Hadn't Mallory mentioned Hadar, this batch of items would have registered as far less cursed than the previous. Her reassurance the spread was purely superficial was however more than enough to convince him, for when he examined the Thri-Kreen skull he was unequivocally smitten by the intricacies of the fractal spirals on it and very much wanted to be convinced. "Ghastly? My, what peculiar equations! Could they perhaps be worked out from the patterns alone? Is there order to them? Oh, I itch for a pen!"

The mention of Super Heavy Magic likewise piqued his interest. The tomes, however, seemed more at home in a dedicated library than his workshop. It wasn't as if he minded reading, it simply wasn't his preferred approach to research.

---

The value of the presented items are very ambiguous. I have some prices in mind, but I suppose a better approach would be to ask you what you want for them.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:41, Wed 28 Feb.

"Your sense of priority is truly fascinating, sir."  Mallory dryly remarked even as she withdrew her Emerald Pen from within her coat's lapel and offered it over to Colmarr to sate his need for immediate note-taking.  Was it his skilled eye and experienced depths of knowledge that let him ignore things she herself drew intense wonder from, or was it just a case of the Gnome being so fixated on his own interests that he missed the value of other neighboring treasures?  She thought back to her own excitement of the historical implications of the spells she'd found in the Netherese spellbook - and how absolutely nobody else had seemed the least bit keen, even Vellynne - and felt a slight blush warm her cheeks in retroactive embarrassment.  She really had no room to judge, after all.

...damn it, Dannika would have been excited, the young noble inwardly pouted.

Back to business, though.  "Well, perhaps my view of the fractals is colored by my experiences at the ruins.  It was rather... perilous.  Not everyone made it out alive." Even as she tried to refocus herself to the task at hand, her dark eyes grew passingly distant as she dwelt on the likes of poor Knerk and Apple.  She stilled her thoughts and softly cleared her throat to orientate herself once more.  "Idri and I took extensive notes on the unusual structures and fractal presence within the ruins, and I can also present an illusory illustration of the presumed origin point of the phenomenon.  Though I consider that sort of information to be worth a fee in and of itself: I am currently its only outlet."

There were many spoils and tidbits of information Mallory could present to Colmarr to tempt his coffers, but she frankly didn't feel it to be wise to do so.  Telling him of The Spire's artifact, the Pearl of Hadar, or the still-frozen Nautiloid seemed foolish.  The last thing she wanted to do was inspire him to try and found an expedition for The Spire himself and meet the same fate as the lost mercenaries.  Her heart wouldn't be able to take it if she knew she'd been the cause of further tragedy.  Certainly not for something as banal as mere profit.  "These last few items are of a particularly troubling variety, so I apologize if they're at all disturbing.  The larger specimens are currently being stored elsewhere, but I've brought some samples with me and can arrange for delivery if you've further interest." Mallory prompted as she produced two particular sealed containers, each containing a viscous-seeming tentacle steeped in a low pool of purple-black ichor.  One particularly larger and more muscular than the other.  "While exploring the ruins, we encountered a Bulette which had undergone ceremorphic mutation.  It was slain and I collected various samples of its remains, including what parts of its armored carapace I could manage.  Mutated or not, it is still a Bulette, after all." she raised a hand over the larger of the tentacle samples and projected another illusion - her recollection of that awful, warped beast bursting from the ice in all its horrible glory.

"This smaller sample, meanwhile, came from a fully realized Illithid and presumably the one responsible for the creation of the Bulette.  Most unusual in that regard is that the Illithid was the result of a Gnomish host, which is normally impossible to achieve as far as modern studies have determined.  I performed my own additional research into the matter with the help of shamanistic aid to speak with the animating spirit of this Illithid and was able to learn a bit of the means behind its successful ceremorphosis." As before, the illusion shifted as she gestured over the smaller tentacle sample to shift into the wicked visage of the Gnomish Illithids they had encountered.  Mallory had never actually seen them alive with her own eyes, but Astre's recollection and her own familiarity with the corpse was more than sufficient.  In the illusion, the Illithid bore its strange laser gun weapon in hand and, sure enough, Mallory produced the exact same device from her satchel next.  Though she had long since taken the precaution of unloading its Psi Crystal chambers for the sake of safety.  "Further, the Illithid was armed with a most peculiar weapon - the likes of which I've never known.  From what we've been able to discern, it operates by use of Psi Crystals to produce a variety of spell-like effects based on the calibration of the crystals.  It is quite a deadly weapon but also features utility effects, such as size alteration and polymorphic transformations of a target."

---

Mallory wants to reserve portions of the Bulette Ceremorph and Gnomish Illithid corpses for her own work (especially since she couldn't collect the entire Bulette), but is willing to share parts and allow study for a fee.  Further, Mallory's not willing to sell the Illithid Laser Pistol, but hopefully giving Colmarr a chance to at least examine it and take some notes is worth something.

As for the value of the other items, it really is up in the air.  Their mechanical function is less valuable than their narrative value, so to speak.  For example, Mallory would be inclined to keep the Potion of Force Resistance purely for its historical worth rather than ever use it, unless she was offered a sum far greater than a Potion of its standard price range.  Obviously this is entirely subjective and not useful in pricing out, though.  Since it doesn't seem like Colmarr is interested in history over immediate functionality, she surely wouldn't get much from him on that item than she would if she perhaps submitted it to Candlekeep's repository or found a historical collector.

