Still lightly bleeding from the various cuts, Lawrance opens the door and steps out, tendrils of colourful smoke trickling out near the top of the huge doors. "Yes, yes, I'm fine. Just a spell that went a bit awry. No one's hurt or anything. Well, except for me, I guess, but it's minor. Sorry for the excitement."
Once back in his lab, he has his apprentices cleaning up, getting them to make good use of the cantrips they cast through the Hats. As they work, he chats with both Aisling and Gamliel, now back in the Prime Realm, and discusses the results of the tests. After all this has been settled, he continues his researches and tests, trying to determine a path to heal the staff.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Velon quickly raises an eyebrow at Lawrance, surprised at the exact nature of his current state, the smoke, etc. He says awkwardly "ah.... I'm glad you're ok..." but it comes out more like a question, as if he's trying to figure out what he should say. Recovering, he adds "just don't destroy the whole castle, ok?"
Descending form the tower once more with C.C. and some men, Velon simply mumbles "wizards...".
OOC Dad just had to go check on what all of the racket coming from his teen's bedroom is.
Irdeith nods sympathetically when it comes to Velon's troubles. "If it helps, I think you are doing an excellent job. Oh, things could be go more smoothly around here, that is for certain, but when push comes to shove, this group has conquered every trial set before it."
"When it comes to the castle, it is capable of repelling many threats already, and most of those it is not are often very difficult to prepare for. Do what you can and what you must, if it is not enough, then deal with that when the time comes."
"In regards to staying with your lady love..." He hesitates, "The path offered by the scale could provide what you seek, or it could take you away from her. It will do nothing unless Bahamut is convinced that you are prepared and willing to spend the long life granted being a champion of his ideals, and others can be a distraction to that dedication. True, Lia is here now, helping with the cause. But will that still be the case when this crisis with Tiamat is over? There is no enmity between Bahamut and Sune, but there is also no denying that their goals differ greatly in many respects. Sooner or later your goals and hers will differ as well as a result. Will the difference eventually become a rift between you?"
"Don't misunderstand, I do not ask these things because I think you should expect to lose her, but rather because there is a good chance that you will have to make a hard choice some day. In the end, if your goal is to grow old with Lia, it may be best to seek a means other than the path I took. It was easier for me, the one woman I had cared for at the time was dead and out of my reach. There are other ways to live a long life, I suggest asking your friend Lawrence about them. If he is not already researching something along those lines, I'd be willing to bet he's marked it down as a future project."
Those shopping in the city are able to find most of what they want easily enough. Perhaps of particular interest
The dragoncrafter however proves a little more difficult to find. Several who were welcoming enough to the bubbly Penelope before seem reluctant to speak on the matter. Eventually she gets directed to a particular home much deeper in the caverns. It takes close to two hours to navigate the labyrinthine passages, but soon enough Penelope and those accompanying her stand outside of a well appointed dwarven home. An attached workshop bears a mural of dwarven hunters attacking a red dragon.
For simplicity's sake, Perry has negotiated a 15% discount on all items purchased. I don't think anything has been mentioned for purchase that is not available, but If I could get a list of that to confirm, that'd be great.
The main thing that Cratol wanted was a +2 monks outfit. It will be a combination of muted greens and browns. brown in the front and back of the top with green on the sleeves with green trousers front and back with a brown stripe down the outside of the legs.
Otherwise just 10 changes of clothing for Cratol, Sylmae and Gaelin. With a couple nice fine dresses for Sylmae and a nice dashing outfit for Cratol for more classy occasions.
List as follows.
+2 monk outfir
9 clothing sets of ordinary styles for Cratol Style as upper middle class
1 set of clothing for Cratol Middle upper class style and finery.
