This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Brandon hangs back as Durnham and Qidira negotiate with the jeweler and inspect his wares, but listens intently as they discuss cut, clarity, and magical requirements of the stone. He doesn’t understand any of it particularly well, but tries to pick up some points from the conversation.
Noticing Durnham’s nervousness, and realizing that this is one of the few individuals they have met in Palebank that doesn’t know Durnham, Brandon takes a moment to look closely around the shop, looking for clues to the shopkeeper's origins and alert for any threats.
Thorak looks uncomfortable at the mention of his accent and swallows. When he next speaks, it has been replaced by a more general Dwendalian accent, hard to place geographically: “Ah, well, you have me there sir. I was trying to mask my outsider status and it seems I have made a fool of myself – I'm sorry”
He lets Qidira take the monocle from his hand – or rather, he offers no resistance when she does. His eyes widen slightly in surprise but then he seems to think better of voicing any objection as the little gnome clearly knows her trade. He hands over the small diamond: “Yes of course, be my guest”
@Brandon:
You see no sign of clues as to Thorak’s origin, in fact nothing at all of a personal nature is on display; just the counter and the display cases.
@Gruba - I may have worded that badly - It was her intent to retrieve her own monocle from her jeweler's kit to look at the diamond. She was asking only for the diamond.
Upon seeing the jeweler offer to release the monacle to her, she shakes her head, "I'm sorry only the diamond. Pulling her own out from her pack. You're monocle is your own, I wouldn't presume." Then peers into hers at the diamond.
Thorak blushes at the misunderstanding with Qidira and turns to Durnham while the gnome carries out her inspection.
@Qidira:
It's a decent enough specimen, won't win any beauty contests but has good clarity. You estimate its value to be 50gp
Answering Durnham, Thorak says "Yes, you're right there for sure. The people of Palebank have been most accommodating, ah..."
He looks sheepishly around the group in the room and seems to make a mental calculation before continuing: "Look, you seem decent folk and you're clearly a son of the village, so I am cautiously happy to admit that I am nervous about revealing my true origins. But if you don't mind, I'd prefer to explore that avenue of conversation no further. I assure you that my wares are honestly acquired and reasonably priced"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
7 Insight check
”Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to imply.... I wasn’t suggesting... uh, Im not real good at talking to new people. I didn’t mean to pry.” He looks down and turns red with embarrassment.
He turns his head to Qidira and asks “Is it good enough? Will it work?” He doesn’t realize that asking this in front of the jeweler could be considered rude.
“Look at our group.”He said pointing to Qidira, then Brandon and Ressys. Gnomes were a rare sight in Paleblank, as far as he knew. Goliaths and firbolgs were rare sight anywhere.“We are not the kind to treat others different because of where they came from and the same goes for the rest of the village. Hells, you can find people from Shadycreek Run here.” Not that they would remain for long, but that was due to their crimes, not their origin. “If anything is your resistance to telling where you come from that raises suspicion. And that accent was far too exaggerated.”
To the point that Kotar could barely understand what the man was saying. Not that it mattered. As long as Durnham got his gem everything would be fine. If Thorak was doing some illegal activity Elro was sure to catch him sooner or later. Specially now that dealing with the Uttolots was likely to gather him more support from Uthodurn.
“So, what you say?” He asked out of genuine curiosity to the rogue, echoing the wizard’s question. He hoped her answer was not negative, otherwise would they have to look for another gem and he was not sure there even have where to look in the village.
Qidira nods, "It should be sufficient for your use Durnham, clarity is right for the effect you desire and the value is right." Passing back the stone to the jeweler. Leaving the remaining discussion to the others.
Durnham picks 50 gold out of his pouch and gives it to the man in exchange for the diamond that he secures into a pouch on his belt “Thank you... I don’t... do you have any jewelry that are... uhm, enchanted?”
Thorak takes a deep breath, widens his eyes and exhales down to the floor in a manner which suggests Durnham just asked him for a piggy back ride to Eiselcross.
"I'm sorry sir, that's not really my area. Unless you happen to find an enchanted gem by happy accident, in which case don't tell me and you got yourself a bargain"
Ressys lifts his head and looks up as the others exit the shop. He then stands and adjusts his cloak.
"Is our business in town completed then? We can get extra rations from the ship tomorrow. We have tents, snowshoes and the other gear we each sought. Our armor and weapons will be ready in the morning. Is there anything else we need to do or seek?"
