Doing a quick lap through the neighborhood, walking under a crisp, clear autumn sky, Yeshil is not able to find any sellers with bacon on offer but she is able to procure a dozen croissants and a big wineskin full of piping hot Tethyrian breakfast tea.  The wineskin is stamped with a statement that it is made with 100% recycled materials, whatever that means.

[4sp, 5cp]

Back at the office, Jararaka looks at the bread and tea with a dissatisfied look, and advises she is off to hunt something heartier for breakfast.  She also declines to participate in the day's shopping trip.  Patting her shield, she adds, "Ny'rath has come through for me lately, and I think he expects something in return.  He seems to be wholly unknown in this city, so I'm off to do a little... what do you soft-skins call it?  Evangelizing?"  She shrugs.  "I'll make sure to meet you at the Low Lantern for the party tonight.  After all this, I owe myself a treat."

With that she departs on her own business for the day.

The young blonde half-elf on the sofa keeps reading the journal, having some difficulties to focus, maybe too tired for that but her curiosity keeps her going. She shifts on the sofa to find more comfortable positions, excitedly answering Yeshil with what she has found out so far from the journal, but more quietly as the others tucks in for the night, giving Jirel a slightly concerned look as she rolls over to sleep. As the others go to sleep, Tylaerys would use her sending stone to report of the team's progress to her Harper handler and hoping for help or instructions. As the last person in the team, Tylaerys finally falls asleep on the sofa.

As she wakes up the next morning Tylaerys quickly sits up in the sofa as she sees the dark-skinned woman, but it doesn't take long for her to realize it is simply Finn's latest guise. When Yeshil returns with the hot coffee and the croissants, the young blonde half-elf would eagerly take part of it, giving Jararaka a wave as the lizardfolk left. While enjoying the fresh croissanst and the coffee, Tylaerys then starts to brief the others on her findings from the journal Yeshil had found.

The excerpts fom the journal again for those interested. :-)

 "I believe we heard about Lady Rezmir even back in the hidden cult camp south of Greenest. I'm curious over who these hunters are, could they be referring to us or do we have unknown allies in our endeavour to oppose the cult. With the way we decimated the cult ranks last night maybe we will at least face less of a threat on the road ahead." The young blonde half-elf starts to comment on her own findings while taking another croissant. "And the distrust and fear of being left behind festering in the cult might work to our advantage ahead." She adds after a while.

Tylaerys would soon be ready to head out and to enjoy the festival while looking for art during the day although she would want to find the opportunity to freshen up and change to her green dress before dinner with Volo.

Tylaerys:

     Finn notes the reactions to her new face and the thought crosses her mind that perhaps she is being selfish.  Some appear to be amused by the changes of her appearance, others to not care at all.  But Finn thinks she senses at least a little apprehension about it and the occurs to her that maybe her 'disguises' help protect her from identification by those who would wish them ill but it does nothing for the others.  Is she being selfish?  Should she adopt one look and stick with it so as to fit in with everyone else and take the same risks they must?  

     "Maybe she's just paranoid," Finn says and she chews on the thought and a croissant.  "This Rezmir.  I mean we don't know how big the cult is so we can't really know if our actions are enough to be noticed or not?  So she could just be paranoid and think she's hunted.  Like the writer seems paranoid about being abandoned... Maybe paranoia is a cult thing?"

     Finn isn't sure if that makes much sense or not, she was more lost in her own thoughts and heard herself responding to a comment before she even knew what the comment was.  So lost in her own head that her face changes yet again...  He doesn't even notice when it happens.  It's not until he gets up to move around a bit that he notices his change in center of gravity and other subtle hints.  "Sorry," he says in a voice he hasn't heard in a while and tries to laugh it off.  Once again he adjusts his clothes, mentally chastising himself and telling himself to stop changing!

The young blonde half-elf's lips quirks into a smile as Finn suggests the cult is merely paranoid. "Yes, you are probably right, I tend to get a bit over enthusiastic at times, you might have noticed." Her silvery eyes then watches with fascination as the shapechanger changes shape in front of her and the others, almost gawking in the end over the weird sight. "I'm sorry..." She says as she realizes she's been staring. "...it's just that I've never actually seen you take a new form like that. It seems so effortless when you do it, so impressive." She says with a sincere smile.

     "Heh, oops," Finn says in reply.  "Wow, that totally slipped...  I haven't stumbled like that since I was a kid.  I usually try to do it in private.  But I'll be sticking to this one for a while I think."

