He nkds as he takes another bite of his apple, speaking around the unchewed food in his mouth.
"If you'we as high up in na Guild as Tommy led me to believe then no doubt you'we awawe that I've been opewating in this town foh some time," he says, taking a moment swallow before continuing, now speaking unimpeded. "I can tell you about some of my scores but I'm guessing you know about them already. What it boils down to is Tommy told me what you're planning, and I want in."
"I may be interested. You have some skills Mr. Silverhand, this I have seen. But... If you know of my intentions, then you must have some idea of what dangers go with it. I wonder if you would continue to be so reckless?"
Celina bring the mixture up to her nose an takes a sniff, watching Kael with raised eyebrows.
Kael bobs his eyebrows up and down, nonolussed, as he sets the apple down and steeples his fingers in his lap.
"I've been called a fair number of undesirable things, but never reckless. What I do is improvise, and at the risk of sounding conceited, I do it well. A good infiltrator must think on his feet, and if you want an infiltrator to help you take down the Night Lord, then why settle for less than the best in the city?"
"As I said, you have skills and you followed directions well. You proceeded directly into a known guild house. You used an agents signal, one of many I might add, then waited in an unfamiliar establishment. The locks here are good quality, but not so good that a skilled thief or assassin could not bypass. I saw no traps or alarms set, very trusting... And while I appreciate you showing you have some skill with magic, and a creative display it was, who else now knows of your skill with illusions thanks to your display on this balcony last night? I wonder, did you ever inspect your food before you ate?"
"Yours skills may get you a few good scores here and there, but the nightlord is no sleepy shop keep. He doesn't think three moves ahead, he thinks five. That is why he has remained on top in this game for the last decade, and why his rivals are dead."
"As for being the best in the city, how many of my agents have you met to compare against, Mr. Silverhand?"
"If it was my plan to get a conversation, then it worked, didn't it?"
Kael holds the smile, and thinks.
Damnation! Known Guild house? No alarms or traps? And what's in the food? WHAT WAS IN THE FOOD?
Kael holds the smile, and responds again.
"Being in a Guild house is no threat - luckily, being a skilled infiltrator makes one a good exfiltrator as well. The creak in the floorboards five steps outside the door was a sufficient alarm; you may want to remind the surly desk attendant to have it repaired lest it give away an uninvited guest. Regarding your agents, the fact that you didn't already know these facts about me rather proves my point.
As for the food, the perks of half-breed biology; most conventional poisons, depressants, decoctions, concoctions, elixirs, curealls, or tonics simply don't work on me. Though the bourbony aftertaste was a nice touch on the chicken."
He rose slowly, walking to the firepit, and continued.
"And to your final point, my appearance. You'll realize that I haven't disclosed my other, non-elven half, but I can tell you that it makes me a polymorph. This is as much my real form as is any other of a dozen I've occupied since last night. As soon as I'm sought after, I'm someone else and *poof,* I'm in the wind. I'm unconcerned because, quite simply, none of what you've revealed to me is a threat."
Of course, virtually every word he'd just uttered was a lie or, at best, half-truth, but she didn't know that.
I keep my face and voice even as I offer a refutation to each of her points, trying to keep up the lie. (Deception) 19
"I don't doubt you haven't told me every security measure in place here, but if what's told about the Guild in whispered corners and hurried conversations is true, then you have the resources to have me dead by now. The fact that I'm not means you want something from me."
"You are either an exceptionally talented liar, or insanely overqualified to be working as... she sniffs, a fisherman."
"I came here to satisfy a curiosity. I am in fact looking for some new talent. I want someone without guild ties... an unknown if you will. Someone that I would train and that would report only to me. I have what you may call a qualification process to narrow down my selection. There are a few interesting prospects lined up already. Though, I suppose I could add one more to the roster. Shall we put your words to the test, Mr. Silverhand? If you are in fact the best, as you say, then you should have no problem proving it."
She takes some smoked fish from the breakfast platter and eats it.
"I will contact you via Tommy. For the moment I have other matters to attend to."
Before exiting, she tosses Kael's coin purse on the bed (the one he lost last night at the salty dog). It includes the coins he lost and the gold he spent summoning Celina at the casino (28 gold pieces).
"I suggest you take in the sights of the city. The room is on me this time. Oh, and I wouldn't drink the coffee, unless your lineage prevents... digestive issues."
