In reply to Yshtar (msg # 39):

The dwarf gives the amour a good look with a scrutinizing eye. After a moment’s study, she offers you a steady smirk. “Well, ain’t the best quality, but I wasn’t exactly expect anything particularly special. I can give ya 45 gold for it if you’d like to leave it here. Should be able to find a new buyer soon enough, with a little effort.”
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:57, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

"Perfect, thank you. See you soon!"
Still smiling and from time to time stroking the comfortable cloak she walked away. The day was still fairly young and she was not tired at all. Knowing she probably wouldn't be able to afford the tabaxi's wares she went to the other smithy's stall to see what was available. Again - she did not look for anything mundane but rather for something special that would help her in handling the greatsword if that was necessary.
"Nice day." she offered the vendor smiling

Bartimaeus made his way through the throng of the Market in the town square. He held in his hand a hastily drawn map with several locations of interest to him, and it was to those he went first. "Pardon me for asking," he queried a stall owner, "but could you tell me about those two buildings, this one here, and the other one yonder?" He pointed them out with a thin hand.

Upon hearing the response, he smiled, nodded, made a note in pencil on the map, and moved on.

Continuing, he observed a stall owner wearing a preposterous blue conical hat with stars on who alleged the ability to identify items. ~~ The command word for the orb, perhaps... ~~ Bartimaeus walked up and observed the printed sign:


~~ A charlatan no doubt, but he'll let me know that straightaway. ~~ "A puzzle I have for you: this orb's command word. Discern it and offer me privacy behind the curtain of your stall and you will be compensated, Martellus."

In reply to Bartimaeus (msg # 42):

The man behind the counter of the bread stall takes a quick glance at your makeshift map, scrunches his face up a bit, then seems to connect the aspects he’s seeing with the surroundings. “Ah, you’ll be wantin’ Milo’s Junk Shop and Vagarath’s. Milos is... well exactly what i sounds like. Nice little pawn shop and such. Lots to look at, 90% of it ain’t worth the dust its collected. Vagarth’s is a coffin maker. Means “Final Rest” in whatever language the owner, Mira, speaks. She’s a weird one, but as long as you’re lookin’ to buy a bone box, she can be pretty welcoming.”

Milo’s appears to be open, but Vargarth’s is very clearly closed for the day.

Moving along to the traveling wizard’s stand, you find the man behind the counter to be a less-than-agreeable individual. He gazes at you and the orb with a look of utter contempt, but takes you in regardless. “Oh but of course, sir... do come in.” His tone is one of blatant sarcasm, but you get what you need from his services. He notes the most curious aspect of the orb being that it is very much a human eye. No command word is found. However, he is able to discern that the spell bound to it is triggered by specific facets beyond words. Location and proximity appear to be the premise, but he is unable to get a clearer picture than that.

Bartimaeus offered a perfunctory "Thank you, Martellus," and leftonly  his stall, pausing to place coin on a side table.

~~ A junk shop. With a connection to the College network... possible peril. Might want to find a friend. ~~

As Bartimaeus walked through the market, he spied a likely subject: a tall woman dressed in plate. It seemed to him that she was searching for a reason to use her sword. Keeping Verse's advice in mind, he walked up to her and smiled.

"Pardon me, but I have received distressing threats to my person after arriving here that will distract me from my work. Do you think you would be willing to accompany me for the morning? Compensation will be offered, of course... just to be safe, Miss...?"

[Yshtar, over to you! Then we'll head to Milo's, if you don't mind accompanying a priest. (Description in Character).]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:46, Thu 08 Oct 2020.

As Yshtar glanced over the weapons and waited for someone to come over, a brown haired man approached her and asked whether she would accompany him. How direct. But an opportunity nevertheless. Might be my lucky day. She answered with a flurry of questions a bit taken back.
"Yshtar and who might you me good sir? Who is threatening you and why? Where would we go?"

"Yshtar," he repeated while his eyes glazed and his mind wandered. "A reference to the Gondrovian goddess of fertility and war, perhaps? I'd always wondered about how those two domains found their union..."

He snapped back to the present.

"Ah, apologies. I am..." and recalled advice recently given him, "I am Bartimaeus, a priest of Oghma from across the sea. I have been robbed and threatened in my short time here, and unlike yourself, I present no great deterrent to those with similar motives."

He cleared his throat, and waved the crude map he held in his hand.