     With that Finn busies himself with re-packing his bag and cleaning up from breakfast and such.  "So first on the agenda?  I still think we can just buy a carriage full of old crates and straw to pack in and we should more or less be good.  Maybe a couple stray things for right on top but if someone besides a tax agent is digging through them chances are the jig is up no matter what."

Yeah, there could be other hunters, no doubt... Yeshil agrees with Tylaerys a little too quickly. She doesn't elaborate on that point, but turns to other information from the journal:

It says they left with some VIP prisoners. It's not much, but it's the only thing we have to a possible lead on either Frulam Mondath or any missing Red Wizards.

Also, it mentions this 'mission'. Is that the same as their 'cause' to see the Dragon Queen rise ascendant? Or is the mission something more specific? And what use is treasure in the cause? Are they going to buy the Dragon Queen? Haha! Maybe they .... WHOA!!

Yeshil stops talking as Finn changes, and gawks unabashedly at the effortless change before blurting out a series of questions at once:

Does it hurt at all when you do that? How do you even know what you look like? How do your clothes change too? So are you actually a...

Yeshil cuts off her last question, as a slight red blush colours her green face.

Er... I'm gonna go find Erinyavash... let her know what we've learned so far.

And with that Yeshil turns and walks up the stairs...

The young blonde half-elf gives Yeshil a curious glance as she agrees with her about other hunters. She knew she was naïve about many things yet, but she was still able to read others better than most. She simply nods in agreement with what the green girl mentions about Mondath and red wizards being part of the VIP prisoners that had already left the city. It seemed clear now that following the transport of treasure north to Naerytar would be their best course of action, and Finn was probably right about them not needing to find art for the journey, it seemed unlikely they would be found out that way, it was more likely they would be recognized but as long as they found Naerytar it would not really matter. They were the hunters now, and the cultists were their elusive prey.

"So, should we allow ourselves to take a break from being heroes and enjoy the festival today then, or do we have other leads to follow up on before we  dine with the illustrious Volo tonight?" Tylaerys asks with a hint of excitement in her tone.


(To be clear, I'm fine with narrating and handwaving the festival even if Tylaerys would likely enjoy it :-)

     Finn has to pause a moment and think on Yeshil's questions but takes them in stride.  "Hurt?  No.  It's really just like moving an arm or your fingers, I suppose.  Sometimes feel a bit stiff if I hold a new look for too long... But hold it long enough and it just becomes a memory and reflex.  I don't suppose I know what I look like, not fully, until I look into a mirror.  Looks I have memorized are memorized, I guess, but a new look... If I want to be exact a mirror does help.  But it's also a bit like scratching an itch with your eyes closed - You just kind of know where your pieces are and can find them, if that makes sense?"  Finn wasn't sure he was explaining it exactly right, it was all so automatic and natural to him, but that should be close enough... "But yes, I am actually a Changeling.  We generally try to not show off to others but...  Hard when we're around the same people all the time."

((Note - Clothes / gear not changing, it is an easy way for you all to recognize Finn if you focus on that stuff instead of the face.  I usually add a bit about 'adjusting' the clothes to mean wearing them differently or a different selection than previously.  Tucking in or buttoning or unbuttoning - I imagine one who changing their face so easily knows some tricks on how to wear the same shirt a couple different ways...))

     "Well we should spend some bit of time buying crates or such so we have something on the wagon," Finn notes, "and we should keep our eyes and ears open for whatever the day may bring, but a festival does sound fun... and a great place to mingle and listen for suspicious comments and keep an eye out for the cult tattoos we've seen."  Finn suggests that even if we join the caravan mostly empty we could always make up a story to explain away any questions - We got robbed of the gold to buy goods and now have to return to face the music, or something.  

((Note 2- If we're not going with the cult silver story, which I don't really remember the details of, were we going to claim to be cultists? But if we're not then we should color up the silver to something more portable so Jirel doesn't have to carry a Santa Sack of it around everywhere...))

Jirel never liked the group splitting up, but she respected Jararaka's choice to go indulge in some 'Evangelism', and would give her a nod of 'see you later' prior to her departure.

