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.