8 New dresses of upper middle class of latest fashion for Sylmae
2 new dresses of current fashion for Sylmae of Middle upper class current fashion
Poljen announces to the group, "I wish to find a place to drink and tell tales! Would any of you like to come along?" He appears to be looking expectantly at Morgaine, which is not surprising, but also at Mari. Some of the group recall she is a drinking partner of the tall man. "Perry, please do try to get protection from the cold. Potions, spells, what have you! I will contribute coin to the cause."
Penelope leads the girls away from the tourist trap area targeted to outsiders and more towards where the real, quality craftsmanship is. "See that's how they get ya. They put the cheap stuff out in front for the tourists and other riff-raff. You know, like for the gullible people who don't know any better like Velon." Once they arrive at the shop, Penelope helps Mari, Lia, and Morgaine get the best deals on their respective items. "Ooh, Lia, that's a cute one with the animals. Mari, you like rubies huh? Morgaine, maybe you should buy some jewelry with a leopard or eagle on it? I'm sure Poljen would like that."This shopping goes on for an overly lengthy amount of time such that most men would literally want to die if they had to participate.
In the end, she purchases a gold bracelet with a small emerald turtle dangling from it. It's eyes change color based on the wearer's mood. Right now the eyes are purple.
--
Penelope complains the whole time as she is given the runaround about the location of the dragonsmith, "Seriously?! Why is everyone so stingy about giving me the location for this guy? Uggggggghhhhhhhh!" She also complains about the length of the walk, the unnecessary windiness of the path, and the fact that her feet hurt. Two hours later, the now-annoyed Penelope knocks on the door to the dwarven home, "Helloooooooo, anyone home? I'm a super important customer out here."
Regarding winter-appropriate clothes, I want to buy those when we get to the tribal town in the north because they probably know better what to actually wear since they live there.
Also added to my equipment in DND Beyond from the various discussions in Discord: 1x Coin of Apparent Value 1x Wish Rod 4x Cure Wounds Spell Scrolls (1st Level) 5x Speak With Animals Spell Scrolls (1st Level)
Mari looks at Poljen uncertainly for a moment . " I can come along and make sure you two stay out of trouble. Morgaine I must warn you . He will want to fight everyone in the tavern when he has had too much to drink . "
will be purchasing 2 arrows of dragon slaying, 2 filigree gold head chains and glamoured studded leather . I will be selling the mithril half plate and +1 breastplate.
Velon listens intently to Irdeith's words on all of his concerns, nodding as his mentor speaks. "Yes, I will talk to Lawrance, and Lia." After a brief pause he does get up the courage to add "but here is a question about Bahamut." "If we, the Blaze I mean, can do enough to stop the cults and Tiamat, is that not enough to please Bahamut for a while? I, I know I'm being selfish, but... ...but, from what I hear, some dragons lie dormant for centuries, preferring to wait out the problems of the lesser races. Does that behavior not conflict with the notion of being a persistent champion of Bahamut's ideals day after day? It's not that I wouldn't want to help, even after this is all done. If there were more great threats to the entire realm, I would come, leaving Lia behind for a time if need be. I would just want time with her between such conflicts, and with our children, perhaps... I don't need to become like you, even, a dragon, I mean. I just don't want to ask her to be with me knowing I will leave her relatively soon, to an elf, at least..." The paladin signs and looks down at the ground for a bit, lost in thought.
Eventually, when done spending time with Irdeith for now and long after Lawrance tries to blow up the castle, the paladin returns to visit the wizard. "Ah, wiz... I mean, ah, Lawrance? Can I come in? Can I, ah, ask you something?" If the wizard allows Velon will tell him of his concerns about his life expectancy versus Lia's and ask the wizard to tell him of all of the ways he could extend his life, at least some, to get closer to hers.
OOC After all of this Velon will still go to the market and the temple of Bahamut. I'm not sure how much you want to role play the temple, DM.