Unless Kael has anything else to say, she will leave through the door to his room into the hall.
Kael nods as Celina drops the coin purse, then leaves. He waits a few moments before dropping his cocksure grin and breaking out in a cold sweat. That was far, far too close for comfort.
He resolves to return to his room at the Salty Dog.
He lacks his things and turns in the payment for the room and the room key. As he does so, he says to the innkeeper:
"My friend Celina said you might recommend a good weaponmaker in town. Have a lead for a departing tenant?"
The concierge gathers up the key, and with a smug smile replies:
"I am of course happy to assist with your departure, sir."
The concierge pulls a small city map from below the counter and marks these locations for you:
"Evoril's Armaments, located in the grand bazzar, sells a wide variety of bows and blades imported from the elvish lands."
"Bhromar Hammerhand is a dwarven smith in the merchant quarter. His forge is a shrine to Moradin and he prides himself on the quality of his wares, he has been known to take special orders for those willing to be patient."
"If you are looking for unique weapons from a bygone age, then may I suggest speaking to Silas Galanodel in the mages spire."
"Of course you may always test your luck at Strahd's Mercantile. Lord Strahd deals often with adventurers, though i'm told he keeps rarer finds for his own personal collection."
Kael nods, taking the proffered map and responding with a simple,
"Thanks."
Venturing out, he ponders his move. What he was after wasn't sharper steel or a stronger bow, but something to hone his powers. For that, he needed a magical source. The mage would be his surest bet.
He wanders the streets of the town, for the first time not as a thief soliciting a mark but as a simple traveler from point A to point B. It felt odd to blend in for a change, and not through deliberate effort. This was the softening of role definition that came from a simple purpose. He was unsure how to lrocess that.
Before he knew it, he'd arrived at the imposing tower where he would find the mage Silas. Confirming this on the map, he grabbed the heavy metal knocker and rang thrice.
The tower, situated on an island just north east of town, provided a safe place for the few local guild mages to practice their arts. The grey stone column stood perhaps five or six stories, making it easily viewed from any part of Nyanzaru. On the top level, an arcane fire remained constantly alight, it's blue flame acting as a signal for ships aproaching the city in times of dense fog. This earned the arcanist's spire the nickname "the pyre" from many locals. A single stone bridge, wide enough to drive a horse and cart down, connected the tower isle to the port city. Waves crash against the the eastern shore sending spray high into the air, though the water seems to be repelled back to the sea by some unseen force.
The lowest level of the tower serves as a reception area open to the public during business hours. The mages market is also located here. Spell components, jewels, potions and tomes used by wizards and other arcanists are available for sale here.
Kael waits a moment following his knock, then notices the hours listed on a placard next to the door. Feeling slightly foolish, he pushes the door open and enters the tower. The first floor is more of a first atrium, wide and expansive, and a bustle of activity inside reminds Kael more of a market than the librarian atmosphere he'd been expecting. He'd never been one for bookish types, but as his new power opened a new world of possibilities, perhaps so too must his worldview broaden. These academics may hold answers.
He looks to the various stalls and tries to determine who among the shopkeepers and various scholars may be able to help him learn more about his magic powers and perhaps carried wares that would be of use to someone with his skills.
I look, person to person, trying to evaluate their helpfulness and see if anything stands out that would paint them as a guide or willing to help a novice sorcerer. (Perception) 18
As Kael wanders through the market, it seems that these are not so much individual stalls as subsections of one large vendor. He passes from section to section amazed the diversity and selection of strange items. Strong incenses, colorful powders, herbs, oils, and inks... heavy tomes, orbs, wands, staves, ornate daggers, and jewels... to the uninitiated, none of it makes sense.
Kael sees a sign hanging on the wall next to a caged squirrel which reads:
The mages buy, sell, trade, and deal, But do not even think to steal. I tried to "lift" from Wizards Wharf, But I was caught and polymorphed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
As he makes his way awkwardly through the mystical emporium, Kael is approached by an old man with a long white beard and spectacles smoking a long stem pipe. The man wears red robes and a pointy wide brimmed hat.