Based on Colmarr's listed inventory, Mallory wants to purchase:

3x8 Portable Hole       - 2,000 GP
5x Potion of Healing    -   250 GP
1x Potion of G. Healing -   150 GP
Familiar Components     -   100 GP
         Sub Total      = 2,500 GP

If the Ise Rune can cover 1k of the costs, then it depends on how much Colmarr is willing to give in return for research opportunities for the information/samples Mallory is willing to share, since those represent the bulk of her offerings.  Mallory is banking on the idea that he'd be willing to part with potions/items he already has an abundance of/can make more of for items/information of far greater rarity.  Mallory doesn't have anywhere near enough GP to address such costs otherwise.

While Mallory continued to speak at length, Colmarr scribbled along with the presented pen as he turned the Thri-Kreen skull to get a proper gander at the swirling patterns. "Hmm, yes, apply the surface integral . . . don't forget the cosine . . ." He rubbed his temples, unable to get it right in one go.

It was when Mallory then mentioned Gnomish Ceremorphs that he was torn from his train of thought and turned abruptly to face her. "Gnomish hosts? You must have mistaken, young lady, Gnomes are as you say not susceptible to ceremorphosis. Perhaps it was a child you saw, or a Halfling, but it surely could not have been a Gnome!" The inventor was quite firm in his tone, indicating that he would be hard pressed to yield the issue. Less certain did he become when the strange shooter was brought forth. "Let me see," he said, gesturing for it. He proceeded to study it, opening whatever compartment he could, rotating the chamber, and pulling the trigger. "My, I can see why you would think this Gnomish! Fascinating . . ."

---

Thri-Kreen Skull: 250 gp
Potion of Force Resistance: 400 gp
Vials of Black Ooze: 50 gp (total)
Bulette Parts: Not interested
Laser Pistol: 200 gp for the opportunity to study
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:03, Fri 01 Mar.

"Sir, I assure you, I was equally skeptical of the very notion myself when I first encountered it.  I would not make such an implausible statement were I not positive of its truthfulness." Mallory gently insisted on the matter despite Colmarr's denial otherwise.  "Common understanding of ceremorphosis posits that lower body mass subjects are incompatible with the process, so children and Halflings never survive the attempt.  Normally that would apply to Gnomish folk as well, but this instance was the result of tinkering with the normal processes.  Still, my investigation has yielded that the methods used to induce such an unusual ceremorphosis perhaps may not be repeatable.  At least not easily so.  I still have the remains of one of the Illithids and am frankly looking forward to an in-depth dissection.  I'll be sure to send you a copy of my thesis when it's ready for publishing."

Whether or not Colmarr accepted the notion was of little matter in the end.  Mallory did indeed doubt there would be some kind of mass outbreak of Gnomish victims at the Illithids' hands... at least, no more than usual.  More to the point, she had to worry about her funds for the moment when it came to bartering and bargaining.  She certainly didn't want to bother Idri for any financial backing, especially while her friend was mulling over more important matters of her immediate future career.

---

Revised Shopping List:
3x8 Portable Hole        - 2,000 GP
5x Potion of Healing     -   250 GP
5x Familiar Components   -    50 GP
         Sub Total       = 2,300 GP

Items being Bartered:
Thri-Kreen Skull         -   250 GP
Black Ooze               -    50 GP
Laser Pistol Study       -   200 GP
Ise Rune                 - 1,000 GP
         Sub Total       = 1,450 GP

   Remaining Difference  =   850 GP

---

"All that unpleasantness aside, I'm curious as to your own interests, sir.  Is there anything you're looking for in particular, or a service that could be rendered?  My friend and I are quite talented in manners of magic and artifice, if there's something you perhaps could use assistance with?" Mallory did, however, cast Idri a gently pleading glance in hopes that she might be willing to volunteer some of her time.

---

While it might come down to a Persuasion roll for the barter and reducing the shopping list further to cut costs, Mallory would like to at least gauge as to whether or not there's some task she and/or Idri could perform for Colmarr to help make up the difference.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Fri 01 Mar.

The Gnome considered Mallory's proposition for a second. "Well," he said, "there is perhaps one thing. You see, I am quite certain the Brotherhood undervalues my machine." He nodded to the draped large apparatus in a corner of the shop. "If you would allow me to demonstrate its potential for you to relay, or perhaps you can talk with a representative who can visit me, it would mean, well . . . everything!"

---

He'll give Mallory a 500 gp discount if she is willing to satisfy either request.

Keep in mind Mallory will still be able to roll her own Persuasion to potentially get a discount regardless.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 20:20, Sat 02 Mar.

Yep, I just wanted to get all the potential numbers out in the open before rolling any kind of modifiers to the whole thing.  Less chance of mix-ups and confusion that way.  So, let's get to the Persuasion roll then.  I'm assuming no Advantage via assistance from Idri, and Mallory's Portent is low, so it's not worth using here.