Penelope cranes her neck down to meet the dwarf then, doing her best to hide her earlier frustrations, puts on a smile and introduces herself, "Hi there! I'm Penelope and I'm a very important adventurer with a LOT of money. I heard through the forgevine that you or someone here might be skilled in making quality items out of dragon parts? I have some premium green dragon bone that was harvested from a rather rude adult green dragon here. Would you be willing to make me an item? Oh and what is your name if you don't mind me asking, master dwarf?"
Morgaine looks over the wears and purchases the following:
4 arrows of Dragon Slaying, a pair of sliver filigree and jade combs, a pair of gold and ruby combs, a silver headpiece that with an eagle shaped figure with a drop pearl that hags from it's talons
OOC: will need total so can take from funds. She has stored her purchases away after they are purchased.
Once she joins the others and hears Poljens inquiry, she tells him she'd enjoy and nice play and drink and gives him a smile and linking her arm around his follows him.
Irdeith smiles at Velon's query "Doesn't quite seem fair does it? Think of it this way, metallic dragons are born with that sense of duty, just not always a sense of urgency in fulfilling it. But Bahamut knows that when called upon, they will answer, and they will do so every time, even centuries from now. But the human heart, as fervent as it can be, is also rather fickle. It is considerably more difficult to be certain that commitment will last, or how a person will react when granted such power. So he is very careful in regards to whom he grants such potent gifts. As to him granting aid in some other form, well, if your connection is strong, there is no harm in asking, especially if the request is a noble one."
Down in Adbarrim, the young dwarf replies to Penelope, "Its Thirhal, and you're looking for my granddad. He's a busy man, he doesn't have time for every tourist that wanders in from above." He looks like he's about to shut the door.
An unseen spirit opens the door to Velon's knock. Within the huge chamber, all sorts of things are happening. Braziers burning, glassware with bubbling liquids, large cauldron steaming over a fire, spoon stirring by itself, and a broom sweeping slowly across the floor. The room is unusually comfortable, the temperature mild compared to many other rooms in the castle, and ambient light glows for no visible source. At a slanted desk, papers strewn across it and splatter of ink and other unknown substances tattooing it's surface, Lawrance is busily working. He looks up as Velon enters, his skin healed from the prior explosion. "Come in, come in, indeed! Always good to have guests. It's a big place without friends inside. What can I help you with?" Lawrance rises from the desk and moves over to a cabinet built into the stone wall, pulling down a thick platform that was hiding glassware, bottles, taps and what seems to be a box full of ice cubes. "Can I offer you a drink of something? I've got beer, red wine, white wine, Elvish wine, Dwarvish ale, Ent draught, and a couple of brandys. I'm still trying to get a steady supply of drink set up here, for entertaining."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"Thank you W...Lawrance. How about Elvish wine, it feels appropriate. I hope to spend some time with them when this is all over."
"Ah, Lawrance, I wanted to ask you something. I, um, I worry that it's not fair to ask Lia to be with me if I'm gone in the blink of an elven eye, if you catch my drift. That's assuming I survive our next visit with a dragon, too, of course, but, ah... yeah anyway... Have you read about any ways for one such as myself to extend his life some, to match an elf, or even a dwarf, perhaps? I know there are probably some that aren't very appealing and all..." The paladin tails off to let the wizard talk.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Penelope stammers as the dwarf is about to shut the door. "Listen, my friends and I have lots of gold and are fighting to save the world. You may have heard of us or our deeds, The Silver Blaze? Look, we just want someone truly skilled to make our weapons and we heard that your grandfather was the best around. Please, would you let me speak to him? I swear we are really good! Honest..."
