As the final vestiges of summer fade from the air, fall’s first hints begin to sweep in on the ocean breeze. The air at night begins to grow chilly. The days begin to grow shorter. Even the fog which coats the city’s streets starts to seem more that of the spectral nature which haunts children’s fairytales rather than the simple ocean mists you’re used to.

This is the beginning of autumn in Tideswallow.

And, as any familiar with the city know, the beginning of Festival Season! To help cope with the shortening days and depressing atmosphere of southern Veltrian winters, the city holds a large number of sprawling festivities all throughout this half of the year. The first major one is the grand Harvest Festival. But shortly before that week-long extravaganza begins, the finest traders, merchants, and artisans from all across the region converge upon the city gates to hold a magnificent market to help get everyone in the spirit of things. This is their chance to spread their names before the Harvest Festival, when they will bring their absolute best goods to market.

For today’s market, however, they come with a plethora of... pretty good offerings. Things that they are confident will sell well and draw a crowd, without leaving them empty-handed when the HarFest markets begin.

The market has numerous stalls and stands to peruse as you see fit. Food and drink are readily available all throughout it. Some of the major sellers include:

-Magic item vendors
-Smiths (armor and weapons, typical blacksmithing supplies, metal-work, etc)
-Collectors (dealers of antiques, knowledge, and various items not found anywhere else)
-Food Merchants
-Artisans (woodworkers, enchanters, jewelers, clay-workers, clothiers, chefs/bakers, brewers/cider/mead/winemakers, etc)
-Local farmers
-Local fishermen
-Bards of varying degrees of skill
-Fortune tellers (card, ball, palm, or bone readings at three different parts of the market)
-Appraisers and identifiers

If there is something specific you are looking for, seek out one of Lord Sulthor van Ellsworth’s personal guard who are keeping watch throughout the market. They will be easily identifiable by their immense stature, jet-black plate armor, and massive cerulean-and-black checkerboard greatcloaks. They will be more than happy to direct or escort you to whatever it is you are seeking. Just don’t expect a great deal in the way of conversation out of them.

---

This event is two-fold. First, it is a chance for all of you to go about obtaining some items you may not have had access to at the beginning during character creation. Magic items can be procured from various traders, weapons can be bought from smiths and collectors alike, and virtually any custom item you may have in mind can be found here in some capacity. It will be a chance to get at least one new piece of gear to help round your characters out in some way or to make some connections they may not have had before.

Second, and possibly most importantly, it will be the first major chance for all characters to interact as a group. The festival is a one-day event which draws most of the city. For that reason, virtually every character in the campaign could find some reason to be there. The thread will be open for as long as needed, so feel free to drop in and out as you see fit. Those of you who may be... say... trapped in a room in a certain bard college meeting hall or something, can easily join in once you work your way out of that issue. Feel free to meet and interact to your heart’s content.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 06:55, Tue 22 Sept 2020.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

As the sun begins to rise, the first sounds of festivity can be heard in the Town Square. A great cavalcade of townspeople have made their way into the streets for the beginning of Market Day, the initial start to Festival Season.

Tents, stalls, and stands have been set up all throughout the square. They stretch down the main street, straight to the city gates; which have been cast wide for the occasion. Outside of the gates, the market spills into the barren no-mans-land around the walls and all the way to the edge of the sprawling cornfields surrounding the city.

In every direction, merchants are peddling their wares to any and all who pass by. Overhead, a joyous assortment of streamers, pennants, and colored lamps set to be lit at nightfall form a massive web above the crowds. Children dash here and there, hoping to catch the eye of the more charitable traders who might toss them a copper or a treat from their wagons. Their is a general air of excitement and wonder, which never seems to dull year to year. Older folks who have experienced almost 80 consecutive Market Days are still present, just as enraptured by the experience as those seeing it all for the first time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:15, Tue 22 Sept 2020.

Without trying to find a way to an inn to put some of her gear down after getting off the boat Yshtar heard the cries of the merchants and the murmur of people on Market day. She did not feel tired at all but instead was curious to explore the things this city had to offer. Markets were always the best place to see what sort of town one had entered.
She followed the crowds and entered into the market. Yshtar did not want to buy anything in particular but instead was just browsing wares to see if anything interesting came up.

In reply to Yshtar (msg # 3):

Entering from the docks, the Town Square and the entire street leading out beyond the gates appear to just be an endless sea of bodies. People are walking here and there, just passing through. Others are stopping at every cart, stall, or stand to have a look at what’s being sold. Still others seem to be attempting (with little success) to carefully pick their way through the crowds to reach some specific spot or another.

