Thermal Remedies is on its face an upscale bath house.  The building itself is fastidiously clean, almost certainly maintained by some sort of magic, and it makes use of several common magic items fixed in place to further that purpose.  Most noticeably the Cleansing Stone at the entrance that everyone is required to use regardless of the purpose of their visit.  This particular stone is a masterfully carved mermaid.

Past the entrance way the humidity and temperature rapidly increase as what is no doubt a hot spring heated pool dominates the majority of the ground floor.  Continuing with the theme of natural stone and carved there are hot tubs of varying temperatures each in its own room ranging in size from a dozen person nearly public pool to an overly large personal bath. 
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Sun 13 Sept 2020.

After a few days of being shut down for maintenance and remodeling Thermal Remedies has opened its doors again, and along with it hung a large sign over the main entrance that reads “Grand Reopening” in a formal and almost flowery lettering made entirely from a dark almost black stone that is mostly visible at night because of its almost reflective polish.  While still not technically open to the general public there is a sale on membership for the grand opening month at the extremely low price of five gold pieces per person.

Mystrala, the owner of the bath has been present throughout the whole remodeling process, often the only person going in and out for days at a time between deliveries of all manner of building material and raw stones.  As before she is present and greeting new patrons and returning ones alike at the door.

Business has proven surprisingly slow this week. Apart from a few dozen usual customers whom you see on a VERY regular basis, there has been little in the way of new blood in the water.

Still, you are no where near being in danger of facing a financial crisis. The bathhouse has been the pride and joy of this stretch of town for years. A slow day or seven here and there isn’t going to ruin anyone.

It has made things unexpectedly boring, however. So it is with some relief that you find the two elven doormen out front permitting a young woman in black-and-cerilean checkered robes into the facility. You recognize the color scheme immediately: an emissary of Lord Sulthor van Ellsworth; the current Lord of Entertainment on the city council. While you’ve not had the pleasure of meeting the the lord himself face to face since coming into ownership of Thermal Remedies, you have become well acquainted with his retainers. This one is new to you, but she brings a cheerful enthusiasm with her that you can’t help but be charmed by.

The short-haired half-elf girl stands at about your height, perhaps only a hair taller. Her robes are of the finest silk and satin, interchanging on each square of the checkerboard pattern running down its sides and back. On the front, you can see the grapevine emblem that is the Lord’s personal insignia emblazoned in cerulean silk upon a black satin backdrop. On her head she wears a wide-brimmed mistrial’s hat upon her head, similar to those just about all of Lord Sulthor’s messengers have come dressed in. While it typically looks rather dashing on the men who work for him, it seems mildly comical on her; being far too big and much too extravagant for her slender form. She greets you with a smile and a voice that sounds as though it could be that of a siren.

“Good day to you, lady Mystrala! I do hope this evening finds you well and in good health.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:41, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

"Welcome to Thermal Remedies, messenger."
Mystrala gestures suggestively to the Cleansing Stone in the middle of the entrance way as she greets the other woman.
"If you would prefer we can retire to my office, or any more comfortable part of the establishment."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:23, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

In reply to Mystrala (msg # 4):

The young woman doffs her hat and bows deeply toward you, then proceeds to place one hand on the stone mermaid; clearly savoring the sudden rush of cleanliness it provides.

“At your pleasure, my lady. This, unfortunately, won’t be a particularly long visit I’m afraid. I merely have a request from the lord to pass on to you. And a proposition of sorts if you’ve any interest in it.”

"If you are just stopping in for a brief visit the sitting room should do well enough."
Mystrala leads the way through a subtle but not quite secret door set into a blank place on the wall otherwise obscured by hanging or free standing art, into a cozy and significantly cooler room clearly not intended for a lot of interaction with water.  Soft comfortable furniture and plush carpet make for a stark contrast with the easy to dry stone of the majority of the rest of the building's interior.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs she then addresses her guest.  "How can I be of assistance to you, or more importantly to Lord Sulthor van Ellsworth?"

In reply to Mystrala (msg # 6):

“So lovely...” You practically feel the joy radiating off of her as she takes in the sights of both the main baths and now this sequestered little side room; clearly taken with the way it opens like a secret chamber in a some enchanted castle. Once inside, you are able to get a better look at her. Without the hat casting a perpetual shadow over her face, you note that the girl’s skin is white as a sheet. Her eyes, now free of the hat’s obscuring brim, you see are like two shimmering rubies in pools of milk; large, expressive, and just the slightest bit unnerving in their blood-red hue. Her hair is cut short all around and has the shade of the first snowfall of winter.

