"A procurer!" She murmurs with delight. "Now, I'm definitely interested. Twenty copper for the atlas and some gears. If you want lower, you will have to give me something more. If a procurer is in your group, it can only be treasure or knowledge. I don't think there are any hidden treasures near Mantagard or the villages nearby. Perhaps there are some near Saikhan or off the coast of Saikhan."
"I once pursued a clue concerning the Beast of Lor Coast to Saikhan, specifically to a hidden cave at the Great Water Cove, north of Saikhan. The trail went cold there, but I did find out that the Beast is probably protecting something precious. There were cave paintings that depicted one of the Four Horsemen of the Dusk, paladins of the Dusk Weaver that fought during the War of the Best, being entombed on an island protected by the Beast itself, forever guarding the mythical Fountain of Restoration. Perhaps you kids can continue where I left off if you're interested."
"This one," the shop owner points to the one with the rune of heat, "is the Ring of Warmth. It's 75 copper and it will protect you from cold weather. This one," he points to the one with the cloud rune, "is the Amulet Obscura. It's on the expensive side, 300 copper, and it allows you to blend into your surrounding better in a limited capacity. The last one is the Bracer of Truth. It is a little bit cheaper than the amulet, only 250 copper, and it will turn a little bit hot whenever someone that is standing beside you is telling a lie."
"Perhaps I can offer something that will be more useful for a traveler like you?" He asks. He points to a wristband with two small orbs slotted on it. The base of each orb is engraved with a couple of runes that you are mostly unfamiliar with. You only recognize one rune and it is a half-rune of the sun or the day. "This is the Wayfarer's Band and it costs 50 copper. The first orb will give you the direction of the true north, while the second will give you the time of day whenever you activated it."
I like that story of yours, but i am curious to your involvment with the Archive. But i am sure my friend here, He taps Dvarks shoulder with the back of his hand, would like to hear more about those Paladins. I for myself, honestly, just would like to know if that Warrior goes by another title. You must know i have an open ear for any names, yours included. I wont tell you mine as i fear the concequences that could have, but you can call me Tome.
Drexon waits as the other's have their questions answered, but when Karm gives a false name, he interjects.
"My friend is right, I think there is actually more value in discretion than discounts for us right now. It is a shame, because such would likely not be the case on our return, but there you have it", he adds.
"Unless the intrigue itself is enough to drop the price further, and my assurance that right now we are engaged in a truly altruistic endeavour. Of course we are always keeping an open eye, ear and mind for opportunities to acquire treasure, prestige and most of all knowledge along the way", he says with a knowing nod.
“Hmm, I think I’ll take the Band and the Amulet.” Eremoz hands over 350 copper. New purchases in tow, Eremoz meets up with the rest of the group and waits for them to finish with their transaction. “If anyone would like to join, I plan on stopping by the Ironside District while we are here.”
"Well, I can understand discretion," she says with a nod. "You would think that being an explorer would be an easy job, but the rivals are numerous. These scars are not always from beasts or exploration accidents, you know. There are a lot of unsavory people out there. I'll go as low as 18 copper for the atlas and some gears -- a rope, a lantern, some insect repellents, and a pair of water-resistant boots for each of you. The area around Mantagard is rather swampy and wet, especially if you go further north or west."
"The Archive and I go way back. I was commissioned by the Republic as a cartographer and later called by the Principal Curator to help on the Sunrider Expedition. All the maps of Pancarona have my name on them. But, I'm currently retired. This body is old. I've saved a lot of money, so when I'm not called for consultation by the Archive, I'm keeping an eye on my shops and helping budding explorers like you kids."
Karm, you didn't connect it before, but as soon as she mentioned the map of Pancarona, you know that this woman is named Isabella Velandri. In your time, her name was on every single piece of map for the continents of Pancarona, most of Vorgeris, and parts of Majapasai. She was an explorer, voyager, and professional cartographer. Now that you look at the woman again, she does resemble the portraits of her that you have seen before. This woman had traveled most of the known world and charted it in detail that she was considered an honorary member of the Archive of Ages. She died peacefully in her sleep in 391 ABM at the age of 142, the oldest recorded human in history.