Seeing the seriousness of Velon's questions, Lawrance offers a chair and a fine glass of wine to the Paladin, then sits down opposite. Thinking while the details come in, he ponders the possibilites for a bit, sipping his own drink slowly. After a bit, he responds with care, listing the possibilities. "There are a number of ways for you to achieve what you seek. Some require a lot more power than others, and others would require some pain and luck. By far the easiest way to extend your life, and probably more within our reach than any other, would be to bring you back from death. When you die, your soul leaves your body and sticks around for a while. During that time - as you well know - you can be brought back to life by Godly magic. The relatively minor cost of a gemstone, and you are back from the beyond, still in the same body." "Natural magic offers a different choice - You can come back from the dead in a new body. A skilled Druid can bring your soul and create a completely new form for it, including that of an elf or other long-lived being, but it is random. The Gods and Goddesses of Nature offer a body to the soul according to their own purposes and the Druid seems to have little say in the form." "Something that may help in the choice of the newly created body is the use of divination or other spells to speak directly with the deity involved in the spell and beg or offer a reason for them to grant you a form closer to that which you seek. Perhaps even Lia's asking Sune to intercede on your behalf could have great influence!" "Another way that is currently beyond my power, but within the powers of our Gnomish Wizard friends we just met is the same magics that they just used. Their spell grows a replacement body of youthful age, and once you die, your soul will wing to where ever it is located and inhabit it, rather than going on, if your wish is to do so.You could literally do this for eternity, hopping from body to body. That is the method I've been learning about recently but is currently beyond my power, yet not theirs. This would be my choice of continuing on in my life." "Yet another method would be the evolution of Perry's recent magical 'toy' - a Polymorph made permanent. I know that his spell lasts but a short time, but there are magics that will make such a thing permanent with more energy. Such a spell I've even seen in action in Waterdeep, when they wanted to remove the threat of some monster or other, without killing it. Even I, given enough time and resources, could eventually cast such a thing, so there is that." "Beyond that, various other magics of greater power could give you what you want, but they come with other risks. There are also powerful magic items that can extend life, potions, bargains with otherworldly begins and other options, but nothing I'd personally risk." "Of all the choices I know of, I'd recommend the permanent Polymorph in your particular case. This would give you a lifetime as an Elf, allowing you to live, grow 'old' and die with Lia when you are done. A far more natural way to end up. If there comes a time when you need my help to accomplish your goal, and I can lend what little ability or knowledge I can to your attempt, I'd be happy to help. Given time, as I said, I could even do the needed task myself, but not now. Does this help guide you?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Poljen grins like the fool he can be and offers his other arm to Mari. "Why would have I too much to drink when I will be drunk on your beauty, my ladies?!" he asks trying to sound gallant and sincere. It almost works, but his grin gives away his usual blustery nature. "Bah! Come! I will buy the first few rounds, and we can tell one another tales of adventure, and spread the word the Silver Blaze has slain another member of the cult." He walks through the streets, looking like the proverbial cat that has swallowed a canary. He might be imagining all the jealous looks from folks seeing him escort two gorgeous women. But he doesn't care if it is his imagination...
Poljen finds listeners for his tales easily enough. Soon he finds himself in something of a competition, as a battlescarred dwarf tells tales of valor from his own company, striving to outdo the human barbarian.
Penelope makes her plea, but the Thirhal only hesitates briefly, "Sure, sure, all of you think you're important. Go bother someone else." He is just about to close the door when another voice calls out, "Who is that at the door boy?" "Nobody pa." "Sure didn't sound like nobody."
A considerably older dwarf with grey in his hair appears. He looks Penelope over, but his expression seems considerably more open than Thirhal's, "Greetings and welcome to the house of Clan Redhammer. What is it we can do for you?"
Penelope looks relieved then introduces herself, "Hi sir, my name is Penelope. I come on behalf of a group known as the Silver Blaze. Our general mission statement is that we want to save the world from evil dragons. I heard that someone of your house was a master smith capable of working with dragon parts. Is that true? I have some premium dragon parts and am willing to pay. It's for a good cause and we will probably be repeat customers!"
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Still lightly bleeding from the various cuts, Lawrance opens the door and steps out, tendrils of colourful smoke trickling out near the top of the huge doors. "Yes, yes, I'm fine. Just a spell that went a bit awry. No one's hurt or anything. Well, except for me, I guess, but it's minor. Sorry for the excitement."
