After everyone else has departed the Lady, and Mikasa has retired to her cabin, Vharza alone remains on deck, save for a couple of sailors posted to wait for deliveries. A high-pitched and inquisitive chirp from Reed calls you out of your thoughts as you gaze out over the water to the dark purple bruise of the Maelstrom on the horizon. We stopped, comes the mental question of the little caiman. What are you planning to do with your time?

Hmm. I don't really know. It's been a very long time since I've been out this way... The crowfolk reached up to scratch his familiar's jaw. Shall we wander for a bit and see what we find? Keep an eye out for our colourful guests getting into trouble, and maybe find you a treat. The Council's payment might as well be put to use, as he had no need for the majority of them. Perhaps, somewhere out in that mess of streets and too many people, he'd find something useful.

Well, I think they said they were mostly heading to the shopping areas. Do you want to try out your new ability to check on them all faster?

Then I'd have to leave you here, no? No, I shall be walking. Flying is something to hold on to in case of emergencies. The crowfolk chuckled as he started towards the gangplank. Besides, it is hard to shop on the wing.

Amidst your meandering exploration, your discerning gaze alights upon various members of the team, each engrossed in their respective pursuits. The ebb and flow of the city's energy unfolds before you, a tapestry of lives woven into the intricate fabric of urban existence. A vigilant sentinel, you observe without intrusion, noting that most are blissfully unaware of the silent guardian that your watchful eye assumes.

However, conspicuously absent from this tableau is Archimander, his elusive presence eluding your scrutiny amid the bustling streets. An unspoken disquiet lingers in the air as you continue your perusal.

In the course of your wanderings, you find yourself drawn toward a venerable quarter of the town, where the weight of time seems to press upon the ancient edifices. Standing sentinel on the northern precipice, a dilapidated shop, weathered by the inexorable march of years, beckons your attention. Its facade, supported by timeworn planks of decaying wood, cradles a simple sign weathered beyond legibility. Yet, a solitary light emanates from within, casting a feeble glow that hints at the secrets harbored within the confines of the enigmatic establishment. Despite its apparent neglect, a sign boldly proclaims its openness, inviting those willing to unravel the mysteries concealed behind its timeworn facade.

Vharza wasn't too concerned- Selinus had a reputation as a safe town, and each of the outsiders could take care of themselves. Archimander, too, wherever he had gotten off to. Given the gnome's predilections, it was no surprise that he was nowhere to be seen. Truth be told, Vharza also found the city crowded and unpleasant, but it was tolerable.

Mostly, at least.

Finding the timeworn corner was something of a relief. Less people and less overwhelming noise- he sometimes wondered if cityfolk were partially deaf from all the babble on the streets. For a moment, he just enjoyed the relief from the endless pressure of the crowds, before curiosity got the better of him. The worn facade called to him, in a strange way. Vharza had long had a love of ruins and places worn down by time... and this strange dilapidated store spoke of decades running by word of mouth alone. For a moment, he just ran a talon over the worn lintels, before entering the shop.

As you enter the timeworn shop, the air is filled with the scent of ancient tomes. Shelves, laden with the weight of centuries, showcase an eclectic collection of leather-bound books. Dangling from the ceiling are curious baubles, capturing the essence of bizarre nature – preserved specimens of peculiar plants and mystical artifacts that pique one's curiosity. Enigmatic symbols are etched into the wooden floor, hinting at a connection to mystical forces.

Standing amidst the shelves is Seraphina, the shopkeeper. Cloaked in robes echoing the hues of the natural world, her wise and knowing eyes reveal an understanding of the ancient magic lingering within the shop. With a voice as timeless as the books themselves, Seraphina welcomes you, gesturing towards the enchanted items lining the counter – talismans, potions, and artifacts that resonate with the mysteries of nature and magic.

This guardian of ancient knowledge invites you to explore the depths of the shop, where every corner holds a secret waiting to be uncovered by those attuned to the mystical nature of the arcane.

Vharza was polite, but noncommittal, with the shopkeeper. There was always an element of distance he maintained while figuring out where he stood with them, whether they worked by the loose rules of most folk or they held to the etiquette of the Fae Courts- or something all together more alien. He'd not be drawn into an obligation by a poorly-chosen word, nor offer accidental insult.

It was a delicate dance, and one whose rules he was more known for breaking than following the steps.

Still, the store was filled with fascinating objects. It would be far too easy to lose himself for days here, and he had a purpose.

After a few moments watching you wander her shop, Seraphina speaks up. "Is there something you might be looking for, that I can help you locate?"

"I am content to browse for a bit, but there are few things I might be interested in. Casting aids, mind enhancers and the like, primarily... But I'd be interested in looking at any unique items you might have too." The druid replied calmly. There was always a chance that there was something here that might seize his attention, after all.

Seraphina looks at you quizically for just a moment before answering. "Interestingly, I was going to ask you for something to complete the creation of a commission of sorts. If you are willing, I can give you one of the completed items in exchange for a few of your feathers?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:21, Fri 09 Feb.

"My feathers?" The crowfolk asked, surprised. He thought about it for a moment, before responding. "That would depend on the nature of commission, I'm afraid. What are you seeking to make?" The crowfolk wasn't necessarily opposed to handing over a feather or two- but that represented a link to him, to allow scrying on him and the Lady of Mirth.

Or worse.

[Private to GM: 09:15, Today: Vharza of the Mire rolled 14 using 1d20+6 ((8)).]

"Well, I was commissioned to create a unique cloak, and I admit it was an interesting request, so I have taken steps to create 3 additional cloaks. The cloaks allow the wearer to take the form of a murder of crows temporarily. It also allows for communication to natural crows while in that form, and makes you stealthier. But I find that I need something more to fully activate the magic, and it is my hope that a feather from a crowfolk like yourself might help finish the magic. So, one feather for each, 4 in total, and if it does indeed work, you may keep one yourself. A good trade?"

She seems to have no ulterior motive.

The crowfolk considered for several more moments, before replying. "That would be acceptable." He said at last.

"Wonderful! Just select 4 and provide them..." She waits patiently while you pluck a selection of the required materials, and takes them gratefully. She moves to the back of the shop, where you can see the 4 cloaks waiting. She works on them for a few minutes, chanting an incantation for each, and there is a glow of pale green light as she completes the enchantments. "There, I think that settles it!" Her eyes glow that same pale green light now as she examines them carefully. "Yes, that did the trick exactly!" Taking one cloak down, she walks back to you and hands it to you. "And your payment! Would you care to try it out?"

"I would be delighted to." The crowfolk replied. Donning the cloak was a matter of moments, the iridescence of the feathers a slightly different hue to his own, but close enough to make the difference difficult to pick. The magic tasted odd, like his own but not. If nothing else, this would be an interesting experience.

The crowfolk closed his eyes, felt Reed's weight drop off his shoulders, and grasped the magic.

And flew apart.

The cawing mass of crows scattered, seeking enough perches for the one mind behind them to take the moment to acclimatize to the change. It was disorienting, seeing out of so many eyes at once, and it was tricky not to move all his heads as one. He spend a few moments testing himself in this new many-bodied shape, before the crows all dived back into a mass and Vharza stood there whole. "A little disorientating at first, but the instinct is there to make it easier. I would say this is a success- so congratulations."

"Wonderful! My client should be pleased. As promised, you can keep that one for your own use." She busies herself packing up the remaining cloaks. She also offers a Headband of Inspired Wisdom +2, at a discounted price of only 2500 gold as a thank you for helping with her commission. Regardless, she walks you to the door warmly, waving after you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:45, Sat 17 Feb.