{{Eremoz, make a note of the items in your inventory. I'll homebrew it tomorrow or in a couple of days. Did not think you will buy it so I haven't really prepared the homebrew yet, but good for you and the group. Also, guys, keep track of your money because I honestly forgot to do so. I think I've given you some 100 or 200 copper per person already? I'll start keeping a better accounting of it from now on. We're tracking it using Copper for copper, Electrum for bronze, Silver for silver, Gold for gold, and Platinum for platinum if you haven't already.}}
"That sounds like a good deal, thank you", Drexon says with a bow.
"Now that Bracer of Truth, does the person have to be standing next to you, or could they be sitting across a table, for example", he inquires with a smile.
{{ In truth I am not sure how much money Drexon is meant to have right now, but if I have been adding it to his sheet correctly, he has no-where near enough! }}
Cob gets distracted by the hustle and bustle around them and pays little attention while the others discuss maps and trinkets and pictures of people who are from long ago but from today as well.
The ring that keeps you warm in the cold does catch his attention though. Cob has always hated being cold and if they were going to the coast, there were bound to be cold nights ahead.
He slips the ring on to his finger and passes over 75 copper pieces.
{{Alright, Eremoz, Wayfarer's Band should be available as an item now. It is a common wondrous/magic item. Cob, note that you now have a Ring of Warmth.}}
"I don't really know, actually," the trinket shopkeeper says. "If you want more information on the specifics of the enchantments on the trinkets, it is best if you go to the makers themselves. I only know the short description given by them. They are in the Ironside District. It is roughly a ten minutes walk from here. Look for the garish purple building with the wizard hat on the roof."
Drexon nods, "I will do that", he says as he passes the shopkeeper 18 copper for the Atlas and the gear promised.
He collects the atlas and the gear meant for himself.
"Everyone grab your gear, then maybe we should get moving. I have another port of call for us as well, that we can discuss on the way to the Library and Ironside District".
{{I don't really know how to attach a file and don't really want to upload it to the internet in its entirety yet, so if you want to look for some information on the atlas, say what you want to look for and I'll post the info.}}
"Here you go, kids," Isabella says as she hands over some gears and the atlas. "Ropes for each of you so you don't get lost in the wetlands. A lantern for each of you in case you need additional lights. Bug repellents are essential in these parts of Vortes. Waterproof boots so you don't freeze in the middle of the night. Come back soon and tell me your stories. I'll be here. If I'm not, I'm either in Vortesso or Timaril."
{{For now, here's a map of Mantagard.}}
{{The Mantagard Station is in Haventree District. Let's say, it's that lone southernmost building in the district. The path to Saikhan is the one that directly goes to the north, past the Charing Crossroad.}}
{{If there is nothing else, I'll continue. Just cut me off if you still want to interact with anyone in the station.}}
Your first impression of Mantagard after leaving the station is that it is quite humid and a lot more colorful compared to Erdelun. The buildings are not as high-rise, but unique all the same. From a distance, you can see the peak of a purple-roofed building. Further north, you notice a large area of the city covered in thin white smoke.
Right in front of the station is a cathedral with a tall bell tower, just as Isabella said. Karm and Dvark, when you see it, you know that it is the Annex. The one in Erdelun looks just like it, except bigger. The building in front of you is rather small, but as your eyes take in the city, you see three more bell towers in the city, one in the West, one in the North, and the last in the East, all with the same architectural design as the cathedral.
Drexon walks off towards the Annex, assuming that is their first stop. As he goes, he looks at the map of Mantagard in the atlas, looking to find reference to a warehouse district.
"The other place I wanted to go was the warehouse the Urgash brothers were going to drop their goods at", he says quietly, so only the others can hear.
Cob hangs a coil of rope and a hooded lantern from his small traveling pack. He frowns at how they change the lines of this pack and how it hangs. He readjusts them a few times then just sighs and shakes his head.
