"Oh, I'm sorry.," Spira replies as she checks herself in her rush. "Guess I'm too used to bureaucracy. I thought that since their specialty is security, the Sharnshields would also perform that function for the Harpells within the Ivy Mansion."
Colin smiles good-naturedly at the tiefling cleric's mistake: "Oh, wonderful, no, absolutely not... The Sharnshield family may take care of 'physical' security in the hamlet, but as far as 'magical' security is concerned, the Harpells don't delegate, they deal with that matter independently, both in Longsaddle and, even more so, in their own mansion".
"Anyway," he becomes interested, "which teleportation circle are you talking about? Undoubtedly, any unguarded access point would be a potential threat to the Harpells... so, depending on what suits you best, whether glory or confidentiality, we should either eliminate that threat discreetly… or involve the Harpells by alerting them”.
Aidwyn notices that thumb-upper-apprentice Dick, for some reason, had never completely lost sight of you all; so he may be willing to go and call some important member of the Harpell family if you want to alert them now to the potential security breach...
After Aidwyn talks to Dick, the young apprentice is quick to contact a... musician? No, the man with disheveled gray hair who was making the sound of an orchestra, brightening the mood, was doing it with magic... he must be a Harpell. The man listens, mutters, makes a theatrical gesture with his hand... the apprentice waits a few moments, not even a minute... after which, a woman suddenly materializes next to him; a woman of advanced age, as the wrinkles and completely white hair suggest, but certainly of great prestige also, given the elegant dress, played on purple and gold colours... and given the fact that everyone immediately turns to look at her.
Dick talks to her, points to you, she approaches you...
"It's a pleasure to meet the new heroes of our times" she greets you with a polite and measured nod, extending a hand towards you which Colin quickly brings to his lips and kisses. "I'm Penelope Harpell".
Roxana:
You know her by reputation: she is the most powerful Harpell alive today, the true backbone of the family in these times.
Rash:
You remember that around 1484 DR this famous she-wizard was involved in contrasting the magic of the drow associated with the Darkening, a spell that cast shadows over the Silver Marches in preparation for the drow and orc invasion of that land starting in 1484 DR which came to be known as the War of the Silver Marches.
"I am told that, not content with having rendered an important service to the Sharnshield family, as well as having made possible what can only be defined as a miracle, you are now here because you could be rendering a service to us? Are you aware of a potential risk for the safety of the Mansion?”
Colin, apparently in awe of this evidently very important figure, is happy to keep quiet and let you speak, while you have the gray eyes - and all the attention - of this distinguished lady on you...
Roxana, who had been slowly drinking the lively wine Gaer had ordered, stood up as she sees Dick pointing out the group to this woman. She then stands when the wizard approaches. "It is an honor to meet you."
She pauses, glancing at Spira, wondering if she'd be better to explain. Or how much she wanted to reveal to the Harpell's. At this point, she figures there's no way to really explain without disclosing most of what they know.
"The short explanation of this possible risk is we discovered a teleportation circle that was once linked to the Ivy Mansion. It is in the hills to the south of Longsaddle. I'm sure we could provide directions," Roxana explains.
"We discovered a location where Klyth Harpell had done research." She gives Ardjena a glance. "You might say, this woman has uncanny historical knowledge of that era, and has information that the circle there was linked here in the past."
"Oh, the infallible Longsaddle archer!" Penelope replies to Roxana "I heard about how you broke the Mystical Seal that kept the Radiant Angel of the Resurrection imprisoned by shooting an arrow from almost 200' away, through quite a congested batllefield... It is an honor for me too to meet you and the valiant companions you have led to success" (probably, the rumors that are spreading in Longsaddle unduly assign a predominant role to the heroine who was born in the hamlet itself). "I have emanated my light and I am not yet extinguished, but I am still the sunset... while you are the dawn".
“Kylth Harpell?” the woman frowns, trying to remember "This member of our house eludes my memory... yet, if he could link a circle of teleportation to a permanent one in our Mansion, he must have been an important member. How many years ago did he live?" she turns her gray eyes towards Ardjena, since you have indicated her as the greatest expert on that historical period...