It is a veritable maze of life, and the feeling of it all couldn’t be more of a relief after your time at sea. The ship had been crowded as well, but not like this. There was no joy on the voyage here. No sense of wonder or excitement. Just duty to get reach the destination in one piece. Now you were able to truly take your time and breathe in the world around you.

As you walk, you come across a number of gaudy, expensive looking stalls. One proves to be a high-end baker’s culinary stand where various pastries and small sweets are being handed out for folks to try for free. Another is an enchantment shop’s street-side stall, run by a tall, somewhat elderly looking tabaxi man with thick black fur, piercing golden eyes, and a suave satin vest. He calls out to citizens from behind his counter, inviting them to examine his various wares. Beyond his stand, you find yourself before a pair of competing smithy stalls, each selling various weapons and tools of trade. One seems to specialize in long-reaching weapons while the other appears to be more dedicated to short blades and defensive fighting options. Between all of these you find numerous food carts, farm stalls, and all manner of small-town oddities (for instance, at one point a little red kobold runs up and hands you a well-made flier inviting you to check out the Thermal Remedies Bathhouse in the Entertainment District) to take in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:59, Fri 25 Sept 2020.

While clearly not trying to interfere with the Kobold's efforts Mystrala doesn't quite avoid them, or skip talking to the merchants they engage with, in a few cases she offers some soothing words to cover for their ruffled feathers, or even writes down the name and brief description of any particularly troublesome people in a notebook of some sort.   In general she passes through market itself just like anyone else, although her traveling clothes are of significantly higher quality than most they are still focused on being rugged.

Buying the occasional souvenir or mostly useless trinket as much as a way to start a conversation with the merchants as anything else she seems to be distributing something among them, but is considerably more subtle about it than the little red kobolds rushing about.

Shivom wandered the market, thinking about his act as much as the merchant's wares. He hadn't been in a crowd this thick in awhile. The last time, he had been a diversion for a crew of pickpockets. So despite ruminating about his performance, he still kept an eye out for the underside of this event. It'd be a little embarrassing to be victimized himself.

"Last night wasn't a bust, but it was definitely the wrong direction. I'm gonna have to clean things up if I want to get into a better club. And I doubt anyone who knows anything about Lord van Ellsworth is gonna be hanging out in a low-life bar," thought Shivom. "I'm also gonna need to generate more income if I need to bribe someone or move up into a nicer place."

He paused to buy the occasional pastry, and then was drawn in by the shops selling magic items. He would be in the market for both some big and small items if the price were right. But not weaponry.

"Before I blow it at a nicer club, I should test out a less rowdy act in an out of the way tavern. But one nicer than the Salty Seaman. Probably upgrade my potential contacts if I do that. Invent a stage name too. Put a little distance between my old act and the new one."

Shivom stopped at a table selling purported magic items other than weapons. "Whadda you got here? he asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Sat 26 Sept 2020.

In reply to GM (msg # 4):

Relieved of the travel Yshtar sighs and even accepts the flier puzzled. She hasn't seen much of these lately and nodded thinking she'll visit the establishment later. First thing's first she went up to the defensive arms merchant first to check their wares.
"Good afternoon. Can you show me what you have?" she asked in a friendly manner "I also have a chain mail I would be willing to sell if that is possible.
Opportunities. She was looking what the town had to offer and what they were lacking.

In reply to Shivom Grozvog (msg # 6):

The tabaxi man behind the counter lets out a soft chuckle. “What I have, my friend, is a small sampling of the collection you can browse back in the artisan district... and a potential new customer with a discerning eye, yes?”

He spreads his arms out across the counter and you watch as several items appear there amongst the rest of the rather ordinary trinkets and baubles that had been on display. A silver goblet encrusted with pearls. A black leather scabbard big enough for a dagger, embellished with silver trim and tiny garnets. A little 20-sided die that appears to be made of ivory or some manner of polished bone. An ebony-wood flute-like instrument decorated with twisting snakes entwining its exterior. A pair of silver hoop earrings that glimmer and sparkle in the morning sunlight. And a small tin cylinder with a removable lid attached to a hinge at its top, looking wholly ordinary apart from a small engraving on the lid depicting a stained black mask, laughing on one side while weeping on the other.

“If you’ve the coin, any of these fine fascinations could very easily be your’s this day... what do you say, friend? Shall we conduct a bit of business on this glorious morning?”

