Baelen hehs softly. "Of course, of course. I promise. This is not a library, after all." He starts flipping through the book, looking to see if there are any mentions of ways to get to the feywild or any eladrin or elven family mentions that might be of importance to him. It's a long shot, but still worth looking.

Make an Investigation check.

11:08, Today: Baelen Forlorn rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Investigation.

You flip through the book to random pages. About halfway through the book you find a page titled Lords and Ladies of Indala. Scanning over the paragraphs, you find it speaking of powerful beings that were some of the first creations of Indala who embody environments of nature. They are thought to have a region on Umladala where they reside. Skipping ahead a few pages you see bits about peoples and creatures within some riverlands and a sketch of some creature. You hear the half-orc give a subtle clearing of his throat and flip to another random section. There's no title, but you do see what appears to be a family crest with elvish script.

Before you get a chance to look further, the half-orc slips the book from your hand and sets it on the counter, "Interesting, hm? So I take it you'd like to buy it?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Baelen nods, hesitantly, "Yes, yes. Fascinating read. It would be great to add to my collection." The eladrin smiles, trying to hide the excitement of the potential of what could be contained within those pages. "19 gold, as you say?" He checks his pouch and frowns, looking at how short he is from bringing that book home with him. "Do you do a payment plan? It appears, I am a bit shy currently."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Wed 09 Nov 2022.

The old half-orc grumbles. He looks at you for a moment and chews on his lip, "As you said, this ain't a library. But I don't get a lot of business so maybe we can work something out. You wouldn't happen to be a follower of Luadamee, would you? Perhaps a member of the Order of the Eternal Flame?

"I've been petitioning them for a membership but have been told I need either a reference or to make a donation of magic. And, you see, I may be handsome but I'm not so adventurous in my current age."
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Baelen frowns. "Nay, I am not a follower of Ludamee. I have heard of this Order of Eternal Flame, but don't know much about it. What can you tell me about it? What's so special about being a member there?"

The half-orc looks incredulous, "Outside of his domain, they're about the only order there is if you're a follower. Well, unless you want to follow one of those shady "burn-it-all" barmies who's just got thing for fire. But the Order of Eternal Flame works to rebuild: renewal through destruction, to bring about a burning passion, and to incite growing knowledge." He seems quite passionate about his devotion to Luadamee and the Order. "Their members get access to a growing library and, once in good enough standing, I believe they'd help me rebuild my shop here. I'm sure you've noticed the dwindling number of books and the state of things.

"I've tried purchasing magical items before, but I don't have the coin for anything worthwhile or working. A few of those have nearly set this place ablaze in the past. And I don't know anyone already of the Order that'd advocate for me."
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

"Do you know how difficult is it to join the order? Perhaps I can look into it and attempt an entrance. I certainly want to learn more, although I am unsure about destruction to learn. That seems a bit extreme."

"You've got to show you're a follower of Luadamee: profess your devotion or whatnot. Just convince them you're genuine. But beyond that you either have to have someone from within provide a referral which is hard to come by. Or you have to donate some magical item that is aligned with Luadamee. Typically that's some fire-based magic item or a fire-based spell but it could also be something based on his other domains. Magic items steeped in some knowledge basis or that type of destruction for growth is harder to come by as fire so that's why most go for fire items."

The old half-orc shakes his head, "It's not destruction to learn, they're separate aspects. Destruction as a tool for growth. Think like tearing down an abandoned building to put up a new one, or burning a dying forest so new seeds can grow. Destruction of the old to make way for the new. And learning is on it's own, unrelated to destruction or fire. A burning passion for it."
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Baelen nods. "I see. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like I'd be the right fit to get into either operation. At least at this time. I currently do not have the means. Although, if I do have an opportunity, I will let you know." He sighs and taps the book with his hand. "I'll have to come back for the book, then. I'll need to find some sort of work to get some more gold."

"Now hold on," the old half-orc adds quickly. "That's fine if you want to come back. But, you could maybe do me a favor that'd help us both out: the book for you and membership for me. In fact, I do know of a place where I believe there's an item of Luadamee's domain. Old ruins. I, myself, have no way of retrieving them, but for a strong, young person as yourself I'm sure you could gain the item and maybe a bit of coin, too.

"You go and get the magic item for me, keep everything else for yourself (unless you're feeling generous) and I give you this book to boot. Good idea, yes?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Baelen tilts his head curiously, his interest obviously piqued. "Fascinating. Old ruins? Can you tell the origin of the ruins? It would be good to see it."

The half-orc looks a little confused by the questioning of the ruins and not the item itself, "I suppose. Don't know much though just from pulling rumors.

"I think it was an adventurer group's place that was either attacked or abandoned long ago. It's since had wild goblins, monsters, and whatnot that's taken up housing there. The group was called the Pact of Justice and Flame and were known for burning out monster dens after they cleared them. From what I could learn, they had a rod of some sort that they used to do it. I don't think it's been found. Other adventurers since have tried to go in but found their traps still set beyond whatever creatures have holed up on the surface."
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Baelen nods solemnly. "If it took a whole group to attempt it, I imagine I would need to find others to assist on this task. This job is certainly worth more than the book if danger is involved. What are you willing to pay to for me to get the item? It'd have to be enough for me to form a team of some sort."

"Well the place is sure to have more than just the rod. You can keep all the other stuff you find there. Consider the rod as payment for giving you the location of a treasure."
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Baelen nods, "I'll see who I can get to come along. Thank you for the information. Either way, I still need to return for the book." He gives the owner a small smile and starts making his way out.

"Be sure you come back when you get those others. We'll shake on it and I'll tell you where to find the place, yes?"

Where to?

This message was last updated by the GM at 19:38, Mon 19 Dec 2022.

Baelen smiles and nods. "Agreed. Oh, I never did get your name. I am Baelen."

"Pleasure to meet you, Baelen. I'm Bruzvars."

The eladrin nods in acknowledgement. "A pleasure. I hope to have a group to assist shortly." He waves and exits to head back to the inn.

How do I post a job? Or will you do that for me? Or do I just start asking around the inn?

You can just start asking around.
I can post the job if you'd like, too.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Wed 21 Dec 2022.

I'll probably start back up after the holidays. I don't want to start something then delay the adventure, if that's all right.

Sounds good to me.