"Good afternoon young sir. Welcome to Wizards Wharf. Though, of course, we don't deal strictly with wizards, you know. Arcanists of all types are welcome to shop here. Yes, It just seemed a pleasant name for the shop, you know. Do you like it? Silas let me name it, you know. Of course, that was nearly 60 years ago now. My how time flies. You'd never know it looking at Silas of course, elven blood ,you know. Yes, well, where was I? Oh that's right, I am Randalph the Red, Conjurer of the seventh circle, retired adventurer, and keeper of this shop. How may I help you?"
Kael nods to the old man, making a show of admiring the wares he sees as he responds, pitching his voice higher than normal.
"Good day Goodman Randalph. My name is Peet, indentured servant to an interested party who seeks to outfit one of our novice sorcerers. I was sent on an errand today to evaluate your wares and identify something that could provide perhaps additional spellcasting ability, greater understanding or perhaps some additional magical effect. I confess myself unlearned in the ways of magic but was told I could trust a veteran spellcaster to understand the type of goods I might seek on my master's behalf."
He sots a glass display case holding some very nice daggers and runs a hand along the edge.
"These daggers are particularly fine pieces. Would you tell me more about them?"
Randalph pulls one of the ornate daggers from the case and examines it.
"Ah, yes very fine quality, very fine indeed. Back in the old days we wizards were restricted to only carrying daggers, you know. The thought was a proper mage should have no need for a weapon beyond his magic... (harumph)seems as though the order has loosened restrictions...well different generation now I suppose. But, nevermind, you aren't interested in that now are you? No, no, I suppose not. Now what were you asking about? Daggers, yes, that's right, fine daggers indeed. This particular item is available for 125 gold pieces. Alchemists silver, you know. Useful against many creatures, well a few anyway. Specifically lycanthropes and baatezu, er, that is devils, you know - and attuned to the weave as well. You see the runes down the center, this one here would make a particularly good focus for any mage - book, blood, or pact. You do know what a focus is, yes?
"Ah, yes, we should start with the basics, of course. Quite a to cover, you know. Your master really should have come himself. Much faster, you know."
Randalph takes three quick puffs on his pipe before continuing.
"Where to start, now. Magic, very complicated, you know. Spells, you see, require... things. We mages call them components, you see. Simple spells may only need a word, or a eh phrase, a verbal component if you will. Or, perhaps they require a gesture, or a um series of movements, you see. A socratic, no, no, um, semetic, no, um SOMATIC, yes that's it. A somatic component! Like this, you see."
Randalph makes a quick gesture and speaks the magical words - shooting a bolt of fire into the fireplace. The wood gathered there instantly bursts into flame.
"HA HA! Wonderful isn't it! Oh, so sorry, didn't startle you did I? Anyway where was I? Components, yes, right. There is a third component to many spells, special ingredients. The shop is full of them, you know. Without these, many spells cannot be competed. Terrible thing, terrible (A-heh-hem). Once I was surrounded by goblins, and ran out of guano, you see, em, nevermind. The point is that without material componets, the spell, well, isn't a spell. Unless... a mage uses...a focus."
Randalph grins and pats his staff.
"A focus, you see, is a special thing. It's an item specially attuned to the weave, er to, the energy of magic. Enchanted, you might say. It takes the place of nearly all other materials. Oh, yes very powerful spells still need expensive components, gems stones usually... but a focus, yes a focus, it replaces the need to carry feathers and glass rods, tiny bells, newt eyes and the like, you know. Do you understand? Yes, very complicated magic. But, you do understand, yes?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kael nods in appreciation. That did sound useful, and he could tell that securing the goodwill of Radalph could have value in the future as well. He needed a teacher, and with the eyes and ears of the Guild everywhere, this was like to be as good as he could find.
"This sounds like precisely what we need. I have the authority to offer you two options: First, a counteroffer of 115 gold. Second, a match of 125 and your counsel and-or tutelage at a time in the future. What say you?"
I try to make my case compelling to Randalph, securing either savings or a valuable source of knowledge in the future. (Persuasion) 20
He nkds as he takes another bite of his apple, speaking around the unchewed food in his mouth.
"If you'we as high up in na Guild as Tommy led me to believe then no doubt you'we awawe that I've been opewating in this town foh some time," he says, taking a moment swallow before continuing, now speaking unimpeded. "I can tell you about some of my scores but I'm guessing you know about them already. What it boils down to is Tommy told me what you're planning, and I want in."