It wasn't unusual for Jirel to not say a word, especially when she's eating out. Now that doesn't mean she's entirely quiet, but she does let the others do most, if not, all of the talking. Honey hues would follow along while her hands and mouth busied themselves with her generous breakfast. She'd look quite thoughtful during quite a few parts of the conversation, mostly when the Little One would speak up and summarize things simply in ways easier for her to understand. First there was her reiterating that there could be other hunters when Finn wondered their impact. They were both two points worth mulling over. Next was the musings about 'mission' and 'cause'. A part of her hoped those were one and the same, and not two separate problems, further expanding their list. She really did wonder how, and what, the Little One experienced with those cultists on her own.

However, when things would vere a bit off course due to Finn's open shapeshifting, Jirel would chuff when everyone else would respond in vocal awe. She knew deep down it was cool and wondrous, but she was unable to appreciate it for what it was. Not until the Little One started peppering Finn with questions that'd prompt her... him... them into openly share that vulnerable part of themself. The giantess' grumbling would finally stop, feeling herself learning something new and opening her eyes to a whole new perspective. It may have been something simple or seemingly insignificant, but it was impactful, bringing a level of understanding that finally brought visible tension relief in Jirel's otherwise guarded body language.

No longer hangry, and now feeling a little remorseful, Jirel was softened. Maybe even thinking more clearly. At this point, she still didn't care much about the cart fillings. She was fine with using and carrying the silver originally provided as it. Truthfully she still felt responsible for it, and intended to return it, or at least equal value, to those who lent it to them. It was also really hard for her to be patient with the weight of 'inevitable doom' hovering over her head and look forward to these 'casual' outings, but she was wise enough to understand their importance and usefulness, and that certain someone(s) did look forward to them... She'll clear her throat and state, "We'll go to the festival."

All of Baldur's Gate is busy with preparations for Highharvestide.  The actual holiday with its parades and feasts isn't for 4 more days (you'll miss it, unfortunately) but there is still much to see and do.  Just in your wanderings through the city so far, you would have heard about:

• Samples!  In preparation for the Highharvestide feasts, cooks and bakers are busy getting their recipes just right.  There are several plazas and squares in the city where small plates of meats, deserts and more are available for a single copper, provided the guests are willing and able to provide some feedback on the taste.  Many of these events are capped off with an eating contest of some kind.
• Games!  Throughout the city, booths of carnival games have been set up to delight the young and old.  Think you can toss a ring onto a bottle?  Snatch a fish out of a barrel?  Ring the bell with a mighty hammer-swing?  Then step right up!
• Contests!  The Wide market in the Upper City is host to a variety of contests each day.  There are physical tests, such as lifting stones and races, as well as more artistic competitions like poetry and painting contests.
• Shopping!  The Wide market, at all times, is one of the best sources to find furs, perfumes, and every other luxury good to be found across the continent and beyond.  Now, with the city packed to the gills for the festival, there is never a better time to shop!  Enochlophobes be warned... the Wide is a crowded place.  Be prepared to spend time there if you hope to see everything on offer!

Yeshil

     Samples!  Yes, please!  Finn Ol'Gren is more than happy to fill his belly and give his commentary.  Ten coppers are easily spent on trying various trifles and delicacies. Even once his belly is full he'll keep an eye out for samples and look to buy those which seem they will hold up a day or two, using his sleight of hand and deception skills to put these into a pouch and pretend to have eaten them.  Always good to have something for the road besides rations.  Even if just for the first day or two...

     Games!  Finn keeps an eye on the games and looks for those he believes he can beat.  Strength based games are not his strong suit but he's open to trying his hand at those suited for a dextrous hand...  

     Contests!  These are of course of interest to Finn.  Again he'll eschew the contests of strengths but will happily recite against any and is open to any contest where his charm and wit can be of assistance.

     Shopping!  Finn does have some things he is specially looking to purchase.  They seem to be putting their lives in danger semi-regularly so healing potions are of course on his list though he is unsure they'd be a staple of a festival...  But clothes very well may be.  He's looking for a variety of shirts and cloaks - A couple different designs and colors so as to make his altering his appearance able to be more than just the face and body.  
     Finn would also keep an eye out for anything and everything.  He generally has a critical eye for anything sold at a festival, generally it's cheaper quality at higher prices than normal, but there are also always hidden gems and people unaware of what they really have...  So he'd peek in here, there and everywhere even if he had no real purchase planned.  (Knickknacks, armorer, whatever.  Never know when someone is selling a magical doohicky they don't know is magical or a silvered blade is being sold dirt cheap for some reason...)