In reply to Yshtar (msg # 7):

Seeing you approach, the dwarven woman currently bringing bits of steel and iron from a cart next to the stall over to the staging area she’s set up just behind it calls over to you. “Just a moment there, lass! Don’t bother with them, I’ll help you myself.”

Hearing their boss’ urgency, the two clerks behind the counter steps back and lets her through. “Sorry, sorry. You’re the first real customer we’ve had today what wasn’t just gawking. Can’t risk having these two galoots mucking up the sale!” She laughs and leans over the counter, extending one heavily calloused hand your way. “Drina Forgemire, at your service. Now, we’ve plenty to show ya if you’re in the market for a little bit of padding against the dangers of the world. As for your chain, we’ll need to take a look at it to judge the quality, but I’d wager I can take it off your hands for a reasonable enough price.”

Kendrie moves towards the first of the booths she had been spotted at earlier in the day, but now with gold in her pouch and a plan in mind.  Leena had been very pleased to hear about what her preliminary window-shopping had yielded.  So here she was again.

The first stop was to the booth of the foreign merchant with the thin, oiled mustache.  The black, leather satchel he'd shown to Kendrie earlier was a thing of beauty, and quite useful beyond it's mundane appearance.  Moving forward with a bit of extra sashay to her step, the half-elven woman smiled broadly.

"Fair afternoon again, sir.  We spoke a bit earlier about the satchel for my mistress?  The black one you showed me.  Is it still for sale?"

In reply to Leena (msg # 10):

“Ah-hah! Hello again, good miss! Your return I assume means that the haversack was to your employer’s liking? Haha... wonderful. Wonderful! So then. The price remains at 2000 gold pieces, as I said earlier.” He pulls the seemingly-ordinary bag from amongst the various wares he has stored in his cart at the city’s front gates. There is a great deal of finesse to every aspect of his display and you gather that this is a man who has had a great deal of experience working crowds all across the continent. A merchant truly at home with his trade.

Shivom looks at the newly revealed items and then turns his attention to the tabaxi. "Well, I'm looking for a couple items in particular. First, I've always been intrigued by the way those tieflings can boost their voices. Always wondered if I might come across something that would let me do that. I do a bit of entertaining myself and that always seemed useful. I'd also be interested in anything you have that obscures one from scrying. Not sure if that's in my price range though."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Mon 28 Sept 2020.

"Yes indeed!  I made sure to let her know, in advance, how fine it was.  Alas, she asked me if I had tested it, and unfortunately, I had not.  May I do so now?"

Eyes wide, the winsome half-elf flashed a bright smile, almost shimmying in excitement at the opportunity to 'test' something magical...

In reply to Leena (msg # 13):

He gives you a bit of a scanning look, clearly attempting to deduce your sincerity.... but soon smiles and opens the bag before you; making sure to keep a loose, but still firm grip on it with both hands. “But of course! What sort of purveyor of fine wonders would I be if I did not trust my wares to hold up under scrutiny! Come, be my guest!”

With an excited smile and a show of relatively impressive dexterity, the half-elf swings one shapely leg onto the merchant's table.  Artfully, her robe falls away at the slit, revealing several more inches of toned thigh.  Then she leans forward, apparently mindless of the additional curve of exposed décolletage, to unlace one slipper.  The small shoe recovered, Kendrie drops it delicately into the open mouth of the knapsack, letting out a squeal of pure happiness as it seemingly disappears inside, leaving the knapsack apparently empty...

A moment later, the tip of her tongue extended from the corner of her full lips in apparent concentration, she reaches into the bag, her arm magically extending to her shoulder, far deeper than the bag's physical interior, before she withdraws the slipper once more, and holds it aloft with an almost giddy smile.

"I knew it would work!  Any wiggle room at all on the price?"  She wiggles a bit herself, perhaps sympathetically.  "It would make me look so good to my Mistress...."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Mon 28 Sept 2020.

Despite having made additional arrangements Mystrala is still here in person to speak with the more important potential clients, in particular those that sell magic in its many forms. Passing through the more mundane spaces quickly she only even bothers to glance at the items of the highest quality the most likely to be enchanted.  The sight of the disappearing shoe, but she waits until after the sales pitch is done and the decision making process begone before drawing the merchant with the illusion's attention briefly away from Shivom with one of her little flyers.

"If this is but a sample of your more impressive goods you must run a very busy shop.  You should come by Thermal Remedies at the end of the market day to relax, we have a merchant only special in effect for the festival."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Thu 01 Oct 2020.