"I think I'd rather get lost and just stumble around in the dark than become a pack mule," Cob mutters as the group heads into the town.
As he listens to the others he starts making a mental list and then loses track almost immediately.
{{Eremoz, you didn't have Homebrew Content enabled in your character sheet. I have enabled it and added the Wayfarer's Band to your inventory, but then I realized I should ask for permission first before changing someone's character sheet. I apologize for that and promise I won't do it again.}}
Reading the atlas, Drexon, you find that the Westmoor district is mainly populated with storage and warehouses. The name itself is a misnomer because it is the most solid and packed earth in Mantagard, therefore perfect for building long-term storage houses and not as uncultivated as it was named. The largest warehouse complex is the Tribun complex, with Dicor and Eida complexes slightly smaller. The Westmoor district is also where the Rangers Conclave of Mantagard resides.
"Warehousr is definitely a promising lead. And any information on the plague should keep for about a hundred years, so I'm in no hurry." Dvark chuckles. "I can't imagine anything the urgashes were mixed up in could have been good. I'd imagine we should all walk into this with our hands close to our blades."
Dvark turns his head to Cob as they walk "if there is too much for you to carry, or it will get in your way, I may be old but not so much I can't keep a few extra pounds on me."
"Looks like we need to head to the Westmoor District, to the North West", Drexon feeds back after scanning the atlas for a couple of minutes.
"And the Ranger's Conclave is there too, that's handy", he adds.
"Are you sure you don't want to go into the Annex whilst we are here?", he says pointing at the building in front of them. "It might be quite a trek to come back, and our journey continues the opposite side of town".
"I would suggest splitting up, but I think it safer to stay together this time".
”Thank you. And how much do these three cost?” He point to the three items he recognizes.
"A procurer!" She murmurs with delight. "Now, I'm definitely interested. Twenty copper for the atlas and some gears. If you want lower, you will have to give me something more. If a procurer is in your group, it can only be treasure or knowledge. I don't think there are any hidden treasures near Mantagard or the villages nearby. Perhaps there are some near Saikhan or off the coast of Saikhan."
"I once pursued a clue concerning the Beast of Lor Coast to Saikhan, specifically to a hidden cave at the Great Water Cove, north of Saikhan. The trail went cold there, but I did find out that the Beast is probably protecting something precious. There were cave paintings that depicted one of the Four Horsemen of the Dusk, paladins of the Dusk Weaver that fought during the War of the Best, being entombed on an island protected by the Beast itself, forever guarding the mythical Fountain of Restoration. Perhaps you kids can continue where I left off if you're interested."
"This one," the shop owner points to the one with the rune of heat, "is the Ring of Warmth. It's 75 copper and it will protect you from cold weather. This one," he points to the one with the cloud rune, "is the Amulet Obscura. It's on the expensive side, 300 copper, and it allows you to blend into your surrounding better in a limited capacity. The last one is the Bracer of Truth. It is a little bit cheaper than the amulet, only 250 copper, and it will turn a little bit hot whenever someone that is standing beside you is telling a lie."
"Perhaps I can offer something that will be more useful for a traveler like you?" He asks. He points to a wristband with two small orbs slotted on it. The base of each orb is engraved with a couple of runes that you are mostly unfamiliar with. You only recognize one rune and it is a half-rune of the sun or the day. "This is the Wayfarer's Band and it costs 50 copper. The first orb will give you the direction of the true north, while the second will give you the time of day whenever you activated it."
I like that story of yours, but i am curious to your involvment with the Archive. But i am sure my friend here, He taps Dvarks shoulder with the back of his hand, would like to hear more about those Paladins. I for myself, honestly, just would like to know if that Warrior goes by another title. You must know i have an open ear for any names, yours included. I wont tell you mine as i fear the concequences that could have, but you can call me Tome.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Drexon waits as the other's have their questions answered, but when Karm gives a false name, he interjects.
"My friend is right, I think there is actually more value in discretion than discounts for us right now. It is a shame, because such would likely not be the case on our return, but there you have it", he adds.