Persuasion - Haggling
Mallory Bonheur rolled 10 using 1d20+4 (6)

Exactly 10, when the DC is supposed to be 10 + X, based on the the amount of cost over the value.  So that's a failure with no discount based on that result, if I'm understanding it correctly?  Also, lol, the die I ended up with equals Mallory's undesirable Portent anyway.

---

"I can't personally make any promises of results, but I'd be happy to put my foot in the door for you.  I still have a planned meeting with a particular member of the Brotherhood pending, along with a few other avenues that could be worth exploring." Mallory agreed quite readily to that - so long as Colmarr didn't demand a profitable contract result out of such a deal, then simply affording him an opportunity was well within what she felt to be appropriate for her relationship with the Host Tower.  She gestured to the covered machinery.  "By all means, please go right ahead.  I'd love to see a demonstration and indeed must insist on one before I'd be willing to promote anything to the Brotherhood on your behalf."

On another matter, and surely while Colmarr was in the process of readying his device, the young noble mulled inwardly in a moment of consideration.  "That said... if you're at all interested, I may be able to offer you an additional business opportunity.  As I mentioned before, I'm in the process of making in-roads with the varied leadership of Ten-Towns and plan to develop minor enchanted items to help improve the quality of living for the local citizenry.  I've also learned of a particularly interesting potential trade route and untapped market further north, though that's still in the works."  Mallory elaborated.  "What I'm really lacking is manpower and skilled hands to actually create the devices I design in the volume required.  While matters are still very much in development, would you have any interest yourself with joining into such an endeavor once I've been able to set the foundations in place?"

Colmarr's initial reaction was to throw up a dismissive hand. Trading, economics, business, coin — in his mind all hoops one had to jump through to get to real engineering. The less he had to contend with it, the better. But he took a moment to consider it, a more altruistic version of himself pushing through as he wanted to reciprocate the thoughtfulness Mallory had shown him. "Hmm, perhaps . . . I can certainly help with prototyping should you have a particularly captivating concept?" he offered as he rubbed his chin. "But I know myself better than to commit myself to menial replications. My mind is simply too fleeting! No, you'd sooner find yourself with a myriad variations of your own schema."

This was all well and good conversation, but Colmarr was practically jumping at the opportunity to show off his machine. He hurried over, grabbed the ends of the cloth that covered it, and cleared his throat. "Behold! My fantabulous contraption!" The curtains parted to a squarish machine, seemingly unassuming despite its prodigious size. There was some complexity, sure, and one would be hard pressed to miss the large pipe that traveled straight through the floor, but overall it verily appeared to adhere to a 'form follows function' philosophy. That is to say, it was safe to call it fairly ugly. Colmarr scrambled over to his desk again before retrieving an empty flask similar in make to the potions he had laying around. He proceeded to position it in a dedicated slot where it was held up by a brass ring, then he cranked a lever at the side of the machine. It whirred to life with heavy thunks and quite a bit of rattling as the Gnome watched it work with a big grin.

After a bit, it began dispensing a dull red liquid into the flask, slowly filling it over the course of a good minute. When it finished, Colmarr retrieved the flask and presented it for Mallory to inspect. "Voilà! A working, genuine Potion of Healing!"

---

I meant for you to set the DC prior to the roll, that way it incorporates an element of 'how far do you wish to push your luck?'. But it doesn't matter if the roll is 10 anyway, that's going to be a fail. For fun, the calculated DC would be 21, adjusted by how much gold Mallory wanted to spit in to shrink the difference. If she had spit in half, that is to say 425 gp, the DC would have been 14.

But this is all moot when you rolled 10 anyway.

"That's quite understandable, sir.  But nothing ventured, nothing gained.  I'll be sure to keep you in mind for later opportunities all the same, should I come across something that may better suit your methods."  Mallory conceded on the matter easily enough.  She didn't expect the Gnome to leap at the offer in the first place, but it was better to put out such feelers whenever the chance arose.  If nothing else, she could perhaps make use of the connection later when it came to sourcing materials.

As Colmarr presented his wondrous machine, Mallory waited patiently and withheld any given response one way or another throughout the demonstration.  The clunky machinations didn't bother her one bit - she was far too well-versed in arcana to dismiss anything based on mere appearance, especially after witnessing the fine spider automaton or the quality of Colmarr's handiwork with the Portable Holes.  The Gnome clearly had more than enough skill to refine a device to precision, so such a cumbersome state was likely either a matter of necessity or proof-of-concept convenience.  That said, once presented with an alleged potion, Mallory didn't seem all that impressed as her expression hadn't changed one bit.  If anything, she looked a bit more expectant of Colmarr to explain what exactly he was trying to demonstrate... though the Gnome himself perhaps thought such things would be self-evident.

Gloved fingertips delicately plucked the offered vial up and held it to the light so that Mallory could examine the liquid luster with a little shake to disrupt the contents.  Rather than be so brazen as to taste test, she instead held the vial within her grasp as a series of arcane sigil rings manifested in gradual orbit about the backs of her knuckles.  "Allow me a few minutes to examine the contents, please.  In the meantime, could you perhaps elaborate on this device and its processes?  Surely it's not merely a dispenser; we have Unseen Servants for that.  Am I to assume you've developed an automated apothecary?"