The young apprentice does her best not to reveal too much when answering, but Penelope, like a good wizard, becomes more and more interested as details related to arcane knowledge emerge. The girl with the freckles tries to satick to the role of a history enthusiast of 1250 (and of Kylth in particular), avoiding mentioning her participation in the events and even the recovered texts, but otherwise she finds herself practically forced to describe what Kylth he did in his laboratory and how the teleportation circle was linked to the other personal laboratory that Kylth had at the Mansion at the time.
"Our heroes did not exaggerate..." Penelope seems impressed "You are truly extraordinarily knowledgeable about that historical period, Ardjena - and in particular about this dark figure in our family. The feared danger does not exist, fortunately, because there is no longer any Kylth laboratory at the Mansion... so the link was probably broken in the process - or now leads to some remote demiplane of existence - but certainly not here anymore. The Mansion changes much faster and much more drastically than any other building you can imagine - except" she sighs "perhaps a house of cards. Anyway, it has been a pleasure to listen to you... you narrate things with the same engaging tone that you could use if they I had experienced it firsthand. You must have studied all this with your heart not less than with your mind. It's nice to see so much enthusiasm in such a young girl... you'll probably go far in what you like to accomplish".
"I've always had an excellent memory..." Ardjena blushes, lowering her eyes in embarrassment "And as for the rest, I thank you, I will do my best to make my master proud. He deserves at least this, my K..." she finds the time to correct herself at the last moment "...Colin, my Mr. Colin Dreekan, who accepted me as his apprentice".
The Harpells' lady raises an eyebrow questioningly, probably sensing that there is something she isn't being told, and turns to the middle-aged wizard, who now looks uncomfortable himself: "Really, Mr. Dreekan? In these intense days of study with us, have you also found the time to evaluate (and accept) Miss Lambys' candidacy?"
"Miss Lambys was looking for a mentor who would help her to better exploit the talents that you too, honored Penelope, seems to have intuited..." Colin plays nervously with his fingers "And then... Oh, wonderful, I humbly offered myself for this role, fearing that other more important members of the esteemed Harpell family, although certainly more qualified than me, may not have time (or interest) for that".
"You seem good at evaluating people, Mr. Dreekan" Penelope smiles "and you also seem like a sensitive and generous person... Ardjena will probably be well as your apprentice..." and she then turns to fix her gray eyes on the face of the carrot-haired girl "...unless she prefers to become mine".
The young apprentice opens her eyes wide, surprised and flattered... Even though she comes from another time - and therefore has never heard of Penelope, it hasn't escaped her notice how everyone treats her with deference... it's now clear to her too which prominent figure the old wizard must be.
"I..." her voice barely escapes her lips "I am flattered, my lady. If you really want to offer me this opportunity, I will be happy to accept and I will do everything to make you proud of me, no less than I would have done for Mr. Dreekan, whose kindness and concern I still thank".
(OOC: If you want to continue the conversation with Penelope or Ardjena or Colin go ahead... otherwise we can assume that Penelope leaves your table at some point - followed by her new apprentice - you say goodbye to Colin - just decide if you actually want to sell to him magic texts or not - and go get the gems appraised and probably sold, I suppose...)
As the Harpell matriarch rises, Quspira bows her head respectfully. Whatever her knowledge of the wizardly world may be, the signs of exalted rank are unmistakable to the sergeant in her, as are the signs that rank is well earned and backed by power and authority. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. We're honored that you chose to deal with this matter personally. And Ardjena has been very helpful to us, so I am delighted you've taken her on as an apprentice."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"Oh, you understand, Sergeant Inirali, as I am now like the grandmother of this large and somewhat chaotic family," Penelope smiles at Spira "it seemed appropriate to take care of the 'housekeeping' myself. And as for Ardjena, yes, I see there's something special in her, I see the spark... I'm sure she will repay me amply for the time I spend teaching her".
"Yeah," Colin mutters, perhaps a little disappointed "I have the same impression".