     Pilfering?  Finn will of course keep an eye out for exceptionally distracted festival goers who seem to have heavy coin purses or stalls with sellers not keeping a sharp eye on their wares.  Finn also has a willingness to steal this or that if the opportunity seems inviting.  

     Mostly, Finn is looking to have some fun while there is fun to be had.  To spend some time with the others in a more relaxed and non-deadly atmosphere.  They haven't had too much of that...

Any normal child would be ecstatic with the amount of distractions on offer to see and do, but Yeshil had not been a normal child and had been forced to grow up too quickly. As she walks the streets with her adult companions, who themselves seem able to shed their adult cares and enjoy the festivities like children (looking at you, Finn), Yeshil finds herself preoccupied with adult thoughts. She samples some food with mild curiosity, but has little interest in the games and contests. The only thing that truly sparks her interest is if she locates any book sellers; books have always been her friends, and the prospect of facing a long caravan journey demands taking some engaging books to pass the quiet hours on the road. And in this, what little of the child in her remains is made evident, as she seems equally interested in story books as she does in more mundane topics.

As the group wanders the streets, Yeshil tends to hang close to Jirel, with something on her mind. Eventually, when she thinks she is out of earshot of the other two, Yeshil opens up:

Hey, Jirel. Um... in all your travels... you're a warrior so maybe you would know... um, did you ever hear about a... uh... a fighting mouse? Like a larger than normal mouse, but smaller than like halfling-sized, and wearing clothes and a hat, but fights with a sword...?

Without Jararaka, Jirel was now the tallest, and with the addition of the Little One, the she had her work cut out for her to keep an eye on all of her companions. She was always alert, never letting her guard down regardless of where she went. There was plenty to keep an eye out for, such as any of those faces from the parchment, and more specifically, her brother. The image of destruction was burned into her memory. It wasn’t something easy to forget. Despite her guard, the giantess wouldn’t discourage any of her companions from doing what they want to do. She’d go along with every stop, doing it without a grumble of complaint, and even participating when asked. What better way to sift through people than floating through a festival crowd? Maybe even lure them out…

Jirel would focus on scanning the crowds while they went about. Naturally, she’d be all about the free samples. She’d grunt and give the Little One nudges at every stop to take one even if she didn’t want it. “Try it. Don’t like it, I eat it.” Yes, Jirel had ulterior motives, but it was good for both of them! She’d bat her honey hues at Tylaerys for anything she couldn’t finish and hold out her hand expectantly for any of Finn’s potential undesirables. The giantess would also spend all her copper change on the feedback foods. For each one she’d buy, she’d also tip them a copper. Of course she’d purchase a few extras of ones she liked, stashing her bag with some for later. However, she’d show no interest in participating in the eating contests. At most, she’d scan the contestants for any ‘familiar’ faces.

Games? Well Jirel would take a crack at swinging a hammer to test her strength. Hopefully she wasn’t too stiff or regressing without her usual discipline to her training regiment. It’d be a good warm up to start the day. She’d check out a few other contestants while there too.

Contest? For lifting stones? It sounded like a great work out to break up the day, and another opportunity to scout out the area.

Shopping? At first Jirel wouldn’t show much personal interest. Instead she’d start by watching the others, not only to see how it was done, but also curious of what may catch their eye and/or be of interest. The more time they’d spend there, the more curious she’d get. Watching Finn graze through all the fabrics and outfits, and Tylaerys too, Jirel briefly wondered if she’d ever try something formal, or different. But she wouldn’t even know where to start for herself. Where she was more comfortable, was in the gear department. Seeing the natural materials and furs she wondered if there was anything that could bolster her speed/defence. She also caught herself wondering if there were any blades worth her attention. And did they have a good reliable bag that had good capacity?

“A fighting mouse?” Jirel’s attention is peeled away from her snack when the Little One would address her one on one. “Wearing clothes, a hat and fights with a sword?” She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand and looks thoughtful for some time, so much so her brows knit. It’d take a little while, maybe almost to the point that Yeshil may even think Jirel was going to brush it off, but she’d eventually start to share her thoughts out loud. “Well, I don’t know ‘bout no small halfling-sized mouse in that gear.” She admits but then she starts to rub her chin. “But you know Little One,” She pauses for a moment before continuing. “We did have a feline party member that may have wore gear like you described. Name was Cheddar.” The giantess shares. “An’ he had a mouse friend teh boot. So at most I could say I met a mouse of a fighter. Had a name too.” It was on the tip of her tongue. “Cicero?”  