"Unless the intrigue itself is enough to drop the price further, and my assurance that right now we are engaged in a truly altruistic endeavour. Of course we are always keeping an open eye, ear and mind for opportunities to acquire treasure, prestige and most of all knowledge along the way", he says with a knowing nod.
“Hmm, I think I’ll take the Band and the Amulet.” Eremoz hands over 350 copper. New purchases in tow, Eremoz meets up with the rest of the group and waits for them to finish with their transaction. “If anyone would like to join, I plan on stopping by the Ironside District while we are here.”
"Well, I can understand discretion," she says with a nod. "You would think that being an explorer would be an easy job, but the rivals are numerous. These scars are not always from beasts or exploration accidents, you know. There are a lot of unsavory people out there. I'll go as low as 18 copper for the atlas and some gears -- a rope, a lantern, some insect repellents, and a pair of water-resistant boots for each of you. The area around Mantagard is rather swampy and wet, especially if you go further north or west."
"The Archive and I go way back. I was commissioned by the Republic as a cartographer and later called by the Principal Curator to help on the Sunrider Expedition. All the maps of Pancarona have my name on them. But, I'm currently retired. This body is old. I've saved a lot of money, so when I'm not called for consultation by the Archive, I'm keeping an eye on my shops and helping budding explorers like you kids."
Karm, you didn't connect it before, but as soon as she mentioned the map of Pancarona, you know that this woman is named Isabella Velandri. In your time, her name was on every single piece of map for the continents of Pancarona, most of Vorgeris, and parts of Majapasai. She was an explorer, voyager, and professional cartographer. Now that you look at the woman again, she does resemble the portraits of her that you have seen before. This woman had traveled most of the known world and charted it in detail that she was considered an honorary member of the Archive of Ages. She died peacefully in her sleep in 391 ABM at the age of 142, the oldest recorded human in history.
{{Eremoz, make a note of the items in your inventory. I'll homebrew it tomorrow or in a couple of days. Did not think you will buy it so I haven't really prepared the homebrew yet, but good for you and the group. Also, guys, keep track of your money because I honestly forgot to do so. I think I've given you some 100 or 200 copper per person already? I'll start keeping a better accounting of it from now on. We're tracking it using Copper for copper, Electrum for bronze, Silver for silver, Gold for gold, and Platinum for platinum if you haven't already.}}
"That sounds like a good deal, thank you", Drexon says with a bow.
"Now that Bracer of Truth, does the person have to be standing next to you, or could they be sitting across a table, for example", he inquires with a smile.
{{ In truth I am not sure how much money Drexon is meant to have right now, but if I have been adding it to his sheet correctly, he has no-where near enough! }}
{{I had my money messed up. Eremoz will only buy the Band.}}
Cob gets distracted by the hustle and bustle around them and pays little attention while the others discuss maps and trinkets and pictures of people who are from long ago but from today as well.
The ring that keeps you warm in the cold does catch his attention though. Cob has always hated being cold and if they were going to the coast, there were bound to be cold nights ahead.
He slips the ring on to his finger and passes over 75 copper pieces.
{{Alright, Eremoz, Wayfarer's Band should be available as an item now. It is a common wondrous/magic item. Cob, note that you now have a Ring of Warmth.}}
"I don't really know, actually," the trinket shopkeeper says. "If you want more information on the specifics of the enchantments on the trinkets, it is best if you go to the makers themselves. I only know the short description given by them. They are in the Ironside District. It is roughly a ten minutes walk from here. Look for the garish purple building with the wizard hat on the roof."
Drexon nods, "I will do that", he says as he passes the shopkeeper 18 copper for the Atlas and the gear promised.
He collects the atlas and the gear meant for himself.
"Everyone grab your gear, then maybe we should get moving. I have another port of call for us as well, that we can discuss on the way to the Library and Ironside District".