"Can you explain something to me, though, Sergeant Inirali?" the gray eyes of the elderly wizard light up with curiosity "The rumors that spread in Longsaddle speak of your amazing feat... but none of them concern Ardjena. Yet you are telling me that Ardjena has been very helpful... which I can't help but to believe... How is that? Why doesn't anyone talk about her contribution to Mister Stamkris' return from the realm of the dead?"
A bit embarrassed by the grand tale that seems to have reached the Harpell matriarch, Roxana fumbkes a bit on a response. "Well... infallable... that's... I mean, I take pride in my marksmanship. But it's nothing more than any other bowman here in Longsaddle might accomplish. But I didn't... uh... I'd say the stories are a little exaggerated."
After the turn of Ardjena accepting Penelope's offer of apprenticeship, Roxana steps over to Colin to speak quietly to him. She leaves Spira to answer about Ardjena. "Lady Harpell did ask her directly. I just hope she uses some discretion to allow Ardjena to reveal her own story as she wishes,' she thinks.
"Colin, I'm sorry Ardjena didn't choose to stay your apprentice. But I'm sure you agree that learning from Lady Harpell was too great an honor to pass up." She places a hand comfortingly on his shoulder for a moment. "I am sure if you wish to have an apprentice, you'll find one soon." With a grin she then adds, "The way we keep gathering up people, we're bound to find yet another potential apprentice soon enough. We'll certainly recommend you highly." She gives the wizard a slight laugh, hoping he doesn't feel too bad about the situation.
She waits for Penelope to finish speaking and leave. Then Roxana says, "We will still sell the materials to Colin?" She looks primarily to Rash, then the others for their opinions.
"Oh, wonderful!" smiles Colin at Roxana's offer "But it's not that I'm desperately looking for apprentices, to tell the truth... I offered myself in the case of Ardjena because she seemed to the girl needed one... but if she attracted the attention of the awesome Penelope Harpell, the wizard who contributed more than anyone to counteract the magic of the drow associated with the Darkening during the War of the Silver Marches, certainly the most skilled and powerful Harpell wizard currently alive, I can understand the girl if she chose to take advantage of this new unexpected opportunity".
"But thank you," the middle-aged wizard smiles again at the girl from Longsaddle "for taking care of my possibly wounded pride. It was kind of you... Oh, wonderful, I'll remember this".
"You are very welcome Colin. You've been nothing but helpful to us," Roxana replies before sitting back down next to Gaer. She take another sip from her wine glass as she waits to see what they'll do with Kylth's research.
Gaer, who in the meantime has emptied his mug of beer, smiles at Roxana when she returns to his side and, without taking his eyes off her, murmurs: "So, you've also impressed the Harpell Grandmother and the Helpful Diviner! In your lifetime, you'll certainly have no shortage of admirers; I'll really have to watch out for the competition..."
"Kids these days, no loyalty," Rash chuckles as Ardjena decides to abandon Colin (after she's out of earshot, and it's clearly said in jest... though he does genuinely feel a bit bad for Colin). "By the way, how's Blinn doing? I really should stop by and say 'hello' while we're here."
(I think Rash has already made his opinion known on the books, he's more than happy to sell them to the friendly diviner)
"I may have impressed some people - but I doubt I've got admirers," Roxana says. She then gives the Tiefling a grin. "Though if you want to think there's competition, then you'll just have to do your best to make me happy, won't you?" She gives him a big smile then finishes off her wine. "Are we settled on the books and ready to go?"
"Blinn? Oh, wonderful" Colin reflects, replying to Rash. "The last time I saw him, he was going to his laboratory to experiment with a new set of spells. You are familiar with the Unseen Servant, aren't you? Well, this morning, when I met Blinn, he was terribly perplexed that only a 'Servant' could be 'Unseen'... You know how Blinn is, always overflowing with unanswered questions... He was wondering why no one had ever developed an 'Unseen Warrior' spell, or an 'Unseen' Wizard', or an 'Unseen Noble'... and whether this was related to the fact that the lower classes are by their very nature 'Unseen'. I think he is currently in his laboratory investigating this promising branch of magic" it is clear, from the tone of voice and the slight smile, that the middle-aged wizard instead believes that the half-orc arcanist is devoting strength and attention to a matter that is not worthy of it. "But he'll probably be happy to ask you for your opinion - or maybe help - about it... Probably, if you ask Dick - who I don't know why but he still doesn't take his eyes off us - he'll take you to the lab".