CICERO! That's it! Yeshil blurts out far too loudly, before reigning her excitement back in and glancing around to see if she'd been overheard. I mean... okay... so don't tell the others, but... I didn't fight all those cultists myself. Cicero was there. There was no feline creature, but there was this old man who hummed magical tunes. Yeshil stops to see if that registers anything with Jirel. So yeah there are others on the trail of the cultists, besides us. They didn't stick around to talk though.

Tylaerys gladly wanders the city of Baldur's gate with the others through the day, cheering Finn and Jirel on in any game or contest they would indulge in, picking up samples of the best edibles the city had to offer, desserts in particular, and being fairly cosmopolitan the half-elf quickly recognizes what to taste and what to ignore. She is more than willing to share what she collects with the blonde giantess in particular, although she doesn't seem to mind the batting of honey hues, happy to keep Jirel and her belly in a pleasant mood while the blonde giantess scouted the surroundings from her vantage view of the crowd.

She knows she has spent all her earnings on shopping already but the young blonde half-elf can't help but eye-shop a bit, looking around for beautiful things in the market places and even some small exclusive boutiques where she tries to have the others join her, coming with suggestions and opinions on what the others should reward themselves with, particularly the green girl whose good looks would easily be brought out better with the right attire. With Jirel she is unsure where to find clothes in the right size so she instead suggests tasteful jewelry for the goliath to spoil herself with.  Although she won't be able to purchase anything for herself she would insist on Jirel watching as she shows up in different tasteful dresses she found, clearly hoping for compliments, seeming only too happy to for just one day not be a harper agent on an important mission against a dire threat to the realms. It is likely when Tylaerys visits yet another small exclusive boutique that Yeshil finally catches Jirel alone for a chat.

     Finn is determined to find everyone two new cloaks.  New to them, at least, she's not above shopping for slightly used...  She wants everyone to have a traveling cloak of a different color than they already have, but a plain rather neutral color - Something they could swap into quickly just to confuse any description that may be given.  It may not be as confusing for one as tall and distinctive as Jirel but still if one is looking for a giant in a grey cloak they may just see the green cloak and move on.  The other cloak she wants for each is indeed something bright, distinctive, colorful or fanciful.  Sometimes standing out is the perfect way to not be noticed.  Nobody thinks the Half-Elf in the silver cloak with dark swirls is trying to hide, for example...

     With Tylaerys obviously looking for and at more fancy clothes, the thought does occur to Finn that they have to meet the wizard for dinner tonight.  They shouldn't show up looking like schlubs.  Finn isn't exactly flush but he does have fifty-ish gold about him and he decides they should all have something new to wear for tonight.  Not as fancy as Tlyaerys would like, perhaps, but clean and presentable at least... And if an item or two gets accidentally collected amongst their purchases instead of what needs to go back onto the rack... Ooops, these things happen.

Yeshil certainly isn't socially conscious enough to think of new clothes herself, or of the need to "dress up" for dinner tonight, but goes along with Finn's suggestions without complaint, and even contributes the coin necessary for purchases. The idea of hiding in plain sight wasn't lost on Yeshil, who preferred her white robe for that reason (feeling also that it made her look more academic) rather than the classic black cloak that just screamed "I'm up to no good". Perhaps a full brown or grey cloak for travelling would suffice and be sufficiently different from the white wizard robe. And if necessary for appearances, she might just be convinced to wear a dress... As long as it's not pink and frilly, or form fitting, or revealing in any way. Neck to ankles please, with a bonnet if possible. 

---------------------

(I laughed too hard and too long at the word 'schlubs')