"As an antiquarian and kosmochronologer my primary interest is in various apparatuses," he paused and glanced at the woman, "... tools used to look at the stars ... for my researches. I have a few leads here," he indicated his map, and looked furtively around him, "though I'd prefer their origin and destination remain my own, for the moment." He smiled tiredly. "I'm sure you understand?"

Yshtar shrugged as the priest started to analyse her name.
"I know not of the origins of my name. But wars follow fertility and fertility follows war."
She was almost inclined to believe the story of Bartimaeus however as opposed to the vendors whom could be found if they sold faulty wares this chance meeting was bordering the unbelievable. Obviously Yshtar didn't understand a word of what the priest's work was so she ignored it and instead focused on the practical matters.
"Who robbed and threatened you Bartimaeus? And why didn't you turn to the city guard? This looks like a quite orderly town here. Look, there are guards over there."
She pointed toward the edge of the Market where some of Lord Sulthor van Ellsworth’s personal guard were gathering to discuss the state of the market among themselves. She made sure to watch her personal belongings in the meantime.

His face was blank as he stated matter-of-factly: "I have been threatened by a necromancer lich and a crusader against demonic cultists. Different times, of course. It has been a busy day. The less said the better, hmmmm?"

Bartimaeus looked at the guards Yshtar indicated, then back to her. "Two reasons I do not avail myself of the Watch: firstly, I am interested in neither retribution nor restitution, those commonly being the province of the civil authority. Retribution benefits me not at all, and restitution is likely impossible. Secondly, the purpose of those particular guards is to keep the peace. Look around you: it's relatively peaceful. They are doing their job, and impassioned pleas about my plight - the plight of a newly-come foreigner - is little likely to inspire sympathy enough for action."

He sighed.

"You struck me as unattached to a particular guild and possessive of un-contracted-for potential in precision-guided violence. I expect I will be in need of just that sort of thing. No doubt your fee is negotiable. Perhaps I was mistaken. If so, you have my apologies and I will detain you no longer."

Bartimaeus will wait a moment for her to assent, ready to head off to his next destination whichever her choice.

"You seem to be a popular man indeed." She smirked. I doubt I could protect you against a lich but I can try to dissuade the crusader. I'm not sure why either would come after you but you seem to be in an awful hurry. I'm not sure I should trust you."
She shrugged but before Bartimaeus would have a chance to reply she continued.
"However I'm without a job right now and I couldn't find the most insane thing to do in my first couple of hours here so if you promise me an even share of all items of material and immaterial wealth, knowledge and political power obtained I am willing to go with you unless you are worthy to be hunted down. I don't like mass murderers of innocents and people who want to end the world."
The small, playful smile never left her lips and her eyes hinted a measure of danger.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Fri 09 Oct 2020.

Bartimaeus nodded. "An even share, you say? Done. Follow me, then."

He turned and walked, map in hand, towards Milo's.

As he walked, he smiled and thought to himself: ~~ Material goods are illusory: Yshtar may have most of them. Knowledge isn't rival: we will both inherit their full measure, though it is only of value to those who understand it. And political power is only ever given by others: them I cannot control. Such things are easily promised. ~~

For the third time since he arrived, he had been threatened by someone he'd just met. ~~ For what? For having the gall to attempt to hire a mercenary, it seemed. Anti-clericalism runs rampant. ~~

~~ Still. She seems confident in her qualities. ~~

~~ Even if there are no innocents. ~~

---

OOC:
To Milo's!

For the purposes of this, you two can head on over to the general Town Square thread for Milo’s Junk Shop.

With the festivities of Market Day slowly coming to a close, the night air takes on a heavenly glow as strings of colorful paper lanterns hung all across the town square are lit. Several stalls close up for the day, but many more continue to serve those who are still wandering the rows.

Just after sunset, a pair of figures accompanied by a retinue of the governess’ own personal guards approach the large wooden dais that stands in the middle of square, typically used as a stage for various entertainment acts throughout the year. The two men, one a half-elf in fancy attire and a large minstrel’s hat while the other is a full-blooded elf in fairly simple-looking garb, leave the guards at the steps of the dais and draw the crowd’s attention with a sudden burst of noise; a loud whistling sound that shoots up into the air above them. Overhead, a series of small fireworks erupt, pulling in the attention of all those gathered at the Market.

The man in the hat begins speaking in a smooth, suave tone that seems to carry flawlessly across the entirety of the Town Square; not diminished in the least by the distance. “Ladies and gentlemen! If we may have your attention for just a moment, I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming out to this, the start of Tideswallow’s Festival Season!”