{{I don't really know how to attach a file and don't really want to upload it to the internet in its entirety yet, so if you want to look for some information on the atlas, say what you want to look for and I'll post the info.}}
"Here you go, kids," Isabella says as she hands over some gears and the atlas. "Ropes for each of you so you don't get lost in the wetlands. A lantern for each of you in case you need additional lights. Bug repellents are essential in these parts of Vortes. Waterproof boots so you don't freeze in the middle of the night. Come back soon and tell me your stories. I'll be here. If I'm not, I'm either in Vortesso or Timaril."
{{For now, here's a map of Mantagard.}}
{{The Mantagard Station is in Haventree District. Let's say, it's that lone southernmost building in the district. The path to Saikhan is the one that directly goes to the north, past the Charing Crossroad.}}
{{If there is nothing else, I'll continue. Just cut me off if you still want to interact with anyone in the station.}}
Your first impression of Mantagard after leaving the station is that it is quite humid and a lot more colorful compared to Erdelun. The buildings are not as high-rise, but unique all the same. From a distance, you can see the peak of a purple-roofed building. Further north, you notice a large area of the city covered in thin white smoke.
Right in front of the station is a cathedral with a tall bell tower, just as Isabella said. Karm and Dvark, when you see it, you know that it is the Annex. The one in Erdelun looks just like it, except bigger. The building in front of you is rather small, but as your eyes take in the city, you see three more bell towers in the city, one in the West, one in the North, and the last in the East, all with the same architectural design as the cathedral.
Drexon walks off towards the Annex, assuming that is their first stop. As he goes, he looks at the map of Mantagard in the atlas, looking to find reference to a warehouse district.
"The other place I wanted to go was the warehouse the Urgash brothers were going to drop their goods at", he says quietly, so only the others can hear.
{{I’m probably just missing something, but I can’t find the Band anywhere.}}
Eremoz grabs his gear and follows Drexon. “How do we know which warehouse?”
Drexon reaches into his pocket and withdraws a piece of paper.
"Simple Eremoz, I took the note which it was written on", he says with a smile.
He looks around again to ensure no-one is within earshot, then whispers, "Tribun Warehouse #21". He then pockets the note again.
"Now we just have to find it", he adds, before looking back to the map of Mantagard to see if there is a clue there.
Cob hangs a coil of rope and a hooded lantern from his small traveling pack. He frowns at how they change the lines of this pack and how it hangs. He readjusts them a few times then just sighs and shakes his head.
"I think I'd rather get lost and just stumble around in the dark than become a pack mule," Cob mutters as the group heads into the town.
As he listens to the others he starts making a mental list and then loses track almost immediately.
"So, warehouse then library?" Cob asks.
{{Eremoz, you didn't have Homebrew Content enabled in your character sheet. I have enabled it and added the Wayfarer's Band to your inventory, but then I realized I should ask for permission first before changing someone's character sheet. I apologize for that and promise I won't do it again.}}
Reading the atlas, Drexon, you find that the Westmoor district is mainly populated with storage and warehouses. The name itself is a misnomer because it is the most solid and packed earth in Mantagard, therefore perfect for building long-term storage houses and not as uncultivated as it was named. The largest warehouse complex is the Tribun complex, with Dicor and Eida complexes slightly smaller. The Westmoor district is also where the Rangers Conclave of Mantagard resides.
"Warehousr is definitely a promising lead. And any information on the plague should keep for about a hundred years, so I'm in no hurry." Dvark chuckles. "I can't imagine anything the urgashes were mixed up in could have been good. I'd imagine we should all walk into this with our hands close to our blades."
Dvark turns his head to Cob as they walk "if there is too much for you to carry, or it will get in your way, I may be old but not so much I can't keep a few extra pounds on me."
"Looks like we need to head to the Westmoor District, to the North West", Drexon feeds back after scanning the atlas for a couple of minutes.
"And the Ranger's Conclave is there too, that's handy", he adds.
"Are you sure you don't want to go into the Annex whilst we are here?", he says pointing at the building in front of them. "It might be quite a trek to come back, and our journey continues the opposite side of town".
"I would suggest splitting up, but I think it safer to stay together this time".