Once back in his lab, he has his apprentices cleaning up, getting them to make good use of the cantrips they cast through the Hats. As they work, he chats with both Aisling and Gamliel, now back in the Prime Realm, and discusses the results of the tests. After all this has been settled, he continues his researches and tests, trying to determine a path to heal the staff.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Velon quickly raises an eyebrow at Lawrance, surprised at the exact nature of his current state, the smoke, etc. He says awkwardly "ah.... I'm glad you're ok..." but it comes out more like a question, as if he's trying to figure out what he should say. Recovering, he adds "just don't destroy the whole castle, ok?"
Descending form the tower once more with C.C. and some men, Velon simply mumbles "wizards...".
OOC Dad just had to go check on what all of the racket coming from his teen's bedroom is.
Irdeith nods sympathetically when it comes to Velon's troubles. "If it helps, I think you are doing an excellent job. Oh, things could be go more smoothly around here, that is for certain, but when push comes to shove, this group has conquered every trial set before it."
"When it comes to the castle, it is capable of repelling many threats already, and most of those it is not are often very difficult to prepare for. Do what you can and what you must, if it is not enough, then deal with that when the time comes."
"In regards to staying with your lady love..." He hesitates, "The path offered by the scale could provide what you seek, or it could take you away from her. It will do nothing unless Bahamut is convinced that you are prepared and willing to spend the long life granted being a champion of his ideals, and others can be a distraction to that dedication. True, Lia is here now, helping with the cause. But will that still be the case when this crisis with Tiamat is over? There is no enmity between Bahamut and Sune, but there is also no denying that their goals differ greatly in many respects. Sooner or later your goals and hers will differ as well as a result. Will the difference eventually become a rift between you?"
"Don't misunderstand, I do not ask these things because I think you should expect to lose her, but rather because there is a good chance that you will have to make a hard choice some day. In the end, if your goal is to grow old with Lia, it may be best to seek a means other than the path I took. It was easier for me, the one woman I had cared for at the time was dead and out of my reach. There are other ways to live a long life, I suggest asking your friend Lawrence about them. If he is not already researching something along those lines, I'd be willing to bet he's marked it down as a future project."
Those shopping in the city are able to find most of what they want easily enough. Perhaps of particular interest
The dragoncrafter however proves a little more difficult to find. Several who were welcoming enough to the bubbly Penelope before seem reluctant to speak on the matter. Eventually she gets directed to a particular home much deeper in the caverns. It takes close to two hours to navigate the labyrinthine passages, but soon enough Penelope and those accompanying her stand outside of a well appointed dwarven home. An attached workshop bears a mural of dwarven hunters attacking a red dragon.
For simplicity's sake, Perry has negotiated a 15% discount on all items purchased. I don't think anything has been mentioned for purchase that is not available, but If I could get a list of that to confirm, that'd be great.
The main thing that Cratol wanted was a +2 monks outfit. It will be a combination of muted greens and browns. brown in the front and back of the top with green on the sleeves with green trousers front and back with a brown stripe down the outside of the legs.
Otherwise just 10 changes of clothing for Cratol, Sylmae and Gaelin. With a couple nice fine dresses for Sylmae and a nice dashing outfit for Cratol for more classy occasions.
List as follows.
+2 monk outfir
9 clothing sets of ordinary styles for Cratol Style as upper middle class
1 set of clothing for Cratol Middle upper class style and finery.
8 New dresses of upper middle class of latest fashion for Sylmae
2 new dresses of current fashion for Sylmae of Middle upper class current fashion
10 outfits of middle middle class for Gaelin.
Poljen announces to the group, "I wish to find a place to drink and tell tales! Would any of you like to come along?" He appears to be looking expectantly at Morgaine, which is not surprising, but also at Mari. Some of the group recall she is a drinking partner of the tall man. "Perry, please do try to get protection from the cold. Potions, spells, what have you! I will contribute coin to the cause."