There is a small roar of applause from several ends of the market at once. Not particularly well-organized and a little discordant, but enthusiastic all the same.

“Now that nightfall is upon us, I believe it’s time for some of the real fun to begin! But first, a few words from our beloved Master of Agriculture. Everyone please show your love for our good friend, Lord Illithun Calme!”

The second man steps forward, almost reluctantly, as the half-elf clasps him on the shoulder, mutters a brief incantation under his breath, and gives him and the crowd nearest them a big smile. A few moments later, the elven man in the simple clothes begins speaking and is clearly taken aback by the sheer volume that comes out. “H-oh... Hello everyone. I um... I, as Lord Sulthor just mentioned and as some of you may know already,  am Illithun Calme; head of Tideswallow’s agricultural supervision and co-host of this wonderful Market we have here before us today. I hope that this has gotten everyone into the spirit of the season. Rest assured, over the coming weeks we will have a even more to celebrate and even more to enjoy together as a community! So, before this drags on too long, let me just say once more, a heartfelt thank you to all everyone who has turned out. Each and every one of you help make this town what it is. And I could not be prouder to be a part of it, thanks to all of you!

With that, Lord Sulthor van Ellsworth takes the stage once more as Lord Calme exits with several of the guards. “A hand for our good Master of Agriculture, please!” More cheers, a bit more consistent across the board this time. “Wonderful! Just wonderful... now then. I’m certain you’ve all been looking forward to Festival Season for most of the year now. I know I have. I would just ask all of you to please, do whatever you can to make our guests this year feel as at home and welcome as possible. We have dignitaries, merchants, and personalities from all across Veltria and beyond coming in this year! Let’s be sure to give them a welcome worthy of Tideswallow’s famed name!”


With that, he bows to the crowd and exits the stage with a flourish; wading into the Market proper with a few of the guards at his back. The Market itself takes on a far more casual, party-like feel as a group of bards take the stage, filling the night with a beautiful mix of melodies from various instruments and voices. Performers begin appearing throughout the market as well, and a few new attractions open up throughout the Square. The Market Day festivities move into their closing hours...

Distracted only for a moment by the display of fireworks on the distant stage Mystrala takes advantage of the change in focus of those less familiar with this sort of display to get the attention of, and engage in her whispered introduction with several of the harder to speak to or more prominent merchants, making sure that they too have the opportunity to take advantage of the special events planned for Thermal Remedies in the next few nights.  Even after the festivities begin to draw to a close she presses on, although now distinctly working her way in the direction of the gates to the Office District she still stops at all the bigger and more influential merchants to at least slip them a little sheet of paper full of information.

As the day winds down and the shadows lengthen, Kendrie quickens her step.  Things at the Fleece will be picking up shortly, and she still hopes to complete two of her three tasks before the day ends.

The silver earrings located at the stall associated with the enchanter's shop were exactly what Leena had wanted.  Procuring them would be a coup for the owner, and for the Fleece itself.  Leena wanted them, so Kendrie would try to buy them.

All but ignoring a handful of catcalls, jeers and inappropriate propositions, the half-elf maneuvered through the crowd easily, hoping she could reach the merchant's stall before the daylight faded...

In reply to Leena (msg # 54):

With dusk now fully upon the city, many of the merchants have begun setting out their finer pieces for customers they have been expecting to come by at specified times. Like clockwork, you turn up at Exalvi al-Jur’s stall. The tabaxi, familiar to you from your frequent ventures through the Artisan District, traces your movement through the crowd with a cautious eye.

“Ah-ha, so you’ve decided to ha... return? Wonderful! I believe I recall what it is you’re here for Miss... Kendrie, yes?”
He reaches below the counter of the stall and brings out a velvet-lined case. Sitting nestled amongst the plush interior you see two silver earrings that shiny with a radiant luster beneath the colorful string of lamps overhead.

“A bit of a challenge to hold onto, I’m afraid. Both Countess Illyria and Lady Briarfield both presented significant offers for them earlier. You aren’t going to be making many friends amongst the noble women wearing these. Or, haha, I suppose I should say your Mistress won’t be.”

"Kendrie...yes..."  The half elf offers an answering smile of her own, this time free of the sexualization she had utilized with the foreign peddler.  First, because Kendrie's wiles likely would have little effect on a Tabaxi, whose carnal preferences undoubtedly lean to the more furry and 'felinic'.  Second, because regardless of Exaldi al-Jur's race, she knows he is always a man of business first.  Consequently, her mien now is of professional politeness, peppered with a healthy soupçon of respect for the work of a master craftsman.