• Samples!  The party meanders their way - sometimes close together, sometimes further apart - though the streets and squares of Baldur's Gate, taking advantage of the discounted snacks and sampler plates available.  The quality of the bakers and chefs vary remarkably, with the samples from more well-known culinary artists having substantial lines to wait in.  Less well-known food makers have more easily accessible snacks, with less reliable results.  You get to visit the entire continental tableau of flavors available in the Realsms:  there are...
  • Devils food cake, a dense and heavy cake made using the blood of devils that is fortified using ground bone devil horn. This cake has a sweet fiery cinnamon aftertaste that leaves the eater wanting for more.
  • Troll Rolls are warm basil rolls, jarred with melted honey butter and sugared bacon.
  • Goodberry Biscuit are, a light, flaky, buttery biscuit infused with goodberry juice and drenched in a sweet sugary glaze.
  • Vagrant’s Cake, a recipe said to be passed down from Druid to Druid; barley flour, berries, sugar, eggs, goat butter and water, mixed finely and baked until golden. The cakes are sweet and nutritious, perfect for short, day-long journeys.
  • Plump-Helm Roast is a unique pie, filled to the brim with minced and liquefied Plump-Helmet mushrooms. The subterranean fungus is rather sweet (which allows it to be brewed into alcohol, among other things), which makes the pie a rather addictive mix of sweet and savory. The chef sampling this pairs with a variety of potent dwarven cheeses - all agree that the Sundabar Gruyere pairs best.
  • Red rolls are bread made with pig's blood instead of water, and stuffed with boiled pig stomach or intestine. Very nourishing and not as bad as it sounds, if a bit smelly.
  • Small balls of fried bread that are soaked in pistachio-flavored syrup.
  • Gnoll Gnuckle Sandwiches (Technically they're pig knuckles, but the chef is very branding-conscious and looking to attract attention).  The sandwiches themselves are said to be so large, they can satiate even the endless hunger of Yeenoghu's brood, though the sample sizes leave that up to the imagination. 
  • Tartines made with spicy sausage and blistered tomatoes.
  • Monkey's tail, which is a coil of thin pretzel-like bread that is boiled in soda ash, topped with salt and pepper, and then baked.
  • An upscale take on Miner's pasties, which are typically made with meat and potatoes in one end, jam in the other, and a thick crust 'handle' on one side that is designed to be grabbed with coal-black hands and thrown away after.
  • Black ooze bread pudding is an acrid smelling, albeit surprisingly sweet, bread pudding that tastes of cinnamon licorice.
  • So many pies!  Fruit Pies (apple, blackberry, blueberry, elderberry, strawberry, gooseberry) adorns with ornate patterns in the top crust; Pumpkin pie, a creamy orange desert that is best served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream; Sweet Potato Pie is a staple of many households during holiday celebrations. Often topped with a powdering or hardened glaze of brown sugar.
• Games and Contests!  
  • Finn:  Walking amongst the various games and activities on offer, you find that many are of the decidedly un-fair varierty.  Ring toss games where the rings are only micrometers wide than the bottle necks they are to be tossed onto, dart games where the darts are all inadequately weighted, etc.  But you do find one game that sounds almost too ridiculous not to try... "Is it a Mimic?"  A booth is mocked up to resemble the interior of a small general store.  Inside, the shelves and barrels are full of all manner of items (bottles, cans, ropes, hammers, nails, hard tack, animal feed, candles, etc).  Somewhere, amidst all these items, a mimic has been hidden.  For the price of one gold coin each, a group of 10 participants are allowed to enter the shop together.  They have 60 seconds to examine the items and call out the mimic.  No touching is allowed, and anyone who grabs the mimic is disqualified and the game resets.  Each person is allowed to call out only one item.  Only the first person to call out the correct item wins.  If someone wins, or if the time runs out without a winner, the gamekeepers draw the current, move them mimic and reset the shop until the next game.  Does Finn want to play?  It will cost 1 gp.  [Make a Perception check if you wish to play.   If Finn has any unique strategy, describe it.  It may impact the difficulty of the check.]
  • Jirel:  The hammer swing is quite straight-forward.  There is a springed bellows attached to a pump.  Participants strike the bellows with a sledgehammer, while the pump propels an iron bearing up a pipe toward a bell.  It costs 1sp to play.  [Please make an athletics check.  If you wish to expend a Rage, you can make the check with advantage.]
  • Jirel:  The stones competition is a little more involved.  Each participant must lift three round stones, one at a time, up onto pedestals.  The stones range from medium-sized, to large-sized, to L4-L5 Herniation sized.  A representative from the Temple of Gond records the time with a pocket watch, and the fastest participant to lift all three stones shall win a special prize from the temples of Gond, Tymora and Umberlee.  There is no entry fee, as they trust the size of the stones to scare off any unworthy participants.  [Make three Athletics check, in order, with the first being at advantage, the second straight, and the last at disadvantage.  If you wish to expend another rage, you can make the first and second at advantage, and the last straight.  To win the competition, you need to achieve a total of 60 or greater on those 3 rolls.]

[I will get the shopping and pickpocketing business up later, as time allows.]