---

No worries on the haggling; I misunderstood the order of things, but it doesn't matter in the end either way.  Moot issue is moot.

As for Colmarr's Fantabulous Contraption: did anything ping on Mallory's "Detect Magic" while it was in operation, or is it purely mechanical?  She'll also Ritual Cast "Identify" on the potion to inspect it.  Normally I'd be inclined to just have her dip a finger in to taste test, but she's not that trusting of a manufactured product in this case.

Am I to assume you've developed an automated apothecary?
"Precisely!" Colmarr snapped his fingers. "It fashions these potions from scratch, using mostly the minerals naturally occurring in sewage as ingredients. Granted, it's of a slightly lesser potency, but any healing, potent or otherwise, is surely useful, wouldn't you say? Imagine the applications!" He opened a compartment to reveal a tiny inserted ruby, hot steam warping the view of it. "Its function is contingent on a heated gemstone that will slowly lose its durability, but a single one is enough for dozens upon dozens of potions!"

---

Mallory:

As for Colmarr's Fantabulous Contraption: did anything ping on Mallory's "Detect Magic" while it was in operation, or is it purely mechanical?

Eh, like 99% mechanical. The inclusion of the treated ruby does add a magical aspect to it. The end result is also magical.

Mallory's Identify on the Potion: It is, as Colmarr says, a less potent Potion of Healing. Upon drinking it restores 1d4 + 1 HP.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:00, Sun 03 Mar.

The notion that such potions were produced from recycled and processed sewage was one that Mallory could imagine others instantly balking at.  She, however, had been shoulder-deep inside an Ice Troll's chest cavity not days before and was wholly accustomed to the often gruesome and filthy origins of so much required in magical production.  She recalled a conversation with some young ladies at a prior social event who had expressed disdain at the idea of what fertilizer was made from when discussing their gardening habits.  Frankly, that level of disconnection struck her as very limiting on top of just being silly.  Part of her feared what they would think was involved in the feeding of their cattle or the crafting of their fine leather shoes...

"Well, you're quite right, there.  Normally it's the rate of production and investment cost that prevents lower-tier potions from being accessible by the masses... bypassing such limitations would be an incredible boon." Mallory noted as she gingerly sniffed at the potion to see if it still carried traces of its chemical origins in the cisterns.  No matter how useful a medicine was, it would be relegated to a last resort if it was truly loathsome to the senses, which defeated the purpose of mass production.  "I'm from Neverwinter.  While the eruption of Mount Hotenow was before my time, I grew up hearing of its destruction and the ruin it brought to my home and its people.  For as terrible as the eruption itself was, the bulk of suffering followed afterward as the survivors struggled with basic medicinal care.  Had something like this been in place at the time... it would have saved many lives."

Though her tone and demeanor darkened over such thoughts, Mallory shook her head and got back on task.  She gestured to the exposed gem where it was mounted within the machine's innards.  "What is this gemstone here?  Is it a common ruby or is it a unique element?  How is this device powered?  How much required processing do the potion ingredients go through prior to being set within the machine?  The chemical composition and volume of sewage varies so wildly based on region - have you tested this using sourced ingredients from outside Luskan?  Has it ever exploded and, if so, what color was the blast?" she had many questions on the contraption but didn't expect Colmarr to answer all of them, given that he would likely fear stolen ideas if he revealed too much.  All the same, Mallory would eventually insist on a written document detailing some of the specifications of the device's output: mainly information like how fast it operated, requirements for sewage access and necessary volume per potion, its output rate, and other forms of reasonable, non-confidential statistics that would be expected of any investor.  She wasn't about to go to the Brotherhood espousing a device she had no concrete information on, after all.

---

No need to actually go into deep specifics on the functions or such.  Just a generalized idea of "is this machine actually cost effective versus standard potion brewing", "can it be used for other applications/different kinds of potions", "does it have obvious hazards or shortcomings", that sort of stuff.  Broad-strokes information is perfectly fine.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Sun 03 Mar.

The potion did have faint odor, although not one of honey and orange blossoms one typically associated with healing potions. Without being told, Mallory could likely have surmised something amiss, but while the brew was perhaps tainted, it was not offensively so.

The prospect of intellectual theft didn't even cross Colmarr's mind, for he was tunneled on the opportunity dig into the details of his machine. Nor did he particularly care that Mallory was prying so deeply to uncover flaws, not because it didn't have them, but because he felt confident despite them. He answered the rapid-fire questions in turn; "A ruby. A common ruby, valued to approximately fifty gold. Coal, but it could use wood as well. None! No, it is an integrated design so I have only sampled Luskan sewage. Twice, but only once catastrophically! Although I covered my eyes at the explosion, I could verify the resulting cloud was red, stemming from an over-treated ruby that shattered into a trillion fragments!"

Colmarr was happy to supply Mallory with written statements on the machines specifications, and, although he certainly had them, it would take a moment to collect it since they were scattered across numerous parchments and notebooks he kept.

---

Colmarr's Fantabulous Contraption:

This one-of-a-kind machine is able to manufacture Lesser Healing Potions (healing 1d4 + 1 hp) from Luskan sewage at a rate of 1 Potion per liter. It is powered by heat and utilizes a ruby as a catalyst to induce the necessary magical reaction to turn the water and minerals into a healing mixture. Working at capacity, the machine can produce one potion after two minutes, but must cool down for one hour upon each use.