"Many thanks to you for holding these for her, then.  My mistress will indeed be pleased...pleased and grateful for your continued professionalism.

"I will, of course, warn her regarding the possibility of jealousy from these noble Ladies.  I'm sure she will find the attentions flattering, regardless of their nature.  Flattering and, perhaps, a bit...amusing?  That those with so much would be envious of one with so little...by comparison at least."  Kendrie shakes her head in wonder, but her eyes twinkle.

She reaches a finger forward to touch one of the silver hoops, pausing an inch or two before she does so.  "How do they work?" she asks.  "And does the interest of those good women...alter the price you quoted earlier?"

In reply to Leena (msg # 56):

He smiles a bit wider, baring his fangs in what you can only assume to be a display of amusement. “It was compensation enough to watch wander off with their pride a bit lessened. The price remains at the discussed 3000 gold. Unless circumstance have brought you into possession of something worthy of trade, of course. Then the price might be a bit more... negotiable.“ His pronunciation of this final word is slow and drawn out, as though he is tasting every syllable before he says it. Through your own insight, you gather that he does not really expect you to have anything for trade that would be worthy of his time, but is leaving the option on the table nonetheless.

The woman shrugs.  "If there is such an item, my Mistress has not shared it with me.  The price though is fair and appropriate."

Loosening the strings of the heavy coin purse at her hip, Kendrie opens the mouth of it for a moment and peers inside, perhaps confirming the amount or denomination of the coins.  A few seconds pass, and the half-elf nods.  With the 'clunk' of something heavy dropped on wood, she deposits the purse onto the Tabaxi's counter.

"It's all there sir, with Mistress Leena's thanks and compliments."  Payment made, she extends a forefinger again, this time stroking the circumference of first one silver hoop and then the other.

"How do they work?" she repeats.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

In reply to Leena (msg # 58):

The tabaxi gives you a knowing nod, then proceeds to brandish the earrings before you; lifting them one at a time from the box for you to inspect closer. “While you may not be making a wonderful impression on those lovely ladies who were here earlier, these earrings should help accentuate your already significant charm and appeal to... virtually anyone else!”

---

Aphrorian Hoop Earrings: Magic items which be worn on one’s ears to add a passive 1 to your Charisma score. Attuning to the earrings over the course of a long rest increases this to +2 Charisma instead, but takes up one of your attunement slots.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:23, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

"Perfect.  My mistress will be very, very pleased.  My thanks, sir.  I know she will continue to regard you and your shop with great fondness."

She gently nudges the bag of coin closer to Exaldi, while holding out an open palm to receive the silver earrings, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pleasure and excitement.  But then she blinks twice, pauses and draws the hand back to her breast for a moment.  Clearly, she has just remembered something else.

"One thing more...I was so taken by this beautiful jewelry, that I almost forgot...my mistress would be most pleased if you were available to visit her establishment -- at your convenience, of course -- to discuss some plans she has for...modifications.  Improvements, if you will to the Golden Fleece.

"She holds you in the highest regard due to your past business, and she seemed certain that your unique talents could play an essential part in these plans.  May I tell her that she could expect you in the future?"  A smile almost as dazzling as Leena's own follows the question.

In reply to Leena (msg # 60):

His grin disappears, becoming a contemplative grimace. “Improvements you say. With words straight from your mistress’ mouth, of course. Curious... A very interesting proposition, I must admit. I believe I have some free time coming up. Perhaps a visit would be in order later this week... though an exact time or day I cannot say as of this moment.”

Kendrie nods, shrugging in 'certainly understandable' acknowledgement.  "Thank you so much, sir.  We will ensure that the Fleece is prepared to welcome you in the coming week...at your convenience of course.

"I bid you a fine evening, sir...and again, my Mistress's compliments for your reasonableness, talent and acumen."

With another nod, the half-elf takes her leave, quickly melding into the sea of bodies still milling around the market.

It has been a good day...

As the market day wears down Mystrala expends the last few of the merchant focused sheets of paper by handing them out to anyone packing up their stalls for the night, but she herself is not done.  Instead heading into the office district, a task that requires she retrieve and display a sigil of some sort she has had with her all along, kept safe in a pocket inside the light jacket of her working and travel appropriate clothing.

With that, the Market Day celebrations come to wonderful close.

Folks head home (or the nearest approximation) with all manner of new trinkets and baubles in hand.

 A general sense of cozy contentment seems to settle over the town as the first vestiges of the chilly air that would soon mark Winter’s arrival set in.