In reply to GM (msg # 9):

The young woman in her plate armor waited smiling. She was not in a hurry.
"Yshtar. Good to meet you Drina Forgemire" she held the offered hand in a surprisingly firm grip then added with sincere curiosity she continued "I am looking forward to see what you have. The chain mail can wait."
She let herself be shown what Drina had on offer. She was particularly interested in plate mail of special materials or magically enhanced.

In reply to Shivom Grozvog (msg # 12):

The tabaxi scrunches his face a bit, considering the possibilities of what you are suggesting. “This... this I believe we can arrange, yes. Give me just a moment, my curious new friend.”

He vanishes behind a curtain toward the back of the stall. You hear nothing for a few minutes. Then suddenly he returns, with a small pale-green corsage in hand. The flower is clearly fake, but of a sort you’ve never seen before. It doesn’t appear to actual be an imitation of any particular type of living flower, but rather an entirely ornamental piece meant to simply exist as its own unique entity.

“Now then, my friend. This is what is called in some places a Herald’s Heather. A small faux flower meant to be worn upon a suit or collar. Merely muttering to yourself a command word you determine for it will allow it to project your voice like a booming thunderstorm! Observe.”
He affixes the corsage to the front of his vest and whispers something you can’t quite make out. When next he speaks, the entirely of the market takes notice. “COME ONE AND ALL, AND FIND SOMETHING TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A BIT MORE WORTHY OF TIME AND EFFORT YOU HAVE POURED INTO IT! VISIT AUGMENTED OFFERINGS TODAY, HERE AT OUR STAND IN THE MARKET, OR AT OUR CENTRAL LOCATION IN THE ARTISAN DISTRICT! WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF A LIFE WORTH LIVING!”

Detaching it from his vest, he holds the flower out to you. “And for a mere... let’s say 75 gold pieces, it can be yours. So what say you, my friend?”

In reply to Leena (msg # 15):

The merchant DEFINITELY takes notice of the display. You know a lecherous  old man when you spot one, and this one, while by no means the worst you’ve come across in town, definitely fits the bill. You can practically feel his eyes... engaging your leg as you make a show of testing the product. Finally, without shifting his gaze, you hear him part with a few choice words in your general direction “Well I suppose... given your mistress’ reputation... I would be... it wouldn’t... I can... certainly a bit of a discount would not cut into my profits. You must promise me you will make my wares known to her, of course. I would love nothing more than to become a repeat source of oddities like this for such a... fine business... 1500 gold and the bag is yours.”

In reply to Yshtar (msg # 17):

“Well certainly then, lass. Let’s see here... Shields and chains are our specialty, of course. But you’ve a pair of eyes on ya. Should have no trouble seeing that... No, if you’ve come to look for something worth seeing, I think I might have just the sort of thing to interest you here in back... got some coin on ya, right?”

The dwarven woman cuts away to the back of her setup a moment and returns with what appears to be a long black-and-silver cloak made of some form of fabric and interlocked steel plates. No part of it seems particularly thick, so you’re a bit unsure how it is going to provide any more protection that what you already have on. Nonetheless, she thrusts it forward a bit for you to feel.

The texture of the cloak is a soft satin and there is a pleasant feel to it as your hand brushes its surface. The plates seem as though they should be jangling, yet no noise comes from it. “Lovely, ain’t it? A special piece some corporal in the Tenebrian 7th stationed in that old barracks just outside of town commissioned. Never came around for it though. Been about four months already so, as far as we’re concerned, it’s fair game to sell. I think it’d go real nicely with that big old plate set of yours. Makes moving around in stuff like that a little easier. A little quieter... if you’ve the coin for it. 300 gold and you can be off with it right here and now!”

The trademark squeal follows his pronouncement, as the woman impulsively leaned forward to plant a kiss on the merchant's faintly flushed cheek, leaving a faint, bow-shaped smear of pink.  "Oh thank you, thank you!  You're so sweet...you're generous and wonderful!"

Another shimmy of excitement as the half-elf pulls the heavy pouch from her hip and begins counting platinum coins with surprising speed and dexterity.  Belying her earlier, 'sex kitten' role, Kendrie handles coin with the facility of an accountant.  In a few moments, stacks of glittering metal are laid out, and Kendrie accepts the enchanted knapsack in return, with a giggle of pure pleasure.

"I will definitely tell Mistress Leena about how accommodating you've been. What was your name, sir? I'm sure she'll want to do business with you in the future!