Every time the machine produces a potion, roll a 1d100. On a result of 90+, the machine overheats and ceases to function for the next 4 hours. On the result of 100, the machine fails spectacularly and will require 1d4 of manual repair by a character Proficient with Tinker's Tools.

Rolling to see if Colmarr's Fantabulous Contraption overheats or fails
DM Bears rolled 20 using 1d100.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:01, Tue 05 Mar.

As eager as Colmarr was to discuss his contraption, so too was Mallory to take notes on it and prod around where she was allowed.  She gathered her long hair back into a quick bundle to keep it out of the way of any inner workings while she examined the interior structure with a critical eye.  She was no engineer herself, but anywhere magic was involved in mechanical processes offered a crossover point where she could ply her own experience.

"Fascinating... you know, this actually reminds me of a steam-powered kaeth brewer I saw in demonstration several years ago.  Steam-heated water was passed through a compression of ground kaeth beans at high internal pressure, which forced the oils out in a rapid drip.  It could produce a highly concentrated, piping hot beverage in a matter of seconds." Mallory noted as she looked about this way and that amid the device's structure to try and see where there was heat damage from proximity to the ruby.  "Of course, the ingredients involved all had a level of complexity and processing to them required before they could be used, and it too had an issue with exploding given the high pressure and temperatures it operated under.  Worst of all, if the temperature wasn't controlled very precisely it would result in a horribly bitter, scalded drink.  Though a few folk liked it better that way, for some reason..." she sounded particularly baffled at that, but there was no accounting for taste.

There were already a variety of potential alternatives or improvements Mallory could suggest to further refine the machine, though she'd need to verify more information with Colmarr first to see if he'd already considered such things prior.  But, before all that, there was an obvious question already being begged: "Sir, you mentioned the Brotherhood undervalues this device.  You've already demonstrated it to someone from the Host Tower, then?  Why was it turned down in the first place?"  In all honesty, she could already see a dozen reasons why such a device would be denied outright despite its obvious potential, but that was beside the point.

---

Mallory is, of course, functionally describing an espresso machine in her earlier example.  In a universe where coffee exists, I refuse to believe someone wouldn't eventually develop an automated cafe press sooner or later.

"There was an older gentleman here," Colmarr explained. "On two occasions, really, although I only suspected he was with the Brotherhood on his second visit. I demonstrated my machine for him much to his . . . apprehension. Perhaps I was too heavy-handed in my pitch, but his initial reaction was to tell me to improve it! Imagine!" He huffed and puffed theatrically. "According to him, the inclusion of sewage in the recipe was a weakness and not a strength! Frankly, he gave the impression he hadn't the faintest clue on engineering. Had it not been for his otherwise respectful behavior I would have called out his rudeness for what it was."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 19:33, Wed 06 Mar.

"Hm... well, I can understand where he might take that opinion from, despite the obvious merits in recycling sewage into a useful state.  It's a volatile ingredient; far too prone to drastic changes in chemical make-up based on a staggering, unpredictable number of factors.  For example, you've managed to get the device to produce Potions based on current sewage pulls, but what happens if there's a heavy rain season or a shift in population that changes the sewage composition?  The device could potentially be rendered useless outside of Luskan's specific conditions." Mallory had gone into troubleshooter mode without missing a beat, though she made sure she kept her tone civil.  She'd known far too many mages during her schooling who took very poorly to criticism and took even constructive comments as personal affronts, so she didn't want to risk wounding Colmarr's pride.

"I can already see a number of potential modifications and refinements that could possibly improve the design, though I'd need a far more in-depth look at its functions before I could really say for certain.  Honestly, it depends most of all on the source materials.  Studying the chemical make-up of the sewage here in Luskan and figuring out exactly what it contains would be a first requirement; any other mechanical alterations would be entirely dependent on that.  I wouldn't dare criticize your engineering choices without understanding the necessity behind them first." she summarized.  "Still, the fact that you've been able to develop an automated means that yields Potions at such an accelerated rate is quite remarkable in and of itself.  I daresay the mechanical process alone bears more potential than anything else.  I most certainly have no qualms with presenting your work to the Brotherhood, though I can't promise any results.  Have you perhaps tried speaking with the Church of Gond in Baldur's Gate to gain their patronage?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Wed 06 Mar.

"Nay, I have not considered contacting them," the Gnome responded. "I do not hold Duke Silvershield in high regard. The last thing I want is for bureaucrats to wrangle every last copper out of something that should be a boon to the people. It is the reason I have not approach the Red Dragon with my inventions either, surely much to their chagrin!"

---

Let us wrap this segment up in our next couple of posts.

"I do understand that feeling sir... quite dearly, in truth.  But I'll offer you two things in this regard.  One for free and the other for barter, if you're so inclined to accept it."