Celina eyes Kael up and down before speaking.
"I may be interested. You have some skills Mr. Silverhand, this I have seen. But... If you know of my intentions, then you must have some idea of what dangers go with it. I wonder if you would continue to be so reckless?"
Celina bring the mixture up to her nose an takes a sniff, watching Kael with raised eyebrows.
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael bobs his eyebrows up and down, nonolussed, as he sets the apple down and steeples his fingers in his lap.
"I've been called a fair number of undesirable things, but never reckless. What I do is improvise, and at the risk of sounding conceited, I do it well. A good infiltrator must think on his feet, and if you want an infiltrator to help you take down the Night Lord, then why settle for less than the best in the city?"
"Oh no, not reckless?"
She sets her drink down on the table.
"As I said, you have skills and you followed directions well. You proceeded directly into a known guild house. You used an agents signal, one of many I might add, then waited in an unfamiliar establishment. The locks here are good quality, but not so good that a skilled thief or assassin could not bypass. I saw no traps or alarms set, very trusting... And while I appreciate you showing you have some skill with magic, and a creative display it was, who else now knows of your skill with illusions thanks to your display on this balcony last night? I wonder, did you ever inspect your food before you ate?"
"Yours skills may get you a few good scores here and there, but the nightlord is no sleepy shop keep. He doesn't think three moves ahead, he thinks five. That is why he has remained on top in this game for the last decade, and why his rivals are dead."
"As for being the best in the city, how many of my agents have you met to compare against, Mr. Silverhand?"
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael smiles, and responds.
"If it was my plan to get a conversation, then it worked, didn't it?"
Kael holds the smile, and thinks.
Damnation! Known Guild house? No alarms or traps? And what's in the food? WHAT WAS IN THE FOOD?
Kael holds the smile, and responds again.
"Being in a Guild house is no threat - luckily, being a skilled infiltrator makes one a good exfiltrator as well. The creak in the floorboards five steps outside the door was a sufficient alarm; you may want to remind the surly desk attendant to have it repaired lest it give away an uninvited guest. Regarding your agents, the fact that you didn't already know these facts about me rather proves my point.
As for the food, the perks of half-breed biology; most conventional poisons, depressants, decoctions, concoctions, elixirs, curealls, or tonics simply don't work on me. Though the bourbony aftertaste was a nice touch on the chicken."
He rose slowly, walking to the firepit, and continued.
"And to your final point, my appearance. You'll realize that I haven't disclosed my other, non-elven half, but I can tell you that it makes me a polymorph. This is as much my real form as is any other of a dozen I've occupied since last night. As soon as I'm sought after, I'm someone else and *poof,* I'm in the wind. I'm unconcerned because, quite simply, none of what you've revealed to me is a threat."
Of course, virtually every word he'd just uttered was a lie or, at best, half-truth, but she didn't know that.
I keep my face and voice even as I offer a refutation to each of her points, trying to keep up the lie. (Deception) 19
"I don't doubt you haven't told me every security measure in place here, but if what's told about the Guild in whispered corners and hurried conversations is true, then you have the resources to have me dead by now. The fact that I'm not means you want something from me."
She scrutinizes your words for a moment.
"You are either an exceptionally talented liar, or insanely overqualified to be working as... she sniffs, a fisherman."
"I came here to satisfy a curiosity. I am in fact looking for some new talent. I want someone without guild ties... an unknown if you will. Someone that I would train and that would report only to me. I have what you may call a qualification process to narrow down my selection. There are a few interesting prospects lined up already. Though, I suppose I could add one more to the roster. Shall we put your words to the test, Mr. Silverhand? If you are in fact the best, as you say, then you should have no problem proving it."
She takes some smoked fish from the breakfast platter and eats it.
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Oh thank the heavens that worked!
Kael grins and nods, moving to his pack and donning a dark undershirt.
"We shall. You won't be disappointed. Just tell me where and when we start."
Celina finishes her fish and moves to leave.
"I will contact you via Tommy. For the moment I have other matters to attend to."
Before exiting, she tosses Kael's coin purse on the bed (the one he lost last night at the salty dog). It includes the coins he lost and the gold he spent summoning Celina at the casino (28 gold pieces).
"I suggest you take in the sights of the city. The room is on me this time. Oh, and I wouldn't drink the coffee, unless your lineage prevents... digestive issues."