She speaks quickly, almost frantically in places, as if still not entirely comfortable with your presence. However, you catch her meaning even when her words become little more than a mumbled jumble of sound. “So! Lord Sulthor has sent me to inquire about the baths and potentially, if you’re feeling up to it, no rush, plenty of time to think it over, but if you feel it would be suitable, a proposal of sorts for an upcoming visit and further business to come your way.”

She sits in the chair you indicate for her, but seems to have a hard time being still. There is a slight tremble to her as she sits there, which you quickly realize is due to her bouncing anxiously in place, rather than an actual tremor in her posture. “He um... He wants to come and visit the baths. Inspect them for himself. Apparently there are to be some foreign dignitaries coming in for HarFest this year and he means to see if Thermal Remedies would be an adequate destination to send them on their first day in the city! You understand, long journey and all, dust from the road can really get to you, just want a hot bath and a nice place to rest. You understand. You understand, right?” She looks at you almost apologetically as the cascade of words wash over you.

"I am sure we can make arrangements for Lord Sulthor to have a personal tour of the facility any time he would like to schedule it."
Mystrala retrieves from her pocket a small silver rectangle, only slightly larger and thinner than a coin, engraved on one side with a picture of a mermaid, on the other an outline of a room blurred as if by mist in the air and hands it to the messenger.

"This will grant access to the facility through the members private entrance to Lord Sulthor or whomever he decides to send it with, just in case I am not here when he decides to come calling."

In reply to Mystrala (msg # 8):

“Ah, this is wonderful! In that case, there was actually something I was supposed to pass along to you if you accepted.”
From her pockets she fishes out a small envelope with a fancy wax seal on it. The wax is a lovely amalgamation of blue and black, mixed together in a whirlpool of color and stamped with a seal similar to the grapevine insignia on the messenger’s chest.

“I do hope you’ll attend, lady Mystraia. These events could really use more pleasant people like you.”
With that, she favors you with another deep, sweeping bow, replaces her hat upon her head, and makes for the door.

Not one to interupt someone in the middle of a graceful exit Mystrala instead turns her attention to the envelope, looking at the seal to determine the best method of opening it without damaging is, likely some concentration of steam to loosen it and magic to carefully remove the seal without damaging it, both very easy to hand here.

Once her guest is on her way Mystrala does just that, taking the envelope into one of the hottest and most private of baths she exposes it directly to just enough steam to loosen it before slipping the paper flap free to open the envelope.

In reply to Mystrala (msg # 10):

The seal slips from the parchment with tremendous ease, the steam being the perfect conduit for its release.
Inside you find a carefully folded piece of parchment with wording written in a spiraling, gaudy hand. An invitation, it would seem.

---

P.S. I do apologize that our paths have not crossed in person prior to this. I’m afraid my tenure on the Council has left me with very little time for getting to know some of those business owners I really should be more familiar with. Rest assured, the party has nothing to do with your bathhouse’s reputation and failure to appear (trust me, I would completely understand if you didn’t want to go, I barely want to be there myself) will in no way change my opinion of you or Thermal Remedies as Tideswallow’s premier relaxation spot. I’m just trying to reach out a bit further with these parties to get folks beyond the Office District’s stuffy boars in here. They can be such dismal events when the only people present are those who could afford to be literally anywhere else. So feel free to come for as much or as little of the party as you like. I won’t be insulted by an early departure or late arrival.

-Sulthor.

---

The tone of the bottom portion of the invitation makes you question how genuine the top was. However, you suspect this is simply the Lord of Entertainment’s way of reaching out to those beyond his inner circle in an attempt to seem more down-to-earth than he might otherwise come off as. Or perhaps he really does genuinely want you to feel at ease for your first time attending one of the fabled parties he throws on a near weekly basis. Either way, the bottom of the invitation is emblazoned with his personal seal, which you know will grant you immediate access to not only the his villa, but the whole of the Office District on the day of the party. It could be a fine chance to meet some of Tideswallow’s true upper crust, rather than just those who play at it here in the Entertainment District.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:47, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

Mystrala takes a few minutes to read the invitation over a time or two and commit the details to memory then begins the process of preparing the business to run in her absence.  She pulls in the signs for the grand opening, and resets the exterior greeters to their more customary interior position where they check to allow only existing members into the building.

Once everything is set up she leaves the building dressed in her fine quality traveling clothes, suitable both for polite company, and walking into unknown situations. Heading out in the direction of the Office district to both test out her new seal of access and to get a look at the scope of the event.