Meanwhile, Gaer gradually moves his chair even closer to Roxana and puts his arm around her shoulders; when she puts down the now empty glass of wine, she finds those starless-night eyes so close to hers, looking at her, while his lips come closer to hers, murmuring: "Challenge accepted" and then looking for hers to a kiss...
After some time, the tiefling is also ready to move on to the next step: evaluating the rest of the loot.
"Ready to go!" he approves.
Before you leave, Colin pays you 140gp as agreed for the dark arcane knowledge recovered from Kylth's Planar Prison.
In Longsaddle you actually have no difficulty getting the gems you found valued; so the overall loot is:
- In Level 1, Mhurren's chest: 1500cp, 900sp, 40gp, a translucent striped red gem (Banded agate - 10gp), an opaque gray-black gem (Hematite - 10gp) and an opaque striated light and dark green gem (Malachite - 10gp).
- In Level 2, Heads and hands room: 24cp, 18sp and two opaque black gems (Obsidians - 10gp each)
- In Level 2, at a dead end: a Component Pouch (market value of 25 gp)
- In Level 2, in the respective flag's rooms: 6 Kylth's Yellow Flags + 6 Kylth's Purple Flags (can be sold - you now have enough contacts in the Ivy Mansion to find out that they can be worth 50gp each)
- In Level 3, libraries: various tomes of Arcane Knowledge (sold to Colin for 140gp)
- In Level 3, Kylth's room: magical scroll (you now have enough contacts in the Ivy Mansion to discover that it is a "Protection from Evil and Good" scroll)
- In Level 3, Big room: Oil of Slipperiness (found and kept by Roxana) the magic scimitar Sixefsag (kept by Gaer) precious metal or gem fragments (for a total value of 15gp)
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"Spira, the Ivy Mansion is the Harpell's Mansion. Not the Sharnshield's," Roxana points out, trying to catch her before she goes after Thia.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"Oh, I'm sorry.," Spira replies as she checks herself in her rush. "Guess I'm too used to bureaucracy. I thought that since their specialty is security, the Sharnshields would also perform that function for the Harpells within the Ivy Mansion."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Colin smiles good-naturedly at the tiefling cleric's mistake: "Oh, wonderful, no, absolutely not... The Sharnshield family may take care of 'physical' security in the hamlet, but as far as 'magical' security is concerned, the Harpells don't delegate, they deal with that matter independently, both in Longsaddle and, even more so, in their own mansion".
"Anyway," he becomes interested, "which teleportation circle are you talking about? Undoubtedly, any unguarded access point would be a potential threat to the Harpells... so, depending on what suits you best, whether glory or confidentiality, we should either eliminate that threat discreetly… or involve the Harpells by alerting them”.
"I should alert them. They have the right to know.." adds Aidwyn "And probably would be the more capable to do so... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Aidwyn notices that thumb-upper-apprentice Dick, for some reason, had never completely lost sight of you all; so he may be willing to go and call some important member of the Harpell family if you want to alert them now to the potential security breach...
After Aidwyn talks to Dick, the young apprentice is quick to contact a... musician? No, the man with disheveled gray hair who was making the sound of an orchestra, brightening the mood, was doing it with magic... he must be a Harpell. The man listens, mutters, makes a theatrical gesture with his hand... the apprentice waits a few moments, not even a minute... after which, a woman suddenly materializes next to him; a woman of advanced age, as the wrinkles and completely white hair suggest, but certainly of great prestige also, given the elegant dress, played on purple and gold colours... and given the fact that everyone immediately turns to look at her.
Dick talks to her, points to you, she approaches you...
"It's a pleasure to meet the new heroes of our times" she greets you with a polite and measured nod, extending a hand towards you which Colin quickly brings to his lips and kisses. "I'm Penelope Harpell".
Roxana:
You know her by reputation: she is the most powerful Harpell alive today, the true backbone of the family in these times.