Unless Kael has anything else to say, she will leave through the door to his room into the hall.
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael nods as Celina drops the coin purse, then leaves. He waits a few moments before dropping his cocksure grin and breaking out in a cold sweat. That was far, far too close for comfort.
He resolves to return to his room at the Salty Dog.
He lacks his things and turns in the payment for the room and the room key. As he does so, he says to the innkeeper:
"My friend Celina said you might recommend a good weaponmaker in town. Have a lead for a departing tenant?"
The concierge gathers up the key, and with a smug smile replies:
"I am of course happy to assist with your departure, sir."
The concierge pulls a small city map from below the counter and marks these locations for you:
"Evoril's Armaments, located in the grand bazzar, sells a wide variety of bows and blades imported from the elvish lands."
"Bhromar Hammerhand is a dwarven smith in the merchant quarter. His forge is a shrine to Moradin and he prides himself on the quality of his wares, he has been known to take special orders for those willing to be patient."
"If you are looking for unique weapons from a bygone age, then may I suggest speaking to Silas Galanodel in the mages spire."
"Of course you may always test your luck at Strahd's Mercantile. Lord Strahd deals often with adventurers, though i'm told he keeps rarer finds for his own personal collection."
"Will there be anything else, sir?"
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael nods, taking the proffered map and responding with a simple,
"Thanks."
Venturing out, he ponders his move. What he was after wasn't sharper steel or a stronger bow, but something to hone his powers. For that, he needed a magical source. The mage would be his surest bet.
He wanders the streets of the town, for the first time not as a thief soliciting a mark but as a simple traveler from point A to point B. It felt odd to blend in for a change, and not through deliberate effort. This was the softening of role definition that came from a simple purpose. He was unsure how to lrocess that.
Before he knew it, he'd arrived at the imposing tower where he would find the mage Silas. Confirming this on the map, he grabbed the heavy metal knocker and rang thrice.
Kael approaches the Arcanist's Spire.
The tower, situated on an island just north east of town, provided a safe place for the few local guild mages to practice their arts. The grey stone column stood perhaps five or six stories, making it easily viewed from any part of Nyanzaru. On the top level, an arcane fire remained constantly alight, it's blue flame acting as a signal for ships aproaching the city in times of dense fog. This earned the arcanist's spire the nickname "the pyre" from many locals. A single stone bridge, wide enough to drive a horse and cart down, connected the tower isle to the port city. Waves crash against the the eastern shore sending spray high into the air, though the water seems to be repelled back to the sea by some unseen force.
The lowest level of the tower serves as a reception area open to the public during business hours. The mages market is also located here. Spell components, jewels, potions and tomes used by wizards and other arcanists are available for sale here.
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael waits a moment following his knock, then notices the hours listed on a placard next to the door. Feeling slightly foolish, he pushes the door open and enters the tower. The first floor is more of a first atrium, wide and expansive, and a bustle of activity inside reminds Kael more of a market than the librarian atmosphere he'd been expecting. He'd never been one for bookish types, but as his new power opened a new world of possibilities, perhaps so too must his worldview broaden. These academics may hold answers.
He looks to the various stalls and tries to determine who among the shopkeepers and various scholars may be able to help him learn more about his magic powers and perhaps carried wares that would be of use to someone with his skills.
I look, person to person, trying to evaluate their helpfulness and see if anything stands out that would paint them as a guide or willing to help a novice sorcerer. (Perception) 18
As Kael wanders through the market, it seems that these are not so much individual stalls as subsections of one large vendor. He passes from section to section amazed the diversity and selection of strange items. Strong incenses, colorful powders, herbs, oils, and inks... heavy tomes, orbs, wands, staves, ornate daggers, and jewels... to the uninitiated, none of it makes sense.
Kael sees a sign hanging on the wall next to a caged squirrel which reads:
The mages buy, sell, trade, and deal,
But do not even think to steal.
I tried to "lift" from Wizards Wharf,
But I was caught and polymorphed.
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
As he makes his way awkwardly through the mystical emporium, Kael is approached by an old man with a long white beard and spectacles smoking a long stem pipe. The man wears red robes and a pointy wide brimmed hat.