Returning home after her early investigation of the Office District Mystrala takes down the grand opening sign, shuts the doors for a few hours and returns with a pair of new signs.  The first and larger one reads Festival Season, which she hangs in the same place as the previous block of stone, from a set of carved stone hooks at the bottom of the first sign she hangs the second one which reads Merchants Only.

In reply to Mystrala (msg # 13):

A small group of kobolds quickly take notice of the new signs. They yap amongst themselves for a moment in slight confusion. Their leader, who stands a good foot taller than the rest, approaches you as you work; a questioning (you’re pretty sure) expression upon its reptilian face.
“Says Merchants? How you decide who is merchants? We want to bath, we have gold. We merchants enough for bath here?”

The others nod their heads eagerly at the question from a few feet behind their leader, back at the side of the road. They seem hesitant to approach until given the order to.

Mystrala turns to look down at the kobolds gathering to admire her sign, and with a quick assessment of their capabilities decides to make them an offer.  With this decision comes her most friendly and charming smile.

"If you are selling things as part of the festival you would indeed qualify as merchants.  If not then perhaps we can find a way to fix that problem.
I find myself in need of extra hands for the purpose of selling monthly memberships to the grand reopening, if you can sell take some fliers to the festival and find potential customers any of you who have your customized invitations used will get a free month of membership to the night time baths, and that will qualify you as merchants for the length of the festival."

In reply to Mystrala (msg # 15):

The leader bears his numerous pointed teeth at you in what initially looks to be a threatening gesture... but after a moment you realize he’s simply grinning at you with legitimate excitement. “We can do that! We’re great sales-ers!”

A general cacophony of agreement comes from the others behind him.

---

Thermal Remedies will now have an advertising presence at the Market.

As the kobolds are getting themselves all excited Mystrala slips back into the bathhouse for a few moments and comes back out with a large stack of small durable pieces of paper, each with the address and iconography for the bathhouse on it and a specific "Merchant's special" offer of free use to any merchant with a valid stall identity and two 'guests' who themselves will only have to pay 10 silver pieces to use the bath house, all of which are valid within a week of the Market Day event.

Using a sharp knife to small to be considered a weapon she quickly cuts a small piece off the corner or two of each of up to eight different sets of cards, distributing one set of cards to each of the kobolds she explains that they are unique to them, and only those cards returned by paying customers will count in favor of their own success.  She does this explanation carefully and with some effort to make sure each kobold understands that further modifications to the cards will invalidate them, particularly teeth marks, before sending them off on their way.

Once the Kobolds are gone she finishes hanging her sign, goes back inside to wrap up any loose ends and retrieve another stack of cards for herself and the invitation before heading to the market day event to do her own work.

While much of the entertainment district thrives on the popularity of its night life scene, Thermal Remedies has always been one of the proud exceptions; pulling in most of its business during the daylight hours. Of course, that isn’t to say the baths don’t cater to the night crowd as well, it just often isn’t nearly as bustling as the daytime. Tonight, you find only a handful of patrons utilizing the facilities upon your return.

Amongst them, you spot several merchants you encountered throughout the Market Day festivities. Others you’re almost positive were there peddling wares, but they didn’t leave enough of an impression on you to be worth really remembering. It appears at least some of those who received your card took you up on the offer. You recognize only one or two of them by name, the rest only appearing to be vaguely familiar in their general appearance. Though, for what it’s worth, they might look more familiar with their clothes on...

You spot Marnus Filen, a spice merchant from The Bivouac who introduced himself to you at his stall. A somewhat older gnome, he is a bit out of shape. You remember him more for his genuinely friendly demeanor more than anything about his looks.

Pertia van Syntel, a silk spinner you met briefly at her cart in the market, has one of the smaller baths to herself in one corner of the main chamber. At first glance you’re almost certain she’s asleep, but she shifts about just enough to dispel such suspicions after a moment or two.

Four of the kobolds you had employed to help pass out advertisements are currently enjoying one of the larger personal baths. Despite its size being intended for only one or two full-sized humanoids, the little reptilian workers seem more than comfortable with the arrangement being set up for all four of them together. The attendant nearby is keeping a very, VERY close watch on them, but doesn’t appear to have had any trouble yet. You suspect you’d notice any claw or bite marks on him if he had...

A few of the other patrons you don’t know by name, but are certain they were merchants. As far as you can tell, the sign out front certainly worked as intended. There’s definitely some comfort to be taken in that.

Returning to her place of business, and in many ways home, after the long day of the festival Mystrala finds herself happily surprised to see it very nearly teeming with life.  Making time to talk to everyone, or at least check in on them without disturbing them, so they can know she is there, and know they have access to ask her any questions they need to, before she moves on to the next room full of people.