"For free: a bit of sound advice.  It may gall your sensibilities and put your work at risk of exploitation, but you need to reach out to others who can help bring your creations to light.  It's bothersome, stressful, downright exhausting even..." Mallory shook her head knowingly.  She was very much speaking from experience in that regard; contending with matters of business and figures of authority had been a daily affair for most of her adult life, after all.  Yet she gestured about the room - to the potion-brewing contraption, to the container of uniquely designed Portable Holes, to the refined arachnid construct busy at its task in the window.  "But the skill and crafts you've shown are truly remarkable, and your intention for them admirable.  Works like these have the potential to be revolutionary beyond what you've even intended them as.  If you don't take a chance on building bridges with others, your creations will simply languish and do no good to anyone.  That would be a far greater shame than any."

She pulled at the edge of her long glove to draw it off and show her bare hand to Colmarr.  Sat on her middle finger was her signet ring with her family seal - a lily of the valley blossom - inlaid in delicate platinum filigree.  An unmistakable sign of noble standing, and not something carelessly flaunted.  "For barter: an opportunity.  My family operates a trading house in Neverwinter and bear connections up and down the Sword Coast.  Including in Baldur's Gate.  But more importantly, we employ or contract a number of very experienced quartermasters, secretaries, accountants, lawyers - the sort of people who truly make any operation thrive and have little interest beyond their document cases.  Exactly the sort of people who would be able to help manage your business affairs and permit you to focus wholly on your creative endeavors." She gestured next to the array of items gathered on the countertop - both her own offerings and Colmarr's goods she hoped to purchase, as well as his hastily scattered and poorly organized notes.  "By my tally, there's a difference of three-hundred and fifty gold to our transaction.  If you would waive the difference - or even simply reduce it - I would, in return, pen you a letter of introduction to my family's most trusted accountant.  Someone who does not offer their services to the general public or businesses of ill-standing.  They often have talented proteges eager to gain hands-on training who could be assigned to help you with the nitty-gritty; such an assistant would be a great boon, at little expense beyond nominal pay."

While Mallory allowed all that to settle in Colmarr's thoughts for a moment, she demurely pulled her glove back in place and folded her hands into her lap.  "My family was granted its title not through bloodline, but by our charitable works to secure and aid Neverwinter's people in the years following the eruption of Mount Hotenow.  We've always worked to help others; to be of service and succor is our greatest pride, and something I hold dear.  Above of all other matters, sir, I genuinely wish to see your works improve and gain the recognition they deserve.  There is so much good you could do in this world."

---

Just for a Hail Mary attempt, Mallory is invoking her Background Feature: "Position of Privilege" and offering a useful connection otherwise unavailable to non-nobility, in hopes of sweetening the deal and reducing how much she'll need to pay out of pocket.

Noble Background - Position of Privilege:

Thanks to your noble birth, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in high society, and people assume you have the right to be wherever you are. The common folk make every effort to accommodate you and avoid your displeasure, and other people of high birth treat you as a member of the same social sphere. You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to.

Colmarr spent few moments rocking on his feet to consider Mallory's proposition, to really consider it. He was never in this to make coin, but the woman had a point — he had never gotten far without it. So it was with some trepidation and a few taps of his fingers upon his wooden desk that he turned to address her, deciding that this wasn't a simple dupe, that he wasn't being conned in this very moment. "Very well, young lady. If you pen the letter you may consider the difference settled. I shall look forward to a fruitful and wholesome cooperation!"

An outstretched Gnomish hand greeted her.

In all honesty, had Colmarr refused to discount the purchase further, Mallory would have penned a letter for him regardless.  She wasn't so craven as to withhold the good she genuinely believed Colmarr could achieve with a little extra help over a few hundred gold pieces... but she was still a merchant at heart, so profit was profit.

"And I look forward to hearing great things of you in the coming years, sir." Mallory accepted the offered hand in both of her own to clasp in warm agreement.

---

That should reasonably conclude things.  Mallory will spend some time writing out a proper missive and marking it with her Noble Crest, though she'll leave it up to Colmarr to actually have it delivered once it's all signed and sealed.  In addition to the bartering, she'll also buy a pocket watch timepiece for 150 GP and actually front coin on that one.  I figure she should be decent about it and actually spend some money rather than try and bank everything on trade alone.  ^^;

Colmarr had a few timepieces lying around, although only two were in working order. He offered Mallory the nicer one, an ornate hunter-case watch in hardened palladium. He'd synchronized it to the water clock in Neverwinter some years prior and had faith in its precision, indicated by the fact that it did seem to tell the time Mallory and Idrianthe would have guesstimated. That was to say close to Tharsun. He showed Mallory how to wind it with its watch key, which he reckoned she needed to do every three days, and how to set it should she forget.

Over the course of their visit, Idrianthe had contented herself with just browsing, seeing that her funds weren't quite as extensive as Mallory's. She hoped she could at some point return and that she was richer then.

---

When Astre fluttered among the rooftops to arrive at Half Moon Street, it was to a peculiar sight. The hooded thug he had spotted earlier that day stood in the shadows of a worn back alley just around the corner of Colmarr's shop, and he was joined by three other mean-looking ruffians. They wore shortswords at their hips and daggers on their belts, appearing very much like the more hardened kind of sailors the tides washed in, two of them particularly broad and muscular.