Rash:
You remember that around 1484 DR this famous she-wizard was involved in contrasting the magic of the drow associated with the Darkening, a spell that cast shadows over the Silver Marches in preparation for the drow and orc invasion of that land starting in 1484 DR which came to be known as the War of the Silver Marches.
"I am told that, not content with having rendered an important service to the Sharnshield family, as well as having made possible what can only be defined as a miracle, you are now here because you could be rendering a service to us? Are you aware of a potential risk for the safety of the Mansion?”
Colin, apparently in awe of this evidently very important figure, is happy to keep quiet and let you speak, while you have the gray eyes - and all the attention - of this distinguished lady on you...
Roxana, who had been slowly drinking the lively wine Gaer had ordered, stood up as she sees Dick pointing out the group to this woman. She then stands when the wizard approaches. "It is an honor to meet you."
She pauses, glancing at Spira, wondering if she'd be better to explain. Or how much she wanted to reveal to the Harpell's. At this point, she figures there's no way to really explain without disclosing most of what they know.
"The short explanation of this possible risk is we discovered a teleportation circle that was once linked to the Ivy Mansion. It is in the hills to the south of Longsaddle. I'm sure we could provide directions," Roxana explains.
"We discovered a location where Klyth Harpell had done research." She gives Ardjena a glance. "You might say, this woman has uncanny historical knowledge of that era, and has information that the circle there was linked here in the past."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Penelope's Memory check: 13
"Oh, the infallible Longsaddle archer!" Penelope replies to Roxana "I heard about how you broke the Mystical Seal that kept the Radiant Angel of the Resurrection imprisoned by shooting an arrow from almost 200' away, through quite a congested batllefield... It is an honor for me too to meet you and the valiant companions you have led to success" (probably, the rumors that are spreading in Longsaddle unduly assign a predominant role to the heroine who was born in the hamlet itself). "I have emanated my light and I am not yet extinguished, but I am still the sunset... while you are the dawn".
“Kylth Harpell?” the woman frowns, trying to remember "This member of our house eludes my memory... yet, if he could link a circle of teleportation to a permanent one in our Mansion, he must have been an important member. How many years ago did he live?" she turns her gray eyes towards Ardjena, since you have indicated her as the greatest expert on that historical period...
The young apprentice does her best not to reveal too much when answering, but Penelope, like a good wizard, becomes more and more interested as details related to arcane knowledge emerge. The girl with the freckles tries to satick to the role of a history enthusiast of 1250 (and of Kylth in particular), avoiding mentioning her participation in the events and even the recovered texts, but otherwise she finds herself practically forced to describe what Kylth he did in his laboratory and how the teleportation circle was linked to the other personal laboratory that Kylth had at the Mansion at the time.
"Our heroes did not exaggerate..." Penelope seems impressed "You are truly extraordinarily knowledgeable about that historical period, Ardjena - and in particular about this dark figure in our family. The feared danger does not exist, fortunately, because there is no longer any Kylth laboratory at the Mansion... so the link was probably broken in the process - or now leads to some remote demiplane of existence - but certainly not here anymore. The Mansion changes much faster and much more drastically than any other building you can imagine - except" she sighs "perhaps a house of cards. Anyway, it has been a pleasure to listen to you... you narrate things with the same engaging tone that you could use if they I had experienced it firsthand. You must have studied all this with your heart not less than with your mind. It's nice to see so much enthusiasm in such a young girl... you'll probably go far in what you like to accomplish".
"I've always had an excellent memory..." Ardjena blushes, lowering her eyes in embarrassment "And as for the rest, I thank you, I will do my best to make my master proud. He deserves at least this, my K..." she finds the time to correct herself at the last moment "...Colin, my Mr. Colin Dreekan, who accepted me as his apprentice".
The Harpells' lady raises an eyebrow questioningly, probably sensing that there is something she isn't being told, and turns to the middle-aged wizard, who now looks uncomfortable himself: "Really, Mr. Dreekan? In these intense days of study with us, have you also found the time to evaluate (and accept) Miss Lambys' candidacy?"