"For now though, if your undoubtedly busy schedule allows it, drop by the Golden Fleece.  I'll make sure you receive special attention..."

In reply to GM (msg # 18):

"Ehhhhh. Nice effect, but it needs a glamour or something. It's obviously fake. Trust me, I've got enough fake going on," says Shivom. smiling at the tabaxi. "I dunno, do you think it'll sap the magic if I try to put a real flower over it? Maybe I could find someone to paint it up..."


Shivom grimaces at it, "would you take 50 gp?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Thu 01 Oct 2020.

In reply to Shivom Grozvog (msg # 22):

He thinks for a moment. “I’ll tell you what, my discerning friend. You will pay full price for it, and in exchange, you will tell me precisely what you want it to look like and I shall adjust it accordingly. How does that sound?”

OOC: For clarification:

Yshtar is talking to a dwarven merchant selling armor.

Kendrie is representing Leena and talking to the tabaxi. Shivom and Mystrala are also talking to the tabaxi.

Is that right?

In reply to Shivom Grozvog (msg # 24):

Kendrie is talking to a different merchant on the opposite end of the market from the tabaxi. Just an old out-of-towner in a traveling merchant cart/stall thing and is out by the gates to town. The tabaxi you are doing business with is the owner and operator of the enchantment shop in the Artisan District. He’s set up right in the middle of the Town Square. He’s also the character narrating the Visit Tideswallow ad from the looking for players thread for this campaign, just as a little aside for anyone who found this campaign through that.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Thu 01 Oct 2020.

In reply to GM (msg # 25):

Ok, do I see a nearby female? I hate to go too far OOC, but is Mystrala there to engage with?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Thu 01 Oct 2020.

In reply to Shivom Grozvog (msg # 26):

I believe she’s over near the merchant Kendrie was doing business with, but I could be wrong. I’ll leave that up to you two to figure out.

"Crap. This is on the money for the effect I'm looking for, but I don't know squat about flowers. Hmmm, this lady looks squared away, at least her jewelry and dress seems to match," thinks Shivom.

He turns to the blue skinned woman wearing the matching jewelry and dress. "Excuse me, can you help me out here? I know just enough about this stuff to know this corsage belongs on a woman."

Shivom hold the flower up to his lapel. "Whaddya think? Rose, carnation, or something else? I don't want to go too fancy"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Thu 01 Oct 2020.

Leaving the flier behind for the heavily distracted merchant selling pouches Mystrala presses on in her never ending quest to do something useful with the day.  When the booming voice of what is obviously a magical item merchant sounds out from not to far away she takes that as a queue to head in that direction, arriving just at the end of his explanation of the item's function and value.  Pausing to wait for the man to finish with his previous customer, not wanting to need to interact with another merchant distracted by their trade right away the customer turns to ask her opinion, which she can not help but using as a way into the conversation.

"I only have the most rudimentary knowledge of the meaning of flowers and both of those come in a considerable range of colors but most of the common ones still focus on some combination of romance, fascination, or love.  If you want to delve more deeply into the subject some of the patrons who come to Thermal Remedies with some regularity have made it a hobby of theirs and I am sure they would love to talk to you in considerable depth on the topic."

She then holds out one of the little sheets of paper to the merchant, and another for Shivom should either of them require some explanation about her pitch.

Looking at the tabaxi, Shivom said, "well, it might take a couple fixes to get it looking the way I want. Can you just do flowers, or a jeweled look instead? In any event, I'll take it if you agree that I can bring it in for a modification of the look a couple more times. Who knows, maybe I'll find something else of interest in your main shop when I swing by."

Shivom looked at the delicate appearing flower. "Does it come with a case or something so it doesn't get banged up in my pack?" he asked.

Turning to Mystrala, Shivom considered her flyer. "Hmmm, I never really thought about going to a spa, but I might swing by sometime. Thanks."

In reply to Shivom Grozvog (msg # 30):

He bares is fangs at you which, though off-putting at first, you quickly realize is as close to a grin as his face is going to allow. “You may feel free to swing by and have it retooled anytime you wish, my friend. I’ve always left them in a more flowery form, but I don’t see any reason why we can’t change that as needed. As for a case... a moment.”

He reaches under the counter and fishes out a small, velvet-lined box that looks like it was probably meant for a ring or necklace. The corsage fits into almost perfectly, though, and you doubt you’ll need to worry too much about changing it regardless of what form the item takes. The size should be just about right regardless. “No additional fee, of course.”