“Qidira, didn’t you want to go back to Pelc’s for a better search?” He looks at Qidira. “And we also talked about looking through my Uncle’s things to see if he left any notes... I am a little worried that we don’t have more information about our destination. What should we prepare for? What challenges can we expect? Is there anyone we can ask before the morning?” He looks to the group.
Qidira looks a little caught off guard at Durnham's, "Well, um, I was going to do that after everyone was settled. I mean, look around real quick before, um, inventory was taken and things auctioned off. If I had time I mean." Looking slightly uncomfortable she stops to think, "But we should head back to the cabin first and have another look around for the gold that went missing. Oh, and I wanted to see what clothes he might have had that I could use. These will do, but I should have back up in case they get wet."
Then nodding at Ressys, "As for town, I think if we check into rations in the morning, we should be all set."
Brandon shoulders his pack and looks at Durnham and the others. “I was hoping to stay in your cabin tonight, Durnham. Perhaps help take another look with Qidira and see if we can find any notes, maps, or other information on your uncle’s journeys. Other than that, I believe our next stop is the harbor tomorrow for rations and our ship."
Durnham doesn’t notice Qidira’s discomfort and in fact, doesn’t think there’s anything wrong or shameful in what she’s suggesting so doesn’t even understand why she would want to keep it quiet. He would have suggested it earlier when they were at Pelc’s if Elro hadn’t been there. Rules and laws were a positive thing for societies... but they were merely man-made structures and ideals, not infallible or perfect. Sometimes those laws and rules become hinderances and barriers in times of great need or in emergencies... and of course, there were those who used the law as a weapon, to subjugate and keep others under control.
“Ok, the cabin it is. Of course you may all use it tonight Brandon. I will be staying at my... with some friends tonight. I have some personal business to take care of. I will help look through my Uncle’s notes and then leave you for the night and meet you at the docks in the morning.” He looks to his friends to see if they agree and then leads them towards the cabin.
Brandon hangs back as Durnham and Qidira negotiate with the jeweler and inspect his wares, but listens intently as they discuss cut, clarity, and magical requirements of the stone. He doesn’t understand any of it particularly well, but tries to pick up some points from the conversation.
Noticing Durnham’s nervousness, and realizing that this is one of the few individuals they have met in Palebank that doesn’t know Durnham, Brandon takes a moment to look closely around the shop, looking for clues to the shopkeeper's origins and alert for any threats.
Perception 16
Thorak looks uncomfortable at the mention of his accent and swallows. When he next speaks, it has been replaced by a more general Dwendalian accent, hard to place geographically: “Ah, well, you have me there sir. I was trying to mask my outsider status and it seems I have made a fool of myself – I'm sorry”
He lets Qidira take the monocle from his hand – or rather, he offers no resistance when she does. His eyes widen slightly in surprise but then he seems to think better of voicing any objection as the little gnome clearly knows her trade. He hands over the small diamond: “Yes of course, be my guest”
@Brandon:
You see no sign of clues as to Thorak’s origin, in fact nothing at all of a personal nature is on display; just the counter and the display cases.
@Gruba - I may have worded that badly - It was her intent to retrieve her own monocle from her jeweler's kit to look at the diamond. She was asking only for the diamond.
Upon seeing the jeweler offer to release the monacle to her, she shakes her head, "I'm sorry only the diamond. Pulling her own out from her pack. You're monocle is your own, I wouldn't presume." Then peers into hers at the diamond.
“uh, has there been a problem? Why would you want to hide being an outsider?” He looks at the man curiously.
”Palebank is small but we see a lot of.... um, different people because of the island.”
Noob
Thorak blushes at the misunderstanding with Qidira and turns to Durnham while the gnome carries out her inspection.
@Qidira:
It's a decent enough specimen, won't win any beauty contests but has good clarity. You estimate its value to be 50gp
Answering Durnham, Thorak says "Yes, you're right there for sure. The people of Palebank have been most accommodating, ah..."
He looks sheepishly around the group in the room and seems to make a mental calculation before continuing: "Look, you seem decent folk and you're clearly a son of the village, so I am cautiously happy to admit that I am nervous about revealing my true origins. But if you don't mind, I'd prefer to explore that avenue of conversation no further. I assure you that my wares are honestly acquired and reasonably priced"
7 Insight check
”Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to imply.... I wasn’t suggesting... uh, Im not real good at talking to new people. I didn’t mean to pry.” He looks down and turns red with embarrassment.
He turns his head to Qidira and asks “Is it good enough? Will it work?” He doesn’t realize that asking this in front of the jeweler could be considered rude.