But the peculiar part was that they were joined in conversation by Tamthan. Astre was too far away to hear, but the guard pointed to a side alley at the cross section just past them which had the parties nodded along in some reached agreement. The talk was short, because not soon after Astre arrived did they scatter, one of the thugs heading a short way down the narrow alleyway they had indicated earlier and Tamthan resuming a slouched position by the display window of the shop just in time for the two ladies to exit.

Spitting out some tobacco he had chewed, he straightened and raised an eyebrow. "Ready to go?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:22, Tue 12 Mar.

It was just as Mallory was in the midst of packing several of her more cumbersome belongings into her newly-acquired Portable Hole that she paused for a moment with a faint quirk of her head to an angle.  Astre had returned within range and his report rang in her mind, both for the success of the task she'd sent him on and on far less pleasant matters that awaited.  She showed no outward disdain, however, as she folded up the Portable Hole into a longer orientation and fitted it about her neck, tucked within the interior lining of her collar.

"Well, we should be off for now.  Again, thank you so much, sir.  This has been a most excellent experience."  Mallory offered Colmarr a fond word of parting as she reached once more to grasp his hands and give them a pleasant shake.  She leaned in a bit nearer to him though and spoke in a low voice, for his ears alone.  "However, my Familiar outside has just told me of a handful of unsavory sorts skulking about in the nearby alleyways.  I suggest you lock up shop after we leave and find a place to secure yourself.  Hopefully they intend to follow us rather than burgle your establishment." she warned.  Tamthan had witnessed a lot of money pass from Mallory's hands into others' that day, including Colmarr's, so she figured she was the more likely target if foul play was indeed on the immediate horizon.

In much the same manner, Mallory took Idri by her good arm with a cheerful smile on her painted lips.  "Idri, darling, wasn't this a delight?  We should come back soon." she chimed as she rested her head to her friend's shoulder in a lackadaisical manner, only to whisper a similar warning to Idri's long ear.  She relayed what Astre had told her of the number and positions of the men outside; she didn't know if things would come to violence, but it was best to keep on guard all the same.  Things would only stand to go further awry if they away their awareness right then and there, so it was perhaps safer to play along for a bit and see how things developed.  If nothing else, Mallory was quite confident in her ability to problem solve on the fly.  They'd evaded a dragon and a deity - surely a few ruffians would be of no comparable risk.

Once outside and back in Tamthan's company, Mallory nodded at his gruff question.  "Indeed.  It's high time we head back to the Host Tower.  I'm expected for a meeting soon." she confirmed.  "Oh, but before we go - I do wish to express how much I appreciate your patience, sir.  I know it's all part of your duty, but you've truly been a wonder today.  Thank you so much for your hard work and help with a clueless out-of-towner like me.  Rest assured, I'll put in a glowing report of your work today and urge that you receive a sterling bonus."

---

Meanwhile, up above amid the rooftops and eaves, Astre crouched low to keep an eye on the scene.  Of greatest import was keeping track of the ruffians as they shifted about to warn Mallory well ahead of time should they try to make any kind of move on her and Idri.

---

Inventory has been updated and shuffled around with a fair bit of stuff going into the Portable Hole for the time being.  More will be moved there once Mallory gets the chance to retrieve her other stuff from the Host Tower.

Meanwhile!  Astre will be Mallory's eyes in the sky and keep within Telepathy range of her to be an early warning system.  Mallory is going to keep right at Idri's side but also maintain at least a 5' distance from Tamthan as they travel.  She'll be ready to cast a spell if Tamthan or any of the ruffians make a move.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Wed 13 Mar.

"Oh dear," Colmarr piped upon the warning, "yes, I best lock the door. Thankful you were here now that my security system is momentarily dysfunctional!" When Mallory and Idrianthe exited, a soft click followed in their wake.

---

Tamthan nodded politely upon Mallory's praising review. "Much obliged, milady. I am simply fulfilling my duty, although . . . should you be in need elsewise, I have leave this evening. Luskan has much to offer." His blonde mustache tipped as he gave Mallory a brash smile and something to think on before he started for the alleyway, opting for the first time today to go ahead of his two protectees.

It didn't take long until Astre saw the pieces move into place. Three of the thugs had taken position in the main alley, prepared to confront their targets head on, while the last had stepped into the narrower side alley to prepare the ambush with a lumpy sack in hand. It was clear they meant for Tamthan to step past it in the confrontation. When Tamthan emerged into the alley, so too did the muggers move, the foremost of which brandished his scimitar and leveled it at the guard. He was a tattooed fellow in a long coat and had an uneven, mangy grin. "Now, now," he rasped, giving his weapon a twirl. "Ain't no need for this to get bloody, neither for ye nor the lasses!"

He awaited Tamthan who briskly stepped forward, pulling his own sword from its scabbard and indicating Mallory and Idrianthe behind him. "Stay at my back! I shall ensure no harm will befall you." The other thugs drew swords and readied crossbows as Tamthan and the one at the helm locked blades with each other, a short step ahead of where the side alley joined the main. The blades kissed for artificially long before the surprise was sprung and the ambusher jumped to whack Tamthan in the back of the head with the sack. Tamthan then proceeded to topple, his sword clanging as it bounced on the ground as they both fell motionless.