She makes a particular effort to thank the team of Kobolds in the presence of their over watchful attendant, not quite calling the man out for his biased diligence, but making it clear they are as welcome as anyone else.

Only after she has checked all these things does she retire to her office to go over the books, letter the staff know that she is not to be disturbed for the next few hours as usual.

Dax watches the guards refuse entry to a half-elven woman and his eyes follow her for a moment as she storms past him.

~One damsel in distress is enough for tonight, I think.~ The thought puts a smile on his face as he approaches the front door of the establishment.

He nods politely and extends the card he picked up at the van Ellsworth villa. [Elven: "Good evening, I was hoping to enjoy a soak in the hot pools if I may?"]

One of the guards bows to you while the other offers you a gracious nod. He gestures to the door as he does so, but cuts the motion short as he begins speaking.
[Elven: "Good evening, yourself, stranger. Welcome to Thermal Remedies. Tideswallow’s premier oasis of health and relaxation... unfortunately, I’m afraid we are currently closed to the public. We will of course be happy to have your business once the week is up; but for the time being we are catering only to a select few, I’m afraid.”]

Upon seeing the card, however, his tone and expression change to a much more relaxed form than the indifferent professionalism he had been offering.  [Elven: "Ah now that changes things. Lady Mystrala is, unfortunately, predisposed at the moment; so it is unlikely she can see you accommodated personally. However, our clerks within will be more than happy to help you get situated as needed. Please, enjoy your stay.]

With that, the door is opened to you and you are free to enter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:53, Tue 23 Feb 2021.

Dax nods in thanks to the guards, and enters the building.

The humidity in the air is immediately noticeable.

~It is odd to box-in a hot spring within a building, but I suppose it will be more peaceful in here than if it was open to the entire Entertainment District!~

The elf's thoughts are interrupted by a young woman, "Good evening, welcome to Thermal Remedies. Please make use of the cleaning stone before your enter the bath area."

"Cleaning stone? What might that be?" Dax asks looking around and seeing only a statue of a mermaid.

"Just touch her tail, and you will understand," the woman replies with a smile, pointing at the statue.

Dax looks at the mermaid somewhat dubiously, but does as instructed, and starts when he feels the magic swirl around his entire body.

Once he realises what the magicks have accomplished, he smiles at the woman, "You might have warned me!"

---

Not sure if you want to add a complication; if not; I can make this a very quick prelude to the meeting with the Bart, Tegan, and goblin.

Exiting one of the smaller bathing rooms almost as far away from the front door as possible, closing the door on what sounds like several higher pitched voices in draconic as she does so Mystrala takes a quick turn around some of the larger rooms to make herself visible and easy to find for any patrons that have specific questions.  It is quite obvious that while there are a few usual customers she recognizes the significant majority receive little more than a polite nod to convey respect without disrupting the general mood of relaxation going on.

Nearer the entrance she overhears the introduction to the cleaning stone requirement and steps in with a gentle tap on the young woman's shoulder to take over for what is obviously her employee.

"The Cleaning Stone is only one of the many opportunities to benefit from magic in Thermal Remedies, I assure you it is quite harmless and does only what its name implies."

Dax bow slightly to Mystrala, "Good evening. I am Dax Moonblade.

I picked up this card at the Van Ellsworth villa this evening, and have been anticipating soaking in a hot spring ever since! It is a habit I formed at home, but that was a pool in forest, nothing as grand as this!

As to your cleaning stone, it is a marvel. I'm sure that the rest of the facility is equally marvellous."

Gesturing back into the wide array of pools both public and private, large and small, Mystrala keeps her focus on Dax and his inquiry.

"There are many marvelous things in our world, only a small portion of them are here but what you find you are welcome to sample.  That card gives you the opportunity to do so for the night so feel free to take advantage of it."

"While my preference is generally solace and quiet, tonight I believe I would enjoy some conversation, so perhaps I will try one of the public pools.

Would you be kind enough to point me to where I can undress...oh! It just occurred to me that...well...at home we would simply doff our clothing when soaking. I know that some humans can be...prudish...what is the practice here, Miss...?"

Mystrala leads the way back into a main almost pool sized bath only just warm enough to begin to steam, many doors lead away from its wide deck into other smaller and generally hotter baths.

"We do not cater to humans here, even if they are the majority of the population, you are welcome to behave as you feel appropriate, and secure storage facilities or changing spaces are available if you require them."

"No humans! It is odd that a human runs a business that does not cater to humans...that must cut into your profits significantly...unless most humans don't partake...which is their loss, without a doubt."