"Miss Lambys was looking for a mentor who would help her to better exploit the talents that you too, honored Penelope, seems to have intuited..." Colin plays nervously with his fingers "And then... Oh, wonderful, I humbly offered myself for this role, fearing that other more important members of the esteemed Harpell family, although certainly more qualified than me, may not have time (or interest) for that".
Penelope's level of desire to make a counteroffer to Ardjena: 12
"You seem good at evaluating people, Mr. Dreekan" Penelope smiles "and you also seem like a sensitive and generous person... Ardjena will probably be well as your apprentice..." and she then turns to fix her gray eyes on the face of the carrot-haired girl "...unless she prefers to become mine".
The young apprentice opens her eyes wide, surprised and flattered... Even though she comes from another time - and therefore has never heard of Penelope, it hasn't escaped her notice how everyone treats her with deference... it's now clear to her too which prominent figure the old wizard must be.
"I..." her voice barely escapes her lips "I am flattered, my lady. If you really want to offer me this opportunity, I will be happy to accept and I will do everything to make you proud of me, no less than I would have done for Mr. Dreekan, whose kindness and concern I still thank".
(OOC: If you want to continue the conversation with Penelope or Ardjena or Colin go ahead... otherwise we can assume that Penelope leaves your table at some point - followed by her new apprentice - you say goodbye to Colin - just decide if you actually want to sell to him magic texts or not - and go get the gems appraised and probably sold, I suppose...)
As the Harpell matriarch rises, Quspira bows her head respectfully. Whatever her knowledge of the wizardly world may be, the signs of exalted rank are unmistakable to the sergeant in her, as are the signs that rank is well earned and backed by power and authority. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. We're honored that you chose to deal with this matter personally. And Ardjena has been very helpful to us, so I am delighted you've taken her on as an apprentice."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"Oh, you understand, Sergeant Inirali, as I am now like the grandmother of this large and somewhat chaotic family," Penelope smiles at Spira "it seemed appropriate to take care of the 'housekeeping' myself. And as for Ardjena, yes, I see there's something special in her, I see the spark... I'm sure she will repay me amply for the time I spend teaching her".
"Yeah," Colin mutters, perhaps a little disappointed "I have the same impression".
"Can you explain something to me, though, Sergeant Inirali?" the gray eyes of the elderly wizard light up with curiosity "The rumors that spread in Longsaddle speak of your amazing feat... but none of them concern Ardjena. Yet you are telling me that Ardjena has been very helpful... which I can't help but to believe... How is that? Why doesn't anyone talk about her contribution to Mister Stamkris' return from the realm of the dead?"
A bit embarrassed by the grand tale that seems to have reached the Harpell matriarch, Roxana fumbkes a bit on a response. "Well... infallable... that's... I mean, I take pride in my marksmanship. But it's nothing more than any other bowman here in Longsaddle might accomplish. But I didn't... uh... I'd say the stories are a little exaggerated."
After the turn of Ardjena accepting Penelope's offer of apprenticeship, Roxana steps over to Colin to speak quietly to him. She leaves Spira to answer about Ardjena. "Lady Harpell did ask her directly. I just hope she uses some discretion to allow Ardjena to reveal her own story as she wishes,' she thinks.
"Colin, I'm sorry Ardjena didn't choose to stay your apprentice. But I'm sure you agree that learning from Lady Harpell was too great an honor to pass up." She places a hand comfortingly on his shoulder for a moment. "I am sure if you wish to have an apprentice, you'll find one soon." With a grin she then adds, "The way we keep gathering up people, we're bound to find yet another potential apprentice soon enough. We'll certainly recommend you highly." She gives the wizard a slight laugh, hoping he doesn't feel too bad about the situation.
She waits for Penelope to finish speaking and leave. Then Roxana says, "We will still sell the materials to Colin?" She looks primarily to Rash, then the others for their opinions.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"Oh, wonderful!" smiles Colin at Roxana's offer "But it's not that I'm desperately looking for apprentices, to tell the truth... I offered myself in the case of Ardjena because she seemed to the girl needed one... but if she attracted the attention of the awesome Penelope Harpell, the wizard who contributed more than anyone to counteract the magic of the drow associated with the Darkening during the War of the Silver Marches, certainly the most skilled and powerful Harpell wizard currently alive, I can understand the girl if she chose to take advantage of this new unexpected opportunity".