Penelope leads the girls away from the tourist trap area targeted to outsiders and more towards where the real, quality craftsmanship is. "See that's how they get ya. They put the cheap stuff out in front for the tourists and other riff-raff. You know, like for the gullible people who don't know any better like Velon." Once they arrive at the shop, Penelope helps Mari, Lia, and Morgaine get the best deals on their respective items. "Ooh, Lia, that's a cute one with the animals. Mari, you like rubies huh? Morgaine, maybe you should buy some jewelry with a leopard or eagle on it? I'm sure Poljen would like that." This shopping goes on for an overly lengthy amount of time such that most men would literally want to die if they had to participate.
In the end, she purchases a gold bracelet with a small emerald turtle dangling from it. It's eyes change color based on the wearer's mood. Right now the eyes are purple.
--
Penelope complains the whole time as she is given the runaround about the location of the dragonsmith, "Seriously?! Why is everyone so stingy about giving me the location for this guy? Uggggggghhhhhhhh!" She also complains about the length of the walk, the unnecessary windiness of the path, and the fact that her feet hurt. Two hours later, the now-annoyed Penelope knocks on the door to the dwarven home, "Helloooooooo, anyone home? I'm a super important customer out here."
The turtle's eyes are red.
Cold Resistance Potion - 255 gold
Turtle bracelet - ? gold
Dragon scimitar - ? gold
Regarding winter-appropriate clothes, I want to buy those when we get to the tribal town in the north because they probably know better what to actually wear since they live there.
Also added to my equipment in DND Beyond from the various discussions in Discord:
1x Coin of Apparent Value
1x Wish Rod
4x Cure Wounds Spell Scrolls (1st Level)
5x Speak With Animals Spell Scrolls (1st Level)
A young looking dwarf opens the door and looks Penelope over, eventually he says, "What do you want?"
Mari looks at Poljen uncertainly for a moment . " I can come along and make sure you two stay out of trouble. Morgaine I must warn you . He will want to fight everyone in the tavern when he has had too much to drink . "
will be purchasing 2 arrows of dragon slaying, 2 filigree gold head chains and glamoured studded leather . I will be selling the mithril half plate and +1 breastplate.
Velon listens intently to Irdeith's words on all of his concerns, nodding as his mentor speaks. "Yes, I will talk to Lawrance, and Lia." After a brief pause he does get up the courage to add "but here is a question about Bahamut." "If we, the Blaze I mean, can do enough to stop the cults and Tiamat, is that not enough to please Bahamut for a while? I, I know I'm being selfish, but... ...but, from what I hear, some dragons lie dormant for centuries, preferring to wait out the problems of the lesser races. Does that behavior not conflict with the notion of being a persistent champion of Bahamut's ideals day after day? It's not that I wouldn't want to help, even after this is all done. If there were more great threats to the entire realm, I would come, leaving Lia behind for a time if need be. I would just want time with her between such conflicts, and with our children, perhaps... I don't need to become like you, even, a dragon, I mean. I just don't want to ask her to be with me knowing I will leave her relatively soon, to an elf, at least..." The paladin signs and looks down at the ground for a bit, lost in thought.
Eventually, when done spending time with Irdeith for now and long after Lawrance tries to blow up the castle, the paladin returns to visit the wizard. "Ah, wiz... I mean, ah, Lawrance? Can I come in? Can I, ah, ask you something?" If the wizard allows Velon will tell him of his concerns about his life expectancy versus Lia's and ask the wizard to tell him of all of the ways he could extend his life, at least some, to get closer to hers.
OOC After all of this Velon will still go to the market and the temple of Bahamut. I'm not sure how much you want to role play the temple, DM.