His gaze shifts to Mystrala afterwards. “My good Lady of the Pools. So wonderful to see you out and about not his fine day.” Taking the flier meant for him, he studies it a moment and nods. “While I am afraid I may be a bit too busy to stop by in the coming days, rest assured you will see me there at some point in the near future. I couldn’t imagine this town without its wonderful baths.”

In reply to GM (msg # 20):

Yshtar nodded and seemed interested. But she had other questions first.
"This could be interesting and useful. I heard there are other materials than steel someone could make a plate from such as mithral. Do you have access to such materials? I might be more interested in such materials."

In reply to Yshtar (msg # 32):

She shakes her head with an apologetic look in her eyes. “Afraid not around here, lass. Meltvein quarry provides us with plenty of iron from just outside of town. Steel by the cart load. But rarer ores are hard to come by in this part of the continent. You’d have more luck down in Anvilreach. Their smiths seem to have all manner of suppliers they can call on for such things. Most of it never makes it down the mountain to us, though.”

Pausing long enough to share some words with the merchant, and the other potential customer too Mystrala offers them both a friendly smile to go along with the fliers and a more specific offer for them.

"In addition to the merchant's only days for the festival we have our grand reopening sale offering longer term memberships for those who live in the city, if either of you wish to try it out before taking the plunge on any financial commitment and let the men at the door know that you spoke to Mystrala at the market and they will let you take the tour."

In reply to GM (msg # 33):

"I see" the armored woman answered with a slight, almost unnoticable frown. "Fine I'll buy this cloak, hopefully it will be useful."
Yshtar took out her pouch from inside her breastplate and she slowly started to count 300 gold pieces. This seemed like much but at least now she knew Drina. While doing this she idly asked a couple of questions.
"Where can I find you if the market closes and my armor needs repair? As a matter of fact do you know someone looking to hire adventurers so my armor gets damaged to begin with?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:59, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

In reply to Yshtar (msg # 35):

Taking the gold and handing you the cloak, Drina points just down the road toward the Artisan District. You see a little smithy set just between the Town Square and the more high-end business down that way. “Got a cozy little place on the boarder between the Square and the Artisans called ‘Beaten Steel.’ Nothing fancy or anything, but we do good work and business it typically pretty lively all year round. We got a nice little agreement with the Adventurer’s just across the Square from here, which might be something you wanna look into. We give them basic armaments, they keep a steady line of traffic and coin coming our way. It’s a good deal. If ya go to check in with them, tell em Drina sent ya and they should look the other way the first month’s dues. You’ll get room and board outta it too, if ya complete your first job with them without winding up dead.”

---

Cloak of the Shadowed Guard: Magic Item that does not require attuning. Removes disadvantage from Stealth checks while wearing heavy armor. Additionally, as a reaction, you may brandish the cloak (Imagine a matador against a bull) to temporarily increase your AC by 1 when attacked. This effect only lasts until the end of the attacker’s turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:31, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

Yshtar tried on the cloak. She didn't expect much but...
"This is gorgeous! Amazing work, Drina!" she exclaimed while she stroked the fabric and was surprised by how her plate didn't make a loud sound. Apparently Lady Luck was on her side or the vendors were trustworthy in the Market. Well some of them anyway.
The plated woman almost forgot to ask a few more questions but remembered before walking away.
"I will definitely come by the Beaten Steel if I need anything. And who are these notorious Adventurer who's jobs are so difficult you already plan for my death?"
She looks the way the armorer pointed to see whether she can make out who these 'Adventurers' are.

In reply to Yshtar (msg # 37):

Drina laughs at that. “Ah it’s more a formality than anything, really! Lord Cartwright runs the guild, practically lives out of it if I’m being honest. He’s got a pretty strict rule that anyone who plans on sticking with the guild needs to prove themselves in some manner of feat of strength. Usually just amounts to taking on a task or mission for the guild for free. Easy source of gold for the guild and a way to quickly weed out those what ain’t worth keeping around. Ya get the idea. Usually ain’t all that dangerous, more just to see if you have the wherewithal to commit to it.”

The Adventurer’s Guild is pretty easily spotted from where you now stand. Just across the open market of the Town Square stands a large wooden building that looks like it was likely constructed from the remnants of several large ships all cobbled together. The front door is wide open and a stead stream of people are flowing both in and out, while others simply mill around outside of it. Many are armed and armored, similar to yourself.

"Perfect, I'll talk to them very soon. Thank you for the help, Drina. Oh before I go, will you take a look at my chain mail?"
She produced the practically unused chain mail she got from the Order of the Green Court.

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.