"Good afternoon young sir. Welcome to Wizards Wharf. Though, of course, we don't deal strictly with wizards, you know. Arcanists of all types are welcome to shop here. Yes, It just seemed a pleasant name for the shop, you know. Do you like it? Silas let me name it, you know. Of course, that was nearly 60 years ago now. My how time flies. You'd never know it looking at Silas of course, elven blood ,you know. Yes, well, where was I? Oh that's right, I am Randalph the Red, Conjurer of the seventh circle, retired adventurer, and keeper of this shop. How may I help you?"
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael nods to the old man, making a show of admiring the wares he sees as he responds, pitching his voice higher than normal.
"Good day Goodman Randalph. My name is Peet, indentured servant to an interested party who seeks to outfit one of our novice sorcerers. I was sent on an errand today to evaluate your wares and identify something that could provide perhaps additional spellcasting ability, greater understanding or perhaps some additional magical effect. I confess myself unlearned in the ways of magic but was told I could trust a veteran spellcaster to understand the type of goods I might seek on my master's behalf."
He sots a glass display case holding some very nice daggers and runs a hand along the edge.
"These daggers are particularly fine pieces. Would you tell me more about them?"
Randalph pulls one of the ornate daggers from the case and examines it.
"Ah, yes very fine quality, very fine indeed. Back in the old days we wizards were restricted to only carrying daggers, you know. The thought was a proper mage should have no need for a weapon beyond his magic... (harumph)seems as though the order has loosened restrictions...well different generation now I suppose. But, nevermind, you aren't interested in that now are you? No, no, I suppose not. Now what were you asking about? Daggers, yes, that's right, fine daggers indeed. This particular item is available for 125 gold pieces. Alchemists silver, you know. Useful against many creatures, well a few anyway. Specifically lycanthropes and baatezu, er, that is devils, you know - and attuned to the weave as well. You see the runes down the center, this one here would make a particularly good focus for any mage - book, blood, or pact. You do know what a focus is, yes?
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael examines the dagger. Fine silver, blue gems inlaid. He speaks.
"A fine piece, but my master is more interested in the practical application. Tell me more about this 'focus.' What would that mean to a layman?"
"Ah, yes, we should start with the basics, of course. Quite a to cover, you know. Your master really should have come himself. Much faster, you know."
Randalph takes three quick puffs on his pipe before continuing.
"Where to start, now. Magic, very complicated, you know. Spells, you see, require... things. We mages call them components, you see. Simple spells may only need a word, or a eh phrase, a verbal component if you will. Or, perhaps they require a gesture, or a um series of movements, you see. A socratic, no, no, um, semetic, no, um SOMATIC, yes that's it. A somatic component! Like this, you see."
Randalph makes a quick gesture and speaks the magical words - shooting a bolt of fire into the fireplace. The wood gathered there instantly bursts into flame.
"HA HA! Wonderful isn't it! Oh, so sorry, didn't startle you did I? Anyway where was I? Components, yes, right. There is a third component to many spells, special ingredients. The shop is full of them, you know. Without these, many spells cannot be competed. Terrible thing, terrible (A-heh-hem). Once I was surrounded by goblins, and ran out of guano, you see, em, nevermind. The point is that without material componets, the spell, well, isn't a spell. Unless... a mage uses...a focus."
Randalph grins and pats his staff.
"A focus, you see, is a special thing. It's an item specially attuned to the weave, er to, the energy of magic. Enchanted, you might say. It takes the place of nearly all other materials. Oh, yes very powerful spells still need expensive components, gems stones usually... but a focus, yes a focus, it replaces the need to carry feathers and glass rods, tiny bells, newt eyes and the like, you know. Do you understand? Yes, very complicated magic. But, you do understand, yes?"
Tome of Annihilation: Greggor - Level 1 Human (Variant) Fighter
The Good, The Bad, and The Greedy: Dungeon Master
Kael nods in appreciation. That did sound useful, and he could tell that securing the goodwill of Radalph could have value in the future as well. He needed a teacher, and with the eyes and ears of the Guild everywhere, this was like to be as good as he could find.
"This sounds like precisely what we need. I have the authority to offer you two options: First, a counteroffer of 115 gold. Second, a match of 125 and your counsel and-or tutelage at a time in the future. What say you?"
I try to make my case compelling to Randalph, securing either savings or a valuable source of knowledge in the future. (Persuasion) 20