Penelope cranes her neck down to meet the dwarf then, doing her best to hide her earlier frustrations, puts on a smile and introduces herself, "Hi there! I'm Penelope and I'm a very important adventurer with a LOT of money. I heard through the forgevine that you or someone here might be skilled in making quality items out of dragon parts? I have some premium green dragon bone that was harvested from a rather rude adult green dragon here. Would you be willing to make me an item? Oh and what is your name if you don't mind me asking, master dwarf?"
Morgaine looks over the wears and purchases the following:
4 arrows of Dragon Slaying, a pair of sliver filigree and jade combs, a pair of gold and ruby combs, a silver headpiece that with an eagle shaped figure with a drop pearl that hags from it's talons
OOC: will need total so can take from funds. She has stored her purchases away after they are purchased.
Once she joins the others and hears Poljens inquiry, she tells him she'd enjoy and nice play and drink and gives him a smile and linking her arm around his follows him.
Irdeith smiles at Velon's query "Doesn't quite seem fair does it? Think of it this way, metallic dragons are born with that sense of duty, just not always a sense of urgency in fulfilling it. But Bahamut knows that when called upon, they will answer, and they will do so every time, even centuries from now. But the human heart, as fervent as it can be, is also rather fickle. It is considerably more difficult to be certain that commitment will last, or how a person will react when granted such power. So he is very careful in regards to whom he grants such potent gifts. As to him granting aid in some other form, well, if your connection is strong, there is no harm in asking, especially if the request is a noble one."
Down in Adbarrim, the young dwarf replies to Penelope, "Its Thirhal, and you're looking for my granddad. He's a busy man, he doesn't have time for every tourist that wanders in from above." He looks like he's about to shut the door.
An unseen spirit opens the door to Velon's knock. Within the huge chamber, all sorts of things are happening. Braziers burning, glassware with bubbling liquids, large cauldron steaming over a fire, spoon stirring by itself, and a broom sweeping slowly across the floor. The room is unusually comfortable, the temperature mild compared to many other rooms in the castle, and ambient light glows for no visible source. At a slanted desk, papers strewn across it and splatter of ink and other unknown substances tattooing it's surface, Lawrance is busily working. He looks up as Velon enters, his skin healed from the prior explosion. "Come in, come in, indeed! Always good to have guests. It's a big place without friends inside. What can I help you with?" Lawrance rises from the desk and moves over to a cabinet built into the stone wall, pulling down a thick platform that was hiding glassware, bottles, taps and what seems to be a box full of ice cubes. "Can I offer you a drink of something? I've got beer, red wine, white wine, Elvish wine, Dwarvish ale, Ent draught, and a couple of brandys. I'm still trying to get a steady supply of drink set up here, for entertaining."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"Thank you W...Lawrance. How about Elvish wine, it feels appropriate. I hope to spend some time with them when this is all over."
"Ah, Lawrance, I wanted to ask you something. I, um, I worry that it's not fair to ask Lia to be with me if I'm gone in the blink of an elven eye, if you catch my drift. That's assuming I survive our next visit with a dragon, too, of course, but, ah... yeah anyway... Have you read about any ways for one such as myself to extend his life some, to match an elf, or even a dwarf, perhaps? I know there are probably some that aren't very appealing and all..." The paladin tails off to let the wizard talk.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Penelope stammers as the dwarf is about to shut the door. "Listen, my friends and I have lots of gold and are fighting to save the world. You may have heard of us or our deeds, The Silver Blaze? Look, we just want someone truly skilled to make our weapons and we heard that your grandfather was the best around. Please, would you let me speak to him? I swear we are really good! Honest..."
She attempts her best sad kitten face.
Perry Persuasion: 30
Seeing the seriousness of Velon's questions, Lawrance offers a chair and a fine glass of wine to the Paladin, then sits down opposite. Thinking while the details come in, he ponders the possibilites for a bit, sipping his own drink slowly. After a bit, he responds with care, listing the possibilities.