"But thank you," the middle-aged wizard smiles again at the girl from Longsaddle "for taking care of my possibly wounded pride. It was kind of you... Oh, wonderful, I'll remember this".
"You are very welcome Colin. You've been nothing but helpful to us," Roxana replies before sitting back down next to Gaer. She take another sip from her wine glass as she waits to see what they'll do with Kylth's research.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Gaer, who in the meantime has emptied his mug of beer, smiles at Roxana when she returns to his side and, without taking his eyes off her, murmurs: "So, you've also impressed the Harpell Grandmother and the Helpful Diviner! In your lifetime, you'll certainly have no shortage of admirers; I'll really have to watch out for the competition..."
"Kids these days, no loyalty," Rash chuckles as Ardjena decides to abandon Colin (after she's out of earshot, and it's clearly said in jest... though he does genuinely feel a bit bad for Colin). "By the way, how's Blinn doing? I really should stop by and say 'hello' while we're here."
(I think Rash has already made his opinion known on the books, he's more than happy to sell them to the friendly diviner)
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"I may have impressed some people - but I doubt I've got admirers," Roxana says. She then gives the Tiefling a grin. "Though if you want to think there's competition, then you'll just have to do your best to make me happy, won't you?" She gives him a big smile then finishes off her wine. "Are we settled on the books and ready to go?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"Blinn? Oh, wonderful" Colin reflects, replying to Rash. "The last time I saw him, he was going to his laboratory to experiment with a new set of spells. You are familiar with the Unseen Servant, aren't you? Well, this morning, when I met Blinn, he was terribly perplexed that only a 'Servant' could be 'Unseen'... You know how Blinn is, always overflowing with unanswered questions... He was wondering why no one had ever developed an 'Unseen Warrior' spell, or an 'Unseen' Wizard', or an 'Unseen Noble'... and whether this was related to the fact that the lower classes are by their very nature 'Unseen'. I think he is currently in his laboratory investigating this promising branch of magic" it is clear, from the tone of voice and the slight smile, that the middle-aged wizard instead believes that the half-orc arcanist is devoting strength and attention to a matter that is not worthy of it. "But he'll probably be happy to ask you for your opinion - or maybe help - about it... Probably, if you ask Dick - who I don't know why but he still doesn't take his eyes off us - he'll take you to the lab".
Meanwhile, Gaer gradually moves his chair even closer to Roxana and puts his arm around her shoulders; when she puts down the now empty glass of wine, she finds those starless-night eyes so close to hers, looking at her, while his lips come closer to hers, murmuring: "Challenge accepted" and then looking for hers to a kiss...
After some time, the tiefling is also ready to move on to the next step: evaluating the rest of the loot.
"Ready to go!" he approves.
Before you leave, Colin pays you 140gp as agreed for the dark arcane knowledge recovered from Kylth's Planar Prison.
In Longsaddle you actually have no difficulty getting the gems you found valued; so the overall loot is:
- In Level 1, Mhurren's chest:
1500cp, 900sp, 40gp, a translucent striped red gem (Banded agate - 10gp), an opaque gray-black gem (Hematite - 10gp) and an opaque striated light and dark green gem (Malachite - 10gp).
- In Level 2, Heads and hands room:
24cp, 18sp and two opaque black gems (Obsidians - 10gp each)
- In Level 2, at a dead end:
a Component Pouch (market value of 25 gp)
- In Level 2, in the respective flag's rooms:
6 Kylth's Yellow Flags + 6 Kylth's Purple Flags (can be sold - you now have enough contacts in the Ivy Mansion to find out that they can be worth 50gp each)
- In Level 3, libraries:
various tomes of Arcane Knowledge (sold to Colin for 140gp)
- In Level 3, Kylth's room:
magical scroll (you now have enough contacts in the Ivy Mansion to discover that it is a "Protection from Evil and Good" scroll)
- In Level 3, Big room:
Oil of Slipperiness (found and kept by Roxana)
the magic scimitar Sixefsag (kept by Gaer)
precious metal or gem fragments (for a total value of 15gp)