~Odd to deal mainly with the non-human population. Perhaps she serves a market without competition? Unlikely I will pick up any valuable information here, but I'll be damned if I am not at least going to have a good soak, and keep my ears open!

Dax follows the petite woman's directions to strip out of his clothes, securing them along with his coin pouch and dagger in the locker.

He picks up one of the towels provided and ties it around his waist and moves toward one of the larger pools where there are other patrons.

He doffs his towel at the edge and slips into the water with a contented sigh. The warm water immediately starts unknotting muscles that he did not realise were tense.

As he soaks, he gives a nod to any others that make eye contact, otherwise, he will soak with his eyes half-closed, while he listens to the conversations around him.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

Mystrala smiles at Dax's joke initially, but then she seems to realize he may have gotten the wrong impression.

"There are humans here, just like anyone else, we just don't cater to their specific needs, this is a place open to anyone but it exists in its own form only for those who accept it that way."

Dax responds before he heads into the change room, "An interesting philosophy for a businesswoman...but one that I admire.

I'm sorry but I don't believe you introduced yourself, or I am getting hard of hearing in my old age."

Mystrala gestures at the card the man used to find and gain entry to the place.

"The name is Mystrala, just like it says on the card."

"Of course. Obviously, it is my eye sight that is fading! Or perhaps, my mental faculties."

---

As per previous post, change room then into public pool, looking to listen for any gossip of the city.

---

21:26, Today: Dax Moonblade rolled 14 using 1d20+3 for Perception.

Feel free to use the roll of 11 with a different skill, if necessary.

In reply to Dax Moonblade (msg # 32):

While much of what is unfolding around you is masked by the sounds of running water and meaningless small talk, a few nuggets of intrigue make their way to your ears here.

Amongst those gathered here today, you find the crowd to be exclusively members of the upper class or merchant persuasion. Many have traveled a LONG way to be here for the upcoming Harvest Festival. They speak of their journey south to reach Tideswallow and you note the overarching theme of troop movement in all of their stories. The Tenebrian Empire is amassing forces nearby, at a garrison just outside of town, perhaps a mile or two down the road. Similarly, more and more talk of Imperial frigates and dreadnoughts in the shipping lanes these days.

One merchant suggests the Empire might finally be preparing to make its move on Tideswallow, but the rest shush him up, reminding him that this happens every year around this time. The Tenebrian forces like to make a show of strength during the HarFest, but only so far as marching through and rattling their spears. An invasion would be unjustifiable in this day and age.

Elsewhere, you hear talk of more local matters. Crops being prepped for harvest just outside the city. An entire field about to be clear-cut to make room for a circus which will be set up during the HarFest and open the day the festival ends. A wanted criminal from the port city of Darrowmere far to the north being spotted in town the last few days. A small arena being installed for a grand melee just outside the city walls; likely one of this years main events at the festival. Strange music emanating from the cemetery in the Roe the past few nights. A famous writer apparently being spotted in town just yesterday, staying at a remarkably seedy inn down by the Wharfs. Plenty of small town gossip that may or may not be of interest to you. But you hear it, all the same.

After a couple of hours of listening quietly, and engaging in small talk with several of the merchants, Dax decides it is time to head back to his room at the inn.

He will make a point of looking for Mystrala on his way out. If he cannot locate her, he will instead speak to the attendant he met on the way in.

"I believe that there was an offer for a monthly membership? I found this visit to be very relaxing, and I believe I would like to become a regular member, but I will admit that I am not a merchant."

---

Dax will get the costs and promises to return in a day or two to firm up the membership, if Mystrala will have him a a member.

Then back to the inn, keeping an eye out for the man in the black suit and the walking stick.

While Mystrala doesn't spend all her time in any one place she tends to pass through the central area with some frequency as she moves from room to room, and always at least glances at the entrance when she does so.  Upon finding Dax ready to depart she stops by to assess his opinion of the facilities.

"I imagine if you consider it for a moment you will realize that you often find yourself with an excess of valuable things to sell, or a need to find such things, what else but a merchant could that be?  In any case the membership is one gold per week, four per month, and forty per year, a very reasonable rate for those who put more value on the experience than on coin, but not so low as to over fill the pools."

"A bargain indeed, madame Mystrala.

The chance to relax in the middle of this city in relative peace, is worth the coin! I will return in the next day or two, depending on some other pressing business to pay for a year.

Have a peaceful evening."

Dax will then return to his inn, watching for the black-suited, walking stick carrying man!

He will pack his belonging into his trunk, before meditating for four hours to rest.