The thug kicked his limp body aside, directing his ugly glare to his targets. "We only want yer valuables. Hand 'em over!"

---

I am currently traveling, so I don't have access to photoshop to whip up a battlemap. It'll all have to be theater of the mind. Since they encounter is fairly simple I think we can manage.

Initiative

• Bandits [19]
• > Mallory [17]
• Idrianthe [4]

The two bandits with swords will ready an Action to chase Mallory and Idrianthe should they flee. The two bandits with crossbows will Ready an Action to attack if Mallory and Idrianthe attacks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:11, Wed 13 Mar.

Even as Tamthan was "knocked out", Mallory barely even quirked a brow or bothered to play the part of a distressed maiden.  She would've been genuinely frightened of such a situation had it not been for Astre's warning; knowing that the hired guard was in league with the brigands really took the potential for distress out of her.  She'd hoped an appeal to his better nature might change his mind about the whole stunt but that just wasn't in the cards.  As one ruffian demanded their valuables at threat of violence, the young noble just slowly rolled her eyes and slowly lifted a gloved hand.  Lest the crossbow-wielding brigands think she was making a move, she was rather showy in making a steady, purposeful reach into her satchel to withdraw a bound leather pouch that jangled in her palm, weighty and packed full of what sounded a lot like loose coin.

"Honestly, this day was going so nicely too..."  Mallory remarked dryly as she tossed the leather pouch to the side where it landed with a dull thump on the pavement a few feet away.  The moment watchful eyes followed the movement of the pouch, however, she gripped closer to Idri and hummed a soft tone off her lips.  It only took a moment but, by the time the supposed coin pouch hit the ground, Mallory and Idri alike both vanished into thin air.

---

Neither an attack nor fleeing, unless the crossbow folk would consider any kind of spellcasting a potential attack - Mallory upcasts "Invisibility" at 3rd level on herself and Idri.  The pouch Mallory tossed as a decoy to draw attention is her Bag of Ballbearings.

---

In the instant Mallory's magic took hold, she raised her other hand to Idri's mouth to urge her companion to silence and pulled her aside, quietly bringing the both of them to a close crouch near a neighboring wall in hopes that they could remain unnoticed and out of the way.  Obscured as they were, it would be easier to make a break for it if necessary, but she'd rather keep still than make a risk.

---

With Mallory and Idri both Invisible, they are considered "Heavily Obscured" for the purposes of hiding or being targeted.  Attacks made against them have Disadvantage and attacks they make have Advantage, though Mallory would prefer to avoid violence and not break Invisibility, intending to wait it out and let the bandits leave on their own accord.  Not sure if you want to bother with a Stealth check if this is supposed to be a quick encounter (plus I don't know what Idri's Stealth is based on her armor), but if someone attempts to make a Perception check to find them, Mallory will burn her 6 Portent as necessary to hopefully ensure their failure.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Wed 13 Mar.

"Clever," the frontman said while making his way to kick up the pouch. "No need for this to be any harde-"

He stopped when the two targets disappeared. The band collectively spun around in befuddlement for a glimpse of where they'd gone, but all stayed their hand. A few insults and curses were slung in between some angry steps before they had the idea to check the coin pouch for actual coin. When they found anything but it was thrown hard to the ground so the bearings scattered.

Their continued course of action was to split up either in hopes of finding them or simply because the plot had failed. The still feigning Tamthan being offered complaining boot before they set off. He laid motionless for a little while longer just for good measure, but eventually stirred, grabbed his sword, and bitterly continued down the alleyway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:50, Thu 14 Mar.

Mallory didn't dare move until a few minutes after the last of the would-be muggers, Tamthan included, had left.  Even as she and Idri lingered pressed in seclusion to a wall, Astre scampered across the rooftops after Tamthan to keep an eye on the traitorous guard and see what he got up to in the wake of the failed scheme.

Once it finally seemed safe enough to move, Mallory sighed and gently squeezed Idri's good arm, making sure to keep close.  They couldn't see each other, after all, so losing hold would make finding one another again needlessly difficult.  "Let's take a more circuitous route back to the Tower, shall we?"  Part of her was tempted to try and collect her scattered pouch but there was no use crying over spilled ball bearings.  She stooped just long enough to pluck a few from the cobblestones into her pocket, then set to a brisk pace up the alleyway for the distant Host Tower.  She had quite a report to give to whoever was responsible for arranging Tamthan...

---

"Invisibility" lasts for an hour, so that should presumably be more than enough time to head straight back to the Host Tower unnoticed.  Mallory will drop the spell at the steps of the tower though.  She's also going to collect a few ballbearings, but that's just for flavor or future crafting needs rather than any mechanical use.

Meanwhile, Astre will tail Tamthan for a while and see where he goes.  If Tamthan enters a building or otherwise becomes inaccessible from a rooftop view, Astre will leave and return to Mallory.

Without any further fanfare,Tamthan took a direct route to Kurth, the fortress island that connected to the Host Tower, to recoup in the barracks. It was a short walk, but it did still give him time to reflect on events.

---

That’s basically it. We still have her meeting with Dendybar the Mottled and any further communication Mallory wishes to have with the Host Tower.

We’ll continue discussing in the OOC to determine how best to proceed.