The monkey goblin takes out three coppers and pads over to the destitute figure. Once there his keen vision tries to discern any facts at odds with the picture provided to the public. He drops the three coppers in the beggars bowl and says in a low tone "interested in getting three silvers as well? I need to contact the local guild."



13:18, Today: Greb rolled 17 using 1d20+11 ((6)).
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Wed 27 Dec 2023.

The beggar leers back and forth before answering, suddenly seeming much more coherent. "I can send a message. Where are you staying?"

Greb smiled. "we haven't decided yet, but it'll be easy to find me. Did you hear about the double-hulled vessel that is currently in dock? I've a berth aboard her, the Lady of Mirth. Whether we take rooms at an Inn, or remain aboard her, I've no doubt that gossip will lead the curious to our door. My name is Greb. If the contact wishes to be more circumspect, ask for the Surgeon. "

"Aye, I have heard rumors of the ship. They say the name on the hull is in a script no one can read. Interesting indeed. We will find you, I imagine plenty of eyes are already upon you." The beggar tinkles the cup with the coins, to remind the monkey goblin of the payment he approached this conversation proposing.

Greb smiles, and drops three silver in the cup. Having an information network available might prove a boon in the weeks ahead. He then proceeds to the armorer's shop and starts looking at bucklers.

In the heart of Selinus, where ruby mines and marble quarries tell tales of enchantment, there lies a curious nook known as "Beltran's Baubles and Enchanted Attire." It's not your ordinary shop – more of a refuge for those seeking a touch of the extraordinary in their daily wear.

Step through the door, and you'll find an atmosphere steeped in mystique. Ruby-infused accessories softly illuminate the space, alongside enchanting garments that seem to hold secrets of their own. All of it is meticulously crafted by Beltran, the spirited monkey goblin who calls this place home.

Beltran, with fur as dark as midnight, is the soul behind these peculiar adornments. His skilled hands give life to intricate designs, each piece bearing a hint of magic that defies the norm. But it's not just about the craftsmanship; it's about the quirks that make this place unique.

Walls adorned with enchanted tapestries, floating ruby crystals casting a warm glow – every corner of Beltran's shop resonates with an otherworldly charm. And then there are the stories – tales of his mischievous exploits, whispers of magical mishaps, and the ever-present laughter that echoes through the space.

Here, you won't find the usual. Instead, Beltran takes pride in offering an assortment of items that defy expectations – from garments that radiate with the fiery essence of local rubies to accessories that challenge the laws of nature. It's a haven for those with a penchant for the peculiar.

Customers aren't just visitors; they become part of the narrative that Beltran has woven into the very fabric of his shop. "Beltran's Baubles and Enchanted Attire" is more than a retail space; it's a little corner of Selinus where magic and the extraordinary quietly coexist. So, if you fancy a break from the ordinary and a glimpse into a world where enchantment meets everyday wear, wander into Beltran's and let the magic unfold.

As you enter, Beltran notes you and calls out. "What can I do for you, cousin?"

As he turns to face the proprietor, Greb says "Cousin? You mean you're...." and his jaw snaps shut in surprise when he realizes that the owner has a tail, too! "I.... I.... You..... wait, I.... no..." he stops himself and takes a deep breath before starting again. "I never expected to ever run into another monkey goblin. Are you from a family of such, or a throwback like I was? Oh, forgive me, I think that came out inelegantly."

The monkey goblin laughs deeply. "Nah, don't worry about it. I'm a throwback, and a toss-out, probably much like you were. You are not the first fellow monk I've met, though. There are a few of us, kicking around the continent. No one else is in town right now, or I would introduce you around. But you obviously didn't come in to meet someone you didn't know existed. I'm Beltran, what can I do for yah?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:49, Thu 04 Jan.

"Hey Beltran, I'm Greb. The weaponsmith around the corner suggested you. I came in here looking for a lightweight buckler for defense. I've learned enough magic to erect an arcane shield a few times, but I cannot sustain it all day. So I'm looking for a bit of extra protection, one that doesn't require special training to use. And while I'm at it, do you know anyone in town who sells wands? "

"You know, I have just the thing. I made it for myself a while back, and have since made myself a tail ring now that I am not adventuring as much."

He turns around and digs under his counter, and produces a buckler. It has a stylized monkey tail around the perimeter and a hand in the center.

"Try it on. This will protect you, of course, but it will also give your tail even more dexterity and strength, so you can use it as well as your own hands."

It functions as a +2 buckler.

