingers "Well met indeed Fetcher, if Slatters hasnt already regaled you with tales of our derring do, you must join us for a drink whilst we discuss our next move."