Noob
“Look at our group.” He said pointing to Qidira, then Brandon and Ressys. Gnomes were a rare sight in Paleblank, as far as he knew. Goliaths and firbolgs were rare sight anywhere. “We are not the kind to treat others different because of where they came from and the same goes for the rest of the village. Hells, you can find people from Shadycreek Run here.” Not that they would remain for long, but that was due to their crimes, not their origin. “If anything is your resistance to telling where you come from that raises suspicion. And that accent was far too exaggerated.”
To the point that Kotar could barely understand what the man was saying. Not that it mattered. As long as Durnham got his gem everything would be fine. If Thorak was doing some illegal activity Elro was sure to catch him sooner or later. Specially now that dealing with the Uttolots was likely to gather him more support from Uthodurn.
“So, what you say?” He asked out of genuine curiosity to the rogue, echoing the wizard’s question. He hoped her answer was not negative, otherwise would they have to look for another gem and he was not sure there even have where to look in the village.
Qidira nods, "It should be sufficient for your use Durnham, clarity is right for the effect you desire and the value is right." Passing back the stone to the jeweler. Leaving the remaining discussion to the others.
“Thank you Qidira.”
Durnham then turns back to Thorak, “This gem will be sufficient, thank you. How much for this?”
Noob
Thorak looks much more relaxed after the group's reassurances, his demeanour becoming more warm
"That I can let you have for fifty gold pieces"
Durnham picks 50 gold out of his pouch and gives it to the man in exchange for the diamond that he secures into a pouch on his belt “Thank you... I don’t... do you have any jewelry that are... uhm, enchanted?”
Noob
Thorak takes a deep breath, widens his eyes and exhales down to the floor in a manner which suggests Durnham just asked him for a piggy back ride to Eiselcross.
"I'm sorry sir, that's not really my area. Unless you happen to find an enchanted gem by happy accident, in which case don't tell me and you got yourself a bargain"
Durnham shrugs “It was just uh... a question. I’ll try to come back in the future. Thank you again.”
With his business concluded Durnham steps back away from the counter and looks to Qidira and the others. Ready to leave when they are.
Noob
"No problem at all, I'm just sorry I couldn't provide everything you're looking for today"
Thorak seems to have opened up since being questioned, and his explanation for his behaviour seems genuine.
You gather outside in the cold, late afternoon and plan your next move.
Ressys lifts his head and looks up as the others exit the shop. He then stands and adjusts his cloak.
"Is our business in town completed then? We can get extra rations from the ship tomorrow. We have tents, snowshoes and the other gear we each sought. Our armor and weapons will be ready in the morning. Is there anything else we need to do or seek?"
“Qidira, didn’t you want to go back to Pelc’s for a better search?” He looks at Qidira. “And we also talked about looking through my Uncle’s things to see if he left any notes... I am a little worried that we don’t have more information about our destination. What should we prepare for? What challenges can we expect? Is there anyone we can ask before the morning?” He looks to the group.
Noob
Qidira looks a little caught off guard at Durnham's, "Well, um, I was going to do that after everyone was settled. I mean, look around real quick before, um, inventory was taken and things auctioned off. If I had time I mean." Looking slightly uncomfortable she stops to think, "But we should head back to the cabin first and have another look around for the gold that went missing. Oh, and I wanted to see what clothes he might have had that I could use. These will do, but I should have back up in case they get wet."
Then nodding at Ressys, "As for town, I think if we check into rations in the morning, we should be all set."
Brandon shoulders his pack and looks at Durnham and the others. “I was hoping to stay in your cabin tonight, Durnham. Perhaps help take another look with Qidira and see if we can find any notes, maps, or other information on your uncle’s journeys. Other than that, I believe our next stop is the harbor tomorrow for rations and our ship."
Durnham doesn’t notice Qidira’s discomfort and in fact, doesn’t think there’s anything wrong or shameful in what she’s suggesting so doesn’t even understand why she would want to keep it quiet. He would have suggested it earlier when they were at Pelc’s if Elro hadn’t been there. Rules and laws were a positive thing for societies... but they were merely man-made structures and ideals, not infallible or perfect. Sometimes those laws and rules become hinderances and barriers in times of great need or in emergencies... and of course, there were those who used the law as a weapon, to subjugate and keep others under control.
“Ok, the cabin it is. Of course you may all use it tonight Brandon. I will be staying at my... with some friends tonight. I have some personal business to take care of. I will help look through my Uncle’s notes and then leave you for the night and meet you at the docks in the morning.” He looks to his friends to see if they agree and then leads them towards the cabin.
Noob
Qidira nods, "To the Cabin!"