When Arr arrives with Arber, at first glance it looked like Arber is accompanied by a newly forged warforged that appears to have left production very recently. Their polished armor plates reflect the ambient light in a red, coppery shine. Only the hulking, forward bended body and distinct movement suggest that this warforged resembles the previously stained and rusted Arr. “We’re feeling better,” Arr reply to Bryn, “Still quite drained, though, and we could use a rest.”

Arr pull out the three amulets that Arber gave them. “Here, Master Arber gave us these,” they put the trinkets on the table, “We have received much help and repair here. You can decide who’ll get those. They are good luck charms, right, Master Arber?”

Arber leaned in to closely examine Braxiel's tattoo, listening intently to his explanation of how he acquired it. After a few minutes of careful observation, he straightened up and spoke thoughtfully.

"I must admit, Braxiel, this is quite perplexing. It would take more time and specialized magical components than I have on hand here to provide a precise analysis. However, I can tell you this much: there's a significant presence of arcane energy within it. While it doesn't have the exact form of a dragonmark, the energy and hue are reminiscent of such marks. It's not an aberrant mark. It's as if there's a living energy interplaying with your body. What I can assure you is that this is not a tattoo anymore, maybe never was."

Brother Coltinar add, “These musicians/performers from a dragon mark house, Chang lungs I believe gifted these scarfs that can provide a bonus one time.  Braxiel received this as his gift.  It didn’t seem to react well with his physiology so we grew concerned that it was something different.  It may yet still be beneficial in nature but it is beyond our understanding at this time.”

phone post.

Paladin was the first to notice Arber and Arr approaching. His eyes lit up with approval when he saw Arr reflecting a reddish-coppery glow.

"Arr, you look amazing" Paladin praises and points at the newly added piece in a dark, beautiful gray. "And that disk on your chest?"

Arber chuckles softly and makes a lighthearted comment, "A bit of extra protection never is too much, right?" He then takes the opportunity to ask Paladin how he is feeling.

Paladin responds confidently, "I'm feeling good, Master Arber. Of course, I need a good rest to recover all my strength, but I feel notably more agile now. That battle presented us with some challenges, but I think we're all stronger for it. And we thank you very much for helping us"

Arber suggests that the unusual reaction seems to be related more to the magical energies within it rather than any physiological issues. He assures them that he couldn't sense any dark or malevolent energies from it, at least at the moment.

With a thoughtful expression, Arber recommends keeping a close eye on the symbol's behavior in the coming days. He offers to conduct a more detailed analysis once they return from their expedition to the ruins.

Braxiel will shake his head, “I would love to examine it with you.Do you have any books on magical markings? I will keep a close eye and conduct all the studies I can on it.” Braxiel grows a grin, thinking of all the possibilities. 

Turning to the bardic mage Braxiel takes off his shirt, “Can you, draw what you see on me, I would love to see the full design and if it is changing in any other way.”

Braxiel will spend every waking moment on the this tattoo. 

"It seems that we would benefit from resting here for a bit before heading further down into the bowels of the city." Bryn looks to Arr and Paladin for confirmation before continuing.  (Sounds like you guys need a long rest after the battle, yes?)

"Master Arber, would it possible for us to stay through the night and leave early in the morning when we are at full strength? You have been so generous and we don't want to take advantage, but if you have rooms, we will be on our way tomorrow..." 

"I have some books about magical markings but most of them are in the Enclave in Dragon Tower, where we have an extensive library. Here, I only have few books. Maybe I have some about dragonmarks" Master Arber says to Braxiel while asks Adam to fetch his books regarding magical markings and dragonmarks.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot assist you with accommodations here. The facility is not equipped for overnight stays for guests. Only members of the Cannith family have accommodations here at Forgehold and it´s all sealed. There is no authorization for anyone to stay here overnight. Even me, once our business is concluded, I will be leaving. only a few Warforged sentinels remain on guard during the night," Arber explains to Brin.

"For lodging in Upper Cogs, the only place I know of is the Red Hammer. It's primarily an inn for Warforged, but they do occasionally welcome other guests. Alternatively, you could try Khyber's Gate or Blackbones. I'm not familiar with any specific lodgings in those areas, as I've never visited them myself, but there are likely to be inns and taverns where you can spend the night," he suggests. Many of our employees live there.

I can also arranges transportation to the Lower City in case you might be interested in finding accommodations there..he completes

“Thank you Arber for your assistance on both the lodging and the tattoo manor. I hope to engage further in magical discoveries when we return from our present mission.”

Brother Coltinar, "Arr you look fantastic.  How do you feel.  Paladin, I agree with you.  We should get a long rest in somewhere.  The inn Master Arber mention for warforged is at least close by I'm guessing.  Let's see if Master Arber can find some books on this stuff Braxiel has going on.  Everyone keep your coin purses secured and your gear."