Greb tries on the buckler (tail ring?) and tests its effect on his tail. He's amazed at the newfound agility and strength of his tail and his grin seems ready to burst his face....but slowly leaves it as he mentally figures out his finances and the probable cost of the item. He slips it off and reluctantly returns it, saying "that is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and ingenuity. But I fear its outside my price range. I have slightly over 1400 in gems and gold, unless I sell you the item that the Council gifted me with. Eilin's Serpent Dagger. Or, hmmmm, does information have any value to you? I am currently berthed on the double-hulled ship at the dock, the one whose script is in a language nobody knows. Would you hear of its origins?"

"Don't worry about cost, Greb. This is too specialized to be worth trying to sell. Besides, gifts are for family, no matter how distant the relationship is. But I'll gladly hear your tale."

He claps you firmly on the back in a gesture of friendship.

"So, the buckler is yours. Can i interest you in anything else?"

Greb is almost in tears as he graciously accepts the gift. "Thank you. I wish I could return the gesture. Unless you have a friend that's dying? I'm a skilled surgeon in addition to being an adventurer. Hmmm, you wouldn't happen to have anything enchanted with an Air bubble spell for underwater exploration, would you?" He puts the buckler back on his arm and adds "The ship is named the Lady of Mirth. She and her crew passed through the Maelstrom from 'outside' . They come from a different land entirely."


OOC : So, statwise this is a +2 buckler, with the special ability that tail is able to wield weapons too? Hey, now I can learn Multi-Attack feat.

Beltran gapes at the story you tell. "Well, now I am concerned you might have taken a blow to the head. There isn't anything on the other side of the Maelstrom. It's just us and the storm, there is nowhere for there to be anything else, is there?"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 19:43, Fri 05 Jan.

Greb chuckles. "The ship is from a land called Veridonia. Several nations on the continent, apparently. You see, ages ago there were several lands constantly at war with one another. A group of mighty wizards decided to erect a barrier between the warring nations until such a time that they could treat peacefully with one another. The Maelstrom is that barrier. We here on Ralan Gul have, over the centuries, found a measure of peace among ourselves. Something similar had happened in Veridonia. They sent out a ship and crew to explore the maelstrom. I never got the full story, but somehow their ship became merged with another vessel, which allowed them to break free of the storm and continue on to emerge here in Ralan Gul. Would you like to meet them?"

Beltran laughs deeply. " That's quite the tale, Greb! But no, like I said, my adventurin' days are long past. I'm sure with such an event, the winds of change will blow through Selinus before long, and we will all get to know strange people. For now, I'll leave that stuff to your generation, and wait excitedly for you to come tell me all about it."

Greb says "I was going to ask you if you'd like to join us in a drink or two at the Ruby Hearth Inn, but if not that's fine. As far as strange people is concerned I've already met a tortle and an intelligent mousekin, Master Wizzlewick. Before I depart, have you anything in stock that provides a bubble of air for underwater exploration, or a shadow-shifting outfit that aids stealth?" Greb thinks a moment, smiling. "Some of those I travel with put great stock in attire. I'll be certain to direct them here."

Beltran rubs his chin absentmindedly for a moment. "Nah, I don't much go in for the stealthy stuff, and I don't really have anything for aquatic breathing, either. Stock is a little low, at the moment. I'm expecting a bundle from the crafters in about 4 days, for the festival, so if you are gonna be in town that long, I could make some requests. And thanks for the invite, but at my age, I much prefer a quiet night in over a boisterous one at the inn, if you catch my drift. But wherever you go, remember old Beltran here, and know you have a cousin, and more besides! I know some of the others will love to hear about a new family member."

Greb nodded. "What about Sleeves of Many Garments? Any of those in stock?"

"Yeah, I have some of those in the back, no problem. For you, I can let them go for, say, 175 gold."

Greb pulls a bag out of his haversack and counts out the coins. "you have a deal, my friend. Ohhhh, Boorgrub is going to love this place. Can't wait to tell him about it. Fancies himself a swashbuckler with the fashion sense to match."

Beltran laughs heartily. "I'm certainly not one to turn down a paying customer, but any companion of yours will get my best prices. Anything else you need?"

Greb considers the question. "These other throwbacks you mention. Have they formed their own community, or are they all loners? Any others in town?"

"Loners, just about everyone. There is vague talk, when 2 or 3 find themselves here in their travels, of carving out a place of our own, but most of us have got too much early trauma to fully integrate anywhere, so larger gatherings tend to get violent or weepy. Or both, heh. So we see each other when we are close, or leave messages where we know one of us will pass through. I personally know, with you now, 7 monkey goblins, though none are in town or I would introduce you."

Greb nods. "Now you have another story to tell. Greb, surgeon and scout, berthed aboard the Lady of Mirth, the only twin-hulled ship in Ralan Gul. Look, if you do choose to meet the crew, we'll be drinking at the Ruby Hearth. They have a musician aboard the Lady named Polly, who is certain to have songs and tunes you've never heard before. An adventure for the soul, as it were." He concludes his business and heads out to join the others.