"There are a number of ways for you to achieve what you seek. Some require a lot more power than others, and others would require some pain and luck. By far the easiest way to extend your life, and probably more within our reach than any other, would be to bring you back from death. When you die, your soul leaves your body and sticks around for a while. During that time - as you well know - you can be brought back to life by Godly magic. The relatively minor cost of a gemstone, and you are back from the beyond, still in the same body."
"Natural magic offers a different choice - You can come back from the dead in a new body. A skilled Druid can bring your soul and create a completely new form for it, including that of an elf or other long-lived being, but it is random. The Gods and Goddesses of Nature offer a body to the soul according to their own purposes and the Druid seems to have little say in the form."
"Something that may help in the choice of the newly created body is the use of divination or other spells to speak directly with the deity involved in the spell and beg or offer a reason for them to grant you a form closer to that which you seek. Perhaps even Lia's asking Sune to intercede on your behalf could have great influence!"
"Another way that is currently beyond my power, but within the powers of our Gnomish Wizard friends we just met is the same magics that they just used. Their spell grows a replacement body of youthful age, and once you die, your soul will wing to where ever it is located and inhabit it, rather than going on, if your wish is to do so.You could literally do this for eternity, hopping from body to body. That is the method I've been learning about recently but is currently beyond my power, yet not theirs. This would be my choice of continuing on in my life."
"Yet another method would be the evolution of Perry's recent magical 'toy' - a Polymorph made permanent. I know that his spell lasts but a short time, but there are magics that will make such a thing permanent with more energy. Such a spell I've even seen in action in Waterdeep, when they wanted to remove the threat of some monster or other, without killing it. Even I, given enough time and resources, could eventually cast such a thing, so there is that."
"Beyond that, various other magics of greater power could give you what you want, but they come with other risks. There are also powerful magic items that can extend life, potions, bargains with otherworldly begins and other options, but nothing I'd personally risk."
"Of all the choices I know of, I'd recommend the permanent Polymorph in your particular case. This would give you a lifetime as an Elf, allowing you to live, grow 'old' and die with Lia when you are done. A far more natural way to end up. If there comes a time when you need my help to accomplish your goal, and I can lend what little ability or knowledge I can to your attempt, I'd be happy to help. Given time, as I said, I could even do the needed task myself, but not now. Does this help guide you?"
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Poljen grins like the fool he can be and offers his other arm to Mari. "Why would have I too much to drink when I will be drunk on your beauty, my ladies?!" he asks trying to sound gallant and sincere. It almost works, but his grin gives away his usual blustery nature. "Bah! Come! I will buy the first few rounds, and we can tell one another tales of adventure, and spread the word the Silver Blaze has slain another member of the cult." He walks through the streets, looking like the proverbial cat that has swallowed a canary. He might be imagining all the jealous looks from folks seeing him escort two gorgeous women. But he doesn't care if it is his imagination...
Poljen finds listeners for his tales easily enough. Soon he finds himself in something of a competition, as a battlescarred dwarf tells tales of valor from his own company, striving to outdo the human barbarian.
Penelope makes her plea, but the Thirhal only hesitates briefly, "Sure, sure, all of you think you're important. Go bother someone else." He is just about to close the door when another voice calls out, "Who is that at the door boy?" "Nobody pa." "Sure didn't sound like nobody."
A considerably older dwarf with grey in his hair appears. He looks Penelope over, but his expression seems considerably more open than Thirhal's, "Greetings and welcome to the house of Clan Redhammer. What is it we can do for you?"
Penelope looks relieved then introduces herself, "Hi sir, my name is Penelope. I come on behalf of a group known as the Silver Blaze. Our general mission statement is that we want to save the world from evil dragons. I heard that someone of your house was a master smith capable of working with dragon parts. Is that true? I have some premium dragon parts and am willing to pay. It's for a good cause and we will probably be repeat customers!"