Brother Coltinar puts his coin purse on the inside of his clothing and puts his bag inside his tunic.

Rylia glances at Coltinar. "Where are you suggesting we stay? The Red Hammer?" She looks around to everyone else. "Think they'll be able to take all of us?"

"We're feeling extraordinary, Brother, thank you! Would you believe it, sometimes, we perceive a gleam and look around to locate its origin only to find that our own armor plates dazzled us!" Arr replies to Brother Coltinar.

"What do you think we should do? Perhaps, an employee from here who lives nearby could recommend us a place to stay? We would recommend a place where we are all sure to be welcome. With growing tension between our races, an inn that is a haven for warforged alone might not be the best, or safest, choice these days."

(Arr lived some time in these quarters, would he know a place to stay more or less safe? He has the Feature: 'City Secrets':
You know the secret patterns and flow to cities and can find passages through the urban sprawl that others would miss. When you are not in combat, you (and companions you lead) can travel between any two locations in the city twice as fast as your speed would normally allow.)

Quote from ZelocktheDragon >>

Braxiel will shake his head, “I would love to examine it with you.Do you have any books on magical markings? I will keep a close eye and conduct all the studies I can on it.” Braxiel grows a grin, thinking of all the possibilities. 

Turning to the bardic mage Braxiel takes off his shirt, “Can you, draw what you see on me, I would love to see the full design and if it is changing in any other way.”

Braxiel will spend every waking moment on the this tattoo. 

 This is for Rylia if she has a chance.

(Sorry Braxiel for missing that originally.)

"Draw the tattoo?" Rylia looks again at the beautiful and intetesting design. "I'm not the greatest artist, but I think I could manage." She starts to rummage about in her pack for her pen, ink, and parchment. 

"Umm, you're going to have remove some clothing Braxiel,"  Rylia says sheepishly, pointing to Braxiel's arm where the tattoo teaches from shoulder to hand. 

She watches the wizard expectantly, ready to draw once he completes her request.

Braxiel with our a second thought takes of his tunic and jacket exposing his smooth long wiry frame. And waits still if motion. 

If anyone notices, Bryn is studiously looking at Braxiel's tattoo while Rylia sketches it...it seems he is trying to memorize every shade and line. (Which, of course, he is...if he ever has to take the shape of the elf wizard, Bryn wants it to be perfect!) He also looks over Rylia's shoulder as she draws, complimenting her on the rendition.  

Whenever Bryn makes a comment, Rylia smiles, giving a quick glance back at him. Inevitably this causes her to lose track of where she's at and there's a long pause while she review what she's already drawn to make sure she's drawing the right part of the tattoo pattern.  

As Braxiel removes his tunic and jacket, everyone is surprised to see the intricate design covering his skin. The lines of the image of the left hand extend up to his shoulder, traveling up to his neck where the original tattoo was. They continue downward to the middle of his back and then rise again over his right shoulder, forming an intricate pattern in the shape of a "V". From there, the lines spread across the right side of his chest, where there's a small formation in a lighter shade of violet, a sort of miniature mandala with a gentle glow, just over an inch in diameter, contrasting with the elf's dark skin.

"As I said, this definitely isn't just a tattoo," Arber states, trying to maintain a neutral tone. "When you return, come see me so we can properly analyze this, my son."

Rylia tries to sketch the intricate pattern to the best of her ability, but the attentive gazes and compliments from Bryn prove to be a slight distraction. The drawing may not be exceptional, but it's a reasonably accurate representation of what everyone sees, divided into two parts: the front and the back.

None of you have ever been to Cogs, but you've all heard about it in one way or another. Arr, in particular, has heard many stories about the warforged who lived down there, how they were almost like slaves, exploited for their labor. Arber mentions that Ada and Adam can't provide guidance since they're unfamiliar with Cogs as well. They reside in Dragon Tower, where Arber himself lives. However, they can certainly find someone to offer directions and perhaps even accompany you, as many of the forge workers live in Upper Cogs.

Paladin, his eyes still admiring Arr's newfound appearance, speaks up. "Rest sounds wonderful, and I have no doubt we need it. However, perhaps we should use a few hours today to figure out our next steps clarifying where we need to go. Then, tomorrow, we can set off without wasting any time." His tone is filled with determination, emphasizing the need to make the most of their time here.

As the conversation turns back to where they can stay, Bryn tries to think of any other places they may stay. He reviews in his mind anything his rogue network may have mentioned. Regardless, he says, "Thank you, Master Arber. It was a hard trip getting here - we certainly don't want to backtrack and leave The Cogs. We'll gladly accept any of your workers' recommendations about places to stay nearby."